bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social responsibility in micro businesses in an African context: Towards a theoretical understanding
Authors: Uba Chijioke Dike , Hasan Md Nazmul , Mshelia James Buba 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSmall businesses often engage in social responsibility (SR) without knowing it or without referring to their actions as SR. This is particularly the case in developing countries where the idea of SR is seen as synonymous with philanthropy. While the literature on small business social responsibility is growing, our understanding of the context‐specific determinants of responsible practices in microbusinesses (those that employ less than 10 employees) that dominate the business landscape in many developing countries is still limited. In this paper, we address this gap and offer a theoretical understanding of how microbusiness owner‐managers understand and approach SR by drawing on rich qualitative data collected from Nigeria—Africa's largest economy. We utilise Social Representations Theory to understand (1) how and why microbusiness owner‐managers limit their understanding of SR to philanthropic activities and (2) the wide range of practices, including philanthropic activities, that account for their overall Responsible Business Practices (RBPs)—those practices that enable them to act responsibly towards their stakeholders and/or operating environments. We find that owner‐managers' representations of SR are anchored primarily on an idiosyncratic ethical tendency and inclination towards the creation of social/communal harmony by ‘giving back to society’ and objectified via actions deriving from three ‘giving back’ orientations, namely Core Philanthropism, Social Problem Solving, and Empowering. We model microbusiness owner‐managers' RBPs, highlighting the intersectional interplay of the voluntary (SR as philanthropy) and non‐voluntary (self‐regulatory and legal) dimensions of RBPs. Finally, we discuss the key findings in relation to the extant literature and to policymakers and managers.
The effects of the interaction of genetic predisposition with lifestyle factors on bladder cancer risk
Authors: Yu Evan Yi‐Wen , Liu Yu‐Xiang , Chen Ya‐Ting , Tang Qiu‐Yi , Mehrkanoon Siamak , Wang Shi‐Zhi , Li Wen‐Chao , Zeegers Maurice P. , Wesselius Anke 
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate the association of polygenic risk score (PRS) and bladder cancer (BC) risk and whether this PRS can be offset by a healthy lifestyle.MethodsIndividuals with BC (n = 563) and non‐BC controls (n = 483 957) were identified in the UK Biobank, and adjusted Cox regression models were used. A PRS was constructed based on 34 genetic variants associated with BC development, while a healthy lifestyle score (HLS) was constructed based on three lifestyle factors (i.e., smoking, physical activity, and diet).ResultsOverall, a negative interaction was observed between the PRS and the HLS (P = 0.02). A 7% higher and 28% lower BC risk per 1‐standard deviation (SD) increment in PRS and HLS were observed, respectively. A simultaneous increment of 1 SD in both HLS and PRS was associated with a 6% lower BC risk. In addition, individuals with a high genetic risk and an unfavourable lifestyle showed an increased BC risk compared to individuals with low genetic risk and a favourable lifestyle (hazard ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.16–1.91; P for trend <0.001). Furthermore, population‐attributable fraction (PAF) analysis showed that 12%–15% of the BC cases might have been prevented if individuals had adhered to a healthy lifestyle.ConclusionThis large‐scale cohort study shows that a genetic predisposition combined with unhealthy behaviours have a joint negative effect on the risk of developing BC. Behavioural lifestyle changes should be encouraged for people through comprehensive, multifactorial approaches, although high‐risk individuals may be selected based on genetic risk.
3D matrix promotes cell dedifferentiation into colorectal cancer stem cells via integrin/cytoskeleton/glycolysis signaling
Authors: Han Tong , Jiang Yuhong , Wang Xiaobo , Deng Shuangya , Hu Yongjun , Jin Qianqian , Long Dongju , Liu Kuijie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe potential for tumor occurrence triggered by cancer stem cells (CSCs) has emerged as a significant challenge for human colorectal cancer therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of CSC development remains controversial. Our study provided evidence that the bulk of tumor cells could dedifferentiate to CSCs and reacquire CSC‐like phenotypes if cultured in the presence of extracellular matrix reagents, such as Matrigel and fibrin gels. In these 3D gels, CD133− colorectal cancer cells can regain tumorigenic potential and stem‐like phenotypes. Mechanistically, the 3D extracellular matrix could mediate cytoskeletal F‐actin bundling through biomechanical force associated receptors integrin β1 (ITGB1), contributing to the release of E3 ligase tripartite motif protein 11 (TRIM11) from cytoskeleton and degradation of the glycolytic rate‐limiting enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK). Consequently, PFK inhibition resulted in enhanced glycolysis and upregulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1α), thereby promoting the reprogramming of stem cell transcription factors and facilitating tumor progression in patients. This study provided novel insights into the role of the extracellular matrix in the regulation of CSC dedifferentiation in a cytoskeleton/glycolysis‐dependent manner.
Factors influencing diabetes‐related foot ulcer healing in Australian adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tehan Peta Ellen , Burrows Tracy , Hawes Morgan Brian , Linton Clare , Norbury Kate , Peterson Benjamin , Walsh Annie , White Diane , Chuter Vivienne Helaine 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveDiabetes‐related foot ulceration (DFU) is a common limb‐threatening condition, which is complex and subsequently challenging to manage. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of a range of clinical and social factors to the healing of diabetes‐related foot ulceration in an Australian population.Research design and methodsThis was a prospective cohort study of individuals with diabetes‐related foot ulceration (DFU). Age, sex, medical history, medications, dietary supplementation (e.g. vitamin C intake) and smoking history were elicited at baseline. The index of relative socio‐economic disadvantage (IRSD) was calculated. The Australian Eating Survey and International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐short were administered. Wound history, size, grade, time to healing and infection were captured and monitored over 6 months. Logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between healing and diet quality, toe systolic pressure, wound size at, IRSD, infection and previous amputation.ResultsA total of 117 participants were included. The majority were male n = 96 (82%), socio‐economically disadvantaged (mean IRSD 965, SD 60), and obese (BMI 36 kg/m2, SD 11) with a long history of diabetes (20 years, SD 11). Wounds were predominantly neuropathic (n = 85, 73%) and classified 1A (n = 63, 54%) on the University of Texas wound classification system with few infections (n = 23, 16%). Dietary supplementation was associated with 4.36 increased odds of healing (95% 1.28–14.84, p = 0.02), and greater levels of socio‐economic advantage were also associated with increased odds of healing (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02, p = 0.03).ConclusionsIn this cohort study of predominantly neuropathic, non‐infected DFU, individuals who had greater levels of socio‐economic advantage had significantly greater odds of DFU healing. Diet quality was poor in most participants, with individuals taking supplementation significantly more likely to heal.
Association of ictal imaging changes in status epilepticus and neurological deterioration
Authors: Cornwall Camilla Dyremose , Dahl Svein Magne , Nguyen Nina , Roberg Lars Egil , Monsson Olav , Krøigård Thomas , Beier Christoph Patrick 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveIn patients with status epilepticus (SE), the clinical significance of ictal changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is insufficiently understood. We here studied whether the presence of ictal MRI changes was associated with neurological deterioration at discharge.MethodsThe retrospective cohort comprised all identifiable patients treated at Odense University Hospital in the period 2008–2017. All amenable MRIs were systemically screened for ictal changes. Patient demographics, electroencephalography, seizure characteristics, treatment, and SE duration were assessed. Neurological status was estimated before and after SE. The predefined endpoint was the association of neurological deterioration and ictal MRI changes.ResultsOf 261 eligible patients, 101 received at least one MRI during SE or within 7 days after cessation; 43.6% (44/101) had SE due to non‐ or less brain‐damaging etiologies. Patients who received MRI had a longer duration of SE, less frequently had a history of epilepsy, and were more likely to have SE due to unknown causes. Basic characteristics (including electroencephalographic features defined by the Salzburg criteria) did not differ between patients with (n = 20) and without (n = 81) ictal MRI changes. Timing of MRI was important; postictal changes were rare within the first 24 h and hardly seen >5 days after cessation of SE. Ictal MRI changes were associated with a higher risk of neurological deterioration at discharge irrespective of etiology. Furthermore, they were associated with a longer duration of SE and higher long‐term mortality that reached statistical significance in patients with non‐ or less brain‐damaging etiologies.SignificanceIn this retrospective cohort, ictal changes on MRI were associated with a higher risk of neurological deterioration at discharge and, possibly, with a longer duration of SE and poorer survival.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics of exotic fish species in the Mediterranean Sea: Over a century of invasion reconstructed
Authors: Azzurro Ernesto , Smeraldo Sonia , D'Amen Manuela 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWith over a thousand of introduced species, the Mediterranean is the most heavily invaded marine region in the world. Yet, the spatio‐temporal dynamics of this bioinvasion has never been analysed. Examination of a comprehensive dataset of 4015 georeferenced observations, extracted from the scientific literature, allowed (i) reconstructing the invasion and the introduction and post‐introduction dynamics of exotic fish species, (ii) calculating introduction and spread rates, and (iii) investigating the time correlates since introduction. Our analysis encompasses 188 fish species that entered the Mediterranean from 1896 to 2020, including 25 Atlantic species that naturally expanded their range through the Strait of Gibraltar. Cumulative occurrences, reported in 264 distribution maps, documented the progressive expansion of the most represented species and the spatio‐temporal patterns associated with three introduction routes: the Suez Canal (CAN); other human‐mediated vectors (HM) and the Strait of Gibraltar (NRE). The arrival rate of the species introduced through all three routes increased steeply after 1990, without a sign of saturation. Data analysis highlighted some temporal and geographical patterns, such as the effect and eventual weakening of the biogeographical barriers represented by the Strait of Sicily and the North Aegean Sea and the asymmetrical distribution of occurrences along the northern and southern Mediterranean coasts. Finally, there was an exponential increase in the secondary spread rates of CAN and NRE immigrants, as the more recent introductions achieved the fastest geographical expansions. Our findings provide a detailed and spatially explicit summary of a massive invasion that has changed the history of the Mediterranean biota and represent a remarkable example of rapid biotic homogenization in the global ocean.
Biocrust impacts on dryland soil water balance: A path toward the whole picture
Authors: Li Shenglong , Bowker Matthew A. , Xiao Bo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAs a crucial living feature inhabiting the soil–atmosphere boundary, biocrusts play a vital role in liquid water or vapor transport through surface soil and thus have strong effects on soil water regimes. However, it remains unclear how biocrusts affect annual or multiyear soil water budgets through the regulation of evaporation outputs and non‐rainfall water (NRW) or infiltration inputs. Thus, we used automated microlysimeters to continually investigate the differences in evaporation and NRW rates between moss‐dominated biocrusts and bare soil at 0–5 cm depth for 2 years. The upper 30 cm of soil moisture (θ) and water storage (W) of bare soil and biocrusts were also monitored. Our results showed that the daily evaporation rate (E) of biocrusts was 17% higher than bare soil. Especially after rainfall events, biocrusts had higher E and larger cumulative evaporation than bare soil. Besides, the daily NRW of biocrusts averaged 15% higher than bare soil over 2 years. Furthermore, biocrusts increased θ by 11%–76% at 0–10 cm depth but decreased θ by 32%–56% at 20–30 cm depth in comparison to bare soil, and they subsequently decreased W by 20% at 0–30 cm depth. Summarized annually, the NRW amount of biocrusts was 19% higher than bare soil, but at the same time, the cumulative evaporation of biocrusts was also 19% higher than bare soil. Finally, biocrusts resulted in more water loss at shallow depth through evaporation and lessened total W throughout 0–30 cm depth of soil. These findings demonstrate that although biocrusts input more NRW into surface soil, these water inputs partially offset their intensified evaporation. Given that all rainfall water infiltrates into the soil in our study system, our findings indicate that biocrusts may have an overall negative effect on soil water balance there, while at the same time increasing water storage and availability of the deeper soil underlying biocrusts.
The evolution of structural resilience of global oil and gas resources trade network
Authors: Sun Xin , Wei Ye , Jin Ying , Song Wei , Li Xiaoling 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis paper establishes anetwork resilience evaluation framework of the global oil and gas resourcetrade network in 2010, 2015 and 2020. The results are as follows: The links of the oil trade network present a gradually shrinking trend, and the gas tradenetwork presents a trend of close connection first and then reduced. In termsof network density, network centrality, network connectivity and network size, the structural resilience of the oil and gas resource trade network displays ashrinking trend, and the gas trade network is superior. Concerninginvulnerability and recovery, the resilience of the oil trade network issuperior to the natural gas trade network. In simulated attacks, the oil tradenetwork reveals a higher resilience towards intentional attacks, and the gastrade network shows a higher resilience towards random attacks. The Strait ofHormuz and the Strait of Malacca are critical chokepoints in the networks.
Advanced Ti3C2Tx MXene‐modified cement nanocomposites toward high efficiency electromagnetic functional materials for green buildings
Authors: Wei Fada , Liu Qinghua , Liu Heqiang , Wang Guohong , Li Minghang , Li Mingxing , Liu Xingmin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe proliferation of electronic devices and wireless communication is leading to serious electromagnetic (EM) interference. In this work, Ti3C2/cement composites were developed as high efficiency EM functional materials by introducing exfoliated Ti3C2Tx MXene with cement for green buildings with EM shielding function. In the composites, few‐layered Ti3C2 MXene were dispersed homogeneously throughout the cement matrix. The EM properties of the composites were studied as a function of the MXene content. With increasing MXene content, real and imaginary part of permittivity was significantly improved owing to the polarization and electrical conduction caused by the MXene phase. Composites with 15 wt.% MXene showed good EM absorbing properties with a maximum effective absorbing bandwidth of 2.67 GHz. Strong EM shielding can be achieved when MXene content increased to 25 wt.%. The EM shielding effectiveness of such composites was higher than 22.0 dB, and the dominating shielding mechanism was EM absorption. This work finds new materials for the development of advanced green buildings with EM shielding function.
Cardiac tamponade as an inherent but potentially nonfatal complication of transvenous lead extraction: Experience with 1126 procedures performed using mechanical tools
Authors: Nowosielecka Dorota , Tułecki Łukasz , Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Anna , Tomków Konrad , Stefańczyk Paweł , Bródka Jarosław , Kutarski Andrzej 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionCardiac tamponade (CT) is one of the most common and dangerous complications of transvenous lead extraction (TLE). So far, however, there has been little discussion about the problem.MethodsWe analyzed the occurrence of CT in a group of 1226 patients undergoing TLE at a single reference center between June, 2015 and February, 2021. Using standard mechanical devices as first‐line tools, a total of 2092 leads had been extracted.ResultsCT occurred in 18 patients (1.47%): due to injury to the wall of the right atrium in 14 patients (1.14%) and other cardiac walls in four patients (0.33%). Younger patient age at first implantation, female gender, high left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower New York Heart Association class, low Charlson comorbidity index, longer implant duration, and the number of previous procedures related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are important patient‐related risk factors for CT. Significant procedure‐related risk factors include the number of extracted leads, extraction of atrial leads and longer dwell time of extracted leads. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides a lot of information about pulling on various cardiac structures and is able to detect a very early phase of bleeding to the pericardial sac. As a result of implementing best practices guidance in performing extraction procedures and close collaboration with cardiac surgeons that allowed immediate rescue intervention in our series of 18 CT cases, there were no procedure‐related deaths (mortality 0%).ConclusionsThe need for rescue surgery due to CT has no influence on clinical and procedural success. Early diagnosed (TEE monitoring) and properly managed CT does not generate any additional risk in short‐ and long‐term follow‐up after TLE.
Protective effects of metformin in various cardiovascular diseases: Clinical evidence and AMPK‐dependent mechanisms
Authors: Bu Yizhi , Peng Mei , Tang Xinyi , Xu Xu , Wu Yifeng , Chen Alex F. , Yang Xiaoping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMetformin, a well‐known AMPK agonist, has been widely used as the first‐line drug for treating type 2 diabetes. There had been a significant concern regarding the use of metformin in people with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to its potential lactic acidosis side effect. Currently growing clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that metformin can lower the incidence of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients or even non‐diabetic patients beyond its hypoglycaemic effects. The underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular benefits of metformin largely involve the cellular energy sensor, AMPK, of which activation corrects endothelial dysfunction, reduces oxidative stress and improves inflammatory response. In this minireview, we summarized the clinical evidence of metformin benefits in several widely studied cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, ischaemic/reperfusion injury and arrhythmia, both in patients with or without diabetes. Meanwhile, we highlighted the potential AMPK‐dependent mechanisms in in vitro and/or in vivo models.
Comparative efficacy of a spider knottin insecticide, GS‐omega/kappa‐Hxtx‐Hv1a, against four species of invasive tropical tephritids
Authors: Stockton Dara G. , Manoukis Nicholas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractInvasive tephritid fruit flies collectively pose a significant economic challenge to agricultural pest management globally. Insecticide resistance to a number of previously effective chemical classes has increased the risk these pests pose as management options become limited. We evaluated the efficacy of a peptide‐based biorational insecticide with a unique mode of action, containing the active ingredient, GS‐omega/kappa‐Hxtx‐Hv1a (GS‐Hv1a), against four of tephritid species, oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis), melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata, ‘Medfly’), and Malaysian fruit fly (Bactrocera latrifrons). This assessment aimed to determine whether GS‐Hv1a has the potential for effective management of tropical tephritids, particularly in regions where insecticide resistance has developed to other products. We conducted two sets of screening assays with different methods of exposure, oral and topical and compared survival over time in response to increasing concentrations of GS‐Hv1a up to 3.86 mg/ml. We found that efficacy was species dependent: Ceratitis capitata was susceptible following topical exposure, while the other species of fruit fly were not. While Medfly survival decreased following oral ingestion as well, the amount required to achieve this was greater than the concentration used in the topical bioassay. We observed that survival continued to decline up to 72 h after exposure, indicating a delayed effect similar to other reduced‐risk insecticidal products such as fipronil. For this reason, GS‐Hv1a may be useful as a horizontal transfer tool in conjunction with C. capitata male pheromone lures.
Deformation of implant retaining screws—Study with stereoscopic microscopy and microCT
Authors: Batista Ricardo , Moreira André , Oliveira Susana João , Mesquita Pedro , Sampaio‐Fernandes João , Figueiral Maria Helena 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe prosthetic screw fixes the prostheses to the implants. Upon osteointegration, the untightening of the prosthetic screw is the most common problem in oral rehabilitation with implants.ObjectiveTo study the deformation of the implant retaining hexagonal screw head.MethodsThis investigation used two methods for evaluating the screw head's area of deformation (mm2): a stereoscopic microscopy and micro computed tomography (microCT). For stereoscopic microscopy, 16 titanium alloy (T) and 16 titanium gold‐plated alloy (G) screws of the Zimmer Biomet™ brand were used, divided into eight groups: group 0 (control group), groups T1 and G1 (screws tightened 10 times to 20 Ncm), the groups T2 and G2 (screws tightened 20 times to 20 Ncm) and the groups T3 and G3 (screws tightened 10 times to 30 Ncm). In the study with microCT, one screw was randomly chosen from each of the groups described above to perform the scanning by microCT.ResultsWhen comparing the type of screw material using stereoscopic microscopy, no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05). Contrarily, different number of successive grips and different torque value showed statistically significant differences in the head section of the retaining screws (p < 0.05). The observation by microCT showed the torque applied is crucial to the head deformation in titanium screws. In gold‐plated screws the successive tightening appears to be pivotal.ConclusionTitanium and gold screws tend to behave similarly. By increasing the tightening cycles and the torque values of protocols greater levels of deformations can be expected. In general, microCT data showed better results for gold‐plated titanium alloy.Clinical SignificanceTo control severe screw head deformation and the impossibility of untightening the implant's restoration, clinicians should avoid extreme torque values and prevent surpassing 10 tightening cycles.