bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of fear of COVID-19 on intention to quit: do supervisor support and government support matter?
Authors: Vo-Thanh Tan , Nguyen Huan Minh , Nguyen Triet Minh , Pham Danh Cong , Nguyen Hung Phuc
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships among fear of COVID-19, job stress, job commitment and intention to quit. It also investigates the boundary conditions of the impact of fear of COVID-19 on job stress and intention to quit, a research gap that has not been addressed yet.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focused on full-time frontline hotel employees who have been working in four- and five-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A pilot test was performed before collecting formal data. The survey was conducted face-to-face on site so that any potential confusion could be clarified right away. 487 valid responses were analyzed using SPSS 28 and SmartPLS 4.

Findings

The majority of hypotheses were supported, with the results suggested that supervisor support contributes to reducing the tendency of hotel employees to quit their job and their job stress. Besides, government support is necessary to make staff feel secure during the pandemic.

Practical implications

This study contributes to pointing out central priorities in making decisions by hotel managers when facing crises. Managers need to focus more on measures to help their employees feel secure and should be available for guidance and feedback when nedeed. Additionally, supportive policies from the government, especially financial support, can provide hotel employees with resources they need to maintain a basic level of living in the face of a severe drop in their income. The study provides the hotel industry not only in Vietnam but also in countries with comparable settings with strategies to cope with unexpected events.

Originality/value

Research on intention to quit a job has mainly focused on a complex interplay of internal factors. However, the influence of fear of COVID-19 on intention to quit a job has not been studied in the context of Vietnamese hotel industry yet. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of hotels in Vietnam had to close due to a lack of visitors, which had a negative impact on human resources. Accordingly, fear, stress, commitment and intention to quit a job are the issues faced by staff.
Assessing climate risk quantification tools – mere fulfilment of duty or actually beneficial?
Authors: Hoehn Ben , Salzberger Hannah , Bienert Sven
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of prevailing methods for quantifying physical climate risks. Its goal is to evaluate their utility in guiding financial decision-making within the real estate industry. Whilst climate risk has become a pivotal consideration in transaction and regulatory compliance, the existing tools for risk quantification frequently encounter criticism for their perceived lack of transparency and comparability.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilise a sequential exploratory mixed-methods analysis to integrate qualitative aspects of underlying tool characteristics with quantitative result divergence. In our qualitative analysis, we conduct interviews with companies providing risk quantification tools. We task these providers with quantifying the physical risk of a fictive pan-European real estate portfolio. Our approach involves an in-depth comparative analysis, hypothesis tests and regression to discern patterns in the variability of the results.

Findings

We observe significant variations in the quantification of physical risk for the pan-European portfolio, indicating limited utility for decision-making. The results highlight that variability is influenced by both the location of assets and the hazard. Identified reasons for discrepancies include differences in regional databases and models, variations in downscaling and corresponding scope, disparities in the definition of scores and systematic uncertainties.

Practical implications

The study assists market participants in comprehending both the quantification process and the implications associated with using tools for financial decision-making.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this study presents the initial robust empirical evidence of variability in quantification outputs for physical risk within the real estate industry, coupled with an exploration of their underlying reasons.
The pathways to lean manufacturing for circular economy: Implications for sustainable development goals
Authors: Salman Sheak , Taqi Hasin Md. Muhtasim , Nur S.M. Shafaat Akhter , Awan Usama , Ali Syed Mithun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to address the critical challenge of implementing lean manufacturing (LM) in emerging economies, where sustainability complexities on the production floor hinder production efficiency and the transition towards a circular economy (CE). Addressing a gap in existing research, the paper introduces a path analysis model to systematically identify, prioritize and overcome LM implementation barriers, aiming to enhance performance through strategic removal.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a mixed-method approach, combining empirical survey data with literature reviews to pinpoint key LM barriers. Using the grey-based Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) along with the Network Knowledge (NK) method, they mapped causal relationships and barrier intensities. This formed the basis for developing a path simulation algorithm, integrating heuristic considerations for practical decision-making.

Findings

This analysis reveals that the primary barriers to LM adoption is the negative perception and inadequate understanding of lean tools and CE principles. The study provides a strategic framework for managers, offering new insights into barrier prioritization and overcoming strategies to facilitate successful LM adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a strategic pathway for overcoming LM implementation barriers, empowering managers in emerging economies to enhance sustainability and competitive advantage through LM and CE integration. It emphasizes the significance of structured barrier management in the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This research pioneers a systematic exploration of LM implementation barriers in the CE context, making a significant contribution to the literature. It identifies, evaluates barriers and proposes a practical model for overcoming them, enriching sustainable manufacturing practices in emerging markets.
Gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity among university students: a post-COVID-19 pandemic study
Authors: Chong Chyi Yann , Tan Chin Xuan , Tsai Meng-Che , Tan Seok Shin , Hariyono Hariyono , Tan Seok Tyug
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Malaysia transitions from a pandemic to an endemic state, beginning on April 1, 2022. The dietary intake and physical activity of university students were altered during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement period, but there is limited information on this topic in the post-COVID-19 period. This cross-sectional study aims to understand gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity among university students and investigate the factors influencing their body mass index (BMI) in the post-COVID-19 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire used in this study comprised three main segments: sociodemographic information, a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Findings

Results indicated that males exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean intakes of total dietary energy and macronutrients compared to females. Compared to the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes 2017, 76.4% of males and 68.8% of females had a sufficient daily energy intake. The majority of males (52.7%) and females (46.4%) were moderately physically active. Regression analysis revealed that male university students with lower fiber intake (ß = −0.309, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with higher BMI reading after confounding adjustment. However, a similar trend was not observed in female university students.

Practical implications

Understanding the gender differences in dietary intake and physical activity can provide insights into the development of effective gender-specific health promotion strategies and the formulation of policies aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among university students in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the gender differences in the dietary and physical activity habits of university students, as well as the factors influencing their BMI in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
View of institutional ownership and value relevance in Indonesia: the nexus of accounting conservatism
Authors: Muslim Ade Imam , Setiawan Doddy
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Our study aims to explore the ownership structure and accounting conservatism in influencing the value relevance that we analyse through the paradigm of open innovation and socio-emotional wealth (SEW). We also extended the test to identify how firm size could affect value relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

Through panel data testing, we collected all issuers on the stock exchange for the 2016–2018 period. The total collected observations are 735 observations from various industries.

Findings

The results of the study provide empirical evidence that institutional ownership is more pronounce, especially in companies with high asset levels. We also conducted other tests to see it from the perspective of SEW. We divide companies into family and non-family companies. The results of this study indicate that institutional ownership has an effect on increasing value relevance, especially in family companies compared with non-family companies. The results of the study also indicate that accounting conservatism plays a more important role in increasing value relevance in non-family firms compared to family firms.

Originality/value

This study advances in two main ways. First, we use a SEW approach and an open innovation perspective. Second, we conducted tests for family and non-family firms.
Beyond the formal economy. Social cooperatives for labour integration under the pressure of market competitiveness
Authors: Kiss Márta , Rácz Katalin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Using the theoretical framework of the substantive economy, this study aims to point out the main aspects of the substantive mode of operation that help the integration of disadvantaged people while at the same time shedding light on the barriers that hinder economically efficient functioning in a market economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Research focuses on Hungarian rural work integration social cooperatives, which are engaged in producing activity by the employment of disadvantaged people. In the research, mixed methods were applied: results of a questionnaire survey covering 102 cooperatives, as well as 20 semi-structured interviews and experiences from the field. A total of 17 indicators were used to explore the substantive operational features, promoting mechanisms and problems in the following areas: organisational goals and outcomes; integrating roles and functions; productive functions; and the embeddedness of cooperatives.

Findings

As for results, substantive operational mechanisms and tools that support the integration of disadvantaged people have been identified such as mentoring, social incentives, the ability to create local value or the expansion of local community services. At the same time, several barriers have been detected that make it difficult to operate economically, such as cooperatives being a stepping stone for workers, excessive product heterogeneity or the lack of vertically structured bridging relationships.

Originality/value

The value of the study is to counterpoint the mechanisms promoting social purposes of work-integration social cooperatives and the obstacles to their long-term sustainability within the framework of the substantive economy, to better understand their functioning and the less quantifiable factors of their performance.
Engaging teacher’s mental health self-care early through a trauma-informed microcredential
Authors: Epstein Jenna , Eirich Jodi , Wildesen Jane
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how beginning teachers’ participation in a microcredential based on trauma-informed classroom management and restorative discipline (TIMRD) practices might enhance their self-efficacy (SE), through an understanding of their own trauma response, its neurobiological basis and classroom interventions that focus on student wellness and teacher self-care.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a single case study design, participants completed a pre- and post-assessment before and after completion of a TIMRD microcredential.

Findings

A total of seven teaching fellows completed the microcredential process. Results indicate that the use of a microcredential for professional learning assisted with decreasing sense of burnout while increasing professional SE, SE related to classroom management and instructional strategies (ISs).

Originality/value

New teachers commonly struggle with a lack of professional efficacy for a variety of reasons, yet all teachers present with their own personal trauma. Increasing new teachers’ sense of resilience through addressing their own trauma and the impact of student trauma is integral to increasing teaching SE and reducing rates of burnout.
A review on the safety of growth factors commonly used in cultivated meat production
Authors: Huang Taya , Ko Cherie , Paes Dean , Smeets Evelien , Post Mark , Smith Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Growth factors are commonly added to cell culture media in cellular agriculture to mimic the endogenous process of proliferation and differentiation of cells. Many of these growth factors are endogenous to humans and known to be present in the edible tissues and milk of food animals. However, there is little or no information on the use of growth factors intentionally added in food production before the advent of cultivated meat. Ten commonly used growth factors have been reviewed to include information on their mode of action, bioavailability, occurrence in food and food animals, endogenous levels in humans, as well as exposure and toxicological information drawn from relevant animal studies and human clinical trials with a focus on oral exposure. In addition, a comparison of homology of growth factors was done to compare the sequence homology of growth factors from humans and domestic animal species commonly consumed as food, such as bovine, porcine, and poultry. This information has been gathered as the starting point to determine the safety of use of growth factors in cultivated meat meant for human consumption. The change in levels of growth factors measured in human milk and bovine milk after pasteurization and high‐temperature treatment is discussed to give an indication of how commercial food processing can affect the levels of growth factors in food. The concept of substantial equivalence is also discussed together with a conservative exposure estimation. More work on how to integrate in silico assessments into the routine safety assessment of growth factors is needed.
Web‐based intervention for young adults experiencing anxiety and hazardous alcohol use: Study protocol for an 18‐month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Prior Katrina , Baillie Andrew J. , Newton Nicola , Lee Yong Yi , Deady Mark , Guckel Tara , Wade Laura , Rapee Ronald M. , Hudson Jennifer L. , Kay‐Lambkin Frances , Slade Tim , Chatterton Mary Lou , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Teesson Maree R. , Stapinski Lexine A.
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Alcohol use and anxiety often co‐occur, causing increased severity impairment. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that aims to test the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of a web‐based, self‐guided alcohol and anxiety‐focused program, compared with a web‐based brief alcohol‐focused program, for young adults who drink at hazardous levels and experience anxiety. It will also test moderators and mechanisms of change underlying the intervention effects.

Design

This RCT will be conducted with a 1:1 parallel group.

Setting

The study will be a web‐based trial in Australia.

Participants

Individuals aged 17–30 years who drink alcohol at hazardous or greater levels and experience at least mild anxiety (n = 500) will be recruited through social media, media (TV, print) and community networks.

Intervention and comparator

Participants will be randomly allocated to receive a web‐based, integrated alcohol‐anxiety program plus technical and motivational telephone/e‐mail support (intervention) or a web‐based brief alcohol‐feedback program (control).

Measurements

Clinical measures will be assessed at baseline, post‐intervention (2 months), 6 months (primary end‐point), 12 months and 18 months. Co‐primary outcomes are hazardous alcohol consumption and anxiety symptom severity. Secondary outcomes are binge‐drinking frequency; alcohol‐related consequences; depression symptoms; clinical diagnoses of alcohol use or anxiety disorder (at 6 months post‐intervention), health‐care service use, educational and employment outcomes; and quality of life. Mediators and moderators will also be assessed. Efficacy will be tested using mixed models for repeated measures within an intention‐to‐treat framework. The economic evaluation will analyze individual‐level health and societal costs and outcomes of participants between each trial arm, while mediation models will test for mechanisms of change.

Comments

This will be the first trial to test whether a developmentally targeted, web‐based, integrated alcohol‐anxiety intervention is effective in reducing hazardous alcohol use and anxiety severity among young adults. If successful, the integrated alcohol‐anxiety program will provide an accessible intervention that can be widely disseminated to improve wellbeing of young adults, at minimal cost.
Revisiting the HMAS Swan Scandal and Histories of Sexual Harassment in the Australian Defence Force
Authors: Riseman Noah
Published: May 2024

In September 1993, the Australian media was abuzz over a Naval Board of Inquiry which investigated allegations of sexual abuse on the HMAS Swan. Following the Board of Inquiry and media coverage, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel referred the matter to a new, broader Senate Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in the Australian Defence Force. This inquiry received 122 submissions and handed down its final report in August 1994. The HMAS Swan inquiries were neither the first nor the last major reports investigating abuse in the Australian armed forces. Indeed, media reports and new inquiries every few years suggest a cycle of serial epiphanies – to borrow a phrase from Aboriginal researcher Maggie Walter – about cultures of abuse within the ADF. Yet, what set the HMAS Swan scandal apart from earlier ones was: 1. The interest and interventions taken by the political class, and 2. That it centred on sexual abuse and the status of women in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This article revisits the HMAS Swan inquiries thirty years later, exploring their findings, legacies and shortcomings. It explores why what could have been a turning point in the treatment of women in the ADF instead became just another inquiry.
Meteorin‐like protein/METRNL/Interleukin‐41 ameliorates atopic dermatitis‐like inflammation
Authors: Huang Danqi , Liu Xiuting , Gao Xun , Choi Chun Kit , Giglio Giovanni , Farah Luay , Leung Ting‐Fan , Wong Katie Ching‐Yau , Kan Lea Ling‐Yu , Chong Jeffrey Wing‐Heung , Meng Qing‐Jun , Liao Jinyue , Cheung Phyllis Fung‐Yi , Wong Chun‐Kwok
Published: May 2024

Background

Meteorin‐like protein (METRNL)/Interleukin‐41 (IL‐41) is a novel immune‐secreted cytokine/myokine involved in several inflammatory diseases. However, how METRNL exerts its regulatory properties on skin inflammation remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate the functionality and regulatory mechanism of METRNL in atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

METRNL levels were determined in skin and serum samples from patients with AD and subsequently verified in the vitamin D3 analogue MC903‐induced AD‐like mice model. The cellular target of METRNL activity was identified by multiplex immunostaining, single‐cell RNA‐seq and RNA‐seq.

Results

METRNL was significantly upregulated in lesions and serum of patients with dermatitis compared to healthy controls (p <.05). Following repeated MC903 exposure, AD model mice displayed elevated levels of METRNL in both ears and serum. Administration of recombinant murine METRNL protein (rmMETRNL) ameliorated allergic skin inflammation and hallmarks of AD in mice, whereas blocking of METRNL signaling led to the opposite. METRNL enhanced β‐Catenin activation, limited the expression of Th2‐related molecules that attract the accumulation of Arginase‐1 (Arg1)hi macrophages, dendritic cells, and activated mast cells.

Conclusions

METRNL can bind to KIT receptor and subsequently alleviate the allergic inflammation of AD by inhibiting the expansion of immune cells, and downregulating inflammatory gene expression by regulating the level of active WNT pathway molecule β‐Catenin.
Risk of early revision in total hip arthroplasty: the relative contribution of the surgeon versus the hospital
Authors: Handford Cameron , Campbell Ryan , Lorimer Michelle , Molnar Robert , Harris Ian A
Published: May 2024

Background

Early revision for total hip arthroplasty is a serious adverse outcome. There are multiple contributing risk factors for early revision. Risk factors can exist at the level of the surgeon and the level of the institution. The primary research question of this study was to determine the relative contribution of surgeon‐level and hospital‐level variance to rates of early revision (overall and for infection) after primary total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

This is a registry‐based study from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR). Data for the most commonly used stem (Exeter V40) were used to reduce prosthesis variation from the analysis. A mixed effects Cox Model (also known as a frailty model) with crossed random effects for surgeon and hospital was used. Outcomes were early revision (within 2 years) for all causes and for infection. This model allowed for the risk of early revision to be explained by the variability at the surgeon level or hospital level.

Results

There were 32 031 procedures performed by 735 surgeons across 250 hospitals between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019. Surgeon variability significantly contributed to overall variation in revision for any cause and revision for infection (P < 0.0001). There was no significant contribution of hospital‐level variation to overall revision or for infection.

Conclusions

Surgeon‐level factors play a more important role than institution‐level factors in early revision after primary total hip arthroplasty. If surgeons are identified as having a higher risk of revision, there is potential for surgeon‐level practice change to reduce the risk of early revision.
Changes in cognitive function after a 12‐week POWER rehabilitation in older adults with schizophrenia and frailty
Authors: Chan Yee‐Lam E. , Lin Wang‐Sheng , Lai Hui‐Chen , Hung Chih‐Yuan , Huang Mao‐Hsuan
Published: May 2024

Background

The effectiveness of isolated resistance training (RT) on cognitive function among older adults with schizophrenia is insufficiently investigated. This study investigated the effectiveness of 12‐weeks POWER rehabilitation, a novel RT regimen, on cognitive function among older patients with schizophrenia and frailty.

Methods

Thirty‐two older adults with schizophrenia and frailty were enrolled and randomized to receive either a 12‐week, twice weekly POWER rehabilitation, or without add‐on training. Cognitive functioning was assessed using mini‐mental state examination (MMSE), digit symbol substitution test, color trail task (CTT), and digit span task (DST). Physical performance was assessed by walking speed and hand grip strength. The generalized estimating equations was used to compare pre‐ and post‐training outcome measure between groups.

Results

Between‐group analysis revealed significant improvement in CTT1 and hand grip strength in the intervention group compared to the controls. Subgroup analyses showed CTT1 performance significantly improved after 12 weeks of POWER rehabilitation in the intervention group (time, p < .001), independent of age, educational level, global cognition, depressive symptoms, and psychotropic medication use. Increased hand grip strength was significantly associated with improved performance in MMSE, CTT1, and DST forward at study endpoint.

Conclusion

A 12‐week POWER rehabilitation for older patients with schizophrenia and frailty is safe and feasible, and may benefit physical and some domains of cognitive functioning.
Combination therapy with novel agents for acute myeloid leukaemia: Insights into treatment of a heterogenous disease
Authors: Jen Wei‐Ying , Kantarjian Hagop , Kadia Tapan M. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Issa Ghayas C. , Short Nicholas J. , Yilmaz Musa , Borthakur Gautam , Ravandi Farhad , Daver Naval G.
Published: May 2024

The treatment landscape of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is evolving rapidly. Venetoclax in combination with intensive chemotherapy or doublets or triplets with targeted or immune therapies is the focus of numerous ongoing trials. The development of mutation‐targeted therapies has greatly enhanced the treatment armamentarium, with FLT3 inhibitors and isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors improving outcomes in frontline and relapsed/refractory (RR) AML, and menin inhibitors showing efficacy in RR NPM1mut and KMT2A‐rearranged AML. With so many new drugs approved, the number of potential combinatorial approaches to leverage the maximal benefit of these agents has increased dramatically, while at the same time introducing clinical challenges, such as key preclinical and clinical data supporting the development of combinatorial therapy, how to optimally combine or sequence these novel agents, how to optimise dose and duration to maintain safety while enhancing efficacy, the optimal duration of therapy and the role of measurable residual disease in decision‐making in both intensive and low‐intensity therapy settings. In this review, we will outline the evidence leading to the approval of key agents in AML, their on‐label current approvals and how they may be optimally combined in a safe and deliverable fashion to further improve outcomes in AML.
Distinct patterns of plaque and microglia glycosylation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fastenau Caitlyn , Bunce Madison , Keating Mallory , Wickline Jessica , Hopp Sarah C. , Bieniek Kevin F.
Published: May 2024

Glycosylation is the most common form of post‐translational modification in the brain. Aberrant glycosylation has been observed in cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases, including dysregulation of terminal sialic acid (SA) modifications. While alterations in sialylation have been identified in AD, the localization of SA modifications on cellular or aggregate‐associated glycans is largely unknown because of limited spatial resolution of commonly utilized methods. The present study aims to overcome these limitations with novel combinations of histologic techniques to characterize the sialylation landscape of O‐ and N‐linked glycans in autopsy‐confirmed AD post‐mortem brain tissue. Sialylated glycans facilitate important cellular functions including cell‐to‐cell interaction, cell migration, cell adhesion, immune regulation, and membrane excitability. Previous studies have not investigated both N‐ and O‐linked sialylated glycans in neurodegeneration. In this study, the location and distribution of sialylated glycans were evaluated in three brain regions (frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum) from 10 AD cases using quantitative digital pathology techniques. Notably, we found significantly greater N‐sialylation of the Aβ plaque microenvironment compared with O‐sialylation. Plaque‐associated microglia displayed the most intense N‐sialylation proximal to plaque pathology. Further analyses revealed distinct differences in the levels of N‐ and O‐sialylation between cored and diffuse Aβ plaque morphologies. Interestingly, phosphorylated tau pathology led to a slight increase in N‐sialylation and no influence of O‐sialylation in these AD brains. Confirming our previous observations in mice with novel histologic approach, these findings support microglia sialylation appears to have a relationship with AD protein aggregates while providing potential targets for therapeutic strategies.
Differential G protein activation by the long and short isoforms of the dopamine D2 receptor
Authors: Reiner‐Link David , Madsen Jakob Sture , Gloriam David E. , Bräuner‐Osborne Hans , Hauser Alexander S.
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

The dopamine D2 receptor is expressed as a short (D2S) and a long (D2L) isoform with 29 additional amino acids in the third intracellular loop. The D2S isoform shows higher presynaptic expression than the D2L isoform, and decreased D2S expression has recently been linked to an increased risk for schizophrenia. Here, we present the first investigation, at receptor isoform level, of kinetic differences in the G protein activation profiles of the D2S, compared with the D2L isoform.

Experimental Approach

We employed a NanoBRET‐based approach to G protein dissociation to interrogate the time‐resolved coupling profile of 3×HA‐tagged D2L and D2S to Gαi/o/z proteins in vitro.

Key Results

Using dopamine as a D2 receptor agonist, we observed a more pronounced activation of Gαo and Gαz than Gαi proteins by D2L compared with D2S. This differentiation was not observed for D2S, which activated Gαo and Gαz with lower efficacy than D2L. These signalling differences were preserved on second messenger level and were not due to differences in receptor expression. Expanding to a set of seven full and partial D2 receptor agonists showed these effects were not restricted to dopamine but rather a mutual, receptor‐associated property. Contrasting this trend, we found that D2S activated G proteins faster than D2L upon full receptor activation.

Conclusion and Implications

The findings highlight that both D2L and D2S are mechanistically able to activate all non‐visual Gαi/o proteins. Thereby, they add to previous reports about isoform‐specificity to certain Gαi/o proteins observed in specific cell types.
4,4‐Diallyl curcumin bis(2,2‐hydroxymethyl)propanoate ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in methionine‐choline‐deficient diet and Western diet mouse models
Authors: Yang Li‐Chan , Wang Chih‐Chiang , Lee Der‐Yen , Lin Wen‐Chuan , Kuo Sheng‐Chu , Juang Shin‐Hun , Hsieh Min‐Tsang
Published: May 2024

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that causes severe liver damage, fibrosis, and scarring. Despite its potential to progress to cirrhosis or hepatic failure, approved drugs or treatments are currently unavailable. We developed 4,4‐diallyl curcumin bis(2,2‐hydroxymethyl)propanoate, also known as 35e, which induces upregulation of mitochondrial proteins including carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT‐I), carnitine palmitoyltransferase II, heat shock protein 60, and translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 20. Among these proteins, the upregulated expression of CPT‐I was most prominent. CPT‐I plays a crucial role in transporting carnitine across the mitochondrial inner membrane, thereby initiating mitochondrial β‐oxidation of fatty acids. Given recent research showing that CPT‐I activation could be a viable pathway for NASH treatment, we hypothesized that 35e could serve as a potential agent for treating NASH. The efficacy of 35e in treating NASH was evaluated in methionine‐ and choline‐deficient (MCD) diet‐ and Western diet (WD)‐induced models that mimic human NASH. In the MCD diet‐induced model, both short‐term (2 weeks) and long‐term (7 weeks) treatment with 35e effectively regulated elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations and histological inflammation. However, the antisteatotic effect of 35e was obtained only in the short‐term treatment group. As a comparative compound in the MCD diet‐induced model, curcumin treatment did not produce significant regulatory effects on the liver triglyceride/total cholesterol, serum ALT/AST, or hepatic steatosis. In the WD‐induced model, 35e ameliorated hepatic steatosis and hepatic inflammation, while increasing serum AST and hepatic lipid content. A decrease in epididymal adipose tissue weight and serum free fatty acid concentration suggested that 35e may promote lipid metabolism or impede lipid accumulation. Overall, 35e displayed significant antilipid accumulation and antifibrotic effects in the two complementary mice models. The development of new curcumin derivatives with the ability to induce CPT‐I upregulation could further underscore their efficacy as anti‐NASH agents.
Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with surgery in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Dong Hai‐jun , Yang Cheng‐yan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This meta‐analysis sought to investigate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) combined with surgery in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

With time span from January 2010 to December 2022, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang databases were searched for randomized controlled trials on comparison between NACT combined with surgery and surgery alone in patients with NSCLC. Then a meta‐analysis was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

A total of 1511 studies were retrieved and 12 were finally included. Meta‐analysis results showed that compared with surgery alone, a combination of NACT and surgery was associated with higher treatment response rate (odds ratio, OR = 2.459, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.785, 3.388], P < 0.001), 1‐year survival rate (OR = 2.185, 95% CI [1.608, 2.970], P < 0.001), and 3‐year survival rate (OR = 2.195, 95% CI [1.568, 3.073], P < 0.001) and lower levels of intraoperative blood loss (standardized mean difference, SMD = −0.932, 95% CI [−1.588, −0.275], P = 0.005) and length of hospital stay (SMD = −0.481, 95% CI [−0.933, −0.028], P = 0.037).

Conclusion

NACT combined with surgery is superior to surgery alone in the treatment of NSCLC and can promote postoperative recovery. Collectively, such combination is a safe and effective treatment for patients with NSCLC.
Null T‐cell phenotype mycosis fungoides with aberrant CD20 and CD56 expression: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Aran Brenna M. , Burton Regina , High Whitney A. , Gru Alejandro A.
Published: May 2024

Mycosis fungoides (MF) represents the most common type of primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Recognition of MF variants with divergent immunophenotypes is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, as they can be confused with other lymphoma subtypes. We present a case of a 49‐year‐old male previously diagnosed with a cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder with an unusual NK/T‐cell phenotype. He presented with a 10‐year history of pelvic girdle rash involving the right hip and upper thigh. The lesions were characterized as atrophic patches concentrated in sun‐protected areas and involving 10% of the body surface area. Shave biopsies revealed an atypical epidermotropic infiltrate composed of hyperchromatic small to medium‐sized lymphocytes with perinuclear halos and “tagging” along the dermal–epidermal junction. The immunophenotype was unusual in that the neoplastic lymphocytes showed complete loss of pan T‐cell antigens along with expression of CD56, cytotoxic markers, and weak CD20. All other B‐cell markers were negative. The combination of clinical findings, in addition to the histopathologic and immunophenotypic profile, were diagnostic of null T‐cell phenotype MF with aberrant expression of CD56 and CD20. Null T‐cell phenotype MF is very uncommon, can be diagnostically challenging, and can mislead the diagnosis of aggressive lymphoma subtypes.
Comprehensive meta‐analysis of the effects of oral medroxyprogesterone acetate plus conjugated equine oestrogens on the lipid profile in women: Insights from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Yi Lin , Xie Lei , Wu Fen lan , Ding Xiaomei , Hernández‐Wolters Benjamin , Găman Mihnea‐Alexandru , Kord‐Varkaneh Hamed
Published: May 2024

Background

Menopause is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk due to the loss of the cardioprotective effect of oestrogens. Postmenopausal women are often prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in order to control menopause symptoms and correct hormone imbalances; however, HRT can impact serum lipids' concentrations. At present, data on the effect of the administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate plus conjugated equine oestrogens (MPACEE) on the lipid profile in females are uncertain, as the investigations conducted so far have produced conflicting results. Thus, we aimed to clarify the impact of MPACEE prescription on the serum lipids' values in women by means of a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We employed a random‐effects model based on the DerSimonian and Laird method to determine the combined estimates of the intervention's impact on the lipid profile. The computation of the weighted mean difference (WMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) relied on the mean and standard deviation values from both the MPACEE and control group, respectively.

Results

A total of 53 RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis with 68 RCT arms on total cholesterol (TC), 70 RCT arms on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG), and 69 RCT arms on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). Administration of MPACEE resulted in a significant reduction of TC (WMD = −11.93 mg/dL; 95% CI: −13.42, −10.44; p < .001) and LDL‐C (WMD = −16.61 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.97, −15.26; p < .001) levels, and a notable increase in HDL‐C (WMD = 3.40 mg/dL; 95% CI: 2.93, 3.86; p < .001) and TG (WMD = 10.28 mg/dL; 95% CI: 7.92, 12.64; p < .001) concentrations. Subgroup analysis revealed that changes in the lipid profile were influenced by several factors: body mass index (for TC, HDL‐C, TG), MPACEE dosages (for TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, TG), age (for TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, TG), durations of the intervention (for TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, TG), continuous/sequential administration of MPACEE (continuous for TC; sequential for LDL‐C, TG) administration of MPACEE and serum lipids' concentrations before enrolment in the RCT (for TC, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, TG).

Conclusions

MPACEE administration can influence serum lipids' concentrations in females by raising HDL‐C and TG levels and reducing LDL‐C and TC values. Therefore, postmenopausal women who suffer from hypercholesterolaemia might benefit from this type of HRT.
Steps into a Small World: First glimpses on everyday moment‐to‐moment decision making in an ecologically meaningful multi‐choice system for assessing animal preferences
Authors: Puls Fiona , Kosin Louisa‐Mae , Garbisch Fiona , Touma Chadi , Thöne‐Reineke Christa , Gygax Lorenz
Published: May 2024

The behaviour shown by an animal at any one time is the consolidated output of its behavioural control mechanism. Moreover, what animals “want” is viewed as (the most) important component for individual welfare. Accordingly, studying the motivation of animals helps understanding basic mechanisms and welfare related needs. However, studying wants of animals is notoriously difficult and many previous studies on the preferences of animals have been restricted in the sense that only two choice options were presented in an artificial test environment. Here, an extended approach, the “Small World” is presented, in which the choices of animals between eight ecologically relevant resources can be observed in a long‐term test to reach conclusions with respect to everyday moment‐to‐moment decisions. In this sense, the system offers a quasi‐natural environment. The approach was tested in three experiments with observations of individual female rats, small groups of female rats (Long Evans, Rattus norvegicus) and small groups of female chickens (Lohmann Brown, Gallus gallus domesticus). The animals oriented themselves quickly in the system and it was possible to collect multifaceted data on the use of the resources. These data included the faecal and urinary markings in the Small World cages, the daily frequency and duration of visits to these cages, the sequential analyses of the choices for and decisions among the resources, and the synchrony of the animals in the groups. Given the richness of these data and the lack of a stress response in the tested animals, the use of the Small World approach seems to be highly promising as an extension to previously used procedures. To further improve the approach and more directly reflect the subjective value of the different resources from the animals' point of view, the distances between the resources in a quasi‐natural landscape shall be manipulated in future studies.
Developing a governance process for apps can help enhance and change the skills base and visibility of health librarians
Authors: Minns Amanda
Published: May 2024

The traditional qualifications and work of a health librarian may not, at first glance, seem like they readily lend themselves to the wider work of an organisation. Too often librarians are seen as experts in a small specialist field. However, as librarians, we know that at our core is extensive digital experience and knowledge as well as a core set of transferrable skills that can be adapted to meet the ever‐changing needs of the organisation. This article describes how the library evidence team became part of a wider board project to develop a governance system for Apps. It also describes how the skills of librarians can be developed to work in this area and raise the profile of the team within the board.
Fruit pictures on beverage packages, health effect, and purchase intention
Authors: Kato Takumi , Sugiura Toshiko
Published: May 2024

Faced with the serious challenge of reducing consumer obesity, research on food packaging has been limited to encouraging healthy product choices among children with poor health awareness and adults with obesity concerns. While there is a lack of discussion on packaging appealing to health‐conscious consumers, the literature has shown that realistic pictures of fruits drawn on packages can convey health and be attractive. Though this conclusion applies to apples and oranges, which are sweet fruits that can be eaten as they are without processing, results can vary with fruits such as lemons, which have a sour taste and are difficult to eat directly. This study fills the two gaps mentioned above. In Japan, a randomized controlled trial was conducted on the packaging of lemon drinks with illustrations and pictures of lemons that evoked sourness. The results showed that lemon pictures had a positive effect on purchase intention for those with high health involvement and a negative influence on those with low health involvement. In the case of the lemon illustration, this interaction did not occur, suggesting that the presence or absence of the recall of sourness was the trigger. If practitioners do not have the above perspective, there is a risk that they will mistakenly attempt to reduce the attractiveness of the product.
Systemic correlates of cutaneous manifestations of lupus erythematosus
Authors: Heil Peter M. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Weaver Amy L. , Killian Jill M. , Sokumbi Olayemi , Wetter David A.
Published: May 2024

Background

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of skin disease among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and determine whether LE skin disease had clinical or serologic correlates with SLE.

Methods

We reviewed records of 335 patients with SLE (seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA) and abstracted skin manifestations, fulfilled mucocutaneous SLE criteria, and clinical and serologic parameters.

Results

Of the 231 patients with skin manifestations, 57 (24.7%) had LE‐specific conditions, 102 (44.2%) had LE‐nonspecific conditions, and 72 (31.2%) had both. LE skin disease was associated with photosensitivity, anti‐Smith antibodies, and anti‐U1RNP antibodies (all P < 0.001). Patients without LE skin disease more commonly had elevated C‐reactive protein levels (P = 0.01). Patients meeting 2–4 mucocutaneous American College of Rheumatology criteria less commonly had cytopenia (P = 0.004) or anti−double‐stranded DNA antibodies (P = 0.004). No significant associations were observed for systemic involvement (renal, hematologic, neurologic, and arthritis) when comparing patients with or without LE skin involvement. LE skin involvement was not significantly associated with internal SLE disease flare, number of medications, or overall survival.

Conclusions

LE skin disease commonly occurs in patients with SLE. The presence of LE skin disease had no mitigating impact on the severity of SLE sequelae, disease flares, number of medications, or overall survival.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on physical health amongst children: Difference‐in‐differences analyses of nationwide school health checkup database
Authors: Okubo Yusuke , Ishitsuka Kazue , Goto Atsushi
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic posed tremendous challenges for children. However, the long‐term effects of the pandemic on various aspects of physical health at a national level remain unclear.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed data from nationwide health checkup records amongst children aged 7–15 years. The dataset comprised 3 544 146 records from 393 794 individuals who graduated from junior high school during fiscal years 2007 to 2022. Difference‐in‐differences (DID) analyses with multiple time periods were used to examine the impact of COVID‐19 on physical health outcomes.

Results

Compared with the pre‐pandemic period, the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with excess increases in obesity for boys and girls, persisting over the 3 years (+0.42%; [95% CI, 0.23–0.61]). Also, it was associated with excess increases in underweight (+0.28% [0.25–0.32]) and poor visual acuity amongst boys in the 3rd year (+1.80% [1.30–2.30]). There were excess reductions in dental caries (−1.48% [−2.01 to −0.95]), glucosuria (−0.55 [−0.88 to −0.23]) and hematuria (−0.43% [−0.73 to −0.13]) during the 3rd year of the pandemic.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on various health indicators for school‐aged children. This information could be valuable for public health policy and paediatric healthcare planning in the post‐pandemic era.