bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limiting court involvement in end-of-life treatment decisions for children in England & Wales: Advantages and limitations of a specialist committee deciding on futility
Authors: Neefjes Veronica ME
Published: October 2024

Given the costs of litigation high-profile court cases about withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment for seriously ill children in England & Wales tend to be followed by discussion about how to avoid similar cases in future. Whilst two proposals, mediation and replacing the best interests standard with a harm threshold, have received broad attention, a proposal to replace the court by a specialist review committee has not been further investigated. This article analyses the effects of a putative replacement of the courts by a specialist review committee using the process enacted by the futility clauses in the Texas Advance Directives Act (TADA) as a model. Under TADA life-sustaining treatment may legally be withdrawn when a review committee deems it futile and no alternative healthcare provider can be identified. The investigation finds that installing a national review committee with the power to decide whether life-sustaining treatment is futile would have reduced the number of court cases about withdrawal thereof in England & Wales to a handful over the last 3 decades. In addition to shorter procedures and costs savings, a national review committee modelled after TADA would have advantages for both clinicians and parents. Advantages for clinicians are more limited exposure to delivery of clinical care that may cause moral distress and less exposure to adverse press and social media content. Advantages for parents are that the process would establish them as ethical decision makers and offer the possibility of a transfer of the care of the child provided an alternative healthcare provider can be found. As such decisions taken by a specialist review committee may be more acceptable for parents than those of the courts.
Youth Market: Evaluation of a Paid Summer Internship to Promote Food Justice in Northern Manhattan
Authors: Harris Julen N. , Murray Kyle E. , Jernigan Carey A. , Rodriguez Ana Escalante , Rausch John C.
Published: October 2024

Engaging adolescents and young adults in food justice initiatives is a powerful tool to address the complex landscape of food-related inequities. Youth Market is a paid 8-week summer internship in Northern Manhattan that engages 16- to 22-year olds in managing a farm stand, leading nutrition workshops, and distributing food to families experiencing food insecurity. Through a positive youth development lens, the program aims to empower interns to become ambassadors of healthy food access in their community, while supporting their personal health and career goals. Matched, de-identified, pre–post online surveys of Summer 2021 and 2022 interns and a 1-year follow-up survey of Summer 2021 interns used Likert-type scale and open-ended questions to assess program satisfaction and perceived knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy regarding nutrition behaviors, food insecurity resources, and community connectedness. Pre–post results (n = 35) demonstrated high program satisfaction and statistically significant increases in interns’ self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption, confidence in ability to share information about healthy eating and food insecurity resources, and sense of community connectedness. Longitudinal results (n = 13) showed some significant improvements from baseline. Youth Market demonstrates a valuable model for youth engagement in paid work to promote community access to healthy food, improve knowledge and resource-sharing related to nutrition and food insecurity, and support youth career development.
Suspense and Surprise: The Role of Bookmakers’ Spreads
Authors: Abinzano Isabel , Bonilla Harold , Muga Luis
Published: October 2024

Uncertainty in a competition's final result can affect the event's demand via suspense and surprise. Based on a sample of more than 50,000 professional tennis matches, this paper shows how information from bookmaker prices, implied probabilities, and price spreads contain relevant information that explains the uncertainty in the final results of the matches. There is a negative relation between the implied probability for the favorite and the different measures of match result uncertainty proposed and a positive relationship between the spread and these measures when the bookmaker sets prices based on information. This second relation disappears when the bookmaker sets prices based on betting volumes. The results have potential implications both for organizers in scheduling matches with higher levels of uncertainty and for punters in setting strategies that predict the exact result of a match.
First-In-DOg HISTotripsy for Intracranial Tumors Trial: The FIDOHIST Study
Authors: Vezza Christina , Ruger Lauren , Langman Maya , Vickers Elliana , Prada Francesco , Sukovich Jonathan , Hall Timothy , Xu Zhen , Parker Rell L. , Vlaisavljevich Eli , Rossmeisl John H.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Brain tumors represent some of the most treatment refractory cancers, and there is a clinical need for additional treatments for these tumors. Domesticated dogs are the only other mammalian species which commonly develop spontaneous brain tumors, making them an ideal model for investigating novel therapies. Histotripsy is a non-thermal ultrasonic ablation method that emulsifies tissue through acoustic cavitation. The primary objectives of this prospective study were to assess the feasibility and safety of histotripsy to ablate naturally occurring canine brain tumors. Secondary endpoints included characterization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) responses to histotripsy treatment, and exploratory immunogenomic tumor response analyses.

Methods

The study design utilized a treat and resect paradigm, where tumors were approached using craniotomy, partially ablated with histotripsy delivered through the cranial defect, imaged with MRI, and then resected. Dogs were evaluated with clinical, brain MRI, immunopathologic, and genomic examinations before treatment, intraoperatively, and 1, 14, and 42 days post-treatment. Here we report the results of the three dogs with meningiomas, all of which were treated with a custom eight element 1 MHz histotripsy transducer at a pulse repetition frequency of 100 Hz and a treatment dosage of 400 pulses/point.

Results

Histotripsy was successfully delivered to all dogs, resulting in histopathologic evidence of ablations that were sharply demarcated from untreated tumor, with measured treatments approximating planned volumes in 2/3 dogs. One dog experienced an adverse event consisting of transient cerebral edema that was possibly attributable to histotripsy. Histotripsy ablations could be grossly visualized and identified on MRI, with features consistent with hemorrhage and necrosis. Significant expression or upregulation of the damage associated molecular pattern HMGB1, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and NF-κb signaling pathways were observed in histotripsy treated tumors.

Conclusion

Ablation of canine meningiomas with histotripsy through an open cranial window was feasible and clinically well tolerated.
Letter to the editor re: Sathya A, Nguyen TN, Klein P, et al. Endovascular vs surgical treatment of sigmoid sinus diverticulum causing pulsatile tinnitus: A systematic review. Interv Neuroradiol. 2024 Mar 22:15910199241231325
Authors: Eisenman David J. , Ghandi Dheeraj , Hsieh Yue-Lin , Raghavan Prashant , Song Jae-Jin , Wang Wuqing
Published: October 2024

Letter to the Editor re: Sathya A, Nguyen TN, Klein P, et al. Endovascular vs surgical treatment of sigmoid sinus diverticulum causing pulsatile tinnitus: A systematic review. Interv Neuroradiol. 2024 Mar 22:15910199241231325
Out-of-plane cyclic behavior of steel box-section twin arch ribs for bridges
Authors: Zhanfei Wang , Jizhou Song , Weining Sui , Jubo Sun , Qiang Zhang
Published: October 2024

With the increasing span of steel box-section arch bridges, the stability and ultimate strength of arch ribs under horizontal loading become crucial for earthquake resistance. This paper presents a numerical study on the cyclic behavior of steel box-section twin arch ribs under out-of-plane horizontal cyclic loading to assess the seismic performance of steel box-section twin arch ribs. Seventy-two finite element (FE) models of arch ribs were established and validated based on previous experimental studies. An pseudo static elasto-plastic numerical analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of the inclination angle, rise-span ratio, and width-span ratio on the cyclic behavior of the arch ribs. The results indicate that as the angle of inclination and width-span ratio increase, or as the rise-span ratio decreases, the initial stiffness and ultimate strength of the arch ribs improve. However, this also leads to an increase in internal forces within the transverse brace, resulting in local instability and damage. In addition, the inclination angle of the arch rib and the span-to-rise ratio may influence the yielding sequence of the components. Therefore, while increasing the angle of inclination of the arch rib can enhance the transverse cyclic behavior of the steel box-section twin arch ribs, it is important to consider the potential adverse effects caused by the increased internal forces on the transverse brace.
A sensorless control scheme based on fractional order super-twisting algorithm and improved FLL for PMSM
Authors: Huangfu Liqun , Chen Cen , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2024

To further improve the accuracy of sensorless control at medium and high speeds for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and expand its applicability, this paper proposes a new scheme that uses a sliding mode observer and a frequency-locked loop (FLL) for control. The combination of the super-twisting algorithm (STA) and fractional calculus algorithm (FCA) is applied to the observer, which improves the convergence speed and accuracy. In response to the limitations of phase-locked loops (PLLs), a second-order generalized integral frequency-locked loop (SOGI-FLL) is introduced into the control system to be compounded to form a novel control system with compensation, which filters the signal while achieving accurate tracking of rotor position information. Finally, a series of experiments were conducted to compare the performance of the proposed control scheme with conventional control schemes. The superiority and feasibility of the sensorless control scheme were verified through experimental results on a permanent magnet synchronous motor platform.
Anti-saturation sliding mode tracking algorithm for heavy-haul trains when actuator saturation occurs
Authors: He Jing , Long Yu , Zhang Chang Fan
Published: October 2024

To solve the problem that it is difficult to track the desired control target of a heavy load train accurately under the input saturation constraint, an anti-windup compensated terminal sliding mode control algorithm for a heavy load train is proposed in this work. First, based on an analysis of the train coupling force and an uncertain disturbance force, a multi-particle dynamic model of a single train is established. Second, an improved unbounded anti-windup compensator is designed and the saturation deviation correction method is used to cause the compensation factor to converge to zero, which means that the compensation factor limit problem that occurs in traditional anti-saturation compensators is eliminated. Then, in combination with the terminal sliding mode control algorithm, an unbounded anti-windup terminal sliding mode controller is constructed. This control method attenuates the effect of input saturation on the tracking accuracy for each locomotive; at the same time, the stability of the closed-loop system is verified based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of its tracking accuracy and anti-saturation performance is verified experimentally.
Expatriate teachers’ experiences with the leadership in Chinese internationalised schools
Authors: Golis Adrian , Jones Laura E.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this qualitative, hermeneutical phenomenological study was to understand expatriate teachers’ experiences with the leadership in Chinese internationalised schools. A sample of 15 expatriate teachers with diverse demographics and backgrounds, among them nine licenced teachers from non-Anglophone countries, contributed their insights in individual interviews, written protocols, and focus groups. All participants had worked in Chinese internationalised schools for at least one school year and had experiences with the schools’ leaders. Their accounts revealed that senior leadership in Chinese internationalised schools is local and driven by profit and the Chinese work culture. Expatriate leaders, while supportive, mostly occupy mid-level management positions. Expatriate teachers feel insignificant to their leaders and respond to dissatisfaction with the management by terminating employment rather than adjusting. The findings confirm prior research, corroborating reports of unskilled and unstable leadership in international schools. The tokenistic role of expatriate managers, who may be hired for their foreign appearance and have little influence on managing the schools, is a new and unexpected finding. The study narrows a gap in the literature and has implications for recruiting and managing expatriate teachers in international schools.
Fat mass and obesity-related protein contributes to the development and maintenance of bone cancer pain in rats by abrogating m6A methylation of RNA
Authors: Liu Beibei , Meng Danyang , Luo Man , Xu Longsheng , Yao Ming
Published: October 2024

Effective prevention and treatment options for bone cancer-related pain (BCP) are lacking. In recent years, numerous studies have investigated the association between m6A epigenetic modifications and pain, revealing their significant role in pain initiation and maintenance. This study aimed to provide theoretical support for the treatment of BCP and to identify target drugs for future development. Specifically, we investigated the involvement of fat mass and obesity-related protein (FTO) in rat models of BCP by administering varying doses (1/5/10 mg/kg) of the FTO inhibitor meclofenamic acid (MA) and assessing changes in mechanical sensitivity through domain analysis, gait analysis, and open-field experiments. After successfully establishing the BCP model, we verified it by performing mechanical sensitivity assessments. We observed significantly increased expression levels of the demethylase FTO within the spinal dorsal horn accompanied by decreased m6A methylation levels in the model. Compared with untreated BCP rats, remarkably improved behavioral responses indicative of reduced pain were observed in the model rats after administration of 10 mg/kg MA, concomitant with decreased expression levels of FTO and increased m6A methylation levels. Compared with untreated BCP rats, the expression levels of p-ERK and pro-inflammatory cytokines were also significantly decreased after MA administration. Taken together, FTO can downregulate m6A methylation level and activate ERK/inflammatory cytokines signaling pathway to maintain BCP in rats.
Virtual exchange in times of crisis: Exploring framework of competencies for educators
Authors: Lavrysh Yuliana
Published: October 2024

The study aims to investigate the efficiency of the RAFT framework—Resilience, Appreciation of Diversity, Facilitation, and Trauma-Informed pedagogy—in enhancing educators’ skills in managing virtual exchange (VE) projects in crisis times. VE has become an important instrument for maintaining education across physical and geopolitical barriers; hence it is necessary to assess and improve teachers’ ability to manage such projects effectively. This study involved 52 educators in a comprehensive assessment process including initial self-assessments on their competencies, specialized professional training guided by the RAFT framework, and conducting VE projects. Surveys, focus group discussions, and content analysis of reflective portfolios were used by the study to establish their practicality and effectiveness. Results indicated the RAFT framework increased educators’ resilience, diversity awareness, facilitation, and trauma-informed teaching skills. The study concludes RAFT framework is a useful tool for educators to efficiently manage VE programs in crisis.
Challenging anticoagulation decisions in atrial fibrillation: a narrative review
Authors: Griffin Michael , Proietti Riccardo , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Abdul-Rahim Azmil H.
Published: October 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common and warrants consideration of oral anticoagulant (OAC) medication. Usually, the decision is straightforward, following the pathway outlined in the European Society of Cardiology’s guideline; however, certain situations fall outside of this evidence base – such as a diagnosis of subclinical AF made via implanted devices or wearable electrocardiogram monitors, or alternatively diagnosis of ‘secondary AF’ following a major stressor. Subclinical AF is associated with stroke, though not to the extent of clinical AF, and the benefits of anticoagulation appear to be lower. Longer episodes are more clinically meaningful, and recent randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that some patients derive benefit from OAC. Similarly, when AF is triggered by sepsis or non-cardiac surgery, specific evidence supporting OAC initiation is lacking and clinician behaviour is variable. Observational data demonstrate poorer outcomes in these patients, implying that the perception of a transient, reversible phenomenon may not be correct. Contrastingly, cardiac surgery very frequently induces AF, and the benefits of anticoagulation rarely outweigh the risks of bleeding. Following ischaemic stroke, recent evidence suggests that early (re-)initiation of OAC should be considered as this does not increase the risk of haemorrhagic transformation as previously hypothesised. This narrative review summarises the available literature and outlines, where possible, practical advice for clinicians facing these common clinical dilemmas.
Age-related differences in progression patterns, follow-up strategies, and postoperative outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer: insights from a large-scale validated study
Authors: Yu Yilin , Wu Haixia , Qiu Jianjian , Hong Liang , Wu Shiji , Shao Lingdong , Lin Cheng , Wang Zhiping , Wu Junxin
Published: October 2024

Background:

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) presents significant treatment challenges, particularly as patient age may influence disease progression and treatment response. Understanding the differences in progression patterns and treatment outcomes between older patient (OP) and non-older patient (NOP) is essential for tailoring effective management strategies.

Objectives:

We aimed to explore the differences of progression pattern, postoperative treatment, and survival outcome between OP and NOP groups in LARC.

Design/Methods:

The random survival forest model was used to determine the probability of time-to-event occurrence every 3 months. Patients in the NOP and OP group were both categorized into three risk groups based on progression-free survival nomogram scores. We employed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to verify our findings.

Results:

Our results revealed that Groups 1, 2, and 3 experienced peaks in progression within the first 24 months in NOP group. As for OP group, Group 4 reached a progression peak at the 18th month, Group 5 at the 12th month, and Group 6 at the 9th month. In NOP group, high-risk patients who underwent postoperative chemotherapy had significantly improved overall survival compared to those who did not. Additionally, postoperative chemotherapy did not significantly improve prognosis for patients in low-, moderate-, or high-risk groups of OP group. Finally, the validation results of IPTW analysis and SEER database showed compliance with our findings.

Conclusion:

For NOP group, we recommended close follow-up during the first 2 years. As for OP group, it was suggested to conduct close follow-up at the 18th, 12th, and 9th month for low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. Furthermore, postoperative chemotherapy can provide survival benefits for patients in high-risk group of NOP group. However, OP group patients should be informed that the potential benefits of postoperative chemotherapy may be minimal.
Development of the “LAser Surgical skills Evaluation for Residents” (LASER) Scale Through a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Sédillot-Daniel E. , Melkane A. , Chiesa C. , Fakhry N. , Young V. N. , Smith L. J. , Lechien J. R. , Guertin L. , Olivier M. J. , Maniakas A. , Jun Lin R. , Bissada E. , Christopoulos A. , Ayad T. , Leclerc Andrée-Anne
Published: October 2024

Background

The CO2 laser is frequently used during microlaryngeal surgery (MLS) for a variety of pathology including laryngeal malignancy and stenosis. Learning how to use the laser safely is part of the curriculum for every otolaryngology resident. However, assessment of laryngoscopy technical skills can be challenging for supervisors, making it difficult to adequately provide feedback to trainees.

Objectives

“LAser Surgical skills Evaluation for Residents” (LASER) Scale aims to facilitate the evaluation of residents’ performance and promote constructive feedback.

Methods

The initial evaluation grid was based on a literature review of CO2 laser laryngoscopy (with an emphasis on indications, technique, safety, and efficacy) using Covidence systematic review software (Veritas Health Innovation). The final version was produced after 4 rounds of Delphi surveys.

Results

This study was an international collaboration including 15 otolaryngologists with either laryngology or head and neck surgery subspecialties. Panelists were based in Canada (8), the United States (3), France (1), Spain (1), Belgium (1), and Lebanon (1). The process involved 4 rounds of Delphi surveys. Assessment categories included: anesthesia considerations, pre- and perioperative laser safety measures, and surgical technique. Consensus was reached on final survey completion.

Conclusions

Through a modified Delphi method, a novel scale was developed through an international collaborative effort that evaluates resident skillset in CO2 laser MLS. Future studies are warranted to validate this assessment tool.
A Single Intratympanic Triamcinolone Acetonide Administration Elicits Long-Term Reduction in Impedances Following Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Nieratschker Michael , Liepins Rudolfs , Honeder Clemens , Auinger Alice Barbara , Gausterer Julia Clara , Baumgartner Wolf-Dieter , Riss Dominik , Arnoldner Christoph , Dahm Valerie
Published: October 2024

Background

Intracochlear fibrosis and inflammation remain important limitations in cochlear implantation (CI). Glucocorticoids are routinely used to ameliorate the inflammatory response following CI. This study investigates the long-term effects of an intratympanically-applied triamcinolone-acetonide suspension on intracochlear impedance changes in CI recipients and investigates differences in drug concentrations and timepoints of injection.

Methods

A total of 87 patients were included in the study, of whom 39 received an intratympanically-applied triamcinolone-acetonide suspension at either 10 or 40 mg/ml, 1 hour or 24 hours prior to cochlear implantation, while 48 patients served as an untreated control group. Electrode impedances were measured and compared over a period of 3 years following cochlear implantation.

Results

The preoperative intratympanic application of a triamcinolone-acetonide suspension resulted in significantly lower mean impedances following cochlear implantation compared with an untreated control group at first fitting (4.66 ± 1.3 kΩ to 5.90 ± 1.4 kΩ, P = .0001), with sustained reduction observed over 3 months. A sustained reduction was observed after spatial grouping of the electrode contacts, with significant improvements in both the middle cochlear region over a 24 month period (from 3.97 ± 1.3 kΩ to 5.85 ± 1.3 kΩ, P = .049) and the basal region over a 6 month period (from 5.02 ± 1.3 kΩ to 5.85 ± 1.3 kΩ, P = .008). The injection of 10 mg/ml of triamcinolone-acetonide 1 hour prior to cochlear implantation resulted in higher impedances compared with 40 mg/ml and 24 hour time interval until surgery.

Conclusion

A single preoperative intratympanic injection of triamcinolone-acetonide significantly reduces electrode impedances across the entire cochlea. This effect is sustained for up to 2 years, after which impedances gradually equalize between the groups. A preoperative triamcinolone-acetonide injection could therefore be a favorable approach to attenuate the immediate tissue response following cochlear implantation.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Overweight and Obese Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes Using an Automated Insulin Delivery Device: A Real-World Study
Authors: Holmager Pernille , Christensen Merete Bechmann , Nørgaard Kirsten , Schmidt Signe
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have improved glycemic control in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) but overweight and increased cardiovascular risk remain a challenge. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are associated with improved cardiometabolic profile but are currently not approved for the treatment of T1D.

Material and methods:

Individuals with T1D at Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Denmark, treated with AID and off-label GLP-1 RA for at least six months between January 2017 and May 2024 were included in a retrospective chart review study.

Results:

Nineteen individuals with (median [range]) age 42 (24-60) years were included. At GLP-1 RA initiation, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.3% (6.1%-8.7%), HbA1c 56 (43-72) mmol/mol, body weight 91.5 (78.0-115.0) kg, and body mass index 35.4 (27.0-42.0) kg/m2. Time in range was 74% (29%-82%), time above range 25% (18%-71%) while time below range was 1% (0%-5%). After six months of treatment, body weight changed −11% (−22% to −3%; P = .001) and total daily insulin dose changed −15.1 (−32.5 to −8.2) IU ( P = .004). There were no significant changes in HbA1c or other glucose measures. One person developed ketoacidosis caused by infusion set failure, but none reported severe hypoglycemia.

Conclusion:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist as add-on therapy for six months in individuals with obesity and AID-treated T1D led to considerable weight loss and a reduction in insulin dose.
The early diagnostic value of serum renalase level in diabetic kidney disease and diabetic macroangiopathy: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Jin Li , Wang Wensu , Zhang Rong , Shen Jianguo , Li Yangyang , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2024

Background:

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus and is associated with an increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular events. Early diagnosis and monitoring of DKD are crucial for implementing appropriate interventions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum renalase (RNLS) levels, DKD, and diabetic macroangiopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum renalase levels in DKD and diabetic macroangiopathy.

Design:

This is a retrospective case–control study.

Methods:

A total of 233 participants were recruited for the study, including 115 T2DM patients without DKD or diabetic retinopathy, and 118 T2DM patients with DKD. Serum RNLS levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Kidney function parameters and diabetic macroangiopathy risk factors were evaluated in relation to serum RNLS levels.

Results:

Serum RNLS levels were significantly higher in DKD patients compared to T2DM controls (34.82 (31.68, 39.37) vs 30.52 (28.58, 33.16), p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that kidney function parameters and carotid intima-media thickness were independently related to RNLS levels. The study population was divided into four groups: no DKD and no diabetic macroangiopathy, DKD without diabetic macroangiopathy, diabetic macroangiopathy without DKD, and both DKD and diabetic macroangiopathy. Analysis results showed that patients with both DKD and diabetic macroangiopathy had the highest RNLS levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the diagnostic value of RNLS for DKD (0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70–0.82, p < 0.01)) and diabetic macroangiopathy (0.75 (95% CI = 0.66–0.84, p < 0.01)).

Conclusion:

Circulating RNLS levels were significantly increased in patients with DKD and diabetic macroangiopathy, suggesting that RNLS may serve as an early diagnostic marker.
The role of lipase maturation factor 1 in hypertriglyceridaemia and atherosclerosis: An update
Authors: Dabravolski Siarhei A , Churov Alexey V , Sukhorukov Vasily N , Kovyanova Tatiana I , Beloyartsev Dmitry F , Lyapina Irina N , Orekhov Alexander N
Published: October 2024

Lipase maturation factor 1 is an endoplasmic reticulum-resident transmembrane protein, which acts as a critical chaperone necessary for the folding, dimerisation, and secretion of lipases. In this review, we summarise data about the recently revealed role of lipase maturation factor 1 in endoplasmic reticulum redox homeostasis, its novel interaction partners among oxidoreductases and lectin chaperones, and the identification of fibronectin and the low-density lipoprotein receptor as novel non-lipase client proteins of lipase maturation factor 1. Additionally, the role of lipase maturation factor 1-derived circular RNA in atherosclerosis progression via the miR-125a-3p/vascular endothelial growth factor A\Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 axis is discussed. Finally, we focus on the causative role of lipase maturation factor 1 variants in the development of hypertriglyceridaemia – a type of dyslipidaemia that significantly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases via different mechanisms.
Altered trace elements, antioxidant vitamin C, and malondialdehyde levels are associated with the pathophysiology and development of pre-hepatic jaundice: A case-control study
Authors: Dewan Syed Masudur Rahman , Das Abhijit , Ahmed Zahra Labiba , Khan Sakif Ahamed , Nasim Rehnuma , Sarwar Md Shahid , Islam Mohammad Safiqul , Islam Md Rabiul
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Pre-hepatic jaundice results from an imbalance between bilirubin production and clearance, often linked to hemoglobinopathies. Antioxidant vitamin C, malondialdehyde, and trace elements play roles in jaundice, yet their specific associations remain unclear. The objective is to assess and compare these biomarkers in pre-hepatic jaundice patients and healthy controls, aiming to identify potential diagnostic markers and understand distinctive characteristics related to the disease’s pathogenesis.

Methods:

This case–control study enrolled 50 pre-hepatic jaundice patients and 50 healthy controls, utilizing advanced techniques for biomarker quantification. We completed blood sample collection from study participants between 1 September 2023 and 31 December 2023. This study investigates the correlation between various biomarkers and pre-hepatic jaundice using serum samples with a focus on antioxidant vitamin C, malondialdehyde, and trace elements.

Results:

This study demonstrates elevated concentrations of malondialdehyde in patients with pre-hepatic jaundice, suggesting alterations in bilirubin metabolism and increased oxidative stress. We found that the serum levels of malondialdehyde were significantly higher in pre-hepatic jaundice patients compared to healthy controls. Our observations revealed a notable decrease in the average serum vitamin C levels in patients with pre-hepatic jaundice compared to healthy controls. The patients had lower serum Zn levels and higher serum Cu and Mn levels compared to the healthy controls. The correlation study demonstrates robust positive correlations among these biomarkers in pre-hepatic jaundice. As the levels of vitamin C rise, the levels of the other criteria often fall, and vice versa. There is an inverse relationship between higher levels of vitamin C and lower levels of malondialdehyde. The current investigation identifies possible changes in antioxidant vitamins, malondialdehyde levels, and trace elements, which provide significant insights for targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

The present research highlights the integrated significance of vitamin C, malondialdehyde, and trace elements in the progression of the disease.
A deep learning algorithm model to automatically score and grade obstructive sleep apnea in adult polysomnography
Authors: Park Marn Joon , Choi Ji Ho , Kim Shin Young , Ha Tae Kyoung
Published: October 2024

Objective

Polysomnography (PSG) is unique in diagnosing sleep disorders, notably obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite its advantages, manual PSG data grading is time-consuming and laborious. Thus, this research evaluated a deep learning-based automated scoring system for respiratory events in sleep-disordered breathing patients.

Methods

A total of 1000 case PSG data were enrolled to develop a deep learning algorithm. Of the 1000 data, 700 were distributed for training, 200 for validation, and 100 for testing. The respiratory events scoring deep learning model is composed of five sequential layers: an initial layer of perceptrons, followed by three consecutive layers of long short-term memory cells, and ultimately, an additional two layers of perceptrons.

Results

The PSG data of 100 patients (simple snoring, mild, moderate, and severe OSA; n = 25 in each group) were selected for validation and testing of the deep learning model. The algorithm demonstrated high sensitivity (95% CI: 98.06–98.51) and specificity (95% CI: 95.46–97.79) across all OSA severities in detecting apnea/hypopnea events, compared to manual PSG analysis. The deep learning model's area under the curve values for predicting OSA in apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5, 15, and 30 groups were 0.9402, 0.9388, and 0.9442, respectively, showing no significant differences between each group.

Conclusion

The deep learning algorithm employed in our study showed high accuracy in identifying apnea/hypopnea episodes and assessing the severity of OSA, suggesting the potential for enhancing both the efficiency and accuracy of automated respiratory event scoring in PSG through advanced deep learning techniques.
Money in Politics: How Does It Affect Election Outcomes?
Authors: Le Thanh , Onur Ilke , Sarwar Rubayat , Yalcin Erkan
Published: October 2024

We study how campaign funding influences winning chances of candidates using the US House of Representatives elections in all 50 states and Washington D.C. from 2000 to 2018. We find a positive and statistically significant relationship between campaign expenditure, campaign contributions and winning probability. However, incumbent spending is less effective than contender spending due to diminishing returns for the former. We also scrutinize the gap between campaign expenditure and contributions made by special interest groups. The winning probability of incumbent candidates does not necessarily decrease even if they spend less than the funds received for the election campaigns. Obtained results are robust to alternative econometric specifications, estimation methods, the correction of possible endogeneity of campaign funding and sample sizes. Our results, therefore, show the variation in the effectiveness of campaign spending contingent on incumbency status and imply the social welfare diminishing effects of spare funds received by incumbents from special interest groups.

JEL Classification: D72, P16.
Political Connections and Charitable giving of Chinese Private Enterprises: Analysis Based on the Nested Structure Model
Authors: Yang Min , Wang Shanshan , Ma Yumin , Wang Jichao
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of political connections on charitable giving by private enterprises in China in the business environment context. The study constructs a nested structure model and empirically analyzes 1,426 sample enterprises from the 13th China Private Enterprise Survey (2018) data using stata15.1 software. The findings indicate that the business environment influences political connections, charitable giving, and their interaction. Political connections at the individual level of enterprise owners and core managers partly have a positive impact on the charitable giving of Chinese private enterprises. At the enterprise level, the formation of political connections, including the establishment of party organizations, cost-sharing, and receiving government subsidies, also enhances charitable giving. Additionally, certain attributes of private enterprises and entrepreneurs, such as age, year-on-year growth in net profit, and total bank loans, positively influence their charitable giving. However, a high debt-to-asset ratio may adversely affect a company’s charitable giving. These insights are invaluable for local entrepreneurs, authorities, and policymakers in understanding how to effectively conduct charitable giving within specific business and political environments. Academically, this study contributes to the corporate sociology literature by offering new perspectives and data support for future research.
Nudging Toward Internal and External Origin Drivers: A Review of Corporate Green Innovation Research
Authors: Huo Chunhui , Ul Haq Inzamam , Wang Ji
Published: October 2024

Corporate green innovation has undergone mountainous growth during the last decade, which has led to an essential accumulation of knowledge in the recent literature. This study conducts a systematic literature review of green innovation research in business economic discipline to understand corporate green innovation’s internal and external origin drivers. We explored the drivers, mediating and moderating effects, and consequences of individual conceptual frameworks following internal and external origins. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) and a content analysis approach, the PRISMA model included 91 published research articles for the review. The findings reveal the following critical conclusions: (a) both internal origin and external origin drivers stimulate the development of corporate green innovation; (b) the internal origin drivers are particularly more relevant in developing proactive and reactive green product and process innovation, whereas external origin drivers foster the development of reactive green innovations; however, (c) the role of corporate board is crucial in navigating and mitigating external origin uncertainties through building strategic goals and actively engaging with top management team based on firm-specific capabilities and resources for proactive green innovation development. This is the first systematic review to adapt a comprehensive content analysis approach to uncover internal and external origin drivers of green innovation under resource dependence theory and its complementary notions in comparison to notable business management theories. The findings of the review paper highlight various future research opportunities and practical implications for firms opting for green innovation development.
Influence of Mobile App Live Streaming Characteristics on Clothing Impulse Purchase Intention: Mediation of Swift Guanxi and Perceived Trust
Authors: Tian Hewei
Published: October 2024

Live streaming enhances the marketing vitality and possibility. However, the academic research on this new marketing method is still insufficient. To fill this literature gap, this paper tests whether the characteristics of mobile app live streaming (MALS) can create the swift guanxi and enhance consumers’ perceived trust, to enhance consumers’ impulse purchase intention of clothing. Based on the literature review, this paper established a live streaming shopping evaluation system including MALS interaction, MALS entertainment, MALS credibility, swift guanxi, perceived trust, and impulse purchase intention. A total of 537 valid questionnaires were collected. The data were analyzed by structural equation model (SEM) and stepwise regression. The results showed that all hypotheses were verified. The MALS characteristics positively affected the swift guanxi and perceived trust, and the swift guanxi and perceived trust positively affected the impulse purchase intention. This paper added the literature on mobile app live streaming and clothing impulse purchase intention. The results provide suggestions for live streaming companies on how to enhance consumers’ impulse purchase intention.
Strategies for Managing Agricultural Waste and Disposal Options Available to Farmers
Authors: Mencet Yelboğa Makbule Nisa , Sayın Cengiz , Metin Fatma Dilek
Published: October 2024

Agricultural wastes are highly significant, both economically and environmentally. This study, is intended to raise awareness of economic and social issues that are concentrated upon these attitudes and inclinations of waste producers. In this case study, it was found that vegetable waste was the most common type of waste generated. It was found that producers prefer to give whatever they can sell to the scrap dealer, and they mostly incinerate empty manure packages. While vegetable waste is buried in the soil after harvest, it has been discovered that the rope used in tomato production generates the highest amount of waste. In the 250 holdings selected for research, 13.6% of the nylons to be disposed of are thrown in the trash, 33.2% are sent for recycling, 6.4% are incinerated, 0.8% are buried in the ground, 4% are taken out of the holding area, 0.4% are left inside the holding area, 2% are reused, and 39.6% are scrapped. Producers stated that they want to evaluate agricultural wastes, but this requires extra time and labor. In the field study, 78% of respondents agreed with the statement “disposal of agricultural wastes inside the holding area is a time-consuming process.”
Realizing Augmenting Technology–Human Symbiosis: A Qualitative Examination from the Organizational Learning Perspective
Authors: Yang Tianyuan , Jiang Jianwu
Published: October 2024

Integrating intelligent machines into human work represents a critical challenge that requires effective cooperation between humans and technology. This article explores the concept of augmenting technology-human symbiosis and investigates the role of organizational learning in facilitating this cooperation. The aim of this qualitative study is to examine the intentions, dimensions, and manifestations of augmenting technology-human symbiosis in work processes and identify pathways to its realization. Data was collected through interviews with 21 senior managers in technical service organizations in China. The study reveals four key aspects of effective symbiosis: coexistence, evolution, asymmetry, and reciprocity. Additionally, it delves into five principles of organizational learning that facilitate optimal symbiosis: team learning, shared vision, personal mastery, mental models, and systems thinking. These findings provide valuable insights for promoting integration and cooperation between augmenting technologies and humans, contributing to the fields of human-computer cooperation and organizational learning. By adopting an organizational learning perspective, this research enhances our understanding of augmenting technology-human symbiosis and paves the way for further research and practical implementation of intelligent machines.
Water Access and Peace Transition Through Governance Regimes: A Cross-Case Study from Colombian Hydropower Industry
Authors: Polanco Jorge-Andrés , Jiménez Inchima Indira
Published: October 2024

Hydroelectric power is part of the global energy transition policy, but its production in Colombia requires more collaborative solutions to social conflicts. This research aims to analyze watersheds’ governance as a collaborative framework using a cross-case study based on 53 interviews with the hydropower industry stakeholders in Colombia to describe issues, players, and tools in the context of conflict because of water access complications and violent struggle situations. The results exhibited water consumption complications and land use conflicts caused by the economic sectors of energy and agriculture. The identified transition to peace and the energy industry’s interdependency with the territory are favorable issues for a fairer energy transition to renewables. Governance regimes contribute more to planning and joint execution than evaluation in facing two significant challenges: (1) assessing the impact of the hydropower industry and (2) reducing the asymmetry between players. The research contributes to the energy transition policy with a comprehensive governance framework to better understand the interdependence between the hydropower industry and watersheds in conflict contexts.
“If you had the chance to like, not show people like a bad part of you… you would do it”: Perceptions of Offline Versus Online Social Media Identity Among Emerging Adults From Socio-Demographic Minority Groups in the U.S.
Authors: Dubar Royette T. , Greene Danielle , Watkins Nicole K.
Published: October 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social media became an especially salient tool for interpersonal connections due to public policy limitations on in-person contact; but little is known about how emerging adults from various socio-demographic minority groups in the U.S. engaged with social media as a tool for identity construction during the pandemic. This qualitative interview study examined the role of social media engagement in perceptions of online versus offline identity during the pandemic. Participants were 24 emerging adults ( M = 18.9 years old, SD = 0.44) from various socio-demographic minority groups. Results of thematic analysis indicated 5 themes: (i) ‘ Highlight reel vs. real life’, (ii) ‘Navigating authenticity’, (iii) ‘Proceed with caution: Fear of judgment’ (iv) ‘Social media as an identity tool’, and (v) ‘The evolved social media identity’. Social media plays a critical role in emerging adults’ identity development by providing both opportunities and challenges for self-expression, emotion regulation, and self-reflection.
Assessing the relationship between mental workload and work fatigue among oil and gas workers in PT X, Jambi Province, Indonesia: PLS-SEM analysis
Authors: Kusmawan David , Izhar M. Dody , Aswin Budi
Published: October 2024

Occupational fatigue among oil and gas workers can have perilous consequences related to safety, health, economy, and wellbeing. This makes it necessary to discover major factors related to fatigue and implement appropriate prevention programs and education. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental workload, sleep quality, and occupational fatigue in oil and gas office workers in Jambi Province, Indonesia. Mental workload, sleep quality, and occupational fatigue were measured using the NASA-TLX, PSQI, and the Indonesian Questionnaire Measuring Feelings of Work Fatigue (KAUPK2), respectively. A PLS-SEM approach was used to determine the association between mental workload, sleep quality, and occupational fatigue. Out of the 116 oil and gas workers in Jambi Province who participated in this study, 58.6% were male, 54.3% had Senior High School or less, 85.3% were not smoking, and 88.8% were married, working experience from 0.17 to 34 years. The mean of body height, weight, and mass index were 165.35 cm, 64.65 kg, and 23.64 respectively. The PLS-SEM model illustrated that the direct effect of mental workload on occupational fatigue was not significant. Meanwhile, the mental workload had a significant effect on sleep quality, which significantly affected fatigue. This indicated that the effect of workload on fatigue was fully mediated by sleep quality. The impact of good sleep on an employee’s ability to recover from increased mental workload was substantial. According to this study, introducing mental workload coping methods, routine measurement, and sleep hygiene programs among oil and gas workers can reduce occupational fatigue.