bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Board cultural diversity and firm performance under competitive pressures
Authors: Dodd Olga , Frijns Bart , Gong Robin Kaiji , Liao Shushu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe examine the impact of board cultural diversity, based on directors' ancestry, on firm performance conditional on product market competition. We argue that culturally diverse boards foster critical thinking and offer creative solutions that help firms thrive in competitive environments. We document that culturally diverse boards are associated with superior performance for firms operating in highly competitive industries. To address potential endogeneity issues, we use a quasi‐natural experiment of the U.S. import tariff cuts. The positive impact of board cultural diversity on firm performance in competitive markets manifests itself in firms that innovate more, require creative inputs, and face heightened predation risk due to their high interdependence with industry rivals, in line with culturally diverse boards effectively performing their advisory role. Lastly, we find no evidence that board cultural diversity is associated with enhanced monitoring as its benefits fade in the presence of powerful CEOs.
Urolithin B alleviates Helicobacter pylori‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Yu Zhihao , Zhang Xiangyue , Zhao Qiao , Yan Xin , Wu Chengmeng , Qing Liting , He Zongyu , Chen Qian , Huang Min , Zhao Jian , Cao Mei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections. Active eradication of H. pylori infection is rare due to the fact that most infected patients are asymptomatic and the use of large amounts of antibiotics in eradication therapy leads to severe side effects. Urolithin B (UB) is an additional major intestinal metabolite of ellagic acid (EA), which has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic biological activities. Preventing the incidence of H. pylori‐related gastric disease and reducing the damage to the host by H. pylori is a current approach to control H. pylori infection. In this study, we explored the effect of UB on H. pylori infection.Materials and MethodsThe effects of UB on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by H. pylori in vivo and in vitro were investigated by qPCR, ELISA, HE staining, IHC staining, etc.ResultsUB reduced the adhesion and colonization of H. pylori and improved H. pylori‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, UB had better anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects than clarithromycin (CLR) and metronidazole (MET). In addition to inhibiting the secretion of CagA, UB reduced tissue damage by H. pylori infection.ConclusionsUB was effective in improving damage caused by H. pylori.
Awareness and knowledge of laser hair removal: a cross sectional study from tertiary care dermatology clinics in Oman
Authors: Al Hatmi Iman , Al Qassabi Al Mutasim , Al Hatmi Khaloud 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundLaser hair removal (LHR), including the use of home‐based devices, is becoming very popular in Oman. Despite this, some people still have many misconceptions about this procedure, especially of its long‐term complications. This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of LHR among dermatology clinic attendees in Muscat, Oman.MethodsA cross sectional survey study was conducted at Al Seeb and Bowshar polyclinics in Muscat, Oman, to attendees between the ages of 18 and 70 years. The Chi‐square test was used to assess the association between different categorical variables. Results were considered to be statistically significant if P < 0.05.ResultsOf the 500 questionnaires which were distributed, 403 were completed (response rate = 80.6%). The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of participants was 32.9 (8.5) years old. In this study, 45.7% (184/403) of participants had used LHR, and of those, 88.6% (163/184) were satisfied with the results. The knowledge percentage among individuals was higher among those who used LHR compared to those who did not use LHR (46% vs. 27%, respectively; P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in LHR knowledge percentages based on employment status or monthly income. Female participants and subjects with an educational level of a college degree or above had superior knowledge regarding the safety of LHR use during pregnancy (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study noted a lack of knowledge, with various misconceptions, about LHR among patients attending dermatology clinics in Oman, especially in individuals who had not used LHR before.
Curcuma particle size evolution by application of bead milling process and curcuminoids content determination
Authors: Lapčíková Barbora , Valenta Tomáš , Lapčík Lubomír , Li Peng 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe aim of this research was to investigate the effect of curcuma dispersion bead milling on particle size evolution over time. The study of 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% curcuma dispersions revealed that dispersions' polydispersity was decreasing up to 180 min which was found to be the optimum milling time with the volume mean diameter (d4,3) of (11.47 ± 0.85) μm. This diameter was the most effective with respect to the curcuma powder coagulation process attributed to the effect of curcuma oils after the milling time of 180 min. The mechanochemically atomized curcuma was used as a potential source of curcuminoids. By differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), two endothermic peaks were observed and related to curcuma melting effects. Curcumin powder exhibited one broad melting peak at 176 °C. Obtained data indicated that effective mechanochemical treatment makes curcuma powder a highly beneficial supplement applicable in food matrices of the human diet.
Patient‐specific simulations and navigation systems for partial nephrectomy
Authors: Makiyama Kazuhide , Komeya Mitsuru , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Noguchi Go , Ohtake Shinji 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPartial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard treatment for T1 renal cell carcinoma. PN is affected more by surgical variations and requires greater surgical experience than radical nephrectomy. Patient‐specific simulations and navigation systems may help to reduce the surgical experience required for PN. Recent advances in three‐dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) imaging and 3D printing technology have allowed accurate patient‐specific simulations and navigation systems. We reviewed previous studies about patient‐specific simulations and navigation systems for PN. Recently, image reconstruction technology has developed, and commercial software that converts two‐dimensional images into 3D images has become available. Many urologists are now able to view 3DVR images when preparing for PN. Surgical simulations based on 3DVR images can change surgical plans and improve surgical outcomes, and are useful during patient consultations. Patient‐specific simulators that are capable of simulating surgical procedures, the gold‐standard form of patient‐specific simulations, have also been reported. Besides VR, 3D printing is also useful for understanding patient‐specific information. Some studies have reported simulation and navigation systems for PN based on solid 3D models. Patient‐specific simulations are a form of preoperative preparation, whereas patient‐specific navigation is used intraoperatively. Navigation‐assisted PN procedures using 3DVR images have become increasingly common, especially in robotic surgery. Some studies found that these systems produced improvements in surgical outcomes. Once its accuracy has been confirmed, it is hoped that this technology will spread further and become more generalized.
Success of transmetatarsal amputation for limb salvage in patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Truong David H. , Ngoo Anthony K. , Tsai Shirling , Yang Anna K. , Wukich Dane K. , Lavery Lawrence A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLimb salvage is a difficult path for patients to travel as there is no guarantee of the outcome, often the major factor is perfusion. For patients who underwent transmetatarsal amputation (TMA), success rate is crucial as the next option is most likely a major amputation. We performed a 10 years (2010–2020) retrospective review of patients that underwent a TMA and had an angiogram or computed tomography angiography (CTA) perioperatively at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Failure after TMA was defined as a patient requiring a proximal amputation within 1 year. There were 125 TMAs performed between 2010 and 2020 at the institution. Forty‐four (35.2%) patients had an angiogram/CTA peri‐operative and met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen subjects (38.6%) had a higher level of amputation. Of the 17 failures, 2 (11.8%) patients had no patent vessel runoff to the foot, 9 (52.9%) had one vessel, 4 (23.5%) had two vessels, and 2 (11.8%) had three vessels runoff. One vessel runoff to the foot yielded a high rate of poor outcomes (56.3%) defined as a higher level of amputation. Two or more vessels runoff to the foot had over 75% success of limb salvage with a TMA.
Reproductive Factors in the Risk of Bladder Cancer and Upper Urinary Tract Cancer: The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Minami Tetsuji , Inoue Manami , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background:
Reproductive factors are hypothesized to play a role in the incidence of bladder cancer and upper urinary tract cancer (UUTC, together, urothelial cancer). However, evidence regarding these associations is limited, particularly in Asian populations.

Methods:
We analyzed data from 55,882 females ages 40 to 69 years, and performed Cox proportional hazards regression analyses with three types of adjustment, namely age; reproductive factor of interest and covariates in addition to age (conventional model); and other reproductive factors in addition to the multivariable adjusted model (reproductive model).

Results:
During an average of 20.2 years of follow-up, 194 urothelial cancer cases (145 bladder cancer cases and 49 UUTC cases) were identified. Early age at natural menopause (&lt;44 years, compared with 49–51 years) increased bladder cancer risk in the reproductive model (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.04–4.20). An association between urothelial cancer/bladder cancer and age at menopause, including both natural and surgical/induced, was significant in the reproductive model (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.09–2.77; and HR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.15–3.28, respectively). Early age at natural menopause was suggested to increase urothelial cancer risk in the reproductive model (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 0.93–3.42).

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest a significant association between age at menopause and incidence of urothelial cancer/bladder cancer among Asian populations. This study aids understanding the role of reproductive factors in urothelial cancer/bladder cancer incidence.

Impact:
In Japanese populations, age at menopause is suggested to be associated with urothelial cancer/bladder cancer incidence, especially regarding early natural menopause.
FDA Approval Summary: Alpelisib for PIK3CA-Related Overgrowth Spectrum
Authors: Singh Sonia , Bradford Diana , Li Xiaoxue , Mishra-Kalyani Pallavi S. , Shen Yuan-Li , Wang Lingshan , Zhao Hong , Xiong Ye , Liu Jiang , Charlab Rosane , Kraft Jeffrey , Khasar Sachia , Miller Claudia P. , Rivera Donna R. , Kluetz Paul G. , Pazdur Richard , Beaver Julia A. , Singh Harpreet , Donoghue Martha 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
On April 5, 2022, FDA granted accelerated approval to alpelisib for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with severe manifestations of PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) who require systemic therapy. Efficacy was evaluated using real-world data (RWD) from EPIK-P1 (NCT04285723), a single-arm clinical study in patients 2 years of age and older with severe or life-threatening PROS who received alpelisib as part of an expanded access program (EAP) for compassionate use. The primary endpoint was confirmed radiologic response rate at week 24 as determined by blinded independent central review (BICR), using volumetric-based criteria given the atypical growth pattern and irregular shape of PROS lesions. Radiologic response was defined as a ≥20% reduction from baseline in the sum of measurable target lesion volume in up to three lesions. Of the 37 patients in the efficacy population, 27% [95% confidence interval (CI), 14–44] had a radiologic response at week 24. Duration of response (DOR) was an additional efficacy outcome measure, and among responders, 60% had a response lasting ≥12 months. Furthermore, supportive clinical documentation suggested early signals of clinical benefit (i.e., improvement in PROS-related signs and symptoms). The most common (≥10%) adverse reactions were diarrhea, stomatitis, and hyperglycemia.
Cancer-Immunity Marker RNA Expression Levels across Gynecologic Cancers: Implications for Immunotherapy
Authors: Jou Jessica , Kato Shumei , Miyashita Hirotaka , Thangathurai Kartheeswaran , Pabla Sarabjot , DePietro Paul , Nesline Mary K. , Conroy Jeffrey M. , Rubin Eitan , Eskander Ramez N. , Kurzrock Razelle 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Our objective was to characterize cancer-immunity marker expression in gynecologic cancers and compare immune landscapes between gynecologic tumor subtypes and with nongynecologic solid tumors. RNA expression levels of 51 cancer-immunity markers were analyzed in patients with gynecologic cancers versus nongynecologic cancers, and normalized to a reference population of 735 control cancers, ranked from 0 to 100, and categorized as low (0–24), moderate (25–74), or high (75–100) percentile rank. Of the 72 patients studied, 43 (60%) had ovarian, 24 (33%) uterine, and 5 (7%) cervical cancer. No two immune profiles were identical according to expression rank (0–100) or rank level (low, moderate, or high). Patients with cervical cancer had significantly higher expression level ranks of immune activating, proinflammatory, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte markers, and checkpoints than patients with uterine or ovarian cancer (P &lt; 0.001 for all comparisons). However, there were no significant differences in immune marker expression between uterine and ovarian cancers. Tumors with PD-L1 tumor proportional score (TPS) ≥1% versus 0% had significantly higher expression levels of proinflammatory markers (58 vs. 49%, P = 0.0004). Compared to patients with nongynecologic cancers, more patients with gynecologic cancers express high levels of IDO-1 (44 vs. 13%, P &lt; 0.001), LAG3 (35 vs. 21%, P = 0.008), and IL10 (31 vs. 15%, P = 0.002.) Patients with gynecologic cancers have complex and heterogeneous immune landscapes that are distinct from patient to patient and from other solid tumors. High levels of IDO1 and LAG3 suggest that clinical trials with IDO1 inhibitors or LAG3 inhibitors, respectively, may be warranted in gynecologic cancers.
Blinded Withdrawal of Long-Term Randomized Treatment With Empagliflozin or Placebo in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Packer Milton , Butler Javed , Zeller Cordula , Pocock Stuart J. , Brueckmann Martina , Ferreira João Pedro , Filippatos Gerasimos , Usman Muhammad Shariq , Zannad Faiez , Anker Stefan D. 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
It is not known whether the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure persist after years of therapy.

METHODS:
In the EMPEROR-Reduced (Empagliflozin Outcome Trials in Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) and EMPEROR-Preserved (Empagliflozin Outcome Trials in Chronic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction) trials, patients with heart failure were randomly assigned (double-blind) to placebo or empagliflozin 10 mg/day for a median of 16 and 26 months, respectively. At the end of the trials, 6799 patients (placebo 3381, empagliflozin 3418) were prospectively withdrawn from treatment in a blinded manner, and, of these, 3981 patients (placebo 2020, empagliflozin 1961) underwent prespecified in-person assessments after ≈30 days off treatment.

RESULTS:

From 90 days from the start of closeout to the end of double-blind treatment, the annualized risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure was lower in empagliflozin-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients (10.7 [95% CI, 9.0–12.6] versus 13.5 [95% CI, 11.5–15.6] events per 100 patient-years, respectively; hazard ratio 0.76 [95% CI, 0.60–0.96]). When the study drugs were withdrawn for ≈30 days, the annualized risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure increased in patients withdrawn from empagliflozin but not in those withdrawn from placebo (17.0 [95% CI, 12.6–22.1] versus 14.1 [95% CI, 10.1–18.8] events per 100 patient-years for empagliflozin and placebo, respectively). The hazard ratio for the change in risk in the patients withdrawn from empagliflozin was 1.75 (95% CI, 1.20–2.54),
P
=0.0034, whereas the change in the risk in patients withdrawn from placebo was not significant (hazard ratio 1.12 [95% CI, 0.76–1.66]); time period-by-treatment interaction,
P
=0.068. After withdrawal, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score declined by 1.6±0.4 in patients withdrawn from empagliflozin versus placebo (
P
<0.0001). Furthermore, withdrawal of empagliflozin was accompanied by increases in fasting glucose, body weight, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide, uric acid, and serum bicarbonate and decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit (all
P
<0.01). These physiological and laboratory changes were the inverse of the effects of the drug seen at the start of the trials during the initiation of treatment (≈1–3 years earlier) in the same cohort of patients.

CONCLUSIONS:
These observations demonstrate a persistent effect of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure even after years of treatment, which dissipated rapidly after withdrawal of the drug.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT03057977 and NCT03057951.
Improving AHI Radiance Assimilation over Land with the Surface Skin Temperature Constrained by Station Observations and Its Impact for Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts
Authors: Li Xin , Zou Xiaolei , Zeng Mingjian , Zhuge Xiaoyong , Liu Weiguang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this study, a new way to assimilate clear-sky Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) surface-sensitive brightness temperature (TB) observations over land is investigated for improving quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) in eastern China. To alleviate problems arising from inaccurate surface temperature in radiance simulations, surface station observations of land surface skin temperature (LSST) together with conventional and AMSU-A observations are assimilated to improve AHI surface-sensitive TB simulations of the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) before AHI data assimilation. First, the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) three-dimensional variational (3DVar) system is updated with the additional control variable of surface temperature and its background error covariances. Second, surface temperature and emissivity sensitivity checks are designed for the quality control of the surface-sensitive AHI channels. Finally, the impacts of a two-time data assimilation strategy are assessed for a local convection rainfall case and a synoptic-scale precipitation case. The experiment in which AHI data are assimilated after assimilating LSST data (ExpL2) outperforms the traditional experiment in which the LSST is not updated (ExpL) in terms of its 24-h QPF skill score. A better description of atmospheric instability and moisture convergence forcing is obtained in ExpL2 than in ExpL. Both experiments show additional low-level temperature and humidity adjustments compared to the experiment that does not assimilate AHI surface-sensitive channels (ExpNL). Lower AHI TB simulation biases are found in the ExpL2 experiment, which improve the analyzed field and subsequent QPFs. The results in this study suggest the importance of proper utilization of LSST observations for AHI surface-sensitive TB assimilations over land.
Electrophysiological findings in migraine may reflect abnormal synaptic plasticity mechanisms: A narrative review
Authors: Puledda Francesca , Viganò Alessandro , Sebastianelli Gabriele , Parisi Vincenzo , Hsiao Fu-Jung , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Chen Wei-Ta , Massimini Marcello , Coppola Gianluca 
Published: August 2023

Background The cyclical brain disorder of sensory processing accompanying migraine phases lacks an explanatory unified theory. Methods We searched Pubmed for non-invasive neurophysiological studies on migraine and related conditions using transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroencephalography, visual and somatosensory evoked potentials. We summarized the literature, reviewed methods, and proposed a unified theory for the pathophysiology of electrophysiological abnormalities underlying migraine recurrence. Results All electrophysiological modalities have determined specific changes in brain dynamics across the different phases of the migraine cycle. Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies show unbalanced recruitment of inhibitory and excitatory circuits, more consistently in aura, which ultimately results in a substantially distorted response to neuromodulation protocols. Electroencephalography investigations highlight a steady pattern of reduced alpha and increased slow rhythms, largely located in posterior brain regions, which tends to normalize closer to the attacks. Finally, non-painful evoked potentials suggest dysfunctions in habituation mechanisms of sensory cortices that revert during ictal phases. Conclusion Electrophysiology shows dynamic and recurrent functional alterations within the brainstem-thalamus-cortex loop varies continuously and recurrently in migraineurs. Given the central role of these structures in the selection, elaboration, and learning of sensory information, these functional alterations suggest chronic, probably genetically determined dysfunctions of the synaptic short- and long-term learning mechanisms.
An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic Cutlery and Food Packaging: A Case of Ecoware in India
Authors: Tudu Preshita Neha , Mishra Vaibhav 
Published: August 2023

The nonchalant nature of plastic cutlery, its long-life period, and its durability make it a favourite among users and businesses. However, these properties also make it lethal for the environment and are an eco-disaster. This case discusses an initiative taken by a social enterprise and manufacturing company Ecoware, founded by Rhea Singhal, a pharmacologist by profession. Born in Mumbai and bought up in Dubai and London, her eco-friendly, biodegradable cutlery is an alternative to non-biodegradable single-use plastic cutlery, which, when discarded, ends up in sewage, landfills, fields and water bodies posing a threat to the environment. Moreover, Ecoware cutlery is also an alternative to commercial cutlery, which is made of plastic, has chemical or pesticide residue, binder additives, fillers, wax lining, plastic lining or coatings, or PFA (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which is generally added to tableware and food packing to offer resistance to oil, grease and moisture. This Ecoware case examines the correlation between sustainability and marketing, with a particular emphasis on sustainability marketing. It delves into Ecoware’s marketing mix strategy and explores the obstacles the company has encountered regarding pricing, environmental awareness and the general lack of understanding regarding the detrimental effects of plastic cutlery.