bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theorizing about emerging multinationals' cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Peng Mike W. , Wang Joyce C. , Xie En , Lebedev Sergey 
Published: October 2024

AbstractResearch SummaryThe emergence of multinational enterprises from emerging economies (emerging multinationals or EMNEs) has resulted in two puzzles: (1) Why do EMNEs often bid higher for targets in developed economies? (2) Why do EMNEs often allow such targets significant autonomy? From a theoretical standpoint, the two puzzles beg the question of whether an integrative answer exists. Extending property rights theory, we conceptualize an EMNE as a collection of assets over which an emerging‐economy firm has residual control, gained predominantly through cross‐border acquisitions. Leveraging a legitimacy‐based view, we suggest that EMNEs suffer from legitimacy deficits. Overall, the key to theorizing about EMNEs' cross‐border acquisitions and solving the two puzzles is to appreciate EMNEs' endeavors to simultaneously maximize joint value creation, minimize target incentive loss, and overcome legitimacy deficits.Managerial SummaryDriven by property rights thinking and legitimacy deficits considerations, multinational enterprises from emerging economies (emerging multinationals or EMNEs) often pay higher premiums for and grant significant autonomy to acquisition targets in developed economies. During the pre‐acquisition phase, EMNEs need to carefully evaluate targets' value‐creation potential and asset complementarity. During the post‐acquisition phase, offering autonomy to targets is advisable, if acquisition premiums are high, if pursued assets are knowledge‐based, and if target managers and employees as well as other stakeholders (such as host‐country governments) have raised major concerns. Although few EMNEs explicitly refer to research on property rights and legitimacy deficits, many of them have acted in a way that is consistent with such theoretical reasoning. Emerging‐economy acquirers that follow such reasoning often perform well.
Strategically communicating inclusion efforts at hospitals: Trust‐signalling for community engagement
Authors: Rajkhowa Arjun , Sharp Megan , Kelly Barbara , Lang Birgit , Rizzi Andrea , Woodward‐Kron Robyn 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTrust is a challenging and complex concept and takes on particular significance in the context of community engagement and communication in healthcare. For the purpose of making health services more inclusive and of tackling discrimination where it occurs, there is a need to articulate a vision for inclusion that communities of historically disadvantaged or stigmatised patients can trust. This article considers examples of diversity and inclusion ‘signals’ on the public websites of two large public hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. We suggest that there is value in public communications reaffirming respect for diversity and a commitment to inclusion in health services. We also make the case for interdisciplinary research into how trust‐signalling strategies, that is, rhetorical strategies employed to reassure or convince, are developed by and for health services for the purposes of community engagement, and the specific effects that they may engender. Websites' framing of messages that affirm institutional commitments to fostering an inclusive environment and addressing barriers can serve as a means of explicitly encouraging patients and healthcare workers from marginalised communities to overcome potential obstacles to fuller healthcare engagement and workforce participation respectively.
Antioxidative effects of N‐acetylcysteine in patients with β–thalassemia: A quick review on clinical trials
Authors: Ghazaiean Mobin , Aliasgharian Aily , Karami Hossein , Ghasemi Mohammad Mohsen , Darvishi‐Khezri Hadi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSeveral studies have highlighted the potent antioxidant properties of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC). This review aimed to assess the impact of NAC on oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with β‐thalassemia.MethodsThe review included articles published before 2024 that investigated the effects of NAC on oxidative stress in individuals with β‐thalassemia. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Trip, and CENTRAL. Only English‐language clinical trials were considered for inclusion in this review. Besides, the number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated based on the included studies.ResultsNinety‐nine articles were retrieved from electronic databases, and after a thorough review, eight articles were selected for comprehensive text analysis. The highest dose of NAC administered was 10 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 600 mg/day) over a period of 3–6 months. All the studies assessing the impact of NAC on oxidative stress indicators in β‐thalassemia patients demonstrated positive effects during the 3‐month follow‐up period. Most estimated NNTs fell into 1–5, suggesting significant clinical therapeutic value in this context.ConclusionThe current potency of NAC alone appears to be effective in ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with β‐thalassemia major. While a 3‐month duration seems adequate to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of NAC in this population, larger and well‐designed clinical trials are warranted. Current clinical evidence possesses a high risk of bias.
Organic probes for three‐photon fluorescence imaging in NIR‐II window: Design, applications, and perspectives
Authors: Yang Yuliang , Cen Cui , Kan Lijun , Zhao Qi , Huang Zhongming , Li Shengliang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThree‐photon fluorescence (3PF) imaging is an emerging technology for imaging deep‐tissue submicroscopic structures by nonlinearly redshifting the excitation wavelength to the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window; thus, this approach has great advantages, including deep penetration depth, good spatial resolution, low background, and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. 3PF imaging has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for noninvasively visualizing all kinds of deep tissues in recent years. Benefiting from excellent biosecurity and structural controllability, the development of organic 3PF probes is highly important for advancing 3PF imaging in vivo. However, there is no summary of the generalizability of the design and recent progress in organic 3PF probes. Herein, this review introduces the fundamental principle of 3PF imaging and highlights the advantages of 3PF bioimaging. The molecular design of these organic 3PF probes is also summarized based on relative optical indices. Furthermore, different 3PF imaging application scenarios are listed in detail. In the end, the main challenges, significance of probe exploitation, and prospective orientation of organic probes for precise 3PF imaging are proposed and discussed for promoting future applications and clinical translation.
Phage‐Loaded Biomimetic Apatite Powder With Antibiofilm Activity to Treat Bone‐Associated Infections
Authors: Decodts Maxime , Cantallops‐Vilà Cristina , Hornez Jean‐Christophe , Lacroix Jean‐Marie , Bouchart Franck 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFor decades, calcium phosphate (CaP)‐based ceramics have been used for coating of bone and joint substitutes after arthroplasty due to their biocompatible properties. Infections following orthopedic replacement occur in 1%–5% of cases, causing serious complications. Biofilm formation either on the biomaterial's surface or on patient's tissues greatly enhances the resistance against antibiotic treatments and can induce a chronic infection, emphasizing the need for novel antimicrobial delivery systems. In this study, we established a protocol enabling bacteriophage loading during the synthesis of a CaP‐based powder. The resulting biomaterial proved to be noncytotoxic against human osteoblastic cells and able to significantly inhibit 24‐h matured S. aureus biofilm cultures or even completely eradicate it after 5 days of contact. Additional S. aureus biofilm assays with a freeze‐dried material using two different excipients showed that sucrose had a protective role against Remus bacteriophage treatment of S. aureus biofilms, whereas lactose‐freeze‐dried powder maintained the antibiofilm activity.
Association between dynapenic obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease: The Hisayama study
Authors: Setoyama Yu , Honda Takanori , Tajimi Takahiro , Sakata Satoko , Oishi Emi , Furuta Yoshihiko , Shibata Mao , Hata Jun , Kitazono Takanari , Nakashima Yasuharu , Ninomiya Toshiharu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDynapenic obesity is a condition characterized by high adiposity levels combined with muscle dysfunction. Although high adiposity and muscle loss/dysfunction are thought to synergistically increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), few studies have addressed the association between dynapenic and sarcopenic obesity and CVD. We aimed to investigate the association of dynapenic obesity with incident CVD events using the data from a population‐based prospective longitudinal study in Japan.MethodsA total of 2490 community‐dwelling Japanese aged 40–79 years (42.5% males, mean age 57.7 ± 10.6 years) without a history of CVD were followed up for a median of 24 years. Handgrip strength was classified as low, medium, or high by age‐ and sex‐specific tertiles. Body mass index (BMI) levels were categorized as lean (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), or obese (≥25.0 kg/m2). Dynapenic obesity was defined as having both low handgrip strength and obesity. The outcomes were defined as the first‐ever development of CVD (defined as stroke or coronary heart disease). The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the development of CVD were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, in which participants with high handgrip strength and normal BMI were used as a reference group. Mediation analyses used serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) as mediators.ResultsDuring the follow‐up period, 482 participants developed CVD events (324 cases of stroke and 209 of coronary heart disease). The multivariable‐adjusted risk of CVD increased significantly among participants with dynapenic obesity compared with the reference group (HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03–2.17). An analysis by age groups showed a further increase in the risk of CVD among participants with dynapenic obesity aged less than 65 years (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.04–2.65). In mediation analyses for participants aged less than 65 years, serum hs‐CRP was shown to be a significant mediator explaining 13.8% of the association between dynapenic obesity and the development of CVD, while HOMA‐IR explained 12.2% of this relationship.ConclusionsDynapenic obesity was a significant risk factor for the development of CVD in a general Japanese population. This association was more pronounced among those aged <65 years. Inflammation, and possibly glucose metabolism, might partly mediate this association. Our findings suggest that preventing muscle dysfunction as well as appropriate weight control, especially in middle‐age, are important for preventing the development of CVD.
The Investigation of Structural, Optical and Thermal Properties of Nickel Doped CeO2 Integrated PVC Nanocomposite
Authors: Khan Rishum , Qamar Muhammad Tariq , Abid Hina , Haider Irfan , Zidan Ammar , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Mahmood Sajid , Alotaibi Mohammed T. , Akhter Toheed 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPVC nanocomposite (NC) films with cubic CeO2 and Ni‐doped CeO2 (NDC) have been prepared using a conventional solution‐casting technique. The prepared films were characterized with FT‐IR spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optical and thermal properties of the films were evaluated using a UV–visible spectrophotometer and TGA/DSC. The optical study revealed a decrease in optical band gap energies (4.19 to 4.06 eV) whereas the increase in other optical constraints such as optical conductivity, Urbach energy, dispersion energy, refractive index, and dielectric constant of PVC NCs than pristine PVC was observed. The XRD patterns showed the presence of cubic crystalline NDC with a relatively narrower principal diffraction peak in the PVC matrix and the nonexistence of unexpected vibrational peaks in the FTIR spectra of PVC NCs confirmed the successful incorporation of nanostructured CeO2 and NDC into PVC. Thermogravimetric analysis showed the higher thermal stability of NDC/PVC NC than PVC whereas differential scanning calorimetry declared no significant change in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the NCs. Moreover, a good dispersion of Ni‐doped CeO2 nanofiller was noticed in scanning electron micrographs.
The incidence of meniscal cyst formation following meniscal repair using the all‐inside suture anchor device is comparable to conventional techniques
Authors: Goto Kazumi , Sanada Takaki , Honda Eisaburo , Sameshima Shin , Inagawa Miyu , Ishida Yutaro , Matsuo Koji , Kuzuhara Ryota , Iwaso Hiroshi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPurposePost‐operative meniscal cyst formation occurs following all‐inside device meniscal repair. This study aimed to compare the incidence of cysts in patients who underwent meniscal repair with and without all‐inside suture devices.MethodsThis retrospective study included 227 knees that underwent meniscal repair between 2021 and 2022. The incidence of post‐operative meniscal cysts was compared between patients who underwent repair using an all‐inside suture anchor device (Group SA) and those who did not use an anchor (Group NA), based on post‐operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Risk factors, such as the number of anchors used, were investigated. Using a subgroup analysis, the incidence of meniscal cysts based on the type of device used was investigated.ResultsGroups SA and NA comprised 125 and 102 knees, respectively. Group SA had 11 cases of cysts (9% incidence), whereas Group NA had 7 cases (7% incidence), and no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.63). Symptomatic cysts were observed in two patients (1.6%) in Group SA, whereas none was observed in Group NA (0%); the difference was not significant (p = 0.50). Factors such as the number of anchors and sutures used and MRI timing were not identified as risk factors. Cyst incidence varied according to anchor type: Stryker AIR+ (4 out of 55, 7%), Smith & Nephew Fast‐Fix 360 (7 out of 56, 13%) and Arthrex Fiber Stitch (0 out of 26, 0%), with no significant difference found (p = 0.14).ConclusionThe incidence of cysts in patients undergoing meniscal repair with an all‐inside suture anchor device was 9%, showing no significant difference compared with Group NA. Cyst incidence was not affected by device type.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative study.
The emerging role of bacterial extracellular vesicles in human cancers
Authors: Liang Aijun , Korani Lavisha , Yeung Cherlie Lot Sum , Tey Sze Keong , Yam Judy Wai Ping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have emerged as pivotal mediators between bacteria and host. In addition to being crucial players in host homeostasis, they have recently been implicated in disease pathologies such as cancer. Hence, the study of BEVs represents an intriguing and rapidly evolving field with substantial translational potential. In this review, we briefly introduce the fundamentals of BEV characteristics, cargo and biogenesis. We emphatically summarize the current relationship between BEVs across various cancer types, illustrating their role in tumorigenesis, treatment responses and patient survival. We further discuss the inherent advantages of BEVs, such as stability, abundance and specific cargo profiles, that make them attractive candidates for non‐invasive diagnostic and prognostic approaches. The review also explores the potential of BEVs as a strategy for cancer therapy, considering their ability to deliver therapeutic agents, modulate the tumour microenvironment (TME) and elicit immunomodulatory responses. Understanding the clinical significance of BEVs may lead to the development of better‐targeted and personalized treatment strategies. This comprehensive review evaluates the current progress surrounding BEVs and poses questions to encourage further research in this emerging field to harness the benefits of BEVs for their full potential in clinical applications against cancer.
Towards Nash‐Williams orientation conjecture for infinite graphs
Authors: Assem Amena 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn 1960 Nash‐Williams proved that an edge‐connectivity of is sufficient for a finite graph to have a ‐arc‐connected orientation. He then conjectured that the same is true for infinite graphs. In 2016, Thomassen, using his own results on the auxiliary lifting graph, proved that ‐edge‐connected infinite graphs admit a ‐arc‐connected orientation. Here we improve this result for the class of one‐ended locally finite graphs and show that an edge‐connectivity of is enough in that case. Crucial to this improvement are results presented in a separate paper, by the same author of this paper, on the key concept of the lifting graph, extending results by Ok, Richter, and Thomassen.
Establishing meaningful change thresholds for European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire CLL‐specific module domain scores: An analysis based on the TRANSCEND CLL 004 study in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma
Authors: Eliason Laurie , Fofana Fatoumata , Wang Lin , Riedell Peter A. , Guo Shien 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe study aimed to establish meaningful thresholds at patient and group levels for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire CLL‐specific module (EORTC QLQ‐CLL17) domain scores in adults with relapsed or refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).Material and methodsData for the analysis were from the TRANSCEND CLL 004 study (NCT03331198). EORTC QLQ‐CLL17 and selected anchor measures were assessed at baseline and multiple postbaseline visits up to 24 months after treatment initiation. Thresholds for each of the three EORTC QLQ‐CLL17 domains were triangulated based on estimates derived from anchor‐ and distribution‐based analyses, in accordance with published guidance.ResultsThe analysis included 62 patients with 240 observations across visits. Meaningful change thresholds for improvement and deterioration, respectively, at the patient level were determined to be −11/+11 for symptom burden, −16/+16 for physical condition/fatigue and −16/+13 for worries/fears on health and functioning. The meaningful change thresholds for improvement and deterioration at the group level mostly ranged between 0.3 and 0.5 of the standard deviation of baseline domain scores.ConclusionsThese thresholds, based on EORTC QLQ‐CLL17 domain scores, could help identify patients with meaningful changes in HRQOL and interpret treatment effects in future studies of treatments for adults with R/R CLL.
CDR L3 Loop Rearrangement Switches Multispecific SPE‐7 IgE Antibody From Hapten to Protein Binding
Authors: Seidler Clarissa A. , Liedl Klaus R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe monoclonal IgE antibody SPE‐7 was originally raised against a 2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) target. Through its ability to adopt multiple conformations, the antibody is capable of binding to a diverse range of small haptens and large proteins. The present study examines a dataset of experimentally determined crystal structures of the SPE‐7 antibody to gain insight into the mechanisms that contribute to its multispecificity. With the emergence of more and more therapeutic antibodies against a huge repertoire of different targets, our research could be of great interest for future drug development. We are able to discriminate between the different paratope‐binding states in the conformational ensembles obtained by enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations, and to calculate their transition timescales and state probabilities. Furthermore, we describe the key residues responsible for discriminating between the different binding capacities and identify a tryptophan in a central position of the CDR L3 loop as the residue of greatest interest. The overall dynamics of the paratope appear to be mainly influenced by the CDR L3 and CDR L1 loops.
Utility of cardiac implantable electronic device algorithm for detecting severe sleep‐disordered breathing in cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Mok Yingjuan , Tan Vern Hsen , Wong Hang Siang , Wang Yue , Oh Ying Zi , Him Ai Ling , Hamid Sherida Syed , Lee Prunella Ting , Teo Lisa Jie Ting , Lee Leng Leng , Chan Andrew Kieran Ming Hui , Yeo Colin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundHalf of patients with heart failure are estimated to have sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). However, many are undiagnosed as they do not report typical symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) sleep‐disordered breathing algorithm in a cohort of multi‐racial Asian patients for detection of SDB against polysomnography (PSG).MethodsIn this prospective pilot study, participants who fulfill the American College of Cardiology (ACC) indication for ICD were recruited. The ICD algorithm uses transthoracic impedance sensing to calculate respiratory disturbance index (RDI).ResultsTwenty‐four patients were enrolled between August 2020 and December 2021. All patients underwent PSG exams and were followed up for up to 12 months. Eighteen participants completed the PSG study as of August 23, 2022. Severe SDB (defined as PSG‐AHI ≥30 episodes/h) was diagnosed in 66.7% of the patients. No significant direct linear correlation was found between the PSG‐AHI measurements and the RDI measurements (adjusted r2 = .224, r = .473, p = .027). Applying a binary threshold cut‐off RDI value of 32 episodes/h for the detection of severe SDB yielded a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 16.7%.ConclusionsTransthoracic impedance sensing with an advanced inbuilt algorithm may be helpful as a screening test in detecting severe SDB in patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathy, potentially by applying a binary threshold cut‐off value. This is the first study known to validate the algorithm in an exclusively multi‐ethnic Asian population with heart failure.
Effective pretreatment of microwave combined with acetic acid soaking on oil absorption and quality of fried potato chips
Authors: Wang Simeng , Zhao Shuli , Wang Nan , Liu Ying 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study applied a combined pretreatment method involving microwave and acetic acid (AA) soaking to monitor oil absorption of fried potato chips based on texture and microstructure characteristics.RESULTSResults demonstrated that medium–low microwave combined with 4 h of AA soaking significantly improved the texture profile of potato chips, and reduced oil content by approximately 53.25%. Higher microwave intensity led to greater surface roughness of samples, whereas AA soaking for 1–4 h effectively reduced surface roughness. The decrease in Fm and Nwr, along with the increase in Fwr and Wc with prolonged AA soaking time for 1–4 h indicated that medium–low microwave intensity combined with AA pretreatment enhanced hardness and brittleness of samples. Microscopic examination of cell structure revealed that this combined pretreatment facilitated pectin gelation between the cell walls of potato chips, resulting in a more intact cell structure with fewer gaps. Additionally, the color of pretreated potato chips became brighter.CONCLUSIONThe combination of medium–low microwave intensity and AA soaking pretreatment resulted in a decrease in the oil content and improved the texture profile of fried potato chips. This study provides new strategies and insights for producing low‐fat potato chips based on low‐cost pretreatment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.