bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the anti-obesity effect of cupping therapy
Authors: Kang Doyoung , Shin Woo-Chul , Kim Taeoh , Kim Sungha , Kim Hyungsuk , Cho Jae-Heung , Song Mi-Yeon , Chung Won-Seok
Published: June 2023

Background:

Cupping therapy is a common practice in Korean medicine. Despite developments in this clinical and research area, the current knowledge is insufficient to identify the effects of cupping therapy on obesity. We aimed to assess the effects and safety of cupping therapy on obesity by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of cupping therapy.

Methods:

A systematic search of databases was conducted, including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Citation Information by the National Institute of Informatics, KoreaMed, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, and ScienceON, for full-text randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through January 14, 2023, with no language restrictions. The experimental groups received cupping therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and conventional therapy. The control groups received no treatment, conventional therapy, or TCM treatments alone. The experimental and control groups were compared in terms of body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), hip circumference (HC), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage (BFP). We evaluated the risk of bias using the 7 domains stipulated by the Cochrane Collaboration Group and performed a meta-analysis using Cochrane Collaboration software (Review Manager Software Version 5.3).

Results:

A total of 21 RCTs were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The analysis revealed improvements in BW (P < .001), BMI (P < .001), HC (P = .03), and WC (P < .001). However, there were no clinically significant changes in WHR (P = .65) or BFP (P = .90), both of which had very low certainty of evidence. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion:

Overall, our results show that cupping therapy can be used to treat obesity in terms of BW, BMI, HC, and WC and is a safe intervention for the treatment of obesity. However, the conclusions of this review should be interpreted with caution in clinical practice because of the uncertain quality of the included studies.
The association of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α protein expression with clinicopathological characteristics in papillary thyroid carcinoma: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Xunyi , Su Hang , Huo Jiaxing , Zhang Fenghua
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To investigate the correlation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) protein expression with clinicopathologic characteristics in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) through a meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched from the establishment of the database to February 2023. The New castle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Rev Man 5.3 and Stata14.0 were used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included studies.

Results:

Twenty-eight articles with 2346 samples were included in the Meta-analysis. Compared with normal thyroid tissues, HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins were highly expressed in PTC tumor tissues. High expression of HIF-1α protein was associated with tumor size (odds ratio [OR] = 4.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.88–7.04, P < .00001), lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.76, 95% CI: 3.78–5.99, P < .00001), TNM stage (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.68–5.03, P < .00001), capsular invasion (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.43–3.71, P = .0006 < .05), and extrathyroidal extension (OR = 10.96, 95% CI: 4.80–25.02, P < .00001). High expression of HIF-2α protein was associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.18, 95% CI: 2.63–6.65, P < .00001), TNM stage (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.36–4.82, P = .004 < .05), and capsular invasion (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.66–8.88, P = .002 < .05). In addition, we concluded for the first time that there was a statistically significant difference in the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in PTC patients (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.26–4.42, P = .007 < .05).

Conclusions:

The high expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins is closely related to some clinicopathological parameters of PTC, and can provide potential biological indicators for the diagnosis and prognosis of PTC.
Facilitators and barriers for participation in sports and physical activity for children with lower-limb absence: A systematic review
Authors: Batley Abigail , Sewell Philip , Dyer Bryce
Published: June 2023

Sports and recreational activities offer physical and psychological benefits to children with limb absence. Understanding what facilitators and barriers exist for the participation in sports and physical activity is vital to aid stakeholders to continue enabling facilitators and develop means to tackle existing barriers so that all children with lower-limb absence can participate in sport and physical activity as they wish. The aim of this systematic review was to identify facilitators and barriers that children with lower-limb absence experience when wanting to participate in sports and physical activity. Systematic review. Five databases were used to identify the literature relating to facilitators and barriers to sports and physical activity for children with lower-limb absence. These were Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL. Google scholar was used as a secondary source. The review followed the “Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis” guidelines. The review identified 10 articles for inclusion that met predefined inclusion criteria. The identified peer-review articles date from 1999 to 2021. The number of published articles steadily increases up to 2010 and then increase rapidly from 2016 to 2021. The results show although there are facilitators for sports participation for children with limb absence, there are many barriers which continue to hinder many children from participating in sports and physical activity. Facilitators that exist include advancements in prosthetic design and technology, increased opportunities, and physical and social benefits. Barriers that were reported include prosthesis failure, stigma, and high costs.
Aversion to Mesh Use in Pelvic Floor Surgery in a Latina Population at the U.S.-Mexico Border
Authors: Florence Elizabeth , Limtrakul Narinta , Sanchez Sheralyn , Montoya T. Ignacio , Maldonado Pedro A.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Limited studies have examined patient aversion to mesh use in pelvic surgery, especially in Latinas.

Objective

This study aimed to assess aversion to pelvic surgery with mesh for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in a sample of Latinas on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Study Design

This was a cross-sectional study of self-identified Latinas with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, recruited at their initial consultation visit at a single, academic urogynecology clinic. Participants completed a validated survey to assess perceptions of mesh use in pelvic surgery. Participants also completed questionnaires assessing the presence and severity of pelvic floor symptoms and level of acculturation. The primary outcome was aversion to mesh surgery, as indicated by a response of “yes” or “maybe” to the question “Based on what you already know, would you avoid surgery using mesh?” Descriptive analysis, univariate relative risk, and linear regression analysis were completed to identify characteristics associated with mesh avoidance. Significance was assessed and considered at P values <0.05.

Results

Ninety-six women were included. Only 6.3% had prior pelvic floor surgery using mesh. Sixty-six percent indicated that they would be likely to avoid pelvic surgery that uses mesh. Only 9.4% indicated that they obtained information regarding mesh directly from medical professionals. Levels of concern regarding the use of mesh varied widely (29.2% not worried, 19.1% somewhat worried, 16.9% very worried). Higher percentages of “more acculturated” participants indicated a desire to avoid mesh surgery (58.7% vs 27.3%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In this Latina population, a majority of patients indicated an aversion to using mesh in pelvic surgery. Few patients obtained information regarding mesh directly from medical professionals, relying instead on nonmedical sources.
Nasopharyngeal carriage and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Streptococcus pneumoniae among children with pneumonia and healthy children in Padang, Indonesia
Authors: Yani Finny Fitry , Julianty Riris Juita , Tafroji Wisnu , Linosefa Linosefa , Ihsan Indra , Masnadi Nice Rachmawati , Safari Dodi
Published: June 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae

is one of the pathogenic bacteria causing invasive pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, which are commonly reported in children and adults. In this study, we investigated the nasopharyngeal carriage rates, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of

S. pneumoniae

among children with pneumonia and healthy children under 5 years old in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 65 hospitalized children with pneumonia in a referral hospital and from 65 healthy children at two day-care centers from 2018 to 2019.

S. pneumoniae

was identified by conventional and molecular methods. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed with the disc diffusion method. Out of 130 children,

S. pneumoniae

strains were carried by 53% and 9.2 % in healthy children (35/65) and children with pneumonia (6/65), respectively. Serotype 19F was the most common serotype among the isolated strains (21%) followed by 6C (10%), 14, 34 (7 % each), and 1, 23F, 6A, 6B (5 % each). Moreover, 55 % of the strains (23/42) were covered by the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Most isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (100%), chloramphenicol (93%), clindamycin (76%), erythromycin (71%), and tetracycline (69%). Serotype 19F was commonly found as a multi-drug resistant strain.
Pseudomonas quebecensis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from root-zone soil of a native legume, Amphicarpaea bracteata (L.) Fernald, in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Tambong James T. , Xu Renlin , Chi Sylvia I. , Birugu Isabelle , Bachelet Sylvia , Hutter Conrad , Duceppe Marc-Olivier , Brière Stephan
Published: June 2023

Four bacterial strains (S1Bt3, S1Bt7, S1Bt30 and S1Bt42T) isolated from soil collected from the rhizosphere of a native legume, Amphicarpaea bracteata, were investigated using a polyphasic approach. Colonies were fluorescent, white-yellowish, circular and convex with regular margins on King’s B medium. Cells were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming rods. Oxidase- and catalase-positive. The optimal growth temperature of the strains was 37 °C. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the strains within the genus

Pseudomonas

. Analysis of the 16S rRNA-rpoD-gyrB concatenated sequences clustered the strains and well separated from

Pseudomonas rhodesiae

CIP 104664T and

Pseudomonas grimontii

CFM 97-514T with the type strains of the closest species. Phylogenomic analysis of 92 up-to-date bacterial core gene and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight MS biotyper data confirmed the distinct clustering pattern of these four strains. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization (41.7 %–31.2 %) and average nucleotide identity (91.1 %–87.0 %) values relative to closest validly published

Pseudomonas

species were below the species delineation thresholds of 70 and 96 %, respectively. Fatty acid composition results validated the taxonomic position of the novel strains in the genus

Pseudomonas

. Phenotypic characteristics from carbon utilization tests differentiated the novel strains from closely related

Pseudomonas

species. In silico prediction of secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters in the whole-genome sequences of the four strains revealed the presence of 11 clusters involved in the production of siderophore, redox-cofactor, betalactone, terpene, arylpolyene and nonribosomal peptides. Based on phenotypic and genotypic data, strains S1Bt3, S1Bt7, S1Bt30 and S1Bt42T represent a novel species for which the name Pseudomonas quebecensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S1Bt42T (=DOAB 746T=LMG 32141T=CECT 30251T). The genomic DNA G+C content is 60.95 mol%.
Habitat distribution of the genus Belliella in continental waters and the description of Belliella alkalica sp. nov., Belliella calami sp. nov. and Belliella filtrata sp. nov.
Authors: Korponai Kristóf , Szuróczki Sára , Márton Zsuzsanna , Szabó Attila , Morais Paula V. , Proença Diogo Neves , Tóth Erika , Boros Emil , Márialigeti Károly , Felföldi Tamás
Published: June 2023

The genus

Belliella

belongs to the family

Cyclobacteriaceae

(order

Cytophagales

, phylum

Bacteroidota

) and harbours aerobic chemoheterotrophic bacteria. Members of this genus were isolated from various aquatic habitats, and our analysis based on global amplicon sequencing data revealed that their relative abundance can reach up to 5–10 % of the bacterioplankton in soda lakes and pans. Although a remarkable fraction of the most frequent genotypes that we identified from continental aquatic habitats is still uncultured, five new alkaliphilic

Belliella

strains were characterized in detail in this study, which were isolated from three different soda lakes and pans of the Carpathian Basin (Hungary). Cells of all strains were Gram-stain-negative, obligate aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and non-spore-forming. The isolates were oxidase- and catalase-positive, red-coloured, but did not contain flexirubin-type pigments; they formed bright red colonies that were circular, smooth and convex. Their major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 containing C16 : 1
 ω6c and/or C16 : 1
 ω7c. The polar lipid profiles contained phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, an unidentified glycolipid, and several unidentified lipids and aminolipids. Based on whole-genome sequences, the DNA G+C content was 37.0, 37.1 and 37.8 mol % for strains R4-6T, DMA-N-10aT and U6F3T, respectively. The distinction of three new species was confirmed by in silico genomic comparison. Orthologous average nucleotide identity (<85.4 %) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values (<38.9 %) supported phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and 16S rRNA gene sequence data and, therefore, the following three novel species are proposed: Belliella alkalica sp. nov. (represented by strains R4-6T=DSM 111903T=JCM 34281T=UCCCB122T and S4-10), Belliella calami sp. nov. (DMA-N-10aT=DSM 107340T=JCM 34280T=UCCCB121T) and Belliella filtrata sp. nov. (U6F3T=DSM 111904T=JCM 34282T=UCCCB123T and U6F1). Emended descriptions of species

Belliella aquatica

,

Belliella baltica

,

Belliella buryatensis

,

Belliella kenyensis

and

Belliella pelovolcani

are also presented.
CETP and SGLT2 inhibitor combination therapy improves glycemic control
Authors: Khomtchouk Bohdan B. , Sun Patrick , Ditmarsch Marc , Kastelein John J.P. , Davidson Michael H.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibition has been associated with decreased risk of new-onset diabetes in past clinical trials exploring their efficacy in cardiovascular disease and can potentially be repurposed to treat metabolic disease. Notably, as an oral drug it can potentially be used to supplement existing oral drugs such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors before patients are required to take injectable drugs such as insulin.

Objective

To identify whether CETP inhibitors could be used as an oral add-on to SGLT2 inhibition to improve glycemic control.

Design, Setting, and Participants

2×2 factorial Mendelian Randomization (MR) is performed on the general population of UK Biobank participants with European ancestry.

Exposures

Previously constructed genetic scores for CETP and SGLT2 function are combined in a 2×2 factorial framework to characterize the associations between joint CETP and SGLT2 inhibition compared to either alone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Glycated hemoglobin and type-2 diabetes incidence.

Results

Data on 233,765 UK Biobank participants suggests that individuals with genetic inhibition of both CETP and SGLT2 have significantly lower glycated hemoglobin levels (mmol/mol) than control (Effect size: −0.136; 95% CI: −0.190 to −0.081; p-value: 1.09E-06), SGLT2 inhibition alone (Effect size: −0.082; 95% CI: −0.140 to −0.024; p-value: 0.00558), and CETP inhibition alone (Effect size: −0.08479; 95% CI: −0.136 to −0.033; p-value: 0.00118).

Furthermore, joint CETP and SGLT2 inhibition is associated with decreased incidence of diabetes (log-odds ratio) compared to control (Effect size: −0.068; 95% CI: −0.115 to −0.021; p- value: 4.44E-03) and SGLT2 inhibition alone (Effect size: −0.062; 95% CI: −0.112 to −0.012; p-value: 0.0149).

Conclusions and Relevance

Our results suggest that CETP and SGLT2 inhibitor therapy may improve glycemic control over SGLT2 inhibitors alone. Future clinical trials can explore whether CETP inhibitors can be repurposed to treat metabolic disease and provide an oral therapeutic option to benefit high-risk patients before escalation to injectable drugs such as insulin or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists.

Key Points

Question

Does combined genetic CETP and SGLT2 inhibition confer decreased glycated hemoglobin or diabetes incidence compared to SGLT2 inhibition alone?

Findings

In this cohort study, a 2×2 factorial Mendelian randomization analysis on the UK Biobank reveals that combined genetic CETP and SGLT2 inhibition is associated with decreased glycated hemoglobin and diabetes risk compared to both control and SGLT2 inhibition alone.

Meaning

Our findings suggest that CETP inhibitors, which are currently in clinical trials to treat cardiovascular disease, can be repurposed to treat metabolic disease in a combination therapy approach with SGLT2 inhibitors.
Drivers and barriers of implementing a dual VET programme in Nepal
Authors: Bolli Thomas , Kemper Johanna , Parajuli Mahesh Nath , Renold Ursula , Thapa Binayak Krishna
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The authors analyse drivers and barriers of implementing and scaling-up a pilot project of a dual vocational and education programme in Nepal.

Design/methodology/approach

The 5C protocol distinguishes five categories of drivers and barriers of education reforms: commitment, capacity, clients, content and context. The authors build on the 5C protocol to develop a qualitative empirical framework based on semi-structured interviews amongst stakeholders.

Findings

The results show that involved actors are committed. Capacity in terms of available resources also represents an implementation driver, but companies lack information about the programme. Consequently, industry associations should receive a more prominent role in the motivation of companies to provide training places. The content category is the most challenging implementation barrier because the programme represents a substantial change, compared to the current vocational education and training (VET) programmes in Nepal.

Originality/value

First, the authors propose a framework for a qualitative content analysis to analyse the drivers and barriers of implementing and scaling-up education reforms. Second, the authors provide novel information about drivers and barriers of an education reform in Nepal.
Assessing internal organizational pathways to reduce knowledge waste: a Lean thinking perspective
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Naranjo Fernando , Douglas Jacqueline Ann , Schwantz Patricia Inês , Garcia Gabriel Adolfo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to evaluate the causal influence of Lean management practices on knowledge waste within the context of higher education institutions (HEIs). The peculiarities of knowledge impress upon organizations the need to think about reducing knowledge waste as a crucial practice. The Lean philosophy and practices therefore stand out as an appropriate management perspective, particularly given Lean's focus on waste elimination. However, little is known about the influence of Lean practices on reducing knowledge waste.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research instrument was distributed to professors and technical and administrative staff across three types of HEI in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The validated and pretested survey was circulated to the target population via an online method to explore eight constructs and 38 items concerning Lean and knowledge and waste.

Findings

The results of the survey indicated that all hypotheses were supported. The sum total of 837 responses showed that the Lean relationships (internal organizational paths) were more obvious where leadership support proved to have a positive effect on continuous improvement, training, and customer involvement. Moreover, the significant and negative effects of the Lean practices studied on knowledge waste was also supported, including for example, the interaction between HEIs and its client base.

Originality/value

HEIs are knowledge generators. Therefore, the necessity of avoiding and reducing knowledge waste is even greater. This study also differentiates itself from the “traditional” knowledge loss studies by investigating knowledge while the employees are still part of an organization and not after they have left taking the knowledge away with them.
“We want your soul”: re-imagining marketing education through the arts
Authors: Heath Teresa , Tynan Caroline
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of integrating material from the arts into postgraduate curricula to deepen students’ engagement with marketing phenomena. The authors assess the use of arts-based activities, within a broader critical pedagogy, for encouraging imaginative and analytical thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors devised two learning activities and an interpretive method for studying their value. The activities were an individual essay connecting themes in song lyrics to marketing, and a group photography project. These were applied, within a broader, critical approach, in postgraduate modules on sustainability, ethics and critical marketing. Data collection comprised diaries kept by the teachers, open-ended feedback from students and students’ assignments.

Findings

Students showed high levels of engagement, reflexivity and depth of thought, in felt experiences of learning. Their ability to make connections not explicitly in the materials, and requiring imaginative jumps, was notable. Several reported lasting changes to their behaviour. Some found the tasks initially intimidating or, once they were more engaged, stressful or saddening.

Research limitations/implications

This adds to scholarship on management education by showing the usefulness of an arts-based approach towards a transformative agenda.

Practical implications

It offers a template of how to draw from the arts to strengthen critical engagement upon which marketing teachers can build. It also contains practical advice on the challenges and benefits of doing so.

Social implications

The authors provide evidence that this approach can enhance sensitivity and reflexivity in students, potentially producing more ethical and sustainable decisions in future.

Originality/value

The pedagogical interventions are novel and of value to lecturers seeking to enhance critical engagement with theory. An empirical study of an attempt to integrate arts into teaching marketing represents a promising direction, given the discipline’s creative nature.
Higher education leadership, quality of worklife and turnover intention among Lebanese academics in COVID-19: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Chami-Malaeb Rola , Menhem Nayla , Abdulkhalek Rasha
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the human resource development (HRD) implications of perceived higher education (HEd) leadership effectiveness on academics’ quality of worklife (QWL) in the context of COVID-19. Drawing on conservation of resource theory, this study explains the mediating role of resource adequacy (RA); then this study investigates the moderating role of COVID-19-related risk perception (CRP) on the relationship between university leadership (UL) and both academics’ turnover intention (TI) and academics’ QWL.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research exploiting the pandemic experiences and perceptions survey, PEPS, to collect data from 300 academic staff in private and public HEd institutions in Lebanon. The analyses include the test of the mediating effect of RA as well as the moderated mediation effect of CRP through regressions, PROCESS and bootstrapping.

Findings

The findings suggest that by enhancing RA, effective UL positively influences the QWL and mitigate the TI in Lebanese HEd. Furthermore, this study found that CRP weakens the direct relationship of UL on RA and the indirect effect of UL on the QWL and TI via RA such that the relationships are weakened when COVID-19 risk perception was high rather than low.

Practical implications

The results imply that HEd HRD professionals could think of effective human resource interventions of how to maintain good working environment where academics are facilitated to acquire high level of resources which lead to improving their QWL and mitigating the negative outcome (TIs).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research has been made to investigate the moderated mediation model of the “pandemic experience and leadership perceptions” (PEPS) in the HEd sector in Lebanon, addressing academics’ experiences in business schools. This study is unique because it was conducted during the utmost pandemic outbreak (mid academic year 2021) collecting data in real time. This research contributes to the HRD literature by showing empirical evidence of the relationships in the context of Lebanese HEd institutions.
Determinants of continuance intention to use food delivery apps: findings from PLS and fsQCA
Authors: Foroughi Behzad , Yadegaridehkordi Elaheh , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Sukcharoen Teerachart , Ghobakhlo Morteza , Nilashi Mehrbakhsh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Customers increasingly use food delivery applications (FDAs) to place orders. Despite the popularity of FDAs, limited research has investigated the drivers of the continuance intention to use FDAs. This study aims to uncover the drivers of the continuance intention to use FDAs by integrating the “technology continuance theory” (TCT) with perceived task-technology fit, perceived value and perceived food safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 398 individuals in Thailand and evaluated using “partial least squares” (PLS) and “fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis” (fsQCA).

Findings

The PLS results supported the significance of all direct relationships, except the effects of perceived ease of use on attitude and perceived usefulness on continuance intention. Accordingly, perceived food safety positively moderated the impact of perceived ease of use on attitudes. The fsQCA uncovered seven solutions with various combinations of factors that predicted high continuance intention.

Practical implications

This study enables food delivery apps to develop effective strategies for retaining users and sustaining financial performance.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by investigating the factors underlying the continuous use of FDAs with a new PLS-fsQCA technique and applying TCT in a new technological context, FDAs and enriching it by adding three variables: perceived task-technology fit, perceived value and perceived food safety.
Governance, regulatory quality and financial institutions: emerging economies perspective
Authors: Abaidoo Rexford , Agyapong Elvis Kwame
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The study evaluates the effects of governance and other regulatory structures on the development of financial institutions in the subregion of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the analyses were compiled from relevant sources from 1996 to 2019 from a sample of 36 countries in the subregion. Empirical analyses were carried out using the Prais-Winsten panel corrected standard errors panel estimation technique augmented by pooled ordinary least squares with Driscoll and Kraay (1998) standard errors model.

Findings

Findings from the study suggest that governance and institutional quality index, as well as individual governance and regulatory variables, have positive effect on the development of financial institutions among economies in SSA. Further empirical estimates show that output growth volatility has negative moderating impact on the relationship between effective governance, control of corruption, rule of law, regulatory quality, voice and accountability, and development of financial institutions. Additionally, the results show that during periods of heightened macroeconomic risk, financial institutions could benefit from improved governance and effective regulatory structures.

Originality/value

Compared to related studies that have reviewed the discourse on financial institutions, this study rather focuses on how governance structures and institutions influence development of financial institutions instead of the impact of financial institution on the broader economy. The authors further augment this interaction by examining how the relationship in question may be moderated by macroeconomic shocks.
Boosting customized and personalized interactive livestreaming experiences. Is Amazon Explore competing or complementing the hospitality industry?
Authors: Ramadan Zahy , Farah Maya , Al Rahbany Norma
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Following the changes in consumer behavior in the hospitality industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Amazon launched “Explore”, an interactive livestreaming customized service that connects users with hosts worldwide, allowing them to discover a vast array of experiences from the comfort of their homes. This study aims to assess the effects of Explore on the hospitality and tourism industries.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted. Data was collected from 18 expert interviews and 292 online reviews on Explore.

Findings

The findings indicate that the pandemic has altered consumer behavior when it comes to experience-related venues. Within that shift, Explore was shown to have reinvented the travel industry. The major three themes extracted revolved around the following: replica of real-life touristic experiences (having the experience as if consumers were physically present), experience-bound versus output-oriented customers (those who want to explore the real experience by being physically present versus those who seek to discover a certain culture or acquire a new skill even virtually) and post-virtual experience (effects on the hospitality industry).

Originality/value

The study puts forth the coopetition that could emanate from the inter-relationship between the Amazon Explore platform and the hospitality industry if the two were to cooperate even beyond the context of global pandemics. Indeed, Explore has gained awareness and trial and could be a sustainable ongoing business, especially among those with financial and other types of limitations that could hinder their traveling propensity.
Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in garambullo fruit (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) at different ripening stages
Authors: Yahia Elhadi M. , Victoria‐Campos Claudia Inés , Gonzalez‐Nava Catalina
Published: June 2023

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) is endemic in México, and although popularly consumed locally, its nutritional characteristics and value have not been studied in details. The objective of this work was to investigate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in garambullo fruit from different sites at three ripening stages. Fruit from the three ripening stages (red, purple, and dark purple) were investigated for their physicochemical characteristics, hydrophilic (phenolic compounds, betalains, and ascorbic acid), and lipophilic (carotenoids, tocopherols, and fatty acids) bioactive compounds, using spectrophotometry, gas chromatography (GC‐FID), and high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD‐ESI‐MS). The antioxidant capacity was measured with the 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and the ferric‐ion‐reducing antioxidant power assays. The color components of the fruit, chroma and a* values increased, whereas lightness (L*) and b* significantly decreased during ripening. Five betacyanins and four betaxanthins were tentatively identified with HPLC/DAD‐ESI‐MS, and betacyanins were more abundant than betaxanthins. Betalains content and antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic extracts significantly increased during ripening. Ten phenolic compounds were identified, with ferulic acid being the most abundant. Tocopherols were low (0.023–0.033 mg/100 g fw). Five fatty acids were abundant, and linoleic acid was the most important. Phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, and fatty acids decreased during fruit ripening. Garambullo fruit is rich in phytochemical compounds of importance for human nutrition and health.

Practical Application

The physicochemical and bioactive compounds characterization in garambullo fruit is important to establish maturation and harvesting indices, postharvest strategies to preserve fruit quality and prolong postharvest life, promote the consumption and utilization of the fruit, and the designing of proper functional foods. In addition, the knowledge on the bioactive components might be useful to include this fruit in personalized nutritional approaches for patients with risks of certain chronic diseases. The methodology used in this study could be useful for the study of other fruits, especially those from the Cactaceae family.
A generalizable normalization for assessing plant functional diversity metrics across scales from remote sensing
Authors: Pacheco‐Labrador Javier , de Bello Francesco , Migliavacca Mirco , Ma Xuanlong , Carvalhais Nuno , Wirth Christian
Published: June 2023

Remote sensing (RS) increasingly seeks to produce global‐coverage maps of plant functional diversity (PFD) across scales. PFD can be quantified with metrics assessing field or RS data dissimilarity. However, their comparison suffers from the lack of normalization approaches that (1) correct for differences in the number and correlation of traits and spectral variables and (2) do not require comparing all the available samples to estimate the maximum trait's dissimilarity (unfeasible in RS).

We propose a generalizable normalization (GN) based on the maximum potential dissimilarity for the traits and spectral data considered and compare it to more traditional approaches (e.g. the maximum dissimilarity within datasets). To do so, we simulated plant communities with radiative transfer models and compared RS‐based diversity measurements across spatial scales (α‐ and β‐diversity components). Specifically, we assessed the capability of different normalization approaches (GN, local, none) to provide PFD estimates comparable between (1) RS and plant traits and (2) estimates from different RS missions.

Unlike the other approaches, GN provides diversity component estimates that are directly comparable between field data and RS missions with different spectral configurations by removing the effect of differences in the number of traits or bands and the maximum dissimilarity across datasets.

Therefore, GN enables the separated analysis of RS images from different sensors to produce comparable global‐coverage cartography. We suggest GN is necessary to validate RS approaches and develop interpretable maps of PFD using different RS missions.
Real‐world effectiveness of vedolizumab compared toanti‐TNFagents in biologic‐naïve patients with ulcerative colitis: A two‐year propensity‐score‐adjusted analysis from the prospective, observationalVEDOIBD‐study
Authors: Bokemeyer Bernd , Plachta‐Danielzik Sandra , di Giuseppe Romina , Efken Philipp , Mohl Wolfgang , Krause Thomas , Hoffstadt Martin , Ehehalt Robert , Trentmann Leo , Schweitzer Axel , Jessen Petra , Hartmann Petra , Schreiber Stefan
Published: June 2023

Background

This observational real‐world evidence (RWE) study is based on prospectively collected data from the VEDOIBDregistry study.

Aim

To compare the effectiveness of vedolizumab and anti‐TNF agents in biologic‐naïve patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) at the end of induction and during maintenance treatment.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2020, we enrolled 512 patients with UC starting therapy with vedolizumab or an anti‐TNF agent in 45 IBD centres across Germany. We excluded biologic‐experienced patients and those with missing partial Mayo (pMayo) outcomes; this resulted in a final sample of 314 (182 on vedolizumab and 132 on an anti‐TNF agent). The primary outcome was clinical remission measured using pMayo score; any switch to a different biologic agent was considered an outcome failure (modified ITT analysis). We used propensity score adjustment with inverse probability of treatment weighting to correct for confounding.

Results

During induction therapy, clinical remission was relatively low and similar in vedolizumab‐ and anti‐TNF‐treated patients (23% vs. 30.4%,p = 0.204). However, clinical remission rates after two years were significantly higher for vedolizumab‐treated patients than those treated with an anti‐TNF agent (43.2% vs. 25.8%,p < 0.011). Among patients treated with vedolzumab, 29% switched to other biologics, versus 54% who had received an anti‐TNF agent.

Conclusion

After two years of treatment, vedolizumab resulted in higher remission rates than anti‐TNF agents.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of nalbuphine nasal spray and solution for injection in healthy volunteers
Authors: Tymko Volodymyr G. , Tsapko Grigorii V. , Kovalova Kateryna V. , Mashchenko Serhii V. , Oliinykov Dmytro S. , Kuznetsov Igor E.
Published: June 2023

Aims

Nalbuphine is a synthetic opioid with comparable analgesic activity to morphine but with a better safety profile. Nalbuphine is only available in injectable form due to low oral bioavailability. Nasal nalbuphine spray provides advantages in drug safety, avoids hepatic first‐pass metabolism, is non‐invasive and is convenient for patient‐controlled analgesia by self‐administration. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of the newly developed nalbuphine nasal spray in comparison with a solution for injections.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy Caucasian volunteers were enrolled in this randomized, open‐label, cross‐over study. Subjects were administered one of the drugs: nasal spray 7.0 mg/dose, nalbuphine hydrochloride solution for injection 10 mg/dose intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). High‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine nalbuphine concentrations.

Results

A comparison of PK profiles for IV, IM and intranasal (IN) routes of nalbuphine administration revealed a close similarity of absorption phases for nasal spray and IM injection. Differences between the mean Tmax and dose‐adjusted Cmax values for nasal spray and IM injection were statistically insignificant. The median values of the elimination rate constants and the terminal elimination half‐life following IV, IM and IN nalbuphine administration were similar. The mean absolute bioavailability of the nasal spray equalled 65.04%.

Conclusions

The similarity of PK parameters of IM‐injected nalbuphine solution and the nasal spray allows us to assume the latter is a feasible alternative to intramuscular nalbuphine injections appropriate for self‐administration and field environments for managing moderate and severe pain of various aetiologies.
Using cognitive and behavioural strategies to support a man with mild–moderate learning disabilities navigate the dual process model of grief: A clinical case study
Authors: Calabria Luis , Cheswick Claire
Published: June 2023

Background

People with learning disabilities experience bereavement in the same emotionally overwhelming way as the general population. The Dual‐Process Model of grief is characterised by the oscillation between Loss‐Orientation and Restoration‐Orientation. These processes involve experiencing and accepting the emotional pain of grief (Loss‐Orientation) and adapting to a new world without the deceased person (Restoration‐Orientation).

Methods

A single case study sought to explore how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) principles can be used to support people with a learning disability to navigate the grieving process, as understood by the Dual‐Process Model.

Findings

This case study describes CBT formulation and assessment, and implementation of CBT and CFT strategies in a man with Williams syndrome, demonstrating improvements in mood, and a greater ability to turn towards suffering and experience both Loss‐ and Restoration‐Oriented processing.

Conclusion

CBT and CFT may be useful and appropriate modalities for clinicians to consider when supporting people with a learning disability to navigate loss, as understood through the Dual Process Model.
Mitochondria: At the crossroads between mechanobiology and cell metabolism
Authors: Su Émilie , Villard Catherine , Manneville Jean‐Baptiste
Published: June 2023

Metabolism and mechanics are two key facets of structural and functional processes in cells, such as growth, proliferation, homeostasis and regeneration. Their reciprocal regulation has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years: external physical and mechanical cues entail metabolic changes, which in return regulate cell mechanosensing and mechanotransduction. Since mitochondria are pivotal regulators of metabolism, we review here the reciprocal links between mitochondrial morphodynamics, mechanics and metabolism. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles which sense and integrate mechanical, physical and metabolic cues to adapt their morphology, the organization of their network and their metabolic functions. While some of the links between mitochondrial morphodynamics, mechanics and metabolism are already well established, others are still poorly documented and open new fields of research. First, cell metabolism is known to correlate with mitochondrial morphodynamics. For instance, mitochondrial fission, fusion and cristae remodeling allow the cell to fine‐tune its energy production through the contribution of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and cytosolic glycolysis. Second, mechanical cues and alterations in mitochondrial mechanical properties reshape and reorganize the mitochondrial network. Mitochondrial membrane tension emerges as a decisive physical property which regulates mitochondrial morphodynamics. However, the converse link hypothesizing a contribution of morphodynamics to mitochondria mechanics and/or mechanosensitivity has not yet been demonstrated. Third, we highlight that mitochondrial mechanics and metabolism are reciprocally regulated, although little is known about the mechanical adaptation of mitochondria in response to metabolic cues. Deciphering the links between mitochondrial morphodynamics, mechanics and metabolism still presents significant technical and conceptual challenges but is crucial both for a better understanding of mechanobiology and for potential novel therapeutic approaches in diseases such as cancer.
Overcoming the H4K20me3 epigenetic barrier improves somatic cell nuclear transfer reprogramming efficiency in mice
Authors: Liu Zhihui , Wang Weiguo , Xia Yuhan , Gao Yuan , Wang Zhisong , Li Mingyang , Presicce Giorgio Antonio , An Liyou , Du Fuliang
Published: June 2023

Epigenetic reprogramming during fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) is required for cell plasticity and competent development. Here, we characterize the epigenetic modification pattern of H4K20me3, a repressive histone signature in heterochromatin, during fertilization and NT reprogramming. Importantly, the dynamic H4K20me3 signature identified during preimplantation development in fertilized embryos differed from NT and parthenogenetic activation (PA) embryos. In fertilized embryos, only maternal pronuclei carried the canonical H4K20me3 peripheral nucleolar ring‐like signature. H4K20me3 disappeared at the 2‐cell stage and reappeared in fertilized embryos at the 8‐cell stage and in NT and PA embryos at the 4‐cell stage. H4K20me3 intensity in 4‐cell, 8‐cell, and morula stages of fertilized embryos was significantly lower than in NT and PA embryos, suggesting aberrant regulation of H4K20me3 in PA and NT embryos. Indeed, RNA expression of the H4K20 methyltransferase Suv4‐20h2 in 4‐cell fertilized embryos was significantly lower than NT embryos. Knockdown of Suv4‐20h2 in NT embryos rescued the H4K20me3 pattern similar to fertilized embryos. Compared to control NT embryos, knockdown of Suv4‐20h2 in NT embryos improved blastocyst development ratios (11.1% vs. 30.5%) and full‐term cloning efficiencies (0.8% vs. 5.9%). Upregulation of reprogramming factors, including Kdm4b, Kdm4d, Kdm6a, and Kdm6b, as well as ZGA‐related factors, including Dux, Zscan4, and Hmgpi, was observed with Suv4‐20h2 knockdown in NT embryos. Collectively, these are the first findings to demonstrate that H4K20me3 is an epigenetic barrier of NT reprogramming and begin to unravel the epigenetic mechanisms of H4K20 trimethylation in cell plasticity during natural reproduction and NT reprogramming in mice.
Prehospital seizures: Short‐term outcomes and risk stratification based in point‐of‐care testing
Authors: Donoso‐Calero María I. , Martín Conty José L. , López‐Izquierdo Raúl , Sanz‐García Ancor , Dileone Michele , Polonio‐López Begoña , Mordillo‐Mateos Laura , Delgado Benito Juan F. , del Pozo Vegas Carlos , Mohedano‐Moriano Alicia , Martín‐Rodríguez Francisco
Published: June 2023

Background

Information for treatment or hospital derivation of prehospital seizures is limited, impairing patient condition and hindering patients risk assessment by the emergency medical services (EMS). This study aimed to determine the associated factors to clinical impairment, and secondarily, to determine risk factors associated to cumulative in‐hospital mortality at 2, 7 and 30 days, in patients presenting prehospital seizures.

Methods

Prospective, multicentre, EMS‐delivery study involving adult subjects with prehospital seizures, including five advanced life support units, 27 basic life support units and four emergency departments in Spain. All bedside variables: including demographic, standard vital signs, prehospital laboratory tests and presence of intoxication or traumatic brain injury (TBI), were analysed to construct a risk model using binary logistic regression and internal validation methods.

Results

A total of 517 patients were considered. Clinical impairment was present in 14.9%, and cumulative in‐hospital mortality at 2, 7 and 30‐days was 3.4%, 4.6% and 7.7%, respectively. The model for the clinical impairment indicated that respiratory rate, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, associated TBI or stroke were risk factors; higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores mean a lower risk of impairment. Age, potassium, glucose, prehospital use of mechanical ventilation and concomitant stroke were risk factors associated to mortality; and oxygen saturation, a high score in GCS and haemoglobin were protective factors.

Conclusion

Our study shows that prehospital variables could reflect the clinical impairment and mortality of patients suffering from seizures. The incorporation of such variables in the prehospital decision‐making process could improve patient outcomes.