bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KNOWLEDGE, PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF EATING DISORDERS AND PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AMONG CLINICAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL, ITUKU-OZALLA, ENUGU
Authors: Chinecherem Obayi Angelica , Ibiam Uka Chijioke , Chidiebere Ukoha , Chinedu Ugwunna Nwachukwu
Published: December 2024

Background

Eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease are major health problems among young people, of which clinical students are a composite. It is important to study the prevalence, risk factors and knowledge of eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease among clinical students because their characteristics such as skipping meals, high academic workload, social behaviours, etc. make them prone to developing these illnesses.

Objective

To determine the prevalence, risk factors and knowledge of eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease among clinical students at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu state.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study of 400 clinical students at the University of Nigeria who were selected using multi-stage sampling. A structured and validated questionnaire was administered by the interviewers who also measured the weights and heights of respondents. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The significance of association was tested with Pearson chi-square, p <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The study showed a low risk and prevalence rate (2.9%) of eating disorders. 95.5% had a mild risk of being diagnosed with PUD and most were knowledgeable about the disease entities. A statistically significant relationship exists between average income of participants(p=0.018)and skipping meals(p=0.023).There was also a statistically significant relationship between peptic ulcer disease and smoking(p=0.000), consumption of alcohol(p=0.036)and herbal concoctions(p=0.036).

Conclusions

This study has found a low prevalence, low risk and good knowledge of eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease among clinical students at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla.
Evaluating the Reproducibility and Verifiability of Nutrition Research: A Case Study of Studies Assessing the Relationship Between Potatoes and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jamshidi-Naeini Yasaman , Vorland Colby J. , Kapoor Pranav , Ortyl Bailey , Mineo Jocelyn , Still Luke , Sorsor Korlu , Rodney Shelby , Tooze Xander , Flickinger Brent , Henschel Beate , Dickinson Stephanie L. , Allison David B.
Published: December 2024

Background

The credibility of nutritional research is dependent on the rigor with which studies are conducted and the ability for independent assessment to be performed. Despite the importance of these, more work is needed in the field of nutrition to buttress the trustworthiness of nutrition research.

Objective

To develop and apply a process for evaluating the rigor, reproducibility, and verifiability of nutritional research, using the relationship between potato consumption and Colorectal cancer (CRC) as a case study.

Methods

We updated existing systematic reviews to include studies on potatoes and CRC, assessing their design, execution, and reporting quality. We attempted to reproduce and verify the results of included studies by requesting raw data from authors and following statistical methods as described in the publications. Rigor was evaluated using four different tools: ROBINS-E, STROBE-Nut, Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and additional criteria related to transparency.

Results

Eighteen studies were included, none of which publicly share data. We managed to access data for only two studies, successfully reproducing and verifying the results for one. The majority of studies exhibited a high risk of bias, with significant limitations in reporting quality and methodological rigor.

Conclusions

Research on the relationship between potato consumption and CRC risk is insufficiently reproducible and verifiable, undermining the trustworthiness of its findings. This study highlights the need for improving transparency, data sharing, and methodological rigor in nutritional research. Our approach provides a model for assessing the credibility of research in other areas of nutrition.
Quantitative Spatial Analysis of Chromatin Biomolecular Condensates using Cryo-Electron Tomography
Authors: Zhou Huabin , Hutchings Joshua , Shiozaki Momoko , Zhao Xiaowei , Doolittle Lynda K. , Yang Shixin , Yan Rui , Jean Nikki , Riggi Margot , Yu Zhiheng , Villa Elizabeth , Rosen Michael K.
Published: December 2024

Phase separation is an important mechanism to generate certain biomolecular condensates and organize the cell interior. Condensate formation and function remain incompletely understood due to difficulties in visualizing the condensate interior at high resolution. Here we analyzed the structure of biochemically reconstituted chromatin condensates through cryo-electron tomography. We found that traditional blotting methods of sample preparation were inadequate, and high-pressure freezing plus focused ion beam milling was essential to maintain condensate integrity. To identify densely packed molecules within the condensate, we integrated deep learning-based segmentation with novel context-aware template matching. Our approaches were developed on chromatin condensates, and were also effective on condensed regions of in situ native chromatin. Using these methods, we determined the average structure of nucleosomes to 6.1 and 12 Å resolution in reconstituted and native systems, respectively, and found that nucleosomes form heterogeneous interaction networks in both cases. Our methods should be applicable to diverse biochemically reconstituted biomolecular condensates and to some condensates in cells.
Optimization of conditions for production of solubleE. colipolyA-polymerase
Authors: Oscorbin Igor P. , Kunova Maria S. , Filipenko Maxim L.
Published: December 2024

Poly(A)-polymerase (PAP-1) fromEscherichia coliis the primary enzyme responsible for synthesizing poly(A) tails on RNA molecules, signaling RNA degradation in bacterial cells. In vitro, PAP-1 is used to prepare libraries for RNAseq and to produce mRNA vaccines. However,E. coliPAP-1’s toxicity and instability in low-salt buffers complicate its expression and purification. Here, we optimized the conditions for the production of recombinant PAP-1. For that,E. coliPAP-1 was expressed in sevenE. colistrains with different origin and genetic backgrounds, followed by assessment of the overall protein yield, solubility, and enzymatic activity. Among the tested strains, BL21 (DE3) pLysS achieved the best balance of cell density, total PAP-1 yield, solubility, and specific activity. Rosetta 2 (DE3) and Rosetta Blue (DE3) hosting the pRARE plasmid exhibited the lowest solubility, likely due to excessive translation efficiency. Higher induction temperatures (>18°C) exacerbated PAP-1 insolubility. Interestingly, PAP-1 accumulation correlated with an increase in the plasmid copy number encoding the enzyme, indicating its potential utility as a surrogate marker for PAP-1 activity. These findings provide insights into optimizingE. coliPAP-1 production for biotechnological applications.
TTF2 drives mitotic replisome disassembly and MiDAS by coupling the TRAIP ubiquitin ligase to Polε
Authors: Fujisawa Ryo , Labib Karim P.M.
Published: December 2024

Mammalian cells frequently enter mitosis before DNA replication has finished, necessitating the rapid processing of replication forks to facilitate chromosome segregation. The TRAIP ubiquitin ligase induces mitotic replisome disassembly, fork cleavage, and repair via ‘Mitotic DNA Synthesis’ (MiDAS). Until now, it was unclear how TRAIP is regulated in mitotic cells. Here we show that TRAIP phosphorylation mediates a complex with the TTF2 ATPase and DNA Polymerase ε (Polε). Whereas TTF2 ATPase activity removes RNA polymerase II from mitotic chromosomes, replisome disassembly involves an unanticipated mechanism. The TTF2 amino terminus couples TRAIP to Polε, via tandem Zinc fingers that recognise phosphorylated TRAIP, and a motif that binds to POLE2. Thereby, TTF2 and Polε cause TRAIP to ubiquitylate the CDC45-MCM-GINS (CMG) helicase, triggering replisome disassembly and MiDAS. These data identify TTF2 as a multifunctional regulator of chromatin transactions during mitosis.
The Two-Step Cell Death Induction by the New 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol Analog and its Modulation by Lysophosphatidylinositol in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Akimov Mikhail G. , Gretskaya Natalia M. , Gorbacheva Eugenia I. , Khadour Nisreen , Sherstyanykh Galina D. , Bezuglov Vladimir V.
Published: December 2024

2-arachnadoyl glycerol (2-AG) is one of the most common endocannabinoid molecules with antiproliferative, cytotoxic and pro-proliferative effects on different types of tumors. Typically, it induces cell death via CB1/CB2-linked ceramide production. In breast cancer, ceramide is counterbalanced by the sphingosine-1-phosphate, and thus the mechanisms of 2-AG influence on proliferation are poorly understood. In this paper, we evaluated the mechanism of the cell death induction by 2-AG and the influence of LPI on it in 6 human breast cancer cell lines of different tumor degree using a novel analog, 2-arachidonoyl-difluoropropanol (2-ADFP). 2-ADFP induced cell death via the CB2 and TRPV1-dependent COX-2 induction and oxidized metabolites production. The activity was enhanced by LPI.
Assessing thein plantaefficacy of oxathiapiprolin as a potential treatment for kauri dieback disease
Authors: Robinson Hannah F. , Palmer Jade T. T. , Gerth Monica L.
Published: December 2024

Phytophthora agathidicida, a plant pathogenic oomycete, causes fatal dieback disease in New Zealand kauri trees (Agathis australis). Currently, few treatments exist to prevent or cure this infection. Previous research has demonstrated the potentin vitroinhibition of multiple lifecycle stages ofP. agathidicidaby the oomycide oxathiapiprolin. In this study, we have evaluated the efficacy of oxathiapiprolinin plantaas either a protective or curative treatment. Kauri seedlings (1–2 years old) were treated with 10 or 50 mg of oxathiapiprolin, in the form of Zorvec Enicade,perseedling as a soil drench either before (7 days) or after (15 days) inoculation withP. agathidicidaNZFS 3770 to test for protective and curative activities, respectively. Results showed that oxathiapiprolin treatments successfully protected the kauri seedlings from disease, with the higher dose (50 mg) demonstrating greater efficacy. However, the treatments did not cure kauri seedlings already infected withP. agathidicida, likely because the infection was already well-established by the time of treatment. This study demonstrates that, while oxathiapiprolin shows protective effects againstP. agathidicidainfection in kauri seedlings, its lack of curative properties significantly limits its potential as a practical tool for managing kauri dieback disease.
Cell Type Specific Enhancers for Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: He Jing , Phan BaDoi N. , Kerkhoff Willa G. , Alikaya Aydin , Brull Olivia R. , Fredericks J. Megan , Hong Tao , Sedorovitz Morgan , Srinivasan Chaitanya , Leone Michael J. , Wirfel Olivia M. , Dauby Samuel , Tittle Rachel K. , Lin Meng K. , Bostan Andreea C. , Hooks Bryan M. , Gharbawie Omar A. , Byrne Leah C. , Pfenning Andreas R. , Stauffer William R.
Published: December 2024

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is crucial to primate cognitive functions, but a paucity of cell type specific tools limits studies of DLPFC neurocomputational principles. Therefore, we set out to identify enhancers that fit inside Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors and that elicited functional, cell type specific gene expression in the non-human primate (NHP) DLPFC. We used single nucleus RNA-Seq and ATAC-Seq from rhesus macaque tissue samples to define DLPFC cell types and their associated open chromatin regions (OCRs). We trained machine learning (ML) models to recognize the unique regulatory grammar associated with each DLPFC neuron type, performed in silico screening of all OCRs, and identified candidate enhancers most likely to elicit cell type specific transgene expression in each neuron type. For layer 3 pyramidal neurons (L3PNs) and layer 5 extratelencephalic neurons (L5ETs), we cloned the top twelve identified candidates into AAVs and injected them into NHP DLPFC. In situ observation of enhancer-driven expression revealed the best performers, RMacL3-01 and RMacL5ET-01. We validated RMacL3-01 and RMacL5ET-01 using one-at-a-time injections in NHP DLPFC. RMacL3-01 restricted GFP expression to pyramidal neurons in layers 2 and 3, whereas RMacL5ET-01 restricted expression toPOU3F1+neurons in layer 5. RMacL3-01 elicited functional levels of channelrhodopsin expression that enabled optical activation of single- and multi-unit activity in NHP DLFPC. Together, these results and resources establish a solid foundation to study cell type specific principles of primate cognitive functions.
Inter-individual differences in the blood pressure lowering effects of dietary nitrate: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled replicate crossover trial
Authors: Hayes Eleanor , Alhulaefi Shatha , Siervo Mario , Whyte Eleanor , Kimble Rachel , Matu Jamie , Griffiths Alex , Sim Marc , Burleigh Mia , Easton Chris , Lolli Lorenzo , Atkinson Greg , Mathers John C , Shannon Oliver M
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Dietary nitrate supplementation increases nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and reduces blood pressure (BP). Inter-individual differences in these responses are suspected but have not been investigated using robust designs, e.g., replicate crossover, and appropriate statistical models. We examined the within-individual consistency of the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on NO biomarkers and BP, and quantified inter-individual response differences.

Methods

Fifteen healthy males visited the laboratory four times. On two visits, participants consumed 140ml nitrate-rich beetroot juice (∼14.0mmol nitrate) and, on the other two visits, they consumed 140ml nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (∼0.03mmol nitrate). Plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations were measured 2.5 hours post-supplementation. BP was measured pre– and 2.5 hours post-supplementation. Between-replicate correlations were quantified for the placebo-adjusted post-supplementation plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and pre-to-post changes in BP. Within-participant linear mixed models (LLM) and a meta-analytic approach estimated participant-by-condition treatment response variability.

Results

Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation elevated plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and reduced systolic (mean:-7mmHg, 95%CI: –3 to –11mmHg) and diastolic (mean:-6mmHg, 95%CI: –2 to –9mmHg) BPversusplacebo. The LLM participant-by-condition interaction response variability was ±7mmHg (95%CI: 3 to 9mmHg) for systolic BP and consistent with the treatment effect heterogeneity τ=± 7mmHg (95%CI: 5 to 12mmHg) derived from the meta-analytic approach. The between-replicate correlations were moderate-to-large for plasma nitrate, nitrite and systolic BP (r=0.55 to 0.91).

Conclusions

The effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on NO biomarkers and systolic BP varied significantly from participant to participant. The causes of this inter-individual variation deserve further investigation. Trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05514821.
Rbfox1 andmir-33regulate pleiotropic roles of JAK/STAT signalling during adult myogenesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mukherjee Amartya , Nongthomba Upendra
Published: December 2024

The JAK/STAT pathway is a conserved metazoan signal transduction system with roles in regulating growth, stem cells, and immune responses. Although its components are ubiquitously expressed during development, JAK/STAT signalling exerts cell-specific effects through mechanisms largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that cell-specific effects of JAK/STAT signalling could be realised through post-transcriptional regulation. We show that JAK/STAT signalling in early adult myogenesis is critical for the patterning of the dorsal longitudinal muscles inDrosophila melanogaster. RNA-binding Fox protein 1 (Rbfox1) and the microRNAmir-33regulate the transcript stability ofSignal-transducer and activator of transcription protein at 92E(Stat92E), which encodes the soleDrosophilaSTAT orthologue. Moreover, Rbfox1 also controls the alternative splicing ofStat92Eand its key downstream effector,Zn finger homeodomain 1(zfh1). The coupling of Rbfox1 with Stat92E function, during early adult myogenesis, not only allows maintenance of stemness, but also mediates filamentous actin dynamics, and prevents apoptosis in myoblasts via some other Stat92E target genes. Given that the functions of the JAK/STAT pathway in cell proliferation and survival are conserved betweenDrosophilaand vertebrates, our report presents a novel example for the context-dependant regulation of the developmental role of an important signalling pathway.
Effect of isoscalar and isovector scalar fields on baryon semileptonic decays in nuclear matter
Authors: Saito Koichi , Miyatsu Tsuyoshi , Cheoun Myung-Ki
Published: December 2024

The precise determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix elements is very important because it could be a clue to new physics beyond Standard Model. This is particular true of Vud because it is the main contribution to the unitary condition of the CKM matrix elements. The level of accuracy for the test of the unitarity involving the element Vud is now of the order of 10−4. Because the precise data for Vud is usually extracted from superallowed nuclear β decay, it is quite significant to investigate the breaking of SU(3) flavor symmetry on the weak vector coupling constant in nuclear matter. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the isoscalar scalar (σ) and the isovector scalar (δ or a0) mean-fields affect the weak vector and axial-vector coupling constants for semileptonic baryon (neutron, Λ, or Ξ−) decay in asymmetric nuclear matter. To do so, we use the quark-meson coupling (QMC) model, where nuclear matter consists of nucleons including quark degrees of freedom bound by the self-consistent exchange of scalar and vector mesons. We pay careful attention to the center of mass correction to the quark currents in matter. We then find that, for neutron β decay in asymmetric nuclear matter, the defect of the vector coupling constant due to the δ field can be of the order of 10−4 at the nuclear saturation density, which is the same amount as the level of the current uncertainty in the measurements. It is also interesting that, in neutron-rich matter, there exists a certain low density at which isospin symmetry is restored, that is, the u−d quark mass difference vanishes. Furthermore, we qualitatively investigate the variation of axial-vector coupling constants in matter, to which the σ field mainly contributes. We conclude that the effect of the isoscalar scalar and the isovector scalar fields should be considered in baryon semileptonic decays in nuclei.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Two-pole structure of the
h1(1415)
axial-vector meson: Resolving the mass discrepancy
Authors: Clymton Samson , Kim Hyun-Chul
Published: December 2024

We investigate isoscalar axial-vector mesons using a coupled-channel formalism. The kernel amplitudes are constructed from meson-exchange diagrams in the t and u channels, which are derived from effective Lagrangians based on hidden local symmetry. We incorporate six channels: πρ, ηω, KK¯*, ηϕ, η′ω, and η′ϕ, and solve the off-shell coupled integral equations. We first discuss the dynamical generation of the h1(1170). The pole diagram for h1(1595) has a certain effect on the generation of h1(1170). We observe two poles at (1387−i6)  MeV and (1452−i51)  MeV, which exhibit a two-pole structure of the h1(1415) meson. This two-pole structure may resolve the discrepancy in the experimental data on the mass of h1(1415). The results show that the lower pole couples strongly to the KK¯* channel, while the higher pole couples predominantly to the ηϕ channel. This provides insights into the nature of h1 mesons and explains possible discrepancies in the mass of h1(1415).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Machine learning complete intersection Calabi-Yau 3-folds
Authors: Keita Kaniba Mady
Published: December 2024

Gaussian process regression, kernel support vector regression, the random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and the generalized linear model algorithms are applied to data of complete intersection Calabi-Yau threefolds. It is shown that Gaussian process regression is the most suitable for learning the Hodge number h2,1 in terms of h1,1. The performance of this regression algorithm is such that the Pearson correlation coefficient for the validation set is R2=0.9999999995 with a root mean square error RMSE=0.0002895011. As for the train set, these two parameters are as follows: R2=0.9999999994 and RMSE=0.0002854348. The training error and the cross-validation error of this regression are 1×10−9 and 1.28×10−7, respectively. Learning the Hodge number h1,1 in terms of h2,1 yields R2=1.000000 and RMSE=7.395731×10−5 for the validation set of the Gaussian process regression.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A contribution to the crystal chemistry and topology of organic thiosulfates: bis(1-methylpiperazinium)·S2O3·H2O versus 1-methylpiperazinediium·S2O3·3H2O
Authors: Charkin Dmitri O. , Banaru Alexandru M. , Ivanov Semen A. , Kireev Vadim E. , Aksenov Sergey M.
Published: December 2024

Single crystals of two new compounds, (C5H14N2)S2O3·H2O (1) and (C5H13N2)2S2O3·3H2O (2), were isolated from the reaction products of 1-methylpiperazine, sulfuric acid, and barium thiosulfate in aqueous media. The crystal structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In agreement to the previous observations, the organic template may contribute to the formation of thiosulfates both as mono- and diprotonated species, but this is the first case where both products are reported for the same organic compound. In both structures 1 and 2, complex nets of hydrogen bonds involve all cations, anions and water molecules. Comparisons are made to the structures of other thiosulfates containing mono- or diprotonated diamine species.
Conformational disorder in quercetin dihydrate revealed from ultrahigh-resolution synchrotron diffraction
Authors: Bibila Mayaya Bisseyou Yvon , Wright Jonathan , Jelsch Christian
Published: December 2024

Quercetin, a bioflavonoid abundant in plants, boasts antioxidant properties and plays a crucial role in various biological systems. The diffraction data of a quercetin dihydrate crystal have been measured at 20 (2) K to ultrahigh resolution (0.30 Å) using a synchrotron X-ray source. After meticulous multipolar refinement of the charge density, Fourier residual electron density peaks were identified, particularly at the position of hydrogen atom H15 of the catechol ring. This observation revealed a subtle disorder in the molecule, prompting the modelling of the catechol ring in two positions with occupancy percentages of 98.4% and 1.6% in the anti and syn conformations, respectively. Intermolecular interactions are analysed using Hirshfeld fingerprint plots and enrichment ratios. With the presence of numerous O—H...O hydrogen bonds, the packing shows good electrostatic complementarity between the quercetin molecule and its surroundings. The parallel displaced stacking interaction between two anti-quercetin molecules related by a translation along the a axis is, however, not attractive for its electrostatic contribution. The syn conformation shows more attractive quercetin dimers than the anti one. On the other hand, electrostatic interactions between quercetin and the two water molecules are stronger in the anti conformation. The electrostatic interactions of quercetin with human inositol polyphosphate multikinase were analysed in the structure of the complex found in the Protein Data Bank and compared with those the take place in the quercetin crystal packing.
Crystal structure predictions for molecules with soft degrees of freedom using intermonomer force fields derived from first principles
Authors: Nikhar Rahul , Podeszwa Rafał , Rehman Atta U. , Ishaque Ommair , Jing Aling , Melkumov John W. , Hong Richard , Szalewicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

A molecular crystal structure prediction (CSP) protocol used in the seventh blind test is presented. The seventh blind test was divided into two stages and included seven targets, with crystals containing from one to three molecules in asymmetric units, monomers built of up to 100 atoms, and all targets containing monomers with flexible degrees of freedom. Some targets were cocrystals and one target was a salt. These diverse targets were treated using a CSP protocol starting from finding the global and local minima conformations of the target molecule. Subsequently, an ab initio two-body rigid-monomer six-dimensional force field (aiFF) was developed for the global-minimum conformer. These aiFFs were then used in CSPs consisting of packing and lattice-energy minimization stages. Flexible-monomer CSPs were used for some targets. To describe the intramonomer FF, either generic empirical FFs or reparametrized FFs of this type were used, with some parameters fitted to ab initio energies of monomers in the latter case. A novel packing procedure was applied for two targets in stage 1. The success rate in the structure generation stage was 15% in submission phase and 54% in post-submission phase, while the corresponding values in the structure rating stage were 33% and 89%. We conclude that the inexpensive conformer-based approach with rigid-monomer CSPs can be recommended for investigations of crystals with flexible monomers. An advantage of this protocol is that it is fully based on first-principles quantum mechanics and generates tailor-made FFs suitable for use in subsequent molecular dynamics simulations investigating temperature-dependent effects. However, empirical intramonomer FFs reparametrized using ab initio data are not yet adequate for CSPs.
Political connection and firm’s financial performance; the role of corporate governance
Authors: Khan Adnan Ullah
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of political connection on the firm’s financial performance in presence of corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes panel regression analyses (OLS) and margin and contrast analysis techniques on a data set of Pakistan’s listed companies ranging from 2012 to 2021. For political connection, an aggregate score was calculated from political ties at the central, provincial and local level. Corporate governance was measured through an index using principal component analysis technique capturing its attributes comprised of board size, board tenure, board independence, board gender diversity, CEO duality, audit committee tenure and audit quality.

Findings

The study finds that politically affiliated individuals can exploit the wealth of firms. It also supports the positive role of corporate governance in augmenting the firm financial performance and further confirms that the presence of robust corporate governance practices can help mitigate the risk posed by the political connection.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable information to investors and offer insights into the investment opportunities available in nonfinancial sectors and identifies areas where investments may not yield favorable results. It provides solutions to the companies to effectively compose their boards and offset the adverse effect of political connection and capitalize on its potential benefits. Investors can draw upon these insights to inform and facilitate their investment decision-making processes. By gaining a better comprehension of the impact of political associations on corporate governance and performance, regulators and policymakers can better design policies that strike a balance between preventing abuses while still allowing firms to reap the benefits of political connections.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that delves into an analysis to mitigate viz-a-viz offset the adverse effect of political affiliations by implementing robust practices of corporate governance. Further, in lieu of a binary indicator variable of political connection, this study applies a different approach to quantify the varying intensities of the political connections, which is a nascent method. It further undertakes margin & contrast analysis and also analyzes effect of different levels of political connections as well as the role of various attributes of corporate governance, which offer a novel contribution.
Exploring the influence of patient testimonials on healthcare services: a social identity theory perspective
Authors: Araújo Francisca , Brandão Amélia , Shaikh Aijaz A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore and understand the role of word-of-mouth (WOM), including electronic WOM (e-WOM), in healthcare services through social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted based on semi-structured interviews with patients in healthcare units. In total, 36 interviews were conducted between March and April 2022. The interviews were transcribed following the principles of thematic saturation and analysed using the software NVivo 12.0.

Findings

The findings were divided into two domains: pre- and post-consumption. During pre-consumption, e-WOM influenced the creation of the hospital’s brand image, which affected the patients’ expectations before their visit. During post-consumption, the patients can generate e-WOM, and its valence represents their overall experience.

Practical implications

Strategic attention to customer-centricity and skilful use of e-WOM is essential in the healthcare business. By incorporating these strategies into a strategic framework, healthcare organisations can successfully enhance their brand image, foster patient loyalty and consequently gain a competitive advantage in the industry.

Originality/value

This study is distinctive for thoroughly investigating e-WOM in healthcare, exploring both the pre-and post-service consumption phases through qualitative analysis. This study adopts a relatively novel approach by applying social identity theory within the healthcare context to explore patient affiliation with healthcare brands and institutions.
Boundary crossings: innovating assessment practices in higher education
Authors: King Jordan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Advancing assessment practices represents an underexplored yet integral dimension of further progress for the field of sustainability-related teaching and learning in higher education. This study aims to address this area by seeking to understand the barriers that program leaders and instructors face in advancing assessment practices to identify possible innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework centered on boundaries and boundary crossings is used to conceptualize barriers and possibilities in innovating assessment practices. The study then examines how a boundary object, the deliberation of assessment practices among a sustainability education community of practice, can be leveraged to identify boundaries and boundary crossings. Through an exploratory action research approach, data were collected via workshops, interviews and a survey. These were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Six themes were identified as key areas for barriers and possibilities for advancing assessment practices. These themes are: defining sustainability education, practice characteristics, interdisciplinary approaches, transdisciplinary strategies, meeting demands and facilitating innovations. For each theme, status quo practices and potential innovations are described as well as boundary-crossing strategies to enable advances in practice.

Originality/value

This study considers the conceptual, practical and logistical breakthroughs needed to advance assessment practices across course, program and institutional levels of sustainability-related teaching and learning in higher education. The insights from the study provide considerations for the design and implementation of assessment practices while also suggesting the value of participatory deliberative processes in shaping innovations in practice.
The investment-cash flow sensitivity and the financing constraints hypothesis for emerging markets: a bibliometric and systematic literature review
Authors: Doruk Ömer Tuğsal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The literature on financing constraints in emerging markets is still under-researched and is often described as a “black box.” This study aims to shed light on this underexplored area for emerging economies. Specifically, it attempts to understand the phenomenon of financing constraints through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis are used to identify the main features of investment-cash flow sensitivity and the financing constraints hypothesis in the context of emerging markets.

Findings

Financing constraints and investment-cash flow sensitivity in emerging markets should be analyzed in light of capital market imperfections, financial liberalization and macroeconomic conditions.

Research limitations/implications

This study is expected to serve as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the financing challenges faced by firms in emerging economies.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic and bibliometric literature review that examines the distinct characteristics of the financing constraints hypothesis on investment decisions in emerging markets.
Dowager’s story-telling tales of trauma
Authors: Vicars Mark Aldous
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In this paper, queerly contoured stories of trauma fold in the ambiguous and contradictory knowledges of the body. I posit that trauma-informed identities are not fabricated fictions and that they can sediment subjects into being and behaving in certain ways.

Design/methodology/approach

Stories, legitimate and illegitimate, circulate in almost every sphere of everyday life, and drawing on a friendship as source material, I present a reconstructed life history narrative to show how queer life stories can productively reveal the unspoken and disciplining pedagogies of trauma in LGBTQ lifeworlds.

Findings

In speaking of and about embodying intersectional differences underlying social values and cultural attitudes of sexual differences, its presence becomes another lens to narrate trauma and understand how it is bound to heteronormative social equity, inequalities and injustices.

Research limitations/implications

I posit that trauma-informed identities can sediment queer subjects into being and behaving in self-denying, self-injurious and at-risk behaviours.

Practical implications

In speaking of and about embodying intersectional differences underlying social values and cultural attitudes of sexual differences, its presence becomes a lens to engage trauma and understand how it is perceived as being bound to social equity, inequalities and injustices.

Originality/value

In the narrative presented in this paper, there is an implicit critical reflection on narrating the purposes, practices and actions of queer positionality vis-à-vis the represented “norm”.
Decision support tool for designing out waste: a conceptual framework
Authors: Tong Nguyet , Domingo Niluka , Le An
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Construction activities are anticipated to experience steady growth worldwide, resulting in massive construction and demolition waste (CDW). Despite introducing five designing out waste (DoW) principles to combat CDW from the early design stage, the design process remains a notable contributor to CDW generation due to designers’ limited knowledge and experience. The decision-making process in identifying and selecting DoW solutions is relatively underexplored in the current literature. This study aims to bridge this gap by reviewing existing literature to investigate the implementation of DoW principles and uncover potential areas to support designers in selecting DoW solutions for their projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic literature review is adopted to analyse 50 selected articles published from 2000 to 2023 in order to develop the conceptual framework, which was subsequently reviewed by industry experts.

Findings

This review critically examines the current state of DoW implementation, the decision-making criteria for selecting DoW solutions and the available tools for DoW implementation. Existing limitations and future research directions to aid DoW in decision-making were identified. Drawing from the review’s findings, a conceptual framework is formulated to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives.

Originality/value

The outcome of this review offers researchers insight into identifying existing gaps and potential areas to aid the DoW decision-making process. Construction professionals can use the findings to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives, thereby minimising waste generation in construction projects.
Tissue‐specific methylomic responses to a lifestyle intervention in older adults associate with metabolic and physiological health improvements
Authors: Sinke Lucy , Beekman Marian , Raz Yotam , Gehrmann Thies , Moustakas Ioannis , Boulinguiez Alexis , Lakenberg Nico , Suchiman Eka , Bogaards Fatih A. , Bizzarri Daniele , van den Akker Erik B. , Waldenberger Melanie , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Trollet Capucine , de Groot C. P. G. M. , Heijmans Bastiaan T. , Slagboom P. Eline
Published: December 2024

Across the lifespan, diet and physical activity profiles substantially influence immunometabolic health. DNA methylation, as a tissue‐specific marker sensitive to behavioral change, may mediate these effects through modulation of transcription factor binding and subsequent gene expression. Despite this, few human studies have profiled DNA methylation and gene expression simultaneously in multiple tissues or examined how molecular levels react and interact in response to lifestyle changes. The Growing Old Together (GOTO) study is a 13‐week lifestyle intervention in older adults, which imparted health benefits to participants. Here, we characterize the DNA methylation response to this intervention at over 750 thousand CpGs in muscle, adipose, and blood. Differentially methylated sites are enriched for active chromatin states, located close to relevant transcription factor binding sites, and associated with changing expression of insulin sensitivity genes and health parameters. In addition, measures of biological age are consistently reduced, with decreases in grimAge associated with observed health improvements. Taken together, our results identify responsive molecular markers and demonstrate their potential to measure progression and finetune treatment of age‐related risks and diseases.
Operative management and outcomes of gallbladder cancer in Australia: a multi‐institutional, retrospective, observational cohort analysis
Authors: Santucci Jordan , Hua Cathy , Chong Lynn , Lockie Elizabeth , Lim Justin , Lim Sean , Zhou Warren , Bradshaw Luke ,   Melbourne HPB Collaborative
Published: December 2024

Background

Data on optimal extent of resection for various stages of gallbladder cancer are lacking. This study aims to evaluate disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) after simple (SC) versus radical cholecystectomy (RC) for gallbladder cancer in the Australian context, and assesses factors associated with post‐operative morbidity.

Methods

Multi‐centre, retrospective cohort analysis including all gallbladder cancer patients who underwent resection across six Australian institutions between January 2010 and January 2020.

Results

Of 63 patients included, 31 underwent SC and 32 had RC. Liver and other organ resection correlated with prolonged median DFS (41.9 vs. 13.1 months, HR 0.492 [95% CI 0.245–0.987], P = 0.042) and OS on univariate analysis of all patients (55.8% survived five years follow‐up at study conclusion vs. median 18.4 months, HR 0.66 [95% CI 0.446–0.972], P = 0.036) but failed to demonstrate effect on multivariable analysis (OS HR 0.31 [95% CI 0.09–1.04], P = 0.057). RC was associated with a higher 30‐day complication rate (n = 21 [65.6%] vs. n = 15 [48.4%], P = 0.310) compared to SC, although not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the major morbidity rate (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ Grade III) observed after SC (n = 7 [22.6%]) compared with RC (n = 6 [18.7%], P = 0.754). Neoadjuvant therapy was not utilized and adjuvant treatment used infrequently.

Conclusion

Extended gallbladder cancer resection was associated with prolonged OS and DFS but also considerable post‐operative morbidity. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal extent of surgical resection by stage of gallbladder cancer.
Assessing the efficacy of artificial intelligence to provide peri‐operative information for patients with a stoma
Authors: Lim Bryan , Lirios Gabriel , Sakalkale Aditya , Satheakeerthy Shriranshini , Hayes Diana , Yeung Justin M.C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Stomas present significant lifestyle and psychological challenges for patients, requiring comprehensive education and support. Current educational methods have limitations in offering relevant information to the patient, highlighting a potential role for artificial intelligence (AI). This study examined the utility of AI in enhancing stoma therapy management following colorectal surgery.

Material and Methods

We compared the efficacy of four prominent large language models (LLM)—OpenAI's ChatGPT‐3.5 and ChatGPT‐4.0, Google's Gemini, and Bing's CoPilot—against a series of metrics to evaluate their suitability as supplementary clinical tools. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, including readability scores (Flesch–Kincaid, Flesch‐Reading Ease, and Coleman‐Liau index) and reliability assessments (Likert scale, DISCERN score and QAMAI tool), the study aimed to assess the appropriateness of LLM‐generated advice for patients managing stomas.

Results

There are varying degrees of readability and reliability across the evaluated models, with CoPilot and ChatGPT‐4 demonstrating superior performance in several key metrics such as readability and comprehensiveness. However, the study underscores the infant stage of LLM technology in clinical applications. All responses required high school to college level education to comprehend comfortably. While the LLMs addressed users' questions directly, the absence of incorporating patient‐specific factors such as past medical history generated broad and generic responses rather than offering tailored advice.

Conclusion

The complexity of individual patient conditions can challenge AI systems. The use of LLMs in clinical settings holds promise for improving patient education and stoma management support, but requires careful consideration of the models' capabilities and the context of their use.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a New Tool to Support Patient Decision‐making on Transplant Centers
Authors: McKinney Warren T. , Israni Kareena , Schaffhausen Cory R. , Schladt David P. , Lyden Grace R. , Matas Arthur , Wolf Jack , Japuntich Sandra , Israni Ajay K.
Published: December 2024

Patients are not always aware of listing criteria and offer acceptance across transplant programs. Factors such as age and body mass index can impact access to transplants as centers have different candidate criteria. Therefore, we created a transplant center search tool (transplantcentersearch.org) (TCST) to help patients find comparative information on transplant programs. We conducted a cross‐over randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess whether the TCST improved comprehension compared to the existing Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients website among adults seeking kidney transplants at two centers. To assess comprehension participants were asked to use the TCST and the SRTR website to identify which transplant program within a prespecified area had the most recipients over 70 years of age; and which programs had the most recipients with BMI >40. Participants were asked to provide qualitative feedback on using both websites. Sixty‐eight candidates participated in the RCT. Participants were more likely to identify the correct program when using the TCST compared to the existing SRTR website (OR 8.13, 95% CI 1.87–35.33). Participants stated they preferred the TCST over the SRTR website (52.9% vs. 25.0%, respectively, p = 0.009). With increased comprehension, patients would be better equipped to identify programs that transplant patients like them.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03610555
Optimising Outpatient Registration System Implementation Using Critical Path Method: A Case Study
Authors: Hong Dan
Published: December 2024

Background

Today, hospital information systems (HISs) play an irreplaceable role in hospital management. At present, HIS construction projects in many hospitals have faced the setback of ‘project quagmire’ to varying degrees. The critical path method (CPM) mainly aims to find the critical path, thus managing project progress.

Objectives

To explore the importance and practical application of the CPM to the management of HIS project schedules.

Methods

This study used the construction project of a hospital's outpatient registration subsystem as an example. CPM was used to determine the critical path. The time and workload required for the project were calculated using the forward and backward extrapolation methods. The earliest start time and earliest completion time as well as the latest start time and latest completion time of each task could be calculated using the forward and backward extrapolation methods. The path with the longest construction period was determined to be the critical path, and the unit speed rate of each activity was calculated on this basis. Then, the time schedule of the outpatient registration subsystem was compressed and the project schedule optimised.

Results

Path 3 [outpatient registration demand analysis (A)—basic data preparation (C)—subsystem test (F)—simulation test (G)] was determined to be the critical path according to the construction period, and the task time was compressed on this basis. Considering many factors, the time of the subsystem test task (F) was reduced from 7 weeks to 4 weeks. The total cost was saved by 1000 yuan, which not only ensured the progress ahead but also saved the overall cost.

Conclusion

The CPM could effectively measure the completion and deviation of each stage of the registration system project, which provided an effective guarantee for the subsequent schedule compression to ensure that the project was completed as scheduled and was of sufficient quality. However, all conditions had to be considered comprehensively; doing otherwise would lead to increased risks and costs.