bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incremental implementation concept for healthy eating habits in German school with kiosk
Authors: Bauer Monika , Morlock Gertrud E. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
School kiosk offerings play a crucial role in the dietary behavior of students. The importance of healthy meals in schools is emphasized again and again, but there is a lack of practical implementation and literature data on kiosk offers and acceptance. This study aimed to analyze the reasons and improve the situation.

Design/methodology/approach
Individual nutrition knowledge and behavior as well as purchasing behavior at a typical kiosk scenario at schools were collected. Based on the outcome, a concept for improving the school kiosk offerings according to the quality standard of the German Nutrition Society was developed. Many obstacles and challenges had to be overcome in the transition to healthier offerings and their implementation. In the course of these changes, the creation of a new feel-good cafeteria lounge was deemed necessary and finally realized.

Findings
A large percentage of the school kiosk offerings did not meet the desires of the school community. Opportunities to improve the school kiosk service were identified. The skillful planning of structural changes towards healthy food offers and warm meals on two weekdays made it possible to implement the official nutrition standards for healthier meals at school kiosks, despite long-term challenges for food providers.

Originality/value
After a critical analysis of the reasons for the lack of politically desired standards for healthier meals at school kiosks, a new implementation culture is presented and was successfully applied to overcome barriers and challenges through an incremental-dynamic concept strategy with iterative cooperation between the actors of food service providers, school administration, school management, teachers and students.
May changes in nutritional habits be an indicator of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic period?
Authors: Başmısırlı Eda , Çapar Aslı Gizem , Kaya Neşe , Durmuş Hasan , Aykut Mualla , İnanç Neriman 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety levels of adults on their nutritional status during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kayseri province, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 898 adults consisting of 479 individuals with and 419 individuals without a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. The individuals’ socio-demographic characteristics, health status, nutritional habits, anthropometric measurement and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) information were obtained online.

Findings
The mean FCV-19S score of the participants was 17.49 ± 6.02. FCV-19S score was higher in those who reduced their consumption of protein sources compared to those who did not change and those who increased (p < 0.001). It was determined that FCV-19S scores of participants who increased their consumption of fruit/vegetables, sweets and sugar were higher than those who did not change their consumption of such items (p = 0.007). The FCV-19S scores of individuals who did not change their onion/garlic and snack consumption were lower than those who decreased or increased the consumption of these nutrients (p = 0.001, p = 0.002).

Practical implications
Education programs can be organized especially targeting vulnerable populations, such as women, individuals with chronic diseases and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. These programs can be conducted by dietitians and psychologists in collaboration, focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and coping strategies during stressful times.

Originality/value
It was determined that those who changed their nutrition habits during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher fear levels than those who did not. Individuals with high fear paid more attention to healthy nutrition than individuals without fear.
Herding behaviour surrounding the Russo–Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from energy, metal, livestock and grain commodities
Authors: Mohamad Azhar 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study examines herding behaviour in commodity markets amid two major global upheavals: the Russo–Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachBy analysing 18 commodity futures worldwide, the study examines herding trends in metals, livestock, energy and grains sectors. The applied methodology combines static and dynamic approaches by incorporating cross-sectional absolute deviations (CSAD) and a time-varying parameter (TVP) regression model extended by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to adequately reflect the complexity of herding behaviour in different market scenarios.FindingsOur results show clear differences in herd behaviour during these crises. The Russia–Ukraine war led to relatively subdued herding behaviour in commodities, suggesting a limited impact of geopolitical turmoil on collective market behaviour. In stark contrast, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly amplified herding behaviour, particularly in the energy and livestock sectors.Originality/valueThis discrepancy emphasises the different impact of a health crisis versus a geopolitical conflict on market dynamics. This study makes an important contribution to the existing literature as it is one of the first studies to contrast herding behaviour in commodity markets during these two crises. Our results show that not all crises produce comparable market reactions, which underlines the importance of the crisis context when analysing financial market behaviour.
Manifestations of loan growth – profitability and non-performing loans – a study of the Indian banking sector
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Bansal Rohit 
Published: June 2024

PurposeAfter half a decade of balance sheet clean-up prompted by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) asset quality review (AQR), Indian banks are back on track for increased loan growth. Being a financial vehicle for the economy, loan growth cannot be put on hold for a long period of time. But it is also important to understand that loan growth carries an inherent risk of default. A trade-off exists between loan growth, non-performing loans (NPLs) and bank profitability. Our study highlights the importance of understanding this relationship.Design/methodology/approachFor our study, we have taken a sample of India’s private and public sector banks. The dataset consists of the financials of our sample for the period 2006–2021. Two-step differenced generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) estimation has been used to establish the relationship. The mediating role of NPLs in the relationship between loan growth and profitability is examined by the mediation analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) and the Sobel test. We have used Stata 16.1 for the analysis of our dataset.FindingsThe findings of our study suggest that bank lending is a major contributor to the bank’s earnings. Loan growth after a certain point has a negative impact on profitability, and it also adds to the NPLs of the bank. The study result indicates that moderate loan growth is key to steady and stable growth in the Indian banking industry.Practical implicationsOur study is directed toward understanding the positive and negative manifestations of loan growth. We develop a framework to understand this relationship and then empirically prove it. The study is beneficial for employees and policymakers alike to minimize the negative impact of loan growth.Originality/valueThe issue of the simultaneous impact of loan growth on NPLs and profitability has not been studied in the Indian banking sector. Also, this study adds to the present literature by studying the mediation effect of the NPLs on the loan growth and profitability relationship.
The efficiency of China's export trade with Africa and its influence mechanism
Authors: Chen Weibing , Wu Bian , Guo Qing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper calculates the trade efficiency of China's exports to Africa by considering trade inefficiency factors, such as Chinese aid to Africa and Chinese contracted projects. Based on a stochastic frontier gravity model and data for China's exports to 38 African countries from 2010 to 2020, this study draws the following conclusions. First, trade inefficiencies, such as China's aid and contracted projects, play a positive role in promoting China's export trade to Africa. Second, the efficiency of China's export trade to Africa varies significantly in different regions, among which countries with high export trade efficiency are concentrated in North and South Africa. Third, the trade potential and trade expansion space of China's exports to Africa vary significantly among different product sectors, which provides much space for promoting trade policy. We highlight that China's government should develop differentiated regional trade policies due to regional heterogeneity in terms of export trade efficiency between China and African countries.
Risk assessment for hypocalcemia in therapeutic apheresis for kidney transplantation
Authors: Okwuonu Chimezie Godswill , Shah Monarch , Rafique Iram , Abdelrazeq Abdallah Saleh , Dumor Korshie , Balogun Rasheed A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe increase in the number of kidney transplants performed in the United States has been paralleled with an increase in the utilization of therapeutic apheresis (TA) for kidney transplant indications. Hypocalcemia remains a significant contributor to the adverse event in TA. The magnitude of hypocalcemia and its risk factors are scarcely discussed in literature.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort review of adults from 18 years and above who received TA for kidney transplant‐related indications from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Data extracted included basic demographics, indication for apheresis, procedure characteristics, serum ionized calcium at the mid and end of procedure and serum creatinine at the beginning of apheresis, and so forth.ResultsData from 131 patients and 860 sessions of TA were analyzed. Antibody‐mediated rejection (69%) and recurrent FSGS (15%) were the leading indications for TA. There were 60 (7%) TA sessions complicated by hypocalcemia. Of these, 53 (88%) occurred in the first session, 5 (8%) occurred in second session while 2 (4%) occurred in the third and subsequent sessions. Female sex, elevated serum creatinine and use of fresh frozen plasma‐ are the risk factors for hypocalcemia with odd's ratio of 2.34, 7.42, and 5.01, respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that elevated serum creatinine at the commencement of therapy is an independent predictor of hypocalcemia (adjusted odd's ratio = 3.31, p = 0.001).ConclusionHypocalcemia is prevalent in this study. Clinical vigilance and tailored procedure will avert adverse consequences.
Identification and molecular docking of xanthine oxidase and α‐glucosidase inhibitors in Opuntia ficus‐indica fruit
Authors: Wang Huixian , Zhou Xiaolu , Liu Yixuan , Xie Wenxuan , Yang Derui , Huo Dongxue , Guo Quan , Wang Ruimin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOpuntia ficus‐indica fruit (OFI) is rich in bioactive compounds, which can promote human health. In this work, the purified OFI extract was prepared from OFI and its bioactivities were investigated. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) and α‐glucosidase (α‐Glu) inhibitors of the purified OFI extract were screened and identified by bio‐affinity ultrafiltration combined with UPLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS technology. The inhibitory effect of these inhibitors on enzymes were verified, and the potential mechanism of action and binding sites of inhibitors with enzymes were revealed based on molecular docking. The results showed that the total phenolic content of the purified OFI extract was 355.03 mg GAE/g DW, which had excellent antioxidant activity. Additionally, the extract had a certain inhibitory effect on XOD (IC50 = 199.00 ± 0.14 µg/mL) and α‐Glu (IC50 = 159.67 ± 0.01 µg/mL). Seven XOD inhibitors and eight α‐Glu inhibitors were identified. Furthermore, XOD and α‐Glu inhibition experiments in vitro confirmed that inhibitors such as chlorogenic acid, taxifolin, and naringenin had significant inhibitory effects on XOD and α‐Glu. The molecular docking results indicated that inhibitors could bind to the corresponding enzymes and had strong binding force. These findings demonstrate that OFI contains potential substances for the treatment of hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia.
Drinking patterns among US men and women: Racial and ethnic differences from adolescence to early midlife
Authors: Tam Christina C. , Li Libo , Lui Camillia K. , Cook Won Kim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDrinking patterns among young adult men and women in the United States have been understudied, especially among racial and ethnic groups such as Asian Americans and Hispanics. Because alcohol‐related racial and ethnic health disparities persist or increase in midlife, identifying peak ages of hazardous drinking could help to reduce disparities.MethodsWe used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to examine: (1) past 12‐month heavy episodic drinking (HED) and total alcohol volume consumption among non‐Hispanic White (NHW), Black, Hispanic, and Asian men and women from ages 12 through 41, and (2) age‐varying associations of race and ethnicity with drinking. Hispanic and Asian ethnic groups were disaggregated by historical drinking patterns. Time‐varying effect models accounted for major demographic confounders.ResultsNHW men and women experienced elevated drinking rates in their early 20s, with a second elevation in their 30s. Black men and women did not have elevated drinking until their 30s. Among Hispanic men and women, peak drinking periods varied by gender and subgroup drinking pattern. Peak HED and total consumption emerged in the early 30s for Asian men, while peak HED occurred in the early 20s for Asian women. Drinking at certain ages for some racial and ethnic minoritized men and women did not differ from that in their NHW counterparts.ConclusionsAge periods during which subgroups in the U.S. population experience elevated alcohol consumption vary by ethnicity and gender. Recognition of these group differences could enhance our understanding of intervention timing.
Unplanned hospital readmissions following HeartMate 3 implantation: Readmission rates, causes, and impact on survival
Authors: Shih Hueyjong , Mondellini Giulio M. , Kurlansky Paul A. , Sun Jocelyn , Ning Yuming , Feldman Vivian R. , Tiburcio Melie , Maguire Conor W. , Ladanyi Annamaria , Clerkin Kevin , Naka Yoshifumi , Sayer Gabriel T. , Uriel Nir , Colombo Paolo C. , Takeda Koji , Yuzefpolskaya Melana 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundHospital readmissions following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remain a frequent comorbidity, associated with decreased quality of life and increased resources utilization. This study sought to determine causes, predictors, and impact on survival of hospitalizations during HeartMate 3 (HM3) support.MethodsAll patients implanted with HM3 between November 2014 to December 2019 at Columbia University Irving Medical Center were consecutively enrolled in the study. Demographics and clinical characteristics from the index admission and the first outpatient visit were collected and used to estimate 1‐year and 900‐day readmission‐free survival and overall survival. Multivariable analysis was performed for subsequent readmissions.ResultsOf 182 patients who received a HM3 LVAD, 167 (92%) were discharged after index admission and experienced 407 unplanned readmissions over the median follow up of 727 (interquartile range (IQR): 410.5, 1124.5) days. One‐year and 900‐day mean cumulative number of all‐cause unplanned readmissions was 0.43 (95%CI, 0.36, 0.51) and 1.13 (95%CI, 0.99, 1.29). The most frequent causes of rehospitalizations included major infections (29.3%), bleeding (13.2%), device‐related (12.5%), volume overload (7.1%), and other (28%). One‐year and 900‐day survival free from all‐cause readmission was 38% (95%CI, 31–46%) and 16.6% (95%CI, 10.3–24.4%). One‐year and 900‐day freedom from 2, 3, and ≥4 readmissions were 60.7%, 74%, 74.5% and 26.2%, 33.3%, 41.3%. One‐year and 900‐day survival were unaffected by the number of readmissions and remained >90%. Male sex, ischemic etiology, diabetes, lower serum creatinine, longer duration of index hospitalization, and a history of readmission between discharge and the first outpatient visit were associated with subsequent readmissions.ConclusionsUnplanned hospital readmissions after HM3 are common, with infections and bleeding accounting for the majority of readmissions. Irrespective of the number of readmissions, one‐year survival remained unaffected.
GABAergic neurons of anterior thalamic reticular nucleus regulate states of consciousness in propofol‐ and isoflurane‐mediated general anesthesia
Authors: Yi Rulan , Chen Shiyu , Zhong Fuwang , Luo Dan , You Ying , Yu Tian , Wang Haiying , Zhou Liang , Zhang Yu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe thalamus system plays critical roles in the regulation of reversible unconsciousness induced by general anesthetics, especially the arousal stage of general anesthesia (GA). But the function of thalamus in GA‐induced loss of consciousness (LOC) is little known. The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is the only GABAergic neurons‐composed nucleus in the thalamus, which is composed of parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST)‐expressing GABAergic neurons. The anterior sector of TRN (aTRN) is indicated to participate in the induction of anesthesia, but the roles remain unclear. This study aimed to reveal the role of the aTRN in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia.MethodsWe first set up c‐Fos straining to monitor the activity variation of aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons during propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. Subsequently, optogenetic tools were utilized to activate aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons to elucidate the roles of aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and behavioral tests were recorded and analyzed. Lastly, chemogenetic activation of the aTRNPV neurons was applied to confirm the function of the aTRN neurons in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia.Resultsc‐Fos straining showed that both aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons are activated during the LOC period of propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. Optogenetic activation of aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons promoted isoflurane induction and delayed the recovery of consciousness (ROC) after propofol and isoflurane anesthesia, meanwhile chemogenetic activation of the aTRNPV neurons displayed the similar effects. Moreover, optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of the aTRN neurons resulted in the accumulated burst suppression ratio (BSR) during propofol and isoflurane GA, although they represented different effects on the power distribution of EEG frequency.ConclusionOur findings reveal that the aTRN GABAergic neurons play a critical role in promoting the induction of propofol‐ and isoflurane‐mediated GA.
PD‐L1 regulates tumor proliferation and T‐cell function in NF2‐associated meningiomas
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Chao , Yan Minjun , Ma Xin , Song Lairong , Wang Bo , Li Peng , Liu Pinan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionProgrammed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression is an immune evasion mechanism that has been demonstrated in many tumors and is commonly associated with a poor prognosis. Over the years, anti‐PD‐L1 agents have gained attention as novel anticancer therapeutics that induce durable tumor regression in numerous malignancies. They may be a new treatment choice for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients.AimsThe aims of this study were to detect the expression of PD‐L1 in NF2‐associated meningiomas, explore the effect of PD‐L1 downregulation on tumor cell characteristics and T‐cell functions, and investigate the possible pathways that regulate PD‐L1 expression to further dissect the possible mechanism of immune suppression in NF2 tumors and to provide new treatment options for NF2 patients.ResultsPD‐L1 is heterogeneously expressed in NF2‐associated meningiomas. After PD‐L1 knockdown in NF2‐associated meningioma cells, tumor cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, and the apoptosis rate was elevated. When T cells were cocultured with siPD‐L1‐transfected NF2‐associated meningioma cells, the expression of CD69 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was partly reversed, and the capacity of CD8+ T cells to kill siPD‐L1‐transfected tumor cells was partly restored. Results also showed that the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway regulates PD‐L1 expression, and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rapidly and persistently suppresses PD‐L1 expression. In vivo experimental results suggested that anti‐PD‐L1 antibody may have a synergetic effect with the mTOR inhibitor in reducing tumor cell proliferation and that reduced PD‐L1 expression could contribute to antitumor efficacy.ConclusionsTargeting PD‐L1 could be helpful for restoring the function of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and inducing apoptosis to inhibit tumor proliferation in NF2‐associated meningiomas. Dissecting the mechanisms of the PD‐L1‐driven tumorigenesis of NF2‐associated meningioma will help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor progression and could facilitate further refinement of current therapies to improve the treatment of NF2 patients.
Education needs in palliative care and advance care planning of Italian residents in neurology: an online survey
Authors: Bombaci Alessandro , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Pucci Eugenio , Solari Alessandra , Veronese Simone ,   the Società Italiana di Neurologia–Società Italiana di Cure Palliative Intersociety Table
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeMost neurological diseases have a chronic and progressive clinical course, with patients living for extended periods with complex healthcare needs. Evidence from other countries suggests that palliative care (PC) is insufficiently integrated in the care of these patients. This study aims to identify PC and advance care planning (ACP) knowledge and the perceived preparedness of Italian residents in neurology.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional online survey of physicians attending the 36 Italian neurology residency programmes.ResultsOf 854 residents, 188 (22%) participated. Their mean age was 28.4 ± 2.0 years; 49% were women; 45% were from the north, 23% from the centre and 32% from the south of Italy. Few residents (6%) reported that a teaching course in PC was part of the graduate programme, and 3% of the postgraduate programme. During their residency, 9% of participants received PC training, and 18% ACP training. Only 13% reported to have participated in the ACP process, half within their neurology residency programme. Residents considered PC support very/extremely important in all the pre‐specified clinical situations, with values ranging between 78% and 96%. Over 70% of residents revealed education needs, particularly concerning ACP.ConclusionsOur data confirm the need for improving PC training in the graduate and postgraduate curriculum. This, together with collaboration and joint training of neurology and PC, is essential to improve the quality and continuity of care and respond to the complex needs of people with neurological disorders causing severe disability.