bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the sustainable consumption barriers based on the product-service system: social media analytics approach
Authors: Pourranjbar Ali , Shokouhyar Sajjad , Shahidzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Nikookar Ethan , Shokoohyar Sina , Pirmoradian Zahra
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Given the growing emphasis on environmental consciousness and sustainability as core principles within most companies, product-service systems are recognized as strategic approaches to achieving sustainability objectives. Consequently, understanding consumer acceptance of these systems is of paramount importance. This study seeks to explore users' perspectives on the barriers that impede the adoption of product-service systems, intending to prioritize these obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a social media-based approach, specifically analyzing tweets related to Zipcar, an American car rental company that exemplifies a usage-oriented product-service system. The analysis identifies the factors influencing the acceptance of this system. The study utilizes topic modeling and sentiment analysis techniques to analyze the tweets. The opportunity value of each topic is determined, aiding in the identification of topics that require improvement. Furthermore, the interrelation between topics is explored, followed by correlation analysis to assess their significance.

Findings

Eight topics strongly related to the keywords are identified. Among them, “responsiveness”, “responsibility”, and “trust” hold the highest opportunity values. The findings emphasize the importance of service providers proactively addressing the obstacles that impede consumers' willingness to adopt product-service systems. Prioritization should be given to topics with higher opportunity values.

Originality/value

This research uncovers the primary obstacles to adopting the product-service system by directly considering consumer opinions and providing a prioritized list of these obstacles.
Why premium in freemium: a hedonic shopping motivation model in virtual game retailing
Authors: Hussain Ali , Ting Ding Hooi , Marder Ben
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Hedonic shopping is a growing phenomenon designed to enhance gamers’ virtual content shopping experience with increasing economic significance, yet limited attention has been dedicated to this area. Our study explores key hedonic motivations of virtual content shopping and how hedonic shopping value builds trust (trust in virtual content and trust in virtual retailers) that enhances the intention to pay for premium.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Study 1 is qualitative; 19 semi-structured interviews were conducted with virtual game retail platform users. Study 2, based on the literature review and qualitative inquiry findings (obtained from Study 1), proposes a research model empirically validated by analyzing survey data administered to 437 online gamers from gaming zones, cybercafés and e-sports centers.

Findings

The results show that in-game shopping-related adventure-, gratification-, role- and idea-seeking motivations significantly influence gamers' perceived hedonic shopping value. In turn, perceived shopping value has a significant indirect effect through trust on gamers’ intention to pay for premium.

Originality/value

This research contributes to gaming literature by offering a comprehensive model that elucidates the role of hedonic shopping in increasing gamers’ trust, which explains purchase behavior in the virtual game retail context. The findings deepen the understanding of the game retailing landscape and offer strategies to build gamers’ trust, increase premium usage and retain existing spenders.
The impact of the US-China trade war on Vietnamese exports to the US: a quantitative study using DiD approach
Authors: Dang Binh Thi Thanh , Yawei Wang , Abdullah Abdul Jabbar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study attempts to examine the impact of the US-China trade war on Vietnamese exports to the United States, which has consistently served as a key market for Vietnamese goods and services in recent decades. The heterogeneous effects of the trade war on different export sectors are also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The secondary data on Vietnamese exports to the US at a 6-digit level is collected from UN Comtrade. Besides, the difference-in-differences (DiD) method is employed to analyze the impact of the trade war on exports from Vietnam to the United States.

Findings

The findings revealed a 14% increase in total Vietnamese exports to the United States due to the trade war. Examining heterogeneous effects, certain industries, such as plastics, iron or steel articles, textiles and garments, and machinery and mechanical appliances, experience significant benefits. However, the study did not identify statistically significant effects on other sectors, such as electrical machinery products, agricultural and forestry, and furniture.

Originality/value

The paper is one among limited studies considering the causal effects of the trade war on a developing country, accounting for the heterogeneous effects on different export sectors.
Network embeddedness and mobile inventors' creativity: role of the cognitive dimension
Authors: Wang Zeqian , Wang Chengjun , Sun Xiaoming , Feng Tao
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The role of inventors' creativity is crucial for technological innovation within enterprises. The mobility of inventors among different enterprises is a primary source for companies to acquire external knowledge. The mechanism of “learning-by-hiring” is widely recognized by companies. Therefore, it is important to determine how to allocate network resources to enhance the creativity of inventors when companies hire mobile inventors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study suggests an analytical framework that analyzes alterations in tie strength and structural holes resulting from the network embeddedness of mobile inventors as well as the effect of the interaction between these two variables on changes in inventor’s creativity after the mobility. In addition, this paper examines the moderating impact of cognitive richness of mobile inventors and cognitive distance between mobile inventors and new employers on the correlation between network embeddedness and creativity.

Findings

This study found that: (1) The increase of tie strength has a significant boost in creativity. (2) Increasing structural holes can significantly improve the creativity of mobile inventors. (3) When both the tie strength and the structural holes increase, the creativity of the mobile inventors significantly increases. (4) It is important to note that when there is a greater cognitive distance, stronger tie strength promotes the creativity of mobile inventors. Additionally, cognitive richness plays a significant role in moderating the relationship between changes in structural holes and the creativity of mobile inventors.

Originality/value

These findings provide theoretical guidance for firms to effectively manage mobile inventors and optimize collaborative networks within organizations.
Humanitarian leadership in urban communities: an exploratory study on the role of community leaders in humanitarian coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines
Authors: Alejandria Maria Carinnes , Hernandez Philippe Jose , Quan-Nalus Marie Antonette , Alipao Froilan , Tumaneng Denise , Ruiz Cathleen Justine , Dela Cruz Kay Anne , Casimiro Kristel May
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In the Global South where humanitarian responses to disasters are often hampered by systemic gaps, community-based humanitarian actors play a crucial but underexplored role in mediating aid to vulnerable populations. This study explores the everydayness of humanitarian action through the lived experiences of urban community leaders during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines. Specifically, it sheds light on their engagement with national-level responders, the typologies of humanitarian activities they undertook and the contextual factors influencing their decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, this study presents interviews with 35 community-based humanitarian leaders in urban poor areas of Metro Manila, Philippines. Analytical themes were developed inductively from the transcripts.

Findings

Due to mobility restrictions from quarantine protocols, the typologies of humanitarian action shifted to accommodate arising challenges from pandemic management. Engagement with formal humanitarian actors were premised on pre-existing relationships. The study further reveals that, despite lacking formal training, community leaders utilized preexisting networks of care while subscribing to Filipino communal values of bayanihan (working together), malasakit (care) and pagkakaisa (unity). The findings underscore the need for discourse on the realities faced by community leaders and highlight the importance of holistic and gendered capacity building for effective disaster response in vulnerable communities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding the intricate dynamics of humanitarian coordination, particularly in areas where community leaders act as critical intermediaries between their constituents and external support providers and concludes with critical take on localization as a form of community resilience to disaster events.
Warning! This is not your typical mentor training: an invitation to explore a video-based mentor training to prepare mentor teachers for their roles in the classroom
Authors: Silverman Jamie , Pasko Michelle
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to define and explore the roles of mentors, the responsibilities and even misconceptions of their position in partnership schools, the characteristics of effective mentors, the gaps that exist in current mentor training and the need for updated and forward-thinking flexible and accessible mentor training as it relates to improvements in University Teacher Preparation Programs and their partnership schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors detail the process of interviewing a diverse population of mentors and teacher candidates (TCs) who have participated in our professional development (partnership) schools. See Appendices A and B for parallel questions posed during each interview process. Following the interviews, data were gathered in both text and video-based formats to create mentor training video modules to improve the current state of mentor training in our program. Themes were identified following an analysis of both interview intakes, and modules were created to align with these themes.

Findings

Following the first rounds of implementation, the authors have reflected and noted that a need for an even more diverse population of both mentors and interns to be interviewed is necessary moving forward. The authors do note an appreciation by mentors and university partners in the quality, flexibility and accessibility that this new video module-based mentor training program provides.

Practical implications

The video-based mentor training modules that the authors detail honor the needs of both new and returning mentors. Via the interviews with teacher candidates, mentors are able to empathize and understand how to be better mentors to their future TCs. Via the scenarios and questions that follow each thematically driven module, mentors are able to independently reflect on their current practices and ways to improve their roles. At any point in the internship year, mentors can return to the video training modules to review and thus improve their practice.

Social implications

Mentors, university supervisors, teacher candidates and site coordinators (those individuals who identify mentors in their buildings) note improvement in their ability to communicate effectively as a result of being presented with video modules and reflections about the role of mentors from both mentors and TCs.

Originality/value

The authors were called on by leadership in the College of Education at the University to create this original mentor training video module. It is unique to the College of Education at the University. Great value exists in its accessibility, adaptability (we can upload new videos at any time) and representation of both the mentor and TC perceptions, suggestions and experiences in our program.
Whole‐genome resequencing improves the utility of otoliths as a critical source of DNA for fish stock research and monitoring
Authors: Caccavo Jilda Alicia , Arantes Larissa S. , Celemín Enrique , Mbedi Susan , Sparmann Sarah , Mazzoni Camila J.
Published: September 2024

Fish ear bones, known as otoliths, are often collected in fisheries to assist in management, and are a common sample type in museum and national archives. Beyond their utility for ageing, morphological and trace element analysis, otoliths are a repository of valuable genomic information. Previous work has shown that DNA can be extracted from the trace quantities of tissue remaining on the surface of otoliths, despite the fact that they are often stored dry at room temperature. However, much of this work has used reduced representation sequencing methods in clean lab conditions, to achieve adequate yields of DNA, libraries and ultimately single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Here, we pioneer the use of small‐scale (spike‐in) sequencing to screen contemporary otolith samples prepared in regular molecular biology (in contrast to clean) laboratories for contamination and quality levels, submitting for whole‐genome resequencing only samples above a defined endogenous DNA threshold. Despite the typically low quality and quantity of DNA extracted from otoliths, we are able to produce whole‐genome libraries and ultimately sets of filtered, unlinked and even putatively adaptive SNPs of ample numbers for downstream uses in population, climate and conservation genomics. By comparing with a set of tissue samples from the same species, we are able to highlight the quality and efficacy of otolith samples from DNA extraction and library preparation, to bioinformatic preprocessing and SNP calling. We provide detailed schematics, protocols and scripts of our approach, such that it can be adopted widely by the community, improving the use of otoliths as a source of valuable genomic data.
Association between exposure to atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage
Authors: Ishikawa Tomofumi , Sakai Takamasa , Iwama Noriyuki , Obara Ryo , Morishita Kei , Adomi Motohiko , Noda Aoi , Ishikuro Mami , Kikuchi Saya , Kobayashi Natsuko , Tomita Hiroaki , Saito Masatoshi , Nishigori Hidekazu , Kuriyama Shinichi , Mano Nariyasu , Obara Taku
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association between exposure to atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy and risk of miscarriage.

Material and Methods

This nested case–control study used a large Japanese administrative database. Pregnancy onset and outcomes were estimated using previously reported algorithms, classifying cases as women becoming pregnant between 2013 and 2022 and ending in a miscarriage. Controls were randomly selected from the entire pregnancy cohort by risk‐set sampling with replacement and were individually matched to the cases (3:1). The association between exposure to atypical antipsychotics and risk of miscarriage was assessed using conditional logistic regression adjusted for confounders. The association between benzodiazepine exposure and the risk of miscarriage was assessed as a positive control.

Results

In the cohort, 44,118 patients were matched with 132,317 controls. The mean ages (standard deviations) of the case and control groups were 33.3 (5.7) and 33.2 (5.5) years, respectively. The prevalence of atypical antipsychotics was 0.5% in both groups. Aripiprazole is an individual antipsychotic with the highest prescription prevalence. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for miscarriage were 0.966 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.796–1.173) for atypical antipsychotics and 0.998 (0.784–1.269) for aripiprazole. A higher aOR (1.431, 95% CI 1.303–1.573) suggested an association with benzodiazepines. A sensitivity analysis that limited the population to women diagnosed with schizophrenia alone did not suggest an association between atypical antipsychotics and the risk of miscarriage.

Conclusions

The results of this study do not suggest an association between exposure to atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage.
Does economic freedom push people into suicide? New evidence from developing and developed societies, 1980–2019
Authors: Rutar Minea , Rutar Tibor
Published: September 2024

This research paper investigates the impact of market liberalization on country‐level suicide rates using a sample of 96 developing and developed countries from 1980 to 2019. We estimate fixed‐effects panel regression models with robust standard errors clustered at the country level and conduct a variety of robustness checks, including using different estimators and disaggregating the data. We consistently find that the aggregate Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) measure is not statistically significantly related to within‐country variations in age‐standardized suicide rates, but some individual components are. Freedom to trade internationally weakly predicts increases in suicide rates, while sound money is associated with decreased suicide rates. The former result is highly vulnerable to different specifications. This study underscores the existence of a complex, non‐intuitive relationship between market liberalization and suicide rates, suggesting that both critics and defenders of liberalization might be mistaken in making any unequivocal judgments about the process.
Offshore Citizenship: “Diversified Citizenship Portfolios” and the Regulatory Arbitrage of Global Wealth Elites
Authors: Kunz Sarah
Published: September 2024

This paper reads the sale of citizenship via citizenship‐by‐investment (CBI) programmes through an offshore lens. Scholarship on offshore industries has long positioned citizenship sales as part of offshore capitalism—without exploring the phenomenon in any depth. Research on CBI, in turn, has with some notable exceptions neglected the phenomenon's offshore nature. This paper argues that CBI is an outgrowth and increasingly integral part of offshore capitalism, offering a new form of what Susan Roberts calls “regulatory arbitrage”, aiding elite wealth accumulation and power. The paper establishes this relationship by examining the countries and firms selling citizenship, their marketing strategies and customers and, crucially, the nature of the product which rests on the three “offshore pillars”, as described by Ronen Palan—virtual residency, easy incorporation, and secrecy. Conceptualising CBI as an offshore provision can transform how the phenomenon is understood and opens new avenues of thinking about its socio‐structural role and impact in an unequal world.
Otolith‐based species identification in the killifish Aphaniops (Teleostei; Cyprinodontiformes; Aphaniidae) using both morphometry and wavelet analysis
Authors: Charmpila Eleni A. , Teimori Azad , Reichenbacher Bettina
Published: September 2024

The killifish genus Aphaniops consists of nine species distributed in Eastern Africa and the Middle East. However, distinguishing these species from each other based on morphological traits is challenging. Here we investigate the utility of otoliths (sagittae) in distinguishing between A. dispar, A. ginaonis, A. hormuzensis, A. kruppi and A. stoliczkanus. Our approach is based on otoliths from 89 specimens and involves (1) otolith morphometrics, following prior recommendations, (2) shape analysis of otolith contours based on discrete wavelet transformation—a novel method in killifish otolith research—and comparative statistical analyses. Both methods reveal significant interspecific variation in the otolith regions of the rostrum, antirostrum and excisura. While method (1) effectively discriminates most species, method (2) struggles to differentiate A. hormuzensis, A. stoliczkanus and A. kruppi. Additionally, both methods encounter challenges in correctly classifying A. hormuzensis due to the high otolith variability of this species in our sample. Possible factors accounting for their variability are environmental fluctuations at the sampled hot sulphuric spring (Khurgo) and potential introgressive hybridization. We conclude that otolith morphometry is a valuable tool for Aphaniops species identification. Furthermore, we found that the distinctiveness of species‐specific otolith traits increases with the divergence age of the species.
Antidotes for poisoning by alcohols that form toxic metabolites
Authors: McMartin Kenneth , Jacobsen Dag , Hovda Knut Erik
Published: September 2024

The alcohols methanol, ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol share many characteristics. The most important is that the compounds themselves are relatively nontoxic but are metabolized, initially by alcohol dehydrogenase, to various toxic intermediates. These compounds are readily available worldwide in commercial products as well as in homemade alcoholic beverages, both of which lead to most of the poisonings, from either unintentional or intentional ingestion. Although relatively infrequent, toxic alcohol poisonings do unfortunately occur in outbreaks and can result in severe morbidity and mortality. These poisonings have traditionally been treated with ethanol since it competes for the active site of alcohol dehydrogenase and decreases the formation of toxic metabolites. Although ethanol can be an effective antidote, there are substantial practical problems with its use. Therefore fomepizole, a potent competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, was developed for a hopefully better treatment for metabolically toxic alcohol poisonings. Fomepizole has few side effects and is easy to use in practice and it may obviate the need for haemodialysis in some, but not all, patients. Hence, fomepizole has largely replaced ethanol as the toxic alcohol antidote in many countries. Nevertheless, ethanol remains an important alternative because access to fomepizole can be limited, the cost may appear excessive or the physician may prefer ethanol due to experience.
Association between overweight/obesity and dental outcomes in early childhood: Findings from an Australian cohort study
Authors: Leary S. D. , Ha D. H. , Dudding T. , Do L. G.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Oral health is an important part of general health and well‐being and shares risk factors, such as poor diet, with obesity. The published literature assessing the association between obesity and oral health in early childhood is sparse and inconsistent. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between overweight/obesity (measured by body mass index) and dental outcomes (caries, plaque index and gingival index) both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, taking account of potential confounding factors, based on data collected at age 2 and age 5 within the Australian Study of Mothers' and Infants' Life Events Affecting Oral Health (SMILE) birth cohort study.

Methods

This study used data from 1174 SMILE participants. Associations between overweight/obesity and dental outcomes were assessed using generalized linear regression models for the modified Poisson family with log link to estimate prevalence ratios. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal models were fitted, after minimal and full adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Approximately 12% of the participants were overweight/obese at 2 years and 9% at 5 years. Between 2 and 5 years, the prevalence of caries increased from approximately 4% to 24%, at least mild plaque accumulation increased from 37% to 90% and at least mild inflammation from 27% to 68%. There were no associations between overweight/obesity and the prevalence of dental caries; prevalence ratios (PR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] after adjustment for age and sex were 0.9 (0.3, 2.4) cross‐sectionally at 2 years, 1.0 (0.6, 1.5) cross‐sectionally at 5 years, and 1.0 (0.6, 1.5) for overweight/obesity at 2 years and caries at 5 years. Prevalence ratios were all around the value of 1 for the other dental outcomes and also after adjustment for additional confounders.

Conclusions

There were no associations between overweight/obesity and dental caries, plaque index or gingival index in this cohort of preschool children. However, associations may emerge as the children become older, and it will be possible to extend analyses to include data collected at age 7 in the near future.
Long‐Term Outcome of Low‐ and High‐Dose Radioiodine for Thyroid Remnant Ablation
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Wu Shuqi , Ma Chao , Wang Shaoyan , Chen Suyun , Wang Hui , Feng Fang
Published: September 2024

Objective

We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy of low‐ and high‐dose radioiodine for remnant ablation in patients with low‐risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in China. The first‐stage results showed equivalence was observed between the two groups. Here, we report recurrence and survival at 3–5 and 6–10 years and biochemical parameters.

Design, Patients and Methods

Between January 2013 and December 2014, adult patients with DTC were enroled. Patients had undergone total or near‐total thyroidectomy, with or without cervical lymph node dissection, with tumour stages T1–T3 with or without lymph node metastasis, but without distant metastasis. Patients were randomly assigned to the low‐dose (1850 MBq) or high‐dose (3700 MBq) radioiodine group. They were then followed up for 3–5 and 6–10 years. Data on biochemical abnormalities, recurrence and survival were analysed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and χ2 tests.

Results

The data of 228 patients (mean age = 42 years; 70.6% women) were analysed, with 117 patients in the low‐dose group and 111 in the high‐dose group. There were no significant differences in biochemical abnormalities, recurrence, or survival rates at the 6–10‐year follow‐up (all p > .05). Nine patients experienced recurrence in the low‐dose group (8.7%), while eight patients experienced recurrence in the high‐dose group (8.2%). The survival rates were 100% and 98.2% in the low‐ and high‐dose groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The long‐term effectiveness and safety of low‐dose (1850 MBq) radioiodine are the same as those of high‐dose (3700 MBq) radioiodine for thyroid remnant ablation in Chinese patients with low‐risk DTC.
Comparison of Different Intraoral Scanners With Prefabricated Aid on Accuracy and Framework Passive Fit of Digital Complete‐Arch Implant Impression: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Jiao , Liu Min , Shi Jun‐Yu , Deng Ke , Lai Hong‐Chang , Gu Wen , Zhang Xiao‐Meng
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of digital complete‐arch implant impressions with prefabricated aids using three intraoral scanners (IOSs) and explore the correlation between virtual deviation measurement and physical framework misfit.

Materials and Methods

Four edentulous maxillary master models with four and six parallel and angular implants were fabricated and scanned by a laboratory scanner as reference scans. Ten scans of each master model were acquired using three IOSs (IOS‐T, IOS‐M, and IOS‐A) with and without prefabricated aids. Trueness and precision of root mean square (RMS) errors were measured. Ten aluminum alloy frameworks were fabricated, and the misfit was measured with a micro‐computed tomography scan with one screw tightened.

Results

Trueness and precision showed significant improvement when prefabricated aids were used for all three IOSs (p < 0.010). Median (interquartile range) RMS errors of trueness reduced from 67.5 (30.4) to 61.8 (30.3) μm, from 100.6 (35.4) to 45.9 (15.1) μm, and from 52.7 (33.2) to 41.1 (22.5) μm for scanner IOS‐T, IOS‐M, and IOS‐A, respectively (p < 0.010). The precision of IOS‐A and IOS‐M was significantly better than IOS‐T when using prefabricated aid (p < 0.001). RMS errors and the maximum marginal misfit of the framework were significantly correlated (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.845).

Conclusions

With the prefabricated aids, the accuracy of IOSs enhanced significantly in digital complete‐arch implant impressions. Three IOSs showed different levels of improvement in accuracy. Virtual RMS errors <62.2 μm could be the clinically acceptable threshold (150 μm) for framework passive fit.
β‐1,4‐Galactosyltransferase 1 protects against cerebral ischemia injury in mice by suppressing ferroptosis via the TAZ/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Ma Yao , Liu Chang , Ren Lili , Li Jiachen , Xu Yunhao , Liang Jia , Wang Peng
Published: September 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke leads a primary cause of mortality in human diseases, with a high disability rate worldwide. This study aims to investigate the function of β‐1,4‐galactosyltransferase 1 (B4galt1) in mouse brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

Methods

Recombinant human B4galt1 (rh‐B4galt1) was intranasally administered to the mice model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)/reperfusion. In this study, the impact of rh‐B4galt1 on cerebral injury assessed using multiple methods, including the neurological disability status scale, 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC), Nissl and TUNEL staining. This study utilized laser speckle Doppler flowmeter to monitor the cerebral blood flow. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expression levels, and fluorescence‐labeled dihydroethidium method was performed to determine the superoxide anion generation. Assay kits were used for the measurement of iron, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels.

Results

We demonstrated that rh‐B4galt1 markedly improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct volume and preserved the completeness of blood–brain barrier (BBB) for preventing damage. These findings further illustrated that rh‐B4galt1 alleviated oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, as well as iron deposition induced by I/R. The vital role of ferroptosis was proved in brain injury. Furthermore, the rh‐B4galt1 could increase the levels of TAZ, Nrf2 and HO‐1 after I/R. And TAZ‐siRNA and ML385 reversed the neuroprotective effects of rh‐B4galt1.

Conclusions

The results indicated that rh‐B4galt1 implements neuroprotective effects by modulating ferroptosis, primarily via upregulating TAZ/Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway. Thus, B4galt1 could be seen as a promising novel objective for ischemic stroke therapy.
Patch testing in non‐immediate hypersensitivity to cotrimoxazole: Is it useful?
Authors: Soares João Nuno , Teixeira João Pedro , Figueiredo Ana Carolina , Pinho André Castro , Gonçalo Margarida
Published: September 2024

Background

Existing literature has questioned the sensitivity of patch testing (PT) with cotrimoxazole (CTX) in the study of drug hypersensitivity.

Objectives

Assess the sensitivity of PT with CTX in non‐immediate cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR).

Patients/Materials/Methods

Retrospective analysis (2000–2022) of PT with an antibiotic series including CTX 10% pet (Chemotechnique Diagnostics©) performed according to ESCD guidelines in patients with suspected non‐immediate CADR reactions to CTX. Some patients were additionally tested with in‐house preparations of CTX from Bactrim DS® tablets at 10% in pet or water and trimethoprim 10% pet (Laboratórios Edol©).

Results

Sixty‐four patients (48F/16M; mean age 47 ± 18) were included, mostly with maculopapular exanthema (51, 80%). Notably, CTX was sole suspect in 24 patients. There was no positive reaction to CTX at 10% from Chemotechnique or Bactrim DS® tablets prepared at 10% pet for patch testing. One patient reacted exclusively to trimethoprim with 1+ reaction. Two patients had a faint reaction (1+) only with the powder of Bactrim DS® tablets in water at D2, but as the reactions faded completely in 24 or 48 h, they were interpreted as irritant non‐specific reactions.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that patch testing may lack sufficient sensitivity to diagnose CTX‐induced non‐immediate CADR. Therefore, clinicians should be cautious interpreting CTX patch test results.
Effect of CMV Mismatch on Heart Transplant Outcomes Using a Surveillance and Preemptive Strategy
Authors: MacGowan Guy A. , Samuel Julie , McDiarmid Adam , Gonzalez‐Fernandez Oscar , Parry Gareth
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine outcomes after heart transplantation for cytomegalovirus (CMV) mismatched patients (D+/R−) who underwent a surveillance and preemptive therapy protocol, compared to nonmismatch patients.

Methods

A review of patient records from January 2010 to December 2020 with follow‐up to October 2023 was done. The protocol consisted weekly surveillance with CMV PCR starting 4 weeks after transplant continuing up until the patient seroconverts or up to 3 months posttransplant if the patient does not seroconvert. Valganciclovir was given for 2 weeks to those who seroconverted.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐one patients were included, and 23% were mismatched patients. Overall survival was not different between CMV groups (p = NS). Causes of death and morbidities were also not significantly different (p = NS). Sixty‐six percent of mismatch patients seroconverted, and there was also a significantly older donor age in the seroconverted patients compared to nonseroconverted patients (41 ± 11 vs. 29 ± 12 years, p < 0.005), indicating a higher risk donor profile. A multivariate Cox regression including donor age showed that there was no increase in mortality in the seroconverted mismatches compared to nonmismatch patients (p = NS).

Conclusions

There is no significant increased mortality or morbidity using a CMV surveillance and preemptive therapy protocol. The effect of donor age on seroconversion of mismatches requires further validation.
Lessons learned from the FinnDiane Study: Epidemiology and metabolic risk factors for diabetic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jansson Sigfrids Fanny , Lithovius Raija , Groop Per‐Henrik , Thorn Lena M.
Published: September 2024

Aims

Across its operational span of more than 25 years, the observational, nationwide, multicentre Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study has aimed to unravel mechanisms underlying diabetic kidney disease, with a special focus on its metabolic risk factors. We sought to compile key findings relating to this topic and to offer a current perspective on the natural course of diabetic kidney disease among individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

In this narrative review, articles relevant to the subject published by the FinnDiane Study were identified and summarized together with work published by others, when relevant.

Results

The FinnDiane Study has underscored the significance of dysglycaemia and insulin resistance, increased visceral fat mass, hypertension and dyslipidaemia—particularly high triglycerides and remnant cholesterol—as risk factors for diabetic kidney disease. Factors like abdominal obesity seem to influence the early stages of the disease, while the presence of the metabolic syndrome becomes implicated at later stages. Epidemiological reports have revealed that after an initial decline, the cumulative incidence of albuminuria plateaued post‐1980s, with the progression rate to kidney failure remaining high. Fortunately, 23% of the FinnDiane cohort regressed to less advanced stages of albuminuria, improving their overall prognosis.

Conclusion

A substantial burden of albuminuria associated with type 1 diabetes persists, and therefore, novel kidney‐protecting therapies are highly awaited. In addition, given that metabolic factors influence the progression of diabetic kidney disease both in its early and advanced stages, emphasis should be placed on ensuring that their treatment targets are met.
From guidelines to clinical practice in care for ischaemic stroke patients: A systematic review and expert opinion
Authors: Lens Charlotte , Demeestere Jelle , Casolla Barbara , Christensen Hanne , Fischer Urs , Kelly Peter , Molina Carlos , Sacco Simona , Sandset Else Charlotte , Strbian Daniel , Thomalla Götz , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Vanhaecht Kris , Weltens Caroline , Coeckelberghs Ellen , Lemmens Robin
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose

Guidelines help physicians to provide optimal care for stroke patients, but implementation is challenging due to the quantity of recommendations. Therefore a practical overview related to applicability of recommendations can be of assistance.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on ischaemic stroke guidelines published in scientific journals, covering the whole acute care process for patients with ischaemic stroke. After data extraction, experts rated the recommendations on dimensions of applicability, that is, actionability, feasibility and validity, on a 9‐point Likert scale. Agreement was defined as a score of ≥8 by ≥80% of the experts.

Results

Eighteen articles were identified and 48 recommendations were ultimately extracted. Papers were included only if they described the whole acute care process for patients with ischaemic stroke. Data extraction and analysis revealed variation in terms of both content and comprehensiveness of this description. Experts reached agreement on 34 of 48 (70.8%) recommendations in the dimension actionability, for 16 (33.3%) in feasibility and for 15 (31.3%) in validity. Agreement on all three dimensions was reached for seven (14.6%) recommendations: use of a stroke unit, exclusion of intracerebral haemorrhage as differential diagnosis, administration of intravenous thrombolysis, performance of electrocardiography/cardiac evaluation, non‐invasive vascular examination, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis and administration of statins if needed.

Discussion and conclusion

Substantial variation in agreement was revealed on the three dimensions of the applicability of recommendations. This overview can guide stroke physicians in improving the care process and removing barriers where implementation may be hampered by validity and feasibility.
Male–female chemical interactions in a facultatively parthenogenetic stick insect
Authors: Ying Wai Chi Vicky , Wilner Daniela , Adler Lewis , Wylde Zachariah , Bonduriansky Russell
Published: September 2024

Facultative parthenogenesis is a form of reproduction in which females can either lay unfertilised eggs that typically develop into female offspring only or mate and lay fertilised eggs that develop into male and female offspring. Intriguingly, facultative parthenogens often occur in mixed‐sex populations where reproduction is mostly sexual and all‐female populations where reproduction is asexual. How all‐female populations avoid invasion by males remains unknown. Here, we explored the use of pheromones in male–female communication in a facultatively parthenogenetic stick insect, the peppermint stick insect (Megacrania batesii), and compared chemical signals between females descended from sexually versus parthenogenetically reproducing populations. If parthenogenetic females release less attractive pheromones, this could help explain the persistence of all‐female populations. We found that M. batesii exhibits slight sexual dimorphism in antenna morphology, and behavioural assays provided little evidence that males could locate females solely by volatile pheromones. However, CHC profiles differed substantially between different types of females. Analysis of CHC components indicated a clear genetic difference between females descended from all‐female versus mixed‐sex populations, as well as a maternal effect of female parthenogenetic versus sexual development. Together, our results suggest that males might rely more on close‐range chemical cues to differentiate females, and chemical communication could play a role in the persistence of all‐female populations.
Climate driven response of the Iceland‐East Greenland‐Jan Mayen capelin distribution
Authors: Singh Warsha , Guðnason Kristinn , Montanyès Marcel , Lindegren Martin
Published: September 2024

Climate change is altering the distribution of marine organisms worldwide. This may, in turn, affect the overall structure and functioning of ecosystems, sometimes leading to low productive regimes. Pronounced shifts in distribution and migration have been observed for capelin (Mallotus villosus), one of the ecologically and commercially important species in the Arctic. This study attempts to discern whether a relationship existed between the altered capelin dynamics and the changing physical environmental conditions in the Iceland‐East Greenland‐Jan Mayen region. More specifically, three species distribution models were used to predict hindcasts (pre‐shift years 1993–2002) and nowcasts (post‐shift years 2003–2019) of capelin distribution based on relationships with temperature, salinity, current speed, net primary productivity, and bathymetry. The predicted probability of occurrence over these two time periods demonstrates that the changing environmental conditions have contributed to the modified distribution of the stock during its late feeding season in autumn and during the onset of spawning season in winter. The multi‐model approach used in this study has provided a solid statistical framework to describe the environmental niche of capelin and its potential responses to changing ocean climate.
Growth of Green Total Factor Productivity in China: “Structural Dividend” or “Reform Dividend”?
Authors: Jia Wenxing , Wu Shengnan , Yang Yang , Zhang Xueliang
Published: September 2024

It is critical for promoting high‐quality economic development to improve green total factor productivity (GTFP). The “structural dividend” released by the optimization of economic structure and the “reform dividend” brought by market‐oriented reform are the two ways to improve GTFP. This paper empirically examines the impact of economic structural changes and marketization progress on GTFP with the spatial dynamic panel model based on the provincial data from 2001 to 2019 in China. The findings are as follows. (1) GTFP is characterized by significant spatial clustering and spatial positive correlation in China. (2) The optimization of economic structure and the improvement of marketization both have significant positive contributions to the improvement of GTFP. (3) The results of effect decomposition show that the optimization of economic structure has a long‐term effect on the increase of local GTFP, but only a short‐term effect on the surrounding areas. However, the improvement of marketization has a stable short‐term and long‐term impact on the improvement of local GTFP, while the impact on the surrounding areas is only reflected in the long‐term. The results of heterogeneity analysis indicate that the impact of economic structure optimization and market‐oriented reform on GTFP is different in different periods and regions, and the corresponding effect decomposition results are also different. Therefore, this paper suggests that it is necessary to optimize the economic structure further and promote market‐oriented reforms to release the structural dividends and reform dividends to achieve GTFP growth.
What Do We Know About Sharing Power in Co‐Production in Mental Health Research? A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis
Authors: Hopkins India , Verlander Max , Clarkson Lucy , Jacobsen Pamela
Published: September 2024

Background

Guidance on co‐production between researchers and people with lived experience was published in 2018 by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) advisory group, previously known as INVOLVE. This guidance described sharing power as a key principle within co‐production. Authentic sharing of power within co‐produced mental health research does not always occur however and remains a challenge to achieve within many projects.

Objectives

To explore what has been learned about the sharing of power in co‐production within mental health research since the publication of these guidelines, by synthesising qualitative literature relating to power within co‐produced mental health research.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review with thematic synthesis. We searched CINHAL, Embase and PubMed databases to identify qualitative or mixed‐method studies relating to power within co‐produced mental health research. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers for inclusion and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool (CASP) for qualitative research.

Results

We identified nine papers that met the criteria for inclusion and were included in the synthesis. Three themes were generated: (1) Battling to share power against a more powerful system, (2) Empowerment through relationships and (3) The journey is turbulent, but it is not supposed to be smooth.

Conclusions

Results highlight that power is pervasive, especially within the hierarchical systems research is often conducted within. Sharing power within co‐produced mental health research is an ongoing complex process that is not intended to be easy. Respectful trusting relationships can help facilitate power sharing. However, ultimately meaningful change needs to come from research funders, universities and NHS providers.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study authors include a lived experience researcher who contributed to the review design, analysis and write‐up.
Influence of cellulose and pectin on anisotropic texture of high‐moisture meat analogue from soy protein isolate
Authors: Seetapan Nispa , Limparyoon Nattawut , Raksa Phatchareeya , Gamonpilas Chaiwut , Methacanon Pawadee
Published: September 2024

The effect of addition of cellulose (insoluble fibre), either with small or large particle size, pectin (soluble fibre), and combined cellulose and pectin (mimic and intact forms) on the textural anisotropy of soy protein isolate (SPI) high‐moisture meat analogue (HMMA) was investigated. Pure soy protein HMMA exhibited a dense and thick protein‐layered structure. Its texture was not affected upon adding cellulose. In contrast, the addition of pectin led to a softer texture that was susceptible to rupture. The HMMA showed improved textural anisotropy and integrity when incorporating the combined cellulose and pectin. Such an effect was more pronounced for the intact fibre form due to its higher water absorption capacity compared to that of the mimic one. Hence, the protein matrix was entrapped with swollen particles, leading to a significant reduction in extrusion pressure and a marked increase in its textural anisotropy. These findings highlight the advantages of combining insoluble and soluble fibres to produce HMMA with improved fibrous texture.