bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Magnesium in Acute Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pergolini Ilaria , Schorn Stephan , Friess Helmut , Demir Ihsan Ekin
Published: September 2024

Introduction: As natural calcium (Ca) antagonist, magnesium (Mg) seems to counteract Ca-signaling pathways involved in the intracellular protease activation leading to acute pancreatitis. We systematically reviewed the current literature to investigate the role of Mg in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and its possible use in detecting, predicting, and preventing acute pancreatitis. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed/Scopus/Web of Science to identify in vivo and in vitro studies reporting data on Mg in acute pancreatitis. Results: Twelve studies were included. Due to their heterogeneity, we conducted a review without the intent of inference. Mg deficiency in pancreatic acinar cells seems to be frequently associated with serum hypocalcemia and acute pancreatitis. Mg seems to contrast intracellular Ca accumulation which induces premature enzyme activation and acute pancreatitis. Several in vivo and in vitro experiments showed beneficial effects of Mg supplementation in counteracting Ca-signaling pathways and subsequent pathological events. Moreover, a recent randomized trial demonstrated the efficacy of Mg supplementation in reducing the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis in high-risk patients. Conclusion: Mg is a natural antagonist of Ca-signaling pathways and, when deficient, predisposes to acute pancreatitis. Mg supplementation may be useful to prevent acute pancreatitis in many contexts, such as post-ERCP or after pancreatic surgery. The heterogeneity of the included studies represents an important limitation that may hinder robust conclusions.
Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes of Jugulotympanic Paraganglioma
Authors: Koh Sung Min , Song Bokhyun , Cho Yang-Sun
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Jugulotympanic paraganglioma (JTP) refers to paraganglioma arising from jugular bulb, which can invade surrounding structures such as the bones, blood vessels, meninges, and cranial nerves. The authors conducted a study to find surgical indications to avoid a serious cranial nerve complications by analyzing the medical records of patients who underwent surgical management for JTP. Methods: We performed a single-institution, retrospective review of patients who underwent resection of JTP from 2004 to 2022. Patients underwent either Fisch infratemporal fossa approach type A (ITFA-A) or modification of ITFA-A with partial rerouting of the facial nerve. Preoperative and postoperative lower cranial nerve (LCN) function and facial function using the House-Brackmann (H-B) grade were evaluated. Results: The study included 19 patients with a mean age of 43.1 years (standard deviation [SD], 16.1 years). The average tumor size was 28.6 mm (SD 12.6 mm). In patients with Fisch classes C1 and C2 tumors, there were 3 and 11 patients, respectively. Gross total tumor removal (GTR) was performed in all patients with classes C1 and C2. GTR was achieved in 2 out of the 5 patients with class C3 tumor. Seventeen patients underwent ITFA-A and 2 patients underwent partial rerouting. Facial function before surgery was normal in all but 3 cases. Among 16 patients with preoperative normal facial function, 13 had H-B grade I to II and 3 had H-B grade III at 1 year after surgery. Total and partial rerouting did not significantly affect facial function immediately after surgery or at the postoperative 1-year evaluation (p = 1.00). Preoperative LCN function was normal in all patients. LCN palsy lasting more than 1 year occurred in 7 patients after surgery. Patients with Fisch class C1 tumor did not develop postoperative LCN palsy. Among the patients with class C2 tumor, none of 5 patients with medial invasion depth less than 9.5 mm developed LCN palsy, whereas 5 of 6 patients (83.3%) with invasion depth of 9.5 mm or greater developed LCN palsy (p = 0.02). Conclusion: JTPs with deep medial invasion should be managed conservatively to prevent LCN palsy.
Occurrence and distribution of Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) in the protected area network of Jammu Shiwaliks, India
Authors: Ansari Ajaz , Sharma Neeraj
Published: September 2024

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata, a rare and elusive species distributed across the Indian sub-continent, remains poorly understood due to its nocturnal and solitary behaviour, resulting in a lack of understanding about its ecology. This study presents the distribution of the animal in protected areas in Jammu Shiwaliks, India using the data obtained from camera trap images. Eighteen mammals including the Indian Pangolin were recorded from 131 camera trap locations during 3,144 trap nights in a cumulative protected area of 127km2 in an elevational range of 358–880 m. Given its ecological significance, more rigorous surveys need to be conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the distribution, ecology, and habitat utilization of Indian Pangolin across the Jammu Shiwaliks.
Avifaunal diversity assessment and conservation significance of Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu: insights about breeding waterbirds
Authors: Byju H. , H. Maitreyi  , N. Raveendran  , Vijayan Reshmi
Published: September 2024

The study offers a comprehensive avifaunal diversity assessment within the Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (TBS) in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, India which was carried out from January 2021 to March 2023 consisting of two breeding seasons. We recorded 96 bird species of 18 orders and 44 families. Family representations by species were: Ardeidae 10, Accipitridae and Rallidae six each, Anatidae five, Alcedinidae, Cuculidae, Columbidae, Threskiornithidae, and Cisticolidae four each. Four globally ‘Near Threatened’ species (IUCN Red List) were reported: Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Asian Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus, and Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis. Observed frequencies of species classes were: common (n = 58, 60%), uncommon (n = 28, 29%), and rare (n = 10, 10%). A majority of species were residents (n = 83, 86%), followed by winter visitors (n = 12, 12.5%), and a single passage migrant (Rosy Starling Pastor roseus). Of conservation significance is the finding that 23 of 40 waterbird species recorded in TBS were breeding on site. Maximum numbers of birds and nests were recorded in year 2, presumed to be due to better rainfall and water availability. The findings underscore the importance of TBS in providing bird habitat, and emphasise the need for its conservation, particularly in safeguarding breeding waterbirds habitat. This study provides baseline data essential for the management plan for the forest department of long-term conservation strategies.
The first report of an assassin bug of the genus Ademula McAtee & Malloch (Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India and its rediscovery from Sri Lanka
Authors: H. Sankararaman  , Ranasinghe Tharindu , Agarwal Anubhav , Sumanapala Amila , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: September 2024

Emesine bug Ademula contaminata (Distant, 1903) is recorded from India for the first time and rediscovered from Sri Lanka. Details of its morphology, including the male genitalia, are presented along with images of the habitat. Images of living bugs in natural habitat are presented along with some comments on natural history of these bugs.
Rap1A Modulates Store-Operated Calcium Entry in the Lung Endothelium: A Novel Mechanism Controlling NFAT-Mediated Vascular Inflammation and Permeability
Authors: Kosuru Ramoji , Romito Olivier , Sharma Guru Prasad , Ferraresso Francesca , Ghadrdoost Nakhchi Behshid , Yang Kai , Mammoto Tadanori , Mammoto Akiko , Kastrup Christian J. , Zhang David X. , Goldspink Paul H. , Trebak Mohamed , Chrzanowska Magdalena
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Store-operated calcium entry mediated by STIM (stromal interaction molecule)-1–Orai1 (calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1) is essential in endothelial cell (EC) functions, affecting signaling, NFAT (nuclear factor for activated T cells)-induced transcription, and metabolic programs. While the small GTPase Rap1 (Ras-proximate-1) isoforms, including the predominant Rap1B, are known for their role in cadherin-mediated adhesion, EC deletion of Rap1A after birth uniquely disrupts lung endothelial barrier function. Here, we elucidate the specific mechanisms by which Rap1A modulates lung vascular integrity and inflammation.

METHODS:

The role of EC Rap1A in lung inflammation and permeability was examined using in vitro and in vivo approaches.

RESULTS:

We explored Ca
2+
signaling in human ECs following siRNA-mediated knockdown of Rap1A or Rap1B. Rap1A knockdown, unlike Rap1B, significantly increased store-operated calcium entry in response to a GPCR (G-protein–coupled receptor) agonist, ATP (500 µmol/L), or thapsigargin (250 nmol/L). This enhancement was attenuated by Orai1 channel blockers 10 μmol/L BTP2 (N-[4-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl]-4-methyl-1,2,3-thiadiazole-5-carboxamide), 10 μmol/L GSK-7975A, and 5 μmol/L Gd
3+
. Whole-cell patch clamp measurements revealed enhanced Ca
2+
release-activated Ca
2+
current density in siRap1A ECs. Rap1A depletion in ECs led to increased NFAT1 nuclear translocation and activity and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL1 [C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1], CXCL11 [C-X-C motif chemokine 11], CCL5 [chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5], and IL-6 [interleukin-6]). Notably, reducing Orai1 expression in siRap1A ECs normalized store-operated calcium entry, NFAT activity, and endothelial hyperpermeability in vitro. EC-specific Rap1A knockout (Rap1A
iΔEC
) mice displayed an inflammatory lung phenotype with increased lung permeability and inflammation markers, along with higher Orai1 expression. Delivery of siRNA against Orai1 to lung endothelium using lipid nanoparticles effectively normalized Orai1 levels in lung ECs, consequently reducing hyperpermeability and inflammation in Rap1A
iΔEC
mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings uncover a novel role of Rap1A in regulating Orai1-mediated Ca
2+
entry and expression, crucial for NFAT-mediated transcription and endothelial inflammation. This study distinguishes the unique function of Rap1A from that of the predominant Rap1B isoform and highlights the importance of normalizing Orai1 expression in maintaining lung vascular integrity and modulating endothelial functions.
Deconstructing Regenerative Medicine: From Mechanistic Studies of Cell Therapy to Novel Bioinspired RNA Drugs
Authors: Marbán Eduardo
Published: September 2024

All Food and Drug Administration–approved noncoding RNA (ncRNA) drugs (n≈20) target known disease-causing molecular pathways by mechanisms such as antisense. In a fortuitous evolution of work on regenerative medicine, my coworkers and I inverted the RNA drug discovery process: first we identified natural disease-modifying ncRNAs, then used them as templates for new synthetic RNA drugs. Mechanism was probed only after bioactivity had been demonstrated. The journey began with the development of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) for cardiac regeneration. While testing CDCs in a first-in-human trial, we discovered they worked indirectly: ncRNAs within CDC-secreted extracellular vesicles mediate the therapeutic benefits. The vast majority of such ncRNAs are fragments of unknown function. We chose several abundant ncRNA species from CDC-secreted extracellular vesicles, synthesized and screened each of them in vitro and in vivo. Those with exceptional disease-modifying bioactivity inspired new chemical entities that conform to the structural conventions of the Food and Drug Administration–approved ncRNA armamentarium. This discovery arc—Cell-Derived RNA from Extracellular vesicles for bioinspired Drug develOpment, or CREDO—has yielded various promising lead compounds, each of which works via a unique, and often novel, mechanism. The process relies on emergent insights to shape therapeutic development. The initial focus of our inquiry—CDCs—are now themselves in phase 3 testing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its associated cardiomyopathy. But the intravenous delivery strategy and the repetitive dosing protocol for CDCs, which have proven key to clinical success, both arose from systematic mechanistic inquiry. Meanwhile, emergent insights have led to multiple cell-free therapeutic candidates: CDC-secreted extracellular vesicles are in preclinical development for ventricular arrhythmias, while the CREDO-conceived RNA drugs are in translation for diseases ranging from myocarditis to scleroderma.
Some Observations on the Copying Practices of Scribe 5 of Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Tanner 10
Authors: Afros Elena
Published: September 2024

The work of Scribe 5 (T5) of Oxford, Bodleian Library, MS Tanner 10 (x1; T), the earliest extant witness to the Old English Bede (OEB), is generally described in negative terms: the script is labeled ugly and copying mechanical. The present article discusses the copying practices. It takes a comparative approach to punctuation and linguistic characteristics of T5’s stint. It shows that punctuation in T5’s stint is discourse- and content-based. In this segment of the text, T agrees with at least one other extant manuscript of the OEB on the placement of the punctus that signals the discourse chunks boundaries in 97% of instances, which means that this type of punctuation is inherited from a common ancestor. In contrast, the punctus that marks the noteworthy information is found only in T. Linguistic features likewise include archaic and dialectally-marked forms faithfully copied from the exemplar as well as contemporary and dialectally-unmarked ones attributable to T5. T5’s conservatism renders his work invaluable for reconstructing the antecedent copies of the OEB. His innovations shed light on the evolution of punctuation and the English language in the ninth-tenth centuries.
“What Is for Me Is Not for My Master”
Authors: Smith Chelsey R.
Published: September 2024

This article centers what provision grounds meant to and for Afro-Jamaican apprentice laborers, and it details the complicated nature of customary rights, which were under attack after abolition in 1834. Although the apprentices’ provision grounds did not belong to them legally, they believed this land was theirs by customary right. Maintaining provision grounds allowed some apprentices to increase their capital and carve out autonomous spaces. For others, provision grounds led to familial and communal disputes over land rights. Furthermore, this study highlights rights lost and gained for apprentices after abolition and emphasizes how apprentice laborers sometimes exercised their newfound right to file complaints against overseers to secure their customary rights. By evaluating the factors that encouraged and discouraged the careful cultivation of one’s grounds during apprenticeship, this article also evaluates the role that these grounds played in the wider Afro-Jamaican community forged on pens and plantations.
Predatory midges of the genus Schizohelea Kieffer, 1917 in Europe and North Africa (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: SZADZIEWSKI RYSZARD , DOMINIAK PATRYCJA , RUMIŠEK MARIO , NEINHUIS CHRISTOPH , WANKE STEFAN , RUPP THOMAS
Published: September 2024

Five species of the Holarctic genus Schizohelea occurring in Europe and North Africa are reviewed, diagnosed and illustrated. These are S. leucopeza (Meigen, 1804), S. incerta (Clastrier, 1963), S. algeriana Szadziewski, Dominiak, Rumišek et Rupp, sp. nov., S. clastrieri Szadziewski, Dominiak, Rumišek et Rupp, sp. nov. and S. withersi Szadziewski, Dominiak, Rumišek et Rupp, sp. nov. The male of North African S. incerta is described for the first time. Schizohelea algeriana and S. clastrieri are described from northern Algeria, and S. withersi from southern France. An identification key to all species of the genus is provided.
3. The Urban Development of Si-ye Tir Street in Tehran
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam
Published: September 2024

In Chapter Three, Maryam Mirzaei examines historical, architectural and urban development process in the Iranian capital of Tehran. She focuses specifically on Si-ye Tir, one of the city’s most historically significant streets, reflecting on its rich religious heritage encompassing Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions. Examining this heritage over time, she highlights the unique cohesiveness of this syncretic urban environment.
5. Tackling Sustainability in Bordeaux
Authors: Gerbeaud Fanny , Barlet Aline , Mazel Caroline
Published: September 2024

In Chapter Five, Fanny Gerbeaud, Aline Barlet and Caroline Mazel examine the modern neighbourhoods of Mériadeck and Pontet-Lamartine in Bordeaux, France, focusing on local communities’ commitment to the physical and moral rehabilitation of these suburban areas. Architectural, environmental and social surveys demonstrate inhabitants’ involvement in preserving their residential heritage and their efforts to create sustainable urban heritage by adapting their practices and perceptions.
7. The Medina of Tunis, a Heritage Model for Urban Sustainability
Authors: Achour Safa
Published: September 2024

In Chapter Seven, Safa Achour emphasises the importance of the traditional heritage and morphology of the old town of Tunis. She examines the sustainability of this medina in terms of urban design and outdoor thermal comfort, providing urban planning recommendations for preserving its cultural heritage, social life and urban spaces.
8. The Colonial Heritage of Tunis
Authors: Chabchoub Athar , Kharrat Fakher
Published: September 2024

Chapter Eight also concerns thermal comfort in the context of Tunis, evaluating its interior rather than exterior aspect. Athar Chabchoub and Fakher Kharrat analyse the city’s colonial heritage, offering a comparative study of indoor thermal comfort in two downtown buildings representing the colonial and contemporary periods. Focusing on the physical, psychological and physiological aspects of comfort, they investigate the thermal performance and energy consumption of these structures. The results of this analysis demonstrate that the preservation of both traditional and colonial buildings is imperative for the sustainable conservation of urban heritage given contemporary environmental concerns.
10. Heritage as a Vector of Sustainable Urban Regeneration
Authors: Singh Mrinalini
Published: September 2024

Chapter Ten turns to the walled city Delhi, India, where Mrinalini Singh analyses the area of North Shahjahanabad, revealing a cultural heritage comprising rich historical, social, economic, religious and architectural values. She evaluates urban regeneration as a tool for developing and managing this historic urban environment and considers the city’s assets and potential as a basis for sustainability. This heritage thus becomes more than a static assortment of buildings and urban spaces, focalising dynamic social, economic and cultural spheres that continually drive it towards its full potential.
Zonally Asymmetric Increase in Southern Ocean Heat Content
Authors: Hague Mark , Münnich Matthias , Gruber Nicolas
Published: September 2024

A zonally symmetric perspective has proven to be very useful in studying the key role of the Southern Ocean for global ocean heat uptake. Despite this, reconstructions of changes in Southern Ocean heat content ΔOHC over the past few decades have revealed substantial deviations from symmetry. Here, we investigate the zonal asymmetry of ΔOHC and the processes driving it for the period 1979–2019 using an eddy-permitting ocean model forced by atmospheric reanalysis (ERA5). We find that the model successfully reproduces the observed zonal asymmetry in ΔOHC and that it is primarily due to zonal asymmetries in changing surface fluxes. Zonal asymmetries in mean ocean circulation play an important secondary role. Factorial simulations are used to attribute the asymmetry in ΔOHC to the different surface flux components (wind stress, heat, and freshwater fluxes), revealing strong regional differences. North of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), we find roughly equal contributions from changes in wind stress and surface heat flux. Within the ACC, all three forcings play an important role, while south of it only wind stress and freshwater flux changes are important. Our findings argue for full consideration of the three-dimensional circulation to understand heat uptake and storage in the Southern Ocean, especially when considering multidecadal time scales where natural variations are as important as the long-term warming trend.
Rethinking Our Approach to Understanding Violence in Carceral Institutions: A Call for Incorporating Public Management Perspectives
Authors: Harney Jessie
Published: September 2024

Much of the empirical work on carceral violence has relied on importation and deprivation theories, with limited work focusing on associations with institutional management practices. To examine the extent to which these areas of opportunity exist in studying carceral violence, this paper employs a mapping review, assessing which factors tend to be most incorporated into empirical work on carceral violence. Results suggest that much of the literature is driven by individual-level, prison data in the US context, published in criminology journals, and seldomly controls for factors related to the staff and their engagement with or perceptions of incarcerated people. Empirical work on carceral violence may benefit from greater nuance and incorporation of public management perspectives to better mitigate carceral violence.
School-Based Residential Segregation in Ankara: A Divided Urban Pattern in Educational Lines
Authors: Ataç Kavurmacı Ela
Published: September 2024

Socio-spatial inequalities are on the rise in Turkey, resulting in increasing segregation between population groups with different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Therefore, the link between school-based and residential segregation has become crucial for understanding urban and social divisions, specifically in the large metropolitan areas. However, our knowledge about this relationship in the case of Turkey and many non-Western countries is limited. What we know from the related literature based on Western experiences is that school and residential segregation are highly interrelated, and analyzing this relation is the key to understanding socio-spatial inequalities in cities. This article, therefore, aims to investigate the socio-spatial relation between the academic performance of high-schools and the residential segregation in educational line in Ankara, Turkey. In this article, academic performance is represented by national university entrance examination results at school level and residential segregation is analyzed through population census at the neighborhood level. The methodology involves the classification of public and private high schools in terms of academic performance and cross-referencing with schools’ educational environment. We find that in terms of the relationship between school’s academic performance and residential patterns Ankara is, in fact, a divided city in educational lines.
Criminalising Stealthing: Lessons From the UK and Australia
Authors: Chesser Brianna , Clough-Ricci Amanda
Published: September 2024

The boundaries of sexual offences and the many facets of consent have provided somewhat of a legal conundrum, especially in the 21st century. Correctly identifying and labelling the various offences, alongside discussions around consent and deception, has had particular significance. The focal research question this article will consider is the concept of stealthing – a term used to describe non-consensual condom removal during sexual intercourse, how the criminal law should deal with such behaviour and the legal ramifications of this. We examine the utility of the current statutory frameworks and suggest avenues that extend beyond the criminalisation of this behaviour, focussing on both the UK and Australian territories in comparative analysis. An ideal and novel legal approach to addressing this non-consensual form of sexual behaviour is suggested.
Trust and Inequality of Opportunities
Authors: Jaime-Castillo Antonio M , Herreros Francisco
Published: September 2024

There is a vast literature on the effect of inequality on trust, establishing that equality must be a pre-condition for the emergence of trust. However, most empirical research either focuses on case studies or uses measures of income inequality, such as the Gini index. In this article, we argue that a measure of inequality of opportunities is preferable to focusing on inequality of outcomes, as it taps into the psychological foundations of trust. In contexts where people feel effort is not adequately rewarded because individuals get ahead due to their family background or individual advantages based on luck, it is difficult to establish the conditions for trustful exchanges and long-lasting relationships. We use data from the European Social Survey to break down income into three different sources: equitable income, inherited social (dis-)advantage, and individual (dis-)advantage. Our measure of inequality of opportunities at the societal level is built on the aggregation of inherited social (dis-)advantage at the individual level. Multilevel models prove the negative effect of personal (dis-)advantages on trust. Panel data analysis indicates that living in societies in which inequality of opportunities is higher leads to lower levels of social trust.
Kynurenines are altered in the brain in depression, in a subgroup dependent manner: Implications for targeted treatment approaches
Authors: Walpole Samara J , Newell Kelly A
Published: September 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex and multi-faceted disorder with a high level of heterogeneity at both the clinical and molecular level. Emerging evidence suggests a significant role of the kynurenine pathway in MDD neurobiology that may be associated with specific subgroups. In a recent study, we examined the kynurenine pathway in postmortem anterior cingulate cortex tissue obtained from subjects with and without MDD. We identified significant changes in MDD that were associated with sex and suicide but found minimal changes in the kynurenine pathway when grouping our cohort as a general classification of MDD. Furthermore, we identified significant correlations between age and quinolinic acid that were specific to MDD. In this commentary, we discuss the importance of considering a range of subgroups in the design and analysis of molecular studies in psychiatric disorders. Future studies should examine the extent of subgroup-specific changes to advance our understanding of MDD and explore targeted therapeutic approaches designed to address the specific changes in these subgroups.
In the Middle: Work-Life Integration of Mid-Level Women Leaders in a Rural Community College System
Authors: McGill-O’Rourke Andrea , Allan Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Objective/Research Question: Research indicates that work-life integration is linked with career satisfaction for women administrators in higher education. This study focused on midlevel women leaders who are an essential component of higher education organizations and asked the question: how do mid-level women leaders in rural community colleges experience work-life integration? Method: Seeking to understand if the gendered ideal worker norm was prevalent in the work-life integration experiences of mid-level women leaders, we employed a qualitative design that drew upon phenomenological methods, to explore the work-life integration experiences of 12 mid-level women leaders in a rural community college system in the Northeastern United States. Results: Data gathered from both individual and focus group interviews with 12 participants yielded new knowledge about those participants’ experiences and had implications for practice. Conclusions: Emergent themes in this study help to fill gaps in previous research by offering a tentative framework for understanding specific characteristics that may increase successful work-life integration for women mid-level leaders in a community college setting. Implications and recommendations are discussed. To understand unique individual experiences and institutional cultures, further research is suggested in the area of community college leadership.
Internal Control Weakness and Corporate Divestitures
Authors: Li Qiang (John) , Hu Songcui , Shi Wei
Published: September 2024

This study examines the influence of firms’ internal control weakness (ICW) reported under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) on their subsequent divestiture decisions and the performance of these decisions. We argue that following ICW disclosure, firms are inclined to pursue corporate divestitures because such divestitures can reduce organizational complexity and help remedy firms’ ICW. We also propose that the positive influence of ICW disclosure on divestitures is stronger when a firm has recently appointed a CEO but weaker when there is a higher prevalence of ICW within the industry. Furthermore, we investigate the dual performance implications of divestitures following ICW disclosure. Although these divestitures, compared to divestitures not following ICW disclosure, are associated with higher stock market performance, they are also associated with slower sales growth for firms’ core businesses. We present empirical evidence that supports our arguments using a sample of S&P 1500 firms from 2003 to 2020. This study advances corporate strategy research by highlighting the role of ICW in shaping corporate divestiture decisions and documenting the multifaceted performance implications of such divestitures.
Working with Bruno Latour on a Daily Basis
Authors: Callon Michel
Published: September 2024

‘I love philosophy’. With this confession, in the twilight of his life, Bruno Latour concluded a series of interviews he gave to the French television channel ARTE. This passion was reflected in original, fundamental questions that could only be answered after a long period of fieldwork. In this article, I – who worked alongside him on a daily basis in the 1980s and 1990s – describe the significance of this philosophical quest which led Latour to cross disciplinary boundaries, free himself from institutional constraints and overcome resistance. In this way, he has not only contributed to the revival of science and technology studies, but has also brought about a powerful revival in human sciences.
Cystathionine-β-synthase expression correlates with tumour progression and adverse prognosis in patients with colon cancer
Authors: Hu Xiao-Jie , Sun Yun , Liu Guang-Jie , Zhang Juan , Zhang Li-Xiao , Peng Yan-Hui
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the levels of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) in colon cancer tissues compared with adjacent control tissues; and to examine the relationship between CBS level and clinical characteristics and prognosis.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with primary colon cancer. Paraffin-embedded specimens were used to create pathological tissue microarrays. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the microarray to detect the levels of CBS in colon cancer tissues and normal adjacent tissues. Analyses were undertaken to examine the relationship between the level of CBS and clinical characteristics and prognosis.

Results

A total of 216 patients (107 males and 109 females) were included in the study. The level of CBS in cancer tissues was found to be significantly increased compared with normal adjacent control tissues. There were significant differences in tumour location, tumour-node-metastasis stage and survival rate between the CBS-negative and CBS-positive groups. Positive CBS immunostaining was associated with decreased survival in colon cancer patients. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that tumour location and positive CBS immunostaining were independent prognostic factors for survival.

Conclusion

Positive CBS immunostaining was closely associated with colon cancer and high levels of CBS might accelerate tumour development and affect patient prognosis in colon cancer.
Reliability of the spot urine protein/creatinine ratio for assessing proteinuria in patients with renal disease
Authors: Huang Fengmei , Xie Xiaojie , Wang Manqin , Tong Xiaofang , Wu Ruiqi
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the reliability of the spot urine protein/creatinine (sP/Cr) ratio for evaluating proteinuria across different ranges and renal functions.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed 24-hour urine protein excretion (24 h UP) and sP/Cr measurements in 216 patients with renal disease. Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation and agreement between 24 h UP and the sP/Cr.

Results

The patients were categorized into the following three 24 h UP groups: 150 to 299 mg/24 hours, 300 to 3499 mg/24 hours, and >3500 mg/24 hours. Significant positive correlations were found between the sP/Cr and the first two 24 h UP groups (r = 0.9104 and r = 0.9721, respectively) but not between the third group (r = 0.3110). Bland–Altman analysis confirmed good agreement in the group with <3500 mg/day proteinuria. Estimated glomerular filtration rates ≥60 mL/minute and <60 mL/minute were significantly correlated with the sP/Cr (r = 0.8714 and r = 0.4516, respectively).

Conclusion

The sP/Cr ratio is a reliable indicator for non-nephrotic proteinuria, irrespective of renal function, but is unreliable for nephrotic-range proteinuria.
The effect of N addition on the micro-structure and corrosion resistance of modified 6Mo super austenitic stainless steels during isothermal aging treatment
Authors: Wang Jian , Yao Yi , Liu Zhiqiang , Tian Haiyu , Chen Chao , Chen Lei , Gonzalez-Garcia Yaiza , Han Peide
Published: September 2024

In this research, three types of super austenitic stainless steel (SASS) with nitrogen levels of 0.2, 0.28, and 0.38 wt.% were developed. By maintaining a relatively high manganese content of approximately 1.5 wt.% and nickel content of around 18 wt.%, nitrogen was fully incorporated into the austenite, resulting in alloy samples designated as 0.2N, 0.3N and 0.4N. The hot-rolled plates of these alloys underwent a solution treatment at 1180°C for 30 min, followed by aging at 950°C for durations of 30 min, 2 h and 6 h, respectively. The influence of nitrogen content on phase precipitation behaviour was examined through various micro-structure characterisation techniques. The corrosion resistance of the samples was further evaluated using potentiodynamic polarisation experiments, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and double loop-electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) method. The results indicated that with an increase in nitrogen (N) addition, the quantity of σ phases decreased while and the formation of Cr2N phases increased during the same aging period. Furthermore, at the same aging duration, the 0.3N SASS exhibited the highest pitting resistance and the lowest degree of sensitization (DOS) value compared to all other steels, attributed to the minimal precipitates present along the grain boundaries.
Balancing commitment: Work engagement’s role in reducing unethical behavior
Authors: Fulmore Julia A. , Fulmore Anthony L. , Hammack-Brown Bryn
Published: September 2024

Unethical behavior within organizations is a very prevalent and costly problem. This study investigates employees’ unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), which is unethical behavior with the intention to help the organization. Leveraging social identity theory and social exchange theory, this research evaluates the direct relationship between organizational commitment and UPB and the indirect relationship through employee work engagement. The theoretical model was tested using structural equation modeling based on a sample of 499 U.S. service sector employees. Results indicate that organizational commitment can motivate employees to engage in UPB. However, channeling the commitment into work engagement can reduce employees’ motivation to engage in UPB. As such, the findings extend the UPB literature while providing practitioners with a clearer understanding of the importance of monitoring organizational commitment alongside work engagement.
Cost of illness and labour market disaffiliation among patients with migraine discontinuing triptan treatment: A Danish nationwide register study from 1995 to 2021
Authors: Ashina Messoud , Steiner Timothy J. , Hansen Jakob Møller , Hauberg Daniel Sloth , Lønberg Ulla Sofie , Spanggaard Maria , Olsen Jens , Stallknecht Sandra Elkjær , Hansen Thomas Folkmann
Published: September 2024

Background

Migraine presents significant health and economic challenges. Despite the widespread use of triptans, some patients discontinue them because of insufficient relief or adverse effects. Using national registers, the present study investigates the excess costs and labour market disaffiliation of Danish patients discontinuing triptan treatment.

Methods

The study included all individuals ≥18 years (“patients”) who discontinued redemption of triptan prescriptions between 1998 and 2019. They were categorized by number of distinct triptans redeemed before discontinuation: one, two or three or more. A control group was established from the general population without triptan redemptions, three per patient, matched by year of birth, sex and region of residence. We estimated excess direct and indirect costs from 5 years prior (“year −5”) to 10 years post (“year 10”) the first triptan redemption.

Results

We identified 211,026 patients who discontinued triptan redemption, 82% after one, 14% after two and 4% after three or more distinct triptans. Over the period from year −5 to year 10, average excess healthcare costs per patient in these cohorts were EUR 9,554, EUR 10,942 and EUR 12,812 respectively. Over the same period, these patients earned EUR 27,964, EUR 35,920 and EUR 50,076 less than their respective controls, and received higher public transfer payments of EUR 20,181, EUR 23,264 and EUR 26,459.

Conclusions

Triptan discontinuers, who appear to have exhausted all current treatment avenues, face high direct and very high indirect excess costs attributable to migraine, and experience substantial increased labour market disaffiliation.
Posterior Glenoid Bone Grafting in the Setting of Excessive Glenoid Retroversion Does Not Provide Adequate Stability in a Cadaveric Posterior Instability Model
Authors: Ernstbrunner Lukas , Paszicsnyek Alexander , Ker Andrew M. , Waltenspül Manuel , Bachmann Elias , Wieser Karl , Bouaicha Samy , Borbas Paul
Published: September 2024

Background:

Excessive glenoid retroversion is a known risk factor for posterior shoulder instability and failure after soft tissue stabilization procedures. Whether excessive glenoid retroversion is a risk factor for failure after posterior glenoid bone grafting is unknown.

Purpose:

To evaluate the biomechanical effectiveness of posterior iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG) for posterior shoulder instability with increasing glenoid retroversion.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Six fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders had a posterior glenoid osteotomy allowing the glenoid retroversion to be set at 0°, 10°, and 20°. At these 3 preset angles, 4 conditions were simulated consecutively on the same specimen: (1) intact glenohumeral joint, (2) posterior Bankart lesion, (3) 20% posterior glenoid bone defect, and (4) posterior ICBG. Stability was evaluated in the jerk position (60° of glenohumeral anteflexion, 60° of internal rotation) by measuring (A) posterior humeral head (HH) translation (in mm) and (B) peak translational force (in N) necessary for translation of the HH over 25% of glenoid width.

Results:

At 0° of retroversion, the ICBG restored posterior HH translation and peak translational force to values comparable with those of the intact condition ( P = .649 and P = .979, respectively). At 10° of retroversion, the ICBG restored the peak translational force to a value comparable with that of the intact condition (22.3 vs 24.7 N, respectively; P = .418) but showed a significant difference in posterior HH translation in comparison to the intact condition (4.5 vs 2.0 mm, respectively; P = .026). There was a significant increase in posterior HH translation and significant decrease in peak translational force with the ICBG at 20° of glenoid retroversion compared with the intact condition (posterior HH translation: 7.9 vs 2.0 mm, respectively; P < .006; peak translational force: 15.3 vs 24.7 N, respectively; P = .014).

Conclusion:

In this cadaveric study, posterior ICBG was able to restore stability to a level comparable to that of the native condition at 0° and to some extent at 10° of retroversion. However, posterior ICBG was not able to provide adequate stability at 20° of glenoid retroversion.

Clinical Relevance:

Posterior glenoid bone grafting with ICBG should be used with caution when performed in isolation in the setting of posterior instability associated with glenoid bone loss and combined glenoid retroversion of >10°.
Attitudes and Experiences of Community Palliative Care Nurses Regarding Pediatric Home-Based End-of-Life Care: A Statewide Survey
Authors: Helyar Mia , Eamens Marisa , Coombs Sandra , Smeal Therese , Mherekumombe Martha , Jaaniste Tiina
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Pediatric end-of-life (EOL) care at home is often provided by community palliative care (CPC) nurses who do not specialize in pediatrics. This study aimed to better understand the challenges CPC nurses face when providing EOL care to children at home. Methods: A total of 52 CPC nurses across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, participated in an online survey about their training, attitudes, and experiences regarding the provision of home-based pediatric EOL care. Participants were asked to reflect back over a “negative” experience of caring for a child at EOL, where things did not go as well as hoped, and a “positive” EOL care experience, where nurses perceived that care of the child and family went well, and respond to questions about these experiences. Results: Confidence of CPC nurses when providing EOL care to pediatric patients was significantly lower than when caring for adults ( p's < .05). Most respondents expressed the desire for more training in pediatric EOL care. Cases identified as negative by CPC nurses did not significantly differ from positive cases in terms of the timing of the referral to CPC, clinical symptoms at EOL, or how well informed the nurses felt. Siblings were present at EOL in 74% of the negative experiences and 86% of the positive experiences, reportedly receiving significantly poorer support in the negative experiences ( p = .002). Conclusion: This research contributes to an improved understanding of the challenges associated with home-based pediatric EOL care and highlights potential areas for improvement in CPC service delivery and training.
Why People Accept Mental Health-Related Misinformation: Role of Social Media Metrics in Users’ Information Processing
Authors: Zhang Shiyi , Zhou Huiyu , Zhu Yimei
Published: September 2024

Drawing on dual-process theories, this study aims to investigate the factors associated with social media users’ acceptance of mental health-related misinformation (MHRM). We conducted a case study of Chinese microblogging Weibo on conversations that emerged following a publicised celebrity suicide of South Korean superstar Sulli. This incident sparked an extensive discussion on mental health issues as Sulli was reported to have suffered from depression prior to her death. Whilst previous studies on users’ information acceptance mainly adopted survey methods, our study employs a mixed-method approach (i.e. computational data collection method, content analysis and statistical analysis), which opens up new directions to utilise secondary social media data. We identified MHRM from the discussions on Weibo and labelled the responses to the misinformation as whether they indicate an acceptance of the MHRM. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the associations of receivers’ acceptance of MHRM with its information features (e.g. number of likes) and information sources (e.g. gender). Inconsistent with previous studies, our findings suggest that MHRM is less likely to be accepted when published by male users, underscoring the context-specific nature of heuristic cues. This study also revealed some novel findings, such as MHRM with more pictures or with more words is less likely to be accepted. A theoretical model was proposed based on the findings, which highlights the importance of heuristic cues and individuals’ pre-existing knowledge in information processing.
The collaboration of higher education with the business: The barriers to employers’ engagement
Authors: Suleman Fátima , Suleman Abdul
Published: September 2024

We examine employers’ perception of the collaboration of higher education (HE) with business and the barriers to employers’ engagement. A sample of 162 employers from Portugal filled an original survey, in 2020, designed to examine the relationship between HE and the world of work. The employers differ in the perception of the collaboration of HE with business, and this is reflected in their engagement. Some employers indicate that HE should focus on general skills, and therefore should be autonomous from business (64.8%). Those employers do not report any barriers. Others blame HE for being an ivory tower that disregards their skill needs and imposes cultural barriers on engagement, namely lack of business knowledge, difficulties to communicate with organisations and respond to immediate skills need, and mismatch between the motivations of HE and organisations (24.1%). Finally, some firms acknowledge the excessive focus of HE on academic courses and complementarily undertake the responsibility to resolve their skill problems by means of own training resources (11.1%). We can infer from our findings that not all employers expect ready-to-work graduates and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for skill problems. Firms have agency and implement appropriate strategies. The discourse against HE should therefore be reassessed.
Anti-lock braking system control algorithm for driverless mining dump truck based on fuzzy PID
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wu Guangqiang , Mao Libo , Jiang Shuhuai
Published: September 2024

This paper focuses on mining dump trucks and designs an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) control algorithm based on estimating road surface adhesion conditions. In the estimation of road adhesion conditions, in order to solve the problem that the traditional recursive algorithm is complicated to estimate the time-varying parameters accurately, this paper designs an adhesion condition estimation method based on the least recursive quadratic method with forgetting factor, which improves the identification accuracy of peak adhesion coefficient and optimal slip ratio. The fuzzy PID algorithm is used to design the ABS control strategy based on the optimal slip ratio control principle and fuzzy control theory. The ABS control strategy simulation test is carried out with the help of the MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform. The real vehicle test of the control algorithm is completed on a driverless mining dump truck. The results of real vehicle tests indicate that, compared to the traditional logic threshold algorithm, the ABS control strategy based on parameter self-tuning fuzzy PID control more effectively enhances the braking performance and handling stability of the mining truck during emergency braking and significantly reduces the braking distance.