bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal input is required for the maintenance of neuronal laminae in the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Stebbins Katelyn , Somaiya Rachana Deven , Sabbagh Ubadah , Liang Yanping , Su Jianmin , Fox Michael A.
Published: January 2024

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons provide direct input into several nuclei of the mouse visual thalamus, including the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), which is important for classical image-forming vision, and the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), which is associated with non-image-forming vision. Through both activity- and morphogen-dependent mechanisms, retinal inputs play important roles in the development of dLGN, including the refinement of retinal projections, morphological development of thalamocortical relay cells (TRCs), the timing of corticogeniculate innervation, and the recruitment of inhibitory interneurons from progenitor zones. In contrast, little is known about the role of retinal inputs in the development of vLGN. Grossly, vLGN is divided into two domains, the retinorecipient external vLGN (vLGNe) and the non-retinorecipient internal vLGN (vLGNi). We previously found that vLGNe consists of transcriptionally distinct GABAergic subtypes that are distributed into at least four adjacent laminae. At present, it remains unclear whether retinal inputs influence the development of these cell-specific neuronal laminae in vLGNe. Here, we elucidated the developmental timeline for the formation and maintenance of these laminae in the mouse vLGNe and results indicate that these laminae are specified at or before birth, well before eye-opening and the emergence of experience-dependent visual activity. We observed that mutant mice without retinal inputs have a normal laminar distribution of GABAergic cells at birth; however, after the first week of postnatal development, these mutants exhibited a dramatic disruption in the laminar organization of inhibitory neurons and clear boundaries between vLGNe and vLGNi. Overall, our results show that while the formation of cell type-specific layers in vLGNe does not depend on RGC inputs, retinal signals are critical for their maintenance.
Integrated germline and somatic features reveal divergent immune pathways driving ICB response
Authors: Sears Timothy , Pagadala Meghana , Castro Andrea , Lee Ko-han , Kong JungHo , Tanaka Kairi , Lippman Scott , Zanetti Maurizio , Carter Hannah
Published: January 2024

Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB) has revolutionized cancer treatment, however mechanisms determining patient response remain poorly understood. Here we used machine learning to predict ICB response from germline and somatic biomarkers and interpreted the learned model to uncover putative mechanisms driving superior outcomes. Patients with higher T follicular helper infiltrates were robust to defects in the class-I Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC-I). Further investigation uncovered different ICB responses in MHC-I versus MHC-II neoantigen reliant tumors across patients. Despite similar response rates, MHC-II reliant responses were associated with significantly longer durable clinical benefit (Discovery: Median OS=63.6 vs. 34.5 months P=0.0074; Validation: Median OS=37.5 vs. 33.1 months, P=0.040). Characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment reflected MHC neoantigen reliance, and analysis of immune checkpoints revealed LAG3 as a potential target in MHC-II but not MHC-I reliant responses. This study highlights the value of interpretable machine learning models in elucidating the biological basis of therapy responses.

Statement of Significance

Immune checkpoint blockade works only in a fraction of patients for reasons that are still not fully understood. Our study reveals heterogeneity in the immune responses of ICB responders that correlates with characteristics of the neoantigen landscape. This heterogeneity is accompanied by differences in the duration of clinical benefit as well as by differences as to which immune checkpoint gene serves as a biomarker of ICB response. These findings suggest possible new strategies for improving ICB responses.

Highlights

We used machine learning to study ICB response across 708 patients from 8 studies across 3 tumor types (melanoma, RCC, and NSCLC).

Combining germline and somatic features improves prediction of ICB response

Interactions between germline and somatic features reveal mechanisms contributing to ICB sensitivity.

MHC-I vs. MHC-II reliance implicates LAG3 as a prognostic biomarker in the context of CD4 T cell driven responses.

MHC-II neoantigen reliant responses provide superior durable clinical benefit in response to ICB.
Inhibition of Alpha Interferon-Induced miR-873 Negatively Affects the Hepatitis B Virus Expression
Authors: Zhou Mingsha , Xing Liu , Fan Jie , Zhao Mingming , Chen Lijuan , Luo Jia , Li Shan , Luo Pan , Duan Yong , Zhou Li
Published: January 2024

Background

Alpha interferon (IFN-α)-based therapy can effectively treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which remains a serious public health problem. This study aims to identify the potential biomarker of IFN treatment and investigate the effects of miR-873 on chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

We utilized the random forest to screen core differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) based on the miRNA (GSE29911) dataset. DEmiRNAs expressions were determined in clinical samples from CHB patients and normal controls. HBV-transfected hepatoma cell lines were constructed for vitro study. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine miRNA mRNA expressions. ELISA assays were used to detect the secretion levels of HBsAg and HBeAg.

Results

Boruta feature selection revealed miR-873 hinting at a predictive marker for IFN response. MiR-873 was significantly up-regulated in the CHB patients, as compared with normal controls (P<0.001). Increased expression of miR-873 was also found in HBV-infected cells (P<0.001). With IFN-α treatment, miR-873 was significantly down-regulated in HBV-infected Huh-7 and HepG-NTCP cells (P<0.05). IFN-α treatment and miR-873 inhibitor significantly reduced HBsAg and HBeAg level (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect was enhanced by blocking the IFN-α-induced miR-873 downregulation by inhibitor transfection (P<0.05). In miR-873 mimic-treated cells, the inhibitory effect was greatly supressed by blocking the IFN-α-induced miR-873 downregulation by mimic transfection (P< 0.01).

Conclusion

We provide evidence that inhibition of miR-873 by IFN-α enhances the antiviral effects of IFN-α. Our study provides a potential strategy to enhance the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α by inhibiting miR-873 expression.
Obesity Human Soluble Prorenin Receptor Expressed in Adipose Tissue Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Endothelial Function in Obese Female Mice
Authors: Arthur Gertrude , Ahmed Nermin , Nichols Kellea , Poupeau Audrey , Collins Katelyn , Lindner Volkhard , Loria Analia
Published: January 2024

Soluble prorenin receptor (sPRR) is a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) identified as a plasma biomarker for human metabolic disease. However, what tissue source of sPRR is implicated in the modulation of metabolic function remains unclear. This study investigated the contribution of human sPRR (HsPRR) produced in the adipose tissue (Adi) on the metabolic and cardiovascular function of lean and obese male and female mice. Adi-HsPRR mice, generated by crossing human sPRR-Myc-tag and Adiponectin/Cre mice, were fed a low-fat or high-fat diet (10% and 60% kCal from fat, respectively) for 20 weeks. Obese Adi-HsPRR mice showed elevated sPRR levels in adipose tissue without affecting adipocyte size or fat depot weight. Despite plasma sPRR being similar between obese Adi-HsPRR and control female mice, a positive correlation between plasma sPRR and adiposity was present only in controls. Obese Adi-HsPRR male mice showed elevated plasma sPRR compared with controls, but no correlation with adiposity was found in either group. Nevertheless, Adi-HsPRR expression improved insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, reduced adipogenic genes mRNA abundance (PPARg, SEBP1C and CD36), and increased plasma Angiotensin 1-7 levels only in obese HsPPR female mice. Taken together, elevated HsPRR in adipose tissue improved metabolic and vascular function in obese female mice despite normal circulating levels of sPRR, whereas increased local and circulating levels of HsPRR did not influence metabolic and cardiovascular function in obese male mice. Our data suggest that increased plasma sPRR associated with metabolic disease could be produced by other tissues rather than adipocytes.
Psychological and social risk factors and pregnancy outcome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Schipper Elbert-Jaap I. , Wardenaar Klaas J. , Bolte Annemieke C. , Monden Rei , van Os Titus W.D.P. , Wichers Marieke , de Jonge Peter
Published: January 2024

Background

Research suggests that besides somatic factors, psychological and social factors are associated with pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the independent effects of psychosocial risk factors on maternal blood pressure, gestational age at birth, birthweight and Apgar score.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, Dutch women in the first half of pregnancy were recruited at a regional hospital, a university hospital and ten midwife practices. At inclusion, participants (before 20 weeks of gestation) filled in questionnaires on social and psychological factors. Obstetric data were extracted from patient records. Associations between risk factors and pregnancy outcomes were analysed with multivariable linear and logistic regression.

Results

598 Women were included in the study. 14 Women did not return questionnaires and 12 women stopped study participation before delivery. In multivariable regression analysis, primiparity, Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.4 (1.5, 7.5), obstetric and somatic history, OR = 3.5 (1.5, 7.9), and diastolic blood pressure at intake, OR = 1.1 (1.0, 1.1), were independently associated with preterm delivery. Smoking status, OR = 5.5 (2.3, 13), was independently associated with a newborn small for gestational age, and primiparity, OR = 6.9 (1.1, 45), with a low Apgar score. Diastolic blood pressure at intake, OR = 1.1 (1.07, 1.14), hypertension at intake, OR = 3.6 (1.1, 11), and negative affect, OR = 1.1 (1.02, 1.14), were independently associated with gestational hypertension. Negative affect was the only psychosocial risk factor independently associated with pregnancy outcome.

Conclusion

Although psychosocial factors are important in obstetric care, measurement of these factors in early pregnancy seems to have limited independent predictive value for adverse pregnancy outcome when medical and/or obstetric history and commonly applied physical measurements are already considered.
Factors influencing perceived usefulness of a branded weight-loss app
Authors: Martin-Vicario Lara , Martínez-Sánchez María Eugenia , Nicolas-Sans Ruben
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to observe how a user’s individual factors in a commercial weight-loss treatment app affect their perceived usefulness of its features and how they relate to each other.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was obtained from an online survey with a sample of 412 users from a branded app for a commercial weight-loss treatment using body mass index (BMI), self-efficacy, social support and perceived usefulness as variables.

Findings

Users with higher self-efficacy perceived the app’s features as more useful. However, BMI was not a factor except for the psycho-emotional support features, which individuals with obesity perceived as more useful. Likewise, it was found that there weren’t any significant differences in self-efficacy based on their BMI. Lastly, it was found that social support could not be used as a factor to predict self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps understand how individual factors for behavioural change may affect the perceived usefulness of a weight-loss app. Furthermore, the significance of self-efficacy as an influencing factor provides useful information for companies and app developers alike when developing their branded apps.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors affecting user perceptions of weight-loss apps. It also adds to the literature of branded apps as complimentary resources for companies, which has not been studied in detail.
Experience-driven well-being: the case of unmanned smart hotels
Authors: Sthapit Erose , Ji Chunli , Ping Yang , Prentice Catherine , Garrod Brian , Yang Huijun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the theory of memory-dominant logic, this study aims to examine how the substantive staging of the servicescape, experience co-creation, experiential satisfaction and experience intensification affect experience memorability and hedonic well-being in the case of unmanned smart hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used, with the target respondents being hotel guests people aged 18 years and older who had been recent guests of the FlyZoo Hotel in Hangzhou, China. Data were collected online from 429 guests who had stayed in the hotel between April and June 2023. Data analysis was undertaken using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results suggest that all the proposed four constructs are positive drivers of a memorable unmanned smart hotel experience. The relationship between the memorability of the hotel experience and hedonic well-being was found to be significant and positive.

Practical implications

Unmanned smart hotels should ensure that all smart technologies function effectively and dependably and offer highly personalised services to guests, allowing them to co-create their experiences. This will lead to the guest receiving a satisfying and memorable experience. To enable experience co-creation using smart technologies, unmanned smart hotels could provide short instructional videos for guests, as well as work closely with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure that smart technology systems are regularly updated.

Originality/value

This study investigates the antecedents and outcomes of a novel phenomenon and extends the concept of memorable tourism experiences to the context of unmanned smart hotels.
A lesson study on a MOOC-based and AI-powered flipped teaching and assessment of EFL writing model: teachers' and students' growth
Authors: Zhang Yumei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The lesson study aims to examine college English teachers' growth in technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) and the improvement of students' learning outcomes in the context of MOOC-based and AI-powered flipped teaching and assessment of EFL writing (MAFTA).

Design/methodology/approach

Three college EFL teachers and their students (66 in total) participated in three cycles of MAFTA instruction. Triangulated analysis was conducted by considering all relevant data sources, including the teachers' discussions and reflections, the argumentative essays produced by the students before and after the MAFTA instruction, as well as the data gathered through questionnaires and interviews.

Findings

The three teachers demonstrated varying degrees of growth in TPACK, as evidenced by their increased knowledge of the technology tools and skills in utilizing the tools to realize their pedagogical beliefs on teaching EFL writing. Substantial improvements were detected in students' essays. The students generally have affirmative perceptions on the MAFTA model and the questionnaire and interviews specified the benefits they gained from each stage of the model.

Originality/value

Firstly, the lesson study is grounded in an innovative approach to teaching EFL writing that incorporates multiple technological affordances. Secondly, it closely scrutinizes the dynamics of both teachers' and students' growths during the innovative practice. The findings could offer insights into teachers' TPACK development and effective integration of technological advancements in EFL education at the tertiary level.
European family business owners: what factors affect their job satisfaction?
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej , Orel Marko , Procházka David Anthony
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research aims to better understand the factors and determinants that shape the job satisfaction of European family business owners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a unique sample of 11,362 European family business owners surveyed within the European Union Labour Force Survey (EU LFS) framework, and the main findings were obtained by estimating ordered logistic regression models.

Findings

The authors show that only 26.8% of European family business owners are women, which underlines the gender imbalance in family business ownership, and the authors' results also report that their job satisfaction is significantly lower compared to males. The authors also find the highest job satisfaction amongst family business owners with master-level degrees and point out several interesting statistically significant differences across the industry focus of the family business.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the body of knowledge on the job satisfaction of family business owners by conducting a large-scale study based on a statistically representative sample of European respondents.
Project-based learning through the lens of SEEM: enhancing implementation in the Brazilian context
Authors: Rieg Denise , Maclennan Maria Laura , Scramim Fernando , Huertas Melby , Augusto Eryka
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to mitigate the inherent challenges associated with implementing project-based learning (PjBL) by integrating it with the service engineering methodology (SEEM). The study demonstrates that combining PjBL with a methodological approach provides a step-by-step procedure that facilitates the practical application of PjBL and preserves the development of competencies inherent to PjBL.

Design/methodology/approach

Action research methodology was used to assess the effectiveness of combining PjBL learning strategy with SEEM. Data was collected through observations, questionnaires and focus group discussions to evaluate students’ expectations and perceptions of this combination.

Findings

The results show that PjBL implementation combined with SEEM enabled the organization of class dynamics, helping to mitigate difficulties encountered in the application of PjBL. Students conveyed that the integration of PjBL with SEEM afforded them a guiding structure without compromising their autonomy in decision-making for proposed solutions. It proved efficacious in honing skills pertinent to service design and analysis, teamwork, solution formulation, creativity and innovation stimulation.

Research limitations/implications

This research has been limited to four classes in one university in Brazil. Besides, PjBL was combined with only one methodology (SEEM). Therefore, this needs to be tested in broader settings and contexts.

Practical implications

The article highlights the potential benefits of PjBL in bridging the gap between academia and the professional world while acknowledging the challenges involved in its implementation, combining PjBL with a methodology that provides a sequence of steps to be followed.

Social implications

The social implications of implementing PjBL in higher education in the Brazilian and international contexts are multifaceted. The adoption of PjBL encourages instructors to adapt their learning strategies and align them with the evolving needs of worldwide society. Through PjBL, Brazilian and international higher education institutions may contribute to the development of individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their knowledge effectively in practical situations around the world.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution lies in suggesting that combining PjBL with a methodology that provides a sequence of steps to be followed (such as that exemplified through SEEM) can address intrinsic issues that consider the complexity of PjBL implementation, preserving the development of competencies inherent to PjBL.
Learning from the working from home experiment during COVID-19: employees motivation to continue working from home
Authors: Kira Wilson Hannah , Tucker Matthew , Dale Gemma
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the challenges and benefits of working from home and the needs that organisations should understand when adopting working from home practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-determination theory was used to understand the drivers of motivation when working from home, to provide a deep understanding of how organisations may support employees working from home. A cross-sectional qualitative survey design was used to collect data from 511 office workers during May and June of 2020.

Findings

Employees' needs for competence were thwarted by a lack of direction and focus, unsuitable work environment, work extensification and negative work culture. Employees' experiences and needs for relatedness were more diverse, identifying that they enjoyed spending more time with family and having a greater connection to the outdoors, but felt more isolated and suffered from a lack of interaction. Employees' experiences of autonomy whilst working from home were also mixed, having less autonomy from blurred boundaries between home and work, as well as childcare responsibilities. Conversely, there was more freedom to be able to concentrate on physical health.

Practical implications

Employee’s needs for competence should be prioritised. Organisations must be conscious of this and provide the support that enables direction and focus when working at home.

Originality/value

Swathes of research were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but overwhelmingly focused on quantitative methods. A qualitative survey design enabled participants to answer meaningful open-ended questions, better suited to explain the complexity of their experiences, which allowed for understanding and richness not gained through previous studies.
Equilibrium strategies of sharing CSR in a supply chain with manufacturer encroachment
Authors: Cheng Yonghong , Pan Jiaxin , Yao Teng
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Motivated by the real-world practice of the thriving e-commerce, manufacturers are transcending traditional boundaries of merely producing and selling directly by implementing encroachment. Concurrently, supply chain (SC) members who overlook the corporate social responsibility (CSR) sharing will be left behind, which is closely linked to their profits. This paper aims to investigate a better way to share CSR under the scenarios of manufacturer encroachment and no-encroachment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructs game-theoretic models in a SC consisting of a manufacturer (M) and a retailer (R), where the manufacturer can sell products by retailing, and may sell directly by implicating encroachment. The manufacturer and retailer jointly consider whether to share CSR and the proportion of it by taking consumer surplus into account. Furthermore, equilibriums for each model are derived using backward induction. Then, the authors analyse the impact of CSR sharing proportion and compare the equilibrium outcomes under different scenarios. Finally, the numerical analyses are presented to verify the results.

Findings

Several interesting results are found in this paper. First, the retailer shares more CSR can benefit SC members and social welfare when the manufacturer does not implement encroachment. However, the results may change which is decided by the unit cost of encroachment when the manufacturer does so. Second, the proportion of CSR shared by manufacturer and the unit cost of encroachment has an interactive impact on equilibrium outcomes. Finally, both manufacturer encroachment and SC members share CSR may be the best for the perspective of SC members and consumers.

Practical implications

Based on the analytical results, this paper provides novel managerial implications to assist manufacturer and retailer in determining the optimal strategies for CSR sharing and encroachment. Furthermore, the appropriate proportion of CSR shared by manufacturer and the unit cost of encroachment may let manufacturer, retailer and consumer surplus achieve a win-win-win situation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to explore the strategy of CSR sharing under the scenarios of manufacturer encroachment and no-encroachment.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles decrease acrylamide cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells
Authors: Reihani Amin , Shaki Fatemeh , Azari Ala
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Acrylamide (AA) is predominantly used as a synthetic substance within various industries. However, AA is also recognized as a carcinogen. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are becoming increasingly attractive as medical agents. However, to the knowledge, the effects of ZnO-NPs on preventing cytotoxicity with AA have not been reported. Therefore, this study aims to determine the protective effects of ZnO-NPs against the cytotoxicity caused by AA.

Design/methodology/approach

MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, carbonyl protein, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were measured and analyzed statistically.

Findings

The findings observed that the presence of 200 µM AA led to a substantial reduction in cell viability (p < 0.001). However, ZnO-NPs restored cell viability at 50 and 100 µM concentrations (p = 0.0121 and p = 0.0011, respectively). The levels of ROS were significantly reduced (p = 0.001 and p = < 0.001) to 518 ± 47.57 and 364 ± 47.79, respectively, compared to the AA group. The levels of GSH were significantly increased (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002) to 16.9 ± 1.3 and 17.6 ± 0.5, respectively, compared to the AA group. The levels of MDA were significantly decreased (p = 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) when compared to the AA group, as were the levels of carbonyl protein (p = 0.009 and p < 0.002) in comparison to the AA group.

Originality/value

In summary, the outcomes of this research indicate that ZnO-NPs played a role in inhibiting AA-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.
Effects of Coriandrum sativum seeds on memory, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in students: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Alqudah Abdelrahim , Qnais Esam , Sabi Salsabeel H. , Bseiso Yousra , Gammoh Omar , Wedyan Mohammed
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential benefits of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) on anxiety, depression, sleep quality and memory among students.

Design/methodology/approach

This randomized controlled trial involved university students aged 18–25 years, who had no known allergies to C. sativum or were using psychotropic medication. After giving informed consent, participants were randomly assigned using a computer-generated random sequence to either 500 mg C. sativum seeds or a placebo. Primary outcomes measured changes in memory (prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire [PRMQ]), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), while secondary outcomes assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory [PSQI]).

Findings

A sample of 86 students with a mean age of 20.05 ± 1.6 years was selected for the study. Initial assessments ensured no significant differences in demographic or study variables between the control and intervention groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in memory (PRMQ: p = 0.006), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety Scale: p = 0.04) and depression (Hospital Depression Scale: p = 0.002), as well as in sleep quality (PSQI: p = 0.03) in the group receiving C. sativum compared to the control group.

Originality/value

This research offers initial insights into the potential benefits of C. sativum intake, specifically its role in enhancing memory performance and mitigating anxiety among student populations. The results present a compelling case for further research in this domain to solidify these preliminary conclusions.
Does integrated store service quality determine omnichannel customer lifetime value? Role of commitment, relationship proneness, and relationship program receptiveness
Authors: Natarajan Thamaraiselvan , Veera Raghavan Deepak Ramanan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Building on the relationship marketing and stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory, the purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the integrated store service quality (ISSQ) on the omnichannel customer lifetime value (CLV). The mediating role of customer commitment (affective, normative and continuance) and relationship program receptiveness with the moderating role of customer relationship proneness were relied upon to better understand the omnichannel customer profitability metric (CLV).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is descriptive and relies upon the cross-sectional data collected using the self-administered structured questionnaires from 785 omnichannel shoppers. A purposive sampling technique was performed in the study. Structural equation modeling was performed using the SMART-PLS 4.0 software to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicate that omnichannel customer commitment (affective, normative and continuance) differentially mediates the relationship between ISSQ and relationship program receptiveness, subsequently impacting the omnichannel CLV. The customer relationship proneness significantly and positively moderated the relationships between different dimensions of customer commitment and relationship program receptiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied upon the cross-sectional data from the Indian population aged above 18 years for testing the proposed model. Further studies could test the model across different populations to generalize the study results.

Originality/value

This study addresses the need to investigate the omnichannel retail store customer profitability and their relationship performance with the store. By testing the customer relationship management model in the omnichannel retail store context, this study is the first to show that ISSQ will impact the customer profitability and relationship performance metric (CLV) through omnichannel customer commitment and relationship program receptiveness. The moderating effect of customer relationship proneness on a few proposed hypotheses was also tested to give managerial recommendations.
SLC39A7 upregulation links to skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis via TGF‐β/SMAD pathway
Authors: Wen Xu , Aoi Jun , Mijee Tselmeg , Kajihara Ikko , Makino Katsunari , Fukushima Satoshi
Published: January 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease. Skin fibrosis, the hallmark of this disease, is defined as the excess deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix, mainly type 1 collagen, in the dermis. SLC39A7 is an intracellular zinc transporter that plays a unique role in connective tissue formation. Therefore, we investigated the expression and role of SLC39A7 in SSc. Using immunohistochemical staining we demonstrated the overexpression of SLC39A7 in the skin of SSc patients. Quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot data analysis showed that both SLC39A7 mRNA and protein levels were significantly upregulated in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients compared to healthy controls. We used the shRNA lentiviral particle transduction system to stably knockdown the expression of SLC39A7 in SSc fibroblasts. The results showed that knockdown of SLC39A7 suppressed the production of type 1 collagen. These findings provide evidence that SLC39A7 is involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and that SLC39A7 plays a positive role in its progression.
Preliminary mixed‐methods investigation: Impact and acceptability of a combined life skills and adventure therapy program for adolescents
Authors: Burke Hannah K. , Hui Caroline E. , Burke Lynette M. , Lane Shelly J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Meaningful occupational therapy interventions for neurodivergent, transition‐age adolescents are understudied, and novel intervention approaches that are motivating to this population are needed. Accordingly, in this study we explored the acceptability and impact of a combined life skills/adventure therapy (LS/AT) intervention program for addressing self‐identified goals for adolescents with regulation‐ and sensory‐based challenges.

Methods

We used a convergent mixed‐methods design. All adolescents accepted into the intervention program were invited to participate. We described our sample using data from the Child Occupational Self‐Assessment. Participants created and rated goals through a modified Canadian Occupational Performance Measure interview before intervention, after intervention and 3 months post‐intervention and participated in semi‐structured interviews pre‐ and post‐intervention. We calculated COPM change scores, analysed qualitative interview data, and integrated findings into a joint display for interpretation following recommended procedures for mixed‐methods data.

Results

Ten adolescents consented to participate (n = 6 males, n = 4 females; mean age 13.92 years, SD = 0.54). Mean COPM performance change scores were 3.72 (SD = 1.39) from pre‐ to post‐intervention and 2.40 (SD = 1.19) from pre‐ to 3 months post‐intervention, with the largest change scores for goals related to life skills. Data from semi‐structured interviews expanded on these findings, revealing that participants made changes related to being in the moment, finding a sense of purpose and achieving a sense of belonging. Participants reported high acceptability of the intervention.

Conclusion

This exploratory research supports the use of combined LS/AT intervention with transition‐age adolescents experiencing sensory and regulation‐based limitations on participation. Preliminary data shows positive changes in performance and satisfaction in self‐identified goal areas as well as changes related to mindfulness, a personal sense of competence and relatedness. In practice, occupational therapists should consider integrating elements of this LS/AT intervention to support this population, including addressing life skills through engagement in unique and motivating activities.
Reexamining the impact of natural resource rent and corruption control on environmental quality: Evidence from carbon emissions and ecological footprint in 152 countries
Authors: Li Rongrong , Hu Sailan , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2024

In order to explore the impact of natural resource rent and corruption control on environmental quality (ecological footprint, carbon emissions), this paper uses the moment quantile regression method within the framework of the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Based on the availability of data, the research object is positioned as the sample data of 152 countries from 2002 to 2018 to obtain more in‐depth and comprehensive research conclusions. The empirical results show that: (1) Corruption control has a significant effect on improving the ecological environment in countries and regions with poor environmental quality. The impact of natural resource rent on environmental quality remains inconclusive, when environmental quality is relatively high, natural resource rent tends to promote the increase of carbon emissions, but there is a reduction effect on the ecological footprint. For countries and regions with better environmental quality, there will be an effect of increasing resource consumption and reducing pollutant emissions. (2) Increasing the consumption intensity of energy will lead to the deterioration of environmental quality, and increasing the proportion of renewable resources will increase and weaken this impact, so it is particularly important to improve the energy consumption structure and improve environmental quality. (3) The impact of urbanization on environmental quality dose not form a unified opinion, and the difference in the selection of environmental quality indicators brings variability to the results, which also prompts the adoption of multiple indicators or the establishment of a composite index that covers multiple perspectives of environmental quality to conduct comprehensive and in‐depth research on environmental quality.
Synergistic interplay of UV radiation and urban particulate matter induces impairment of autophagy and alters cellular fate in senescence‐prone human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Guerrero‐Navarro Lena , Jansen‐Dürr Pidder , Cavinato Maria
Published: January 2024

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by intrinsic factors and environmental stressors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation and air pollution, among others. In this study, we investigated the effects of UVA and UVB radiation, combined with urban particulate matter (UPM), on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). We show here that treatment of HDF with a subcytotoxic dose of UVA/UVB results in a series of events leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, increased ROS levels, and DNA damage. These effects are known to trigger either cellular senescence or cell death, depending on the cells' ability to clear damage by activating autophagy. Whereas UPM treatment in isolation did not affect proliferation or survival of HDF, of note, simultaneous UPM treatment of UV‐irradiated cells selectively inhibited autophagic flux, thereby changing cell fate of a fraction of the cell population from senescence to apoptotic cell death. Our findings highlight the synergistic effects of UV radiation and UPM on skin aging, emphasizing the need to consider these factors in assessing the impact of environmental stressors on human health and opening opportunities for developing comprehensive approaches to protect and preserve skin integrity in the face of growing environmental challenges.
Poor mobility and lower limb weakness are associated with three distinct depressive symptom trajectories over 6 years in older people
Authors: Chan Lloyd L. Y. , Delbaere Kim , Numbers Katya , Lam Ben , Menant Jasmine , Sturnieks Daina L. , Trollor Julian N. , Brodie Matthew A. , Lord Stephen R.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Physical decline can be associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in later life. This study aimed to identify physical and lifestyle risk factors for depressive symptom trajectories in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

Participants were 553 people aged 70–90 years who underwent baseline physical, psychological and lifestyle assessments. Group‐based trajectory analysis was used to identify patterns of depressive symptom development over 6 years of follow‐up. Strengths of associations between baseline functional test performances and depressive symptom trajectories were evaluated with univariable ordinal models. Subsequently, the adjusted cumulative odds ratio for the association between identified risk factors, demographic factors and baseline anti‐depressant use were measured using multivariable ordinal logistic regression.

Results

Three distinct depressive symptom trajectories were identified: a low‐and‐stable course (10% of participants), a low‐and‐increasing course (81%) and a moderate‐and‐increasing course (9%). Timed Up and Go test time was the strongest risk factor of depressive symptom trajectory, followed by Five Times Sit‐to‐Stand test performance, planned physical activity levels, and knee extension strength (adjusted standardised ORs 1.65, 95% CI 1.34–2.04; 1.44, 95% CI 1.16–1.77; 1.44, 95% CI 1.17–1.76 and 1.41, 95% CI 1.15–1.73 respectively). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and baseline anti‐depressant use, Timed Up and Go test performance and knee extension strength were independently and significantly associated with depressive trajectories.

Conclusions

Timed Up and Go test times, Five Times Sit‐to‐Stand test performance, planned physical activity levels and knee extension strength are associated with three discrete depressive symptom trajectories. These clinical tests may help identify older adults aged 70–90 years at risk of developing depressive symptoms and help guide subsequent strength and mobility interventions.
Cancer during pregnancy: Twenty‐two years of experience from a tertiary referral center
Authors: Milosevic Branislav , Likic Ladjevic Ivana , Dotlic Jelena , Beleslin Aleksandra , Mihaljevic Olga , Pilic Igor , Kesic Vesna , Gojnic Miroslava , Stefanovic Aleksandar , Stefanovic Katarina
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Cancer complicating pregnancy is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition for both the mother and her child. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcomes for mothers and children after pregnancy complicated by malignancy and to investigate which parameters are important for their 1‐year survival.

Material and methods

The study included 84 pregnant women diagnosed with malignant tumors during pregnancy from 2001 to 2022. The pregnancy course and outcome, as well as parameters that could influence the survival and condition of the mother and child were evaluated. Mothers and children were followed up for 1 year after delivery to assess their condition/complications and overall survival.

Results

Most malignancies were gynecological (31%) or hematological (23.8%) and were diagnosed and surgically treated in the second trimester. Most children (69%) showed adequate growth and development throughout pregnancy but were delivered before term (53.6%) to allow mothers to receive therapy. Adjuvant therapy during pregnancy mostly caused a transitory deterioration of the child's condition, while surgery did not significantly impact the pregnancy course. Deliveries, on average, occurred during the 33.01 ± 6.16 gestational week (range: 20–40) and mostly by cesarean section (76.2%). For mothers, the pregnancy survival rate was 95.2% and survival after 1 year was 87.5%. However, 37.5% of women were still ill and required additional therapy 1 year postpartum. The pregnancy survival rate for children was 94%, whereas the 1‐year survival rate was 76.2%. Most children had a favorable condition (alive, adequately growing and developing, and without complications) at birth (81%) as well as at the 1‐year follow‐up (63.7%). Regression analysis identified the following predictors of favorable 1‐year maternal condition: applying therapy during pregnancy, no progression of the malignancy during pregnancy, and delivery at a later gestational week. Predictors of favorable 1‐year condition of children were lower histopathological grade of malignancy, surgery as therapy for malignancy, obtaining higher birthweight, and delivery by cesarean section.

Conclusions

If the malignancy is not progressing, pregnancy should be continued as long as possible for the child to obtain adequate birthweight. Both surgery and chemotherapy were safe therapeutic choices, as most pregnancies continued successfully after therapy.
Unplanned cesarean sections in advanced maternal age: A predictive model
Authors: Veenstra Joyce , Cohen Zoë , Korteweg Fleurisca J. , van der Ham David P. , Kuppens Simone M. , Kroese Janna A. , Hermsen Brenda B. , Kamphuis Marije M. , Vanhommerig Joost W. , van Pampus Maria G.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

As maternal age during pregnancy is rising all over the world, there is a growing need for prognostic factors that determine maternal and perinatal outcomes in older women.

Material and methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study of women aged 40 years or older at the time of delivery in four Santeon hospitals across the Netherlands between January 2016 and December 2019. Outcomes were compared between women of 40–44 years (advanced maternal age) and 45 years and older (very advanced maternal age). Primary outcome was unplanned cesarean section, secondary outcomes included postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal outcomes. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze predictive factors for unplanned cesarean sections in women who attempted vaginal delivery. Subsequently, a predictive model and risk scores were constructed to predict unplanned cesarean section.

Results

A cohort of 1660 women was analyzed; mean maternal age was 41.4 years, 4.8% of the women were 45 years and older. In both groups, more than half of the women had not delivered vaginally before. Unplanned cesarean sections were performed in 21.1% of the deliveries in advanced maternal age and in 29.1% in very advanced maternal age. Four predictive factors were significantly correlated with unplanned cesarean sections: higher body mass index (BMI), no previous vaginal delivery, spontaneous start of delivery and number of days needed for cervical priming. A predictive model was constructed from these factors with an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.72–0.78). A sensitivity analysis in nulliparous women proved that BMI, days of cervical priming, age, and gestational age were risk factors, whereas spontaneous start of delivery and induction were protective factors. There was one occurrence of neonatal death.

Conclusions

Women of advanced maternal age and those of very advanced maternal age have a higher chance of having an unplanned cesarean section compared to the general obstetric population in the Netherlands. Unplanned cesarean sections can be predicted through use of our predictive model. Risk increases with higher BMI, no previous vaginal delivery, and increasing number of days needed for cervical priming, whereas spontaneous start of labor lowers the risk. In nulliparous women, age and gestational age also increase risk, but induction lowers the risk of having an unplanned cesarean section.
Higher pre‐pregnancy body mass index was associated with adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome after a freeze‐all strategy: A historical cohort study
Authors: Hu Xinyao , Yan Enqi , Peng Wenju , Zhou Yueping , Jin Lei , Qian Kun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormal body mass index (BMI) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles. However, the relationship between BMI and pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains unclear. Furthermore, whether a diagnosis of PCOS could result in adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with different BMIs remains unknown.

Material and methods

A historical cohort study included 1667 women with PCOS and 12 256 women without PCOS after a freeze‐all policy between January 2016 and December 2020. The outcomes encompassed both pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline models were performed to eliminate confounding factors when investigating the relationship between BMI and different outcomes.

Results

After controlling for covariates, pregnancy outcomes were comparable between underweight women with PCOS and normal weight women with PCOS. However, overweight patients had a lower clinical pregnancy rate and an overall live birth rate. Furthermore, patients with obesity had a lower rate of multiple pregnancies but a higher rate of biochemical pregnancy than in the normal BMI group. Additionally, the restricted cubic spline models showed that as maternal BMI increased to 32 kg/m2, the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after blastocyst transfer decreased, but the risks of preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus, macrosomia, large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) and very LGA increased in patients with PCOS after a freeze‐all strategy. Moreover, a diagnosis of PCOS resulted in a higher clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate and a higher risk of small‐for‐gestational age in the normal weight group. However, women with PCOS in the overweight group exhibited higher risks of very preterm birth and gestational diabetes mellitus compared with women without PCOS.

Conclusions

This study showed that a higher BMI had a detrimental impact on the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of PCOS patients undergoing a freeze‐all strategy. However, it was only statistically significant in the overweight group. A diagnosis of PCOS had a higher clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in normal weight women but higher risks of perinatal complications in normal weight and overweight women.