bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative 20% Albumin and Cardiac Surgery Associated Kidney Injury, Statistical Analysis Plan and Updated Protocol
Authors: Balachandran Mayurathan , Pakavakis Adrian , Al-Bassam Wisam , Collins David , Mandarano Raffaele , Sarode Vineet , Bellomo Rinaldo , Brown Alastair , Bihari Shailesh , Li Mozhu , Brown Alana , Shehabi Yahya 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe incidence of cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) remains high. Patients who develop AKI after cardiac surgery are at higher risk of persistent renal dysfunction and increased long-term mortality. The risk of CS-AKI is significantly increased in patients with chronic kidney disease and in patients having prolonged bypass for complex surgery. Previous trials of albumin did not show any benefit in prevention of CS-AKI. These trials, however, did not focus on high-risk patients and used albumin as a resuscitation strategy. The aim of ALBICS-AKI is to demonstrate the effect of concentrated albumin infusion on CS-AKI in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery compared with standard care.MethodsALBICS-AKI is an investigator initiated, multicentre, randomised, open label trial. Seven centres in Australia and Italy will participate in the trial. We will randomise 620 adult patients who will undergo on-pump cardiac surgery with one of the following: an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73m2, combined valve/s, coronary artery, or surgery involving thoracic aorta. Within 6 hours after surgery, a 20% albumin infusion will commence at 20ml/h for 15 hours. All patients will receive standard care as per institutional protocols. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with AKI according to creatinine based KDIGO definition at hospital discharge or day 28, whichever comes first. Secondary outcomes include Major Adverse Kidney Events at day 28, AKI stage II and III, need for renal replacement therapy, and hospital mortality.Ethics and disseminationThe trial was approved by Monash Health Lead Research Committee for Australian sites and by the Italian Medicine Agency for Italian sites. The estimated study completion date is Sep 2024. The results will be presented at major conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001355167
A Strategic Blend of Stabilizing Polymers to Control Particle Surface Charge for Enhanced Mucus Transport and Cell Binding
Authors: Stevens Corey A. , Sevarika Boris , Wilson Brian K. , Wang Chia-Ming , Cárcamo-Oyarce Gerardo , Degen George , Kassis Timothy , Lehr Claus Michael , Carrier Rebecca , Ribbeck Katharina , Prud’homme Robert K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMucus layers, viscoelastic gels abundant in anionic mucin glycoproteins, obstruct therapeutic delivery across all mucosal surfaces. We found that strongly positively charged nanoparticles (NPs) rapidly adsorb a mucin protein corona in mucus, impeding cell binding and uptake. To overcome this, we developed mucus-evading, cell-adhesive (MECS) NPs with variable surface charge using Flash NanoPrecipitation, by blending a neutral poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) corona for mucus transport with a small amount, 5 wt%, of polycationic dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA) for increased cell targeting.In vitroexperiments confirmed rapid mucus penetration and binding to epithelial cells by MECS NPs, suggesting a breakthrough in mucosal drug delivery.
Demystifying the way libraries support distance learning: a bibliometric analysis of scholarly communication in distance libraries
Authors: Papachristopoulos Leonidas 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on bibliometric research on the activities and services offered by distance libraries that serve distance learning institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis of scholarly communication has always been a valuable tool for researchers and policymakers in order to understand trends, gaps and patterns in a specific field. In this paper, a bibliometric analysis has been applied based on a well-known bibliometric tool called “VOSviewer.” The articles that constitute the dataset of current research were drawn from two journals: the Journal of Library Administration and the Journal of Library and Information Services in Distance Learning.FindingsThe bibliometric analysis applied in distance libraries showed that the researchers in this domain are mainly introverts and need to prioritize engaging in the scientific research process over merely publishing good practices. Although there are a lot of libraries serving distance learning institutions (formal and non-formal), there is a notable lack of activity in the scientific publication field.Originality/valueDistance libraries have played a significant role in supporting distance learning, and since distance education has become more important in the educational ecosystem, the analysis of its scholarly production would provide administrators, researchers and policymakers with insights for the next era of conventional libraries.
Consumer perspectives on interventions to combat fraudulent product returns in omnichannel fashion retail
Authors: Merlano Eugenio Felipe , Frei Regina , Zhang Danni , Murzacheva Ekaterina , Wood Steve 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe expansion of online shopping aligned with challenging economic conditions has contributed to increasing fraudulent retail product returns. Retailers employ numerous interventions typically determined by embedded perspectives within the company (supply side) rather than consumer-based assessments of their effectiveness (demand side). This study aims to understand how customers evaluate counter-fraud measures on opportunistic returns fraud in the UK. Based on the fraud triangle and the theory of planned behaviour, we develop an empirically informed framework to assist retail practice.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 485 valid survey responses about consumer attitudes regarding which interventions are effective against different types of returns fraud. First, a principal component section evaluates the policies' effectiveness to identify any policy grouping that could help prioritise specific sets of policies. Second, cluster analysis follows a two-stage approach, where cluster size is determined, and then survey respondents are partitioned into subgroups based on how similar their beliefs are regarding the effectiveness of anti-fraud policies.FindingsWe identify policies relating to perceived effectiveness of interventions and create customer profiles to assist retailers in conceptualising potential opportunistic fraudsters. Our product returns fraud framework adopts a consumer perspective to capture the perceived behavioural control of potential fraudsters. Results suggest effectiveness of different types of interventions vary between different types of consumers, which leads to the development of propositions to combat the fraud.Originality/valueThis study is unique in assessing the perceived effectiveness of a range of interventions based on data collection and advanced analytics to combat fraudulent product returns in omnichannel retail.
Employee share ownership in SMEs – extending benefits for start-ups to conventional firms and social enterprises
Authors: Suarsana Denis , Lowitzsch Jens 
Published: September 2024

PurposeAs this article reports, in recent years most legislative activities focused on start-ups, with as many as 12 European Union (EU) Member States having introduced tax incentives for employee share ownership (ESO) in this type of small and middle-sized enterprise (SME). But incentivising ESO in SMEs should be extended to all SMEs, the engine of the European economy, including those from the social economy, having shown their crucial function for the resilience of our societies during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachAgainst the background of this recent and very dynamic development this article, it provides an overview of the start-up business segment in comparison to other types of companies, particularly focusing on differences with the SME sector; examines the legal regulations that hinder a broader adoption of ESO in European start-ups; presents best-practice examples to demonstrate the favourable conditions already established in some EU Member States and discussed whether these reforms and best practice examples could be extended and – as is already the case in some countries – applied to the whole SME population including social economy enterprises.FindingsSince the European Commission launched the 2011 Social Business Initiative (SBI) followed by the 2016 Start-up and Scale-up initiative, many actions to support social enterprises in view of their potential to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable economic growth have followed. Most recently, the 2021 Social Economy Action Plan of the European Commission gave important impulses. The potential of employee buyouts offering a continuation perspective to SMEs owners looking for successors was highlighted in the 2022 EC report “Transition Pathway for Proximity and Social Economy,” calling for the implementation of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs).Originality/valueThe situation of employee share ownership in start-ups has some parallels with that in traditional SMEs, but in many respects, they differ fundamentally. Although, on the other hand, social enterprises may also have to compete with large firms for qualified staff and face challenges when growing or scaling their activities, the reason why ESO in this enterprise segment is not widespread in the EU is altogether different. In the absence of a prescribed legal form of incorporation, social enterprises operate in various forms (be it for profit or non-profit), e.g. cooperatives, closely held limited liability companies, mutuals, associations, voluntary organisations or foundations. Therefore, this article looks into the extension of the incentives for ESO to social enterprises inasmuch as they are organised in legal forms allowing for share ownership, above all in the form of limited liability companies.
Development of a double‐antibody sandwich ELISA for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants based on nucleocapsid protein‐specific antibodies
Authors: Lv Hai , Shi Fengjuan , Yin Huimin , Jiao Yongjun , Wei Pingmin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic, driven by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, has posed a severe threat to global public health. Rapid, reliable, and easy‐to‐use detection methods for SARS‐CoV‐2 variants are critical for effective epidemic prevention and control. The N protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 serves as an ideal target for antigen detection. In this study, we achieved soluble expression of the recombinant SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein using an Escherichia coli expression system and generated specific monoclonal antibodies by immunizing BALB/c mice. We successfully developed 10 monoclonal antibodies against the N protein, designated 5B7, 5F2‐C11, 5E2‐E8, 6C3‐D8, 7C8, 9F2‐E9, 12H5‐D11, 13G2‐C10, 14E9‐F6, and 15H3‐E10. Using these antibodies, we established a sandwich ELISA with 6C3‐D8 as the capture antibody and 5F2‐C11 as the detection antibody. The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.78 ng/mL and showed no cross‐reactivity with MERS‐CoV, HCoV‐OC43, HCoV‐NL63, and HCoV‐229E. Furthermore, this method successfully detected both wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron. These findings indicate that our sandwich ELISA exhibits excellent sensitivity, specificity, and broad‐spectrum applicability, providing a robust tool for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Phillygenin attenuates cell apoptosis and microglia activation in cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion rats through activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ
Authors: Yan Chaojun , Sun Guangwei , Hu Changlong , Qiu Tao , Wang Meng , Fan Yongzhong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIschaemic stroke is a common condition that can lead to cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury. Phillygenin (PHI), a natural bioactive compound derived from Forsythia suspensa, has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating inflammation across various diseases. However, its specific regulatory effects in ischaemic stroke progression remain unclear. In this study, we established a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. Treatment with PHI (50 or 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced cerebral infarction in MCAO rats. PHI treatment also mitigated the increased inflammatory response observed in these rats. Additionally, PHI suppressed microglial activation by reducing iNOS expression, a marker of M1‐type polarization of microglia, and attenuated increased brain tissue apoptosis in MCAO rats. Furthermore, PHI's anti‐inflammatory effects in MCAO rats were abrogated upon co‐administration with GW9662, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) inhibitor. In summary, PHI attenuated microglial activation and apoptosis in cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury through PPARγ activation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury.
Seed dispersal of Zoysia japonica by sika deer: An example of the “foliage is the fruit” hypothesis
Authors: Takatsuki Seiki , Imae Hiroshi , Sato Masatoshi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractZoysia japonica, a low growing grass, is tolerant to grazing and trampling. Kinkazan Island in northern Japan is inhabited by sika deer (Cervus nippon). The deer population increased in the 1970s at a shrine garden in the western part of the island, leading to expansion of Zoysia swards around the shrine garden and their colonization of remote open patches. The expansion around the garden is due to elongation of the rhizome, but expansion to remote places may be due to endozoochory by deer. This appears to be a good example of the “foliage is the fruit” hypothesis (the FF hypothesis) proposed by Janzen (1984; American Naturalist 123:338–353). To demonstrate this, we confirmed the expansion of the Zoysia swards and tested the traits of Zoysia by field surveys and indoor experiments. The Zoysia peduncles stood among the leaves, and sika deer fed on both the seeds and leaves. One deer fecal pellet contained about 20 seeds at its peak in June. In the feeding experiment, the survival rate through digestion was 38%. In the greenhouse experiment, the germination rate was 72%. An outdoor experiment showed that germination rates of the ingested seeds were 5% in a dark habitat and 58% in a bright habitat. Zoysia exhibited many of the traits presented by the FF hypothesis, and sika deer functioned as seed dispersal agents. Therefore, the Zoysia—sika deer relationship seems to support the FF hypothesis.
Analysis of unique atypical screwdriver injuries
Authors: Reyes Albaladejo Francisco , Soriano Benjamin J. , Gitto Lorenzo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFatalities caused by sharp and pointed instruments, especially screwdrivers, are not frequently observed in the United States. The shape of the screwdriver tip generally determines the resulting wounds that can range from linear, to rectangular or cross‐shaped, often reflecting common screwdriver head shapes. Recognizing such patterns is crucial, as they can aid in identifying the potential weapon used in the crime. In the reported case, an adult male was found dead in his living room surrounded by a pool of blood, with multiple injuries. At autopsy, the pattern of penetration was consistent with that of a six‐point star (Torx) screwdriver, which has never been reported as a deadly weapon in the literature before. A Torx screwdriver has a blunt head, resulting in hybrid injuries with both penetrating and blunt force features. Because of its rigid structure and narrow tip, a Torx screwdriver may forcefully penetrate the skin, soft tissues, and bone, causing severe injuries to the deep organs. The case highlights the importance for the forensic pathologist to examine and recognize atypical penetrating wounds for the identification and location of rare weapons. High‐definition graphic documentation of the injuries allows thorough examination and comparison of injuries with potential weapons. When the weapon is not retrieved, detailed injury descriptions guide investigations toward searching for a screwdriver, improving the chances of identifying the weapon used to commit the crime.
Revealing the key signals in nestling begging behavior perceived by parent birds during parent–offspring conflict
Authors: ZHANG Ziqi , LI Qihong , CAI Yan , YANG Canchao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe parent–offspring conflict in avian species encompasses resource allocation and a balance necessary for survival for both parties. Parental investment is modulated according to various factors, among which begging is important. Endogenous hormones, particularly corticosterone (CORT), play a role in modulating begging behavior. However, most studies on hormonal regulation of begging behavior induced elevated hormone levels in the offspring through feeding or injections, thus, limiting our knowledge of the evolution of the parent–offspring conflict under natural conditions. In this study, we aimed to identify the key signals that parents respond to during interactions with their nestlings in the wild, considering factors such as endogenous hormone CORT, nestling age, and brood size, which may affect nestling begging behavior. Begging performance was evaluated by measuring the begging frequency and score of the red‐whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), along with assessing CORT levels in feathers. CORT levels were significantly correlated with both the begging frequency and score of nestlings, while variables such as body mass and tarsus length did not influence parental feeding frequency. Additionally, factors such as the number of nestlings (brood size), age, and begging frequency were predictors of parental feeding frequency. Our findings indicate that begging frequency, nestling age, and brood size are signals that help navigate the intricacies of the parent–offspring conflict and that parents may rely on these key signals from the range of begging cues exhibited by nestlings to adjust their feeding strategies.
Shifting microbial communities in acidified seawaters: insights from polychaetes living in the CO2 vent of Ischia, Italy
Authors: ARNOLDI Irene , CARRARETTO Davide , MUNARI Marco , NANNINI Matteo , GAMBI Maria Cristina , CANNAVACCIUOLO Antonio , DELLA TORRE Camilla , GABRIELI Paolo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOceans’ absorption of human‐related CO2 emissions leads to a process called ocean acidification (OA), consisting of the decrease of the seawater pH with negative consequences for many marine organisms. In this study, we investigate the microbial community of two species of polychaetes found in naturally acidified CO2 vents: the nereid Platynereis massiliensis complex and the syllid Syllis prolifera. Animals were collected in the CO2 vents of Castello Aragonese (Gulf of Naples, Ischia, Italy) in three zones at decreasing pH. For the analysis of the microbiome, the V3‐V4 hypervariable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of 40 worm samples was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. No difference in the microbial alpha diversity of both species was highlighted. On the contrary, the microbial composition of worms collected in the site at normal pH was different from that of the individuals obtained from the sites at lower pH. This effect was evident also in samples from the site with a slight, but relevant, degree of acidification. Amplicon sequence variants showing a significant variation among the groups of samples collected from different pH zones were reported for both polychaetes, but no common trend of variation was observed. The present study deepens our knowledge about the composition of polychaete microbiome in marine naturally acidified sites. Our results stress the importance of future investigations about the connection between the variation of environmental and polychaete microbial communities induced by OA and about the effect of these variations on polychaete key biological and ecological traits.
User needs for coastal inundation at climate time scales: A multi‐sectoral case study in the coproduction of knowledge
Authors: Sweetman Brenna M. , Dean Cayla , Auermuller Lisa , Tremblay Kathryn Noel , Katalinas Christopher , Lewinski Shannan , Cary‐Kothera Lori , Luscher‐Aissaoui Audra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCoastal regions are becoming increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Due to growing risk, there is a need for a variety of accessible flood inundation services and information to improve resilience and adaptation outcomes. To better understand these needs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office for Coastal Management and the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services collaborated to host five virtual workshops during the COVID‐19 pandemic to understand inundation needs and deficits of five professional sectors: coastal planning, transportation and navigation, realty and insurance, health and human services, and natural resource and floodplain managers. This paper outlines the information collected from these workshops, shares recommendations for future research to improve equitable coastal resilience and highlights the value of remote engagement for knowledge coproduction. From the project results, we share cross‐cutting topics that emerged and propose a need for greater equity, inclusive engagement, interagency coordination and future research directions through scientist‐stakeholder coproduction workshops for improved coastal resilience.
Ploidy levels in diverse picocyanobacteria from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Weissenbach Julia , Aguilera Anabella , Bas Conn Laura , Pinhassi Jarone , Legrand Catherine , Farnelid Hanna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn nature, the number of genome or chromosome copies within cells (ploidy) can vary between species and environmental conditions, potentially influencing how organisms adapt to changing environments. Although ploidy levels cannot be easily determined by standard genome sequencing, understanding ploidy is crucial for the quantitative interpretation of molecular data. Cyanobacteria are known to contain haploid, oligoploid, and polyploid species. The smallest cyanobacteria, picocyanobacteria (less than 2 μm in diameter), have a widespread distribution ranging from marine to freshwater environments, contributing significantly to global primary production. In this study, we determined the ploidy level of genetically and physiologically diverse brackish picocyanobacteria isolated from the Baltic Sea using a qPCR assay targeting the rbcL gene. The strains contained one to four genome copies per cell. The ploidy level was not linked with phylogeny based on the identity of the 16S rRNA gene. The variation of ploidy among the brackish strains was lower compared to what has been reported for freshwater strains and was more similar to what has been reported for marine strains. The potential ecological advantage of polyploidy among picocyanobacteria has yet to be described. Our study highlights the importance of considering ploidy to interpret the abundance and adaptation of brackish picocyanobacteria.