bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model for maxilloturbinate morphogenesis in seals
Authors: Kings Jonathan E. , Folkow Lars P. , Hammer Øyvind , Kjelstrup Signe , Mason Matthew J. , Xiong Fengzhu , Flekkøy Eirik G.
Published: December 2023

The nasal cavities of mammals contain the maxilloturbinate bones, which are involved in respiratory heat and humidity regulation. The maxilloturbinates of Arctic seals develop into particularly elaborate labyrinthine patterns, which are well adapted to retain heat and moisture from exhaled gas. These structures develop prenatally and continue to grow postnatally. The developmental mechanism of labyrinthine patterning is unknown. Here we report a model of maxilloturbinate pattern formation in prenatal and juvenile seals based on a simple algorithmic description and three key parameters: target turbinate porosity, characteristic ossification time scale, and typical gestation time scale. Under a small set of geometrical and physical rules, our model reproduces key features of the patterns observed in grey and harp seal turbinates, and even in the less complex monk seal turbinates. To validate our model, we measure complexity, hydraulic diameter, backbone fractal dimension, and Horton-Strahler statistics for a rigorous quantitative comparison with actual tomograms of grey and harp seal skull specimens. Our model closely replicates the structural development of seal turbinates in these respects. Labyrinthine maxilloturbinate development likely requires the ability for neighbouring bone branches to detect and avoid each other through the mechanosensing of shear stresses from amniotic fluid and air flow.
Genomic organization ofTrypanosoma cruzitRNA genes
Authors: Díaz-Viraqué Florencia , Ehrlich Ricardo , Robello Carlos
Published: December 2023

An often neglected class of genes in large-scale genome analyses is the non-protein-coding genes. In particular, due to the incompleteness of the genome assembly, it had not been possible to determine the genomic organization of the tRNA genes inTrypanosoma cruzi—a eukaryotic unicellular pathogen causative of disabling human Chagas disease—. Here, we analyzed the genic content and distribution of tRNA genes in the nuclear genome of different strains compared with the genome organization of other related trypanosomatids. We found synteny in most of the tDNAs clusters betweenT. cruziandTrypanosoma brucei, demonstrating the importance of the genome location of these Pol III transcribed genes. The vast majority of the isoacceptor species are encoded by two genes, except for tDNASeC, which is present as a tandem of 11 copies in the core compartment, associated with well-positioned nucleosomes. Finally, we describe a group of tRNA genes located at chromatin folding domain boundaries, possibly acting as chromatin insulators inT. cruzi.
Board of directors, COVID-19, and corporate social responsibility monetary performance: direct and interaction effects analysis
Authors: Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Bajaher Mohammed , Asiri Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide archival evidence on the impact of board characteristics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) monetary performance and how they interact with the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of CSR monetary performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes listed companies in Oman’s capital market from 2016 to 2021, using pooled ordinary least squares and unique CSR performance measures such as budgeting and spending.

Findings

The study finds that companies with more expertise and frequent meetings are more likely to allocate a larger budget for CSR activities. However, this does not apply to larger boards or to independent directors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of independent directors on CSR budgeting and spending is more pronounced, and boards with more expertise and meetings show a negative interaction with the pandemic. The interaction of board characteristics with COVID-19 in terms of CSR monetary performance varies depending on company size. Board independence and expertise show a significant reaction to COVID-19 infection and death cases when setting CSR budgeting and spending.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study are stimulating, but stem from an emerging country with unique cultural and institutional characteristics. Methodological issues were also encountered during the analysis, so readers should exercise caution when applying the results to other settings.

Practical implications

This study highlights board involvement in deciding a company’s CSR investment, as it was believed that chief executive officers are considered responsible for CSR activities. Additionally, this research underscores the significance of incorporating the financial aspects of CSR into reporting.

Originality/value

This study examines the seldom explored relationship between corporate boards and CSR monetary aspects during regular and irregular times, offering theoretical and practical insights that benefit multiple stakeholders.
Designing an axial code pattern for absorptive capacity of knowledge in academic libraries: examining the effect of individual and organizational learning
Authors: Kaffashan Kakhki Mojtaba , Malin Joel R. , Naderbeigi Farahnaz , Maleksadati Iman , Behzadi Hassan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to identify the conditions that affect the absorptive capacity (AC) of knowledge, discover its consequences and design an AC paradigm pattern in public academic libraries. To do so, AC was investigated at the levels of individual and organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, to answer the three major questions of this qualitative-survey study, the views of 24 experts were examined using an in-depth semi-structured interview and grounded theory strategy. The data were collected using a nonrandom combined targeted sampling procedure (targeted and snowball) and analyzed based on Strauss and Corbin’s (1998) approach and utilizing MAX Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA) software.

Findings

Throughout the grounded analytic stages, 121 open codes were identified. These were distributed around the AC axial category in academic libraries in terms of individual and organizational learning. The 33 axial concepts were then categorized into 16 selective general categories. The paradigm pattern was initially designed to explore the relationships between causal, intervening, strategies, context and consequences conditions. The transition from academic libraries to learning organizations, their increased functional value and the development of their innovation were identified as the consequences of AC development.

Originality/value

This qualitative research is the first in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) to support AC both theoretically and empirically in terms of learning in academic libraries. This study thus not only addresses a key research gap in LIS but also provides significant insights and direction to interested librarians and researchers.
The impact of co-opted executives on earnings management
Authors: Valenzuela Eric , Zheng Michael
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The authors seek to analyze the impact of weak corporate governance by top executives of a firm on the firm's earnings reports. This research is meant to further emphasize the impact of co-opted executives on a firm, primarily through their impact on earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using financial data from 11,473 firm-year observations, the authors utilize ordinary least squares (OLS), 2-stage IV regressions, propensity score matching (PSM) and entropy balancing to analyze the impact of a co-opted top management team on discretionary accruals and restatements.

Findings

The authors find empirical evidence that firms with weak corporate governance from top executives are more likely to manipulate reported earnings and have lower financial reporting quality. The authors also find that the effect of co-opted executives on earnings management is weaker when a chief executive officer's (CEO’s) incentives are not aligned with those of top executives, suggesting that executives prevent earnings management due to reputational concerns. Co-opted chief financial officers (CFOs) increase the magnitude of earnings management in a firm but are not solely responsible for the authors' results.

Originality/value

The authors' results suggest that the top executive team provides an important first defense in the prevention of earnings management and corporate wrongdoing. Co-option of the top executive team may be an important consideration when doing research into corporate governance.
“Older consumer? Yes! Different motivations, but an effective online brand advocate! A content marketing typology framework”
Authors: Bubphapant Jitpisut , Brandão Amélia
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to bridge the gap by understanding the context of ageing consumer behaviour in the online community. Specifically, this research seeks to identify which content typologies are critical to generating high engagement levels and, consequently, online brand advocacy and to understand the underlying motivation behind consumer online engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A netnographic approach was used to comprehensively analyse older consumers’ online communities on Facebook, namely, “Silversurfers”. A total of 3,991 posts were included in the study and analysed using a content analysis approach over two years, from 2020 to 2022.

Findings

Results revealed that photography is the most active media type among older consumers. This study extends the literature on content marketing, identifying 17 new content types that reflect the four motivation states of older consumers to engage with the online community: cognitive/informative oriented, affective/emotional oriented, co-creation/interactive oriented and nostalgic oriented. Moreover, this investigation stressed affective/emotional oriented and nostalgic oriented as the primary motivations for higher engagement levels.

Originality/value

The older population is growing, which makes the ageing market potentially huge. However, more literature needs to address it, especially in online communities. Finally, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study develops an original content typology framework in which firms can consider implementing effective content typology strategies for the older consumer segment.
Carbon inequality and support for carbon taxation
Authors: BEISER‐McGRATH LIAM F. , BUSEMEYER MARIUS R.
Published: December 2023

Stringent policies that significantly increase the cost of greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2, are increasingly necessary for mitigating climate change. Yet while richer individuals in society generate the most CO2 emissions and thus will face the largest absolute cost burden, they also tend to be more supportive of stringent environmental policies. In this paper, we examine how information about the distribution of carbon emissions by income affects support for carbon taxation. While carbon taxation is widely advocated as the most efficient policy for mitigating climate change, it faces significant political hurdles due to its distributional costs. Using original survey data, with an embedded experiment, we find that providing information about the actual distribution of household CO2 emissions by income significantly changes individuals' support for carbon taxation. These effects are particularly pronounced at the bottom of the household income distribution, leading to increased support for costly climate policies. However, individuals who believe that carbon taxes will reduce their income continue to hold their level of support for carbon taxation. Our findings have significant implications for understanding the public's response to the distributional consequences of the green transitions and ultimately their political feasibility.
Clinicopathological significance of intestinal metaplasia in endoscopically resected early gastric carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Yu Qing , Zhang Xin Wen , Zhuang Shao Hua , Zhou Xiao Li , Huang Qin
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in endoscopically resected early gastric carcinoma (EGC).

Methods

Altogether 136 consecutive cases with EGC resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection over 5 years were included and divided into the early gastric cardiac (EGCC; n = 60) and non‐cardiac carcinoma (EGNCC; n = 76) groups. Goblet cell IM and subtypes were determined with histology and immunostaining. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was compared among various IM groups.

Results

IM was identified in 128 (94.1%) EGC cases, including complete IM (n = 39), incomplete IM (n = 27), and mixed IM (n = 62). Incomplete IM was significantly more common in EGCC and exhibited a lower frequency of en bloc resection than the complete subtype. The frequency of synchronous or metachronous gastric tumor was significantly more common in EGCC with complete IM than in those with incomplete IM. Compared to EGC without IM, EGC with IM showed a significantly higher frequency of non‐poorly cohesive carcinoma, en bloc resection, and non‐eCuraC‐1 grade. EGNCC with IM was significantly associated with negative resection margins and en bloc resection. The 5‐year RFS was significantly lower in EGNCC patients with incomplete IM compared with those with mixed IM. The independent risk factors for RFS included tumor size >2 cm and eCuraC‐1 grade.

Conclusions

Subtyping IM in EGC helped predict endoscopic resectability, prognosis, and risk of synchronous or metachronous gastric tumor. The significance of IM differed between EGCC and EGNCC. Large studies with longer follow‐up are warranted to validate our findings.
MiR‐203 improves cardiac dysfunction by targeting PARP1‐NAD+ axis in aging murine
Authors: Zhao Limin , Tang Pingping , Lin Yuan , Du Menghan , Li Huimin , Jiang Lintong , Xu Henghui , Sun Heyang , Han Jingjing , Sun Zeqi , Xu Run , Lou Han , Chen Zhouxiu , Kopylov Philipp , Liu Xin , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2023

Heart aging is a prevalent cause of cardiovascular diseases among the elderly. NAD+ depletion is a hallmark feature of aging heart, however, the molecular mechanisms that affect NAD+ depletion remain unclear. In this study, we identified microRNA‐203 (miR‐203) as a senescence‐associated microRNA that regulates NAD+ homeostasis. We found that the blood miR‐203 level negatively correlated with human age and its expression significantly decreased in the hearts of aged mice and senescent cardiomyocytes. Transgenic mice with overexpressed miR‐203 (TgN (miR‐203)) showed resistance to aging‐induced cardiac diastolic dysfunction, cardiac remodeling, and myocardial senescence. At the cellular level, overexpression of miR‐203 significantly prevented D‐gal‐induced cardiomyocyte senescence and mitochondrial damage, while miR‐203 knockdown aggravated these effects. Mechanistically, miR‐203 inhibited PARP1 expression by targeting its 3′UTR, which helped to reduce NAD+ depletion and improve mitochondrial function and cell senescence. Overall, our study first identified miR‐203 as a genetic tool for anti‐heart aging by restoring NAD+ function in cardiomyocytes.
SKN‐1/NRF2 upregulation by vitamin A is conserved from nematodes to mammals and is critical for lifespan extension in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sirakawin Chaweewan , Lin Dongfa , Zhou Ziyue , Wang Xiaoxin , Kelleher Rhianne , Huang Shangyuan , Long Weimiao , Pires‐daSilva Andre , Liu Yu , Wang Jingjing , Vinnikov Ilya A.
Published: December 2023

Vitamin A (VA) is a micronutrient essential for the physiology of many organisms, but its role in longevity and age‐related diseases remains unclear. In this work, we used Caenorhabditis elegans to study the impact of various bioactive compounds on lifespan. We demonstrate that VA extends lifespan and reduces lipofuscin and fat accumulation while increasing resistance to heat and oxidative stress. This resistance can be attributed to high levels of detoxifying enzymes called glutathione S‐transferases, induced by the transcription factor skinhead‐1 (SKN‐1). Notably, VA upregulated the transcript levels of skn‐1 or its mammalian ortholog NRF2 in both C. elegans, human cells, and liver tissues of mice. Moreover, the loss‐of‐function genetic models demonstrated a critical involvement of the SKN‐1 pathway in longevity extension by VA. Our study thus provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism of anti‐aging and anti‐oxidative effects of VA, suggesting that this micronutrient could be used for the prevention and/or treatment of age‐related disorders.
Genome‐wide association studies for loin muscle area, loin muscle depth and backfat thickness in DLY pigs
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Qiu Yibin , Meng Fanming , Zhuang Zhanwei , Ruan Donglin , Wu Jie , Ma Fucai , Zheng Enqin , Cai Gengyuan , Yang Jie , Yang Ming , Wu Zhenfang
Published: December 2023

This study aimed at identifying genes associated with loin muscle area (LMA), loin muscle depth (LMD) and backfat thickness (BFT). We performed single‐trait and multi‐trait genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) after genotyping 685 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (DLY) pigs using the Geneseek Porcine 50K SNP chip. In the single‐trait GWASs, we identified two, eight and two significant SNPs associated with LMA, LMD and BFT, respectively, and searched genes within the 1 Mb region near the significant SNPs with relevant functions as candidate genes. Consequently, we identified one (DOCK5), three (PID1, PITX2, ELOVL6) and three (CCR1, PARP14, CASR) promising candidate genes for LMA, LMD and BFT, respectively. Moreover, the multi‐trait GWAS identified four significant SNPs associated with the three traits. In conclusion, the GWAS analysis of LMA, LMD and BFT in a DLY pig population identified several associated SNPs and candidate genes, further deepening our understanding of the genetic basis of these traits, and they may be useful for marker‐assisted selection to improve the three traits in DLY pigs.
Habitat use by impala (Aepyceros melampus) breeding herds in an elephant‐impacted woodland along the Chobe Riverfront, Botswana
Authors: Rutina Lucas P.
Published: December 2023

Elephants have been structuring woodlands along the Chobe Riverfront, changing them to shrublands. Along with the loss of woodland cover, impala populations seem to be increasing along the Chobe Riverfront. We tested the prediction that elephant‐induced loss in woodland cover has increased preferred habitats for impalas along the Chobe Riverfront. We found that home range sizes of impala breeding herds did not differ among seasons at all spatial scales. Impala breeding herds were more selective at broader spatial scales than finer spatial scales in all seasons. Impala breeding herds selected shrublands more than the other habitats throughout the year. The Baikiaea woodland and the riparian woodland were the most avoided habitats, with mixed combretum shrublands and relationships between habitat selectivity and group size, inter‐herd encounter and habitat fidelity. The results of our study suggest that impala breeding herds used elephant‐transformed habitats throughout the year. Season did not influence habitat selectivity, suggesting that the preferred habitat had higher required resources relative to the other habitats throughout the year.
The effect of high‐flow nasal oxygen flow rate on gas exchange in apnoeic patients: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lyons C. , McElwain J. , Young O. , O'Gorman D. A. , Harte B. H. , Kinirons B. , Grady D. , Laffey J. G. , Callaghan M.
Published: December 2023

High‐flow nasal oxygen can be administered at induction of anaesthesia for the purposes of pre‐oxygenation and apnoeic oxygenation. This intervention is claimed to enhance carbon dioxide elimination during apnoea, but the extent to which this occurs remains poorly quantified. The optimal nasal oxygen flow rate for gas exchange is also unknown. In this study, 114 patients received pre‐oxygenation with high‐flow nasal oxygen at 50 l.min‐1. At the onset of apnoea, patients were allocated randomly to receive one of three nasal oxygen flow rates: 0 l.min‐1; 70 l.min‐1; or 120 l.min‐1. After 4 minutes of apnoea, all oxygen delivery was ceased, tracheal intubation was performed, and oxygen delivery was recommenced when SpO2 was 92%. Mean (SD) PaCO2 rise during the first minute of apnoea was 1.39 (0.39) kPa, 1.41 (0.29) kPa, and 1.26 (0.38) kPa in the 0 l.min‐1, 70 l.min‐1 and 120 l.min‐1 groups, respectively; p = 0.16. During the second, third and fourth minutes of apnoea, mean (SD) rates of rise in PaCO2 were 0.34 (0.08) kPa.min‐1, 0.36 (0.06) kPa.min‐1 and 0.37 (0.07) kPa.min‐1 in the 0 l.min‐1, 70 l.min‐1 and 120 l.min‐1 groups, respectively; p = 0.17. After 4 minutes of apnoea, median (IQR [range]) arterial oxygen partial pressures in the 0 l.min‐1, 70 l.min‐1 and 120 l.min‐1 groups were 24.5 (18.6–31.4 [12.3–48.3]) kPa; 36.6 (28.1–43.8 [9.8–56.9]) kPa; and 37.6 (26.5–45.4 [11.0–56.6]) kPa, respectively; p < 0.001. Median (IQR [range]) times to desaturate to 92% after the onset of apnoea in the 0 l.min‐1, 70 l.min‐1 and 120 l.min‐1 groups, were 412 (347–509 [190–796]) s; 533 (467–641 [192–958]) s; and 531 (462–681 [326–1007]) s, respectively; p < 0.001. In conclusion, the rate of carbon dioxide accumulation in arterial blood did not differ significantly between apnoeic patients who received high‐flow nasal oxygen and those who did not.
Evaluation of antibody response to inactivated bovine ephemeral fever virus vaccine for Japanese Black calves in the field
Authors: Otomaru Konosuke , Miyahara Takuro , Saita Hiroto , Usa Amane , Ijiri Moe
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibody response to the bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) vaccine in Japanese Black calves. Twenty‐eight Japanese Black calves, which were raised on an ordinal farm, were divided into two groups. Fifteen calves received the inactivated BEFV vaccine at 12 and 16 weeks of age (vaccination group), and 13 calves did not receive the vaccine (non‐vaccination group). Blood samples were obtained at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 weeks of age. As the results, in the vaccination group, the antibody titers at 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 weeks of age were significantly higher than those at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age (p < 0.01). Additionally, antibody titer in the vaccination group increased after 16 weeks of age and showed a significantly higher level than that in the non‐vaccination group throughout the remaining experimental period (p < 0.01). These results might be helpful in establishing a vaccination program against BEFV in calves.
Primary autoimmune haemolytic anaemia is associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke: A binational cohort study from Denmark and France
Authors: Hansen Dennis Lund , Maquet Julien , Lafaurie Margaux , Möller Sören , Berentsen Sigbjørn , Frederiksen Henrik , Moulis Guillaume , Gaist David
Published: December 2023

Primary autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) causes the destruction of red blood cells and a subsequent pro‐thrombotic state, potentially increasing the risk of ischaemic stroke. We investigated the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with AIHA in a binational study. We used prospectively collected data from nationwide registers in Denmark and France to identify cohorts of patients with primary AIHA and age‐ and sex‐matched general population comparators. We followed the patient and comparison cohorts for up to 5 years, with the first hospitalization of a stroke during follow‐up as the main outcome. We estimated cumulative incidence, cause‐specific hazard ratios (csHR) and adjusted for comorbidity and exposure to selected medications. The combined AIHA cohorts from both countries comprised 5994 patients and the 81 525 comparators. There were 130 ischaemic strokes in the AIHA cohort and 1821 among the comparators. Country‐specific estimates were comparable, and the overall adjusted csHR was 1.36 [95% CI: 1.13–1.65], p = 0.001; the higher rate was limited to the first year after AIHA diagnosis (csHR 2.29 [95% CI: 1.77–2.97], p < 10−9) and decreased thereafter (csHR 0.89 [95% CI: 0.66–1.20], p = 0.45) (p‐interaction < 10−5). The findings indicate that patients diagnosed with primary AIHA are at higher risk of ischaemic stroke in the first year after diagnosis.
Determinants of under‐five pneumonia in randomly selected health facilities at Aleta Wondo Woreda, Sidama Region Ethiopia: Case–control study
Authors: Alemu Tsegaye , Ayele Berihun , Sorato Mende Mensa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Under‐five mortality reduction due to pneumonia is not Signiant, particularly in developing countries. Pneumonia contributed to 27.5% to 31.3% of health facility visits by children 2 to 59 months in Aleta Wondo Woreda. Previous studies have shown inconclusive evidence on determinants of pneumonia in children.

Methods

An institution‐based unmatched case–control study was conducted to assess determinants of pneumonia among under‐five children at Aleta Wondo Woreda, Sidama Region.

Result

One‐hundred forty‐five cases and 290 controls of children aged 2 to 59 months participated in the study. The mean ± (SD) age of the children was 18.81 months (2.1 ± 11.43) and 28.26 months (2.1 ± 16.007) for cases and controls, respectively. Only 56% (n = 145) of cases open house windows daily, whereas most 68.6% (n = 290) of controls house windows open daily. Ninety five (62.8%) of cases and 68.6% of controls were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Household income ≥1500 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.017–0.120, p < 0.000), child location outside of cooking house during cooking (AOR = 0.101, 95% CI, 0.43–0.238, p < 0.000), no formal education of the mother (AOR = 2.398, 95% CI, 1.082–5.316, p < 0.031), and presence of history of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in last 2 weeks (AOR = 2.183, 95% CI, 1.684–5.273, P < 0.049) were determinants of pneumonia.

Conclusion

Determinants of pneumonia in under‐five children were multifactorial (socioeconomic, nutritional, and environmental). Addressing these factors by involving all relevant stakeholders is important to reduce pneumonia‐related morbidity and mortality among under‐five children in the study area.
Three noteworthy idiosyncrasies related to Canada's opioid‐death crisis, and implications for public health‐oriented interventions
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Robinson Tessa , Jutras‐Aswad Didier
Published: December 2023

Canada has been experiencing a prolonged public health‐crisis of high rates of overdose deaths caused by exceptionally potent/toxic, illicit opioid use. While many key features of this drug death epidemic are well‐documented, several idiosyncratic aspects with relevance for public health‐oriented interventions are not adequately recognised. These include: (i) the discrepant opioid patterns pan‐Canada, with large majorities of opioid deaths caused by illicit fentanyl drugs in Western, but not Eastern regions where prescription‐type opioid prevail; (ii) the environments of overdose deaths, where vast majorities occur in ‘residential’ or other shelter‐type settings, presenting barriers for emergency interventions rather than health protection; and (iii) shifting drug use modes, where now majorities of overdose deaths are associated with drug ‘inhalation’ (instead of ‘injection’) in contexts of potent/toxic drug supply. We briefly describe these factors and related implications for intervention programming towards an improved response to the drug death‐crisis.
Update on the current and future use of CAR‐T to treat multiple myeloma
Authors: Gahvari Zhubin , Brunner Matthew , Schmidt Timothy , Callander Natalie S.
Published: December 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapy has become an important intervention in the management of relapsed and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Currently, B‐cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is the most targeted surface protein due to its ubiquitous expression on plasma cells, with increasing expression of this essential transmembrane protein on malignant plasma cells as patients develop more advanced disease. This review will explore the earliest CAR‐T trials in myeloma, discuss important issues involved in CAR‐T manufacturing and processing, as well as review current clinical trials that led to the approval of the two commercially available CAR‐T products, Idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel. The most recent data from trials investigating the use of CAR‐T as an earlier line of therapy will be presented. Finally, the problem of relapses after CAR‐T will be presented, including several theories as to why CAR‐T therapies fail and possible clinical caveats. The next generation of MM‐specific CAR‐T will likely include new targets such as G‐protein‐coupled receptor class C, Group 5, member D (GPRC5D) and signaling lymphocyte activation molecular Family 7 (SLAMF7). The role of CAR‐T in the treatment of MM will undoubtedly increase exponentially in the next decade.
Highlighting the risk of environmental lead contamination for deer management in Australia
Authors: Hampton Jordan O. , Flesch Jason S. , Wendt Alexander S. , Toop Simon D.
Published: December 2023

Lead‐based bullets used to shoot deer typically fragment. These toxic fragments are a threat to wildlife scavengers and human consumers of venison. Awareness of this issue is widespread internationally but limited in Australia. The aim of this research was to characterise deer carcass contamination via bullet fragmentation associated with lead‐based and lead‐free ammunition in a deer culling program conducted in Australia. We used radiography (X‐rays) to study Hog Deer (Axis porcinus) shot in a professional ground‐based shooting program in Victoria, south‐eastern Australia. Our data captured 33 deer shot with frangible lead‐based bullets in 2021, and 21 deer shot with monolithic lead‐free (copper‐based) bullets from the same rifles in 2021–2022. For lead‐based bullets, the mean number of lead fragments per carcass ranged from seven to 629 (mean ± SD = 256 ± 169), mean fragment size was 1.2 mm2 (74% of fragments were <1.0 mm2) and the mean fragment coverage area (the smallest ellipse covering all fragments) was 325 cm2. Of these deer, 36% had metallic fragments in the ‘back strap’ (loin) muscles and 42% had metallic fragments in the shoulder muscles: meat cuts typically removed for human consumption. In contrast, for lead‐free bullets, the mean number of metallic fragments per carcass ranged from zero to four (0.5 ± 1.0), with only 29% of carcasses having any fragments, and no deer had metallic fragments in the loin or shoulder muscles. On the basis of these results, it is clear that lead‐based bullets used for shooting deer in Australia pose risks to wildlife scavengers, and to human consumers when used in hunting. Australian wildlife managers involved in mitigating deer impacts should strongly consider a timely transition to lead‐free bullets.
Astringent and non‐astringent persimmon cremogenates made with different thickeners
Authors: Taboada Damián , García‐Hernández Jorge , Ortolá María Dolores , Castelló María Luisa
Published: December 2023

Due to the surplus in the production of ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon in Spain, there is great interest in developing products made from this fruit that can take full advantage of production peaks. However, heat treatment can reverse the astringency, limiting the diversity of products derived from persimmon. The aim of this study was to characterise physicochemically astringent and non‐astringent persimmon cremogenates subjected to pasteurisation and elaborated with different thickeners (guar gum, sodium alginate and pectin). Several aspects were specifically analysed: the evolution during the storage of the soluble solid content, water, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, optical and mechanical properties, as well as the microbiological stability. The sensory acceptability of the selected cremogenates was also evaluated. The results showed that the final colour of the samples depended on the initial level of astringency of the raw material; the non‐astringent persimmons were much darker (L* ≈ 40–50) than astringent persimmons (L* ≈ 65–70), and the type of thickener used had no effect and led to no difference. Furthermore, the cremogenate was harder (F ≈ 20–120 N) when astringent persimmons were used. In astringent cremogenates the thickeners evaluated help in reducing the total phenol content after 3 months of storage in 40% when compared to the control. The heat treatment applied (70 °C, 30 min) did not reverse the astringency, so this type of cremogenate could be a commercial outlet for the waste or surplus of this fruit. In this regard, non‐astringent persimmons with pectin would be recommended for the preparation of cremogenates from this fruit since they were also those that the scored best in the sensory analysis.
RETRACTED: Effect of humanised care on the surgical site wound infection after caesarean: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yan , Wang Xiu‐Qin , Tian Zhong‐Hua , Li Wei , He Ning , Zhang Gui‐Qin
Published: December 2023

Herein, a meta‐analysis was conducted to systematically evaluate the effect of humanised care on maternal postoperative wound infections in patients who underwent caesarean section. A computerised search of Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang database was performed, supplemented by a manual search from database inception to September 2023, to collate randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the application of humanised care during the perioperative period of caesarean section. Two researchers screened and selected studies identified according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the included literature was evaluated for quality, extracted information and required data. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Twenty RCTs comprising 2408 patients were included. The results revealed the humanised care group had a lower incidence of postoperative wound infections (0.83% vs. 4.32%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15–0.46, p < 0.00001) and fewer postoperative complications than the conventional care group (4.32% vs. 16.35%, OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16–0.31, p < 0.00001), with lower anxiety scores (standardised mean difference [SMD]: −3.15, 95% CI: −3.90 to −2.40, p < 0.00001) and depression scores (SMD: −3.68, 95% CI: −4.49 to −2.88, p < 0.00001). The application of humanised care during the perioperative period of caesarean section can prevent postoperative wound infection, reduce postoperative complications and help alleviate maternal anxiety and depression, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Enhancing new graduate nurses and midwives person‐centredness through clinical supervision during COVID‐19; evaluation of a non‐randomized intervention study
Authors: Edgar Denise , Moroney Tracey , Wilson Valerie
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate a person‐centred model of clinical supervision to enhance person‐centredness.

Design

Experimental, quantitative.

Methods

One hundred and three New Graduates were supported to reflect through a person‐centred lens (July–December 2020). Evaluation was undertaken at 6 months using: the Manchester Clinical Supervision Scale‐26 (effectiveness of supervision) and the Person‐centred Practice Inventory (measures attributes of the nurse/midwife, the care environment and person‐centred processes). Due to participation difficulties, scores were calculated by attendance rates using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Regular attendees scored higher on the supervision's effectiveness; however, this did not reach efficacy. ‘Finding time’ to attend contributed to low scores. Supervision scored well on its supportive function when attended. Many New Graduates perceived a decline in their care environment. Attendance aside, New Graduates averaged an increased in their person‐centred attributes and processes. Greater participation was found in those who scored higher at baseline on their person‐centred attributes and processes, and this higher scoring continued at 6 months than those who attended less.

Conclusion

New Graduates who perceive themselves as person‐centred and reflective at baseline are more likely to attend a person‐centred clinical supervision and score higher at 6 months than those who attended less often. New Graduates found support within supervision during challenging times.

Implications for Practice for Professional and/or Patient Care

For successful implementation of Person‐centred Clinical Supervision, New Graduates need support to attend, as attendance supports them to begin seeing value in the process.

Impact

This intervention kept person‐centred practice at the forefront of New Graduates reflection, in a time of extreme change. The research has implications for nursing and midwifery management with the imperative to deliver person‐centred care and create the person‐centred cultures for staff to feel supported and empowered.

Reporting Method

Transparent Evaluation of Non‐randomized Designs (TREND).

Patient of Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Contribution to Wider Community

New Graduates grow their person‐centredness over their transitioning year; however, this can be enhanced with regular clinical supervision underpinned by person‐centred theory.

Clinical supervisors can provide support to New Graduates when the environment is challenged.
Stress exposure in at‐risk, depressed, and suicidal adolescents
Authors: Stewart Jeremy G. , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Auerbach Randy P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Stress exposure contributes to the onset, maintenance, and recurrence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents. However, the precise stress facets (e.g. chronicity, domain) most strongly linked to outcomes at different stages along the depression severity continuum remain unclear. Across two studies, chronic and episodic stressors were comprehensively assessed among: (a) healthy youth with (High‐Risk [HR]) and without (Low‐Risk [LR]) a maternal history of MDD and (b) adolescents with current MDD and suicide ideation and healthy controls (HC).

Method

Study 1 included LR (n = 65) and HR (n = 22) 12‐ to 14‐year‐olds (49 females; 56.32%) with no lifetime history of mental disorders. Study 2 enrolled 87 mid‐to‐late adolescents (64 females; 73.56%), including 57 MDD youth from a short‐term intensive treatment service and 30 HCs from the community. All depressed youth reported recent suicide ideation; some had no lifetime history suicide attempts (SI; n = 31) and others reported at least one past year attempt (SA; n = 26). The Life Events and Difficulties Schedule was used to capture stressor severity in both studies.

Results

We used multiple linear regression models that adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates. Being in the HR versus LR group was associated with more severe chronic (β = .22, CI95 = 0.01–0.42, p = .041), independent (β = .34, CI95 = 0.12–0.56, p = .003), and interpersonal (β = .23, CI95 = 0.004–0.45, p = .047) stress severity. By contrast, the MDD group reported significantly more severe chronic (β = .62, CI95 = 0.45–0.79, p < .001) and dependent (β = .41, CI95 = 0.21–0.61, p < .001) stress than the HC group, but not independent (p = .083) stress. Stress severity did not differ between recent attempters versus youth who reported suicide ideation alone (SA vs. SI contrast). However, the SA group reported a higher rate of targeted rejection events (RR = 3.53, CI95 = 1.17–10.70, p = .026).

Conclusions

Our findings clarify the stressor features that may most strongly contribute to adolescent depression and its clinical correlates at two important points along depression's clinical course.
Effects of vaginal dilation therapy on vaginal condition and sexual function of endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery
Authors: Lin Yu‐Xuan , Kong Wei‐Min
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal dilation therapy on vaginal length, vaginal stenosis, vaginal elasticity, and sexual function of endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery.

Methods

A total of 117 women were enrolled in this study. They received 6 months of vaginal dilation therapy. We evaluated their vaginal length, vaginal diameter, vaginal elasticity, and sexual function before radiotherapy, after radiotherapy, and after 6 months of vaginal dilation therapy. Their vaginal condition was assessed by customized vaginal dilating molds. Their sexual function was assessed by female sexual function index. The SPSS 25 software was used to analyze all the data.

Results

According to multivariate analysis, vaginal diameter (β = 0.300, 95% CI [0.217–1.446], p = 0.010) and sexual intercourse frequency before diagnosis (β = 0.424, 95% CI [0.164–0.733], p = 0.006) were significantly correlated with female sexual function after radiotherapy. Vaginal dilation therapy helped increase vaginal length, improve vaginal stenosis and sexual function (p < 0.05), though most of the figures at the end of the intervention did not fully return to those before radiotherapy. Noticeably, vaginal dilation therapy was ineffective in improving vaginal elasticity and the incidence rate of female sexual dysfunction (p > 0.05). Moreover, patients with medium or good vaginal elasticity benefited more from vaginal dilation therapy than patients with poor vaginal elasticity (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Vaginal dilation therapy should be carried out timely and preventatively in endometrial cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery to improve their vaginal condition and sexual function.
Corporate profit tax, managerial delegation and multinational firm's transfer pricing
Authors: Wu Di , Wang Leonard F. S. , Ma Jie
Published: December 2023

This paper analyzes the transfer pricing decision of the multinational firm. There are differences in profit tax rates between home‐country and host‐country. The multinational firm determines the transfer price to its overseas affiliate and delegates the responsibility of deciding on the final sales to its affiliate manager. We find that: (1) The multinational firm will set a higher transfer price if its affiliate hires a manager. If the host‐country firm also hires a manager, the managerial delegation may lead to an asymmetry “prisoner's dilemma”. (2) When home‐country's tax rate is higher than that in the host‐country, multinational firm tends to set a lower transfer price relative to the marginal production cost. (3) When host‐country's tax rate is higher than that in the home‐country, an increase in the host‐country corporate tax rate decreases multinational firm's profit and the consumer surplus, while its impact on the host‐country firm's profit is non‐monotone; an increase in the home‐country tax rate decreases host‐country firm's profit, increases consumer surplus, but has a non‐monotone impact on multinational firm's profit.
Speaking (about) Substance: The Metaphysics of Rowan Williams and some Russian Philosophers
Authors: Heath Joshua Pulin Elvy
Published: December 2023

Russian religious culture has been a constant and prominent element of Rowan Williams’ work. This article demonstrates the affinity of Williams’ metaphysics with the work of two Russian philosopher‐theologians, whose influence on Williams is explicit: Sergii Bulgakov and Aleksei Losev. This affinity is drawn out by a close attention to the significance of the concept of substance in Williams’ metaphysics. The concept of substance brings together language, metaphysics, and the doctrine of God in Williams’ work, in ways that converge strongly with the thought of Bulgakov and Losev. Via a scrutiny of language, these thinkers eschew an understanding of substance and transcendence that privileges isolated interiority, with substance instead taking a Trinitarian shape. To think metaphysically thus becomes a spiritual practice, as the metaphysician renounces an understanding of substance in the image of the isolated ego, conforming instead to the triune pattern of created being.
Gauging the stress of long‐term care nursing assistants using ecological momentary assessment, wearable sensors and end of day reconstruction
Authors: Doran Kelly , Witmer Susanna , Yoon K. Lira , Fischer Ethan Ray , Ebangwese Abaneh , Sharma Shifali , Duggirala G. S. Charan , Chen Lujie Karen
Published: December 2023

Background

Nursing assistants working in long‐term care (LTC) often report that their job is stressful. To reduce their work stress, a better understanding of their stress profile is needed.

Objective

We aimed to pilot test methods to identify and understand stressors that LTC nursing assistants experience.

Methods

We asked each participant to provide wearable sensor/watch data, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys and end of day review data over two eight‐hour working shifts.

Results

Eight nursing assistants participated. All participants worked in a common continuing care retirement community in Maryland, United States of America. Our stress assessment method revealed 83 stressful events that were classified under 10 categories. Most of the reported events were rated as having a mild to low‐moderate intensity. The three most common causes of stress were work demands and pressure (28.35%), heavy workload and staffing (19.69%), and safety issues and COVID‐19 concerns (17.32%). We also explored the difference between stress events and intensity among different shifts. Disrespect from residents (22.73%) was the most commonly reported stressor during day shifts. Feeling rushed was the most commonly reported stressor during the evening (22.47%) and the night (38.46%) shifts.

Conclusions

We found stress was commonly reported. Stress intensity conflicted with prior literature, and we explored possible explanations.

Implications for practice

We discuss potential implications for these findings, modification of our methods to increase feasibility, the utility of these data collection methods for future work and suggest next steps.