bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive effects of 10-year exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 and primary cancer incidence in American older adults
Authors: Wei Yaguang , Danesh Yazdi Mahdieh , Ma Tszshan , Castro Edgar , Liu Cristina Su , Qiu Xinye , Healy James , Vu Bryan N. , Wang Cuicui , Shi Liuhua , Schwartz Joel
Published: August 2023

Background:

Epidemiologic evidence on the relationships between air pollution and the risks of primary cancers other than lung cancer remained largely lacking. We aimed to examine associations of 10-year exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with risks of breast, prostate, colorectal, and endometrial cancers.

Methods:

For each cancer, we constructed a separate cohort among the national Medicare beneficiaries during 2000 to 2016. We simultaneously examined the additive associations of six exposures, namely, moving average exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 over the year of diagnosis and previous 2 years, previous 3 to 5 years, and previous 6 to 10 years, with the risk of first cancer diagnosis after 10 years of follow-up, during which there was no cancer diagnosis.

Results:

The cohorts included 2.2 to 6.5 million subjects for different cancers. Exposures to PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with increased risks of colorectal and prostate cancers but were not associated with endometrial cancer risk. NO2 was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, while the association for PM2.5 remained inconclusive. At exposure levels below the newly updated World Health Organization Air Quality Guideline, we observed substantially larger associations between most exposures and the risks of all cancers, which were translated to hundreds to thousands new cancer cases per year within the cohort per unit increase in each exposure.

Conclusions:

These findings suggested substantial cancer burden was associated with exposures to PM2.5 and NO2, emphasizing the urgent need for strategies to mitigate air pollution levels.
Cervical cancer screening in menopause: when is it safe to exit?
Authors: Long Margaret E. , Lee Yeonsoo S. , Vegunta Suneela
Published: August 2023

Importance and Objective

Despite a decreasing incidence of cervical cancer in North America overall, disparities in screening and cervical cancer rates persist, especially in the postmenopausal age group.

Methods

We reviewed the literature regarding cervical cancer screening considerations for postmenopausal persons, with a focus on cervical cancer in postmenopausal persons, existing guidelines, screening methods, and gaps in care.

Discussion and Conclusion

Postmenopausal persons are an important population at risk because age 65 years in the United States and up to 70 years in some parts of Canada is a milestone for screening cessation if the criteria are met. Unfortunately, inadequate screening is common, with most women 65 years or older discontinuing (exiting) screening despite not meeting the criteria to do so. Screening cessation recommendations are nuanced, and if not all criteria are met, screening should be continued until they are. Cervical cancer screening should be stopped at the recommended age if adequate screening has occurred or at any age if life expectancy is limited or the patient has had a hysterectomy in the absence of high-grade preinvasive cervical lesions or cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus infection, which is causally linked to almost all cervical cancer cases, can persist or reactivate from a prior infection or can be newly acquired from sexual contact. With more persons aging with a cervix in place, the potential for cervical cancer has increased, and higher cancer rates may be observed if recommended screening is not adhered to. We propose an algorithm based on current cervical cancer screening guidelines to aid providers in identifying whether exit criteria have been met. Until adequate screening has been confirmed, cervical cancer screening should continue.
Exploring the relationship between history of infertility and the experience of menopausal symptoms
Authors: Fitz Victoria W. , Soria-Contreras Diana C. , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Shifren Jan L. , Oken Emily , Chavarro Jorge E
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to examine longitudinal associations of history of infertility with menopausal symptoms in midlife.

Methods

Six hundred ninety-five midlife women (≥45 y old or reporting ≥12 mo of amenorrhea at the midlife visit) in Project Viva, a prospective cohort enrolled 1999-2002 during pregnancy and followed for 18 years after enrollment (“midlife visit”). Exposure was history of infertility defined as time to pregnancy ≥12 months (≥6 mo if ≥35 y), use of medical treatment to conceive, or infertility consultation or treatment in the 6-month preceding enrollment. The primary outcome was score below or above the median on the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Secondary outcomes included individual symptom score on the MRS and self-reported age of menopause.

Results

A total of 36.6% had a history of infertility in their lifetime. At the time of MRS completion, the women with prior infertility were older (53.4 [SD, 3.8] vs 51.2 [SD, 3.7] y) than those without infertility and a larger proportion had reached menopause (62% vs 40%). Women with prior infertility were more likely to score above the median on the MRS (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.01) and had higher odds for reporting any depressive mood (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.12-2.16) and irritability (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13-2.19). There was a trend toward greater severity of sleep problems among women with prior infertility. There was no association of prior infertility with report of other menopausal symptoms or age of menopause.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that women with prior infertility are more likely to have an MRS score above the median and experience depressive mood, irritability, and sleep problems during midlife than women without infertility. These findings have implications for mental health screening among midlife women.
Artificial intelligence for home monitoring devices
Authors: Keenan Tiarnan D.L. , Loewenstein Anat
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

Home monitoring in ophthalmology is appropriate for disease stages requiring frequent monitoring or rapid intervention, for example, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma, where the balance between frequent hospital attendance versus risk of late detection is a constant challenge. Artificial intelligence approaches are well suited to address some challenges of home monitoring.

Recent findings

Ophthalmic data collected at home have included functional (e.g. perimetry), biometric (e.g. intraocular pressure), and imaging [e.g. optical coherence tomography (OCT)] data. Potential advantages include early detection/intervention, convenience, cost, and visual outcomes. Artificial intelligence can assist with home monitoring workflows by handling large data volumes from frequent testing, compensating for test quality, and extracting useful metrics from complex data. Important use cases include machine learning applied to hyperacuity self-testing for detecting neovascular AMD and deep learning applied to OCT data for quantifying retinal fluid.

Home monitoring of health conditions is useful for chronic diseases requiring rapid intervention or frequent data sampling to decrease risk of irreversible vision loss. Artificial intelligence may facilitate accurate, frequent, large-scale home monitoring, if algorithms are integrated safely into workflows. Clinical trials and economic evaluations are important to demonstrate the value of artificial intelligence-based home monitoring, towards improved visual outcomes.
Explainable artificial intelligence in ophthalmology
Authors: Tan Ting Fang , Dai Peilun , Zhang Xiaoman , Jin Liyuan , Poh Stanley , Hong Dylan , Lim Joshua , Lim Gilbert , Teo Zhen Ling , Liu Nan , Ting Daniel Shu Wei
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

Despite the growing scope of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) applications in the field of ophthalmology, most have yet to reach clinical adoption. Beyond model performance metrics, there has been an increasing emphasis on the need for explainability of proposed DL models.

Recent findings

Several explainable AI (XAI) methods have been proposed, and increasingly applied in ophthalmological DL applications, predominantly in medical imaging analysis tasks.

We summarize an overview of the key concepts, and categorize some examples of commonly employed XAI methods. Specific to ophthalmology, we explore XAI from a clinical perspective, in enhancing end-user trust, assisting clinical management, and uncovering new insights. We finally discuss its limitations and future directions to strengthen XAI for application to clinical practice.
Professional and Gender Differences in Job Stress
Authors: Kutebayev Talgat , Rakhimov Arman , Utaliyeva Zhanna
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the level and sources of job stress among key business professionals such as economists, financiers, and accountants as well as among genders.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used the Job Stress Survey to collect data on job stress among 702 Kazakhstani business professionals who worked in both public and private organizations.

Results

Analysis revealed that the degree of severity and frequency of stress was not high for all business professionals. Results showed that financiers experienced higher stress than economists due to limited opportunity for advancement and disagreeable duties. The study also found that men economists and financiers were stressed from conflicts with other departments more than women of these professions.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights for organizations about the potential ways of preventing and mitigating job stress.
Diagnostic and therapeutic effects of fluorescence cystoscopy and narrow-band imaging in bladder cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Zhinan , Shi Hongjin , Luo Jiayu , Guo Xinquan , Wang Bo , Liu Yao , Yu Junjie
Published: August 2023

Background:

This review aims to compare the efficacies of fluorescence cystoscopy, narrow-band imaging, and white-light cystoscopy in the treatment and diagnosis of bladder cancer.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from January 1990 to April 2022. A total of 26 randomized controlled studies and 22 prospective single-arm studies were selected. Most patients had non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The study protocol has been registered at PROSPERO.

Results:

In the pairwise meta-analysis, 5-aminolevulinic acid reduced the short- and long-term recurrence rates of bladder cancer compared with white light cystoscopy; however, no statistical difference was observed in intermediate-term recurrence rates(RR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.57, 1.09). Hexaminolevulinic acid and narrow-band imaging reduced short-, intermediate-, and long-term recurrence rates. The sensitivity of 5-aminolevulinic acid, hexaminolevulinic acid, narrow-band imaging and white light cystoscopy for bladder cancer were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81–0.94), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92–0.98), 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92–0.98), and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.70–0.79), respectively; however, only narrow-band imaging had the same specificity as white light cystoscopy(0.74 vs. 0.74). Compared with white light cystoscopy, 5-aminolevulinic acid improved the detection rate of carcinoma in situ and Ta stage bladder cancer but had no advantage in T1 stage tumors(OR=2.39, 95%CI:0.79, 7.19). Hexaminolevulinic acid and narrow-band imaging improved the detection rates of all non-muscular-invasive bladder cancers. In the network meta-analysis, there was no significant difference in either recurrence or detection rates between 5-aminolevulinic acid, hexaminolevulinic acid, and narrow-band imaging.

Conclusion:

Fluorescence cystoscopy and narrow-band imaging are advantageous for treating and diagnosing patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Anatomy segmentation in laparoscopic surgery: comparison of machine learning and human expertise – an experimental study
Authors: Kolbinger Fiona R. , Rinner Franziska M. , Jenke Alexander C. , Carstens Matthias , Krell Stefanie , Leger Stefan , Distler Marius , Weitz Jürgen , Speidel Stefanie , Bodenstedt Sebastian
Published: August 2023

Background:

Lack of anatomy recognition represents a clinically relevant risk in abdominal surgery. Machine learning (ML) methods can help identify visible patterns and risk structures, however, their practical value remains largely unclear.

Materials and Methods:

Based on a novel dataset of 13195 laparoscopic images with pixel-wise segmentations of eleven anatomical structures, we developed specialized segmentation models for each structure and combined models for all anatomical structures using two state-of-the-art model architectures (DeepLabv3 and SegFormer), and compared segmentation performance of algorithms to a cohort of 28 physicians, medical students, and medical laypersons using the example of pancreas segmentation.

Results:

Mean Intersection-over-Union for semantic segmentation of intraabdominal structures ranged from 0.28 to 0.83 and from 0.23 to 0.77 for the DeepLabv3-based structure-specific and combined models, and from 0.31 to 0.85 and from 0.26 to 0.67 for the SegFormer-based structure-specific and combined models, respectively. Both the structure-specific and the combined DeepLabv3-based models are capable of near-real-time operation, while the SegFormer-based models are not. All four models outperformed at least 26 out of 28 human participants in pancreas segmentation.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that ML methods have the potential to provide relevant assistance in anatomy recognition in minimally-invasive surgery in near-real-time. Future research should investigate the educational value and subsequent clinical impact of respective assistance systems.
Long-Term Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacement in Dialysis Patients – A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fu Hsun-Yi , Wang Ting-Chuan , Wang Chih-Hsien , Chou Nai-Kuan , Wu I-Hui , Hsu Ron-Bin , Huang Shu-Chien , Yu Hsi-Yu , Chen Yih-Sharng , Chi Nai-Hsin
Published: August 2023

Background:

Improved durability of modern biologic prostheses and growing experience with the transcatheter valve-in-valve technique have contributed to a substantial increase in the use of bioprostheses in younger patients. However, discussion of prosthetic valve selection in dialysis patients remains scarce as the guidelines are updated. This study aims to compare long-term outcomes between propensity score-matched cohorts of dialysis patients who underwent primary aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis or a bioprosthesis.

Materials and methods:

Longitudinal data of dialysis patients who underwent primary aortic valve replacement between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2018, were retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database.

Results:

A total of 891 eligible patients were identified, of whom 243 ideally matched pairs of patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.40) or incidence of major adverse prosthesis-related events between the two groups (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.25). In patients younger than 50 years of age, using a mechanical prosthesis was associated with a significantly longer survival time across 10 years of follow-up than using a bioprosthesis (restricted mean survival time (RMST)) at 10 years: 7.24 (95% CI 6.33-8.14) years for mechanical prosthesis vs. 5.25 (95% CI 4.25-6.25) years for bioprosthesis, RMST difference 1.99 years, 95% CI −3.34 to −0.64).

Conclusion:

A 2-year survival gain in favor of mechanical prostheses was identified in dialysis patients younger than 50 years. We suggest mechanical prostheses for aortic valve replacement in these younger patients.
Evolution of Carboxyhemoglobin in Children Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: An Observational Single-Center Study
Authors: Brohan Orlane , Liet Jean-Michel , Dejoie Thomas , Jegard Julien , Gaultier Aurélie , Bourgoin Pierre , Joram Nicolas , Chenouard Alexis
Published: August 2023

Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is potentially a novel marker of hemolysis on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and may be useful as an indicator for circuit-related complication in adults, but little is known about COHb levels in children. An observational single-center study was performed between January 2018 and December 2021. Fifty-eight children were included and COHb levels were obtained along with routine blood gas analysis before, during, and after ECMO support. From the 6th hour of ECMO support, the COHb level increased relative to the pre-ECMO level, with an adjusted mean difference of 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.62; p < 0.001) and remained higher during ECMO run and within 6 hours after weaning (p < 0.001). Among the 18 children (31%) who experienced at least one circuit-related complication leading to a circuit change, we observed a significant decrease in COHb levels within 24 hours after the circuit change, compared with the 24 hours before (adjusted mean difference, 0.54%; 95% CI, 0.27–0.80; p < 0.001). The maximal daily COHb level was able to predict circuit-related complications within 24 hours following COHb measurement with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.77–0.92; p < 0.001).
New insights into the glycobiology of immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tiemeyer Katherine H. , Kuter David J. , Cairo Christopher W. , Hollenhorst Marie A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of review

The platelet surface harbors a lush forest of glycans (carbohydrate polymers) attached to membrane proteins and lipids. Accumulating evidence suggests that these glycans may be relevant to the pathophysiology of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Here, we critically evaluate data that point to a possible role for loss of sialic acid in driving platelet clearance in ITP, comment on the potential use of neuraminidase inhibitors for treatment of ITP, and highlight open questions in this area.

Recent findings

Multiple lines of evidence suggest a role for loss of platelet sialic acid in the pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia. Recent work has tested the hypothesis that neuraminidase-mediated cleavage of platelet sialic acid may trigger clearance of platelets in ITP. Some clinical evidence supports efficacy of the viral neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir in ITP, which is surprising given its lack of activity against human neuraminidases.

Further study of platelet glycobiology in ITP is necessary to fill key knowledge gaps. A deeper understanding of the roles of platelet glycans in ITP pathophysiology will help to guide development of novel therapies.
Real-world Experience of Caplacizumab for Adolescents in the First-line Setting: Case Reports
Authors: Tran Thuy B. , Boyce Jennifer , Mitchell Heather , Speaks Jeron , Arnall Justin R.
Published: August 2023

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy resulting in high mortality. Caplacizumab is approved for treatment of adults with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that has shown faster platelet normalization, clinical improvement, and reduced risk of recurrent/refractory disease. We report 2 cases of adolescents treated off-label with caplacizumab who were able to stop before 30 days from end of plasma exchange after platelets normalized and ADAMTS13 activity recovered to >20% to 30%. Our results show similar efficacy to other reports of patients under 18 receiving caplacizumab in first line, regardless of plasma exchange strategy, and may offer insight into early cessation criteria.
Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis: A Case Report and Literature Review of a Rare Pediatric Disorder From Pakistan
Authors: Sarfraz Saliha , Wali Rabia Muhammad , Jameel Madiha
Published: August 2023

Background:

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare pediatric disorder driven by the Epstein-Barr virus and is considered as a part of the lymphoma spectrum. It is mostly associated with immune deficiency and patients on immunosuppressive therapy, especially with acute leukemia. It can present as a multisystemic disease, diagnosed on biopsy as atypical lymphocytes with an angiocentric pattern against a background composed of histiocytes, neutrophils, and extensive T-cell infiltration.

Observation:

We report 3 cases of children with Lymphomatoid granulomatosis, one with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Conclusion:

Combination chemotherapy was used for the treatment of Lymphomatoid granulomatosis; however, the prognosis is guarded. One of 3 patients is alive and in remission on the last follow-up visit at 15 months.
Age Disparities in Access to First and Repeat Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Chen Yusi , Churilla Bryce , Ahn JiYoon B. , Quint Evelien E. , Sandal Shaifali , Musunuru Amrusha , Pol Robert A. , Hladek Melissa D. , Crews Deidra C. , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams-DeMarco Mara
Published: August 2023

Background.

Evidence suggests that older patients are less frequently placed on the waiting list for kidney transplantation (KT) than their younger counterparts. The trends and magnitude of this age disparity in access to first KT and repeat KT (re-KT) remain unclear.

Methods.

Using the US Renal Data System, we identified 2 496 743 adult transplant-naive dialysis patients and 110 338 adult recipients with graft failure between 1995 and 2018. We characterized the secular trends of age disparities and used Cox proportional hazard models to compare the chances of listing and receiving first KT versus re-KT by age (18–64 y versus ≥65 y).

Results.

Older transplant-naive dialysis patients were less likely to be listed (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17-0.18) and receive first KT (aHR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.87-0.89) compared with their younger counterparts. Additionally, older patients with graft failure had a lower chance of being listed (aHR = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.38-0.41) and receiving re-KT (aHR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.81). The magnitude of the age disparity in being listed for first KT was greater than that for re-KT (P
interaction < 0.001), and there were no differences in the age disparities in receiving first KT or re-KT (P
interaction = 0.13). Between 1995 and 2018, the age disparity in listing for first KT reduced significantly (P < 0.001), but the age disparities in re-KT remained the same (P = 0.16).

Conclusions.

Age disparities exist in access to both first KT and re-KT; however, some of this disparity is attenuated among older adults with graft failure. As the proportion of older patients with graft failure rises, a better understanding of factors that preclude their candidacy and identification of appropriate older patients are needed.
Serum levels of type I interferon (IFN-I) is associated with the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Sun Yuting , Wang Gang , Wang Rongshuai , Ren Liang , Yuan Zilin , Liu Yueping , Wu Yuzhang , Chen Rong , Chen Yongwen , Diao Bo
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has threatened global public health. Immune damage mechanisms are essential guidelines for clinical treatment and immune prevention.

Hypothesis. The dysregulated type I interferon (IFN-I) responses, lymphocytopenia and hypercytokinemia during SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported. However, whether there is a correlation between levels of IFN-I and the severity of COVID-19 has not been reported yet.

Aim. To investigate the source of IFN-I and detect the exact roles of them in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

Methodology. Here ELISA was used to detect serum IFN-I (IFN-α and IFN-β) for 137 cases with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted into one hospital in Wuhan from December 2019 to March 2020, and the relationships between IFN-α/β concentrations and patients’ clinical parameters were conducted by statistical analysis.

Results. Both IFN-α and IFN-β concentrations dramatically increased in COVID-19 patients, especially in old patients (>80 years) and severe cases. Statistical analysis demonstrated that serum IFN-α/β concentrations were negatively correlated with the counts of total CD3
+
T, CD4+ and CD8+T cells, especially in critically ill cases. Moreover, serum IFN-α levels were positively correlated to IL-6 and TNF-α. Finally, immunofluorescent double staining showed that IFN-α and IFN-β are major secretions from macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) in lymph nodes from COVID-19 autopsies.

Conclusion. These results demonstrate that macrophages and DCs are the main origination of IFN-I, and serum levels of IFN-I are positively associated with lymphopenia and cytokine storm, suggesting that IFN-α/β deteriorated the severity of COVID-19. Anti-interferon or IFN-I signalling block drugs are needed to treat ICU patients.
Septum site placement in Mycobacteria – identification and characterisation of mycobacterial homologues of Escherichia coli MinD
Authors: Kishore Vimal , Gaiwala Sharma Sujata S. , Raghunand Tirumalai R.
Published: August 2023

Graphical Abstract

M. tb Rv1708 and MSMEG_3743 are homologues of E. coli MinD, and play a role in mycobacterial divisome assembly.
Melatonin induces endoreduplication through oxidative DNA-damage triggering lateral root formation in onions
Authors: Maity Sukhendu , Guchhait Rajkumar , Pramanick Kousik
Published: August 2023

Melatonin (Mel) can regulate lateral root formation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of Mel-induced lateral root formation are indistinct. This study first time reports the potential ability of melatonin to induce endoreduplication, which in turn could play important roles in developmental reprogramming in plants towards lateral root formation. Pursuant to the results, Mel induces the lateral root formation in onions in a dose-dependent manner with the highest root forming potential in the high concentration (50 µM) of Mel. In consistent with the lateral root formation, the ROS generation in this dose was significantly higher than the control and a low dose (5 µM Mel, Mel_1) group. Co-treatment of ascorbic acid (AsA) with Mel in Mel_2 + AsA group can effectively scavenge the Mel_2 induced ROS, which results in a reduced number of lateral root formation in the co-treatment group. The higher levels of H2O2and superoxide in Mel_2 further strengthen the previous report on the role of ROS in lateral root formation. An increase in DNA content was also observed in the Mel_2 group consistent with the level of ROS-induced DNA-damage, suggesting that ROS can induce lateral root formation through oxidative DNA-damage stress and resulting endoreduplication. The results of gene expression analysis through qRT-PCR provide supporting evidence that melatonin, in a dose-dependent manner, can arrest cell-cycle, initiating the endoreduplication cycle in response to oxidative DNA-damage. Observed low level of IAA in primary root tip indicates the DNA-damage and cytokinin-dependent inhibition of auxin polar transport, causing localised IAA accumulation in the zone of differentiation due to auxin bio-synthesis, which in turn triggers lateral root formation in this region in corroboration with endoreduplication and ROS.
Construction of aStaphylococcus aureusGene-Deletion Allelic-Exchange Plasmid by Gibson Assembly and Recovery inEscherichia coli
Authors: Zeden Merve S. , Schuster Christopher F. , Gründling Angelika
Published: August 2023

We present a protocol for the generation of a gene-deletion allelic-exchange plasmid and its recovery inEscherichia colifor the purpose of constructing an in-frame gene deletion inStaphylococcus aureus. Here, we present detailed methodologies for (i) the primer design (using theS. aureus tagOgene as our specific example); (ii) PCR amplification of the required gene fragments; (iii) preparation of the cloning vector (using theS. aureusallelic-exchange vector pIMAY* as an example); (iv) the Gibson assembly cloning method; (v) introduction of the plasmid intoE. coli; (vi) confirmation of the plasmid insert inE. coliby colony PCR; and, finally, (vii) confirmation of the insert by sequencing. We also consider the long-term storage of theE. colistrains containing the desired plasmid.
Modeling fracture in brittle materials by higher-order phase field method using C1 non-Sibsonian interpolants
Authors: Prusty Aurojyoti , Rajagopal Amirtham
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study implements the fourth-order phase field method (PFM) for modeling fracture in brittle materials. The weak form of the fourth-order PFM requires C1 basis functions for the crack evolution scalar field in a finite element framework. To address this, non-Sibsonian type shape functions that are nonpolynomial types based on distance measures, are used in the context of natural neighbor shape functions. The capability and efficiency of this method are studied for modeling cracks.

Design/methodology/approach

The weak form of the fourth-order PFM is derived from two governing equations for finite element modeling. C0 non-Sibsonian shape functions are derived using distance measures on a generalized quad element. Then these shape functions are degree elevated with Bernstein-Bezier (BB) patch to get higher-order continuity (C1) in the shape function. The quad element is divided into several background triangular elements to apply the Gauss-quadrature rule for numerical integration. Both fourth-order and second-order PFMs are implemented in a finite element framework. The efficiency of the interpolation function is studied in terms of convergence and accuracy for capturing crack topology in the fourth-order PFM.

Findings

It is observed that fourth-order PFM has higher accuracy and convergence than second-order PFM using non-Sibsonian type interpolants. The former predicts higher failure loads and failure displacements compared to the second-order model due to the addition of higher-order terms in the energy equation. The fracture pattern is realistic when only the tensile part of the strain energy is taken for fracture evolution. The fracture pattern is also observed in the compressive region when both tensile and compressive energy for crack evolution are taken into account, which is unrealistic. Length scale has a certain specific effect on the failure load of the specimen.

Originality/value

Fourth-order PFM is implemented using C1 non-Sibsonian type of shape functions. The derivation and implementation are carried out for both the second-order and fourth-order PFM. The length scale effect on both models is shown. The better accuracy and convergence rate of the fourth-order PFM over second-order PFM are studied using the current approach. The critical difference between the isotropic phase field and the hybrid phase field approach is also presented to showcase the importance of strain energy decomposition in PFM.
The influence of advertisement humor on new product purchase intention: mediation by emotional arousal and cognitive flexibility
Authors: Du Weiyu , Shen Xin , Durmusoglu Serdar S. , Li Jinjin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Advertisements facilitate certain emotions, subsequently influencing purchase intentions. Humor, as an influential way of information expression, is frequently used in ads to elicit emotions. Drawing upon literature on advertisement humor and new product purchase intention and the theory of planned behavior, the study proposes that humor stimulation in advertisements can affect consumers' new product purchase intentions, in which two process mechanisms, namely, emotional arousal and cognitive flexibility, play a mediating effect.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the assertions, the authors conduct three experimental studies. The authors' first study assesses the main effect between advertisement humor and purchase intentions. In the second study, the authors show the mediating effects of emotional pleasure, emotional arousal, and cognitive flexibility on the relationship between advertisement humor and purchase intentions. In the first two experiments, the authors study incremental new products. In the third study, the authors study the same mediating relationships for radically new products.

Findings

This study's results show consumers that watch humorous ads are more likely to choose new products than those who watch non-humorous ads (Study 1); compared with non-humorous ads, humorous ads can enhance emotional arousal, thus promoting cognitive flexibility and making consumers more inclined to choose new products (Study 2 and Study 3). That said, the authors find that these mediation effects are only partial.

Originality/value

This study's results have important implications for firms vying to enhance consumers' new product purchase intentions by deploying humorous ads.
Mental health literacy training for college female peer mentors: a pilot study
Authors: Biber Duke , Rothman Rachel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate an online mental health literacy training program for college female mentors.

Design/methodology/approach

Undergraduate female participants (n = 10) completed in asynchronous mental health literacy training. Participants completed the Heads Up Checkup (HCU) and mental health literacy scale (MHLS). Participant usage data were collected for the training course and analyzed using means and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed by axial coding and thematic categorization.

Findings

The mean MHLS score, based on mean (M) and standard deviation (SD), was high for the participants (M = 145.69, SD = 8.41). Six qualitative themes from the training effectiveness feedback were used: (1) help-seeking, (2) stress management, (3) tailored guidance to resources, (4) understanding warning signs, (5) body image awareness and (6) engaging with mentees.

Research limitations/implications

There are a few limitations to this study including the small sample size, unrestricted time frame for completion of the asynchronous training and the need for long-term follow-up of the intervention effects.

Practical implications

This pilot study provides initial support for the mental health literacy training program when implemented with undergraduate females.

Social implications

Given inadequate mental health literacy in college females regarding such topics, continually training undergraduates about these warning signs is necessary. Future research could consider implementing this program with all gender identities, various age groups and in both synchronous and asynchronous modalities. This program could also be replicated using a pre- and post-test design to evaluate direct impact of the training on outcome variables.

Originality/value

All the participants discussed how the training prepared them in aiding mentees in help-seeking and identifying appropriate mental health resources. Participants also indicated how the training enabled personal and others-oriented stress management, which supports a mental health literacy training program that reduced stress in medical students.
A numerical model with nonuniform grids for the analysis of dynamic characteristics of scratched tilting-pad bearings
Authors: Fan Bowen , Yuan Keke , Chen Wei , Qi Shemiao , Liu Yi , Liu Heng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a numerical model for scratched tilting-pad bearings (STPBs) with nonuniform grids. In addition, the model is used to reveal the effects of the structural parameters of bearings on the dynamic characteristics of STPBs under impact loading.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining the Reynolds equation, the flow balance equation and the assumption of adiabatic bearings and shafts, a thermo-hydrodynamic model with nonuniform grids of scratched journal bearings was built. Describing the motion of the shaft using the Euler method and introducing the pad-tilting-angle modification equation, a dynamic model of STPBs was established.

Findings

The occurrence of scratches in tilting-pad bearings yields great sensitivity to impact loading. Less width-to-diameter ratio and larger clearance ratio reduce the minimum film thickness and enlarge the maximum film pressure, which may lead to bearing collision or abrasion. Moreover, STPBs with larger clearance ratios take longer to recover from impact loading.

Originality/value

This work is original and a valuable reference for the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of STPBs. The effects of other factors on the dynamic characteristics of STPBs can be further investigated based on this model.
Monetary stance and favorableness of the monetary policy in the media: the case of Vietnam
Authors: Doan Thang Ngoc , Do Dong Phu , Luong Dat Van
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper analyzes the effects of the monetary stance on the media's favorable (or otherwise) attitude to the State Bank of Vietnam's (SBV) monetary policy using monthly data from 2011 to 2021. Monetary stance is a multivariate index based on the growth rates of money supply and domestic credit. A large set of articles published in five Vietnam daily newspapers are utilized to construct a view of the media's favorableness to the monetary policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses hand-collected data from 211 articles published in five newspapers from December 2011 to September 2021 in order to examine the relationship between the monetary stance and the media's favorableness to monetary policy. Following the studies of He and Pauwels (2008) and Xiong (2012), the authors constructed a multivariate stance index to capture most of the important changes in the SBV's monetary policy stance.

Findings

The study's main findings are that a change in monetary stance from easing to neutral/tightening, or from neutral to tightening, is greatly appreciated by the media. The study's findings are robust, especially in terms of alternative measures of the media's favorableness and monetary policy variables.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have important policy implications for implementing SBV's monetary policy.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is that the authors are the first to study the nexus of multivariate monetary stance and the media's favorableness to a central bank's non-inflation-targeting mandate. In particular, the study’s findings confirm that the SBV's multivariate monetary stance affects the media's favorableness, whereas the effect of inflation is statistically insignificant.
Artificial intelligence in healthcare: the value co-creation process and influence of other digital health transformations
Authors: Swan Eric L. , Peltier James W. , Dahl Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Digital transformations are altering service models and care delivery methods in healthcare. Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents the next wave of transformation in healthcare. This study aims to understand patient perceptions of AI and its impact on value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was developed to investigate how value co-creation operant resources (digital self-efficacy and relational service quality) impact value co-creation engagement (shared decision-making) and value co-creation outcomes (anticipatory AI value co-creation and intention to adopt AI). Data were collected from 332 respondents and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that the value co-creation process for AI technologies is a function of inputs, experiences and AI outputs. Operant resources were found to be positively associated with shared decision-making. However, not all operant resources directly and positively impacted AI outcomes. The indirect and positive mediated relationships through shared decision-making to AI outcomes suggest an interactive AI value co-creation process.

Research limitations/implications

AI technologies are still in early stages of consumer adoption in healthcare. Future research is warranted that investigates the validity of the model through maturing service life cycles.

Practical implications

Customer perceptions of new digital innovations are formed in the context of previous digital experiences. Marketers need to understand how customers view their current non-AI technologies. Strong engagement and perceived value of current technologies will help ease customers into the usage of AI technologies.

Originality/value

This study investigates the unique stages of the value co-creation process for AI technologies in healthcare. The results demonstrate that the value co-creation process is a function of inputs, tech-enabled experiences and AI outputs.
Does adaptability, rurality and previous business ownership matter for entrepreneurial identity?
Authors: Barber III Dennis , Lawrence Ericka R. , Alipour Kent , McMillan Amy
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study explores the role of both trait-like (i.e. adaptability) and situational (previous small business ownership and rurality) variables, on entrepreneurial identity (EI) through a social identity theory lens.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis was used on 376 individuals from across the United States who met various criteria and were recruited using Prolific.

Findings

Adaptability and previous small business ownership were found to be predictors of EI. Findings also highlight the moderating role of adaptability on the previous small business ownership-EI and rurality-EI links. Notably, highly adaptable individuals who have previously owned businesses tend to hold more of an EI, and those who are less adaptable and live in rural locations also tend to hold less of an EI.

Practical implications

Understanding the conditions under which individuals are likely to hold more of an EI may provide several benefits to organizations and individuals within society, including information that can be used to develop more fine-tuned career counseling and training, risk management strategies, and a more calculated allocation of finite resources.

Originality/value

Despite both personal trait-like (i.e. focus/adaptability) and situational (i.e. rurality and previous small business ownership experience) factors likely playing a crucial role in the formation of individuals' perceptions, previous work has largely ignored their interaction in the development of EI. The authors test a model encompassing trait-like (i.e. focus/adaptability) and situational (rurality, previous small business ownership experience) predictors of EI, along with their interactive effects, and illuminate a more holistic picture of EI's antecedents.
An exploratory study of the future paranormal tourist experience on ghost tours
Authors: Pedreño-Peñalver Carmen , Huertas-Valdivia Irene , Orea-Giner Alicia
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the paranormal tourist experience on ghost tours, taking into account the participants’ perceptions and their prior knowledge of the paranormal, in order to determine the principal components of the future of paranormal tourist experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is divided into two phases. The first phase is based on participant observation during a ghost tour. The second phase is based on a previously published framework for paranormal tourism. It introduces a qualitative adaptation of the orchestra model to look in-depth at how experiences with paranormal tours might shape the future of tourism as a major subtype.

Findings

Paranormal tourism has external (situational-enchantment, historical, mystical, ghostly and unsolved mysteries) and internal (affective, cognitive, sensory, behavior and relationship) components that are inter-linked. Future paranormal tourist experiences (FPTEs) must be focused on enhancing these aspects in order to offer an immersive experience.

Originality/value

Consequently, this paper proposes the FPTE model.
The causal effect of political risk on the stock market: Evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Li Zhibing , Liu Jia , Liu Jie , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhu Yinglun
Published: August 2023

By using the misfired missile event from Taiwan to mainland China as an exogenous shock, we identify the causal effect of potential military risk on the Chinese A‐share market. We find that the misfired missile event indeed causes a significant decline in the stock prices of Taiwan‐related A‐share firms, especially for firms that have stronger relationship with Taiwan. Further analysis shows that the increased required rate of return due to higher political uncertainty is the main driving force of the stock price decline. Our findings provide strong support for the existence of priced political risk in the stock market.
Comprehensive assessment of pretreatment sarcopenia impacts on patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC treated with afatinib
Authors: Wu Chen‐Te , Hsu Ping‐Chih , Chang John Wen‐Cheng , Chang Ching‐Fu , Huang Chen‐Yang , Yang Cheng‐Ta , Kuo Chih‐Hsi Scott , Fang Yueh‐Fu , Wu Chiao‐En
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of afatinib in patients with sarcopenia, an important prognostic factor for treatment efficacy and toxicity in patients with cancer.

Methods

The clinical features of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with frontline afatinib between 2014 and 2018 at a medical center in Taiwan were retrospectively reviewed. Sarcopenia was evaluated based on the total cross‐sectional area of skeletal muscles assessed by computed tomography (CT) imaging at the L3 level. Baseline characteristics, response rates, survival rates, and adverse events (AEs) were compared between sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients.

Results

A total of 176 patients evaluated for sarcopenia by CT and treated with afatinib were enrolled in the current study. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with good performance status, low body mass index (BMI), low body surface area (BSA), and low total mass area (TMA). Sarcopenia did not influence the response rate (69.2% vs. 72.0%, p = 0.299), progression‐free survival (median 15.9 vs. 14.9 months, p = 0.791), or overall survival (median 26.5 vs. 27.2 months, p = 0.441). However, BSA ≤ 1.7 and the 40 mg afatinib dose were associated with dose reduction. TMA was the only independent factor for afatinib discontinuation due to AEs.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia was not associated with treatment efficacy or toxicity among patients with NSCLC harboring common mutations treated with afatinib, indicating sarcopenic patients should not be excluded from afatinib treatment. Other factors, such as BSA and TMA, were associated with dose reduction and afatinib discontinuation, respectively, which may require additional evaluations in future studies.
The impact of board ethnic diversity and Chief Executive Officer role on corporate social responsibility
Authors: Do Truc (Peter) , Herbohn Kathleen
Published: August 2023

We examine the influence of board ethnic diversity on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities within modern day corporations. Using firm‐year observations in Australia from the period 2004–2017, we document that board ethnic diversity leads to better CSR performance and CSR disclosure. Our results suggest that for every additional ethnic cluster represented on the board, on average, a firm's CSR performance rating from ASSET4 is higher by 2.6% and the odds ratio of producing a CSR report increases by 38.8%. The results are robust to controlling for endogeneity (using both instrumental variable approach and difference‐in‐differences analysis) and alternate proxies to measure CSR performance and ethnic diversity. We also document the moderating impact of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) power on the relationship between board ethnic diversity and firms' CSR activities. Specifically, a less powerful CEO and a CEO of ethnic minority (i.e., non‐Anglo) are more likely to facilitate this relationship. This study adds to our understanding of how board ethnic diversity, an often‐overlooked factor in prior research, can have significant impacts on firm outcomes.