bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UROMODULIN AND RISK OF UPPER URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: A MENDELIAN RANDOMIZATION STUDY
Authors: Liyanarachi Kristin Vardheim , Flatby Helene , Hallan Stein , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Damås Jan Kristian , Rogne Tormod 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundObservational studies have suggested that uromodulin, produced by the kidneys, may reduce the risk of upper urinary tract infections, but are limited by potential confounding. To address this concern, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to explore this association.MethodsWe identified uncorrelated (r2< 0.01) single nucleotide polymorphisms strongly associated (p<5 × 10−6) with urinary and serum uromodulin from two genome-wide association studies. Both studies accounted for kidney function. Genetic associations for the risk of upper urinary tract infections were extracted from an independent genome-wide association study. Inverse-variance weighted and sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsThe study included 29,315 and 13,956 participants with measured urinary and serum uromodulin, respectively, and 3,873 and 512,608 subjects with and without upper urinary tract infections. A one standard deviation increase in genetically predicted urinary uromodulin was associated with an odds ratio for upper urinary tract infections of 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.67 to 0.95, p = 0.01). For serum uromodulin, a one standard deviation increase was associated with an odds ratio of 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.89 to 1.01, p = 0.12). The results were consistent across sensitivity analyses.ConclusionIn this two-sample mendelian randomization study we found that increased levels of genetically predicted urinary uromodulin were associated with a reduced risk of upper urinary tract infections. A similar trend was observed for serum uromodulin. Our findings align with results from traditional observational studies which together support that uromodulin may have a protective role against upper urinary tract infections
Evaluating the Performance of ChatGPT-4o Vision Capabilities on Image-Based USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 Examination Questions
Authors: Gajjar Avi A. , Valluri Harshitha , Prabhala Tarun , Custozzo Amanda , Boulos Alan S , Dalfino John C. , Field Nicholas C. , Paul Alexandra R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionArtificial intelligence (AI) has significant potential in medicine, especially in diagnostics and education. ChatGPT has achieved levels comparable to medical students on text-based USMLE questions, yet there’s a gap in its evaluation on image-based questions.MethodsThis study evaluated ChatGPT-4’s performance on image-based questions from USMLE Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3. A total of 376 questions, including 54 image-based, were tested using an image-captioning system to generate descriptions for the images.ResultsThe overall performance of ChatGPT-4 on USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 was evaluated using 376 questions, including 54 with images. The accuracy was 85.7% for Step 1, 92.5% for Step 2, and 86.9% for Step 3. For image-based questions, the accuracy was 70.8% for Step 1, 92.9% for Step 2, and 62.5% for Step 3. In contrast, text-based questions showed higher accuracy: 89.5% for Step 1, 92.5% for Step 2, and 90.1% for Step 3. Performance dropped significantly for difficult image-based questions in Steps 1 and 3 (p=0.0196 and p=0.0020 respectively), but not in Step 2 (p=0.9574). Despite these challenges, the AI’s accuracy on image-based questions exceeded the passing rate for all three exams.ConclusionsChatGPT-4 can handle image-based USMLE questions above the passing rate, showing promise for its use in medical education and diagnostics. Further development is needed to improve its direct image processing capabilities and overall performance.
Spontaneous cerebrovascular reactivity at rest in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment and memory deficits
Authors: Engstrom Allison C , Alitin John Paul , Kapoor Arunima , Dutt Shubir , Lohman Trevor , Sible Isabel J , Marshall Anisa J , Shenasa Fatemah , Gaubert Aimée , Ferrer Farrah , Nguyen Amy , Bradford David Robert , Rodgers Kathleen , Sordo Lorena , Head Elizabeth , Shao Xingfeng , Wang Danny JJ , Nation Daniel A 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundOlder adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibit deficits in cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), suggesting CVR is a biomarker for vascular contributions to MCI. This study examined if spontaneous CVR is associated with MCI and memory impairment.Methods161 older adults free of dementia or major neurological/psychiatric disorders were recruited. Participants underwent clinical interviews, cognitive testing, venipuncture for Alzheimer’s biomarkers, and brain MRI. Spontaneous CVR was quantified during 5 minutes of rest.ResultsWhole brain CVR was negatively associated with age, but not MCI. Lower CVR in the parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) was found in participants with MCI and was linked to worse memory performance on memory tests. Results remained significant after adjusting for Alzheimer’s biomarkers and vascular risk factors.ConclusionSpontaneous CVR deficits in the PHG are observed in older adults with MCI and memory impairment, indicating medial temporal microvascular dysfunction’s role in cognitive decline.
HIV self-testing and its associated factors among young university students: A cross-sectional study in a Public University in Uganda
Authors: Nambi Winnie , Nabirye Rose Chalo , Nakato Gloria , Aleni Mary , Epuitai Joshua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionUptake of HIV testing services is sub-optimal among young adults. HIV self-testing offers opportunities to improve uptake of HIV testing services among young adults. The study was conducted to determine preferences of HIV testing, uptake of HIV self-testing and the factors associated with HIV-self testing among young adults.MethodsThe study was a descriptive cross-sectional design. A self-administered questionnaire for data collection. We interviewed 384 university students to collect information about HIV testing and their preferences. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with HIV self-testing. The study obtained ethical clearance from the Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Research and Ethics Committee.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 24 (interquartile range: 22-28). Uptake of HIV self-testing was 55% among young adults. Similarly, 56% of the young adults preferred HIV self-testing over facility-based HIV testing in the future. Privacy (46%), confidentiality (7%) and convenience (32%) were the most common reasons given for preferring HIV self-testing. Participants who preferred to test in the healthcare facility cited preference for counselling services (21%) and the perception that the HIV test results from the healthcare facility were more accurate (37%), credible and trustworthy (21%). HIV self-testing was significantly associated with several factors: increasing age (95% CI: 0.89 (0.80-0.98)), fourth year of study (95%CI: 2.90 (1.01-8.31), students of anaesthesia program (95% CI: 0.40 (0.17-0.95), Muslim religion (95% CI: 0. 07 (0.01-0.41), consistent use of condoms (95% CI: 0.36 (0.15-0.88), and having multiple sexual partners (95% CI: 3.22 (1.49-7.00).ConclusionYoung adults preferred HIV self-testing over provider-based testing in the health facility. This preference was related to privacy, confidentiality and convenience. Addressing concerns about accuracy of test results in HIV self-testing and need for counselling services may improve uptake of HIV self-testing among young adults.
Validation of optimised methods for avian influenza virus isolation in specific pathogen-free embryonated fowls’ eggs
Authors: Reid Scott M. , Coward Vivien J. , James Joe , Hansen Rowena D. E. , Birch Colin , Bakrania Mayur , Brookes Sharon M. , Brown Ian H. , Banyard Ashley C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe internationally recognised method for diagnosis of avian influenza (AI) is virus isolation (VI) in specific pathogen-free embryonated fowls’ eggs (EFEs). In Great Britain (GB), AI virus isolation currently involves two passages in EFEs; the first typically of two days duration followed by a second lasting up to four days meaning that premises may remain under restriction for up to six days. Shorter time lengths for AIV isolation were investigated to reduce the time that businesses remain under official restrictions to safely negate AI infection, whilst maintaining test sensitivity. Both experimental inoculations of EFEs and analyses of VI attempts from high pathogenicity (HP) AI disease incursions in GB since 2016 demonstrated that HP viruses were isolated during first passage while for low pathogenicity AI outbreaks, the second passage could be reduced to two days. Power analysis showed that the benefit of reducing the number of days outweighed the risk of missing a positive isolate. This approach will substantially reduce costs to government and industry by releasing restrictions at least two days earlier where samples are negative for viral nucleic acid. Critically, it will reduce welfare implications of housing birds under restriction and improve international standards without loss of test performance.
BMAL1 represses transposable elements independently of CLOCK in pluripotent cells
Authors: Gallardo Amador , Belmonte-Reche Efres , Marti-Marimon María , Domingo-Reinés Joan , Peris Guillermo , López-Onieva Lourdes , Fernández-Rengel Iván , Tristán-Ramos Pablo , Bellora Nicolas , Sánchez-Pozo Antonio , Estévez Antonio M , Heras Sara R , Marti-Renom Marc A. , Landeira David 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCircadian oscillations of gene transcripts rely on a negative feedback loop executed by the activating BMAL1-CLOCK heterodimer and its negative regulators PER and CRY. Although circadian rhythms and CLOCK protein are mostly absent during embryogenesis, the lack of BMAL1 during prenatal development causes an early aging phenotype during adulthood, suggesting that BMAL1 carries out an unknown non-circadian function during organism development that is fundamental for healthy adult life. Here, we show that BMAL1 interacts with TRIM28 and represses transcription of totipotency-associated MERVL retrotransposons in mouse pluripotent cells. Deletion of Bmal1 leads to genome-wide upregulation of MERVLs, changes in the three-dimensional organization of the genome, and acquisition of totipotency-associated features. Overall, we demonstrate that in pluripotent cells BMAL1 is redeployed as a transcriptional repressor of transposable elements (TEs) in a CLOCK-independent way. We propose that BMAL1-TRIM28 activity during prenatal life is essential for optimal health and life span in mammals.
A low bias method for quantification of Oil Red O staining
Authors: Feldhaus Christian , Piskobulu Veysi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOil Red O (ORO) is a well established dye for assessing the lipid content of nematodes. Previously reported methods for quantifying ORO staining rely on the difference in absorption in the red part of the spectrum wherORO appears transparent and parts of the spectrum where ORO absorbs light. However, several sources of bias and artifacts are usually not accounted for in previously described methods which makes them unsuitable to detect small differences in lipid content. Here we describe a method which relies on filter based acquisition and semi-automatic image processing including e.g. a correction for different background intensities to eliminate several sources of bias in ORO quantification.
The accounting profession in the Twilight Zone: navigating digitalisation's sided challenges through ethical pathways for decision-making
Authors: Tiron-Tudor Adriana , Rodgers Waymond , Deliu Delia 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to explore the sided challenges facing the accounting profession in an advanced digitalised future where humans and robots will collaborate in working teams.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a qualitative approach, the paper conducts a reflexive thematic analysis to identify challenges and associated socio-ethical risks of digitalisation; it then introduces an ethical decision-making model aimed at addressing these challenges.FindingsKey professional accountants’ (PAs) sided challenges refer to autonomy, privacy, balance of power, security, human dignity, non-maleficence and justice, each of them possessing multifaceted dimensions that are interconnected dynamically to create a complex web of socio-ethical risks.Practical implicationsThe ethical decision-making pathways corresponding to each detected challenges provide a useful reference and guideline for PAs in the digitalised future of the profession.Social implicationsUsing an anthropocentric perspective, the research addresses the sided challenges of accounting profession’s accelerated digitalisation; it contributes to fostering accountability and legitimacy of the accounting profession which serves the public interest.Originality/valueBy innovatively intertwining ethical positions with decision-making pathways, the paper offers a potential solution to address digitalisation’s sided challenges that might interfere with practitioners’ professional judgement and identity.
Key antecedents and consequences of blockchain technology adoption in the wine industry: a multiple case study analysis
Authors: Sabbagh Parisa , Crescimanno Maria , Vrontis Demetris , Schimmenti Emanuele , Fiore Mariantonietta , Galati Antonino 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe present study aims to identify the antecedents and consequences of blockchain adoption in the wine industry from the absorptive capacity perspective through a multiple case study approach.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study approach was utilized, wherein data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and secondary sources of information from the five Italian innovative wineries.FindingsThe results show that the dynamic capabilities of wineries and the creation of strategic partnerships are common conditions for the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT). In addition, findings reveal that creating value for all supply chain stakeholders and preventing counterfeit products are the most important consequences of BCT adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThis study fills a gap in the literature by investigating the drivers of BCT technology adoption under two theoretical lenses, Absorptive capacity and Dynamic capability theories, confirming the usefulness of these two theories in explaining the process of innovation adoption.Originality/valueThe originality of our research study lies in its investigation of the antecedents and consequences of BCT adoption in the wine supply chain, focusing specifically on the role of dynamic capabilities, knowledge acquisition and assimilation, strategic partnerships and open interactions with external actors in driving technological innovation and the successful implementation of BCT in the wine industry. By offering empirical data on the drivers and impacts of BCT adoption, as well as theoretical implications for technological innovation and value creation in the wine sector, our study contributes to filling gaps in the existing literature and provides practical insights for wineries and AgTechs seeking to integrate BCT into their business models.
Do competitive strategies affect working capital management efficiency?
Authors: Habib Ahmed Mohamed , Yang Guo-liang , Cui Yuan 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study examines the effects of CLS and DS on companies' WCME and analyses the differences in WCME at company and market levels.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the DEA approach, regression, differences, and additional analyses to achieve its objectives. This study employs 235 non-financial companies and 1,175 company-year observations from eight active industries in the United States from 2016 to 2020.FindingsThe findings indicate that CLS and DS strategies positively influence companies' WCME. Additionally, WCME differed across size categories and industries, with large companies and those operating in the communication services industry showing better WCME. By contrast, WCME did not differ between the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Practical implicationsThis study scrutinizes the impact of CLS and DS strategies on companies' WCME to bridge the gap in this field. It extends the investigation of competitive strategies as explanatory variables for a company's WCME and examines the differences in companies' WCME at the company and market levels, which may assist decision-makers in improving their strategies and efficiencies for continuous improvement.Originality/valueThis study enhances current knowledge by uncovering the influence of CLS and DS strategies on improving companies' WCME, an underexplored topic. It also explores companies' WCME trends and patterns regarding company size, industry type, and the pandemic period to draw interesting conclusions about the essence of WCME.
The relationship between professional moral courage and individual characteristics among emergency medical services providers
Authors: Shokouhi Mohammad Reza , Torabi Mohammad , Salimi Rasoul , Hajiloo Parisa 
Published: June 2024

PurposeEmergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are often faced with a range of ethical dilemmas in their line of work that require moral courage to make a quick and ethical decision. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of professional moral courage (PMC) in EMS providers and its relationship with their demographic characteristics.Design/methodology/approachIn 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 175 EMS providers at the Hamadan Emergency Medical Center. The study utilized an available sampling method. Data was collected using a demographic information form and Sekerka's moral courage questionnaire, which was distributed electronically. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 26 software with descriptive and analytic tests.FindingsAccording to the findings, the average age of the participants was 34.57 ± 3.46 years. The majority of participants were married (50.3%), had work experience ranging from 8 to 14 years (49.7%), and held a degree in emergency medicine (52.6%). The participants displayed a high level of PMC, with an average score of 62.5 ± 8.14. Notably, age, work experience, educational level, and employment status were all found to have a significant relationship with moral courage (p < 0.05) among the demographic characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has a limitation in terms of the sampling method employed, which may impact the generalizability of the results. Another limitation, by a narrow margin, is that the sample size is smaller than what was estimated. Furthermore, using various measurement tools to assess PMC might lead to varying outcomes. Consequently, it is recommended that future research incorporates random sampling and devises a dedicated psychometric instrument to assess the PMC of EMS providers.Originality/valueThe results revealed a positive correlation between work experience and PMC among providers. This can be attributed to the challenges and outcomes they have encountered throughout their careers. Moreover, EMS providers with higher educational qualifications and job stability demonstrated higher levels of moral courage.
Work-life balance, job satisfaction and turnover intentions among nurses
Authors: Gautam Prakash Kumar , Gautam Dhruba Kumar , Bhetuwal Rakshya 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to analyse the role of work–life balance (WLB) experiences and job satisfaction on turnover intentions (TI) among nurses working in private sector hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach
The research followed the analytical research design with a self-administered questionnaire survey using a five-point Likert scale. Responses from 386 nurses working in different positions in private sector hospitals were collected. The collected data were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics using structural equation modelling. Data validation, path coefficient analysis and a mediation effect test were conducted using Smart PLS 4 with a 5% significance level. WLB was examined with three dimensions: work interference with personal life, personal life interference with work and work–personal life enhancement.

Findings
The study established a significant relationship between personal life interference with work and work–personal life enhancement with job satisfaction. Also, the result revealed a significant negative relationship between interferences of WLB and TI. The study also established a partial and full mediation of job satisfaction about two WLB dimensions with TI.

Originality/value
This research suggests emphasizing WLB and job satisfaction to discourage TI. This research can be used by managers and policymakers alike to improve the scenario and take measures accordingly. This study also provides theoretical implications based on the boundary theory.
Microstructure, corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of laser cladded NiTi–xAl2O3 coatings in 3.5%NaCl solution
Authors: Chenglong Yang , Dejun Kong 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Al2O3 mass fraction on the corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of NiTi coating in 3.5% NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach
The NiTi–xAl2O3 coatings were fabricated on S355 steel by laser cladding, and their corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance were investigated using a wear tester and electrochemical workstation, respectively.

Findings
The wear rates of NiTi–5%Al2O3, –10%Al2O3 and –15%Al2O3 coatings are 82.33, 54.23 and 30.10 µm3 mm−1 N−1, respectively, showing that the wear resistance of NiTi–15%Al2O3 coating is the best. The wear mechanism is abrasive wear, which is attributed to the increase of coating hardness by the Al2O3 addition. The polarization resistance of NiTi–5%Al2O3, –10%Al2O3 and –15%Al2O3 coatings is 3,639, 5,125 and 10,024 O cm2, respectively, exhibiting that the NiTi–15% Al2O3 coating has the best corrosion resistance.

Originality/value
The roles of Al2O3 in the corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of NiTi–xAl2O3 coating were revealed through the experimental investigation.

Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0044/
Investigating tax risk’s influence on tax avoidance and debt costs: evidence from France
Authors: Guedrib Mouna , Hamdi Zeineb 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the impact of tax avoidance on the cost of debt. It also investigates the effect of tax risk on the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt.

Design/methodology/approach
Two hypotheses are tested on a sample of nonfinancial French firms listed in the société des Bources Françaises 120 index from 2010 to 2022 using the feasible generalized least squares. To ensure the robustness of the findings, the authors changed the measures of tax avoidance and tax risk and used instrumental variable regression to effectively address concerns related to endogeneity. Additional analysis is conducted to examine if the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt varies based on the magnitude of tax risk.

Findings
The authors found that tax avoidance negatively affects the cost of debt. However, when tax avoidance is associated with a high risk, it impacts positively the cost of debt.

Practical implications
This study’s findings are relevant to firms, creditors and French lawmakers. Creditors must make their decision to grant credit based simultaneously on proxies of tax avoidance and tax risk. Managers must effectively manage tax risks to protect their financial decisions, urging French policymakers to implement new regulations on corporate tax risk management.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to have investigated the joint impact of tax avoidance and tax risk on the cost of debt in the French context.