bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐1 receptor antagonist anakinra downregulates inflammatory cytokines during renal normothermic machine perfusion: Preliminary results
Authors: Hosgood Sarah A. , Moore Tom , Walker Alex , Nicholson Michael L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe interleukin 1 (IL‐1) cytokine group plays a key role in sterile inflammation and may be an important target for transplant‐related renal injury. This study examined the effects of anakinra, a non‐specific IL‐1 receptor antagonist, administered during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of porcine kidneys.MethodPaired porcine kidneys (n = 5 pairs) underwent 15 min of warm ischemia plus 2 h of static cold storage in ice. Kidneys were then perfused with autologous whole blood using an ex vivo NMP platform. Kidneys were randomly allocated to receive anakinra or vehicle administered at the start of NMP. Cortical biopsies were collected at baseline before ischemic injury and at the end of NMP. Functional parameters were recorded and calculated, and inflammatory markers were measured by qPCR and ELISA techniques.ResultsDuring NMP, there were no statistically significant differences in renal blood flow, urine output, creatinine clearance or fractional excretion of sodium in the anakinra and control groups. The administration of anakinra significantly downregulated transcriptional expression of IL‐6, Fas ligand and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (p = 0.029, 0.029, 0.028, respectively).ConclusionAnakinra, an IL‐1 receptor blocker, successfully attenuated the downstream inflammatory and immune‐mediated response within the kidney during NMP.
Influence of Corporate Digital Responsibility on Financial Performance: The Mediating Role of Firm Reputation
Authors: Oduro Stephen , Haylemariam Leul Girma , Umar Rana Muhammad 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examines the mediating role of firm reputation in the relationship between corporate digital responsibility (CDR) and financial performance in an emerging market, Ethiopia. An online cross‐sectional survey was used to collect data from 126 agricultural, manufacturing, and service firms. The study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) to analyze the hypothesized relationship. Our findings reveal that the impact of CDR on financial performance is indirect only as firm reputation plays a full, complementary mediation role in the CDR—financial performance nexus. This implies that firms could leverage CDR as a competitive “inducing” strategy to enhance their firm reputation, which, in turn, can boost their financial prospects. Our study significantly contributes to the business ethics and digital economy literature by offering a pioneering empirical validation of the CDR phenomenon in an emerging context, thus extending the signaling and stakeholder theories to digitalization and reputation management domains. The findings offer managers fresh insight into the potential impact of a CDR strategy on firm reputation and financial performance, showing that firms can leverage CDR as a loss prevention strategy to gain a competitive advantage. Policymakers are therefore urged to promote soft‐law regimes and policies on CDR to motivate companies to leverage it as a competitive tool.
Moral enhancement and cheapened achievement: Psychedelics, virtual reality and AI
Authors: Gordon Emma C. , Cheung Katherine , Savulescu Julian , Earp Brian D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA prominent critique of cognitive or athletic enhancement claims that certain performance‐improving drugs or technologies may ‘cheapen’ resulting achievements. Considerably less attention has been paid to the impact of enhancement on the value of moral achievements. Would the use of moral enhancement (bio)technologies, rather than (solely) ‘traditional’ means of moral development like schooling and socialization, cheapen the ‘achievement’ of morally improving oneself? We argue that, to the extent that the ‘cheapened achievement’ objection succeeds in the domains of cognitive or athletic enhancement, it could plausibly also succeed in the domain of moral enhancement—but only regarding certain forms. Specifically, although the value of moral self‐improvement may be diminished by some of the more speculative and impractical forms of moral enhancement proposed in the literature, this worry has less force when applied to more plausibly viable forms of moral enhancement: forms in which drugs or technologies play an adjunctive or facilitative, rather than a determinative, role in moral improvement. We illustrate this idea with three examples from recent literature: the possible use of psychedelic drugs in certain moral‐learning contexts, ‘Socratic Al’ (a proposed Al‐driven moral enhancer) and empathy enhancement through virtual reality (VR). We argue that if one assumes that these technologies work roughly as advertised (which is an open empirical question), the ‘cheapened achievement’ objection loses much of its bite. The takeaway lesson is that moral enhancement in its most promising and practical forms ultimately evades a leading critique of cognitive and athletic enhancement. We end by reflecting on the potential upshot of our analysis for enhancement debates more widely.
Impaired physical ability in patients with transfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia: Can regular physical activity be a countermeasure?
Authors: Noguer Mathilde , Berthon Phanélie , Makowski Caroline , Messonnier Laurent A. 
Published: November 2024

SummaryTransfusion‐dependent β‐thalassaemia (TDβT) is a genetic disorder characterised by reduced or absent β‐globin chain synthesis, resulting in chronic anaemia. Treatment consists of regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy to limit iron overload and its negative effects on organs (e.g. heart, lungs and liver). Despite improved life expectancy with transfusions and chelation therapy, TDβT patients experience poor quality of life and impaired exercise capacity (mainly due to muscle deconditioning and reduced cardiac inotropism). The aims of this review are (i) to discuss the role of organ dysfunction in the impairment of exercise capacity and reduced quality of life of TDβT patients; and (ii) to discuss physical activity as a potential therapeutic strategy to alleviate the multifactorial impact of the disease.
A new Q‐matrix validation method based on signal detection theory
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Ping 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Q‐matrix is a crucial component of cognitive diagnostic theory and an important basis for the research and practical application of cognitive diagnosis. In practice, the Q‐matrix is typically developed by domain experts and may contain some misspecifications, so it needs to be refined using Q‐matrix validation methods. Based on signal detection theory, this paper puts forward a new Q‐matrix validation method (i.e., method) and then conducts a simulation study to compare the new method with existing methods. The results show that when the model is DINA (deterministic inputs, noisy ‘and’ gate), the method outperforms the existing methods under all conditions; under the generalized DINA (G‐DINA) model, the method still has the highest validation rate when the sample size is small, and the item quality is high or the rate of Q‐matrix misspecification is ≥.4. Finally, a sub‐dataset of the PISA 2000 reading assessment is analysed to evaluate the reliability of the method.
Urban Versus Rural Differences in Meeting 24‐h Movement Behaviour Guidelines Among 3–4‐Year‐Olds: An Analysis of SUNRISE Pilot Study Data From 10 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Nusurupia Jackline J. , Germana Leyna H. , Wickramasinghe Pujitha , Tang Hong K. , Munambah Nyaradzai , Hossain Mohammad S. , Bang Pham , Hongyan Guan , Florindo Alex Antonio , Draper Catherine E. , Koh Denise , Sultoni Kuston , Okely Anthony D. , Tremblay Mark S. , Janssen Xanne , Reilly John J. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundInsufficient physical activity, excessive screen time and short sleep duration among young children are global public health concerns; however, data on prevalence of meeting World Health Organisation 24‐h movement behaviour guidelines for 3–4‐year‐old children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are limited, and it is unknown whether urbanisation is related to young children's movement behaviours. The present study examined differences in prevalence of meeting 24‐h movement behaviour guidelines among 3–4‐year‐old children living in urban versus rural settings in LMICs.MethodsThe SUNRISE Study recruited 429, 3–4‐year‐old child/parent dyads from 10 LMICs. Children wore activPAL accelerometers continuously for at least 48 h to assess their physical activity and sleep duration. Screen time and time spent restrained were assessed via parent questionnaire. Differences in prevalence of meeting guidelines between urban‐ and rural‐dwelling children were examined using chi‐square tests.ResultsPhysical activity guidelines were met by 17% of children (14% urban vs. 18% rural), sleep guidelines by 57% (61% urban vs. 54% rural), screen time guidelines by 50% (50% urban vs. 50% rural), restrained guidelines by 84% (81% urban vs. 86% rural) and all guidelines combined by 4% (4% urban vs.4% rural). We found no significant differences in meeting the guidelines between urban and rural areas.ConclusionsOnly a small proportion of children in both rural and urban settings met the WHO 24‐h movement guidelines. Strategies to improve movement behaviours in LMICs should consider including both rural and urban settings.
Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on Endosinus Bone Regeneration Following Sinus Floor Elevation: An Experimental In Vivo Pilot Study
Authors: Lim Hyunwoo , Hong Ji‐Youn , Shin Seung‐Il , Chung Jong‐Hyuk , Thoma Daniel S. , Jung Ronald E. , Lim Hyun‐Chang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on endosinus bone regeneration in a rabbit sinus model at sequential healing time points.Materials and MethodsEighteen New Zealand white rabbits were used. Bilateral sinus floor elevation (SFE) was performed. Two groups were randomly assigned to each sinus: (1) test group, in which SFE was performed using collagenated bone substitute material soaked with PDRN (concentration 2.0 mg/mL, dose 0.5 mL), and (2) control group, in which SFE was performed using collagenated bone substitute material only. The experimental animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 6 at each healing time point). Microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT), histologic, and histomorphometric analyses were performed.ResultsThe micro‐CT analysis revealed statistically significant increases in the mineralized tissue volume between 4 and 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Histologically, no specific intergroup difference was found in the pattern of new bone formation. Histomorphometrically, the area of newly formed bone (NB) was larger in the test group than in the control group at all healing time points (1.4 vs. 1.2 mm2 at 2 weeks, 3.4 vs. 1.9 mm2 at 4 weeks, and 5.7 vs. 4.5 mm2 at 8 weeks; median value), but the difference was statistically significant only at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). NB in set regions of interest (ROI_C, ROI_W, and ROI_M) tended to be greater in the test group than in the control group without statistical significance (p > 0.05).ConclusionsPDRN appeared to enhance new bone formation at all healing time points, but the improvement was statistically significant only at 4 weeks.
9‐Methylfascaplysin Prevents Neuroinflammation and Synaptic Damage via Cell‐Specific Inhibition of Kinases in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Le Jingyang , Xia Chenglong , Xu Jiayi , Cai Jinhan , Hu Chenwei , Bai Yu , Chen Huiyue , Rong Wenni , Jiang Yujie , Wu Xinming , Li Yongmei , Wang Qiyao , Naman C. Benjamin , Wei Hua , Zhang Jili , Liu Hao , Chen Xiaowei , Liu Fufeng , Liang Hongze , Cui Wei 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading neurodegenerative disorder without effective treatments. The nonlinear dynamic nature of AD pathophysiology suggested that multiple pharmacological actions of anti‐AD drugs should be elucidated. 9‐Methylfascaplysin (9‐MF) was previously designed and synthesized as a novel anti‐AD candidate.Methods and ResultsIn this study, 9‐MF at low concentrations significantly prevented cognitive impairments with similar efficacy as donepezil in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. In addition, 9‐MF potently reduced β‐amyloid (Aβ)‐associated neuroinflammation and tau‐associated synaptic damage in vivo. 9‐MF‐regulated microglia‐specific differentially phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) were mainly enriched in neuroinflammation, while 9‐MF‐regulated neuron‐specific DPPs were enriched in synaptic regulation, as revealed by a quantitative phosphoproteomic approach. A phosphoproteome‐kinome algorithm further identified that rho‐associated coiled‐coil kinase 2 (ROCK2) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) ranked high in 9‐MF‐downregulated kinase perturbations. 9‐MF possessed high affinities for ROCK2 and GSK3β, which was confirmed by in vitro kinase activity assay. The protective effects of 9‐MF were abolished by ROCK2 knockdown in Aβ‐treated BV2 microglial cells, and by GSK3β knockdown in glyceraldehyde‐treated SH‐SY5Y neuronal cells, respectively.ConclusionsAll these results supported that 9‐MF produced anti‐AD effects via cell‐specific inhibition of ROCK2 and GSK3β in microglia and neurons, respectively.
Self‐reported mental health and the Dobbs decision: Variation by State abortion laws
Authors: Collins J. Michael , Das Vivekananda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhen a US Supreme Court ruling allowed states to ban abortion, women of childbearing age in the states where abortion became illegal reported higher rates of anxiety symptoms compared to similar‐aged women in other states and older women in the same states. This study highlights how people respond to major policy changes and underscores the importance of mental health as a measure of well‐being for policymakers and researchers.
The Belt and Road Initiative and Its Unjustified Discontents
Authors: Posta Pompeo Della , Liu Qian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe argue that Western media advance two main interpretations of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The first suggests that the BRI is primarily motivated by China's geopolitical ambitions. The second contends that the initiative creates “debt traps” for developing countries, hiding the true size of the debt while aiming at the seizure of the infrastructure it builds. We challenge both claims by reviewing critically the existing literature on the BRI. We posit that rather than geopolitical, China's primary motivation has been to promote the development of its western provinces, transforming landlocked areas into land linked ones. Moreover, most of the existing literature neglects the fact that the need for infrastructure development across various continents is well documented by respective regional banks. The dominant “debt trap” narrative is also refuted by several scholars, together with the hypothesis of “asset seizure” and other related critiques. The article concludes that, if anything, geopolitical motivations (particularly tensions between the US and China) are at the root of the negative narrative surrounding the BRI, rather than at the origin of the BRI itself.
Beyond the Drill: Understanding Empathy Among Undergraduate Dental Students
Authors: Javed Muhammad Qasim , Ahmad Zaina , Muhammad Muhammad , Ali Kamran , Riaz Arham , Glanville Rebecca 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionCompassionate care and empathy are fundamental components of health care which contribute to the social construction of physician–patient relationship to meet the expectations of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical empathy among undergraduate dental students at a University in the Middle East.Materials and MethodsIt was a cross‐sectional study which used purposive sampling to recruit undergraduate dental students from five academic years. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy‐Health Profession Students was used, a reliable 20‐item tool with a total score ranging from 20 to 140. Data collection was done online using Google Forms. All data were analysed and visualised using RStudio (version 2023.06.2) incorporating R version 4.0.5. Descriptive statistics including confidence intervals were calculated for each item and for the combined data set. Analysis of variance was used to determine any significant variation between the results by demographic factors. Estimated marginal means were calculated from the ANOVA outcomes.ResultsResponses were received from 150 participants including 75 males and 75 females. The overall response rate was 90.36%. The overall mean total score was 96.01 (95% CI 93.73–98.30). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified significant variation by gender only with female participants achieving statistically significant higher overall scores than male participants (f = 6.502, p = 0.012).ConclusionThe study evaluated empathy among dental undergraduate students. The total mean scores of the participants appeared to be comparable to those reported in the literature findings. Higher mean empathy scores were observed for female participants in the current study. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to promote empathy among dental students to boost patient‐centred care.
Trajectories of physical activity after ischaemic stroke: Exploring prediction of change
Authors: Damsbo Andreas Gammelgaard , Blauenfeldt Rolf Ankerlund , Andersen Grethe , Johnsen Søren P. , Mortensen Janne Kaergaard 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and purposePhysical activity (PA) is associated with lower risk of stroke and better functional outcome. However, low levels of PA after stroke are prevalent. The aim was to identify predictors of PA change after first‐time ischaemic stroke and to develop prediction models to predict change in PA.MethodsPre‐stroke and 6 months post‐stroke PA were quantified with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Considered predictors were clinical data and demographics including data on socioeconomic status (SES). PASE change was analysed using mixed models of repeated measures. Elastic net regression models were used to predict decrease from higher PASE quartile to the lowest and increase from lowest to higher.ResultsA total of 523 first‐time ischaemic stroke patients were included. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 69 years (IQR 59, 77), 181 (35%) were female and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 3 (IQR 2, 5). Overall PASE score did not change, but 20% of patients decreased to the lowest PASE quartile whereas 48% from the lowest quartile increased to a higher. Prediction performance measured by area under the receiver operating curve was 0.679 for PA decrease and 0.619 for increase. SES factors were the most consistent predictors.ConclusionsHalf of the least active patients increased PA level after stroke whereas a fifth decreased with SES being the most consistent predictor. Despite comprehensive data, the prediction models only performed modestly. Efforts to optimize PA should include all stroke survivors to increase PA for least active patients and to prevent PA decrease.
A review of the genus Leptopa Zetterstedt, 1838 (Diptera: Scathophagidae) from Japan, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Iwasa Mitsuhiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe genus Leptopa Zetterstedt, 1838, which was recently regarded as a senior synonym of the genus Parallelomma Becker in Strobl, 1894 by Ozerov and Krivosheina (2023), is reviewed from Japan. Four species were identified, of which two new species, Leptopa kanmiyai sp. nov. and L. yezonica sp. nov., are described. The distributional records of all four species in Japan are given, and Leptopa hostae (Hering) is also recorded from the Republic of Korea for the first time. Leptopa yezonica sp. nov. was reared from the leaves of Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce var. pluriflorum (Miq.) Ohwi in Hokkaido, and its puparium is described. A key to the Japanese species of Leptopa is also provided.
Tracking the North American Asian Longhorned Beetle Invasion With Genomics
Authors: Cui Mingming , Roe Amanda D. , Boyle Brian , Keena Melody , Wu Yunke , Braswell W. Evan , Smith Michael T. , Gasman Ben , Shi Juan , Javal Marion , Roux Geraldine , Turgeon Jean J. , Hamelin Richard , Porth Ilga 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBiological invasions pose significant threats to ecological and economic stability, with invasive pests like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, ALB) causing substantial damage to forest ecosystems. Effective pest management relies on comprehensive knowledge of the insect's biology and invasion history. This study uses genomics to address these knowledge gaps and inform existing biosurveillance frameworks. We used 2768 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to compare invasive A. glabripennis populations in North America, using genomic variation to trace their sources of invasion and spread patterns, thereby refining our understanding of this species' invasion history. We found that most North American A. glabripennis infestations were distinct, resulting from multiple independent introductions from the native range. Following their introduction, all invasive populations experienced a genetic bottleneck which was followed by a population expansion, with a few also showing secondary spread to satellite infestations. Our study provides a foundation for a genome‐based biosurveillance tool that can be used to clarify the origin of intercepted individuals, allowing regulatory agencies to strengthen biosecurity measures against this invasive beetle.
Final results of the National Oncology Mentorship Program 2023 and its impact on burnout and professional fulfilment
Authors: Nindra Udit , Shivasabesan Gowri , Mellor Rhiannon , Ng Weng , Chua Wei , Karikios Deme , Richards Bethan , Liu Jia 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSignificant burnout and low professional fulfilment are noted among medical oncologists and trainees. The National Oncology Mentorship Programme (NOMP23) was designed to evaluate the impact of a 1‐year mentorship program between oncology trainees (mentees) and consultants (mentors) on improving professional fulfilment and burnout.MethodsNOMP23 was a single‐arm, prospective cohort study. One hundred twelve participants (56 mentors and 56 mentees) across Australia were recruited. Mentee/mentor pairs were orientated to the program virtually and met at least three times throughout 2023. The primary outcome was improvement in professional fulfilment as assessed using the Stanford Professional Fulfilment Index at conclusion of NOMP23 compared to baseline.ResultsA total of 112 participants enrolled. Eighty‐six (77%) completed the baseline and 63 (56%) completed the end‐of‐program survey. At baseline, 82% of mentees and 77% of mentors were classified as burnt out, which reduced to 57% and 51% at the conclusion of NOMP23; a reduction of 25% and 26% (P < 0.01). Baseline professional fulfilment was 0% and 5% for mentees and mentors respectively, which improved to 21% and 34% at the end of NOMP23 (P < 0.01). However, significant reduction in feelings of regret towards oncology as a profession was seen for mentees and mentors between baseline and the conclusion of NOMP23 (40% vs 14% and 29% vs 0% respectively, P < 0.01).ConclusionsNOMP23 demonstrated that a centrally coordinated, low‐cost mentorship program could be feasible and was of high value. Mentorship programs, alongside multifactorial institutional, state‐based and national interventions to improve well‐being, can help ensure a sustainable workforce.