bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the effects of perceived quality differences between adequacy for emergency remote education and return to traditional in-person education
Authors: Fernandes Rafael da Silva , Luz Rosana Maria do Nascimento , Silva Jaqueline Matias da , Andrade Dalton Francisco de
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the suitability of emergency remote education (ERE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently during the return to in-person education (IPE), investigating aspects of perceived quality differences in these transitions that may have impacted the students’ learning process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a 41-item instrument to undergraduate students in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brazil. For the suitability group, 493 responses were collected, and for the return to IPE group, 187 responses were collected. Three calibration approaches were performed using item response theory, with the first two adjusting data independently, and the third one involving a multigroup estimation.

Findings

During ERE, students perceived an increase in course offerings, better organization of classes and more study materials. However, the larger volume of content posed challenges in class monitoring, content comprehension and concentration. Upon returning to IPE, students noticed more organized assessments and activities. They found favorable test environments and collaborative tasks with peers, but they experienced difficulties in accessing professors and with class/content organization.

Practical implications

By identifying the most suitable items for both teaching formats, HEIs can enhance teaching practices that are more satisfactory from the students’ perspective.

Originality/value

This study provides an item ranking procedure inspired by differential item functioning and differential test functioning statistics. In an atypical situation, the item ranking procedure demonstrated its ability to generate useful information for identifying and quantifying the longitudinal effects of perceived quality on students.
Understanding talent management as a theory-driven field: a scoping review
Authors: Marlapudi Kiran , Lenka Usha
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Emphasizing the increasing role of talent management (TM) as a global phenomenon and a source of sustainable competitive advantage for organizations, this study aims to present a scoping review of empirical literature on TM, examining the transition of TM from a phenomenon-driven to a theory-driven field.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a scoping review, this study analyzed 200 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2023 on TM.

Findings

The results indicate that TM is extensively studied in nationally operated, large, private, engineering-led organizations in Anglo-Saxon countries. The study highlights the necessity for more empirical studies and statistically robust evidence to establish the effectiveness of TM.

Research limitations/implications

This review intends to provide a vision and direction for future researchers, guiding TM towards becoming a theory-driven field characterized by widely accepted theoretical frameworks and research designs.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may not be generalizable to other types of organizations or cultural contexts, as it primarily focused on large private engineering-led organizations in Anglo-Saxon countries.

Originality/value

This paper offers a comprehensive view of the definitions, contextualization, conceptualization, frameworks, practices, processes and under-explored areas of TM, which are essential for its development as a discipline.
The fitness benefit of pyoverdine cross‐feeding by Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5
Authors: Smith Parker , Schuster Martin
Published: December 2023

Under iron‐limiting conditions, fluorescent pseudomonads acquire iron from the environment by secreting strain‐specific, iron‐chelating siderophores termed pyoverdines (PVD). The rhizosphere bacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5 produces its own PVD but also can cross‐feed on PVDs produced by other species. Previous work has found that Pf‐5 continues to produce its own PVD when allowed to cross‐feed, raising questions about the benefit of heterologous PVD utilisation. Here, we investigate this question using a defined, unidirectional P. protegens Pf‐5/Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 cross‐feeding model. Quantifying the production of PVD in the presence of heterologous PVD produced by PAO1, we show that cross‐feeding Pf‐5 strains reduce the production of their own PVD, while non‐cross‐feeding Pf‐5 strains increase the production of PVD. Measuring the fitness of cross‐feeding and non‐cross‐feeding Pf‐5 strains in triple coculture with PAO1, we find that cross‐feeding provides a fitness benefit to Pf‐5 when the availability of heterologous PVD is high. We conclude that cross‐feeding can reduce the costs of self‐PVD production and may thus aid in the colonisation of iron‐limited environments that contain compatible siderophores produced by other resident microbes. Taken together, these results expand our understanding of the mechanisms of interspecific competition for iron in microbial communities.
Convince with facts: Information effects on attitudes to the sickness insurance in Sweden
Authors: Bendz Anna , Oskarson Maria
Published: December 2023

Does factual information matter for policy evaluations and attitudes? Previous research has provided different, and partly contradictive, replies to this question. To test the effect of concrete facts on attitudes, we provide findings from a survey web‐experiment concerning satisfaction with the universal sickness insurance. The treatments in the experiment are short facts from official reports on how the insurance actually work and is used. Our dependent variables are general satisfaction with how the insurance works, as well as trust for the responsible agency administering the insurance and more specified perceptions on capacity, precision, and fairness of the insurance. The results show that under certain circumstances, policy‐specific information does have an effect – even though the effects are not consistent. Effects of the information were mainly found on general evaluations of the sickness insurance rather than on specific attitudes. Furthermore, we conclude that, contrary to expectations, the effects were not conditional on left–right position, subjective knowledge, political interest, or proximity.
Examining the recent strike wave in the UK: The problem with official statistics
Authors: Hodder Andy , Mustchin Stephen
Published: December 2023

In the UK, there has been a significant increase in strike activity since the summer of 2022. Due to these increased levels of strike activity, it is logical for academics and policy makers to turn to the official data on labour disputes to help us understand what has been happening. Strikes remain of core sociological interest, yet are under researched in this journal. This research note briefly examines the recent strike wave in the UK drawing on data from the Office for National Statistics. The limitations of these data are outlined before consideration is given to other potential sources of data on labour disputes.
Association between food insecurity status, campus food initiative use and diet quality in Australian university students
Authors: Kent Katherine , Siu Yan Hin , Hutchesson Melinda , Collins Clare E. , Charlton Karen E.
Published: December 2023

Aims

University students may experience food insecurity due to financial constraints, reducing the quality of their diet. This study aimed to identify students at higher risk of food insecurity, their engagement with on‐campus food initiatives and evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and a validated index of diet quality.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey used the six‐item Household Food Security Survey Module to assess food insecurity. Total diet quality and subscale scores for eight food groups were measured using the Australian Recommended Food Score (range 0–73). Univariate and multivariate regression identified groups at risk of food insecurity, their engagement with campus food initiatives and relationship with diet quality scores.

Results

Of student respondents (n = 197), over half (54%) experienced food insecurity (14% mild, 23% moderate and 18% severe food insecurity). Male students and students not living with parents were at significantly higher risk. Food‐insecure students were significantly more likely to use the campus food pantry (odds ratio = 2.3 [95% confidence interval = 1.286–4.142]; p = 0.005) but not a campus community garden. The mean diet quality score was 32.9 (standard deviation = 8.9). Food‐insecure students reported a mean diet quality score over three points lower than food‐secure respondents (B = −3.5 [95% confidence interval = −6.0 to −1.0]; p = 0.006), with significantly lower fruit and vegetable subscale scores.

Conclusions

Results suggest a high occurrence of food insecurity and poor dietary quality in university students. Despite high levels of engagement with the campus food pantry, the poor diet quality of food‐insecure students suggests an urgent need for greater university‐led interventions to improve students' dietary intake.
Beyond mediators: A critical review and methodological path forward for studying mechanisms in alcohol use treatment research
Authors: Meisel Samuel N. , Boness Cassandra L. , Miranda Robert , Witkiewitz Katie
Published: December 2023

Understanding how treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) facilitate behavior change has long been recognized as an important area of research for advancing clinical care. However, despite decades of research, the specific mechanisms of change for most AUD treatments remain largely unknown because most prior work in the field has focused only on statistical mediation. Statistical mediation is a necessary but not sufficient condition to establish evidence for a mechanism of change. Mediators are intermediate variables that account statistically for the relationship between independent and dependent variables, whereas mechanisms provide more detailed explanations of how an intervention leads to a desired outcome. Thus, mediators and mechanisms are not equivalent. To advance mechanisms of behavior change research, in this critical review we provide an overview of methodological shortfalls of existing AUD treatment mechanism research and introduce an etiologically informed precision medicine approach that facilitates the testing of mechanisms of behavior change rather than treatment mediators. We propose a framework for studying mechanisms in alcohol treatment research that promises to facilitate our understanding of behavior change and precision medicine (i.e., for whom a given mechanism of behavior change operates and under what conditions). The framework presented in this review has several overarching goals, one of which is to provide a methodological roadmap for testing AUD recovery mechanisms. We provide two examples of our framework, one pharmacological and one behavioral, to facilitate future efforts to implement this methodological approach to mechanism research. The framework proposed in this critical review facilitates the alignment of AUD treatment mechanism research with current theories of etiologic mechanisms, precision medicine efforts, and cross‐disciplinary approaches to testing mechanisms. Although no framework can address all the challenges related to mechanisms research, our goal is to help facilitate a shift toward more rigorous and falsifiable behavior change research.
The sound of silence: The importance of bystander support for confronters in the prevention of norm erosion
Authors: Tirion Anna S. C. , Mulder Laetitia B. , Kurz Tim , Koudenburg Namkje , Prosser Annayah M. B. , Bain Paul , Bolderdijk Jan Willem
Published: December 2023

Observing deviant behaviour can lead to ‘norm erosion’, where a norm is no longer seen as relevant and compliance with it is reduced. Previous research argues that social confrontations can mitigate norm erosion. However, this work has not considered the impact of bystanders to confrontations, who might influence the outcome by supporting—or failing to support—the person confronting a social rule breaker. We examine the effect of bystanders' reactions on preventing norm erosion across three experimental studies. We examined how supportive and non‐supportive bystander reactions to a confronter impacted the perceived strength of a prosocial norm among participants and their behavioural intentions. We find that when bystanders explicitly supported the confronter against the rule breaker, the norm was perceived as stronger—and sometimes, compliance intentions were higher—than when bystanders did not respond to the confronter. A mini meta‐analysis across the three studies reveals that the effect of bystander support on perceived norm strength is large and robust. Our work demonstrates that for the prevention of norm erosion, confrontations benefit greatly from being explicitly supported by bystanders.
The relationship between systemic inflammatory response, screen detection and outcome in colorectal cancer
Authors: Johnstone Mark S. , McSorley Steven T. , McMillan Donald C. , Horgan Paul G. , Mansouri David
Published: December 2023

Aim

A raised systemic inflammatory response correlates with poorer colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes. Faecal immunochemical test bowel screening aims to detect early‐stage disease. We assessed the relationship between systemic inflammatory response, screen detection and CRC survival.

Method

A retrospective, observational cohort study compared screen‐detected and non‐screen‐detected CRC patients undergoing resection. Systemic inflammatory response was measured using lymphocyte/monocyte, neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (LMR, NLR, PLR). Covariables were compared using χ2 testing and survival with Cox regression.

Results

A total of 761 patients were included (326 screen‐detected, 435 non‐screen‐detected). Screen‐detected patients had lower systemic inflammatory response: low (<2.4) LMR (28.8% vs. 44.6%; P < 0.001), moderate (3–5) or high (>5) NLR (26.1% vs. 30.6%, P < 0.001; and 7.7% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.001) and high (>150) PLR (47.2% vs. 64.6%; P < 0.001). Median follow‐up was 63 months. On univariate analysis, non‐screen detection (hazard ratio [HR] 2.346, 95% CI 1.687–3.261; P < 0.001), advanced TNM (P < 0.001), low LMR (HR 2.038, 95% CI 1.514–2.742; P < 0.001), moderate NLR (HR 1.588, 95% CI 1.128–2.235; P = 0.008), high NLR (HR 2.382, 95% CI 1.626–3.491; P < 0.001) and high PLR (HR 1.827, 95% CI 1.326–2.519; P < 0.001) predicted poorer overall survival (OS). Non‐screen detection (HR 2.713, 95% CI 1.742–4.226; P < 0.001), TNM (P < 0.001), low LMR (HR 1.969, 95% CI 1.340–2.893; P < 0.001), high NLR (HR 2.368, 95% CI 1.448–3.875; P < 0.001) and high PLR (HR 2.110, 95% CI 1.374–3.240; P < 0.001) predicted poorer cancer‐specific survival (CSS). On multivariate analysis, non‐screen detection (HR 1.698, 95% CI 1.152–2.503; P = 0.008) and low LMR (HR 1.610, 95% CI 1.158–2.238; P = 0.005) independently predicted poorer OS. Non‐screen detection (HR 1.847, 95% CI 1.144–2.983; P = 0.012) and high PLR (HR 1.578, 95% CI 1.018–2.444; P = 0.041) predicted poorer CSS.

Conclusion

Screen‐detected CRC patients have a lower systemic inflammatory response. Non‐screen detection and systemic inflammatory response (measured by LMR and PLR respectively) were independent predictors of poorer OS and CSS.
Self‐perceived preparedness of new dental graduates from a Middle Eastern university
Authors: Alsoghier Abdullah , Ali Kamran
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Preparedness for independent clinical practice is a core goal of undergraduate dental education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the self‐reported preparedness for the dental practice among new dental graduates from a University in the Middle East.

Methods

Following ethics approval, a purposive sampling techniques were used to invite newly qualified dental graduates at a Middle Eastern University. A validated research instrument, namely the Dental Undergraduate Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU‐PAS), was used to evaluate the self‐perceived preparedness of the participants. Data collection was undertaken online using Google Forms and data were analysed to compute the descriptive statistics, reliability and demographic differences among the participants.

Results

A total of 82 participants provided their response yielding a response rate of 68%. The participants included 49 males and 33 females. The overall reliability of DU‐PAS was excellent. (α = 0.93). The participants included less than 40% of participants were able independently to prescribe medications, assess orthodontics needs and perform endodontic treatment on multirooted teeth. In addition, more than 65% indicated low confidence in evaluating new dental materials and products, interpreting new research findings and behavioural management of children.

Conclusion

The present findings identified strengths and weaknesses of new dental graduates from a Middle Eastern university. The participants were confident in basic clinical skills but lower confidence was reported for complex dental procedures. The findings highlight the learning needs of new dental graduates and can serve to inform the undergraduate curriculum to enhance the preparedness of future cohorts of dental graduates.
Investigation into the anisotropic damage behavior of LA103Z Mg‐Li alloy rolling sheet using X‐ray computed tomography and numerical modeling
Authors: Xu Sinuo , Qian Lingyun , Ma Tengyun , Sun Chaoyang , Wang Chunhui , Feng Yinghao , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2023

The anisotropic damage behavior has a great influence on the formability of rolling sheets. This work aimed to investigate the anisotropic damage mechanism of the LA103Z Mg‐Li alloy rolling sheet by combining mesoscale detection and modeling. The X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied to characterize the evolution of damage morphology and volume fraction in RD, DD, and TD directions of the rolling sheet. The GTN damage model was calibrated by the experimental results with the representative volume element (RVE) method. The anisotropic damage mechanism was revealed via experimental and modeling results. The micro void nucleation strain εN was critical to determine the initiation moment of the anisotropic damage. The continuous nucleation in RD direction, the severe growth in DD direction, and the massive coalescence in TD direction were the micro void evolution competition results that caused the anisotropy for damage mechanism and fracture strain.
Minority state ownership and firm performance: Evidence from the Chinese stock market crash in 2015
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Si Fangbo , Xie Chenxin , Xie Lu
Published: December 2023

We examine the effect of minority state ownership on firm performance using the Chinese stock market crash in 2015. We find that treatment firms with minority state ownership accumulated from governmental purchases of equities experience significant reductions in operating performance. The negative impact is more severe in firms with higher riskiness and firms with less powerful large shareholders. We also find that treatment firms’ risk decreases and their employment increases after minority state shareholders step in, providing supportive evidence on the government's motives of reducing risk and preventing mass layoffs. Further tests reveal the channels through which minority state ownership impedes investment efficiency, productivity, and innovation. The negative impact diminishes when government institutions divest their shares in a timely manner. Overall, our results suggest there are unintended negative consequences of minority state ownership arising from the governmental rescue package in a market crisis.
Conspecific density and habitat quality drive the defence and vocal behaviour of a territorial passerine
Authors: Barrero Adrián , Gómez‐Catasús Julia , Pérez‐Granados Cristian , Bustillo‐de la Rosa Daniel , Traba Juan
Published: December 2023

Territorial defence depends on highly interrelated factors such as food abundance and conspecific density. We used Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti as a model species to evaluate the response of a territorial bird to a foreign male playback, examining how conspecific density, habitat quality and male body condition impact responses. The study was conducted in central Spain with variable male density. Response (yes/no), latency time, distance to the playback speaker, and the number of songs and other vocalizations were monitored for 5 min. Habitat quality was estimated using BlueNDVI vegetation index extracted from high‐resolution drone imagery, which is a proxy for arthropod prey biomass. Conspecific density (Kernel Density Estimator) and male body condition were calculated to assess their effect on response and intensity. We applied generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to determine which factors predicted the response and its intensity. There was a greater response probability in areas with a higher density of conspecifics and in areas of poorer habitat quality (i.e. lower BlueNDVI values). In contrast, latency time was longer in areas with lower conspecific density. Intrasexual communication (singing and calling rates) increased with habitat quality. Intraspecific communication (other vocalizations) increased in poorer quality habitats and at a higher density of conspecifics. Body condition was not related to any variables. Our results suggest that male density, sometimes used as an indicator of an area being well conserved for the species, may reflect areas of poorer habitat quality occupied by unpaired floater males, whereas paired territorial males would occupy and defend higher quality areas, leading to lower density.
Assessment of IgG‐Fc glycosylation from individual RhD‐specific B cell clones reveals regulation at clonal rather than clonotypic level
Authors: de Graaf Erik L. , Larsen Mads Delbo , van der Bolt Nieke , Visser Remco , Verhagen Onno J. H. M. , Hipgrave Ederveen Agnes L. , Koeleman Carolien A. M. , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Wuhrer Manfred , Vidarsson Gestur
Published: December 2023

The type and strength of effector functions mediated by immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies rely on the subclass and the composition of the N297 glycan. Glycosylation analysis of both bulk and antigen‐specific human IgG has revealed a marked diversity of the glycosylation signatures, including highly dynamic patterns as well as long‐term stability of profiles, yet information on how individual B cell clones would contribute to this diversity has hitherto been lacking. Here, we assessed whether clonally related B cells share N297 glycosylation patterns of their secreted IgG. We differentiated single antigen‐specific peripheral IgG+ memory B cells into antibody‐secreting cells and analysed Fc glycosylation of secreted IgG. Furthermore, we sequenced the variable region of their heavy chain, which allowed the grouping of the clones into clonotypes. We found highly diverse glycosylation patterns of culture‐derived IgG, which, to some degree, mimicked the glycosylation of plasma IgG. Each B cell clone secreted IgG with a mixture of different Fc glycosylation patterns. The majority of clones produced fully fucosylated IgG. B cells producing afucosylated IgG were scattered across different clonotypes. In contrast, the remaining glycosylation traits were, in general, more uniform. These results indicate IgG‐Fc fucosylation to be regulated at the single‐clone level, whereas the regulation of other glycosylation traits most likely occurs at a clonotypic or systemic level. The discrepancies between plasma IgG and culture‐derived IgG, could be caused by the origin of the B cells analysed, clonal dominance or factors from the culture system, which need to be addressed in future studies.
The dual role of regulatory T cells in hepatitis B virus infection and related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Jinan , Miao Rui , Chen Yao , Wang Han , Liu Mei
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major contributor to cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiologic factor leading to HCC. While there have been significant advancements in controlling HBV replication, achieving a complete cure for HBV‐related HCC (HBV‐HCC) remains an intricate challenge. HBV persistence is attributed to a myriad of mechanisms, encompassing both innate and adaptive immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are pivotal in upholding immune tolerance and modulating excessive immune activation. During HBV infection, Tregs mediate specific T cell suppression, thereby contributing to both persistent infection and the mitigation of liver inflammatory responses. Studies have demonstrated an augmented expression of circulating and intrahepatic Tregs in HBV‐HCC, which correlates with impaired CD8+ T cell function. Consequently, Tregs play a dual role in the context of HBV infection and the progression of HBV‐HCC. In this comprehensive review, we discuss pertinent studies concerning Tregs in HBV infection, HBV‐related cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, we summarize Treg responses to antiviral therapy and provide Treg‐targeted therapies specific to HBV and HCC.
Microstructure and properties of SiBCN/SiBCN mini‐composites prepared by the precursor infiltration and the pyrolysis process
Authors: Zhao Zikai , Ma Qingsong , Wang Tingbo , Long Xin , Shao Changwei , Chen Si'an
Published: December 2023

SiBCN fiber reinforced SiBCN matrix mini‐composites (SiBCN/SiBCN) as a new type of the ceramic matrix composite were fabricated by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process. Various degumming methods for continuous SiBCN fibers resulted in different properties and surface conditions, further affecting the interfacial bonding strength (IFBS) and mechanical properties of the composites. The relationship between fiber degumming modes, fiber states, and properties of composites was discussed and the strengthening mechanisms of the SiBCN/SiBCN mini‐composites were explored. With a degumming treatment of N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) soaking, the flexural strength and modulus of mini‐SiBCN/SiBCN composites achieved 508 ± 68 MPa and 79 ± 12 GPa, respectively. The novel strengthening mechanism of the microcrystalline SiBCN fiber reinforced microcrystalline SiBCN matrix composites will enrich and be helpful to understand the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of ceramic matrix composites.
Perspectives and thoughts of pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV receiving peer support: A mixed studies systematic review
Authors: Goh Huang Qi , Nelson LaRon E. , Teo Wei Zhou , Aidoo‐Frimpong Gloria , Ramos S. Raquel , Shorey Shefaly
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to systematically consolidate evidence on perspectives and thoughts of women living with HIV regarding the peer support they have encountered during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Design

Mixed studies systematic review.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and ProQuest were sourced from 1981 to January 2022.

Methods

A convergent qualitative synthesis approach was used to analyse the data. Quality appraisal was performed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included, involving 1596 pregnant women and 1856 new mothers living with HIV. An overarching theme, ‘From One Mother to Another: The Supportive Journey of Pregnant Women and New Mothers Living with HIV’, and two themes were identified: (1) Emotional support buddies and extended networks and (2) Link bridge to healthcare support and self‐empowerment.

Conclusion

Peer support played an indispensable role in the lives of women living with HIV and served as a complementary support system to professional and family support.

Impact

What problem did the study address? Pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV face preconceived stigma and discrimination.

What were the main findings? Peer support was perceived to be beneficial in enhancing emotional support among women living with HIV and was well‐accepted by them.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact? Healthcare providers and community social workers could develop or enhance peer support educational programmes tailored to pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV. Policymakers and administrators can leverage public awareness, advocacy and political will to formulate and implement policies and campaigns aimed at fostering awareness and receptivity towards peer support interventions.

Reporting Method

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Characteristics and effectiveness of mentoring programmes for specialized and advanced practice nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Vlerick Isabel , Kinnaer Lise‐Marie , Delbaere Ben , Coolbrandt Annemarie , Decoene Elsie , Thomas Laura , Vanderlinde Ruben , Van Hecke Ann
Published: December 2023

Aims

(1) To identify, evaluate and summarize evidence about the objectives and characteristics of mentoring programmes for specialized nurses (SNs) or nurse navigators (NNs) and advanced practice nurses (APNs) and (2) to identify the effectiveness of these programmes.

Design

A systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines.

Data Sources

From November 2022 until 7 December 2022, four databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

Study selection was performed independently by two researchers. Disagreements were discussed until consensus was reached. Data extraction was undertaken for included studies. Data synthesis was conducted using narrative analysis. Quality appraisal was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Results

Twelve articles were included, all of which focused on mentoring programmes for APNs. Different forms of mentorship (e.g. (in)formal mentorship, work shadowing, workshops) were reported. Studies reported positive outcomes on job retention (n = 5), job satisfaction (n = 6), skills improvement (n = 7), satisfaction with the programme (n = 7) and confidence improvement (n = 4) among participants of mentoring programmes.

Conclusion

There is a lack of uniformity and consistency in various elements of mentoring programmes. Further research is needed to develop mentoring programmes for both APNs and SNs/NNs in a systematic and theoretically underpinned manner. It is necessary to establish a thorough evaluation methodology, preferably using a mixed methods design that includes both a qualitative process evaluation and a comprehensive outcome evaluation using validated questionnaires, taking into account the NN/APN, the interprofessional team and organizational level.

Impact

The synthesis of evidence may be useful to organizations developing and implementing mentoring programmes for both SN/NN and APN. The development of a mentoring programme for nursing experts should be considered a complex intervention that requires theoretical frameworks and contextual considerations.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable, as no patients or public were involved.
Clinical observation and influence on nutritional status of intensive nutritional nursing combined with 3‐day dietary diary intervention in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Shao Zengmei , Chen Chuanxia , Tong Mengli , Weng Ning
Published: December 2023

Background

Peritoneal dialysis is a commonly used treatment for chronic kidney failure patients. Studies have shown that long‐term peritoneal dialysis can lead to various degrees of malnutrition. Therefore, it is of great significance to improve the nutritional conditions of patients with peritoneal dialysis. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of intensive nutritional nursing combined with a 3‐day diet diary intervention on the nutritional condition of peritoneal dialysis patients.

Methods

In total, 163 patients were included in this study and, after 6 months of intervention, their nutritional and biochemical indicators, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and intake of dietary ingredients were analysed.

Results

After the intervention, patients' serum albumin, haemoglobin, prealbumin, body weight, BMI and cholesterol levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Also, the daily energy and protein intake were significantly increased, whereas phosphorus intake was decreased (p < 0.05). Of note, the effective rate of intervention was 63.8%, respectively. We also found that factors such as the patient's age, education degree, income level and peritoneal dialysis age were the risk factors associated with malnutrition. Moreover, patients younger than 55 years old, with dialysis age younger than 5 years, unmarried/divorced and high school graduates, had higher chances of effective intervention, whereas the possibility of effective intervention was lower when the per capita monthly household income was less than 4000 Yuan.

Conclusions

In conclusion, intensive nutritional nursing combined with a 3‐day dietary diary intervention can significantly improve the nutritional condition and optimise the diet structure of peritoneal dialysis patients with malnutrition. These findings provide evidence for healthcare providers to develop personalised interventions to address malnutrition in this population.
The role of HBIG in real life for patients undergoing liver transplantation due to HDV‐related cirrhosis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , García‐Eliz María , Marcos Arantxa Caballero , Campos‐Varela Isabel , Ros Alba Cachero , Loinaz Carmelo , Gómez Bravo Miguel Á. , Rodríguez‐Perálvarez Manuel , Fabrega Emilio , González Diéguez María L. , Vinaixa Carmen , Pascasio José M. , Vázquez Inmaculada Fernández , Baliellas Carme , Castells Lluis , Salcedo Magdalena , Prieto Martín , Crespo Gonzalo , Lens Sabela , Forns Xavier
Published: December 2023

Recommended post‐liver transplant (LT) prophylaxis in patients with hepatitis delta includes a nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) and anti‐hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) indefinitely. We analysed the use of HBIG in real‐life clinical practice and its impact on HBV/HDV recurrence in 174 HDV‐related LT patients from 10 Spanish liver transplant centres (1988–2018). Median post‐LT follow‐up was 7.8 (2.3–15.1) years and patient survival at 5 years was 90%. Most patients (97%) received HBIG in the immediate post‐LT, but only 42% were on HBIG at the last control. Among those discontinuing HBIG, the median time on treatment was 18 (7–52) months. Post‐LT HBsAg+ was detected in 16 (9%) patients and HBV‐DNA in 12 (7%). Despite HBsAg positivity, HDV recurrence was reported only in three patients (1.7%), all of whom were not receiving NA and had discontinued HBIG. Our data suggest that a finite HBIG prophylaxis in HDV‐LT is feasible, especially if high‐barrier NAs are used.
Spread your wings: insect–plant–landscape interactions mediate the wing shape of a multivoltine polyphagous insect
Authors: Machado Amanda F. P. , Camargo Nícholas F. , de Souza Natália B. , Nakasu Erich Y. T. , Inoue‐Nagata Alice K. , Togni Pedro H. B.
Published: December 2023

Wing morphology may affect the foraging efficiency of polyphagous insects via effects on their flight ability. Variations in wing morphology may be triggered by host plant quality, while landscape composition can also play a role in filtering the ability of variants to colonize new habitats. We investigated how intraspecific variations in wing morphology in a polyphagous insect are mediated by the quality of local resources and the role of the landscape in filtering these variations. We used Bemisia tabaci MEAM‐1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) as a model since the existence of morphotypes that engage in long‐ and short‐distance flights has been proposed previously. We collected B. tabaci adults in the vegetative, flowering, and senescence stages of tomato plants on 15 farms embedded in distinct landscape types. We also performed a greenhouse experiment to evaluate whether resource quality influences B. tabaci wing shape. The wing shape of individuals was measured using geometric morphometry analyses. We found sexual dimorphism in wing shape, with males presenting more straight wings and females with more elongated wings. The dispersal morphotypes appear with more rounded wings at the vegetative (colonizing individuals) and senescence stages (dispersing individuals). When the resource is predictable (flowering stage), the wing shape becomes more adapted for short‐distance flights, possibly dictated by an intergenerational effect that facilitates habitat exploitation. The natural vegetation acted as an environmental filter in morphotype selection by impairing individuals' movement among habitat patches. We showed for the first time that insect–plant–landscape interactions mediate intraspecific variation in the wing morphology of B. tabaci. This polyphagous multivoltine pest insect presents a specialized morphological response to food resource quality, and the amount of natural vegetation may constrain its movement across the landscape. Our results indicate that local resources and landscape features produce interacting bottom–up effects that affect polyphagous insects' morphological variation within the habitat.
E3 ubiquitin ligase MaRZF1 modulates high temperature‐induced green ripening of banana by degrading MaSGR1
Authors: Wei Wei , Luo Qi , Yang Ying‐ying , Wu Chao‐jie , Kuang Jian‐fei , Chen Jian‐ye , Lu Wang‐jin , Shan Wei
Published: December 2023

High temperatures (>24°C) prevent the development of a yellow peel on bananas called green ripening, owing to the inhibition of chlorophyll degradation. This phenomenon greatly reduces the marketability of banana fruit, but the mechanisms underlining high temperature‐repressed chlorophyll catabolism need to be elucidated. Herein, we found that the protein accumulation of chlorophyll catabolic enzyme MaSGR1 (STAY‐GREEN 1) was reduced when bananas ripened at high temperature. Transiently expressing MaSGR1 in banana peel showed its positive involvement in promoting chlorophyll degradation under high temperature, thereby weakening green ripening phenotype. Using yeast two‐hybrid screening, we identified a RING‐type E3 ubiquitin ligase, MaRZF1 (RING Zinc Finger 1), as a putative MaSGR1‐interacting protein. MaRZF1 interacts with and targets MaSGR1 for ubiquitination and degradation via the proteasome pathway. Moreover, upregulating MaRZF1 inhibited chlorophyll degradation, and attenuated MaSGR1‐promoted chlorophyll degradation in bananas during green ripening, indicating that MaRZF1 negatively regulates chlorophyll catabolism via the degradation of MaSGR1. Taken together, MaRZF1 and MaSGR1 form a regulatory module to mediate chlorophyll degradation associated with high temperature‐induced green ripening in bananas. Therefore, our findings expand the understanding of posttranslational regulatory mechanisms of temperature stress‐caused fruit quality deterioration.
Expression pattern of candidate genes and their correlation with various metabolites of abscisic acid biosynthetic pathway under drought stress in rice
Authors: Changan Sushil S. , Kumar Vaibhav , Tyagi Aruna
Published: December 2023

Drought hampers global rice production. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays versatile roles under different environmental stresses. While the link between drought and ABA is known, its effect on ABA biosynthesis genes and metabolites is unclear. This study explored the impact of drought on various metabolites, namely beta‐carotene, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, and candidate genes viz. zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) and 9‐cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) of ABA biosynthesis pathway in rice cultivars (N22 and IR64) at anthesis {65 DAT (Days after transplanting)} with different stress levels. In stressed plants, zeaxanthin significantly increased (92%), while the concentration of beta‐carotene, antheraxanthin, violaxanthin and neoxanthin decreased as drought stress progressed. The concentration of metabolites in roots was notably lower than in leaves in both genotypes. The ZEP expression was upregulated in roots (8.24‐fold) under drought stress. Among five NCED isoforms, NCED3 showed significant upregulation (7.29‐fold) in leaf and root tissue. NCED1 was significantly downregulated as stress progressed and was negatively correlated with ABA accumulation. NCED2, NCED4 and NCED5 showed no significant change in their expression. Drying and rolling of rice leaves was observed after imparting drought stress. The findings revealed that drought stress significantly influenced the expression of candidate genes and the concentration of metabolites of the ABA biosynthesis pathway. There was a significantly higher accumulation of ABA in N22 leaves (47%) and roots (30%) compared to IR64. The N22, a drought‐tolerant genotype, exhibited significantly higher concentrations of intermediates and demonstrated increased expression of ZEP and NCED3, potentially contributing to its resilience against drought.
Fine‐root traits are devoted to the allocation of foliar phosphorus fractions of desert species under water and phosphorus‐poor environments
Authors: Gao Yanju , Tariq Akash , Zeng Fanjiang , Li Xiangyi , Sardans Jordi , Liu Chenggang , Peñuelas Josep
Published: December 2023

Traits of leaves and fine roots are expected to predict the responses and adaptation of plants to their environments. Whether and how fine‐root traits (FRTs) are associated with the allocation of foliar phosphorus (P) fractions of desert species in water‐ and P‐poor environments, however, remains unclear. We exposed seedlings of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. (hereafter Alhagi) treated with two water and four P‐supply levels for three years in open‐air pot experiments and measured the concentrations of foliar P fractions, foliar traits, and FRTs. The allocation proportion of foliar nucleic acid‐P and acid phosphatase (APase) activity of fine roots were significantly higher by 45.94 and 53.3% in drought and no‐P treatments relative to well‐watered and high‐P treatments, whereas foliar metabolic‐P and structural‐P were significantly lower by 3.70 and 5.26%. Allocation proportions of foliar structural‐P and residual‐P were positively correlated with fine‐root P (FRP) concentration, but nucleic acid‐P concentration was negatively correlated with FRP concentration. A tradeoff was found between the allocation proportion to all foliar P fractions relative to the FRP concentration, fine‐root APase activity, and amounts of carboxylates, followed by fine‐root morphological traits. The requirement for a link between the aboveground and underground tissues of Alhagi was generally higher in the drought than the well‐watered treatment. Altering FRTs and the allocation of P to foliar nucleic acid‐P were two coupled strategies of Alhagi under conditions of drought and/or low‐P. These results advance our understanding of the strategies for allocating foliar P by mediating FRTs in drought and P‐poor environments.
Exogenous Melatonin Regulates Plant‐Disease Interaction by Inducing Maize Resistance and Decreasing the Pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Kong Mengmeng , Ali Qurban , Jing Hairong , Hussain Amjad , Wang Fuli , Liu Xiaoyong , Gao Xuewen , Xu Hui‐lian
Published: December 2023

Plants cannot avoid environmental challenges and are constantly threatened by diverse biotic and abiotic stresses. However, plants have developed a unique immune system to defend themselves against the invasion of various pathogens. Melatonin, N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine has positive physiological effects in plants that are involved in disease resistance. The processes underlying melatonin‐induced pathogen resistance in plants are still unknown. The current study explores how melatonin regulates the plant‐disease interaction in maize. The results showed that 400 μM melatonin strongly reduced the disease lesion on maize stalks by 1.5 cm and corn by 4.0 cm caused by Fusarium graminearum PH‐1. Furthermore, after treatment with melatonin, the plant defense enzymes like SOD significantly increased, while POD and APX significantly decreased compared to the control. In addition, melatonin can also improve maize's innate immunity, which is mediated by melatonin treatments through the salicylic acid signaling pathway, and up‐regulate the defense‐associated expression of PR1, LOX1, OXR, serPIN, and WIPI genes in maize. Melatonin not only inhibits the disease in the maize stalks and corn, but also down‐regulates the deoxynivalenol (DON) production‐related expression of genes Tri1, Tri4, Tri5, and Tri6 in maize. Overall, this study sheds new light on the mechanisms by which melatonin regulates antioxidant enzymes and defense‐related genes involved in plant immunity to effectively suppress plant diseases.
Effects of resistance exercises on inhibitory control and plasma epinephrine levels: A registered report of a crossover randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Ting‐Yu , Cheng Hao‐Chien , Tsai Yi‐Luen , Liu Hung‐Wen , Hung Tsung‐Min
Published: December 2023

According to the locus coeruleus–norepinephrine (LC–NE) theory, activity of the LC, the major releaser of NE in the brain, regulates inhibitory control. As there is reciprocal communication between circulating epinephrine and the LC, plasma epinephrine is used as the index of LC–NE activity. The aim of this crossover randomized controlled trial is to expand on previous findings by investigating the effects of free‐weight, multiple‐joint, and structural barbell resistance exercises. Previous studies have had some methodological limitations, such as failure to report the process of randomization, absence of resistance exercise familiarization before the maximal strength testing, and lack of protocol publication. To address these issues, this study incorporates resistance exercise familiarization, transparent reporting of randomization, and submission as a registered report. The results suggest that a single session of resistance exercise (barbell squat, press, and deadlift) with an intensity of 65%–78% 1RM for five repetitions (70%–90% relative intensity) and three sets with 3‐min rest intervals improved Stroop congruent reaction time (RT) only (t(27) = −2.663, mean reduction = −15 ms,p = .013, 95% CI [−26, −3]). No significant enhancements were observed in Stroop incongruent RT, inhibitory control as indexed by Stroop effect, or inhibitory control as indexed by the RT difference between the Stroop task and the simple reaction task. Moreover, the alterations in plasma epinephrine levels did not significantly associate with changes in any measure of cognitive performance.
When patches grow themselves: from analogy to autocatalytic processes, the relevance of ecological nucleation for restoration practices
Authors: Michaels Theo K. , Eppinga Maarten B. , Bever James D.
Published: December 2023

Choosing restoration strategies may depend on ecosystem's stability properties. When degraded ecosystems do not self‐perpetuate, natural regeneration can lead to system recovery, and restoration interventions are often designed to accelerate the natural regeneration process. However, when degraded systems self‐perpetuate, reestablishing functional ecosystems depends on overcoming resistance thresholds that impede recovery. In both scenarios, concentrating restoration efforts in patches of the desired state may enhance ecosystem recovery. Introducing patches of a desired state has been motivated by two frameworks: autocatalytic nucleation and the analogy to nucleation. When restoration depends on overcoming resistance thresholds, autocatalytic nucleation lowers restoration barriers by initiating a local positive feedback mechanism that is only successful when desired patches are introduced above a critical patch size. In contrast, the analogy to nucleation accelerates natural regeneration whereby desired patches interact with landscape scale factors often through directed dispersal. We compare nucleation frameworks, and discuss their applications for restoration practices.