bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Kebijakan CSR Terhadap Brand Image, Word of Mouth dan Brand Commitment Melalui Brand Trust
Authors: Hanindita Lisa Putri , Faisal Aekram
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji dan menganalisis pengaruh kebijakan CSR terhadap brand image, word of mouth, dan brand commitment melalui brand trust. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah 240 responden. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. Data dianalisis menggunakan metode Structural Equation Model (SEM). Hasil penelitian ini adalah: Kebijakan CSR berpengaruh positif terhadap Brand trust, Brand trust berpengaruh positif terhadap Brand image, Word of mouth dan Brand commitment, Brand trust berpengaruh positif dalam mediasi pengaruh antara Kebijakan CSR terhadap Kebijakan Brand image dan CSR terhadap Word of mouth dan Kebijakan CSR terhadap Brand commitment. Penelitian ini ingin menguji pengaruh kebijakan CSR terhadap komitmen merek melalui kepercayaan merek di restoran cepat saji, selain citra merek dan word of mouth yang telah diuji oleh peneliti sebelumnya.
Analisis Bisnis Tenun Menggunakan Stochastic Frontier Analysis dan Analisis Jalur (Studi Kasus: Kelurahan Manutapen dan Oebufu)
Authors: Indrawati Agnes Susanti , Lawalu Emiliana Martuti , Pongge Maria Imakulata
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk 1) menggunakan metode SFA untuk mengukur efisiensi produksi usaha tenun ikat di Kelurahan Manutapen dan Oebufu. 2) menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi efisiensi produksi tenun ikat. 3) menerapkan model analisis jalur untuk memahami hubungan sebab akibat antar variabel yang mempengaruhi keberhasilan usaha tenun ikat. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis stochastic frontier (SFA) untuk menganalisis efisiensi teknis masing-masing pengrajin tenun ikat, dan analisis jalur (Path Analysis) untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi secara tidak langsung. Dengan memproduksi kain tenun ikat. Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer dari total 100 penenun kain tenun ikat Kelurahan Manutapen dan Oebufu.
Hasil penelitian menunjukkan produksi kain tenun ikat di kedua Kelurahan tersebut belum efisien secara teknis. Hasil estimasi SFA menunjukkan bahwa variabel modal kerja dan bahan baku berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja atau hasil produksi kain tenun ikat. Variabel penjelasnya meliputi: pendidikan dan lama usaha mempengaruhi inefisiensi teknis hasil produksi kain tenun di Kelurahan Manutapen dan Oebufu, Kota Kupang. Hasil analisis jalur menunjukkan bahwa modal kerja tidak berpengaruh terhadap hasil produksi kain tenun ikat, namun bahan baku mempunyai pengaruh langsung terhadap hasil produksi kain tenun ikat. Secara langsung: modal kerja dan hasil produksi tenun ikat berpengaruh terhadap keuntungan atau laba. Bahan baku dan hasil produksi tidak berpengaruh terhadap keuntungan. Sebaliknya, secara tidak langsung: modal kerja dan bahan baku melalui hasil produksi tenun mempunyai pengaruh signifikan terhadap laba atau keuntungan hasil produksi.
Efektivitas Peran Yayasan Adaro Bangun Negeri (YABN) Pada Program Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Adaro Group dalam Meningkatkan Citra Perusahaan Di Kabupaten Tabalong
Authors: Warni Warni Warni
Published: May 2024

Program Tanggung jawab suatu perusahaan dapat dilihat dari komitmen perusahaan yang berperan serta membangun ekonomi yang berkelanjutan melalui program CSR. Adaro Foundation merupakan salah satu pilar untuk mengkoordinasikan program-program Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan Grup Adaro melalui Yayasan Adaro Bangun Negeri. Grup Adaro terus berkontribusi dengan melaksanakan tanggung jawab sosialnya yang disebut “Adaro Nyalakan Perubahan” terhadap masyarakat. Salah satu kegiatan CSR Adaro Group melalui YABN yaitu Program Adaro Santri Sejahtera (PASS). Tujuan penelitian yaitu untuk mengetahui efektivitas peran YABN pada program CSR Adaro Group dalam meningkatkan citra perusahaan Di Kabupaten Tabalong. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan inkuiri naratif dan bersifat deskriptif. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa Program CSR yang dilakukan oleh YABN telah dilaksanakan dengan baik dan efektif. Program CSR yang dilakukan YABN saat ini meningkat menjadi pengawasan seluruh kegiatan CSR Adaro Group. Peran YABN pada program PASS sangat memahami akan kebutuhan pokok di 3 Ponpes binaan  dengan fokus bantuan pada 3 bidang usaha. Bantuan yang disalurkan yaitu berbentuk dana maupun barang dan disalurkan tanpa mengharapkan timbal balik dari dana yang diberikan. Kesimpulan yaitu Program CSR Adaro Group pada Program PASS yang dijalankan oleh YABN, mampu memberikan manfaat besar kepada penerima CSR yang berfokus pada pemberdayaan Ponpes dan masyarakat sekitar, khususnya untuk efektivitas kegiatan yang diberikan YABN dapat meningkatkan citra perusahaan baik dari aspek ekonomi maupun aspek lainnya.
Analysis of Child Labor Rights Fulfillment Based on Maqashid Syariah
Authors: Marwa Muhammad Habibi Miftakhul , Immawan Wahyudi  , Fithriatus Shalihah
Published: May 2024

Child Labor is a serious problem that has attracted national and international public attention. The purpose of writing this article is to analyze in depth the review of the fulfillment of child Labor rights based on maqashid sharia. This article's research method uses a type of normative legal research using secondary data obtained through literature study. The collected data was then analyzed descriptively qualitatively using a conceptual approach, namely the concept of maqashid sharia. The results and findings in this article are that Islam places the fulfillment of children's rights as an important thing to realize. The general aim of Allah SWT in sending down the Shari'a is to bring about benefits. The basic concept of benefit is realizing benefits and preventing harm. The practice of child Labor is prohibited, because it conflicts with the five main principles of maqashid sharia, namely the protection of religion, soul, mind, property and descendant, which are primary needs (dharuriyyah) that must be fulfilled in humans. The priority of a child's age is to fulfill the rights of religion, soul, reason and heredity rather than fulfilling the need for wealth.
PENGARUH ROA, ROE, NIM DAN NPM TERHADAP NILAI PERUSAHAAN PADA BANK YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2020-2022
Authors: Ainun Khofidotul Fikriyah  , M. Mustaqim
Published: May 2024

Every company must be managed effectively and efficiently to be able to survive and compete. Managing company resources well will provide benefits for the company both internally and externally, this is in accordance with the company's goals. The company's main goal is to improve the welfare of its shareholders by maximizing company profits through company performance, by maximizing company value. The higher the value of the company, the welfare of share owners will increase. This research uses secondary data obtained from the company's annual financial report for the 2020-2022 period which is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange and for completeness of data information in the bank's annual report obtained via the bank's website in question. Secondary data is a source of research data obtained by researchers indirectly through intermediary media. The population of this research is banking companies in Indonesia that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period. Sampling uses the purposive sampling method, according to Umar (2004), the purposive sampling technique is a sample selection technique based on certain characteristics that are considered to have a relationship with previously known population characteristics. The criteria used in determining the sample are banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period, banking companies that publish complete financial reports during the research period, and not in the form of a merger." "The population of this research is banking companies in Indonesia that are registered on the Indonesian Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period. Sampling uses the purposive sampling method, according to Umar (2004), the purposive sampling technique is a sample selection technique based on certain characteristics that are considered to have a relationship with previously known population characteristics. "The criteria used in determining the sample are banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2020-2022 period, banking companies that publish complete financial reports during the research period, and not in the form of a merger. "The conclusions made produce the following conclusions: 1) Return of Assets (ROA) has no influence on company value. 2) Return of Equity (ROE) has no influence on company value. 3) Net Profit Margin (NPM) has an influence on company value. 4) Net Interest Margin (NIM) has no influence on company value.
Bounded advantages of higher education regarding young adults’ participation in nonformal education
Authors: Ilieva-Trichkova Petya , Boyadjieva Pepka
Published: May 2024

The article uses insights from the capability approach as a theoretical framework. It investigates the potential of higher education to provide fertile advantages regarding young adults’ participation in nonformal education and whether this potential is bounded by people’s individual characteristics and the wider social context in which they live. Applying descriptive statistics and multilevel modelling, we conducted a secondary data analysis of the Adult Education Survey for 29 European countries. The findings go beyond previous research by clearly demonstrating that the fertile advantages of higher education regarding participation in adult nonformal education are not absolute and straightforward. They are bounded not only by certain important individual characteristics (such as individuals’ social background and household income) but are also context-dependent. More concretely, they differ among countries and depend on various country-level factors, such as level of innovation and economic growth.
Application of seismic attribute analysis techniques to multi-scale natural fractures description: a case study of the Longmaxi-Wufeng formation in H shale gas block, Yangtze plate, China
Authors: Xie Qinghui , Chen Junhao , Zhao Chunduan , Li Qingshan , Guan Shoujun , Wang Junqin
Published: May 2024

The H shale gas block in the Yangtze plate of China has undergone multistage tectonic evolution, which has resulted in the development of faults and natural fractures that are multistage, multi-scale, multi-type, and multi-strike in nature. To precisely characterize the natural fractures, this study used the seismic attribute analysis method to conduct a multi-scale prediction and natural fracture modelling. Initially, manual fault interpretation and the conventional seismic attributes including variance attribute, curvature and edge detection are used to interpret large-to medium-scale faults. Subsequently, the ant-tracking attribute based on the divided-frequency seismic cubes is used to predict and quantitatively interpret the mid- and small-scale fractures; The third step is to quantitatively divide the ant-tracking attribute value into multiple scales and convert them linearly into fracture intensity. The fourth step is to establish a multi-scale fracture model. This approach has established a comprehensive prediction workflow, progressing from large-scale to small-scale analysis, and shifting from qualitative to quantitative assessment. Compared with traditional fracture prediction and modeling methods, this method not only enhances the accuracy, but also satisfies the engineering requirements of multi-scale modeling. By applying the method in the H shale gas block, we gained a microscopic understanding of the fractures, which are predominantly NW, NE, and nearly NS trending, with a minimal occurrence of nearly EW trending faults/fractures. This method can be effectively applied to characterize multi-scale fractures in areas similar to the geological background of the H shale gas block.
ChatGPT in higher education: factors influencing ChatGPT user satisfaction and continued use intention
Authors: Yu Chengcheng , Yan Jinzhe , Cai Na
Published: May 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, represented by ChatGPT, have shown significant improvement in natural learning and problem analysis and solving, which could trigger a profound change in the education sector and have a far-reaching impact on educational practices. This study aimed to gain insights into the various impacts on users’ experience when using the AI tool ChatGPT in higher education. The study analyzed questionnaire data from 328 college students who used ChatGPT. Employing structural equation modeling, this study examined the technology acceptance model in the higher educational setting to identify factors influencing continued use of ChatGPT. The results show that ChatGPT’s compatibility positively affected users’ perceived ease of use and that efficiency positively affected perceived usefulness. Furthermore, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were identified as core factors affecting users’ satisfaction and continued use intentions, with user satisfaction showing a significant positive effect on continued use intention. The findings not only provide new perspectives on human–computer interaction theory in higher education but also further refine the functions of current smart devices. This study will help to promote the continued progress and improvement of educational technology, while also deepening understanding of the relationship between attitude and behavior.
Unraveling genetic causality between metformin and myocardial infarction on the basis of Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhuang Yongru , Pan Xiaojun , Chen Ya , Song Jinfang
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, several studies have explored the effect of metformin on myocardial infarction (MI), but whether metformin has an improvement effect in patients with MI is controversial. This study was aimed to investigate the causal relationship between metformin and MI using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

The genome-wide significant (P<5×10-8) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patients with metformin and patients with MI were screened from the Open genome-wide association study (GWAS) project as instrumental variables (IVs). The study outcomes mainly included MI, old MI, acute MI, acute transmural MI of inferior wall, and acute transmural MI of anterior wall. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was applied to assess the main causal effect, and weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode methods, and MR-Egger regression were auxiliary applied for supplementary proof. The causal relationship between metformin and MI was assessed using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A leave-one-out method was used to explore the effect of individual SNPs on the results of IVW analyses, and a funnel plot was used to analyze the potential bias of the study results, thus ensuring the robustness of the results.

Results

In total, 16, 84, 39, 26, and 34 SNPs were selected as IVs to assess the genetic association between metformin and outcomes of MI, old MI, acute MI, acute transmural MI of inferior wall, and acute transmural MI of anterior wall, respectively. Treatment with metformin does not affect the risk of acute transmural MI of anterior wall at the genetic level (P>0.05; OR for inverse variance weighted was 1.010). In the cases of MI, old MI, acute MI, and acute transmural MI of inferior wall, metformin may even be a risk factor for patients (P<0.05; ORs for inverse variance weighted were 1.078, 1.026, 1.022 and 1.018 respectively). There was no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity among IVs. The results were stable when removing the SNPs one by one.

Conclusion

Metformin is not protective against the risk of myocardial infarction in patients and may even be a risk factor for MI, old MI, acute MI, and acute transmural MI of inferior wall.
Aerodynamic performance and wake development of NACA 0018 airfoil with serrated gurney flaps
Authors: Zheng Zhehui , Chen Liu
Published: May 2024

Improving the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil is important for optimising the rotor efficiency of the vertical axis wind turbines. As a simple passive control method, the Gurney flap is widely used to improve the aerodynamic performance of airfoils. In this paper, we study the impact of applying a novel serrated gurney flap with different heights on the NACA 0018 airfoil. An improved delayed detached eddy simulation method is adopted to investigate the lift-enhancing mechanism of the serrated gurney flap and the evolution of the downstream vortex system. The results show that the serrated gurney flap can effectively increase the airfoil lift coefficient and the lift-to-drag ratio. The improvement of the serrated gurney flap on the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil is more pronounced at moderate angles of attack. Further analysis of the downstream wake shows that a pair of vortices wraps over both sides of the airfoil and rotates perpendicular to the wake flow, which is produced by the columnar vortex upstream of the flap. These vortices mixed with the wake and accelerated the dissipation of the separated vortex on the suction surface of the airfoil.
Research on the optimal capacity configuration of green storage microgrid based on the improved sparrow search algorithm
Authors: Zhu Nan , Ma Xiaoning , Guo Ziyao , Shen Chen , Liu Jie
Published: May 2024

Green storage plays a key role in modern logistics and is committed to minimizing the environmental impact. To promote the transformation of traditional storage to green storage, research on the capacity allocation of wind-solar-storage microgrids for green storage is proposed. Firstly, this paper proposes a microgrid capacity configuration model, and secondly takes the shortest payback period as the objective function, and uses the improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) for optimization. Firstly, the Logistic-Tent compound chaotic mapping method is added to the population initialization of the sparrow search algorithm (SSA). Secondly, the adaptive t-distribution mutation is used to improve the discoverer, and the overall optimization ability of the algorithm is improved. Finally, the hybrid decreasing strategy is adopted in the process of vigilance position update. The ISSA can improve the search efficiency of the algorithm, avoid premature convergence and enhance the robustness of the algorithm, which is helpful to better apply to the optimal configuration of wind-solar-storage microgrid capacity in green storage. By analyzing the optimal capacity allocation results of two typical days, the system can better adapt to the dynamic storage requirements and improve the flexibility and sustainability of the supply chain.
The correlation between autumnal landscape colors and environmental factors and the analysis of ecological service functions in subtropical urban scenic forests
Authors: Wang Zi , Li Mingyang
Published: May 2024

Background and objectives

Urban scenic forests are a main component of forest parks, and a quantitative study of the landscape color of urban scenic forests can provide a scientific reference for the planning of forest parks and the design of scenic forest management measures. The purpose of the study is to find the quantitative correlation between autumn landscape color and ecological service functions and to obtain the important influencing factors.

Materials and methods

This study focuses on Purple Mountain National Forest Park in Nanjing as a case study area and uses forest resource survey data from Purple Mountain National Forest Park in 2020, autumn landscape color photograph data from Purple Mountain National Forest Park in 2020, and digital elevation model data as the main information sources. The correlation between two ecological functions of above-ground biomass (AGB), tree species diversity (TSD), and influencing factors (including color factors, stand factors, and terrain factors) were both analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Then, multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) methods were used to perform the quantitative relationship between the functions.

Results

The results show that, in the established quantitative models of AGB, with TSD as the dependent variable, the correlation coefficients of the MLR model are both above 0.784, while the correlation coefficients of the RF model are all above 0.872. Moreover, the brightness value of the main color (BRI), the number of yellow-green blocks (NYG), and the number of yellow blocks (NY) have important effects on the two ecological service functions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are complex non-linear relationships between the ecological service functions of AGB, TSD, and influencing factors, and the landscape color can reflect the ecological function of the scenic forest to some extent. In addition, stand factors and color factors have important effects on the ecological function of AGB. Color factors and terrain factors have important effects on the ecological function of TSD. BRI, NYG, and NY have important effects on the two ecological functions. Finally, this quantitative method has universal applicability in the temperate zone, warm temperate zone, and subtropical zone of China.
Preclinical characterization of a novel investigational monoclonal antibody CM313 with potent CD38-positive cell killing activity
Authors: Liu Wei , Yu Juntao , Sun Kaiwen , Song Qin , Li Yuling , He Yanyun , Wang Yanrong , Xu Gang , Wang Changyu , Chen Bo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

CM313 is currently under clinical investigation for treatments of multiple myeloma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenia. We aimed to report the preclinical profile of the novel therapeutic anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody (mAb) CM313, with an emphasis on the difference with other CD38-targeting mAb.

Methods

The binding of CM313 to CD38 recombinant protein across species was assessed using ELISA. The binding of CM313 to CD38-positive (CD38+) cells was detected using flow cytometry assays. CM313-induced complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and apoptosis on different CD38+ cells were assessed by LDH release assays or flow cytometry assays. The effect of CM313 on CD38 enzymatic activity was measured using fluorescence spectroscopy. CM313 immunotoxicity in human blood was assessed using flow cytometry assays, ELISA, and LDH release assays. Anti-tumor activity of CM313 was assessed in multiple mouse xenograft models. Safety profile of CM313 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys and human CD38 transgenic (B-hCD38) mice.

Results

There exist unique sequences at complementarity-determining regions (CDR) of CM313, which facilitates its affinity to CD38 is consistently higher across a spectrum of CD38+ cell lines than daratumumab. In vitro studies showed that CM313 induces comparable killing activity than daratumumab, including ADCC, CDC, ADCP, apoptosis induced by Fc-mediated cross-linking, and effectively inhibited the enzymatic activity of CD38. However, CM313 showed more potent CDC than isatuximab. In vivo, CM313 dose-dependently inhibited xenograft tumor growth, both as a monotherapy and in combination with dexamethasone or lenalidomide. Furthermore, CM313 was well tolerated with no drug-related clinical signs or off-target risks, as evidenced by 4-week repeat-dose toxicology studies in cynomolgus monkeys and B-hCD38 mice, with the later study showing no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 300mg/kg once weekly.

Discussion

CM313 is a novel investigational humanized mAb with a distinct CDR sequence, showing comparable killing effects with daratumumab and stronger CDC activity than isatuximab, which supports its clinical development.
Isotopic niches reveal the trophic structure of the cetacean community in the oceanic waters around the Azores
Authors: Lebon Myriam , Colaço Ana , Prieto Rui , Cascão Irma , Oliveira Cláudia , Tobeña Marta , Planque Yann , Spitz Jérôme , Silva Mónica A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The oceanic waters around the Azores host a high diversity of cetaceans, with 28 species of toothed and baleen whales present year-round or seasonally. This high cetacean biodiversity likely plays an important role in the structure, functioning and productivity of the ecosystem, and may increase trophic redundancy, thus contributing to food web resilience to disturbances.

Methods

Here we used stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) analysis to characterize trophic niches, assess niche overlap, describe the trophic structure and discuss potential redundancy in the cetacean community. Using 407 samples from 12 species, we estimated Standard Ellipse Areas and overlaps between species and used a hierarchical clustering analysis to identify trophic guilds.

Results and discussion

δ13C and δ15N values ranged from -20.53 to -15.46‰ and from 7.78 to 14.41‰ respectively, suggesting the use of diverse habitats and resources among cetacean species. Clustering analysis revealed that species were grouped into four trophic guilds, segregated mainly by trophic position (TP): a low-TP guild with three zooplanktivore baleen whales, a mid-TP guild with micronektivores, a high-TP guild with micronekton and nekton consumers, and a cluster with only Pseudorca crassidens. There was significant isotopic niche overlap between one pair of species within each guild, indicating some potential for trophic redundancy in the community. Yet, these pairs also showed some form of spatial or temporal partitioning, suggesting that mechanisms promoting species coexistence could play a key role in structuring the cetacean community in the region and in its ecological role.
Correlation between acoustic velocity and physical parameters of sea floor sediments: a case study of the northern South China Sea
Authors: Zhang Hongmao , Xing Lei , Zhou Qingjie , Li Qianqian , Han Jiayi , Liu Kai
Published: May 2024

As the interface between seawater and the seabed, superficial sediments on the seabed are an important part of the marine acoustic field environment and are indispensable for marine resource investigations. Studying sediments several meters to hundreds of meters below the seafloor is highly valuable and important. This study processes and analyses the water depth, topography and bottom data and obtains the shallow bottom profile and topographic map of the northern continental slope of the South China Sea (SCS). The study analyzes the influence of physical parameter (including density, porosity, and grain size) on the acoustic velocity in sediments. Single-parameter and dual-parameter models are established to further examine this influence. The results show that porosity and density have greater influences on the acoustic velocity of sediments than does grain size. Finally, the acoustic properties of several typical stations with water depths are tested to analyze the variations in the acoustic properties of the shallow sediments in the northern SCS. The results show that the influence of each parameter on the prediction of the acoustic velocity of the sediment is in the following order: porosity>density>grain size. This study analyses and reveals the reason why the seafloor sediments in the local area cause the acoustic properties to change greatly. It may be caused by changes in the sediment type, lithology along with the depth. And the other reason is the development of interlayer in the land slope of the northern SCS.
Hemodynamic effects of withholding vs. continuing angiotensin II receptor blockers on the day of prone positioning spinal surgery in elderly patients
Authors: Yuan Ruimei , Xu Min , Hu Chunhai , Ma Huailing , Meng Fanjun , Ren Jie , Wen Jing
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The hemodynamic effects of withholding vs. continuing angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) before surgery in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery in a prone position during anesthesia induction to skin incision are still unknown.

Methods

In this prospective study, 80 patients undergoing spinal surgery in a prone position with general anesthesia, aged 60–79 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II or III, were enrolled. Patients who had ARBs only in their preoperative medication list were randomly divided into two groups at a 1:1 ratio: In Group A, ARBs were continued on the morning of surgery, while in Group B, they were withhold. Norepinephrine was infused to maintain the blood pressure at the baseline level of ±20% during anesthesia induction in all patients. The primary outcome was the consumption of norepinephrine in each group from anesthesia induction to skin incision. The secondary outcomes include changes in invasive arterial blood pressure and heart rate, the fluid infusion volumes, the amounts of anesthetic drugs, and the total time from induction to skin incision.

Results

There were no significant differences in the demographics, the fluid infusion volumes, the amounts of anesthetic drugs, the total time from induction to skin incision, and hemodynamics at different time points (p > 0.05), while significant differences were found in norepinephrine consumption between the two groups (p < 0.001). Compared with Group B, the consumption of norepinephrine increased significantly in Group A (93.3 ± 29.8 vs. 124.1 ± 38.7 μg, p = 0.000). In addition, the same trend was illustrated in the pumping rate of norepinephrine between Group B (0.04 ± 0.01 μg·kg−1·min−1) and Group A (0.06 ± 0.02 μg·kg−1·min−1) (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Our study conducted in elderly patients with hypotension undergoing prone spinal surgery demonstrated a greater pumping rate of norepinephrine during anesthesia induction in patients with ARBs continuing before surgery than those withholding, indicating that it was more difficult to maintain hemodynamic stability.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=141081, ChiCTR2100053583.
Immune cells mediated the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and lung cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Zhiting , Wang Zhe , Ma Hao , Bao Hejing , Jiang Ting , Yang Ting , Ma Shudong
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The gut microbiota (GM) influences the occurrence and progression of lung cancer (LC), with potential involvement of immune cells (IC). We aimed to investigate the causal impact of GM on LC and identify potential immune cell mediators.

Methods

The utilized data for the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were summarized as follows: gut microbiota data from the Dutch Microbiome Project (DMP) (N = 7,738), lung cancer data from the Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung (TRICL) and International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO) (Ncase = 29,266, Ncontrol = 56,450) included four types of cancer: NSCLC, LUAD, LUSC, and SCLC, and immune cell data from European populations (N = 3,757). We employed bi-directional two-sample univariable Mendelian randomization (UVMR), multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR), and mediation analysis to assess the causal relationship between GM and LC and potential immune cell mediators.

Results

Bi-directional UVMR analysis revealed that 24 gut microbiota species can affect LC, while LC can affect the abundance of 17 gut microbiota species. Mediation analysis demonstrated that six immune cells mediated the causal relationships of seven gut microbiota species on LC: “CCR7 on naive CD8+ T cell” mediated the causal relationship between s_Alistipes_putredinis and LUAD, with a mediation proportion of 9.5% and P = 0.018; “IgD− CD27− B cell %lymphocyte” mediated the causal relationships between g_Gordonibacter and s_Gordonibacter_pamelaeae with LUSC, with mediation proportions of 11.8% and 11.9%, respectively and P = 0.029; “CD20− CD38− B cell %lymphocyte” mediated the causal relationship between s_Bacteroides_clarus and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 13.8% and P = 0.005; “CD20 on IgD+ CD38− unswitched memory B cell” mediated the causal relationship between s_Streptococcus_thermophilus and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 14.1% and P = 0.023; “HLA DR on CD14− CD16+ monocyte” mediated the causal relationship between s_Bifidobacterium_bifidum and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 8.7% and P = 0.012; “CD45 on Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells” mediated the causal relationship between f_Lactobacillaceae and SCLC, with a mediation proportion of 4.0% and P = 0.021.

Conclusion

This Mendelian randomization study identified several specific gut microbiotas that exhibit causal relationships with lung cancer and potentially mediate immune cells.
Clinical analysis and literature review of two paediatric cases of anti-IgLON5 antibody-related encephalitis
Authors: Feng Mei , Zhou Zhen , Kang Qingyun , Wang Miao , Tang Jingwen , Wu Liwen
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Anti-IgLON5 antibody-related encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, predominantly occurring in middle-aged elderly individuals, with paediatric cases being exceptionally rare. This study aims to enhance the understanding of paediatric anti-IgLON5 antibody-related encephalitis by summarising its clinical and therapeutic characteristics.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted on two paediatric patients diagnosed with anti-IgLON5 antibody-related encephalitis at Hunan Children’s Hospital from August 2022 to November 2023. This involved reviewing their medical records and follow-up data, in addition to a literature review.

Results

The study involved two patients, one male and one female, aged between 2.5 and 9.6 years, both presenting with an acute/subacute course of illness. Clinically, both exhibited movement disorders (including dystonia, involuntary movements, and ataxia), cognitive impairments, sleep disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms. Patient 1 experienced epileptic seizures, while Patient 2 exhibited brainstem symptoms and abnormal eye movements. Neither patient showed autonomic dysfunction. Patient 1 had normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Brain MRI findings, whereas Patient 2 showed moderate leukocytosis and mild protein elevation in the CSF, and Brain MRI revealed symmetrical lesions in the basal ganglia and cerebellum. Oligoclonal bands in the CSF were positive in both cases. Both patients tested negative for HLA-DQB*05:01 and HLA-DRB*10:01. They received both first-line and second-line immunotherapies, with Patient 2 showing a poor response to treatment.

Discussion

Paediatric cases of anti-IgLON5 antibody-related encephalitis similarly present sleep disturbances as a core symptom, alongside various forms of movement disorders. Immunotherapy is partially effective. Compared to adult patients, these paediatric cases tend to exhibit more pronounced psychiatric symptoms, a more rapid onset, and more evident inflammatory changes in the CSF. The condition appears to have a limited association with HLA-DQB*05:01 and HLA-DRB*10:01 polymorphisms.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of rehabilitation therapy on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—a meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Jianghua , Niu Xiaomin , Li Hui , Yang Qiuwei , Du Ketao
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the effect of rehabilitation therapy on the global function, respiratory function, and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and The National Library of Medicine (NLM) were systematically searched and the search period was between the date of database establishment and December 31, 2023. The outcome measures finally analyzed included the ALS functional rating scale/revised (ALSFRS/ALSFRS-R), forced vital capacity percentage predicted (FVC%), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP).

Results

A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and 5 outcome measures were pooled and analyzed. A total of 657 patients with ALS were enrolled, with 299 in the experimental group (rehabilitation therapy, such as resistance training, endurance training, aerobic training, respiratory muscle training, and standard rehabilitation therapy) and 358 in the control group (conventional interventions, such as simple joint movements or daily stretching). The ALSFRS scores were better in the experimental group than in the control group at 0–4 months (MD = 3.36, 95% CI: 0.82, 5.91, Z = 2.59, p = 0.009) and at 5–8 months (MD = 5.00, 95% CI: −2.42, 7.58, Z = 3.80, p < 0.001). Moreover, the ALSFRS-R scores of the experimental group was better than that of the control group at 5–8 months (MD = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.45, Z = 3.42, p < 0.001) and 9–12 months (MD = 1.87, 95% CI: −0.37, 4.11, Z = 1.63, p = 0.10). It was also found that the MEP value of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group after intervention (MD = 18.49, 95% CI: 1.47, 35.50, Z = 2.13, p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in FVC% value and FSS scores at 0–5 months and 6–12 months between the two groups.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation therapy is helpful in improving the short-, medium-, and long-term global function score of patients with ALS, with positive effects on respiratory function.
Impacts of protein quantity and distribution on body composition
Authors: Layman Donald K.
Published: May 2024

The importance of meal distribution of dietary protein to optimize muscle mass and body remains unclear, and the findings are intertwined with age, physical activity, and the total quantity and quality of protein consumed. The concept of meal distribution evolved from multiple discoveries about regulating protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. The most significant was the discovery of the role of the branched-chain amino acid leucine as a metabolic signal to initiate a post-meal anabolic period of muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in older adults. Aging is often characterized by loss of muscle mass and function associated with a decline in protein synthesis. The age-related changes in protein synthesis and subsequent muscle atrophy were generally considered inevitable until the discovery of the unique role of leucine for the activation of the mTOR signal complex for the initiation of MPS. Clinical studies demonstrated that older adults (>60 years) require meals with at least 2.8 g of leucine (~30 g of protein) to stimulate MPS. This meal requirement for leucine is not observed in younger adults (<30 years), who produce a nearly linear response of MPS in proportion to the protein content of a meal. These findings suggest that while the efficiency of dietary protein to stimulate MPS declines with aging, the capacity for MPS to respond is maintained if a meal provides adequate protein. While the meal response of MPS to total protein and leucine is established, the long-term impact on muscle mass and body composition remains less clear, at least in part, because the rate of change in muscle mass with aging is small. Because direct diet studies for meal distribution during aging are impractical, research groups have applied meal distribution and the leucine threshold to protein-sparing concepts during acute catabolic conditions such as weight loss. These studies demonstrate enhanced MPS at the first meal after an overnight fast and net sparing of lean body mass during weight loss. While the anabolic benefits of increased protein at the first meal to stimulate MPS are clear, the benefits to long-term changes in muscle mass and body composition in aging adults remain speculative.
A botanical extract blend of Mangifera indica and Sphaeranthus indicus combined with resistance exercise training improves muscle strength and endurance over exercise alone in young men: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Salter Dawna , Swamy Shubhatara , Salis Kevin Manohar , Deep Dheeraj Kumar , Nadig Pratibha
Published: May 2024

Resistance exercise training (RET) is used to improve muscular strength and function. This study tested the hypothesis that RET alongside daily supplementation of a Sphaeranthus indicus and Mangifera indica extract blend (SMI) would augment bench press (BP) and leg extension (LE) strength and repetitions to failure (RTF) compared to RET alone. Ninety-nine men (age 22 ± 3) completed the trial after randomization into one of four groups: (A1) 425 mg SMI plus one RET set; (A2) 850 mg SMI plus one RET set; (P1) placebo plus one RET set; and (P2) placebo plus two RET sets. RET sets were 6–8 BP and LE repetitions at 80% of a progressive one repetition maximum (1-RM), performed 3x/week for 8 weeks. Strength and RTF were evaluated at baseline and days 14, 28, and 56 while serum values of total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), and cortisol (C) values were evaluated at baseline and day 56. RET significantly (p < 0.05) increased 1-RM, RTF, and T measures above baselines regardless of group assignment, but the increases were greater in the supplemented groups. At week 8, A1 bench pressed more than P1 (71.5.5 ± 17.5 kg vs. 62.0 ± 15.3 kg, p = 0.003), while A2 pressed 13.8 ± 3.0 kg more (95% CI 5.7–21.8, p < 0.001) than P1 and 9.9 ± 13.0 kg more (95% CI 1.7–18.2, p = 0.01) than P2. Also at week 8, the mean LE 1-RM of A1 (159.4 ± 22.6 kg) and A2 (162.2 ± 22.9 kg) was greater (p < 0.05) than that of P1 (142.2 ± 25.6 kg) and P2 (146.5 ± 19.7 kg). Supplementation improved RTF, TT, and FT values over those measured in exercise alone (p < 0.05), while C levels in A2 (9.3 ± 3.8 μg/dL) were lower than P2 (11.7 ± 3.8 μg/dL, p < 0.05). Daily supplementation with SMI was well tolerated and may help optimize muscle adaptive responses to RET in men.
Pediatric neuropathology practice in a low- and middle-income country: capacity building through institutional twinning
Authors: Gilani Ahmed , Mushtaq Naureen , Shakir Muhammad , Altaf Ahmed , Siddiq Zainab , Bouffet Eric , Tabori Uri , Hawkins Cynthia , Minhas Khurram
Published: May 2024

Background

Accurate and precise diagnosis is central to treating central nervous system (CNS) tumors, yet tissue diagnosis is often a neglected focus in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Since 2016, the WHO classification of CNS tumors has increasingly incorporated molecular biomarkers into the diagnosis of CNS tumors. While this shift to precision diagnostics promises a high degree of diagnostic accuracy and prognostic precision, it has also resulted in increasing divergence in diagnostic and management practices between LMICs and high-income countries (HICs). Pathologists and laboratory professionals in LMICs lack the proper training and tools to join the molecular diagnostic revolution. We describe the impact of a 7-year long twinning program between Canada and Pakistan on pathology services.

Methods

During the study period, 141 challenging cases of pediatric CNS tumors initially diagnosed at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, were sent to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada (SickKids), for a second opinion. Each case received histologic review and often immunohistochemical staining and relevant molecular testing. A monthly multidisciplinary online tumor board (MDTB) was conducted to discuss the results with pathologists from both institutions in attendance.

Results

Diagnostic discordance was seen in 30 cases. Expert review provided subclassification for 53 cases most notably for diffuse gliomas and medulloblastoma. Poorly differentiated tumors benefited the most from second review, mainly because of the resolving power of specialized immunohistochemical stains, NanoString, and targeted gene panel next-generation sequencing. Collaboration with expert neuropathologists led to validation of over half a dozen immunostains at AKUH facilitating diagnosis of CNS tumors.

Conclusions

LMIC-HIC Institutional twinning provides much-needed training and mentorship to pathologists and can help in infrastructure development by adopting and validating new immunohistochemical stains. Persistent unresolved cases indicate that molecular techniques are indispensable in for diagnosis in a minority of cases. The development of affordable alternative molecular techniques may help with these histologically unresolved cases.
The relationship between organizational commitment, commitment to supervisor and servant leadership
Authors: Godbersen Hendrik , Dudek Bettina , Ruiz Fernández Susana
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to empirically establish which effects the facets of servant leadership have on the facets of commitment to supervisor and which effect the facets of commitment to supervisor have on the facets of organizational commitment. To this end, we conducted a survey with 1,756 participants, who roughly represent the German workforce by gender and age, to measure organizational commitment, commitment to supervisor and servant leadership. To test the relationship between the facets of the examined constructs, we analyzed our data using partial least squares path modeling. Our results indicate that commitment to supervisor serves as a relevant, but not the only, antecedent of organizational commitment. Furthermore, our results indicate that affective and normative commitment to supervisor is relatively strongly affected by the servant leadership facets empowerment and stewardship, relatively moderately by forgiveness, authenticity and humility, and relatively weakly by standing back and accountability. Organizations are advised to prioritize the afore-mentioned facets of servant leadership in a corresponding order when selecting and developing managers as servant leaders. The results and findings of our study provide rather comprehensive insights in the complex relationships of organizational commitment, commitment to supervisor and servant leadership, which can serve as a basis for further research and assist the managerial practice.
Zinc finger knuckle genes are associated with tolerance to drought and dehydration in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Khassanova Gulmira , Oshergina Irina , Ten Evgeniy , Jatayev Satyvaldy , Zhanbyrshina Nursaule , Gabdola Ademi , Gupta Narendra K. , Schramm Carly , Pupulin Antonio , Philp-Dutton Lauren , Anderson Peter , Sweetman Crystal , Jenkins Colin L.D. , Soole Kathleen L. , Shavrukov Yuri
Published: May 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a very important food legume and needs improved drought tolerance for higher seed production in dry environments. The aim of this study was to determine diversity and genetic polymorphism in zinc finger knuckle genes with CCHC domains and their functional analysis for practical improvement of chickpea breeding. Two CaZF-CCHC genes, Ca04468 and Ca07571, were identified as potentially important candidates associated with plant responses to drought and dehydration. To study these genes, various methods were used including Sanger sequencing, DArT (Diversity array technology) and molecular markers for plant genotyping, gene expression analysis using RT-qPCR, and associations with seed-related traits in chickpea plants grown in field trials. These genes were studied for genetic polymorphism among a set of chickpea accessions, and one SNP was selected for further study from four identified SNPs between the promoter regions of each of the two genes. Molecular markers were developed for the SNP and verified using the ASQ and CAPS methods. Genotyping of parents and selected breeding lines from two hybrid populations, and SNP positions on chromosomes with haplotype identification, were confirmed using DArT microarray analysis. Differential expression profiles were identified in the parents and the hybrid populations under gradual drought and rapid dehydration. The SNP-based genotypes were differentially associated with seed weight per plant but not with 100 seed weight. The two developed and verified SNP molecular markers for both genes, Ca04468 and Ca07571, respectively, could be used for marker-assisted selection in novel chickpea cultivars with improved tolerance to drought and dehydration.