bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on barriers to women’s leadership in India through ISM
Authors: Kulkarni Aparna Bahar , Khatwani Ritesh , Mishra Mahima
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the critical barriers to women’s leadership in Indian corporate sector using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Through data obtained from extant literature and the expert opinion of women seeking higher managerial positions in the Indian corporate sector, this study identified total 18 barriers to women’s leadership. Thereafter, this study used the Delphi technique to identify the most critical barriers and ISM to understand the causal relationship among them, and then ranked them based on relevance.

Findings

Of the 13 critical barriers identified, corporate policies, conscious organizational bias and family responsibilities had the highest driving power. By contrast, inadequate career opportunities and the lack of risk-taking ability and assertiveness had the highest dependence power. Unconscious organizational bias and occupational segregation were other prominent barriers.

Research limitations/implications

This study establishes the interrelationships between women’s leadership barriers. It provides a well-defined model which helps to get theoretical insight considering barriers for women leaders in their career progression in the Indian context. Based on the ISM model, these findings can help academicians and researchers gain deep insights into the barriers to women’s leadership in the Indian context, as no studies have been found in the literature concerning the given subject.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, corporations and policymakers can design inclusive leadership policies to support women as they climb the corporate ladder and to enhance their contribution to organizational success.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify barriers to women’s leadership in India using ISM analysis.
Probably something: a multi-layer taxonomy of non-fungible tokens
Authors: Hartwich Eduard , Ollig Philipp , Fridgen Gilbert , Rieger Alexander
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a fundamental and comprehensive understanding of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by identifying and structuring common characteristics within a taxonomy. NFTs are hyped and increasingly marketed as essential building blocks of the Metaverse. However, the dynamic evolution of the NFT space has posed challenges for those seeking to develop a deep and comprehensive understanding of NFTs, their features and their capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing common guidelines for the creation of taxonomies, the authors developed (over 3 iterations), a multi-layer taxonomy based on workshops and interviews with 11 academic and 15 industry experts. Through an evaluation of 25 NFTs, the authors demonstrate the usefulness of the taxonomy.

Findings

The taxonomy has 4 layers, 14 dimensions and 42 characteristics, which describe NFTs in terms of reference object, token properties, token distribution and realizable value.

Originality/value

The authors' framework is the first to systematically cover the emerging NFT phenomenon. This framework is concise yet extendible and presents many avenues for future research in a plethora of disciplines. The characteristics identified in the authors' taxonomy are useful for NFT- and Metaverse-related research in finance, marketing, law and information systems. Additionally, the taxonomy can serve as an information source for policymakers as they consider NFT regulation.
Understanding social media discontinuance behavior in China: a perspective of social cognitive theory
Authors: Gan Chunmei , Li Hongxiu , Liu Yong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To understand the mechanisms underlying social media discontinuance behavior, this study explores factors affecting social media discontinuance behavior from the perspective of social cognitive theory (SCT).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on SCT, this study puts forward a theoretical model incorporating habit, excessive use and negative emotions to predict social media discontinuance behavior. The proposed research model was empirically tested with 465 responses collected from WeChat users in China via an online survey. WeChat is one of the most popular social media in China. However, WeChat also faces the challenges of reduced or terminated usage among its users. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The research results in this study show that habit exerts a negative effect on social media discontinuance behavior, while exhaustion and regret have positive influences. In addition, habit positively affects excessive use, which further leads to negative emotions of social media exhaustion and regret. Moreover, gender moderates the relationship between habit and social media discontinuance behavior.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature of information system (IS) use lifecycle by investigating user behavioral changes regarding a transition from habituated to excessive use and further to discontinuance behavior. This study also helps elucidate the complex role of habit by explaining social media discontinuance from the social cognitive view. Furthermore, this study advances the current understanding of gender difference in social media discontinuance in the Chinese context. The study also offers insights to practitioners on how to prevent individuals from discontinuing their use of social media.
Bruneian SMEs amid the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges for the Halal food processing industry
Authors: Haji Shahlehi Syahnur Farhana , Shaya Vivi Nabilah , Ismail Kamariah , Kawi Farahiyah
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Despite the world’s effort in grappling with the coronavirus disease that has affected many sectors globally, knowledge and research on the COVID-19 pandemic as well as on the halal food and beverage industry remain limited, particularly in Brunei Darussalam. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the halal food processing industry face amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the sultanate.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach based on four semi-structured interviews was employed using a purposive sampling of managers and business owners of the manufacturing SMEs. Several government agencies were also interviewed to further supplement the findings. This paper also uses the support from a review of relevant academic journal articles, and other secondary data including newspapers and websites, to uncover the hindering factors surrounding the phenomenon.

Findings

Four themes emerged, covering four overarching and inter-related challenges including limited production; closure of retail stores; delay in exporting; and less sales to cover overheads.

Research limitations/implications

This study positively contributes to the understanding of the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into the country as well as adds and enriches the halal research sphere. Several implications for the SMEs, policymakers, as well as academic scholars, and limitations are also discussed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to investigate the halal food processing industry in Brunei Darussalam especially, during the time of uncertainties such as the COVID-19 era. The paper’s value also lies in addressing the gap that there is a need to study on the impact of this outbreak on SMEs in the developing countries, inclusive of Brunei Darussalam.
The impact of digital corporate social responsibility on social entrepreneurship and organizational resilience
Authors: Al-Omoush Khaled , Ribeiro-Navarrete Belen , McDowell William C.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of digital corporate social responsibility (CSR) on social entrepreneurship, organizational resilience and competitive intelligence during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. It also examines the impact of competitive intelligence on social entrepreneurship and organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from telecommunication companies in Jordan with a sample of 223 managers, using Smart-PLS for analysis and testing the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal a significant impact of digital CSR on social entrepreneurship. They show that digital CSR significantly impacts organizational resilience. The findings also indicate a significant role of digital CSR in competitive intelligence. This study shows that social entrepreneurship significantly impacts organizational resilience. The results also confirm the impact of competitive intelligence on social entrepreneurship. Finally, the results confirm that competitive intelligence significantly impacts organizational resilience.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable academic and practical insights into digital CSR practices, social entrepreneurship and how to support organizational resilience during crises.
Laughter and mental health: a case study of Dr Madan Kataria
Authors: Kataria Madan , Ben-Moshe Ros , Gonot-Schoupinsky Freda
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him.

Findings

The popularity of Laughter Yoga (LY) has spread from a handful of people since 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it.

Research limitations/implications

This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for 30 years.

Practical implications

LY promotes an array of physical, psychological and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups, including people experiencing depression or anxiety.

Social implications

The LY methodology is suited to people of all ages and abilities, enhancing mental health, decreasing stress levels and growing social connections and community through the universal language of laughter.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with Dr Kataria that delves into his personal background, outlining his motivation and experience behind founding LY internationally.
Beyond technical mastery: inequality in doctoral research skill development in the biological sciences
Authors: McCain Jesse , Roksa Josipa
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how doctoral students in the biological sciences understand their research skill development and explore potential racial/ethnic and gender inequalities in the scientific learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on interviews with 87 doctoral students in the biological sciences, this study explores how doctoral students describe development of their research skills. More specifically, a constructivist grounded theory approach is employed to understand how doctoral students make meaning of their research skill development process and how that may vary by gender and race/ethnicity.

Findings

The findings reveal two emergent groups, “technicians” who focus on discrete tasks and data collection, and “interpreters” who combine technical expertise with attention to the larger scientific field. Although both groups are developing important skills, “interpreters” have a broader range of skills that support successful scholarly careers in science. Notably, white men are overrepresented among the “interpreters,” whereas white women and students from minoritized racial/ethnic groups are concentrated among the “technicians.”

Originality/value

While prior literature provides valuable insights into the inequalities across various aspects of doctoral socialization, scholars have rarely attended to examining inequalities in research skill development. This study provides new insights into the process of scientific learning in graduate school. Findings reveal that research skill development is not a uniform experience, and that doctoral education fosters different kinds of learning that vary by gender and race/ethnicity.
Surface‐related multiple prediction for ocean‐bottom node data based on demigration using downgoing wave imaging data
Authors: Tan Jun , Wang Jianhua , Song Peng , Wang Shaowen , Xia Dongming , Du Guoning , Wang Qianqian
Published: April 2023

Ocean‐bottom node exploration has developed rapidly in marine seismic exploration. However, due to no illumination for the seafloor, and the observation system of the ‘less traces but more shots’ mode, the conventional surface‐related multiples elimination meets challenges for the application in the ocean‐bottom node exploration. This paper develops a new three‐dimensional surface‐related multiples elimination technique for ocean‐bottom node data. First, a three‐dimensional Kirchhoff pre‐stack time mirror migration algorithm is proposed to realize the accurate imaging for the seabed. Second, the time domain Kirchhoff demigration method is used to construct the contribution traces for multiples prediction. Finally, the surface multiples can be predicted based on the equation derived in the paper. Model tests and field data processing prove that our method can accurately predict the surface‐related multiples for ocean‐bottom node data and be helpful to the multiple elimination, which shows that the proposed technique has potential in actual ocean‐bottom node data processing.
Management intensity affects insect pests and natural pest control on Arabica coffee in its native range
Authors: Shimales Tamiru , Mendesil Esayas , Zewdie Beyene , Ayalew Biruk , Hylander Kristoffer , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: April 2023

Agroforestry systems provide opportunities to reduce the trade‐off between agricultural production and biodiversity, for example by enhancing a diverse community of species potentially acting as natural pest control agents. While management of agroforestry systems is intensifying across the globe, we lack insights into the impact of management intensity on pest levels and natural pest control, especially along broad management gradients and as compared with natural forests.

We assessed the impact of management intensity on major insect pests (the coffee blotch miner, the serpentine leaf miner, the coffee leaf skeletonizer and damage by other free‐feeding herbivores) and natural pest control by parasitoid wasps across sixty sites in the centre of origin of Arabica coffee in southwestern Ethiopia. Within this region, coffee is growing along a broad management gradient ranging from little or no management in the natural forest to intensively managed commercial plantations.

In the wet season, pest levels were largely similar in the natural forest, semi‐forest and semi‐plantation systems, whereas pests reached outbreak densities in the most intensively managed plantation system. In contrast, management intensity did not significantly affect pest levels in the dry season. The insect pests differed in their seasonal dynamics, consistently declined with elevation and were largely unaffected by shade levels. Parasitism rate of the coffee blotch miner was lower, and the parasitoid community was distinct, in the most intensively managed plantation system.

Synthesis and applications : Our findings support the hypothesis that the weaker top‐down control by parasitoids in the intensively managed plantation sites leads to higher pest levels, and that—at least for some pest species—there is a threshold in the effect of management intensity on pest levels and natural pest control. It is important to consider such non‐linear relationships to maintain or enhance the sustainability of agroforestry systems during management intensification. Overall, our findings highlight that ecological knowledge of natural pest control can be used to intensify production to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers without jeopardizing natural pest control but only up to a certain point where it starts to deteriorate.
The significance of meeting Dawes–Redman criteria in computerised antenatal fetal heart rate assessment
Authors: Bhide Amarnath , Meroni Anna , Frick Alexander , Thilaganathan Basky
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the significance of not meeting Dawes–Redman criteria on computerised cardiotocography in high‐risk pregnancies.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

UK university hospital.

Population

High‐risk pregnancies undergoing antenatal assessment.

Methods

We interrogated the database for records of computerised fetal heart rate assessment and pregnancy outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Neonatal outcome and stillbirths.

Results

Excluding duplicate assessment in the same pregnancy, 14 025 records with complete information on the criteria of normality having been met and the outcome of the pregnancy were available. Criteria were not met for 907 records (6.46%). The gestational age of assessment was lower in the group not meeting criteria of normality. Overall, 32 stillbirths occurred in normally formed fetuses (2.28/1000). Stillbirths were more frequent in the group not meeting criteria (odds ratio [OR] 8.78, 95% CI 4.28–18.02). This finding persisted even after records with abnormally low short‐term variation (STV) were excluded. The confidence intervals around the rate of stillbirth in the two groups overlapped beyond an STV of 8 ms.

Conclusions

Approximately 1:16 pregnancies do not meet the criteria of normality. The criteria are not met more often at preterm gestation than at term. The risk of stillbirth was higher in the group not meeting criteria of normality, even if cases with low STV are excluded. Cases not meeting criteria should be followed up closely, unless the STV is ≥8 ms. Stillbirths still occurred in the group meeting criteria, but the rate was lower than in the general population.
Risk prediction for stillbirth: Further to go
Authors: Jardine Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Thompson et al., pp.1060–1070 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17444.
Molecular detection and characterization of foodborne bacteria: Recent progresses and remaining challenges
Authors: Hadi Joshua , Rapp Delphine , Dhawan Sharduli , Gupta Sandeep K. , Gupta Tanushree B. , Brightwell Gale
Published: April 2023

The global food demand is expected to increase in the coming years, along with challenges around climate change and food security. Concomitantly, food safety risks, particularly those related to bacterial pathogens, may also increase. Thus, the food sector needs to innovate to rise to this challenge. Here, we discuss recent advancements in molecular techniques that can be deployed within various foodborne bacteria surveillance systems across food settings. To start with, we provide updates on nucleic acid‐based detection, with a focus on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based technologies and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). These include descriptions of novel genetic markers for several foodborne bacteria and progresses in multiplex PCR and droplet digital PCR. The next section provides an overview of the development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated (Cas) proteins systems, such as CRISPR‐Cas9, CRISPR‐Cas12a, and CRISPR‐Cas13a, as tools for enhanced sensitive and specific detection of foodborne pathogens. The final section describes utilizations of whole genome sequencing for accurate characterization of foodborne bacteria, ranging from epidemiological surveillance to model‐based predictions of bacterial phenotypic traits through genome‐wide association studies or machine learning.
Time to embrace sepsis pathways and antibiotic prescribing decision support in the emergency department: Observations from a retrospective single site clinical audit
Authors: Herd Sarah H , Allen Penny L , Reed Lucy J , O'Hern Jennifer A , Fraser Jessica , Flanagan Katie L
Published: April 2023

Objective

To compare clinician documentation of sepsis for infective presentations in the ED against a formal sepsis pathway in the ED and to assess appropriateness of the initial parenteral antibiotic prescription for adult patients in ED.

Methods

A retrospective, clinical audit of adult patients who received at least one parenteral antibiotic in ED over a 10‐week period in 2018. Documented initial clinical impression was compared with an approved sepsis pathway. Antibiotic appropriateness was assessed using National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey definitions. Assessment was carried out by an infectious diseases pharmacist, with input from an infectious diseases physician.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen infective presentations were included in the analysis. There was a discordance between the initial documented clinical impression compared with the classification when a sepsis pathway was applied. An initial documented clinical impression of sepsis and septic shock was present in 38 (60.3%) of the presentations compared to 63 presentations when a formal sepsis pathway was applied as a screening tool. There was a significant difference in the proportion of patients in each diagnostic group (infection, sepsis and septic shock) according to documented clinical impression versus sepsis pathway classification (P = 0.0002). There were 386 prescriptions for antibiotics as part of the initial management. Antibiotic appropriateness for the initial prescription was assessed as 63.7% appropriate, 27.2% inappropriate and 9.1% not assessable.

Conclusion

Our observations demonstrate that use of a formal sepsis pathway may improve the screening and early diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock and that there is a need for antibiotic prescribing guidance in the ED.
Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hajizadeh Iman , Jamshidi Mahdieh , Kazemi Majid , Kargar Hossein , Sadeghi Tabandeh
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the effect of valerian and gabapentin on restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep quality in HD patients.

Methods

In this cross over clinical trial study, 40 HD patients allocated into a valerian and gabapentin group. In the first phase of the study, Group A received valerian and Group B received gabapentin 1 h before bedtime for 1 month. In the second phase, the two groups' treatment regimen was swapped. After a 1‐month washout period, the same process was repeated on the crossover groups.

Results

After the first phase, the mean score of RLS was lower in the gabapentin group. But there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of sleep quality score before and after the first and second interventions.

Conclusion

Gabapentin is more effective than valerian in improving RLS, but both are equally effective in improving sleep quality.
A novel device and system concept for therapeutic plasma exchange in rats
Authors: Ciorpac Mitică , Caratașu Cezar‐Cătălin , Szilagyi Andrei , Mihai Cosmin‐Teodor , Nistor Ionut , Iliescu Radu , Tamba Bogdan Ionel
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been developed more than 100 years ago in an animal model and adapted to humans 30 years later. Since then, the TPE research on animal models is lacking, mainly due to difficulties raised by the scaling of the plasmapheresis unit so that the animal's cardiovascular parameters are not considerably affected.

Methods

The system concept of a novel TPE device with continuous hemodynamic monitoring in small rodent models has been used.

Results

A continuum TPE unit for rats has been developed, able to produce up to 95% plasma exchange rate without any TPE‐related hemodynamic impairment, monitored up to 35 days after the procedure.

Conclusion

The TPE unit for rats was able to produce 95% plasma exchange rate in non‐anesthetized animals, enabling a full translation of the human TPE into an animal model. The newly developed plasmapheresis unit enable a wide range of more accurate preclinical evaluation, with cardiac parameters monitoring, using small rodents in awaken state.
The effect of the time from diagnosis to induction therapy on prognosis in patients with acute leukemia undergoing leukapheresis for symptomatic hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Pınar İbrahim Ethem , Özkocaman Vildan , Ersal Tuba , Dağtekin Mehmet Emin , Yalçın Cumali , Orhan Bedrettin , Candar Ömer , Çubukçu Sinem , Güllü Koca Tuba , Gürsoy Vildan , Özkalemkaş Fahir
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Our study investigated leukapheresis's effect on delayed induction therapy outcomes in patients with acute leukemia presenting with symptomatic hyperleukocytosis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 30 adult patients diagnosed with acute leukemia who underwent leukapheresis for leukostasis. The patients were divided into the first 24 h and >24 h groups, according to the time from diagnosis to induction therapy (TDT).

Results

There was no significant difference between the TDT groups regarding complete remission (CR), 4‐week mortality, and overall survival (OS) at a median follow‐up of 409 days. Tumor lysis syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and hemoglobin levels were significant in early mortality. In univariate analysis, age, hemoglobin levels, patients' eligibility for intensive chemotherapy, and achieving CR were critical factors for OS.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that waiting for the clinical and laboratory results may be a safe and reasonable approach before assigning patients the best treatment option with leukapheresis.
Structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of insoluble dietary fiber derived from okara by Viscozyme®L
Authors: Zhang Gaopeng , Hao Manyi , He Ying , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Ding Yuting , Lyu Fei
Published: April 2023

The endogenous components of okara can affect the extraction and modification of insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). This study was intended to investigate the effect of extraction and purification of IDFs from okara affected by the endogenous components and composite enzyme Viscozyme®L. After that, the physicochemical, functional, and structural characteristics of IDFs were analyzed. The results showed that with the purification of degreasing, deproteinizing and destarching, Viscozyme®L can accurately act on the cell wall of okara, leading to the increase in specific surface area of IDF and the formation of honeycomb‐like structure. In accordance with the X‐ray diffraction and Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum investigations, relative crystallinity decreased and certain cellulose components were reallocated and changed into soluble dietary fiber. Moreover, the modified IDF showed improved water‐holding capacity (10.73–11.59 g/g), oil‐holding capacity (5.37–6.60 g/g), and swelling capacity (8.99–12.37 mL/g), leading to improved adsorption capacities of glucose (maximum: 39.60 mg/g), cholesterol (14.54–33.56 mg/g at pH 7; 10.94–19.37 mg/g at pH 2), and cholate and better cation‐exchange capacity. The outcomes demonstrated the potential for the acquired IDFs, particularly the high‐purity modified‐IDFs T3 and T4, to be exploited as functional fiber components in the food sector.

Practical Application

This study advances the understanding of the internal mechanism of modified insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) with different purities in okara. The obtained high‐purity modified IDF can be employed as a functional fiber raw material in the manufacture of functional foods, and can also be utilized to assist in the treatment of some illnesses due to its well‐established in vivo function.
Effectiveness, safety, initial optimal dose, and optimal maintenance dose range of basal insulin regimens for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Yingying , Xia Jun , Zhao Zhan , Chang Yaping , Bee Yong Mong , Nguyen Khue Thy , Lim Soo , Yabe Daisuke , McGill Margaret , Kong Alice Pik Shan , Chan Siew Pheng , Deodat Marisa , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Suastika Ketut , Xu Chenchen , Chen Liming , Chen Wei , Li Xiaoying , Zhao Weigang , Yao Xiaomei , Ji Linong
Published: April 2023

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness, safety, optimal starting dose, optimal maintenance dose range, and target fasting plasma glucose of five basal insulins in insulin‐naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2000 to February 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach was adopted. The registration ID is CRD42022319078 in PROSPERO.

Results

Among 11 163 citations retrieved, 35 publications met the planned criteria. From meta‐analyses and network meta‐analyses, we found that when injecting basal insulin regimens at bedtime, the optimal choice in order of most to least effective might be glargine U‐300 or degludec U‐100, glargine U‐100 or detemir, followed by neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH). Injecting glargine U‐100 in the morning may be more effective (ie, more patients archiving glycated hemoglobin < 7.0%) and lead to fewer hypoglycemic events than injecting it at bedtime. The optimal starting dose for the initiation of any basal insulins can be 0.10–0.20 U/kg/day. There is no eligible evidence to investigate the optimal maintenance dose for basal insulins.

Conclusions

The five basal insulins are effective for the target population. Glargine U‐300, degludec U‐100, glargine U‐100, and detemir lead to fewer hypoglycemic events than NPH without compromising glycemic control.
Evaluation of statewide restrictions on e‐cigarette nicotine strength—United States, 2017–2022
Authors: Ali Fatma Romeh M. , Schillo Barbara , Crane Elisha , Seaman Elizabeth L. , King Brian A.
Published: April 2023

Aims

To evaluate statewide policies restricting e‐cigarette nicotine strength.

Design

A difference‐in‐difference regression analysis was used to compare e‐cigarette sales in states that restrict nicotine strength with states with no restrictions. Because flavor restrictions might affect sales and nicotine strength, states with flavor restrictions were also assessed.

Setting and cases

United States e‐cigarette retail sales data during January 2017 to March 2022 were licensed from Information Resources Incorporated. States with restrictions included Massachusetts (restricted maximum nicotine strength to 3.5% and nontobacco flavored e‐cigarette sales in December 2019); Utah (restricted nicotine strength to 3.6% in September 2021); and Rhode Island, New York and Washington (restricted nontobacco flavor sales in October 2019, May 2020 and October 2019 to January 2020, respectively). These were compared with data from 34 states with no e‐cigarette nicotine strength or flavor restrictions.

Measurements

Weighted mean nicotine strength and total unit sales. Total unit sales per 1000 state population were summed into 4‐week periods by state. Models controlled for emergency responses, state demographics, tobacco control policies, time and state fixed effects.

Findings

Restricting both nicotine strength and flavors in Massachusetts was associated with a 2.04 percentage point (pp) reduction in mean nicotine strength and 86.76‐unit reduction in monthly unit sales per 1000 persons compared with states with no restrictions (all P < 0.01). Restricting nicotine strength only in Utah was associated with a 1.77 pp (P < 0.01) reduction in mean nicotine strength; however, there was no impact on unit sales. Restricting nontobacco flavor sales only in Rhode Island, New York and Washington slightly reduced mean nicotine strength (0.21, 0.62 and 0.19 pp, respectively) and sales (36.66, 34.51 and 16.37 units, respectively) (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions

United States statewide policies restricting e‐cigarette nicotine strength appear to be associated with reductions in average nicotine strength in sales within that state; however, there appears to be no impact on unit sales. When these policies are implemented along with flavor restrictions; reductions in average nicotine strength occur in addition to reduced unit sales.
Pricing Liquidity Risk in the Korean Corporate Bond Market*
Authors: Kim Eunji , Jang Ga‐Young , Kim Soo‐Hyun
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the pricing of liquidity risk in the Korean corporate bond market. We use three different liquidity factors — namely, aggregate market liquidity, liquidity innovation, and predicted liquidity. The empirical results show that, while a liquidity premium exists in the Korean corporate bond market when measured by the market liquidity factor, a liquidity discount occurs when measured by the predicted liquidity factor. Drawing on prior studies, we further describe that the lower (higher) returns for portfolios with a high sensitivity to unexpected liquidity shocks may be attributable to the infrequent (frequent) trading of AAA(A)‐rated bonds in the Korean market. Finally, our findings suggest that while a liquidity premium exists in expectation, investors are penalized for taking predicted liquidity risks in the Korean corporate bond market.
Working for Nico
Authors: Robb Larkins Erika
Published: April 2023

Over the course of the last decade, I have conducted fieldwork on the militarization of Rio de Janeiro and on the security industry that developed in response to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. This fictional short story follows two different imagined security laborers, Nico and Valesca, reflecting the racial, gendered, and class tensions I saw play out between police and military operators from different regions during my research. Working alongside Nico and Valesca, a fictional narrator seeks to navigate fraught power dynamics in a highly masculine setting.
Ex‐vivo ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, and stone basketing extraction of deceased donor kidney stones during machine perfusion preservation
Authors: Kunkel Gregory , Sorokin Igor , Oster Michela , Van Horn Christine , Movahedi Babak , Pang‐Yen Fan , Martins Paulo N.
Published: April 2023

The incidence of nephrolithiasis in kidney donors is rare. The timing and treatment of nephrolithiasis in deceased donor kidneys are not well established. While some programs have proposed ex‐situ rigid or flexible ureteroscopy treatment before transplantation, we report on two cases of kidney stones in the same deceased donor that we treated by flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy performed during the storage time on a hypothermic perfusion machine. Two deceased donor kidneys were found to have multiple kidney stones discovered on preprocurement CT imaging. The right kidney had less than five 2–3 mm stones, whereas the left had five to ten 1 mm stones with a single 7 mm stone. Both organs were placed on a hypothermic perfusion machine and maintained at a temperature of 4°C. An ex‐vivo flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and basket extraction was performed while the kidneys were maintained on Lifeport* perfusion machine. The cold ischemia time was 16.9 and 23.1 h. After 12 months of observational follow‐up, neither recipient had nephrolithiasis, UTI, or other urologic complications. The creatinine values now are 1.17 and 2.44 mg/dL (103.4 and 215.7 μmol/L), respectively. Ex‐vivo flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and stone removal on machine‐perfused kidneys appears to be safe and offers a good option to treat graft nephrolithiasis and prevent posttransplant complications. Ureteroscopy serves as a minimally invasive treatment option with direct stone removal. Performing this while on machine perfusion minimizes the ischemic time of the kidney and resultant complications or delays in graft function.
‘Them’ in an abnormal world: Media construction and responsibility attribution of left‐behind children in rural China
Authors: Huang Wan , Zou Wenxue
Published: April 2023

Left‐behind children who live away from their migrant parents in rural China have received widespread media attention, especially around their vulnerability and delinquency. To examine the media construction of this population and responsibility attribution for the incidents occurring to them, we used the phronetic iterative approach to analyse 348 news reports published byThe Paper, one of China's leading digital media outlets. Our findings revealed that the media constructed a stereotypical portrayal of these children and their families. Moreover, structural inequalities existing in social policies were shifted into personal responsibility in media discourses. This study offers empirical support for the role of news media in shaping public perceptions through their construction and framing processes. We highlight the need to identify structural factors that affect media portrayals of rural families and call for more social support for left‐behind children.
Spatially multicellular variability of intervertebral disc degeneration by comparative single‐cell analysis
Authors: Lin Peng , Yan Pulin , Zhu Jun , Huang Sha , Wang Zhong , Hu Ou , Jin Huaijian , Li Yangyang , Zhang Liang , Zhao Jianhua , Chen Lin , Liu Bing , He Jian , Gan Yibo , Liu Peng
Published: April 2023

Previous studies have revealed cellular heterogeneity in intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, the cellular and molecular alteration patterns of cell populations during degenerative progression remain to be fully elucidated. To illustrate the cellular and molecular alteration of cell populations in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), we perform single cell RNA sequencing on cells from four anatomic sites of healthy and degenerative goat IVDs. EGLN3+ StressCs, TGFBR3+ HomCs and GPRC5A+ RegCs exhibit the characteristics associated with resistance to stress, maintaining homeostasis and repairing, respectively. The frequencies and signatures of these cell clusters fluctuate with IDD. Notably, the chondrogenic differentiation programme of PROCR+ progenitor cells is altered by IDD, while notochord cells turn to stemness exhaustion. In addition, we characterise CAV1+ endothelial cells that communicate with chondrocytes through multiple signalling pathways in degenerative IVDs. Our comprehensive analysis identifies the variability of key cell clusters and critical regulatory networks responding to IDD, which will facilitate in‐depth investigation of therapeutic strategies for IDD.
Multiple abnormal peripheral blood gene expression assay results are correlated with subsequent graft loss after kidney transplantation
Authors: Heilman Raymond L. , Fleming James N. , Mai Martin , Smith Byron , Park Walter D. , Holman John , Stegall Mark D.
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to correlate peripheral blood gene expression profile (GEP) results during the first post‐transplant year with outcomes after kidney transplantation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, multicenter observational study of obtaining peripheral blood at five timepoints during the first post‐transplant year to perform a GEP assay. The cohort was stratified based on the pattern of the peripheral blood GEP results: Tx‐all GEP results normal, 1 Not‐TX had one GEP result abnormal and >1 Not‐TX two or more abnormal GEP results. We correlated the GEP results with outcomes after transplantation.

Results

We enrolled 240 kidney transplant recipients. The cohort was stratified into the three groups: TX n = 117 (47%), 1 Not‐TX n = 59 (25%) and >1 Not‐TX n = 64 (27%). Compared to the TX group, the >1 Not‐TX group had lower eGFR (p < .001) and more chronic changes on 1‐year surveillance biopsy (p = .007). Death censored graft survival showed inferior graft survival in the >1 Not‐TX group (p < .001) but not in the 1 Not‐TX group. All graft losses in the >1 Not‐TX group occurred after 1‐year post‐transplant.

Conclusions

We conclude that a pattern of persistently Not‐TX GEP assay correlates with inferior graft survival.
Firm‐specific pay premiums and the gender wage gap in Europe
Authors: Hennig Jan‐Luca , Stadler Balazs
Published: April 2023

We study how firm premia influence the gender wage gap for 21 European countries. We use a quadrennial harmonized matched employer–employee dataset to estimate gender‐specific firm premia. Subsequently, we decompose the firm‐specific wage premia differential into within‐ and between‐firm components. On average, the former accounts mainly for the decline in the pay gap between 2002 and 2014. We pay particular attention to the development of each component by age group, and find that the between‐firm component is associated with an increase in the gender pay gap over age. The decomposition of firm premia allows us to investigate how institutional settings relate to each component. We associate the within‐firm component with collective bargaining at the national and firm levels, and the between‐firm component with family policies. Decentralized wage bargaining is associated with a larger within‐firm pay gap, whereas family policies incentivizing women to return to employment after family formation are linked to a smaller between‐firm component.
Tocilizumab‐related hypertriglyceridemia is independent of key molecules regulating lipid metabolism
Authors: Ferraz‐Amaro Iván , Santos‐Concepción Sergio , Castro Javier , Hernández‐Hernández María V. , Tejera‐Segura Beatriz , Luna Cristina , Delgado‐Frias Esmeralda , Díaz‐González Federico
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment is associated with dyslipidaemia, including a rise in triglycerides through a mechanism poorly understood. Three molecules play key roles in the regulation of triglyceride metabolism: apolipoprotein C‐III (ApoC‐III), angiopoietin‐like protein 4(ANGPLT4) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The aim of this work was to analyse whether the changes in triglycerides shown by TCZ‐treated RA patients could stem from the dysregulation that can occur in these regulatory molecules.

Methods

Twenty‐seven RA patients included in the TOCRIVAR study who received TCZ (8 mg/kg IV/q4w) were evaluated at baseline and at Weeks 12, 24 and 52 of treatment. ANGPTL4, ApoC‐III and LPL, a complete lipid profile and RA disease activity, were analysed at baseline and at each visit. Multivariable linear mixed models were performed to study changes over time in lipids and regulatory molecules.

Results

After 24 weeks of TCZ treatment, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and triglycerides increased, whereas lipoprotein (a) decreased significantly from baseline values. However, 1 year after TCZ, no significant differences in lipid pattern were observed with respect to baseline. Serum ANGPTL4 and Apo‐CIII levels decreased gradually over time, both being significantly lower than baseline values at Week 52. LPL concentration did not change significantly during TCZ treatment. Remarkably, the elevation of triglycerides at Week 24 maintained its statistical significance after adjusting for the changes in ApoC‐III, ANGPTL4 and LPL.

Conclusion

In TCZ‐treated RA patients basal serum levels of ANGPLT4 and ApoC‐III, but not LPL, decreased significantly. However, the elevation of triglycerides after TCZ was not related to changes in these regulatory molecules.
Visuo‐spatial processing is linked to cortical glutamate dynamics in Parkinson's disease — a 7‐T functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Ophey Anja , Farrher Ezequiel , Pagel Nora , Seger Aline , Doppler Christopher E. J. , Shah N. Jon , Kalbe Elke , Fink Gereon R. , Sommerauer Michael
Published: April 2023

Background and purpose

Cognitive decline is a frequent and debilitating non‐motor symptom for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Metabolic alterations in the occipital cortex during visual processing may serve as a biomarker for cognitive decline in patients with PD.

Methods

Sixteen patients with PD (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part 3, OFF, 38.69 ± 17.25) and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) underwent 7‐T functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) utilizing a visual checkerboard stimulation. Glutamate metabolite levels during rest versus stimulation were compared. Furthermore, correlates of the functional MRS response with performance in visuo‐cognitive tests were investigated.

Results

No differences in static MRS between patients with PD and HC were detected, but a dynamic glutamate response was observed in functional MRS in HC upon visual stimulation, which was blunted in patients with PD (F1,22 = 7.13, p = 0.014;  = 0.245). A diminished glutamate response correlated with poorer performance in the Benton Judgment of Line Orientation test in PD (r = −0.57, p = 0.020).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that functional MRS captures even subtle differences in neural processing linked to the behavioral performance, which would have been missed by conventional, static MRS. Functional MRS thus represents a promising tool for studying molecular alterations at high sensitivity. Its prognostic potential should be evaluated in longitudinal studies, prospectively contributing to earlier diagnosis and individual treatment decisions.
The acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief, online parenting program: Expanding access to Evidence‐Based parenting intervention content
Authors: Holtrop Kendal , Casaburo Gianna , Hickman Tanner , Yzaguirre Melissa M. , Young Deja
Published: April 2023

Parenting interventions are a promising means for preventing and treating a variety of child behavior and conduct problems; yet, many families lack access to such services. Online parenting programs offer an opportunity to mitigate many barriers to intervention access by extending service delivery options. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a brief, online parenting program. We developed a new online parenting program based on foundational content from the evidence‐based GenerationPMTO intervention and used a mixed‐methods, single‐arm open trial (pre–post) design to perform a preliminary evaluation. The combined results from the quantitative and qualitative data provide initial support for the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the online program, based on participant self‐report data from program completers. Participants indicated high levels of acceptability for the program topics and videos. They also reported statistically significant improvements from baseline to 4 weeks postintervention in parental efficacy, parenting practices, and child behavior problems. The qualitative data corroborated and expanded these findings. We go on to discuss important accessibility and sustainability considerations addressed by this online parenting program as well as to suggest implications for intervention research and mental health practice.