bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public healthcare in Pakistan: a people management solution?
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Stanton Pauline , Muchiri Michael
Published: November 2022

Pakistan is a developing country under severe pressure to provide efficient and effective healthcare to its population owing to inadequate financial and human resources and limited management capabilities. This study explores the role and practice of human resource management (HRM) in three Pakistani public teaching tertiary hospitals. We interviewed leaders and managers in these hospitals to gain a better understanding of the context, challenges and opportunities for HRM. Our thematic analysis revealed that a lack of specialised human resource (HR) departments staffed by HR professionals in these hospitals negatively impacted HRM functions and practices and created confusion and complexity. This was exacerbated by centralised decision‐making at the provincial level and limited managerial autonomy over key HR issues. However, despite the enormous challenges facing the Pakistani public healthcare sector the informants believed that HR could play a significant role in influencing employees' attitudes and behaviours to provide quality healthcare to more patients.
The host niches of soybean rather than genetic modification or glyphosate application drive the assembly of root‐associated microbial communities
Authors: Yang Minkai , Luo Fuhe , Song Yuchen , Ma Shenglin , Ma Yudi , Fazal Aliya , Yin Tongming , Lu Guihua , Sun Shucun , Qi Jinliang , Wen Zhongling , Li Yongchun , Yang Yonghua
Published: November 2022

Plant roots significantly influence soil microbial diversity, and soil microorganisms play significant roles in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Although the genetically modified (GM) crops with enhanced insect and herbicide resistance are thought to have unmatched yield and stress resistance advantages, thorough and in‐depth case studies still need to be carried out in a real‐world setting due to the potential effects of GM plants on soil microbial communities. In this study, three treatments were used: a recipient soybean variety Jack, a triple transgenic soybean line JD321, and the glyphosate‐treated JD321 (JD321G). Three sampling stages (flowering, seed filling and maturing), as well as three host niches of soybean rhizosphere [intact roots (RT), rhizospheric soil (RS) and surrounding soil (SS)] were established. In comparison to Jack, the rhizospheric soil of JD321G had higher urease activity and lower nitrite reductase at the flowering stage. Different treatments and different sampling stages existed no significant effects on the compositions of microbial communities at different taxonomic levels. However, at the genus level, the relative abundance of three plant growth‐promoting fungal genera (i.e. Mortierella, Chaetomium and Pseudombrophila) increased while endophytic bacteria Chryseobacterium and pathogenic bacteria Streptomyces decreased from the inside to the outside of the roots (i.e. RT → RS → SS). Moreover, two bacterial genera, Bradyrhizobium and Ensifer were more abundant in RT than in RS and SS, as well as three species, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Ensifer fredii and Ensifer meliloti, which are closely related to nitrogen‐fixation. Furthermore, five clusters of orthologous groups (COGs) associated to nitrogen‐fixation genes were higher in RT than in RS, whereas only one COG annotated as dinitrogenase iron‐molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein was lower. Overall, the results imply that the rhizosphere host niches throughout the soil–plant continuum largely control the composition and function of the root‐associated microbiome of triple transgenic soybean.
Using cloud radar to investigate the effect of rainfall on migratory insect flight
Authors: Wainwright Charlotte E. , Volponi Sabrina N. , Stepanian Phillip M. , Reynolds Don R. , Richter David H.
Published: November 2022

The fate of migrating insects that encounter rainfall in flight is a critical consideration when modelling insect movement, but few field observations of this common phenomenon have ever been collected due to the logistical challenges of witnessing these encounters. Operational cloud radars have been deployed around the world by meteorological agencies to study precipitation physics, and as a byproduct, provide a rich database of insect observations that is freely available to researchers. Although considered unwanted ‘clutter’ by the meteorologists who collect the data, the analysis method presented here enables ecologists to delineate co‐occurring signals from insects and raindrops.

We present a method that uses image processing techniques on cloud radar velocity spectra to examine the fate of migrating insects when they encounter precipitation. By analysing velocity spectra, we can distinguish flying insects from falling rain and compare the relative density of insects in flight before, during and after the rainfall. We demonstrate the method on a case of insect migration in Oklahoma, USA.

Using this method, we show the first reconstructed images of migrating insect layers in flight during rainfall. Our analysis shows that mild to moderate rainfall diminishes the number of insects aloft but does not cause full termination of migratory flight, as has previously been suggested.

We hope this technique will spur further investigations of how changing weather conditions impact insect migration, and enable some of the first of such studies in regions of the world that are underrepresented in the literature.
I Feel Your Pain: The Effect of Regulator as a Minority Shareholder on Merger and Acquisition Performance
Authors: Wang Xin , Xiong Jiacai , Ouyang Caiyue , Zhang Feida
Published: November 2022

We examine the effect of a regulator‐led advocate for minority shareholders on merger and acquisition (M&A) performance in China. In recent years, the China Securities Regulatory Commission established the China Securities Investor Services Center (CSISC), which began its ownership of 100 shares of public firms in 2016. The CSISC advocates for the interests of minority shareholders proactively. Focusing on abnormal stock returns in M&A announcements, we find that acquirers that have the CSISC as a shareholder (CSISC acquirers) exhibit higher positive abnormal stock returns than non‐CSISC acquirers. Cross‐sectional analysis suggests that the core results are mainly driven by firms with severe agency problems and weak external/internal monitoring, and those not controlled by the state. In addition, we find that CSISC acquirers have better long‐term performance and encounter more M&A failures than non‐CSISC acquirers. Our findings indicate that although the CSISC only holds 100 shares of listed companies, it plays an effective role in monitoring and driving firms to make appropriate M&A decisions.
The “Environment Making State” and Climate Change: The French “Cat Nat” Reinsurance Scheme Under Strain
Authors: Keucheyan Razmig
Published: November 2022

In 2012, SCOR, one of the world's largest reinsurers, sued the French state, challenging a public–private natural disaster insurance scheme, called the “cat nat” regime. It campaigned in favour of a “real” natural disaster insurance market. The purpose of this paper is to grasp the logic of this litigation. It reveals growing tensions regarding the insurance of natural disasters, against the backdrop of climate change. To make sense of this, we will build on Christian Parenti's theory of the “environment making state”. This approach aims at understanding the interaction between capitalism, states, and nature. The question we will pose is: what happens to “environment making” institutions in times of crisis? Crisis leads to the “politicisation” of “environment making”: decisions concerning the management of natural hazards are increasingly taken by the executive branch. This “politicisation” may represent an important evolution in the relationship between capitalism, states, and nature in the future.
Clinical efficacy of renal dosing adjustments of ceftazidime–avibactam in patients affected by carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative infections: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Gatti Milo , Fornaro Giacomo , Viale Pierluigi , Pea Federico , Giannella Maddalena
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess clinical efficacy of ceftazidime–avibactam for the management of carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative infections in renal patients receiving recommended dosing adjustments compared to those treated with scheduled full‐dose.

Methods

Two authors independently searched PubMed‐MEDLINE and Scopus database from inception to 31 December 2021, to retrieve randomized controlled trials or observational studies comparing clinical efficacy of ceftazidime–avibactam in patients affected by carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative infections receiving recommended renal dosing adjustments compared to those treated with scheduled full‐dose. Data were independently extracted by the 2 authors, and the quality of included studies was independently assessed according to ROBINS‐I tool for observational studies. Mortality rate was selected as primary outcome. Meta‐analysis was conducted by including only studies at low or moderate risk of bias providing adjustment for confounders.

Results

In total, 1794 articles were screened, and 11 observational studies (1 prospective and 10 retrospective) were included. Serious or critical risk of bias was found in 4 studies, while the other 7 were classified at moderate risk of bias and included in the meta‐analysis. Renal dosing adjustments of ceftazidime–avibactam were associated with higher risk of mortality (odds ratio 1.79; 95% confidence interval 1.18–2.72).

Conclusion

Renal dosing adjustment of ceftazidime–avibactam seems to be associated with a higher risk of mortality in patients affected by carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative infections. However, residual confounder associated with baseline conditions cannot be excluded. Further prospective studies including larger samples are warranted to definitively address this unmet clinical need.
Teachers' daily physiological stress and positive affect in relation to their general occupational well‐being
Authors: Jõgi Anna‐Liisa , Aulén Anna‐Mari , Pakarinen Eija , Lerkkanen Marja‐Kristiina
Published: November 2022

Background

Teachers' stress, affect and general occupational well‐being influence their teaching and their students. However, how teachers' daily physiological stress and positive affect are related in the classroom is unknown. To reduce teachers' stress and enhance their positive affect, it is crucial to understand how occupational well‐being relates to stress and affect.

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between teachers' daily physiological stress and positive affect in authentic classroom settings and the roles played by teachers' self‐efficacy beliefs, perceptions of school climate and burnout symptoms in daily stress and affect.

Sample

The sample consisted of 45 classroom teachers.

Method

Daily physiological stress was assessed by measuring salivary cortisol levels three times in two days. Positive affect was reported by experience sampling at the same time that cortisol was collected. Questionnaires were used to assess self‐efficacy beliefs, perceptions of school climate and burnout symptoms. Three‐level modelling with random intercepts and slopes was used to analyse the relationships between daily stress and affect and the effect of teachers' general occupational well‐being on stress and affect.

Results

No relationships were evident between teachers' physiological stress and positive affect or between daily changes of stress and affect. Self‐efficacy beliefs were related to lower stress and higher affect in the middle of the school day. Having sufficient school resources were related to higher positive affect. Teachers' burnout symptoms were associated with lower positive affect.

Conclusions

We emphasize the potential for self‐efficacy and perceptions of school resources as targets for intervening in teachers' stress and affect.
Digging into the HLA pockets: A new association with acute leukaemias
Authors: Gurnari Carmelo , Pagliuca Simona
Published: November 2022

Acute leukaemias represent a highly heterogeneous group of clonal proliferations of myeloid or lymphoid blasts. In the last decade, the contribution of immunogenetics to cancer biology has elicited a renewed interest in the structures of immune adaptive responses, due to the growing body of evidence concerning their involvement into disease pathogenesis and treatment. The report by Boukouaci and colleagues suggests new associations between patterns of distribution of specific human leukocyte antigen motifs and leukaemogenesis.

Commentary on Boukouaci Wahid et al. Comparative analysis of the variability of the HLA peptide‐binding pockets in patients with acute leukemias” Br J Haematol 2023;200:203‐215.
Higher than normal mitochondrial DNA content associated with better outcome in acute promyelocytic leukaemia? Maybe
Authors: Wiernik Peter H.
Published: November 2022

Mitochondrial biology may influence the outcome of therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia if arsenic trioxide is not part of the treatment. Inclusion of arsenic trioxide in the treatment regimen may cancel the adverse impact of certain mitochondrial abnormalities frequently associated with the disease.

Commentary on: Pereira‐Martins et al. Clinical significance of mitochondrial DNA content in acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2023;200:170‐174.
The effect of mindfulness therapy in acromegaly, a pilot study
Authors: Santos Alicia , Nalin Chiara , Bortolotti GianMario , Dominguez‐Clave Elisabet , Daniela Gianola , Cortesi Liana , Pagani Marina , Momblan Maria A. M. , Gich Ignasi , Webb Susan M. , Trevisan Roberto , Resmini Eugenia
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with acromegaly have often several comorbidities, including decreased quality of life, mood alterations and chronic pain. Mindfulness is effective at improving mood, quality of life and pain management; however, there is no data available on its effect in patients with acromegaly.

Objective

We aimed at evaluating changes in quality of life, mood, pain, sleep, self‐compassion, life satisfaction, blood pressure and heart rate after a mindfulness program.

Design and Patients

This was a randomized, multicentre, international clinical trial (Barcelona‐BCN and Bergamo‐BG) of 60 patients, 30 per centre.

Measurements

The intervention group participated in an 8‐week face‐to‐face group program; the control group followed normal clinical routine. In BG, patients performed a classic Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program; in BCN they performed an adapted program including elements of mindfulness and compassion with a greater focus on daily life.

Results

In the BCN intervention group there was an increase in night‐time hours in bed (p = 0.05) after the program. In both centres there was a trend to a reduction of the time to start sleeping (p = 0.06 BCN, p = 0.07 BG). In BCN, the intervention group reduced the pain score compared to the control group (p = .02), and an improvement in self‐compassion was found (p = .04). In both centres, heart rate decreased significantly in the intervention group during a single 2‐hour session. This was evidenced at the first and the last program session (BCN p = .013 and p = .009; BG < 0.001 and p = .04). A training effect was found in BG, where heart rate fell more in the last session than in the first (p = 002).

Conclusions

We have demonstrated for the first time the value of a mindfulness program in patients with acromegaly, analysing possible effects and advantages, and clarifying the usefulness of a specific protocol for the disease.
The inclusion of nuclear area improves the Paris system for reporting urinary cytology
Authors: Tanaka Shinichi , Naritomi Mari , Monobe Yasumasa , Ariyasu Sanae
Published: November 2022

Objective

The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (TPS) is a well‐known urinary diagnostic model; however, occasional false‐positives are a problem. To address this issue, we developed an improved algorithm (IA), based on additional cytological features, for TPS diagnosis.

Methods

Cytological features were evaluated in 29 hard‐to‐classify cases, including 22 malignant cases and seven benign cases, using image analysis. The optimal IA was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve as an index. Re‐evaluation was performed by applying measured values to the TPS and IA algorithms.

Results

Using TPS, 12 of the 22 malignant cases were reassigned to a more appropriate category, and the remaining 10 malignant cases remained hard‐to‐classify. Two of the seven benign cases were classified as suspicious for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma, and the remaining five benign cases remained in the original category. The IA, which included nuclear area as a parameter, showed the same diagnostic sensitivity as TPS, and three of the seven benign cases were reassessed as negative. Thus, the positive and negative predictive values of the IA were higher than those of TPS (84.6% and 100% vs 75.9% and 0%).

Conclusions

The newly developed IA is a practical algorithm with which to address the limitations of TPS and thus may contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy.
Clinical experience improves academic outcomes in dental Oral surgery education
Authors: Thorpe Andrew Raymond Darren Scott , Hsu Joyce , Cox Stephen Clive
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This paper aimed to determine if the level of a dental student's clinical experience in oral surgery influences the student's oral surgery academic outcomes.

Materials and Methods

The oral surgery clinical activity and academic outcomes for all students who completed their dental training in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 from the University of Sydney were analysed for correlation.

Results

The clinical activity performed by 313 students was recorded. There was a weak, but statistically significant, Pearson correlation between total dental extractions and academic outcomes (r = .243, p = <.001). The total number of dental extractions performed was the only statistically significant variable on academic outcomes with linear regression analysis (β = .227, p = .005; model R2 = .077). The increase of a student's clinical experience from less than 45 to more than 65 dental extractions raised their oral surgery academic results by an average of 6.4%. There were no academic benefits to earlier clinical experience.

Conclusion

An increase in experience with dental extractions resulted in an increase in oral surgery academic outcomes, plateauing at 65 dental extractions. There was no academic advantage to dental student's having earlier clinical experience.
Chronobiology of Parkinson's disease: Past, present and future
Authors: Asadpoordezaki Ziba , Coogan Andrew N. , Henley Beverley M.
Published: November 2022

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder predominately affecting midbrain dopaminergic neurons that results in a broad range of motor and non‐motor symptoms. Sleep complaints are among the most common non‐motor symptoms, even in the prodromal period. Sleep alterations in Parkinson's disease patients may be associated with dysregulation of circadian rhythms, intrinsic 24‐h cycles that control essential physiological functions, or with side effects from levodopa medication and physical and mental health challenges. The impact of circadian dysregulation on sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease is not fully understood; as such, we review the systems, cellular and molecular mechanisms that may underlie circadian perturbations in Parkinson's disease. We also discuss the potential benefits of chronobiology‐based personalized medicine in the management of Parkinson's disease both in terms of behavioural and pharmacological interventions. We propose that a fuller understanding of circadian clock function may shed important new light on the aetiology and symptomatology of the disease and may allow for improvements in the quality of life for the millions of people with Parkinson's disease.
Contrasting short‐ and long‐term outcomes of pairwise interactions between caddisflies at a hydrologically heterogeneous range margin
Authors: Shepard Isaac D. , Wissinger Scott A. , Greig Hamish S.
Published: November 2022

Climate change is leading many species to shift their geographical ranges. Species undergoing these range shifts often are moving into areas with heterogeneous abiotic conditions. Additionally, these range‐shifting species will encounter resident species with whom they will compete for space and/or resources. However, the ways that these abiotic and biotic factors interact to influence the establishment and persistence of range‐shifting species has received little attention.

Here, we conduct anin situcage experiment examining how a local wetland hydroperiod gradient (i.e., temporary and semi‐permanent ponds) and competition with a resident caddisfly species,Asynarchus nigriculus, influences the survival of the range‐shifting speciesLimnephilus picturatus. We then use long‐term survey data of population densities of these two species to determine whether pairwise interactions observed in the cage experiment translated into long‐term dynamics.

The cage experiment revealed thatA. nigriculushad a strong, negative effect on the survival of the range‐shifting speciesL. picturatus, regardless of hydroperiod. However, we observed no relationship between the densities or occurrence ofL. picturatusandA. nigriculusin long‐term data for either temporary or semi‐permanent ponds.

Our results suggest that landscape‐level abiotic heterogeneity at range margins may not always be important for mediating antagonistic interactions between resident and range‐shifting species. However, although an interaction appears ecologically significant in short‐term field studies, broader context is needed to understand whether those types of interactions mediate species' distributions and abundance through time.

At face‐value, our results from the field experiment and long‐term data analysis did not align. This suggests that other factors such as additional competitive or trophic interactions may be more important drivers behind the population dynamics of this range‐shifting species at its new upper‐elevational limit.
A system‐wide assessment of forest biomass production, markets, and carbon
Authors: Favero Alice , Daigneault Adam , Sohngen Brent , Baker Justin
Published: November 2022

This study examines the effects of supplying forest biomass on forest ecosystem services and goods with a dynamic systems model. This unique analysis models dynamic trade and investments in forestry, thereby capturing price changes from increased forest biomass demand on current and future flows of forest ecosystem services and natural capital stocks. Forests across the globe are interconnected through timber and forest biomass markets, which influence forest management decisions, land rents, and policy responses. Results indicate that expanding forest biomass consumption, even at relatively low levels, will have important impacts on ecosystem services, particularly the benefits of terrestrial carbon sequestration and timber outputs. Increased forest biomass production can be achieved with smaller impacts on ecosystem services through policies targeting natural forest preservation. However, policies that encourage residual biomass use for energy or discourage forest plantation expansion could potentially compromise carbon benefits.
Frailty as a determinant of dental attendance among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Janssens Barbara , Tsakos Georgios , De Visschere Luc , Verté Dominique , De Witte Nico
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the association between different levels of frailty and dental attendance among home‐dwelling older adults, in Belgium.

Background

While many determinants of dental attendance among older adults have been identified, no study has focused on the role of frailty.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study on a random sample of home‐dwelling adults aged 60 and over from two Belgian cities. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire through a participatory peer‐research method. Time since the last dental attendance was the dependent variable. The independent variable was frailty, assessed with the Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument, including physical, psychological, social, and environmental subdomains. Covariates were age, gender, having a partner, educational level, and household income, as well as self‐perceived oral health. Data analysis included descriptive, bivariate (Chi‐Square, ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis), and binomial logistic regression analyses.

Results

The sample consisted of 1329 older adults with a mean age of 72.5 years (SD 8.9, range 60–103). In the low frailty group, 73% attended the dentist in the previous 12 months, while it was 62% and 54% in the medium and high frailty groups, respectively. In the fully adjusted model, the initial gradient in the relationship between overall frailty and dental attendance remained; those in the medium and the high frailty groups were respectively 1.46 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.95) and 1.67 (95% CI: 1.15, 2.43) times more likely to report no dental attendance in the previous year than the low frailty group. Similar associations could be seen in the physical and environmental frailty subdomains.

Conclusion

Frailty is consistently associated with less favourable dental attendance, independent from age, gender, socioeconomic factors, family composition, and self‐perceived oral health. Once frailty has been detected, good interprofessional communication and care are needed to avoid the drop‐out of older adults from the oral healthcare system.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:03:43 allele resulting from an intralocus recombination involving the DPA1*04:01:01:03 and DPA1*01:03:01:27 alleles sequenced by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Authors: Hannah Turnbull , Gemma Brewin , Sarah Peacock
Published: November 2022

HLA‐DPA1 intralocus recombination between DPA1*04:01:01:03 and DPA1*01:03:01:27, or closely related other alleles, results in a novel allele HLA‐DPA1*01:03:43.
Correlates of dental visits in children with hearing loss: An application of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Utami Marina , Setiawati Febriana , Ahmad Mas Suryalis , Adiatman Melissa
Published: November 2022

Background

Maintenance of oral health of children with special needs requires the involvement of caregivers who are also responsible for ensuring adherence to professional recommendations, including dental visits.

Aim

This study aimed at exploring the correlates of dental visits of children with hearing loss (CWHL) in Indonesia using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design

This cross‐sectional study involved purposive sampling methods, conducted via an online survey administered to mothers of CWHL who were aged 5–12 years. Constructs of the TPB model were collected, including the mother's attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control (PBC) and intention towards dental visits for CWHL. Dental visits were measured by asking whether their children had a dental visit within the last 12 months. Data were analysed using SPSS for descriptive and bivariate analyses. The significance level was set as p < .05. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) was used to analyse measurement and structural TPB models.

Results

A total of 254 mothers participated in this study. The final TPB model explained 35.4% and 9.2% of the variance in mothers' intention and behaviour towards their children's dental visits, respectively. Of all the included constructs from the TPB model, only PBC was significantly associated with intention and behaviour (p < .05). The mother's attitude and subjective norms did not significantly predict intention (p > .05). Intention did not significantly predict the mother's behaviour towards children's dental visits (p > .05).

Conclusion

The TPB model revealed a construct associated with dental visit intention and behaviour in CWHL. This study suggested that effective promotion intervention should focus on the mother's PBC to increase parents' adherence to preventive dental visits in CWHL in Indonesia.
Self‐efficacy, sympathy, and attributions: Understanding helping intentions towards disclosers of mental health concerns on social media
Authors: White Jessica , Ahern Elayne
Published: November 2022

Mental health disclosures increasingly occur on online platforms. In a moderated‐mediation analysis, we assessed an adapted Corrigan's attribution model (2003) including factors such as the sincerity of online disclosure and support self‐efficacy to predict helping intentions on social media. Participants (N = 177) were randomly allocated to one of three conditions and presented with a social media vignette experimentally manipulating controllability attributions (low, high, neutral controllability). Participants completed controllability, sincerity, sympathy, self‐efficacy, and helping intentions questionnaires. While preliminary exploratory analyses revealed that the proposed model significantly explained helping intentions, the proposed mechanisms of serial‐mediation via sincerity of disclosure and sympathy was not supported, nor was this dependent on self‐efficacy. Nonetheless, sympathy and self‐efficacy uniquely and significantly explained helping intentions. Thus, an intervention that upskills individuals in online support provision offers promise in terms of accessible, online, community‐based treatment initiatives.
Clustering sequential navigation patterns inmultiple‐sourcereading tasks with dynamic time warping method
Authors: He Qiwei , Borgonovi Francesca , Suárez‐Álvarez Javier
Published: November 2022

Background

Data‐driven investigations of how students transit pages in digital reading tasks and how much time they spend on each transition allow mapping sequences of navigation behaviours into students' navigation reading strategies.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is threefold: (1) to identify students' navigation patterns in multiple‐source reading tasks using a sequence clustering approach; (2) to examine how students' navigation patterns are associated with their reading performance and socio‐demographic characteristics; (3) to showcase how the navigation sequences could be clustered on the similarity measure by dynamic time warping (DTW) methods.

Methods

This study draws on process data from a sample of 16,957 students from 69 countries participating in the PISA 2018 study to identify how students navigate through a multiple‐source reading item. Students' navigation sequences were characterized by two indicators: the page sequence that tracks the page transition path and the time sequence that records the time duration on each visited page. K‐medoid partitioning clustering analyses were conducted on pairwise distance similarity measures computed by the DTW method.

Results and conclusions

Students' navigation patterns were found moderately associated with their reading proficiency levels. Students who visited all the pages and spent more time reading without rush transitions obtained the highest reading scores. Girls were more likely to achieve higher scores than boys when longer navigation sequences were used with shorter reading time on transited pages. Students who navigated only limited pages and spent shorter reading time were averagely at the lowest rank of socio‐economic status.

Implications

This study provides evidence for the exploration of students' navigation patterns and the examination of associations between navigation patterns and reading scores with the use of process data.
Effect of moisture content on physical and flow properties of milk‐millet powders
Authors: Geethambika Seethu Bhasi , Harthikote Veerendrasimha Vikram Simha , Prakash Arun Kumar , Pasagadi Aditya Sukumar , Franklin Magdaline Eljeeva Emerald , Ambrose Rose Prabin Kingsly , Pushpadass Heartwin A.
Published: November 2022

The physical and flow properties of milk blended barnyard and foxtail millet powders were evaluated at different moisture contents. Particle‐size distribution and span decreased considerably as moisture increased. The d0.5 increased from 24.769 to 38.642 μm in milk‐barnyard millet powder and from 27.942 to 41.063 μm in milk‐foxtail millet powder as moisture increased from 3 to 9%. The dynamic flow and shear tests revealed the hygroscopic nature of both millet powders, wherein moisture and particle size were found to influence flowability. The basic flow energy and shear tests proved that both millet powders would flow easily at 9% moisture content than at 3% due to agglomeration and reduction in contact surface area of the particles and the magnitude of their interactions. Compressibility and wall friction tests also corroborated the fact that milk‐millet powders were relatively more cohesive at 3% moisture, manifesting difficulties in flow. Between milk‐foxtail millet and milk‐barnyard millet powders, the former had better flowability due to its larger particle size and narrower span than the latter.

Practical Applications

Powders are dynamic systems whose behavior changes drastically with minor changes in the environment or moisture. In this study, the influence of moisture on physical and flow properties of milk‐millet powders were evaluated. The physical and flow properties of milk blended barnyard and foxtail millet powders were influenced by particle size and moisture content. The flow properties could be useful in understanding their behavior during handling, processing, and storage, and thus help in the design and optimization of processing and storage operations.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling of gastric cardia cancer
Authors: Lin Runhua , Qian Yanli , Zhang Jinhai , Xia Di , Guo Dongming , Hong Liangli , Qing Bojuan , Xu Muming , Huang Yiteng , Lin Wenting , Chen Guangcan , Liu Shuhui
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

Aberrant DNA methylation has been found in various cancer types including gastric cancer, yet the genome‐wide DNA methylation profile of gastric cardia cancer (GCC) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to profile the DNA methylation pattern of GCC and identify promising diagnostic epigenetic biomarkers.

Methods

We investigated the genome‐wide DNA methylation pattern in eight pairs of GCC and adjacent normal tissues using Illumina 850K microarrays. Subsequently, bisulfite‐pyrosequencing and quantitative real‐time PCR were performed on eight pairs of GCC‐adjacent normal tissues for validation. Finally, we performed immunohistochemistry to examine ADHFE1 expression on 126 pairs of GCC‐adjacent normal samples.

Results

DNA methylome analysis showed global hypomethylation and local hypermethylation of promoter cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) islands (CGIs) in GCC tissues compared with gastric cardia normal mucosa (P < 2.2 × 10−16). Differential methylation analysis identified a total of 91 723 differentially‐methylated probes (DMPs), and the candidate gene with the largest average DNA methylation difference mapped to ADHFE1 (mean Δβ = 0.53). Subsequently, three DMPs in the ADHFE1 promoter were validated by pyrosequencing. Notably, the mean methylation level of the three candidate DMPs (ADHFE1_cg08090772, ADHFE1_cg19283840, and ADHFE1_cg20295442) was negatively associated with ADHFE1 mRNA expression level (Spearman rho = −0.64, P = 0.01). Moreover, both mRNA (P = 0.0213) and protein (P < 0.0001) expression of ADHFE1 were significantly decreased in GCCs compared with the adjacent normal tissues.

Conclusions

Our results reveal DNA methylation aberrations in GCC and that ADHFE1 gene DNA methylation contributes to the risk of GCC, thus providing novel mechanistic insights into gastric cardia cancer carcinogenesis.
COVID‐19 and cutaneous manifestations: A review of the published literature
Authors: Martora Fabrizio , Villani Alessia , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Battista Teresa
Published: November 2022

Background

COVID‐19 is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. COVID‐19 outbreak, which caused thousands of deaths, has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020.

Aim

Skin manifestations related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can be divided mainly into five groups: chilblainlike lesions (CBLLs), maculopapular eruptions, urticarial eruptions, vesicular eruptions, and livedo or necrosis. Other skin findings reported are erythema multiforme (EM)‐like lesions and skin findings associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) and rarely with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS‐A). Other manifestations such as pityriasis rosea or shingles are also reported.

Methods

A total of 60 articles including reviews, studies and case reports were selected for the evaluation in this review.

Results

The skin manifestations associated with COVID‐19 infection are numerous and can vary widely. The major dermatological patterns of COVID‐19 can be classified as inflammatory reactions (maculopapular/morbilliform, urticarial and vesicular rashes), or lesions of vascular origin (chilblain like rashes, petechiae/purpura, and livedo acemose‐like pattern)

Conclusion

We believe that the dermatologist could play an important role in the response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic through early recognition of skin lesions suggestive of COVID‐19, particularly in paucisymptomatic infections where this recognition could direct toward an early diagnosis of infection that certainly leads to a better prognosis.
Eruptive syringomas: Summary of ninety cases and a brief literature review
Authors: Lei Hao , Wang Ziyang , Ma Xinyu , Zhang Zhaohan , Feng Yiguo , Zheng Yan
Published: November 2022

Background

Eruptive syringomas is a rare variant of syringoma, which is a benign adenoma differentiated from the terminal ducts of the eccrine glands. Nowadays, it's widely valued because of obvious skin lesions, large scope of influence, and high misdiagnosis rate.

Objectives

We aim to explore the clinical features of eruptive syringomas and the current research progress.

Materials and Methods

We firstly summarized the clinical features of 90 cases of eruptive syringomas. Then, the chi‐square test was used to analyze the relationship between the onset site of eruptive syringomas and age, as well as gender. Finally, we briefly reviewed the previous literature.

Results

During 12 years, 90 cases of eruptive syringomas were diagnosed in our hospital, including 28 males (31.1%) and 62 females (68.9%). The average diagnosed age was 28.8. Patients from 20 to 40 years old is 63 (70%), which is the most. 60 (66.7%) patients had the course for more than 1 year. Among onset sites, the neck, chest, and abdomen were in the top three. The chi‐square test showed that there were no significant differences in the onset sites of patients aged ≤ 20 and >20 years old (p‐value = 0.181), as well as male and female (p‐value = 0.363).

Conclusion

We found that more female than male was affected, and the most common onset sites were the neck, chest, and abdomen. Neither age nor gender was significantly associated with onset site distribution. Our study provides some data support for the research of eruptive syringomas.
The Presentation of Self in Virtual Reality: A Cognitive Load Study
Authors: Mejia-Puig Luis , Chandrasekera Tilanka
Published: November 2022

The use of virtual reality (VR) in interior design has increased dramatically. Its interactive and visualization benefits are undeniable. Designers, clients, developers, and stakeholders can immerse themselves in future or existing design projects without the need to be physically there. Thanks to more immersive and realistic experiences, the boundaries that separate the physical and the virtual world are becoming nonexistent. Nonetheless, research has focused on the visual characteristics of the virtual space, undermining the consequences for individuals engaged within it. In this study, we assessed the effects on mental workload caused by how individuals visualize themselves in VR using a virtual body (VB). The VB is typically represented by the use of avatars. An experimental setup was carried out with a convenience sample of 72 individuals. Participants interacted in an immersive VR interface with three different conditions of the VB. They were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions and engaged for a period of approximately 20 minutes in tackling a design-like activity. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires in addition to a psychophysiological device accounting for the cognitive load (CL) and task difficulty. The statistical analysis supported differences in CL between conditions. A more detailed visual representation of the VB increased the sensation of being there but contributed extraneous CL that can hinder the task at hand. The findings of this study can guide interior designers in selecting the type of VB they should use for their immersive VR experiences.
Political alienation and voter mobilization in elections
Authors: Grillo Alberto
Published: November 2022

The paper examines candidates' choice between policies that increase the number of supporters and policies that foster their participation. Voter turnout is decided at the group level, in response to candidates' policies. A convex utility function captures the alienation of citizens who are far from all candidates. In equilibrium, extreme policies are adopted as a mobilization strategy, if citizens are sufficiently polarized and inclined to alienation. Otherwise, a standard result of convergence to the center obtains, in line with the persuasion of the swing voters.
Resolving some of the earliest names for Corallina species (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in the North Pacific by sequencing type specimens and describing the cryptic C. hakodatensis sp. nov. and C. parva sp. nov.
Authors: Wade Rachael M. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Hind Katharine R. , Shivak Jade , Hughey Jeffery R. , Ohtsu Sou , Baba Masasuke , Kogame Kazuhiro , Lindstrom Sandra C. , Miller Kathy Ann , Schipper Soren R. , Martone Patrick T.
Published: November 2022

Partial rbcL sequences from type specimens of three of the earliest described Corallina species showed that C. arbuscula (type locality: Unalaska Island, Alaska, USA) and C. pilulifera (type locality: Okhotsk Sea, Russia) are synonymous, with C. pilulifera as the taxonomically accepted name and that C. vancouveriensis (type locality: Botanical Beach, Vancouver Island, Canada) is a distinct species. To identify molecular species limits and clarify descriptions and distributions of C. pilulifera and C. vancouveriensis, we sequenced and analyzed portions of one mitochondrial and two plastid genes from historical and recent collections. The single‐gene phylogenetic reconstructions support the recognition of both species as distinct, as well as two additional species, C. hakodatensis sp. nov. and C. parva sp. nov., which are sister to, and often morphologically indistinguishable from C. pilulifera and C. vancouveriensis, respectively. DNA sequence data currently illustrate that C. pilulifera is found in the cold northern Pacific waters from the Okhotsk Sea of Russia to Hokkaido, Japan, eastward across the Aleutian Islands to Knoll Head, Alaska, and as far south as Nanaimo, British Columbia. Corallina vancouveriensis is distributed as far west as Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands to Sitka, Alaska, and southeasterly at numerous sites from British Columbia to the north of Point Conception, California, USA. The cryptic species C. hakodatensis and C. parva occur sympatrically with their sister species but with narrower ranges. The complex phylogenetic relationships shown by the single gene trees recommend Corallina as a model genus to explore coralline algal biogeography, evolution, and patterns of speciation.
Infective endocarditis in dogs in theUK: 77 cases (2009‐2019)
Authors: Berrezaie M. , Connolly D. , Cruzado J. , Mederska E. , Dukes‐McEwan J. , Humm K.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To determine the causative organisms, clinical features and outcome of canine infective endocarditis in the UK.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of three veterinary referral hospitals were searched for dogs with infective endocarditis between December 2009 and December 2019. Signalment, clinical signs, causative organism, valve affected, treatment and survival data were recorded.

Results

Seventy‐seven cases with possible or definite infective endocarditis (according to the modified Duke criteria) were included. The majority were large breed (40/77 – 51.9%). There were 47 of 77 (61%) male dogs and the mean age was 7.3 ±3 years. A causative organism was identified in 26 of 77 (33.8%) cases. The most common organisms wereEscherichia coli(7/27 – 25.9%),Pasteurellaspp. (5/27 – 18.5%),Staphylococcusspp. (4/27 – 14.8%) andCorynebacteriumspp. (4/27 – 14.8%).Bartonellaspp. were not detected in any patients. The mitral valve was most commonly affected (48/77 – 62.3%). Clinical features were non‐specific, with lethargy being the most common clinical sign observed (53/77 – 68.8%). Fifty‐three dogs (68.8%) survived to discharge. The median survival time post discharge was 425 days (2 to 3650 days). The development of congestive heart failure was associated with a poorer outcome. Cardiac troponin concentration, antithrombotic use and the development of thromboembolism or arrhythmias were not significantly associated with outcome.

Clinical Significance

Some dogs with infective endocarditis that survive to discharge can have a long lifespan. The inability to detect an underlying organism is common andBartonellaspp. may be a less prevalent cause of canine infective endocarditis in the UK than in the USA.
Evidence of backcross inviability and mitochondrial DNA paternal leakage in sea turtle hybrids
Authors: Vilaça Sibelle T. , Maroso Francesco , Lara Paulo , de Thoisy Benoit , Chevallier Damien , Arantes Larissa Souza , Santos Fabricio R. , Bertorelle Giorgio , Mazzoni Camila J.
Published: November 2022

Hybridization is known to be part of many species' evolutionary history. Sea turtles have a fascinating hybridization system in which species separated by as much as 43 million years are still capable of hybridizing. Indeed, the largest nesting populations in Brazil of loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata) have a high incidence of hybrids between these two species. A third species, olive ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea), is also known to hybridize although at a smaller scale. Here, we used restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐Seq) markers, mitogenomes, and satellite‐telemetry to investigate the patterns of hybridization and introgression in the Brazilian sea turtle population and their relationship with the migratory behaviours between feeding and nesting aggregations. We also explicitly test if the mixing of two divergent genomes in sea turtle hybrids causes mitochondrial paternal leakage. We developed a new species‐specific PCR‐assay capable of detecting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance from both parental species and performed ultra‐deep sequencing to estimate the abundance of each mtDNA type. Our results show that all adult hybrids are first generation (F1) and most display a loggerhead migratory behaviour. We detected paternal leakage in F1 hybrids and different proportions of mitochondria from maternal and paternal species. Although previous studies showed no significant fitness decrease in hatchlings, our results support genetically‐related hybrid breakdown possibly caused by cytonuclear incompatibility. Further research on hybrids from other populations in addition to Brazil and between different species will show if backcross inviability and mitochondrial paternal leakage is observed across sea turtle species.