bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation and light-harvesting function of IsiA in cyanobacterial cells with monomeric and trimeric Photosystem I
Authors: Akhtar Parveen , Balog-Vig Fanny , Kuntam Soujanya , Tóth Szilvia Zita , Lambrev Petar H.
Published: July 2023

The acclimation of cyanobacteria to iron deficiency is crucial for their survival in natural environments. In response to iron deficiency, many cyanobacterial species induce the production of a pigment-protein complex called IsiA. IsiA proteins associate with photosystem I (PSI) and can function as light-harvesting antennas or dissipate excess energy. They may also serve as Chl storage during iron limitation. In this study we examined the functional role of IsiA in cells ofSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 grown under iron limitation conditions by measuring the cellular IsiA content and its capability to transfer energy to PSI. We specifically test the effect of the oligomeric state of PSI by comparing wild-type (WT)Synechocystissp. PCC 6803 to mutants lacking specific subunits of PSI, namely PsaL/PsaI (ΔpsaLmutant) and PsaF/PsaJ (ΔFIJL). Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that IsiA formed functional PSI3-IsiA18supercomplexes, wherein IsiA effectively transfers energy to PSI on a timescale of 10 ps at room temperature – measured in isolated complexes and in vivo – confirming the primary role of IsiA as an accessory light-harvesting antenna to PSI. However, a significant fraction (40%) remained unconnected to PSI, supporting the notion of a dual functional role of IsiA. Cells with monomeric PSI under iron deficiency contained only 3–4 IsiA complexes bound to PSI. Together the results show that IsiA is capable of transferring energy to trimeric and monomeric PSI but to varying degrees and that the acclimatory production of IsiA under iron stress is controlled by its ability to perform its light-harvesting function.
The assessment of quality of care in the Indian healthcare industry: the employees’ and patients’ perspectives
Authors: Padamata Karthik , Vangapandu Rama Devi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to capture patients' and employees' perception of quality of care in the Indian private hospitals and to find the possible perceptual gaps between both the groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors have referred to the Victorian patient satisfaction monitoring (VPSM) scale and studied the responses of 327 patients and 327 employees collected from six private Indian tertiary care hospitals. SPSS v26 software was used to conduct the data reliability test, descriptive analysis and Mann–Whitney U test.

Findings

Authors have found significant differences in perceptions of quality of care between the patients and employees in the Indian hospitals. Employees have high positive perceptions towards the provided medical care whereas the patients have less favourable perceptions for many quality indicators.

Practical implications

This study findings help the healthcare managers, practitioners and healthcare workers of the Indian hospitals to understand the perceptions of both the employees and the patients towards healthcare quality elements and help to reduce the existing perceptual gap in the process of providing quality healthcare services.

Originality/value

To the best of authors knowledge, this is one of the pioneering studies conducted in Indian healthcare industry to capture and compare the perceptions of both the employees' and the patients' perceptions of various quality of care elements. This study highlighted the existing perceptual gap between the employees and the patients on various healthcare quality elements and indicated the critical areas for improvement to provide high quality healthcare services.
When pretesting corporate social responsibility advertising can mislead: feelings vs attitudes
Authors: Han Joon Hye , Grimes Anthony , Davies Gary
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to contribute to the literature concerned with improving the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) advertising by considering how such ads are pre-tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Two similar video ads were produced: one using an informative appeal and the other using an emotional appeal. The latter appeal is more widely used by practitioners. Each ad was designed to promote the CSR credentials of the same (fictitious) company. A web-based experiment (n = 244) was used to test both using two types of measure: first attitude towards the company (such as its image) and second the feelings evoked by the ad.

Findings

As predicted from theory, the ads promoted similar evaluations of the company but the evaluations measured by evoked feelings differed significantly. The information-based ad evoked more positive emotions, less negative emotions and more positive attitudes toward the ad. If the ads had been pretested using only measures of evoked feelings, the more emotive treatment would have been rejected.

Practical implications

The study shows why CSR ads should be pretested and why such tests should include multiple measures. It also illustrates how informative CSR video ads can be better received but how both informative and emotional appeals can be used when communicating a company's CSR.

Originality/value

There is little research relevant to the pretesting of ads designed to communicate a company's CSR. Signaling theory can help explain why comparable (CSR) video ads can be evaluated as similar in their effect on company related evaluations.
Preparing to work with artificial intelligence: assessing WHS when using AI in the workplace
Authors: Cebulla Andreas , Szpak Zygmunt , Knight Genevieve
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems play an increasing role in organisation management, process and product development. This study identifies risks and hazards that AI systems may pose to the work health and safety (WHS) of those engaging with or exposed to them. A conceptual framework of organisational measures for minimising those risks is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an exploratory, inductive qualitative approach, the researchers interviewed 30 experts in data science, technology and WHS; 12 representatives of nine organisations using or preparing to use AI; and ran online workshops, including with 12 WHS inspectors. The research mapped AI ethics principles endorsed by the Australian government onto the AI Canvas, a tool for tracking AI implementation from ideation via development to operation. Fieldwork and analysis developed a matrix of WHS and organisational–managerial risks and risk minimisation strategies relating to AI use at each implementation stage.

Findings

The study identified psychosocial, work stress and workplace relational risks that organisations and employees face during AI implementation in a workplace. Privacy, business continuity and gaming risks were also noted. All may persist and reoccur during the lifetime of an AI system. Alertness to such risks may be enhanced by adopting a systematic risk assessment approach.

Originality/value

A collaborative project involving sociologists, economists and computer scientists, the study relates abstract AI ethics principles to concrete WHS risks and hazards. The study translates principles typically applied at the societal level to workplaces and proposes a process for assessing AI system risks.
Developing citizen science ecosystem: critical factors for quadruple helix stakeholders engagement
Authors: Skarzauskiene Aelita , Maciuliene Monika , Wildevuur Sabine , van den Berg Maya , Bakratsas Thomas , Psaltoglou Artemis , Stylianidis Efstratios , Tavantzis Ioannis , Karatzas Kostas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide answers regarding the factors that motivate or discourage the quadruple helix (QH) stakeholders and the wider public in citizen science (CS) activities. The research reveals a current overview of the perceptions, attitudes, concerns and motivation with regard to development of CS ecosystem in four countries: Greece, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers deploy a mixed methodology, entailing an in-depth literature review and a large-scale quantitative survey (approximately 2,000 citizens) targeting QH stakeholders and general public from the local national ecosystems. The results contain both descriptive statistics and statistical analysis per country. After the comprehensive overview of drivers and barriers regarding the participation in CS activities in general, the focus is narrowed down on the engagement motivation of different QH stakeholders and the differences in enabling/hindering factors at the local ecosystems.

Findings

Depending on the country and the pre-existing level of CS maturity, the results provide a complicated network of factors that unlock or block participation in CS activities. These factors include, to name a few, political maturity, civic engagement, technological infrastructures, economic growth, culture of stakeholder collaboration, psychological stimulus and surplus of resources. The implications of the findings necessitate the alignment of the envisioned CS ecosystem with the local dynamics in each country.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative nature of the survey method, limited sample size and only four countries context are noted as limitations of the study and offer future research potential for longitudinal settings and mixed-methods studies.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the wider literature on CS that focuses on perspectives, possibilities and differences in local contexts with respect to the public engagement by developing CS ecosystem. At the same time, its added value lies in the overall practical proposition, and how the latter can effectively and efficiently attract and retain different stakeholder groups and citizens, under a collaborative approach.
Does audit quality moderate the impact of environmental, social and governance disclosure on firm value? Further evidence from Egypt
Authors: Samy El-Deeb Mohamed , Ismail Tariq H. , El Banna Alia Adel
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and firm value (FV), as well as, pinpoints the role of the audit quality (AQ) as a moderating variable on such impact; where the authors hypothesize that AQ modulates the relationship between ESG disclosure and the FV.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of a sample of firms listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange Market (EGX) were collected over the period of 2017–2021 and analyzed using the regression and 2SLS models.

Findings

The results suggested that: (1) the ESG has a significant positive impact on the FV in the EGX, and (2) AQ has a significant impact, as a moderating variable, on the relationship between ESG disclosure and FV.

Research limitations/implications

The findings would help the Egyptian market authorities in realizing the importance of integrating ESG information within the financial reports of the listed firms. The findings could also help in developing effective disclosure procedures to provide shareholders with useful information.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature regarding the ESG disclosure components and the FV value by considering AQ in testing such relationship.
Managing supplier sustainability risk: an experimental study
Authors: Hajmohammad Sara , Klassen Robert D. , Vachon Stephan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Buying firms are increasingly exposed to sustainability risk arising from negative conditions or potential events in their supply base that might provoke adverse stakeholder reactions. Procurement managers at these firms can pursue multiple strategies to address this risk with suppliers, including acceptance, monitoring-based mitigation, avoidance and collaboration-based mitigation. This study aims to investigate how perceived risk, supplier dependence and financial slack resources contribute to the strategic preferences of these managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A vignette-based experiment with procurement managers is used to examine the factors affecting the managers’ strategic preferences in managing supplier sustainability risk.

Findings

The empirical results revealed that the procurement managers’ preference for avoidance or collaboration strategies was stronger when they perceived higher risk, but their preference varied based on the degree of supplier dependence. Specifically, when they perceived a high level of risk, procurement managers were more inclined toward a monitoring strategy with dependent suppliers and preferred an avoidance strategy when they dealt with independent ones. Financial slack was also an influential factor: managers with more slack at their disposal preferred to collaborate with suppliers to address the risk; on the other hand, limited slack shifted their preference toward an acceptance strategy, regardless of the level of risk.

Originality/value

This study helps to develop a more nuanced picture of how procurement managers make challenging and complex trade-offs when responding to supplier sustainability risk.
Large mammalian herbivores affect arthropod food webs via changes in vegetation characteristics and microclimate
Authors: Zhu Yu , Veen G. F. (Ciska) , Heinen Robin , Wang Deli , Jiang Ming , Jin Hui , Bakker Elisabeth S.
Published: July 2023

Large mammalian herbivores are vital components of terrestrial ecosystems, influencing the plants they feed on, but also serving as ecosystem engineers that impact the occurrence and survival of many other organisms. Arthropods are the most abundant and diverse animal group on earth, filling all trophic levels in food webs and facilitating essential ecosystem services. However, the impacts of large herbivores on arthropod communities and the mechanisms via which these impacts are mediated are not fully understood.

Here, we experimentally separated the mechanistic pathways whereby large herbivores affect arthropod food webs using a 24‐year manipulative multi‐site field experiment in the Netherlands. We analysed the abundance, biomass and community composition of arthropods in the plant canopy and on the soil surface, both in grazed sites or sites where large herbivores were excluded.

We found that the presence of large herbivores resulted in considerable differences in vegetation properties and microclimate which influenced the abundance and biomass of arthropods to varying trophic levels. Large herbivore grazing enhanced the overall abundance and biomass of arthropod herbivores, pollinators, omnivores and soil‐dwelling predators, but reduced that of detritivores, scavengers, parasitoids and canopy predators. Structural equation models revealed that different trophic groups are affected by grazing via different pathways. Specially, large herbivores facilitated herbivores via increasing plant quality and enhanced ground‐dwelling predators via increasing plant diversity. In contrast, plant‐dwelling predators were suppressed via decreased plant quantity, and parasitoids were mainly affected by changes in microclimate conditions.

Synthesis. Our results show that large mammalian herbivores play a significant role in shaping grassland arthropod food webs, and that these impacts were independently mediated by multiple aspects of vegetation properties, that is, physical structure, plant diversity, standing crop biomass and leaf nutrient content. Arthropods of different trophic groups responded differently to the large herbivores, and these functional group‐specific responses in turn may have strong cascading effects on numerous ecosystem services.
A Partial Decipherment of the Unknown Kushan Script*
Authors: Bonmann Svenja , Halfmann Jakob , Korobzow Natalie , Bobomulloev Bobomullo
Published: July 2023

Several dozen inscriptions in an unknown writing system have been discovered in an area stretching geographically from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to southern Afghanistan. Most inscriptions can be dated to the period from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, yet all attempts at decipherment have so far been unsuccessful. The recent discovery of previously unknown inscriptions near the Almosi gorge, Tajikistan, however, allows for a renewed attempt at decipherment. Drawing upon a catalogue of characters and a distributional analysis, we report two identical sequences in the newly found Almosi inscriptions and in the Dašt‐i Nāwur trilingual. Based on parallel texts in Bactrian, we suggest to read the name of the Kushan emperor Vema Takhtu in these sequences, accompanied by the title ‘king of kings’ and several epithets. This allows for the deduction of probable phonetic values of 15 different consonantal signs and four vocalic diacritics and the inference that the inscriptions record a previously unknown Middle Iranian language.
Context matters: Oil palm production and women's dietary diversity in the tropical forest of Cameroon
Authors: Tabe‐Ojong Martin Paul Jr.
Published: July 2023

Oil palm is one of the most rapidly expanding food and cash crops in many tropical regions with significant environmental implications, but also economic gains. Previous analyses have established that this expansion is associated with changing gender roles and time allocation for women. Time allocation is an important determinant of maternal and child nutrition as well as well‐being. We use a rich farm household survey from a native oil palm production hotspot, Cameroon, to examine the associations between oil palm production and women's dietary diversity. Using different estimation and identification strategies with some sensitivity checks, we show that oil palm is associated with lower dietary diversity for women, measured as the minimum dietary diversity for women and the minimum adequacy diversity diet. We explore heterogeneity in the various food groups consumed by women and show that oil palm production is associated with lower consumption of mainly pulses, fruits and vegetables. These findings contrast with the literature that has established some positive dietary diversity implications of oil palm expansion in Southeast Asia. We carefully discuss these findings and argue that context matters and may explain these differences. Particularly, we show that oil palm production is negatively associated with farm production diversity in Cameroon. Notwithstanding, we also confirm previous findings that highlight that oil palm production is associated with higher income. These insights add to the debate on the implications of oil palm expansion in tropical environments. Moreover, they can guide policy in designing more tailored interventions that address nutrition issues and improve rural development.
Forensic integrity verification of video recordings based on MTS files
Authors: Shim Kyu‐Sun , Park Nam In , Lim Seong Ho , Byun Jun Seok , Lee Heejo
Published: July 2023

Digital video is used in criminal trials as evidence with legal responsibility because video content vividly depicts events occurring at a crime scene. However, using sophisticated video editing software, assailants can easily manipulate visible clues for their own benefit. Therefore, the integrity of digital video files acquired or submitted as evidence must be ensured. Forensic analysis of digital video is key to ensuring the integrity of links with individual cameras. In this study, we analyzed whether it is possible to ensure the integrity of MTS video files. Herein, we propose a method to verify the integrity of MTS files encoded by advanced video coding high definition (AVCHD), which is frequently used for video recording. To verify MTS file integrity, we propose five features. Codec information, picture timing, and camera manufacture/model are modified AVI and MP4‐like format video verification features. Group of pictures and Universally Unique Identifier patterns were specifically developed for MTS streams. We analyzed the features of 44 standard files recorded using all recording options of seven cameras. We checked whether integrity can be validated on unmanipulated videos recorded in various environments. In addition, we considered whether manipulated MTS files edited in video editing software could be validated. Experimental results show that all unmanipulated and manipulated MTS files with known recording devices were discriminated only when all five features were checked. These results show that the proposed method verifies the integrity of MTS files, strengthening the validity of MTS file‐based evidence in trials.
Exploring engineered vesiculation by Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for natural product biosynthesis
Authors: Bitzenhofer Nora Lisa , Höfel Carolin , Thies Stephan , Weiler Andrea Jeanette , Eberlein Christian , Heipieper Hermann J. , Batra‐Safferling Renu , Sundermeyer Pia , Heidler Thomas , Sachse Carsten , Busche Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Belthle Thomke , Drepper Thomas , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Loeschcke Anita
Published: July 2023

Pseudomonas species have become promising cell factories for the production of natural products due to their inherent robustness. Although these bacteria have naturally evolved strategies to cope with different kinds of stress, many biotechnological applications benefit from engineering of optimised chassis strains with specially adapted tolerance traits. Here, we explored the formation of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) of Pseudomonas putida KT2440. We found OMV production to correlate with the recombinant production of a natural compound with versatile beneficial properties, the tripyrrole prodigiosin. Further, several P. putida genes were identified, whose up‐ or down‐regulated expression allowed controlling OMV formation. Finally, genetically triggering vesiculation in production strains of the different alkaloids prodigiosin, violacein, and phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid, as well as the carotenoid zeaxanthin, resulted in up to three‐fold increased product yields. Consequently, our findings suggest that the construction of robust strains by genetic manipulation of OMV formation might be developed into a useful tool which may contribute to improving limited biotechnological applications.
Clinicopathological and treatment response characteristics of updated rhabdomyosarcoma histomolecular subtypes: An Asian population‐based study
Authors: How Guo Yuan , Kuick Chik Hong , Yong Min Hwee , Soh Shui Yen , Hee Esther XY , Wong Meng Kang , Quek Richard , Harunal Mohd Farid , Selvarajan Sathiyamoorthy , Sittampalam Kesavan , Dhamne Chetan Anil , Lee Victor , Chang Kenneth TE , Loh Amos HP
Published: July 2023

Aim

New histomolecular subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma have recently been defined but their corresponding clinical characteristics are not well described. Also, these clinical phenotypes vary greatly by age and ethnicity but have not been profiled in Asian populations. Thus, we sought to determine the landscape of rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes in a national Asian cohort and compare clinical characteristics among age groups and molecular subtypes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective population‐based study of all rhabdomyosarcoma patients in Singapore public hospitals from 2004 to 2014 (n = 67), and assigned histomolecular subtypes according to the updated 2020 WHO classification of soft tissue tumors following central pathology review and molecular profiling.

Results

Age‐specific prevalence followed a tri‐modal peak. There were significantly more embryonal and alveolar (p = 0.032) and genitourinary (non‐bladder/prostate) tumors (p = 0.033) among children. Older age was associated with complete resection among spindle cell/sclerosing tumors (p = 0.027), with the omission of chemotherapy among embryonal tumors (p = 0.001), and with poorer survival among embryonal and alveolar tumors (p = 0.026, p = 0.022, respectively). Overall survival differed with stage, group, and surgical resection, adjusted for age group (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). Spindle‐cell/sclerosing tumors showed an indolent phenotype with a significantly lower incidence of nodal metastasis (p = 0.002), but two of 15 patients with MYOD1 mutations had a contrastingly aggressive disease.

Conclusion

Disease and treatment response profiles of rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes vary significantly between adults and children, especially surgical resectability. In our Asian population, poorer outcomes were observed in adults with embryonal and alveolar tumors, while activating mutations influence the behavior of otherwise favorable spindle cell/sclerosing tumors.
Eyelid involvement of primary cutaneous lymphomas: A clinical perspective
Authors: Baykal Can , Atci Tugba
Published: July 2023

Eyelids may be affected in systemic, ocular adnexal and primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs). The frequency of eyelid involvement in PCLs is still not well known and it is not a predilection site for any type. While primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are more commonly seen than primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (CBCLs), especially mycosis fungoides (MF) as by far the most frequent type, B cell lymphomas are reported to be the commonest type in eyelid localization on the contrary. PCLs may be located on the eyelids, as the sole manifestation or in association with the involvement of other parts of the eye and elsewhere of the body. MF may present with a rich spectrum of clinical features on the eyelids mostly seen in folliculotropic subtype and advanced‐stage disease. Erythematous scaly patches or plaques representing the most commonly encountered eyelid MF lesions may mimic many other dermatological conditions. Diffuse thickening, oedema, poikilodermic changes, atrophy and wrinkling are other suggestive findings of eyelid MF. Milia‐like papules, madarosis and ectropion are also seen in the folliculotropic variant of MF, as ectropion is more typical for Sezary syndrome. Eyelids are also a typical location for tumoural MF which has been suggested as a poor prognostic indicator in MF. Papulonodular lesions, large tumours, ulceration, diffuse infiltration, oedema and subcutaneous atrophy on the eyelids may also be seen in other types of PCLs. Keep in mind, the rich clinical spectrum of PCLs on the eyelids may be crucial in early diagnosis in this special localization.
Rural general surgeon confidence with managing vascular emergencies: A national survey
Authors: Paynter Jessica A. , Qin Kirby R. , O'Brien Andrew , O'Sullivan Belinda G. , Jayasekera Hasanga , Brennan Janelle
Published: July 2023

Objective(s)

Life and limb threatening vascular emergencies often present to rural hospitals where only general surgery services are available. It is known that Australian rural general surgical centres encounter 10–20 emergency vascular surgery procedures annually. This study aimed to assess rural general surgeons' confidence managing emergent vascular procedures.

Setting, Participants and Design

A survey was distributed to Australian rural general surgeons to determine their confidence (Yes/No) in performing emergent vascular procedures including limb revascularisation, revising arterio‐venous (AV) fistulas, open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA)/coeliac embolectomy, limb embolectomy, vascular access catheter insertion and limb amputation (digit, forefoot, below knee and above knee). Confidence level was compared with surgeon demographics and training. Variables were compared using univariate logistic regression.

Results

Sixteen per cent (67/410) of all Australian rural general surgeons responded to the survey. Increased age, years since fellowship and training prior to 1995 (when separation of Australian vascular and general surgery occurred) were associated with greater confidence in limb revascularisation, revising AV fistulas, open repair of ruptured AAA, SMA/coeliac embolectomy, and limb embolectomy (p < 0.05). Surgeons who completed >6 months of vascular surgery training were more comfortable with SMA/coeliac embolectomy (49% vs. 17%, p = 0.01) and limb embolectomy (59% vs. 28%, p = 0.02). Confidence in performing limb amputation was similar across surgeon demographics and training (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Recently graduated rural general surgeons do not feel confident in managing vascular emergencies. Additional vascular surgery training should be considered as part of general surgical training and rural general surgical fellowships.
Subjective economic inequality is associated with lower well‐being through more upward comparison and lower trust
Authors: Du Hongfei , Huang Yajing , Ma Lijun , Chen Xin , Chi Peilian , King Ronnel B.
Published: July 2023

Individuals often misconstrue the actual degree of economic inequality, which might account for the ambiguity in the literature about the role that inequality plays in well‐being. Instead of focusing on objective inequality, we propose a subjective inequality approach by investigating the long‐term association between subjective economic inequality and well‐being (N = 613). We found that subjective inequality predicted lower life satisfaction and higher depression one year later, which were accounted for by more upward socioeconomic comparison and lower trust. Furthermore, the negative association between subjective inequality and well‐being remained constant, regardless of individuals' objective socioeconomic status (SES), subjective SES, and mindset of SES. The long‐term association between subjective inequality and well‐being remained robust after controlling for prior levels of well‐being and multiple covariates. Our findings revealed that subjective inequality is detrimental to well‐being and opens a new window into psychological research on economic inequality.
Predicting the clinical efficacy of JAK inhibitor treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis based on Fas+ T cell subsets
Authors: Lui Shan‐Wen , Hsieh Ting‐Yu , Lu Jeng‐Wei , Chen Yen‐Chen , Lin Ting‐Chun , Ho Yi‐Jung , Liu Feng‐Cheng
Published: July 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease. Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have been approved for the treatment of RA; however, the impact of JAKi on immune cells remains inconclusive. This study investigated the response of immune cells to JAKi treatment to identify biomarkers by which to evaluate and predict clinical outcomes. Blood samples were collected from RA patients before and after JAKi treatment for the analysis of immunophenotypes. Our results revealed that JAKi mainly inhibited Fas+ T cell subsets. The percentage changes of Th Fas+ and Naive Th Fas+ cells were positively correlated with the 28‐joint Disease Activity Score with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) values. Following treatment, moderate response (MR) RA patients presented a decrease in the number of Naive Th Fas+ cells (p = 0.0001). Initial percentages of 14 T cell and 20 B cell subsets were correlated with percentage changes in DAS28‐ESR. Overall, 16 cell subsets presented significant differences between the non‐response (NR) and MR groups. Excluding the multicollinearity of the immune cells, we constructed a JAKi treatment response prediction index (JRPI) using 5 subsets of T/B cells, the results of which were strongly correlated with percentage changes in DAS28‐ESR (receiver operating characteristic curve of 1). Note that the NR group was clearly distinguished from the MR group (p = 0.0167). In conclusion, the efficacy of JAKi can be attributed mainly to the suppression of Fas+ T cell subsets. A positive correlation was shown between the therapeutic efficacy of JAKi and the percentage changes in both Th Fas+ cells and Naive Th Fas+ cells. Furthermore, the proposed JRPI could potentially be used as an indicator to predict the efficacy of JAKi prior to treatment in RA patients. These findings may contribute to the development of personalized treatment strategies for RA patients using JAKi.
Impact of digital transformation on performance of environment, social, and governance: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Wang Quan‐Jing , Wang Hai‐Jie , Feng Gen‐Fu , Chang Chun‐Ping
Published: July 2023

This research empirically investigates the static and dynamic impacts of firms' digital transformation on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance by employing data of listed Chinese companies from 2011 to 2020 via estimations of propensity score matching and difference in differences. First, we find that digital transformation does some good to improve firms' ESG, which is confirmed after conducting several robustness tests. Second, digital transformation benefits the three aspects of ESG (environmental performance, social responsibility, and governance), and its impact is dynamic, promote ESG two years after the digital reform. Third, the impact of digital transformation on ESG is not constant among different firms. Specifically, digital transformation's impact on ESG is stronger among firms located in western or central regions of China and to those in polluting and competitive industries, as well as among non‐stated‐owned enterprises.
Association between maternity care practitioner type and postpartum depression screening
Authors: Bourdeau Althea I. , Harley Kim G. , Nguyen Angela‐Maithy
Published: July 2023

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is increasingly common in the United States and poses a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health. Universal screening for postpartum depression is recommended by numerous organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but is not achieved in practice.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, weighted, state‐representative study of California residents who gave birth in 2016 using the Listening to Mothers in California 2018 data set. Primary exposure was type of maternity care professional providing care during pregnancy, and the primary outcome was PPD screening. The secondary exposure was self‐reported depression or anxiety during pregnancy, and the secondary outcome was attending a postpartum office visit. Bivariate analyses were conducted using Rao‐Scott chi‐square tests, and multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression.

Results

Compared to participants cared for by obstetricians, participants cared for by midwives had 2.6 times the odds of reporting being screened for PPD after controlling for covariates (95% CI = 1.5, 4.4). Receiving care from any other practitioner type compared with an obstetrician was not associated with a different rate of postpartum depression screening. Reporting depression or anxiety during pregnancy was associated with 0.7 times the odds (95% CI = 0.5, 1.0) of returning for postpartum care after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions

Being cared for by a midwife during pregnancy increases the likelihood of being screened for postpartum depression. In addition, even perfectly implemented universal screening will miss a vulnerable sector of the population that is at high risk for postpartum depression and is less likely to return for postpartum care.
Inhibition of squalene epoxidase linking with PI3K/AKT signaling pathway suppresses endometrial cancer
Authors: Ma Liangjian , Huang Wunan , Liang Xiaolei , Bai Guannan , Wang Xiaochen , Jiang Hua , Xin Yang , Hu Lidan , Chen Xiangjun , Liu Chang
Published: July 2023

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor that lacks any therapeutic target and, in many cases, recurrence is the leading ca use of morbidity and mortality in women. Widely known EC has a strongly positive correlation with abnormal lipid metabolism. Squalene epoxidase (SQLE), a crucial enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway regulating lipid metabolic processes has been found to be associated with various cancers in recent years. Here, we focused on studying the role of SQLE in EC. Our study revealed that SQLE expression level was upregulated significantly in EC tissues. In vitro experiments showed that SQLE overexpression significantly promoted the proliferation, and inhibited cell apoptosis of EC cells, whereas SQLE knockdown or use of terbinafine showed the opposite results. Furthermore, we found out that the promotional effect of SQLE on the proliferation of EC cells might be achieved by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. In vivo, studies confirmed that the knockdown of SQLE or terbinafine can observably inhibit tumor growth in nude mice. These results indicate that SQLE may promote the progression of EC by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, SQLE is a potential target for EC treatment and its inhibitor, terbinafine, has the potential to become a targeted drug for EC treatment.
Investigating challenges and family resilience among Chinese families with cross‐boundary students: A multisystemic approach
Authors: Bu He , Liu Iris Kam‐fung , Chi Xinli , Yu Nancy Xiaonan
Published: July 2023

Targeting families with cross‐boundary students (CBSs, 跨境学童) who travel daily between Mainland China and Hong Kong for schooling, this study aimed to identify (a) the challenges that CBS families experience in their daily lives, especially during and following the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protest, and (b) the key resources and the interactions of these recourses within and across family systems that strengthened family resilience. Data from semi‐structured interviews with 15 parents of CBS were analysed using thematic analysis, following Walsh's family resilience framework and multisystemic resilience views. The results showed that CBS families encountered three sources of challenges: contextual challenges, chronic family challenges and structural challenges. Despite challenges, we found that six types of resources interacted across multiple levels within and outside of the family: collectivist‐minded view of resilience, hope and perseverance, acceptance and strive, emotional regulation of self and others, family harmony and economic and instrumental supports. These resources helped CBS families maintain family functioning, alleviate situational stress and facilitate family transformation. This study produced new knowledge about CBS families. Findings suggest that fostering the resilience of CBS families relies as much on the families themselves as it does on other structural supports.
Staged or simultaneous operations for ventriculoperitoneal shunt and cranioplasty: Evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jun , Deng Xinyu , Yuan Qiang , Fu Pengfei , Wang Meihua , Wu Gang , Yang Lei , Yuan Cong , Du Zhuoying , Hu Jin
Published: July 2023

Objective

To date, there is no consensus on the surgery strategies of cranioplasty (CP) and ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the safety of staged and simultaneous operation in patients with comorbid cranial defects with hydrocephalus to inform future surgery protocols.

Methods

A meta‐analysis of PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from the inception dates to February 8, 2023 adherent to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. The pooled analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. The outcomes included postoperative infection, reoperation, shunt obstruction, hematoma, and subdural effusion.

Results

Of the 956 studies initially retrieved, 10 articles encompassing 515 patients were included. Among the total patients, 193 (37.48%) and 322 (62.52%), respectively, underwent simultaneous and staged surgeries. The finding of pooled analysis indicated that staged surgery was associated with lower rate of subdural effusion (14% in the simultaneous groups vs. 5.4% in the staged groups; OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.04–5.49, p = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences in overall infection (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 0.74–4.97, p = 0.18), central nervous system infection (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.68–3.31, p = 0.31), cranioplasty infection (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.50–5.00, p = 0.44), shunt infection (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.38–4.52, p = 0.67), reoperation (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.38–6.00, p = 0.55), shunt obstruction (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.25–2.16, p = 0.57), epidural hematoma (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 0.62–7.86, p = 0.22), subdural hematoma (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.10–14.19, p = 0.88), and intracranial hematoma (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.42–4.07, p = 0.64). Moreover, subgroup analysis failed to yield new insights.

Conclusions

Staged surgery is associated with a lower rate of postoperative subdural effusion. However, from the evidence of sensitivity analysis, this result is not stable. Therefore, our conclusion should be viewed with caution, and neurosurgeons in practice should make individualized decisions based on each patient's condition and cerebrospinal fluid tap test.
Comprehensive view of macrophage autophagy and its application in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Pan Wanqian , Zhang Jun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yue , Song Yiyi , Han Lianhua , Tan Mingyue , Yin Yunfei , Yang Tianke , Jiang Tingbo , Li Hongxia
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the primary drivers of the growing public health epidemic and the leading cause of premature mortality and economic burden worldwide. With decades of research, CVDs have been proven to be associated with the dysregulation of the inflammatory response, with macrophages playing imperative roles in influencing the prognosis of CVDs. Autophagy is a conserved pathway that maintains cellular functions. Emerging evidence has revealed an intrinsic connection between autophagy and macrophage functions. This review focuses on the role and underlying mechanisms of autophagy‐mediated regulation of macrophage plasticity in polarization, inflammasome activation, cytokine secretion, metabolism, phagocytosis, and the number of macrophages. In addition, autophagy has been shown to connect macrophages and heart cells. It is attributed to specific substrate degradation or signalling pathway activation by autophagy‐related proteins. Referring to the latest reports, applications targeting macrophage autophagy have been discussed in CVDs, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and myocarditis. This review describes a novel approach for future CVD therapies.
Major contribution of sulfide‐derived sulfur to the benthic food web in a large freshwater lake
Authors: Onishi Yuji , Yamanaka Toshiro , Koba Keisuke
Published: July 2023

In freshwater systems, contributions of chemosynthetic products by sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria in sediments as nutritional resources in benthic food webs remain unclear, even though chemosynthetic products might be an important nutritional resource for benthic food webs in deep‐sea hydrothermal vents and shallow marine systems. To study geochemical aspects of this trophic pathway, we sampled sediment cores and benthic animals at two sites (90 and 50 m water depths) in the largest freshwater (mesotrophic) lake in Japan: Lake Biwa. Stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotopes of the sediments and animals were measured to elucidate the sulfur nutritional resources for the benthic food web precisely by calculating the contributions of the incorporation of sulfide‐derived sulfur to the biomass and of the biogeochemical sulfur cycle supporting the sulfur nutritional resource. The recovered sediment cores showed increases in 34S‐depleted sulfide at 5 cm sediment depth and showed low sulfide concentration with high δ34S in deeper layers, suggesting an association of microbial activities with sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation in the sediments. The sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria may contribute to benthic animal biomass. Calculations based on the biomass, sulfur content, and contribution to sulfide‐derived sulfur of each animal comprising the benthic food web revealed that 58%–67% of the total biomass sulfur in the benthic food web of Lake Biwa is occupied by sulfide‐derived sulfur. Such a large contribution implies that the chemosynthetic products of sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria are important nutritional resources supporting benthic food webs in the lake ecosystems, at least in terms of sulfur. The results present a new trophic pathway for sulfur that has been overlooked in lake ecosystems with low‐sulfate concentrations.
Analyzing the Factors that Affect and Predict Employment Density Using Spatial Machine Learning: The Case Study of Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Ahn Jane , Kwon Youngsang
Published: July 2023

There is a regional disparity in the employment density of Seoul. Considering problems such as traffic congestion and jobs‐housing imbalance, it is important to understand the spatial pattern of employment density and identify key influencing factors to determine the changes in the future urban spatial structure. This study analyzed employment density in each region of Seoul to derive important predictors. We examined the spatial patterns of employment density and evaluated the effects of spatial and nonspatial factors based on the general model and the spatial heterogeneity model. To predict the distribution of employment density, we used two statistical models (i.e., ordinary least squares regression [OLS] and geographically weighted regression [GWR] models) and two machine learning models (i.e., the random forest [RF] and geographically weighted random forest [GWRF] models). The results showed that the key influencing factors were the number of corporate business companies, number of main and attraction facilities, accessibility to subway stations, areas of commercial and industrial districts, and distance to business districts.
Strategic career building during your PhD: a timeline for maximizing your opportunities
Authors: Liston Adrian , Makaroff Lydia E
Published: July 2023

PhD training can be incredibly versatile, leading to many downstream careers. There is potential to gain training to help you enter any of these careers after graduation. However, it is often only in retrospect that the options and optimal strategies become clear. Here we provide a strategic framework to empower PhD researchers to build and expand their career options in a method compatible with tomorrow's career ecosystem. The strategic framework encourages early career researchers to take a self‐directed approach to establish flexible career goals, diversify exposures and build professional networks. Researchers increase their chances of success by building early markers of multiple career pathways into their PhD program. The framework emphasizes self‐direction, adaptability and resilience, enabling early career researchers to embrace new opportunities and to navigate uncertainties. This structured approach empowers PhD researchers to maximize their opportunities, positioning them for long‐term success in the various career options within and beyond academia.
Association between office visit intervals and long‐term cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients
Authors: Kim Duon , Jeong Hyunmook , Kim Suhyun , Shin Ho‐Gyun , Park Kyun‐Ik , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Lee Hee‐Sun , Lee Ju‐Yeun , Kim Kwang‐il , Kang Si‐Hyuck , Lee Jang Hoon , Jang Se Yong , Lee Ju‐Hee , Kim Kye Hun , Cho Jae Yeong , Park Jae‐Hyeong , Park Sue K. , Kim Seungyeon , Kim Kwangsoo , Lee Hae‐Young
Published: July 2023

Hypertension is a chronic disease that requires long‐term follow‐up in many patients, however, optimal visit intervals are not well‐established. This study aimed to evaluate the incidences of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) according to visit intervals. We analyzed data from 9894 hypertensive patients in the Korean Hypertension Cohort, which enrolled and followed up 11,043 patients for over 10 years. Participants were classified into five groups based on their median visit intervals (MVIs) during the 4‐year period and MACEs were compared among the groups. The patients were divided into clinically relevant MVIs of one (1013; 10%), two (1299; 13%), three (2732; 28%), four (2355; 24%), and six months (2515; 25%). The median follow‐up period was 5 years (range: 1745 ± 293 days). The longer visit interval groups did not have an increased cumulative incidence of MACE (12.9%, 11.8%, 6.7%, 5.9%, and 4%, respectively). In the Cox proportional hazards model, those in the longer MVI group had a smaller hazard ratio (HR) for MACEs or all‐cause death: 1.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–2.17), 1.7 (95% CI: 1.41–2.05), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.74–1.09) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52–0.79), respectively (Reference MVI group of 75–104 days). In conclusion, a follow‐up visits with a longer interval of 3–6 months was not associated with an increased risk of MACE or all‐cause death in hypertensive patients. Therefore, once medication adjustment is stabilized, a longer interval of 3–6 months is reasonable, reducing medical expenses without increasing the risk of cardiovascular outcomes.