bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insights from a teacher’s video diaries about short-term study abroad preparation learning: a self-study
Authors: Hains-Wesson Rachael Lee 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
While comprehensive study abroad preparation encompasses a wide array of elements, the purpose of this study is to highlight a short-term study abroad (STSA) teacher’s preparatory learning experience documented through self-reported video diary reflections.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a self-study methodology, using a series of self-recorded video diaries focused on preparation learning. The video diaries serve as visual and auditory self-reflective stimuli, providing insights into preparation practices that may benefit novice STSA teachers.

Findings
The findings highlight the importance of understanding both the “self” and ensuring early expectations through video reflections, which can enhance traditional methods in STSA professional development.

Originality/value
This study presents an alternative STSA professional development approach using self-recorded teacher video diaries to advance practice and share insights.
Foreign direct investment: technology-based entrepreneurship and the role of institutions
Authors: Lu Hao , Deng Ping 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study empirically investigates the moderating effect of institutions (including formal institutions and informal institutions) on the relationship between FDI and regional technology-based entrepreneurship in China’s emerging economy.Design/methodology/approachBy collecting data on technology-based entrepreneurship at the regional level in China, our final balanced panel comprises 81,926 technology start-ups in 29 provinces at the regional level from 2000 to 2014.FindingsThe results show that FDI is critical to encouraging technology-based start-ups. We also argue that the institutions positively moderate the relationship between FDI and regional technology-based entrepreneurship. This study supports the negative interaction effect of FDI and corruption on technology-based entrepreneurship in eastern regions, suggesting that corruption weakens FDI’s entrepreneurial enthusiasm.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by highlighting the critical role of regional formal institutions in moderating the positive effects of FDI on technology-based entrepreneurship. This enriches the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship and the OLI paradigm, offering a fresh perspective on this complex relationship. Additionally, it provides nuanced insights into how corruption, as an informal institution, interacts with FDI in different regional contexts.
Virological and Immunological Characteristics of HBeAg‐Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Low HBsAg Levels
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Wang Guiyang , Li Ming , Wang Jian , Gu Jiaqi , Huang Rui , Wu Chao , Zhang Quan , Liu Yong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with low HBsAg levels represents a relatively rare serological pattern and is closely associated with the severity of liver disease. However, the underlying mechanisms in such cases remain largely unclear.MethodsTreatment‐naïve HBeAg‐positive CHB patients with low HBsAg levels in China were enrolled and analysed. In vitro cell experiments and immunoassays were conducted to investigate the effects of the preS2 deletion mutation on virus reproduction and host immune response.ResultsTreatment‐naïve HBeAg‐positive CHB patients with low HBsAg levels (low HBsAg group) exhibited higher fibrosis scores and a greater prevalence of quasispecies mutations introduced by preS2 deletion compared to patients with positive HBeAg and high HBsAg levels (high HBsAg group). Further analysis revealed that fibrosis scores in CHB patients with the preS2 deletion mutations were significantly higher compared to both in wild‐type patients and the high HBsAg group. In vitro assays indicated that while this mutation may not impact HBV replication, it significantly reduced viral infectivity. The number of viral‐specific IFN‐γ‐secreting cells induced by the mutant was significantly lower than that induced by the wild‐type strain. Additionally, the levels of HBs‐specific B cells and cytokine secretion from lymphocytes triggered by the mutant strain were significantly reduced.ConclusionsHBeAg‐positive CHB patients with low HBsAg and genotype C exhibited higher noninvasive fibrosis indexes compared with typical patients, accompanied by a significant increase in quasispecies variants associated with preS2 deletion. The emergence of the preS2 deletion mutants in patients could be due to its enhanced ability to evade the host immunity.
After the ink dries: Body art disclosure decisions by white‐collar employees
Authors: Litzky Barrie E. , Godshalk Veronica M. , MacLean Tammy 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis exploratory study contributes to the literature on disclosing concealable stigmatized identities (CSI) by positing authenticity and identity centrality as antecedents to disclosing body art within a workplace context. We analyze identity centrality and its effect on amplifying or suppressing disclosure and/or fear of disclosure of white‐collar professionals' body art. The research question focuses on whether white‐collar employees believe they can be authentic and disclose body art in the workplace and whether there are adverse career outcomes associated with disclosing body art. Findings suggest authenticity was only related to the degree of disclosure through fear of disclosure, highlighting the role that fear played in the disclosure decision. Identity centrality moderated the relationship between authenticity and fear of disclosure. Both fear of and degree of disclosure were indirectly related to turnover intentions through affective organizational commitment. Given the limited research on body art as a stigma and its disclosure by white‐collar professionals, we believe this study adds to the CSI literature by offering insights into the impact that changing social mores associated with body art may have on the willingness of white‐collar professionals to disclose it.
Long‐Term Cardiovascular Complications in Patients With Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas After Surgery: A Large Multi‐Center Study
Authors: Guo Nan , Liu Tao , Zhao Ping , Bai Song 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe effects of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs)‐induced catecholamine overproduction on vascular and cardiac function are generally thought to be reversible after PPGLs removal. However, a sizable proportion of patients who were free of the recurrent disease still faced high risks of cardiovascular problems after successful surgery. We aim to identify incidence and risk factors for long‐term cardiovascular complications in PPGLs patients after surgery.DesignWe retrospectively reviewed 602 patients who underwent surgery for sporadic PPGLs at three centers between January 2012 and October 2022. Demographic characteristics and perioperative data were recorded. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for postoperative long‐term cardiovascular complications.ResultsFinally, a total of 602 patients were included in the analysis, comprising 460 (76.4%) patients with pheochromocytomas and 142 (23.6%) patients with paragangliomas. After a median follow‐up of 64 months, 76 (12.6%) patients had developed long‐term cardiovascular complications. Independent risk factors included pheochromocytomas (odds ratio [OR] = 4.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.425–11.965, p = 0.009), had low preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, OR = 5.659, 95% CI: 2.141–14.955, p < 0.001), experienced intraoperative hemodynamic instability (HDI, OR = 2.498, 95% CI: 1.423–4.385, p = 0.001), suffered from postoperative in‐hospital cardiovascular complications (OR = 5.723, 95% CI: 2.078–15.758, p = 0.001) and long‐term persistent hypertension (OR = 3.552, 95% CI: 1.580–7.988, p = 0.002).ConclusionsLong‐term cardiovascular complications commonly occur in patients with surgical‐cured PPGLs. Pheochromocytomas, had low preoperative LVEF, experienced intraoperative HDI, suffered from postoperative in‐hospital cardiovascular complications, and persistent hypertension were determined as the risk factors for long‐term cardiovascular complications. These findings may help to improve follow‐up management.
Explainable Machine Learning Predictions for the Benefit From Chemotherapy in Advanced Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Available Targeted Mutations
Authors: Shuang Zhao , Xingyu Xiong , Yue Cheng , Mingjing Yu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a global health challenge. Chemotherapy remains the standard therapy for advanced NSCLC without mutations, but drug resistance often reduces effectiveness. Developing more effective methods to predict and monitor chemotherapy benefits early is crucial.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective cohort study of NSCLC patients without targeted mutations who received chemotherapy at West China Hospital from 2009 to 2013. We identified variables associated with chemotherapy outcomes and built four predictive models by machine learning. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) interpreted the best model's predictions. The Kaplan–Meier method assessed key variables' impact on 5‐year overall survival.ResultsThe study enrolled 461 NSCLC patients. Eight variables were selected for the model: differentiation, surgery history, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), total bilirubin (TBIL), total protein (TP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost) model exhibited superior discriminatory ability in predicting complete response (CR) probabilities to chemotherapy, with an AUC of 0.78. SHAP plots showed surgery history and high differentiation were related to CR benefits from chemotherapy. Absence of surgery, higher NLR, higher PLR, and higher LDH were all independent prognostic factors for poor survivals in NSCLC patients without mutations receiving chemotherapy.ConclusionsBy machine learning, we developed a predictive model to assess chemotherapy benefits in NSCLC patients without targeted mutations, utilizing eight readily available and non‐invasive clinical indicators. Demonstrating satisfactory predictive performance and clinical practicability, this model may help clinicians identify patients' tendency to benefit from chemotherapy, potentially improving their prognosis.
Association between time in tight range and incident diabetic retinopathy in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Lu Jingyi , Yu Jiamin , Ni Jiaying , Wang Ming , Lu Wei , Zhu Wei , Guo Jingyi , Bao Yuqian , Zhou Jian 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsTime spent in the glucose range of 70–180 mg/dL (TIR) has become entrenched as a key measure of glycaemic control, which was linked to diabetes‐related outcomes in previous studies. However, there has been a recent debate about whether to instead emphasize time in the target range of 70–140 mg/dL (time in tight range, TITR). We aimed to assess the association between TITR and incident diabetic retinopathy in adults with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis is a dynamic cohort study conducted at a tertiary hospital. 2518 adults with type 2 diabetes and without diabetic retinopathy at baseline were finally included. TITR was obtained from continuous glucose monitoring data at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the relationships of TITR with the risk of incident diabetic retinopathy.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up period of 5.43 years, 646 patients developed retinopathy. The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident retinopathy across descending TITR quartiles (Q4: >58% [reference], Q3: 38% ~ 57%, Q2: 19% ~ 37%, and Q1: <19%) were 1.00, 1.47 (95%CI 1.16, 1.87), 1.52 (95%CI 1.20, 1.93) and 1.93 (95%CI 1.53, 2.43), respectively. For per 10% decrease in TITR, the risk of diabetic retinopathy was increased by 9% (HR = 1.09, 95%CI 1.06, 1.13) after full adjustment for covariates. In the TIR >70% subgroup, the significant association between TIR, as a continuous variable and the risk of incident retinopathy disappeared, whereas TITR remained significantly associated with the outcome. Similar results were observed in the TIR >80% and TIR >90% subgroups.ConclusionsTITR is inversely associated with the incidence of diabetic retinopathy in adults with type 2 diabetes. Among adults with well‐controlled TIR (70% or higher), TITR may provide added value regarding glucose control.
Sexualized Timbre and Embodied Auditory Imagination: Female Game Companions' Voice Services Labor
Authors: Chen Yasai , Chen Yiru 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAs the gaming economy thrives, the game companion industry has become increasingly prominent, featuring female companions as principal actors due to substantial market demand. They use their versatile voices to craft feminine personas, forming a crucial link between players and the virtual world. This study investigates the game companion industry's organizational structure and operational strategy, focusing on female companions' vocal performance dynamics. Drawing from in‐depth interviews with 15 female companions and utilizing a voice–body semiotic framework, this study examines how the intangible qualities of voice interact with the material presence of the body through embodied performance. The findings reveal that the industry commodifies female voices as a primary marketing tool, transforming female bodies into marketable assets. Female companions do more than provide gaming services; they blend gendered sensory qualities with idealized vocal traits to create personas that align with role expectations and emotional needs. This construction of voice–body imagery reflects the intertwined influences of aesthetics, consumer culture, and gender stereotypes, while these hidden structures impact companions' autonomy. Within this context of commodification, female companions encounter increased gender bias and exploitation, underscoring the necessity for robust regulations to protect female labor rights and promote gender equity in this expanding sector.
Effects of statins on kidney function in older adults
Authors: Fravel Michelle A. , Ernst Michael E. , Woods Robyn L. , Orchard Suzanne G. , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Wolfe Rory , Wetmore James B. , Nelson Mark R. , Bongetti Elisa , Murray Anne M. , Zoungas Sophia , Zhou Zhen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of statin therapy on kidney function among older adults is unclear.ObjectivesTo examine the association between statin use and changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR), positive or negative, in an older adult cohort with versus without chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline.MethodsThis analysis included 18,056 participants aged ≥65 years with versus without CKD at baseline in a randomized trial of low‐dose aspirin, who had no prior cardiovascular events, major physical disability, or dementia initially. Outcome measures included eGFR and UACR. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to estimate the associations of baseline statin use versus no use with eGFR and UACR changes over time. The inverse‐probability of treatment‐weighting technique was used for all analyses to address confounding by indication due to the lack of randomization in treatment assignment.ResultsStatin use was not associated with change in eGFR, UACR, or incident CKD in participants with or without CKD at baseline (p > 0.05 for all associations). Subgroup analyses found no significant interactions between statin and age, sex, diabetes, country, and frailty status on any of the study outcomes.ConclusionsAmong adults ≥65 years of age, with and without CKD, statin therapy was not associated with improved or worsened kidney function. This data suggests that the decision to use versus not use statins in this population may be ideally guided by factors other than kidney health.
Roles of metabotropic signaling of nicotine receptors in the development and maintenance of nicotine reward through regulation of dopamine D3 receptor expression
Authors: Kundu Dooti , Acharya Srijan , Wang Shujie , Cao Yongkai , Kim Hee Jin , Cheong Jae Hoon , Kim Kyeong‐Man 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), an ionophore, has been suggested to signal through metabotropic pathways and interact with other receptor families, such as dopamine receptors. In this study, the interaction between α4β2 nAChR and dopamine receptors was investigated through in vivo and in vitro studies. Nicotine exposure in adolescent rats is known to induce a sustained increase in nicotine's rewarding effects which was assessed by conditioned place preference (CPP) assay. The expression levels of α4β2 nAChR and dopamine D2/D3 receptors (D2R, D3R) increased after nicotine treatment. To determine which of these two dopamine receptors was increased by nicotine treatment, a newly developed ligand with high selectivity for D3R was used in the radioligand binding assay. Although the expression of both α4β2 nAChR and D3R was enhanced by nicotine exposure during adolescence, only the elevated level of D3R persisted into adulthood. In experiments conducted on mice, D3R knockout mice showed significantly lower CPP scores in adulthood compared to wild‐type mice. Cellular studies showed that an increase in D3R expression was attributed to enhanced D3R promoter activity, regulated by a signaling cascade composed of Src, Syk, PKC, and NF‐κB. These results demonstrate that the metabotropic signaling pathway is involved in the interaction between α4β2 nAChR and D3R, and also suggest how nicotine reward initiated in adolescence could relapse after a long abstinence period. Given the significance of adolescent nicotine exposure on nicotine addiction, this study is thought to offer a novel mechanistic perspective for understanding nicotine reward and relapse.image
Multiple effects of kisspeptin on neuroendocrine, reproduction, and metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yang Qiaorui , Jia Shengxiao , Tao Jing , Zhang Jinfu , Fan Zhenliang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disease characterized by a combination of reproductive and endocrine abnormalities, often associated with metabolic and mental health disorders. The etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS remain unclear, but recent research has increasingly focused on the upstream mechanisms underlying its development. Among these, kisspeptin (KISS) signaling has emerged as a pivotal component in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, with significant roles in reproductive function, energy regulation, and metabolism. Women with PCOS commonly exhibit disruptions in gonadotropin secretion, including elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, imbalanced LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios, and increased androgen levels, all of which are usually parallel with abnormal KISS signaling. Furthermore, alterations in the KISS/KISS1R system within the central and circulatory systems, as well as peripheral tissues, have been implicated in the development of PCOS. These changes affect multiple pathophysiological domains, including reproductive function, energy regulation, metabolic homeostasis, inflammatory response, and emotional disorders, and are further influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the existing experimental and clinical evidence supporting these roles of KISS in PCOS, with the goal of establishing a foundation for future research and potential clinical applications.
Problematizing the Cooperative Firm: A Marxian View on Paradoxes, Dialectics, and Contradictions
Authors: Las Heras Jon , Errasti Anjel , Bretos Ignacio 
Published: December 2024

AbstractScholars are increasingly turning their attention to cooperative firms, characterized by worker ownership and management, as a way for organizations to address the economic, societal and environmental problems posed by corporate capitalism. This renewed interest stems from the potential of cooperatives to foster an alternative economic system grounded in democratic, solidary and environmentally conscious values. However, previous studies have not provided a comprehensive analysis of the contradictory nature of cooperatives within a broader inter‐organizational and systemic framework. Applying a Marxian perspective on paradoxes and dialectics, we theorize that cooperative firms operating within capitalist economies must navigate the ‘solidarity paradox’ – the inherent impossibility of overcoming market competition through partial and limited solidarity strategies. Drawing on an examination of the Mondragon cooperative group, we illustrate how such a fundamental contradiction manifests itself into multiple paradoxes that are interwoven, mutually constituted and inseparable. The article contributes to critical management scholarship on cooperatives by offering a deeper understanding of how these organizations perpetuate systemic capitalist patterns. It also contributes to paradox and dialectics scholarship by theorizing that paradoxes are not timeless and universal but the result of persistent contradictions inherent to historically contingent organizational forms.
Increasing Soybean Resistance Against Rust Using a Product Containing Calcium and Nitrogen Complexed With Polyphenols
Authors: Fontes Bianca Apolônio , Silva Leandro Castro , Silva Bruno Nascimento , Lata‐Tenesaca Luis Felipe , Brás Verônica Vieira , Rodrigues Fabrício Ávila 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAmong soybean diseases, rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, stands out as one of the most destructive. Resistance inducers may be a great alternative to reduce the yield losses caused by this disease from the perspective of more sustainable agriculture. In this study, soybean plants were sprayed with water (control) or with Cautha [referred to as induced resistance (IR) stimulus after that] and inoculated or non‐inoculated with P. pachyrhizi. The germination of urediniospores was significantly reduced by 22%, 26%, 19%, and 25% for the IR stimulus rates of 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mL/L, respectively. Rust severity was significantly reduced by 27%, 19%, 23%, 25%, and 41% at 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days after inoculation, respectively, and the area under the disease progress curve significantly decreased by 27% for IR stimulus‐sprayed plants compared to water‐sprayed plants. For infected plants, foliar concentrations of Ca, N, chlorophyll a + b, and carotenoids were higher for IR‐stimulus sprayed plants than for water‐sprayed plants. Lower concentrations of malondialdehyde (less cellular damage) and reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical) along with great activities of antioxidative enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase) helped to reduce rust symptoms for IR‐stimulus sprayed plants. On top of that, these plants also showed greater foliar concentrations of total soluble phenols and lignin as well as increased activities of defence‐related enzymes (chitinase, β‐1,3‐glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and lipoxygenase). These results strongly support the potential of using this IR stimulus to increase soybean resistance against infection by P. pachyrhizi and, at the same time, to act directly against the germination of the urediniospores.