bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter-individual differences in the blood pressure lowering effects of dietary nitrate: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled replicate crossover trial
Authors: Hayes Eleanor , Alhulaefi Shatha , Siervo Mario , Whyte Eleanor , Kimble Rachel , Matu Jamie , Griffiths Alex , Sim Marc , Burleigh Mia , Easton Chris , Lolli Lorenzo , Atkinson Greg , Mathers John C , Shannon Oliver M 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeDietary nitrate supplementation increases nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and reduces blood pressure (BP). Inter-individual differences in these responses are suspected but have not been investigated using robust designs, e.g., replicate crossover, and appropriate statistical models. We examined the within-individual consistency of the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on NO biomarkers and BP, and quantified inter-individual response differences.MethodsFifteen healthy males visited the laboratory four times. On two visits, participants consumed 140ml nitrate-rich beetroot juice (∼14.0mmol nitrate) and, on the other two visits, they consumed 140ml nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (∼0.03mmol nitrate). Plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations were measured 2.5 hours post-supplementation. BP was measured pre– and 2.5 hours post-supplementation. Between-replicate correlations were quantified for the placebo-adjusted post-supplementation plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and pre-to-post changes in BP. Within-participant linear mixed models (LLM) and a meta-analytic approach estimated participant-by-condition treatment response variability.ResultsNitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation elevated plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations and reduced systolic (mean:-7mmHg, 95%CI: –3 to –11mmHg) and diastolic (mean:-6mmHg, 95%CI: –2 to –9mmHg) BPversusplacebo. The LLM participant-by-condition interaction response variability was ±7mmHg (95%CI: 3 to 9mmHg) for systolic BP and consistent with the treatment effect heterogeneity τ=± 7mmHg (95%CI: 5 to 12mmHg) derived from the meta-analytic approach. The between-replicate correlations were moderate-to-large for plasma nitrate, nitrite and systolic BP (r=0.55 to 0.91).ConclusionsThe effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on NO biomarkers and systolic BP varied significantly from participant to participant. The causes of this inter-individual variation deserve further investigation. Trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05514821.
Rbfox1 andmir-33regulate pleiotropic roles of JAK/STAT signalling during adult myogenesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mukherjee Amartya , Nongthomba Upendra 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe JAK/STAT pathway is a conserved metazoan signal transduction system with roles in regulating growth, stem cells, and immune responses. Although its components are ubiquitously expressed during development, JAK/STAT signalling exerts cell-specific effects through mechanisms largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that cell-specific effects of JAK/STAT signalling could be realised through post-transcriptional regulation. We show that JAK/STAT signalling in early adult myogenesis is critical for the patterning of the dorsal longitudinal muscles inDrosophila melanogaster. RNA-binding Fox protein 1 (Rbfox1) and the microRNAmir-33regulate the transcript stability ofSignal-transducer and activator of transcription protein at 92E(Stat92E), which encodes the soleDrosophilaSTAT orthologue. Moreover, Rbfox1 also controls the alternative splicing ofStat92Eand its key downstream effector,Zn finger homeodomain 1(zfh1). The coupling of Rbfox1 with Stat92E function, during early adult myogenesis, not only allows maintenance of stemness, but also mediates filamentous actin dynamics, and prevents apoptosis in myoblasts via some other Stat92E target genes. Given that the functions of the JAK/STAT pathway in cell proliferation and survival are conserved betweenDrosophilaand vertebrates, our report presents a novel example for the context-dependant regulation of the developmental role of an important signalling pathway.
Political connection and firm’s financial performance; the role of corporate governance
Authors: Khan Adnan Ullah 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to analyze the impact of political connection on the firm’s financial performance in presence of corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach
The study utilizes panel regression analyses (OLS) and margin and contrast analysis techniques on a data set of Pakistan’s listed companies ranging from 2012 to 2021. For political connection, an aggregate score was calculated from political ties at the central, provincial and local level. Corporate governance was measured through an index using principal component analysis technique capturing its attributes comprised of board size, board tenure, board independence, board gender diversity, CEO duality, audit committee tenure and audit quality.

Findings
The study finds that politically affiliated individuals can exploit the wealth of firms. It also supports the positive role of corporate governance in augmenting the firm financial performance and further confirms that the presence of robust corporate governance practices can help mitigate the risk posed by the political connection.

Practical implications
The study provides valuable information to investors and offer insights into the investment opportunities available in nonfinancial sectors and identifies areas where investments may not yield favorable results. It provides solutions to the companies to effectively compose their boards and offset the adverse effect of political connection and capitalize on its potential benefits. Investors can draw upon these insights to inform and facilitate their investment decision-making processes. By gaining a better comprehension of the impact of political associations on corporate governance and performance, regulators and policymakers can better design policies that strike a balance between preventing abuses while still allowing firms to reap the benefits of political connections.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that delves into an analysis to mitigate viz-a-viz offset the adverse effect of political affiliations by implementing robust practices of corporate governance. Further, in lieu of a binary indicator variable of political connection, this study applies a different approach to quantify the varying intensities of the political connections, which is a nascent method. It further undertakes margin & contrast analysis and also analyzes effect of different levels of political connections as well as the role of various attributes of corporate governance, which offer a novel contribution.
Exploring the influence of patient testimonials on healthcare services: a social identity theory perspective
Authors: Araújo Francisca , Brandão Amélia , Shaikh Aijaz A. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to explore and understand the role of word-of-mouth (WOM), including electronic WOM (e-WOM), in healthcare services through social identity theory.

Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted based on semi-structured interviews with patients in healthcare units. In total, 36 interviews were conducted between March and April 2022. The interviews were transcribed following the principles of thematic saturation and analysed using the software NVivo 12.0.

Findings
The findings were divided into two domains: pre- and post-consumption. During pre-consumption, e-WOM influenced the creation of the hospital’s brand image, which affected the patients’ expectations before their visit. During post-consumption, the patients can generate e-WOM, and its valence represents their overall experience.

Practical implications
Strategic attention to customer-centricity and skilful use of e-WOM is essential in the healthcare business. By incorporating these strategies into a strategic framework, healthcare organisations can successfully enhance their brand image, foster patient loyalty and consequently gain a competitive advantage in the industry.

Originality/value
This study is distinctive for thoroughly investigating e-WOM in healthcare, exploring both the pre-and post-service consumption phases through qualitative analysis. This study adopts a relatively novel approach by applying social identity theory within the healthcare context to explore patient affiliation with healthcare brands and institutions.
Boundary crossings: innovating assessment practices in higher education
Authors: King Jordan 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Advancing assessment practices represents an underexplored yet integral dimension of further progress for the field of sustainability-related teaching and learning in higher education. This study aims to address this area by seeking to understand the barriers that program leaders and instructors face in advancing assessment practices to identify possible innovations.

Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual framework centered on boundaries and boundary crossings is used to conceptualize barriers and possibilities in innovating assessment practices. The study then examines how a boundary object, the deliberation of assessment practices among a sustainability education community of practice, can be leveraged to identify boundaries and boundary crossings. Through an exploratory action research approach, data were collected via workshops, interviews and a survey. These were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings
Six themes were identified as key areas for barriers and possibilities for advancing assessment practices. These themes are: defining sustainability education, practice characteristics, interdisciplinary approaches, transdisciplinary strategies, meeting demands and facilitating innovations. For each theme, status quo practices and potential innovations are described as well as boundary-crossing strategies to enable advances in practice.

Originality/value
This study considers the conceptual, practical and logistical breakthroughs needed to advance assessment practices across course, program and institutional levels of sustainability-related teaching and learning in higher education. The insights from the study provide considerations for the design and implementation of assessment practices while also suggesting the value of participatory deliberative processes in shaping innovations in practice.
The investment-cash flow sensitivity and the financing constraints hypothesis for emerging markets: a bibliometric and systematic literature review
Authors: Doruk Ömer Tuğsal 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe literature on financing constraints in emerging markets is still under-researched and is often described as a “black box.” This study aims to shed light on this underexplored area for emerging economies. Specifically, it attempts to understand the phenomenon of financing constraints through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis are used to identify the main features of investment-cash flow sensitivity and the financing constraints hypothesis in the context of emerging markets.FindingsFinancing constraints and investment-cash flow sensitivity in emerging markets should be analyzed in light of capital market imperfections, financial liberalization and macroeconomic conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is expected to serve as a valuable resource for researchers interested in the financing challenges faced by firms in emerging economies.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic and bibliometric literature review that examines the distinct characteristics of the financing constraints hypothesis on investment decisions in emerging markets.
Dowager’s story-telling tales of trauma
Authors: Vicars Mark Aldous 
Published: December 2024

PurposeIn this paper, queerly contoured stories of trauma fold in the ambiguous and contradictory knowledges of the body. I posit that trauma-informed identities are not fabricated fictions and that they can sediment subjects into being and behaving in certain ways.Design/methodology/approachStories, legitimate and illegitimate, circulate in almost every sphere of everyday life, and drawing on a friendship as source material, I present a reconstructed life history narrative to show how queer life stories can productively reveal the unspoken and disciplining pedagogies of trauma in LGBTQ lifeworlds.FindingsIn speaking of and about embodying intersectional differences underlying social values and cultural attitudes of sexual differences, its presence becomes another lens to narrate trauma and understand how it is bound to heteronormative social equity, inequalities and injustices.Research limitations/implicationsI posit that trauma-informed identities can sediment queer subjects into being and behaving in self-denying, self-injurious and at-risk behaviours.Practical implicationsIn speaking of and about embodying intersectional differences underlying social values and cultural attitudes of sexual differences, its presence becomes a lens to engage trauma and understand how it is perceived as being bound to social equity, inequalities and injustices.Originality/valueIn the narrative presented in this paper, there is an implicit critical reflection on narrating the purposes, practices and actions of queer positionality vis-à-vis the represented “norm”.
Decision support tool for designing out waste: a conceptual framework
Authors: Tong Nguyet , Domingo Niluka , Le An 
Published: December 2024

PurposeConstruction activities are anticipated to experience steady growth worldwide, resulting in massive construction and demolition waste (CDW). Despite introducing five designing out waste (DoW) principles to combat CDW from the early design stage, the design process remains a notable contributor to CDW generation due to designers’ limited knowledge and experience. The decision-making process in identifying and selecting DoW solutions is relatively underexplored in the current literature. This study aims to bridge this gap by reviewing existing literature to investigate the implementation of DoW principles and uncover potential areas to support designers in selecting DoW solutions for their projects.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic literature review is adopted to analyse 50 selected articles published from 2000 to 2023 in order to develop the conceptual framework, which was subsequently reviewed by industry experts.FindingsThis review critically examines the current state of DoW implementation, the decision-making criteria for selecting DoW solutions and the available tools for DoW implementation. Existing limitations and future research directions to aid DoW in decision-making were identified. Drawing from the review’s findings, a conceptual framework is formulated to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives.Originality/valueThe outcome of this review offers researchers insight into identifying existing gaps and potential areas to aid the DoW decision-making process. Construction professionals can use the findings to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives, thereby minimising waste generation in construction projects.
Tissue‐specific methylomic responses to a lifestyle intervention in older adults associate with metabolic and physiological health improvements
Authors: Sinke Lucy , Beekman Marian , Raz Yotam , Gehrmann Thies , Moustakas Ioannis , Boulinguiez Alexis , Lakenberg Nico , Suchiman Eka , Bogaards Fatih A. , Bizzarri Daniele , van den Akker Erik B. , Waldenberger Melanie , Butler‐Browne Gillian , Trollet Capucine , de Groot C. P. G. M. , Heijmans Bastiaan T. , Slagboom P. Eline 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAcross the lifespan, diet and physical activity profiles substantially influence immunometabolic health. DNA methylation, as a tissue‐specific marker sensitive to behavioral change, may mediate these effects through modulation of transcription factor binding and subsequent gene expression. Despite this, few human studies have profiled DNA methylation and gene expression simultaneously in multiple tissues or examined how molecular levels react and interact in response to lifestyle changes. The Growing Old Together (GOTO) study is a 13‐week lifestyle intervention in older adults, which imparted health benefits to participants. Here, we characterize the DNA methylation response to this intervention at over 750 thousand CpGs in muscle, adipose, and blood. Differentially methylated sites are enriched for active chromatin states, located close to relevant transcription factor binding sites, and associated with changing expression of insulin sensitivity genes and health parameters. In addition, measures of biological age are consistently reduced, with decreases in grimAge associated with observed health improvements. Taken together, our results identify responsive molecular markers and demonstrate their potential to measure progression and finetune treatment of age‐related risks and diseases.
Operative management and outcomes of gallbladder cancer in Australia: a multi‐institutional, retrospective, observational cohort analysis
Authors: Santucci Jordan , Hua Cathy , Chong Lynn , Lockie Elizabeth , Lim Justin , Lim Sean , Zhou Warren , Bradshaw Luke ,   Melbourne HPB Collaborative
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundData on optimal extent of resection for various stages of gallbladder cancer are lacking. This study aims to evaluate disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) after simple (SC) versus radical cholecystectomy (RC) for gallbladder cancer in the Australian context, and assesses factors associated with post‐operative morbidity.MethodsMulti‐centre, retrospective cohort analysis including all gallbladder cancer patients who underwent resection across six Australian institutions between January 2010 and January 2020.ResultsOf 63 patients included, 31 underwent SC and 32 had RC. Liver and other organ resection correlated with prolonged median DFS (41.9 vs. 13.1 months, HR 0.492 [95% CI 0.245–0.987], P = 0.042) and OS on univariate analysis of all patients (55.8% survived five years follow‐up at study conclusion vs. median 18.4 months, HR 0.66 [95% CI 0.446–0.972], P = 0.036) but failed to demonstrate effect on multivariable analysis (OS HR 0.31 [95% CI 0.09–1.04], P = 0.057). RC was associated with a higher 30‐day complication rate (n = 21 [65.6%] vs. n = 15 [48.4%], P = 0.310) compared to SC, although not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the major morbidity rate (Clavien‐Dindo ≥ Grade III) observed after SC (n = 7 [22.6%]) compared with RC (n = 6 [18.7%], P = 0.754). Neoadjuvant therapy was not utilized and adjuvant treatment used infrequently.ConclusionExtended gallbladder cancer resection was associated with prolonged OS and DFS but also considerable post‐operative morbidity. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal extent of surgical resection by stage of gallbladder cancer.
Assessing the efficacy of artificial intelligence to provide peri‐operative information for patients with a stoma
Authors: Lim Bryan , Lirios Gabriel , Sakalkale Aditya , Satheakeerthy Shriranshini , Hayes Diana , Yeung Justin M.C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundStomas present significant lifestyle and psychological challenges for patients, requiring comprehensive education and support. Current educational methods have limitations in offering relevant information to the patient, highlighting a potential role for artificial intelligence (AI). This study examined the utility of AI in enhancing stoma therapy management following colorectal surgery.Material and MethodsWe compared the efficacy of four prominent large language models (LLM)—OpenAI's ChatGPT‐3.5 and ChatGPT‐4.0, Google's Gemini, and Bing's CoPilot—against a series of metrics to evaluate their suitability as supplementary clinical tools. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, including readability scores (Flesch–Kincaid, Flesch‐Reading Ease, and Coleman‐Liau index) and reliability assessments (Likert scale, DISCERN score and QAMAI tool), the study aimed to assess the appropriateness of LLM‐generated advice for patients managing stomas.ResultsThere are varying degrees of readability and reliability across the evaluated models, with CoPilot and ChatGPT‐4 demonstrating superior performance in several key metrics such as readability and comprehensiveness. However, the study underscores the infant stage of LLM technology in clinical applications. All responses required high school to college level education to comprehend comfortably. While the LLMs addressed users' questions directly, the absence of incorporating patient‐specific factors such as past medical history generated broad and generic responses rather than offering tailored advice.ConclusionThe complexity of individual patient conditions can challenge AI systems. The use of LLMs in clinical settings holds promise for improving patient education and stoma management support, but requires careful consideration of the models' capabilities and the context of their use.
Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate a New Tool to Support Patient Decision‐making on Transplant Centers
Authors: McKinney Warren T. , Israni Kareena , Schaffhausen Cory R. , Schladt David P. , Lyden Grace R. , Matas Arthur , Wolf Jack , Japuntich Sandra , Israni Ajay K. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPatients are not always aware of listing criteria and offer acceptance across transplant programs. Factors such as age and body mass index can impact access to transplants as centers have different candidate criteria. Therefore, we created a transplant center search tool (transplantcentersearch.org) (TCST) to help patients find comparative information on transplant programs. We conducted a cross‐over randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess whether the TCST improved comprehension compared to the existing Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients website among adults seeking kidney transplants at two centers. To assess comprehension participants were asked to use the TCST and the SRTR website to identify which transplant program within a prespecified area had the most recipients over 70 years of age; and which programs had the most recipients with BMI >40. Participants were asked to provide qualitative feedback on using both websites. Sixty‐eight candidates participated in the RCT. Participants were more likely to identify the correct program when using the TCST compared to the existing SRTR website (OR 8.13, 95% CI 1.87–35.33). Participants stated they preferred the TCST over the SRTR website (52.9% vs. 25.0%, respectively, p = 0.009). With increased comprehension, patients would be better equipped to identify programs that transplant patients like them.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03610555