bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-country comparative trend analysis in ESG regulatory framework across developed and developing nations
Authors: Singhania Monica , Saini Neha , Shri Charu , Bhatia Shabani
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures regulatory frameworks in developed and developing countries, identifying similarities, differences and trends to contribute to effective and sustainable practices globally.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research design compares ESG frameworks in developed and developing countries. It reviews literature, collects data, analyzes differences and categorizes countries based on ESG development stages. Implications, recommendations and an analytical ESG table are explored and validated.

Findings

The study's findings have significant implications for practice, society and research. The categorization of 28 countries into four ESG framework development stages facilitates strategic implementation and improved decision-making aligned with sustainability reporting.

Research limitations/implications

The study's findings will support regulators, policymakers and institutional investors in bridging the sustainability gap. By categorizing countries based on their ESG framework development stages, the study aims to provide benchmark practices for countries in the early stages of ESG disclosure. This will address information asymmetry issues and facilitate the establishment of resilient business operations and reporting practices. Ultimately, the study promotes long-term social and economic well-being by strengthening emerging sustainable practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents a novel contribution to the existing literature by analyzing the varying levels of development in the ESG policy framework across countries. It fills a gap in current research by providing a comprehensive assessment of the ESG landscape and highlighting the disparities and advancements in different countries. This study aims to shed light on the state of ESG policies and practices globally, providing valuable insights for future research and policy development in the field.
Possibly the first case of onychomycosis by Fusarium lactis: Case presentation and literature review of onychomycosis by Fusarium species
Authors: Taga Fumiaki , Anzawa Kazushi , Ono Hiroto , Futatsuya Taketoshi , Yamaguchi Reimon , Takeda Kiminobu , Mochizuki Takashi , Shimizu Akira
Published: August 2023

Fusarium species (spp.) is frequently found in soil and plant residues and on plant bodies in all climatic zones worldwide. Although there have been few reports of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp., it is characterized by drug sensitivity and other characteristics. Here, we report what may be the first case of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium lactis. We analyzed the mycology and characterized previously reported cases of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp. A 73‐year‐old otherwise healthy woman presented with discoloration and thickening of her right thumbnail with paronychia. Direct microscopy revealed unevenly swollen hyphae, and a Grocott‐stained nail specimen showed septate hyphae. Based on the morphological features and gene analysis of fungus isolated from the nail, we diagnosed onychomycosis caused by F. lactis belonging to Fusarium fujikuroi species complex. Partial nail removal and topical application of 1% luliconazole solution resolved the condition in 6 months. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for isolated F. lactis showed high sensitivity to luliconazole but not itraconazole or terbinafine. The isolated F. lactis was temperature‐sensitive. A search of the literature revealed 57 cases of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp. with delineated clinical characteristics. Since those cases were investigated using morphological and/or molecular methods, we analyzed them by species complex as well as species. Onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp. is predominantly found on the big toe, with Fusarium solani species complex and Fusarium oxysporum species complex accounting for over 70% of cases. Infection of only one digit with paronychia is a characteristic clinical manifestation of onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp. Since there has been an increase in instances of molecular determination of Fusarium spp., it is deemed necessary to clarify its clinical and fungal nature. Due to its characteristic drug sensitivity and temperature‐sensitive nature, new treatments are expected to be developed.
Expression of macrophage/dendritic cell–related molecules in lymph node sinus macrophages
Authors: Yamada Rin , Ohnishi Koji , Pan Cheng , Yano Hiromu , Fujiwara Yukio , Shiota Takuya , Mikami Yoshiki , Komohara Yoshihiro
Published: August 2023

The role of sinus macrophages (SMs) in anticancer immune responses has received considerable interest in recent years, but the types of molecules that are expressed in human SMs have not yet been clarified in detail. We therefore sought to identify dendritic cell (DC)– or macrophage‐related molecules in SMs in human lymph nodes (LNs). SMs are strongly positive for Iba‐1, CD163, CD169, and CD209. CD169 (clone SP216) reacted with almost all SMs, mainly in the cell surface membrane, while CD169 (clone HSn 7D2) reacted with a subpopulation of SMs, mainly in the cytoplasm, with a significant increase observed after IFN‐α stimulation. The immunoreactivity of clone HSn 7D2 was markedly reduced after transfection with small interfering RNA against CD169, while that of clone SP216 was slightly reduced. The induction of CCL8 and CXCL10 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression by IFN‐α was confirmed using cultured macrophages and RT‐qPCR, but fluorescence in situ hybridization did not detect CCL8 and CXCL10 mRNA expression in SMs. Single‐cell RNA sequence data of LNs indicated that the highest level of CXCL10 gene expression occurred in monocytes. In conclusion, we found that CD209, also known as DC‐related molecule, was expressed in human SMs. The heterogeneity observed in CD169 reacted with cone HSn 7D2 and SP216 was potentially due to the modification of CD169 protein by IFN stimulation. Further, no expression of CXCL10 mRNA in SMs suggested that SMs might be resident macrophages.
Icescape‐scale metabolomics reveals cyanobacterial and topographic control of the core metabolism of the cryoconite ecosystem of an Arctic ice cap
Authors: Gokul Jarishma K. , Mur Luis A. J. , Hodson Andrew J. , Irvine‐Fynn Tristram D. L. , Debbonaire Aliyah R. , Takeuchi Nozomu , Edwards Arwyn
Published: August 2023

Glaciers host ecosystems comprised of biodiverse and active microbiota. Among glacial ecosystems, less is known about the ecology of ice caps since most studies focus on valley glaciers or ice sheet margins. Previously we detailed the microbiota of one such high Arctic ice cap, focusing on cryoconite as a microbe‐mineral aggregate formed by cyanobacteria. Here, we employ metabolomics at the scale of an entire ice cap to reveal the major metabolic pathways prevailing in the cryoconite of Foxfonna, central Svalbard. We reveal how geophysical and biotic processes influence the metabolomes of its resident cryoconite microbiota. We observed differences in amino acid, fatty acid, and nucleotide synthesis across the cap reflecting the influence of ice topography and the cyanobacteria within cryoconite. Ice topography influences central carbohydrate metabolism and nitrogen assimilation, whereas bacterial community structure governs lipid, nucleotide, and carotenoid biosynthesis processes. The prominence of polyamine metabolism and nitrogen assimilation highlights the importance of recycling nitrogenous nutrients. To our knowledge, this study represents the first application of metabolomics across an entire ice mass, demonstrating its utility as a tool for revealing the fundamental metabolic processes essential for sustaining life in supraglacial ecosystems experiencing profound change due to Arctic climate change‐driven mass loss.
Gelation characteristics of partially purified myofibrillar proteins extracted from commercially harvested Indian mackerel and threadfin bream
Authors: Singh Avtar , Patil Umesh , Mittal Ajay , Singh Prabjeet , Tyagi Anuj , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: August 2023

Gelling behaviors of partially purified myofibrillar proteins (PPMP) extracted from Indian mackerel (IM) and threadfin bream (TB) as a function of heating temperatures (20–75°C) were comparatively studied. PPMP obtained from IM (IM‐MP) showed lower turbidity and surface hydrophobicity as compared to those extracted from TB (TB‐MP). Moreover, lower disulfide bond content was noticed in IM‐MP (7.7–9.46 mol/106 g protein) as compared to TB‐MP (10.99‐13.95 mol/106 g protein) during the heating process. There was no major difference in the amino acid profile noticed between PPMP from both the species, except lysine and glutamine contents, which were higher in TB‐MP. Structural analysis, FTIR spectra, amide I band, and fluorescence intensity substantiated those changes. The protein pattern also revealed autolysis of IM‐MP. The transmission analysis also showed lower aggregation and crosslinking ability of IM‐MP than TB‐MP. Therefore, poorer gelling behavior of IM‐MP reconfirmed the inferior gel property of surimi gel from IM to gel from TB. Potential development is still required for the improvement of the gel properties of dark‐fleshed fish surimi such as IM.

Practical Application

Indian mackerel (IM) is an abundant and widely captured fish species. Due to overexploitation of lean fish, pelagic fish could be explored as a potential raw material for surimi production. However, poor gelling properties of IM limit its use in the surimi industry. This study provides an insight into the gelling behavior of myofibrillar proteins from IM during the gelation process in comparison with the lean fish (threadfin bream). Overall, structural and rheological changes of myofibrillar proteins play a role in gelation, thus affecting gel properties between two species. Further improvement of the gel of IM is still required.
Extraction of pectin from watermelon and pomegranate peels with different methods and its application in ice cream as an emulsifier
Authors: Fırat Esra , Koca Nurcan , Kaymak‐Ertekin Figen
Published: August 2023

Pectin extraction from watermelon peel (WP) and pomegranate peel (PP) was carried out using three different extraction methods: classical solvent extraction (CSE), ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE). Extraction parameters (pH, temperature, time, and speed/amplitude/power) were optimized to target maximum crude pectin yield (CPY), while the sample‐to‐solvent ratio (SS) was determined to be fixed at 1:10 w/v at all experiments. CPY was increased by low pH, high temperature, and long time. The pectins obtained at optimum conditions were characterized regarding the physicochemical and rheological properties, and the pectin solutions were found to be typical pseudoplastic fluids. WP pectin extracted with MAE and PP pectin extracted with UAE were determined to have the best emulsifying properties and added to the ice cream formulations. MAE had the maximum CPY of 9.40% for WP (pH = 1.3, 6 min, 596 W) and the best emulsifying properties. UAE had the best emulsifying properties for PP and the CPY was 11.56% in conditions of pH = 1.5, a temperature of 69°C, an extraction time of 29 min, and a 32% amplitude. The use of PP pectin resulted in a significant increase in the apparent viscosity of ice cream mix and also the first dripping time and the hardness of ice cream over commercial emulsifier. Melting properties and hardness values of ice cream with WP pectin were comparatively closer to those of ice cream with commercial emulsifier. On the other hand, the first dripping time and hardness value of ice cream with PP pectin having 60.25 min and 3.84 N, respectively, were higher than those of commercial ice cream having 53.75 min and 2.14 N, respectively.

Practical Application: The utilization of WP and PP, which are good sources for pectin production, benefits both a sustainable environment and a sustainable food industry. Pectin extracted from WP and PP as an emulsifier in ice cream can ensure the production of ice creams with good melting properties. Pectin can be used as a healthy, sustainable, and economical alternative emulsifier in the ice cream industry.
Ethanol‐exposed lung fibroblasts cause airway epithelial barrier dysfunction
Authors: Sueblinvong Viranuj , Fan Xian , Hart Craishun , Molina Samuel , Koval Michael , Guidot David M.
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic alcohol ingestion predisposes to lung injury and disrepair during sepsis. Our previous studies outlined roles for transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGFβ1) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) in epithelial barrier homeostasis and how alcohol perturbs their expression and signaling. Here we hypothesize that ethanol‐exposed lung fibroblasts (LF) are a source of dysregulated TGFβ1 and GM‐CSF and thereby alter airway epithelial barrier function.

Methods

Human or rat LF were cultured ± ethanol for 2 weeks and then co‐cultured with human or rat airway epithelial cells (AEC) seeded on Transwell permeable supports. In selected groups, a TGFβ1 receptor type 1 (TGFβR1) inhibitor (SB431542) or a TGFβ1 neutralizing antibody was applied. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) was measured prior to co‐culture and on day 5 of co‐culture. AEC were then analyzed for the expression of selected tight junction and mesenchymal proteins, and transwell membranes were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy for ZO‐1 expression and localization. TGFβ1 and GM‐CSF levels in conditioned media from the co‐cultures were quantified by ELISA.

Results

AEC co‐cultured with ethanol‐exposed LF (ELF) showed a significant reduction in TER and corresponding decreases in ZO‐1 expression, whereas collagen type 1A1 and α‐smooth muscle actin protein expression were increased. In parallel, in conditioned media from the ELF + AEC co‐cultures, activated TGFβ1 levels increased and GM‐CSF levels decreased. Notably, all the effects of ELF on the AEC were prevented by blocking TGFβ1 activity.

Conclusions

Prior ethanol exposure to LF induces barrier dysfunction in naive AEC in a paracrine fashion through activation of TGFβ1 signaling and suppression of GM‐CSF. These experimental findings provide a potential mechanism by which chronic alcohol ingestion impairs airway epithelial integrity and renders individuals susceptible to lung injury.
Demographic differences in the cascade of care for unhealthy alcohol use: A cross‐sectional analysis of data from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Mintz Carrie M. , Knox Justin , Hartz Sarah M. , Hasin Deborah S. , Martins Silvia S. , Kranzler Henry R. , Greene Emily , Geng Elvin H. , Grucza Richard A. , Bierut Laura J.
Published: August 2023

Background

The screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) model is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to improve recognition of and intervention for unhealthy alcohol use. How SBIRT implementation differs by demographic characteristics is poorly understood.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from respondents ≥18 years old who used an outpatient clinic and had at least one alcoholic drink within the past year. Respondents were grouped into one of three mutually exclusive groups: “no binge drinking or alcohol use disorder (AUD),” “binge drinking without AUD,” or “AUD.” Outcome variables were likelihood of screening, brief intervention (BI), referral to treatment (RT), and AUD treatment. The demographic predictors on which outcomes were regressed included gender, age, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, insurance status, and history of military involvement. Consistent with SBIRT guidelines, the entire sample was included in the screening model; screened persons with either binge drinking without AUD or with AUD were included in the BI model; screened persons with AUD were included in the RT model, and persons referred to treatment with AUD were included in the AUD treatment model.

Results

Analyses included 120,804 respondents. Women were more likely than men to be screened, but less likely to receive BI or RT. When referred to treatment, women were more likely than men to receive it. Persons aged ≥50 were least likely to be screened about alcohol, but most likely to receive BI, while persons aged 18–25 were least likely to receive BI or AUD treatment. Racial and ethnic minorities were less likely than White persons to be screened; Asians were less likely to receive RT, and Black persons were less likely to receive treatment than White persons. Persons identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual were equally as likely or more likely to receive SBIRT or AUD treatment as those identifying as heterosexual. Persons without insurance were less likely to be screened than those with insurance. Persons with a history of military involvement were more likely to be screened and receive BI and RT than persons who had not served in the military.

Conclusions

Demographic disparities in SBIRT implementation exist. Addressing the sources of these disparities and minimizing attrition from care could improve outcomes for persons with unhealthy alcohol use.
Increases in computationally predicted deleterious variants of unknown significance and sperm mtDNA copy numbers may be associated with semen quality
Authors: Pi Yuze , Huang Zhuo , Xu Xilin , Zhang Huan , Jin Miao , Zhang Shuoping , Lin Ge , Hu Liang
Published: August 2023

Background

Mitochondria are essential for sperm motility because they provide the energy required for the movement. Changes in sperm mtDNA, such as point mutations, large‐scale deletions, or copy number variations, may interfere with ATP production and reduce sperm motility. However, it is not clear if changes in mtDNA are linked to semen quality.

Objectives

To explore the association between sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) changes and semen quality.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐five oligo and/or astheno and/or terato patients (O/A/T) patients and 41 controls were recruited from couples undergoing assisted reproduction. Semen and blood samples were collected from the same individual on the day of oocyte retrieval to extract, isolate and purify mtDNA for next‐generation sequencing. mtDNA copy numbers were assessed in 64 patient and 39 control sperm DNA samples using quantitative real‐time PCR. The 4977 bp deletion was assessed in 20 patient and 20 control sperm DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The mtDNA of patients was more likely to carry pathogenic variants or variants of unknown significance (VUSs) (P = 0.091) with higher heteroplasmy levels (P < 0.05) than that of controls. Interestingly, 33.85% of O/A/T patients (22 out of 65) lacked unique variants in their spermatozoa. but presented an exceptionally high mtDNA copy number (P < 0.0001). Moreover, we observed a decrease in the heteroplasmy level of common mtDNA variants shared by somatic and gamete cells (P < 0.0001) and the emergence of a very large number of de novo mtDNA variants with low‐level heteroplasmy in spermatozoa.

Discussion and conclusion

The increases in the number of computationally predicted deleterious VUS and mtDNA copies in spermatozoa may be associated with semen quality. Exposure to environmental mutation pressure that causes novel mtDNA variants with low‐level heteroplasmy may occur during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, when a certain harmful threshold is reached, male germ cells may degrade mtDNA with mutations and replicate the correct mtDNA sequence to maintain the mitochondrial function in spermatozoa.
The displaced border
Authors: Flores Lupe Alberto
Published: August 2023

This multisited flash ethnography recounts my encounters with a queer asylum seeker from El Salvador trying to move on from a tragedy amid family and legal issues and our observations of the encroaching humanitarian border industry throughout Mexico. It traces events across time and place that are inevitably scarred by the Mexico‐US border, which displaces itself beyond territorial lines.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of the maturation inhibitor GSK3640254 coadministered with darunavir/ritonavir and/or etravirine in healthy adults
Authors: Zhang Ying , Joshi Samit , Yazdani Parto , Zhan Joyce , Wen Bo , Bainbridge Veronica , Ballesteros‐Perez Alex , Gartland Martin , Lataillade Max
Published: August 2023

Aims

This phase I study investigated potential drug–drug interactions of the maturation inhibitor GSK3640254 (GSK'254) with darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/RTV) and/or etravirine (ETR).

Methods

In this randomized, open‐label, single‐sequence, multiple‐dose study, healthy participants received GSK'254 200 mg once daily alone or coadministered with DRV/RTV 600/100 mg twice daily (BID; n = 19), ETR 200 mg BID (n = 19) or DRV/RTV 600/100 mg + ETR 200 mg BID (n = 16) under fed conditions. Primary endpoints were steady‐state area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to the end of the dosing interval (AUC0‐τ) and maximum observed concentration (Cmax). Secondary endpoints included trough concentration (Cτ), safety and tolerability. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using standard noncompartmental analysis, and geometric least‐squares mean ratios were derived from linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

GSK'254 AUC0‐τ (geometric least‐squares mean ratio [90% confidence interval], 1.14 [1.00–1.29]), Cmax (1.07 [0.92–1.24]) and Cτ (1.17 [1.01–1.35]) were similar when administered alone and with DRV/RTV. Etravirine coadministration decreased GSK'254 AUC0‐τ (0.53 [0.48–0.59]), Cmax (0.60 [0.53–0.68]) and Cτ (0.51 [0.39–0.66]). Similar reductions were not observed with GSK'254 + DRV/RTV + ETR (AUC0‐τ, 0.94 [0.82–1.09]; Cmax, 0.89 [0.75–1.07]; Cτ, 1.02 [0.89–1.18]). GSK'254 had no meaningful effect on DRV/RTV or ETR concentrations. All reported adverse events (AEs) were grade 1; 3 led to withdrawal and resolved (rash, asymptomatic electrocardiogram T‐wave inversion, periorbital oedema). Most common AEs were diarrhoea (n = 9) and headache (n = 7). No deaths or serious AEs occurred.

Conclusion

GSK'254 pharmacokinetics was not meaningfully affected by DRV/RTV or DRV/RTV + ETR, but were reduced with only ETR; no new tolerability concerns were observed.
ChatGPT in pharmacometrics? Potential opportunities and limitations
Authors: Cloesmeijer Michael E. , Janssen Alexander , Koopman Sjoerd F. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Mathôt Ron A. A. ,   for the SYMPHONY consortium
Published: August 2023

The potential of using ChatGPT in pharmacometrics was explored in this study, with a focus on developing a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for standard half‐life factor VIII. Our results demonstrated that ChatGPT can be utilized to accurately obtain typical PK parameters from literature, generate a population PK model in R and develop an interactive Shiny application to visualize the results. ChatGPT's language generation capabilities enabled the development of R codes with minimal programming knowledge and helped to identify as well fix errors in the code. While ChatGPT presents several advantages, such as its ability to streamline the development process, its use in pharmacometrics also has limitations and challenges, including the accuracy and reliability of AI‐generated data, the lack of transparency and reproducibility regarding codes generated by ChatGPT. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential of using ChatGPT in pharmacometrics, but researchers must carefully evaluate its use for their specific needs.
Thyroid function test abnormalities‐isolated TPOAb+, SCH and hypothyroxinemia and preschool children's neurodevelopment
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Teng Yuzhu , Guo Yufan , Ru Xue , Wu Xiaoyan , Hao Jiahu , Tao Fangbiao , Huang Kun
Published: August 2023

Objective

Thyroid function test abnormalities are frequent and associated with the offspring's adverse neurodevelopment. This study aimed to examine the relationship between maternal thyroid function test abnormalities before 20 gestational weeks and children's cognitive, emotional and behavioural development at 3–6 years of age.

Patients and Measurements

A total of 2243 mother–child pairs were included in the final analysis. Maternal thyroid function was evaluated retrospectively during the children's preschool period. The serum thyrotrophin, free thyroxine and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay during the follow‐up period. The neurodevelopmental status of preschoolers aged 3–6 years was evaluated by parental versions of The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Preschool and The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires. The associations between maternal thyroid function test abnormalities and preschoolers' neurodevelopment were examined using Poisson regression models.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders in Poisson regression analyses, it showed that maternal isolated TPOAb positivity before 20 gestational weeks may be associated with the increased risk of abnormalities in peer problems (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26, 287). Maternal isolated SCH before 20 gestational weeks was observed to be related with increased risk of abnormalities in inhibition (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.37, 5.41), working memory (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.70), conduct problems (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.09), hyperactivity (OR = 1.94, 95% CI:1.08, 3.49) and total difficulties (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.34). Maternal isolated hypothyroxinemia before 20 gestational was observed to be related with increased risk of abnormalities in peer problems (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.17, 6.27).

Conclusions

Thyroid function test abnormalities before 20 gestational weeks may be associated with children's neurodevelopment at 3–6 years of age.
Saikosaponin D attenuates inflammatory response and cell apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide‐induced lung epithelial cells
Authors: Song Lijie , Lu Guoyu , Tao Yanyan
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a prevalent complication of sepsis with high mortality rate. Saikosaponin D (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin that has been reported to alleviate sepsis‐triggered renal injury in mice. Nonetheless, the therapeutic effect of SSD on sepsis‐evoked ALI is unclarified.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli 055:B5 was utilized to stimulate lung epithelial cell line MLE‐12. A mouse model of sepsis was established. CCK‐8 assay was employed for determining cytotoxicity. ELISA was utilized for determining proinflammatory cytokine production. Flow cytometry and western blotting were implemented for evaluating cell apoptosis. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was conducted for histologic analysis of murine lung tissues.

Results

SSD alleviated LPS‐triggered inflammation and cell apoptosis of MLE‐12 cells. SSD treatment ameliorated the pathological damages, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis in the lungs of septic mice.

Conclusion

SSD protects against sepsis‐triggered ALI by inhibiting inflammation and cell apoptosis in MLE‐12 cells and septic mouse mice.
Which metrics derived from airborne laser scanning are essential to measure the vertical profile of ecosystems?
Authors: Kissling W. Daniel , Shi Yifang
Published: August 2023

In a recent perspective (Diversity and Distributions, 29, 39–50), ‘10 variables’ were proposed to measure vegetation structure from airborne laser scanning (ALS) for assessing species distributions and habitat suitability. We worry about this list because the variables predominantly represent variation in vegetation height, the vertical variability of vegetation biomass is insufficiently captured, and variables of vegetation cover are ill‐defined or not ecosystem agnostic. We urge for a better defined, more comprehensive and more balanced list, and for assessing which information from ALS point clouds is truly essential to measure the major dimensions of 3D vegetation structure within and across ecosystems and animal habitats. We think that the currently proposed ‘list of 10 ALS metrics’ is premature and that researchers and stakeholders should be cautious in adopting this list.
Bede, Æthelberht, and the ‘examples of the Romans’ in early medieval England
Authors: Rabin Andrew
Published: August 2023

In Book II, Chapter 5 of the Historia ecclesiastica, Bede writes that the Kentish king Æthelberht had, ‘with the advice of his counsellors, established legal enactments according to the examples of the Romans.’ This article argues that Bede’s formulation serves as a means of characterizing the increasingly interventionist role played by early Kentish kings in making the laws issued in their names.
News sentiment and investment efficiency: Evidence from China
Authors: Hsu Yuan‐Teng , Hua Min , Liu Heng , Wang Qingren
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the impact of media sentiment on firms' investment efficiency in the Chinese market during 2007–2017. We find that increased media sentiment can lead to overinvestment and thus distort investment efficiency, but it has no significant effect on underinvestment. Further, mediation analysis shows that financing constraints mediates the media sentiment effects on overinvestment. To mitigate potential endogenous problems, we employ instrumental variable approach and propensity score matching method. The main findings hold after a battery of robustness tests. Further tests show that corporate governance factors can ameliorate the adverse effect of news sentiment on corporate investment efficiency.
PooRaa‐Agri KG: An agricultural knowledge graph‐based simplified multilingual query system
Authors: Sivakumar Nethraa , Srinivasan Pooja , Kannan Mrinalini , P Vijayalakshmi , T Nagarajan
Published: August 2023

The current work proposes PooRaa‐Agri KG, an agricultural knowledge graph‐based simplified multilingual query system that works in real time to provide concise answers for agriculture‐based queries. The proposed approach accommodates real‐time and low‐resource queries in English and Hindi with a novel multi‐stage solution consisting of data pre‐processing, sentence simplification, triplet extraction, knowledge graph generation, sentence reconstruction, query‐to‐reconstructed sentence matching, and machine translation as its sub‐modules. In this work, a novel combination of rule‐based sentence simplification and triplet extraction is carried out resulting in a triplet similarity score of 86.56% for the extracted triplets. This method is superior to the existing triplet extraction method whose triplet similarity score was found to be 60.65%. Further, the proposed work makes use of heuristic rules to reconstruct sentences which when evaluated by human evaluators for meaningfulness and grammar resulted in a score of 3.09/4 and 2.95/4 respectively. To complete end‐to‐end communication in the proposed system, a similarity‐based query answer system is proposed in this work.
SND1, a novel co‐activator of HIF1α, promotes tumor initiation in PyMT‐induced breast tumor
Authors: Hu Lihong , Zeng Yufeng , Xin Lingbiao , Yang Jie
Published: August 2023

The multifunctional protein staphylococcal nuclease domain‐containing protein 1 (SND1) is conserved and has been implicated in several aspects of tumor development, such as proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and immune evasion. Despite this, the precise role of SND1 in the initiation and metastasis of mammary gland tumors remains largely unexplored. In this study, we utilized a mouse model of breast tumors induced by polyomavirus middle T antigen (PyMT) to demonstrate that the knockout of SND1 significantly delayed the onset of primary mammary tumor formation induced by PyMT. Histological staining and cytometric analysis were conducted to confirm the reduction of tumor‐initiating cells and lung metastasis following depletion of SND1. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2), a crucial epigenetic modifier implicated in PyMT‐induced breast tumors, serves as an essential mediator of SND1‐promoted primary mammary tumor formation. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SND1 functions as a transcriptional co‐activator of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α), thereby regulating the downstream target gene EZH2 and promoting tumorigenesis. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the role of SND1 as a co‐activator of HIF1α in the acceleration of PyMT‐induced spontaneous breast tumor formation through the promotion of EZH2 transcription. The findings provide novel insights into the relationship between SND1 and the formation of tumor‐initiating cells.
The cyclic response behavior, failure mechanism, and life prediction model of 9% Cr‐based steel under different strain ratios in the low cyclic fatigue regime at 430°C
Authors: Wang Quanyi , Cai Yifan , Liu Meng , Li Qingsong , Pei Yubing , Zhang Hong , Liu Yongjie , Wang Qingyuan
Published: August 2023

During steam turbine rotor operation, the startup and showdown processes can cause asymmetric loading stress, leading to fatigue damage. To research the cyclic deformation behavior and fatigue failure mechanisms of 9% Cr‐based steel under asymmetric loading conditions, the strain ratios including −1, 0, and 0.1 are introduced into the low cyclic fatigue tests at 430°C. The results show the cyclic softening behavior is observed under three strain ratios at 430°C. As the strain ratio increases, the crack initiation sources, plastic strain, and consumed energy present an increasing trend. Comparing the microstructure morphology at different strain ratios, the coarsening lath and carbides affect fatigue crack initiation. Besides, the grain rotation and dynamic recrystallization can be observed, resulting in the cyclic softening behavior during the fatigue test. Finally, a new fatigue life prediction model is proposed at 430°C.
Optimization of decellularization methods using human small intestinal submucosa for scaffold generation in regenerative medicine
Authors: Mineta Shumei , Endo Shunji , Ueno Tomio
Published: August 2023

Porcine small intestinal submucosa, despite its successful use as a scaffold in regenerative medicine, has innate biomechanical heterogeneity. In this study, we hypothesized that human small intestinal submucosa could be a viable alternative bio‐scaffold. For the first time, we characterize submucosal extraction from human small intestine and examine appropriate decellularization methods. In total, 16 human small intestinal submucosal samples were obtained and decellularized using three reported methods of porcine decellularization: Abraham, Badylak, and Luo. For each method, four specimens were decellularized. The remaining four specimens were designated as non‐decellularized. We measured the amount of residual DNA and growth factors in decellularized human intestinal samples. Additionally, decellularized human small intestinal submucosa was co‐cultured with mouse bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells to examine mesenchymal stem cell survival and proliferation. The reference value for the amount of residual DNA deemed appropriate in decellularized tissue was established as 50 ng/mg of extracellular matrix dry weight or less. Abraham's method most successfully met this criterion. Measurement of residual growth factors revealed low levels observed in samples decellularized using the Abraham and Badylak methods. Co‐culture of each small intestinal submucosal sample with mouse bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells confirmed viable cell survival and proliferation in samples derived using protocols by Abraham and Badylak. Abraham's method most successfully met the criteria for efficient tissue decellularization and cell viability and proliferation. Thus, we consider this method most suitable for decellularization of human small intestinal submucosa.
Effect of different cooking methods on selected quality criteria and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Erhan Seray , Proestos Charalampos , Manoharadas Salim , Oz Fatih
Published: August 2023

The effect of different cooking methods (boiling, sous‐vide cooking, pan‐frying, oven cooking, and barbecuing) on some quality criteria (dry matter content, pH value, cooking loss value, and antioxidant activity) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contents of cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) was investigated. Different cooking methods were found to have significant effects on the dry matter content, cooking loss, and pH value of the mushroom, whereas no significant effect was observed on the antioxidant activity (IC50). Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) was detected in both raw and cooked mushroom samples, with no statistically significant difference in ∑PAH4 (BaA + Chry + BbF + BaP) content between samples. The ∑PAH4 content, initially 0.30 ng/g in raw samples, ranged from 0.34 to 3.50 ng/g across mushrooms cooked using different methods. Importantly, consumption of even 1 kg of pan‐fried mushrooms with the highest ∑PAH4 content remained within the limits defined by both the Turkish Food Codex Food Contaminants Regulation (TFC 2011) and the European Union Directive (EU 2011).
Evaluation of the acute basic biological effects of herbal formulation to control obesity: a preliminary study
Authors: Kumar Mukul , Kaushik Deepika , Kaushik Ravinder , Khan Azhar , Billeci Lucia , Oz Emel , Proestos Charalampos , Brennan Charles , Ahmad Naushad , Elobeid Tahra , Oz Fatih
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Obesity is the accumulation of excessive visceral and subcutaneous fat in the body. The herbal formulation can help treat obesity, and our study aims to evaluate the acute basic biological effects of herbal formulation to control obesity.

Methods

Antiobesity herbal formulation, prepared by the combination of Saussurea lappa root, Betula utilis bark, Aconitum heterophyllum root, Bunium periscum seed, and Bauhinia variegate leaf (4:3:1:1:1), was carried out on Wistar male and female rats. Obesity was induced in the rats by feeding the Chow diet, and the effect of herbal formulation on obesity was studied. The effect on obesity was measured by analysing variables like weight, water intake, pellet count, haematological parameters, renal function test, liver function test, and lipid profile test.

Results

In the study, it was observed that the female rats treated at the highest dose showed a significantly (P < 0.005) higher decrease in weight compared to male rats after 10 days. The food intake, haemoglobin, renal, liver function, and lipid profile showed significant improvement after the intake of herbal formulation.

Conclusions

From the above results, it was inferred that herbal formulation increased the activity of metabolism, which is helpful in weight reduction; moreover, it has some beneficial biological effects.
Effect of the addition of an emulgel based on whey protein isolate‐alginate‐inulin complex on the physicochemical and textural properties of reduced‐fat set yoghurt
Authors: Ortiz‐Deleón Anthony M. , Román‐Guerrero Angélica , Sandoval‐Castilla Ofelia , Cuevas‐Bernardino Juan C. , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime
Published: August 2023

Oil‐in‐water emulgels formed with canola oil and whey protein isolate:alginate‐inulin ternary complex coacervates (TCC) were used as fat replacers (10–15% wt.) in a reduced‐fat set yoghurt (RFY). The addition of the emulgel had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on RFY syneresis and better stability against whey expulsion compared to a full‐fat set yoghurt (FFY). Microstructure in RFY added with emulgel showed denser packing structures in the protein lattice with filling behaviour of emulgel. The textural and rheological properties showed that the emulgel contributed to mimicking and modulating its performance like that of FFY. The complex elastic modulus (G*) indicates that higher emulgel content in RFY improved the strength of the gel, allowing it to achieve a behaviour like that of FFY. The addition of emulgel increased the protein (55.3–63.2%) and reduced the fat (30.1–42.9%) contents, allowing the development of more balanced foods with similar mechanical properties to an FFY.
Update on the global prevalence and severity of kiwifruit allergy: a scoping review
Authors: James Christopher A. , Welham Simon , Rose Peter
Published: August 2023

The production and use of kiwifruit, and their derived products, has seen rapid growth in the food industry with some 4 467 099 tonnes produced in 2021. A key area of development has been the increased use of kiwifruit waste streams to support sustainable food production systems. However, kiwifruit is emerging as a common elicitor of food allergy worldwide. Therefore, the present research focuses on summarising the current literature on kiwifruit‐induced human food allergy. Of the available information, a total of 7098 titles were found and 107 articles were included in the current study following full‐text screening. Most research concentrated on the prevalence of allergenicity and was performed within Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania. Food allergy to kiwifruit ranged from oral allergy syndrome to anaphylaxis in humans. Few studies considered the need for labelling or public education. Given the increased usage of kiwifruit across a range of food streams, further research is required due to the greater focus on utilisation of these products in the food industry.
Ambidexterity in strategic alliances: An integrative review of the literature
Authors: Zahoor Nadia , Khan Zaheer , Marinova Svetla , Cui Lin
Published: August 2023

Strategic alliances play a vital role in exploration and exploitation activities, otherwise known as the ambidextrous approach for value creation. This has led to an upsurge in studies on ambidexterity in strategic alliances by giving rise to various conceptualizations and theoretical challenges. However, we lack a systematic evaluation and synthesis of the theoretical and empirical insights from this growing body of research. In this paper, we use an integrative systematic literature review (SLR) approach to critically analyse 77 articles on ambidexterity in strategic alliances published in 38 leading journals across 13 disciplines. Findings from bibliometric and qualitative content analyses reveal three major research directions: (1) micro‐foundation and organizational antecedents of ambidexterity in alliances, (2) governance mechanisms of ambidexterity, and (3) relational and performance outcomes of ambidexterity. We integrate these findings into a unified framework which provides a foundation for future research on ambidexterity in strategic alliances, with implications for academics, policymakers and practitioners.
Difficulties experienced by patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia regarding their physical symptoms
Authors: Yurtseven Şeyma , Doğan Sevgi Deniz , Arslan Sevban
Published: August 2023

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a significant health concern for all ageing men and is characterized by clinical symptoms resulting from the growth of benign tissues in the prostate gland. Living with a chronic disease like BPH undoubtedly affects different aspects of a person's life. This study was conducted to examine in‐depth the difficulties experienced by BPH patients who have no other option but to undergo surgery due to their symptoms. The study is qualitative research with a phenomenological design. A total of 18 patients were included in the study. Research data were obtained using the interview method, which is one of the qualitative data collection methods, and the content analysis method was used to analyse the data obtained from the interviews. Eighteen patients with ages ranging from 57 to 75 years and experiencing BPH‐related symptoms for 2–11 years participated in the study. The reactions of patients to living with BPH‐related symptoms were presented under the themes of social anxiety, social disconnection, impaired quality of sleep, and decreased sexual self‐confidence. The themes mentioned by BPH patients regarding the duration of their illness are the result of a combination of many factors. In this context, it is recommended that urology nurses provide psychological support, medical information, self‐care skills, and self‐monitoring skills to BPH patients to develop individual coping mechanisms. BPH is a significant health concern for all ageing men and is characterized by clinical symptoms resulting from the growth of benign tissues in the prostate gland. Living with a chronic disease like BPH undoubtedly affects different aspects of a person's life. It is not impossible to find solutions to patients by understanding them deeply.
How does post‐study employment policy for international students create “skilled” migrants? The case of Japan
Authors: Mazumi Yusuke
Published: August 2023

The recent literature on skilled migration has addressed the socially constructed nature of the notion and category of “skilled” migrants, revealing the roles of the host state and its admission policy in shaping these migrants. This article adds to the literature by examining how the host state can also socially (or politically) create “skilled” migrants through policy that facilitates the post‐study employment of international students. The extant research on the social construction of skill and skilled migration informs the hypothesizing of three strategic ways in which host states seek to retain international students who may otherwise be excluded from the host labour market after graduation: (1) the creation of new work permits, (2) the discretionary relaxing of criteria for issuing work visas and (3) the provision of skilling support for finding employment. The case of Japan empirically validates all these strategies and indicates the particular significance of the second strategy.
Exploring the role of the nurse unit manager in forensic mental health inpatient units: A qualitative study
Authors: Maguire Tessa , Mawren Daveena , Ryan Jo , Ennis Gary , Olasoji Michael
Published: August 2023

Forensic mental health (FMH) inpatient settings are complex working environments at times due to a number of factors including the presence of challenging behaviours that may include violence and aggression, restrictions related to legislation, extended length of stay and the impact of trauma. Nurse unit managers (NUMs) play an important role in managing the unit environment and clinical standards of care to achieve better outcomes for consumers and staff. However, the role of NUMs in an FMH setting is poorly understood. The overall aim of this study was to explore the role of NUMs working within an FMH setting in Victoria, Australia. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined the subject. Data were collected via focus groups from n = 32 participants which included NUMs, their managers, staff who work alongside the NUMs and the staff the NUMs manage. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and four themes were interpreted from the data, (i) lack of role clarity, (ii) the importance of clinical Leadership and forensic mental health knowledge, (iii) step up in responsibility and step down in pay and (iv) seeing the difference you make. The role of the NUM within a forensic mental health setting comes with a number of challenges, but also opportunities to enact change. An ongoing effort to better support those employed within the NUM role and make the role desirable for aspiring staff is critical to the sustainability of a skilled clinical workforce and quality of care in this complex setting.