bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does worrying about money motivate counterproductive work behavior? A time-lagged study
Authors: Abedini Mahsa , Schreurs Bert , Jawahar I.M. , Hamstra Melvyn R.W.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research sought to examine the potential association between workers’ financial worry and counterproductive work behavior. Based on the basic psychological need theory, we propose that psychological need satisfaction explains this relationship and we position this volitional pathway as an alternative to a cognitive capacity pathway based on the cognitive load theory.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a two-week interval-lagged survey study with three measurement points among 180 US workers. The mediation models were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results support the conclusion that, while cognitive capacity could have an impact on counterproductive work behavior, its mediating effect is less strong than that of need satisfaction.

Practical implications

Based on the results, we recommend that organizations design their compensation and benefits system to shield employees from financial worries. At the same time, we advise offering the employees who do experience financial worries assistance in managing their budgets and offering other forms of financial coaching.

Originality/value

This study is innovative because we show that the negative effects of financial worry extend much further than initially thought and affect not only employees' cognition but also their motivation.
How do gender diversity and CEO profile impact dividend policy in banking? Evidence from Islamic and conventional banks
Authors: Sbai Hicham , Kahloul Ines , Grira Jocelyn
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the determinants of the dividend distribution policy in a banking setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 48 Islamic banks and 94 conventional banks from 15 Islamic countries over a period spanning from 2012 to 2019, we document the effect of board gender diversity, executive director profile and governance mechanisms on dividend payment decisions. We also analyze the moderating effect of Islamic banks on the relationship between gender diversity and dividend policy.

Findings

We find new evidence on the role of women directors in determining dividend distribution policy and confirm the risk aversion hypothesis, hence contributing to the ongoing debate on gender diversity literature. Our results show that the moderating role of Islamic banks is effective only for small banks.

Practical implications

Our findings have practical implications for shareholders, managers and financial analysts as they suggest rationalizing dividend distribution strategies.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on dividend policy, gender diversity and Islamic banks.
Investigation of electrolyte pressure effect on blisk blades during electrochemical machining
Authors: Aslan Muhammed Turan , Kanber Bahattin , Demirtas Hasan , Sungur Bilal
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is analysis of deformation and vibrations of turbine blades produced by high electrolyte pressure during electrochemical machining.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental setup was designed, experiments were conducted and the obtained results were compared with the finite element results. The deformations were measured according to various flow rates of electrolyte. In finite element calculations, the pressure distribution created by the electrolyte on the blade surface was obtained in the ANSYS® (A finite element analysis software) Fluent software and transferred to the static structural where the deformation analysis was carried out. Three different parameters were examined, namely blade thickness, blade material and electrolyte pressure on blade disk caused by mass flow rate. The deformation results were compared with the gap distances between cathode and anode.

Findings

Large deformations were obtained at the free end of the blade and the most curved part of it. The appropriate pressure values for the electrolyte to be used in the production of blisk blades were proposed numerically. It has been determined that high pressure applications are not suitable for gap distance lower than 0.5 mm.

Originality/value

When the literature is examined, it is required that the high speed flow of the electrolyte is desired in order to remove the parts that are separated from the anode from the machining area during electrochemical machining. However, the electrolyte flowing at high speeds causes high pressure in the blisk blades, excessive deformation and vibration of the machined part, and as a result, contact of the anode with the cathode. This study provides important findings for smooth electro chemical machining at high electrolyte flows.
Effects of nanoparticle shape factor on radiative ternary hybrid nanofluid flow over a wedge in presence of induced magnetic field
Authors: Das Kalidas , Duari Pinaki Ranjan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Several graphs, streamlines, isotherms and 3D plots are illustrated to enlighten the noteworthy fallouts of the investigation. Embedding flow factors for velocity, induced magnetic field and temperature have been determined using parametric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Ternary hybrid nanofluids has outstanding hydrothermal performance compared to classical mono nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids owing to the presence of triple tiny metallic particles. Ternary hybrid nanofluids are considered as most promising candidates in solar energy, heat exchangers, electronics cooling, automotive cooling, nuclear reactors, automobile, aerospace, biomedical devices, food processing etc. In this work, a ternary hybrid nanofluid flow that contains metallic nanoparticles over a wedge under the prevalence of solar radiating heat, induced magnetic field and the shape factor of nanoparticles is considered. A ternary hybrid nanofluid is synthesized by dispersing iron oxide (Fe3O4), silver (Ag) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles in a water (H2O) base fluid. By employing similarity transformations, we can convert the governing equations into ordinary differential equations and then solve numerically by using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg approach.

Findings

There is no fund for the research work.

Social implications

This kind of study may be used to improve the performance of solar collectors, solar energy and solar cells.

Originality/value

This investigation unfolds the hydrothermal changes of radiative water-based Fe3O4-Ag-MgO-H2O ternary hybrid nanofluidic transport past a static and moving wedge in the presence of solar radiating heating and induced magnetic fields. The shape factor of nanoparticles has been considered in this study.
Creating vicious information cycle: trust, exposure and misperception in online and offline information dynamics during health crises
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Choi Jihyang
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Misperceptions hinder our ability to effectively respond to health crises such as the COVID-19. We aimed to examine the dynamic influences between information exposure, information trust and misperceptions during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we focused on the relative influence of exposure to COVID-19-related information via social media versus interpersonal offline communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study conducted a two-wave national survey of US adults in May and June of 2020 with a two-week time interval. A professional polling firm recruited participants, and 911 and 679 respondents participated in the first and the second wave survey, respectively. To test proposed hypotheses, researchers conducted path analyses using AMOS 27.0.

Findings

Findings show that individuals exposed to COVID-19-related information via social media are likely to hold increased misperceptions. In contrast, exposure to COVID-19-related information offline did not elicit any effects on misperceptions. The exposure to information on social media was positively associated with trust in that information, which, in turn, contributed to an increase in misperceptions. Furthermore, when examining the effects of misperception, it was found that misperceptions increased the likelihood of individuals being exposed to and having trust in COVID-19-related information on social media. The findings provide valuable insights into the role of social media as a platform where a detrimental cycle thrives, shaping the formation of misperceptions and cultivating a heightened dependence among individuals with elevated misperceptions.

Originality/value

The current study significantly extends the findings of prior research by examining the differential effects of social media and interpersonal communication offline on misperception and by revealing the intricate dynamics between information exposure and misperception by focusing on the role of trust. The findings emphasize the detrimental role of social media in generating a vicious information cycle. That said, seemingly superficial discussions about health crises within a social media environment rich in misinformation can contribute to fueling a self-reinforcing loop, making it challenging to effectively counteract misperceptions.
KidsTime: A multifamily prevention approach for parents with a mental illness and their children and relatives
Authors: Tapias E. , Vila‐Badia R. , Cárdenas M. , Ardévol I. , Lacasa F. , Ribalta T. , Pérez O. , Fuentes M. , Fumanal M. J. , Vidal M. , Saltó C. , García A. , Serrano C. , Ortiz E. , Grases N. ,   KidsTime Barcelona, Coromina M.
Published: March 2024

A total of 32% of children whose parents have some mental health problems are estimated to be diagnosed with some mental disorder later in life. As a consequence, a need arises to offer preventive psychological interventions aimed at these children. The aims were to investigate whether there are significant changes before and after the KidsTime program. In total, 101 people participated in the program, and pre‐intervention and post‐intervention data on self‐stigma, self‐esteem, resilience, parenting practices and strength and difficulties of thirty‐three parents with mental illness were obtained. Significant pre‐post differences were found in the ‘expression of affection’ subscale of the parenting practices and in self‐stigma. In the group of parents with a mental illness, the KidsTime program showed improvement of parents' emotional support for their children and a reduction in their self‐stigma as well. Multi‐family interventions are key to improving self‐stigma and parenting skills, and this can lead to prevention of future mental health problems in their children.
An advance in novel intelligent sensory technologies: From an implicit‐tracking perspective of food perception
Authors: Zhao Qian , Ye Zhiyue , Deng Yong , Chen Jin , Chen Jianle , Liu Donghong , Ye Xingqian , Cheng Huan
Published: March 2024

Food sensory evaluation mainly includes explicit and implicit measurement methods. Implicit measures of consumer perception are gaining significant attention in food sensory and consumer science as they provide effective, subconscious, objective analysis. A wide range of advanced technologies are now available for analyzing physiological and psychological responses, including facial analysis technology, neuroimaging technology, autonomic nervous system technology, and behavioral pattern measurement. However, researchers in the food field often lack systematic knowledge of these multidisciplinary technologies and struggle with interpreting their results. In order to bridge this gap, this review systematically describes the principles and highlights the applications in food sensory and consumer science of facial analysis technologies such as eye tracking, facial electromyography, and automatic facial expression analysis, as well as neuroimaging technologies like electroencephalography, magnetoencephalography, functional magnetic resonance imaging, and functional near‐infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, we critically compare and discuss these advanced implicit techniques in the context of food sensory research and then accordingly propose prospects. Ultimately, we conclude that implicit measures should be complemented by traditional explicit measures to capture responses beyond preference. Facial analysis technologies offer a more objective reflection of sensory perception and attitudes toward food, whereas neuroimaging techniques provide valuable insight into the implicit physiological responses during food consumption. To enhance the interpretability and generalizability of implicit measurement results, further sensory studies are needed. Looking ahead, the combination of different methodological techniques in real‐life situations holds promise for consumer sensory science in the field of food research.
Fasting as a precursor to high‐fat diet enhances mitochondrial resilience in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hunter‐Manseau Florence , Cormier Simon B. , Strang Rebekah , Pichaud Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Changes in diet type and nutrient availability can impose significant environmental stress on organisms, potentially compromising physiological functions and reproductive success. In nature, dramatic fluctuations in dietary resources are often observed and adjustments to restore cellular homeostasis are crucial to survive this type of stress. In this study, we exposed male Drosophila melanogaster to two modulated dietary treatments: one without a fasting period before exposure to a high‐fat diet and the other with a 24‐h fasting period. We then investigated mitochondrial metabolism and molecular responses to these treatments. Exposure to a high‐fat diet without a preceding fasting period resulted in disrupted mitochondrial respiration, notably at the level of complex I. On the other hand, a short fasting period before the high‐fat diet maintained mitochondrial respiration. Generally, transcript abundance of genes associated with mitophagy, heat‐shock proteins, mitochondrial biogenesis, and nutrient sensing pathways increased either slightly or significantly following a fasting period and remained stable when flies were subsequently put on a high‐fat diet, whereas a drastic decrease of almost all transcript abundances was observed for all these pathways when flies were exposed directly to a high‐fat diet. Moreover, mitochondrial enzymatic activities showed less variation after the fasting period than the treatment without a fasting period. Overall, our study sheds light on the mechanistic protective effects of fasting prior to a high‐fat diet and highlights the metabolic flexibility of Drosophila mitochondria in response to abrupt dietary changes and have implication for adaptation of species to their changing environment.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of using prednisolone, tacrolimus, and intravenous immunoglobulin combination therapy on immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy—A non‐randomized, observational research
Authors: Liu Mengyang , Liu Jiaqi , Li Ke , Qiao Lingya , Chen Juan , Lin Ying , Shi Qiang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To recruit immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) patients with extramuscular manifestations who were refractory to initial therapy with either monotherapy with prednisolone or dual therapy with prednisolone and immunosuppressants. These patients subsequently received a combination of prednisolone, tacrolimus, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and the efficacy of this treatment regimen was assessed in patients with IMNM.

Method

①Clinical data and treatment measures are as follows: This study enrolled IMNM patients who were treated at the Neurology Department of the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from April 2020 to May 2023. These patients received a combination therapy of prednisolone, tacrolimus, and IVIG. ②Observational indicators included manual muscle test for 8 groups of muscles (MMT‐8), muscle enzyme levels (creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), and myositis disease activity assessment tool (MDAAT).

Results

This study enrolled eight patients. All observational indicators declined after treatment compared to before treatment, and these changes were statistically significant. Moreover, extramuscular manifestations also ameliorated compared to before treatment.

Conclusion

The combination therapy of prednisolone, tacrolimus, and IVIG has demonstrated favorable efficacy in IMNM and broadened the treatment options for this disease. However, the results still require further validation by large‐scale and randomized controlled studies.
Look after the COVID‐19 pandemic: Mortality rates among patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Çimen Güneş Ezgi , Çolak Seda , Şenlik Zeynep B. , Tekgöz Emre , Altunay Kerime , Özdemirkan Tuğba , Aytaç Baran C. , Şimşek Asiye Ç. , Çınar Muhammet , Yılmaz Sedat
Published: March 2024

Aim

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection may have a more severe course in patients with underlying disease or who have had immunosuppression. In this study, it was aimed to determine the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the mortality rates related to COVID‐19 among patients with rheumatic disease.

Methods

The patients who were followed up with rheumatic disease in the rheumatology outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital were retrospectively assessed if they had COVID‐19 infection or not between March 2020 and January 2022.

Results

A total of 10 682 patients were evaluated. There were 2928 (27.4%) COVID‐19‐positive and 7754 (72.6%) COVID‐19‐negative patients. The mean age of COVID‐19‐positive patients was 46.2 ± 14.6 years, and 65.8% were female. Forty‐two (1.4%) patients died due to COVID‐19. Among COVID‐19‐negative patients, 192 patients died. The most common rheumatic disease among patients with COVID‐19 was spondyloarthritis (SpA) (30.4%). Corticosteroids were the most common treatment agent in COVID‐19‐positive patients regardless of mortality. Thirty‐one (73.8%) patients were receiving corticosteroids, and 35 (83.3%) patients were receiving immunosuppressive agents among patients with mortality. According to the logistic regression analysis, older age, male gender, and receiving corticosteroid, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil, tofacitinib, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide were found to be related to increased mortality.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 is a serious infection and the current study emphasized that patients with rheumatic diseases had increased mortality rates, particularly in patients who were old, male, and on immunosuppressive treatments.
Navigating occupational digitalization via skillshed analysis
Authors: Jolley G. Jason , Bone Clara , Bacot Hunter , Pham Tuyen
Published: March 2024

The rapid digitalization of jobs in the United States and globally provides both an economic opportunity and a challenge for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. Retraining and reintegrating displaced or at‐risk workers, particularly in a competitive labor market, brings significant economic benefits to communities, employers, and employees. Individuals in at‐risk or declining occupations likely lack requisite digital literacy and associated skills that enable them to transition smoothly into roles that require digital proficiency. Drawing from research indicating the rapid digitalization of the U.S. economy and workforce, this study employs skillshed analysis to examine a sample of vulnerable occupations within coal‐related industries. The goal is to evaluate training gaps and wage differentials for individuals shifting from coal‐related occupations to roles requiring higher levels of digital literacy. Providing quality reemployment options for coal‐economy workers reduces the barriers to transitioning to more sustainable energy provision, yet prior studies have found that coal‐economy workers possess lower levels of digital literacy. Our study reaffirms these prior findings that many coal economy workers lack the requisite knowledge, training, and educational attainment to easily transition to occupations requiring high degrees of digitalization. As a result, to be successful in retraining and upskilling those in coal‐related occupations and to meet sustainable development goals, it is necessary to assist these workers in their transition into viable occupations.
Doing good is not equal to good people: The wealth‐based gap in prosocial motive attributions
Authors: Wang Yan , Zheng Haoyue , Tang Wanlin , Liu Bingjie , Zhang Zhen
Published: March 2024

Are attributions of motives for prosocial behaviour modulated by the actor's wealth? We provide evidence for people attributing higher reputational motives to rich prosocial actors than poor ones across four studies. This effect persists across different kinds of prosocial behaviours, including helping (Study 1), volunteering (Study 2), and donating money (Studies 3–4). Furthermore, rich (vs. poor) prosocial actors are perceived to be less likely to be driven by altruistic motives and to have lower moral character than poor actors (Studies 2–3). Attribution of reputational motives and altruistic motives mediates the effect of target wealth on the perception of moral character (Study 2–3). Study 4 demonstrates that the judgement gap disappears when reputational benefits are implausible: voluntary privacy eliminates the wealth‐based gap in motive attributions and judgement of moral character. These findings highlight that suspicion of motives prevents people from giving credit to rich prosocial actors. The implications for understanding motive inferences and prosocial credit are also discussed.
Novel growth reference ImaGrow differed from existing charts for preterm children aged 0–2 years
Authors: Tuková Jana , Kosek Krásničanová Hana , Hladíková Marie , Marková Daniela
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to address the critical need for more accurate growth reference charts for preterm infants, with a particular focus on low‐ and very low‐birth‐weight infants.

Methods

The subjects were recruited at a single tertiary centre. The cohort comprised singleton and twin infants born before 37 weeks of gestation, with data collected from 2000 to 2016. Standardised measurements of body parameters were recorded in this mixed longitudinal survey. LMS method was utilised for data analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics Version 21. The validation with another new cohort was executed.

Results

A total of 1781 infants (52.5% boys) met the inclusion criteria. The median gestational age at birth was 30 weeks, with a median birth weight of 1350 grams. The main findings included the construction of ImaGrow charts for low‐ and very low‐birth‐weight infants and significant differences in growth trajectories compared to Fenton+WHO charts.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive growth references, ImaGrow, are based on a long‐term auxological assessment of preterm infants and differ from charts derived from size‐at‐birth standards or charts for term babies. These charts have significant implications for clinical practice in monitoring and assessing the growth of preterm infants.
BRCA1 deficiency enhances the aggressiveness of breast cancer cells expressing HPV16 oncoproteins
Authors: Sangthong Jariya , Thuwajit Chanitra , Jensen Laran T. , Komyod Waraporn , Yuvaniyama Jirundon , Ponglikitmongkol Mathurose
Published: March 2024

Background Information

The precise etiology of breast cancer is not completely understood, although women with BRCA1 gene mutations have a significantly increased risk of developing the disease. In addition, sporadic breast cancer is frequently associated with decreased BRCA1 gene expression. Growing evidence of Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infections in breast tumors has raised the possibility of the involvement of HPVs in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. We investigated whether the effects of HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 were influenced by the expression levels of BRCA1. HPV16E6E7 (prototype or E6D25E/E7N29S Asian variant type) were stably expressed in MDA‐MB231 breast cancer cells, wild type for BRCA1, or with BRCA1 knocked down.

Results

Expression of HPV16E6E7 oncogenes did not affect BRCA1 levels and the abundance of HPV16E6E7 was not altered by BRCA1 knockdown. BRCA1 levels did not alter HPV16E6E7‐dependent degradation of G1‐S cell cycle proteins p53 and pRb. However, we found that the expression of G2‐M cell cycle protein cyclin B1 enhanced by HPV16E6E7 was impacted by BRCA1 levels. Especially, we found the correlation between BRCA1 and cyclin B1 expression and this was also confirmed in breast cancer samples from a Thai cohort. We further demonstrated that the combination of HPV oncoproteins and low levels of BRCA1 protein appears to enhance proliferation and invasion. Transactivation activities of HPV16E6E7 on genes regulating cell proliferation and invasion (TGF‐β and vimentin) were significantly increased in BRCA1‐deficient cells.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that a deficiency of BRCA1 promotes the transactivation activity of HPV16E6E7 leading to increase of cell proliferation and invasion.

Significance

HPV infection appears to have the potential to enhance the aggressiveness of breast cancers, especially those deficient in BRCA1.
Innovative pharmacotherapy for hepatic metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases in China
Authors: Zhang Feng , Ju Jiaming , Diao Hongtao , Song Jinglun , bian Yu , Yang Baofeng
Published: March 2024

Liver disease constitutes a significant global health concern, particularly in China where it has distinctive characteristics. China grapples with a staggering 300 million cases, predominantly due to hepatitis B and metabolic non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, hepatocellular carcinoma has become a prevalent which is a lethal type of cancer. Despite the scarcity of innovative treatment options, Chinese hepatologists and researchers have achieved notable breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of liver diseases. Traditional Chinese medicines have found widespread application in the treatment of various liver ailments owing to their commendable pharmacological efficacy and minimal side effects. Furthermore, there is a growing body of research in extracellular vesicles, cell therapy and gene therapy, offering new hope in the fight against liver diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological characteristics of liver diseases and the diverse array of treatments that Chinese scholars and scientists have pursued in critical field.
Does intra‐oral scan improve the impression accuracy of full‐arch implant‐supported prostheses: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Zheng‐zhen , Li Xin , Wu Xin‐Yu , Lai Hong‐Chang , Shi Jun‐Yu
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The present study aimed to systematically review the studies comparing the accuracy of intraoral scan (IOS) and conventional implant impressions (CI) in completely edentulous patients.

Materials and Methods

Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL up to December 1, 2023. Clinical studies and in vitro studies reporting the accuracy of digital full arch impressions were included. The primary outcome is the 3‐dimensional deviations between the study reference models. A risk of bias assessment was performed for clinical studies. A stratified meta‐analysis and a single‐armed meta‐analysis were conducted.

Results

A total of 49 studies were included, with 8 clinical studies and 41 in vitro studies. For comparison between IOS and conventional impressions, studies were categorized into two groups based on the different measurement methods employed: RMS and CMM. In studies using RMS, the result favored the IOS in the unparalleled situation with the mean difference of −99.29 μm (95% CI: [−141.38, −57.19], I2 = 81%), while the result was opposite with the mean difference of 13.62 μm (95% CI: [10.97, 16.28], I2 = 26%) when implants were paralleled. For different brands of IOS, the accuracy ranged from 76.11 μm (95% CI: [42.36, 109.86]) to 158.63 μm (95% CI: [−14.68, 331.93]).

Conclusions

Accuracy of intraoral scan is clinically acceptable in edentulous arches, especially for unparalleled implants. More clinical studies are needed to verify the present finding.
Mismatch between conservation higher education skills training and contemporary conservation needs
Authors: Slater Helena , Fisher Janet , Holmes George , Keane Aidan
Published: March 2024

Scholars have detailed the range of skills required for conservation and voiced concerns that training is not fit for purpose. Still, we have little understanding of what skills conservation education aims to teach. This study uses survey data and content analysis of online module descriptions to examine skills and methods teaching in conservation higher education across the United Kingdom and Australia. We found most conservation‐specific modules aimed to develop disciplinary and communication skills, but fewer than half aimed to develop interpersonal or project management skills. Social science methods training was absent from the core offering of over half of the conservation degrees reviewed. To prepare students for conservation careers and the complex problems they will encounter, the conservation education sector should further focus on building essential nonacademic skills and provide training on the breadth of methods that contribute to effective conservation science. This analysis can help educators to reflect on teaching aims and forge a curriculum that will best prepare students for contemporary conservation challenges.
Impact of OPTN policy 3.7D providing waiting time modification for candidates affected by race‐inclusive eGFR calculations: Early results from a single center
Authors: Hoffman Arika L. , Westphal Scott G. , Wekesa Debra , Miles Clifford D.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

OPTN Policy 3.7D, implemented January 5, 2023, mandates that all kidney transplant programs modify waiting time for candidates affected by race‐inclusive eGFR calculations. We report the early impact of this policy change.

Methods

Our transplant program reviewed all listed transplant candidates and identified patients potentially eligible for waiting time modification. Eligible candidates received waiting time modification after submission of supporting evidence to the OPTN. We reviewed the impact on waiting time and transplant activity through October 1, 2023.

Results

Forty‐six adult patients on our center's active waiting list self‐identified as Black/African American. 25 (54.3%) candidates qualified for waiting time modification. A median 451 (321, 1543.5) additional days of waiting time was added for qualifying patients. Of the 25 patients who qualified for waiting time modification, 11 patients received a deceased donor kidney in the early period following waiting time modification, including 5 patients transplanted within 1 month after modification.

Conclusions

Policy 3.7D is one of few national mandates to address specifically structural racism within transplantation. Implementation has yielded near immediate effects with greater than 40% of time‐adjusted patients at our center receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant in the initial months after policy enactment. Early assessment demonstrates great potential impact for this policy.
New insight of chemical constituents in Persea americana fruit against obesity via integrated pharmacology
Authors: Cha Min‐Gi , Lee Su‐Been , Yoon Sang‐Jun , Lee Sang Youn , Gupta Haripriya , Ganesan Raja , Sharma Satya Priya , Won Sung‐Min , Jeong Jin‐Ju , Kim Dong Joon , Oh Ki‐Kwang , Suk Ki‐Tae
Published: March 2024

Persea americana fruit (PAF) is a favorable nutraceutical resource that comprises diverse unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). UFAs are significant dietary supplementation, as they relieve metabolic disorders, including obesity (OB). In another aspect, this study was focused on the anti‐OB efficacy of the non‐fatty acids (NFAs) in PAF through network pharmacology (NP). Natural product activity & species source (NPASS), SwissADME, similarity ensemble approach (SEA), Swiss target prediction (STP), DisGeNET, and online Mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM) were utilized to gather significant molecules and its targets. The crucial targets were adopted to construct certain networks: protein–protein interaction (PPI), PAF‐signaling pathways‐targets‐compounds (PSTC) networks, a bubble chart, molecular docking assay (MDA), and density function theory (DFT). Finally, the toxicities of the key compounds were validated by ADMETlab 2.0 platform. All 41 compounds in PAF conformed to Lipinski's rule, and the key 31 targets were identified between OB and PAF. On the bubble chart, PPAR signaling pathway had the highest rich factor, suggesting that the pathway might be an agonism for anti‐OB. Conversely, estrogen signaling pathway had the lowest rich factor, indicating that the mechanism might be antagonism against OB. Likewise, the PSTC network represented that AKT1 had the greatest degree value. The MDA results showed that AKT1‐gamma‐tocopherol, PPARA‐fucosterol, PPARD‐stigmasterol, (PPARG)‐fucosterol, (NR1H3)‐campesterol, and ILK‐alpha‐tocopherol formed the most stable conformers. The DFT represented that the five molecules might be promising agents via multicomponent targeting. Overall, this study suggests that the NFAs in PAF might play important roles against OB.
Salvage treatment after endoscopic submucosal dissection for a rectal neuroendocrine tumor: Premeditated peranal endoscopic myectomy
Authors: Kitagawa Daiki , Kanesaka Takashi , Ishihara Ryu
Published: March 2024

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Children extract a new linguistic rule more quickly than adults
Authors: Berger Sarah , Batterink Laura J.
Published: March 2024

Children achieve better long‐term language outcomes than adults. However, it remains unclear whether children actually learn language more quickly than adults during real‐time exposure to input—indicative of true superior language learning abilities—or whether this advantage stems from other factors. To examine this issue, we compared the rate at which children (8–10 years) and adults extracted a novel, hidden linguistic rule, in which novel articles probabilistically predicted the animacy of associated nouns (e.g., “gi lion”). Participants categorized these two‐word phrases according to a second, explicitly instructed rule over two sessions, separated by an overnight delay. Both children and adults successfully learned the hidden animacy rule through mere exposure to the phrases, showing slower response times and decreased accuracy to occasional phrases that violated the rule. Critically, sensitivity to the hidden rule emerged much more quickly in children than adults; children showed a processing cost for violation trials from very early on in learning, whereas adults did not show reliable sensitivity to the rule until the second session. Children also showed superior generalization of the hidden animacy rule when asked to classify nonword trials (e.g., “gi badupi”) according to the hidden animacy rule. Children and adults showed similar retention of the hidden rule over the delay period. These results provide insight into the nature of the critical period for language, suggesting that children have a true advantage over adults in the rate of implicit language learning. Relative to adults, children more rapidly extract hidden linguistic structures during real‐time language exposure.

Research Highlights

Children and adults both succeeded in implicitly learning a novel, uninstructed linguistic rule, based solely on exposure to input.

Children learned the novel linguistic rules much more quickly than adults.

Children showed better generalization performance than adults when asked to apply the novel rule to nonsense words without semantic content.

Results provide insight into the nature of critical period effects in language, indicating that children have an advantage over adults in real‐time language learning.
During an 18‐month course of automated insulin delivery treatment, children aged 2 to 6 years achieve and maintain a higher time in tight range
Authors: Pulkkinen Mari‐Anne , Varimo Tero J. , Hakonen Elina T. , Hero Matti T. , Miettinen Päivi J. , Tuomaala Anna‐Kaisa
Published: March 2024

Aims

To investigate whether the positive effects on glycaemic outcomes of 3‐month automated insulin delivery (AID) achieved in 2‐ to 6‐year‐old children endure over an extended duration and how AID treatment affects time in tight range (TITR), defined as 3.9–7.8 mmol/L.

Research Design and Methods

We analysed 18 months of follow‐up data from a non‐randomized, prospective, single‐arm clinical trial (n = 35) conducted between 2021 and 2023. The main outcome measures were changes in time in range (TIR), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), time above range (TAR), TITR, and mean sensor glucose (SG) value during follow‐up visits (at 0, 6, 12 and 18 months). The MiniMed 780G AID system in SmartGuard Mode was used for 18 months. Parental diabetes distress was evaluated at 3 and 18 months with the validated Problem Areas in Diabetes—Parent, revised (PAID‐PR) survey.

Results

Between 0 and 6 months, TIR and TITR increased, and HbA1c, mean SG value and TAR decreased significantly (p < 0.001); the favourable effect persisted through 18 months of follow‐up. Between 3 and 18 months, PAID‐PR score declined significantly (0 months: mean score 37.5; 3 months: mean score 28.6 [p = 0.06]; 18 months: mean score 24.6 [p < 0.001]).

Conclusions

Treatment with AID significantly increased TITR and TIR in young children. The positive effect of AID on glycaemic control observed after 6 months persisted throughout the 18 months of follow‐up. Similarly, parental diabetes distress remained reduced during 18 months follow‐up. These findings are reassuring and suggest that AID treatment improves glycaemic control and reduces parental diabetes distress in young children over an extended 18‐month follow‐up.
How not to measure the standard of living: Male wages, non‐market production and household income in nineteenth‐century Europe
Authors: Burnette Joyce
Published: March 2024

While real male wages can be used to measure input costs, they do not provide accurate measures of the standard of living. This paper uses detailed accounts of nineteenth‐century European families collected by Le Play and his colleagues to demonstrate the importance of non‐market production for household consumption. If we measure income from all sources, including non‐market production, the British advantage in material consumption was only about half of the British advantage in male wages. While British male wages were high, British wives worked less and British families were more dependent on the income of the male head than continental families.
Optimized fertilization mitigated carbon and nitrogen losses in a Solonchak
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Liu Ji , Feng Ying , Hao Xingming , Liang Yanning , Xue Lihua , Zhao Xiaoning
Published: March 2024

With the rapid expansion of agriculture on saline–alkaline soils, environmental problems such as increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, eutrophication and soil degradation are becoming increasingly serious. To clarify the characteristics of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling and their loss mechanisms in cultivated saline–alkaline soils, an undisturbed soil column experiment was conducted to analyse C and N leaching and GHG emissions by applying different fertilizer rates. The experiment had six treatments using N‐(NH4)SO4 over a 40‐day seedling stage, with and without maize. Treatments were: no N with maize (0Nmaize: 0 kg N ha−1), reduced N with maize (RNmaize: 63 kg N ha−1), conventional N with maize (CNmaize: 160 kg N ha−1) and their equivalents without maize (0Nsoil: 0 kg N ha−1; RNsoil: 63 kg N ha−1; CNsoil: 160 kg N ha−1). The results indicated that reduced N with maize reduced the N2O emission by 21%, with N leaching (TN: 41%, NO3−–N: 19%, NH4+ − N: 63%) within 15 days after fertilization, but had no significant effect on CH4 emission compared to conventional N with maize. Therefore, reduced N with maize had the smallest N loss, which accounted for 1.5% of the relative percentage of N flow including N2O (0.3%), N leaching (2%), aboveground biomass N (76%) and root biomass N (22%). Compared to conventional N with maize, reduced N with maize significantly reduced N leaching by 40% because conventional N with maize greatly exceeded the crop N uptake when maize root length was only within 20 cm. Reduced N without maize reduced CO2 emission (19%) compared to conventional N without maize. Uncultivated saline–alkaline soils face greater N overuse and leaching risk because higher NO3−–N leaching (6.9 mg L−1) that occurred in bare soils without fertilization, which increased by 2.6–3.6 times when the N input increased from 63 to 160 kg N ha−1 compared to control. In conclusion, reducing conventional N fertilizer inputs by 60% is not only an effective strategy to reduce CO2 and N2O emission and N leaching but also effectively absorbs C, and the N retained in the soil tillage layer can help to meet maize seedling growth requirements in Solonchaks.
Fucoidan suppresses proliferation and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition process via Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in hemangioma
Authors: Zhu Zhengyumeng , Luo Jialiang , Li Lei , Wang Di , Xu Qishan , Teng Jianan , Zhou Jia , Sun Ledong , Yu Nansheng , Zuo Daming
Published: March 2024

Hemangioma is a common benign tumour that usually occurs on the skin of the head and neck, particularly among infants. The current clinical treatment against hemangioma is surgery excision, however, application of drug is a safer and more economical therapy for children suffering from hemangioma. As a natural sulfated polysaccharide rich in brown algae, fucoidan is widely recognized for anti‐tumour bioactivity and dosage safety in humans. This study aims to demonstrate the anti‐tumour effect and underlying mechanism of fucoidan against hemangioma in vivo and in vitro. We investigated the effects of fucoidan by culturing hemangioma cells in vitro and treating BALB/c mice bearing with hemangioma. At first, we measured the cell proliferation and migration ability through in vitro experiments. Then, we tested the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway‐related biomarkers by western blot and qPCR. Furthermore, we applied β‐catenin‐specific inhibitor, XAV939, to determine whether fucoidan suppressed EMT via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in hemangioma cells. In vivo experiments, we applied oral gavage of fucoidan to treat EOMA‐bearing mice, along with evaluating the safety and efficacy of fucoidan. We found that fucoidan remarkably inhibits the proliferation and EMT ability of hemangioma cells, which is dependent on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. These results suggest that fucoidan exhibits tumour inhibitory effect on aggressive hemangioma via regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo, providing a new potent drug candidate for treating hemangioma.
Transforming diagnostics: The implementation of digital pathology in clinical laboratories
Authors: Bruce Christine , Prassas Ioannis , Mokhtar Mark , Clarke Blaise , Youssef Elaria , Wang Catherine , Yousef George M
Published: March 2024

Digital pathology (DP) has emerged as a cutting‐edge technology that promises to revolutionise diagnostics in clinical laboratories. This perspective article explores the implementation planning and considerations of DP in a single multicentre institution in Canada, the University Health Network, discussing benefits, challenges, potential implications and considerations for future adopters. We examine the transition from traditional microscopy to digital slide scanning and its impact on pathology practice, patient care and medical research. Furthermore, we address the regulatory, infrastructure and change management considerations for successful integration into clinical laboratories. By highlighting the advantages and addressing concerns, we aim to shed light on the transformative potential of DP and its role in shaping the future of diagnostics.
Impact of IRGM gene promoter polymorphisms on susceptibility to chronic HBV infection
Authors: Cheng Hai , Ouyang Yaoling , Li Chengbin
Published: March 2024

The autophagy gene immunity‐related GTPase M (IRGM) can affect the immune response against intracellular pathogens. The study was performed to determine any possible association between three IRGM single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4958842, rs4958843 and rs4958846) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 171 chronic HBV‐infected individuals and 171 healthy controls were collected. Peripheral blood cells and Sanger sequencing were used to extract genomic DNA and determine the SNP genotypes, respectively. The C allele of rs4958843 is a risk factor for chronic HBV infection in various genetic models, including allelic, codominant and dominant models, with the following respective statistical data: allelic (T vs. C: OR = 1.371, 95% CI = 1.009–1.863, p = .043), codominant (TT vs. CC: OR = 2.137, 95% CI = 1.104–4.138, p = .024) and dominant (TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.976, 95% CI = 1.106–3.533, p = .021) models. The genotype and allele distributions of rs4958842 and rs4958846 showed no significant differences between chronic HBV infection patients and healthy controls. IRGM rs4958843 CC genotype carriers had significantly elevated values of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase alpha‐fetoprotein and total bilirubin (OR = 3.467, 95%CI = 1.167–10.298), which was positively associated with the disease progression of HBV infection. Mutant allele C of IRGM rs4958843 polymorphism is associated with the risk of chronic HBV infection in the Han people in central China and contributes to the disease progression.
Prevalence and impact on daily life of lower urinary tract symptoms in Japan: Results of the 2023 Japan Community Health Survey (JaCS 2023)
Authors: Mitsui Takahiko , Sekido Noritoshi , Masumori Naoya , Haga Nobuhiro , Omae Kenji , Saito Motoaki , Kubota Yasue , Sakakibara Ryuji , Yoshida Mikako , Takahashi Satoru
Published: March 2024

Objectives

A large‐scale nationwide epidemiological survey of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was conducted via the Internet in 2023 to clarify the current prevalence of LUTS and evaluate its impact on daily life in Japan.

Methods

The survey was conducted among individuals aged 20–99 years old who had anonymously registered with a Japanese online research company. The survey consisted of 48 questions related to LUTS and daily life.

Results

A total of 6210 participants (3088 females and 3122 males), who were selected by probability sampling based on the composition of the Japanese population (age range: 20–99), were recruited. The overall prevalence of LUTS was 77.9% among the subjects aged ≥20 and 82.5% among those aged ≥40. The prevalence of LUTS differed between the sexes and trends toward significant increases in prevalence with age were seen for almost all LUTS. Furthermore, the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) was 11.9% among the subjects aged ≥20 and 13.8% among those aged ≥40. This study also showed that LUTS negatively affected daily life. However, the percentage of subjects who visited a physician to receive treatment for LUTS was low, including for participants with a history of treatment for LUTS, although this increased with age.

Conclusion

The prevalence of LUTS, including OAB, increased with age and negatively affected daily life. However, since the percentage of patients who visit a physician to receive treatment for LUTS remains low, further educational activities regarding LUTS are necessary.