bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Populist MPs on Facebook: Adoption and emotional reactions in Austria, the Netherlands, and Sweden
Authors: Sandberg Linn , Jacobs Kristof , Spierings Niels
Published: September 2022

The argument goes that social media can reinforce the rise of populism as populists' emotionally charged language fits well with social media algorithms. However, whether this potential materializes in practice depends on (1) populists' actual social media adoption and (2) whether their messages actually elicit more (emotional) responses. This is a study of those two core elements of populist politicians' presence on Facebook. We examine 682 members of parliament (MPs) Facebook uptake in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria and the emoji responses to 10,355 of their posts. First, we argue that populist parties' centralized structure enforces discipline, which makes Facebook use by populist MPs other than the leader more problematic. Our study shows indeed that populist party leaders use Facebook prolifically to reach out to their community, but relatively few of populist parties' other MPs use Facebook. Second, we argue that Facebook posts of populist MPs activate feelings of indignation, triggering responses that are more emotional. Empirically this expectation is borne out. Compared to other parties, messages posted by populist actors receive more emojis than ordinary likes. In particular, “anger” and “haha” stand out. An exploration of the content of such messages shows that both are related: “haha” also reflects sarcastic ridiculing of political opponents, paving the way for anger.
Multitarget preservation technologies for chemical‐free sustainable meat processing
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Kaur Lovedeep , Gupta Tanushree B. , Singh Jaspreet , Bronlund John
Published: September 2022

Due to the growing consumer demand for safe and naturally processed meats, the meat industry is seeking novel methods to produce safe‐to‐consume meat products without affecting their sensory appeal. The green technologies can maintain the sensory and nutritive characteristics and ensure the microbial safety of processed meats and, therefore, can help to reduce the use of chemical preservatives in meat products. The use of chemical additives, especially nitrites in processed meat products, has become controversial because they may form carcinogenic N‐nitrosamines, a few of which are suspected as cancer precursors. Thus, the objective of reducing or eliminating nitrite is of great interest to meat researchers and industries. This review, for the first time, discusses the influence of processing technologies such as microwave, irradiation, high‐pressure thermal processing (HPTP) and multitarget preservation technology on the quality characteristics of processed meats, with a focus on their sensory quality. These emerging technologies can help in the alleviation of ingoing nitrite or formed nitrosamine contents in meat products. The multitarget preservation technology is an innovative way to enhance the shelf life of meat products through the combined use of different technologies/natural additives. The challenges and opportunities associated with the use of these technologies for processing meat are also reviewed.
Is metformin a possible treatment for diabetic neuropathy?
Authors: Wei Juechun , Wei Yanling , Huang Meiyan , Wang Peng , Jia Shushan
Published: September 2022

Metformin is a hypoglycemic drug widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has been proven to have analgesic and neuroprotective effects. Metformin can reverse pain in rodents, such as diabetic neuropathic pain, neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy drugs, inflammatory pain and pain caused by surgical incision. In clinical use, however, metformin is associated with reduced plasma vitamin B12 levels, which can further neuropathy. In rodent diabetes models, metformin plays a neuroprotective and analgesic role by activating adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase, clearing methylgloxal, reducing insulin resistance, and neuroinflammation. This paper also summarized the neurological adverse reactions of metformin in diabetic patients. In addition, whether metformin has sexual dimorphism needs further study.
Two clusters of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with muscle involvement in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Zhao Liling , Huang Wenyan , Wang Haiting , Chen Jie , Zhang Danting , Wang Xiaodong , Sun Fangfang , Ye Shuang
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to depict the clinical features, including myositis specific or associated antibody (MSA/MAA) profile of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with muscle involvement in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively studied a cohort of 1696 SLE inpatients and screened for concurrent myositis features from January 2013 to June 2021. Propensity score matching was applied to enroll controls without myositis features from our cohort. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were collected. MSA/MAA panels containing 16 autoantibodies (TIF1‐γ, MDA5, NXP2, Mi‐2α/β, SAE1, Jo‐1, PL‐7, PL‐12, EJ, OJ, SRP, HMGCR, cN‐1A, PM‐Scl75/100, Ku and Ro52) were tested by line‐blotting assay. Binary logistic regression and K‐means clustering were applied.

Results

Forty‐one of 1696 (2.42%) SLE patients in our SLE inpatient cohort showed features of myositis. Binary logistic regression revealed that new‐onset SLE (odds ratio [OR] = 4.77, 95% CI = 1.10–20.57), interstitial lung disease (ILD) (OR = 10.07, 95% CI = 1.65–61.51), positive anti‐U1RNP antibody (OR = 4.38, 95% CI = 1.08–17.75), and Raynaud's phenomenon (OR = 7.94, 95% CI = 1.41–44.69) were associated with muscle involvement. Except for anti‐Ro52 (50%), anti‐Ku antibody (38.2%) was the next frequently detected MSA/MAA in the panel, followed by anti‐NXP2 antibody (11.8%). It was noteworthy that multiple MSA/MAAs (≥2, excluding anti‐Ro52) coexisted in 9 patients. Patients with myositis features were clustered into 2 subgroups. Cluster 1 was characterized by anti‐Ku or anti‐Ro52 with high SLE Disease Activity Index, whereas cluster 2 presented with anti‐U1RNP, Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary arterial hypertension resembling mixed connective tissue disease.

Conclusion

In our Chinese SLE inpatient cohort, muscle involvement was infrequent. Nevertheless, distinct features in these SLE patients deserve further study.
Construction of PEI‐EGFR‐PD‐L1‐siRNA dual functional nano‐vaccine and therapeutic efficacy evaluation for lung cancer
Authors: Yang Guixue , Zhou Dong , Dai Yin , Li Yanqi , Wu Jiang , Liu Quanxing , Deng Xufeng
Published: September 2022

Background

PD‐1/PD‐L1 tumor immunotherapy shows effective anticancer in treatment of solid tumors, so PEI lipid nanoparticles (PEI‐LNP)/siRNA complex (EPV‐PEI‐LNP‐SiRNA) with the therapeutic function of PD‐L1‐siRNA and EGFR short peptide/PD‐L1 double immune‐enhancing function were constructed for the prevention and treatment of EGFR‐positive lung cancer in this study.

Method

In this study, PEI lipid nanoparticles (PEI‐LNP)/siRNA complex (EPV‐PEI‐LNP‐siRNA) with the therapeutic function of PD‐L1‐siRNA and EGFR short peptide/PD‐L1 double immune‐enhancing function were constructed for the prevention and treatment of EGFR‐positive lung cancer and functional evaluation was conducted.

Results

On the basis of the construction of the composite nano‐drug delivery system, the binding capacity, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and uptake capacity of siRNA and EPV‐PEI‐LNP were tested in vitro, and the downregulation effect of PD‐L1 on A549 cancer cells and the cytokine levels of cocultured T cells were tested. Lipid nanoparticles delivered siRNA and EGFR short peptide vaccine to non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing tumor invasion and activation of CD8 + T cells. Combination therapy is superior to single target therapy.

Conclusion

Our constructed lipid nanoparticles of tumor targeted therapy gene siRNA combination had the ability to target cells in vitro and downregulate the expression of PD‐L1, realizing the tumor‐specific expression of immune‐stimulating cytokines, which is a highly efficient and safe targeted therapy nano‐vaccine.
Early developmental alcohol exposure alters behavioral outcomes following adolescent re‐exposure in a rat model
Authors: Risbud Rashmi D. , Breit Kristen R. , Thomas Jennifer D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure alters brain development, affecting cognitive, motor, and emotional domains, and potentially leading to greater alcohol intake during adolescence. The present study investigated whether early alcohol exposure modifies vulnerability to behavioral alterations associated with adolescent alcohol exposure in a rodent model.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats received ethanol or sham intubations during two developmental periods: (1) the third trimester equivalent of brain development in humans (postnatal days [PD] 4–9) and (2) adolescence (PD 28–42). Both exposures resulted in blood alcohol concentrations around 200 mg/dl. Subjects were tested in the open field (PD 45–48) and on hippocampal and prefrontal cortical (PFC) dependent tasks: the Morris water maze (PD 52–58) and trace fear conditioning (PD 63–64).

Results

Neonatal alcohol exposure reduced forebrain and cerebellar weight, increased open‐field activity, and slowed acquisition of trace fear conditioning. Adolescent alcohol exposure did not disrupt learning or significantly induce gross brain pathology, suggesting that 200 mg/dl/day of ethanol disrupts cognitive development during the 3rd trimester equivalent, but not during adolescence. Interestingly, females exposed to alcohol only during adolescence exhibited an increased conditioned fear response and more rapid habituation of locomotor activity in the open field, suggesting alterations in emotional responding. Moreover, subjects exposed to a combination of neonatal and adolescent alcohol exposure spent significantly more time in the center of the open field chamber than other groups. Similarly, males exposed to the combination exhibited less thigmotaxis in the Morris water maze.

Conclusions

These results indicate that combined exposure to alcohol during these two critical periods reduces anxiety‐related behaviors and/or increases risk taking in a sex‐dependent manner, suggesting that prenatal alcohol exposure may affect risk for emotional consequences of adolescent alcohol exposure.
Microperimetry to predict disease progression in eyes at high risk of age‐related macular degeneration disease: The PREVISION study
Authors: Kodjikian Laurent , Creuzot‐Garcher Catherine , Korobelnik Jean‐François , Tadayoni Ramin , Delafoy Ivan , Leal Cécilia , Bernard Lorraine , Decullier Evelyne , Huot Laure , Mathis Thibaud
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to determine whether microperimetric parameters could predict the progression of an eye at high risk of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) at 24 months.

Methods

We conducted a multicentric prospective non‐comparative open‐label study including patients with one eye in stage 4 of the Age‐Related Eye Disease Study Group (AREDS) classification, and the other eye in AREDS stage 3 (study eye). A microperimetry examination (MAIA™, CenterVue, Padova, Italy) was performed at baseline and every 6 months during the 2‐year follow‐up. At the end of the follow‐up, each study eye was classified as ‘progressive’ (i.e. AREDS stage 4) or ‘non‐progressive’ (i.e. AREDS stage 3).

Results

A total of 147 patients were analysed, of which 30.6% progressed from AREDS stage 3 to stage 4. The microperimetry criterion ‘mean retinal sensitivity’ was significantly different at baseline between non‐progressive and progressive eyes (p = 0.022), with lower values for the latter. With a threshold for mean retinal sensitivity set at 24.7 dB, diagnostic sensitivity was 80% [95%CI (65.4–90.4)], specificity was 30.4% [95%CI (21.7–40.3)], positive predictive value was 33.6% [95%CI (24.8–43.4)], and negative predictive value was 77.5% [95%CI (61.5–89.2)]. In the multivariate analysis including microperimetric parameters and other routine ophthalmologic examinations, mean retinal sensitivity was the only predictive parameter statistically associated with progression (p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Our findings are encouraging as regards the use of microperimetry, and mean retinal sensitivity value in particular, to predict the 2‐year risk of progression to AREDS stage 4 eye.
Discussion on “A Formal Causal Interpretation of the Case-Crossover Design” by Zach Shahn, Miguel A. Hernán, and James M. Robins
Authors: Lumley Thomas
Published: September 2022

It has always been clear that the case-crossover design works, for some definition of “works,” but some of the details have been surprisingly elusive, and it is good to see more of them nailed down by Shahn et al. My interest in case-crossover analyses has mostly been in the context of air pollution epidemiology mentioned at the end of the paper. The air pollution setting is distinctive for several reasons: as the exposure variable is plausibly exogenous, it is possible to use control times after the case time, the effects of interest are quite small, and the same measured exposure series is shared over many—perhaps all—of the cohort.
Integrative epigenomics in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: Biological insights and clinical applications
Authors: Kulis Marta , Martin‐Subero Jose Ignacio
Published: September 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is not only characterised by driver genetic alterations but by extensive epigenetic changes. Over the last decade, epigenomic studies have described the DNA methylome, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications and the three‐dimensional (3D) genome architecture of CLL. Beyond its regulatory role, the DNA methylome contains imprints of the cellular origin and proliferative history of CLL cells. These two aspects are strong independent prognostic factors. Integrative analyses of chromatin marks have uncovered novel regulatory elements and altered transcription factor networks as non‐genetic means mediating gene deregulation in CLL. Additionally, CLL cells display a disease‐specific pattern of 3D genome interactions. From the technological perspective, we are currently witnessing a transition from bulk omics to single‐cell analyses. This review aims at summarising the major findings from the epigenomics field as well as providing a prospect of the present and future of single‐cell analyses in CLL.
Pathological complete remission of relapsed tumor by photo‐activating antibody–mimetic drug conjugate treatment
Authors: Kaneko Yudai , Yamatsugu Kenzo , Yamashita Takefumi , Takahashi Kazuki , Tanaka Toshiya , Aki Sho , Tatsumi Toshifumi , Kawamura Takeshi , Miura Mai , Ishii Masazumi , Ohkubo Kei , Osawa Tsuyoshi , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Ishikawa Shumpei , Tsukagoshi Masanobu , Chansler Michael , Sugiyama Akira , Kanai Motomu , Katoh Hiroto
Published: September 2022

Antibody–mimetic drug conjugate is a novel noncovalent conjugate consisting of an antibody‐mimetic recognizing a target molecule on the cancer cell surface and low‐molecular‐weight payloads that kill the cancer cells. In this study, the efficacy of a photo‐activating antibody–mimetic drug conjugate targeting HER2‐expressing tumors was evaluated in mice, by using the affibody that recognize HER2 (ZHER2:342) as a target molecule and an axially substituted silicon phthalocyanine (a novel potent photo‐activating compound) as a payload. The first treatment with the photo‐activating antibody–mimetic drug conjugates reduced the size of all HER2‐expressing KPL‐4 xenograft tumors macroscopically. However, during the observation period, relapsed tumors gradually appeared in approximately 50% of the animals. To evaluate the efficacy of repeated antibody–mimetic drug conjugate treatment, animals with relapsed tumors were treated again with the same regimen. After the second observation period, the mouse tissues were examined histopathologically. Unexpectedly, all relapsed tumors were eradicated, and all animals were diagnosed with pathological complete remission. After the second treatment, skin wounds healed rapidly, and no significant side effects were observed in other organs, except for occasional microscopic granulomatous tissues beneath the serosa of the liver in a few mice. Repeated treatments seemed to be well tolerated. These results indicate the promising efficacy of the repeated photo‐activating antibody–mimetic drug conjugate treatment against HER2‐expressing tumors.
Benchmark performance of anodized vs. sandblasted implant surfaces in an acute dehiscence type defect animal model
Authors: Shahdad Shakeel , Bosshardt Dieter , Patel Mital , Razaghi Nahal , Patankar Anuya , Roccuzzo Mario
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Crestal bone formation represents a crucial aspect of the esthetic and biological success of dental implants. This controlled preclinical study analyzed the effect of implant surface and implant geometry on de novo crestal bone formation and osseointegration.

Materials and methods

Histological and histomorphometrical analysis was performed to compare three implant groups, that is, (1) a novel, commercially available, gradient anodized implant, (2) a custom‐made geometric replica of implant “1,” displaying a superhydrophilic micro‐rough large‐grit sandblasted and acid‐etched surface, and (3) a commercially available implant, having the same surface as “2” but a different implant geometry. The study applied a standardized buccal acute‐type dehiscence model in minipigs with observation periods of 2 and 8 weeks of healing.

Results

The amount of newly formed crestal bone (BATA) around control groups (2) and (3) was significantly increased when compared to the test group (1) at the 8 weeks of healing time point. Similar results were obtained for all parameters related to osseointegration and direct bone apposition, to the implant surface (dBIC, VBC, and fBIC), demonstrating superior osseointegration of the moderately rough, compared to the gradient anodized functionalization. After 2 weeks, the osseointegration (nBIC) was found to be influenced by implant geometry with group (3) outperforming groups (1) and (2) on this parameter. At 8 weeks, nBIC was significantly higher for groups (2) and (3) compared to (1).

Conclusions

The extent (BATA) of de novo crestal bone formation in the acute‐type dehiscence defects was primarily influenced by implant surface characteristics and their ability to promote osseointegration and direct bone apposition. Osseointegration (nBIC) of the apical part was found to be influenced by a combination of surface characteristics and implant geometry. For early healing, implant geometry may have a more pronounced effect on facilitating osseointegration, relative to the specific surface characteristics.
Liberalism's distinctive policy for governing Muslim populations: Human rights, religious reform, and counter‐terrorism from the colonial era until the present
Authors: Nakissa Aria
Published: September 2022

During the colonial era, liberal Western states established vast empires which came to encompass almost all of the world's Muslims. Western states worked out specific methods for governing Muslims, which were often referred to as “Muslim policy”. Recent scholarship on Muslim policy exhibits several key trends. One is expansion of geographical scope, leading scholars to produce more comprehensive global accounts of Muslim policy. Another trend is expansion of temporal scope, leading scholars to systematically link colonial Muslim policy with the governance of Muslims in the post‐colonial era. A final trend is the reevaluation of liberal governance. Accordingly, scholars argue that, contrary to conventional assumptions, liberal ideology allows for ‐ or even encourages ‐ imperialism, authoritarianism, ethnocentrism, and racism. The present article makes several new contributions. It provides a synthesis of recent studies on Muslim policy ‐ giving special attention to the key trends mentioned above. Moreover, the article proposes a novel way of conceptualizing Muslim policy. It is argued that Muslim policy centers on three overlapping projects: (1) a “human rights” project (2) a “religious reform” project and (3) a security project akin to what is now known as “counter‐terrorism”. Finally, the article argues that liberals created Muslim policy in the colonial era, and continue to champion it in the post‐colonial era. As such, it may be regarded as a distinctive long‐standing liberal policy for governing Muslim populations.
Residence after retirement: A review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wong Wong Ming , Long Hai , Wang Yifan , Su Wunhong
Published: September 2022

This study reviews the literature on the residence after retirement via Systematic Literature Network Analysis, which consists of the systematic literature review and bibliometric network analysis. There are three research questions, including (1) what the most recent studies are on the residence after retirement, (2) Who the most significant authors, documents, and sources are in residence after retirement, and (3) whether the extant research structure could guide the future agenda for the residence after retirement. Based on the systematic literature review, this study extracts 50 publications from the Scopus database by keyword, document type, source type, publication period, language, and subject area relevant to the residence after retirement. This study analyzes data employing Nvivo, VOSviewer, and SciMAX. The clusters of authors, countries, keywords, documents, and sources linked with relevant studies on the residence after retirement are according to the co‐authorship (1) author, (2) country/territory, (3) keyword, and (4) document. Skitmore, M., Xia, B., Buys, I., Hu, X., Hu, Y., and Chen, Q. who the most influential authors are in residence after retirement. The themes of aging, continuing care retirement community, retirement village, and their associated keywords contribute to future research on the residence after retirement.
Effects of acidification and sterilisation on the quality of channel catfish (Ietalurus punctatus) fillets
Authors: Yu Peipei , Zhang Zhiyun , Tang Xiaohang , Yu Dawei , Jiang Qixing , Gao Pei , Yang Fang
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate the effects of acidification and sterilisation on the quality of channel catfish, based on the texture, colour, physical and chemical properties, protein composition and water migration of channel catfish fillets. The results showed that the hardness, chewiness and colour of acidified and sterilised (AS) groups were significantly better than unacidified and sterilised (NAS) groups. The content of TCA soluble peptide in NAS was significantly higher than AS groups, indicating that high‐temperature sterilisation induced more protein degradation. Electrophoresis analysis also showed that the protein bands in the unacidified and sterilised (NAS) groups weakened or disappeared. There was no significant difference in the fat oxidation index of peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid value indicating that little effect on oxidation was induced by acidification and sterilisation. After sterilisation, the water transferred from immobilised water to free water, and the weight loss rate of acidified non‐sterilised (ANS) groups was significantly higher than AS. On the whole, acidified channel catfish could be sterilised at a lower temperature, thus having better texture, colour and lower weight loss rate. The sterilisation temperature of 91–95 °C was recommended to maintain a better quality of ready‐to‐eat acidified fish fillets.
Utilisation of watermelon, pineapple and banana fruit peels as prebiotics and their effect on growth of probiotic
Authors: Akter Beauty , Salleh Rabeta Mohd , Bakar Mohamad Hafizi Abu , Shun Tan Joo , Hoong Cheng Lai
Published: September 2022

This study aims to evaluate the prebiotic potential of selected fruit peels (watermelon, pineapple and banana) by studying their effects on growth of probiotic organisms as indicated by viable counts. The effect on probiotic growth was examined using different strains, namely Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. plantarum and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The growth for L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus in pineapple peel extract (PPE) showed the maximum value of 8.27 and 7.53 log CFU/mL respectively, after 24 h incubation. The study also revealed that PPE contained the highest amounts of indigestible polysaccharides 351.13 mg/g as compared to other peels. The major reducing sugar consisted of glucose and fructose with a total amount of 442.75, 326.05 and 354.14 mg/g in dried peel extract from pineapple, watermelon and banana respectively. Pineapple and banana peel extract exhibited maximum hydrolysis of 9.21% and 8.74% and 32.95% and 30.63% when treated with gastric juice and α‐amylase. This investigation demonstrated that watermelon, pineapple and banana peel extract could be effectively used as prebiotics to improve the growth of beneficial microbes.
Evaluation of mixtures of maltodextrin and gum Arabic for the encapsulation of Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale) juice by freeze–drying
Authors: Estupiñan‐Amaya Mauren , Fuenmayor Carlos Alberto , López‐Córdoba Alex
Published: September 2022

Andean blueberry fruit is considered a source of bioactive compounds. However, its industrial applications as an ingredient are limited due to its low stability. In this work, Andean blueberry juice powders were obtained via freeze–drying. The effects of maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) as encapsulating agents were evaluated on the morphological, physicochemical, and rheological quality of the products, as well as in terms of the recovery of phenolic compounds. All the freeze–dried powders featured typical macroscopic and microscopic morphology, low moisture content (<5%) and water activity (aw < 0.3), high water solubility (>91%) and good flowability. The encapsulation with MD overall favoured higher water activity, solubility and flowability, and a significant increase of total phenolics recovery in the juice powders, compared with GA or GA:MD mixtures. The results showed that encapsulation by freeze–drying enables the production of Andean blueberry juice powders with suitable technological characteristics and potential as bioactive ingredients.
Concept analysis of recovery from substance use
Authors: Brophy Hailie , Dyson Michele , Katherine Rittenbach (Kay)
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we provide an analysis of the concept of recovery from substance use. We performed a literature search in CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Embase using key terms that focused on the concept of recovery from substance use. We also conducted a grey literature search and included select resources. Inclusive years for the search ranged from January 1, 2000 to March 10, 2022. Records were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers; data were extracted by one reviewer and confirmed by a second. A total of 22 literature sources were included. Identified core attributes of recovery include: (i) recovery as a process, (ii) recovery as more than managing substance use, (iii) recovery as life improvements, and (iv) recovery as a person‐centred, individual concept. Antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents are identified, and model and contrary cases are presented. We propose the following definition for recovery: Recovery from substance use is defined by the affected individual, who sets goals and objectives for life improvements that include managing their substance use, but this is not the sole focus. Recovery is a person‐centred, individualized process that can be measured by referents that suit the individual's own goals and objectives. What may constitute “recovery” and “recovered” requires definition by each individual.
Simultaneous inference for linear mixed model parameters with an application to small area estimation
Authors: Reluga Katarzyna , Lombardía María‐José , Sperlich Stefan
Published: September 2022

Over the past decades, linear mixed models have attracted considerable attention in various fields of applied statistics. They are popular whenever clustered, hierarchical or longitudinal data are investigated. Nonetheless, statistical tools for valid simultaneous inference for mixed parameters are rare. This is surprising because one often faces inferential problems beyond the pointwise examination of fixed or mixed parameters. For example, there is an interest in a comparative analysis of cluster‐level parameters or subject‐specific estimates in studies with repeated measurements. We discuss methods for simultaneous inference assuming a linear mixed model. Specifically, we develop simultaneous prediction intervals as well as multiple testing procedures for mixed parameters. They are useful for joint considerations or comparisons of cluster‐level parameters. We employ a consistent bootstrap approximation of the distribution of max‐type statistic to construct our tools. The numerical performance of the developed methodology is studied in simulation experiments and illustrated in a data example on household incomes in small areas.
Microstructure characterization of high‐pressure induced texture in fully densified zirconium diboride ceramics
Authors: Li Yulin , Zou Ji , Zhu Qiqi , Guo Weiming , Wang Weimin , Ji Wei , Fu Zhengyi
Published: September 2022

Fully dense oriented monolithic zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics with <0001> fiber texture were fabricated using high‐pressure spark plasma sintering. The <0001> fiber texture is proposed to be triggered by grain rotation, as (0001) <> basal slip of ZrB2 was activated during sintering. The high temperature, uniaxial high pressure, and uniform starting particles play a vital role in the texture formation of ZrB2 ceramics. The result provides visible evidence for the occurrence of plastic deformation during high‐pressure‐assisted sintering.
Postpartum depression, social support and maternal self‐efficacy between adolescent and adult mothers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A comparative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sangsawang Nucharee , Sangsawang Bussara
Published: September 2022

Aims

To determine the rate and level of postpartum depression (PPD), as well as to examine and compare PPD, social support and maternal self‐efficacy between adolescent and adult mothers at 8 weeks postpartum during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Policy measures to reduce the rapid spread of COVID‐19 have disrupted many aspects of life and decreased social connections, which negatively impacts psychological well‐being of the general population. However, studies focused on the impact of COVID‐19 on mental health and maternal self‐efficacy in postpartum mothers, particularly adolescent mothers, are limited.

Design

A comparative cross‐sectional study was carried out following the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered from February to March 2021. Data were collected by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Postpartum Support Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) at 8 weeks postpartum. One‐way MANOVA was used to analyse the data.

Results

Data from 63 adolescent mothers and 63 adult mothers were analysed. There were significant correlations between PPD, social support and maternal self‐efficacy of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Both adolescent and adult mothers had significantly negative impacts from the pandemic on mental health, social support and maternal self‐efficacy. However, the adolescent mothers had higher rates of depressive symptoms (36.5% and 23.8%, respectively) as well as lower PSQ score (121.25 and 130.52, respectively) and PSOC scores (62.54 and 70.94, respectively) compared with adult mothers in the first 8 weeks postpartum during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Adolescent mothers had a significantly higher rate of depressive symptoms and significantly lower social support and maternal self‐efficacy scores compared to adult mothers at 8 weeks postpartum during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Impact

Midwives or nurses should emphasize the negative mental health impacts during the COVID‐19 situation and routinely screen for depressive symptoms, especially in adolescent mothers, which could help identify the at‐risk mothers for developing PPD.

Patient or public contribution

Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in the study.
Nest‐boxes alter the reproductive ecology of urban cavity‐nesters in a species‐dependent way
Authors: Sudyka Joanna , Di Lecce Irene , Wojas Lucyna , Rowiński Patryk , Szulkin Marta
Published: September 2022

Human‐provided nesting shelters such as nest‐boxes mitigate the shortage of natural breeding sites. Since artificial nests are not where animals evolved and optimised their reproductive performance, it remains inconclusive if these are adequate substitutes, ensuring equivalent fitness returns while breeding. In particular, most knowledge on the ecology of cavity‐nesting birds comes from nest‐box populations, but no study has directly compared fitness consequences of breeding inside nest‐boxes in relation to natural cavities in cities. We directly compare the reproductive performance, life‐history trait variation and fitness consequences for two small passerines, blue and great tits, breeding in nest‐boxes as opposed to natural cavities in an urban deciduous forest. We use a quasi‐experimental setting to comprehend the conservation potential of these artificial cavities and to support/question generalisations stemming from nest‐box studies. We show that the effects of cavity type vary between species: in blue tits, fitness proxies were negatively affected by nest‐boxes (lower fledging success and fledgling numbers, longer time spent in the nest and later fledging date relative to natural cavities), while in great tits, the fitness proxies were unaffected by cavity type. Importantly, we detected accelerated incubation in both species breeding in nest‐boxes. No differences in pre‐hatching traits (lay date, clutch size, hatching rates) between cavity types suggest that the fitness deterioration occurred because of post‐hatching effects. We highlight the ecological importance of old‐growth tree stands, providing natural cavities for city‐breeding animals and the need for quantifying alterations of reproductive ecology in other taxa using human‐provided nests. Owing to the detected cavity type‐dependent variation in reproductive performance, we support the criticism regarding the unconditional extrapolation of evolutionary and ecological interpretations of nest‐box studies to general populations.
Adolescents with anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa with premorbid overweight/obesity: What should we do about their weight loss?
Authors: Jhe Grace B. , Lin Jessica , Freizinger Melissa , Richmond Tracy
Published: September 2022

Traditionally, anorexia nervosa (AN) was understood to exist exclusively among underweight individuals and weight was used to assess level of severity and course of treatment. Recent trends have found a growing number of individuals presenting with AN or atypical AN (AAN) (i.e., those who remain with weight in a “normal” or “healthy” range despite significant weight loss) have a premorbid history of overweight/obesity. Individuals with AN/AAN and premorbid overweight/obesity represent an especially metabolically vulnerable population as with either AN or AAN, there is marked weight loss. Patients with AAN present a specific challenge as healthcare professionals must identify a clinically significant eating disorder in adolescents of potentially “normal” weights and then must balance their knowledge and training of traditional treatment of AN with obesity treatment and prevention. Currently, there are no evidence‐based treatments to guide medical and mental health professionals regarding weight restoration, medical stabilization, and psychological treatment in patients with AN/AAN with a history of overweight/obesity while also addressing risk prevention for obesity.
Impact of healthy lifestyle on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in southwest China: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Yanli , He Xi , Zhou Jie , Wang Yiying , Yu Lisha , Li Xuejiao , Liu Tao , Luo Jianhua
Published: September 2022

Aims

To explore the influence of nine healthy lifestyle factors on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults in Guizhou, China.

Methods

Data were obtained from a large population‐based prospective cohort study in Guizhou Province, China. A total of 7,319 participants aged ≥18 years without diabetes at baseline were included in this study and were followed up from 2016 to 2020. A healthy lifestyle score was calculated based on the number of healthy lifestyle factors.

Results

During an average of 7.1 person‐years of follow‐up, 764 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compared with those of participants who scored 0–3 for a healthy lifestyle, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of those who scored 4, 5, 6, and ≥7 were 0.676 (0.523–0.874), 0.599 (0.464–0.773), 0.512 (0.390–0.673), and 0.393 (0.282–0.550), respectively, showing a gradual downward trend (P for trend <0.01). More importantly, they had lower fasting and 2 h post‐load plasma glucose levels and fewer changes in plasma glucose levels during follow‐up. If ≥7 healthy lifestyle factors were maintained, 33.8% of incident diabetes cases could have been prevented. Never smoking was the strongest protective factor against type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

A healthy lifestyle can effectively decrease plasma glucose levels and reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults in Guizhou, China. In addition, not smoking may be an effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Beneficial UVB phototherapy preceding a fractional CO2 laser‐UVB protocol in refractory non‐segmental vitiligo
Authors: Helou Josiane , Soutou Boutros , Maatouk Ismael , Merhy Reine , Assaf Joy , Sarkis Anne‐Sophie , Jabbour Rita , Kaikati Jérôme , Tomb Roland
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To explore the short‐ and long‐term effects of UVB phototherapy preceding a fractional CO2 laser‐UVB protocol in patients with resistant nonsegmental vitiligo.

Materials and Methods

This single‐center, prospective, split‐face/body, evaluator‐blinded study included adult patients with stable vitiligo refractory to conventional treatments. Two symmetrical lesions were selected. Phototherapy was delivered with one side covered, until minimal erythema. Within 3 days, 31‐month‐apart sessions of laser were performed on both sides. After each laser session, phototherapy was resumed three times weekly, with all lesions uncovered, until 8 weeks after the last laser session. At baseline, at the end of treatment, and 5 years later, a Mean Improvement Score by Physician (MISP) and a patient satisfaction 10‐point visual analog score (VAS) were recorded.

Results

Ten patients (8 women and 2 men) were included; their mean age was 32.9 years; phototype III was predominant; the mean duration of vitiligo was 3 years. At the end of treatment and 5 years later, scores of lesions treated with UVB‐CO2‐UVB (mean MISP 3.0 and 2.9, mean ΔVAS 4.5 and 3.9, respectively), were higher than those of lesions treated only with CO2‐UVB (mean MISP 2.5 and 2.4, mean ΔVAS 4.1 and 3.6, respectively). After 5 years, one patient lost his partial response and two patients developed light hyperpigmentation on both sides.

Conclusion

Exposure to UVB before CO2‐UVB explains the higher scores as it was the only variable between the two sides. It may improve the response of resistant lesions with a constantly sustained result over 5 years.
Assurance payments on the coordination of threshold public goods provision: An experimental investigation
Authors: Li Zhi , Chen Dongsheng , Liu Pengfei
Published: September 2022

We investigate the assurance payment mechanism (APM) in a single‐unit threshold public good game. APM offers an assurance payment () as compensation to would‐be contributors if the group fails to provide the good and individual contributions reach a pre‐determined price. We characterize the set of pure‐strategy Nash equilibria for APM under complete information and show that assurance payments substantially reduce the multiplicity of equilibria and eliminate the set of non‐provision equilibria in a general setup. We find strong evidence that APM improves upon the baseline provision point mechanism without assurance in lab experiments. Assurance payments act as a coordination device and induce more contributions concentrated on , especially for agents with values above , leading to more frequent successful provision, higher group contributions, and an overall welfare improvement. Our experimental findings highlight the non‐equilibrium mis‐coordination as the main reason for the non‐provision of threshold public goods and indicate that the format of assurance payments plays a key role in successful coordination even when provision is the unique equilibrium outcome.
Deflected by the tin foil hat? Word‐of‐mouth, conspiracy beliefs, and the adoption of innovative public health apps
Authors: Kraemer Tobias , Weiger Welf H. , Trang Simon , Trenz Manuel
Published: September 2022

Due to rapid technological advances and the increasing diffusion of smart devices, public health applications (apps) have become an integral aspect of public health management. Yet, as governments introduce innovative public health apps (e.g., contact tracing apps, data donation apps, ehealth apps), they have to confront controversial debates that fuel conspiracy theories and face the fact that app adoption rates are often disappointing. This study explores how conspiracy theories affect the adoption of innovative public health apps as well as how policymakers can fight harmful conspiracy beliefs. Acknowledging the importance of word of mouth (WOM) in the context of conspiracy beliefs, the study focuses on the interplay between WOM and conspiracy beliefs and their effects on app adoption. Based on theories of social influence and conspiracy beliefs, substantiated by data derived from a multi‐wave field study and confirmed by a controlled experiment, the results show that (1) changes in WOM concerning public health apps change conspiracy beliefs, (2) the effects of WOM on changes in conspiracy beliefs depend on both the sender (peer vs. expert) and the receiver's initial conspiracy beliefs, and (3) increases in conspiracy beliefs reduce public health app adoption and trigger more negative WOM regarding such apps. These results should inform health agencies about how to market innovative public health apps. For consumers with initially low levels of conspiracy beliefs, the distribution of expert WOM supporting the efficacy of public health apps effectively prevents the development of conspiracy beliefs and increases app adoption. However, expert WOM is ineffective in reducing conspiracy beliefs among firm conspiracy believers. These consumers should instead be targeted by campaigns distributing peer WOM that highlights an app's benefits and contradicts conspiracy theories.
Preliminary evidence that misalignment between sleep and circadian timing alters risk‐taking preferences
Authors: Hisler Garrett C. , Dickinson David L. , Bruce Scott A. , Hasler Brant P.
Published: September 2022

Decision‐making has been shown to suffer when circadian preference is misaligned with time of assessment; however, little is known about how misalignment between sleep timing and the central circadian clock impacts decision‐making. This study captured naturally occurring variation in circadian alignment (i.e., alignment of sleep–wake timing with the central circadian clock) to examine if greater misalignment predicts worse decision‐making. Over the course of 2 weeks, 32 late adolescent drinkers (aged 18–22 years; 61% female; 69% White) continuously wore actigraphs and completed two overnight in‐laboratory visits (Thursday and Sunday) in which both dim‐light melatonin onset (DLMO) and behavioural decision‐making (risk taking, framing, and strategic reasoning tasks) were assessed. Sleep–wake timing was assessed by actigraphic midsleep from the 2 nights prior to each in‐laboratory visit. Alignment was operationalised as the phase angle (interval) between average DLMO and average midsleep. Multilevel modelling was used to predict performance on decision‐making tasks from circadian alignment during each in‐laboratory visit; non‐linear associations were also examined. Shorter DLMO‐midsleep phase angle predicted greater risk‐taking under conditions of potential loss (B = −0.11, p = 0.06), but less risk‐taking under conditions of potential reward (B = 0.14, p = 0.03) in a curvilinear fashion. Misalignment did not predict outcomes in the framing and strategic reasoning tasks. Findings suggest that shorter alignment in timing of sleep with the central circadian clock (e.g., phase‐delayed misalignment) may impact risky decision‐making, further extending accumulating evidence that sleep/circadian factors are tied to risk‐taking. Future studies will need to replicate findings and experimentally probe whether manipulating alignment influences decision‐making.
Effects of adding other protein products on textural properties of soy protein concentrate‐based meat analogs
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhao Xiaohui , Sun Ping , Zhao Dongshun , Dou Wei , Zhang Xin , Jiang Lianzhou , Sui Xiaonan
Published: September 2022

In this study, we investigated the effects of proteins on the properties of soy protein concentrate‐based meat analogs under high‐moisture extrusion conditions. The rheological properties of soy protein concentration‐sodium alginate (SPC‐SA) and soy protein isolate‐SPC‐SA (SPI‐SPC‐SA), pea protein isolate‐SPC‐SA (PPI‐SPC‐SA), and zein‐SPC‐SA were evaluated, and the texture properties, microstructure, water absorption, and cooking properties of the resulting protein–meat analogs were characterized after addition of the protein raw materials. Results obtained indicated that the raw material containing 30% SPI had the best viscoelasticity, and the hardness and chewiness of resulting meat analog analogs were the highest when 30% SPI was added, along with the largest volume and best water absorption after cooking. The degree of texturization and toughness of meat analogs were the highest when PPI and zein were 30 and 50%, respectively. Results from this study showed that the texture properties of soy protein concentrate‐based meat analogs were improved by adding proteins to raw material, thus providing a theoretical basis for further development of soy protein concentrate‐based meat analogs.
Praying for More Time: Mexican Immigrants’ Pandemic Eldercare Dilemmas
Authors: Horton Sarah B.
Published: September 2022

Based on longitudinal research conducted with 21 Mexican immigrants between 2018 and 2021, this article examines the challenges the COVID‐19 pandemic posed to undocumented immigrants in the United States attempting to provide care for aging parents in Mexico. As the United States excluded undocumented immigrants from pandemic support, the pandemic undermined their ability to provide health care for their parents even as the Mexican public health care system crumbled. Meanwhile, as the pandemic hastened their parents’ demise, it thwarted immigrants’ ability to time returns to see their parents before they died. While scholars have amply documented how spatial disparities exacerbated the impact of the pandemic among marginalized groups, few have examined the temporal disruptions caused by the pandemic. This article suggests that the pandemic provoked particular distress by desynchronizing the temporalities of family life across borders and preventing immigrants’ abilities to coordinate care for their parents in time. [COVID‐19, transnational families, eldercare, death, time]