bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of walnut consumption for 2 years on older adults' bone health in the Walnuts and Healthy Aging (WAHA) trial
Authors: Oliver‐Pons Carla , Sala‐Vila Aleix , Cofán Montserrat , Serra‐Mir Mercè , Roth Irene , Valls‐Pedret Cinta , Domènech Mònica , Ortega Emilio , Rajaram Sujatha , Sabaté Joan , Ros Emilio , Chiva‐Blanch Gemma 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundNutritional strategies to maintain bone health in aging individuals are of great interest. Given the beneficial nutrient composition of walnuts, rich in alpha‐linolenic (the vegetable n‐3 fatty acid) and polyphenols, their regular consumption might be a dietary option to reduce age‐related bone loss. We determined whether daily walnut consumption improves bone mineral density (BMD) and circulating biomarkers of bone turnover.MethodsThe Walnuts and Healthy Aging study (WAHA) is a two‐center, parallel, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of a diet enriched with walnuts at ≈15% energy compared with a control diet for 2 years on age‐related health outcomes in healthy men and women aged 63–79 years. Changes in BMD were a prespecified secondary outcome only at the Barcelona node of the trial, where 352 participants were randomized. Retention rate was 92.6%. Primary endpoints were 2‐year changes in BMD at the spine and the nondominant femoral neck, determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Secondary endpoints were 2‐year changes in bone turnover biomarkers (adrenocorticotropic hormone, Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor‐1, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, osteopontin, sclerostin, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor‐23), which were quantified in 211 randomly selected participants.ResultsThe walnut diet versus the control diet had no effect on 2‐year changes in BMD at the spine (0.15% vs. 0.35%, p = 0.632) and femoral neck (−0.90% vs. −0.70%, p = 0.653), or on bone turnover biomarkers. Results were similar in participants treated or not with bone resorption inhibitors or those with or without osteoporosis/osteopenia at inclusion.ConclusionsCompared with the usual diet, a diet enriched with walnuts at 15% of energy for 2 years failed to improve BMD or circulating markers of bone metabolism in healthy older people.
Modifiable work stress factors and psychological health risk among nurses working within 13 countries
Authors: Norful Allison A. , Albloushi Monirah , Zhao Jiawen , Gao Yuandi , Castro Janelle , Palaganas Erlinda , Magsingit Norielee S. , Molo Jocelyn , Alenazy Badr Ayed , Rivera Reynaldo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionNurses are identified as having higher work stress and poor mental health risk among health care workforce globally. It remains unclear which modifiable stress factors pose the greatest risk for poor psychological health among nursing workforce and needed to inform targeted practice and policy change.To determine which occupation‐related or personal stress factors precipitate higher risk for burnout, depression, anxiety, job satisfaction or intention to leave one's position among nurses globally.DesignA cross‐sectional anonymous survey was administered via email using a snowball recruitment strategy.MethodsAcademic researchers and clinical industry leaders across 3 global regions collaborated to generate an email listserv of professional nursing contacts for survey distribution. The survey included valid and reliable measures to scale stress factors (Work Stress Questionnaire), and screen for burnout (single item), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐2), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐2), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale) and intention to leave one's job (single item). We used logistic regression, first unadjusted and then adjusted for personal and professional characteristics, to determine associations between stress factors and psychological health risk.ResultsThe final sample consisted of responses from 2864 nurses working across 13 countries. Most respondents reported working as a clinical nurse in the Philippines (n = 2275), United States (n = 424) and Saudi Arabia (n = 104). One third of nursing respondents endorsed high burnout and intention to leave their job. Those reporting work conflict had significantly higher odds of burnout (odds ratio 3.18; 95% CI 2.22–4.54) and three times more likely to screen positive for depression (odds ratio 3.02; 95% CI 1.36–6.72) and anxiety (odds ratio 2.92; 95% CI 1.57–5.43). Those endorsing difficulty sleeping were 15 times more likely to screen positive for depression (odds ratio 15.63; 95% CI 2.09–117.06). Lack of social support was significantly associated to higher risk for burnout, job dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, and intention to leave one's position.ConclusionsNurses remain at risk for burnout and poor psychological health stemming from work stress. Factors such as clear workplace goals and assignments, increased engagement, good sleep health and social support may serve as protective factors against suboptimal psychological health, and in‐turn poor workforce retention.Clinical RelevanceNurses reporting conflict in the workplace are three times more likely to screen positive for burnout, depression, and anxiety. Nurses reporting difficulty sleeping are 15 times more likely to screen positive for depression. Several modifiable factors can be targeted to reduce poor psychological health and high workforce turnover among nurses across countries.
Carbon market integration, productivity, and welfare: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Liu Yuying , Wang Yongjin , Li Xiaofan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractChina's carbon market is far from being integrated. This paper studies how carbon emissions reduction and carbon market integration affect China's aggregate productivity and welfare via a quantitative spatial general equilibrium model with as a by‐product of production. We find that (1) were carbon emission rights to be allowed to be traded across regions, (i) if there is no technological growth, China's overall productivity and real GDP would increase by 10.26%, and 27.19% respectively, and welfare would decline slightly by 0.92%; (ii) if the technology grows at the present growth rate, China's total output, real GDP and welfare would increase by 9.97, 38.57, and 7.79%, respectively; (2) were nine regional carbon trading markets integrated, China's overall productivity, real GDP and welfare would increase by 4.35, 29.17, and 7.75%, respectively. Carbon market integration enables China to achieve economic development at a lower cost.
Do you need a chief technology officer? The effect of appointing a CTO on innovation activities in high‐tech new ventures
Authors: Gu Yu , Wang Lihua , Mai Yiyuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTechnological innovation is critical for high‐tech new ventures (HTNVs), and the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has become increasingly crucial in top management teams (TMTs). Drawing upon the upper echelons theory and the attention‐based view of the firm, we examined a sample of 429 HTNVs in China between 2014 and 2019 to test whether and how appointing a CTO and the CTO's characteristics affect the new ventures' innovation activities. The results show that having a CTO position promotes HTNVs' exploratory innovation activities but does not affect exploitative innovation activities. While a longer CTO tenure positively affects exploratory innovation, it hinders exploitative innovation. In addition, a CEO serving as the CTO in a HTNV has a negative effect on exploitative innovation activities but no effect on exploratory innovation activities. This effect is contingent on the CEO's technological background and whether the CEO owns shares in the HTNV. The findings of this study enrich the literature on the upper echelons theory, the attention‐based view, and entrepreneurship and innovation and provide rare empirical evidence on whether and how appointing a CTO, CTO characteristics, and the interaction of CTO characteristics and CEO characteristics affect HTNVs' innovation activities in emerging markets.
Long‐term complications in acute porphyria
Authors: Pischik Elena , Lissing Mattias , Pallet Nicolas , Kauppinen Raili 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNew treatment options and low attack‐related mortality have changed the life expectancy of patients with acute porphyria (AP) to that of the general population. Clinicians should therefore be aware of the long‐term complications of AP, which typically include chronic neuropathy and encephalopathy, high blood pressure and porphyria‐associated kidney disease. Patients have an increased risk of primary liver cancer (PLC), but no increased risk of non‐hepatic cancers. Chronic pain occurs in patients with recurrent attacks, combined with chronic fatigue and nausea, leading to poor quality of life. Patients with sporadic attacks may also have chronic symptoms, which should be distinguished from mild recurrent attacks and treated appropriately. Sequels of acute polyneuropathy after an attack should be distinguished from ongoing chronic polyneuropathy, as the management is different. Overestimation of chronic neuropathy or encephalopathy caused by AP should be avoided, and other causes should be treated accordingly. Prevention of recurrent attacks is the best strategy for managing chronic comorbidities and should be actively accomplished. Hormonal interventions in female patients, or in severe cases, prophylactic givosiran or haematin, may be helpful before liver transplantation to prevent recurrent attacks. Regular monitoring can be personalised according to the patient's age, comorbidities and AP activity. Blood pressure, renal function and cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored annually in patients with previous symptoms. Appropriate medication and lifestyle management, including nutrition and hydration, are necessary to prevent complications. As PLC is common, especially in patients with acute intermittent porphyria, bi‐annual surveillance after the age of 50 is important.
Refractive power profiles of commercially available soft multifocal contact lenses for myopia control
Authors: Dang Rebecca M. , Ehrmann Klaus , Jalbert Isabelle , Hui Alex , Kang Pauline 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeLens power profiles can provide valuable insights on the imposed optical defocus and visual experience of contact lens wearers, especially in the context of myopia control. This study measured the refractive power profiles of multifocal soft contact lenses (MFCLs) currently used or that have the potential for use in myopia control using high spatial resolution aberrometry. The instrument's repeatability for determining MFCLs power profiles was also assessed.MethodThe power profiles of 10 MFCLs of various designs (centre‐distance, centre‐near and extended depth of focus) were measured using the Lambda‐X NIMOEVO, a phase shifting Schlieren‐based device. Power profiles were graphically expressed as measured power at each chord position and the maximum add power was calculated. The repeatability of the NIMOEVO was expressed as the within‐subject standard deviation at each chord position for a subset of five MFCLs.ResultsThe measured distance powers differed from nominal powers for more than half of the MFCLs with a definable distance zone. There were variations in the chord position of the distance and near correction zones, rate of power transitions and calculated maximum add between the MFCLs which did not depend on lens design. For half of the MFCLs, the power profile shape was inconsistent between different nominal back vertex powers of the same design. The repeatability of the NIMOEVO was dependent on the lens design, with designs featuring faster rates of power change exhibiting worse repeatability.ConclusionsSignificant differences in MFCL power profiles were found which were not adequately represented in labelling. This is likely due to the small number of parameters used to define lens power characteristics. Eye health care practitioners should be aware of potential differences in power profiles between different MFCLs, which will impact the retinal defocus introduced during lens wear and the wearer's visual experience.
A retrospective observational cohort study of the anesthetic management and outcomes of pediatric patients with Alexander disease undergoing lumbar puncture or magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Berger Jessica A. , Simpao Allan F. , Dubow Scott R. , McClung Heather A. , Liu Geraldine W. , Waldman Amy T. , Drum Elizabeth T. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlexander disease is a rare, progressive leukodystrophy, which predisposes patients to complications under general anesthesia due to clinical manifestations including developmental delay, seizures, dysphagia, vomiting, and sleep apnea. However, study of anesthetic outcomes is limited.AimsOur aim was to describe patient characteristics, anesthetic techniques, and anesthesia‐related complications for Alexander disease patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging and/or lumbar puncture at a quaternary‐care children's hospital.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of anesthetic outcomes in patients with Alexander disease enrolled in a prospective observational study. Included patients had diagnosed Alexander disease and underwent magnetic resonance imaging and/or lumbar puncture at our institution. We excluded anesthetics for other procedures or at outside institutions. Collected data included patient characteristics, anesthetic techniques, medications, and complications under anesthesia and in the subsequent 24 h. We performed descriptive statistics as appropriate.ResultsForty patients undergoing 64 procedures met inclusion criteria. Fifty‐six procedures (87.5%) required general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and eight (12.5%) did not. The general anesthesia/MAC group tended to be younger than nonanesthetized patients (median age 6 years [IQR 3.8; 9] vs. 14.5 years [IQR 12.8; 17.5]). In both groups, dysphagia (78.6% vs. 87.5%, respectively), seizures (62.5% vs. 25%), and recurrent vomiting (17.9% vs. 25%) were frequently reported preprocedure symptoms. Inhalational induction was common (N = 48; 85.7%), and two (3.6%) underwent rapid sequence induction. Serious complications were rare, with no aspiration or seizures. Hypotension resolving with ephedrine occurred in eight cases (14.3%). One patient each (1.8%) experienced postprocedure emergence agitation or vomiting. Fifty‐three (94.6%) were ambulatory procedures. No inpatients required escalation in acuity of care.ConclusionsIn this single‐center study, patients with Alexander disease did not experience frequent or irreversible complications while undergoing general anesthesia/MAC. Co‐morbid symptoms were not increased postanesthesia. Some patients may not require anesthesia to complete short procedures.
True Love Is Reciprocal: Thomas Aquinas on the Love of Friendship
Authors: Kintz James 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOne of the most important topics that Thomas Aquinas discusses in his extensive corpus is the love of friendship, which is a unique form of love aimed at persons. Yet Aquinas's teachings on this are perplexing, for he claims that this love always produces union between lover and beloved, and that it is always a mutual love. This implies that one's love depends on reciprocation from the beloved, which seems implausible given the possibility of phenomena such as unrequited love. A common interpretation of Aquinas's account of the love of friendship maintains that it is enough that one desires union and mutuality for such love to obtain even if such desires remain unrealized, but in this paper I reject this reading and argue that achieving union and mutuality is essential to this form of love. This novel interpretation ultimately reveals that the love of friendship is an intrinsically interpersonal act.
A data‐driven and cost‐oriented FMEA–MCDM approach to risk assessment and ranking in a fuzzy environment: A hydraulic pump factory case study
Authors: Shakibaei Hossein , Seifi Saba , Zhuang Jun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn today's highly competitive business environment, firms strive to maximize profitability by minimizing or eliminating disruptions and failures to maintain a competitive edge. This study focuses on evaluating risks in a hydraulic pump factory as a means to achieve sustainable growth. To accomplish this, a team of experts was formed to identify potential errors, utilizing a combination of risk priority number criteria weighted by Fuzzy Shannon's entropy and a fusion of multi‐criteria decision‐making and failure mode and effects analysis for evaluating and ranking failures. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of considering the interaction among risk assessment indicators, the inclusion of cost of failure, and modeling under fuzzy uncertainty circumstances, as they have a notable impact on the final ranking of failures to be processed for risk mitigation action planning. This research brings a new dimension to enhance the overall effectiveness of risk assessment by aggregation, as evidenced by a novel use of data classification in machine learning and correlation in statistics. The findings indicate that the aggregated ranking data series is best matched and most influenced by the weighted aggregated sum product assessment method, with the highest rate of recall and precision accomplished.
Exploring ‘Alternatives' in the Consumer Credit Market: Community Development Finance Institutions in the United Kingdom
Authors: Magli Elena , Mazzei Micaela , Biosca Olga , McHugh Neil 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we use the concept of ‘alterity’ to explore the hallmarks and transformative potential of Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) in the UK consumer credit market. By providing small, short‐term personal loans to individuals on low incomes (i.e. microcredit), these lenders act as an alternative to exploitative forms of subprime lending, which have proliferated as a consequence of cuts in welfare state provision and growing income insecurity. In‐depth interviews (n = 23) were conducted with lenders and stakeholders and a typology of ‘alternatives' was developed in relation to the clients of CDFIs and their role in the consumer credit market. Our contribution to knowledge is twofold: We provide a nuanced picture of ‘alterity’ in finance, finding that CDFIs embody multiple ‘alterities' at the same time, and we extend the conversation about alternative and sustainable finance to the consumer credit market, which is an overlooked, yet critical, area.
Transthoracic echocardiography is a simple tool for size matching in cardiac xenotransplantation
Authors: Mokelke Maren , Bender Martin , Reichart Bruno , Neumann Elisabeth , Radan Julia , Buttgereit Ines , Ayares David , Wolf Eckhard , Brenner Paolo , Abicht Jan‐Michael , Längin Matthias 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative size matching is essential for both allogeneic and xenogeneic heart transplantation. In preclinical pig‐to‐baboon xenotransplantation experiments, porcine donor organs are usually matched to recipients by using indirect parameters, such as age and total body weight. For clinical use of xenotransplantation, a more precise method of size measurement would be desirable to guarantee a “perfect match.” Here, we investigated the use of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and described a new method to estimate organ size prior to xenotransplantation.MethodsHearts from n = 17 genetically modified piglets were analyzed by TTE and total heart weight (THW) was measured prior to xenotransplantation into baboons between March 2018 and April 2022. Left ventricular (LV) mass was calculated according to the previously published method by Devereux et al. and a newly adapted formula. Hearts from n = 5 sibling piglets served as controls for the determination of relative LV and right ventricular (RV) mass. After explantation, THW and LV and RV mass were measured.ResultsTHW correlated significantly with donor age and total body weight. The strongest correlation was found between THW and LV mass calculated by TTE. Compared to necropsy data of the control piglets, the Devereux formula underestimated both absolute and relative LV mass, whereas the adapted formula yielded better results. Combining the adapted formula and the relative LV mass data, THW can be predicted with TTE.ConclusionsWe demonstrate reliable LV mass estimation by TTE for size matching prior to xenotransplantation. An adapted formula provides more accurate results of LV mass estimation than the generally used Devereux formula in the xenotransplantation setting. TTE measurement of LV mass is superior for the prediction of porcine heart sizes compared to conventional parameters such as age and total body weight.
Exploring roles of the chitinase ChiC in modulating
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence phenotypes
Authors: Edvardsen Per Kristian Thorén , Askarian Fatemeh , Zurich Raymond , Nizet Victor , Vaaje-Kolstad Gustav 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Chitinases are ubiquitous enzymes involved in biomass degradation and chitin turnover in nature.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(PA), an opportunistic human pathogen, expresses ChiC, a secreted glycoside hydrolase 18 family chitinase. Despite speculation about ChiC’s role in PA disease pathogenesis, there is scant evidence supporting this hypothesis. Since PA cannot catabolize chitin, we investigated the potential function(s) of ChiC in PA pathophysiology. Our findings show that ChiC exhibits activity against both insoluble (α- and β-chitin) and soluble chitooligosaccharides. Enzyme kinetics toward (GlcNAc)
4
revealed a
k
cat
of 6.50 s
−1
and a
K
M
of 1.38 mM, the latter remarkably high for a canonical chitinase. In our label-free proteomics investigation, ChiC was among the most abundant proteins in the Pel biofilm, suggesting a potential contribution to PA biofilm formation. Using an intratracheal challenge model of PA pneumonia, the
chiC
::ISphoA/hah transposon insertion mutant paradoxically showed slightly increased virulence compared to the wild-type parent strain. Our results indicate that ChiC is a genuine chitinase that contributes to a PA pathoadaptive pathway.

IMPORTANCE

In addition to performing chitin degradation, chitinases from the glycoside hydrolase 18 family have been found to play important roles during pathogenic bacterial infection.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. Despite not being able to grow on chitin, the bacterium produces a chitinase (ChiC) with hitherto unknown function. This study describes an in-depth characterization of ChiC, focusing on its potential contribution to the bacterium’s disease-causing ability. We demonstrate that ChiC can degrade both polymeric chitin and chitooligosaccharides, and proteomic analysis of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilm revealed an abundance of ChiC, hinting at a potential role in biofilm formation. Surprisingly, a mutant strain incapable of ChiC production showed higher virulence than the wild-type strain. While ChiC appears to be a genuine chitinase, further investigation is required to fully elucidate its contribution to
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence, an important task given the evident health risk posed by this bacterium.