bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
I am ashamed of my brand-self! Consumer-brand identification as a moderator of emotional reactions following symbol-laden brand failures
Authors: Weitzl Wolfgang J. , Hutzinger Clemens , Wagner Udo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study of shame has a long tradition in intra- and inter-personal psychology. This paper aims to investigate whether consumers can experience brand shame after self-relevant consumption incidents. Specifically, this research proposes that consumers follow a complex shame-inducing process in the aftermath of unpleasant experiences involving their favorite brand. The moderating role of relational tie strength between consumers and their favorite brand existing prior to symbolic failures is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based, online survey (n = 660) among consumers who have recently experienced a self-relevant failure with their favorite brand was conducted. Confirmatory factor analysis ensured the reliability and validity of the measurement model. For testing the conceptual model, data was analyzed by means of a moderated mediation analysis. The proposed model was tested against, among others, common method bias and alternative models. The findings were cross-validated with a scenario-based online experiment (n = 1,616).

Findings

Results show that brand shame is a key mediator between customer dissatisfaction and brand anger when self-relevant, symbolic failures happen. Moreover, strong consumer-brand identification triggers brand-detrimental effects. It is shown to influence the connection between consumers’ inward- (i.e. brand shame) and resulting outward-directed (i.e. brand anger) negative emotions on brands, which lead to consumer vengeance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to introduce the concept of situational brand shame to the literature on favorite brands. Furthermore, it shows that consumer-brand identification moderates the direct and indirect (via brand shame) unfavorable effects of failure-induced dissatisfaction on brand anger. This research adds insights to the investigation of the “love-becomes-hate” effect arising after self-relevant failures involving consumers’ most preferred brand.
Modelling of Basic Yellow 28 adsorption onto activated carbon: batch and continuous process
Authors: Kol Zeliha Betül , Duranoğlu Dilek
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to model and investigate Basic Yellow 28 (BY28) adsorption onto activated carbon in batch and continuous process.

Design/methodology/approach

Batch adsorption experiments were carried out at 25 °C with 50 mg/L BY28 solution at pH 6 with different amounts of activated carbon. Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models were used to model batch data. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied with linear regression. The changes of the breakthrough curve with the column height, flow rate, column diameter and adsorbent amount were examined in fixed bed column at room temperature. BY28 adsorption data were modelled by using different adsorption column models (Adams & Bohart, Thomas, Yoon & Nelson, Clark and modified dose–response) with non-linear regression.

Findings

Freundlich model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model expressed the experimental data with high compatibility. Modified dose-response model corresponded to the fixed bed column data very well.

Originality/value

Adsorption of Basic Yellow 28 on activated carbon in a fixed bed column was studied for the first time. Continuous adsorption process was modelled with theoretical adsorption models using non-linear regression.
Manufacturing of window shutters from cotton waste fabrics for sustainable textiles
Authors: Gebeyaw Soliyana , Beyene Kura Alemayehu , Seid Eradu , Mustofa Zemzem , Rotich Gideon K.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to manufacture alternative window shutters using waste cotton fabrics by stiffening using polyvinyl acetate (PVA) with vinyl acrylic binder solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The manufactured fabrics were evaluated for their tensile strength, drapeability, bending length by weight and color fastness to light. And finally, an analysis of variance was done for each parameter.

Findings

As the percent of PVA with a vinyl acrylic solution and the number of layers increased, the tensile strength, drape coefficient (percent), bending length (cm), and color fastness to light increased in both directions. The percent of PVA with a vinyl acrylic solution and the number of layers are statistically significant for each response such as tensile strength, drape coefficient (percent), bending length (cm), color fastness to light and water repellency at a 95% confidence interval. Tensile strength, drape coefficient (%) and bending length (cm) are always greater in the warp direction than in the weft direction. The tensile strength, drape coefficient (percent), bending length (cm) and color fastness to light of treated fabrics samples are greater than those of the untreated fabrics.

Originality/value

The factory waste fabrics can be recycled into window shutters which will provide the cheaper raw material for window shutter manufacturers.
Board attributes, ownership structure, and corporate social responsibility: evidence from A-share listed technological companies in China
Authors: Ma Angela Kit Fong , Chen Yiming
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold. The first is to conduct a comprehensive examination of the various board attributes to corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting in the Chinese technology industry. The second is to investigate the impact of ownership and board attributes on CSR. The third is to examine the moderating effect of media reporting on the relationship between CSR and company financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

All A-share listed Chinese companies during the years 2011–2019 with 1,573 firm-year observations have been investigated for this study. The data are analysed by CSR metrics in the form of environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores using an ordinary least squares regression analysis and fixed effect regression models.

Findings

The results of this longitudinal study reveal that; no matter whether the companies are state-own or non-state-own, there is a significant positive effect of board independence, monetary incentives, director’s age and board size on the CSR disclosure of the Chinese technology industry. Also, the results support the importance of CSR performance in promoting the corporate financial performance (CFP) of the technology sector. Specifically, media reporting has a positive impact on the CSR reporting of both state-own and non-state-own technological companies in China.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study based on the ESG metrics for analysing the CSR and firm performance relationship conducted in the unique setting of the state-own and non-state-own technological companies in China. The study is an attempt to fill the gap in the extant literature, which has a scarce number of studies focused on the influence of media reporting on the relationship between CSR performance and CFP. This paper not only updates the existing understanding of CSR performance by board attributes and company ownership but also explains the significance of media reporting in enhancing the CSR performance of the Chinese technology industry.
Drying, more than warming, alters ecosystem functioning in streams with different energy pathways
Authors: Nelson Daniel , Busch Michelle H. , Kopp Darin A. , Allen Daniel C.
Published: May 2023

Empirical evidence and theory suggest that climate warming and an increase in the frequency and duration of drying events will alter the metabolic balance of freshwater ecosystems. However, the impacts of climate change on ecosystem metabolism may depend on whether energy inputs are of autochthonous or allochthonous origin. To date, few studies have examined how warming and drying may interact to alter stream metabolism, much less how their impacts may depend on the energy‐base of the food web.

To address this research gap, we conducted a multi‐factorial experiment using outdoor mesocosms to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of warming and drought on metabolic processes in stream mesocosms with green (algal‐based) vs. mixed (algal‐ and detritus‐based) vs. brown (detritus‐based) energy pathways.

We set up 48 mesocosms with one of three different levels of shade and leaf litter input combinations to create mesocosms with different primary energy channels. In addition, we warmed half of the mesocosms by ~2–3°C. We assessed changes in ecosystem respiration (ER), gross primary production (GPP), net ecosystem production (NEP) and organic matter biomass in warmed and ambient temperature mesocosms before a 24 day drying event and after rewetting.

Surprisingly, experimental warming had little effect on metabolic processes. Drying, however, led to decreased rates of ER and GPP and led to an overall reduction in NEP. Although the effects of drying were similar across energy channel treatments, reductions in ER and GPP were primarily driven by decreases in biomass of benthic and filamentous algae.

Overall, we demonstrate that drying led to lower rates of NEP in mesocosms regardless of energy inputs. While warming showed little effect in our study, our results suggest that an increase in the frequency of stream drying events could greatly alter the metabolic balance of many aquatic ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Long transients and dendritic network structure affect spatial predator–prey dynamics in experimental microcosms
Authors: Green Matthew D. , Woodie Clara A. , Whitesell Megan , Anderson Kurt E.
Published: May 2023

Spatial dynamics can promote persistence of strongly interacting predators and prey. Theory predicts that spatial predator–prey systems are prone to long transients, meaning that the dynamics leading to persistence or extinction manifest over hundreds of generations. Furthermore, the form and duration of transients may be altered by spatial network structure. Few empirical studies have examined the importance of transients in spatial food webs, especially in a network context, due to the difficulty in collecting the large scale and long‐term data required.

We examined predator–prey dynamics in protist microcosms using three experimental spatial structures: isolated, river‐like dendritic networks and regular lattice networks. Densities and patterns of occupancy were followed for both predators and prey over a time scale that equates to >100 predator and >500 prey generations.

We found that predators persisted in dendritic and lattice networks whereas they went extinct in the isolated treatment. The dynamics leading to predator persistence played out over long transients with three distinct phases. The transient phases showed differences between dendritic and lattice structures, as did underlying patterns of occupancy.

Spatial dynamics differed among organisms in different trophic positions. Predators showed higher local persistence in more connected bottles while prey showed this in more spatially isolated ones. Predictions based on spatial patterns of connectivity derived from metapopulation theory explained predator occupancy, while prey occupancy was better explained by predator occupancy.

Our results strongly support the hypothesized role of spatial dynamics in promoting persistence in food webs, but that the dynamics ultimately leading to persistence may occur with long transients which in turn may be influenced by spatial network structure and trophic interactions.
Interactions between tea polyphenols and nutrients in food
Authors: Dai Yi‐Hui , Wei Jia‐Ru , Chen Xiao‐Qiang
Published: May 2023

Tea polyphenols (TPs) are important secondary metabolites in tea and are active in the food and drug industry because of their rich biological activities. In diet and food production, TPs are often in contact with other food nutrients, affecting their respective physicochemical properties and functional activity. Therefore, the interaction between TPs and food nutrients is a very important topic. In this review, we describe the interactions between TPs and food nutrients such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, highlight the forms of their interactions, and discuss the changes in structure, function, and activity resulting from their interactions.
Emergence of fentanyl‐related deaths in Travis County, Texas and surrounding areas: A retrospective review of postmortem fentanyl‐related drug toxicities from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Ellefsen Kayla N. , Smith Christina R. , Taylor Elizabeth A. , Hall Brad J.
Published: May 2023

The opioid epidemic has affected the United States (US) for decades with fentanyl and its analogs accounting for a recent surge in morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is a relative lack of information characterizing fentanyl‐related fatalities specifically in the Southern US. A retrospective study was conducted to examine all postmortem fentanyl‐related drug toxicities in Travis County, Texas, encompassing Austin (one of the fastest‐growing cities in the US), from 2020 to 2022. Fentanyl contributed to 2.6% and 12.2% of deaths submitted for toxicology between 2020 and 2022, respectively, representing a 375% increase in fentanyl‐related deaths over this 3‐year period (n = 517). Fentanyl‐related fatalities primarily occurred in males in their mid‐30s. Fentanyl and norfentanyl concentrations ranged from 0.58 to 320 ng/mL and 0.53 to 140 ng/mL with mean (median) concentrations of 17.2 ± 25.0 (11.0) and 5.6 ± 10.9 (2.9) ng/mL, respectively. Polydrug use was present in 88% of cases, with methamphetamine (or other amphetamines) (25%), benzodiazepines (21%), and cocaine (17%) representing the most frequently identified concurrent substances. Co‐positivity rates of various drugs and drug classes widely varied over time. Scene investigations reported illicit powder(s) (n = 141) and/or illicit pill(s) (n = 154) in 48% (n = 247) of fentanyl‐related deaths. Illicit oxycodone (44%, n = 67) and illicit “Xanax” (38%, n = 59) pills were frequently reported on scene; however, toxicology only identified oxycodone and alprazolam in 2 and 24 of these cases, respectively. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the fentanyl epidemic in this region creating an opportunity to promote increased awareness, shift focus to harm reduction, and aid in minimizing public health risks.
Preparation of a broad‐specificity antibody against zearalenone and its primary analogues and development of immunoassay of Coicis Semen and related products
Authors: Tian Jiao , Luo Jiaoyang , Qin Jiaan , Wang Yudan , Sun Xinqi , Zhang Jing , Ke Tongwei , Guo Mengyue , Ruan Haonan , An Fang , Yang Meihua
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to prepare a highly sensitive and specific zearalenone (ZEN) monoclonal antibody, which was then used to develop an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ic‐ELISA) and a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA). These techniques were used for the detection of Coicis Semen and related products (Coicis Semen flour, Yimigao, and Yishigao). Immunogens were synthesized by oxime active ester techniques and characterized via ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Immunogens were injected subcutaneously into the abdominal cavities and backs of mice. Using the prepared antibodies, we developed ic‐ELISA and GICA rapid detection methods, which were then applied for the rapid detection of ZEN and its analogues from Coicis Semen and related products. For ic‐ELISA, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for ZEN, α‐zearalenol (α‐ZEL), β‐zearalenol (β‐ZEL), zearalanone (ZAN), α‐zearalanol (α‐ZAL), and β‐zearalanol (β‐ZAL) were determined to be 1.13, 1.69, 2.06, 0.66, 1.20, and 0.94 ng•mL−1, respectively. For GICA, the cutoff values of ZEN, α‐ZEL, β‐ZEL, α‐ZAL, and β‐ZAL on test strips were 0.5 ng•mL−1 in phosphate buffer saline (0.01 M, pH 7.4), while ZAN was found to be 0.25 ng•mL−1. Furthermore, the cutoff values of test strips were between 10 and 20 µg∙kg−1 in Coicis Semen and related products. The results of these two detection methods were in good agreement with results from liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. This study provides technical support for the preparation of broad‐specificity monoclonal antibodies against ZEN and lays the foundation for the simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins from food and herbal medicines.
Levels of preoperative cerebrospinal fluid pro‐inflammatory mediators and chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty surgery
Authors: Kato Jungo , Murase Reiko , Minoshima Rie , Lu Fanglin , Toramaru Tomoko , Niki Yasuo , Kosugi Shizuko , Morisaki Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery are at high risk of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). Accumulating evidence suggests an active role of neuroinflammation in chronic pain. However, its role in the progression to CPSP following TKA surgery remains unanswered. Here, we examined the associations between preoperative neuroinflammatory states and pre‐ and postsurgical chronic pain in TKA surgery.

Methods

The data of 42 patients undergoing elective TKA surgery for chronic knee arthralgia at our hospital were analyzed in this prospective study. Patients completed the following questionnaires: brief pain inventory (BPI), hospital anxiety and depression scale, painDETECT, and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected preoperatively and concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF, fractalkine, and CSF‐1 were measured by electrochemiluminescence multiplex immunoassay. CPSP severity was ascertained, using the BPI, 6 months postsurgery.

Results

While no significant correlation was observed between the preoperative CSF mediator levels and preoperative pain profiles, the preoperative fractalkine level in the CSF showed a significant correlation with CPSP severity (Spearman's rho = −0.525; p = .002). Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the preoperative PCS score (standardized β coefficient [β]: .11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06–0.16; p < .001) and CSF fractalkine level (β: −.62; 95% CI: −1.10 to −0.15; p = .012) were independent predictors of CPSP severity 6 months after TKA surgery.

Conclusions

We identified the CSF fractalkine level as a potential predictor for CPSP severity following TKA surgery. In addition, our study provided novel insights into the potential role of neuroinflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of CPSP.
Antipsychotics and obsessive–compulsive disorder/obsessive–compulsive symptoms: A pharmacovigilance study of the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Burk Bradley G. , DiGiacomo Tilyn , Polancich Shea , Pruett Brandon S. , Sivaraman Soumya , Birur Badari
Published: May 2023

Objective

Antipsychotics have conflicting data with respect to obsessive–compulsive disorder/symptoms (OCD/OCS), with some reporting causality and some reporting treatment benefits. This pharmacovigilance study aimed to investigate reporting of OCD/OCS in association with the use of antipsychotics in comparison to one another, as well as treatment failure using data derived from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

Data from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2020 on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) including OCD/OCS was obtained. The information component (IC) was used to determine a disproportionality signal, and reporting odds ratio (ROR) calculations were performed via intra‐class analyses to discern differences between the evaluated antipsychotics.

Results

A total of 1454 OCD/OCS cases were utilized in IC and ROR calculations and 385,972 suspected ADRs were used as non‐cases. A significant disproportionality signal was seen with all second generation antipsychotics. Relative to other antipsychotics, only aripiprazole had a significant ROR of 23.87 (95% CI: 21.01–27.13; p < 0.0001). The ROR for antipsychotic treatment failure in those with OCD/OCS was highest with aripiprazole, and lowest with risperidone and quetiapine. Sensitivity analyses were largely in favor of the primary findings. Our analysis appears to implicate the 5‐HT1A receptor or an imbalance between this receptor and the D2‐receptor in antipsychotic treatment‐emergent OCD/OCS.

Conclusions

In contrast to prior reports noting clozapine as the antipsychotic most commonly associated with de novo or exacerbated OCD/OCS, this pharmacovigilance study found aripiprazole was most frequently reported for this adverse effect. While these findings from FAERS offer a unique perspective on OCD/OCS with different antipsychotic agents, due to the inherent limitations of pharmacovigilance studies they should ideally be validated through alternative prospective research studies involving direct comparisons of antipsychotic agents.
What is important to medical students' online learning of dental trauma in medical education
Authors: Yeng Thai
Published: May 2023

Traumatic dental injury (TDI), a topic not normally offered in the medical curriculum is made available through the medical school as an online learning course. Online learning provides an educational pathway for cross‐disciplinary learning without any change to the existing curriculum. This research identified important key features that should be included in the design of an online course to provide a positive online learning experience for medical students. Ten important features were identified for medical educators to consider when they develop an online course to introduce dental trauma. These features are (1) prioritising information to TDI, (2) providing specific facts and information to TDI, (3) information must be easily retrieved, (4) providing career‐related information, (5) promoting self‐confidence, (6) promoting learning of new knowledge, (7) easy‐to‐understand content materials, (8) establishing a logical sequence of learning, (9) visual illustrations to complement written text and (10) promoting self‐directed learning.
Sinus inflammation and chronic rhinosinusitis are associated with a diagnosis of new onset asthma in the following year
Authors: Schwartz Brian S. , Pollak Jonathan S. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Hirsch Annemarie G. , Lehmann Ashton E. , Kern Robert C. , Tan Bruce K. , Kato Atsushi , Schleimer Robert P. , Peters Anju T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma commonly co‐occur. No studies have leveraged large samples needed to formally address whether preexisting CRS is associated with new onset asthma over time.

Methods

We evaluated whether prevalent CRS [identified in two ways: validated text algorithm applied to sinus computerized tomography (CT) scan or two diagnoses] was associated with new onset adult asthma in the following year. We used electronic health record data from Geisinger from 2008 to 2019. For each year we removed persons with any evidence of asthma through the end of the year, then identified those with new diagnosis of asthma in the following year. Complementary log–log regression was used to adjust for confounding variables (e.g., sociodemographic, contact with the health system, comorbidities), and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

A total of 35,441 persons were diagnosed with new onset asthma and were compared to 890,956 persons who did not develop asthma. Persons with new onset asthma tended to be female (69.6%) and younger (mean [SD] age 45.9 [17.0] years). Both CRS definitions were associated (HR, 95% CI) with new onset asthma, with 2.21 (1.93, 2.54) and 1.48 (1.38, 1.59) for CRS based on sinus CT scan and two diagnoses, respectively. New onset asthma was uncommonly observed in persons with a history of sinus surgery.

Conclusion

Prevalent CRS identified with two complementary approaches was associated with a diagnosis of new onset asthma in the following year. The findings may have clinical implications for the prevention of asthma.
Novel application to evaluate endometrial blood flow using transvaginal superb microvascular imaging: A preliminary study describing physiological changes from ovulation to mid‐luteal phase
Authors: Mitao Hiroshi , Yoshizato Toshiyuki , Fujita Tomoyuki , Fukagawa Mayumi , Nakashima Akira , Horinouchi Takashi , Ushijima Kimio
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We aimed to describe physiological changes in endometrial blood flow (minute arterioles running through the endometrium) from ovulation to the mid‐luteal phase using superb microvascular imaging.

Material and methods

The study involved 17 women (median age, 32.5 years; first to third interquartile range, 29.8–40.0 years) with regular menstrual cycles who were managed in our institute from 2020 to 2021. The uterus was delineated at the sagittal section using transvaginal ultrasonography incorporated with superb microvascular imaging. For each participant, a total of 28 cycles were observed; 17 cycles observed within one day of ovulation and the implantation period, 5–7 days (D5–7) after ovulation in the same cycle, and nine cycles in which only ovulation was observed, and two cycles in which only D5–7 was observed. Therefore, 26 and 19 images at ovulation and D5–7, respectively, were acquired. Endometrial blood flow was evaluated by depth of the vascular signal in the endometrium and categorized as follows: signals only in the basal layer of the endometrium (grade 1), reaching up to half the endometrium (grade 2), and covering the whole endometrium (grade 3). Changes in the grade of endometrial blood flow from ovulation to D5–7 after ovulation, and the relationship between the grade of endometrial blood flow and the endometrial thickness on ovulation and D5–7 after ovulation, were analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The endometrial blood flow from ovulation to D5–7 after ovulation during the same menstrual period showed a downgrade in 14 of 17 cycles (82.3%) and no change in the remaining three cycles (17.6%), indicating a decrease in the endometrial blood flow from ovulation to D5–7 after ovulation (p = 0.001). There were differences between the grade of endometrial blood flow and median endometrial thickness on ovulation (grade 1: 5.9 mm, grade 2: 9.1 mm, and grade 3: 11.2 mm); however, no differences in the endometrial thickness were found between the grades on D5–7 after ovulation.

Conclusions

In the normal menstrual cycle, endometrial blood flow decreased from ovulation to the mid‐luteal phase, and the endometrial thickness in the ovulatory phase was related to the endometrial perfusion.
Trends and projections of ovarian cancer incidence in Hong Kong: A population‐based study
Authors: Chen Xiangbo , Du Jianqiang , Wang Xiaoyan , Wu Xiaoming
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study analyzed the incidence of ovarian cancer in Hong Kong and its association with age, calendar period and birth cohort, made projections through 2030, and attributed differences in new cancer cases to demographic and epidemiologic changes.

Material and methods

Incidence data for ovarian cancer were obtained from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry. We employed the age‐period‐cohort modeling approach to investigate the association between ovarian cancer incidence and age in Hong Kong women, with particular emphasis on examining the changing trends of period and cohort effects on incidence. We projected the incidence of ovarian cancer in Hong Kong between 2018 and 2030 and attributed the rise in new cancer cases to epidemiologic and demographic shifts.

Results

Between 1990 and 2017, a total of 11 182 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Hong Kong. Crude and age‐standardized rates increased from 8.2 and 7.8 per 100 000 person‐years to 16.3 and 11.5 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. New cases of ovarian cancer rose from 225 in 1990 to 645 in 2017. We observed an increased risk of ovarian cancer throughout the study period and in the post‐1940 birth cohort. The projected incidence rate and new cases of ovarian cancer are expected to continue growing due to demographic and epidemiologic changes such as fertility patterns and lifestyle factors, with an estimated 981 cases in 2030.

Conclusions

The period risk and cohort risk of ovarian cancer among Hong Kong women is increasing. Demographic and epidemiologic changes may continue to increase ovarian cancer incidence and new cases in Hong Kong.
Financial inclusion as a tool for sustainable macroeconomic growth: An integrative analysis
Authors: Chavriya Shubham , Sharma Gagan Deep , Mahendru Mandeep
Published: May 2023

Despite extensive research on the relationship between financial inclusion and macroeconomic growth, little is known about the role of financial inclusion as a significant driver of macroeconomic growth in developing countries. Financial inclusion could boost sustainable macroeconomic growth, which has been a key policy goal for governments worldwide because it affects employment, population, inequality, and poverty. This study explores the influence of crucial financial inclusion indicators on developing countries' macroeconomic growth. The study shows that digital finance, financial technologies, financial outreach, financial literacy, demographics access to finance, microfinance and financial stability are the ways through which financial inclusion affects macroeconomic growth. We used the Scopus database to get information from 419 research articles and analyzed those to figure out how financial inclusion affected macroeconomic growth from 2006 to 2020. The study will help policymakers, governments, and marketers develop policies to involve everyone in the financial system, which results in macroeconomic growth.
‘The sword that was broken …’: The detection of recycled iron in the archaeological record
Authors: Bentley McKenzie R. , Gilmour Brian , Pollard A. Mark
Published: May 2023

Although the recycling of materials such as copper and glass is widely known and generally well understood within archaeological contexts, far less is known about the recycling of iron. Iron recycling is more complex than that of other metals for two reasons. First, normal manufacturing processes, which include forging several components to make a composite object, offer the opportunity to include recycled iron. Second, the material itself is more complex than Cu alloys. The alloys of Fe, depending primarily on C content, are very different in terms of properties and can be interconverted by (normally) removing C such as decarburizing cast iron to make wrought iron. Thus, recycling practices are potentially intimately combined with such processes. These factors, combined with the poor preservation of archaeological iron and the consequent reluctance to carry out extensive studies (which often require destructive analysis via metallography), mean that there are no clear criteria for identifying recycled iron. However, limited historical documentation suggests, at least indirectly, that such recycling was common. This paper is neither comprehensive nor definitive, but merely intends to promote discussion and awareness of iron recycling by hypothesizing several possible mechanisms and providing a few illustrative archaeological examples.
Pregnenolone sulfate analogues differentially modulate GABAA receptor closed/desensitised states
Authors: Mortensen Martin , Xu Yue , Shehata Mohamed A. , Krall Jacob , Ernst Margot , Frølund Bente , Smart Trevor G.
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

GABAA receptors are regulated by numerous classes of allosteric modulators. However, regulation of receptor macroscopic desensitisation remains largely unexplored and may offer new therapeutic opportunities. Here, we report the emerging potential for modulating desensitisation with analogues of the endogenous inhibitory neurosteroid, pregnenolone sulfate.

Experimental Approach

New pregnenolone sulfate analogues were synthesised incorporating various heterocyclic substitutions located at the C‐21 position on ring D. The pharmacological profiles of these compounds were assessed using electrophysiology and recombinant GABAA receptors together with mutagenesis, molecular dynamics simulations, structural modelling and kinetic simulations.

Key Results

All seven analogues retained a negative allosteric modulatory capability whilst exhibiting diverse potencies. Interestingly, we observed differential effects on GABA current decay by compounds incorporating either a six‐ (compound 5) or five‐membered heterocyclic ring (compound 6) on C‐21, which was independent of their potencies as inhibitors. We propose that differences in molecular charges, and the targeted binding of analogues to specific states of the GABAA receptor, are the most likely cause of the distinctive functional profiles.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings reveal that heterocyclic addition to inhibitory neurosteroids not only affected their potency and macroscopic efficacy but also affected innate receptor mechanisms that underlie desensitisation. Acute modulation of macroscopic desensitisation will determine the degree and duration of GABA inhibition, which are vital for the integration of neural circuit activity. Discovery of this form of modulation could present an opportunity for next‐generation GABAA receptor drug design and development.
Preliminary support for the use of narrative exposure therapy in a child protection context: Collective case‐study narratives
Authors: Ryan Grant Thomas
Published: May 2023

The present paper attempts to provide preliminary support for the use of narrative exposure therapy (NET) in a child protection context. The prevalence of violence, abuse and neglect (VAN) within New South Wales is outlined as well as the current perspectives in trauma definition and symptomology, and the prevalence of trauma symptomology among birthparents and young people within child protection services. NET is introduced including its theoretical background, methodology, applications and research. Four applications of NET within a child protection context are presented, including lifelines and narrative excerpts. Specific themes presented included experiences of physical abuse, domestic and family violence, parental drug use, suicidal ideation and child removal. Statistical analysis including reliable change, clinical and statistical significance of pre‐ and post‐PCL‐5 outcomes measures are presented to infer preliminary support for NET within a child protection context. Limitations and future considerations for future research are discussed.
Prognostic role of early prostate specific antigen changes after [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA radioligand therapy of metastasized prostate cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Garo Maria Luisa , Cuzzocrea Marco , Paone Gaetano , Herrmann Ken
Published: May 2023

Background

Approximately 10%–20% of prostate cancers progress to metastatic and castration‐resistant forms (mCRPC). Radioligand (RLT) therapy with [177Lu]Lu‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is an emerging treatment for metastasized mCRPC and its efficacy is assessed not only but also by prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurement after 12 weeks or more after treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the role of early PSA measurement after RLT in predicting overall survival (OS) of mCRPC patients.

Methods

A systematic search on PubMed, Web Of Science and Scopus was performed from January to December 2022. PRISMA guidelines for prognostic studies was adopted. Risk of bias was assessed using quality of prognostic studies (QUIPS).

Results

Twelve studies at low‐intermediate risk of bias, were included in the meta‐analysis (1646 patients, mean age 70 years). About 50% of patients showed a PSA decline after 1–2 of [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA, and more than 30% reported a PSA decline ≥50%. The median OS range for patients with any PSA decline was 13–20 months, while for patients with stable or increased PSA, the median OS fell to 6–12 months. The OS rate for a PSA decline after the one‐two [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA cycles was 0.39 (95% CI: 0.31–0.50), while OS for a PSA decline ≥50% was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57–0.83).

Conclusions

A PSA decline is observed in almost 50% of mCRPC patients after 1–2 [177Lu]Lu‐PSMA cycles, with a significantly longer OS compared to stable or increased PSA levels, respectively. Accordingly, any PSA decline after 1–2 cycles of therapy should be regarded as a favourable prognostic factor for OS.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia as an early intervention of mood disorders with comorbid insomnia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chung Ka‐Fai , Lee Chit‐Tat , Au Chi‐Hung , Kam Ka‐Yee , Lee Che‐Kin , Yeung Wing‐Fai , Lau Esther Yuet Ying , Ho Fiona Yan‐Yee , Ho Lai‐Ming
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of small‐group nurse‐administered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI) as an early intervention of mood disorders with comorbid insomnia.

Methods

A total of 200 patients with first‐episode depressive or bipolar disorders and comorbid insomnia were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receiving 4‐session CBTI or not in a routine psychiatric care setting. Primary outcome was Insomnia Severity Index. Secondary outcomes included response and remission status; daytime symptomatology and quality of life; medication burden; sleep‐related cognitions and behaviours; and the credibility, satisfaction, adherence and adverse events of CBTI. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3, 6, and 12‐month.

Results

Only a significant time‐effect but no group‐by‐time interaction was found in the primary outcome. Several secondary outcomes had significantly greater improvements in CBTI group, including higher depression remission at 12‐month (59.7% vs. 37.9%, χ2 = 6.57, p = .01), lower anxiolytic use at 3‐month (18.1% vs. 33.3%, χ2 = 4.72, p = .03) and 12‐month (12.5% vs. 25.8%, χ2 = 3.26, p = .047), and lesser sleep‐related dysfunctional cognitions at 3 and 6‐month (mixed‐effects model, F = 5.12, p = .001 and .03, respectively). Depression remission rate was 28.6%, 40.3%, and 59.7% at 3, 6, and 12‐month, respectively in CBTI group and 28.4%, 31.1%, and 37.9%, respectively in no CBTI group.

Conclusion

CBTI may be a useful early intervention to enhance depression remission and reduce medication burden in patients with first‐episode depressive disorder and comorbid insomnia.
Stimulation to probe, excite, and inhibit the epileptic brain
Authors: Frauscher Birgit , Bartolomei Fabrice , Baud Maxime O. , Smith Rachel J. , Worrell Greg , Lundstrom Brian N.
Published: May 2023

Direct cortical stimulation has been applied in epilepsy for nearly a century and has experienced a renaissance, given unprecedented opportunities to probe, excite, and inhibit the human brain. Evidence suggests stimulation can increase diagnostic and therapeutic utility in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsies. However, choosing appropriate stimulation parameters is not a trivial issue, and is further complicated by epilepsy being characterized by complex brain state dynamics. In this article derived from discussions at the ICTALS 2022 Conference (International Conference on Technology and Analysis for Seizures), we succinctly review the literature on cortical stimulation applied acutely and chronically to the epileptic brain for localization, monitoring, and therapeutic purposes. In particular, we discuss how stimulation is used to probe brain excitability, discuss evidence on the usefulness of stimulation to trigger and stop seizures, review therapeutic applications of stimulation, and finally discuss how stimulation parameters are impacted by brain dynamics. Although research has advanced considerably over the past decade, there are still significant hurdles to optimizing use of this technique. For example, it remains unclear to what extent short timescale diagnostic biomarkers can predict long‐term outcomes and to what extent these biomarkers add information to already existing biomarkers from passive electroencephalographic recordings. Further questions include the extent to which closed loop stimulation offers advantages over open loop stimulation, what the optimal closed loop timescales may be, and whether biomarker‐informed stimulation can lead to seizure freedom. The ultimate goal of bioelectronic medicine remains not just to stop seizures but rather to cure epilepsy and its comorbidities.
Multimodal nocturnal seizure detection in children with epilepsy: A prospective, multicenter, long‐term, in‐home trial
Authors: van Westrhenen Anouk , Lazeron Richard H. C. , van Dijk Johannes P. , Leijten Frans S. S. , Thijs Roland D. ,   the Dutch TeleEpilepsy Consortium
Published: May 2023

Objective

There is a pressing need for reliable automated seizure detection in epilepsy care. Performance evidence on ambulatory non‐electroencephalography‐based seizure detection devices is low, and evidence on their effect on caregiver's stress, sleep, and quality of life (QoL) is still lacking. We aimed to determine the performance of NightWatch, a wearable nocturnal seizure detection device, in children with epilepsy in the family home setting and to assess its impact on caregiver burden.

Methods

We conducted a phase 4, multicenter, prospective, video‐controlled, in‐home NightWatch implementation study (NCT03909984). We included children aged 4–16 years, with ≥1 weekly nocturnal major motor seizure, living at home. We compared a 2‐month baseline period with a 2‐month NightWatch intervention. The primary outcome was the detection performance of NightWatch for major motor seizures (focal to bilateral or generalized tonic–clonic [TC] seizures, focal to bilateral or generalized tonic seizures lasting >30 s, hyperkinetic seizures, and a remainder category of focal to bilateral or generalized clonic seizures and "TC‐like" seizures). Secondary outcomes included caregivers' stress (Caregiver Strain Index [CSI]), sleep (Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Index), and QoL (EuroQol five‐dimension five‐level scale).

Results

We included 53 children (55% male, mean age = 9.7 ± 3.6 years, 68% learning disability) and analyzed 2310 nights (28 173 h), including 552 major motor seizures. Nineteen participants did not experience any episode of interest during the trial. The median detection sensitivity per participant was 100% (range = 46%–100%), and the median individual false alarm rate was .04 per hour (range = 0–.53). Caregiver's stress decreased significantly (mean total CSI score = 8.0 vs. 7.1, p = .032), whereas caregiver's sleep and QoL did not change significantly during the trial.

Significance

The NightWatch system demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting nocturnal major motor seizures in children in a family home setting and reduced caregiver stress.
What do macroinvertebrate indices measure? Stressor‐specific stream macroinvertebrate indices can be confounded by other stressors
Authors: Jones J. Iwan , Lloyd Charlotte E. M. , Murphy John F. , Arnold Amanda , Duerdoth Chas P. , Hawczak Adrianna , Pretty James L. , Johnes Penny J. , Freer Jim E. , Stirling Moragh W. , Richmond Carla , Collins Adrian L.
Published: May 2023

Monitoring programmes worldwide use biota to assess the “health” of water bodies. Indices based on biota are used to describe the change in status of sites over time, to identify progress against management targets and to diagnose the causes of biological degradation. A variety of numerical stressor‐specific biotic indices have been developed based on the response of biota to differences in stressors among sites. Yet, it is not clear how variation in pressures within sites, over what time period, and in what combination has the greatest impact on different biotic groups. An understanding of how temporal variation in pressures influences biological assessment indices would assist in setting achievable targets and help focus catchment‐scale mitigation strategies to ensure that they deliver the desired improvements in biological condition.

Hydrochemical data provided by a network of high‐frequency (15 or 30 min) automated monitoring stations over 3 years were matched to replicated biological data to understand the influence of spatio‐temporal variation in pollution pressures on biological indices. Hydrochemical data were summarised in various ways to reflect central tendency, peaks, troughs and variation over 1–90 days before the collection of each biological sample. An objective model selection procedure was used to determine which hydrochemical determinand, and over what time period, best explained variation in the biological indices.

Stressor‐specific indices derived from macroinvertebrates which purportedly assess stress from low flows, excess fine sediment, nutrient enrichment, pesticides and organic pollution were significantly inter‐correlated and reflected periods of low oxygen concentration, even though only one index (ASPTWHPT, average score per taxon) was designed for this purpose. Changes in community composition resulting from one stressor frequently lead to confounding effects on stressor‐specific indices.

Variation in ASPTWHPT was best described by dissolved oxygen calculated as Q5 over 10 days, suggesting that low oxygen events had most influence over this period. Longer‐term effects were apparent, but were masked by recovery. Macroinvertebrate abundance was best described by Q95 of stream velocity over 60 days, suggesting a slower recovery in numbers than in the community trait reflected by ASPTWHPT.

Although use of ASPTWHPT was supported, we recommend that additional independent evidence should be used to corroborate any conclusions regarding the causes of degradation drawn from the other stressor‐specific indices. The use of such stressor‐specific indices alone risks the mistargeting of management strategies if the putative stressor‐index approach is taken to be more reliable than the results herein suggest.
Environmental and temporal patterns in bioturbation in the Cambrian–Ordovician of Western Newfoundland
Authors: Tarhan Lidya G. , Nolan Rhiannon Z. , Westacott Sophie , Shaw Jack O. , Pruss Sara B.
Published: May 2023

The early Paleozoic emergence of bioturbating (sediment‐dwelling and ‐mixing) animals has long been assumed to have led to substantial changes in marine biogeochemistry, seafloor ecology, and the preservation potential of both sedimentary and fossil archives. However, the timing of the rise of bioturbation and environmental patterns in its expansion have long been subjects of debate—resolution of which has been hampered, in part, by a paucity of high‐resolution bioturbation data or of systematic investigations of facies trends in lower Paleozoic bioturbation. To address these issues, we conducted an integrated sedimentological and ichnological characterization of the Cambrian–Ordovician Port au Port succession and Cow Head Group of western Newfoundland, encompassing over 350 meters of stratigraphy logged at the centimeter to decimeter scale. We find that, across a wide range of marine facies, bioturbation does not on average exceed moderate intensities—corroborating observations from other lower Paleozoic successions indicating that the early Paleozoic development of bioturbation was a protracted process. Moreover, bioturbation intensities in the Port au Port succession and Cow Head Group are commonly characterized by considerable variability at even fine scales of stratigraphic resolution and changes in bioturbation intensity correlate strongly with variability in sedimentary facies. We observe that facies recording nearshore depositional environments and carbonate‐rich lithologies are each characterized by the highest intensities of both burrowing and sediment mixing. These data highlight the need for a high‐resolution and facies‐specific approach to reconstructing the evolutionary history of bioturbation and suggest that average levels of bioturbation, although relatively low throughout this interval, increased notably earlier in nearshore marine settings.