bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental, social and governance assets and diversity scores: exploring their relationship to carbon emissions in global companies
Authors: Koseoglu Mehmet Ali , Arici Hasan Evrim , Saydam Mehmet Bahri , Olorunsola Victor Oluwafemi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The interconnected challenges of climate change and social inclusivity have placed unprecedented pressure on businesses to adopt responsible practices. While previous research has explored the individual impacts of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and diversity initiatives, there remains a dearth of comprehensive investigations into how these factors collectively influence carbon emission scores. Drawing on the legitimacy theory, we explore whether ESG and diversity scores predict global companies' carbon emission scores. As concerns about the environmental impact of businesses grow, understanding the relationships between ESG performance, diversity management, and carbon emissions becomes imperative for sustainable corporate practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary dataset for this study includes 1,268 worldwide firm-year data for 2021. The sample is subjected to missing data examination as a component of the filtration process. Data preprocessing is performed before machine learning analysis, including verifying missing data. Our research resulted in the final sample, which includes 627 worldwide firm data from 2021. Data regarding all publicly traded companies was obtained from Refinitiv Eikon.

Findings

Our findings showed that corporate carbon emission performance in global corporations is influenced by ESG performance and total diversity score.

Originality/value

Firms involve in ESG as well as diversity practices to be able to achieve sustainable success. Yet, the forecasting of carbon emissions based on ESG scores and diversity scores remains inadequately established due to conflicting findings and enigmas prevalent in the literature.
Acclimation to moderate temperatures can have strong negative impacts on heat tolerance of arctic arthropods
Authors: Sørensen Jesper Givskov , Noer Natasja Krog , Kristensen Torsten Nygaard , Bahrndorff Simon
Published: May 2024

The Arctic is impacted by some of the fastest temperature changes observed on Earth, but the impact on the terrestrial arthropod fauna is unclear. Acute physiological thermal limits of terrestrial ectotherms from high latitudes often exceed the local air temperatures, suggesting that they may be able to cope with increasing temperatures. However, knowledge on how Arctic terrestrial arthropods cope with elevated temperatures for longer periods is lacking.

Here we investigate how acclimation temperature and exposure time affect the acute physiological heat tolerance of five terrestrial arthropod species (Neomolgus littoralis, Megaphorura arctica, Nysius groenlandicus, Psammotettix lividellus and Nabis flavomarginatus) immediately after collection in Arctic and sub‐Arctic habitats.

We show that although acute heat tolerances are relatively high, even exposure to moderate (temperature span assessed ca. 3–29°C) acclimation temperatures for a 24 h period have strong negative effects on heat tolerance for four of the five species. Similarly, exposure time negatively affected heat tolerance, but depending on species and temperature.

Together our results suggest that exposure to even moderately elevated temperatures for periods of 24 h or even shorter can lead to lower acute heat tolerance for cold adapted terrestrial arthropod species from sub‐Arctic and Arctic regions. Consequently, climate change leading to extended periods of mildly elevated temperatures may have strong negative effects on these species. We argue that this aspect is currently overlooked when assessing the ability of arthropods from Arctic and sub‐Artic regions to cope with climate changes as such predictions are typically based on acute heat tolerance estimates and with the assumption of beneficial acclimation responses.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Robust hydraulic traits correlation in woody species despite large trait variation along natural and experimental environmental gradients
Authors: Huang Ruike , Wang Ye , Duan Jie , Xi Benye , Yang Jinyan , Li Ximeng , Feng Jinchao , Choat Brendan , Tissue David T.
Published: May 2024

Hydraulic traits are major determinants of plant fitness, thus exerting control over vegetation structure, function and distribution. Yet it remains unclear whether and how hydraulic traits respond to environmental stimuli (i.e. phenotypic variation of hydraulic traits; PVHT) and if the coordination between different hydraulic traits and the trait–climate relationship are affected by PVHT.

Here, we synthesized data of PVHT (maximum hydraulic conductivity and water potential inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) and potentially related morphological and anatomical traits (e.g. sapwood density, branch Huber value, mean and hydraulic weighted conduit diameter). We analysed the magnitude, direction and source of variation of the plastic response, as well as the influence of environmental factors on trait coordination. Additionally, we compared the intra‐ and inter‐specific variation between key hydraulic traits and climate metrics (mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature) at the site of growth, as well as across the population range.

PVHT was highly variable in both magnitude and direction, which was contingent on the environmental factor. The variation in PVHT mainly occurred at high taxonomic levels (i.e. family and genus), whereas phenology explained little variation for PVHT. Despite the high variability, trait correlation remained robust in the presence of environmental stimuli. Moreover, trait–climate relationships differed at inter‐specific and intra‐specific levels. The intra‐specific variation of hydraulic traits in most species showed no correlation with climate metrics compared with the high correlation of hydraulic traits with climate metrics across species.

Our findings suggest that the high variability of PVHT does not affect the trait correlation which may be valuable in predicting vegetation dynamics under varying environments. The distinct trait–climate relationships highlight the need to unravel the driving force of PVHT, as well as the adaptive strategy across populations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Performance of β‐carotene‐loaded nanostructured lipid carriers under dynamic in vitro digestion system: Influence of the emulsifier type
Authors: Lüdtke Fernanda L. , Fernandes Jean‐Michel , Gonçalves Raquel F. S. , Martins Joana T. , Berni Paulo , Ribeiro Ana P. B. , Vicente Antonio A. , Pinheiro Ana C.
Published: May 2024

A better understanding of how emulsifier type could differently influence the behavior of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) under the gastrointestinal digestion process, as well as at the cellular level, is of utmost importance for the NLC‐based formulations’ optimization and risk assessment in the food field. In this study, NLC composed by fully hydrogenated soybean and high‐oleic sunflower oils were prepared using soy lecithin (NLC Lβ) or Tween 80 (NLC Tβ) as an emulsifier. β‐Carotene was entrapped within NLC developed as a promising strategy to overcome β‐carotene's low bioavailability and stability. The effect of emulsifier type on the digestibility of β‐carotene‐loaded NLC was evaluated using an in vitro dynamic digestion model mimicking peristalsis motion. The influence of β‐carotene‐loaded NLC on cell viability was assessed using Caco‐2 cells in vitro. NLC Tβ remained stable in the gastric compartment, presenting particle size (PS) similar to the initial NLC (PS: 245.68 and 218.18 nm, respectively), while NLC Lβ showed lower stability (PS > 1000 nm) in stomach and duodenum phases. NLC Tβ also provided high β‐carotene protection and delivery capacity (i.e., β‐carotene bioaccessibility increased 10‐fold). Based on the results of digestion studies, NLC Tβ has shown better physical stability during the passage through the in vitro dynamic gastrointestinal system than NLC Lβ. Moreover, the developed NLC did not compromise cell viability up to 25 µg/mL of β‐carotene. Thus, the NLC developed proved to be a biocompatible structure and able to incorporate and protect β‐carotene for further food applications.

Practical Application

The findings of this study hold significant implications for industrial applications in terms of developing nanostructured lipid carriers from natural raw materials widely available and used to produce other lipid‐based products in the food industry, as an alternative to synthetic ones. In this respect, the β‐carotene‐loaded NLC developed in this study would find a great industrial application in the food industry, which is in constant search to develop functional foods capable of increasing the bioavailability of bioactive compounds.
Spatio‐temporal data integration for species distribution modelling in R‐INLA
Authors: Seaton Fiona M. , Jarvis Susan G. , Henrys Peter A.
Published: May 2024

Species distribution modelling is a highly used tool for understanding and predicting biodiversity change, and recent work has emphasised the importance of understanding how species distributions change over both time and space. Spatio‐temporal models require large amounts of data spread over time and space, and as such are clear candidates to benefit from model‐based integration of different data sources. However, spatio‐temporal models are highly computationally intensive and integrating different data sources can make this approach even more unfeasible to ecologists.

Here we demonstrate how the R‐INLA methodology can be used for model‐based data integration for spatio‐temporally explicit modelling of species distribution change. We demonstrate that this method can be applied to both point and areal data with two contrasting case studies, one using the SPDE approach for modelling spatio‐temporal change in the Gatekeeper butterfly (Pyronia tithonus) across Great Britain and the second using a spatio‐temporal areal model to describe change in caddisfly (Trichoptera) populations across the River Thames catchment.

We show that in the caddisfly case study integrating together different data sources led to greater understanding of the change in abundance across the River Thames both seasonally and over 5 years of data. However, in the butterfly case study moving to a spatio‐temporal context exacerbated differences between the data sources and resulted in no greater ecological insight into change in the Gatekeeper population.

Our work provides a computationally feasible framework for spatio‐temporally explicit integration of data within SDMs and demonstrates both the potential benefits and the challenges in applying this methodology to real ecological data.
Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) versus pressure support ventilation (PSV)—A prospective intervention trial comparing haemodynamic parameters in intensive care patients
Authors: Ille Alexandru , Nilsson Carl , Sjödin Carl , Daham Shanay , Persson Per , Svensson Carl Johan
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Assisted mechanical ventilation may alter the pressure profile in the thorax compared to normal breathing, which can affect the blood flow to and from the heart. Studies suggest that in patients with severe lung disease, airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) may be haemodynamically beneficial compared to other ventilator settings. The primary aim of this study was to investigate if APRV affects cardiac index in intubated intensive care patients without severe lung disease when compared to pressure support ventilation (PSV). The secondary aim comprised potential changes in other haemodynamic and ventilatory parameters.

Methods

Twenty patients were enrolled in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Eligible patients met the inclusion criteria; 18 years of age or above, intubated and mechanically ventilated, triggering and stable on PSV mode, with indwelling haemodynamic monitoring via a pulse‐induced continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) catheter. The study protocol started with a 30‐min interval on PSV mode, followed by a 30‐min interval on APRV mode, and finally a 30‐min interval back on PSV mode. At the end of each interval, PiCCO outputs, ventilator outputs, arterial and venous blood gas analyses, heart rate and central venous pressure were recorded and compared between modes.

Results

There was no significant difference in cardiac index (3.42 vs. 3.39 L/min/m2) between PSV and APRV, but a significant increase in central venous pressure (+1.0 mmHg, p = .027). Furthermore, we found a significant reduction in peak airway pressure (−3.16 cmH2O, p < .01) and an increase in mean airway pressure (+2.1 cmH2O, p < .01). No statistically significant change was found in oxygenation index (partial pressure of O2 [pO2]/fraction of inspired oxygen) nor in other secondary outcomes when comparing PSV and APRV. There was no significant association between global end‐diastolic volume index and cardiac index (R2 = 0.0089) or central venous pressure (R2 = 0.278). All parameters returned to baseline after switching the ventilator mode back to PSV.

Conclusion

We could not detect any changes in cardiac index in ICU patients without severe lung disease during APRV compared to PSV mode, despite lower peak airway pressure and increased mean airway pressure.
RETRACTED: Investigating the effectiveness of forensic genetics and population genetic diversity using a multi‐InDel system in Chinese Hezhou and Southern Shaanxi Han populations
Authors: Wang Xi , Lan Qiong , Lin Yifeng , Yuan Xi , Mei Shuyan , Lei Fanzhang , Dong Bonan , Zhao Ming , Cai Meiming , Shen Chunmei , Zhu Bofeng
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Multiple insertion‐deletion (multi‐InDel) has greater potential in forensic genetics than InDel, and its efficacy in kinship testing, individual identification, DNA mixture detection and ancestry inference remains to be explored.

Methods

Consequently, we designed an efficient and robust system consisting of 41 multi‐InDels to evaluate its efficacy in forensic applications in Chinese Hezhou Han (HZH) and Southern Shaanxi Han (SNH) populations and explore the genetic relationships between the SNH, HZH, and 26 reference populations.

Results and conclusion

The obtained results showed that 38 out of the 41 multi‐InDels had fairly high genetic variations. The the cumulative probability of discrimination and exclusion values of the multi‐InDels (except MI38) in HZH and SNH populations both exceeded 1‐e−25 and 1‐e−6, correspondingly. The genetic compositions of HZH and SNH individuals were similar to that of East Asians and the Naive Bayes model could well distinguish East Asians, Africans and Americans. These results indicated that the multi‐InDel systerm can serve as an effective tool to provide important evidence for the development of multi‐InDels in forensic practice and better analyse the genetic background of the Han Chinese populations.
Does on‐site computed tomography matter? A cross‐sectional study of stroke patients’ door‐to‐scan‐time in rural hospitals
Authors: Arnold Nicholas , Gough Kathryn , Patsalou Anthony , Carrigan Brendan , MacAskill William
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Many rural Australian hospitals lack on‐site computed tomography (CT). These hospitals often refer patients to local off‐site private radiology clinics or to central hospitals, challenging the achievement of time‐sensitive scans. For stroke patients, timely access to CT affects treatment options. This study questions whether on‐site CT matters in rural hospitals by investigating stroke patients’ door‐to‐scan‐time (DTST) and CT scan sequence referrals.

Method

A retrospective chart audit was completed across four rural hospitals; two with on‐site CT and two without. Adult emergency stroke presentations were randomly sampled. Comparisons between on‐site and off‐site CT hospitals were made for DTST and CT sequence referrals using Mann–Whitney U‐tests and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

A total of 120 charts were audited (on‐site CT, n = 60; off‐site CT, n = 60). DTST was longer for off‐site vs. on‐site CT hospitals (median = 4.30 h vs. median = 0.70 h; U = 338, p < 0.001) regardless of whether presentations occurred in business hours or out of hours (p < 0.001). Off‐site CT hospitals ordered less CT angiography or perfusion scanning (32% vs. 85%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Off‐site CT hospital patients had longer DTST and received less angiography or perfusion scanning. These findings suggest that on‐site CT matters to rural stroke patients by improving equitable access to CT and appropriate scan referrals.
Tenacity Besides Depletion: Pandemics, Protests, and Workers from the Sri Lankan Apparel Sector
Authors: Ruwanpura Kanchana N.
Published: May 2024

Sri Lankan apparel has conventionally crafted itself as a niche and ethical supplier. Staying with this record, shifting to PPE (personal protective equipment) production, a tripartite agreement on minimum wages and a furlough scheme were key successes during the pandemic. However, the recurrent absence of living wages resulted in varied worker experiences. I use written testimonies from women garment workers to raise pivotal questions on how the lives of workers started to deplete during the pandemic and yet it did not prevent women workers from claiming differently—underlining slivers of hope, where depletion and tenacity are constant bedfellows. The pandemic was when Sri Lankan apparel's dis/articulation within global production processes came about. Contributing to feminist political economy readings of global production processes, I illustrate how depletion and tenacity are no binaries; acknowledging these spaces of hope offers the potential for agentive action.
Pregnancy experiences of transgender and gender‐expansive individuals: A systematic scoping review from a critical midwifery perspective
Authors: Thomas Elias G. , Goodarzi Bahareh , Frese Hannah , Schoonmade Linda J. , Muntinga Maaike E.
Published: May 2024

Background

Evidence suggests that transgender and gender‐expansive people are more likely to have suboptimal pregnancy outcomes compared with cisgender people. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the role of midwifery in these inequities by analyzing the pregnancy experiences of transgender and gender‐expansive people from a critical midwifery perspective.

Methods

We conducted a systematic scoping review. We included 15 papers published since 2010 that reported on pregnancy experiences of people who had experienced gestational pregnancy at least once, and were transgender, nonbinary, or had other gender‐expansive identities.

Results

Three themes emerged from our analysis: “Navigating identity during pregnancy,” “Experiences with mental health and wellbeing,” and “Encounters in the maternal and newborn care system.” Although across studies respondents reported positive experiences, both within healthcare and social settings, access to gender‐affirmative (midwifery) care and daily social realities were often shaped by trans‐negativity and transphobia.

Discussion

To improve care outcomes of transgender and gender‐expansive people, it is necessary to counter anti‐trans ideologies by “fixing the knowledge” of midwifery curricula. This requires challenging dominant cultural norms and images around pregnancy, reconsidering the way in which the relationship among “sex,” “gender,” and “pregnancy” is understood and given meaning to in midwifery, and applying an intersectional lens to investigate the relationship between gender inequality and reproductive inequity of people with multiple, intersecting marginalized identities who may experience the accumulated impacts of racism, ageism, and classism. Future research should identify pedagogical frameworks that are suitable for guiding implementation efforts.
Validity and reliability of an Arabic‐language version of the postpartum specific anxiety scale research short‐form in Jordan
Authors: Hijazi Heba H. , Alolayyan Main N. , Al Abdi Rabah M. , Hossain Ahmed , Fallon Victoria , Silverio Sergio A.
Published: May 2024

Objective

The English‐language Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS) is a valid, reliable measure for postpartum anxiety (PPA), but its 51‐item length is a limitation. Consequently, the PSAS Working Group developed the PSAS Research Short‐Form (PSAS‐RSF), a statistically robust 16‐item tool that effectively assesses PPA. This study aimed to assess and validate the reliability of an Arabic‐language version of the PSAS‐RSF in Jordan (PSAS‐JO‐RSF).

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional methodological design, a sample of Arabic‐speaking mothers (N = 391) with infants aged up to 6 months were recruited via convenience sampling from a prominent tertiary hospital in northern Jordan. Factor analysis, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), McDonald's ω, and inter‐item correlation measures were all examined.

Results

Explanatory factor analysis revealed a four‐factor model consistent with the English‐language version of the PSAS‐RSF, explaining a cumulative variance of 61.5%. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the good fit of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF (χ2/df = 1.48, CFI = 0.974, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.039, SRMR = 0.019, p < 0.001). The four factors demonstrated acceptable to good reliability, with McDonald's ω ranging from 0.778 to 0.805, with 0.702 for the overall scale. The CR and AVE results supported the validity and reliability of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF.

Conclusion

This study establishes an Arabic‐language version of the PSAS‐JO‐RSF as a valid and reliable scale for screening postpartum anxieties in Jordan.
Identification and characterisation of functional Kir6.1‐containing ATP‐sensitive potassium channels in the cardiac ventricular sarcolemmal membrane
Authors: Brennan Sean , Chen Shen , Makwana Samir , Esposito Simona , McGuinness Lauren R. , Alnaimi Abrar I. M. , Sims Mark W. , Patel Manish , Aziz Qadeer , Ojake Leona , Roberts James A. , Sharma Parveen , Lodwick David , Tinker Andrew , Barrett‐Jolley Richard , Dart Caroline , Rainbow Richard D.
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

The canonical Kir6.2/SUR2A ventricular KATP channel is highly ATP‐sensitive and remains closed under normal physiological conditions. These channels activate only when prolonged metabolic compromise causes significant ATP depletion and then shortens the action potential to reduce contractile activity. Pharmacological activation of KATP channels is cardioprotective, but physiologically, it is difficult to understand how these channels protect the heart if they only open under extreme metabolic stress. The presence of a second KATP channel population could help explain this. Here, we characterise the biophysical and pharmacological behaviours of a constitutively active Kir6.1‐containing KATP channel in ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Experimental Approach

Patch‐clamp recordings from rat ventricular myocytes in combination with well‐defined pharmacological modulators was used to characterise these newly identified K+ channels. Action potential recording, calcium (Fluo‐4) fluorescence measurements and video edge detection of contractile function were used to assess functional consequences of channel modulation.

Key Results

Our data show a ventricular K+ conductance whose biophysical characteristics and response to pharmacological modulation were consistent with Kir6.1‐containing channels. These Kir6.1‐containing channels lack the ATP‐sensitivity of the canonical channels and are constitutively active.

Conclusion and Implications

We conclude there are two functionally distinct populations of ventricular KATP channels: constitutively active Kir6.1‐containing channels that play an important role in fine‐tuning the action potential and Kir6.2/SUR2A channels that activate with prolonged ischaemia to impart late‐stage protection against catastrophic ATP depletion. Further research is required to determine whether Kir6.1 is an overlooked target in Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) cardiac safety screens.
Children's agencies navigating sexism and LGBTI+ phobia in Santiago de Chile's primary school
Authors: Agud‐Morell Ingrid , Breull‐Arancibia Valeria
Published: May 2024

Through their talk, actions and interactions, children actively shape and develop notions of gender and sexuality. This research delves into the realm of children's agency to explore the ways children act and react to instances of sexism and LGBTI+ phobia. Within the context of a Gender Equity Education Program in a Chilean primary school, this study employs participatory‐action research, integrating participatory methods and participant observation, acknowledging the significance of children's agencies in knowledge construction. Analytically, a feminist post‐structuralist lens is applied to examine children's experiences, unveiling distinct categories of agencies, namely ‘reproducers’ and ‘challengers’ of the dominant discourse.
A qualitative study of coping strategies and resilience in the aftermath of childhood adversity in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Wambua G. N. , Kilian S. , Chiliza B.
Published: May 2024

Aim

Exposure to adversity during childhood is associated with elevated risk for commonly occurring forms of psychopathology, especially psychotic disorders. Despite the noteworthy consequences associated with adverse childhood experiences, an inconsistent and unpredictable number of at‐risk populations present with remarkably good physical and mental health outcomes that can be attributed to resilience. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the experience of childhood adverse events and coping strategies employed by individuals that promote resilience and better mental health outcomes.

Methods

Fourteen individuals with a history of childhood adversity were recruited to participate using a case‐study approach. A semi‐structured interview guide was developed based on empirical evidence and theoretical background, and the interviews were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.

Results

Our findings showed that the type of adversity impacted the experience of trauma, for example, the death of a caregiver versus emotional abuse or witnessing violence at home. Five coping strategies were identified (social support, religious coping, problem or emotion‐focused coping, and meaning‐making), with healthy controls found to identify and use these resources more than the psychosis group to promote individual well‐being and better mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings provide insights into experiences in the aftermath of childhood adversity, emphasising the need to assess the history of trauma systematically. They further underscore the importance of mental health prevention programmes bolstering individual‐level coping strategies and the resources available within our environments to help them manage adversity, improve overall outcomes, and promote resilience.
Suppression and omission effects in auditory predictive processing—Two of the same?
Authors: Tast Valentina , Schröger Erich , Widmann Andreas
Published: May 2024

Recent theories describe perception as an inferential process based on internal predictive models that are adjusted by prediction violations (prediction error). Two different modulations of the auditory N1 event‐related brain potential component are often discussed as an expression of auditory predictive processing. The sound‐related N1 component is attenuated for self‐generated sounds compared to the N1 elicited by externally generated sounds (N1 suppression). An omission‐related component in the N1 time‐range is elicited when the self‐generated sounds are occasionally omitted (omission N1). Both phenomena were explained by action‐related forward modelling, which takes place when the sensory input is predictable: prediction error signals are reduced when predicted sensory input is presented (N1 suppression) and elicited when predicted sensory input is omitted (omission N1). This common theoretical account is appealing but has not yet been directly tested. We manipulated the predictability of a sound in a self‐generation paradigm in which, in two conditions, either 80% or 50% of the button presses did generate a sound, inducing a strong or a weak expectation for the occurrence of the sound. Consistent with the forward modelling account, an omission N1 was observed in the 80% but not in the 50% condition. However, N1 suppression was highly similar in both conditions. Thus, our results demonstrate a clear effect of predictability for the omission N1 but not for the N1 suppression. These results imply that the two phenomena rely (at least in part) on different mechanisms and challenge prediction related accounts of N1 suppression.
Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase A by diclofenac sodium induces apoptosis in HeLa cells through activation of AMPK
Authors: Malla Avirup , Gupta Suvroma , Sur Runa
Published: May 2024

Cancer cells exhibit a unique metabolic preference for the glycolytic pathway over oxidative phosphorylation for maintaining the tumor microenvironment. Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is a key enzyme that facilitates glycolysis by converting pyruvate to lactate and has been shown to be upregulated in multiple cancers due to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Diclofenac (DCF), a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, has been shown to exhibit anticancer effects by interfering with the glucose metabolism pathway. However, the specific targets of this drug remain unknown. Using in silico, biochemical, and biophysical studies, we show that DCF binds to LDHA adjacent to the substrate binding site and inhibits its activity in a dose‐dependent and allosteric manner in HeLa cells. Thus, DCF inhibits the hypoxic microenvironment and induces apoptosis‐mediated cell death. DCF failed to induce cytotoxicity in HeLa cells when LDHA was knocked down, confirming that DCF exerts its antimitotic effects via LDHA inhibition. DCF‐induced LDHA inhibition alters pyruvate, lactate, NAD+, and ATP production in cells, and this could be a possible mechanism through which DCF inhibits glucose uptake in cancer cells. DCF‐induced ATP deprivation leads to mitochondria‐mediated oxidative stress, which results in DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis‐mediated cell death. Reduction in intracellular ATP levels additionally activates the sensor kinase, adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which further downregulates phosphorylated ribosomal S6 kinase (p‐S6K), leading to apoptosis‐mediated cell death. We find that in LDHA knocked down cells, intracellular ATP levels were depleted, resulting in the inhibition of p‐S6K, suggesting the involvement of DCF‐induced LDHA inhibition in the activation of the AMPK/S6K signaling pathway.
Uncertainty, precautionary saving, and investment: Evidence from prescheduled election cycles
Authors: Jens Candace E. , Page T. Beau
Published: May 2024

We show empirically that firms increase cash holdings starting as early as one year before prescheduled (i.e., predictable) elections. Then, for four quarters around elections when uncertainty and external financing costs are high, firms decrease investment and draw down saved cash balances to avoid tapping external financing. We use a dynamic model of firm investment and saving to demonstrate the importance of anticipation of future financing costs to firms' pre‐election precautionary saving behavior. Theoretically, if election uncertainty were only to affect potential investment, lower firm investment would result in higher contemporaneous cash balances, which is inconsistent with our empirical results.
Painless cost control as a central strategy for universal oral health coverage: A critical review with policy guide
Authors: Jadidfard Mohammad‐Pooyan , Tahani Bahareh
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aimed to critically review the methods used to control the significantly increasing costs of dental care.

Methods

Through a comprehensive search of the available literature, the cost control (CC) mechanisms for health services were identified from a healthcare system perspective. The probable applicability of each CC method was evaluated mainly based on its potential contribution to oral health promotion. Each mechanism was then classified and discussed under any of the two headings of financing and service provision. An operational guide was finally presented for policy‐making in each of the three main models of healthcare systems, including National Health Services, social/public health insurance and private insurance.

Results

From a total of 142 articles/reports retrieved in PubMed, 73 in Scopus and 791 in Google Scholar, 35 were included in the final review after eliminating the duplicates and screening process. Totally ten mechanisms were identified for CC of dental care. Seven were discussed under the financing function, including cost sharing, preauthorization, mixed payment method and an evidence‐based approach to benefit package definition, among others. Three further methods were classified under the service provision function, including workforce skill mix with emphasis on primary oral healthcare providers, development of primary healthcare (PHC) network and an appropriate use of tele‐dentistry.

Conclusion

Painless control of dental expenditures requires a smart integration of prevention into the CC plans. The suggested policy guide emphasizes organizational factors; particularly including the development of PHC‐based networks with midlevel providers (desirably extended‐duty dental hygienists) as the frontline oral healthcare providers.
Salivary levels of catalase, total antioxidant capacity and interleukin‐1β and oral health‐related quality of life after matcha and green tea consumption for patients with gingivitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abdul‐Wahab Hind Yarub , Salah Rasha , Abdulbaqi Hayder Raad
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the changes in salivary levels of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and IL‐1β (primary outcomes) as well as gingival health and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQOL) 1 month after the consumption of matcha and green tea in adult patients with gingivitis.

Methods

This study was a parallel randomized clinical trial. Forty gingivitis adult patients were randomly assigned to drink either matcha or green tea cup twice daily for a duration of 1 month. They were asked to keep their habitual oral hygiene measures. Plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. In addition, saliva was collected at baseline and 1 month after tea consumption. Salivary levels of CAT, TAC and IL‐1β were determined by ELISA. Each participant was asked to fill OHIP‐14 questionnaire before and after tea consumption.

Results

Following tea intake, 40.6% of the study sample had healthy gingiva. Both groups similarly showed reductions in PI (0.32 ± 0.11–0.22 ± 0.08) and BOP (0.24 ± 0.08–0.13 ± 0.07) scores after tea consumption. There was a significant difference between mean TAC before and after matcha tea consumption only. Non‐significant reductions in salivary levels of CAT and IL‐1β were detected after tea consumption. OHRQOL of participants was improved after tea, both types, consumption.

Conclusion

Despite study limitations, daily consumption of matcha and green tea might be beneficial as they potentially enhance OHRQOL of individuals with gingivitis and reduce the extent of gingivitis despite non‐significant changes in salivary antioxidants and IL‐1β levels.
T cells in obesity‐associated inflammation: The devil is in the details
Authors: Valentine Yolander , Nikolajczyk Barbara S.
Published: May 2024

Obesity presents a significant health challenge, affecting 41% of adults and 19.7% of children in the United States. One of the associated health challenges of obesity is chronic low‐grade inflammation. In both mice and humans, T cells in circulation and in the adipose tissue play a pivotal role in obesity‐associated inflammation. Changes in the numbers and frequency of specific CD4+ Th subsets and their contribution to inflammation through cytokine production indicate declining metabolic health, that is, insulin resistance and T2D. While some Th subset alterations are consistent between mice and humans with obesity, some changes mainly characterize male mice, whereas female mice often resist obesity and inflammation. However, protection from obesity and inflammation is not observed in human females, who can develop obesity‐related T‐cell inflammation akin to males. The decline in female sex hormones after menopause is also implicated in promoting obesity and inflammation. Age is a second underappreciated factor for defining and regulating obesity‐associated inflammation toward translating basic science findings to the clinic. Weight loss in mice and humans, in parallel with these other factors, does not resolve obesity‐associated inflammation. Instead, inflammation persists amid modest changes in CD4+ T cell frequencies, highlighting the need for further research into resolving changes in T‐cell function after weight loss. How lingering inflammation after weight loss affecting the common struggle to maintain lower weight is unknown. Semaglutide, a newly popular pharmaceutical used for treating T2D and reversing obesity, holds promise for alleviating obesity‐associated health complications, yet its impact on T‐cell‐mediated inflammation remains unexplored. Further work in this area could significantly contribute to the scientific understanding of the impacts of weight loss and sex/hormones in obesity and obesity‐associated metabolic decline.
Non‐peer professionals' understanding of recovery and attitudes towards peer support workers joining existing community mental health teams in the North Denmark Region: A qualitative study
Authors: Lerbæk Birgitte , Johansen Kirsten , Burholt Alice Katrine , Gregersen Line Myrup , Terp Malene Østergaard , Slade Mike , Castelein Stynke , Jørgensen Rikke
Published: May 2024

Peer support is a collaborative practice where people with lived experience of mental health conditions engage in supporting like‐minded. Peer support impacts on personal recovery and empowerment and creates value at an organisational level. However, the implementation of peer support into existing mental health services is often impeded by barriers embedded in organisational culture and support in role expectations. Non‐peer professionals' recovery orientation and attitudes towards peer support workers (PSWs) are essential factors in the implementation of peer support, and this study explored non‐peer professionals' understanding of recovery and their attitudes towards PSWs joining existing community mental health teams in one region of Denmark. In total, 17 non‐peer professionals participated in three focus groups. Thematic analysis led to three themes: (1) Recovery is a process of “getting better” and balancing personal and clinical perspectives; (2) Realising recovery‐oriented practice: a challenging task with conflicting values; and (3) Expectations and concerns about peer support workers joining the team. Recovery‐oriented practice faces challenging conditions in contemporary mental health services due to a dominant focus on biomedical aspects in care and treatment. Implementation facilitators and barriers in the employment of PSWs point towards fundamental aspects that must be present when employing PSWs in an organisation. The issues described leading up to the employment of PSWs reflected in this study underpin the importance of preparing an organisation for the employment of PSWs based on the available knowledge.
The role of MOOC forum discussion tasks in learners' cognitive engagement
Authors: Rivera Dennis A. , Frenay Mariane , Paquot Magali
Published: May 2024

Background

Forums in massive open online courses (MOOCs) enable written exchanges on course content; hence, they can potentially facilitate learners' cognitive engagement. Given the myriad of MOOC forum messages, this engagement is commonly analysed automatically through the linguistic features of the messages. Assessing linguistic features of learners' forum messages involves consideration of the learning tasks. MOOC forum discussion tasks, however, have not been previously considered.

Objective and Method

This study explores the effects of MOOC forum discussion tasks on learners' cognitive engagement. Based on the structure of observed learning outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy, we manually annotate distinct levels of cognitive engagement encouraged in forum discussion tasks and displayed by learners in messages starting discussions (i.e., thread starters). We study the linguistic features of thread starters in relation to the pedagogical design of the discussion tasks. Additionally, we use random‐forest modelling to identify the linguistic and task‐related features that help to categorise learners' cognitive engagement according to SOLO levels.

Results

Manual analysis showed that learners' thread starters mainly reflect surface SOLO levels and include few academic words and cohesive language. Random‐forest modelling showed that these linguistic features, together with the SOLO levels encouraged in the discussion tasks, played an important role in identification of learners' cognitive engagement.

Major Takeaways

Our results highlight the importance of the pedagogical design of MOOC forum tasks in helping learners engage cognitively. Our study also contributes to the empirical evidence that learners' linguistic choices can afford insights into the quality of their cognitive engagement.
Compliance with the pregnancy prevention program among women initiating isotretinoin treatment between 2014 and 2021: A nationwide cohort study on the French Health Data System (SNDS)
Authors: Havet A. , Bouvard C. , Moskal A. , Chanelière M. , Massardier J. , Lebrun‐Vignes B. , Jonville‐Bera A.‐P. , Payet C. , Viprey M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the French pregnancy prevention program (PPP), a considerable number of pregnancies are potentially exposed to oral isotretinoin. New measures were taken by the French Medicines Agency, including the restriction of initial isotretinoin prescriptions to dermatology specialists in May 2015 and a new information campaign on teratogenicity in January 2019.

Objectives

The aims were to: describe, between 2014 and 2021, compliance with PPP recommendations: isotretinoin use as a second‐line treatment, first prescription by a dermatology specialist, monthly prescription renewal and pregnancy testing (PT); assess the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance; and identify the determinants of PT noncompliance.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women aged 11–50 years initiating isotretinoin between 2014 and 2021 using the French Health Data System. PT compliance corresponded to pregnancy test completion and specific delays between prescription and dispensation. Time series analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 and 2019 measures on PT compliance, and log‐binomial and Poisson multivariate regression models were used to identify the determinants of PT noncompliance.

Results

Isotretinoin was prescribed as a second‐line treatment in 64% of initiations, mainly by dermatology specialists (92%). A new monthly prescription was observed in 98% of dispensations. PT compliance reached 61%, 72% and 25% at initiation, renewals and end of treatment, respectively. The 2015 measure was associated with better PT compliance at initiation and renewals. The 2019 measure had no significant effect on PT compliance at the initiation or end of treatment but was associated with a decrease in PT compliance at renewals. Age, low socioeconomic level, initiation by a nondermatology specialist and during summer were associated with PT noncompliance.

Conclusions

Understanding factors associated with PT noncompliance could help to target specific subpopulations of women treated with isotretinoin.
The role of bodily experiences during pregnancy on mother and infant outcomes
Authors: Munns Lydia Beatrice , Preston Catherine
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy is a transformative time for women and their bodies, and therefore thoughts and feelings and about one's own body and internal bodily sensations may understandably change during this period. Body satisfaction and interoception have been found to influence factors such as antenatal attachment (AA) and maternal mental health. However, mixed results in the literature suggest complex relationships between the bodily experience during pregnancy and outcomes, necessitating a broader investigative approach. We aim to examine the relationship between the pregnancy bodily experience and multiple mother–infant outcomes. It is hypothesised that poor bodily experiences during pregnancy will have negative impacts on these outcomes. Cross‐sectional online survey data was collected from individuals at various gestations throughout pregnancy as part of a larger longitudinal study (N = 253, mean age = 32). We analysed validated measures of pregnancy body satisfaction, interoceptive sensibility, AA and mood, as well as intentions to breastfeed. Linear regressions were used to confirm findings from previous literature and a network analysis allowed for a more exploratory approach to understanding the importance of the bodily experience during pregnancy. Multiple regressions found low body satisfaction predicts higher levels of anxiety, depression and AA. A network analysis revealed relationships between body satisfaction and interoception during pregnancy and mother–infant outcomes, including depression and AA. Our results highlight the far‐reaching effects of poor bodily experiences during pregnancy on a variety of outcomes. Understanding the impact of the pregnant bodily experience can help identify at‐risk individuals and inform interventions.
Family resilience and vulnerability of patients at diagnosis of lung cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Zhu Jie , Li Xu‐Ting , Guo Jia‐Yi , Li Wei , Ye Man
Published: May 2024

Aim

To explore and analyse the adaptation process of patients and their families at the point of lung cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Totally 23 operable lung cancer patients were included in this study. Colaizzi's method of phenomenology was employed for data analysis.

Results

This study found two different aspects of family adaptation at the diagnosis of lung cancer. For family resilience, three themes emerged: (1) Positive family belief systems (giving meaning to a cancer diagnosis and maintaining a positive/optimistic attitude), (2) Flexible family organizational patterns (maintaining the stability of family structure and function, adjusting the relationship between patients and family members and receiving external support and help) and (3) Good communication and problem‐solving strategies (open communication on an equal basis, positive and open expression of emotions and collaborative problem‐solving). For family vulnerability, three themes were as follows: (1) Negative family belief systems (negative attitudes and concealment and self‐isolation due to stigma), (2) Rigid family organizational patterns (adaptation lost, conflicts between family support and patients' willingness and pressure upon social support) and (3) Unhealthy communication and problem‐solving (poor communication, emotional asymmetry of family members and tendency to solve problems alone).

Conclusion

The study highlights the existence of the family resilience and family vulnerability at the point of lung cancer diagnosis and provides patient's perspective for understanding family resilience in specific cultural contexts.

Patient Contribution

The data were collected through face‐to‐face interviews.

Trail registration number: ChiCTR2300074801.