bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there a green discount in commercial real estate lending?
Authors: Leutner Sebastian , Gloria Benedikt , Bienert Sven
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study examines whether green buildings enjoy more favorable financing terms compared to their non-green counterparts, exploring the presence of a green discount in commercial real estate lending. Despite the extensive research on green premiums on the equity side, lending has received limited attention in the existing literature, even as regulations have increased and ambitious net-zero targets have been set in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors leverage a unique dataset comprising European commercial loan data spanning from 2018 to 2023, with a total loan value exceeding €30 billion. Hedonic regression analysis is used to isolate a potential green discount. Specifically, the authors rely on property assessments conducted by lenders to investigate whether green properties exhibit lower interest rate spreads and higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios.

Findings

The findings reveal the existence of a green discount in European commercial real estate lending, with green buildings enjoying a 5.35% lower contracted loan spread and a 3.92% lower target spread compared to their non-green counterparts. However, this analysis does not indicate any distinct advantage in terms of LTV ratios for green buildings.

Practical implications

This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interaction between green properties and commercial real estate lending, offering valuable insights for both lenders and investors.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, represents the first of its kind in a European context and provides empirical evidence for the presence of a green discount.
Towards a more flexible SMEs: can HR flexibility spur the nexus between capacity-enhancing HR practices and job performance?
Authors: Elbendary Israa , Mohamed Shehata Gamal
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study investigates the mediating effect of HR flexibility in the relationship between capacity-enhancing HR practices and job performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the literature review, the results imply a quantitatively tested conceptual model. The model is empirically validated using the partial least squares method to structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) with survey data from 270 SME owners and managers in Egypt. The sample was selected using a quota sampling approach for small and medium-sized businesses and a proportionate stratification sampling method for the industry and region.

Findings

Findings for the sample revealed that capacity-enhancing HR practices affected job performance positively and significantly. The findings also revealed a direct, positive and significant impact of capacity-enhancing HR practices on HR flexibility and HR flexibility on job performance. Functional flexibility was identified as a significant mediator of the capacity-enhancing HR practices-job performance link, whereas behavioural and skill flexibility were not significant mediators for such a relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study's cross-sectional design is an evident weakness. All variables were self-reported; this may raise issues regarding method bias. Other limitations include the generalisability of the study's findings outside the setting in which it was conducted. The accuracy of the field study results would have been enhanced if they had not been limited exclusively to the geographical confines of Egypt.

Originality/value

The paper proposes many implications emphasising the role of HR flexibility in enhancing the performance of SMEs. The study developed a mediation model to understand how SMEs boost the performance of human resources by focusing on flexibility dimensions. Accordingly, companies may strategically employ flexible practices and provide an environment that encourages skill and behavioural development.
Isolation and whole‐genome sequencing analysis of Escherichia fergusonii harboring a heat‐labile enterotoxin gene from retail chicken meat in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Kakita Tetsuya , Lee Kenichi , Morita Masatomo , Okuno Miki , Kyan Hisako , Okano Sho , Maeshiro Noriyuki , Ishizu Momoko , Kudeken Tsuyoshi , Taira Haruno , Teruya Morimi , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Akeda Yukihiro , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of heat‐labile enterotoxin (LT) gene‐positive Escherichia fergusonii in retail chicken meat and genetically characterize these strains. E. fergusonii harboring LT gene was isolated from 6 out of 60 (10%) retail chicken samples in Okinawa, Japan. Whole‐genome sequencing analysis revealed that LT gene‐positive E. fergusonii from chicken meat and feces contain an IncFII plasmid harboring elt1AB, and suggested to spread clonally to retail chicken through fecal contamination. Additionally, it was found that these strains harbor multidrug‐resistant genes on their plasmids. Their pathogenicity and continuous monitoring are required for confirmation.
Hungry herbivores and thirsty plants: Browsing wildlife shape savanna tree transpiration independently of water use strategies
Authors: Herkenrath T. , Blaum N. , Roth J. , Shilula K. N. , Geißler K.
Published: January 2024

Plant transpiration is a key component of the hydrological cycle that moves water from the soil through plants to the atmosphere and is largely determined by environmental conditions. The challenges of highly variable climatic conditions and water scarcity in the semi‐arid savannas of southern Africa drive trees to exhibit different water use strategies.

An additional challenge for savanna trees arises from the browsing of large mammals, and its potential impact on transpiration has largely been overlooked.

To assess water use strategies and the impact of browsing on transpiration in three common savanna woody species (Colophospermum mopane, Catophractes alexandri, Senegalia mellifera), we conducted an extensive field experiment in a wildlife reserve in Namibia. We established a browsing gradient ranging from 0% to 100% leaf removal to disentangle complex relationships, and we measured sap flow representing whole‐tree transpiration, stomatal conductance as a proxy for leaf level transpiration, and environmental factors including soil moisture, solar radiation, air temperature and air humidity.

We discovered a unimodal relationship between browsing intensity and sap flow, consistent across all species, and peaking at low to moderate browsing levels equivalent to approximately 30% leaf removal. This universal pattern is remarkable since we found water use strategies to differ among species: Colophospermum mopane and C. alexandri exhibit a water‐saving behaviour to reduce water loss under unfavourable conditions while S. mellifera demonstrates water‐spending characteristics.

The deviation from a negative linear effect of browsing does not meet the functional expectation when browsing is translated into a simple leaf area reduction. Instead, it can be attributed to stomatal adjustments that partially compensate for transpiratory surface loss. We propose that this conceptual mechanism can be generalised to other woody species and various ecosystems. In addition, common transpiration models relying solely on leaf area indices and abiotic factors can be improved by including a non‐linear relationship to reproduce the effect of browsing accurately.

Our findings highlight the role of herbivores in shaping the connection between the Earth's spheres and improve our understanding of ecohydrological and vegetation dynamics in Southern African savannas.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Reducing nitrogen inputs mitigates Spartina invasion in the Yangtze estuary
Authors: Xu Xiao , Li Songshuo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xi , He Qiang , Wan Nian‐Feng , Liu Hao , Guo Haiqiang , Ma Jun , Zhang Qun , Wang Qing , Wu Jihua , Li Bo , Nie Ming
Published: January 2024

Plant invasions driven by global environmental changes (e.g. nutrient enrichment) increasingly threaten natural ecosystems. It is unclear whether reducing nitrogen (N) inputs helps to mitigate plant invasions in natural ecosystems.

Using ongoing, landscape‐scale N reductions in the Yangtze River, we combined spatiotemporal surveys before and after reducing N inputs and manipulative experiments to explore how N reductions contributed to native community recovery in estuarine marshes degraded by plant invasions.

We found that native Phragmites australis patches gradually recovered in Spartina alterniflora‐invaded marshes after reducing N inputs. The competitive advantage of S. alterniflora over P. australis decreased with N reduction, shifting the competitive outcomes away from P. australis exclusion to their coexistence.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings reveal that the reversal of nitrogen enrichment may shift ecosystems from being more susceptible to invasion toward successional recovery, offering a promising approach for facilitating native community recovery in the invaded ecosystems. These findings have important implications for restoring invaded ecosystems, especially as global environmental change escalates the extent and impact of invaders by exacerbating current invasions and facilitating new ones.
Unravelling the clonal trait space: Beyond above‐ground and fine‐root traits
Authors: Chelli Stefano , Klimešová Jitka , Tsakalos James Lee , Puglielli Giacomo
Published: January 2024

Plant trait variation is constrained by mechanical and energetic trade‐offs as attested by the global spectrum of plant form and function and the fine‐root economics space for above‐ and below‐ground traits. However, traits that are key for fitness maintenance in some plant groups, such as clonal and bud bank traits, have not yet been integrated within the frameworks provided by the above‐ground and the fine‐root economics space.

By using an extensive dataset encompassing above‐ground, fine‐root, clonal and bud bank traits of 2000 species of Central European herbs, we asked whether clonal and bud bank traits correspond to the placement of species in the above‐ground or fine‐root trait space.

Perennial clonal and non‐clonal herbs show indistinct positioning within the above‐ground and fine‐root trait spaces. This extends and reinforces previous fragmentary evidence of weak correlations between clonal and bud bank traits and above‐ground trait dimensions. Additionally, we identify for the first time a limited correlation between clonal and fine‐root traits as well. This disconnection suggests that clonal traits operate independently from other trait spectra. For this reason, we introduce the concept of a ‘clonal trait space’ for clonal herbs. The first dimension of this space is defined by bud bank size and the persistence of clonal connection, reflecting a gradient of species specialisation for on‐spot persistence and tolerance to disturbance (persistence dimension). The second dimension, defined by multiplication rate and lateral spread, reflects a specialisation axis for clonal multiplication and horizontal size dimension (clonal multiplication dimension). Clonal trait dimensions add non‐redundant information to the above‐ground or fine‐roots trait space.

Synthesis: We champion the integration of the persistence and clonal multiplication dimensions from the ‘clonal trait space’ into the frameworks provided by the above‐ground trait and the fine‐root economics spaces, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the multifaceted trait strategies exhibited by plants.
Metabolomic modelling and neuroprotective effects of carvacrol against acrylamide toxicity in rat's brain and sciatic nerve
Authors: Durmus Hatipoglu , Burak Ates M. , Goktug Senturk , Aysegul Bulut
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to investigate the harmful effects of acrylamide (AA), which forms in carbohydrate‐rich foods at temperatures above 120°C, on the central and peripheral nervous systems and to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of carvacrol (CRV). Male Wistar Albino rats were subjected to AA (40 mg/kg/bw/day) and CRV (50 mg/kg/bw/day) for 15 days. Following the last administration, evaluations revealed disrupted gait, heightened thermal sensitivity and altered paw withdrawal thresholds in AA‐exposed rats. Notably, AA reduced glutathione (GSH) and raised malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in both brain and sciatic nerve tissues. AA raised nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), caspase 3 and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) gene expressions while decreasing NR4A2. CRV co‐administration mitigated gait abnormalities, elevated GSH levels and lowered MDA levels in both tissues. CRV also modulated gene expression, reducing Nrf2 and NF‐κB while increasing NR4A2. Histopathological signs of AA‐induced neurodegeneration and elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein levels observed in brain and sciatic nerve tissues were rectified with simultaneous administration of CRV, thereby demonstrating neuroprotective efficacy in both regions. This study is pioneering in demonstrating CRV's neuroprotective potential against AA‐induced neurotoxicity in both central and peripheral nervous systems, effectively addressing limitations in the literature. In conclusion, the study revealed AA‐induced neurodegeneration in the brain and sciatic nerve, with CRV significantly mitigating this neurotoxicity. This novel research underscores CRV's promise as a neuroprotective agent against AA‐induced adverse effects in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Party system institutionalization and the durability of competitive authoritarian regimes
Authors: KIM WOOSEOK , BERNHARD MICHAEL , HICKEN ALLEN
Published: January 2024

Party system institutionalization (PSI) is regarded as a critical underpinning of democracies, but its role in non‐democratic systems has been understudied. In this paper, we evaluate whether the concept has meaningful and perhaps unique implications for the durability of competitive authoritarian regimes. We argue that a modified version of electoral volatility – the most common measure of PSI in democracies – conveys useful information about PSI in competitive authoritarian contexts by signalling the ability of the ruling party to manage the opposition. To this end, we construct an original data set that disaggregates electoral volatility into ruling party seat change and opposition party seat volatility and further divides opposition party volatility into Type‐A and Type‐B volatility. We find robust results that democratization becomes more likely when decreases in the ruling party's seat share coincide with an increase in opposition party Type‐B volatility. This paper demonstrates that the concept of PSI has utility for understanding regime dynamics in competitive authoritarian contexts.
Mental health care provision in community health centers and hospital emergency department utilization
Authors: Carey Kathleen , Cole Megan B.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To examine whether community health centers (CHCs) are effective in offsetting mental health emergency department (ED) visits.

Data Sources and Study Setting

The HRSA Uniform Data System and the HCUP State ED Databases for Florida patients during 2012–2019.

Study Design

We identified CHC‐year‐specific service areas using patient origin zip codes. We then estimated panel data models for number of ED mental health visits per capita in a CHC's service area. Models measured CHC mental health utilization as number of visits, unique patients, and intensity (visits per patient).

Principal Findings

CHC mental health utilization increased approximately 100% during 2012–2019. Increased CHC mental health provision was associated with small reductions in ED mental health utilization. An annual increase of 1000 CHC mental health care visits (5%) was associated with 0.44% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.153), and an increase of 1000 CHC mental health care patients (15%) with 1.9% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.123). An increase of 1 annual mental health visit per patient was associated with 16% fewer ED mental health care visits (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Results suggest that mental health provision in CHCs may reduce reliance on hospital EDs, albeit minimally. Policies that promote alignment of services between CHCs and local hospitals may accelerate this effect.
Financial inclusion, economic growth, and environmental quality in the MENA region: What role does institution quality play?
Authors: Boussaidi Ramzi , Hakimi Abdelaziz
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to check whether growth and the environment benefit from a more inclusive financial system. It also checks the moderating role of institutional quality (IQ) in the growth‐environment relationship. It uses a sample of 12 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries from 2004 to 2021 and performs the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model. The findings indicate that financial inclusion (FI) significantly increases the level of CO2 emissions. Hence, a more inclusive financial system deteriorates the quality of the environment in the MENA region. However, FI does not exert any significant effect on the level of growth. Furthermore, we found that the interaction between FI and IQ increases growth and improves the quality of the environment. This interactional effect is more apparent when the dependent variable is environment quality rather than growth. The results of this paper have substantial implications. Policymakers of this region should improve their IQ to mitigate the negative effects of FI and to spur growth and preserve the environment. When FI is aligned with environmentally conscious policies and practices, it can promote economic development while also contributing to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.
Current applications and future potential of ChatGPT in radiology: A systematic review
Authors: Temperley Hugo C , O'Sullivan Niall J , Mac Curtain Benjamin M , Corr Alison , Meaney James F , Kelly Michael E , Brennan Ian
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the current utilization and future potential of ChatGPT, an AI‐based chat model, in the field of radiology. The primary focus is on its role in enhancing decision‐making processes, optimizing workflow efficiency, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and teaching within healthcare. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Key aspects, such as its impact on complex decision‐making, workflow enhancement and collaboration, were assessed. Limitations and challenges associated with ChatGPT implementation were also examined. Overall, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. All studies were prospective in nature. A total of 551 chatGPT (version 3.0 to 4.0) assessment events were included in our analysis. Considering the generation of academic papers, ChatGPT was found to output data inaccuracies 80% of the time. When ChatGPT was asked questions regarding common interventional radiology procedures, it contained entirely incorrect information 45% of the time. ChatGPT was seen to better answer US board‐style questions when lower order thinking was required (P = 0.002). Improvements were seen between chatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 in regard to imaging questions with accuracy rates of 61 versus 85%(P = 0.009). ChatGPT was observed to have an average translational ability score of 4.27/5 on the Likert scale regarding CT and MRI findings. ChatGPT demonstrates substantial potential to augment decision‐making and optimizing workflow. While ChatGPT's promise is evident, thorough evaluation and validation are imperative before widespread adoption in the field of radiology.
Facilitating comparable research in seedling functional ecology
Authors: Winkler Daniel E. , Garbowski Magda , Kožić Kevin , Ladouceur Emma , Larson Julie , Martin Sarah , Rosche Christoph , Roscher Christiane , Slate Mandy L. , Korell Lotte
Published: January 2024

Ecologists have worked to ascribe function to the variation found in plant populations, communities and ecosystems across environments for at least the past century. The vast body of research in functional ecology has drastically improved understanding of how individuals respond to their environment, communities are assembled and ecosystems function. However, with limited exceptions, few studies have quantified differences in plant function during the earliest stages of the plant life cycle, and fewer have tested how this early variability shapes populations, communities and ecosystems.

Drawing from the literature and our collective experience, we describe the current state of knowledge in seedling functional ecology and provide examples of how this subdiscipline can enrich our fundamental understanding of plant function across levels of organisation. To inspire progressive work in this area, we also outline key considerations involved in seedling functional research (who, what, when, where and how to measure seedling traits) and identify remaining challenges and gaps in understanding around methodological approaches.

Within this conceptual synthesis, we highlight three critical areas in seedling ecology for future research to target. First, given wide variation in the definition of a ‘seedling’, we provide a standard definition based on seed reserve dependence while emphasising the need to measure ontogenetic variation more clearly both within and following the seedling stage. Second, studies demonstrate that seedlings can be studied in multiple media (e.g. soil, agar, filter paper) and conditions (e.g. field, greenhouse, laboratory). We recommend that researchers select methods based on explicit goals, yet follow standard guidelines to reduce methodological noise across studies. Third, research is critically needed to assess the implications of different methodologies on trait measurement and compatibility across studies.

By highlighting the importance of seedling functional ecology and suggesting pathways to address key challenges, we aim to inspire future research that generates useful and comparable data on seedling functional ecology. This work is critical to explain variation within and among populations, communities and ecosystems and integrate this most vulnerable stage of plant life into ecological frameworks.
Dynamic social network analysis of a brief alcohol intervention trial in heavy‐drinking college students shows spillover effects
Authors: Barnett Nancy P. , Light John M. , Clark Melissa A. , Ott Miles Q. , DiGuiseppi Graham T. , Meisel Matthew K.
Published: January 2024

Background

Heavy‐drinking college students tend to have close social networks, and there is theoretical and empirical support for the idea that behavior change can spread through those networks via close ties. The objective of this research was to determine whether intervention‐induced behavior change in a subset of heavy drinkers in a sociometric (whole) college class‐year social network is transmitted to other heavy drinkers in the network, resulting in reduced behavioral risk and change in network ties.

Methods

We conducted a controlled trial in which most of a first‐year college class (N = 1236; 56.9% female) was enrolled, with alcohol use and social network ties measured early in each of three semesters. Following a baseline assessment, the network was divided into two groups, brief motivational intervention (BMI) and natural history control (NHC) according to dormitory residence location. A subset of heavy drinkers in each group was selected, and those in the BMI group received an in‐person intervention.

Results

Using stochastic actor‐oriented modeling, we found a significant tendency for participants in the BMI group to shed ties with individuals with similar drinking behaviors between the first and second semesters, relative to the NHC group. Furthermore, heavy drinkers with reciprocal ties to intervention recipients in the BMI group showed a significant reduction in drinks per week.

Conclusions

Individual alcohol interventions appear to have effects both on behavior and network connections among individuals who did not receive the intervention. Continued research is needed to identify the optimal conditions for the diffusion of behavior change.
Mechanical properties evaluation of two resin‐based three‐dimensional printing materials and dentine for endodontic training model fabrication: In vitro study
Authors: Amornrattanavej Anond , Yanpiset Kallaya , Jantarat Jeeraphat
Published: January 2024

The objective of the study was to compare 4 mechanical properties of two 3‐D printing resins with dentine. Four mechanical tests were performed on dentine specimens, VeroClear resin and Splint resin with 15 samples each. Vickers hardness test, samples were subjected to a 300‐g load for 10 s. Flexural strength test, 8‐millimetre, beam‐shaped specimens were tested using the three‐point bending method. Drilling force was measured on flat‐surface specimens. Intra‐canal torque was measured on specimens imitating root canals. The results were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests with adjusted Bonferroni's p‐value (p < 0.05). Dentine exhibited the highest mechanical properties in all the tests. VeroClear's flexural strength and drilling force were higher, while the surface hardness was lower than that of Splint resin. The intra‐canal torque of dentine and VeroClear resin were not significant and higher than that of Splint resin. VeroClear's mechanical properties were closer to dentine than Splint resin.
Can the addition of surfactants to NaOCl irrigation impact on the percentage of voids of root canal filling?
Authors: Monteiro Laise Pena Braga , Guerreiro Marcella Yasmin Reis , Belladonna Felipe Gonçalves , de Lima Carolina Oliveira , da Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , da Silva Brandão Juliana Melo
Published: January 2024

This study evaluated the impact of canal irrigation using surfactants associated to NaOCl on the percentage of voids of root canal filling through micro‐computed tomographic (micro‐CT) analysis. 27 mandibular mesial roots with Vertucci type II canal configuration with isthmus were selected and scanned in a micro‐CT device. The specimens were assigned to three groups (n = 9), according to the irrigation solution during instrumentation: 2.5% NaOCl without additives (control), 2.5% NaOCl with 0.1% Benzalkonium Chloride and 2.5% NaOCl with 0.1% Tween 80. After obturation, the specimens were rescanned, and the percentage of voids were calculated. Data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. The percentage of voids were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). None of the specimens showed completely voids‐free areas. The addition of surfactants to NaOCl irrigation did not improve the quality of root canal filling of mandibular mesial root canals.
Acute exercise‐induced release of innate immune proteins via small extracellular vesicles changes with aerobic fitness and age
Authors: Chong Mee Chee , Shah Anup D. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Silva Anabel , James Patrick F. , Wu Sam Shi Xuan , Howitt Jason
Published: January 2024

Aim

Physical exercise triggers the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) into the circulation in humans, enabling signalling crosstalk between tissues. Exercise‐derived EVs and their cargo have been proposed to mediate adaptations to exercise; however, our understanding of how exercise‐derived EV protein cargo is modulated by factors such as aerobic fitness and age of an individual is currently unknown. Here, we examined the circulating sEV proteome following aerobic exercise in healthy males of different ages and aerobic fitness to understand exercise‐induced EV response during the aging process.

Methods

Twenty‐eight healthy men completed a bout of 20‐min cycling exercise at 70% estimated VO2peak. Small EVs were isolated from blood samples collected before and immediately after exercise, and then quantified using particle analysis and Western blotting. Small EV proteome was examined using quantitative proteomic analysis.

Results

We identified a significant increase in 13 proteins in small plasma EVs following moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity exercise. We observed distinct changes in sEV proteome after exercise in young, mature, unfit, and fit individuals, highlighting the impact of aerobic fitness and age on sEV protein secretion. Functional enrichment and pathway analysis identified that the majority of the significantly altered sEV proteins are associated with the innate immune system, including proteins known to be damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).

Conclusion

Together, our findings suggest that exercise‐evoked acute stress can positively challenge the innate immune system through the release of signalling molecules such as DAMPs in sEVs, proposing a novel EV‐based mechanism for moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity exercise in immune surveillance pathways.
The potential of Future Event Specificity Training (FEST) to decrease anhedonia and dampening of positive emotions: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bogaert Liesbeth , Hallford David J. , Loyen Eline , D'Argembeau Arnaud , Raes Filip
Published: January 2024

Impaired episodic future thinking (EFT), as reflected in reduced specificity, low levels of detail and less use of mental imagery, has been associated with depressive symptomatology. The beneficial impact of Future Event Specificity Training (FEST) on impaired EFT has recently been demonstrated, as well as on anhedonia, the core symptom of depression reflecting low positive affect. The current study aimed to replicate these previous findings. In addition, this study is the first to examine the potential of FEST to reduce engagement in dampening, a maladaptive response style characterised by reducing the intensity and/or frequency of positive emotional states, which is linked to depressive symptoms and anhedonia. An RCT (FEST vs. waitlist control) was conducted in a large sample of Dutch‐speaking undergraduate students (N = 155). In line with prior research, FEST resulted in significant improvements in EFT features. However, likely related to limited room for change detection, no significant changes were found in anhedonia and dampening. In the light of the positive impact of FEST on several EFT features, future studies should address methodological issues to create optimal conditions for potential change detection. Finally, further examination of the proposed theoretical change mechanisms aimed to reduce anhedonia and dampening is warranted.
Managing Trade‐Offs Between Environmental, Social, Governance and Financial Sustainability in State‐Owned Enterprises: Insights from an Emerging Market
Authors: Adebayo Adeyemi , Ackers Barry
Published: January 2024

Concerns remain about how companies will reconcile environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues with their core mandates. This is one reason why many organisations did not initially subscribe to sustainable investing, reporting and accounting, especially where it is not mandatory, despite growing stakeholder pressure to do so. This paper examines how state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) with social and commercial mandates in South Africa, where sustainability reporting is mandatory, balance ESG practices and financial sustainability to fulfil their mandates. This article proposes and evaluates propositions about SOEs adopting and reporting ESG components using a survey questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews with important SOE stakeholders to show that its sustainability accounting approach benefits policy and non‐policy observers. More than half of the studied SOEs have embraced and disclosed their ESG practices, yet there appears to be no systematic way in which they balance ESG practices and financial sustainability, resulting in conflict. This paper appears to be the first SOE study on this topic. In this regard, this study offers novel insights into how sustainability practices may be incorporated into the social and commercial objectives of SOEs, which in most cases are conflicting, while still allowing SOEs to be financially sustainable and depend less on state bailouts, which is often the case, especially in Africa and in countries that face a high level of corruption. Considering the characteristics and mandates of SOEs, part of being socially responsible is utilising public resources in the form of taxpayers’ money in an efficient, effective and accountable manner. The discussion in this paper indicates that paying attention to ESG issues is part of a broader accountability mechanism expected from SOEs. Also, the choice of South Africa and of SOEs in South Africa has implications for theory and practice since SOEs in South Africa have social and commercial objectives such that they are expected to be agents of social responsibility.
Prior male sling does not affect outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter
Authors: Chow Po‐Ming , Agrawal‐Patel Shree , Wood Hadley , Angermeier Kenneth
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement in patients with post‐prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) with or without a prior male sling.

Patients and Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent AUS for PPUI from 2007 to 2022. The primary endpoint was to determine the proportion of patients who achieved social continence, defined as self‐reported use of 0–1 pad/day. The secondary endpoints were device failure rates and device failure‐free survival.

Results

The analysis included 210 patients, with 30 (14.3%) having had prior slings and 180 (85.7%) without prior slings. After AUS insertion, 80.0% of patients with prior slings and 76.7% of those without prior slings achieved continence (0–1 pad/day). There were six (20.0%) and 53 (29.4%) device failures in patients with and without prior slings, respectively. The median device failure‐free survival was not reached in patients with prior slings and was 8.9 years in patients without prior slings (P = 0.048). Limitations include retrospective nature and small sample size.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of AUS in patients with prior slings are similar to those without. Prior sling is associated with a longer device failure‐free survival. AUS remains a viable option in patients who have persistent PPI after prior slings.
DEAD‐box helicase 1 inhibited CD8+ T cell antitumor activity by inducing PD‐L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Junhao , Yang Ti , Luo Yurong , Ma Zengxin , Yu Zhitao , Zhang Lei , Liu Gai , Wen Jianfan , Lu Guankun , Zhang Guowei , Zhao Yujun , Luo Wang , Li Yanan , Yang Nengjia , Zhou Jiawei , Lu Yuhui , Chen Siliang , Zeng Xiancheng
Published: January 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) does not respond well to current treatments, even immune checkpoint inhibitors. PD‐L1 (programmed cell death ligand 1 or CD274 molecule)‐mediated immune escape of tumor cells may be a key factor affecting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, the regulatory mechanisms of PD‐L1 expression and immune escape require further exploration. Here, we observed that DDX1 (DEAD‐box helicase 1) was overexpressed in HCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Additionally, DDX1 expression correlated negatively with CD8+ T cell frequency. DDX1 overexpression significantly increased interferon gamma (IFN‐γ)‐mediated PD‐L1 expression in HCC cell lines. DDX1 overexpression decreased IFN‐γ and granzyme B production in CD8+ T cells and inhibited CD8+ T cell cytotoxic function in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, DDX1 plays an essential role in developing the immune escape microenvironment, rendering it a potential predictor of ICI therapy efficacy in HCC.
Oral cancer epidemiology in relation to inter‐country disparities in human development in south and Southeast Asia
Authors: Amanat Muhammad Usman , Sriplung Hutcha , Kerdpon Duangporn
Published: January 2024

Objectives

South Asia (SA) and Southeast Asia (SEA) are geographically close; however, discrepancies in oral cancer (OC) epidemiology exist between the two regions. Socioeconomic disparities may influence the OC burden. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of OC and its relationship with the Inequality Adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) and its components in SA and SEA.

Methods

Cancer data for this ecological study was obtained from GLOBOCAN 2020, while the IHDI was obtained from the Human Development Report 2020. Based on data availability, 14 SA and SEA countries were chosen. Poisson log‐weighted regression models were employed to examine IHDI and its components in relation to incidence and mortality. Univariate linear regression models were utilized to determine the association between the mortality‐to‐incidence ratio (MIR) and the IHDI.

Results

Mortality and MIR of OC were negatively correlated with all sub‐indices of the IHDI, including education, health and income. However, incidence and mortality of OC were influenced by region and sex.

Conclusions

Higher IHDI countries tended to have lower MIR. SA and males showed higher incidence and mortality. Reducing intra‐country inequalities in development may be a pragmatic approach to enhancing the OC burden and prognosis.
Risk subgroups and intervention effects among infants at high risk for peanut allergy: A model for clinical decision making
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Devonshire Ashley , Huang Bin , Andorf Sandra
Published: January 2024

Background

The Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial showed that early dietary introduction of peanut reduced the risk of developing peanut allergy by age 60 months in infants at high risk for peanut allergy. In this secondary analysis of LEAP data, we aimed to determine risk subgroups within these infants and estimate their respective intervention effects of early peanut introduction.

Methods

LEAP raw data were retrieved from ITNTrialShare.org. Conditional random forest was applied to participants in the peanut avoidance arm to select statistically important features for the classification and regression tree (CART) analysis to group infants based on their risk of peanut allergy at 60 months of age. Intervention effects were estimated for each derived risk subgroup using data from both arms. Our main model was generated based on baseline data when the participants were 4–11 months old. Specific IgE measurements were truncated to account for the limit of detection commonly used by laboratories in clinical practice.

Results

The model found infants with higher predicted probability of peanut allergy at 60 months of age had a similar relative risk reduction, but a greater absolute risk reduction in peanut allergy with early introduction of peanut, than those with lower probability. The intervention effects were significant across all risk subgroups. Participants with baseline peanut sIgE ≥0.22 kU/L (n = 78) had an absolute risk reduction of 40.4% (95% CI 27.3, 51.9) whereas participants with baseline peanut sIgE<0.22 kU/L and baseline Ara h 2 sIgE <0.10 kU/L (n = 226) had an absolute risk reduction of 6.5% (95% CI 2.6, 11.0). These findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses using alternative models.

Conclusion

In this study, risk subgroups were determined among infants from the LEAP trial based on the probability of developing peanut allergy and the intervention effects of early peanut introduction were estimated. This may be relevant for further risk assessment and personalized clinical decision‐making.
Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration by cytopathologist—Lessons learned in building a successful practice
Authors: Rollins Susan D.
Published: January 2024

Synopsis

‘Ultrasound‐guided Fine Needle Aspiration by Cytopathologist ‐ Lessons Learned in Building a Successful Practice’ discusses a cytopathologist's personal experience gained over 30 years of building and managing a successful USGFNA cytology service.
A novel approach to understanding and assessing the emotional side of type 1 diabetes: The Type 1‐Diabetes Distress Assessment System
Authors: Fisher Lawrence , Polonsky William , Naranjo Diana , Strycker Lisa , Hessler Danielle
Published: January 2024

Aims

To describe the development of a novel, conceptually sound instrument with contemporary content for assessing diabetes distress (DD) among adults with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with 15 adults and 7 clinicians were used to develop Core (intensity of DD emotional burden) and primary Source (key DD contributors) items. These were administered to a national sample recruited from the TCOYD Research Registry, T1D Exchange and our previous studies. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were undertaken, along with reliability and construct validity studies, and cut‐point analyses to determine elevated DD.

Results

Analyses based on 650 respondents yielded an 8‐item Core DD scale (α = 0.95) and 10 2‐ or 3‐item DD Source Scales (α range = 0.53–0.88): Financial Worries, Interpersonal Challenges, Management Difficulties, Shame, Hypoglycemia Concerns, Healthcare Quality, Lack of Diabetes Resources, Technology Challenges, Burden to Others and Worries about Complications. Core and Source scores were significantly associated with criterion variables: Higher DD scores were significantly linked with higher HbA1C, more frequent episodes of severe hypoglycaemia, missed boluses, and poorer quality of life (p > 0.001). A ≥2.0 scale cut‐point to define elevated DD is suggested.

Conclusions

The new T1‐Diabetes Distress Assessment System demonstrated good reliability and validity, and with measures of both Core emotional burden and Sources of DD, it provides a contemporary, flexible and practical approach to assessing DD that can be used seamlessly to inform intervention for clinicians and researchers.
Analysing the effect of ivermectin on the volatile organic compounds of dung and its possible influence on attraction to dung beetles
Authors: Urrutia Miguel A. , Cortez Vieyle , Rosa‐García Rocío , García‐Prieto Urcesino , Verdú José R.
Published: January 2024

Dung odours are composed of a large number of different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Dung beetles are attracted to dung by olfactory cues, and their selection depends on the odorous VOCs emitted from this resource. The possible effects of ivermectin (IVM) on the chemical composition of dung volatile emissions and how this could modify its attraction to dung beetles have been debated for years.

In this work, we analysed the possible effects of IVM on the VOCs emitted by cattle dung and the attraction of the dung beetle Ateuchetus cicatricosus Lucas, using behavioural bioassays.

The results of the study showed that the chemical analyses of the dung volatile emissions from untreated cattle, treated cattle with IVM (200 μg/kg b.w.; collected at 7 and 14 days post‐administration) and dung spiked with IVM (100 and 500 μg/kg) were not significantly different. We detected a total of 44 VOCs among the treatments. The olfactometer bioassays showed no significant difference in the rates of attraction between different treatments.

This study suggests that cattle dung does not experiment with a direct modification of the volatile compounds emitted, either via the digestive tract of cattle or by direct addition with IVM, ruling out the possible influence of any transformation product from the anthelmintic that could be present. In addition, a change in the microbiota of the digestive tract in cattle as a result of the mode of action of the drug is not supported. Further possible indirect effects are discussed.
Late transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy verified in bone marrow biopsy specimens is associated with chronic GVHD and viral infections
Authors: Hill Wolfgang , Sotlar Karl , Hautmann Anke , Kolb Hans‐Jochem , Ullmann Johanna , Hausmann Andreas , Schmidt Michael , Tischer Johanna , Pham Thu‐Trang , Rank Andreas , Hoechstetter Manuela A.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To describe late transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) as chronic endothelial complication in bone marrow (BM) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Methods

BM specimens along with conventional diagnostic parameters were assessed in 14 single‐institutional patients with late TA‐TMA (more than 100 days after HCST), including 11 late with history of early TA‐TMA, 10 with early TA‐TMA (within 100 days), and 12 non TA‐TMA patients. Three non‐HSCT patients served as control. The time points of BM biopsy were +1086, +798, +396, and +363 days after HSCT, respectively.

Results

Late TA‐TMA patients showed an increase of CD34+ and von Willebrand Factor (VWF)+ microvascular endothelial cells with atypical VWF+ conglomerates forming thickened VWF+ plaque sinus in the BM compared to patients without late TA‐TMA and non‐HSCT. Severe chronic (p = .002), steroid‐refractory GVHD (p = .007) and reactivation of HHV6 (p = .002), EBV (p = .003), and adenovirus (p = .005) were pronounced in late TA‐TMA. Overall and relapse‐free survival were shorter in late TA‐TMA than in patients without late TA‐TMA (5‐year OS and RFS: 78.6% vs. 90.2%, 71.4% vs. 86.4%, respectively).

Conclusion

Chronic allo‐immune microangiopathy in BM associated with chronic, steroid‐refractory GVHD and/or viral infections are key findings of late, high‐risk TA‐TMA, which deserves clinical attention.
Prospective evaluation of cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with psoriasis: An American population‐based study
Authors: Kan Junyan , Chen Qitao , Tao Qiuwei , Wu Lida , Wang Dongchen , Jiang Zihao , Du Xufeng , Gu Yue , Gu Yong
Published: January 2024

The association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has long been discussed and continually refined. However, there is currently a lack of prospective studies on the cardiovascular risk attributed to psoriasis in the United States general population. Representative adult participants were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Risks of cardiovascular symptoms and diseases prevalence were evaluated between participants with and without psoriasis. The hazards for all‐cause mortality and CVD mortality were stratified by psoriasis status. Mediation analysis was then conducted to identify potential mediators between psoriasis and cardiac death. Overall, 19 741 participants were included in the current study, 542 (2.7%) had psoriasis and 19 199 (97.3%) did not have psoriasis. After adjusting for known CVD risk factors, odds for hypertension (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.13–1.66, p = 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.13–1.64, p < 0.001) and angina pectoris (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.11–2.60, p = 0.011) were higher in psoriasis patients. Compared with participants without psoriasis, moderate/severe but not mild patients showed significantly higher CVD mortality (HR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.27–5.15, p = 0.009). This result was supported by subgroup analyses. Mediation analysis further suggested that the direct effect of moderate/severe psoriasis on CVD mortality accounted for 81.4% (65.8%–97.1%). Besides, the indirect effect might derive from disturbance of serum albumin, urea nitrogen and uric acid. Moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, making it necessary to regularly conduct cardiovascular disease‐related examinations for patients with higher severity of psoriasis in clinical settings.