bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Chinese banks expand their loan portfolio while maintaining loan quality and profitability post-global financial crisis?
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien , Trinh Nga Thu , Nghiem Son
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationships between loan growth, loan losses and net income after the 2008 global financial crisis. This study further conducts a comparative analysis by considering the period of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses panel data models such as one-step system GMM, random effects, fixed effects and OLS, with a data set of 131 Chinese commercial banks from 2009 to 2020.

Findings

The study finds no significant relationship between loan growth and future loan losses. However, after adjusting loan loss by net interest income (NII-adjusted loan loss), the study reveals that loan growth in the subsequent year decreases if NII-adjusted loan loss increases. The study also demonstrates the positive effect of loan growth on net income as newly expanded loans are funded at similar costs but offered at a lower rate compared with existing loans. During COVID-19, loan growth and net income were higher than in previous years.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that Chinese banks can increase lending to support the economy without sacrificing loan quality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining and enhancing credit policies and practices. Chinese banks should also continue to refine their pricing strategies for loans and deposits. The findings also imply that China's policy responses to the impact of COVID-19 could serve as lessons for future policy decisions.
Reintegration of repatriates: a qualitative study of influencing factors in the context of communities
Authors: Fischer Lena Maria , Schwarzkopf Marc
Published: May 2023

Purpose

In the context of international assignments, repatriates are confronted with social, organisational and cultural challenges. However, the impact of community and social support on the reintegration process has gone unnoticed. The purpose of this paper is to identify the influencing factors on the reintegration process of expatriates who were sent to Asia, especially considering social support and the role of the community. In the context of the community, this paper discusses which factors influence the reintegration process after repatriates return to Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to research reintegration problems as well as social support and the role of the community, seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with repatriates from Germany.

Findings

The central results of the study show that there are variables in different areas that influence the reintegration process of repatriates sent to Asia, which have both reintegration-promoting and reintegration-inhibiting effects. Furthermore, it was found that a lack of support from social networks in the home country has negative effect on the reintegration process causing repatriates to stay in known repatriate communities.

Originality/value

The results of the study demonstrate that social networks and communities in the home country represent crucial challenges in the reintegration process. Furthermore, it demonstrates the need for future exploratory research into this area to gain further insights into this topic.
Front propagation in the interaction of gases to model a fuel tank inerting process with a nonlinear parabolic operator
Authors: Díaz Palencia José Luis
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to model the propagating front in the interaction of gases in an aircraft fuel tank. To this end, we introduce a nonlinear parabolic operator, for which solutions are shown to be regular.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide an analytical expression for the propagating front, that shifts any combination of oxygen and nitrogen, in the tank airspace, into a safe condition to avoid potential explosions. The analytical exercise is validated with a real flight.

Findings

According to the flight test data, the safe condition, of maximum 7% of oxygen, is given for a time t = 45.2 min since the beginning of the flight, while according to our analysis, such a safe level is obtained for t = 41.42 min. For other safe levels of oxygen, the error between the analytical assessment and the flight data was observed to be below 10%.

Originality/value

The interaction of gases in a fuel tank has been little explored in the literature. Our value consists of introducing a set of nonlinear partial differential equations to increase the accuracy in modeling the interaction of gasses, which has been typically done via algebraic equations.
Single‐center survey of incidental imaging findings on computed tomography in patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy
Authors: Sugihara Natsuko , Kamiya Koji , Kado Soichiro , Kishimoto Megumi , Kuwahara Aya , Sugai Junichi , Iwami Daiki , Mieno Makiko , Komine Mayumi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: May 2023

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the skin and joints. Systemic therapies are required for patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis, and biologics can provide significant symptomatic improvement. Computed tomography (CT) analysis is recommended before and after biologic therapy to exclude the possibility of comorbid infections and malignancies; incidental findings are often detected in asymptomatic patients. In this study, we analyzed the common incidental findings on CT in 227 patients with psoriasis on biologic therapy and 219 living‐kidney transplant donors at our hospital. Incidental findings on CT were observed in 176 (77.5%) patients with psoriasis. The most common were fatty liver (82 patients, 36.1%), urolithiasis (54 patients, 23.8%), pulmonary lesions (47 patients, 20.7%), gallstones or postoperative gallstones (38 patients, 16.7%), liver cysts (36 patients, 15.9%), renal cysts (33 patients, 14.5%), and colonic diverticulum (22 patients, 9.7%), which were observed in 38 (17.4%), eight (3.7%), 68 (31.1%), 12 (5.5%), 58 (26.5%), 88 (40.2%), and 10 (4.6%) donors, respectively. The prevalence of fatty liver, urolithiasis, gallstones, and postoperative gallstones was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that psoriasis was a risk factor for fatty liver disease, urolithiasis, and gallstones. Currently, incidental findings on CT in patients with psoriasis have not been well studied. The results of this survey will lead to increased awareness of the incidental findings on CT as a complication of psoriasis.
Biodiversity in landscape mosaics: The roles of local land use and the surrounding landscape on dung beetle assemblages
Authors: Carvalho Raquel L. , Andresen Ellen , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Anjos Diego V. , Resende Angélica F. , Vaz de Mello Fernando , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: May 2023

Biotic communities in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes can be shaped by both the land use of local patches and the structure of surrounding landscapes. However, studies usually focus on one or the other factor, limiting our ability to propose management guidelines for the conservation of biodiversity in human‐modified landscapes.

We used a site‐landscape design and multi‐model inference to assess the effects of land use, landscape structure, and their interactions, on dung beetle assemblages in agricultural landscapes in the Brazilian Cerrado, a biodiversity hotspot. We captured dung beetles in five dominant land uses (savanna, forest, eucalypt, cattle pasture and soybean) and estimated species density, abundance of large and small beetles, and functional richness and dispersion. We measured four landscape structure predictors (savanna cover, forest cover, landscape compositional heterogeneity, and matrix harshness) in circular landscapes around sampling plots.

All response variables were affected by land use and by at least one landscape predictor. Relationships between landscape predictors and dung beetle responses were as expected (positive for forest and savanna covers and negative for matrix harshness), except landscape compositional heterogeneity, which had unexpected negative effects. More importantly, land use and landscape predictors interacted in two cases: higher forest cover and lower matrix harshness were related to higher species density and large‐beetle abundance, respectively, but this was mainly observed in eucalypt.

Synthesis and applications: To better guide the conservation of mobile organisms in anthropogenic habitat mosaics, we need to consider both landscape characteristics and the land use of local patches. Using this approach, we are able to make some recommendations for the conservation of dung beetles in agricultural landscapes in Cerrado, including the following: (i) ensure, through protection and/or restoration, that natural vegetation patches (even small ones) are interspersed in the agricultural matrix, to increase functional diversity in all land uses and taxonomic diversity in tree plantations, (ii) place eucalypt plantations near forest patches to increase the abundance of sensitive species (forest‐specialists, and some large species); (iii) replace some patches of pasture or soybean with tree plantations, to increase the amount of supplementary habitat for sensitive species.
Density dependence of seed dispersal and fecundity profoundly alters the spread dynamics of plant populations
Authors: Zhu Jinlei , Lukić Nataša , Pagel Jörn , Schurr Frank M.
Published: June 2023

Plant population spread has fundamental ecological and evolutionary importance. Both determinants of plant population spread, fecundity and dispersal, can be density‐dependent, which should cause feedback between population densities and spread dynamics. Yet it is poorly understood how density‐dependence affects key characteristics of spread: spread rate at which the location of the furthest forward individual moves, edge depth (the geographical area over which individuals contribute to spread) and population continuity (occupancy of the spreading population).

We present a general modelling framework for analysing the effects of density‐dependent fecundity and dispersal on population spread and parameterize this framework with experimental data from a common‐garden experiment using five wind‐dispersed plant species grown at different densities.

Our model shows that density‐dependent fecundity and dispersal strongly affect all three population spread characteristics for both exponential and lognormal dispersal kernels. Spread rate and edge depth are strongly correlated but show weaker correlations with population continuity. Positive density‐dependence of fecundity increases all three spread characteristics. Increasingly positive density‐dependence of dispersal increases spread rate and edge depth but generally decreases population continuity. Density‐dependent fecundity and dispersal are largely additive in their effect on spread characteristics. For population continuity, the joint effects of density‐dependent fecundity and dispersal are somewhat contingent on the dispersal kernel.

The common‐garden experiment and the experimentally parameterized mechanistic dispersal model revealed density‐dependent fecundity and dispersal across study species. All study species exhibited negatively density‐dependent fecundity, but they differed qualitatively in the density‐dependence of dispersal distance and probability of long‐distance dispersal. The negative density‐dependence of fecundity and dispersal found for three species reinforced each other in reducing spread rate and edge depth. The positively density‐dependent dispersal found for two species markedly increased spread rate and edge depth. Population continuity was hardly affected by population density in all study species except Crepis sancta in which it was strongly reduced by negatively density‐dependent fecundity.

Synthesis. Density‐dependent fecundity and seed dispersal profoundly alter population spread. In particular, positively density‐dependent dispersal should promote the spread and genetic diversity of plant populations migrating under climate change but also complicate the control of invasive species.
Cooperative membership and adoption of green pest control practices: Insights from rice farmers
Authors: Ma Wanglin , Zheng Hongyun , Nnaji Amaka
Published: May 2023

Reducing the use of chemical pesticide while preserving crop yield is a practical strategy that makes agricultural production economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. Although the adoption of green pest control practices can help achieve such a goal, its adoption rate remains quite low. This study explores whether membership in agricultural cooperatives improves smallholder farmers' adoption of green pest control practices, utilising farm‐level data surveyed from rice farmers in China. To enrich our understanding, we also investigate how the adoption of green pest control practices mediates the effects of cooperative membership on chemical pesticide expenditures. An endogenous switching probit model and a bootstrap‐based mediation method are employed to achieve these goals. The empirical results show that cooperative membership significantly increases the probability of adopting physical pest control practices (e.g. pest‐killing lamps or sticky plate traps) and biological pest control practices (e.g. biopesticides) by 6% and 19%, respectively. Cooperative membership significantly reduces chemical pesticide expenditures through its mediation effect on improving the probability of adopting biological pest control practices. There is also a complementary relationship between physical and biological pest control practices in pest management of rice production. The adoption of physical pest control practices significantly increases rice yield, while the adoption of biological pest control practices does not.
Fatal intoxication involving 2‐methyl AP‐237
Authors: Truver Michael T. , Crosby Michele M. , Gillette Alex T. , Brogan Sara C. , Hoyer Jennifer L. , Chronister Chris W. , Broussard Wilson A. , Vega Russell S. , Goldberger Bruce A.
Published: June 2023

Novel synthetic opioids contribute considerably to the opioid epidemic, especially with the frequent emergence of structurally similar compounds. This case report describes a fatal intoxication involving 2‐methyl AP‐237. A 54‐year‐old Caucasian male was found deceased from an apparent drug overdose. A plastic container labeled “2MAP” and a cut straw were found in the decedent's backpack at the scene. A white substance found in the container tested positive for fentanyl by field testing. According to his medical history, the decedent was treated for a drug overdose 3 years prior to his death. With no diagnostic findings at autopsy, the case was submitted for toxicological analysis. An unknown substance was detected in peripheral blood and urine using gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorous detection (GC‐NPD). Further testing was conducted using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) which confirmed the presence of 2‐methyl AP‐237 and potential metabolites in blood and urine. Quantitation by GC‐NPD revealed concentrations of 2‐methyl AP‐237 in blood and urine at 480 ng/mL and 4200 ng/mL, respectively. The toxicological analysis also identified and quantitated alprazolam in the blood at 55 ng/mL. Additionally, the metabolism of 2‐methyl AP‐237 was investigated and three hydroxylated metabolites were identified in peripheral blood and urine. Limited literature is available for the detection and quantitation of 2‐methyl AP‐237 in postmortem specimens. Given the toxicological findings with unremarkable autopsy findings, this case is an example of a fatal intoxication involving 2‐methyl AP‐237.
Cytotoxicity, structural, conformational, and techno‐functional properties of α‐lactalbumin nanostructured aggregates
Authors: Bianchi Jhonatan Rafael de Oliveira , Paz Bruna Elisa Reis , Fonseca Larissa Germano , Carvalho Rebeca Lima , Magalhães José Carlos , Pacheco Karina Azevedo , Schlogl Andersen Escobar , Fabrino Daniela Leite , Nucci Edson Romano , Coimbra Jane Sélia dos Reis , Santos Igor José Boggione
Published: May 2023

Protein nanostructures can be used in food applications to improve the techno‐functional properties of a food formulation. This study aims to find the best conditions for the production and conformational change of α‐lactalbumin nanostructured aggregates. The criteria to determine the best operating conditions to produce α‐lactalbumin nanostructured aggregates were intensification of foaming and emulsification, techno‐functional proprieties, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activity of nanostructures compared with native α‐lactalbumin. Conformational alterations occurred in the α‐helix and sheet‐β protein structures. The size obtained by dynamic light scattering was 163.84 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.29. The nano protein improved the techno‐functional property compared to the native protein. Additionally, nanostructures had no cytotoxic effect and were innocuous to bacterial activity. Thus, this study presents the best conditions to produce α‐lactalbumin nanostructured aggregates with improved properties that allow new food industry applications.
Overcoming lemon postharvest molds caused by Penicillium spp. multiresistant isolates by the application of potassium sorbate in aqueous and wax treatments
Authors: Olmedo Gabriela M. , Debes Mario A. , Sepúlveda Milena , Ramallo Jacqueline , Rapisarda Viviana A , Cerioni Luciana , Volentini Sabrina I.
Published: May 2023

Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum are the main causal agents of postharvest diseases in lemon. Over the last decades, the appearance of isolates resistant to the main commercial fungicides has been considered one of the most serious problems for the citrus industry. In this work, potassium sorbate (KS) was evaluated as an alternative to chemical fungicides to control postharvest diseases caused by Penicillium isolates resistant to imazalil, thiabendazol, and pyrimethanil. In vitro assays showed that 1% KS inhibited conidia germination and mycelial growth of sensitive and resistant P. digitatum and P. italicum isolates, being this effect stronger at pH 5 than at pH 9. In curative treatments, the immersion of inoculated lemons in 1% KS aqueous solution for 30 s reduced green and blue molds incidences by around 80%. No wound protection effect was observed when wounded lemons were immersed in 3% salt solution before inoculation. Noteworthy, the inclusion of KS in a commercial wax coating effectively controlled green and blue molds, even in decays caused by fungicide resistance isolates. Together, results encourage the use of KS in lemon postharvest treatments to contribute to the management of resistant strains, which represent a major challenge in packinghouses worldwide.

Practical Application

The use of KS in citrus postharvest treatments would help producers to reduce spoilage caused by Penicillium fungicide‐resistant strains. The inclusion of this generally recognized as safe compound in wax coatings improves its persistence on the fruit surface, keeping product quality during long‐term overseas transport. In sum, KS constitutes an affordable and eco‐friendly option for controlling postharvest molds in lemon fruit.
IPO suspension and pricing: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Junkun , Shen Zhe , Huang Yong
Published: June 2023

Securities regulators in China occasionally suspend their IPO market. We explore the impact of IPO market suspension on IPO pricing. We find that IPOs interrupted by market suspensions are eventually priced at a higher level. The positive impact of IPO suspension on IPO offer price is more pronounced for IPOs backed by venture capitalists (VCs) and/or those with higher VC ownership. Further, we find that IPOs affected by market suspensions show poorer post‐IPO performance, and higher post‐IPO earnings management. Suspension‐affected firms ask for lower offer prices on seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) if they price their IPO shares at a higher level. Combined, our findings suggest that IPO suspensions result in an unexpected wealth transfer from secondary market investors to pre‐IPO investors, and thus the higher offer price for suspension‐affected IPOs is a manifestation of the wealth transfer.
E‐cadherin and aquaporin‐3 are downregulated in wound edges of human chronic wounds
Authors: Ernstsen Christina V. , Riishede Andreas , Iversen Anne Kristine S. , Bay Lene , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Nejsum Lene N.
Published: June 2023

Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing; a complex process involving different dynamic events including migration of keratinocytes in the epidermis. Chronic wounds are estimated to affect 1–2% of the human population worldwide and are a major socioeconomic burden. The prevalence of chronic wounds is expected to increase with the rising number of elderly and patients with diabetes and obesity, who are at high risk of developing chronic wounds. Since E‐cadherin and the water channel aquaporin‐3 are important for both skin function and cell migration, and aquaporin‐3 is furthermore involved in wound healing of the skin demonstrated by impaired wound healing in aquaporin‐3‐null mice, we hypothesized that E‐cadherin and aquaporin‐3 expression may be dysregulated in chronic wounds. Therefore, we investigated the expression of E‐cadherin and aquaporin‐3 in biopsies from the edges of chronic wounds from human patients. This was accomplished by immunohistochemical stainings of E‐cadherin and aquaporin‐3 on serial sections followed by qualitative evaluation of staining patterns, which revealed low expression of both E‐cadherin and aquaporin‐3 at the wound edge. Future studies are needed to reveal if this downregulation is associated with the pathophysiology of chronic wounds.
A coding variant in the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein reduces both hepatic steatosis and plasma lipids
Authors: Schneider Carolin V. , Hehl Leonida , Creasy Kate Townsend , Vitali Cecilia , Vell Mara S. , Vujkovic Marijana , Park Joseph , Scorletti Eleonora , Seeling Katharina S. , Rendel Miriam D. , Conlon Donna M. , Huang Helen , Zandvakili Inuk , Valmiki Swati ,   Regeneron Center, Schneider Kai Markus , Hussain M. Mahmood , Rader Daniel J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Genetic inactivation and pharmacologic inhibition of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP; gene name MTTP) inhibits hepatic secretion of VLDL, thereby reducing serum lipids and apoB at the expense of increasing hepatic steatosis.

Aim

To examine the effects of missense variants in MTTP on hepatic and circulating lipids.

Methods

We analysed the association of MTTP missense variants with metabolic, hepatic and clinical phenotypes in the Penn Medicine Biobank (PMBB; n = 37,960) and the UKBiobank (UKB; n = 451,444).

Results

We analysed 24 missense variants in MTTP in PMBB for association with biopsy‐proven hepatic steatosis and found that an isoleucine 128 to threonine variant (I128T: rs3816873‐A, frequency 26%) was associated with reduced steatosis (p < 0.001). PMBB subjects with imaging‐proven steatosis also revealed significantly fewer carriers of MTTP I128T compared to controls. Analysis in UKB also showed that MTTP I128T was associated with reduced risk of hepatic steatosis. Unexpectedly, MTTP I128T was found to be associated with reduced plasma levels of LDL‐cholesterol and apoB (all p < 0.001). Functional studies indicated that MTTP I128T is neither a classic loss nor gain of function allele.

Conclusions

MTTP I128T is associated with reduced hepatic steatosis as well as reduced plasma lipids and apoB. This paradoxical profile is not consistent with a simple gain or loss of function in MTP activity and suggests a more complex effect on MTP function. Further investigation of MTTP I128T will provide insight into the structure–function of MTP and potentially new approaches to modulate MTP activity that could both reduce hepatic and circulating lipids.
Ecosystem services provided by semi‐natural and intensified grasslands: Synergies, trade‐offs and linkages to plant traits and functional richness
Authors: Lindborg Regina , Hartel Tibor , Helm Aveliina , Prangel Elisabeth , Reitalu Ttriin , Ripoll‐Bosch Raimon
Published: June 2023

Question

Semi‐natural grasslands (SNG) are important for maintaining biodiversity and ecological processes in farmland. Current pasture‐based livestock production mainly occurs on intensified grasslands (IG) that have been agronomically improved. Although it is documented that SNG and IG differ in terms of plant diversity, their ability to provide ecosystem services (ES) in farmland is less explored. Here, we review the role of SNG and IG in delivering ES, illustrate their trade‐offs and synergies, and examine how ES can be assessed by using plant traits and functional richness.

Results

We found that SNG generate a wider range of ES than IG. Trade‐offs exist between ES that appear more pronounced in IG between high biomass production and other ES. SNG are good in providing habitat for biodiversity, supporting pollination and cultural services. SNG also have a significantly wider range of plant functional traits and a higher functional richness, suggesting that the potential to supply ES in SNG is partly driven by higher number of species and their functional diversity.

Conclusion

Clearer trade‐offs were found in IG compared with SNG, supported both by the literature and the functional richness. This suggests that functional knowledge could be a good complement to understand the mechanisms behind ES generation and could help with tailoring grassland management to sustain biodiversity, ecological functions and ES. Although both IG and SNG are likely needed for the long‐term sustainability of food production, both could aim for a more balanced generation of ES, increasing biodiversity and functional redundancy at the landscape scale.
Emodin promotes hepatic stellate cell senescence and alleviates liver fibrosis via a nuclear receptor (Nur77)‐mediated epigenetic regulation of glutaminase 1
Authors: Chen Li , Liang Baoyu , Xia Siwei , Wang Feixia , Li Zhanghao , Shao Jiangjuan , Zhang Zili , Chen Anping , Zheng Shizhong , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Senescence in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) limits liver fibrosis. Glutaminolysis promotes HSC activation. Here, we investigated how emodin affected HSC senescence involving glutaminolysis.

Experimental Approach

Senescence, glutaminolysis metabolites, Nur77 nuclear translocation, glutaminase 1 (GLS1) promoter methylation and related signalling pathways were examined in human HSC‐LX2 cells using multiple cellular and molecular approaches. Fibrotic mice with shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Nur77 were treated with emodin‐vitamin A liposome for investigating the mechanisms in vivo. Human fibrotic liver samples were examined to verify the clinical relevance.

Key Results

Emodin upregulated several key markers of senescence and inhibited glutaminolysis cascade in HSCs. Emodin promoted Nur77 nuclear translocation, and knockdown of Nur77 abolished emodin blockade of glutaminolysis and induction of HSC senescence. Mechanistically, emodin facilitated Nur77/DNMT3b interaction and increased GLS1 promoter methylation, leading to inhibited GLS1 expression and blockade of glutaminolysis. Moreover, the glutaminolysis intermediate α‐ketoglutarate promoted extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which in turn phosphorylated Nur77 and reduced its interaction with DNMT3b. This led to decreased GLS1 promoter methylation and increased GLS1 expression, forming an ERK/Nur77/glutaminolysis positive feedback loop. However, emodin repressed ERK phosphorylation and interrupted the feedback cascade, stimulating senescence in HSCs. Studies in mice showed that emodin‐vitamin A liposome inhibited glutaminolysis and induced senescence in HSCs, and consequently alleviated liver fibrosis; but knockdown of Nur77 abrogated these beneficial effects. Similar alterations were validated in human fibrotic liver tissues.

Conclusions and Implications

Emodin stimulated HSC senescence through interruption of glutaminolysis. HSC‐targeted delivery of emodin represented a therapeutic option for liver fibrosis.
TRIM29 acts as a potential senescence suppressor with epigenetic activation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yue Caifeng , Qian Yuanmin , Wang Chang , Chen Jiewei , Wang Jing , Wang Zifeng , Wan Xiangbo , Cao Sumei , Zhu Jingde , Tao Qian , Yan Min , Liu Quentin
Published: May 2023

Epigenetic alterations marked by DNA methylation are frequent events during the early development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We identified that TRIM29 is hypomethylated and overexpressed in NPC cell lines and tissues. TRIM29 silencing not only limited the growth of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo, but also induced cellular senescence, along with reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Mechanistically, we found that TRIM29 interacted with voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel 1 (VDAC1) to activate mitophagy clearing up damaged mitochondria, which are the major source of ROS. In patients with NPC, high levels of TRIM29 expression are associated with an advanced clinical stage. Moreover, we detected hypomethylation of TRIM29 in patient nasopharyngeal swab DNA. Our findings indicate that TRIM29 depends on VDAC1 to induce mitophagy and prevents cellular senescence by decreasing ROS. Detection of aberrantly methylated TRIM29 in the nasopharyngeal swab DNA could be a promising strategy for the early detection of NPC.
Lymphatic vessel involvement in primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma: A common finding?
Authors: Bertlich Ines , Hartmann Julia , Bertlich Mattis , Hartschuh Wolfgang , Enk Alexander , Toberer Ferdinand
Published: May 2023

Background

Cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (CBCL) is part of dermatopathological routine diagnostics. However, in contrast to cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas, there are only a few studies on the prevalence and possible clinical impact of lymphatic vessel involvement. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to quantify the prevalence of lymphovascular involvement in CBCL and to assess the association between lymphovascular involvement and recurrence.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients from two tertiary care hospitals diagnosed with CBCL were retrospectively identified and their biopsies were histopathologically examined for the presence of lymphatic vessel involvement using H&E stain, and CD20 and D2‐40 immunohistochemistry. Clinical data were retrieved from our digital documentation files.

Results

Thirty patients were included in the evaluation (nPCFCL = 15, nPCMZL = 10, and nPCLBCL = 5). Lymphovascular involvement occurred in all three types of lymphoma and was present in 14/30 specimens. The presence of lymphatic involvement did not show a significant impact on recurrence rate (p = 0.150).

Conclusions

This immunohistochemical pilot study shows that lymphovascular involvement is a relatively frequent finding in primary CBCL. Although no definitive conclusion can be drawn from our findings because of the small sample size, there were no strong signs of tendencies for recurrence in either group. Future studies with larger sample size are warranted to assess the possible clinical implications.
Feasibility and preliminary results of a call centre delivered continuing care intervention following residential alcohol and other drug treatment
Authors: Kelly Peter J. , Ingram Isabella , Deane Frank P. , Baker Amanda L. , Byrne Gerard , Degan Tayla , Osborne Briony , Meyer Johanna M. , Townsend Camilla , Nunes Jason , McKay James R. , Robinson Laura , Nolan Erin , Palazzi Kerrin , Lunn Joanne
Published: May 2023

Introduction

To help reduce relapse rates following alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment, continuing care interventions have been recommended. Previous continuing care interventions have incorporated telephone and face‐to‐face sessions to help promote participant engagement. The study was conducted as a randomised controlled feasibility study and examined a call centre delivered continuing care intervention for people leaving residential rehabilitation services.

Methods

Participants were attending AOD residential treatment services in NSW, Australia (N = 154). Participants were randomised to either 12‐ or 4‐sessions of continuing care. Follow up assessments were completed at 6‐months. The primary outcomes were demand and implementation. Secondary outcomes were AOD use, mental health and physical health at 6‐months.

Results

Interest in continuing care was high, with 93% of participants approached reporting an interest in being involved. Of the participants who completed the consent and baseline procedures, 29% of people were contacted post residential treatment and randomised. For those people randomised, the average number of sessions completed was 2.78 (SD = 1.65) for the 4‐session arm and 4.81 (SD = 4.46) for the 12‐session arm. Fidelity to the treatment manual was high. Both treatment arms showed higher complete abstinence at 6‐months compared to baseline (12‐session OR 28.57 [2.3, 353.8]; 4‐session OR 28.11 [3.6, 221.2]).

Discussion and Conclusions

A major challenge associated with the call centre approach was re‐engaging participants once they left the residential facility and delivering the planned dose of treatment. Further work is required to promote greater uptake of these protocols once people leave residential treatment.
It cannot be fitting to blame God
Authors: Hunt Marcus William
Published: May 2023

This paper argues that it cannot be fitting to blame God. I show that divine immutability, even on a weak conception, implies that God's ethical character cannot change. I then argue that blame aims at a change in the ethical character of the one blamed. This claim is directly intuitive, explains a wide set of intuitions about when blame is unfitting, and is implied by most of the theories blame offered in the philosophical literature. Since blame targeted at God aims to change God's ethical character, an impossibility, such blame is not fitting. I then draw on this conclusion to sketch a new theodicy. I argue that a necessary condition on being blameworthy is that one can be blamed under some possible condition. So, God cannot be blameworthy. Further, I argue that if someone cannot be blameworthy, then they cannot do wrong. Wrong actions tend to make us blameworthy, but since God cannot be blameworthy nothing can tend to make him blameworthy – God cannot do wrong.
Poor neutralizing antibody responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BQ.1.1 and XBB in Norway in October 2022
Authors: Vikse Elisabeth Lea , Fossum Even , Erdal Magnhild Sekse , Hungnes Olav , Bragstad Karoline
Published: June 2023

New immune evasive variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 continue to emerge, potentially causing new waves of covid‐19 disease. Here, we evaluate levels of neutralizing antibodies against isolates of Omicron variants, including BQ.1.1 and XBB, in sera harvested 3–4 weeks after vaccination or breakthrough infections. In addition, we evaluate neutralizing antibodies in 32 sera from October 2022, to evaluate immunity in Norwegian donors prior to the winter season. Most serum samples harvested in October 2022 had low levels of neutralizing antibodies against BQ.1.1 and especially XBB, explaining why these variants and their descendants have dominated in Norway during the 2022 and 2023 winter season.
Subsidy strategy for reserving flexible capacity of emergency supply production
Authors: Yang Hui , Huang Yuhan , Chen Jing , Chen Bintong , Shen Yongning
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates a government's subsidy strategy for motivating a manufacturer to set up a flexible production line for emergency supplies. Four subsidy strategies are proposed to ensure a desired service level in case of an emergency: zero subsidy, a fixed subsidy, a marginal subsidy, and a hybrid subsidy. We develop a game theoretical model to examine how the government can induce a manufacturer to set up a flexible production line that can respond promptly to an emergency, based on the manufacturer's cost structure (fixed and marginal costs). We find that when the marginal profit of an emergency product is higher than that of the manufacturer's regular product, a fixed (marginal) subsidy is the dominant strategy if the manufacturer's fixed (marginal) cost is high, while a hybrid subsidy strategy is dominant if both costs are high. When the marginal profit of an emergency product is lower than that of the manufacturer's regular product, neither a fixed subsidy nor a zero subsidy will be the dominant strategy. We also find that a marginal subsidy can ensure the effectiveness of the strategy, while a fixed subsidy helps improve strategy efficiency. We use government subsidy strategies implemented for Chinese COVID‐19 emergency supplies as examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the subsidy strategies under the proposed framework. We also extend the discussion by considering the manufacturer's social consciousness.
Conceptualising Intergenerational Lived Experience: Integrating Art–Moving–Well‐Being across Disciplines, Communities and Cultures
Authors: Adams Megan , Burke Geraldine , Browne Nikki , Kent Karan , Colemane Kylie , Alfrey Laura , Lalor Aislinn , Hill Keith
Published: May 2023

Art and movement are motivating forces in, through, and beyond education. As populations age, there is an increasing need to support physical and social well‐being. Yet, since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, there has been a reported exponential increase in feelings of loneliness across generations. Complex challenges require trans‐disciplinary solutions, and this paper represents a joint effort within and across disciplines, communities and cultures to find ways to ameliorate this silent epidemic. In this paper, we propose a cross‐disciplinary conceptual framework where Aboriginal Artists and Knowledge Holders, Teacher Educators, and Physical and Occupational Therapists come together to explore theoretical and pedagogical insights that encompass intergenerational art–moving–well‐being practices, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving social connections across generations. There are two main aims of this paper; first, to better understand current studies that report on integrating art–moving–well‐being practices, and the effect this has on health and well‐being of intergenerational participants (under 10‐year‐olds, 20+ year olds and 50+ year olds). Second, based on community needs, the long‐term aim is to propose a flexible art–moving–well‐being conceptual model that is scalable, sustainable and based on social and relational support systems. We propose a model that is flexible and adaptable within and across our local community and beyond. We argue that feelings of loneliness are unique to each individual, and there is a need to connect specific intergenerational programmes with art–moving–well‐being practices that readily engage and integrate varied communities and cultures in sustainable ways and thus, contribute to thriving communities.
Adapting the retail business model to omnichannel strategy: A supply chain management perspective
Authors: Ishfaq Rafay , Darby Jessica , Gibson Brian
Published: May 2023

Retail firms have developed new product and service offerings to meet the changing needs of omnichannel customers. While, prior research has documented these offerings in detail, little is yet known about how retail firms can best adapt different aspects of their organizations to the new omnichannel environment. We specifically focus on the intra‐firm changes that affected the role of the firm's supply chain organization and its interactions with other business entities within the retail enterprise. This paper provides an in‐depth understanding of the new business processes, organizational structures, governance mechanisms and customer interactions; collectively described as the retail business model (BM). Drawing on the tenets of BM theory, we present findings from a qualitative study of 15 leading U.S. omnichannel retailers to identify key elements of the new retail BM, develop a conceptual framework of the BM innovation process, and highlight the pivotal role of the supply chain organization in helping firms adapt and implement the omnichannel strategy. We conclude by developing research propositions to articulate the connections among different elements of the BM innovation process and how firms can institutionalize this process to respond to the everchanging retail business environment.
Mathematical modeling of beans, corn and wheat drying by fractional calculus
Authors: Ferrari Andressa Lopes , Aranha Ana Caroline Raimundini , Nascimento Flavio Mosella , Romansina Bruna Clara , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mario , Nicolin Douglas Junior , Gomes Maria Carolina Sérgi , Defendi Rafael Oliveira
Published: May 2023

Fractional calculus is a way to describe mathematically a process, and the foundation of this technique is the replacement of the integer‐order differential with fractional order. The approach used in this study was the Caputo derivative and the process analyzed was the drying of beans, corn, and wheat. The fractional order model was compared with Page and first‐order models. For beans, all the conditions analyzed demonstrated an adequate fit, some divergences were found for corn and wheat. The analysis of variance allowed the generalization of parameter k present in the fractional order model as a function of temperature and the results were a first‐degree equation, for beans and wheat, with and without humidification, and for corn, the equation was a second‐degree one; these were successful results for drying of beans, corn, and wheat in the proposed conditions.

Practical applications

Fractional order model can predict the drying of beans, corn, and wheat grains with higher accuracy in comparison to traditional models applied to drying studies, indicating that the process does not follow a derivative of integer order as usually considered. According to the efficiency values obtained for the generalized model, it was verified that this model can be applied to equipment design and drying process optimization.
Passive digital markers for Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias: A systematic evidence review
Authors: Taylor Britain , Barboi Cristina , Boustani Malaz
Published: May 2023

Background

The timely detection of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias (ADRD) is suboptimal. Digital data already stored in electronic health records (EHR) offer opportunities for enhancing the timely detection of ADRD by facilitating the development of passive digital markers (PDMs). We conducted a systematic evidence review to identify studies that describe the development, performance, and validity of EHR‐based PDMs for ADRD.

Methods

We searched the literature published from January 2000 to August 2022 and reviewed cross‐sectional, retrospective, or prospective observational studies with a patient population of 18 years or older, published in English that collected and interpreted original data, included EHR as a source of digital data, and had the primary purpose of supporting ADRD care. We extracted relevant data from the included studies with guidance from the Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies checklist and used the US Preventive Services Task Force criteria to appraise each study.

Results

We included and appraised 19 studies. Four studies were considered to have a fair quality, and none was considered to have a good quality. The functionality of the PDMs varied from detecting mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or ADRD, to forecasting stages of ADRD. Only seven studies used a valid reference diagnostic method. Nine PDMs used only structured EHR data, and five studies provided complete information on the race and ethnicity of its population. The number of features included in the PDMs ranges from 10 to 853, and the PMDs used a variety of statistical and machine learning algorithms with various time‐at‐risk windows. The area under the curve (AUC) for the PDMs varied from 0.67 to 0.97.

Conclusion

Although we noted heterogeneity in the PDMs development and performance, there is evidence that these PDMs have the potential to detect ADRD at earlier stages.
Experienced support at work, team climate and collaboration in teams working with people with mild intellectual disabilities and severe challenging behaviour in residential care: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lokman S. , Frielink N. , Didden R. , Embregts P. J. C. M.
Published: May 2023

Background

This study explored the perceptions of staff for people with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning and severe challenging behaviour in relation to the support they received at work from four groups of professionals (i.e. team leaders, managers, psychologists and other staff members). The team climate, such as the workplace having clearly defined goals for staff, was also explored. In addition, the associations between the support from each of the professionals and team climate with the well‐being and job satisfaction of staff were examined. We hypothesised that staff would perceive higher levels of support from professionals around a team (i.e. team leaders, managers and psychologists) and a more positive team climate when professionals around a team experience more positive mutual collaboration.

Methods

An online questionnaire about support at work, team climate, well‐being and job satisfaction was completed by 201 staff members from 32 teams at 10 residential service organisations. In addition, professionals surrounding these teams rated their mutual collaboration.

Results

Both support received at work from all four groups of professionals and team climate showed significant small to moderate positive associations with job satisfaction. Well‐being was associated with support from team leaders, psychologists and other staff members in the team, as well as with team climate. We did not find support for the hypotheses that staff would perceive higher levels of support or a more positive team climate when professionals around a team experience more positive mutual collaboration.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of investing in staff support and creating a positive team climate for promoting staff well‐being and job satisfaction. Implications for future research regarding staff support, team climate and the collaboration between professionals around a team are discussed.
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in a cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Frankel Jeffrey S. , Gardiner Kristin L. , Brice Angela K. , Hagan Lisa , Manzi Timothy J. , Makaron Leah
Published: May 2023

A cynomolgus macaque presented with right hindlimb lameness as well as crepitus and decreased passive range of motion of the right coxal joint. Radiography and histopathology were consistent with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This case is the first published report of this condition in a cynomolgus macaque.
Dissecting cell‐type‐specific pathways in medial entorhinal cortical‐hippocampal network for episodic memory
Authors: Osanai Hisayuki , Nair Indrajith R. , Kitamura Takashi
Published: May 2023

Episodic memory, which refers to our ability to encode and recall past events, is essential to our daily lives. Previous research has established that both the entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus (HPC) play a crucial role in the formation and retrieval of episodic memories. However, to understand neural circuit mechanisms behind these processes, it has become necessary to monitor and manipulate the neural activity in a cell‐type‐specific manner with high temporal precision during memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval in the EC‐HPC networks. Recent studies using cell‐type‐specific labeling, monitoring, and manipulation have demonstrated that medial EC (MEC) contains multiple excitatory neurons that have differential molecular markers, physiological properties, and anatomical features. In this review, we will comprehensively examine the complementary roles of superficial layers of neurons (II and III) and the roles of deeper layers (V and VI) in episodic memory formation and recall based on these recent findings.

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