bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financing entrepreneurial firms in Jordan: technological versus traditional methods
Authors: Abdelfattah Maisam , Abdullatif Modar 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study explores the experiences of Jordanian entrepreneurs in using traditional and technological methods to finance their firms and the factors affecting their choices of financing methods.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers applied a qualitative approach, conducting 24 semi-structured interviews with Jordanian entrepreneurs who have experience with traditional or technological financing methods.FindingsUsers of technological financing methods preferred them given the ease of obtaining the fund and the opportunity to test the project’s viability, while users of traditional methods preferred them due to clear goals and regular meetings with the investors, and benefiting from the investor’s mentoring and networks. However, traditional methods were seen as needing more time, requiring high costs and facing pressure from investors for quick results, while technological methods were seen as requiring dealing with too many individuals. Users of both types of methods were critical of the current regulations regarding entrepreneurial firms in Jordan.Originality/valueThis study contributes to our knowledge by exploring preferences of entrepreneurs and problems facing them in funding their firms in the emerging economy context of Jordan. Findings of this study can, to some extent, be extended to similar emerging economies and assist in creating a better environment for entrepreneurship in these countries.
Effectiveness of remote teaching during covid-19 pandemic in a small business program
Authors: Zhu Jishan , Onorato Michael 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
The paper aims to compare remote teaching effectiveness with face-to-face classroom teaching. This study seeks to investigate the influence of remote teaching on student academic learning during the pandemic compared to prepandemic, utilizing self-reported data from students.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is based on information extracted from the Student Course Evaluation. The study defines Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 semesters as prepandemic and labels them as the comparison base period. Spring 2020, Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters are considered “during the pandemic” for comparison.

Findings
Upon comparing the average scores, the study findings indicate that students experienced a reduction in learning during the pandemic in contrast to the prepandemic period. Notably, a substantial decline in student academic learning was observed in the Spring 2020, followed by the Fall 2020 semesters. However, with the passage of time, the adverse impact of remote teaching on student learning showed a gradual decrease. In the Spring 2021 semester, students’ self-reports on learning in their business courses returned to prepandemic levels.

Research limitations/implications
The study has relied on secondary data sources and student self-reporting. Future research should aim to use more controlled data to mitigate the limitations associated with secondary data.

Practical implications
The study suggests that remote teaching could be as effective as face-to-face classroom teaching, and administrators of universities and colleges may consider it a viable option in the future.

Originality/value
This paper adds an important (probably first) empirical study of remote teaching effectiveness to the field of online learning literature.
Cloud-based artificial intelligence and audit report: the mediating role of the auditor
Authors: Abu Huson Yazan , Sierra García Laura , García Benau María Antonia , Mohammad Aljawarneh Nader 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between cloud-based artificial intelligence (CBAI) and audit reports, specifically emphasizing the mediating role played by auditors.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach, distributing 322 questionnaires to external auditors in Jordan to explore the potential enhancements of CBAI in auditing. Convenient random sampling was used to gather data from available members of the population, which comprises external audit offices in Jordan. There are a total of 454 audit offices in Jordan, employing diverse auditors, such as partner-owner auditors, assistant auditors and certified auditors. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software, which uses structural equation modeling.

Findings
The study’s findings suggest potential cost savings associated with CBAI adoption, streamlined audit processes and increased overall efficiency, thereby boosting audit effectiveness and elevating the quality of audit reports. Moreover, the research observes a change in the role of auditors, with a greater emphasis on analytical and advisory tasks rather than traditional manual procedures. These insights highlight the potential benefits for both auditors and audit clients, underscoring the importance of embracing these technologies to propel the auditing profession forward in the digital era.

Originality/value
This study contributes insights into the impact of CBAI on the audit profession by acknowledging the shift in auditing techniques from manual to digital technology and emphasizing the benefits of cloud computing in terms of accessibility, flexibility, scalability of storage and use of financial data. It also stresses the use of CBAI technology and highlights its potential for automating and accelerating audit operations, efficiently managing client data and improving the accuracy and reliability of audit reports.
Epigenetic modulation rescues neurodevelopmental deficits in Syngap1+/− mice
Authors: Singh Akash Kumar , Joshi Ila , Reddy Neeharika M. N. , Purushotham Sushmitha S. , Eswaramoorthy M. , Vasudevan Madavan , Banerjee Sourav , Clement James P. , Kundu Tapas K. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSYNGAP1 is a Ras GTPase‐activating protein that plays a crucial role during brain development and in synaptic plasticity. Sporadic heterozygous mutations in SYNGAP1 affect social and emotional behaviour observed in intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although neurophysiological deficits have been extensively studied, the epigenetic landscape of SYNGAP1 mutation‐mediated intellectual disability is unexplored. Here, we have found that the p300/CBP specific acetylation marks of histones are significantly repressed in the hippocampus of adolescent Syngap1+/− mice. Additionally, we observed decreased dendritic branching of newly born DCX+ neurons in these mice, suggesting altered adult hippocampal neurogenesis. To establish the causal relationship of Syngap1+/− phenotype and the altered histone acetylation signature we have treated 2–4 months old Syngap1+/− mice with glucose‐derived carbon nanosphere (CSP) conjugated potent small molecule activator (TTK21) of p300/CBP lysine acetyltransferase (CSP‐TTK21). The enhancement of the p300/CBP specific acetylation marks of histones by CSP‐TTK21 restored synaptic functions, increased dendritic branching of DCX+ neurons, enables the capability to reorganise cortical circuits in response to change in the sensory stimuli, and improves behavioural measures in Syngap1+/− mice that are very closely comparable to wild type littermates. Further, hippocampal RNA‐Seq analysis of these mice revealed that the expression of many critical genes such as Adcy1, Ntrk3, Egr1, and Foxj1 which are key regulators of synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis and are well associated with ID/ASD reversed upon CSP‐TTK21 treatment. This study could be the first demonstration of the reversal of autistic behaviour and neural wiring upon the modulation of altered epigenetic modification(s).
Clinical outcomes and feasibility of implementing outpatient labor induction with misoprostol: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Marsdal Kjersti Engen , Sørbye Ingvil Krarup , Bernitz Stine , Adan Nasreen , Grødal Elin Baustad , Jacobsen Anne Flem , Lukasse Mirjam 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionIn response to the increasing rates of induction of labor (IOL), outpatient IOL has emerged as a potential approach to enhance women's satisfaction while reducing costs and staffing requirements. There is a growing interest in oral misoprostol as an outpatient IOL method, particularly in the Nordic region. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and feasibility of implementing IOL with oral misoprostol as an outpatient procedure.Material and MethodsThis multicenter, prospective cohort study is part of the Labor Induction Inpatient and Outpatient (LINO) project (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04746248). Women with low‐risk pregnancies undergoing IOL with oral misoprostol were offered outpatient treatment as an alternative to the standard inpatient approach. The primary outcome was the proportion of births and adverse events occurring before or within 30 min after admission, comparing outpatient and inpatient groups. Secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal safety and efficacy endpoints.ResultsDuring the study period, 212 women were included in the study: 123 (58.0%) in the outpatient group and 89 (42.0%) in the inpatient group. No births occurred before admission to the hospital or within the first 30 min after admission. Adverse events were rare, and there were no significant differences in safety outcomes between the groups. The duration from hospital admission to giving birth was significantly shorter among women in the outpatient group as compared to the inpatient group (12.3 h vs. 28.1 h, p = 0.001). In the outpatient group, 76.4% of the women completed the misoprostol treatment as outpatients.ConclusionsIn this study of 212 women undergoing IOL with oral misoprostol, we found similar safety outcomes between women who chose outpatient IOL and those who chose inpatient IOL. The outpatient group had significantly shorter hospital stays before giving birth, and more than three in four women in the outpatient group completed the misoprostol treatment as outpatients. While larger studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions, our study suggests that implementing oral misoprostol in an outpatient IOL protocol may represent a safe and feasible alternative.
Regulatory T Cells for Stroke Recovery: A Promising Immune Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Hujun , Hu Changbin , Qie Shuyan , Liu Zongjian 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundStroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability among adults. Given the restricted therapeutic window for intravascular interventions and neuroprotection during the acute phase, there has been a growing focus on tissue repair and functional recovery in the subacute and chronic phases after stroke. The pro‐inflammatory microglial polarization occurs in subacute and chronic phases after stroke and may represent therapeutic targets for stroke recovery. CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subtype of T cells with immunosuppressive effects, have been shown to be important in stroke. Tregs infiltrate into the brain primarily during the subacute and chronic phases following a stroke. Infiltrating Tregs play a critical role in mitigating pro‐inflammatory microglial responses, modulating the immune microenvironment, and promoting the functional restoration of the damaged brain following a stroke.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and then conduct a comprehensive analysis of the searched literature.ResultsThis review provides a comprehensive summary of recent preclinical research advances on the role of Tregs in stroke, with a particular focus on their reparative functions during the subacute and chronic phases. It discusses changes in peripheral and brain infiltrating Tregs post‐stroke, their functions and underlying mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies involving Tregs. Additionally, this review explores the potential and challenges associated with the clinical application of Tregs in ischemic stroke.ConclusionTreg cell‐related therapy represents a promising immune‐therapeutic strategy for stroke recovery. However, there are several critical issues that must be resolved before its advancement to clinical application.
Impact of Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion on Inpatient Cost: A Propensity Score‐Matched Analysis of the US Nationwide Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Database
Authors: Yin Victoria , Atay Scott M. , Rodman John C. S. , Wightman Sean C. , Rosenberg Graeme M. , Udelsman Brooks V. , Kim Anthony W. , Harano Takashi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe goal of this study was to investigate the association between ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) use and inpatient hospitalization cost for lung transplantation in a nationwide sample.MethodsLung transplantation patients in 2018–2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) were grouped based on use of EVLP. The primary outcome was total inpatient hospitalization cost. 1:2 propensity score matching by EVLP status was performed followed by multivariable linear regression to determine the association between inpatient cost and EVLP while adjusting for pre‐transplant hospital days, high volume EVLP center status, and propensity score.ResultsThere were 3902 lung transplants and 118 (3%) were recipients of EVLP lungs. Among EVLP patients, the median cost was $871 468 (IQR: $608 671–1 274 392), compared to $846 516 (IQR: $531 462–1 439 267, p = 0.871) among the total non‐EVLP cohort. After 1:2 propensity score‐matched cohort, recipients of EVLP lungs had longer median hospital length of stay (p = 0.046). In the multivariable model using the matched sample, increased cost was not associated with EVLP use (p = 0.783); however, high volume EVLP centers were associated with decreased cost (p = 0.018).ConclusionsEVLP use was not associated with greater inpatient costs and may be favorable at high volume centers.
Quality‐of‐Life Measurement in Epidermolysis Bullosa. Position Statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Force on Quality of Life and Patient‐Oriented Outcomes and External Experts
Authors: Chernyshov Pavel V. , Finlay Andrew Y. , Tomas‐Aragones Lucia , Poot Francoise , Murrell Dedee F. , Pustisek Nives , Svensson Ake , Marron Servando E. , Sampogna Francesca , Bewley Anthony , Salavastru Carmen , Koumaki Dimitra , Suru Alina , Yordanova Ivelina A. , Zemskov Serhiy , Tsymbaliuk Ruslan , Ostapko Olena , Augustin Matthias , Abeni Damiano , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Jemec Gregor B. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force on Quality of Life (QoL) and Patient‐Oriented Outcomes presents its position statements on health‐related (HR) QoL assessment in epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The EADV TF on QoL and Patient‐Oriented Outcomes recommends the use of the EB‐specific instrument QOLEB in patients over the age of 10 years and, in addition to the QOLEB, the use of iscorEB‐p in moderate‐to‐severe EB; the IntoDermQoL proxy instrument with its EB‐specific module should be used in children aged under 5 years. The EB‐specific instrument iscorEB‐p, and the dermatology‐specific instrument CDLQI may measure HRQoL in children with EB aged from 5 to 10 years. Dermatology‐specific and/or generic HRQoL instruments should be used to compare the impact on QoL of EB with other diseases; family QoL of patients with EB should be studied using the EB‐specific EB‐BoD, dermatology‐specific family measures, and/or generic family QoL instruments.
Elevated Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hypertensive Individuals
Authors: Xu Rui , Chen Ling , Yan Changshun , Xu Hong , Cao Guiqiu 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been proposed as a promising inflammatory biomarker, with potential implications for cardiovascular prognosis. However, its association with mortality outcomes in hypertensive individuals is not fully elucidated. This investigation sought to clarify the linkage between PLR and both overall and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive individuals. Data from 15 483 hypertensive adults in the NHANES (2005–2018) were analyzed. Mortality data, including all‐cause and cardiovascular deaths, were sourced from the National Death Index (NDI) up to December 31, 2019. The linkage between PLR and mortality risk was depicted using restricted cubic spline (RCS) models. Cox proportional hazards regression models assessed the independent association of PLR with mortality risk, with adjustments incrementally applied: Model 1 without adjustments; Model 2 adjusted for age and sex; Model 3 adjusted further for age, gender, race, marital status, diabetes, alcohol intake, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and creatinine (CR). Over a median follow‐up of 79 months, there were 2820 all‐cause deaths and 758 cardiovascular deaths. The multivariate Cox analysis showed that those in the highest PLR quartile had significantly elevated risks of all‐cause mortality (Model 1: HR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.16–1.42, p < 0.001; Model 2: HR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.03–1.26, p = 0.014; Model 3: HR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.29, p = 0.004)and cardiovascular mortality (Model 1: HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.30–1.94, p < 0.001; Model 2: HR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.13–1.68, p = 0.001; Model 3: HR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.20–1.80, p < 0.001). The study reveals a U‐shaped relationship between PLR and all‐cause mortality, alongside a linear association with cardiovascular mortality. A PLR threshold of 118.83 has been identified as indicative of an adverse prognosis for all‐cause mortality. Elevated PLR independently predicts heightened risks of both all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality among hypertensive patients.
Exploring the Role of the Pharmacist in the Prevention and Management of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Boachie‐Ansah Pauline , Anto Berko Panyin , Marfo Afia Frimpomaa Asare , Dassah Edward Tieru , Asiamah Morrison , Mozu Ivan Eduku , Adomako Nana Ofori , Oppong Kwaku Gyamfi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTHypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) are a leading cause of poor maternal and birth outcomes worldwide. Prompt management of these disorders is usually recommended to optimize outcomes. Administration of pharmacotherapeutic agents is critical in the prevention and management of these disorders. The services of the pharmacist are required to maximize the benefits of drug therapy during prevention and management. There is a paucity of data on the effectiveness of pharmacist‐led interventions in the management of these disorders in Ghana.This study investigated the effect of a pharmacist‐led intervention on knowledge, adherence to antihypertensive medication, and blood pressure (BP) control among pregnant women.A quasi‐experimental study was conducted. The study was carried out among pregnant women with moderate to high risk of developing HDPs and seeking antenatal care at a university hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. The pharmaceutical care model comprising health education, counseling, and medication administration reminders was provided fortnightly to study participants till delivery. Differences in pre‐ and post‐intervention median scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.The mean age was 35.7 years (± 1.2). The overall median knowledge and adherence scores increased significantly after the intervention by 11 versus 17 (p < 0.001) and 5 versus 9 (p < 0.001), respectively. Pharmaceutical intervention increased the proportion of mothers who were adherent by 68.9% (95% CI, 53.9–83.8%; p < 0.001). The commonest side effect of the two first‐line antihypertensives (nifedipine and methyldopa) was headache. About 91% of the women delivered vaginally, and almost all (97.8%) of all deliveries were live births.Pharmacist‐led interventions had a positive impact on the knowledge of HDPs and adherence to antihypertensive medication in the study setting. Thus, incorporating pharmaceutical care into antenatal care would be worthwhile.
CN7:1h Alleviates Inflammation, Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Degradation in Osteoarthritis by Modulating the NF‐κB and mTOR Pathways
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chien , Lu Jeng‐Wei , Wu Ya‐Wun , Chu You‐Hsiang , Ho Yi‐Jung , Liu Feng‐Cheng , Peng Yi‐Jen 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with a complex aetiology, which includes inflammation, cellular growth dysregulation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a small‐molecule compound, 2‐amino‐4‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐4H‐benzo[h]chromene‐3‐carbonitrile (CN7:1h) in modulating these critical biochemical pathways in OA. Cellular models and rat models of OA were used to explore the impact of CN7:1h on the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathways. Parameters such as autophagy, apoptosis and ECM preservation were evaluated. CN7:1h demonstrated a non‐cytotoxic profile at a concentration as high as 140 μM as confirmed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. At a concentration of 5 μM, CN7:1h was shown to inhibit the activation of NF‐κB and mTOR pathways. CN7:1h was also shown to promote autophagy and reduce apoptosis in cellular models. In rat models, CN7:1h facilitated cartilage repair and demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of this compound. In conclusion, CN7:1h is a promising bioactive compound for the modulation of key biochemical pathways with therapeutic benefits in degenerative conditions, such as OA. Its high bioavailability and lack of cytotoxicity make CN7:1h an excellent candidate for further research aimed at clinical applications.
LPCAT1, the Enzyme Responsible for Converting LPC to PC, Promotes OPC Differentiation In Vitro
Authors: Shang Qi , Zhang Xin , Pu Yingyan , Lin Junjian , Ma Peng , Pan Yuchen , Zhao Ming , Sun Dingya , Cao Li 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMyelin is the key structure for high‐speed information transmission and is formed by oligodendrocytes (OLs) which are differentiated from oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in the central nervous system. Lipid is the main component of myelin and the role of lipid metabolism‐related molecules in myelination attach increasing attention. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) mediates the conversion of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to phosphatidylcholine (PC), and its role in myelination draws our interest as LPC is a classical demyelination inducer and PC is a major component of myelin. In this work, LPCAT1 is found expressed in the oligodendrocyte lineage cells during myelination. In vitro experiments showed that the expression level of LPCAT1 gradually increased along with the differentiation process from OPCs to OLs, and over‐expression and interference experiments showed that LPCAT1 promoted OPCs differentiation without affecting their proliferation or apoptosis. Mechanistically, the undertaker of LPCAT1's pro‐differentiation role is not PC, but the phosphorylated mTOR which is a key regulator in OPCs differentiation. RNA sequencing analysis showed LPCAT1 promoted the expression of ZBTB20 which is an important transcription factor related to lipid metabolism and regulates mTOR phosphorylation. In vivo, complex myelin tomacula involving multiple axons was formed after conditionally knocking out LPCAT1 in oligodendrocyte lineage cells, but no obvious myelin thickness abnormalities were observed. Our results indicate that LPCAT1 is an important regulator of myelination, and lipid metabolism‐related molecules may be new valuable targets for the treatment of diseases with myelin abnormalities.