bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green investments, green returns: exploring the link between ESG factors and financial performance in real estate
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Yang Fan , Colantoni Federico 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe aim of this research paper is to analyze the connection between ESG performance and financial performance within the real estate sector. By focusing on ESG ratings and pillar scores as proxies for ESG performance, the study investigates how these factors impact both profitability and market indicators.Design/methodology/approachWith data sourced from over 680 publicly listed real estate companies, the research employs a fixed effects regression model to analyze the findings. By utilizing this method, the study can assess the impact of governance, environmental and social factors on both the accounting and market performance of real estate companies.FindingsThe outcomes of this study underscore a link between sustainability, particularly environmental aspects and financial performance. However, the study also reveals a contrasting result: governance factors are associated with adverse financial outcomes. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the limitations as the results present a mixed picture with limited significant findings.Practical implicationsCompanies should prioritize improvements in environment to boost profitability, while they should carefully consider the costs and benefits associated with enhancing their governance structure.Originality/valueBy focusing on this industry and adopting a global perspective, the study addresses a gap in the literature. The research’s innovative approach to utilizing ESG ratings and pillar scores as proxies for ESG performance enhances its originality. Furthermore, the research’s identification of the differing impacts of environmental and governance factors on financial outcomes add novel perspectives to the discourse.
Regional cooperative banks, ecosystems and small and medium-sized enterprise financing: the importance of cognitive, social and geographic proximities
Authors: Bezzon Bastien , Labrouche Geoffroy , Levy Rachel 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study analyzes the role of regional cooperative banks in identifying and financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from a proximity perspective. Access to finance is a major challenge for SMEs. Regional cooperative banks can remove this barrier based on cooperative bank's characteristics and geographic proximity to SMEs. Understanding the interplay between these financial actors and firms can contribute to a better support of SMEs development.Design/methodology/approachThe results are based on a case study of eight SMEs located in southwestern France. Interviews were conducted with two regional cooperative funds and eight SMEs. The interview guide included questions related to the company, the projects financed and how financing was accessed.FindingsResults reveal that a combination of three forms of proximity allows regional cooperative banks and SMEs to establish effective financing operations. They show that regional cooperative banks are key players in the existing financing mechanisms for SMEs. Such financing is often used to gain access to larger players at a later stage. The findings suggest the need for public policies that promote the integration of financing actors in regional ecosystems to advance SMEs' development.Originality/valueThis article examines how SMEs access financing, with a focus on regional cooperative banks, which have received little attention in the literature. Moreover, the relationships between these actors are studied through the lens of proximity. Regional cooperative banks are able to finance projects that may have been overlooked by traditional banks due to trust-building local dynamics.
Starting in-house copyright education programs: commonalities and conclusions from two southeastern US academic libraries
Authors: Padron Kristy , Paige Sarah M. 
Published: March 2024

PurposeMany librarians are asked questions about copyright and intellectual property. They may be expected to advise on copyright or provide copyright education as part of their duties. Others may be “voluntold” to take on copyright, which may come as an unexpected addition to their workload. This case study provides suggestions for librarians to increase their copyright knowledge and create copyright education programs.Design/methodology/approachThis case study showcases two copyright education programs created by a librarian in a college and another in a university. The librarians collaborated to learn more about the state of copyright education within academic libraries and explore their commonalities and differences. This case study introduces two copyright education programs and summarizes the state of copyright education within library and information science (LIS) and academic libraries.FindingsThe following themes within the two copyright education programs were identified through a case study: the complexity of copyright, the engagement (or lack thereof) across a college or university, the necessity of including copyright in information literacy instruction and the calls for professional development with copyright.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study covers two differing institutions so its conclusions may not be applicable to all libraries or educational settings.Practical implicationsMany individuals who are in disciplines or occupations that regularly work with copyright may generate ideas for creating and providing continuing education within their organizations.Originality/valueLibrary or education professionals can use the case study’s conclusions to inform and support their ongoing work with teaching and learning about copyright and intellectual property. By doing so, they can better support their students, faculty and institutions.
Nontarget impacts of neonicotinoids on nectar‐inhabiting microbes
Authors: Cecala Jacob M. , Vannette Rachel L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPlant‐systemic neonicotinoid (NN) insecticides can exert non‐target impacts on organisms like beneficial insects and soil microbes. NNs can affect plant microbiomes, but we know little about their effects on microbial communities that mediate plant‐insect interactions, including nectar‐inhabiting microbes (NIMs). Here we employed two approaches to assess the impacts of NN exposure on several NIM taxa. First, we assayed the in vitro effects of six NN compounds on NIM growth using plate assays. Second, we inoculated a standardised NIM community into the nectar of NN‐treated canola (Brassica napus) and assessed microbial survival and growth after 24 h. With few exceptions, in vitro NN exposure tended to decrease bacterial growth metrics. However, the magnitude of the decrease and the NN concentrations at which effects were observed varied substantially across bacteria. Yeasts showed no consistent in vitro response to NNs. In nectar, we saw no effects of NN treatment on NIM community metrics. Rather, NIM abundance and diversity responded to inherent plant qualities like nectar volume. In conclusion, we found no evidence that NIMs respond to field‐relevant NN levels in nectar within 24 h, but our study suggests that context, specifically assay methods, time and plant traits, is important in assaying the effects of NNs on microbial communities.
Preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment and multidisciplinary team input in older people undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery: A feasibility trial
Authors: Mearns Anna , Siu Amanda Tsan Yue , Birdling Melisa , Geddes Thomas , Kenealy Helen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and multidisciplinary team (MDT) input for older people undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery in a tertiary New Zealand setting.MethodsThis single‐centre retrospective study included elective orthopaedic patients older than 65 years (and Māori/Pasifika aged greater than 55 years) with hyperpolypharmacy, frailty, neurocognitive disorders and poor functional status. Patients attended a preoperative clinic where they had a geriatrician‐led CGA along with MDT input. The feasibility of this preoperative model was assessed using outcomes of acceptability, accessibility and adherence. A qualitative description of patient demographics along with clinic assessment and interventions further describes this pilot experience.ResultsSixty patients met inclusion criteria. This group were vulnerable older people (median age 77 years), with a high incidence of hyperpolypharmacy (85%), frailty (80%) and neurocognitive disorders (30%). Acceptability was high (97%), along with CGA accessibility (100%); however, MDT accessibility varied (53–90%). Adherence to MDT intervention was low; with only 26% of patients completing physiotherapy sessions and only 29% adhering to dietary advice. Accurate recall was a significant factor contributing to poor adherence. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was demonstrated to be a broad and flexible intervention.ConclusionsCGA with MDT input is an acceptable and accessible intervention to be utilised as part of improved preoperative care for the older person undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Further consideration around methods to increase adherence in this patient group should be explored. Future research should focus on refining the intervention, and quantifying impact on patient outcomes.
Proof of concept of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Bauch Thomas , Hempel Georg 
Published: March 2024

SummaryPhysiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling is an alternative modelling technique that is increasingly used in pharmacokinetics. Due to its nature, it can be complementarily employed to population pharmacokinetics, especially when it comes to small population size. Here, we report the proof of concept of its application to accurately describe the pharmacokinetics of a recombinant L‐asparaginase in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Data from two randomized, double‐blind, phase II/III clinical studies (MC‐ASP.4/ALL; MC‐ASP.5/ALL) were included to setup and evaluate the final model, respectively. Final population values for basic pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated (clearance: 0.0569 L/h/19.5 kg, volume of distribution: 1.251 L, half‐life: 18.5 h, trough concentration: 140.9 IU/L). Pharmacokinetic parameter prediction as well as predictive performance of the model proofed to be comparable to a separately developed population pharmacokinetic model with 13% deviation in predicted median L‐asparaginase trough levels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first whole‐body PBPK model of a non‐antibody therapeutic protein.
Isolation and usage of exosomes in central nervous system diseases
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Sun Hong , Duan Huijuan , Sheng Gang , Tian Na , Liu Dingyi , Sun Zhaogang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundExosomes are vesicles secreted by all types of mammalian cells. They are characterized by a double‐layered lipid membrane structure. They serve as carriers for a plethora of signal molecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids. Their unique capability of effortlessly crossing the blood–brain barrier underscores their critical role in the progression of various neurological disorders. This includes, but is not limited to, diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ischemic stroke. Establishing stable and mature methods for isolating exosomes is a prerequisite for the study of exosomes and their biomedical significance. The extraction technologies of exosomes include differential centrifugation, density gradient centrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, ultrafiltration, polymer coprecipitation, immunoaffinity capture, microfluidic, and so forth. Each extraction technology has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the extraction standards of exosomes have not been unified internationally.AimsThis review aimed to showcase the recent advancements in exosome isolation techniques and thoroughly compare the advantages and disadvantages of different methods. Furthermore, the significant research progress made in using exosomes for diagnosing and treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases has been emphasized.ConclusionThe varying isolation methods result in differences in the concentration, purity, and size of exosomes. The efficient separation of exosomes facilitates their widespread application, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases.
Benefit of endovascular treatment for primary versus secondary medium vessel occlusion: A multi‐center experience
Authors: Hu Hai‐Zhou , Zhao Yong‐Gang , Liu Xin , Sun Xian‐Hui , Nguyen Thanh N. , Chen Hui‐Sheng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with primary versus secondary medium vessel occlusion (MeVO).MethodsFrom the endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke in the China registry, we collected consecutive patients with MeVO who received EVT. The primary endpoint was a good outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0 to 2 at 90 days.Results154 patients were enrolled in the final analysis, including 74 primary MeVO and 80 secondary MeVO. A good outcome at 90 days was achieved in 42 (56.8%) patients with primary MeVO and 33 (41.3%) patients with secondary MeVO. There was a higher probability of good outcomes in patients with the primary vs secondary MeVO (adjusted odds ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 4.46; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in secondary and safety outcomes between MeVO groups. In the multivariable analysis, baseline ASPECTS (p = 0.001), final modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score (p = 0.01), and any ICH (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with good outcomes in primary MeVO patients, while baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (p = 0.002), groin puncture to recanalization time (p = 0.02), and early neurological improvement (p < 0.001) were factors associated with good outcome in secondary MeVO patients.ConclusionIn MeVO patients who received EVT, there was a higher likelihood of poor outcomes in patients with secondary versus primary MeVO.
Is blue light imaging without magnification satisfactory as screening for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma? Post‐hoc analysis of multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ogata Yohei , Hatta Waku , Koike Tomoyuki , Takahashi So , Matsuhashi Tamotsu , Iwai Wataru , Asonuma Sho , Okata Hideki , Ohyauchi Motoki , Ito Hirotaka , Abe Yasuhiko , Sasaki Yu , Kawamura Masashi , Saito Masahiro , Uno Kaname , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Nakamura Tomohiro , Nakaya Naoki , Iijima Katsunori , Masamune Atsushi 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesNarrow light observation is currently recommended as an alternative to Lugol chromoendoscopy (LCE) to detect esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Studies revealed little difference in sensitivity between the two modalities in expert settings; however, these included small numbers of cases. We aimed to determine whether blue light imaging (BLI) without magnification is satisfactory for preventing misses of ESCC.MethodsThis was a post‐hoc analysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial targeting patients at high risk of ESCC in expert settings. In this study, BLI without magnification followed by LCE was performed. The evaluation parameters included: (i) the diagnostic abilities of ESCC; (ii) the endoscopic characteristics of lesions with diagnostic differences between the two modalities; and (iii) the color difference between cancerous and noncancerous areas in BLI and LCE.ResultsThis study identified ESCC in 49 of 699 cases. Of these cases, nine (18.4%) were missed by BLI but detected by LCE. In per‐patient analysis, the sensitivity of BLI was lower than that of LCE following BLI (83.7% vs. 100.0%; P = 0.013), whereas the specificity and accuracy of BLI were higher (88.2% vs. 81.2%; P < 0.001 and 87.8% vs. 82.5%; P < 0.001, respectively). No significant endoscopic characteristics were identified, but the color difference was lower in BLI than in LCE (21.4 vs. 25.1; P = 0.003).ConclusionLCE following BLI outperformed BLI in terms of sensitivity in patients with high‐risk ESCC. Therefore, LCE, in addition to BLI, would still be required in screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy even by expert endoscopists.
Rare bleeding disorders: Advances in management
Authors: Casini Alessandro , Al‐Samkari Hanny , Hayward Catherine , Peyvandi Flora 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInherited factor coagulation deficiencies and vascular bleeding disorders, associated with bleeding of various severity, are often classified as rare bleeding disorders (RBDs). These include inherited fibrinogen disorders, inherited platelet function disorders (IPFD) and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). In the last decades, there have been large increases in knowledge on the epidemiology, genetics, physiopathology, clinical features, and diagnosis of RBDs, but improvements in management have been more limited and remain challenging. The treatment mainstay of RBDs is based only on replacement of a few available coagulation factor concentrates or cryoprecipitates. There is growing interest in therapeutic agents that enhance coagulation or inhibiting anticoagulant pathways in RBDs. In severe IPFD, the optimal platelet transfusion strategy is not yet established. Moreover, data is scarce on the effectiveness and safety of desmopressin and/or antifibrinolytic drugs often used for milder IPFD treatment. The best fibrinogen replacement strategy (prophylaxis vs. on demand) in afibrinogenemia is still debated. Similarly, the optimal trough fibrinogen target level for treatment of acute bleeding, and the role of fibrinogen replacement during pregnancy in mild hypofibrinogenemia and dysfibrinogenemia, have not been properly evaluated. The therapeutic arsenal in HHT includes antifibrinolytics and a series of antiangiogenic agents whose potential efficacy has been tested in small studies or are under investigation for treatment of bleeding. However, there is need to address several issues, including the optimal dosing strategies, the potential emergent toxicity of longer‐term use, and the impact of systemic antiangiogenic treatment on visceral arteriovenous malformations.
Bilirubin ameliorates osteoarthritis via activating Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and suppressing NF‐κB signalling
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Duan Baiqun , Wu Jianing , Huang Lihui , Dai Sheng , Ding Jie , Sun Meng , Lin Xinlu , Jiang Yiling , Sun Tuyue , Lu Ruijie , Huang Huirong , Lin Guangyong , Chen Ruijie , Yao Qing , Kou Longfa 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that affects worldwide. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the chronic inflammation and OA progression. Scavenging overproduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be rational strategy for OA treatment. Bilirubin (BR) is a potent endogenous antioxidant that can scavenge various ROS and also exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects. However, whether BR could exert protection on chondrocytes for OA treatment has not yet been elucidated. Here, chondrocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide with or without BR treatment. The cell viability was assessed, and the intracellular ROS, inflammation cytokines were monitored to indicate the state of chondrocytes. In addition, BR was also tested on LPS‐treated Raw264.7 cells to test the anti‐inflammation property. An in vitro bimimic OA microenvironment was constructed by LPS‐treated Raw264.7 and chondrocytes, and BR also exert certain protection for chondrocytes by activating Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and suppressing NF‐κB signalling. An ACLT‐induced OA model was constructed to test the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of BR. Compared to the clinical used HA, BR significantly reduced cartilage degeneration and delayed OA progression. Overall, our data shows that BR has a protective effect on chondrocytes and can delay OA progression caused by oxidative stress.
BUB1/KIF14 complex promotes anaplastic thyroid carcinoma progression by inducing chromosome instability
Authors: Jin Tiefeng , Ding Lingling , Chen Jinming , Zou Xiaozhou , Xu Tong , Xuan Zixue , Wang Shanshan , Chen Jianqiang , Wang Wei , Zhu Chaozhuang , Zhang Yiwen , Huang Ping , Pan Zongfu , Ge Minghua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractChromosome instability (CIN) is a common contributor driving the formation and progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), but its mechanism remains unclear. The BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase (BUB1) is responsible for the alignment of mitotic chromosomes, which has not been thoroughly studied in ATC. Our research demonstrated that BUB1 was remarkably upregulated and closely related to worse progression‐free survival. Knockdown of BUB1 attenuated cell viability, invasion, migration and induced cell cycle arrests, whereas overexpression of BUB1 promoted the cell cycle progression of papillary thyroid cancer cells. BUB1 knockdown remarkably repressed tumour growth and tumour formation of nude mice with ATC xenografts and suppressed tumour metastasis in a zebrafish xenograft model. Inhibition of BUB1 by its inhibitor BAY‐1816032 also exhibited considerable anti‐tumour activity. Further studies showed that enforced expression of BUB1 evoked CIN in ATC cells. BUB1 induced CIN through phosphorylation of KIF14 at serine1292 (Ser1292). Overexpression of the KIF14ΔSer1292 mutant was unable to facilitate the aggressiveness of ATC cells when compared with that of the wild type. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the BUB1/KIF14 complex drives the aggressiveness of ATC by inducing CIN.
The Third Democratic Transformation: From European to Planetary Politics
Authors: Nicolaidis Kalypso 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis contribution to the symposium explores one aspect of the arrival of planetary politics under the broad label of the third democratic transformation, a transformation unfolding now at all levels of governance, from the local to the global through the regional, in spite of the anti‐democratic forces at play around the world. This article starts by exploring the new frontier of normative power Europe in a post‐colonial key, arguing that the European Union can serve as a laboratory for such a democratic transformation, around four interrogations related to claims of decentring, doubting, experimenting and decolonising. It then offers a descriptive‐normative typology of the core attributes of the third democratic transformation observable in numerous signs and practices both in Europe and around the world through a sixfold evolution, namely, trans‐temporal, transnational, trans‐modal, trans‐local, trans‐scalar and, across all these, translational. It concludes on the conditions of possibility for this transformation.