bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redesigning loyalty marketing for a better world: the impact of green loyalty programs on perceived value
Authors: Flacandji Michaël , Passebois Ducros Juliette , Ieva Marco
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Given the controversial nature of the effectiveness of loyalty programs (LPs), this paper examines the effect of a new type of LP, namely green LPs, on consumers' perceived value of LPs. Specifically, the authors identify three types of green LP design and test their impact on perceived value.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental protocol involving 1,016 shoppers was adopted in order to analyze the three types of green LPs identified in the literature.

Findings

Supported by social exchange theory (SET), the results show that a green LP can influence the perceived value of LPs. Such programs can drive psychological value in addition to the economic value linked only to monetary incentives. LPs rewarding sustainable behavior appear to be the most significant generators of value.

Originality/value

Since corporate social responsibility (CSR) is now critical to a company's success, this study investigates how firms can integrate it in order to improve the effectiveness of their LP design.
People aspect of learning organisation and performance of administrative staff in a public university context
Authors: Annan-Prah Elizabeth Cornelia , Baffoe Florence , Andoh Raphael Papa Kweku
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of the human aspects of the learning organisation (i.e. continuous learning; inquiry and dialogue; team collaboration and learning; and employee empowerment) on the performance of a public university’s administrative staff. Differences in the human aspects of the learning organisation across perhaps the two most important demographic characteristics (educational attainment and years of experience) were also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused exclusively on the human aspect of the dimensions of the learning organisation questionnaire. Specifically, differences in the people aspect of learning organization (PALO) across demographic characteristics were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with a Bonferroni adjustment to the alpha values in the Mann–Whitney U tests that followed. Hierarchical linear regression using the standard (enter) method was adopted in analysing the PALO and administrative staff performance while controlling for age and gender.

Findings

This study demonstrated that a difference in the PALO existed across the education level and years of experience of the administrative staff. Specifically, Diploma holders performed better than those with Postgraduate degree. Also, administrative staff with 5–10 years of experience did better than the staff who had more than 15 years of experience. In addition, continuous learning; inquiry and dialogue; and collaboration and team learning each had a significant effect on administrative staff performance.

Practical implications

Employees, especially those with higher levels of education and more work experience, should be motivated through rewards as well as challenging and thought-provoking tasks as they could serve as mechanisms that would make them contribute substantially to the sustainability of the PALO. Again, public universities should pay attention to the PALO, which is at the individual and team levels.

Originality/value

This study focuses solely on the people aspect of the dimensions of the learning organisation questionnaire and sheds light on its importance to the learning organisation culture.
Agricultural commercialisation, asset growth and poverty in rural Vietnam
Authors: Schulte Oliver , Mumber Julian , Nguyen Trung Thanh
Published: May 2023

Poverty remains a substantial threat in rural areas of many developing countries, and solving this problem requires an in‐depth understanding of the income generating capacity that determines poverty. This paper examines the impact of agricultural commercialisation on the capability of rural households to accumulate and productively use assets and reduce structural and multidimensional poverty. A longitudinal dataset of around 2000 households with a total of 9781 observations from five rural surveys undertaken in the period 2008–2017 in Vietnam is used. Results from a fixed effects regression with an instrumental variable and a control function approach show that agricultural commercialisation has a positive effect on the accumulation of assets and reduces multidimensional and structural poverty over time. However, the effect is not homogeneous and is larger for households that are not mainly engaged in rice commercialisation. This suggests that commercialisation can be a path out of poverty, especially if policy makers move towards utilising other crops instead of rice.
Measuring farm productivity under production uncertainty
Authors: Ait Sidhoum Amer
Published: May 2023

This research introduces a novel empirical application to the assessment of farm productivity growth. While the existing research on productivity change has primarily focussed on ex post output observations, it has been shown that ignoring production uncertainty can lead to unreliable results. Using a state‐contingent framework to represent the stochastic production environment, we extend the recent line of research that merged the state‐contingent approach and efficiency measurement to productivity change using the Malmquist and Luenberger productivity indices. Using a balanced panel of 117 arable crop farms surveyed in 2011 and 2015, we show through the study results that productivity decreased, with technological regress being the major source of productivity change. Differences in productivity change between nonstochastic and stochastic modelling show the relevance to consider the state‐contingent framework when assessing farms' productivity.
State Medicaid and private telemedicine coverage requirements and telemedicine use, 2013–2019
Authors: Lipton Brandy J. , Pesko Michael F.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To examine the association between state Medicaid and private telemedicine coverage requirements and telemedicine use. A secondary objective was to examine whether these policies were associated with health care access.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We used nationally representative survey data from the 2013–2019 Association of American Medical Colleges Consumer Survey of Health Care Access. The sample included Medicaid‐enrolled (4492) and privately insured (15,581) adults under age 65.

Study Design

The study design was a quasi‐experimental two‐way‐fixed‐effects difference‐in‐differences analysis that took advantage of state‐level changes in telemedicine coverage requirements during the study period. Separate analyses were conducted for the Medicaid and private requirements. The primary outcome was the past‐year use of live video communication. Secondary outcomes included same‐day appointment, always able to get needed care, and having enough options for where to go to receive care.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

N/A.

Principal Findings

Medicaid telemedicine coverage requirements were associated with a 6.01 percentage‐point increase in the use of live video communication (95% CI, 1.62 to 10.41) and an 11.12 percentage‐point increase in always being able to access needed care (95% CI, 3.34 to 18.90). While generally robust to various sensitivity analyses, these findings were somewhat sensitive to included study years. Private coverage requirements were not significantly associated with any of the outcomes considered.

Conclusions

Medicaid telemedicine coverage during 2013–2019 was associated with significant and meaningful increases in telemedicine use and health care access. We did not detect any significant associations for private telemedicine coverage policies. Many states added or expanded telemedicine coverage policies during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but states will face decisions about whether to maintain these enhanced policies now that the public health emergency is ending. Understanding the role of state policies in promoting telemedicine use may help inform policymaking efforts going forward.
Organic impurity profiling of fentanyl samples associated with recent clandestine laboratory methods
Authors: Toske Steven G. , Mitchell Jennifer R. , Myslinski James M. , Walz Andrew J. , Guthrie David B. , Guest Elizabeth M. , Corbett Charlotte A. , Lockhart Emily D.
Published: May 2023

Nearly a decade ago, fentanyl reappeared in the United States illicit drug market. In the years since, overdose deaths have continued to rise as well as the amount of fentanyl seized by law enforcement agencies. Research surrounding fentanyl production has been beneficial to regulatory actions and understanding illicit fentanyl production. In 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began collecting seized fentanyl samples from throughout the United States to track purity, adulteration trends, and synthetic impurity profiles for intelligence purposes. The appearance of a specific organic impurity, phenethyl‐4‐anilino‐N‐phenethylpiperidine (phenethyl‐4‐ANPP) indicates a shift in fentanyl production from the traditional Siegfried and Janssen routes to the Gupta‐patent route. Through a collaboration between the DEA and the US Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), the synthesis of fentanyl was investigated via six synthetic routes, and the impurity profiles were compared to those of seized samples. The synthetic impurity phenethyl‐4‐ANPP was reliably observed in the Gupta‐patent route published in 2013, and its structure was confirmed through isolation and structure elucidation. Organic impurity profiling results for illicit fentanyl samples seized in late 2021 have indicated yet another change in processing with the appearance of the impurity ethyl‐4‐anilino‐N‐phenethylpiperidine (ethyl‐4‐ANPP). Through altering reagents traditionally used in the Gupta‐patent route, the formation of this impurity was determined to occur through a modification of the route as originally described in the Gupta patent.
Perioperative outcomes of robotic‐assisted versus video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy: A propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Zhiqiang Wu , Shaohua Ma
Published: May 2023

Background

The existing literature on perioperative outcomes of robotic‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) versus video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung lobectomy is inconclusive.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of VATS and RATS lobectomy procedures for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer to compare the short‐term perioperative outcomes by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

A total of 418 patients were enrolled in this study. After PSM, 71 patients each received VATS and RATS lobectomy for further analysis. RATS lobectomy was associated with a lower rate of conversion to thoracotomy (0% vs. 5.63%, p = 0.006), a lower rate of postoperative prolonged air leak (1.14% vs. 19.72%, p = 0.001) and a shorter duration of postoperative chest tube drainage (3 days interquartile range [IQR: 3, 4] vs. 4 days IQR [3–5], p = 0.027). Subgroup analysis indicated that after acquiring proficiency in the RATS procedure, its disadvantages diminished while its advantages were enhanced. In terms of rate of conversion to thoracotomy, length of hospital stays, and duration of postoperative chest tube drainage, RATS was comparable to uniportal VATS and superior to triportal VATS.

Conclusion

RATS has advantages over VATS in terms of early chest tube removal, early discharge, lower thoracotomy rate, less postoperative air leak, and a potential trend of more lymph node dissection numbers. These advantages are more pronounced after acquiring proficiency in RATS.
Increase in educational inequalities in alcohol‐related mortality in Spain during a period of economic growth
Authors: Donat Marta , Regidor Enrique , Barrio Gregorio , Ambrosio Emilio , Sordo Luis , Guerras Juan Miguel , Politi Julieta , Belza María J.
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Alcohol‐related mortality risk is almost always greater in lower than higher socio‐economic positions (SEPs). There is little information on the evolution of this SEP gradient and its relationship with the economic cycle. Some results suggest that during economic expansions, there is a hypersensitivity of low‐SEP people to harmful drinking. The main objective of this study was to measure the evolution of educational inequality in alcohol‐related and non‐alcohol related mortality by sex and age group in Spain during 2012–19.

Design, Setting and Measurements

This is a repeated cross‐sectional study. This study includes all residents in Spain aged 25 years and over from 2012 to 2019. (1) We calculated age‐standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) from strongly/moderately alcohol‐related causes (directly alcohol‐attributable, unspecified liver cirrhosis, liver and upper aerodigestive tract cancers and moderately alcohol‐related), weakly alcohol‐related causes and other causes by educational level. (2) We used age‐adjusted relative index of inequality (RII) and slope index of inequality (SII) to measure relative and absolute educational inequality in mortality, respectively. (3) Age‐adjusted annual percentage change (APC) was also used to measure linear trends in mortality by educational level. RII, SII and APC were obtained from negative binomial regression.

Findings

Between 2012–15 and 2016–19, economic growth accelerated, the RII in mortality from strongly/moderately alcohol‐related causes increased from 2.0 to 2.2 among men and from 1.1 to 1.3 among women, and the SII in deaths/100 000 person‐years from 181.4 to 190.9 among men and from 18.9 to 46.5 among women. It also increased relative and absolute inequality in mortality from weakly alcohol‐related and other causes of death in both men and women. These increases in inequality were due primarily to a flattening or even reversal of the downward mortality trend among low‐ and medium‐educated people.

Conclusions

During the economic expansion of 2012–19 in Spain, changes in mortality risk from strongly/moderately alcohol‐related causes were especially unfavourable among low‐ and medium‐educated people.
Repeatability of biometry in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction before and after vectored thermal pulsation therapy: A randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Schlatter Andreas , Palkovits Stefan , Ruiss Manuel , Fisus Andreea‐Dana , Hirnschall Nino , Schmidl Doreen , Garhöfer Gerhard , Findl Oliver
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of vectored thermal pulsation therapy (VTPT) on the repeatability of biometry readings of two different optical biometers in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Methods

Patients affected by MGD were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled, investigator‐masked study. One eye was randomized to VTPT (LipiFlow®, Johnson & Johnson), and the contralateral eye served as a control. Three visits were scheduled at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months after the treatment. The main outcome parameter of the study was the repeatability of three calculations of emmetropic intraocular lens power (EIOLP) at the 3 months visit as compared to baseline using an optical biometer (IOLMaster® 700, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). Repeatability of different keratometry values obtained by the optical biometer and a Placido‐disc topographer (MS‐39®, CSO) served as secondary outcome parameters.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were included in the final analysis. While tear film parameters improved in the study eyes, there were no significant differences regarding the repeatability of three EIOLP measurements between baseline and 3‐months‐visit in both eyes (p > 0.05) and keratometry measurements in both the optical biometer and the Placido‐disc topographer. Remarkably, throughout all study visits, there were some outliers regarding the repeatability of measurements.

Conclusion

While both devices showed high repeatability regarding EIOLP and keratometry, future studies are needed to detect high‐risk patients for poor repeatability.
Adaptation in the face of internal conflict: the paradox of the organism revisited
Authors: Patten Manus M. , Schenkel Martijn A. , Ågren J. Arvid
Published: May 2023

The paradox of the organism refers to the observation that organisms appear to function as coherent purposeful entities, despite the potential for within‐organismal components like selfish genetic elements and cancer cells to erode them from within. While it is commonly accepted that organisms may pursue fitness maximisation and can be thought to hold particular agendas, there is a growing recognition that genes and cells do so as well. This can lead to evolutionary conflicts between an organism and the parts that reside within it. Here, we revisit the paradox of the organism. We first outline its conception and relationship to debates about adaptation in evolutionary biology. Second, we review the ways selfish elements may exploit organisms, and the extent to which this threatens organismal integrity. To this end, we introduce a novel classification scheme that distinguishes between selfish elements that seek to distort transmission versus those that seek to distort phenotypic traits. Our classification scheme also highlights how some selfish elements elude a multi‐level selection decomposition using the Price equation. Third, we discuss how the organism can retain its status as the primary fitness‐maximising agent in the face of selfish elements. The success of selfish elements is often constrained by their strategy and further limited by a combination of fitness alignment and enforcement mechanisms controlled by the organism. Finally, we argue for the need for quantitative measures of both internal conflicts and organismality.
Reworking wild bootstrap‐based inference for clustered errors
Authors: Webb Matthew D.
Published: May 2023

Cluster‐robust inference is increasingly common in empirical research. With few clusters, inference is often conducted using the wild cluster bootstrap. With conventional bootstrap weights the set of valid ‐values can create ambiguities in inference. I consider several modifications to the bootstrap procedure to resolve these ambiguities. Monte Carlo simulations provide evidence that both a new 6‐point bootstrap weight distribution and a kernel density estimation approach improve the reliability of inference. A brief empirical example highlights the implications of these findings.
A deeper dive, a wider pool: Preschool benefits sustain to first grade on a broader set of outcomes
Authors: Johnson Anna D. , Partika Anne , Martin Anne , Horm Diane , Phillips Deborah A. ,   the Tulsa SEED Study Team
Published: May 2023

The current study provides new evidence on the sustained benefits of preschool attendance on a broader range of skills—both academic and executive functioning (EF)—than many prior studies have examined. Using propensity score methods, we predicted children's (N = 920, M age at 1st = 6.5 years) literacy, language, math, and EF skills in kindergarten and again at first‐grade (2020–2021) based on whether they had attended public preschool (school‐based pre‐k; Head Start) versus no preschool. In our race‐ethnically diverse sample of children (48% Hispanic/Latinx; 21% Black; 14% White; 9% Native American; 9% multiracial) from low‐income families, preschool attenders showed advantages on English literacy, English language, and math in kindergarten, which mostly persisted into first‐grade. Preschool did not boost EF in kindergarten or first‐grade.
Methods in open policy analysis: An application to California's building energy codes
Authors: Holian Matthew J.
Published: May 2023

Have building energy codes lowered energy consumption, and have their benefits outweighed costs? Using 2000 Census data, I estimate household energy expenditures by decade of home construction, controlling for household and home characteristics. I find homes built in the 1980s used $35 less in electricity and $46 less in natural gas, per year, compared to 1970s era homes. For Sacramento, energy codes pass a cost‐benefit test when low‐end policy costs are used, but fail with base‐case costs. This study also clarifies how a cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) for a representative household fits into a comprehensive CBA.
Is Identity Essentialism a Fundamental Feature of Human Cognition?
Authors: Machery Edouard , Olivola Christopher Y. , Cheon Hyundeuk , Kurniawan Irma T. , Mauro Carlos , Struchiner Noel , Susianto Harry
Published: May 2023

The present research examines whether identity essentialism, an important component of psychological essentialism, is a fundamental feature of human cognition. Across three studies (Ntotal= 1723), we report evidence that essentialist intuitions about the identity of kinds are culturally dependent, demographically variable, and easily malleable. The first study considered essentialist intuitions in 10 different countries spread across four continents. Participants were presented with two scenarios meant to elicit essentialist intuitions. Their answers suggest that essentialist intuitions vary dramatically across cultures. Furthermore, these intuitions were found to vary with gender, education, and across eliciting stimuli. The second study further examined whether essentialist intuitions are stable across different kinds of eliciting stimuli. Participants were presented with two different scenarios meant to elicit essentialist intuitions—the “discovery” and “transformation” scenarios. Their answers suggest that the nature of the eliciting stimuli influences whether or not people report essentialist intuitions. Finally, the third study demonstrates that essentialist intuitions are susceptible to framing effects. Keeping the eliciting stimulus (i.e., the scenario) constant, we show that the formulation of the question eliciting a judgment influences whether or not people have essentialist intuitions. Implications of these findings for identity essentialism and psychological essentialism, in general, are discussed.
The utility of p63, CK7, and CAM5.2 staining in differentiating pagetoid intraepidermal carcinomas
Authors: Wieland Rebekah , Adhikari Prajesh , North Jeffrey
Published: May 2023

Background

Extramammary Paget disease (EMPD), pagetoid squamous cell carcinoma in situ (PSCCIS), and Paget disease of the breast (PD) are intraepidermal carcinomas with overlapping histopathologic features. CK7 and CAM5.2 stains are frequently utilized to distinguish PSCCIS from EMPD and PD. However, some cases of PSCCIS can stain positively for CAM5.2 and CK7, indicating a potential pitfall with these stains. p63 has been shown to distinguish PSCCIS from EMPD. We assessed p63 staining in PD and compared it to p63 staining of PSCCIS and EMPD.

Methods

A retrospective search for 15 examples each of PSCCIS, EMPD, and PD with remaining tissue in the paraffin block was performed. The diagnosis was confirmed by a board‐certified dermatopathologist and immunostaining for p63, CK7, and CAM5.2 was performed. Staining >55% was scored as positive. Staining <55% was scored as negative and an approximate percentage of positive cells was recorded.

Results

Diffuse nuclear expression for p63 was detected in 100% (15/15) of PSCCIS cases, 0% (0/15) of PD cases, and 0% (0/15) of EMPD cases. CK7 and CAM5.2 stains were positive in 100% of PD. CAM5.2 was positive in 100% of EMPD and CK7 was positive in 93% of EMPD. CAM5.2 was positive in 0% of PSCCIS biopsy specimens, but partial staining was seen in 20%. CK7 was positive in 13%, but partial staining was seen in 47%.

Conclusions

p63 immunostaining is a highly sensitive and specific method for differentiating between PSCCIS and PD or EMPD. While CAM5.2 and CK7 are also useful ancillary stains in this differential diagnosis, false‐positive and false‐negative staining occurs with these two markers.
Glycaemia and cardiac arrhythmias in people with type 1 diabetes: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hagelqvist Per G. , Andersen Andreas , Maytham Kaisar , Andreasen Christine R. , Engberg Susanne , Lindhardt Tommi B. , Forman Julie L. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Ulrik , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: May 2023

Aim

To investigate the impact of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and glycaemic variability on arrhythmia susceptibility in people with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Thirty adults with type 1 diabetes were included in a 12‐month observational exploratory study. Daytime and night‐time incident rate ratios (IRRs) of arrhythmias were determined for hypoglycaemia (interstitial glucose [IG] <3.9 mmol/L), hyperglycaemia (IG >10.0 mmol/L) and glycaemic variability (standard deviation and coefficient of variation).

Results

Hypoglycaemia was not associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias compared with euglycaemia and hyperglycaemia combined (IG ≥ 3.9 mmol/L). However, during daytime, a trend of increased risk of arrhythmias was observed when comparing time spent in hypoglycaemia with euglycaemia (IRR 1.08 [95% CI: 0.99‐1.18] per 5 minutes). Furthermore, during daytime, both the occurrence and time spent in hyperglycaemia were associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias compared with euglycaemia (IRR 2.03 [95% CI: 1.21‐3.40] and IRR 1.07 [95% CI: 1.02‐1.13] per 5 minutes, respectively). Night‐time hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia were not associated with the risk of arrhythmias. Increased glycaemic variability was not associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias during daytime, whereas a reduced risk was observed during night‐time.

Conclusions

Acute hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia during daytime may increase the risk of arrhythmias in individuals with type 1 diabetes. However, no such associations were found during night‐time, indicating diurnal differences in arrhythmia susceptibility.
Field ready: Development of a rapid LAMP‐based colorimetric assay for the causal agent of white pine blister rust, Cronartium ribicola
Authors: Kozhar Olga , Ibarra Caballero Jorge R. , Burns Kelly S. , Stewart Jane E.
Published: May 2023

The invasive fungal pathogen Cronartium ribicola causes white pine blister rust which is considered one of the most destructive diseases of five‐needle (white) pines in North America. The disease has a life cycle that requires two hosts: white pines and Ribes spp., although other non‐Ribes species, including Castilleja and Pedicularis, have been demonstrated as alternate hosts as well. Detection of this disease can be difficult because of the ephemeral nature of sporulation on pine hosts with ambiguity in other symptoms, and the alternate hosts for C. ribicola can also be an alternate host for other pine rust species. We used the previously published C. ribicola genome and species‐specific real‐time PCR assay to develop a field‐ready loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) specific colorimetric assay for this pathogen. Specificity results across regionally identified pine rust pathogens showed the assay is highly specific to C. ribicola and can detect as little as 40 pg of pathogen DNA. We also developed a simple DNA extraction method that works with several tissue types (bark/phloem, aeciospores, and urediniospores/telia) to prepare the DNA samples for the LAMP assay. The DNA extraction and LAMP assay take ~70 min to complete and require a relatively small investment in equipment. This tool enables quick and efficient detection of white pine blister rust.
Time‐dependent risk factors for epileptic seizures in glioblastoma patients: A retrospective analysis of 520 cases
Authors: Stritzelberger Jenny , Gesmann Anna , Fuhrmann Imke , Brandner Sebastian , Welte Tamara M. , Balk Stefanie , Eisenhut Felix , Dörfler Arnd , Coras Roland , Adler Werner , Schwab Stefan , Putz Florian , Fietkau Rainer , Distel Luitpold , Hamer Hajo
Published: May 2023

Objective

Epilepsy is a common comorbidity of glioblastoma. Seizures may occur in various phases of the disease. We aimed to assess potential risk factors for seizures in accordance with the point in time at which they occurred.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed medical files of adult patients with de novo glioblastoma treated at our institution between January 2006 and January 2020. We categorized seizures as preoperative seizures (POS), early postoperative seizures (EPS; before initiation of radio[chemo]therapy [RCT]), seizures during radiotherapy (SDR; during or <30 days after RCT), and posttherapeutic seizures (PTS; ≥30 days after completion of RCT). We addressed associations between patients' characteristics and their seizures.

Results

In the final cohort (N = 520), 292 patients experienced seizures. POS, EPS, SDR, and/or PTS occurred in 29.6% (154/520), 6.0% (31/520), 13.8% (70/509), and 36.1% (152/421) of patients, respectively. POS occurred more frequently in patients with higher Karnofsky Performance Scale scores (odds ratio [OR] = 3.27, p = .001) and tumor location in the temporal lobe (OR = 1.51, p = .034). None of the parameters we analyzed was related to the occurrence of EPS. SDR were independently associated with tumor location (parietal lobe, OR = 1.86, p = .027) and POS, but not EPS, and were independent of RCT. PTS were independently associated with tumor progression (OR = 2.32, p < .001) and with occurrence of SDR (OR = 3.36, p < .001), and negatively correlated with temporal lobe location (OR = .58, p < .014). In patients with tumors exclusively located in the temporal lobe, complete tumor resection was associated with a decreased risk of postoperative seizures.

Significance

Seizures in glioblastoma patients have various, time‐dependent risk factors. Temporal lobe localization was a risk factor for preoperative seizures; surgery may have had a protective effect in these patients. RCT did not have dose‐dependent pro‐ or anticonvulsive effects. PTS were associated with tumor progression.
Exploring the perceptions and motivations of Gen Z and Millennials toward sustainable clothing
Authors: Manley Amy , Seock Yoo‐Kyoung , Shin Jeongah
Published: May 2023

This study explores consumers' perceptions of sustainable clothing and motivations for purchasing it. An analysis of 682 Generation Z and Millennial consumers shows both similarities and differences in their perceptions as well as their perceived importance, value, and need for sustainable clothing consumption. Descriptive statistics, t‐tests, and text mining were used for analysis. Respondents were aware that sustainable clothing plays an important role in the overall environmental movement and has ecological benefits. However, researchers, educators, and businesses need stronger communication on other aspects of sustainable clothing. Understanding consumers' priorities and knowledge gaps can help the industry encourage sustainable clothing consumption.
Fucoidan promotes angiogenesis and accelerates wound healing through AKT/Nrf2/HIF‐1α signalling pathway
Authors: Wen Wenting , Yang Liangliang , Wang Xin , Zhang Hongyu , Wu Fangfang , Xu Ke , Chen Shaodong , Liao Zhiyong
Published: May 2023

After skin injury, wound repair involves a complex process in which angiogenesis plays a crucial role. Previous research has indicated that fucoidan may aid in wound healing; we therefore hypothesised that fucoidan may speed up the process by promoting angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular mechanism underlying fucoidan's ability to accelerate wound healing by promoting angiogenesis. Using a full‐cut wound model, we observed that fucoidan significantly intensified wound closure and promoted granulation formation and collagen deposition. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that fucoidan also promoted wound angiogenesis, specifically by accelerating the migration of new blood vessels to the middle area of the wound. Furthermore, fucoidan demonstrated the ability to enhance the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) damaged by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and to improve the formation of endothelial tubes. Mechanistic studies revealed that fucoidan upregulated the protein levels of the AKT/Nrf2/HIF‐1α signalling pathway, which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis. This was further confirmed using the inhibitor LY294002, which reversed the promotion of endothelial tube formation by fucoidan. Overall, our findings suggest that fucoidan can promote angiogenesis via the AKT/Nrf2/HIF‐1α signalling pathway and accelerate wound healing.
Electrophoretic deposition of ZrB2 coatings in NaCl‐KCl‐AlF3 melt containing synthesized ZrB2 nanoparticles
Authors: Pang Jie , Kou Qian , Ge Chuntao , Xie Lingling , Jin Weiliang , Qi Wenjuan , Zhang Jun , Zhu Hongmin , Xiao Saijun
Published: May 2023

A novel method for preparation of ZrB2 coatings has been proposed by combination of molten salt synthesis of ZrB2 nanoparticles and subsequent electrophoretic deposition of the as‐synthesized ZrB2 nanoparticles in the same molten system in this paper. Nanoscale ZrB2 particles have been produced by borothermal reduction of ZrO2 in NaCl‐KCl‐AlF3 melt at 980°C. Then electrophoretic deposition of the as‐synthesized ZrB2 nanoparticles has been achieved in the resulting molten suspension at a reduced temperature of 900°C, yielding relatively dense ZrB2 coatings on graphite substrates with a thickness of around 25 μm. Moreover, the effect of different cell voltages ranging from 0.8 V to 1.4 V (i.e., electric field 0.4–0.7 V/cm) on the prepared ZrB2 coatings has been investigated. Finally, during the tests at 600°C–800°C in air, ZrB2 coatings deposited at a cell voltage of 1.2 V have exhibited good high‐temperature oxidation resistance.
Direct comparison of surface crystal growth kinetics in chalcogenide glass measured by microscopy and DSC
Authors: Shánělová Jana , Honcová Pavla , Málek Jiří , Perejón Antonio , Pérez‐Maqueda Luis A.
Published: May 2023

Surface crystallization in fine powder Se70Te30 chalcogenide glass was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and optical microscopy. A complex kinetic analysis of these experimental data reveals that the contracting sphere mechanism (R3 model) is the rate determining step of crystal growth, and the conventional Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov model cannot be used in this case. Moreover, it is clearly shown that the particle size distribution should be considered in crystallization studies. Actually, when the particle size effect is taken into account, the simulated DSC curves for the R3 model agree very well with the experimental data over the entire temperature range. The crystallization kinetics determined from the nonisothermal DSC data are consistent with previously reported isothermal crystallization data for the same powder fraction. The crystal growth rate calculated from isothermal and nonisothermal DSC data agrees very well with the microscopically measured surface and bulk crystal growth rate.
Alteration of synergistic immune response in gut–liver axis of white crucian carp (Carassius cuvieri) after gut infection with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Wang Fei , Qin Zi‐Le , Luo Wei‐Sheng , Xiong Ning‐Xia , Huang Ming‐Zhu , Ou Jie , Luo Sheng‐Wei , Liu Shao‐Jun
Published: May 2023

Aeromonas hydrophila can pose a great threat to the survival of farmed fish. In current study, we investigated the pathological characteristics and immune response in gut–liver axis of white crucian carp (WCC) upon gut infection. WCC anally intubated with A. hydrophila exerted a tissue deformation in damaged midgut with elevated levels of goblet cells along with a significant decrease in tight junction proteins and villi length‐to‐width ratios. In addition, immune‐related gene expressions and antioxidant properties increased dramatically in gut–liver axis of WCC following gut infection with A. hydrophila. These results highlighted the immune modulation and redox alteration in gut–liver axis of WCC in response to gut infection.
Ultrasonography in neurology: A comprehensive analysis and review
Authors: Scholtz Laura C. , Rosenberg Jon , Robbins Matthew S. , Wong Tanping , Mints Gregory , Kaplan Aaron , Leung Dora , Kamel Hooman , Ch'ang Judy H.
Published: May 2023

Neurologists in both the inpatient and outpatient settings are increasingly using ultrasound to diagnose and manage common neurological diseases. Advantages include cost‐effectiveness, the lack of exposure to ionizing radiation, and the ability to perform at the bedside to provide real‐time data. There is a growing body of literature that supports using ultrasonography to improve diagnostic accuracy and aid in performing procedures. Despite the increasing utilization of this imaging modality in medicine, there has been no comprehensive review of the clinical applications of ultrasound in the field of neurology. We discuss the current uses and limitations of ultrasound for various neurological conditions. We review the role for ultrasound in commonly performed neurologic procedures including lumbar puncture, botulinum toxin injections, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections. We specifically discuss the technique for ultrasound‐assisted lumbar puncture and occipital nerve block as these are commonly performed. We then focus on the utility of ultrasound in the diagnosis of neurologic conditions. This includes neuromuscular diseases such as motor neuron disorders, focal neuropathies, and muscular dystrophy as well as vascular conditions such as stroke and vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage. We also address ultrasound's use in critically ill patients to aid in identifying increased intracranial pressure, hemodynamics, and arterial and/or venous catheterization. Finally, we address the importance of standardized ultrasound curricula in trainee education and make recommendations for the future directions of research and competency guidelines within our specialty.
Retention of titanium copings to implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses
Authors: Chiam Sieu Yien , Lee Hsin Lin , Bedrossian Armand E. , Xu Qianhui , Kuykendall William , Ren Anna , Hess Timothy A. , Ramos Van , Chung Kwok‐Hung
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of using different cements and titanium copings designs on the retention of implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (IFDPs) using a pull‐out test.

Materials and Methods

Fifty zirconia (ZirCAD; Ivoclar Vivadent) and 20 prepolymerized denture acrylic resin (AvaDent) rectangular (36 mm × 12 mm × 8 mm) specimens were milled to mimic the lower left segmental portion of the All‐on‐Four IFDPs. Cylindrical titanium copings (Variobase; Straumann) (V) were used in 2 prepolymerized denture acrylic resin groups (n = 10) while conical titanium copings (Straumann) (C) were used as a control group for zirconia with 4 groups using cylindrical titanium copings. Before cementation, the outer surfaces of all titanium copings and the intaglio bonding surface of prosthetic specimens were airborne‐particle abraded. All specimens were cemented following the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions according to the experimental design. After artificial aging (5000 cycles of 5°C 55°C, dwelling time 20 s; 150 N, 1.5 Hz in a 37°C water bath), all specimens were subjected to retention force testing using a pull‐out test using a universal testing machine and a custom fixture with a crosshead speed 5 mm/min. Modes of failure were classified as Type 1, 2, or 3. Retention force values were analyzed by the t‐test for the prepolymerized denture acrylic resin specimen groups, and 1‐way ANOVA and the Tukey test for the zirconia groups at α = 0.05.

Results

Mean and standard deviation retention force values varied from 101.1 ± 67.1 to 509.0 ± 65.2 N for the prepolymerized denture acrylic resin specimen groups. The zirconia groups ranged from 572.8 ± 274.7 to 1416.1 ± 258.0 N. There is no statistically significant difference in retention force values between V and C specimens cementing to zirconia with Panavia SA cement (Kuraray Noritake) (p = 0.587). The retention forces and failure modes were influenced by the cement used (p < 0.05). Modes of failure were predominantly Type 2 (mixed failure) and Type 1 (adhesive fracture from prosthetic materials) except for the quick‐set resin group (Type 3, adhesive failure from coping).

Conclusions

When bonding IFDPs onto titanium copings, quick‐set resin provided significantly higher retention force for prepolymerized denture acrylic resin prostheses. Conical and cylindrical titanium copings performed similarly when cemented to zirconia with Panavia SA cement under the same protocol. The stability of the bonded interface and retention forces between zirconia prostheses and titanium copings varied from the cement used.
Detailed whole‐body nutrient analysis identifies differences in feeding ecology between related fish species: The case of Orestias native Andean killifish in Lake Titicaca
Authors: Loayza Erick , Muñoz‐Saravia Arturo , De Troch Marleen , Hendriks Wouter H. , Janssens Geert P. J.
Published: May 2023

Body nutrient profiles in ecological studies allow for relating the nutritional status of consumers and their effects on the movement and retention of elements in ecosystems, as well as reflecting feeding conditions and habitat quality. This study compared the detailed whole‐body nutrient composition (macronutrients, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids) of two omnivorous natives Orestias killifish from Lake Titicaca (Orestias agassizii and Orestias luteus, Valenciennes), the largest lake in the Andes, as an indirect tool to understand differences in their feeding ecology. Although both species are usually described as omnivorous fish, both have amphipods (Hyalella spp) as their main food source. Our results showed that both killifish had a comparable macronutrient composition, and the mineral concentrations of Mg, P and Ca (reflecting bony structures) differed between them. Many of the saturated fatty acids were significantly lower in O. luteus, and O. agassizii had higher concentrations of cis‐vaccenic acid (18:1n11 (cis)), supporting the idea of a higher algal contribution to the diet of this fish. The lower histidine and higher taurine concentrations in O. agassizii compared with O. luteus (independent of body size) may reflect its ubiquitous behaviour and plasticity. This study shows how whole‐body nutrient analysis can identify differences in feeding ecology and feeding behaviour between related species.
Influence of high‐ and low‐fermentable dietary fibres in sows' diet on the colostrum potential against Clostridioides difficile toxin‐induced effects in IPEC‐J2 cells
Authors: Grześkowiak Łukasz , Vahjen Wilfried , Zentek Jürgen
Published: May 2023

Sow colostrum has been reported to protect the IPEC‐J2 cells and piglet colon tissues from detrimental effect of Clostridioides difficile toxins. Since dietary fibre can influence the colostrum composition in sows, we hypothesised that it can also differentially affect the colostrum potential against C. difficile toxin‐induced effects in IPEC‐J2. IPEC‐J2 were incubated with colostrum from sows fed either high‐fermentable sugar beet pulp (SBP) or low‐fermentable lignocellulose (LNC) fibres and in combination with the toxins and analysed by trans‐epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell viability using propidium iodide in flow cytometry. Toxins drastically decreased the integrity of IPEC‐J2. Colostrum from the sows fed either SBP or LNC exerted protective effect against toxins on IPEC‐J2 integrity and this effect was numerically superior in the SBP group. Differences in the percentages of TEER between different treatments were noted after 2 h (p = 0.043), 3 h (p = 0.017) and 4 h (p = 0.017) of incubation and a tendency for differences was noted after 5 h of incubation (p = 0.071). Colostrum from either SBP‐ or LNC‐fed sows did not protect the IPEC‐J2 from toxin‐induced death. Colostrum of the sows fed either high‐fermentable or low‐fermentable fibres has a potential to protect IPEC‐J2 from the loss of integrity, which may be important in protection from C. difficile‐infection development in neonatal piglets.
Policy implications of fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratio variation across rural and urban hospitals
Authors: Barker Abigail R. , MacKinney A. Clinton , McBride Timothy D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Hospitals with lower fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios may be better positioned to remain financially viable when reducing service volumes required by many value‐based payment systems. We assessed whether hospitals in rural areas have higher fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios, which would tend to create a systematic disadvantage in such an environment.

Methods

Our observational study used a mixed‐effects, repeated‐measures model to analyze Medicare Hospital Cost Report Information System data for 2011‐2020. We included all 4,953 nonfederal, short‐term acute hospitals in the United States that are present in these years. After estimating the relationship between volume (measured in adjusted patient days) and patient‐care costs in a model that controlled for a small number of hospital characteristics, we calculated fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios based on our model's estimates.

Findings

We found that nonmetropolitan hospitals tend to have higher average fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios (0.85‐0.95) than metropolitan hospitals (0.73‐0.78). Moreover, the degree of rurality matters; hospitals in micropolitan counties have lower ratios (0.85‐0.87) than hospitals in noncore counties (0.91‐0.95). While the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation is associated with higher average fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios, high fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios are not exclusive to CAHs.

Conclusions

Overall, these results suggest that hospital payment policy and payment model development should consider hospital fixed‐to‐total‐cost ratios particularly in settings where economies of scale are unattainable, and where the hospital provides a sense of security to the community it serves.
Community‐wide correlations between species richness, abundance and population genomic diversity in a freshwater biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Bucholz Jamie R. , Hopper Garrett W. , González Irene Sánchez , Kelley Taylor E. , Jackson Colin R. , Garrick Ryan C. , Atkinson Carla L. , Lozier Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2023

Understanding patterns of diversity across macro (e.g. species‐level) and micro (e.g. molecular‐level) scales can shed light on community function and stability by elucidating the abiotic and biotic drivers of diversity within ecological communities. We examined the relationships among taxonomic and genetic metrics of diversity in freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae), an ecologically important and species‐rich group in the southeastern United States. Using quantitative community surveys and reduced‐representation genome sequencing across 22 sites in seven rivers and two river basins, we surveyed 68 mussel species and sequenced 23 of these species to characterize intrapopulation genetic variation. We tested for the presence of species diversity–abundance correlations (i.e. the more‐individuals hypothesis, MIH), species‐genetic diversity correlations (SGDCs) and abundance‐genetic diversity correlations (AGDCs) across all sites to evaluate relationships between different metrics of diversity. Sites with greater cumulative multispecies density (a standardized metric of abundance) had a greater number of species, consistent with the MIH hypothesis. Intrapopulation genetic diversity was strongly associated with the density of most species, indicating the presence of AGDCs. However, there was no consistent evidence for SGDCs. Although sites with greater overall densities of mussels had greater species richness, sites with higher genetic diversity did not always exhibit positive correlations with species richness, suggesting that there are spatial and evolutionary scales at which the processes influencing community‐level diversity and intraspecific diversity differ. Our work reveals the importance of local abundance as indicator (and possibly a driver) of intrapopulation genetic diversity.