bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sowing green seeds of mind: exploring the determinants of green mindfulness among university students
Authors: Rathakrishnan Thanuja , Gan Jen Ling , Yaacob Aqilah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants influencing green mindfulness among university students in Malaysia within the context of the Malaysia 2030 Agenda, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 17 attainment.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a quantitative approach with a sample of 203 young adults. It explores the factors of goal difficulty, knowledge and awareness, spirituality, values and perceived university environmental responsibility (PUER), using a novel theoretical framework termed universal identity theory (IT).

Findings

Values, knowledge and awareness and PUER significantly contribute to green mindfulness, whereas spirituality and goal difficulty did not exhibit a substantial relationship to green mindfulness.

Research limitations/implications

Limited representation of diverse age groups and the potential influence of seniority on spirituality. Future research should expand the framework to include green behavior and performance, increase the sample size and consider a broader age demographic.

Practical implications

Universities play a crucial role in promoting green mindfulness through the establishment of rules, regulations, environmental initiatives, incentive systems and the introduction of a green mindfulness course. Clear communication channels and top-down approaches are recommended.

Social implications

This research contributes to understanding the mechanisms that induce green mindfulness among university students in Malaysia, aligning with national and global sustainability goals.

Originality/value

The universal IT provides a comprehensive understanding of how personal, social and community-based identities collectively influence green mindfulness. This theoretical perspective contributes to the environmental psychology and sustainability studies field, offering a culturally sensitive approach.
MyUEVision: an application generating image caption for assisting visually impaired people
Authors: Nguyen Hung , Huynh Thai , Tran Nha , Nguyen Toan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Visually impaired people usually struggle with doing daily tasks due to a lack of visual cues. For image captioning assistive applications, most applications require an Internet connection for the image captioning generation function to work properly. In this study, we developed MyUEVision, an application that assists visually impaired people by generating image captions that can work with and without the Internet. This work also involves reviewing some image captioning models for this application.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has selected and experimented with three image captioning models for online models and two image captioning models for offline models. The user experience (UX) design was designed based on the problems faced by visually impaired users when using mobile applications. The application is developed for the Android platform, and the offline model is integrated into the application for the image captioning generation function to work offline.

Findings

After conducting experiments for selecting online and offline models, ExpansionNet V2 is chosen for the online model and VGG16 + long short-term memory (LSTM) is chosen for the offline model. The application is then developed and assessed, and the results show that the application can generate image captions with or without the Internet, providing the best result when having an Internet connection, and the image is captured in good lighting with a few objects.

Originality/value

MyUEVision stands out for its both online and offline functionality. This approach ensures the image captioning generator works with or without the Internet, setting it apart as a unique solution to address the needs of visually impaired individuals.
Bibliometric analysis of service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking: a roadmap for future research
Authors: Bonang Dahlia , Fianto Bayu Arie , Sukmana Raditya
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, assessing studies related to service quality and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a bibliometric approach, this research draws from literature samples retrieved in April 2023 from the SCOPUS database. The sample encompasses 138 articles published between 1999 and 2023, adhering to specific selection criteria. Analytical tools such as R program, VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel were used to categorise the data into three primary domains: productivity, citation patterns and network analysis. These categories further include the identification of research flows and prospective areas for further investigation.

Findings

The results indicate a substantial surge in publications between 2011 and 2022 involving 372 authors. This study identifies the primary contributors in terms of countries, affiliations, publications, sources and researchers. Seven distinct clusters emerged from the 138 papers, encompassing customer attitude, comparison studies, digital banking, customer loyalty, customer trust, consumer determinants and service quality. Additionally, the study outlines a future research agenda, posing specific research questions.

Research limitations/implications

Recognising the limitations inherent in focusing solely on Scopus-indexed publications, future studies may benefit from incorporating various databases, such as the Web of Science, for a more expansive exploration of study units. A systematic review of articles on a specific topic could also enhance the comprehensiveness of the study.

Practical implications

This investigation empowers Islamic bank managers to devise targeted marketing plans, differentiating themselves from competitors. By implementing relevant improvements in operational and service processes, managers can enhance the customer experience, fostering a lasting competitive advantage. For academics, this study lays a robust foundation for further research, encouraging the development of a comprehensive conceptual model and empirical testing. The identification of current research gaps enables researchers to focus on areas that remain underexplored.

Originality/value

This study not only illuminates critical gaps in existing research but also proposes a research agenda to guide future researchers in remaining pertinent, particularly within the context of Islamic banking marketing.
Knowledge equity as social justice in academic publishing and why it matters for accounting research
Authors: Andrew Jane , Baker Max , Cooper Christine , Gendron Yves
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The current academic publishing model, in which researchers rely significantly on multinational publishing companies to disseminate their work, has implications for knowledge enterprise both in terms of knowledge production and distribution. This study aims to provide a critical reflection on the academic publishing model and how it works, particularly in light of the rise of open access publishing and the growing analytics focus of publishing companies and discusses the impact on knowledge equity.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory essay offers a critical analysis of the impact of the current academic publishing model on research practices. The discussion provides a foundation for the argument that knowledge equity is essential to social justice.

Findings

To effectively fulfil the transformative aims of the interdisciplinary research community within social and environmental accounting, it is imperative to establish equitable access to published research.

Originality/value

This essay opens space for discussion of the current publishing model, given its dominance of the knowledge enterprise. It outlines some of the implications of this model for knowledge equity and suggests strategies for fostering a more inclusive and accessible dissemination of scholarly work.
Determinants inhibiting digital payment system adoption: an Indian perspective
Authors: Hussain Shabir , Gupta Sameer , Bhardwaj Sunil
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to identify the determinants that inhibit the adoption or usage of digital payment systems (DPSs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative technique, including in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis, incorporating both deductive categorisation and inductive coding to identify factors responsible for the non-adoption or discontinuation of DPS use.

Findings

The findings are in the form of themes and sub-themes that were generated from the data analysis: digital divide (DD), which includes the digital access divide, digital capability divide and digital innovativeness divide; socio-demographic divide (SD), which includes education, geographical location, gender, age and income; psychological barriers, which include a lack of perceived ease of use, vulnerability to risks, technophobia and a lack of trust; and other barriers, which include a lack of awareness, a cash-dominated society and a lack of interoperability.

Research limitations/implications

The factors identified in this research can be further validated and tested in future studies using quantitative data. This will enable stakeholders to better comprehend the impacts of these factors on DPS adoption or usage.

Practical implications

The study’s practical implications are specifically relevant to the Union Territory (UT) administration of Ladakh, as there is a DD and an SD among different sections of the population of the UT of Ladakh. UT administrations must prioritise efforts to eliminate these divides. The implications for banks and DPS providers are that they should conduct financial literacy training about DPSs in remote rural areas and invest in developing user-friendly and simplified DPS user interfaces to improve relationships with DPS users and their long-term retention.

Originality/value

The findings of this study reveal the three levels of the DD that determine DPS adoption or usage, which have not been discussed together in the literature in the DPS context and that must be addressed to expand DPS adoption, thus providing a more holistic view of the DD in the context of DPS.
Can internal range structure predict range shifts?
Authors: Gilbert Neil A. , Kolbe Stephen R. , Eyster Harold N. , Grinde Alexis R.
Published: September 2024

Poleward and uphill range shifts are a common—but variable—response to climate change. We lack understanding regarding this interspecific variation; for example, functional traits show weak or mixed ability to predict range shifts.

Characteristics of species' ranges may enhance prediction of range shifts. However, the explanatory power of many range characteristics—especially within‐range abundance patterns—remains untested.

Here, we introduce a hypothesis framework for predicting range‐limit population trends and range shifts from the internal structure of the geographic range, specifically range edge hardness, defined as abundance within range edges relative to the whole range. The inertia hypothesis predicts that high edge abundance facilitates expansions along the leading range edge but creates inertia (either more individuals must disperse or perish) at the trailing range edge such that the trailing edge recedes slowly. In contrast, the limitation hypothesis suggests that hard range edges are the signature of strong limits (e.g. biotic interactions) that force faster contraction of the trailing edge but block expansions at the leading edge of the range.

Using a long‐term avian monitoring dataset from northern Minnesota, USA, we estimated population trends for 35 trailing‐edge species and 18 leading‐edge species and modelled their population trends as a function of range edge hardness derived from eBird data. We found limited evidence of associations between range edge hardness and range‐limit population trends. Trailing‐edge species with harder range edges were slightly more likely to be declining, demonstrating weak support for the limitation hypothesis. In contrast, leading‐edge species with harder range edges were slightly more likely to be increasing, demonstrating weak support for the inertia hypothesis.

These opposing results for the leading and trailing range edges might suggest that different mechanisms underpin range expansions and contractions, respectively. As data and state‐of‐the‐art modelling efforts continue to proliferate, we will be ever better equipped to map abundance patterns within species' ranges, offering opportunities to anticipate range shifts through the lens of the geographic range.
Transcriptome analysis and functional study of phospholipase A2 in Galleria mellonella larvae lipid metabolism in response to envenomation by an ectoparasitoid, Iseropus kuwanae
Authors: Zhu Hanqi , Liang Xinhao , Ding Jianhao , Wang Jinzheng , Li Ping , Zhou Weihong , Wang Jun , Wu Fu‐an , Sheng Sheng
Published: September 2024

There is abundant evidence that parasitoids manipulate their hosts by envenomation to support the development and survival of their progeny before oviposition. However, the specific mechanism underlying host nutritional manipulation remains largely unclear. To gain a more comprehensive insight into the effects induced by the gregarious ectoparasitoid Iseropus kuwanae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) on the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae, we sequenced the transcriptome of both non‐envenomed and envenomed G. mellonella larvae, specifically targeting genes related to lipid metabolism. The present study revealed that 202 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and 9 DEGs were involved in lipid metabolism. The expression levels of these 9 DEGs relied on envenomation and the duration post‐envenomation. Further, envenomation by I. kuwanae induced an increase in triglyceride (TG) level in the hemolymph of G. mellonella larvae. Furthermore, silencing GmPLA2 in G. mellonella larvae 24 h post‐envenomation significantly decreased the content of 4 unsaturated fatty acids and TG levels in the hemolymph. The content of linoleic acid and α‐linoleic acid were significantly decreased and the content of oleic acid was significantly increased by exogenous supplement of arachidonic acid. Meanwhile, the reduction in host lipid levels impairs the growth and development of wasp offspring. The present study provides valuable knowledge about the molecular mechanism of the nutritional interaction between parasitoids and their hosts and sheds light on the coevolution between parasitoids and host insects.
Predictors of language and reading outcomes in 12‐year‐old children born very preterm
Authors: Hedenius Martina , Johansson Martin , Kaul Ylva Fredriksson , Andersson Eric , Montgomery Cecilia , Hellström‐Westas Lena , Kochukhova Olga
Published: September 2024

Aim

To investigate predictors of language and reading outcomes in 12‐year‐old Swedish children born very preterm (<32 gestational weeks) in 2004–2007.

Method

Children born very preterm (n = 78, 43 girls), and term‐born controls (n = 50, 32 girls), were examined on verbal IQ, semantic and phonemic fluency, sentence recall, reading fluency, word and phonological decoding at 12 years of age. The results were related to neonatal characteristics, language development, measured with Bayley‐III, at 2.5 years corrected age, and concurrent non‐verbal IQ.

Results

Preterm children showed language and reading difficulties that were not completely accounted for by level of concurrent non‐verbal IQ. Extremely preterm born children (<28 gestational weeks) demonstrated specific linguistic weaknesses. Administration of antenatal steroids, retinopathy of prematurity and persistent ductus arteriosus explained unique variance in language and reading outcomes. Language assessments at 2.5 years had low predictive value for language and reading outcomes at age 12.

Conclusion

Language and reading difficulties in 12‐year‐old children born preterm were not fully explained by concurrent non‐verbal IQ, and were not reliably predicted by language assessments at 2.5 years. Renewed language assessments at school age are warranted for identifying children with persisting linguistic difficulties.
Smartphone apps hold promise for neonatal emergency care in low‐resource settings
Authors: Hoffmann Ida Madeline , Andersen Amalie Middelboe , Lund Stine , Nygaard Ulrikka , Joshua Daniel , Poulsen Anja
Published: September 2024

Aim

Many countries risk failing the Sustainable Development Goal to reduce neonatal mortality to 12 in 1000 live births before 2030, necessitating intervention. This scoping review assesses available evidence from studies implementing smartphone application‐based education and clinical decision support in neonatal emergency care in low‐ and middle‐income countries and describes applied assessment tools to highlight gaps in the current literature.

Methods

A systematic search on 28 March 2024 of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE identified original research papers published in peer‐reviewed journals after 2014 in English. The evaluation was based on Kirkpatrick's framework.

Results

In total, 20 studies assessing eight different smartphone applications were included. Participants found applications acceptable and feasible in 11 of 14 studies. Knowledge and/or skills were improved in 11 of 12 studies. Behaviour was assessed in 10 studies by tracking app usage. Patient outcome was assessed in four studies, focusing on perinatal mortality, Basic Newborn Care outcomes and correct assessment of newborns.

Conclusion

Data from included studies further strengthens hope that smartphone applications can improve neonatal mortality rates in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, further research into the effectiveness of these applications is warranted. This review highlights gaps in the current literature and provides guidance for future trials.
Association of TLR4 polymorphisms (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) with sepsis: a meta‐analysis and trial sequence analysis
Authors: Mu Jingjing , Shen Yue , Zhu Furong , Zhang Qixia
Published: September 2024

Several investigations have been carried out to explore the genetic association of TLR4 codon variants, specifically Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile, and susceptibility to sepsis, but the results have been contradictory. The present study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to draw a definitive conclusion regarding the role of TLR4 genetic variants (Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile) in sepsis. A thorough literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the accuracy of the data. The Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Software v4 was utilized to perform the meta‐analysis and related analyses. A total of 13 studies were analyzed, including 2328 sepsis cases and 2495 healthy controls for the TLR4 Asp299Gly variant. Eight studies provided genotype data for the rs4986791 polymorphism. The Asp299Gly variant showed a marginal protective effect in the allele (p = 0.08, odds ratio = 0.71) and dominant (p = 0.09, odds ratio = 0.71) genetic models, although it was not statistically significant. The trial sequential analysis indicated that further case–control studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about the TLR4 polymorphisms in sepsis. The TLR4 Asp299Gly variant may have a protective effect against sepsis. However, additional research with larger sample sizes across diverse populations is required to validate this finding.
Disproportionality analysis of cardiac adverse events associated with lenvatinib using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Kobayashi Sakura , Kojima Asuka , Wakabayashi Haruka , Shimizu Tadashi , Uchida Mayako
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study was conducted to examine disproportionality, times to onset, incidence rates and outcomes of lenvatinib‐associated cardiac adverse events (AEs) using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database.

Methods

We analysed data for the period between April 2004 and May 2023. Data on cardiac AEs were extracted and the relative disproportionality of AEs was estimated using reporting odds ratios (RORs). Furthermore, Weibull distribution parameters were calculated.

Results

Of the 2 230 863 reports analysed, we identified 7684 reports of AEs associated with lenvatinib, including 317 cardiac AEs. Signals were detected for eight cardiac AEs: hypertension, cardiac failure, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, immune‐mediated myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, angina unstable and cardiotoxicity. Among these, fatal outcomes were observed for cardiac failure, myocarditis and myocardial infarction. Histograms of median times to onset for the eight detected cardiac AE signals showed that AEs occurred at a median of 3.5–134.5 days after lenvatinib administration. The Weibull distributions showed that cardiac failure occurred early after administration (early failure type), myocarditis occurred in a dose‐dependent manner (wearout failure type), and myocardial infarction occurred constantly throughout the exposure period (random failure type).

Conclusions

We focused on cardiac AEs associated with lenvatinib as post‐marketing AEs. Serious outcomes can arise after lenvatinib administration. Patients should be monitored for signs of onset of these AEs not only at the start of administration, but also over an extended period.
Experienced facilitators and challenges of practising motivational interaction: How can pre‐service physical education teachers adopt more motivational behaviours?
Authors: Renko Elina , Karvinen Catharina , Hankonen Nelli
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Health promotion professionals can contribute to high‐quality motivation and sustained health behaviours, for example, physical activity (PA), using motivational interaction with their target groups. However, evidence shows that even after comprehensive training, professionals do not optimally adopt motivational counselling styles. To improve efforts to help professionals take up and sustain motivational interaction in their practice, we need a better understanding of influences on practising these styles. This study set out to investigate pre‐service physical education (PE) teachers' experienced facilitators and challenges of practising motivational interaction.

Design

After a training course that aimed to teach pre‐service PE teachers the basic ideas and practical techniques of motivational interaction, 19 participants were interviewed.

Methods

Inductive content analysis was employed to investigate semi‐structured interviews.

Results

We developed three categories each including both facilitators and challenges of practising motivational interaction: (1) own style of interaction functioned as a basis for practising and involved (a) confidence in skills and resources as well as (b) reflecting, overcoming and forming habits, (2) regulation of one's own behaviour: autonomy and responsibility involved the freedom to choose and plan how to practise but also bearing responsibility for it, and (3) pursuing authentic interaction related to the search for natural ways to use motivational interaction with others.

Conclusions

We provide suggestions on how future training can make use of this knowledge and systematically make use of behaviour change science to foster practising motivational interaction, for example, using self‐regulation strategies and habit‐forming/breaking skills.
Sortilin is associated with progranulin deficiency and autism‐like behaviors in valproic acid‐induced autism rats
Authors: Liao Ailing , Zheng Wenxia , Wang Shali , Wang Nashi , Li Yingbo , Chen Di , Wang Yan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Neuroinflammation and microglial activation‐related dendritic injury contribute to the pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Previous studies show that Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor associated with inflammation and synaptic development, but the role of PGRN in autism and the mechanisms underlying changes in PGRN expression remain unclear.

Aims

To investigate the impact of PGRN in autism, we stereotactically injected recombinant PGRN into the hippocampus of ASD model rats. Additionally, we explored the possibility that sortilin may be the factor behind the alterations in PGRN by utilizing SORT1 knockdown. Ultimately, we aimed to identify potential targets for the treatment of autism.

Results

PGRN could alleviate inflammatory responses, protect neuronal dendritic spines, and ameliorate autism‐like behaviors. Meanwhile, elevated expression of sortilin and decreased levels of PGRN were observed in both ASD patients and rats. Enhanced sortilin levels facilitated PGRN internalization into lysosomes. Notably, suppressing SORT1 expression amplified PGRN levels, lessened microglial activation, and mitigated inflammation, thereby alleviating autism‐like behaviors.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings highlight elevated sortilin levels in ASD rat brains, exacerbating dendrite impairment by affecting PGRN expression. PGRN supplementation and SORT1 knockdown hold potential as therapeutic strategies for ASD.
Changes in Australians' attitudes towards supervised injecting facilities
Authors: Lloyd Zachary , Colledge‐Frisby Samantha , Taylor Nicholas , Livingston Michael , Jauncey Marianne , Roxburgh Amanda
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Supervised injecting facilities (SIF) have been shown to reduce negative outcomes experienced by people who inject drugs. They are often subject to intense public and media scrutiny. This article aimed to explore population attitudes to SIFs and how these changed over time in Australia.

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, a national sample collecting data on illicit drug use and attitudes towards drug policy among Australians (2001–2019). Ordinal logistic regression assessed sociodemographic characteristics associated with different attitudes to SIFs and binary logistic regression assessed trends over time and by jurisdiction.

Results

In 2019, 54% of respondents (95% CI 52.9, 55.1) supported SIFs, 27.5% (95% CI 26.6, 28.4) opposed and 18.4% (95% CI 17.7, 19.2) were ambivalent. Support for SIFs correlated with having a university degree (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.58, 1.94), non‐heterosexual identity (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.51, 2.17) and recent illicit drug use (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.55, 1.94). Male respondents or those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas had lower odds of supporting SIFs (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85, 1.00; OR 0.64–0.80, respectively). Between 2001 and 2019, support for SIFs increased modestly by 3.3%, those who ‘don't know’ by 7.4%, whereas opposition decreased by 11.7%. Between 2001 and 2019, support for SIFs increased in NSW and Queensland, whereas opposition decreased in all jurisdictions.

Discussion and Conclusions

Opposition to SIFs declined over the past 20 years, but a substantial proportion of respondents are ambivalent or ‘don't know enough to say’. Plain language information about SIFs and their potential benefits, targeted to those who are ambivalent/’don't know’ may further increase public support.
Risk‐scoring system predicting need for hospital‐specific interventional care after peroral endoscopic myotomy
Authors: Abe Hirofumi , Tanaka Shinwa , Sakaguchi Hiroya , Ueda Chise , Hori Hitomi , Nakai Tatsuya , Yoshizaki Tetsuya , Kawara Fumiaki , Toyonaga Takashi , Kinoshita Masato , Urakami Satoshi , Hoki Shinya , Tanabe Hiroshi , Kodama Yuzo
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Early identification of patients needing hospital‐specific interventional care (HIC) following endoscopic treatment is valuable for optimizing postoperative hospital stays. We aimed to develop and validate a risk‐scoring system for predicting HIC in patients who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Methods

This study included patients with esophageal motility disorders who underwent POEM at our hospital between April 2015 and March 2023. HIC was defined as any of the following situations: fasting for gastrointestinal rest to manage adverse events (AEs); intravenous administration of medications such as antibiotics and blood transfusion; endoscopic, radiologic, and surgical interventions; intensive care unit management; or other life‐threatening events. A risk‐scoring system for predicting HIC after postoperative day (POD) 1 was developed using multivariable logistic regression and was internally validated using bootstrapping and decision curve analysis.

Results

Of the 589 patients, 50 (8.5%) experienced HIC after POD1. Risk scores were assigned for four factors as follows: age (0 points for <70 years, 1 point for 70–79 years, 2 points for ≥80 years), preoperative prognostic nutritional index (0 points for >45, 1 point for 40–45, 4 points for <40), postoperative surgical site AEs on second‐look endoscopy (7 points), and postoperative pneumonia on chest radiography (6 points). The discriminative ability (concordance statistics, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.91) and calibration (slope 1.00; 0.74–1.28) were satisfactory. The decision curve analysis demonstrated its clinical usefulness.

Conclusion

This risk‐scoring system can predict the HIC after POD1 and provide useful information for determining discharge.
Utilization and cost of non‐insulin glucose‐lowering drugs in Australia from 2013 to 2023
Authors: Hamblin Peter S. , Earnest Arul , Russell Anthony W. , Talic Stella , Zomer Ella , Zoungas Sophia
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To investigate the utilization and costs of non‐insulin glucose‐lowering drugs (GLDs) in Australia from 2013 to 2023.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) administrative dataset of 118 727 494 GLD prescriptions. The main outcome measures were the annual number of GLD prescriptions dispensed, accounting for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence and healthcare system costs, adjusted for inflation.

Results

Utilization of GLDs doubled from 6.4 million prescriptions in 2013 to 15.6 million in 2023. The average annual percent increase in utilization was 8.1%, compared to the average annual increase in prevalence of T2DM of 1.8%. The biggest change was in sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, for which there was an average annual increase in utilization of 59.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.7%, 68.2%; p < 0.05) from 2014 (first full year of PBS listing), followed by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs), which showed an increase of 31.4% (95% CI 28.5%, 33.8%; p < 0.05) annually (2013 to 2023). Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor utilization tripled, with an average annual increase of 10.9% (95% CI 8.1%, 13.8%; p < 0.05), but this plateaued from 2020. Metformin utilization increased by 4.7% (95% CI 2.0%, 6.9%; p < 0.05) annually. In contrast, sulphonylurea, glitazone and acarbose utilization declined. Total GLD costs increased threefold over the same period. Despite only accounting for 11.7% of utilization, GLP‐1RAs contributed to 35% of the costs.

Conclusion

Utilization of GLDs doubled, and associated costs tripled over the past 11 years, with no sign of either utilization or costs plateauing, predominantly due to increased GLP‐1RA and SGLT2 inhibitor prescribing.
Resisting carceral confinement in Guyana: Legacies of a colonial state
Authors: Moss Kellie , Warren Kristy
Published: September 2024

Prisoners in Guyana have been protesting about living conditions and an overtly punitive environment since British colonial rule (1814–1966). Drawing upon official investigations, colonial records and newspaper reports, this article analyses some of the key features of resistance, including uprisings, escapes and everyday breaches of prison rules from the 19th century to the present day. It argues that Guyanese society is still impacted by the punitive nature of colonial plantation society which compels and informs prisoner experiences and responses in the nation's prisons today.
Structural, techno‐functional and nutraceutical properties of lentil proteins – a concise review
Authors: Shevkani Khetan , Sharma Paras , Singh Balwinder , Kaur Amritpal , Singh Narpinder
Published: September 2024

Lentil is one of the major pulses consumed in many parts of the world. Lentil proteins comprise primarily three fractions, viz. globulins, albumins and glutelins, each having distinct structural and functional characteristics. The secondary structure of lentil proteins is characterised by a predominance of β‐sheets, which occur in proportions up to 63% in the fractions. Protein isolates, in comparison, have up to 40% random coils, 38% sheets, 36% turns and 33% helix. Lentil proteins contain most essential amino acids, while albumins and glutelins have relatively higher content of lysine, methionine, histidine, threonine and branched‐chain amino acids. Amongst globulin proteins, vicilins have a more balanced amino acid composition than legumins. Lentil proteins also exhibit techno‐functional properties (foaming and emulsification, water and fat absorption and gelation) and may also serve as a potential source of active proteins/peptides, which make them an attractive alternative to conventional protein sources.
Rapid detection and occurrence of foodborne pathogens in minimally processed vegetables: a review
Authors: Lombardi Eliane Cristina , Ullah Sana , de Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes
Published: September 2024

The increased consumption of minimally processed vegetables (MPV) in various countries is related to the continued interest of consumers in seeking practical and healthy food items. Due to multiple processing steps, MPV can be contaminated by several foodborne pathogens that pose significant health risks to consumers. The use of rapid techniques to detect pathogens in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) foods such as MPV is therefore essential to provide high quality and safe products. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description of molecular‐based techniques for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in MPV, and their occurrence reported in studies published in the last 10 years. The main pathogens detected using rapid methods were Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella spp., and Campylobacter jejuni. Molecular‐based techniques included real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The data indicate high incidences of pathogenic bacteria in MPV, stressing the need for their rapid detection in these products to prevent associated health risks. Further studies should be carried out to increase the sensitivity of molecular‐based techniques and prevent false positives due to undesirable non‐specific PCR amplifications.
Treatment strategies for revision surgery of artificial urinary sphincter: A review
Authors: Kaiho Yasuhiro , Oikawa Masaaki , Kusumoto Hiroki , Kukimoto Takashi , Morozumi Kento , Ito Jun
Published: September 2024

Artificial urinary sphincters (AUS) are an effective treatment for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, infection, erosion, mechanical failure, atrophy, and balloon deterioration cause device malfunction in approximately half of patients by 10 years after implantation. Many patients desire to regain urinary continence and require revision surgery (RS), including device removal and simultaneous or delayed implantation. Patients for whom RS is considered should be examined physically and by interview for signs of infection. Urethral erosion should be assessed using cystoscopy. If there is infection or erosion, all devices should be removed first, and a new device should be implanted several months later. During the RS, after strong adhesion around the urethra, transcorporal cuff implantation is a safe choice. Device removal and simultaneous implantation can be performed in the absence of infection or erosion. If a long time has passed since device implantation, the entire device should be replaced due to device aging and deterioration; however, if the time is short, only the defective component need be replaced. Intraoperative assessment of urethral health is necessary for device removal and implantation. If the urethra is healthy, a new cuff can be placed in the same position as the old cuff was removed from; however, if the urethra is unhealthy, the cuff can be implanted in a more proximal/distal position, or a transcorporal cuff implant may be chosen. This article reviews the literature on diagnostic and treatment strategies for recurrent SUI in male patients with AUS and proposes a flowchart for AUS revision.
Ectoin attenuates cortisone‐induced skin issues by suppression GR signaling and the UVB‐induced overexpression of 11β‐HSD1
Authors: Xu Dailin , Wu Yue
Published: September 2024

Background

Accelerated pace of modern work and lifestyles subject individuals to various external and psychological stressors, which, in turn, can trigger additional stress through visible signs of fatigue, hair loss, and obesity. As the primary stress hormone affecting skin health, cortisol connects to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to aggravate skin issues induced by stress. This activation depends on the expression of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β‐HSD1) in skin cells, which locally converts cortisone—produced by the central and peripheral hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis—into its active form.

Methods

Our study delves deeper into stress's adverse effects on the skin, including the disruption of keratinocyte structural proteins, the loss of basement membrane proteins, and the degradation of collagen.

Results

Remarkably, we discovered that Ectoin, an amino acid derivative obtained from halophilic bacteria, is capable of mitigating the inhibitory impacts of cortisone on the expression of cutaneous functional proteins, including involucrin, loricrin, laminin‐5, and claudin‐1. Moreover, Ectoin reduces the suppressive effect of stress on collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis by impeding GR signal transduction. Additionally, Ectoin counterbalances the UVB‐induced overexpression of 11β‐HSD1, thereby diminishing the concentration of endogenous glucocorticoids.

Conclusion

Our findings illuminate the significant potential of Ectoin as a preventative agent against stress‐induced skin maladies.
Brain Microvascular Pericyte Pathology Linking Alzheimer's Disease to Diabetes
Authors: El‐Ghazawi Kareem , Eyo Ukpong B. , Peirce Shayn M.
Published: September 2024

The brain microvasculature, which delivers oxygen and nutrients and forms a critical barrier protecting the central nervous system via capillaries, is deleteriously affected by both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D patients have an increased risk of developing AD, suggesting potentially related microvascular pathological mechanisms. Pericytes are an ideal cell type to study for functional links between AD and T2D. These specialized capillary‐enwrapping cells regulate capillary density, lumen diameter, and blood flow. Pericytes also maintain endothelial tight junctions to ensure blood–brain barrier integrity, modulation of immune cell extravasation, and clearance of toxins. Changes in these phenomena have been observed in both AD and T2D, implicating “pericyte pathology” as a common feature of AD and T2D. This review examines the mechanisms of AD and T2D from the perspective of the brain microvasculature, highlighting how pericyte pathology contributes to both diseases. Our review identifies voids in understanding how AD and T2D negatively impact the brain microvasculature and suggests future studies to examine the intersections of these diseases.
ZmCRK1 negatively regulates maize's response to drought stress by phosphorylating plasma membrane H+‐ATPase ZmMHA2
Authors: Liu Jinjie , Li Xi‐Dong , Jia Dongyun , Qi Liuran , Jing Rufan , Hao Jie , Wang Zhe , Cheng Jinkui , Chen Li‐Mei
Published: September 2024

Drought severely affects crop growth and yields. Stomatal regulation plays an important role in plant response to drought stress. Light‐activated plasma membrane‐localized proton ATPase (PM H+‐ATPase) mainly promoted the stomatal opening. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a dominant role in the stomatal closure during drought stress. It is not clear how PM H+‐ATPase is involved in the regulation of ABA‐induced stomatal closure.

We found that a CALCIUM‐DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE RELATED KINASE 1 (ZmCRK1), and its mutant zmcrk1 exhibited slow water loss in detached leaves, high‐survival rate after drought stress, and sensitivity to stomatal closure induced by ABA. The ZmCRK1 overexpression lines are opposite.

ZmCRK1 interacted with the maize PM H+‐ATPase ZmMHA2. ZmCRK1 phosphorylated ZmMHA2 at the Ser‐901 and inhibited its proton pump activity. ZmCRK1 overexpression lines and zmmha2 mutants had low H+‐ATPase activity, resulting in impaired ABA‐induced H+ efflux.

Taken together, our study indicates that ZmCRK1 negatively regulates maize drought stress response by inhibiting the activity of ZmMHA2. Reducing the expression level of ZmCRK1 has the potential to reduce yield losses under water deficiency.
The role of environmental tax in guiding global climate policies to mitigate climate changes in European region
Authors: Ha Le Thanh
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to perform a practical inquiry into the influence of environmental tax laws on the execution of climate‐related financial policies. Our research will assess the effectiveness of environmental tax measures in 23 European countries from 2011 to 2020. The panel‐corrected standard error (PCSE) model and the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) model are used in the empirical examination of the link between environmental tax laws and the implementation of climate‐related financial measures. This study is based on panel data with cross‐sectional dependence. The results of our estimation highlight the need to improve policy effectiveness by using all four ecological tax indicators. These include total environmental tax revenue, energy tax revenue, pollution and resource tax revenue, and transportation tax revenue. Furthermore, we provide actual evidence clarifying the process by which the implementation of environmental tax policies improves the efficacy of climate‐related financial policies in the short term as well as the long term. According to the findings, a third of environmental tax policy indicators have a long‐term effect on the implementation of climate‐related financial measures, with no short‐term effects seen. Our findings are critical for economists and policy‐makers who support the environmental tax as an effective tool to promote a country's climate policy implementations.
Uptake and Accumulation of Cobalt Is Mediated by OsNramp5 in Rice
Authors: Huang Hengliang , Yamaji Naoki , Huang Sheng , Ma Jian Feng
Published: September 2024

Cobalt (Co) contamination in soils potentially affects human health through the food chain. Although rice (Oryza sativa) as a staple food is a major dietary source of human Co intake, it is poorly understood how Co is taken up by the roots and accumulated in rice grain. In this study, we physiologically characterized Co accumulation and identified the transporter for Co2+ uptake in rice. A dose‐dependent experiment showed that Co mainly accumulated in rice roots. Further analysis with LA‐ICP‐MS showed Co deposited in most tissue of the roots, including exodermis, endodermis and stele region. Co accumulation analysis using mutants defective in divalent cation uptake showed that Co2+ uptake in rice is mediated by the Mn2+/Cd2+/Pb2+ transporter OsNramp5, rather than OsIRT1 for Fe2+ and OsZIP9 for Zn2+. Knockout of OsNramp5 enhanced tolerance to Co toxicity. Heterologous expression of OsNramp5 showed transport activity for Co2+ in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Co2+ uptake was inhibited by either Mn2+ or Cd2+ supply. At the reproductive stage, the Co concentration in the straw and grains of the OsNramp5 knockout lines was decreased by 41%–48% and 28%–36%, respectively, compared with that of the wild‐type rice. The expression level of OsNramp5 in the roots was not affected by Co2+. Taken together, our results indicate that OsNramp5 is a major transporter for Co2+ uptake in rice, which ultimately mediates Co accumulation in the grains.
Mapping Public Health Nursing competencies: A comparative document analysis of competency frameworks and practice standards in the USA and Ireland
Authors: Vickers Niamh , Green Chloe
Published: September 2024

The Public Health Nursing discipline plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable health services. The establishment of competency frameworks and practice standards pertaining to Public Health Nursing has emerged as a cornerstone for guiding practice, education, and research. This study aimed to identify contemporary Public Health Nursing competency frameworks and practice standards and establish a robust list of competency domains. This will inform a subsequent phase of this project that will conduct a review of recent scholarly literature to discern prevailing research trends and delineate strategic directives and research priorities for the discipline.

A systematic search of three databases and a grey literature search was undertaken by incorporating keywords to identify existing Public Health Nursing‐specific competency frameworks and practice standards. Through screening and selection based on our inclusion criteria, three documents were analyzed. A comprehensive document analysis was conducted to generate a unified domain list and associated descriptors. Three competency‐based frameworks and practice standards emanating from two countries, the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland met the inclusion criteria. The document analysis identified 16 individual domains. There was consistent evidence of similarity across the three documents. There were minimal divergences featured within the frameworks which are discussed and compelling justifications for inclusion as universal domains are provided.

This document analysis has generated a list of 16 common Public Health Nursing competency domains which will be utilized in phase two of this project as a foundational framework for the purpose of analyzing research trends, influencing research priorities, and enhancing the focal areas for future research agendas within the discipline.
Methodological approaches in developing and implementing digital health interventions amongst underserved women
Authors: Crawford Allison D. , Slavin Rocky , Tabar Maryam , Radhakrishnan Kavita , Wang Min , Estrada Ashlynn , McGrath Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Minority populations are utilizing mobile health applications more frequently to access health information. One group that may benefit from using mHealth technology is underserved women, specifically those on community supervision.

Objective

Discuss methodological approaches for navigating digital health strategies to address underserved women's health disparities.

Description of the innovative method

Using an intersectional lens, we identified strategies for conducting research using digital health technology and artificial intelligence amongst the underserved, particularly those with community supervision.

Description of its effectiveness

We explore (1) methodological approaches that combine traditional research methods with precision medicine, digital phenotyping, and ecological momentary assessment; (2) implications for artificial intelligence; and (3) ethical considerations with data collection, storage, and engagement.

Discussion

Researchers must address gendered differences related to health, social, and economic disparities concurrently with an unwavering focus on the protection of human subjects when addressing the unique needs of underserved women while utilizing digital health methodologies.

Public contribution

Women on community supervision in South Central Texas helped inform the design of JUN, the mHealth app we reported in the case exemplar. JUN is named after the Junonia shell, a native shell to South Texas, which means strength, power, and self‐sufficiency, like the participants in our preliminary studies.