bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive role of Naples prognostic score for survival in esophageal cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Hongmei , Wang Ting
Published: May 2024

Background:

To further clarify the predictive value of pretreatment Naples prognostic score (NPS), calculating based on the serum albumin concentration, total cholesterol level, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), among esophageal cancer patients based on available evidence.

Methods:

The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CNKI databases were searched up to December 1, 2023 for relevant studies. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were endpoints and the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was combined to evaluate the predictive role of NPS for survival. Subgroup analysis based on pathological type and treatment were further conducted.

Results:

Ten retrospective studies with 2250 cases were included in our analysis. Pooled results demonstrated that higher pretreatment NPS predicted poorer OS (HR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.57–3.20, P < .001), PFS (HR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.84–4.98, P < .001) and CSS (HR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.80–4.68, P < .001). Then subgroup analysis for the OS and PFS stratified by the pathological type (squamous cell carcinoma vs esophageal cancer) and treatment (surgery vs non-surgery) were further conducted, which showed similar results.

Conclusion:

Pretreatment NPS is significantly associated with prognosis in esophageal cancer and higher NPS predicts worse survival among patients with esophageal cancer.
Analysis on effect of psychological nursing combined with extended care for improving negative emotions and self-care ability in patients with colorectal cancer and enterostomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Fang , Yao Kun , Liu Xiaoxiang
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of combining psychological nursing with extended nursing in patients with colorectal cancer who have undergone enterostomy. Conducted from January 2021 to January 2022, this retrospective study involved 78 patients split into 2 groups of 39 each. The control group received standard nursing care, while the observation group benefitted from both psychological and extended nursing. The evaluation focused on anxiety, depression, sleep quality, mental resilience, and self-care abilities. Results, 3 months postdischarge, indicated that the observation group had significantly lower scores in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and higher scores in the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Enterostomal Self-Care Ability Scale, compared to the control group (P < .05). The findings suggest that integrating psychological nursing with extended care significantly improves mood, sleep quality, psychological resilience, and self-care capabilities in these patients.
Effect of intraoperative blood transfusion during maternal cesarean section on serum electrolytes and inflammatory response plus cellular immune response: A retrospective study
Authors: Xia Fan , Li Pengrong
Published: May 2024

Analyzing the effect of intraoperative autotransfusion on serum electrolytes, inflammatory response and cellular immune response in puerperae undergoing cesarean section. This study is a retrospective study of 60 women who underwent cesarean section in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the blood transfusion mode of the patients. The differences in blood transfusion volume, blood transfusion volume, serum electrolyte, inflammatory response, cellular immune function, coagulation function and prognosis were compared between the 2 groups. The intraoperative blood transfusion volume, postoperative feeding time, the activity time since getting out of bed, the time of physical recovery and hospital stay in the observation group were lower compared to those of the control group, but the intraoperative crystal infusion volume and the colloid infusion volume in the observation group were higher compared to those of the control group (P < .05). Ca2+ concentrations of the observation group and the control group were lower compared with those of their same groups before surgery (P < .05), however, there were no statistically significant differences in the comparison of the Ca2+ concentrations between the observation group and the control group (P > .05). At 1d postoperatively, IL-1β, IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were all higher (P < .05) and CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were all lower (P < .05) in the observation group and the control group compared with those of their same groups before surgery. The IL-1 β, IL-6, and GM-CSF of the observation group were decreased compared to those of the control group (P < .05) and CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+ of the observation group were elevated compared to those of the control group (P < .05). Both autotransfusion and allogeneic blood transfusions during maternal cesarean section can attenuate the inflammatory response and have no significant inhibition of coagulation, and autotransfusion have less effect on the cellular immune response, are more effective in attenuating the inflammatory response, and significantly improve prognosis, although changes in Ca2+ concentration after transfusion require attention.
Molecular mechanisms of human papilloma virus related skin cancers: A review
Authors: Cozma Elena-Codruta , Banciu Laura Mădălina , Celarel Ana Maria , Soare Elena , Srichawla Bahadar S. , Kipkorir Vincent , Găman Mihnea-Alexandru
Published: May 2024

The human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the Papillomaviridae family of viruses which includes small, double-stranded DNA viral agents. Approximately 90% of HPV infections occur asymptomatically and resolve spontaneously. However, infection with high-risk viral strains can lead to the development of preneoplastic lesions, with an increased propensity to become cancerous. The location of these malignancies includes the oral cavity, cervix, vagina, anus, and vulva, among others. The role of HPV in carcinogenesis has already been demonstrated for the aforementioned neoplasia. However, regarding skin malignancies, the mechanisms that pinpoint the role played by HPV in their initiation and progression still elude our sight. Until now, the only fully understood mechanism of viral cutaneous oncogenesis is that of human herpes virus 8 infection in Kaposi sarcoma. In the case of HPV infection, however, most data focus on the role that beta strains exhibit in the oncogenesis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), along with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other environmental or genetic factors. However, recent epidemiological investigations have highlighted that HPV could also trigger the onset of other non-melanocytic, for example, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and/or melanocytic skin cancers, for example, melanoma. Herein, we provide an overview of the role played by HPV in benign and malignant skin lesions with a particular focus on the main epidemiological, pathophysiological, and molecular aspects delineating the involvement of HPV in skin cancers.
Application value of real-time 3D speckle tracking imaging in left atrial function evaluation of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Bai Dong , Lu Xiaojun , Hou Haijun , Liang Lei
Published: May 2024

Objective:

To evaluate left atrial volume and function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) combined with left atrial appendage thrombosis and patients with paroxysmal AF without left atrial appendage thrombosis by 3-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI), and to explore the application value of this set of parameters in the evaluation of left atrial function in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 40 patients with paroxysmal AF admitted from December 2018 to December 2020 were selected as the observation group. All patients with paroxysmal AF in the observation group underwent transesophageal echocardiography. According to the presence of left atrial appendage thrombosis, the patients were divided into the AF without thrombosis group (24 cases) and the AF with thrombosis group (16 cases). Thirty normal people were selected as control group who were chosen as having no heart-related disease. The left atrial volume parameters (Left atrial maximum volume LAVmax, Left atrial minimum volume LAVmin, Left atrial volume before atrial contraction LAVpre-A, Left atrial stroke volume LAEV), left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) and left atrial strain parameters (Left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain LASr, Left atrial conduit longitudinal strain LAScd, Left atrial contraction longitudinal strain LASct, Left atrial reservoir circumferential strain LASr-c, Left atrial conduit circumferential strain LAScd-c, Left atrial contraction circumferential strain LASct-c) of the 3 groups were measured by 3D-STI.

Results:

With the progression of paroxysmal AF, the left atrial volume increased, and the reservoir, conduit and contractile function were damaged. The left atrial volume continued to increase, and the reservoir, conduit and contractile function further decreased significantly in patients with AF combined with left atrial appendage thrombosis. LAEF was positively correlated with LASr and LASr_c.

Conclusion:

Real-time 3-dimensional spot tracking imaging (3D-STI) can evaluate the changes in left atrial volume and function in patients with paroxysmal AF, and has a certain reference value for clinical judgment of disease progression and prognosis.
Safety and effectiveness of integrative Korean medicine for the management of patients sustaining injuries in traffic accidents during pregnancy: A retrospective chart review and questionnaire survey
Authors: Kyung Dahyun , Park Kyoung Sun , Koo Ji-Eun , Kim Sujin , Park Jiwon , Bae Jun-Hyo , Bae Jieun , Kim Suna , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: May 2024

The number of traffic accidents (TAs) is rising each year, and the severity of injuries can vary. Many people experience limitations in activities of daily living following TAs, affecting their quality of life. In pregnant women, even simple injuries caused by a TA could lead to unfavorable obstetric outcomes. Thus, we conducted a retrospective chart review and follow-up questionnaire survey to assess the safety and effectiveness of integrative Korean medicine (KM) treatment for pregnant women injured in TAs. To assess integrative KM effectiveness, the numeric rating scale (NRS) for TA-related symptoms, neck disability index (NDI) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, shoulder pain and disability index score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index score, EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) score, and patient global impression of change score were investigated for pregnant women injured in TAs. Additionally, for safety evaluation, obstetric and neonatal outcomes, as well as symptoms related to pregnancy, were assessed. At the end of treatment and follow-up, there were significant reductions in NDI and ODI scores, as well as NRS for neck pain, lower back pain, and headache, compared to scores at baseline. EQ-5D-5L scores significantly increased. A follow-up of 50 patients showed no major differences in obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared to the typical outcomes that occur in pregnant women and neonates. Major improvements were observed in the symptoms of patients who underwent integrative KM treatment after being injured in TAs. The symptoms occurred at a rate similar to those in typical pregnant women, while causality with integrative KM treatment was assessed to be unlikely or unclear. Therefore, integrative KM treatment may be considered an alternative treatment option for pregnant women who currently have limited treatment options.
Albumin levels and cerebral collateral circulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial arteriosclerotic: A propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Wang Le , Shi Qiang , Xue Yi-dong , Cao Chan , Zheng Ying-Ying
Published: May 2024

Cerebral collateral circulation (CC) is associated with the recurrence and severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and early identification of poor CC is helpful for the prevention of AIS. In this study we evaluated the association between serum albumin levels and CC in AIS using logistic regression. Propensity score (PS) matching was used to eliminate the effect of confounders, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to explore potential nonlinear associations between albumin and CC. In unadjusted logistic regression analysis, lower albumin (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.79–0.92) was associated with poor CC, and after adjusting for covariates, the odds of lower albumin for poor CC compared to good CC were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.79–0.94). In the PS cohort, the association of albumin with CC was consistent with those of the original cohort. RCS results showed a linear relationship between albumin and CC (P values of .006 and .08 for overall and nonlinear associations, respectively). The results of this study suggest that lower serum albumin is independently associated with an increased risk of poor CC, which may serve as an effective predictive indicator for poor CC in patients with severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.
Analysis of correlative factors of female coronary slow-flow phenomenon: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Alian , Xu Zuojun , Yin Zhaofang , Wang Changqian , Zhang Junfeng , Bian Ling
Published: May 2024

The coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) is a manifestation of coronary artery disease wherein coronary angiography reveals no apparent stenosis; however, there is a delay in blood flow perfusion. Given its increased occurrence in male patients, with the majority of subjects in previous studies being male, this study aimed to explore whether distinct risk factors are present in female patients with CSFP. This single-center retrospective study focused on female patients diagnosed with CSFP by using coronary angiography. Eligible patients meeting the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into the study group (presenting with CSFP) and control group (displaying normal epicardial coronary arteries). Comparative analyses of clinical and diagnostic data were performed. Ninety-two patients with CSFP and an equal number of controls were enrolled in this study. Patients with CSFP exhibited a higher prevalence of smokers (P = .017) and a heightened incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = .007). Significantly elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC) (P = .034) and free fatty acids (FFA) (P = .016) were observed in the CSFP group compared to those in the control group. Additionally, patients with CSFP displayed lower levels of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) (P = .092), free thyroxine (FT4) (P = .001), and total thyroxine (TT4) (P = .025). Logistic regression analysis indicated that smoking (P = .019), FFA (P < .001), ApoE (P = .015), and FT4 (P < .001) were independent risk factors for CSFP, accounting for confounding factors. Additionally, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the combined effect of smoking, ApoE, FT4, and FFA on CSFP was 0.793 (95% CI: 0.729–0.857, P < .01). In addition to the established risk factors for smoking, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, female patients with CSFP exhibited significant differences in apoE, FFA, FT4, and TT4 levels compared to the control group. Smoking, FFA, and FT4 levels emerged as independent risk factors for CSFP.
Investigation of postoperative erectile dysfunction in colorectal surgery patients and comparison of results
Authors: Uçaner Burak , Buldanli Mehmet Zeki , Çimen Şebnem , Çiftçi Mehmet Sabri , Demircioğlu Mehmet Mert , Kaymak Şahin , Hançerlioğullari Oğuz
Published: May 2024

Background:

Although surgical treatment is curative for colorectal cancers, erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the complications that affect the patient quality of life. The present study aimed to evaluate sexual dysfunction in patients who underwent anterior resection (AR) and low AR (LAR) surgery secondary to rectosigmoid pathologies in our clinic, to analyze the effective variables, and to compare the results.

Methods:

In the retrospectively designed study, male patients who underwent surgery for malignancy or other surgical pathologies in the General Surgery Clinic between January 2017 and December 2022 were examined. Female gender, patients under 18 years of age, and patients who refused to participate in the study were excluded.

Results:

The high age of the patient increased the risk of severe ED in the postoperative period. However, surgical technique, alcohol use, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and Clavien-Dindo class were not determinants in the presence of severe ED.

Conclusion:

ED is an emerging medical problem that affects patients who undergo colorectal surgery adversely both in social and psychological aspects. Discussions on the issue are still ongoing. Clinicians’ concerns can be addressed in the future as the number of prospectively designed studies involving more homogeneous and larger populations increases.
Correlation of LP-PLA2 and MMP-9 with the occurrence of early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yu Baiyang , Shi Guomei , Yang Faming , Xu Wu
Published: May 2024

Early neurological deterioration is a common complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), which aggravates symptoms, worsens the condition, and counteracts the benefits of clinical treatment. The aim of this paper was to analyze the correlation between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and the occurrence of early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with AIS and to explore the clinical prediction of END by the combination of the 2 assays for the clinical prediction of END. A total of 500 AIS patients admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to October 2023 were included as study subjects, and the clinical data of all AIS patients were collected and organized to detect the levels of Lp-PLA2 and MMP-9. Categorized into END and non-END groups according to whether END occurred within 7 days of the onset of AIS, and comparing the clinical baseline data and laboratory index levels of the 2 groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of END, and the predictive effects of Lp-PLA2 and MMP-9 levels on END were assessed by subject work characteristics (ROC) curves. END occurred in 111 (22.2%) of 500 AIS patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR 2.717, 95% CI:1.53–4.81, P < .001), baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.65, 95% CI:1.41–1.94, P < .001), Lp-PLA2 (OR 1.07, 95% CI:1.05–1.09, P < .001) and MMP-9 (OR 1.12, 95% CI:1.09–1.16, P < .001) levels were independent influences on the occurrence of END in patients with AIS after correcting for confounders. ROC curve analysis showed that Lp-PLA2, MMP-9, and a combination of both predicted END with an area under the curve was 0.730, 0.763, and 0.831, respectively, and the area under the curve for the combination of both predicting END was significantly higher than that for any of the inflammatory markers alone (P < .05). Both inflammatory markers, Lp-PLA2 and MMP-9, were independent predictors of the development of END in patients with AIS, and the combination of the two had a higher predictive value.
Unpacking the Paradox
Authors: Englund Heather M. , Janssen Erika , Morgan Lindsay , Schroeder Grayson
Published: May 2024

Background:

Awareness about existing health disparities affecting sexual minorities remains insufficient, and nursing professionals often lack self-awareness about their biases and assumptions concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals.

Purpose:

To explore how exposure to the LGBTQ community, during both classroom and clinical experiences, relates to nursing students’ confidence in providing culturally congruent care to this group.

Methods:

This nonexperimental correlational study occurred at a Midwest 4-year public university, involving final-semester baccalaureate nursing students who completed demographic and educational preparation surveys regarding their confidence in providing health care to the LGBTQ population.

Results:

Results indicate that participants with no direct care experience were more confident in their communication skills and culturally congruent patient care for sexual minorities compared to those exposed to sexual minorities in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

Nursing students’ perceptions and experiences in delivering culturally congruent health care to sexual minorities provide an interesting perspective for examining the Dunning-Kruger effect.
Affective Responses to Acute Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of the Potential Beneficial Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on General Mood, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Weinstein Ali A. , van Aert Robbie C.M. , Donovan Kiersten , Muskens Lotte , Kop Willem J.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Acute exercise elicits various biobehavioral and psychological responses, but results are mixed with regard to the magnitude of exercise-induced affective reactions. This meta-analysis examines the magnitude of general mood state, anxiety, and depressive symptom responses to acute exercise while exploring exercise protocol characteristics and background health behaviors that may play a role in the affective response.

Methods

A total of 2770 articles were identified from a MEDLINE/PubMed search and an additional 133 articles from reviews of reference sections. Studies had to have measured general mood before the acute exercise bout and within 30 minutes after exercise completion. Effect sizes were estimated using Hedges' g, with larger values indicating improvement in the outcome measure.

Results

A total of 103 studies were included presenting data from 4671 participants. General mood state improved from preexercise to postexercise (g = 0.336, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.234–0.439). Anxiety (g = 0.497, 95% CI = 0.263–0.730) and depressive symptoms (g = 0.407, 95% CI = 0.249–0.564) also improved with exercise. There was substantial and statistically significant heterogeneity in each of these meta-analyses. This heterogeneity was not explained by differences in participants’ health status. Meta-regression analyses with potential moderators (intensity of exercise, mode of exercise, usual physical activity level, or weight status of participants) also did not reduce the heterogeneity.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis shows significantly improved general mood, decreased anxiety, and lower depressive symptoms in response to an acute bout of exercise. There was substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of the effect sizes, indicating that additional research is needed to identify determinants of a positive affective response to acute exercise.
The Adaptiveness of Emotion Regulation Variability and Interoceptive Attention in Daily Life
Authors: Ma Chenyue , Wang Xiaoqin , Blain Scott D. , Tan Yafei
Published: May 2024

Objective

In daily life, we must dynamically and flexibly deploy strategies to regulate our emotions, which depends on awareness of emotions and internal bodily signals. Variability in emotion-regulation strategy use may predict fewer negative emotions, especially when people pay more attention to their bodily states—or have greater “interoceptive attention” (IA). Using experience sampling, this study aimed to test whether IA predicts variability in strategy use and whether this variability and IA together predict negative affect.

Methods

University student participants (n = 203; 165 females; M
age = 20.68, SDage = 1.84) completed trait questionnaires and reported state levels of IA, emotional awareness, negative affect, and emotion-regulation strategies, seven times daily for 1 week.

Results

State IA significantly predicted between-strategy variability, which was mediated by emotional awareness (indirect effect = 0.002, 95% confidence interval = <0.001–0.003). Between-strategy variability was associated with lower negative affect, particularly when individuals had higher state IA (simple slope = −0.83, t = −5.87, p < .001) versus lower IA (simple slope = −0.31, t = −2.62, p = .009).

Conclusions

IA appears to facilitate adaptative emotion regulation and help alleviate negative affect. Findings underscore the key roles of IA and emotion-regulation flexibility in mental health.
Functional roles of neural aPKCs in mouse brain development and survival
Authors: El Ellam Aicha , Alberto Emily J , Mercau Maria E , Pramio Dimitrius T , Bhat Krishna M , Philbrick William M , Schechtman Deborah , Rothlin Carla V , Ghosh Sourav
Published: May 2024

Conserved protein complexes establish and maintain cell polarity. In turn, cell polarity is indispensable for fundamental developmental processes such as asymmetric division of stem cells and establishment of subcellular membrane polarization during cell differentiation. There are three well characterized polarity complexes. Atypical Protein Kinase C (aPKC) is a conserved constituent of the PAR complex that phosphorylates not only substrates within this complex, but also in the other polarity complexes. Outside of the polarity complex, aPKC regulates a myriad of cellular processes such as migration, metabolism, and survival. In mammals, two paralogs, Prkci and Prkcz, form the aPKC subfamily. Here, we characterized the expression of the Prkci and Prkcz paralogs, including a variant transcript of Prkcz, in the mouse brain and specific cells of the neural lineage. We generated a series of mice with individual and collective ablation of the two aPKC paralogs in neural stem cells, new-born neurons, astrocytes and NG2+ cells, as well as a mouse expressing kinase-inactive PRKCI in neural progenitors. We examine the effects of loss of aPKC paralogs or its kinase activity on gross brain development and organismal viability. Our results identify a critical window in neural progenitor differentiation wherein aPKC function is indispensable for neurodevelopment. Beyond this period, the ablation of even both aPKCs is characterized by a conspicuous absence of anticipated drastic effects. The genetic models developed might prove useful for further interrogating aPKC function in neurodevelopment and neuronal function or to reveal the role of polarity complex function in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes during stress, injuries or diseases.
Endogenous ZAP affects Zika virus RNA interactome
Authors: Sabir Ahmad Jawad , Khanh Le Nguyen Phuong , Singh Prince Pal , Karniychuk Uladzimir
Published: May 2024

One of the most recent advances in the analysis of viral RNA–cellular protein interactions is the Comprehensive Identification of RNA-binding Proteins by Mass Spectrometry (ChIRP-MS). Here, we used ChIRP-MS in mock-infected and Zika-infected wild-type cells and cells knockout for the zinc finger CCCH-type antiviral protein 1 (ZAP). We characterized “ZAP-independent” and “ZAP-dependent” cellular protein interactomes associated with flavivirus RNA and found that ZAP affects cellular proteins associated with Zika virus RNA. The ZAP-dependent interactome identified with ChIRP-MS provides potential ZAP co-factors for antiviral activity against Zika virus and possibly other viruses. Identifying the full spectrum of ZAP co-factors and mechanisms of how they act will be critical to understanding the ZAP antiviral system and may contribute to the development of antivirals.
Residues 2-7 of α-synuclein regulate amyloid formation via lipid-dependent and -independent pathways
Authors: Dewison Katherine M. , Rowlinson Benjamin , Machin Jonathan M. , Crossley Joel A. , Thacker Dev , Wilkinson Martin , Ulamec Sabine M. , Khan G. Nasir , Ranson Neil A. , van Oosten-Hawle Patricija , Brockwell David J. , Radford Sheena E.
Published: May 2024

Amyloid formation by α-synuclein (αSyn) occurs in Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Deciphering the residues that regulate αSyn amyloid fibril formation will not only provide mechanistic insight, but may also reveal new targets to prevent and treat disease. Previous investigations have identified several regions of αSyn to be important in the regulation of amyloid formation, including the non-amyloid-β component (NAC), P1 region (residues 36-42), and residues in the C-terminal domain. Recent studies have also indicated the importance of the N-terminal region of αSyn for both its physiological and pathological roles. Here, the role of residues 2-7 in the N-terminal region of αSyn are investigated in terms of their ability to regulate amyloid fibril formationin vitroandin vivo. Deletion of these residues (αSynΔN7) slows the rate of fibril formationin vitroand reduces the capacity of the protein to be recruited by wild-type (αSynWT) fibril seeds, despite cryo-EM showing a fibril structure consistent with those of full-length αSyn. Strikingly, fibril formation of αSynΔN7 is not induced by liposomes, despite the protein binding to liposomes with similar affinity to αSynWT. ACaenorhabditis elegansmodel also showed that αSynΔN7::YFP forms few puncta and lacks motility and lifespan defects typified by expression of αSynWT::YFP. Together, the results demonstrate the involvement of residues 2-7 of αSyn in amyloid formation, revealing a new target for the design of amyloid inhibitors that may leave the functional role of the protein in membrane binding unperturbed.

Significance Statement

Amyloid formation of α-synuclein (αSyn) is associated with Parkinson’s disease. Attempts to target αSyn aggregation to treat synucleinopathies, thus far, have been unsuccessful. A better understanding of residues that regulate amyloid formation may reveal new targets for therapeutics. Here, six residues at the N-terminus of αSyn are identified as regulators of amyloid formation. Deletion of these residues slows lipid-independent assembly, ablates lipid-dependent amyloid formationin vitro, and prevents aggregation and its associated cellular toxicityin vivo. Importantly, these residues are not necessary for binding to synthetic membranes. The work reveals a new target for the prevention of synucleinopathies by disfavouring aggregation without perturbing membrane binding, a property considered to be essential for the physiological function of αSyn at the synapse.
Anti-corrosive superhydrophobic coatings for reinforcement protection: recycling of concrete garbage
Authors: Wen Xiaohu , Cao Xiangkang , Ma Xiao-ze , Zhang Zefan , Dong Zehua
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to prepare a ternary hierarchical rough particle to accelerate the anti-corrosive design for coastal concrete infrastructures.

Design/methodology/approach

A kind of micro-nano hydrophobic ternary microparticles was fabricated from SiO2/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and recycled concrete powders (RCPs), which was then mixed with sodium silicate and silane to form an inorganic slurry. The slurry was further sprayed on the concrete surface to construct a superhydrophobic coating (SHC). Transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mappings demonstrate that the nano-sized SiO2 has been grafted on the sub-micron HNTs and then further adhered to the surface of micro-sized RCP, forming a kind of superhydrophobic particles (SiO2/HNTs@RCP) featured of abundant micro-nano hierarchical structures.

Findings

The SHC surface presents excellent superhydrophobicity with the water contact angle >156°. Electrochemical tests indicate that the corrosion rate of mild steel rebar in coated concrete reduces three-order magnitudes relative to the uncoated one in 3.5% NaCl solution. Water uptake and chloride ion (Cl-) diffusion tests show that the SHC exhibits high H2O and Cl- ions barrier properties thanks to the pore-sealing and water-repellence properties of SiO2/HNTs@RCP particles. Furthermore, the SHC possesses considerable mechanical durability and outstanding self-cleaning ability.

Originality/value

SHC inhibits water uptake, Cl- diffusion and rebar corrosion of concrete, which will promote the sustainable application of concrete waste in anti-corrosive concrete projects.
More is better? The role of strategic data management in a lean manufacturing process
Authors: Yang Chao-Lung , Chen Chun-Fu , Chen Jin-Yu , Sutrisno Hendri
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Lean manufacturing has been pivotal in emphasizing the reduction of cycle times, minimizing manufacturing costs and diminishing inventories. This research endeavors to formulate a lean data management paradigm, through the design and execution of a strategic edge-cloud data governance approach. This study aims to discern anomalous or unforeseen patterns within data sets, enabling an efficacious examination of product shortcomings within manufacturing processes, while concurrently minimizing the redundancy associated with the storage, access and processing of nonvalue-adding data.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a lean data management framework within both edge and cloud computing contexts, this study ensures the preservation of significant time series sequences, while ascertaining the optimal quantity of normal time series data to retain. The efficacy of detected anomalous patterns, both at the edge and in the cloud, is assessed. A comparative analysis between traditional data management practices and the strategic edge-cloud data governance approach facilitates an exploration into the equilibrium between anomaly detection and space conservation in cloud environments for aggregated data analysis.

Findings

Evaluation of the proposed framework through a real-world inspection case study revealed its capability to navigate alternative strategies for harmonizing anomaly detection with data storage efficiency in cloud-based analysis. Contrary to the conventional belief that retaining comprehensive data in the cloud maximizes anomaly detection rates, our findings suggest that a strategic edge-cloud data governance model, which retains a specific subset of normal data, can achieve comparable or superior accuracy with less normal data relative to traditional methods. This approach further demonstrates enhanced space efficiency and mitigates various forms of waste, including temporal delays, storage of noncontributory normal data, costs associated with the analysis of such data and excess data transmission.

Originality/value

By treating inspected normal data as nonvalue-added, this study probes the intricacies of maintaining an optimal balance of such data in light of anomaly detection performance from aggregated data sets. Our proposed methodology augments existing research by integrating a strategic edge-cloud data governance model within a lean data analytical framework, thereby ensuring the retention of adequate data for effective anomaly detection.
Dos Hemisferios: putting high-quality Ecuadorian wines on the map
Authors: Massoud Jacob Anthony , Saboorideilami Vafa
Published: May 2024

Learning outcomes

The learning objectives include understanding the unique environment and challenges that business leaders face when developing new businesses in emerging markets, evaluating the firm’s internal and external environments, analyzing sales data and distribution channels and formulating new strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

Dos Hemisferios Winery, founded in 1999 as a hobby, grew into a family business. The Ecuadorian winery expanded production after winning an international award for its Paradoja blend in 2009. With a $10m investment in a new plant in 2017, the winery capacity increased to 500,000 bottles. President Robert Wright recognized the need to increase sales, aiming to sell at least 425,000 bottles annually at an average price of $8 per bottle to break even and become profitable in 2024. To tap into Ecuador’s top market in Quito, representing 46% of sales, Dos Hemisferios aimed to boost monthly revenues to $50,000 by addressing challenges such as low awareness and consumer reluctance. Initiatives under consideration included partnerships and events, winery tours, enhanced social media, new products and improved sales channel distribution.

Complexity academic level

The Dos Hemisferios case is appropriate for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students in global business and strategy courses. The learning objectives for the case study include: understanding the unique environment and challenges business leaders face when developing new businesses in emerging markets; evaluating the firm’s internal and external environments to determine its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; analyzing sales data and distribution channels for the business; and providing students with the opportunity to formulate strategies to gain more share of the Ecuadorian wine market.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Banking with purpose: the impact of CSR-S on customer behavior during the COVID-19
Authors: Abdelkader Ali Attia , Campayo-Sanchez Fernando , Ruiz-Moreno Felipe
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article examines the impact of banks’ corporate social responsibility communication through social media (CSR-S), electronic word of mouth (eWOM), and brand reputation on consumer behavior during the COVID-19 crisis, with a focus on purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative approach to analyze data from a survey of 621 Egyptian bank customers who followed the banks’ social media pages and interacted with CSR-S initiatives. A genetic algorithm selected the most relevant variables affecting purchase intention. A Bayesian regression model was used to analyze the impact of CSR-S communication, eWOM, and brand reputation on purchase intention.

Findings

CSR-S initiatives, eWOM, and brand reputation were found to influence customer purchase intention. CSR-S initiatives can boost purchase intention by encouraging brand reputation and initiative sharing with friends and other customers. However, CSR-S negatively moderates the positive impact of eWOM and brand reputation on the predisposition to contract products and services with the bank.

Originality/value

This study addresses critical research gaps in CSR literature. Firstly, it examines the impact of CSR-S actions on customer behavior, a perspective less explored in previous research. Secondly, it investigates the intricate relationships between CSR-S, eWOM, brand reputation, and purchase intention, shedding light on their interplay, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this research extends CSR-S investigations to the competitive banking industry and focuses on a developing country context, enhancing the applicability of findings for Egyptian banks. Lastly, the study employs advanced methodologies to improve the accuracy of results.
The effect of the dynamic capabilities' microfoundations on innovation: insights from crossing levels
Authors: Ben Selma Majdi , Bouzinab Kamal , Papadopoulos Andrew , Chebbi Hela , Labouze-Nasica Alexie , Desmarteau Robert H.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Much of the existing research conducted on dynamic capabilities and the microfoundations of innovation has focused either on individual or organizational factors without considering mechanisms. This paper aims to address this “process” gap by developing an integrated conceptual framework based on individual, processual and structural microfoundations as well as the interaction between and among them with respect to innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the theoretical and empirical landscape in building our conceptual model, we conducted a content analysis of existing research microfoundations, dynamic capabilities and innovation. Using NVivo 12, we identified and examined the individual and organizational behavior microfoundations and their interplay to propose possible processual mechanisms. We framed these process mechanisms using the sensing, seizing and reconfiguring dynamic capabilities framework.

Findings

The study emphasizes certain microfoundations that facilitate innovation-dynamic capabilities at various organizational levels. It is posited that both formal and informal strategic intelligence processes, along with directed and undirected information research methods, constitute crucial microfoundations for identifying opportunities for innovation. For the internal capture and seizing of these opportunities, we assert that the diversity of individual internal networks and the mechanisms for social integration will prove to be critical. Furthermore, the paper suggests that reconfiguring microfoundations, specifically an organization’s flexible structure and the involvement of external directors with diverse experiences, are pivotal in spurring innovation.

Originality/value

We combine the microfoundations approach (individual, structural and processual) with the dynamic capabilities theory (sensing, seizing and reconfiguring) to offer an integrated conceptual framework underlying innovation’s dynamic capabilities. This sets us apart from existing research by both introducing processual aspects and their multilevel interactions.
Investigating embedded data distribution strategy on reconstruction accuracy of flow field around the crosswind-affected train based on physics-informed neural networks
Authors: Zeng Guang-Zhi , Chen Zheng-Wei , Ni Yi-Qing , Rui En-Ze
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have become a new tendency in flow simulation, because of their self-advantage of integrating both physical and monitored information of fields in solving the Navier–Stokes equation and its variants. In view of the strengths of PINN, this study aims to investigate the impact of spatially embedded data distribution on the flow field results around the train in the crosswind environment reconstructed by PINN.

Design/methodology/approach

PINN can integrate data residuals with physical residuals into the loss function to train its parameters, allowing it to approximate the solution of the governing equations. In addition, with the aid of labelled training data, PINN can also incorporate the real site information of the flow field in model training. In light of this, the PINN model is adopted to reconstruct a two-dimensional time-averaged flow field around a train under crosswinds in the spatial domain with the aid of sparse flow field data, and the prediction results are compared with the reference results obtained from numerical modelling.

Findings

The prediction results from PINN results demonstrated a low discrepancy with those obtained from numerical simulations. The results of this study indicate that a threshold of the spatial embedded data density exists, in both the near wall and far wall areas on the train’s leeward side, as well as the near train surface area. In other words, a negative effect on the PINN reconstruction accuracy will emerge if the spatial embedded data density exceeds or slips below the threshold. Also, the optimum arrangement of the spatial embedded data in reconstructing the flow field of the train in crosswinds is obtained in this work.

Originality/value

In this work, a strategy of reconstructing the time-averaged flow field of the train under crosswind conditions is proposed based on the physics-informed data-driven method, which enhances the scope of neural network applications. In addition, for the flow field reconstruction, the effect of spatial embedded data arrangement in PINN is compared to improve its accuracy.
Returns on complex bets: evidence from Asian Handicap betting on soccer
Authors: Hegarty Tadgh , Whelan Karl
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The Asian Handicap is a way to bet on soccer matches where payouts depend on an adjustment to the score that favors the weaker team. These bets can feature the possibility of all or half the bet being refunded and this makes the calculation of their expected return more complex than for traditional betting on a home win, away win or draw. We examine the behavior of odds in this market.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to a using well-known publicly available source of information on Asian Handicap betting odds – which provides the average odds across a range of bookmakers – we have also sourced a large dataset of Asian Handicap odds offered by an individual bookmaker.

Findings

We show that bettors systematically lose more money on Asian Handicap bets where refunds are not possible than when it is possible to obtain a half refund. We also show that bets with the possibility of a full refund have the lowest loss rates. We demonstrate that this pattern of differences in loss rates across bets is predictable based on the odds quoted. This pattern could represent preferences, with gamblers disliking bets featuring potential refunds, but we argue the evidence points more towards gamblers incorrectly calculating expected loss rates.

Originality/value

Despite being one of the world's largest betting markets, there has been almost no previous research on the properties of the Asian Handicap soccer betting. Our finding of clear differences in returns on simultaneously available bets on the same team is also a new anomaly previously undocumented in any research on sports betting.
Adaptation and growth: a start-up’s resilience in the face of crisis and preparation for the future
Authors: Salameh Elie , Haddad Christian
Published: May 2024

Research methodology

The case uses secondary data. The data was collected from the company’s founder.

Case overview/synopsis

ParisZigzag is a media-experiential company engaging in media-related activities, such as content creation on social networks, designing and producing books and magazines, with a distinct focus on lifestyle themes. Additionally, the company organizes tours and cultural events in Paris that resonate with and enhance specific lifestyle choices or cultural identities. The company uses both online media and events as tools for advertising, allowing brands and companies to enhance their visibility among audiences. During the global health crisis, the capacity to swiftly adapt and transform proved to be a critical factor for ParisZigzag.

This case study shows how a fast-growing startup could cope with an uncertain and threatening economic and health environment, in particular:

1. entrepreneurs’ reactions to crisis and the crucial role of resilience in responding quickly and constructively to crises and ensuring a startup’s survival; and

2. the significance of proactive planning for future strategies and adapting the business model to tackle forthcoming challenges.

Complexity academic level

This instructional case can be used in financial and managerial accounting courses and entrepreneurship courses of the graduate or undergraduate level of business programs. This case requires fundamental knowledge in accounting and management.
How Can Accountants Enhance (or Save) Natural and Cultural Capital Valuation? Engaging Academics: A Collaboration with CPA Canada and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO*
Authors: Keddie S. Leanne , Damini Ellena , Kalyta Pavlo
Published: May 2024

Accountants should engage more with natural and cultural capital accounting to make tools more accessible and to ensure critical information is provided to decision‐makers. While ecological economists have continued to innovate and design tools, corporate‐level accounting has seemingly lagged behind. We argue that the time is now for accounting researchers and practitioners to come together to build upon these tools to advance a sustainable agenda. We examine possibilities through the novel lens of a recent Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and Canadian Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report that explores tools to measure natural and cultural capital at UNESCO designated sites in Canada. From here, we pose a variety of questions, critiques, and pathways for researchers and practitioners alike.