bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications During Grayson Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding Method in Nonsyndromic Infants With Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Garcés Alvear Gonzalo Andrés , Moreno Soza María Ignacia Beatriz , Ormeño Quintana Andrea Del Pilar , Gutiérrez Melis Carolina Macarena
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Within the treatment protocols of patients with cleft lip and palate, the nasoalveolar molding (NAM) acquire more followers every day.

Their benefits have been well documented, but not equally their complications. The purpose of this study was to describe the complications produced during treatment with Grayson presurgical NAM in nonsyndromic infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Methods:

Bibliographic review on 8 databases using search algorithms. By applying the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 21 articles were detected, which were analyzed in full text. Complication, cause, and solution data were presented in supplemental tables.

Results:

Complications are related to soft tissues, hard tissues, and those derived from care.

Soft tissues:

irritation, ulceration, gingival, facial, or nasal bleeding. Candidiasis. An overexpanded nostril creation to improper placement or modifications of the nasal stent at home.

The most frequent were lip and cheeks skin irritation by taping, and gingival ulceration due to excessive pressure.

Hard tissues:

misalignment of alveolar segments and the premature eruption of teeth.

Derived from care:

inadequate device retention, adherence problems to treatment, poor/excessive care of the caregiver, intolerance to the device, eating problems, breathing, and socioeconomic issues.

Conclusions:

The main complications occur in soft tissues, related to the retention mechanisms and an inadequate adjustment of the device.

The benefits of NAM exceed the complications. It is necessary to know them to avoid any harmful results since they could prolong or stop the treatment, compromising the result. The active collaboration of the family in the insertion and maintenance of the device is crucial for success.
Kidney Allograft Fibrosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Saritas Turgay , Kramann Rafael
Published: February 2021

Interstitial fibrosis with tubule atrophy (IF/TA) is the response to virtually any sustained kidney injury and correlates inversely with kidney function and allograft survival. IF/TA is driven by various pathways that include hypoxia, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, transforming growth factor-β signaling, cellular rejection, inflammation, and others. In this review, we will focus on key pathways in the progress of renal fibrosis, diagnosis and therapy of allograft fibrosis. This review discusses the role and origin of myofibroblasts as matrix producing cells and therapeutic targets in renal fibrosis with a particular focus on renal allografts. We summarize current trends to use multiomic approaches to identify new biomarkers for IF/TA detection and to predict allograft survival. Furthermore, we review current imaging strategies that might help to identify and follow-up IF/TA complementary or as alternative to invasive biopsies. We further discuss current clinical trials and therapeutic strategies to treat kidney fibrosis.
Are Hepatitis C Positive Female Liver Transplant Recipients Still at Increased Risk for Graft Failure? Reexamining the Disparity in the Modern Era of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents
Authors: Yoeli Dor , Choudhury Rashikh A. , Moore Hunter B. , Sauaia Angela , Simpson Mary Ann , Pomfret Elizabeth A. , Nydam Trevor L.
Published: February 2021

Background.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive (+) female liver transplant recipients to HCV negative (–) female and HCV+ male recipients before and after the direct-acting–antiviral (DAA) era.

Methods.

The United Network for Organ Sharing liver transplant database was retrospectively reviewed from 2002 to 2017. The DAA era was defined as ≥2014.

Results.

In the pre-DAA era, HCV+ female recipients had greater risk for graft failure compared with HCV+ male (hazard ratio [HR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.11; P = 0.03) and HCV– female (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.43-1.60; P < 0.001) recipients. In the post-DAA era, HCV+ female recipients had lower risk for graft failure compared with HCV+ male recipients (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70-0.97; P = 0.02) and equivalent outcomes to HCV– female recipients. HCV+ female recipients with graft failure had increased likelihood of graft failure due to disease recurrence compared with HCV+ male recipients in the pre-DAA era (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08-1.39; P = 0.001) but not in the post-DAA era.

Conclusions.

Although historically HCV+ female recipients were at disproportionately increased risk for graft failure and disease recurrence, this disparity has been eliminated in the DAA era.
Schizophrenia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Barlati Stefano , Nibbio Gabriele , Vita Antonio
Published: February 2021

Purpose of review

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is having a critical impact on healthcare systems across the world, as well as on mental health in the general population; however, evidence regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with schizophrenia and on the onset of psychotic symptoms is currently emerging.

Recent findings

People living with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of COVID-19 and present worse COVID-19-related outcomes, including mortality. They show low levels of information and of concern regarding the possibility of contagion and infection but presented substantially stable levels of psychotic symptoms and even increased subjective well being during the pandemic. SARS-CoV-2, as well as the prolonged social isolation and the spread of misinformation, appear to be responsible in some cases for the onset of psychotic symptoms.

Clinicians should inform and educate their patients on the risks related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 and on the precautions that they should adopt to avoid contagion. Particular attention should be devoted to maintaining the continuity of care, especially in frail patients. Telemedicine might represent a valid support, but face-to-face visits in some cases remain essential. The hypothesis of a direct role of viral infection on the onset of psychotic disorders is currently debated, as viral involvement of central nervous system appears to be rather infrequent in COVID-19.
Clinical evaluation of the molecular-based BD SARS-CoV-2/Flu for the BD MAX™ System
Authors: Paradis Sonia , Lockamy Elizabeth , Cooper Charles K. , Young Stephen
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Establish the diagnostic performance related to SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A/B detection for the BD SARS-CoV-2/Flu for BD MAX™ System (“MAX SARS-CoV-2/Flu”) multiplex assay.

Methods and Materials

Two hundred and thirty-five (235) retrospective nasopharyngeal specimens were obtained from external vendors. The BD BioGx SARS-CoV-2 Reagents for BD MAX™ System (“BioGx SARS-CoV-2”) and the Cepheid Xpert® Xpress Flu/RSV (“Xpert Flu”) were utilized as reference methods.

Results

By reference methods, 52 specimens were SARS-CoV-2-positive, 59 were Flu A-positive, and 60 were Flu B-positive. MAX SARS-CoV-2/Flu had positive percent agreement (PPA) and negative percent agreement (NPA) values for SARS-CoV-2 detection of 96.2% ([95%CI]:87.0-98.9) and 100% [95%CI:88.7-100], respectively; PPA values for Flu A and Flu B of 100% [95%CI:93.9-100] and 98.3% [95%CI:91.1-99.7], respectively, and NPA values for Flu A and Flu B of 98.9% [95%CI:94.0-99.8] and 100% [95%CI:95.9-100], respectively.

Discussion

The MAX SARS-CoV-2/Flu assays met FDA-EUA performance criteria for SARS-CoV-2 (≥95% for PPA and NPA) and FDA clearance criteria for Flu A/B (PPA ≥90%; lower bound of the 95%CI ≥80%) and (NPA ≥95%; lower bound of the 95%CI ≥90%).
Study protocol for an inception cohort investigating possible predictors of systemic steroids effectiveness in treatment of acute sciatic pain
Authors: Porceban Guilherme Henrique , Ueta Renato Salvioni , Belloti João Carlos , da Costa Neto Cláudio Antônio , França Filho Alexandre , Antônio Vieira Fabio , Puertas Eduardo Barros , Tamaoki Marcel Jun
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Sciatic pain secondary to nerve root compression occurs in approximately 1% of the general population in the United States, which represents enormous costs related to the treatment and loss of function of symptomatic individuals.

Acute radicular pain is predominantly caused by herniation of the intervertebral disc but can also be caused by degenerative changes. Compressive and inflammatory mechanical factors are interrelated in the pathophysiology of symptoms.

Although radiculopathy is self-limited in most cases, in its acute stage it is associated with painful symptoms and loss of essential function. The first-line treatment usually employed is a conservative approach, including a short rest period and use of common analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

As an alternative to the conservative approach, the systemic administration of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are widely used. However, the current literature shows contradictory results for this treatment in terms of improvement of pain and function.

The present study hypothesizes that treatment with prednisone is effective in the treatment of acute sciatic pain in patients with social, clinical, and demographic characteristics favorable to this treatment.

Objectives

the main objective of the present study is to identify predictors, both clinical and imaging, of a positive response, in terms of both function and pain intensity, to prednisone treatment in patients with acute sciatic pain.

Methods and analysis

the present study will include a cohort of patients, with a diagnosis of acute sciatica, who will receive treatment with oral prednisone. The pain and functional scores before and after treatment will be compared. Thereafter, the social, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of responsive patients will be compared to those of patients who did not respond well to the treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

the study received the approval of Federal University of São Paulo Research Committee (4.232.193) and Research Ethics National Committee (CONEP).

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Strengths and limitations of this study

The study is based on samples from a large population recruited from a reference facility for the treatment of acute sciatic pain.

There is potential for optimization of treatment response with oral corticosteroids.

The study will be conducted with a population with defined clinical characteristics.

Due to the relatively short follow-up period, the project will not evaluate alternative treatments, such as surgery.
Hidden information on protein function in censuses of proteome foldedness
Authors: Cox Dezerae , Ang Ching-Seng , Nillegoda Nadinath B. , Reid Gavin E. , Hatters Danny M.
Published: February 2021

Methods that assay protein foldedness with proteomics have generated censuses of protein folding stabilities in biological milieu. Surprisingly, different censuses poorly correlate with each other. Here, we show that methods targeting foldedness through monitoring amino acid sidechain reactivity also detect changes in conformation and ligand binding. About one quarter of cysteine or methionine sidechains in proteins in mammalian cell lysate increase in reactivity upon chemical denaturant titration consistent with two-state unfolding. Paradoxically, up to one third decreased reactivity, which were enriched in proteins with functions relating to unfolded protein stress. One protein, chaperone HSPA8, displayed changes arising from ligand and cofactor binding. Unmasking this hidden information should improve efforts to understand both folding and the remodeling of protein function directly in complex biological settings.

One Sentence Summary

We show that proteome folding stability censuses are ill-defined because they earmark hidden information on conformation and ligand binding.
Replicating Light-Off Startle Responses inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Allen Thomas A. , Budenberg William J.
Published: February 2021

We present a highly reproducible method for investigating the startle flight responses of wild typeDrosophila melanogasterto light-off stimuli, using the automated Zantiks MWP unit. The built-in, live video-tracking of the Zantiks unit measured distance travelled between frames for 24 flies after light-off stimuli, whilst providing video-recordings of each startle. Using light-off stimuli which elicited peak startling, we found evidence for habituation of the startle response after only a few consecutive trials. Distance travelled on startle trials was reduced when a prepulse stimulus of shorter duration was introduced before the light-off stimulus, providing behavioural evidence for prepulse inhibition (PPI). Deficits in habituation and PPI are linked to various psychiatric disorders and our method holds great potential for use alongside genetic and pharmacological manipulations. Here, we demonstrate the capability of this highly automated, high throughput technology to streamline behavioural research on Drosophila, using a replicable, controlled environment.
Targeting of the NLRP3 Inflammasome for early COVID-19
Authors: Marchetti Carlo , Mould Kara , Tengesdal Isak W. , Janssen William J , Dinarello Charles A.
Published: February 2021

Following entry and replication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) into ACE2 expressing cells, the infected cells undergo lysis releasing more virus but also cell contents. In the lung, constitutive cytokines such as IL-1α are released together with other cell contents. A cascade of inflammatory cytokines ensues, including chemokines and IL-1β, triggering both local as well as systemic inflammation. This cascade of inflammatory cytokines in patients with COVID-19 is termed “Cytokine Release Syndrome” (CRS), and is associated with poor outcomes and death. Many studies reveal that blocking IL-1 activities in COVID-19 patients reduces disease severity and deaths. Here we report highly significant circulating levels of IL-1β, IL-1 Receptor antagonist, IL-6, TNFα, IL-10 and soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in COVID-19 patients with mild or no symptoms. We also report that in circulating myeloid cells from the same patients, there is increased expression of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) early in the infection. We observed increased NLRP3 gene expression in myeloid cells correlated with IL-1β gene expression and also with elevated circulating IL-1β levels. We conclude that early in SARS-CoV-2 infection, NLRP3 activation takes place and initiates the CRS. Thus, NLRP3 is a target to reduce the organ damage of inflammatory cytokines of the CRS.
Influence of High Concentrations of Copper Sulfate onIn VitroAdventitious Organogenesis ofCucumis sativusL.
Authors: Miguel Jorge Fonseca
Published: February 2021

The effects of different concentrations of copper sulfate (0.2 to 5 mg L−1) onin vitrocallus and shoot formation of cucumber was investigated. Four-day-old cotyledon explants from the inbred line ‘Wisconsin 2843’ and the commercial cultivars ‘Marketer’ and ‘Negrito’ were used. The results on callus-derived shoots showed that the optimal concentration of CuSO4added to Murashige & Skoog (MS)-derived shoot induction medium containing 0.5 mg L−1IAA and 2.5 mg L−1BAP was 8-200 fold greater than in standard MS medium, and was genotype dependent. The highest genotypes response on shoot frequency and shoot number was achieved in this order by ‘Marketer’, ‘Negrito’ and ‘Wisconsin 2843’ with 1, 0.2 y 5 mg L−1CuSO4, respectively. The genotype with the lowest control performance demanded the highest concentration of CuSO4for its optimal morphogenic response - 6- and 10-fold more in shoot frequency and shoot number, respectively. The other cultivars registered a 2-fold increase in both variables. All explants formed callus and the response on callus extension varied among cultivars. The regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between shoot number and concentrations of CuSO4and absence of association with callus extension. The present results indicate that application of specific concentrations of CuSO4higher than in standard MS medium, increases adventitious cucumber shoot organogenesis.
Manganese-doping enhanced local heterogeneity and piezoelectric properties in potassium tantalate niobate single crystals
Authors: Wang Yu , Tan Peng , Meng Xiangda , Zhou Zhongxiang , Huang Xiaolin , Hu Chengpeng , Huang Fei , Wang Jing , Tian Hao
Published: February 2021

Ion doping, an effective way to modify the nature of materials, is beneficial for the improvement of material properties. Mn doping exhibits gain of piezoelectric properties in KTa1−x
Nb
x
O3 (KTN). However, the impact mechanism of Mn ions on properties remains unclear. Here, the effects of Mn doping on local heterogeneity and piezoelectric properties in KTN are studied. The electric field-induced strain of Mn-doped KTN is ∼0.25% at 10 kV cm−1, 118% higher than that of pristine KTN. Meanwhile, as a result of Mn doping, the dielectric permittivity was tripled and the ferroelectricity was modified. The changes in A1(2TO), B1 + E(3TO) and E(4TO) vibrations characterized by Raman spectra indicate increased local polarization, weak correlation of dipoles and distorted lattices in Mn-doped KTN, respectively. First-principles calculations demonstrate stronger local heterogeneity introduced by Mn dopants, which weakens the dipole correlations and reduces domain sizes. As a result, the decreased domain sizes, combined with the larger ratio of lattice parameters c and a of the Mn-contained portion, are responsible for the higher piezoelectricity. This work reveals the impact on properties of KTN from Mn dopants and the prominent role of local heterogeneity in improving piezoelectricity, being valuable for the optimization and design of material properties.
Nonessential sum graph of an Artinian ring
Authors: Barman Bikash , Rajkhowa Kukil Kalpa
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The authors study the interdisciplinary relation between graph and algebraic structure ring defining a new graph, namely “non-essential sum graph”. The nonessential sum graph, denoted by NES(R), of a commutative ringRwith unity is an undirected graph whose vertex set is the collection of all nonessential ideals ofRand any two vertices are adjacent if and only if their sum is also a nonessential ideal ofR.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is theoretical.

Findings

The authors obtain some properties of NES(R) related with connectedness, diameter, girth, completeness, cut vertex,r-partition and regular character. The clique number, independence number and domination number of NES(R) are also found.

Originality/value

The paper is original.
Effect of flipped teaching on the performance and perceptions of pre-service teachers on a biology course
Authors: Reinoso Roberto , Delgado-Iglesias Jaime , Fernández Itziar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse student performance and perceptions when a flipped classroom setting is used, in comparison with the traditional model.

Design/methodology/approach

The inverted learning model or “flipped classroom” is a pedagogical approach that attempts to reverse the traditional teaching and learning process, making the student the protagonist of their own learning, and is characterised by the theoretical contents being taught “outside the classroom”, allowing students to spend more class time carrying out other types of more practical activities that encourage much more active learning, such as enquiry exercises, problem solving, collaborative projects and so on. The study was conducted on a biology course of the Primary Education Bachelor’s Degree during the 2017/2018 academic year (n = 240).

Findings

The results revealed that better learning outcomes were achieved by students when the flipped classroom methodology was proposed. It has also been found that student perceptions of the teaching approach were more positive when the flipped model was followed. The flipped classroom methodology also seems to foster student participation and motivation more effectively than traditional teaching formats, mainly because the active learning activities that are carried out in this new educative approach manage to involve the students in their own learning processes.

Originality/value

Despite the enhanced popularity of flipped classroom research in multiple educational contexts and the growing number of studies published in recent years, there is little empirical evidence regarding the effect of the flipped classroom on learning outcomes and satisfaction in pre-service teachers.
Regression analysis of the influence of demographic characteristics using risk management practices within South African small and medium construction enterprises
Authors: Yembi Renault Berenger , Agumba Justus Ngala , Ansary Nazeem
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Demographics are perceived to influence risk management practices (RMPs) in construction. However, empirical evidence supporting this perception is lacking in the South African Construction Industry (SACI), especially within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of demographic characteristics on RMPs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a positivist research philosophy, using a questionnaire survey for data collection. In total, 225 questionnaires were distributed, of which 187 were returned from conveniently sampled respondents, which included owners and senior managers of construction SMEs organizations in Gauteng province in South Africa (SA). In total, 181 questionnaires were usable, yielding a response rate of 80.44%. Data from the survey were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics i.e. multiple regression analysis (MRA). The outputs were represented using percent and regression coefficients values, respectively.

Findings

In total, 42 practices were established from the literature review and grouped into 9 major RMPs. The data analysis suggested that understanding the organizational environment, defining objectives, resource requirements, risk measurement, risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and action planning, communication and monitoring and review are reliable and valid practices. Findings from MRA established that demographic characteristics i.e. experience in the construction industry (CI), education level and the number of employees in the organization are not good predictors to determine the use of RMPs.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the data acquired from the SACI and to a lesser extent, construction SMEs in Gauteng. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to all SMEs in SA. Though neighboring and developing countries can use the RMPs identified in this study, the results cannot be directly used in developed countries without adequate substantiation.

Practical implications

The current study provides useful information to assist construction organizations to pay more attention to risk management implementation. The RMPs established in this paper are reliable and valid in projects undertaken by SMEs, and therefore, may be used by top management and/or the risk task team of these enterprises for effective project risk management.

Originality/value

The study presents findings of an investigation of the influence of demographics on RMPs from the perspectives of construction SMEs, an area less explored. This work advances knowledge of RMPs in the SME sector. It, therefore, adds value to researchers and industry practitioners on the theme where no agreement has been attained relating to key factors and practices that should constitute a risk management model.
COVID-19: spreading possibilities of human–animal–human and preventive measures
Authors: Theerthagiri Prasannavenkatesan , Yendapalli Vamsidhar
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper reviews the possibilities of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading from infected humans to pet animals and from pet animals to other animals and humans.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed on research articles from November 2019 to August 2020. This study explored urgently needed research issues on COVID-19 infection spreading across animals and humans and vice versa.

Findings

Essential and much needed precautionary measures and necessary preventive steps to protect pet animals from infection were highlighted.

Originality/value

Essential investigation and experiment results were highlighted. The necessary measure to prevent the spread of infection among and across species and people was analyzed.
Modelling offline expansion strategies of online companies
Authors: Xu Heng , Wu Xuliang , Liu Yatian
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to theoretically investigate an online company’s optimal decision on its offline expansion strategy. In the past five years, many large online retailers and internet-based companies such as Amazon, Google, Alibaba, Tencent and JD.com have expanded their offline market but it was observed that they adopted different expansion strategies. Specifically, some of them expand the offline market by acquiring offline retailers, while some do so by purchasing a portion of offline retailer’s stake. This difference leads to a quite different structure in post-expansion market, having an impact on profit, consumer surplus and social welfare. The goal of this paper is to model such expansion strategies in a general way and complete studies on profits and welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

By constructing a Salop model with two offline retailers and one online company, this paper analyzes the case where the online company can expand its offline market by either acquiring or jointing (e.g. stakeholding) with one offline retailer. The former strategy (named Strategy A) allows the online company to fully control and capture residual claims of the offline retailer. With the adoption of the latter strategy (named Strategy C), on the other hand, the online company can obtain a fixed proportion of its offline partner’s quasi rent. In the price competition, the online company chooses its optimal offline expansion strategy by predicting its profit in the post-expansion market.

Findings

This paper found that the equilibrium crucially depends on the synergy effect due to online–offline integration, and such synergy also influences both consumer and social welfare. This study shows the various conditions on the synergy that affect an online company moves toward offline markets. Accordingly, this finding can assist online companies with or without retailing business to choose an optimal strategy when expanding offline markets. Moreover, by doing some necessary welfare analysis, this study shows that the online company’s offline expansion is not always benefiting consumers nor be socially desirable, which may shed some lights on the possible competition policy in the case where online companies practice in offline expansion.

Originality/value

Different from conventional wisdom in online-offline integration, the theory indicates that the offline expectation of online company may not always benefit consumers nor be socially desirable. Moreover, the findings also shed some lights on the possible competition policy in the case where online companies practice in offline expansion.
VOICES: a theory-driven intervention for improving relationships between police and the public
Authors: Hill Shawn , Giles Howard , Maguire Edward R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a theory-driven intervention called VOICES that was developed to improve police-community relations. The intervention was designed based on principles derived from social psychological theories of intergroup contact and communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors discuss the theoretical basis for the intervention, as well as its development and implementation in the Santa Barbara Police Department. Based on this pilot testing, the authors provide preliminary evidence about its effectiveness using survey responses and qualitative feedback provided by participants.

Findings

Although the case study method used here does not allow for causal inferences about the effectiveness of the intervention, the limited evidence the authors present does suggest that participants found VOICES useful and it may have improved their perceptions of police. The next step will be to test this intervention using experimental or quasi-experimental methods that allow for causal inferences about effectiveness.

Originality/value

The paper shows how police can develop theory-driven interventions in an effort to improve trust between police and the public, including communities in which relationships with police have been historically strained. It also underscores how insights from the study of intergroup contact and communication can benefit policing.
The influences of abusive supervision on job satisfaction and mental health: the path through emotional labor
Authors: Wang I-An , Lin Szu-Yin , Chen Yeong-Shyang , Wu Shou-Tsung
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to empirically test and explore the influences of abusive supervision on subordinates' job satisfaction and mental health. Specifically, the authors focus on the mediation effects of emotional labor and compare the discrepancies between surface acting and deep acting.

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged data were obtained from 239 employees in the hospitality industry in Taiwan. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling with Mplus 7.4.

Findings

Results showed that abusive supervision is not only negatively related to employees' job satisfaction and mental health but also positively associated with employee surface acting and negatively associated with deep acting. For mediating effects, surface acting mediates the relationships between abusive supervision and employee job satisfaction, while deep acting mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and mental health.

Practical implications

Abusive supervision is detrimental; it should be reduced in the workplace. Also, frontline employees can be provided with training programs to improve their deep acting strategies, which lead to better job satisfaction and mental health.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to examine the link between abusive supervision and both employee job satisfaction and mental health in the hospitality industry and extends the authors’ knowledge by demonstrating the mediating effects of surface acting and deep acting.
Assessing genome assembly quality prior to downstream analysis: N50 versus BUSCO
Authors: Jauhal April A. , Newcomb Richard D.
Published: February 2021

With the ever‐increasing number of publicly available eukaryotic genome assemblies and user‐friendly bioinformatics tools, there are increasing opportunities for researchers to use genomic resources in their research. While there are multiple dimensions to genome quality, it is often reduced to a single score that may not be correlated with other metrics, or appropriate for all applications of an assembly. To assess whether the commonly reported N50 value could reliably predict a separate dimension of genome quality, gene space completeness, we performed a meta‐analysis of 611 published articles on eukaryotic genomes that used BUSCO scores, in addition to the typical N50 score. We found that although assemblies with relatively high contig and scaffold N50 values consistently had high BUSCO scores, a high BUSCO score could also be obtained from assemblies with a low N50. This reinforces that despite its ubiquity, N50 is not a perfect proxy for all measures of genome accuracy. Our data also suggests that variations in BUSCO scores among assemblies with poor N50 scores may be related to the number of introns in conserved eukaryotic genes. We stress the importance of screening and evaluating assembly quality based on the appropriate tools and urge increased reporting of additional genome assessment metrics in addition to N50. We also discuss the potential limitations of BUSCO and suggest improvements for assessing gene space within genome assemblies.
Product Market Competition and Firms’ Disclosure of Cross‐segment Differences in Performance
Authors: Königsgruber Roland , Perotti Pietro , Schinnerl Oliver , Tsoligkas Fanis , Windisch David
Published: February 2021

This study examines how product market competition affects firms’ disclosures of their individual segment's performance. We explicitly account for different types of product market competition by distinguishing between competitors who are already active in a particular market and potential competitors who are considering entering the market. Arguably, firms that are subject to intensive existing competition have lower incentives to conceal information because they are less likely to exhibit abnormal profitability. By contrast, a high level of potential competition constitutes a threat to profitability and hence provides incentives to conceal segment performance. In line with these proprietary cost arguments, we find that potential competition is negatively associated with the disclosure of cross‐segment differences in performance, whereas existing competition is positively associated with the disclosure of cross‐segment differences in performance. Our results remain robust to a number of sensitivity tests.
Contrasting edge effect on lianas and trees in a cerrado savanna remnant
Authors: van Melis Juliano , Camargo Maria Gabriela Gutierrez , Carvalho Paula Guimarães , Morellato Leonor Patricia Cerdeira , Grombone‐Guaratini Maria Tereza
Published: February 2021

The ecological impact of lianas in the edges of tropical forest areas is widely recognised; however, the edge influence on the liana community and its relationship with trees in biomes of open vegetation require further evaluation. We compared the following parameters between edges and interiors in a remnant of woody cerrado: (i) the structure of liana and tree communities (abundance, basal area and species richness and composition); (ii) the influence of microenvironmental factors on the abundance and basal area of lianas and trees; and (iii) the relationship between lianas and their host trees. We collected data from plots placed in the edge and interior (100 m distance from the edges) at two cardinal orientations (south and east) of our study site. Our results showed that (i) lianas had greater absolute and per tree host abundances in the edges, while the trees showed greater abundance and lower basal area in the interiors; (ii) there was a positive edge effect on the diversity of lianas but not of trees, with a greater diversity of lianas in the edges, while the interiors showed only a subset of the liana species recorded at the edges; (iii) the edge effect was more pronounced (less tree abundance with a larger basal area and greater abundance of lianas) on the south‐facing than on the east‐facing edges; and (iv) the microenvironmental factors analysed did not influence the general pattern of abundance and the basal area of trees and lianas. We conclude that, in the remnant of cerrado studied, the edges influenced the liana community, increasing the species richness, abundance and host occupancy. The impact of the greater diversity and abundance of lianas in the edges should be considered in the management and conservation plans of woody cerrado ecosystems.
Local species turnover increases regional bird diversity in mangroves
Authors: Roos Andrei Langeloh , Giehl Eduardo Luis Hettwer , Hernández Malva Isabel Medina
Published: February 2021

Understanding patterns of species diversity and distribution is crucial for the development of adequate public conservation policies. Despite the conservation value of mangroves, we still have a limited understanding of the influence of the habitat characteristics and patch connectivity of mangroves on bird species composition and diversity at local and regional scales. Here we used 40 point counts in six mangroves in southern Brazil to test the effects of landscape connectivity and habitat characteristics on the composition and diversity of mangrove bird communities. We measured environment variables locally and calculated land cover to describe the landscapes in which the patches of mangrove habitat were inserted. We also generated spatial variables as proxies for connectivity. We found that local bird species richness was similar in the different mangroves, ranging from 22 to 33 species, but with more species being found in larger patches. The partitioning of the beta diversity revealed a high species turnover, indicating that each patch of mangrove contributes different species to the regional pool of 57 species. Variance partitioning analysis also indicated that the composition of the mangrove bird metacommunity is driven mainly by local patch dynamics, whereas habitat characteristics and connectivity had a minor influence. These findings indicate that the maintenance of multiple large patches of mangrove at a regional scale will ensure a high species turnover and is the key to the maintenance of a diverse regional biota.
Does intraspecific variation in demography have implications for fire management of an obligate‐seeder shrub across its geographic range?
Authors: Morgan John W. , McCarthy Michael A. , Willocks Emily
Published: February 2021

Predicting changes in the abundance of species over time is a central goal of conservation ecology. Typically, demographic data are used to parameterise models which describe population dynamics. Vital rates of plants vary across a species’ distribution, yet most demographic estimates are spatially constrained. Banksia ornata (Proteaceae), a widespread serotinous obligate‐seeding shrub in southern Australia, has previously had a fire management model developed based on demographic data derived from a chronosequence in one part of the species’ range. We asked: are demographic data collected from a limited geographic range robust for developing population dynamic models that are applied across the broader species’ range? How much variation exists in the demography of species across their range and does this matter for estimating fire return intervals necessary for species persistence? We examine site‐to‐site variation in the pyrodemography of six populations of B. ornata encompassing its geographic range. We documented changes in population density, time to first reproduction and canopy seed bank accumulation in stands varying in age from 0.5 to 55 years. We model year of maximum seed production on demographic parameters such as population starting density and survival rate. Density, primary juvenile period, rates of mortality and seed bank accumulation varied across populations. Primary juvenile period varied across populations (from 6 to <20 years), while time to maximum seed production was estimated to take 34–39 years after fire. Hence, the fire intervals that correspond to minimising extinction risk (due to variation in primary juvenile periods) diverge moreso among populations than the fire intervals that produce (on average) the highest maximum seed production with respect to time since fire. Demographic data collected at different locations in a species’ range are likely valuable for building realistic species response models to disturbance, providing underlying assumptions about key transitions, such as mortality rate, are made explicit.
Investigation of racial disparities in semen parameters among white, black, and Asian men
Authors: Walker Zachary , Rucker Lindsay , Owen John , Wiltshire Ashley , Kendall Lacey , Edmonds Johnathan , Gunn Deidre
Published: February 2021

Background

Male factor infertility is the primary cause of infertility in 20% of couples. Primary evaluation of male factor infertility includes a semen analysis (SA). The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria are widely used to interpret SA. However, the current normative values seen in WHO criteria have led to research showing racial disparities in prevalence of abnormal SA.

Objective

To assess the relationship between different self‐reported racial groups and rates of abnormal SA.

Materials & Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single large tertiary care facility. All men who underwent a SA for evaluation of suspected male infertility, unexplained infertility, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, were considered for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria were unreported race or ethnicity, SA for fertility preservation only, history of varicocele or testicular surgery, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens, prior testosterone use, or prior exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation. Samples obtained via testicular sperm extraction or post‐ejaculatory urine collection, or those analyzed ≥1 h from ejaculation, were also excluded.

Results

872 SAs were identified, of which 615 met inclusion criteria, yielding 384 normal and 231 abnormal results. Only race (p < 0.0001) and age (p = 0.002) were statistically significant. Black men had the highest rate of abnormal SA (54%) and were significantly more likely to have lower semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percent motile sperm, and total motile sperm (p < 0.05). In a logistic regression model, controlling for age and using White Non‐Hispanic as the referent group, only Blacks had lower odds for a normal SA (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.28, 0.60).

Discussion and Conclusions

Black men are more likely to have an abnormal SA based on the 2010 WHO criteria. Black men seeking infertility treatment should be educated on the incidence of abnormal SA and actively seek infertility evaluation.
Bootstrap confidence intervals for principal covariates regression
Authors: Giordani Paolo , Kiers Henk A. L.
Published: February 2021

Principal covariate regression (PCOVR) is a method for regressing a set of criterion variables with respect to a set of predictor variables when the latter are many in number and/or collinear. This is done by extracting a limited number of components that simultaneously synthesize the predictor variables and predict the criterion ones. So far, no procedure has been offered for estimating statistical uncertainties of the obtained PCOVR parameter estimates. The present paper shows how this goal can be achieved, conditionally on the model specification, by means of the bootstrap approach. Four strategies for estimating bootstrap confidence intervals are derived and their statistical behaviour in terms of coverage is assessed by means of a simulation experiment. Such strategies are distinguished by the use of the varimax and quartimin procedures and by the use of Procrustes rotations of bootstrap solutions towards the sample solution. In general, the four strategies showed appropriate statistical behaviour, with coverage tending to the desired level for increasing sample sizes. The main exception involved strategies based on the quartimin procedure in cases characterized by complex underlying structures of the components. The appropriateness of the statistical behaviour was higher when the proper number of components were extracted.
Xerostomia aggravates ligation‐induced peri‐implantitis: A preclinical in vivo study
Authors: Hori Yusuke , Kondo Yusuke , Nodai Tomotaka , Masaki Chihiro , Ono Kentaro , Hosokawa Ryuji
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Previous studies have indicated that xerostomia is a critical factor affecting periodontitis; nonetheless, it is controversial whether xerostomia impairs peri‐implant tissue. The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of xerostomia on the peri‐implant hard and soft tissues in the rat model.

Materials and methods

Implants were placed in bilateral maxillae of male Wistar rats. The animals underwent submandibular and sublingual gland resection on both sides (DRY group) or sham operation (CTR group). Silk ligatures were placed around one side of abutments, which were randomly selected in each animal. The effects of xerostomia were assessed using micro‐CT, histological analysis, real‐time PCR, and 16S rRNA‐based metagenomic analysis.

Results

Ligation with silk thread caused bone resorption around implants. Although xerostomia itself did not induce bone resorption, it significantly enhanced silk ligature‐mediated bone resorption around implants. Histological analysis and real‐time PCR indicated that xerostomia induced inflammation and osteoclastogenesis around implants with silk ligatures. Furthermore, it altered the microbiota of the plaque on the silk thread around implants.

Conclusion

Xerostomia accelerates mucosal inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, which aggravates bone resorption around implants.
Interproximal open contacts between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth as a risk‐indicator for peri‐implant disease—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Latimer Jessica M. , Gharpure Amit S. , Kahng Hahngoo J. , Aljofi Faisal E. , Daubert Diane M.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between interproximal open contacts and peri‐implant disease. The secondary aim was to assess patient‐reported outcome measures in relation to contact status.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 61 patients with 142 implants adjacent to at least one natural tooth. Patients underwent a clinical examination to assess contact status and width, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depths (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Radiographic marginal bone level was measured in vertical bitewings taken within one year. A diagnosis was given to each implant. Last, subjects completed a brief questionnaire. Rao‐scott chi‐squared tests and generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to compare outcomes between groups.

Results

Seventy‐seven (54.2%) implants were found to have ≥1 interproximal open contact. Sixty‐five (45.8%) implants had closed contacts only. Implants with interproximal open contacts were significantly associated with peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis (p = .003) and increased prevalence of peri‐implant disease (adjusted PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.09–2.27, p = .015). Open contact status was also associated with higher PPD (p = .045), PI scores (p = .036), and GI scores (p = .021). Open contact prevalence was 75.4% on the patient‐level and 54.2% on the implant‐level, involving the mesial surface of the implant restorations 68.5% of the time (p < .001).

Conclusion

Interproximal open contacts between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth are a risk indicator for peri‐implant disease. Adequate contact between implant restorations and natural teeth may contribute to the health of peri‐implant tissues.