bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fair value accounting and the cost of corporate bonds: the role of auditor expertise
Authors: Magnan Michel , Wang Haiping , Shi Yaqi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between fair value accounting and the cost of corporate bonds, proxied by bond yield spread. In addition, this study explores the moderating role of auditor industry expertise at both the national and the city levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first examines the effect of the use of fair value on yield spread by estimating firm-level regression model, where fair value is the testing variable and yield spread is the dependent variable. To test the differential impact of the three levels of fair value inputs, this paper divides the fair value measures based on the three-level hierarchy, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, and replace them as the test variables in the regression model.

Findings

This study finds that the application of fair value accounting is generally associated with a higher bond yield spread, primarily driven by Level 3 estimates. The results also show that national-level auditor industry expertise is associated with lower bond yield spreads for Level 1 and Level 3 fair value inputs, whereas the impact of city-level auditor industry expertise on bondholders is mainly on Level 3 fair value inputs.

Research limitations/implications

The paper innovates by exploring the impact of fair value accounting in a setting that extends beyond financial institutions, the traditional area of focus. Moreover, most prior research considers private debt, whereas this study examines public bonds, for which investors are more likely to rely on financial reporting for their information about a firm. Finally, the study differentiates between city- and national-level industry expertise in examining the role of auditors.

Practical implications

This research has several practical implications. First, firms seeking to raise debt capital should consider involving auditors, with either industry expertise or fair value expertise, due to the roles that auditors play in safeguarding the reliability of fair value measures, particularly for Level 3 measurements. Second, from standard-setting and regulatory perspectives, the study’s findings that fair value accounting is associated with higher bond yield spread cast further doubt on the net benefits of applying a full fair value accounting regime. Third, PCAOB may consider enhancing guidance to auditors on Level 2 fair value inputs, to further enhance audit quality. Finally, creditors can be more cautious in interpretating accounting information based on fair value while viewing the employment of auditor experts as a positive signal.

Originality/value

First, the paper extends research on the role of accounting information in public debt contracting. Second, this study adds to the auditing literature about the impact of industry expertise. Finally, and more generally, this study adds to the ongoing controversy on the application of fair value accounting.
Adapting confiscation and anti-money laundering laws to the digital economy: exploring the Australian interplay between proceeds and technology
Authors: Goldbarsht Doron
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The rise of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets has triggered concerns about regulation and security. Governments and regulatory bodies are challenged to create frameworks that protect consumers, combat money laundering and address risks linked to digital assets. Conventional approaches to confiscation and anti-money laundering are deemed insufficient in this evolving landscape. The absence of a central authority and the use of encryption hinder the identification of asset owners and the tracking of illicit activities. Moreover, the international and cross-border nature of digital assets complicates matters, demanding global coordination. The purpose of this study is to highlight that the effective combat of money laundering, legislative action, innovative investigative techniques and public–private partnerships are crucial.

Design/methodology/approach

The focal point of this paper is Australia’s approach to law enforcement in the realm of digital assets. It underscores the pivotal role of robust confiscation mechanisms in disrupting criminal networks operating through digital means. The paper firmly asserts that staying ahead of the curve and maintaining an agile stance is paramount. Criminals are quick to embrace emerging technologies, necessitating proactive measures from policymakers and law enforcement agencies.

Findings

It is argued that an agile and comprehensive approach is vital in countering money laundering, as criminals adapt to new technologies. Policymakers and law enforcement agencies must remain proactively ahead of these developments to efficiently identify, trace and seize digital assets involved in illicit activities, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system.

Originality/value

This paper provides a distinctive perspective by examining Australia’s legal anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing framework, along with its law enforcement strategies within the realm of the digital asset landscape. While there is a plethora of literature on both asset confiscation and digital assets, there is a noticeable absence of exploration into their interplay, especially within the Australian context.
Social media, academic libraries and their cultural functions
Authors: Rachman Yeni Budi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how social media can be an effective tool for academic libraries to support their communities in the digital environment and relay information about their cultural functions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper involves a literature review to discuss the implementation of academic libraries’ cultural functions through social media account. This paper also observes some academic libraries’ accounts that use social media to carry out their cultural functions.

Findings

Social media provides opportunities for academic libraries in performing and developing their cultural functions. Academic libraries already use social media to deliver and communicate their cultural functions. However, some challenges might arise and necessitate a review of the library’s resources and the skills of library professionals.

Originality/value

This paper fills the lack of empirical studies analyzing the implementation of academic libraries’ cultural functions through social media accounts and contributes to the literature about the cultural functions of libraries in the digital environment. This paper can help those academic libraries wanting to leverage, bring innovation and increase their cultural functions in the digital environment through their social media accounts.
How and when does authentic leadership reduce employee resistance to change? An explanation from uncertainty management theory
Authors: Zhu Yanghao , Long Lirong , Liu Wenxing , Shu Peipei , Chen Siyuan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In the period of organizational change and transformation, the attitude of employees towards change has become a key factor in the success of organizational change. Based on the uncertainty management theory (UMT), the paper considers authentic leadership as an important antecedent of employee resistance to change and explores the mediating role of perceived uncertainty and the moderating role of uncertainty avoidance between authentic leadership and employee resistance to change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted a questionnaire survey study and a scenario experimental study. In study 1, the authors collected two stages of data from 256 employees in Central China, one month apart. In study 2, the authors designed a scenario experiment and invited 130 Chinese adults to participate.

Findings

The authors find that authentic leadership can effectively reduce employee resistance to change by reducing employee perceived uncertainty. In addition, for individuals with a higher (vs lower) degree of uncertainty avoidance, the direct impact of authentic leadership on perceived uncertainty and the indirect impact of authentic leadership on resistance to change through perceived uncertainty are both stronger (vs lower).

Originality/value

The presented results reveal the mechanism between authentic leadership and employee resistance to change from cognitive perspective and depict an important step toward understanding how authentic leadership and employee uncertainty avoidance interact and how they interact with employee resistance to change.
Needs before deeds: psychological need satisfaction as a mechanism linking inclusive leadership to organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Sedlářík Zoë , Bauwens Robin , van Engen Marloes
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Drawing upon self-determination theory (SDT) and the proactive motivation model, this study examined how inclusive leadership is related to organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) through psychological need satisfaction (PNS).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a large Dutch private company in the financial sector (N = 264) and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Inclusive leadership positively influenced all three PNS dimensions (autonomy, competence and relatedness). Both autonomy and relatedness fully mediated the relationship between inclusive leadership and OCB. However, this was not the case for competence, although additional analyses revealed the serial mediation of all three PNS dimensions.

Originality/value

By highlighting the mediating role of PNS, this study contributes to the inclusive leadership literature by helping unravel the underlying process through which leaders influence team outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of inclusive leaders in satisfying employees' individual psychological needs, so that they can redirect their attention toward prosocial behaviors.
Sustainable regional real options value chains: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Authors: Perez-Batres Luis A. , Trevino Len J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to offer a value chain (real options) approach for reducing uncertainty exposure by pursuing a global frictionless trade ethos almost exclusively. Jolts of significant proportion, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding reshoring phenomena observed in Mexico and Central America, enhance the topic’s relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study sheds light on heightened systemic uncertainty because of extreme events; proposes a mitigation protocol rooted in real options (ROs); and prescribes incentivizing regional value chains through public–private partnerships (PPPs).

Findings

This study identifies a systemic multinational enterprise (MNE) response aimed at mitigating the repercussions of the most recent jolt of significant worldwide proportions and suggests developing regional value chains through PPPs. In doing so, the authors recognize an incipient MNE trend toward nearshoring and backshoring to achieve this end. This phenomenon is relatively underdeveloped in Europe, where fewer than 4% of firms have engaged in backshoring activities, even in the three-millennia-old Basque region. In contrast, last year’s backshoring of global value chains (GVCs) in Mexico and Central America was noticeable.

Research limitations/implications

This study is among the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to explore the nearshoring phenomenon as a response mechanism, and it opens avenues for finding better ways to mitigate worldwide uncertainties and exposure to extreme events.

Practical implications

This model would benefit MNEs and governments by keeping their operations running as close to capacity as possible, even when external jolts cause a partial or total system shutdown of MNEs’ GVCs. The proposed solution, namely, PPPs, can achieve these objectives through real options.

Social implications

A social benefit of the regionalization of MNEs’ GVCs would be helping to resolve societal grand challenges, including lowering their global carbon footprint and reducing poverty. This is because having a regional supply facility close to their home market would not only lead to cost reductions for MNEs but also allow them to conduct more on-site quality control checks.

Originality/value

The regional real options concept offers an excellent opportunity for practitioners and governments to improve MNEs’ success via the mitigation of uncertainties and, concomitantly, the lives of billions of people.
Sustainable traditional natural dyeing practice in Daboya and Ntonso communities of Ghana
Authors: Seidu Raphael Kanyire , Eghan Benjamin , Ofori Emmanuel Abankwah , Fobiri George Kwame , Afriyie Alex Osei , Acquaye Richard
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the physical, ultraviolet (UV), colour appearance and colour fastness properties of selected fabrics dyed with natural dyes from Daboya and Ntonso communities of Ghana. The study further highlights the rich cultural heritage of traditional dyeing from these two communities. Craftsmen in West Africa especially Ghana, have sustained the traditional dyeing methods to produce textile products for consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two sample fabrics were purchased from craftsmen at Ntonso and Daboya communities in Ghana. These fabrics were analysed at the laboratory under standard test methods for their physical, UV, colour appearance and colour fastness properties.

Findings

Results showed that all the sample fabrics have good UV shielding performance (ratings above 50+). Daboya sample fabrics (dyed with indigo dyes) produced more colour stains than the sample fabrics from Ntonso (dyed with black “kuntunkuni” dyes). The K/Ssum value or colour yield reduced after washing but that alternatively increased the calculated ultraviolet protection factor.

Practical implications

Findings from this study exposed the unique UV performance of dyed traditional fabrics (using natural dyes) from Ntonso and Daboya communities in Ghana. This inspires and enforces the need for craftsmen to improve their production cycle to produce these fabrics in different sizes which provides the necessary UV shielding abilities for consumers in the wake of climate changes.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated that the natural dyeing process at the two communities produced relatively good UV and colour fastness properties of the sample fabrics. These eco-friendly dyeing practices have survived over time to maintain and promote the concept of sustainability within the textile and fashion industry in Ghana.
Dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor based on 3 × 3 matrix electrode array
Authors: Gooi Wen Pin , Leow Pei Ling , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Hor Xian Feng , Mohammad Din Shahrulnizahani
Published: October 2023

Purpose

As one of the tomographic imaging techniques, electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is widely used in many industrial applications. While most ECT sensors have electrodes placed around a cylindrical chamber, the planar ECT sensor has been investigated for depth and defect detection. However, the planar ECT sensor has limited height and depth sensing capability due to its single-sided assessment with the use of only a single-plane design. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor design using the 3 × 3 matrix electrode array.

Design/methodology/approach

The sensitivity map of dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor was analysed using 3D visualisation, the singular value decomposition and the axial resolution analysis. Then, the sensor was fabricated for performance analysis based on 3D imaging experiments.

Findings

The sensitivity map analysis showed that the dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor has enhanced the height sensing capability, and it is less ill-posed in 3D image reconstruction. The dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor showed a 28% improvement in reconstructed 3D image quality as compared to the single-plane sensor set-up.

Originality/value

The 3 × 3 matrix electrode array has been proposed to use only the necessary electrode pair combinations for image reconstruction. Besides, the increase in number of electrodes from the dual-plane sensor setup improved the height reconstruction of the test sample.
Zero hours contracts and self‐reported (mental) health in the UK
Authors: Farina Egidio , Green Colin , McVicar Duncan
Published: October 2023

This article examines associations between precarious contract types and a range of self‐reported health measures for the UK. We focus on zero hours contracts (ZHCs), an extreme form of precarious employment that has grown rapidly in the UK over the last decade, and on mental health. We demonstrate that workers employed on ZHCs are more likely to report a long‐term health condition than workers employed on other types of contract, with the main driver being that they are almost twice as likely to report mental ill health. These associations survive conditioning on an extensive set of observable individual, job and contextual characteristics, and are robust to sensitivity analysis designed to explore the likely extent of bias due to unobserved confounders. We discuss potential explanations for these associations, from sorting of workers with poor health into ZHC employment to detrimental effects of ZHC employment on health, drawing on additional instrumental variables estimates to do so. Finally, we discuss potential policy implications.
The third case of Marbach‐Rustad progeroid syndrome caused by a de novo LEMD2 variant
Authors: Lu Zhikun , Zhang Wen , Mao Xiaojian , Li Duan , Chen Xiaodan , Liu Li , Lin Yunting
Published: October 2023

Marbach‐Rustad progeroid syndrome is an extremely rare disease caused by a heterozygous variant in the LEMD2 gene. To date, only two patients and one LEMD2 pathogenic variant have been reported in Marbach‐Rustad progeroid syndrome. Here we describe the third case of Marbach‐Rustad progeroid syndrome worldwide, which is also the first case in China. The proband was affected with premature birth, failed to thrive, facial abnormalities, feeding difficulties, skull defects and delayed motor milestones, but had a normal intelligence and speech. Whole exome sequencing (WES) initially did not find a phenotype‐causing variant when the proband was 1 year of age. The reanalysis of WES data 4 years later revealed the proband harbored a de novo heterozygous c.1436C>T(p.Ser479Phe) variant in the LEMD2 gene, which is known responsible for Marbach‐Rustad progeroid syndrome. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of this variant in the proband and absence in his parents and two elder sisters. Our study provides accurate clinical diagnosis for the proband and adds a new patient with Marbach‐Rustad progeroid syndrome. Our study suggests the LEMD2 c.1436C>T(p.Ser479Phe) variant as a hotspot. Our work also indicates reanalysis of WES data of negative cases might identify pathogenic variant and improve diagnostic efficiency.
Diabetes, antidiabetic medications and risk of dementia: A systematic umbrella review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuate Defo Alvin , Bakula Veselko , Pisaturo Alessandro , Labos Christopher , Wing Simon S. , Daskalopoulou Stella S.
Published: October 2023

Aims

The objective of this umbrella review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effect of diabetes on risk of dementia, as well as the mitigating effect of antidiabetic treatments.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a systematic umbrella review on diabetes and its treatment, and a meta‐analysis focusing on treatment. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses assessing the risk of cognitive decline/dementia in individuals with diabetes until 2 July 2023. We conducted random‐effects meta‐analyses to obtain risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals estimating the association of metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, α‐glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, insulin, sulphonylureas, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with risk of dementia from cohort/case‐control studies. The subgroups analysed included country and world region. Risk of bias was assessed with the AMSTAR tool and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale.

Results

We included 100 reviews and 27 cohort/case‐control studies (N = 3 046 661). Metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, GLP1RAs and SGLT2is were associated with significant reduction in risk of dementia. When studies examining metformin were divided by country, the only significant effect was for the United States. Moreover, the effect of metformin was significant in Western but not Eastern populations. No significant effect was observed for dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, α‐glucosidase inhibitors, or insulin, while meglitinides and sulphonylureas were associated with increased risk.

Conclusions

Metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, GLP1RAs and SGLT2is were associated with reduced risk of dementia. More longitudinal studies aimed at determining their relative benefit in different populations should be conducted.
Multiple designer's objectives in business contests
Authors: Cohen Chen , Darioshi Roy , Nitzan Shmuel
Published: October 2023

The vast contest literature disregarded the possibility of optimal contest design with simultaneous attainment of various objectives. The main goal of the current article is to illustrate the potential usefulness of a navigation tool that allows the designer to achieve, simultaneously, multiple objectives in contests between companies (competing for resources/patents/market‐share, etc), based on a unit tax and a lump‐sum subsidy. Our proposal is illustrated applying the most common simple setting of two contestants whose winning probabilities are determined by the simple lottery contest success function (CSF). We focus on seven main objectives: reducing the competition's intensity in terms of efforts: increasing profit for the state treasury; promoting equality between the players in terms of gap between the contestants' efforts, winning probabilities and expected payoffs, and budget and expenditure balancing. We also analyze the possible negative external effects of achieving a particular objective. Our main insight is that a complete differential policy can be used to attain, simultaneously (with two exceptions), all the objectives of the designer. In contrast, the use of a uniform policy, subject to a balanced budget objective, cannot ensure complete equality or maximize profit. It nevertheless guarantees a Pareto‐superior outcome relative to the situation before the designer's intervention. Future research may generalize the findings to any type of contest or CSF and multiple contestants.
Association between pediatric traumatic brain injury and epilepsy at later ages in Finland: A nationwide register‐based cohort study
Authors: Laaksonen Juho , Ponkilainen Ville , Kuitunen Ilari , Möttönen Julius , Mattila Ville M.
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study was undertaken to examine how pediatric traumatic brain injury (pTBI) correlates with incidence of epilepsy at later ages in Finland.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective register‐based cohort study extended from 1998 to 2018. The study group consisted of 71 969 pediatric (<18 years old) patients hospitalized with TBI and a control group consisting of 64 856 pediatric patients with distal extremity fracture. Epilepsy diagnoses were gathered from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression models were conducted to analyze the probability of epilepsy with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Cumulative incidence rates (CIRs) for the first 2 years were .5% in the pTBI group and .1% in the control group. The corresponding rates after 15 years of follow‐up were 1.5% in the pTBI group and .7% in the control group. Due to proportional hazard violations, the study population was split to the first 2 years and in subgroup analysis 4 years. During the first 2 years of surveillance, the hazard ratio (HR) for the pTBI group was 4.38 (95% CI = 3.39–5.66). However, between years 2 and 20, the HR for the pTBI group was 2.02 (95% CI = 1.71–2.38). A total of 337 patients (.47%) underwent neurosurgery, and 36 (10.7%) patients subsequently developed epilepsy. The CIR for the first year after TBI was 4.5% (95% CI = 2.3–6.7) in operatively managed patients and .3% (95% CI = .3–.4) in nonoperatively managed patients. Corresponding figures after 15 years were 12.0% (95% CI = 8.2–15.8) and 1.5% (95% CI = 1.4–1.6). During the first 4 years of surveillance, the HR for the operative pTBI group was 14.37 (95% CI = 9.29–20.80) and 3.67 (95% CI = 1.63–8.22) between years 4 and 20.

Significance

pTBI exposes patients to a higher risk for posttraumatic epilepsy for many years after initial trauma. Children who undergo operative management for TBI have a high risk for epilepsy, and this risk was highest during the first 4 years after injury.
Strengthening and supporting parent–child relationships through digital technology: Benefits and challenges
Authors: Johnson Amy , Rogers Marg
Published: October 2023

Objective

This paper explores Australian military families' use of social media and digital communication to maintain and strengthen parent–child relationships during military deployments.

Background

The physical and emotional well‐being of children and partners of military serving members is affected by service. Maintaining positive family relationships between military members and their children during periods of absence (including deployment) is important for parental relationships as well as the well‐being of the child.

Method

A qualitative meta‐analysis is used to collate data from two previous studies of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families with children, in order to generate a new data set from which novel insights were drawn.

Results

Families show a preference for social media and digital communication methods, and digital technologies affordances and practicalities are well suited for Defence families with children. There are a range of benefits; digital technologies are used to strengthen relationships between children and their deployed parent. The study highlights a range of challenges for deployed parents as well as points to the work required from the at‐home parent in facilitating these connections.

Conclusion

Maintaining positive family relationships between military members and their children during times of absences is important for both relationships. This paper explores how ADF families use social and digital communication during military absences and outlines the role these technologies play as a medium for strengthening familial relationship.

Implications.

The findings of this paper highlight the importance of digital and social communication technologies for supporting families during absences. This has implications for the ADF, who might look to reduce members' access to such communication for security concerns. Reduced family well‐being may also have impacts on retention, a key issue for military organizations. Accordingly, the findings of this paper may be used to inform decisions about restricting internet and social media access for deployed military members.
Executive compliance with parliamentary powers under authoritarianism: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Shalaby Marwa , Williamson Scott
Published: October 2023

When are executives in authoritarian regimes more likely to comply with formal legislative powers? Building from theories of authoritarian power‐sharing, we argue that executives will be more likely to respect legislative prerogatives when protests or elite organization increase the ability of legislators to undermine the executive's political position. We evaluate this argument by analyzing novel protest and legislative data in Jordan between 2010 and 2015. In line with our expectations, we find that parliamentary queries were more likely to receive the required response from the cabinet during months of higher protest activity and when they were submitted by MPs from Jordan's only well‐organized opposition bloc in the parliament. This study extends the burgeoning scholarship on authoritarian legislatures by contributing to understanding of executive‐legislative interactions under autocracy and providing new insights into the conditions under which these legislatures are more likely to influence decision‐making processes.
Pulmonary invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chang Wei‐Chin , Zhang Yu Zhi , Nicholson Andrew G
Published: October 2023

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) is a relatively rare subtype of lung adenocarcinoma, composed of goblet and/or columnar tumour cells containing abundant intracytoplasmic mucin vacuoles. While a majority of IMAs are driven by KRAS mutations, recent studies have identified distinct genomic alterations, such as NRG1 and ERBB2 fusions. IMAs also more frequently present as a pneumonic‐like pattern with multifocal and multilobar involvement, and comparative genomic profiling predominantly shows a clonal relationship, suggesting intrapulmonary metastases rather than synchronous primary tumours. Accordingly, these unique features require different therapeutic approaches when compared to nonmucinous adenocarcinomas in general. In this article, we review recent updates on the histopathological, clinical, and molecular features of IMAs, and also highlight some unresolved issues for future studies.
Brewers' spent grain extract as antioxidants in starch‐based active biopolymers
Authors: Ludka Flavia Rafaela , Klosowski Ana Beatriz , Camargo Giovani Almeida , Justo Aline Silva , Andrade Evelyn Assis , Beltrame Flávio Luis , Olivato Juliana Bonametti
Published: October 2023

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is a by‐product of the brewery and represents a sustainable alternative for application in starch‐based active materials. This study aimed to develop starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) films containing BSG extract, with focus on the influence of BSG on the mechanical, structural, and barrier properties of the films. The antioxidant potentials of the extract and the films were proved by ABTS●+ (IC50 = 2.0 ± 0.6 μg mL−1) and DPPH● (IC50 = 196.05 ± 018.66 μg mL−1) assays. The addition of BSG extract did not have a significant impact on the mechanical performance and weight loss in water of the materials. The incorporation of the extract resulted in a rough surface, without pores and/or cracks. Controlled release of phenolic compounds was observed for BSG3 (3 g.100 g−1 of BSG extract) (163.3 ± 20.9 mgGAE.mL−1) and BSG5 (5 g.100 g−1 of BSG extract) (165.7 ± 23.6 mgGAE.mL−1) over a 4 h period. Therefore, this study shows the potential of BSG as an organic source of antioxidants for active biopolymers.
Improved assays for DNA‐polymerizing enzymes by the use of enzymatically synthesized 5‐[125I]iodo‐2‘‐deoxyuridine triphosphate, illustrated by direct quantitation of anti‐HIV reverse transcriptase antibody and by serum DNA polymerase analyses.“
Authors: Neumuller M. , Karlstrom AR , Kallander CF , Gronowitz JS
Published: October 2023

A one‐step procedure which uses enzymes in a crude extract of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1‐infected cells to synthesize 5‐[125I]iodo‐2′‐deoxyuridine triphosphate [(125I]dUTP) from [125I]dU is described. The design of a one‐step procedure for the purification of the product is also presented. The recovery of [125I]dUTP from [125I]dU varied between 50 and 75%, the radiochemical purity of the product was greater than 90%, and both synthesis and purification were completed within 8 h. The sensitivity and specificity of [125I]dUTP as a substrate for both DNA‐dependent DNA polymerase (DNAp) and RNA‐dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase, RT) were evaluated and compared to those of [3H]dTTP for the following specimens: purified cloned Klenow fragment, crude extracts of HeLa‐, BHK‐, and HSV‐2‐infected BHK cells, purified avian myeloblastosis virus RT, and purified cloned human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RT. The [125I]dUTP was accepted as a substrate equally as well [3H]dTTP by all of the specimens at all of the concentrations tested. When the same amount of radiolabel was used, [125I]dUTP gave a sensitivity 10‐ to 25‐fold higher than that of [3H]dTTP. The gain in sensitivity was due to the higher specific activity and a higher counting efficiency of the 125I‐label compound. The use of [125I]dUTP also offered technical advantages over alternative substrates available, such as product separation without acid precipitation and exclusion of the need for scintillation cocktails. The half‐life of the nucleic also gives a reasonable shelf‐life for use in routine assays. Activity of less than 0.3 pg of HIV RT could be detected when the new substrate was used, and this made it possible to quantitate HIV RT antibodies (abs) in diluted serum samples without purifying the immunoglobulin. Analysis of 31 HIV‐infected individuals showed that all of them had anti‐HIV RT ab and that the amount of serum needed for 50% inhibition of the HIV RT activity corresponded to an amount of immunoglobulin 100‐fold smaller (i.e., 0.02–31.4 micrograms) than has been previously reported. With the substrate it was also possible to detect DNAp activity in serum from healthy individuals, although a long‐duration assay was required. In a long‐duration assay the DNAp activity found in sera from healthy individuals was linear with respect to time, whereas the DNAp activity found in many sera from tumor patients was not. [125I]dUTP is judged to be an excellent substrate for detecting and quantifying the activity of various DNA‐synthesizing enzymes and their blocking abs.
Targeting of plant glycoside‐bearing liposomes to specific cellular and subcellular sites
Authors: Medda S. , Das N. , Bachhawat BK , Mahato SB , Basu MK
Published: October 2023

The possibility of using liposomes as an effective drug delivery system has been studied by incorporation of two plant glycosides of varying terminal sugar residues onto the surface of liposomes and examination of their distribution in different tissues. The two glycosides, corchorusin D and asiaticoside having glucose and rhamnose respectively at the terminal ends wee selected for the purpose. The hepatic uptake of liposomes made from egg lecithin, cholesterol and dicetyl phosphate and either of the two glycosides was compared. The hepatic uptake of asiaticoside bearing liposomes was reduced, whereas that of corchorusin D bearing liposomes was enhanced and was specific for glucose. Liver perfusion followed by cell separation showed that the uptake is mostly into the non‐parenchymal cells of liver. The distribution of corchorusin D bearing liposomes was maximal in the lysosomal fraction of the non‐parenchymal cells. Ways of using corchorusin D bearing liposomes as delivery systems for drugs or enzymes to lysosomes have been sought.
Regulation of respiratory activity of brown adipose tissue mitochondria through changes in cytochromes
Authors: Gaikwad A. , Ramasarma T. , Kurup CK
Published: October 2023

Exposure of cold‐acclimatized rats to heat (37 degrees C) for a short period decreased brown adipose tissue (BAT) mitochondrial substrate‐dependent oxygen uptake and H2O2 generation. Both the concentration and substrate‐dependent rate of cytochrome b reduction decreased as early as 3 h of heat exposure. These results identify cytochrome b as the locus of regulation of electron transport in BAT mitochondria under conditions of heat stress.
Encapsulation by hypotonic dialysis in human erythrocytes: a diffusion or endocytosis process
Authors: DeLoach JR , Droleskey RE , Andrews K.
Published: October 2023

Human erythrocytes subjected to controlled hypotonic dialysis are capable of encapsulating and retaining drugs. Under selected conditions encapsulation has been reported to occur by an endocytosis process. The mechanism by which encapsulation occurs under conditions which are conducive for endocytosis to occur was studied. An analysis of the percentage of cells with endocytic vacuoles was made for cells dialyzed to optimal and suboptimal osmotic pressures for encapsulation. No differences were found with approximately 20% of cells from all preparations containing vacuoles. Transmission electron micrographs of cells in different stages of carrier cell preparation reveal endocytic vacuoles both with and without hemoglobin. However, based on the percentage of exogenous substance encapsulated, encapsulation appears to occur primarily by diffusion and secondarily by endocytosis.
Biosynthesis of cholesterol linoleate by polyethylene glycol‐modified cholesterol esterase in organic solvents
Authors: Mori S. , Nakata Y. , Endo H.
Published: October 2023

Cholesterol esterase modified with polyethylene glycol was able to dissolve in some highly hydrophobic solvents such as benzene and toluene, and catalyze the synthesis of cholesterol linoleate with time dependency in the reverse of the usual reaction in aqueous solvents. Enzymatic cholesterol linoleate synthesis followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics which depended on the concentration of cholesterol and linoleic acid. When more than 20 mM of both substrates was used, the specific activity in this esterification was 200–250 nmol/min/mg protein. The apparent Km value for cholesterol and linoleic acid was 3.7 and 7.6 mM, respectively. The possibility of using such a modified enzyme for the synthesis of less stable cholesterol esters is discussed.
Creativity, Depression and Suicide
Authors: Slaby Andrew Edmund
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The relationship between suicide and creativity has long been a subject of considerable concern. The author presents evidence indicating that in fact depression, suicide, and creativity are related. Several hypotheses for the relationship are posited. It is suggested that the same changes in the serotonergic system that are associated with depression in general and with impulsive suicides and homicides in the extreme may also be responsible for an element of risk taking that characterizes creativity and innovation in a person psychodynamically predisposed to being creative.
1 Death, Suicide and the Older Adult
Authors: Kastenbaum Robert
Published: October 2023

Elderly people who are at high risk for suicide often have characteristics that are associated with reduced opportunity or inclination to communicate (e.g., male, living alone, residing in a low‐income transient urban area, suffering from a depressive state). This paper attempts to provide converging perspectives on death and suicide from the standpoints of both the external observer and the elderly person. An interpretation of the statistical pattern is followed by a critique of current policy proposals for limiting society's response to the needs of vulnerable people on the basis of a “natural life span.” Studies of elderly people themselves reveal a great diversity of attitudes toward death that is not well served by generalizations and stereotypes. However, it appears that stressful conditions of life arouse more anxiety among older people than does the prospect of death.
6 Gender and Suicide in the Elderly
Authors: Canetto Silvia Sara
Published: October 2023

Gender is one of the most important predictors of suicide in the elderly. In North America, older women are less likely to be suicidal than older men. So far, suicidologists have either ignored gender differences or have focused on the presumed causes of older men's suicidal behavior. In this paper, the focus is on older women's low rates of suicidal mortality. On the basis of a review of the literature, several hypotheses are suggested. One is that gender differences in suicide mortality reflect differences in coping. Another hypothesis is that gender differences are influenced by gender norms of suicidal behavior. Directions for prevention are proposed.
7 Environmental Factors in Suicide in Long‐Term Care Facilities
Authors: Osgood Nancy J.
Published: October 2023

One major purpose of this study was to identify environmental factors related to suicide in long‐term care facilities. Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of administrators at 1,080 facilities. Information was collected on facility characteristics, overt suicide, and intentional life‐threatening behavior.

Chi‐square analyses revealed 4 environmental characteristics related to suicidal behavior and deaths from suicide: staff turnover, size, auspices, and per diem cost. More suicides occurred in larger facilities and facilities with higher staff turnover. Religious or “other” facilities experienced more suicidal deaths than public or private facilities; facilities charging less experienced more deaths.
Older Adults: The Next Suicide Epidemic?
Authors: McIntosh John L.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Suicide rates historically and currently are highest by age among those over the age of 65. Predictions of markedly higher rates for future older adults have been advanced. Possible alternative factors that might produce lower risk among future elderly Americans are presented and it is argued that future trends are uncertain. Predictions of elderly suicide are made based on an assumption of stable rather than changing rates. Constant rates produce estimates of more than twice the current number of suicides and a proportionate increase in the number of suicides from one in five for the 1980s to one in three by the year 2030. The elderly are and likely will be a group with high suicide risk. Immediate efforts to lower elderly suicide risk and avert high future rates are recommended.
A Test of Durkheim's Theory of Suicide in Primitive Societies
Authors: Lester David
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Primitive societies were classified as high, moderate, or low on independent measures of social integration and social regulation to test Durkheim's theory of suicide. The estimated frequency of suicide did not differ between those societies predicted to have high, moderate, and low suicide rates. Thus, Durkheim's theory was not confirmed. Possible reasons for these results are discussed.
Schizophrenia—A High‐Risk Factor for Suicide: Clues to Risk Reduction
Authors: Caldwell Constance B. , Gottesman Irving I.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Suicide is the chief cause of premature death among schizophrenic persons. The lifetime incidence of suicide for patients with schizophrenia is 10% to 13% compared to a general population estimate of about 1%, and is quite close to that observed among those with major affective disorder. The magnitude of increased risk for suicide among schizophrenics peaks before middle age and declines thereafter, although schizophrenic persons tend to be at increased risk throughout the life span. Among psychiatric patients, schizophrenics are overrepresented among suicides, and often schizophrenics constitute the majority of inpatient suicides. It is important in evaluating suicide risk among schizophrenic persons to assess depression and suicidal ideation especially during index admission and during acute phases of the illness. It is noteworthy that schizophrenic persons often commit suicide as the overall level of psychopathology decreases during a nonpsychotic phase. Research has yielded salient risk factors for suicide in schizophrenic persons and “types” of especially vulnerable patients, even though statistical prediction of individual suicides has not proven effective.
Diet strategies for promoting healthy aging and longevity: An epidemiological perspective
Authors: Hu Frank B.
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, global life expectancies have risen significantly, accompanied by a marked increase in chronic diseases and population aging. This narrative review aims to summarize recent findings on the dietary factors influencing chronic diseases and longevity, primarily from large cohort studies. First, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life is pivotal for healthy aging and longevity, mirroring the benefits of lifelong, moderate calorie restriction in today's obesogenic food environment. Second, the specific types or food sources of dietary fat, protein, and carbohydrates are more important in influencing chronic disease risk and mortality than their quantity. Third, some traditional diets (e.g., the Mediterranean, Nordic, and Okinawa) and contemporary dietary patterns, such as healthy plant‐based diet index, the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet, and alternate healthy eating index, have been associated with lower mortality and healthy longevity. These patterns share many common components (e.g., a predominance of nutrient‐rich plant foods; limited red and processed meats; culinary herbs and spices prevalent in global cuisines) while embracing distinct elements from different cultures. Fourth, combining a healthy diet with other lifestyle factors could extend disease‐free life expectancies by 8–10 years. While adhering to core principles of healthy diets, it is crucial to adapt dietary recommendations to individual preferences and cultures as well as nutritional needs of aging populations. Public health strategies should aim to create a healthier food environment where nutritious options are readily accessible, especially in public institutions and care facilities for the elderly. Although further mechanistic studies and human trials are needed to better understand molecular effects of diet on aging, there is a pressing need to establish and maintain long‐term cohorts studying diet and aging in culturally diverse populations.
The role of comorbidities, medications, and social determinants of health in understanding urban‐rural outcome differences among patients with heart failure
Authors: Zeitler Emily P. , Joly Joanna , Leggett Christopher G. , Wong Sandra L. , O'Malley A. James , Kraft Sally A. , Mackwood Matthew B. , Jones Sarah T. , Skinner Jonathan S.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

There is now a 20% disparity in all‐cause, excess deaths between urban and rural areas, much of which is driven by disparities in cardiovascular death. We sought to explain the sources of these disparities for Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

Using a sample of Medicare Parts A, B, and D, we created a cohort of 389,528 fee‐for‐service beneficiaries with at least 1 heart failure hospitalization from 2008 to 2017. The primary outcome was 30‐day mortality after discharge; 1‐year mortality, readmissions, and return emergency room (ER) admissions were secondary outcomes. We used hierarchical, logistic regression modeling to determine the contribution of comorbidities, guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT), and social determinants of health (SDOH) to outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐day mortality rates after hospital discharge were 6.3% in rural areas compared to 5.7% in urban regions (P < .001); after adjusting for patient health and GDMT receipt, the 30‐day mortality odds ratio for rural residence was 1.201 (95% CI 1.164‐1.239). Adding the SDOH measure reduced the odds ratio somewhat (1.140, 95% CI 1.103‐1.178) but a gap remained. Readmission rates in rural areas were consistently lower for all model specifications, while ER admissions were consistently higher.

Conclusions

Among patients with HFrEF, living in a rural area is associated with an increased risk of death and return ER visits within 30 days of discharge from HF hospitalization. Differences in SDOH appear to partially explain mortality differences but the remaining gap may be the consequence of rural‐urban differences in HF treatment.