bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to engage and attract virtual influencers’ followers: a new non-human approach in the age of influencer marketing
Authors: Melnychuk Hanna-Anastasiia , Arasli Huseyin , Nevzat Raziye 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the process of virtual influencer stickiness in the age of influencer marketing, which has received little attention in the literature. This is essential because the research creates a theoretical model of follower loyalty/stickiness to virtual influencer techniques from the standpoint of influencer marketing, which has a substantial effect on the evolution of the global marketing world.Design/methodology/approachIn 2022, 302 people who currently follow an Instafamous virtual influencer took part in an Instagram self-administered online survey.FindingsThe findings show that both expertise and trustworthiness have a positive and significant influence on parasocial interaction, which in turn has a significant influence on virtual engagement and stickiness.Originality/valueThis research will specifically assist international readers in understanding how to harness and increase the efficiency and efficacy of interactive marketing strategies and methods to engage and retain followers of Instafamous virtual influencer. Moreover, the findings will be beneficial to opinion leaders, brand managers, company investors, entrepreneurs and service designers.HighlightsThe study pioneers a holistic virtual follower stickiness mechanism that comprises the role of source credibility, parasocial interaction, informational influence and virtual follower’s engagement and their interrelationship to each other.This study is based on parasocial interaction theory and source credibility theory to understand the relationship between virtual followers and influencers stickiness process at social media platforms.In addition, the study examined the subsequent effects of sources of credibility components on parasocial interaction; as well as, on virtual follower engagement and stickiness.This study also categorized and examined the moderating effects exerted by the genres of informative influence of virtual influencer.
Evaluation of the inheritance and dominance of behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in the house fly (Musca domestica L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Hubbard Caleb B. , Murillo Amy C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe house fly, Musca domestica, is a cosmopolitan species known for its pestiferous nature and potential to mechanically vector numerous human and animal pathogens. Control of adult house flies often relies on insecticides formulated into food baits. However, due to the overuse of these baits, insecticide resistance has developed to all insecticide classes currently registered for use in the United States. Field populations of house flies have developed resistance to imidacloprid, the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticide for fly control, through both physiological and behavioral resistance mechanisms. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the inheritance and dominance of behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in a lab‐selected behaviorally resistant house fly strain. Additionally, we conducted feeding preference assays to assess the feeding responses of genetic cross progeny to imidacloprid. Our results confirmed that behavioral resistance to imidacloprid is inherited as a polygenic trait, though it is inherited differently between male and female flies. We also demonstrated that feeding preference assays can be instrumental in future genetic inheritance studies as they provide direct insight into the behavior of different strains under controlled conditions that reveal, interactions between the organism and the insecticide. The findings of this study carry significant implications for pest management and underscore the need for integrated pest control approaches that consider genetic and ecological factors contributing to resistance.
Community Reinforcement and Family Training versus counselling for parents of treatment‐refusing young adults with hazardous substance use: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siljeholm Ola , Edvardsson Kerstin , Bergström Malin , Hammarberg Anders 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsDespite the high prevalence and negative effects of hazardous substance use, few young adults enter treatment. Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), a support programme for concerned significant others of people with substance use disorders, has proved efficacious in promoting treatment entry. The aim of the current trial was to compare the efficacy of CRAFT with an active control for parents of young adults (aged 18–24 years) with hazardous substance use.DesignThis was a randomized controlled superiority trial comparing CRAFT (n = 58) with an active control group receiving manualized counselling (n = 55), with outcome assessments at 6, 12 and 24 weeks (primary end‐point). A sequential design with a stopping rule was added post recruitment commencement.SettingThe study took place in two outpatient clinics for young adults in Stockholm, Sweden, and subsequently via video‐conference due to COVID‐19.ParticipantsBetween October 2018 and May 2021, 113 participants (92% female) who were parents of young adults (87% male) were recruited. Recruitment was discontinued when 70% of the planned sample had been recruited, following an interim analysis of the primary outcome showing no difference between conditions.Intervention and comparatorParticipants were randomized (ratio 1 : 1) to eight manual‐based individual CRAFT sessions or five individual manual‐based counselling sessions + one voluntary psychoeducative group session, delivered over maximum 14 weeks.MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the rate of young adult entry in substance use treatment during the trial period (24 weeks).FindingsAt the 24 weeks follow‐up, 19 (33%) of CRAFT participants and 17 (31%) of counselling participants had reported young adult treatment entry, with no difference between conditions (odds ratio CRAFT versus counselling 0.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.35; 1.99, P = 0.700). Both conditions reported clinically relevant reductions in young adult substance use, but no change in participants’ levels of depression, anxiety or stress.ConclusionsThis trial showed no statistically significant evidence that Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), a support programme for concerned significant others of people with substance use disorders, is more efficacious than manual‐based counselling regarding treatment entry for young adults.
Sperm selection by zona adhesion improves assisted reproductive treatment outcomes
Authors: Ganeva Rumiana , Parvanov Dimitar , Vidolova Nina , Handzhiyska Maria , Ruseva Margarita , Vasileva Magdaleva , Nikolova Kristina , Ivanova Ivka , Shaban Miray , Shabarkova Joanna , Hristova Rayna , Miladinova Milena , Stamenov Georgi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundZona pellucida is one of the main selective barriers for the spermatozoa before reaching the oocyte. Using native zona in the sperm selection prior to Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) has been proven effective but inconvenient approach in In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) laboratory. The application of autologous solubilised zonae pellucidae in the sperm selection prior to ICSI has not been studied yet.ObjectivesTo compare the assisted reproductive treatment (ART) outcomes (implantation, pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates) after ICSI performed with spermatozoa selected on their ability to adhere to immobilised solubilised zonae pellucidae and conventionally selected spermatozoa.Materials and methodsIn total, 500 couples fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 368 of them were included in the study. After random allocation, 192 couples had spermatozoa selected by sperm–zona adhesion for ICSI (study group) and 176 patients underwent standard ICSI (control group).In the study group, patients’ own zonae were acid solubilised and immobilised on petri dishes. The partner's motile spermatozoa were placed in the dishes and the adhered spermatozoa were used for ICSI. For the control group, the conventional sperm selection by morphological criteria was applied prior ICSI. All women underwent frozen ET with euploid embryos. Chi square test was used to compare the data.ResultsThe sperm selection by zona adhesion resulted in significantly higher implantation rate (50.4% vs. 37.0%, p = 0.003), clinical pregnancy rate (43.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.018) and live birth rate (38.0% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.004) and significantly lower incidence of miscarriage (11.3% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.044) in comparison to the conventional method of the sperm selection.Discussion and conclusionThe application of solubilised zonae pellucidae in the sperm selection for ICSI benefits ART outcomes in couples with unexplained infertility. Moreover, sperm–zona selection significantly reduces the risk of miscarriages.
New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G‐protein‐coupled receptors
Authors: Dai Pengyuan , Chen Chen , Yu Jingyan , Ma Chaoye , Zhang Xiaoning 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundG‐protein‐coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G‐protein‐coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G‐protein‐coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function.ObjectiveHere, we have summarised cutting‐edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G‐protein‐coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G‐protein‐coupled receptors in sperm physiology.ResultsEmerging studies hint that alterations in G‐protein‐coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G‐protein‐coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β‐arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity.ConclusionThe present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G‐protein‐coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G‐protein‐coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G‐protein‐coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
Assessing the efficacy of a resilience training intervention for long‐term improvements in well‐being and resilience
Authors: Kreienkamp Martin , Wheatley Daniel , Ndobo André 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article has two aims: (1) to assess the impacts of a novel training intervention for individual well‐being and (2) to measure the trajectory of resilience over the training period dependent on reported significant life events. Using a randomised controlled trial with a diverse German sample with the majority drawn from a student population, we measure the effects of the intervention to provide insight into its impacts and act as a proof of concept for the training. We find that the training intervention boosts resilience and other related well‐being measures with a high effect size in comparison with a control group and compared with existing resilience training studies.
Enhancer‐activated RET confers protection against oxidative stress to KMT2A‐rearranged acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Frett Brendan , Stephens Kimberly E. , Koss Brian , Melnyk Stepan , Farrar Jason , Saha Debasmita , Roy Choudhury Samrat 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEctopic activation of rearranged during transfection (RET) has been reported to facilitate lineage differentiation and cell proliferation in different cytogenetic subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Herein, we demonstrate that RET is significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated in AML subtypes containing rearrangements of the lysine methyltransferase 2A gene (KMT2A), commonly referred to as KMT2A‐rearranged (KMT2A‐r) AML. Integrating multi‐epigenomics data, we show that the KMT2A‐MLLT3 fusion induces the development of CCCTC‐binding (CTCF)‐guided de novo extrusion enhancer loop to upregulate RET expression in KMT2A‐r AML. Based on the finding that RET expression is tightly correlated with the selective chromatin remodeler and mediator (MED) proteins, we used a small‐molecule inhibitor having dual inhibition against RET and MED12‐associated cyclin‐dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) in KMT2A‐r AML cells. Dual inhibition of RET and CDK8 restricted cell proliferation by producing multimodal oxidative stress responses in treated cells. Our data suggest that epigenetically enhanced RET protects KMT2A‐r AML cells from oxidative stresses, which could be exploited as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Assessment of plasma dexamethasone levels after 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test in adults with obesity
Authors: Paopongpaiboon Pimonrat , Santisitthanon Prangareeya , Houngngam Natnicha , Snabboon Thiti , Boonchaya‐anant Patchaya 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test is the most frequently used screening test for Cushing's syndrome. It has been proposed that people with obesity may have insufficient plasma dexamethasone levels for the test which may result in false positives. We sought to compare the plasma dexamethasone levels after 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test in healthy obese participants and in optimal‐weight participants.MethodsA total of 30 optimal‐weight participants (BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2) and 62 obese participants (BMI > 25 kg/m2) were enroled in the study. Obese participants were further divided into class 1 (25–29.9 kg/m2) and class 2 (>30 kg/m2). After a standard overnight 1‐mg dexamethasone suppression test, blood samples were obtained for serum cortisol and plasma dexamethasone levels. Plasma dexamethasone levels were quantified using liquid chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).ResultsNo significant difference in plasma dexamethasone levels were found between obese and optimal‐weight participants (3.31 ± 1.35 vs. 2.82 ± 1.11 nmol/L, mean ± SD; p = .09 respectively). There were also no correlations found between sex, BMI, body surface area and plasma dexamethasone levels. There was also no significant difference in the proportion of participants who achieved a plasma dexamethasone level >3.3 nmol/L in comparison between obesity class 1, obesity class 2, and optimal‐weight groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that obesity does not affect plasma dexamethasone levels. However, dexamethasone measurement may still be helpful in patients who are being investigated for Cushing's syndrome and suspected to have a false‐positive DST.
Functional characterization of inactivating ABCC8 variants causing congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Wang Ping , Liao Hong , Wang Quyou , Xie Hanbing , Xu Bocheng , Xiang Qinqin , Wang He , Yang Mei , Liu Shanling 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCongenital hyperinsulinism (CHI; OMIM: 256450) is characterized by persistent insulin secretion despite severe hypoglycemia. The most common causes are variants in the ATP‐binding cassette subfamily C member 8(ABCC8) and potassium inwardly‐rectifying channel subfamily J member 11(KCNJ11) genes. These encode ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel subunit sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir6.2) proteins. A 7‐day‐old male infant presented with frequent hypoglycemic episodes and was clinically diagnosed with CHI, underwent trio‐whole‐exome sequencing, revealing compound heterozygous ABCC8 variants (c.307C>T, p.His103Tyr; and c.3313_3315del, p.Ile1105del) were identified. In human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) and rat insulinoma cells (INS‐1) transfected with wild‐type and variant plasmids, KATP channels formed by p.His103Tyr were delivered to the plasma membrane, whereas p.Ile1105del or double variants (p.His103Tyr coupled with p.Ile1105del) failed to be transported to the plasma membrane. Compared to wild‐type channels, the channels formed by the variants (p.His103Tyr; p.Ile1105del) had elevated basal [Ca2+]i, but did not respond to stimulation by glucose. Our results provide evidence that the two ABCC8 variants may be related to CHI owing to defective trafficking and dysfunction of KATP channels.
Long‐term results of a short‐term home‐based pre‐ and postoperative exercise intervention on physical recovery after colorectal cancer surgery (PHYSSURG‐C): a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Onerup Aron , Li Ying , Afshari Kevin , Angenete Eva , de la Croix Hanna , Ehrencrona Carolina , Wedin Anette , Haglind Eva 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this work was to assess the effect of a short‐term, home‐based exercise intervention before and after colorectal cancer surgery on 12‐month physical recovery within a previously reported randomized control trial (RCT).MethodPHYSSURG‐C is an RCT in six participating hospitals in Sweden. Patients aged ≥20 years planned for elective colorectal cancer surgery were eligible. The intervention consisted of unsupervised moderate‐intensity physical activity 2 weeks preoperatively and 4 weeks postoperatively. Usual care was control. The primary outcome measure in PHYSSURG‐C was self‐assessed physical recovery 4 weeks postoperatively. The predefined long‐term follow‐up outcomes included: self‐assessed physical recovery 12 months postoperatively and reoperations and readmissions 91–365 days postoperatively. The statistical models were adjusted with tumour site (colon or rectum), neoadjuvant therapy (none, radiotherapy or chemo/radiotherapy) and type of surgery (open or laparoscopic).ResultsA total of 616 participants were available for the 12‐month follow‐up. Groups were balanced at baseline regarding demographic and treatment variables. There was no effect from the intervention on self‐reported physical recovery [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.91, p = 0.60], the risk of reoperation (OR 0.97, p = 0.91) or readmission (OR 0.88, p = 0.58).ConclusionThe pre‐ and postoperative unsupervised moderate‐intensity exercise intervention had no effect on long‐term physical recovery after elective colorectal cancer surgery. There is still not enough evidence to support clinical guidelines on preoperative exercise to improve outcome after colorectal cancer surgery.
Board co‐option and corporate environmental orientation: New insights from the waste management perspective
Authors: Gull Ammar Ali , Luong Hoa , Nadeem Muhammad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractResearch Question/IssueWe investigate the impact of board co‐option on corporate environmental orientation from the perspective of waste management. As waste presents damaging effects on the natural environment, climate change, and human health, businesses assume an ethical responsibility to conduct their operations in a sustainable and responsible manner.Research Findings/InsightsEmploying firm‐level waste production data, we document a significant negative relationship between board co‐option and waste generation, suggesting that co‐opted directors help firms reduce their waste—a finding that also carries economic significance. The cross‐sectional analyses reveal that the relationship only holds when a CEO does not chair the board and has a shorter tenure. Furthermore, we find that the board co‐option–waste management relationship is stronger in environmentally sensitive industries and is mainly driven by the manufacturing firms. We perform a battery of analyses to rule out endogeneity concerns and check for the robustness of our results. The channel test reveals that CEOs of firms with higher waste management face lower performance‐induced turnover, particularly when working with co‐opted boards. Finally, we also find that co‐option‐induced waste management initiatives ultimately increase firms' economic value.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe document that co‐opted boards may enhance firms' waste management practices by reducing performance‐induced CEO turnover. Thus, we make important contributions to the corporate governance and environmentalism strands of the literature by highlighting the bright side of board co‐option for waste reduction initiatives.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur study provides vital policy implications for regulators and top management teams against the background of public outcry and social pressure to mitigate the damage to the environment and calls for ethical business practices.
Fetal spina bifida associates with dysregulation in nutrient‐sensitive placental gene networks: Findings from a matched case–control study
Authors: White Marina , Arif‐Pardy Jayden , Van Mieghem Tim , Connor Kristin L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo improve outcomes in fetuses with spina bifida (SB), better understanding is needed of the molecular drivers of SB and its comorbidities. Pregnant people carrying a fetus with isolated SB (cases; n = 12) or a fetus with no congenital anomalies (controls; n = 21) were recruited at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Clinical data and placental samples were collected. Placental transcriptome was sequenced (Clariom D microarray) and a nutrient‐focused gene expression analysis pipeline was applied to determine whether fetal SB associates with placental dysfunction. Of the 391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cases, 11% (n = 42) had at least one nutrient cofactor, including B vitamins (n = 7 genes), iron/heme (n = 6), and zinc (n = 11). Cases had dysregulation in genes not previously known to associate with SB, and in placental genes that have known links to SB but have not been previously identified in the placenta. Cases also had downregulated nutrient transport and upregulated branching angiogenesis and immune/inflammatory processes. Five nutrient‐dependent transcription regulators, collectively predicted to target 46% of DEGs in cases, were identified and were most commonly dependent on B vitamins (n = 3) and zinc (n = 2). Placental gene expression changes were most acute in cases with poor growth. Placentae from fetuses with SB have dysregulation in several gene networks, including those that are sensitive to multiple micronutrients beyond the well‐known folic acid. An improved understanding of placental phenotype in fetuses with SB may help identify novel mechanisms associated with comorbidities in fetuses with SB, and reveal new targets to improve fetal outcomes in this population.