bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process evaluation of a New psychosocial goal-setting and manualised support intervention for Independence in Dementia (NIDUS-Family)
Authors: Wyman Danielle , Butler LT , Morgan-Trimmer Sarah , Bright Peter , Barber Julie , Budgett Jessica , Walters Kate , Lang I , Rapaport P , Banks Sara , Palomo Marina , Orgeta Vasiliki , Livingston Gill , Rockwood K , Lord K , Manthorpe J , Dow B , Hoe J , Cooper Claudia
Published: February 2024

Introduction

We report a process evaluation embedded within a UK Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT), which demonstrated that New Interventions for independence in Dementia Study (NIDUS)-Family (a manualised, multimodal psychosocial intervention), was effective relative to usual care, on the primary outcome of Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) over one year. We aimed to test and refine a hypothesised theory of change model delineating key causal assumptions for impact mechanisms.

Methods

In 2021-22, intervention-arm dyads completed an acceptability questionnaire developed to test causal assumptions. We interviewed dyads and their intervention facilitators, purposively selected for diverse follow-up GAS scores and sociodemographic diversity. Matching observational data were collected from intervention session recordings, using a checklist developed to test causal assumptions. We thematically analysed data, then integrated qualitative and quantitative data.

Results

174/204 (85.3%) dyads allocated to NIDUS-Family, fully completed the intervention, 18 partially completed it, while 12 received none. 47/192 (24.5%) of carers receiving any sessions completed the acceptability questionnaire. 27/58 (47%) dyads purposively selected, and 9/10 facilitators participated in qualitative interviews; and we observed 12 sessions. We identified four themes: A) ‘Someone to talk to helps dyads feel supported’; B) ‘NIDUS-Family helps carers change their perspective’; C) ‘Personalisation helps people living with dementia maintain their identity’; and D) ‘Small steps help dyads move forward’.

Conclusion

Key causal pathway mechanisms were: regular sessions with a consistent facilitator providing space to discuss priorities, supporting carers to consider new perspectives and approaches to personalising care; and planning small actionable steps towards goals. Findings will support NIDUS-Family implementation.
Evaluation of three control strategies to limit mpox outbreaks in an agent based model
Authors: Brainard Julii , Lake Iain , Hunter Paul R.
Published: February 2024

Most of the 2022 mpox outbreaks in high income countries, which predominantly affected men who have sex with men, peaked less than two months after detection. To stop the outbreaks, people were encouraged to limit new sex partners, take up any offers for smallpox vaccination, and self-isolate. The relative contributions of each of these strategies to outbreak reduction are hard to know. To consider the potential relative efficacy of each of these measures individually, we constructed agent-based models using plausible partnership counts, reasonable behaviour choices and published information about smallpox vaccination uptake rates in the UK context during 2022. Compared to a baseline, no intervention scenario, partner reduction was more effective at preventing generation of secondary cases than the vaccine rollout at the speed that the smallpox vaccine rollout occurred in the UK in 2022. These findings suggest that partner reduction by the most affected community rather than pharmaceutical intervention was largely to credit for causing case numbers to peak as early as they did.
Single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveals cellular and molecular dynamics of white and brown adipose tissue in a mouse model of type-2 diabetes
Authors: Gaynor Taylah L. , Hsu Ian , Krstevski Crisdion , Farrugia Gabriella E. , Dona Malathi S. I. , Cohen Charles D. , Drew Brian G. , Pinto Alexander R.
Published: February 2024

Excessive adipose tissue expansion is often linked with type-2 diabetes. Despite recent efforts mapping adipose tissue changes in obesity using single-cell omics, an understanding of cellular and gene expression changes in a model of type 2 diabetes, and the transcriptional circuitry controlling it, is still lacking. Here, we use single-nucleus RNA sequencing to analyze the remodeling of gonadal white and interscapular brown adipose tissue from female and male mice with or without diabetes. Analysis of 51,877 nuclei revealed altered phenotypes in every cell population in type 2 diabetes. This included an immunoregulatory response, and changes in extracellular matrix, energy generation, and hormone responses. Key transcription factors were inferred as cell-specific and non-specific nodes controlling diabetes-linked phenotypes. Finally, female-to-male population heterogeneity and gene expression differences were observed. Here we provide a resource detailing how adipose tissue remodeling, and the molecular mechanisms governing it, may contribute to cardiometabolic disease.
Protein interaction map of APOBEC3 enzyme family reveals deamination-independent role in cellular function
Authors: Jang Gwendolyn M. , Sudarsan Arun Kumar Annan , Shayeganmehr Arzhang , Munhoz Erika Prando , Lao Reanna , Gaba Amit , Rodríguez Milaid Granadillo , Love Robin P. , Polacco Benjamin J. , Zhou Yuan , Krogan Nevan J. , Kaake Robyn M. , Chelico Linda
Published: February 2024

Human APOBEC3 enzymes are a family of single-stranded (ss)DNA and RNA cytidine deaminases that act as part of the intrinsic immunity against viruses and retroelements. These enzymes deaminate cytosine to form uracil which can functionally inactivate or cause degradation of viral or retroelement genomes. In addition, APOBEC3s have deamination independent antiviral activity through protein and nucleic acid interactions. If expression levels are misregulated, some APOBEC3 enzymes can access the human genome leading to deamination and mutagenesis, contributing to cancer initiation and evolution. While APOBEC3 enzymes are known to interact with large ribonucleoprotein complexes, the function and RNA dependence is not entirely understood. To further understand their cellular roles, we determined by affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS) the protein interaction network for the human APOBEC3 enzymes and map a diverse set of protein-protein and protein-RNA mediated interactions. Our analysis identified novel RNA-mediated interactions between APOBEC3C, APOBEC3H Haplotype I and II, and APOBEC3G with spliceosome proteins, and APOBEC3G and APOBEC3H Haplotype I with proteins involved in tRNA methylation and ncRNA export from the nucleus. In addition, we identified RNA-independent protein-protein interactions with APOBEC3B, APOBEC3D, and APOBEC3F and the prefoldin family of protein folding chaperones. Interaction between prefoldin 5 (PFD5) and APOBEC3B disrupted the ability of PFD5 to induce degradation of the oncogene cMyc, implicating the APOBEC3B protein interaction network in cancer. Altogether, the results uncover novel functions and interactions of the APOBEC3 family and suggest they may have fundamental roles in cellular RNA biology, their protein-protein interactions are not redundant, and there are protein-protein interactions with tumor suppressors, suggesting a role in cancer biology.
A 20-year time-series of a freshwater lake reveals seasonal dynamics and environmental drivers of viral diversity, ecology, and evolution
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , Tran Patricia Q. , Martin Cody , Rohwer Robin R. , Baker Brett J. , McMahon Katherine D. , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: February 2024

Long-term ecological studies are powerful tools to investigate microbiomes and ecosystem change but have mostly ignored viruses. Here, we leveraged a 20-year time-series of a freshwater lake to characterize 1.3 million viral genomes over time, seasonality, and environmental factors. We identified 578 auxiliary metabolic gene (AMG) clusters representing over 150,000 AMGs, the most abundant of which, includingpsbAfor photosynthesis,pmoCfor methane oxidation, andkatGfor hydrogen peroxide decomposition, were consistently represented in viruses across decades and seasons. We observed positive associations and niche differentiation between virus-host pairs during seasonal change including in keystone taxa, Cyanobacteria, methanotrophs, and Nanopelagicales. Environmental constraints, specifically inorganic carbon and ammonium influenced viral abundances over time, and highlighted roles of viruses in both “top-down” and “bottom-up” interactions. Key evolutionary processes shaping gene and genome-wide selection included favored fitness genes, reduced genomic heterogeneity, and dominant sub-populations carrying specific genes. Overall, our study advances understanding of diversity, ecological dynamics, and evolutionary trajectories of viruses in Earth’s microbiomes and ecosystems.
De novomutations mediate phenotypic switching in an opportunistic human lung pathogen
Authors: Poret Alexandra J. , Schaefers Matthew , Merakou Christina , Mansour Kathryn E. , Lagoudas Georgia K. , Cross Ashley R. , Goldberg Joanna B. , Kishony Roy , Uluer Ahmet Z. , McAdam Alexander J. , Blainey Paul C. , Vargas Sara O. , Lieberman Tami D. , Priebe Gregory P.
Published: February 2024

Bacteria evolving within human hosts encounter selective tradeoffs that render mutations adaptive in one context and deleterious in another. Here, we report that the cystic fibrosis-associated pathogenBurkholderia dolosaovercomes in-human selective tradeoffs by acquiring successive point mutations that alternate phenotypes. We sequenced the whole genomes of 931 respiratory isolates from two recently infected patients and an epidemiologically-linked, chronically-infected patient. These isolates are contextualized using 112 historical genomes from the same outbreak strain. Within both newly infected patients, diverse parallel mutations that disrupt O-antigen expression quickly arose, comprising 29% and 63% of theirB. dolosacommunities by 3 years. The selection for loss of O-antigen starkly contrasts with our previous observation of parallel O-antigen-restoring mutations after many years of chronic infection in the historical outbreak. Experimental characterization revealed that O-antigen loss increases uptake in immune cells while decreasing competitiveness in the mouse lung. We propose that the balance of these pressures, and thus whether O-antigen expression is advantageous, depends on tissue localization and infection duration. These results suggest that mutation-driven alternation during infection may be more frequent than appreciated and is underestimated without dense temporal sampling.
Benchmarking hybrid digitized-counterdiabatic quantum optimization
Authors: Xu Ruoqian , Tang Jialiang , Chandarana Pranav , Paul Koushik , Xu Xusheng , Yung Manhong , Chen Xi
Published: February 2024

Hybrid digitized-counterdiabatic quantum computing (DCQC) is a promising approach for leveraging the capabilities of nearterm quantum computers, utilizing parameterized quantum circuits designed with counterdiabatic protocols. However, the classical aspect of this approach has received limited attention. In this study, we systematically analyze the convergence behavior and solution quality of various classical optimizers when used in conjunction with the digitized-counterdiabatic approach. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this hybrid algorithm by comparing its performance to the traditional QAOA on systems containing up to 28 qubits. Furthermore, we employ principal component analysis to investigate the cost landscape and explore the crucial influence of parametrization on the performance of the counterdiabatic ansatz. Our findings indicate that fewer iterations are required when local cost landscape minima are present, and the SPSA-based BFGS optimizer emerges as a standout choice for the hybrid DCQC paradigm.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Syntheses, characterizations, crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of methyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,7,7-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, isopropyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,6,6-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate and tert-butyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,6,6-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate
Authors: Yıldırım Sema Öztürk , Akkurt Mehmet , Pehlivanlar Ezgi , Çetin Gökalp , Şimşek Rahime , Butcher Ray J. , Bhattarai Ajaya
Published: February 2024

The crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of three similar compounds are reported. Methyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,7,7-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, (C21H23F2NO4), (I), crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 8, while isopropyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,6,6-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, (C23H27F2NO4), (II) and tert-butyl 4-[4-(difluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2,6,6-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, (C24H29F2NO4), (III) crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with Z = 8. In the crystal structure of (I), molecules are linked by N—H...O and C—H...O interactions, forming a tri-periodic network, while molecules of (II) and (III) are linked by N—H...O, C—H...F and C—H...π interactions, forming layers parallel to (002). The cohesion of the molecular packing is ensured by van der Waals forces between these layers. In (I), the atoms of the 4-difluoromethoxyphenyl group are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.647 (3): 0.353 (3) ratio. In (III), the atoms of the dimethyl group attached to the cyclohexane ring, and the two carbon atoms of the cyclohexane ring are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.646 (3):0.354 (3) ratio.
Meta-analysis of technology acceptance for mobile and digital libraries in academic settings using technology acceptance model (TAM)
Authors: Ali Irfan , Warraich Nosheen Fatima
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the relationship of technology acceptance model (TAM) variables (PEOU and PU) with behavioral intention (BI) and attitude in mobile and digital libraries context. This study also examines the relationship of external variables (information quality and system quality) with TAM variables (PEOU and PU) in mobile and digital libraries context.

Design/methodology/approach

This meta-analysis was performed through PRISMA-P guidelines. Four databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and LISTA) were used for searching, and the search was conducted according to defined criteria.

Findings

Findings of this study revealed a large effect size of PU and PEOU with BI. There was also a large effect size of PU and PEOU with attitude. A medium effect size was found between SysQ → PU, InfoQ → PU and SysQ → PEOU. However, there was a small effect size between InfoQ and PEOU.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there was no study published till the time of conducting this meta-analysis. Hence, this study fills the literature gap. This study also confirms that TAM is a valid model in the acceptance and use of technology in mobile and digital libraries context. Thus, the findings of the present study are helpful for developers and designers in designing and developing mobile library apps. It will also be beneficial for library authorities and system librarians in designing and developing digital libraries in academic settings.
The role of B cells in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Fukasawa Takemichi , Yoshizaki‐Ogawa Asako , Sato Shinichi , Yoshizaki Ayumi
Published: February 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and refractory systemic disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy in the presence of autoimmune abnormalities. While the exact cause of SSc is incompletely understood, the specific autoantibodies identified in SSc are closely linked to disease severity and prognosis, indicating a significant role of autoimmune abnormalities in the pathogenesis of SSc. Although the direct pathogenic mechanisms of autoantibodies in SSc are not fully elucidated, numerous prior investigations have demonstrated the involvement of B cells in the pathogenesis of SSc through various mechanisms. Additionally, several clinical trials have explored the efficacy of B‐cell depletion therapy for SSc, with many reporting positive outcomes. However, the role of B cells in SSc pathogenesis is multifaceted, as they can both promote inflammation and exert inhibitory functions. This article provides an overview of the involvement of B cells in SSc development, incorporating the latest research findings.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of dutasteride 0.5 mg in Korean men with androgenetic alopecia: 5‐year data demonstrating clinical improvement with sustained efficacy
Authors: Choi Sangmin , Kwon Soon‐Hyo , Sim Woo‐Young , Lew Bark‐Lynn
Published: February 2024

Dutasteride 0.5 mg is a dual inhibitor of 5α‐reductase type I and II and was approved in Korea in 2009 for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men. We investigated the 5‐year efficacy and safety of dutasteride 0.5 mg in Korean men with AGA using the basic and specific (BASP) classification. This retrospective analysis included 99 male AGA patients aged ≥18 years who were treated with dutasteride 0.5 mg for at least 5 years from October 2009 to December 2016 at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong. Patient photographs were scored using the BASP classification, and the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) was performed using a seven‐point scale. Patient improvement (IGA score ≥1) and prevention of disease progression (IGA score ≥0) were 89.9% (89/99) and 93.9% (93/99), respectively. According to the BASP classification, 52.5% (52/99) of the basic type, 75% (15/20) of the specific F type, and 82.2% (60/73) of the specific V type showed clinical improvement after 5 years of treatment. Dutasteride demonstrated long‐term safety and efficacy in Korean male patients with AGA over a period of at least 5 years, with results comparable to those of other long‐term efficacy studies of finasteride 1 mg in male patients with AGA.
Ant handling changes myrmecochore seed coat microbiomes and alters diversity of seed‐borne plant pathogenic fungi
Authors: Lash Chloe L. , Cregger Melissa A. , Kinkopf Anne M. , Buerger Nicole , Klingeman Dawn M. , Kwit Charles
Published: February 2024

The putative benefits to seeds in myrmecochory (ant‐mediated seed dispersal) are often cast in a reward context. However, microbes have been mostly overlooked as seed mortality agents in myrmecochory, as have potential treatments provided by ant‐handling.

We investigated the effects of ant handling on the diversity of seed coat fungal communities of three myrmecochorous plant species.

Ant‐handling altered measures of both alpha and beta diversity of fungal communities. Ant‐handled seeds harboured different overall fungal communities and plant pathogen communities than non‐ant‐handled seeds. The myrmecochore pathogenic fungal community showed high dissimilarity (high pairwise community turnover) between ant‐handled and control seeds, while beta diversity measures for ant‐handled seeds and seeds with manually removed elaiosomes were less dissimilar.

Ant handling may offer an additional benefit to myrmecochorous seeds via the reduction in the seed coat pathogenic community, which may be driven by elaiosome removal or as a by‐product of ant cleaning behaviours and chemical secretions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Effects of leaf litter traits on terrestrial isopod and millipede consumption, assimilation and growth
Authors: Lam Weng Ngai , Slade Eleanor M. , Wardle David A.
Published: February 2024

Nutrient cycling through leaf litter consumption is an essential ecological function performed by macrodetritivorous invertebrates such as isopods and millipedes. Leaf litter consumption rates can vary greatly depending on the environment, consumer identity and litter traits, but generalizations about the effects of plant traits on macrodetritivore leaf litter consumption, assimilation and growth are not well established and are mostly indirectly inferred.

We conducted a systematic search of the global literature and obtained 456 standardized measures from laboratory experiments of relative consumption (RCR), assimilation (RAR) and growth (RGR) rates of terrestrial isopods and millipedes, extracted from 56 different articles. We investigated if commonly measured leaf traits, plant functional groups, prior microbial conditioning of leaves and climatic conditions affected these rates. We obtained data on commonly measured leaf traits from the TRY global plant trait database, inferred plant functional groups from taxonomic groupings and obtained climatic data from information reported within articles.

RCR, RAR and RGR varied greatly among macrodetritivore and plant species, but overall, there were no differences between isopods and millipedes. Microbial conditioning of litter greatly increased RCR. Plant functional group was an important predictor of RCR, with eudicot trees and forbs being consumed in greater quantities than magnoliid trees and grasses. Fresh leaf N:P ratio had a positive effect on RAR, and leaf N and C:N ratio had positive and negative effects on RGR, respectively, while climatic variables had weak effects on the three rates.

Our work shows that plant traits (both those associated with plant functional groups and commonly measured leaf traits) exert strong effects on resource processing rates by terrestrial macrodetritivores. Further, prior microbial conditioning of leaf litter has a large and globally consistent positive effect on macrodetritivore litter consumption, suggesting that they may consume little, if any, freshly senesced leaf material when microbially conditioned litter is available. Our results suggest that, where extremes of temperature or precipitation do not occur, variables reflective of food quality (leaf traits and microbe conditioning) are more important drivers of macrodetritivore leaf litter consumption than are extrinsic climatic variables.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Economic globalization and ecological impact in emerging economies in the post‐COP21 agreement: A panel econometrics approach
Authors: Bekun Festus Victor , Ozturk Ilhan
Published: February 2024

Globally, the need for ecological well‐being and sustainable development attracted research and policy attention over the years. However, issues concerning the nexus between globalization and ecological safety remain contentious and unresolved. Therefore, this study contributes to the discourse by evaluating the impact of economic globalization on ecological footprints in seven emerging economies (E7) while accounting for other drivers of environmental degradation in the outlined bloc for the period of 1990–2021. The present study leverages on panel data econometric techniques to achieve the study objectives. The findings shows that economic globalization and increase in economic activities drive a higher ecological footprint and thus reduce environmental quality in emerging economies. This study concludes that the economic progress of emerging economies and the increasing wave of their economic integration is detrimental to environmentally sustainable development. Therefore, this study recommends, among other insightful policy inferences, that the global agenda on sustainable development should be prioritized, environment‐friendly integration among emerging economies should be pursued. Environmental regulations should be strictly observed by the countries in their bid for economic development and integration.
Fat embolism syndrome associated with atraumatic compartment syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities: An unreported etiology
Authors: Ali Zabiullah , Troncoso Juan C. , Redding‐Ochoa Javier
Published: February 2024

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a potentially life‐threatening condition that develops when fat embolism leads to clinical symptoms and multisystem dysfunction. The classic triad of respiratory distress, neurologic symptoms, and petechial rash are non‐specific, and the lack of specific laboratory tests makes the diagnosis of FES difficult. Although FES is most common after long bone fractures, multiple conditions some of which are atraumatic have been associated with the development of FES. We report a case of FES that occurred in the setting of a non‐traumatic compartment syndrome of the upper extremities. The pathologic and clinical findings, pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and pathologic methods to properly diagnose FES are discussed with a review of the relevant literature. This case highlights the importance of the autopsy in making a diagnosis of FES in cases where death could otherwise be incorrectly attributed to multi‐organ system failure, shock, or sepsis.
Remarkable response to pazopanib plus vivolumab in a patient with pericardial synovial sarcoma carrying a novel genotype BRCA2 c.968dupT: A case report
Authors: Zhang Xing , Xu Qinqin , Zhang Yongchang
Published: February 2024

Pericardial synovial sarcomas (PSS) have a low incidence rate and are highly invasive with a dismal prognosis. Standard treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy but with limited response. Here, we report the case of a 15‐year‐old nonsmoking youngster diagnosed with PSS who developed disease relapsed from surgery after 1 month. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) using baseline tissue was performed, and BRCA2 c.968dupT was detected. Then pazopanib (a multitargeted inhibitor) plus nivolumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor) was administered, with a partial response and progression‐free survival of 14 months. BRCA2 c.968dupT has not previously been reported in PSS and its response to targeted combination immunotherapy are not well characterized. Here, we report the efficacy of pazopanib combined with nivolumab in a PSS patient harboring BRCA2 c.968dupT and also provide the clinical evidence of the utility of NGS in exploring actionable mutations for solid tumor. Combination therapy based on immunotherapy may be a potential treatment choice for PSS harboring BRCA2 mutation.
A multistate transition model of changes in loneliness and carer stress among community‐dwelling older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Abey‐Nesbit Rebecca , Bergler Hans Ulrich , Keeling Sally , Gillon Deb , Bullmore Irihapeti , Schluter Philip J. , Jamieson Hamish
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To identify changes in loneliness and carer stress between two time points for older people of different ethnicities who had repeated interRAI home care assessments.

Methods

Participants consisted of community‐dwelling older adults across New Zealand who received two interRAI‐HC assessments between 5 July 2012 and 31 December 2019. Two multistate models were developed: the first model was not lonely versus lonely, and the second model was no carer stress versus carer stress. The one‐year transition probabilities were calculated. Mean sojourn times were calculated for each state except death. Paired t‐tests assessed the differences in transition probabilities between the different ethnic groups.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 82.5 years (SD 7.7 years). At first assessment, 14,646 (21%) older people stated they were lonely and 26,789 carers (38%) experienced stress. The most common first transition type was not lonely to not lonely: Māori 42%, Pacific 54%, Asian, 48% and Other 40%. The highest one‐year transition probability in the loneliness model was living in aged residential care to death (0.79). The most common first transition type for the carer stress was no carer stress to no carer stress: Māori 35%, Pacific, 46%, Asian, 43% and Other 33%. The highest one‐year transition probability in the carer stress model was living in aged residential care to death (0.80). The statuses not lonely and no carer stress had a mean sojourn time of approximately one year, and eight months to one year, respectively.

Conclusions

Loneliness can change over time due to circumstances and an individual's perception of loneliness at the time of assessment. Carer stress is enduring and has a low probability of improvement.
Negative Performance Aspiration Gap and Stock Price Crashes: Based on Behavioral Theory and Agency Theory Perspective*
Authors: Wang Mengsha
Published: February 2024

The paper explores how agency behavior of insiders within a company influences the risk of a stock price crash in the context of a continued expansion of the performance expectation gap. A panel data analysis of 10 727 observations of Chinese A‐share listed companies over the period 2003–2020 shows that as the negative performance aspiration gap widens, stock price crashes are more likely to occur. Furthermore, the separated role of top management and chairperson and an increase in the ownership proportion of major shareholders significantly amplifies the positive effect, whereas the increase in managerial shareholding and the equity balance diminish the main relationship.
Older adults experience better affective well‐being in solitude: The moderating role of goal for conflict de‐escalation
Authors: Jiang Da , Lay Jennifer C. , Fung Helene H.
Published: February 2024

Older adults report greater affective well‐being in solitude than younger adults, but prior findings are based on correlational designs. We aim to examine age differences in affective well‐being in solitude using an experimental design and to examine conflict de‐escalation as a potential mechanism. In Study 1, 207 participants were randomly assigned to either a solitude or a social interaction condition. In Study 2, 128 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: solitude‐escalation, solitude‐de‐escalation, interaction‐escalation, and interaction de‐escalation. After a 15‐min solitude or social interaction period, they reported their affective experiences. In Study 1, older (vs. younger) adults reported more positive affect overall. This age‐related difference was greater in the solitude (vs. social interaction) condition; older adults reported less negative affect than younger adults in the solitude, but not the social interaction, condition. In Study 2, older (vs. younger) participants reported more high‐arousal positive affect in the solitude‐escalation condition. This difference was not significant in conflict de‐escalation conditions. Our studies provide causal evidence of the relationship between solitude and affective well‐being and advance our understanding of motivations that explain why older adults maintain better affective well‐being in solitude.
Earliest known well‐preserved flour comestibles unearthed in the Wupu Cemetery in Hami, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Lijing , Ge Yong , Wang Yongqiang , Zhang Guilin , Wang Binghua , Jiang Hongen
Published: February 2024

Exploring the utilisation of flour in ancient Xinjiang is crucial for understanding the use of different grain crops as staple comestibles. In this study, multiple analyses were applied to identify five flour food remnants discovered in the Wupu Cemetery (1100–400 BCE) in Hami, Xinjiang. Results show that two of the samples were comprised of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) mixed with wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum spp.), one of wheat and barley, and the remaining two primarily of broomcorn millet with a low quantity of foxtail millet (Setaria italica). Plant microfossils analysis and microscopic observation of cross‐sections of the five samples indicate that these crop materials were coarsely ground into flour and then probably baked without fermentation. These findings provide the earliest evidence that broomcorn millet, wheat, and barley were processed as cakes in Hami 3000 years ago. Moreover, the findings in this study also emphasise the reassessment of the role of foxtail millet in the dietary consumption of the ancient Wupu inhabitants, as foxtail millet was abundant in tombs, but scarce in comestible food sources. This research sheds light on and contributes to a more precise reconstruction of the dietary patterns of ancient indigenous people in Hami.
Rumen degradable protein levels on fatty acid profile of rumen bacteria and milk fat of dairy cows supplemented with calcium salts of fatty acids
Authors: Del Valle Tiago Antônio , de Castro Zilio Elissandra Maiara , Ghizzi Lucas Ghedin , Marques Julia Avansi , Sakamoro Lucas Yudi , Sconamiglio Nathalia Trevisan , da Silva Dias Mauro Sérgio , de Paula Silva Tássia Barrera , Nunes Alanne Tenório , Silva Guilherme Gomes da , Gheller Larissa Schneider , Rennó Francisco Palma
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) from soybean oil in diets with different levels of rumen degradable protein (RDP) on bio‐hydrogenation extent, and fatty acid (FA) profile intake, omasal digesta, rumen bacteria, and milk fat. Eight Holstein lactating cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two CSFA levels (0 or 33.2 g/kg DM of CSFA) and two RDP levels (98.0 or 110 g/kg DM). There was RDP and CSFA interaction effect on the omasal flow of total FA and some specific FA. Only in −CSFA diets, the higher RDP level increased omasal flow of total FA. Dietary RDP levels did not affect the FA profile of bacteria and milk fat. Feeding CSFA reduced or tended to reduce the bacterial proportion of C15:0, C16:0, C16:1, C17:0, and C18:0 FA and decreased the concentrations of short‐ and medium‐chain FA (<18C) and increased the concentrations of unsaturated and long‐chain FA (≥18C) in milk fat. Feeding CSFA of soybean oil increases the intake and omasal flow of FA and augments unsaturated FA content in bacteria pellets and milk fat.
Physicochemical properties as indicators of sensory characteristics of jidori and broiler chicken meat
Authors: Yoshida Yuri , Honma Fumika , Obana Naoaki , Matsumoto Kazunori , Nishimura Takanori , Irie Masakazu
Published: February 2024

To improve the eating quality of chicken, the physicochemical properties were examined, which serve as indicators for breeding. Thigh meat was collected from 384 chickens from seven and nine types of the jidori (free‐range local traditional pedigree chickens) or broiler chickens, respectively. The principal component analysis of the physicochemical values of the jidori and broilers were arranged as different groups in the score plot. The results of multiple regression analysis of the sensory characteristics and physicochemical properties of thigh meat indicated that the tenderness decreased with the higher crude protein content and cooking loss in the jidori and increased with lower cooking loss and higher moisture and ether extract content in the broiler. The juiciness of the jidori decreased as the moisture content decreased, and that of the broiler decreased as the cooking loss and crude protein content increased. The umami of both the jidori and broiler was improved by increasing the 5′‐inosinic acid content. Therefore, it was suggested that the physicochemical properties, which serve as indicators of the eating quality of chicken, differed between the jidori and broiler, and that the general biochemical components, cooking loss and 5′‐inosinic acid content may serve as breeding indicators.
Population pharmacokinetics and dose optimization of levofloxacin in elderly patients with pneumonia
Authors: He Yun‐Ying , Sun Jing , Wu Yue‐E , Wang Yong‐Bin , van den Anker John , Hao Guo‐Xiang , Sun De‐Qing , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2024

Aims

Levofloxacin is a quinolone antibiotic with a broad antibacterial spectrum. It is frequently used in elderly patients with pneumonia. The pharmacokinetic profile of elderly patients changes with age, but data on the pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in these patients are limited. The aim of this study was to establish a population pharmacokinetic model of levofloxacin in elderly patients with pneumonia and to optimize individualized dosing regimens based on this newly developed model.

Methods

This is a prospective, open‐label pharmacokinetic study in elderly patients with pneumonia. Blood samples were collected using an opportunistic approach. The plasma concentrations of levofloxacin were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. A population pharmacokinetic model was established using nonlinear mixed‐effect model software. Monte Carlo simulations were used for dose simulation and dose optimization.

Results

Data from 51 elderly patients with pneumonia were used for the population pharmacokinetic analysis. A one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination was most suitable for describing the data, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was the only covariate that had a significant impact on the model. The final model estimated that the mean clearance of levofloxacin in elderly patients with pneumonia was 5.26 L/h. Monte Carlo simulation results showed that the optimal dosing regimen for levofloxacin was 750 mg once a day in elderly patients with pneumonia, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2 mg/L.

Conclusions

The population pharmacokinetic model of levofloxacin in elderly patients with pneumonia was established, and the dose optimization of levofloxacin was completed through Monte Carlo simulation.
Team ethical culture as a coupling mechanism between a well‐implemented organizational ethics program and the prevention of unethical behavior in teams
Authors: Cabana Guillem C. , Kaptein Muel
Published: February 2024

Many organizations have adopted an organizational ethics program to prevent unethical behavior within the organization. Decoupling the adoption of ethics programs from their implementation has been identified in the literature as an explanation for the ineffectiveness of such programs. In addition to this so‐called policy–practice decoupling, means–ends decoupling may also occur when a well‐implemented ethics program is nevertheless ineffective. This study investigates whether team ethical culture (TEC) acts as a coupling mechanism that mediates the effects of a well‐implemented ethics program on unethical behavior in teams. We conducted a survey of 202 teams working in a business organization in the UK. The results of a structural equation analysis support the claim that TEC mediates this relationship. Based on this team‐level case study, we argue that organizations that aim to implement an effective ethics program should acknowledge and manage TECs to avoid means‐ends decoupling.
Identifying predictors of a favourable outcome for outpatients with a persistent depressive disorder treated with Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Dean Juliana A. , Eldering Marieke J. , Schoevers Robert A. , van Driel Catheleine M. G.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) is the first therapy specifically developed for persistent depressive disorder (PDD). This study aimed to identify predictors of favourable treatment outcome after group CBASP and assess change in depression severity over 24 weeks.

Design

A prospective cohort study was conducted in patients with PDD treated with group‐CBASP.

Methods

Outcomes were depression severity measured by the Inventory of Depression Severity—self‐report (IDS‐SR) after 6 and 12 months. Potential predictors investigated were baseline depression severity, prior antidepressant use, age, family status, income source, age of onset and childhood trauma. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess their effects with a ≥25% IDS‐SR score decrease as the dependent variable.

Results

The IDS‐SR score (range 0–84) significantly decreased from 37.78 at start to 33.45 at 6 months, an improvement which was maintained at 12 months. Having paid work and no axis I comorbidity significantly predicted favourable response. In the groups without a favourable outcome predictor a substantial percentage still showed at least partial response (16.7% and 19.2%).

Conclusions

Source of income and axis I comorbidity were predictors of response to group‐CBASP. Within the group without favourable outcome predictors, a subgroup showed at least partial response. These results suggest that group‐CBASP has promise for patients who do not respond to standard treatments. Future studies should include outcome measures that take into account comorbidity and other clinically relevant changes, such as social functioning.
Being pressed for time leads to treating others as things: Exploring the relationships among time scarcity, agentic and communal orientation and objectification
Authors: Jiang Xinying , Zhang Nan , Sun Xiaomin , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Yuqiao Lilly
Published: February 2024

Time scarcity has become one of the most ubiquitous phenomena in daily life worldwide. Five studies (total valid N = 1332) examined whether time scarcity elicits people's agentic orientation and dampens their communal orientation, thus increasing the likelihood of objectification towards others. Results suggested that people who perceived time scarcity were more likely to exhibit objectification towards others regardless of whether time scarcity was measured (Studies 1 and 3) or manipulated using either a scenario (Study 2a) or a recall task (Studies 2b and 4). Furthermore, agentic and communal orientations mediated the link between time scarcity and objectification (Studies 3 and 4). Additionally, the current research provided a nuanced understanding of these effects by differentiating the people being objectified into acquaintances and close friends (Study 2b) and by taking into consideration the trait‐level prosociality of participants (Study 4). Results suggested that the effect persisted when people interacted with others who were close to them, and it was also applicable to people who were highly prosocial by nature. Overall, our findings highlighted the serious interpersonal consequence of time scarcity and highlighted the crucial role of value orientation in understanding this effect.
Developing a model for child participation in child welfare services
Authors: Henze‐Pedersen Sofie , Bengtsson Tea Torbenfeldt
Published: February 2024

In this article, we develop a model for child participation in child welfare services (CPC). Child participation has gained increasing attention in research, policy and practice in the last couple of decades. Two perspectives have concurrently moved this agenda forward—childhood sociology and children's rights—leading to an almost irrefutable understanding of children as social actors with independent rights. We integrate these perspectives in one model in our CPC model. We base the model on the rights‐based Lundy model of child participation and develop it with theoretical insights from childhood sociology and social work as well as empirical insights from the literature on CPC. To capture the specific conditions of child welfare services and the social world of the child, we add contexts as a new overarching element in our CPC model. We also expand the four elements in the original Lundy model to include time and space, voices, direct and indirect audiences and influence and statutory power. The CPC model is designed to conceptualize how child participation unfolds as both a right of the child a social practice within the specific setting of child welfare services.
Peri‐implant epidermoid cyst: A case report and literature analysis
Authors: Wei Shibo , Zhang Xu , Yu Fei , Guo Shuigen , Wei Hongwu
Published: February 2024

Background

A peri‐implant cystic lesion is a rare finding, and to date most investigators have considered that its pathogenesis is caused by trauma and infection related to dental implantation. However, the pathogenesis of these cysts remains unclear and is recognized to have multifactorial origins.

Case presentation

In February 2021, a 75‐year‐old male patient underwent implant restoration due to mobility of the left maxillary central incisor. The implant achieved good osseointegration and was successfully restored. However, in March 2023, the patient sought treatment due to mobility of the dental implant. Clinical examination showed that the implant had loosened in three directions (vertical, mesial‐distal, and labial‐lingual), and the peri‐implant mucosa was slightly red and swollen. Radiographic examination (cone beam computed tomography) showed a large radiolucent area with clear boundaries involving the cervical and middle portions of the dental implant, and white bone lines were observed at the edge of the low‐density shadow. Intraoperatively, we removed the patient's implant, performed a complete debridement, and conducted bone augmentation surgery in the area of bone defect. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. The final histopathological result confirmed an epidermoid cyst.

Conclusions

Peri‐implant epidermoid cyst is a rare complication that affects the long‐term outcome of implant therapy. This case serves as a warning to clinicians to avoid involving epithelial tissue in the implant site during implant surgery, in order to prevent the potential occurrence of a peri‐implant epidermoid cyst, thereby creating better conditions for the patient's recovery and the long‐term efficacy of the implant.
Clinical evaluation of autonomous robotic‐assisted full‐arch implant surgery: A 1‐year prospective clinical study
Authors: Xie Rui , Liu Yuchen , Wei Hongbo , Zhang Tingmin , Bai Shizhu , Zhao Yimin
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and 1‐year clinical follow‐up performance of dental implant placement with an autonomous dental implant robot (ADIR) system in full‐arch implant surgery.

Materials and Methods

Twelve patients with edentulous arches or final dentition received 102 implants using the ADIR system. Global platform deviation, global apex deviation, and global angular deviation between the planned and actual implants were calculated after surgery. Data were statistically analyzed for factors including jaws, implant positions, patient sequences, implant systems, and implant length. Surgery duration was recorded. Patients were followed for 3 months and 1 year after surgery. Periodontal parameters, buccal bone thickness (BBT), and facial vertical bone wall peak (IP‐FC) were recorded.

Results

Among the 102 implants, the mean (SD) global platform deviation, global apex deviation, and global angular deviation were 0.53 (0.19) mm, 0.58 (0.17) mm, and 1.83 (0.82)°, respectively. The deviation differences between the mandible and maxilla did not show statistical significance (p > .05). No statistically significant differences were found for the jaws, implant positions, patient sequences, implant systems, and implant length to the deviations (p > .05). The periodontal parameters, the BBT, and IP‐FC remained stable during 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

The ADIR system showed excellent positional accuracy. The 1‐year follow‐up after full‐arch implant surgery indicated that the ADIR system could achieve promising clinical performance. Additional clinical evidence is requisite to furnish guidelines for the implementation of the ADIR system in full‐arch implant surgery.