bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moral distress, psychological capital, and burnout in registered nurses
Authors: Xue Bowen , Wang Shujin , Chen Dandan , Hu Zhiguo , Feng Yaping , Luo Hong
Published: September 2023

Aims

This study aimed to explore the relationship among moral distress, psychological capital, and burnout in registered nurses.

Ethical consideration

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the School of Nursing, Hangzhou Normal University (Approval no. 2022001).

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 397 nurses from three Grade-A tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China. Participants completed demographic information, the Nurses’ Moral Distress Scale, the Nurses’ Psychological Capital Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

The study found that moral distress and burnout are positively correlated, while psychological capital is negatively correlated with both moral distress and burnout. The path analysis in structural equation modeling revealed that moral distress has a significant direct effect on psychological capital, while psychological capital has a significant direct effect on burnout. In addition, moral distress also had a significant indirect effect on burnout through psychological capital. Moreover, both the direct effect of moral distress on burnout and the total effect of moral distress on burnout were significant.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that psychological capital plays an important role in the relationship between moral distress and burnout. Promoting psychological capital among nurses may be a promising strategy for preventing moral distress and burnout in the workplace.
Exploring Retailers’ Behavioural Intentions Towards Using M-payment: Extending UTAUT with Perceived Risk and Trust
Authors: Esawe Ahmed Taher
Published: September 2023

This study aims to identify the factors influencing retailers’ intentions to use m-payment. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model was adopted and extended with two additional variables: trust and perceived risk (PR). The sample of 682 respondents was obtained through an online survey distributed to retailers throughout Egypt. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling method was employed to analyse the data and test the hypotheses of this study. In terms of outcome, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influences (SI), trust and PR are found as significant factors in the retailers’ behavioural intentions to use m-payment (BIU). Moreover, trust and SI were the most significant factors influencing the retailers’ BIU m-payment. This study provides insight into Egypt’s retail sector regarding BIU m-payment. Accordingly, decision-makers, m-payment providers and stakeholders can benefit from the results by looking at the significant factors and understanding the retailers’ BIU m-payment, especially when formulating strategies for the m-payment ecosystem. This study investigated the ‘pay pay cash’ initiative, which is being implemented for the first time in Egypt after the spread of the Coronavirus.
Importance of Socioemotional Wealth in Indian Family Business Group: The Case of Tata Group
Authors: Subramanian S.
Published: September 2023

This article tests the application of the socioemotional wealth concept in an Indian family-owned business group. The focus of the study is the Tata Group and the events that led to the dismissal of its chairman Mr Cyrus Mistry in 2016. Using the case research method, the article analyses the reasons for the abrupt removal of the chairman, who was not from the Tata family. The data were collected from official filings/letters by group firms/officials and articles on the Tata Group. FIBER scale is used to explain the socioemotional wealth of the Tata Group. The analysis establishes that the leadership change initiated by family patriarch Mr Ratan Tata was because of socioemotional wealth reasons, rather than financial performance. Hence, the article provides evidence that the Indian family-owned business groups consider socioemotional wealth more important than financial interests.
Do Entrepreneurial Orientation and Market Orientation Matter for MSMEs Performance? A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kaushik Namita , Dangwal R. C.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive qualitative review of empirical research studies as well as to propose a conceptual research framework on the factors influencing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) performance in the context of the Indian economy. The article is based on a systematic review of the scientific literature on entrepreneurial orientation (EO), market orientation (MO) and the firm performance. A comprehensive electronic search of the literature was conducted on the Scopus database, and the top 50 cited articles on EO-performance and MO-performance in the context of firms/MSMEs were identified. The findings show that firms with higher internal capabilities in the form of EO and MO have a better chance of gaining competitive advantage. The proposed framework may provide insight into the factors influencing MSMEs performance in an unstable environment. The study depicts the factors that either facilitate or limit the potential for entrepreneurship in India. This study also makes an important contribution to the field of entrepreneurship and small business in India.
Strategies for Small Enterprises to Retain the Opportunities Created by COVID-19 for e-Marketing
Authors: Fayed Abeer Elsayed
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted commerce and industry globally. While this impact was mostly negative, some rare businesses, for example, e-marketing, benefited from it as well. This study aims to identify the strategies required to retain the opportunities presented by the pandemic by converting consumers to e-marketing. To collect data, the authors distributed an electronic questionnaire to the study sample in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most promising markets in electronic commerce and digital transformation. The sample consisted of 69 respondents from small-scale companies who conducted marketing activities via the internet, as well as 400 online buyers. The study analysed the data using statistical methods included in the SPSS software package. The study concluded that the current situation at small businesses will not allow them to switch consumers to e-marketing; that is, they are not yet ready for it. The COVID-19 provided many opportunities to these companies, and the results suggest that they should employ strategies such as lead generation, website optimization for search engines, and creating customer-friendly content, efficient supply chains, websites that attract the target customers, online customer interaction and so on to exploit these opportunities.
Simultaneous Quantification of 30 Elements in the Mineral Chinese Medicine Quartz Album by ICP-MS for the Identification of Different Geogenesis
Authors: Xu Chenyu , Zhu Xingyu , Ma Yulu , Yan Baofei , Dai Shilin , Wang Xiuxiu , Zhao Jin , Wang Yin , Wu Sichen , Zhao Qian , Bao Xiaohua , Yang Wenguo , Fang Fang , Liu Shengjin
Published: September 2023

Background

Quartz album is one of the mineral drugs commonly used in Chinese medicine. Different geogenesis of Quartz album led to differences in its composition and thus affected its clinical efficacy. Mineral Chinese medicines are mainly composed of inorganic elements, including some heavy metals and harmful elements, so their quality control is crucial to their clinical safety.

Materials and Methods

In this study, the contents of 30 elements in 13 batches Quartz album of different origins were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multiple elements and chemometrics were used to distinguish its different geogenesis.

Results

We found that the top elements in order of content were as follows: Al>Fe>Ca>K>Mg>Ti>Mn, all with content greater than 100 µg/g. In addition, the contents ranges of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu were 1.603–637.705, 0.011–1.387, 0.348–41.298, 0.033–10.877, and 0.808–86.482 µg/g, respectively. Quartz albums produced in Fengyang County, Anhui Province, had the lowest content of heavy metals. Correlation analysis showed that there was a strong correlation among the elements in the samples. Chemometrics were used to analyze the elemental content, and the results of the different models were found to be consistent and could be used to distinguish between Quartz albums of different geogenesis.

Conclusion

This study provided a reference for the quality control and safety of the clinical application of Quartz album.
Schefflera arboricola Tablets Relieve Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Lin Shaomei , Shen Yunzhu , Huang Xiaowei , Lin Shifeng , Shi Xiaoning
Published: September 2023

Background

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered the central mechanisms of its pathogenesis. Schefflera arboricola (SA) is a Schefflera plant of the Araliaceae family that has the effect of pain relief. In this study, the effect of SA on DNP was first investigated.

Materials and Methods

Diabetic neuropathy in rats was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Three weeks later, SA (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg) or gabapentin (100 mg/kg) was given once a day for a week. Blood glucose, body weight, and thermal withdrawal latency in DNP rats were measured. The morphology of the sciatic nerve was observed by light microscopy and toluidine blue staining. Semiquantitative analysis of myelin basic protein (MBP) of the sciatic nerve was performed by immunohistochemistry. IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Commercial reagent kits were used to detect inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). The expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were detected by Western blot.

Results

DNP rat model was successfully constructed. SA and gabapentin could alleviate the thermal sting pain of DNP rats, increase the expression of MBP and SOD, and decrease the expression of proinflammatory agents and MDA. Moreover, SA could reverse the upregulation of NF-κB and the downregulation of Nrf2.

Conclusion

SA has a significant protective effect on DNP, manifesting in the improvement of allodynia and sciatic nerve pathology, inhibition of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of Nrf2, and inhibition of NF-κB.
Orthodontic Management of Severe Hypodontia and Impacted Maxillary Second Molars in a Patient with Sotos Syndrome
Authors: Oka Ayaka , Inubushi Toshihiro , Kani Renshiro , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: September 2023

Sotos syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by distinct craniofacial features, overgrowth in childhood, and impaired intellectual development. We herein report the successful orthodontic treatment of a 14-year-old boy with Sotos syndrome caused by a heterozygous mutation in the NSD1 gene. He showed severe hypodontia, impaction of the maxillary second molars and a skeletal Class III jaw-base relationship. Orthodontic management, including space control by protraction of the maxillary first molars and traction of the impacted molars, was performed using fixed appliances and miniscrews. As a result, acceptable occlusion was obtained without any discernible relapse 18 months postretention.
Exploring Perpetrator Trauma Among a Cohort of Violent Juvenile Offenders
Authors: Mahlako Grace Mashai , Jordaan Jacques , Cronjé Matthew
Published: September 2023

Globally, extensive research has been conducted on psychological trauma. The main intention of this scientific enquiry was to provide insights into the explanatory and etiological factors of such trauma, as well as provide measures of how to manage and treat it effectively. However, much of these research studies on psychological trauma have focused primarily on victims and witnesses of trauma, completely overlooking and neglecting offenders (perpetrators) and their trauma. This study set out to explore perpetrator trauma among juvenile offenders incarcerated for violent offenses. The study was qualitative in nature, using descriptive phenomenology to provide descriptive accounts of perpetrator trauma as experienced by the participants. A single case study design was utilized as a research design. The data were collected using semistructured audio-recorded individual interviews with 10 participants. The findings supported the existence of perpetrator trauma as the offenders experienced multidimensional consequences from their actions. They experienced various symptoms related to or associated with their offenses and victims, including reliving symptoms, psychotic symptoms, psychogenic amnesia of the offense and the victims, and experienced a persistent negative emotional state. They also engaged in reckless and self-destructive behaviors, avoidant behaviors, and significant behavioral changes could be noted in their behavior.
Synchronization of chaotic satellite systems with an unknown parameter
Authors: Shafiq Muhammad , Ahmad Israr
Published: September 2023

Spacecraft (satellite) formation has several applications in space exploration. Synchronization controllers are essential in satellite formation systems. This article proposes a novel robust adaptive synchronization control (RASC) technique for two identical three-dimensional chaotic satellite systems attitude synchronization with an unknown system parameter, unknown bounded model uncertainties, unknown external disturbances, and nonlinear terms. This controller achieves smooth error vector convergence to zero. The closed-loop has a robust performance as the controller avoids plant nonlinear terms cancellation. This controller has two parts. (i) A nonlinear controller for keeping the closed-loop stable; it flourishes robust and faster error vector convergence to zero with reduced fluctuations. (ii) An adaptive nonlinear controller that compensates exogenous disturbances and model uncertainties using online estimations of model uncertainties and bounds. The Lyapunov stability theory assures the closed-loop's global asymptotic robust stability. Computer simulation results-based analysis verifies the theoretical findings. The article includes a comparative study and discusses the control effort saturation effects.
An Autoethnography of and in Solidarity: Post- and Decolonial Critique and Autoethnographic Positioning Analysis
Authors: Garbe Sebastian
Published: September 2023

This article explores autoethnography as a critical research methodology in dialogue with post- and decolonial critique. It draws on an (auto)ethnographic research on and within the transnational solidarity network of the Mapuche people in which encounters of solidarity across difference are understood as postcolonial “contact zones.” This contribution hereby suggests three important opportunities for autoethnographic positioning analysis by looking at (a) different layers of the author’s field access, (b) the author’s strategic membership within the international solidarity activism, and (c) experiences of being rejected. This article argues that the careful and systematic analysis of such ethnographic episodes is able to (a) generate important epistemological insights within a particular research field, in this case transnational solidarity and networked social movement activity, and (b) highlight and reflect upon the researcher’s “complicity” within fieldwork. The first part of this contribution briefly introduces post- and decolonial debates on solidarity across difference and moves on to suggesting autoethnographic positioning analysis as a methodological approach for studying/supporting the transnational solidarity activism, drawing upon the author’s research with the Mapuche.
Effect of tie column on the progressive collapse performance of infilled reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Yu Jun , Ahmad Tahir , Gan Yiping , Ahmad Izhar
Published: September 2023

In practice, reinforced concrete (RC) infilled frames having longer span are provided with tie columns to improve structural integrity but previous work ignored tie columns in studying the effect of masonry infills on progressive collapse resistance of RC frames. Therefore, aim of this study is to explore the effect of tie columns on the progressive collapse resistance of RC infilled frames under column removal scenarios. The high-fidelity-based finite element model of RC infilled frames were first developed and validated with published experimental results. The validated model was then further evolved to an RC infilled frame having tie columns to evaluate the influence of tie columns on the load transfer mechanism and the resistance of the RC infilled frame against progressive collapse. Thereafter, the numerical model was further utilized to study the effects of the pertinent parameters, including the number of stories, the span length of the frame and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio of the tie columns. Finally, equivalent strut model was suggested for macro-modeling of RC infilled frames having tie columns in engineering practice. The results showed that incorporating tie columns makes truss mechanism more fully mobilized in masonry infill walls and the inclined angles of primary struts in each sub-panel of the infill wall are increased, improving the vertical components of diagonal compression in resisting the gravity load. Consequently, introducing tie columns at middle span of infill wall panels helped to increase the initial stiffness (about 19%), peak resistance (about 26%) and post-peak resistance of RC infilled frame under a middle column removal scenario. Such beneficial effect of tie columns becomes more significant for infilled frames with larger spans, and the longitudinal reinforcement ratio of tie columns should be ≤ 0.24%.
cntraveltime: Travel distance and travel time in China
Authors: Zhang Xueren , Xue Yuan , Li Chuntao
Published: September 2023

In this article, we introduce the command cntraveltime, which can calculate both the travel distance and the travel time between two locations in China with respect to different modes of transportation (driving, public transport, and cycling). Existing commands such as georoute, traveltime, and mqtime have difficulties in parsing Chinese locations. cntraveltime solves this outstanding challenge via a feature that enables it to call route-planning services from the Baidu Maps Open Platform. The results of rigorous testing on the features of the command show that, relative to similar existing commands, cntraveltime has the highest capacity in terms of functionality and precision. This suggests that it can be regarded as a useful complement to other existing commands, especially when calculating travel distance and time for locations within China.
blandaltman: A command to create variants of Bland–Altman plots
Authors: Chatfield Mark D. , Cole Tim J. , de Vet Henrica C. W. , Marquart-Wilson Louise , Farewell Daniel M.
Published: September 2023

Bland–Altman plots can be useful in paired data settings such as measurement-method comparison studies. A Bland–Altman plot has differences, percentage differences, or ratios on the y axis and a mean of the data pairs on the x axis, with 95% limits of agreement indicating the central 95% range of differences, percentage differences, or ratios. This range can vary with the mean. We introduce the community-contributed blandaltman command, which uniquely in Stata can 1) create Bland–Altman plots featuring ratios in addition to differences and percentage differences, 2) allow the limits of agreement for ratios and percentage differences to vary as a function of the mean, and 3) add confidence intervals, prediction intervals, and tolerance intervals to the plots.
iefieldkit: Commands for primary data collection and cleaning (update)
Authors: Bjärkefur Kristoffer , de Andrade Luíza Cardoso , Daniels Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Data collection and cleaning workflows implement highly repetitive but extremely important processes. In this article, we describe an update to iefieldkit, a package developed to standardize and simplify best practices for high-quality primary data collection across the World Bank’s Development Impact Evaluation department. The first release of iefieldkit provided workflows to automate error checking for Open Data Kit-based survey modules, duplicate management, data cleaning, and codebook creation. This update to the package includes improved commands to document and implement data point corrections, verify the structure or contents of data using codebooks, and create replicationready data through automated variable subsetting.
Speaking Stata: Replacing missing values: The easiest problems
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: September 2023

Missing values are common in real datasets, and what to do about them is a large and challenging question. This column focuses on the easiest problems in which a researcher is clear, or at least highly confident, about what missing values should be instead, implying a deterministic replacement. The main tricks are copying values from observation to observation and using the ipolate command. Both may often be extended simply to panel or longitudinal datasets or to other datasets with a group structure, such as data on individuals within families or households. This column includes how to satisfy constraints that interpolation is confined to filling gaps between values known to be equal or to observations moderately close to a known value in time or in some other sequence or position variable.
Toxic Potential of Crude Extract From Cassava Cortex Containing Scopoletin and Cyanide on Wistar Rats and Broilers
Authors: Njankouo Youchahou Ndam , Nyegue Maximilienne Ascension , Njingou Ibrahim , Moundipa Paul Fewou , Mounjouenpou Pauline
Published: September 2023

The present work aimed to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity of cortex cassava crude extract containing scopoletin and cyanide. The limit test method of OECD at 2000 mg/kg was used to determine the LD50 of the crude extract in female Wistar rats, and the sub-acute toxicity was conducted in broilers by incorporating their feed with the cortex powder at 2 mg, 4 mg and 8 mg of powder per 100 g of standard food, corresponding to MIC, 2MIC and 4MIC: those concentrations, respectively, corresponded to .07 μg, .14 μg and .28 μg of scopoletin and 2.8 μg, 5.6 μg and 11.2 μg of cyanide. An oral LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg was obtained, and the effective antifungal dose was non-toxic. No changes were observed in the rate of biochemical parameters and relative weight of the liver, kidneys and brain of broilers. Any damages were not observed after the histopathological exams of these organs regardless the diet considered, compared to the control group. All results ranging from efficacy and safety of cassava cortex extract containing scopoletin and cyanide allowed us to consider it as biopesticide for staple food preservation against post-harvest losses.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activity evaluation of novel dihydroartemisinin and zerumbone conjugates with 2-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazoles as potential EGFR inhibitors
Authors: Tran Duc Quan , Truong Ngoc Hung , Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh , Trinh Thi Thuy , Ba Thi Cham , Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh , Nguyen Xuan Ha , Nguyen Manh Cuong , Luu Van Chinh
Published: September 2023

Sixteen conjugates of dihydroartemisinin and zerumbone with 2-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized and structurally elucidated by 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HRMS spectra. The cytotoxic screening results showed that all the conjugates of dihydroartemisinin with 2-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (19a-h) exhibited cytotoxic activity against two human cancer cell lines, HepG2 and LU-1, with the IC50 values ranging from 2.22 to 40.69 µM. Among dihydroartemisinin conjugates, conjugate 19b displayed the strongest activity against both HepG2 and LU-1 cell lines, with the IC50 values of 3.49 and 2.22 μM, respectively. The zerumbone conjugates (20a-h) expressed their cytotoxic activity stronger than that of 19a-h series, with IC50 values ranging from 1.54 to 2.00 µM. In addition, all 16 compounds exhibited an impressively inhibitory effect against EGFR tyrosine kinase with binding affinities ranging from −8.61 to −10.2 kcal/mol, higher than that of the erlotinib drug (−7.50 kcal/mol), a co-crystallized inhibitor of EGFR receptor. Both conjugates (19a and 20a) containing the 2-hydroxyphenyl-2mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety had the best binding energies (−10.2 and −9.494 kcal/mol, respectively) on the EGFR tyrosine kinase. Furthermore, the potential interactions and binding patterns between the compounds and the relevant amino acid residues revealed the most significant contribution to amplifying their efficacy against this protein, according to docking studies, which identified both hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts at the active site of the EGFR protein.
Antibacterial Effect of Berberrubine on the Salmonella typhimurium Type III Secretion System
Authors: Choi Won-Sik , Lee Tae-Hun , Son Se-Jin , Park Yeo Reum , Lee Tae-Young , Javed Ahsan , Choe Deokyeong , Kim Solomon L , Kim Sung Uk , Lee Sang-Han
Published: September 2023

The increasing antimicrobial drug resistance of Salmonella typhimurium has been a major public health problem in many countries. The type III secretion system (TTSS) of S typhimurium is an attractive target for the development of new antibiotics against this bacterium. In this study, we determined whether berberrubine derived from Berberis vulgaris could inhibit TTSS expression in S typhimurium . Berberrubine inhibited TTSS expression at a concentration of 60.9 µM. Additionally, TTSS-related mRNA expression of sipA, sipB, sopA, and sopD was downregulated in the presence of berberrubine. Collectively, we anticipate that berberrubine can be a useful tool to prevent the risks of infections caused by pathogenic bacteria.
An Unusual Cause of Neck Pain and Headache in Pregnancy
Authors: Morrice Marcelo , Wilner Andrew
Published: September 2023

A previously healthy 21-year-old Caucasian female G1P0 at 32 weeks gestation presented to the ED for an episode of syncope. She also complained of headaches, neck pain, and blurry vision. Physical examination revealed a healthy pregnant female. Neurological examination demonstrated Grade III papilledema but was otherwise unremarkable. CT brain revealed hydrocephalus and intraventricular hemorrhage of unclear etiology MRI of the head was negative for a mass lesion. MRA/MRV of the head was negative, ruling out cavernous sinus thrombosis. Lumbar puncture was bloody but negative for infection. Infectious workup, including HSV, toxoplasmosis, and neurocysticercosis, was negative. An intraventricular drain was placed for hydrocephalus. While in the hospital, she developed sudden left-sided weakness, prompting an emergency C-section. Further workup with CT angio of the brain and neck revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) involving the anterior spinal artery and adjacent venous plexus. Digital subtraction angiography showed a C2-3 pial AVM with a partially thrombosed nidal aneurysm. She was transferred to an outside hospital for embolization. Embolization obliterated the aneurysm, but residual flow remained in the AVM. Blood products are visible on sagittal MRI after embolization. At hospital discharge, her left-sided weakness had resolved, and her neurological examination was normal. The hydrocephalus had resolved.
Discourse as infrastructure: How “New Infrastructure” policies re-infrastructure China
Authors: Rao Yichen
Published: September 2023

The term “New Infrastructure” has been highlighted in China’s recent policies. It refers to a set of new, and expanding, policies and the discourse surrounding them which support the development of facilities, equipment, and systems derived from the latest technologies, including 5G Internet of Things, AI, cloud computing, and data centers. This article reviews China’s New Infrastructure policies, analyzing their specific discursive ontologies and how they relate to major state projects to “re-infrastructure” China’s economy. It introduces the concept of “discursive infrastructure” and argues that the policies that redefine and recategorize infrastructure themselves serve as a form of infrastructure. Key to the concept is the recognition that discursive infrastructure relies on mutually constitutive material and semiotic dimensions and dialectically reproduces both symbols of progress and positive infrastructural imaginaries. Drawing on an analysis of policy documents and other discursive materials, the article tracks New Infrastructure’s fetish-like existence and unravels the multiple political modalities, as well their varying efficacies, that are manifested through the discursive publics they generate. It likewise reveals some emerging conflicts that appear across New Infrastructure’s different contexts, showing critical gaps between imaginaries and actualities, all of which have a profound effect on a re-infrastructured China.
Student Startup: Understanding the Role of the University in Making Startups Profitable Through University—Industry Collaboration
Authors: Shenkoya Temitayo , Hwang Kyung Yun , Sung Eul Hyun
Published: September 2023

Startups are key components of the National Innovation Systems (NISs) and have contributed to sustainable development in many countries. This is because of their ability to create employment opportunities and contribute to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Hence, universities across the world have identified the importance of entrepreneurship training for students to help enhance their capability to develop their own startups. This study seeks to find ways of enhancing the profitability of student startups to galvanize industrial development. The approach adopted was the development of a hybrid model to optimize the development of entrepreneurship skills in university students based on existing theories and literatures. Data of 212 Korean universities were used and the results show that research fund, size of dedicated faculty, size of dedicated staff (academic and non-academic), practical entrepreneurship courses, and non-regular curriculum startup activities are key factors responsible for the profitability of student startups.
Leader-Member Exchange, Supervisor Identification, and Unethical Pro-Supervisor Behavior: The Mediating Role of Supervisor Identification
Authors: Lee Kangmin
Published: September 2023

Unethical pro-supervisor behaviors (UPSB) are unethical acts that employees engage in to benefit their supervisors. Although Unethical pro-organizational behaviors (UPB) have received great attention from scholars in the field of organizational behavior, the literature has paid insufficient attention to the impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) on UPSB and the underlying mechanisms of this association. This study has examined the relationship between LMX, supervisor identification, and UPSB. Drawing on social exchange theory and social identity theory, we argue that LMX affects employees’ UPSB via the mediation of supervisor identification. Using two-wave time-lagged data from 185 employees in South Korea, we found that LMX was significantly and positively related to supervisor identification, and supervisor identification was significantly and positively related to UPSB. In addition, the indirect effect of LMX on UPSB via supervisor identification was significant and positive. LMX is associated with many positive outcomes, but our findings show that high LMX may also increase employees’ unethical behaviors to benefit their supervisors via high supervisor identification. These results contribute to the literature on LMX, UPSB by identifying the path between them.
“Follow-up the Email”: Upward Directed Persuasion in the Contemporary Workplace
Authors: Reinsch Nelson Lamar , Turner Jeanine Warisse
Published: September 2023

In this article, we replicate important findings about workplace persuasion (e.g., a preference for face-to-face rather than computer-mediated messages). We extend those findings by including videoconferencing among the available channels and determining that practitioners regard video as less effective than face-to-face and more effective than email. Furthermore, we find that business practitioners prefer multichannel strategies for upwardly directed persuasion, and that some—more women than men in our sample—call on a person to serve as one of the channels. These findings provide insights that teachers can apply in the classroom; they also suggest questions for future research.
NPM1+ /FLT3- Acute Myeloid Leukemia after JAK2-V617F+ Essential Thrombocythemia. Management and Prognosis
Authors: Moriano Baldomero , Barragan Eva , Ferré Oscar , Casas Ignacio , Prieto-Fernandez Julio , Hernandez Carmen , Cáceres Sara , Suárez Sara , Cardesa Rocío , Arcos María José , Bañas Helena , Bergua Juan Miguel
Published: September 2023

NPM1+ AML after Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) or Myeloproliferative neoplasms is extremely rare. Only 2 cases have been previously reported after Primary Myelofibrosis. Given the extremely poor prognosis of the Blastic phase of Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN-BP), the only curative treatment of these patients is allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) after achieving Complete Response (CR). De novo NPM1+/FLT3- AML is considered a good prognosis entity in which allo-SCT is not contemplated as the first option. A 41 year old diagnosed of ET JAK2 V617F+ 4 years before the diagnosis of AML with normal karyotype and NPM1+/FLT3- was treated with conventional AML induction with Cytarabine and Idarubicine and 3 cycles of high dose Cytarabine. At the diagnosis of AML other 2 mutations were noted: EZH2 and IKZ1. After treatment of AML, NPM1+ clone disappeared, and JAK2 V617F clone reappeared. We opted to treat NPM1+ AML as a de novo AML and we decided to follow up during 2 years without allo-SCT. The patient remains in complete response with NPM1 minimal residual disease negative during the follow up. This case exemplifies the nature of NPM1+ AML secondary to MPD as an extremely sensitive disease to induction therapy plus high dose cytarabine and makes that these type of patients perhaps could be managed without the use of allo-SCT.
Nonconventional Management of a Hyperviscosity Syndrome Failing Plasma Exchange
Authors: Tavarozzi Rita , Pollis Francesca , Inverardi Daniela , Depaoli Lorella , Massaia Massimo , Monaco Federico , Sacchi Maria Vittoria , Guaschino Roberto , Ladetto Marco
Published: September 2023

Hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) is a life-threatening haematological emergency. We report a severe HSV case in which extracorporeal plasma polymerization prevented an effective plasma exchange procedure. We elaborated an unconventional successful approach consisted in the manual removal of whole patient blood followed by red blood cells (RBC) and plasma support.
Severe Hypertriglyceridemia Associated with Pegylated Asparaginase Successfully Treated with Plasma Exchange
Authors: Cuevas Rafael-Emmanuel , Cid Joan , Carbonell-Ordeig Sara , Álvarez-Larran Alberto , Lozano Miquel
Published: September 2023

Asparaginase (ASP), a chemotherapy treatment used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), is known to provoke severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). We report the case of a woman with a history of obesity and diabetes mellitus who developed severe HTG (up to 7305 mg/dL) after receiving a pegylated form of ASP for ALL. The patient was treated with one plasma exchange without incident via peripheral veins using 5% albumin as a replacement solution. Her triglycerides were reduced to 485 mg/dL. A single plasma exchange was an efficient, fast, and safe way to decrease triglycerides concentration in plasma.
Efficacy and Safety of Plasma Exchange with Albumin Replacement as a Therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Obat Dennis Okumu , Stevanovic Mirjana , Andrews Catherine , Mondou Elsa , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew , Barceló Miquel , Woodward Michael Ken , Ribó Nuria , Liang Wei , Stommel Elijah ,   The Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials Consortium
Published: September 2023

Background: Neuroinflammation is being increasingly recognized as a key factor in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A therapeutic approach for ALS using plasma exchange with albumin replacement (PE-A) has been proposed to remove antibody complexes, inflammatory mediators, and toxins to decrease neuronal damage caused by inflammation. Methods: In this pilot study, 15 patients underwent 24 weeks of PE-A with 5% albumin and their revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) scores and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) were tracked for 48 weeks to evaluate the efficacy of PE-A as a therapy for ALS. Results: There was a statistically significant decline of ALSFRS-R scores as well as FVC (%) throughout the study. A post hoc comparison with clinically matched control patients showed no statistically significant difference. Likewise, no significant differences were found when the rate of ALSFRS-R decline in the PE-A-treated patients was compared to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) guideline estimate of a −1 point/month decrease in untreated patients. However, 50% of the PE-A-treated patients showed a slow rate of decline of < −0.8 points/month. PE was safe and well tolerated in ALS patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, results of this study indicated that PE-A performed in this manner was safe but showed a considerable heterogeneity in the response to treatment when it comes to slowing the ALS deterioration, with no overall clinical benefit. Further investigation focused on the characterization of ALS patients suitable for PE-A therapy is warranted. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02872142.
A Retrospective Study Establishing Pre-Pandemic Demographic Baselines for United States Source Plasma Donors
Authors: Rosa-Bray Marilyn , Bounpheng Mangkey A. , Wisdom Charlene , Gierman Todd , Becker Mark , Crookston Kendall P.
Published: September 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted plasma as a strategic resource with continually increasing demand. Demographic data for plasma donors are limited compared with blood donors. Increased information regarding pre-pandemic donor demographics may serve as a baseline for evaluation of post-pandemic practices.

OBJECTIVES

This study asked the question, “What were the demographics of source plasma donors in the US compared to the general population and how did these change over a five-year period preceding the pandemic?”

STUDY DESIGN

Donor demographic data were retrospectively analyzed for the years 2014, 2016 and 2018 from a network of US plasma centers.

METHODS

Routine demographic data obtained prior to source plasma collection from all plasma donors at Grifols US centers were retrospectively analyzed. Donor screening and eligibility requirements were standardized across all donor sites and met all donor eligibility requirements (Code of Federal Regulations: 21 CFR part 600). During each calendar year, only data from the first donation in that year were included with each cohort year.

RESULTS

This study included 1,303,049 unique donors. Donors were predominantly young adult males, although females increased from 37.4% to 41.6%. Caucasians constituted the highest proportion, followed by African American and Hispanic donors. Demographics were generally stable, but the 2018 cohort and the US population exhibited significantly different age, race/ethnicity, and sex profiles. Of 2014 donors, 9.0% returned in all three years studied (2014-2016-2018), with a higher return rate of 16.0% observed for donors returning in just two of the years (2014-2016). Multiyear donors were predominantly male and African American.

CONCLUSION

US plasma donor demographics over a five-year period (2014-2018) showed generally consistent characteristics but differed from the general US population. Multiyear donors were demographically distinct from single-year donors. These data serve as a snapshot of the US source plasma donor base prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relationships Between Transcranial Doppler Velocity, Von Willebrand Factor, Factor VIII, and Hematological Parameters in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Enifeni Eniola Kehinde , Ogbenna Ann Abiola , Daramola Alaba Olanrewaju , Adewoyin Ademola Samson , Olatunya Oladele Simeon , Temiye Edamisan
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is associated with recurrent acute inflammatory processes. These inflammatory processes could lead to elevation of Factor VIII and Von Willebrand Factor levels, thereby increasing the risk of stroke in SCA children. This study aims to determine vWF/FVIII levels in children with SCA and their association with abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD).

Subjects and Methods

This study enrolled 75 children, including 24 SCA cases with normal TCD, 27 SCA cases with abnormal TCD, and 24 Hb AA controls, all aged between 2 and 16 years. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was performed to measure the cerebral blood velocity. Venous blood drawn from each participant was used to determine the levels of von Willebrand Factor Antigen (vWF: Ag) and Factor VIII (FVIII) and the complete blood count (CBC). Relationships among the measured parameters were determined using SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results

FVIII and vWF levels were significantly higher among children with SCA compared to the Hb AA controls ( P < .001). Although SCA patients with abnormal TCD tended to have higher levels of FVIII and vWF, this result did not attain statistical significance ( P > .05). There was a moderate negative correlation between the left middle cerebral artery and FVIII, (r = −0.332; P = .017). Children with SCA showing an abnormal TCD velocity had significantly higher platelet count compared to those with normal TCD ( P = .018).

Conclusion

Children with SCA have elevated levels of FVIII and vWF, and an abnormal TCD velocity is associated with elevated platelet count.
Application of a Caprylate/Chromatography Purification Process for Production of a Hepatitis B Immune Globulin from Pooled Human Plasma
Authors: Srivastava Jyoti , Talton Chad , Vandeberg Pete , Woznichak Michelle , Merritt W. Keither , Jose Marta
Published: September 2023

Background

Hepatitis B (HB) is a worldwide public health problem affecting around 250 million people. Only about 10% of people with HB are aware that they are infected. Vaccination is crucial to prophylactically controlling HB and the combination of vaccination and HB immune globulin (HBIG) are essential in preventing disease after exposure to the HB virus.

Objectives

In this article, a caprylate-chromatography process has been used for the production of HBIG (HBIG-C). The previously used solvent-detergent process produced an HBIG (HBIG-S/D) with an excellent safety profile but allowed the retention of some procoagulant plasma proteins. The present studies were conducted to assess the character and purity of HBIG produced by the caprylate-chromatography process.

Design and Methods

Several analytical methods (eg, chromatography, immunoassays, and nephelometry) were used to assess the molecular characteristics, purity and HBIG potency and specific activity of HBIG-C. In addition, testing was conducted to assess the levels of several pro-coagulant factors. HBIG-C was compared with HBIG-S/D and other immunoglobulins manufactured by the S/D process.

Results

The analysis of HBIG-C showed that the product was almost entirely IgG (99.3 ± 0.2% by electrophoresis) and that the residual IgA was less than that found in S/D products. The IgG present in HBIG-C was 99.7 ± 0.6% monomers and dimers as measured by size exclusion chromatography. Aggregates and fragments constituted < 1%. The IgG subclass distribution in HBIG-C was in the normal reference range. Coagulation factor impurities and pro-coagulant activity were reduced in HBIG-C compared to IgG prepared by the S/D method.

Conclusions

HBIG-C takes advantage of long-established donor selection processes combined with recently improved manufacturing processes to produce a safe and effective HBIG-product. HBIG-C combines high purity with reduced pro-coagulant factors in a product used for post-exposure prophylaxis of HB.
Frequency and Clinical Significance of Antinuclear Antibody Positivity in Immune Thrombocytopenia in Adults
Authors: Munawar Ali Rabeea , Zafar Sidra , Abid Madiha , Javed Butt Aqsa , Ali Muhammad Shujat , Borhany Munira
Published: September 2023

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia is an immune-mediated disorder with heterogenous presentation. It shows association with other autoimmune disorders with varying frequency.

Objective

The objective of this study was to establish the frequency of antinuclear antibody (ANA) in our population and to evaluate its association with severity of clinical presentation, disease remission and association with other autoimmune diseases.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 160 patients with immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) presented at National Institute of Blood Disease and Bone Marrow Transplantation from February 2021 to July 2022. Patients were screened for ANA and other causes of secondary ITP. ANA-positive patients were compared with ANA-negative patients in terms of bleeding manifestations and platelet counts at initial presentation, association with other autoimmune diseases and response to first-line treatment.

Results

In our study 43 (26.9%) patients were ANA positive and 117 (73.1%) were negative for ANA. The initial platelet counts, and bleeding symptoms were not found to be significantly different among the 2 groups. And 79.1% of the ANA-positive patients had other autoimmune markers as well compared to 20.9% ANA-negative patients, showing a significant association ( P<.001). Response to treatment with steroid ± azathioprine assessed at 3 and 6 months were similar in both the groups.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that ANA positivity is not associated with severity of presenting symptoms, initial platelet counts, or response to treatment. However, the presence of ANA is associated with increased risk of other autoimmune diseases in patients with ITP.