bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry 4.0-based enterprise information system for P2P lending
Authors: Musti K.S. Sastry , Baporikar Neeta
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to deliberate and illustrate the overall peer-to-peer (P2P) business process, user requirements and design considerations under Industry 4.0 based on enterprise information system for P2P lending.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory approach with a systematic literature review and content analysis method.

Findings

P2P lending uses different credit audition methods and relies on information available in the system and the decision model. So IT techniques, for example, big data analysis and data mining, on credit audition are key points in P2P lending but the application of Industry 4.0 to the P2P lending landscape can yield several new benefits with a well-designed EIS, which is critical to service various stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory in nature and may need more testing on an empirical basis before drawing generalizations. Implications of research included in this area are that it poses good challenges to researchers from different disciplines such as economics, business management and information, communication and technology.

Originality/value

Deliberations of business process for P2P lending via enterprise information system under Industry 4.0 in the African context is of value as these emerging economies adopt new systems and processes to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0.
Evaluation of papers according to offset print quality: the intuitionistic fuzzy based multi criteria decision making mechanism
Authors: Tuğrul Feride
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper, using the intuitionistic fuzzy (IF)–set based Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) method, is to create multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) mechanism that evaluates the papers according to the offset print quality, separately for each of the CMYK colors. Thanks to the mechanism, the most suitable and the most unsuitable paper for printing is determined.

Design/methodology/approach

With the IF PROMETHEE method, respectively, deviations are calculated by linear criteria type; the overall IF preference relation matrix is obtained. Finally, the positive and negative outranking flows are calculated; by obtaining net outranking flows, all papers are ranked from best to worst for printability.

Findings

Based on the results of the MCDM algorithm; the best offset printing quality is Matte Coated 115 gr. for cyan, magenta and black and Glossy Coated 115 gr. for yellow. The worst offset printing quality for all papers is 70 gr. III. low grade paper. According to the findings, when all colors are examined, the best paper for offset printing quality is coated papers; the worst paper is III. low grade papers.

Originality/value

The creation of mechanism that evaluates all criteria together leads to the most accurate result. Cases of hesitation are also addressed using an IF-based algorithm; all criteria were assigned individual importance levels, and a single result was obtained by activating all of the criteria simultaneously. Therefore reasons, this is paper that will bring innovation and shed light on studies in this field.
Gelation of nanofiltrated acid whey by κ‐carrageenan and xanthan gum
Authors: Novokshanova Alla L'vovna , Matveeva Natalia Olegovna , Nikityuk Dmitry Borisovich
Published: August 2022

The high nutritional value of whey proteins explains the widespread use of their dry forms in the composition of various food products. Liquid whey protein concentrates obtained by membrane methods can serve as an alternative. The purpose of the work was the thickening of a liquid concentrate of acid whey proteins obtained by nanofiltration (nanofiltrated concentrate – NF concentrate). A positive result in terms of gelation was obtained, first by increasing the total solid content in the experimental samples to 34% compared with 18% in the NF concentrate and second by increasing the mass fraction of κ‐carrageenan to 0.5% or by combining κ‐carrageenan with xanthan gum. The total solids of the samples was increased by the introduction of dry whey protein concentrate and maltodextrin. Organoleptical, rheological and microstructural studies have demonstrated the positive effect of a combination of milk whey proteins, maltodextrin, κ‐carrageenan and xanthan gum on the gelation of NF concentrate.
Association between state Medicaid expansion status and health outcomes during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rakus Alexandra , Soni Aparna
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess post‐COVID‐19 changes in insurance coverage, health behaviors, and self‐assessed health among low‐income, non‐elderly adults by state Medicaid expansion status.

Data Sources

We used nationally representative survey data from the 2016 through 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The sample was restricted to adults aged 19–64 with household income below 138 percent of the federal poverty level (N = 179,135).

Study Design

We examined a broad set of outcomes related to coverage, health behaviors, and self‐assessed health available in the BRFSS. We used a difference‐in‐differences model to compare changes in outcomes for individuals living in the 35 states and DC that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to those in the 15 non‐expansion states before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic commenced in March 2020.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

N/A.

Principal Findings

We found that the expansions provided some protection for low‐income people during the pandemic. In 2020, relative to earlier years, people in expansion states were more likely to report very good or excellent health (4.9 percentage points, 95%CI = 0.022, 0.076; p < 0.01) and physical health (−0.393 days of poor physical health in the past month, 95%CI = −0.714, −0.072; p < 0.05), lower rates of smoking (−1.9 percentage points, 95%CI = −0.041, 0.004; p < 0.10) and heavy drinking (−1.4 percentage points, 95%CI = −0.025, −0.004; p < 0.01), and higher flu vaccination rates (2.8 percentage points, 95%CI = 0.005, 0.051; p < 0.05) than those in non‐expansion states. These benefits were particularly salient for Black and Hispanic individuals. We found no significant differences in insurance coverage, exercise, obesity, and self‐assessed mental health between expansion and non‐expansion states for the overall low‐income sample. However, the expansion was associated with greater insurance coverage for Hispanic adults during the pandemic.

Conclusions

Investments in public health through expanding Medicaid may shield low‐income populations from some of the health ramifications of public health emergencies.
Niche differentiation of atmospheric methane‐oxidizing bacteria and their community assembly in subsurface karst caves
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyu , Wang Hongmei , Zeng Zhilin , Li Lu , Zhao Rui , Bodelier Paul L. E. , Wang Yiheng , Liu Xiaoyan , Su Chuntian , Liu Shuangjiang
Published: August 2022

Karst caves are recently proposed as atmospheric methane sinks in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite of the detection of atmospheric methane‐oxidizing bacteria (atmMOB) in caves, we still know little about their ecology and potential ability of methane oxidation in this ecosystem. To understand atmMOB ecology and their potential in methane consumption, we collected weathered rocks and sediments from three different caves in southwestern China. We determined the potential methane oxidization rates in the range of 1.25 ± 0.08 to 1.87 ± 0.41 ng CH4 g−1 DW h−1, which are comparable to those reported in forest and grassland soils. Results showed that alkaline oligotrophic caves harbour high numbers of atmMOB, particularly upland soil cluster (USC), which significantly correlated with temperature, CH4 and CO2 concentrations. The absolute abundance of USCγ was higher than that of USCα. USCγ‐OPS (open patch soil) and USCγ‐SS (subsurface soil) dominated in most samples, whereas USCα‐BFS (boreal forest soil) only predominated in the sediments near cave entrances, indicating niche differentiation of atmMOB in caves. Overwhelming dominance of homogenous selection in community assembly resulted in convergence of atmMOB communities. Collectively, our results demonstrated the niche differentiation of USC in subsurface alkaline caves and their non‐negligible methane‐oxidizing potential, providing brand‐new knowledge about atmMOB ecology in subsurface biosphere.
Chronic hyperglycemia is an adverse prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence‐free survival in small cell lung cancer patients treated with radical radiotherapy
Authors: Kong Moonkyoo , Lim Yu Jin
Published: August 2022

Background

Plasma glucose levels might be associated with the severity of tumor hypoxia in patients with cancer. In our previous study, we found that chronic hyperglycemia significantly increased the risk of locoregional recurrence in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer treated with radical radiotherapy (RT). Here, we evaluated the association between plasma glucose levels in terms of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and locoregional recurrence‐free survival in patients with limited‐stage small cell lung cancer treated with radical RT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 59 patients with small cell lung cancer. HbA1c levels were measured 1 week before the start of RT. Survival outcomes were analyzed according to HbA1c levels. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify whether HbA1c level was a significant prognostic factor for survival.

Results

The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival rates were 90.9, 86.1, and 78.9%, respectively, in the low HbA1c group, and 45.1, 27.1, and 20.3%, respectively, in the high HbA1c group (p < 0.001). The 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year distant metastasis‐free survival rates were 67.2, 57, and 57%, respectively, in the low HbA1c group, while it was 56.6, 24.9, and 24.9%, respectively, in the high HbA1c group (p = 0.024). HbA1c level remained a significant prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence‐free survival in the multivariable analysis (p = 0.010).

Conclusions

Chronic hyperglycemia is a significant prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence‐free survival in patients with limited‐stage small cell lung cancer treated with radical RT. Routine monitoring of plasma glucose levels and aggressive glycemic control should be conducted to prevent locoregional recurrence.
Intraoperative respiratory and hemodynamic strategies for reducing nausea, vomiting, and pain after surgery: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Holst Johanne M. , Klitholm Maibritt P. , Henriksen Jeppe , Vallentin Mikael F. , Jessen Marie K. , Bolther Maria , Holmberg Mathias J. , Høybye Maria , Lind Peter Carøe , Granfeldt Asger , Andersen Lars W.
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite improved medical treatment strategies, postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting remain major challenges. This systematic review investigated the relationship between perioperative respiratory and hemodynamic interventions and postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched on March 8, 2021 for randomized clinical trials investigating the effect of perioperative respiratory or hemodynamic interventions in adults undergoing non‐cardiac surgery. Investigators reviewed trials for relevance, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Meta‐analyses were performed when feasible. GRADE was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.

Results

This review included 65 original trials; of these 48% had pain, nausea, and/or vomiting as the primary focus. No reduction of postoperative pain was found in meta‐analyses when comparing recruitment maneuvers with no recruitment, high (80%) to low (30%) fraction of oxygen, low (5–7 ml/kg) to high (9–12 ml/kg) tidal volume, or goal‐directed hemodynamic therapy to standard care. In the meta‐analysis comparing recruitment maneuvers with no recruitment maneuvers, patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery had less shoulder pain 24 h postoperatively (mean difference in the numeric rating scale from 0 to 10: −1.1, 95% CI: −1.7, −0.5). In meta‐analyses, comparing high to low fraction of inspired oxygen and goal‐directed hemodynamic therapy to standard care in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting was reduced (odds ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.87 and 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.85). The certainty in the evidence was mostly very low to low. The results should be considered exploratory given the lack of prespecified hypotheses and corresponding risk of Type 1 errors.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence regarding the impact of intraoperative respiratory and hemodynamic interventions on postoperative pain or nausea and vomiting. More definitive trials are needed to guide clinical care within this area.
Effects of varenicline and bupropion on laboratory smoking outcomes: Meta‐analysis of randomized, placebo‐controlled human laboratory studies
Authors: Zaso Michelle J. , Hendershot Christian S.
Published: August 2022

Human laboratory studies are widely used to evaluate behavioural mechanisms of pharmacotherapy effects. Results from human laboratory studies examining smoking cessation pharmacotherapies have not been examined in aggregate. The current meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize data from randomized, placebo‐controlled human laboratory studies on the effects of non‐nicotine pharmacotherapies on outcomes relevant for smoking cessation. Literature searches identified 15 human laboratory studies of varenicline (n = 697) and 9 studies of bupropion (n = 313) with sufficient data for inclusion. Studies involved acute or subacute pharmacotherapy treatment with administration durations ranging from a single dose to 8 weeks. Primary outcomes examined were craving, withdrawal and behavioural indices of smoking. Varenicline significantly reduced craving (Hedge's g = −0.36[−0.54,−0.17], p < 0.001), withdrawal (g = −0.25[−0.41,−0.09], p = 0.003) and behavioural indices of smoking (g = −0.36[−0.63,−0.08], p = 0.01) relative to placebo. In contrast, results were inconclusive regarding bupropion's effects on craving (g = −0.13[−0.32,0.05], p = 0.15), withdrawal (g = −0.15[−0.44,0.14], p = 0.31) and behavioural indices of smoking (g = −0.05[−0.35,0.24], p = 0.73) relative to placebo. Findings provide meta‐analytic support that short‐term varenicline treatment decreases craving, withdrawal symptoms and smoking behaviour under controlled laboratory conditions. However, findings also suggest the ability of human laboratory paradigms to detect pharmacotherapy effects may differ by treatment type. Pharmacotherapy discovery and evaluation efforts utilizing human laboratory methods should aim to align study designs and laboratory procedures with presumed therapeutic mechanisms when possible.
Multivariate Kruskal_Wallis tests based on principal component score and latent source of independent component analysis
Authors: Mukherjee Amitava , Murakami Hidetoshi
Published: August 2022

Analysing multivariate and high_dimensional multi_sample data is essential in many scientific fields. One of the most crucial and popular topics in modern nonparametric statistics is multi_sample comparison problems for such multivariate and high_dimensional data. The Kruskal_Wallis test is widely used in the multi_sample problem. For multivariate or high_dimensional data, it is imperative to specify how to determine the ranks of individual vector_valued observations in terms of various distance metrics. Alternatively, one can combine the concept of principal component scores or independent component scores with the Kruskal_Wallis test. A simple but powerful Kruskal_Wallis test based on the principal component scores is discussed in this paper for the multivariate and high_dimensional data. Another type of Kruskal_Wallis test based on latent sources of independent component analysis is constructed as a competitor. These tests are suitable for testing the difference in the location vector, scale matrix or both and can be used with equal and unequal sample sizes. These tests_ power performances are thoroughly compared with traditional distance_based Kruskal_Wallis tests for multivariate data using simulation based on Monte Carlo for various population distributions. We include an illustration of the proposed tests using real data. The paper concludes with some remarks and directions for future research.
Simplified antibiotic treatment for paediatric osteoarticular infections achieved good outcomes
Authors: Ossurarson Freythor , Thors Valtyr , Haraldsson Asgeir
Published: August 2022

Aim

Early diagnosis of osteoarticular infections (OAI) in children and effective treatment prevents complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of shortened intravenous antibiotic treatment of OAI. Incidence, diagnostics and pathogens of paediatric OAI were assessed.

Methods

This retrospective study included all paediatric OAI admissions to The Children's Hospital Iceland in 2006–2020. The treatment was evaluated by dividing the study cohort into two groups. The simplified treatment group received intravenous antibiotics for less than 7 days. The longer intravenous group received intravenous antibiotics for a minimum of 7 days.

Results

In total, 205 cases of OAI were included: 106 osteomyelitis, 83 septic arthritis and 16 with both. Age standardised incidence was 17 per 100,000 children and decreased over the study period (p = 0.004). A pathogen was identified in 37% (75/205) of cases of which 65% (49/75) were Staphylococcus aureus and 12% (9/75) Kingella kingae. Simplified treatment was not associated with increased risk of complications.

Conclusion

This study supports claims that simplified treatment for OAI is safe and effective. Further simplification of treatment might be viable. For uncertain reasons the incidence of OAI was decreasing in Iceland, predominantly in young children.
A survey on thromboprophylaxis and coagulation assessment in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in the Nordic and Baltic countries: Different practices of assessment and management
Authors: Andersson Nadine G. , Rathe Mathias , Mølle Ingolf , Jarvis Kirsten Brunswig , Hoffmann Marianne , Huurre Anu , Joelsson Joel , Albertsen Birgitte Klug , Lohi Olli , Långström Satu , Overgaard Ulrik , Saulyte Trakymiene Sonata , Vepsäläinen Kaisa , Vogt Hartmut , Ranta Susanna
Published: August 2022

Patients undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are at risk of coagulopathy, especially thromboembolism. We conducted a survey on practices in the assessment and management of coagulopathy during the new ALLTogether protocol in 29 (17 paediatric, 12 adult) Nordic and Baltic cancer centres. While 92% of adult centres used thromboprophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin, no paediatric centre did. Almost all providers performed baseline coagulation studies, but only 59% continued the assessment. Fibrinogen replacement was conducted in 59%, and antithrombin replacement in 28% of the centres. The survey highlights the need for guidelines in the management of coagulopathy during ALL therapy.
Should dexamethasone alone or in combination be the initial steroid for adult ITP: Still a relevant question
Authors: Skopec Barbara , Bussel James B.
Published: August 2022

Corticosteroids are used in first‐line treatment in newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia. The goal of treatment is primarily to decrease autoantibody‐mediated platelet clearance. Ideally initial treatment would not just increase the platelet count but also provide a long‐term sustained remission. While many clinicians use prednisone (PDN) as their first choice of corticosteroid, others prefer dexamethasone. The controversy is the subject of debates. Short courses of higher‐dose corticosteroids were first reported by the Andersen study in 1994. The study posited high‐dose dexamethasone as a ‘cure’ for all ITP patients. Later, studies addressed the number of dexamethasone cycles, indications to repeat cycles and timing between cycles, with varied long‐term results. The results with dexamethasone were compared to PDN in some studies: the four‐day cycles of dexamethasone work faster in increasing platelet counts and appear to reduce the occurrence of severe adverse events. Therefore, it is probably a better option for patients with low platelet counts and bleeding diathesis; however, curative superiority, the initial reason to administer it, compared to PDN is not well demonstrated. Across the studies, treatment with high‐dose dexamethasone seems to be safer, with lower incidence of all adverse events compared to PDN, which might be a reflection of shorter treatment duration and possibly also lower cumulative steroid dose. Dexamethasone in combination with rituximab in first‐line treatment produced higher response rates with better long‐term results compared to high‐dose dexamethasone alone and is a particularly good option in younger women.
The mixed spongiotic and interface reaction pattern: A study of clinical and histopathologic findings
Authors: Ernst Madison , Lundgren Mia , Evans Michael D. , Miller Daniel , Giubellino Alessio
Published: August 2022

Background

Categorization of biopsy specimens into inflammatory reaction patterns is central to dermatopathologic assessment. Mixed inflammatory patterns are poorly characterized and may represent clinicopathologic challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical and histopathologic findings associated with the mixed spongiotic‐interface dermatitis (SID) histopathologic pattern.

Methods

Fifty‐one institutional biopsy specimens of SID were identified over a 2‐year period by retrospective natural language search. Histopathologic and clinical features were identified.

Results

The most common histopathologic features associated with SID were mild spongiosis (51%), focal vacuolar interface change (72%), lymphocytic exocytosis (92%), and superficial–dermal lymphocytic infiltrate (94%) with variable eosinophils (61%). Clinically, 80% of subjects presented with a symmetric morbilliform eruption. Polypharmacy (94%), immunosuppression (47%), and history of malignancy (47%) were common. The most common diagnoses were drug reaction (37%), possible drug reaction (12%), and viral exanthem (12%). Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms represented 25% of all confirmed cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR). Average time from drug initiation to symptom initiation was 20 days (SD: 22.3, range: 0–90); median disease duration was 25.5 days. Spongiotic vesicles and Langerhans cells were less common in patients with a strong clinicopathologic diagnosis of drug reaction compared to non‐drug eruptions (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The mixed SID pattern is commonly encountered in CADR but may represent a more subacute course, implying consideration for inciting medication(s) started before the typical 7‐ to 14‐day window.
Correlates of Odonata species composition in Amazonian streams depend on dissimilarity coefficient and oviposition strategy
Authors: Calvão Lenize B. , Siqueira Tadeu , Faria Ana Paula J. , Paiva Carina K. S. , Juen Leandro
Published: August 2022

Environmental and spatial heterogeneity affects the distribution of aquatic insects, determining or influencing the variation in local species composition. Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) have different strategies for oviposition site selection that depend on environmental conditions. However, Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) can reduce the availability of suitable sites for Odonata oviposition through environmental homogenization.

We investigated the relationship between environmental and spatial heterogeneity and variation in species composition of Odonata with different oviposition strategies (endophytic, epiphytic and exophytic) in Amazonian streams in a gradient of LULC. We used the Jaccard and Bray‐Curtis coefficients and the Manhattan distance to estimate a continuum of variation in species composition.

Variation in the composition of endophytic and epiphytic species was explained by spatial heterogeneity. Using abundance data and the Manhattan distance, we found a relationship between variation in species composition and environmental heterogeneity. Endophytic species composition was related to perch heterogeneity, while exophytic species composition was related to perch and canopy cover heterogeneity. Exophytic and endophytic species could be used in biomonitoring as they respond to specific environmental predictors and because exophytic species do not have spatial patterns across the landscape.

Different dissimilarity coefficients provide complementary information about the responses of multispecies communities to land use, as some will represent strong effects (presence‐absence indexes) while others will represent more subtle effects (abundance‐based indexes). Land use can increase the environmental heterogeneity of some predictors (perches and canopy cover). Physical changes in streams such as hydromorphological alterations can modify specific habitats, affecting oviposition strategies and supporting tolerant species.
Coefficient of linear extensibility of soil can be estimated from hygroscopic water content or clay and organic carbon contents
Authors: Yan Fulai , Fu Yuting , Tall Andrej , Zhang Fucang , Arthur Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

The determination of the coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) of soils is crucial for enhancing structural stability in civil engineering applications. Traditional methods for measuring COLE have some practical limitations. In routine soil analyses, clay and soil organic carbon (OC) are often measured, while soil hygroscopic water content (wh) is easy to determine on several soil samples simultaneously. The aims of the study were to (1) utilise two data partitioning approaches to develop regression models that estimate the soil COLE from hygroscopic water content, clay and OC contents, and (2) compare the model performance of the developed regression models. We used two data partitioning approaches. First, the calibration models were developed on 53 soil samples from Slovakia and validated with 24 soil samples from the United States (country‐wise). Second, the calibration models were built from 67% of the entire dataset and validated with 33% (mixed data). Regression models based on hygroscopic water content accurately estimated COLE regardless of sorption direction or data partitioning approach (RMSE: 0.014–0.023 cm cm−1). The inclusion of OC in multiple linear regression models of clay only marginally improved COLE estimation compared to clay alone. For all models, the mixed data partitioning method showed better model validation performance than the country‐wise approach. The COLE classes derived from the estimated COLE values compared favourably (72%–94% accurate) to the measured data. Thus, there is a great potential to estimate the COLE from readily available (clay and OC) or easily measurable (hygroscopic water content) soil properties.

Highlights

Hygroscopic water content (wh) is intimately linked to soil properties that determine COLE.

Regression models based on wh or clay, and organic carbon content accurately estimated COLE.

Data partitioning approach for modelling significantly impacted model performance

Samples with very high COLE were better estimated bywh‐based models than by other variables
A skewed literature: Few studies evaluate the contribution of predation‐risk effects to natural field patterns
Authors: Peacor Scott D. , Dorn Nathan J. , Smith Justine A. , Peckham Nicole E. , Cherry Michael J. , Sheriff Michael J. , Kimbro David L.
Published: August 2022

A narrative in ecology is that prey modify traits to reduce predation risk, and the trait modification has costs large enough to cause ensuing demographic, trophic and ecosystem consequences, with implications for conservation, management and agriculture. But ecology has a long history of emphasising that quantifying the importance of an ecological process ultimately requires evidence linking a process to unmanipulated field patterns. We suspected that such process‐linked‐to‐pattern (PLP) studies were poorly represented in the predation risk literature, which conflicts with the confidence often given to the importance of risk effects. We reviewed 29 years of the ecological literature which revealed that there are well over 4000 articles on risk effects. Of those, 349 studies examined risk effects on prey fitness measures or abundance (i.e., non‐consumptive effects) of which only 26 were PLP studies, while 275 studies examined effects on other interacting species (i.e., trait‐mediated indirect effects) of which only 35 were PLP studies. PLP studies were narrowly focused taxonomically and included only three that examined unmanipulated patterns of prey abundance. Before concluding a widespread and influential role of predation‐risk effects, more attention must be given to linking the process of risk effects to unmanipulated patterns observed across diverse ecosystems.
Live‐fast‐die‐young: Carryover effects of heatwave‐exposed adult urchins on the development of the next generation
Authors: Minuti Jay J. , Byrne Maria , Campbell Hamish , Hemraj Deevesh A. , Russell Bayden D.
Published: August 2022

With rising ocean temperatures, extreme weather events such as marine heatwaves (MHWs) are increasing in frequency and duration, pushing marine life beyond their physiological limits. The potential to respond to extreme conditions through physiological acclimatization, and pass on resistance to the next generation, fundamentally depends on the capacity of an organism to cope within their thermal tolerance limits. To elucidate whether heat conditioning of parents could benefit offspring development, we exposed adult sea urchins (Heliocidaris erythrogramma) to ambient summer (23°C), moderate (25°C) or strong (26°C) MHW conditions for 10 days. Offspring were then reared at constant temperature along a thermal gradient (22–28°C) and development was tracked to the 14‐day juvenile stage. Progeny from the MHW‐conditioned adults developed through to metamorphosis faster than those of ambient conditioned parents, with most individuals from the moderate and strong heatwaves developing to the larval stage across all temperatures. In contrast, the majority of offspring from the control summer temperature died before metamorphosis at temperatures above 25°C (moderate MHW). Juveniles produced from the strong MHW‐conditioned adults were also larger across all temperatures, with the largest juveniles in the 26°C treatment. In contrast, the smallest juveniles were from control (current‐day summer) parents (and reared at 22 and 25°C). Surprisingly, initial survival was higher in the progeny of MHW exposed parents, even at temperatures hotter than predicted MHWs (28°C). Importantly, however, there was substantial mortality of juveniles from the strong MHW parents by day 14. Therefore, while carryover effects of parental conditioning to MHWs resulted in faster growing, larger progeny, this benefit will only persist beyond the more sensitive juvenile stage and enhance survival if conditions return promptly to normal seasonal temperatures within current thermal tolerance limits.
Most countries are vulnerable to novel pest invasions and under‐report the diversity of tree pests
Authors: Gougherty Andrew V. , Davies T. Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Aim

Tree pests have major impacts in both natural and agricultural systems. Despite their ecological and economic importance, it is likely that pests go unreported in many regions. Using a global dataset of tree pests and multiple metrics of pest diversity standardized for host availability, we describe the biogeography of under‐reporting and reveal potential for future pest invasions.

Location

Global.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Pathogens, insect pests and native tree hosts.

Methods

We assembled the global distributions of 3,828 tree pests and 2,689 host tree species across 226 countries, and calculated two metrics of pest diversity that account for host availability: pest saturation (i.e., the proportion of the known pests of native host trees present with countries) and pest deficit (the number of known pests of native trees that have not yet been reported in countries). We used Bayesian regression models to identify how sampling, socio‐economic variables, climate and ecological drivers affect estimates of pest saturation and deficit.

Results

We show that most countries are reported to have fewer than 50% of the pests for which native hosts are available—corresponding to hundreds of additional pest species per country. Pest saturation was lowest in Africa and central Asia, while pest deficit was highest in eastern Europe. Accounting for research output, pest saturation was higher in warmer and wetter countries, while pest deficit was highest in countries with greater host phylogenetic diversity. Low saturation and high deficit even in well‐documented countries suggest a considerable potential for pest range expansion if barriers to dispersal are lowered.

Main conclusions

Our findings indicate that, although all countries could potentially host additional pests, countries with low research output and high host diversity should be prioritized for future pest discovery and surveillance to ensure timely detection and implementation of pest mitigation strategies.
Use of smartphone photos to document the oral care status of nursing home residents
Authors: Bleiel Dirk , Rott Thea , Scharfenberg Isabel , Wicht Michael Jochen , Barbe Anna Greta
Published: August 2022

Objective

Investigate whether clinically assessed oral care status by an external dentist can be replicated using smartphone photographs.

Background

Many people with care needs have poor oral hygiene. To help maintain oral health, caregivers require a simple way of communicating oral care status to the dental team.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study in which smartphone photographs of the oral and prosthetic care situation of N = 50 nursing‐home patients (mean age 85.6 [SD 6] years, 74% women) were assessed by two blinded, external examiners (D1/D2) and compared with clinical assessments made by the onsite dentist who also took the photographs (D0). Intraoral care status was clinically evaluated using the modified Plaque Index for Long‐Term Care (PI‐LTC) and Denture Hygiene Index (DHI). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) determined correlations between clinical and photographic findings.

Results

The ICC was assessed for the PI‐LTC (upper jaw, n = 41; lower jaw, n = 49) and DHI (upper jaw, n = 25; lower jaw, n = 18). The DHI showed excellent reliability between clinical assessment and smartphone evaluation for the determination of positive surfaces (ICC: upper 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–0.96], P < 0.001; lower 0.95 [95% CI 0.89–0.98], P < 0.001). The PI‐LTC showed good reliability between clinical assessment (D0) and D1/D2 for determination of vestibular plaque (ICC: upper 0.84 [95% CI 0.74–0.91], P < 0.001; lower 0.87 [95% CI 0.79–0.92], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although limited, this pilot study demonstrated that standardised smartphone photographs can simply communicate the intraoral care status of patients who have difficulties accessing their dentist. This should be considered when planning improved communication between dentists, care recipients, and their support network.
Long‐term joint outcomes in adolescents with moderate or severe haemophilia A
Authors: Schmidt David E. , Michalopoulou Aikaterini , Fischer Kathelijn , Motwani Jayashree , Andersson Nadine G. , Pergantou Helen , Ranta Susanna ,   the PedNet Study Group
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Favourable joint outcomes are expected with modern haemophilia A (HA) management. Evaluation of long‐term treatment outcomes is hampered by the delay between bleeding episodes during childhood and resulting joint outcomes in adulthood.

Aim

To measure the long‐term joint health of adolescents with moderate and severe HA, according to severity and inhibitor status.

Methods

Pilot cross‐sectional study of five European PedNet centres in moderate and severe HA patients aged 10–19 years. Structured assessment of joint status by physical examination (HJHS) and ultrasound (HEAD‐US).

Results

In total, 141 HA patients were evaluable, 100 without inhibitors (81 severe, 19 moderate HA), and 41 severe HA with current/past inhibitors. On physical examination, 12/81 (15%) of severe HA without inhibitors, 3/19 (16%) of moderate HA, and 13/41 (32%) of severe HA patients with inhibitors exhibited joint abnormalities. Inhibitor persistence, longer inhibitor duration, and a high peak inhibitor level were associated with impaired joint health. Ultrasound showed joint damage (bone or cartilage) in 13/49 (27%) of severe HA without inhibitors, 1/12 (8%) of moderate HA, and 10/28 (36%) of severe HA patients with inhibitors. A discordant ankle evaluation by ultrasound versus physical examination was present in 53/169 joints (31%).

Conclusions

Most adolescents with severe or moderate HA show favourable joint health. Future research with combined ultrasound and/or MRI is needed to better understand joint outcomes in the remaining patients. Patents with inhibitors showed a two‐fold increased proportion with joint deterioration. Ultrasound paired with physical examination increases sensitivity for detection of joint damage.
Prevalence of comorbid conditions among older males with haemophilia receiving care in haemophilia treatment centers in the United States
Authors: Soucie J. Michael , Le Binh , Dupervil Brandi , Poston Jacqueline N.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Increased survival among men with haemophilia has brought with it an increased risk of age‐related comorbidities that may be challenging to treat in the presence of a bleeding disorder.

Aim

Estimate the prevalence of several age‐related comorbidities among older males with haemophilia receiving care in the U.S. haemophilia treatment center (HTC) network compared to that among the general population.

Methods

People with bleeding disorders who receive care in network HTCs can volunteer to participate in a surveillance registry that collects detailed clinical information including the presence of comorbid conditions at annual visits. We used registry data collected on males with haemophilia age 45 years and older to calculate lifetime prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, cancer, anxiety and depression. Comparable data on the U.S. general male population was obtained from the National Health Interview Survey.

Results

During the surveillance period, 1592 middle‐aged (45–64 years) and 645 older (≥65 years) patients with haemophilia had comorbidity data collected during 6435 HTC visits. Most haemophilia patients in both age groups had a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression and diabetes, but a lower prevalence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and myocardial infarction compared to the general U.S. male population. In addition, middle‐aged patients had lower rates of leukemia, whereas older patients had higher rates of obesity than the general population.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the mental stress associated with this chronic condition and support continued public health obesity prevention efforts in the haemophilia community.
Molybdenum‐based electrocatalysts with nanostructured supports for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Feng Yao , Yu Zhaoju
Published: August 2022

Electrochemical water splitting is one of the most efficient ways to yield H2 fuel due to its renewability and environmental friendliness. For minimizing the energy loss during the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as a crucial half‐cell reaction of electrochemical water splitting, researchers are seeking for suitable electrocatalysts, which can significantly decrease the overpotential and consequently promote the reaction rate and total cell efficiency. Among the noble‐metal free HER catalysts, Mo‐based electrocatalysts have been reported to possess excellent electrocatalytic activity and long‐term durability in terms of the HER process. Recently, in order to further improve the reaction rate of HER, nanostructured supports for Mo‐based catalysts were designed, which not only increase active sites but also contribute to alleviating the overpotential. Herein, an overview is presented of recent research progress on Mo‐based electrocatalysts with nanostructured supports for the HER. It starts with summarizing the fundamentals of HER and recent progress of Mo‐based electrocatalysts. Subsequently, the design and synthesis of nanostructures, electrochemical performance, and the related mechanisms for Mo‐based electrocatalysts with nanostructured supports are discussed. Finally, the future opportunities and challenges are highlighted for the development of the Mo‐based electrocatalysts from the points of view of both fundamental understanding and practical application.
Slag resistance mechanism of CaO·6Al2O3 refractory and its effect on inclusions of aluminum deoxidized steel
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Bin , Jia Yuanping , Chen Junhong , Feng Jisheng , Ren Bo , Yin Shu , Zhang Zhijiao , Gong Diansheng
Published: August 2022

In order to verify the advantage of CaO·6Al2O3 (CA6)‐based refractories on the inclusions of aluminum deoxidized steel, the five refractories, CA6, alumina, spinel, and CA6‐alumina and CA6‐spinel composition refractories were prepared into crucibles, and then the laboratory smelting experiments were conducted. After experiment, the slag resistance of the crucible and the variation on inclusions in steel were characterized and discussed. A dense CaO·2Al2O3 (CA2) layer, which was produced by CA6 reacting with the slag, was distributed between the original bricklayer and the slag layer, improving the slag resistance of refractories. Meanwhile, the 12CaO·7Al2O3 (C12A7), generated by the reaction between CA2 and refining slag, would release much Ca into the molten steel. The Ca would react with inclusions to produce low melting point substance to float up and remove, contributing to the reduction of the proportion of large size inclusions. In addition, typical inclusions in steel smelted with CA6 crucible were small‐sized MgO·Al2O3 inclusions, whereas those of other crucibles are MnS–MgO·Al2O3 composite inclusions with MgO·Al2O3 as the core, implying CA6 may absorb sulfur during the smelting process.
Antitumor effect and metabonomics of niclosamide micelles
Authors: Hang Jiarong , Chen Yu , Liu Lukuan , Chen Liwen , Fang Jiqin , Wang Fei , Wang Miao
Published: August 2022

Polymer micelles now have promising applications in the treatment of cancer, increasing the water solubility and bioavailability of drugs. Previous studies have found that micelles of niclosamide have good anti‐liver cancer effect. In view of the poor water solubility of niclosamide (NIC), we decided to prepare niclosamide micelles. However, its therapeutic mechanism is not clear, so this paper conducted a preliminary study on its vitro anti‐tumour mechanism and metabonomics to find out its impact. It was found that the drug‐loaded micelles (PEG2K‐FIbu/NIC) had an inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells. Moreover, it can promote apoptosis of HepG2 cells and block S and G2/M phase of cell cycle. The plasma and liver metabolomics of mice in normal group, model group and administration group were studied by UPLC‐MS and 1H‐NMR. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) were used to process the data and find the relevant metabolites. metaboanalyst 5.0 was used to integrate the relevant metabolites to find the main related metabolic pathways. Thus, the anti‐tumour mechanism of PEG2K‐FIbu/NIC was analysed. Fifty‐one biomarkers were detected in plasma, and 43 biomarkers were detected in liver. After comprehensive biomarker and metabolic pathway analysis, it was found that PEG2K‐FIbu/NIC micelles could affect the changes of many metabolites, mainly affecting amino acid metabolism. This article is an in‐depth study based on the published Preparation and pharmacodynamics of niclosamide micelles (DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.103088).
Examining the EU Reaction to a Humanitarian Emergency from a Network Perspective: The Response to Cyclones Idai and Kenneth
Authors: Bravo‐Laguna Carlos
Published: August 2022

This article examines the European Union (EU) involvement and co‐ordination of a humanitarian emergency response overseas. In particular, this article will examine the reaction to Cyclones Idai and Kenneth. By combining an exponential random graph model (ERGM) with semi‐structured interviews, this article will also apply resource dependence theory in order to identify actor characteristics that conditioned exchanges within the network that responded to this incident. Hence, it provides novel empirical evidence regarding de facto responses to humanitarian emergencies that increases understanding of social dynamics among the actors involved in these efforts. The findings of this study show that the co‐ordination of the EU response generally followed a multilateral logic. However, the limited empowerment of the local community throughout the response was less consistent with the strategic aspirations of the EU. For their part, donors tended to show less activity within the network than financial aid recipients.
Narrow‐band reflectance spectrophotometry and infrared thermography for assessment of skin lesions in localized scleroderma
Authors: Szczepanek M. , Frątczak A. , Polak K. , Lis‐Święty A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a useful method to detect activity/inflammation in localized scleroderma (LoS); however, inactive skin lesions with a severe degree of dermal and subcutaneous atrophy may show false‐positive results. Narrow‐band reflectance spectrophotometry (NBRS) is an objective, non‐invasive technique of measuring erythema and hyperpigmentation severity, yet has not been extensively studied in LoS.

Objectives

The aim of this research was to compare the spectrophotometric results with thermographic examination of LoS lesions.

Methods

The lesions were assessed using the Localized Scleroderma Assessment Tool (LoSCAT), Dyspigmentation, Induration, Erythema, and Telangiectasias (DIET) score, NBRS and IRT. The difference in the erythema index (ΔEI), melanin index (ΔMI) and average temperature Tavg (ΔTavg) were calculated between each lesion and its normal control.

Results

Fifty‐five patients with 49 active and 64 inactive LoS lesions were examined. The ΔEI strongly correlated with the erythema (rs = 0.62, P < 0.0000002) and DIET score (rs = 0.66, P < 0.0000001) and moderately correlated with the telangiectasias score (rs = 0.58, P < 0.00001). ΔMI showed strong correlation with the dyspigmentation score (rs = 0.65, P < 0.0000001). There was a strong correlation between the ΔTavg and the erythema score (rs = 0.7, P < 0.000001). A moderate correlation between the Δ EI and ΔTavg was found in active LoS lesions (rs = 0.53, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Narrow‐band reflectance spectrophotometry may be a complementary method for determining erythema in LoS active lesions, although this technique remains inferior to IRT, because is unable to distinct between active and inactive lesions. However, NBRS enables to evaluate the severity of hyperpigmentation and telangiectasias, and it can be useful for the assessment of disease severity which is poorly evaluated by IRT.