bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital innovation and de‐branching in the banking industry: Customer perception and satisfaction
Authors: Carbó‐Valverde Santiago , Cuadros‐Solas Pedro J. , Rodríguez‐Fernández Francisco , Sánchez‐Béjar José Juan
Published: March 2024

In the ever‐changing landscape of the banking industry, digital transformation has become a major challenge. Banks are transitioning towards digitalisation by utilising information and digital technologies while reducing their branch networks. This paper investigates the relationship between technological innovation and banking customers' perception and satisfaction. By analysing a comprehensive consumer finance survey, we assess how the digital transformation of banks is perceived by customers and its impact on their satisfaction. Our results demonstrate that customer perceptions of a bank's digital innovativeness are positively associated with effective digital transformation. Customers tend to be more satisfied with banks that have a higher degree of digitalisation. Furthermore, our findings reveal that customers view banks as more innovative when the reduction in bank branches since the pandemic has been more intense. These insights shed light on the technological transformation of banks and its influence on their customers, providing valuable information for banks seeking to navigate the digital landscape and improve customer satisfaction.
Use of ‘Elf Bar’ among youth and young adults who currently vape in England: cross‐sectional associations with demographics, dependence indicators and reasons for use
Authors: East Katherine , Taylor Eve V. , Simonavičius Erikas , Reid Jessica L. , Burkhalter Robin , McNeill Ann , Hammond David
Published: March 2024

Background and aims

Elf Bar is currently the leading e‐cigarette (vape) brand in Great Britain. This study examined youth and young adults’ use of Elf Bar, socio‐demographic characteristics and dependence indicators and reasons for use over other brands.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting and participants

Online 2022 International Tobacco Control Project Youth Tobacco and Vaping Survey (N = 1355 16‐29‐year‐olds in England who had vaped in the past 30 days).

Measurements

Currently using Elf Bar most often (versus other brands) and associations with: socio‐demographics, owning a vaping device, dependence indicators and reasons for brand choice. Logistic regressions were used.

Findings

Among 16–29‐year‐olds who vaped in the past 30 days, 48.4% (n = 732) reported Elf Bar as the brand they used most often. Among 16–17‐year‐olds, 40.7% used Elf Bar over other brands; this was lower than among 18–19‐year‐olds (60.1%) and 20–29‐year‐olds (47.4%) (P ≤ 0.002). Using Elf Bar over other brands was higher among those who were female (55.2 versus 41.5% male), identified as White (53.1 versus 30.9% other/mixed), a student (54.5 versus 44.3% not), did not own a vape (66.7 versus 44.4% who did) and typically vaped 5–8 hours after waking (62.7 versus 36.8% within 5 min) (P ≤ 0.044). Most who vaped but had never smoked used Elf Bar (64.3%), although use did not significantly differ from those who currently (45.4%), formerly (42.3%) or experimentally (48.7%) smoked (all P ≥ 0.060). Popular reasons for choosing Elf Bar over other brands were better flavour/taste (47.5%), less expensive (28.7%), easier to get (26.1%), smoother to inhale (24.0%) and popularity (23.1%). ‘Better for quitting smoking’ (10.1%) was least frequently selected reason for choosing Elf Bar over other brands.

Conclusions

Elf Bar brand e‐cigarettes were used by approximately half of 16–29‐year‐olds who vaped in England in 2022 and was mainly chosen over other brands for subjective responses (e.g. flavour/taste), rather than for quitting smoking.
Morphological and habitat differentiation between diploids and tetraploids of a Drakensberg near‐endemic taxon, Rhodohypoxis baurii var. platypetala (Hypoxidaceae)
Authors: Mtileni Masingitla P. , Oberlander Kenneth C. , Glennon Kelsey L.
Published: March 2024

Environmental factors may shape the spatial distribution of ploidy levels. Here, we undertook a cytogeographical study of Rhodohypoxis baurii var. platypetala (Hypoxidaceae), a Drakensberg near‐endemic taxon. We addressed the following questions: (1) Are there mixed‐ploidy populations or is each population represented by a single ploidy level? (2) Is there a pattern in the environmental distribution of ploidy levels? (3) Are there specific environmental variables associated with each ploidy level locality? (4) Are plant traits similar or different within and among ploidy levels across populations that experience different environmental factors? We measured leaf and flower traits of individuals that were sampled for flow cytometry from 17 populations across the KwaZulu‐Natal and Free State provinces in South Africa. We extracted daily climate data for 13 variables and collected soil samples to evaluate pH and nutrient properties to characterize the sampled populations to test for relationships with ploidy level distributions. Twelve populations were found to contain only diploids, four populations contained only tetraploids, and only one population was ‘mixed ploidy’ (both diploid and triploid individuals present). There was an overlap in the altitudinal range of diploid and tetraploid populations, but diploids reached the highest altitudes recorded for the current study. We also found that R. baurii var. platypetala occurs in acidic soils and that tetraploids occurred in soils with marginally higher nitrogen and phosphorus than soils where diploids occur. Tetraploids generally occurred in warmer conditions, in drier soils, and possessed broader leaves and larger flowers than diploids. Our study suggests that soil factors and temperature at a small (within localities) spatial scale likely shape ploidy level distributions in the Drakensberg grasslands.
The dawn of a cure for sickle cell disease through CRISPR‐based treatment: A critical test of equity in public health genomics
Authors: Mboowa Gerald , Sserwadda Ivan , Kanyerezi Stephen , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Kidenya Benson
Published: March 2024

Equity in access to genomic technologies, resources, and products remains a great challenge. This was evident especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic when the majority of lower middle‐income countries were unable to achieve at least 10% population vaccination coverage during initial COVID‐19 vaccine rollouts, despite the rapid development of those vaccines. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited monogenic red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. Globally, the African continent carries the highest burden of SCD with at least 240,000 children born each year with the disease. SCD has evolved from a treatable to a curable disease. Recently, the UK medical regulator approved its cure through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐based treatment, whereas the US Food and Drug Administration has equally approved two SCD gene therapies. This presents a remarkable opportunity to demonstrate equity in public health genomics. This CRISPR‐based treatment is expensive and therefore, a need for an ambitious action to ensure that they are affordable and accessible where they are needed most and stand to save millions of lives.
The link between people's social perceptions of cultivated meat eaters and their acceptance of cultivated meat
Authors: Dai Xiaoyu , Leung Angela K.‐y. , Chong Mark
Published: March 2024

Low consumer acceptance emerges as one important barrier to the introduction of cultivated meat, a novel food which offers an opportunity for more sustainable and ethical meat production. Due to the motives for impression management and self‐esteem, one factor that could contribute to people's acceptance of cultivated meat is their perceptions of other individuals who consume cultivated meat. In the current research, two online survey studies with 393 Singaporean undergraduate students and 401 American adults were conducted to explore the perceptions of cultivated meat eaters. In both studies, participants were randomly assigned to read one of three profiles that described a cultivated meat eater, a conventional meat eater, and a vegetarian. Then they rated the target on a list of traits. In Study 1, cultivated meat eaters were evaluated as more eco‐friendly than conventional meat eaters, and less pure than vegetarians. In Study 2, cultivated meat eaters were perceived as more eco‐friendly than conventional meat eaters, and less healthy than vegetarians; further, the participants tended to believe that others' general perception of cultivated meat eaters is slightly negative, and their belief about others' perception was strongly correlated with their acceptance of cultivated meat. Practical implications and future directions were discussed.
Review article: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding – review of current evidence and implications for management
Authors: Shung Dennis L. , Laine Loren
Published: March 2024

Background

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common emergency requiring hospital‐based care. Advances in care across pre‐endoscopic, endoscopic and post‐endoscopic phases have led to improvements in clinical outcomes.

Aims

To provide a detailed, evidence‐based update on major aspects of care across pre‐endoscopic, endoscopic and post‐endoscopic phases.

Methods

We performed a structured bibliographic database search for each topic. If a recent high‐quality meta‐analysis was not available, we performed a meta‐analysis with random effects methods and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Pre‐endoscopic management of UGIB includes risk stratification, a restrictive red blood cell transfusion policy unless the patient has cardiovascular disease, and pharmacologic therapy with erythromycin and a proton pump inhibitor. Patients with cirrhosis should be treated with prophylactic antibiotics and vasoactive medications. Tranexamic acid should not be used. Endoscopic management of UGIB depends on the aetiology. For peptic ulcer disease (PUD) with high‐risk stigmata, endoscopic therapy, including over‐the‐scope clips (OTSCs) and TC‐325 powder spray, should be performed. For variceal bleeding, treatment should be customised by severity and anatomic location. Post‐endoscopic management includes early enteral feeding for all UGIB patients. For high‐risk PUD, PPI should be continued for 72 h, and rebleeding should initially be evaluated with a repeat endoscopy. For variceal bleeding, high‐risk patients or those with further bleeding, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt can be considered.

Conclusions

Management of acute UGIB should include treatment plans for pre‐endoscopic, endoscopic and post‐endoscopic phases of care, and customise treatment decisions based on aetiology and severity of bleeding.
A generational perspective on rural livelihood change
Authors: Clendenning Jessica N.
Published: March 2024

As rural places and people are increasingly intertwined between cities, markets and mobility, broader perspectives are needed to examine the multiple changes occurring between rural and urban spaces, and between families and generations. This article discusses how a generational perspective can study ‘more‐than‐rural’ change in a contemporaneous manner. Drawing on field examples from a village on Flores Island, Indonesia, I show how intergenerational views, gathered through household surveys and in‐depth interviews, gave further depth to younger generations' changing relationships to land. Why, despite greater numbers of young people leaving the village for greater work and study opportunities elsewhere, were many parents sure their children would return one day? Using intergenerational and life‐course views to answer this question revealed how many villagers encountered livelihood limitations elsewhere. Furthermore, I show how generational data give fuller explanations to household dynamics, such as how age and gender play a role in the pursuit of migration between family members, and how rural land and households are managed over time and space. I conclude by discussing the strengths and challenges of building a generational perspective to study ‘more‐than‐rural’ livelihood change.
The role of academic performance, prosocial behaviour and friendships on adolescents' preferred studying partners: A longitudinal social network analysis
Authors: Palacios Diego , Berger Christian , Kanacri Bernardette Paula Luengo , Huisman Mark , Veenstra René
Published: March 2024

Background

Peers constitute an important developmental context for adolescent academic behaviour providing support and resources to either promote or discourage attitudes and behaviours that contribute to school success. When looking for academic help, students may prefer specific partners based on their social goals regarding academic performance.

Aims

Based on the social goals for wanting to achieve academically (e.g., studying to be with friends, increasing/maintaining their own social status), we examine the extent to which adolescents' selection of preferred academic partners (with whom they would like to study) is driven by peers' academic performance, prosocial behaviour and friendships. Moreover, as high‐achieving students play an important role in academic settings, whether they are more likely to prefer to study with similar high‐achieving peers and friends was examined.

Sample

A total of 537 seventh‐grade students from 13 classes over three waves.

Methods

Longitudinal social network analyses (RSiena).

Results

Adolescents were more likely to select high achievers, friends and prosocial peers as preferred academic partners. Furthermore, high achievers were more likely to choose other high achievers and friends as preferred academic partners.

Conclusions

Adolescents are likely to prefer as study partners someone they can learn from and who is more approachable, cooperative and friendly. Regarding high achievers, they would choose not only academic partners with similar academic interests and motivations to help them boost their academic achievement but also classmates with whom they like to spend time and share personal issues.
Clinical feature, GALC variant spectrum, and genotype–phenotype correlation in Korean Krabbe disease patients: Multicenter experience over 13 years
Authors: Hwang Narae , Kim Sang‐Mi , Kim Young‐Gon , Ha Changhee , Lee Jeehun , Choi Byung‐Ok , Sung Won Jae , Kim Seung Hyun , Kim Young Mi , Lee Yong‐Wha , Kim Jieun , Kim Jong‐Won , Jang Ja‐Hyun , Lee Jiwon , Park Hyung‐Doo
Published: March 2024

Krabbe disease (KD) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by deficiency of the galactocerebrosidase (GALC) due to variants in the GALC gene. Here, we provide the first and the largest comprehensive analysis of clinical and genetic characteristics, and genotype–phenotype correlations of KD in Korean in comparison with other ethnic groups. From June 2010 to June 2023, 10 patients were diagnosed with KD through sequencing of GALC. Clinical features, and results of GALC sequencing, biochemical test, neuroimaging, and neurophysiologic test were obtained from medical records. An additional nine previously reported Korean KD patients were included for review. In Korean KD patients, the median age of onset was 2 years (3 months–34 years) and the most common phenotype was adult‐onset (33%, 6/18) KD, followed by infantile KD (28%, 5/18). The most frequent variants were c.683_694delinsCTC (23%) and c.1901T>C (23%), while the 30‐kb deletion was absent. Having two heterozygous pathogenic missense variants was associated with later‐onset phenotype. Clinical features were similar to those of other ethnic groups. In Korean KD patients, the most common phenotype was the adult‐onset type and the GALC variant spectrum was different from that of the Caucasian population. This study would further our understanding of KD.
Efficacy and safety of venlafaxine hydrochloride combined with tandospirone citrate for patients with vascular depression accompanied by somatic symptoms: An open‐labeled randomized control trial
Authors: Chen Hongbin , Lin Yongsen , Zhao Zijun , Lin Ting , Lin Qianwen , Chen Xinyan , Wu Weiwei , Zeng Guiying , Wu Shufang , Liu Nan , Chen Hui , Chen Ronghua , Xiao Yingchun
Published: March 2024

Aims

To explore the pharmacological treatment of vascular depression (VaDep) and whether the blood levels of neurotransmitters can reflect the VaDep severity.

Methods

VaDep patients with somatic symptoms were enrolled and randomly received venlafaxine + tandospirone (Combined Group) or venlafaxine (Monotherapy Group). The treatment efficacy was assessed by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Patient Health Questionnaire‐15 (PHQ‐15). The levels of blood monoamine neurotransmitters were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Both groups reported a progressive decrease in HAMD, HAMA, and PHQ‐15 scores to below the baseline after the respective treatment. Compared with the Monotherapy Group, the Combined Group reported a significant decrease in HAMD score at week 2 and markedly lower HAMA and PHQ‐15 scores at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. Both groups showed a decrease in the levels of blood monoamine neurotransmitters at weeks 4 and 8 when compared with the baseline. A strong positive association was evident between the plasma 5‐HT levels and the HAMD score.

Conclusion

The combined therapy rapidly acts on VaDep comorbid with anxiety and somatic symptoms and significantly alleviates the anxiety and somatic symptoms. The plasma levels of 5‐HT may serve as potential objective candidates in evaluating VaDep severity and the efficacy of the undertaken treatment regimen.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on stage and incidence of head and neck cancer: A rapid review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Clements Kelten , Thapa Alekh , Cowell Anna , Conway David , Douglas Catriona M , Paterson Claire
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This rapid review aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) and stage distribution at diagnosis.

Design

Rapid review and meta‐analysis.

Participants

Comparative data for new HNC patients between a pre‐pandemic cohort (before March 2020) and a pandemic cohort (after March 2020 during the lockdown period).

Main Outcomes Measured

Data on tumour stage, incidence, referral pathway (number of new patient referrals), or workload levels (number of HNC treatments). Data on stage were summarised as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and data related to changes in numbers of diagnoses, referrals, and workload levels were summarised as a narrative synthesis.

Results

A total of 31 reports were included in this review. Individually 16 out of 23 studies did not show a significant impact on stage relative to the pre‐pandemic period. However, the meta‐analysis revealed that patients diagnosed with HNC during the pandemic were 16% more likely to have nodal involvement (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.35), 17% more likely to have a late overall stage (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.01–1.36), and 32% more likely to present with advanced tumour extent (T3 and T4 stage) (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.08–1.62). Data on incidence was extremely limited and not currently sufficient to assess trends in burden of disease.

Conclusions

This review indicates that during the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was upstaging of HNC at diagnosis, suggesting the provision of care to HNC patients was significantly affected.
The potential for improved outcomes in the prevention and therapy of diabetic kidney disease through ‘stacking’ of drugs from different classes
Authors: Bell David S. H. , Jerkins Terri
Published: March 2024

Aggressive therapy of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) can not only slow the progression of DKD to renal failure but, if utilized at an early enough stage of DKD, can also stabilize and/or reverse the decline in renal function. The currently recognized standard of therapy for DKD is blockade of the renin‐angiotensin system with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). However, unless utilized at a very early stage, monotherapy with these drugs in DKD will only prevent or slow the progression of DKD and will neither stabilize nor reverse the progression of DKD to renal decompensation. Recently, the addition of a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor and/or a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker to ACE inhibitors or ARBs has been clearly shown to further decelerate the decline in renal function. The use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists shown promise in decelerating the progression of DKD. Other drugs that may aid in the deceleration the progression of DKD are dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors, pentoxifylline, statins, and vasodilating beta blockers. Therefore, aggressive therapy with combinations of these drugs (stacking) should improve the preservation of renal function in DKD.
3‐D transesophageal echocardiography aids in assessment of embolic stroke due to aortic atherosclerotic plaque: A case series
Authors: Wen Songnan , Naqvi Tasneem Z.
Published: March 2024

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke. Plaque thickness ≥4 mm in the ascending aorta or aortic arch is strongly correlated with cerebral embolic events and ischemic stroke. However, despite imaging workup, the cause of embolic stroke remains unidentified in many patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the preferred echocardiographic method for the evaluation of cardiac source of emboli. 2D TEE imaging evaluates aortic root and aortic arch in a single plane or two planes with biplane imaging. However, 2D TEE often fails to detect mobile or complex components in the ascending aorta and aortic arch plaques. The routine availability of 3D TEE in current ultrasound systems may significantly improve the assessment of aortic plaques as a potential embolic source. In this case series, we present four consecutive patients with stroke who underwent TEE by a single cardiologist for possible cardioembolic source. Some of these patients may have been labelled as “cryptogenic stroke” or “embolic stroke of undetermined source” (ESUS) due to the presence of insignificant or nonmobile ascending aortic or aortic arch plaques on 2D TEE imaging. In our four consecutive patients with ESUS who underwent TEE by a single operator, 3D TEE showed complex aortic arch plaques with ulceration with mobile components and established these plaques as the likely source of embolic stroke.
Edge‐wise analysis reveals white matter connectivity associated with focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Javidi Sam S. , He Xiaosong , Ankeeta Ankeeta , Zhang Qirui , Citro Salvatore , Sperling Michael R. , Tracy Joseph I.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (FBTCS) represent a challenging subtype of focal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in terms of both severity and treatment response. Most studies have focused on regional brain analysis that is agnostic to the distribution of white matter (WM) pathways associated with a node. We implemented a more selective, edge‐wise approach that allowed for identification of the individual connections unique to FBTCS.

Methods

T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted images were obtained from 22 patients with solely focal seizures (FS), 43 FBTCS patients, and 65 age/sex‐matched healthy participants (HPs), yielding streamline (STR) connectome matrices. We used diffusion tensor‐derived STRs in an edge‐wise approach to determine specific structural connectivity changes associated with seizure generalization in FBTCS compared to matched FS and HPs. Graph theory metrics were computed on both node‐ and edge‐based connectivity matrices.

Results

Edge‐wise analyses demonstrated that all significantly abnormal cross‐hemispheric connections belonged to the FBTCS group. Abnormal connections associated with FBTCS were mostly housed in the contralateral hemisphere, with graph metric values generally decreased compared to HPs. In FBTCS, the contralateral amygdala showed selective decreases in the structural connection pathways to the contralateral frontal lobe. Abnormal connections in TLE involved the amygdala, with the ipsilateral side showing increases and the contralateral decreases. All the FS findings indicated higher graph metrics for connections involving the ipsilateral amygdala. Data also showed that some FBTCS connectivity effects are moderated by aging, recent seizure frequency, and longer illness duration.

Significance

Data showed that not all STR pathways are equally affected by the seizure propagation of FBTCS. We demonstrated two key biases, one indicating a large role for the amygdala in the propagation of seizures, the other pointing to the prominent role of cross‐hemispheric and contralateral hemisphere connections in FBTCS. We demonstrated topographic reorganization in FBTCS, pointing to the specific WM tracts involved.
Objective methods of nerve localisation to facilitate performing locoregional anaesthetic techniques for horses undergoing surgical procedures
Authors: Louro Luís Filipe , Loomes Kate , Bardell David
Published: March 2024

Perineural anaesthesia is a useful technique in equine surgery, providing pre‐emptive targeted anaesthesia of the surgical site, reducing volatile anaesthetic requirements, improving recovery quality and providing postoperative pain relief. Surgery under standing sedation in horses has increased in popularity, mandating the need for effective locoregional anaesthesia and analgesic techniques. Nerve location techniques offer greater accuracy than blind techniques when placing injectate. These methods can help to avoid structures such as blood vessels and minimise direct nerve damage during needle placement, reducing the risk of procedure‐related complications. This review will discuss the most pertinent research in the veterinary literature where objective methods of nerve location have been used to perform peripheral nerve blocks in horses. The efficacy of using objective methods to perform nerve blocks in equine anaesthesia is discussed by the authors, providing useful information to equine anaesthetists, and potentially improve the quality of anaesthesia and analgesia in horses.
Diagnosis by combination of endoscopic findings helps differentiate non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter‐infected gastritis from Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastritis
Authors: Okamura Takuma , Iwaya Yugo , Nagaya Tadanobu , Horiuchi Kazuki , Negishi Tatsuya , Ota Hiroyoshi , Umemura Takeji
Published: March 2024

Background

The characteristic endoscopic findings of non‐Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) gastritis, including white marbled appearance and crack‐like mucosa, have been reported. However, these findings can also manifest in H. pylori (HP)‐infected gastritis. This study compared NHPH gastritis and mild atrophic HP gastritis to identify features that may enhance NHPH diagnosis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 2087 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were histologically evaluated by multiple gastric mucosal biopsies according to the updated Sydney System (USS) at Shinshu University Hospital between 2005 and 2023. Among them, nine patients were classified into the NHPH group and 134 patients with HP infection and mild atrophy were classified into the HP group for retrospective comparisons of endoscopic findings and clinicopathological characteristics.

Results

All nine patients in the NHPH group (eight males [89%], median ± standard deviation [SD] age: 49 ± 13.0 years) were infected with H. suis. The 134 patients in the HP group contained 70 men (52%) and had a median ± SD age of 35 ± 19.9 years. Endoscopic findings were statistically comparable for white marbled appearance (three patients [33%] in the NHPH group and 37 patients [31%] in the HP group) and crack‐like mucosa (three patients [33%] and 27 patients [20%], respectively). Diffuse redness was significantly less frequent in the NHPH group (one patient [14%] vs. 97 patients [72%], p < 0.001). White marbled appearance or crack‐like mucosa without diffuse redness was significantly more common in the NHPH group (56% vs. 13%, p = 0.004), with a sensitivity and specificity of 56% and 87%, respectively. Mean USS neutrophil infiltration and Helicobacter density scores were significantly higher in the HP group (both p < 0.01), which might have influenced the endoscopic findings of diffuse redness.

Conclusions

When endoscopic findings of white marbled appearance or cracked‐like mucosa are present, evaluation for diffuse redness may contribute to a more accurate diagnosis of NHPH gastritis.
FIGHTING COLLUSION: AN IMPLEMENTATION THEORY APPROACH
Authors: Āzacis Helmuts , Vida Péter
Published: March 2024

A competition authority (CA) has an objective, which specifies what output profile firms need to produce as a function of production costs. These costs change over time and are only known by the firms. The objective is repeatedly implementable if the firms cannot collude and deceive the CA in equilibrium. We identify necessary and sufficient conditions for repeated implementation when firms can only announce prices and quantities. We use these conditions to study when the competitive output is implementable. We extend the analysis to the case when the firms can also supply hard evidence.
A new yellowish‐green‐emitting phosphor: Eu2+‐doped Ba3YAl2O7.5
Authors: Sun Bin , Wang Yiming , Zhang Huixian , Wang Linlin , Liu Mengyi , Zhang Chenxi
Published: March 2024

A yellowish‐green emitting phosphor Ba3YAl2O7.5:Eu2+ was synthesized by a solid‐state method. The crystal structure, luminescence, concentration quenching, fluorescence decay, and thermal quenching properties were systematically investigated. Under blue light (440 nm) excitation, Ba3YAl2O7.5:Eu2+ phosphors exhibit a yellowish‐green emission peaking at 550 nm with a full width at half maximum ∼ 69 nm, and The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of Ba3YAl2O7.5:Eu2+ are (0.4064, 0.5811). Structural analysis and Van Uitert equation along with fluorescence lifetime analysis reveal that Eu2+ ions occupy 6‐coordinated Y and 9‐coordinated Ba sites in Ba3YAl2O7.5, and therefore generate two emission sub‐bands at 582 and 548 nm. In addition, Ba3YAl2O7.5:Eu2+ phosphor remaining 43% photoluminescence emission intensity at 125°C with an activation energy of 0.372 eV. Utilizing the title phosphor (Ba3YAl2O7.5:3%Eu2+), commercial red (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+ (CSAlSi:Eu2+) phosphor, and InGaN‐based blue light emitting diode (LED) chip, a proof‐of‐concept warm white LEDs (WLEDs) with a color rendering index of 80.1, CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.411, 0.381), luminous efficacy of ∼ 22.13 lm/W, and correlated color temperature of ∼ 3288 K is achieved. Thus, Eu2+ activated Ba3YAl2O7.5 phosphors have the potential application in WLEDs pumped by a blue LED chip for solid‐state lighting application.
The use of bone wax versus dermal regeneration matrix for the reconstruction of scalp defects
Authors: Sin‐Soler Maria , Yébenes Mireia , Gamissans Marta , Riera‐Martí Núria , Lara Aida , Sàbat Mireia
Published: March 2024

Background

Secondary intention healing is an alternative to consider in large tumors or tumors located in areas of limited skin mobility, such as the scalp. To promote epithelialization, we can use Dermal Regeneration Matrix (DRM) or bone wax.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of DRM and bone wax in secondary intention healing of cutaneous scalp tumors in elderly patients with comorbidities.

Materials and methods

The medical records of 18 patients with cutaneous scalp tumor healing by secondary intention from February 2022 to April 2023 were analyzed for demographic variables, tumor and surgical characteristics, time from withdrawal of material to complete epithelialization, and need for subsequent surgical intervention.

Results

Bone wax was used in 6 patients and DRM in 12. The mean patient age was 84.3 years, and the mean tumor size was 2.7 cm. There were no significant differences in demographics or postoperative complications between the groups. The median time to complete epithelization was 84.5 (60.2–108.7) days in the bone wax group and 105.0 (91.0–126.0) days in the DRM group, with no significant differences (P = 0.15).

Conclusions

Bone wax is a simple and economical material that can be used for secondary intention healing of scalp tumors in elderly patients with high surgical risk.
Associations between hospital organizational features, person‐centred care and nurse‐sensitive outcomes for persons with dementia in acute care: A systematic literature review
Authors: Casarez Amber , Smith Jessica G.
Published: March 2024

Aim(s)

The aim of this systematic literature review was to determine the extent and quality of quantitative evidence regarding associations between hospital organizational features, person‐centred care (PCC) and nursing‐sensitive outcomes among persons with dementia in the acute care setting.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

Key terms were utilized to guide searches in four databases. The two reviewers deduplicated articles and came to a consensus for the final sample using inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Data Sources

MEDLINE/OVID, CINHAL, COCHRANE and WEB OF SCIENCE.

Results

There were 10 studies included. PCC was associated with better outcomes for persons with dementia (i.e. decreased restraint use, decreased length of stay, increased involvement with families and the patient, and increased nurse confidence and competence in caring for this population). Of the studies, none explicitly identified an association between nursing‐sensitive outcomes, PCC and hospital organizational features in the acute care setting among persons with dementia.

Conclusion

This review highlights a clinically significant gap in knowledge regarding associations between hospital organizational features, PCC and nursing sensitive outcomes. The impact of face‐to‐face dementia competency training as a standard practice among acute care facilities, the importance of leadership engagement, support and involvement to improve nurse confidence and competence in caring for persons with dementia needs to be explored.

Impact Statement

These findings support future research to understand the relationship between organization features and patient‐centred care and how these collectively impact nursing‐sensitive outcomes, specifically in persons with dementia in acute care settings.
Revenue drift, incentives, and effort allocation in social enterprises
Authors: Vladasel Theodor , Parker Simon C. , Sloof Randolph , van Praag Mirjam
Published: March 2024

Revenue drift, whereby insufficient attention is given to economic, relative to social, goals, threatens social enterprise performance and survival. We argue that financial incentives can address this problem by redirecting employee attention to commercial tasks and attracting workers less inclined to fixate on social tasks. In an online experiment with varying incentive levels, monetary rewards succeed in directing worker effort to commercial tasks; high‐powered incentives attract less prosocial employees, but low‐powered incentives do not alter workforce composition. Social enterprises combining monetary rewards with a social mission not only attract more workers but are also able to guard against revenue drift.
The transcriptional control of LcIDL1–LcHSL2 complex by LcARF5 integrates auxin and ethylene signaling for litchi fruitlet abscission
Authors: Ma Xingshuai , He Zidi , Yuan Ye , Liang Zhijian , Zhang Hang , Lalun Vilde Olsson , Liu Zhuoyi , Zhang Yanqing , Huang Zhiqiang , Huang Yulian , Li Jianguo , Zhao Minglei
Published: March 2024

At the physiological level, the interplay between auxin and ethylene has long been recognized as crucial for the regulation of organ abscission in plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we identified transcription factors involved in indoleacetic acid (IAA) and ethylene (ET) signaling that directly regulate the expression of INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) and its receptor HAESA (HAE), which are key components initiating abscission. Specifically, litchi IDA‐like 1 (LcIDL1) interacts with the receptor HAESA‐like 2 (LcHSL2). Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we determined that the auxin response factor LcARF5 directly binds and activates both LcIDL1 and LcHSL2. Furthermore, we found that the ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3‐like transcription factor LcEIL3 directly binds and activates LcIDL1. The expression of IDA and HSL2 homologs was enhanced in LcARF5 and LcEIL3 transgenic Arabidopsis plants, but reduced in ein3 eil1 mutants. Consistently, the expressions of LcIDL1 and LcHSL2 were significantly decreased in LcARF5‐ and LcEIL3‐silenced fruitlet abscission zones (FAZ), which correlated with a lower rate of fruitlet abscission. Depletion of auxin led to an increase in 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (the precursor of ethylene) levels in the litchi FAZ, followed by abscission activation. Throughout this process, LcARF5 and LcEIL3 were induced in the FAZ. Collectively, our findings suggest that the molecular interactions between litchi AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR 5 (LcARF5)–LcIDL1/LcHSL2 and LcEIL3–LcIDL1 signaling modules play a role in regulating fruitlet abscission in litchi and provide a long‐sought mechanistic explanation for how the interplay between auxin and ethylene is translated into the molecular events that initiate abscission.
Before and after study of a national complementary and supplementary feeding programme in Rwanda, 2017–2021
Authors: Hebert Katharine A. , Nsengiyumva Emmanuel , Kayitesi Christine , Hariharan Karen , Opondo Charles , Ferguson Elaine , Allen Elizabeth , Uwonkunda Irene , Ufitinema Adeline , Baribwira Cyprien
Published: March 2024

To address high rates of malnutrition among children from vulnerable households in Rwanda, the government initiated a national food supplementation programme. A before and after evaluation, using repeat cross‐sectional surveys in randomly selected villages was conducted; aimed at assessing the effectiveness of providing fortified blended food (FBF) to children 18–23 months of age, pregnant and lactating women in the lowest tier of Rwanda's social support system. Data were collected in 2017, 2018 and 2021 through interviews with caregivers; anthropometric measurements and a capillary blood sample were obtained from children. The primary statistical analysis compared the nutritional status of children before and after the introduction of FBF. We enroled 724 children during each survey. The prevalence of stunting declined from 47% to 35% between 2017 and 2021; in 2018, the prevalence of stunting was 43%. Children had a 42% reduction in the odds of being stunted (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–0.74, p < 0.001) from 2017 to 2021 even after adjusting for inherent, distal, proximal, and intermediate covariates. The reduction in stunting observed within the first year of the programme was not statistically significant (AOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.67–1.03, p < 0.091). We observed meaningful reductions in the prevalence of stunting among children which coincided with the introduction of Government‐led initiative to reduce malnutrition. The Rwandan Government has committed to improving the living conditions of vulnerable households and has made strong investments in reducing malnutrition. The impact of these investments can be seen in the overall trend towards improved nutritional status highlighted in this evaluation.
Glycolanguage of the oral microbiota
Authors: Hager‐Mair Fiona F. , Bloch Susanne , Schäffer Christina
Published: March 2024

The oral cavity harbors a diverse and dynamic bacterial biofilm community which is pivotal to oral health maintenance and, if turning dysbiotic, can contribute to various diseases. Glycans as unsurpassed carriers of biological information are participating in underlying processes that shape oral health and disease. Bacterial glycoinfrastructure—encompassing compounds as diverse as glycoproteins, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), cell wall glycopolymers, and exopolysaccharides—is well known to influence bacterial fitness, with direct effects on bacterial physiology, immunogenicity, lifestyle, and interaction and colonization capabilities. Thus, understanding oral bacterias' glycoinfrastructure and encoded glycolanguage is key to elucidating their pathogenicity mechanisms and developing targeted strategies for therapeutic intervention. Driven by their known immunological role, most research in oral glycobiology has been directed onto LPSs, whereas, recently, glycoproteins have been gaining increased interest. This review draws a multifaceted picture of the glycolanguage, with a focus on glycoproteins, manifested in prominent oral bacteria, such as streptococci, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. We first define the characteristics of the different glycoconjugate classes and then summarize the current status of knowledge of the structural diversity of glycoconjugates produced by oral bacteria, describe governing biosynthetic pathways, and list biological roles of these energetically costly compounds. Additionally, we highlight emerging research on the unraveling impact of oral glycoinfrastructure on dental caries, periodontitis, and systemic conditions. By integrating current knowledge and identifying knowledge gaps, this review underscores the importance of studying the glycolanguage oral bacteria speak to advance our understanding of oral microbiology and develop novel antimicrobials.
Interpretable prediction models for disability in older adults with hypertension: the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity and Happy Family Study
Authors: Wu Yafei , Xiang Chaoyi , Wang Zongjie , Fang Ya
Published: March 2024

Background

Older adults with hypertension have a high risk of disability, while an accurate risk prediction model is still lacking. This study aimed to construct interpretable disability prediction models for older Chinese with hypertension based on multiple time intervals.

Methods

Data were collected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity and Happy Family Study for 2008–2018. A total of 1602, 1108, and 537 older adults were included for the periods of 2008–2012, 2008–2014, and 2008–2018, respectively. Disability was measured by basic activities of daily living. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied for feature selection. Five machine learning algorithms combined with LASSO set and full‐variable set were used to predict 4‐, 6‐, and 10‐year disability risk, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used as the main metric for selection of the optimal model. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to explore important predictors of the optimal model.

Results

Random forest in full‐variable set and XGBoost in LASSO set were the optimal models for 4‐year prediction. Support vector machine was the optimal model for 6‐year prediction on both sets. For 10‐year prediction, deep neural network in full variable set and logistic regression in LASSO set were optimal models. Age ranked the most important predictor. Marital status, body mass index, score of Mini‐Mental State Examination, and psychological well‐being score were also important predictors.

Conclusions

Machine learning shows promise in screening out older adults at high risk of disability. Disability prevention strategies should specifically focus on older patients with unfortunate marriage, high BMI, and poor cognitive and psychological conditions.
The “F Words”: Why Surveying Businesses About Intangibles is so Hard
Authors: Martin Josh
Published: March 2024

Understanding of the value and economic contribution of intangible assets is hampered by measurement challenges, which stem from the characteristics of intangibles and weaknesses in survey design. We characterize these challenges with four “F words”—forgotten, fuzzy, framing, and frequency. We establish these characteristics theoretically, with reference to the survey design literature. We then provide a summary of a range of official business surveys that capture data on intangible assets in the UK. Using these sources, we test the (in)consistency and quality of data on intangibles collected through business surveys in the UK, using a range of data sources and microdata linkage. We draw on this research to propose modifications to surveys on intangible investment that might yield superior data in future.
An international review of the characteristics of viral nucleic acid‐amplification testing (NAT) reveals a trend towards the use of smaller pool sizes and individual donation NAT
Authors: Faddy Helen M. , Osiowy Carla , Custer Brian , Busch Michael , Stramer Susan L. , Dean Melinda M. , Acutt Jessika , Viennet Elvina , van de Laar Thijs , Tsoi Wai‐Chiu , Styles Claire , Kiely Phil , Margaritis Angelo , Kwon So‐Yong , Qiu Yan , Deng Xuelian , Lewin Antoine , Jørgensen Signe Winther , Erikstrup Christian , Juhl David , Sauleda Silvia , Camacho Rodriguez Bernardo Armando , Soto Coral Lisbeth Jennifer Catherine , Gaviria García Paula Andrea , Oota Sineenart , O'Brien Sheila F. , Wendel Silvano , Castro Emma , Navarro Pérez Laura , Harvala Heli , Davison Katy , Reynolds Claire , Jarvis Lisa , Grabarczyk Piotr , Kopacz Aneta , Łętowska Magdalena , O'Flaherty Niamh , Young Fiona , Williams Padraig , Burke Lisa , Chua Sze Sze , Muylaert An , Page Isabel , Jones Ann , Niederhauser Christoph , Vermeulen Marion , Laperche Syria , Gallian Pierre , Satake Masahiro , Addas‐Carvalho Marcelo , Blanco Sebastián , Gallego Sandra V. , Seltsam Axel , Weber‐Schehl Marijke , Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Al Maamari Khuloud , Alawi Fatma Ba , Pandey Hem Chandra , França Rochele Azevedo , Charlewood Richard ,   the Virology and Surveillance, Risk Assessment and Policy subgroups of the ISBT WP‐TTID
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Nucleic acid‐amplification testing (NAT) is used for screening blood donations/donors for blood‐borne viruses. We reviewed global viral NAT characteristics and NAT‐yield confirmatory testing used by blood operators.

Materials and Methods

NAT characteristics and NAT‐yield confirmatory testing used during 2019 was surveyed internationally by the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party Transfusion‐Transmitted Infectious Diseases. Reported characteristics are presented herein.

Results

NAT was mainly performed under government mandate. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) NAT was performed on all donors and donation types, while selective testing was reported for West Nile virus, hepatitis E virus (HEV), and Zika virus. Individual donation NAT was used for HIV, HCV and HBV by ~50% of responders, while HEV was screened in mini‐pools by 83% of responders performing HEV NAT. Confirmatory testing for NAT‐yield samples was generally performed by NAT on a sample from the same donation or by NAT and serology on samples from the same donation and a follow‐up sample.

Conclusion

In the last decade, there has been a trend towards use of smaller pool sizes or individual donation NAT. We captured characteristics of NAT internationally in 2019 and provide insights into confirmatory testing approaches used for NAT‐yields, potentially benefitting blood operators seeking to implement NAT.