bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of empathy, identity, and ethical branding on sustainable local food consumption
Authors: Tamaki Satoru 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study clarifies the pathway to sustainable local food consumption highlighting ethical branding. Literature suggests that ethical brands promote continuous local food consumption, however, the structure of purchasing factors and impact has not been fully elucidated. A model is constructed in which empathy‐based social responsibility and self‐identity drive the purchase of local food, and ethical brand purchasing influences consumers’ perception of retailers’ ethics. The model is tested using a questionnaire survey and three years of actual purchase data on consumer purchases of ethically branded local foods. Results show that purchasing local food products, especially ethically branded ones, is mediated by consumers’ self‐identity toward social responsibility based on empathy, and self‐oriented purchasing enhances consumers’ perception of retailers’ ethics. Theoretical implications of the validated model for the studies on local food and ethical consumption, and the practical implications of ethical branding for organizations striving for sustainable development, are discussed.
The influence of supplier financial violations on clients' environmental, social, and governance performance: Evidence from China's manufacturing industry
Authors: Hu Jianhao , Zheng Changran , Xu Jiahao , Wu Xu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe antecedents of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance have been extensively studied, yet the impact of supplier behavior has been overlooked. By analyzing data from China's manufacturing industry (2013–2020), we find that suppliers' financial violations enhance the overall ESG performance of client firms, with state ownership further reinforcing this relationship. By further examining the ESG dimensions, our study reveals an asynchronous pattern in firms' performance enhancements. Specifically, supplier financial violations significantly boost client firms' social and governance performance, while state ownership attenuates the positive relationship between supplier financial violations and governance performance. Ultimately, our study establishes a crucial link between the conduct of stakeholders within the supply chain and the firm ESG performance. Our findings also facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with supplier financial violations, aiding decision‐makers in shaping and implementing ESG‐related strategies for firms.
A survey on node localization technologies in UWSNs: Potential solutions, recent advancements, and future directions
Authors: Nain Mamta , Goyal Nitin , Dhurandher Sanjay Kumar , Dave Mayank , Verma Anil Kumar , Malik Amita 
Published: July 2024

SummaryLocation‐based underwater communication applications such as strategic surveillance, disaster prevention, marine research, and mine detection have given the field of underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSN) a head start. Node localization is a prerequisite for accurate data collection, target monitoring, and network management in UWSNs. However, the unique characteristics of the underwater environment, such as signal attenuation, multipath propagation, and variable acoustic properties, pose a major challenge to effective node localization. Accurate sensor node location data is essential for successful underwater data collection, but difficult to achieve as the GPS system cannot be used in an underwater environment. In this paper, existing node localization techniques such as ALS, SLUM, MASL, SLMP, UDB, USP, etc., and recent advances such as the fusion of range‐based and range‐free techniques, the fusion of RSSI and AoA to improve localization accuracy by using directional information in addition to signal strength, and the use of optimization techniques such as PSO, COA, and WOA algorithms to improve the accuracy of the applied node localization algorithm, e.g., TP‐TSFLA, and challenges related to UWSN are discussed. Also, different localization algorithms that affect the accuracy of UWSN localization techniques have been evaluated and compared with NS2 in terms of localization error, localization coverage, energy consumption, and average communication cost metrics. In addition, this paper also provides an up‐to‐date investigation of localization techniques. Finally, the tools available for simulation are presented, followed by open research questions that need to be addressed in the localization of nodes.
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor‐loaded liposomes and transferosomes for dermal delivery: Development, characterization, and cytotoxicity evaluation
Authors: Doustvaghe Yasaman Kiani , Haeri Azadeh , Sisakht Mahsa Mollapour , Amirkhani Mohammad Amir , Vatanpour Hossein 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRecombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) is widely utilized as an antiaging compound in wound‐healing therapies and cosmetic purposes. However, topical administration of rhEGF has limited treatment outcomes because of its poor percutaneous penetration and rapid proteinase degradation. To overcome these obstacles, this study aims to develop and characterize rhEGF‐containing conventional liposomes (rhEGF‐CLs) and transferosomes (rhEGF‐TFs) as efficient dermal carriers. Physicochemical characterization such as particle size, zeta potential (ZP), morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and release properties of nanocarriers as well as in vitro cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell lines were investigated. rhEGF‐TFs at the rhEGF concentration ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 μg/mL were chosen as the optimum formulation due to the desired release profile, acceptable EE%, optimal cell proliferation, and minimal cytotoxicity compared to the control and free rhEGF. However, higher concentrations caused a decrease in cell viability. The ratio 20:80 of Tween 80 to lipid was optimal for rhEGF‐TFs‐2, which had an average diameter of 233.23 ± 2.64 nm, polydispersity index of 0.33 ± 0.05, ZP of −15.46 ± 0.29 mV, and EE% of 60.50 ± 1.91. The formulations remained stable at 5°C for at least 1 month. TEM and SEM microscopy revealed that rhEGF‐TFs‐2 had a regular shape and unilamellar structure. In vitro drug release studies confirmed the superiority of rhEGF‐TFs‐2 in terms of optimal cumulative release of rhEGF approximately 82% within 24 h. Franz diffusion cell study showed higher rhEGF‐TFs‐2 skin permeation compared to free rhEGF solution. Taken together, we concluded that rhEGF‐TFs can be used as a promising formulation for wound healing and skin regeneration products.
Survival costs of reproduction are independent of energy costs in a seabird, the pelagic cormorant
Authors: Barracho Téo , Hatch Scott A. , Kotzerka Jana , Garthe Stefan , Schraft Hannes A. , Whelan Shannon , Elliott Kyle H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLife‐history theory predicts that investment in reproduction should decrease survival (the ‘cost of reproduction’). It is often assumed that energy allocation drives such trade‐offs, with limited energy available for both reproduction and survival. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, maybe because survival costs of reproduction are only apparent when resources are limited. Here, we took advantage of a natural experiment created by fluctuating environmental conditions to compare energy expenditure of a seabird, the pelagic cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), between contrasting population‐scale scenarios of survival costs of reproduction. We used multi‐state capture–recapture modelling across 16 years to identify which breeding seasons induced high survival costs (survival ratebreeders < survival ratenon/failed breeders) and we concomitantly estimated energy expenditure of chick‐rearing males using time‐energy budget models across 4 years. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) of chick‐rearing pelagic cormorants varied significantly among years. However, survival costs of reproduction were observed in only 1 year, and contrary to our expectations, variation in DEE was not associated with population‐level survival costs. Similarly, at the individual level, DEE in 1 year did not predict the probability of being observed again at the colony in following years (apparent survival). Finally, DEE was independent of brood size and brood age, but older individuals tended to expend less energy than younger ones. Given the lack of an apparent energetic ‘cost of reproduction’, lower DEE in older birds could be due to improved efficiency rather than avoidance of costs in old birds. Although future studies should account for potential sex‐specific energetic constraints by including data on female energy expenditure, we conclude that a direct link between the rate of energy expenditure during breeding and subsequent survival is unlikely in this system.
Effect of sex on sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 antagonists and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists in heart failure
Authors: Philip Mevin A. , Webb Carolyn M. , Chakraborty Turja , Collins Peter 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent evidence suggests that medications not primarily targeting the cardiovascular (CV) system may have cardioprotective effects in patients with heart failure (HF), in particular the anti‐diabetic therapies sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) antagonists and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists. We conducted a systematic review to assess the pooled evidence for the use of SGLT‐2 antagonists and GLP‐1 agonists in patients with HF and the effect of biological sex on the results.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and clinical trial databases were searched until February 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English that included adult participants with HF who were randomized to an SGLT‐2 antagonist or GLP‐1 agonist with a primary or secondary outcome of HF hospitalization (HFH) or CV death were eligible for inclusion. Data pooling was undertaken using a random effects model and odds ratios (ORs) to determine the association between drug and outcome. Sub‐group analyses to investigate sex differences were conducted.ResultsSix RCTs were included (24 781 patients). Four studies investigated SGLT‐2 antagonists, and two studies examined GLP‐1 agonists. SGLT‐2 antagonists improved HFH {OR [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.69 [0.63, 0.77], P < 0.001} and CV death [0.87 (0.78, 0.97), P = 0.01] independent of diabetes status, with excellent homogeneity across all four studies. No beneficial effects were found for GLP‐1 agonists. The effects of SGLT‐2 antagonists on HFH and CV death were similar in men and women [OR (95% CI): HFH, 0.70 (0.64, 0.76), P < 0.001 and 0.58 (0.46, 0.74), P < 0.001, respectively; CV death, 0.86 (0.78, 0.95), P = 0.003 and 0.84 (0.73, 0.96), P = 0.01, respectively], and the neutral effect of GLP‐1 agonists on HFH and CV death was similar in men and women (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsSGLT‐2 antagonists but not GLP‐1 agonists beneficially affect HFH and CV death in patients with HF with or without diabetes. We show for the first time that GLP‐1 agonists have a neutral effect on HFH and CV death in both male and female HF patients and a reduction in HFH and CV death in male and female HF patients taking SGLT‐2 antagonists.
miR‐124 affects dendritic cells function in CRSwNP by regulating exosomes secretion in nasal mucosal epithelial cells
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chen Luqiu , Dong Yuhan , Bing Xin , Yuan Fanyu , Gao Xiaochen , Cao Xue , Li Chengzhilin , Liu Chengcheng , Qi Wenwen , Xia Ming , Li Xiuguo , Du Hongjie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe intricate immunomodulatory mechanism underlying the onset and progression of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps remains poorly understood, particularly regarding the regulatory role of dendritic cells (DCs). MicroRNA has been identified as a modulator of DC function. Primary cells have a short time in vitro and their biological characteristics have not changed greatly which can better reflect the growth state of cells in the body, so as to obtain data closer to the physiological function in the body. Our research group has been engaged in the culture of human nasal epithelial progenitor cells (hNEPCs) for a long time, and in previous investigations, we observed downregulation of microRNA‐124 (miR‐124) in patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps. Thus, our current study aims to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of DCs in chronic sinusitis with polyps by examining the impact of miR‐124 on DCs in this context. To accomplish this, we took the nasal mucosa of CRSwNP patients and normal nasal mucosa of non‐rhinitis patients for primary culture. We isolated exosomes from these cells for co‐culture experiments with DCs. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to assess the maturation phenotypes (MHC II, CD80 and CD86), cell cycle and apoptosis levels of DCs. Furthermore, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to measure the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10, IL‐12 and IL‐23). The TLR4/NF‐κB signalling pathway in co‐cultured DCs was evaluated using the western blot assay. Through querying the Targetscan website, we predicted Rab27a as a target gene of miR‐124, which was subsequently validated through double luciferase assay, flow cytometry and other experimental approaches. Our findings demonstrate that MiR‐124 modulates the secretion of CRSwNP epithelial exosomes, thereby influencing DC function via its interaction with the target gene Rab27a. These results offer novel insights into potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of CRSwNP.
MicroRNA‐146a‐5p protects retinal ganglion cells through reducing neuroinflammation in experimental glaucoma
Authors: Zhou Han , Yang Rui‐Kang , Li Qian , Li Zhen , Wang Yong‐Chen , Li Shu‐Ying , Miao Yanying , Sun Xing‐Huai , Wang Zhongfeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNeuroinflammation plays important roles in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration in glaucoma. MicroRNA‐146 (miR‐146) has been shown to regulate inflammatory response in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, whether and how miR‐146 could affect RGC injury in chronic ocular hypertension (COH) experimental glaucoma were investigated. We showed that in the members of miR‐146 family only miR‐146a‐5p expression was upregulated in COH retinas. The upregulation of miR‐146a‐5p was observed in the activated microglia and Müller cells both in primary cultured conditions and in COH retinas, but mainly occurred in microglia. Overexpression of miR‐146a‐5p in COH retinas reduced the levels pro‐inflammatory cytokines and upregulated the levels of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, which were further confirmed in the activated primary cultured microglia. Transfection of miR‐146a‐5p mimic increased the percentage of anti‐inflammatory phenotype in the activated BV2 microglia, while transfection of miR‐146a‐5p inhibitor resulted in the opposite effects. Transfection of miR‐146a‐5p mimic/agomir inhibited the levels of interleukin‐1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK1) and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and phosphorylated NF‐κB subunit p65. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR‐146a‐5p could directly target IRAK1 and TRAF6. Moreover, downregulation of IRAK1 and TRAF6 by siRNA techniques or blocking NF‐κB by SN50 in cultured microglia reversed the miR‐146a‐5p inhibitor‐induced changes of inflammatory cytokines. In COH retinas, overexpression of miR‐146a‐5p reduced RGC apoptosis, increased RGC survival, and partially rescued the amplitudes of photopic negative response. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of miR‐146a‐5p attenuates RGC injury in glaucoma by reducing neuroinflammation through downregulating IRAK1/TRAF6/NF‐κB signaling pathway in microglia.
Health performance assessment modeling and its application to compact medical communities in China
Authors: Yu Miao , Huang Zhongmou , Zhang Dan , Yang Yansui , Chien Ching‐Wen , Tuo Hongwu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSome regions in China have already implemented capitation payment or capitation budget management for medical insurance funds. However, there remains a shortage of adequate tools and methodologies to accurately quantify differences in population health risks. Therefore, this paper constructs a health performance assessment model that comprises four steps. The first step is to categorize all participants into health risk groups based on whether they have contracted with a family doctor, their age, sex, and the type of consultation. The second step is to categorize health risk groups based on differences in healthcare resource utilization. The third step is to analyze health performance by examining healthcare resource utilization year over year. The fourth step is to apply the assessment results to assist local finance bureaus and medical insurance bureaus in developing incentive schemes. According to cost weights, the health risk groups are split into six classes: insured residents without health care visits, healthy insured person, slightly ill insured patients, ill insured patients, more seriously disease patients, and severely ill insured patients. We evaluate one compact medical community's health performance by examining changes in the proportion of resource usage group size and expense. From 2019 to 2021, both the proportion of patients with severe and ultra‐severe diseases and the proportion of costs in the sample increased, according to changes in resource utilization levels. This result indicates that the population's overall health has not improved and that the compact medical community is still primarily focused on treating diseases, with poor implementation of health maintenance measures and minimal improvement in health performance.
Effectiveness and feasibility of selective intra‐arterial low dose of cisplatin infusion and concomitant radiotherapy for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer with impaired renal function: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Imahara Yuji , Ono Takeharu , Tanaka Norimitsu , Chitose Shun‐ichi , Sato Fumihiko , Tanoue Shuichi , Kurita Takashi , Miyata Yusaku , Muraki Koichiro , Ogo Etsuyo , Hattori Chikayuki , Abe Toshi , Umeno Hirohito 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundChemoradiation therapy with high‐dose cisplatin is the standard regimen against advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCC‐L). However, patients with renal dysfunction are ineligible for this regimen. We investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of selective intra‐arterial low‐dose cisplatin infusion and radiotherapy (modified [m]‐RADPLAT) for patients with impaired renal function.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 77 patients with SCC‐L who received m‐RADPLAT.ResultsFourteen and 63 patients had creatinine clearance (CrCl) values of 30 ≤ CrCl < 60 mL/min and ≥60 mL/min, respectively. The m‐RADPLAT regimen led to no significant changes in serum creatinine or CrCl values post‐treatment. The 5‐year local control, overall survival, and laryngectomy‐free survival rates of the CrCl < 60 and ≥60 groups were 90.0% and 90.5%, 100% and 81.8%, and 100% and 79.0%, respectively. Grade 3 or higher toxicity rates were not significantly different between the groups.ConclusionsThe m‐RADPLAT regimen yielded favorable survival rates and clinical outcomes in patients with impaired renal function.
Primary tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma: A case report and analysis of the tumor immune microenvironment using single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Ye Wenda , Clark Evan A. , Sheng Quanhu , Colaianni C. Alessandra , Rohde Sarah L. , Gelbard Alexander 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundTracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a slow growing yet aggressive malignancy with high rates of local recurrence as well as distant metastasis. Tracheal ACC exhibit a low mutation burden along with high mutational diversity, and generally do not respond well to chemotherapeutics.MethodsWe present a rare case of primary tracheal ACC initially presenting with nonspecific cervicalgia and globus sensation that was ultimately treated with tracheal resection followed by chemoradiation. Immune profiling of intratumoral T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoire was subsequently performed using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq).ResultsWe describe a rare case of primary tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma highlighting several management principles as well as providing new insights into intratumor T cell populations.ConclusionsPrimary tracheal ACC is most commonly treated with surgical resection followed by adjuvant therapy. Further characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment is necessary to better understand ACC disease biology and to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Improving cervical screening rates among sexual minorities: Insights from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Ellis Sonja J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIssue AddressedSexual minority women (SMW) experience inequities in health outcomes. The extant literature consistently suggests that SMW are much less likely than their heterosexual peers to engage in cervical screening. Using participant's voices, the focus of this study was to explore the ways in which cervical screening rates for SMW might be improved.MethodsAn online survey was completed by SMW (N = 177) aged 25–69 based in Aotearoa New Zealand and representing a range of sexual identities, ethnicities, and geographical regions. The analysis presented here was derived from open‐ended qualitative responses to a single survey item: What do you think could be done to encourage more SMW (lesbians, wahine takatāpui, bisexual women, etc.) to engage in smear testing?ResultsAnalysis of the data generated three main themes around how public health services could encourage more SMW to engage in cervical screening: Inclusive health services, clarity of information, and targeted health promotion.ConclusionThe analysis showed that the inherent heteronormativity among health care professionals and the lack of clear and consistent information specific to SMW may be key factors contributing to lower rates of engagement in screening.So What?Given that not engaging in screening is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, it is imperative that active consideration is given to these issues with a view to increasing participation rates among SMW.