bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the effect of business model innovation on crisis management: the mediating role of entrepreneurial capability, resilience and business performance
Authors: Salamzadeh Aidin , Mortazavi Samira , Hadizadeh Morteza , Braga Vitor
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The onset of a crisis demands that businesses respond quickly and effectively. So, it might be helpful to examine the effect of business model innovation and how to increase its impact on better crisis management. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is applied in terms of aim and a quantitative descriptive survey regarding the data collection method. The structural equation model with the partial least squares approach and Smart PLS 3 software was used for the structural analysis of the questionnaire.

Findings

The findings revealed that business model innovation could lead to better crisis management. In addition, the components of entrepreneurial capability, resilience and business performance played a mediating role.

Research limitations/implications

Some factors may mediate the effect of business model innovation on crisis management. Thus, future research can investigate them and identify their impact.

Practical implications

The present study suggests that managers should re-examine business model processes and make them innovative to improve crisis management.

Originality/value

The present study examines the factors that affect crisis management with an emphasis on innovation, assesses the impact of mediating factors in this regard and attempts to provide a model to facilitate better crisis management.
Geography, Race, and Nation, in Agostino Codazzi's Transatlantic Experiences (1793–1859)
Authors: MORELLI FEDERICA
Published: March 2023

Through the analysis of Agostino Codazzi's experiences in the Atlantic, this article aims at underlining the strong connection between Latin America and the Italian peninsula in the nineteenth century as well as his role in the emergence and development of geography. An officer in the Napoleonic army in Italy and later an exile in Latin America, Codazzi mapped the territories of Venezuela and New Granada (Colombia), arose from the dissolution of the Spanish monarchy, thusly contributing to the building of the new nation‐states. The analysis will focus on a collection hold in the National Library of Turin, which is part of the material produced by the Chorographic Commission of New Granada between 1851 and 1859. This material will allow us to understand the Atlantic as a space of mutual connections and interdependencies between Europe and Americas in the elaboration and development of modern disciplines and sciences, such as geography, as well as in the construction of national imageries.
Information about Climate Change Mitigation: What Do Farmers Think?
Authors: Läpple Doris
Published: March 2023

The adoption of new practices by farmers is one of the key strategies to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food production. In this context, effective knowledge transfer systems are essential to inform farmers about climate change, and to convince them of the benefits of new technologies. In this article, farmers’ opinions about climate change, their own efforts to mitigate climate change, and their suggestions on how to improve agricultural advice were assessed. To this end, a survey with over 500 livestock farmers was conducted in Ireland. The findings reveal a high awareness of the urgency to address climate change in general, but many farmers also think agricultural GHG emissions are an overstated problem. In addition, half of the surveyed farmers believe that implementing GHG mitigation measures will lower their profits. These findings underline the need to provide effective knowledge transfer to facilitate the uptake of GHG mitigation measures. When asking farmers directly, by way of text analysis, it emerges that simple messages, group and practical advice that is tailored to individual farming situations is important to farmers. As such, this article provides important insights that are of relevance for designing advisory campaigns to promote climate change mitigation.
Comparison of the colonization ability of Burkholderia strain B23 in the citrus rhizoplane and rhizosphere and assessment of the underlying mechanisms using full‐length 16S rDNA amplicon and metatranscriptomic analyses
Authors: Wang Yu , Duan Shuo , Xu Jin , Long Yunfei , Zhang Siyu , Li Shixin , Wu Lijuan , Zhang Yunzeng
Published: March 2023

The characterization of bacterial strains with efficient root colonization ability and the mechanisms responsible for their efficient colonization is critical for the identification and application of beneficial bacteria. In this study, we found that Burkholderia strain B23 exhibited a strong niche differentiation between the rhizosphere and rhizoplane (a niche with more abundant easy‐to‐use nutrients but stronger selective pressures compared with the tightly adjacent rhizosphere) when inoculated into the field‐grown citrus trees. Full‐length 16S rDNA amplicon analysis demonstrated that the relative abundance of B23 in the rhizoplane microbiome at 3, 5, and 9 days post‐inoculation (dpi) was always higher than that at 1 dpi, whereas its relative abundance in the rhizosphere microbiome was decreased continuously, as demonstrated by a 3.18‐fold decrease at 9 dpi compared to 1 dpi. Time‐series comparative expression profiling of B23 between the rhizoplane and rhizosphere was performed at representative time points (1, 3, and 9 dpi) through metatranscriptomic analysis, and the results demonstrated that multiple genes involved in the uptake and utilization of easy‐to‐use carbohydrates and amino acids and those involved in metabolism, energy production, replication, and translation were upregulated in the rhizoplane compared with the rhizosphere at 1 dpi and 3 dpi. Several genes involved in resistance to plant‐ and microbial competitor‐derived stresses exhibited higher expression activities in the rhizoplane compared with the rhizosphere. Furthermore, gene loci responsible for the biosynthesis of the key antifungal and antibacterial metabolites occidiofungin and ornibactin were induced, and their expression levels remained relatively stable from 3 dpi to 9 dpi in the rhizoplane but not in the rhizosphere. Collectively, our findings provide novel lights into the mechanisms underlying the root colonization of the inoculated bacterial strains and serve as a basis for the identification of strains with efficient colonization ability, thus contributing to the development of beneficial bacteria applications.
Atopic dermatitis: Correlation of distinct risk factors with age of onset in adulthood compared to childhood
Authors: Maintz Laura , Schmitz Marie‐Therese , Herrmann Nadine , Müller Svenja , Havenith Regina , Brauer Juliette , Rhyner Claudio , Dreher Anita , Bersuch Eugen , Fehr Danielle , Hammel Gertrud , Reiger Matthias , Luschkova Daria , Neumann Avidan , Lang Claudia C. V. , Renner Ellen D. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier Peter , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Akdis Cezmi A. , Lauener Roger , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte , Schmid Matthias , Bieber Thomas
Published: March 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has long been regarded as a primarily pediatric disease. However, there is growing evidence for a high rate of adult‐onset AD. We aimed to characterize factors associated with adult‐onset versus childhood‐onset AD and controls.

Methods

We analyzed cross‐sectional data of the CK‐CARE‐ProRaD cohorts Bonn, Augsburg, Davos, Zürich of 736 adult patients stratified by age of AD onset (childhood‐onset <18 years: 76.4% (subsets: 0 to 2; ≥2 to 6; ≥7 to 11; ≥12 to 18); adult‐onset ≥18 years: 23.6% (subsets: ≥18 to 40; ≥41 to 60; ≥61) and 167 controls (91 atopic, 76 non‐atopic)).

Results

We identified active smoking to be associated with adult‐onset AD versus controls (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 5.54 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.06–29.01] vs. controlsnon‐atopic, aOR = 4.03 [1.20–13.45] vs. controlsatopic). Conjunctivitis showed a negative association versus controlsatopic (aOR = 0.36 [0.14–0.91]). Food allergy (aOR = 2.93 [1.44–5.96]), maternal food allergy (aOR = 9.43 [1.10–80.95]), palmar hyperlinearity (aOR = 2.11 [1.05–4.25]), and academic background (aOR = 2.14 [1.00–4.54]) increased the odds of childhood‐onset AD versus controlsatopic. Shared AD‐associated factors were maternal AD (4‐34x), increased IgE (2‐20x), atopic stigmata (2‐3x) with varying effect sizes depending on AD onset and control group. Patients with adult‐compared to childhood‐onset had doubled odds of allergic rhinitis (aOR = 2.15 [1.12–4.13]), but reduced odds to feature multiple (3–4) atopic comorbidities (aOR = 0.34 [0.14–0.84]). Adult‐onset AD, particularly onset ≥61 years, grouped mainly in clusters with low contributions of personal and familial atopy and high frequencies of physical inactivity, childhood‐onset AD, particularly infant‐onset, mainly in “high‐atopic”‐clusters.

Conclusions

The identified associated factors suggest partly varying endo‐ and exogeneous mechanisms underlying adult‐onset versus childhood‐onset AD. Our findings might contribute to better assessment of the individual risk to develop AD throughout life and encourage prevention by non‐smoking and physical activity as modifiable lifestyle factors.
The development of a rural breast reconstruction service: patient reported outcomes and benefits
Authors: Gunness Preeya , Hamilton Sam , Capstick Robert , Masters John , Toma Robert
Published: March 2023

Background

In 2021, breast cancer was one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. While a mastectomy remains a treatment of choice, only a small percentage of women have access to a breast reconstruction after. Women living in a rural area are less likely to have a breast reconstruction; compared to their metropolitan counterparts. This study analyses the impact of single breast reconstruction service on a Modified Monash 3 (MM3) region and informs consumers and providers of the importance of a breast reconstruction unit embedded in a rural health network. [Corrections added on 2 May 2023, after online publication. Expanded reference citations have been deleted from Abstract section.]

Methods

Following ethics approval, all 64 patients who had undergone a breast reconstruction with this service between 2017 and 2021 were contacted. Patient reported outcomes were recorded through phone interviews, using a standardized questionnaire. For each patient that presented to the rural centre, cost of travel and productivity loss were also calculated, and compared to the closest metropolitan centre.

Result

Ninety‐seven percent of the 38 participants strongly valued having a breast reconstruction service within their community. Eighty percent of participants were satisfied with their result. Patients were estimated to save on average $8478, by attending the rural breast reconstruction service.

Conclusion

Access to a breast reconstruction is significantly impacted by geographical barriers. A rural breast reconstruction service can improve patient access and satisfaction, while also reducing the financial burden on patients.
Surfactant administration during endotracheal CPAP: Feasibility, risk factors for failure and short‐term outcomes of DD‐SURF
Authors: Mense Lars , Hansmann Tim , Seipolt Barbara , Kaufmann Maxi , Rüdiger Mario
Published: March 2023

Aim

Whereas there is agreement that surfactant should be administered without mechanical ventilation, there is still a debate concerning the optimal method. DD‐SURF combines the benefits of INSURE and less invasive surfactant administration (LISA). The efficacy of this approach has not been evaluated yet.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all preterm newborns below 300/7 weeks gestational age admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Data on surfactant therapy, respiratory support during the first 96 h of life and neonatal morbidities until hospital discharge were collected from the electronic patient charts to evaluate the efficacy and safety of our approach.

Results

In total, 222 newborns met the inclusion criteria; 174 (78%) received surfactant in the delivery room by the DD‐SURF procedure and 21 infants (10%) were not extubated after surfactant administration (Surf‐and‐vent group). After DD‐SURF, 75% of patients did not require reintubation. Intraventricular haemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia occured more often in infants after DD‐SURF failure than after successful DD‐SURF.

Conclusion

DD‐SURF potentially combines the benefits of INSURE and LISA and represents a useful alternative of surfactant delivery with comparable success rates to thin‐catheter surfactant administration.
Adverse effect of PNPLA3 p.I148M genetic variant on kidney function in middle‐aged individuals with metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Pelusi Serena , Margarita Sara , Malvestiti Francesco , Dell'Alma Michela , Bianco Cristiana , Ronzoni Luisa , Prati Daniele , Targher Giovanni , Valenti Luca
Published: March 2023

Background

The PNPLA3 p.I148M variant is the main genetic determinant of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and PNPLA3 silencing is being evaluated to treat this liver condition. Data suggest that the p.I148M variant predisposes to kidney damage, but the relative contribution to kidney function, compared to overall genetic susceptibility, is not defined.

Aims

We aimed to assess the effect of PNPLA3 p.I148M on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in individuals with metabolic dysfunction.

Methods

We included 1144 middle‐aged individuals from the Liver‐Bible‐2022 cohort. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. The effect of PNPLA3 p.I148M on eGFRCKD‐EPI levels was tested under additive genetic models adjusted for clinical predictors, ethnicity and a polygenic risk score of chronic kidney disease (PRS‐CKD). In a subset of 144 individuals, we examined the effect of PNPLA3 p.I148M on eGFRCKD‐EPI over a median follow‐up of 17 months.

Results

The p.I148M variant was associated with lower eGFRCKD‐EPI levels (−1.24 mL/min/1.73 m2 per allele, 95% CI: −2.32 to −0.17; p = 0.023), independent of age, sex, height, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, LDL‐cholesterol, transaminases, fasting insulin, albuminuria, lipid‐lowering drugs, ethnicity and PRS‐CKD score. In the prospective evaluation, the p.I148M variant was independently associated with faster eGFRCKD‐EPI decline (ΔeGFRCKD‐EPI −3.57 mL/min/1.73 m2 per allele, 95% CI: −6.94 to −0.21; p = 0.037).

Conclusions

We found a detrimental impact of the PNPLA3 p.I148M variant on eGFRCKD‐EPI levels in middle‐aged individuals with metabolic dysfunction. This association was independent of established risk factors, ethnicity and genetic predisposition to CKD. PNPLA3 p.I148M silencing may protect against kidney damage progression in carriers.
RHAMM marks proliferative subpopulation of human colorectal cancer stem cells
Authors: Nakano Michitaka , Taguchi Ryosuke , Kikushige Yoshikane , Isobe Taichi , Miyawaki Kohta , Mizuno Shinichi , Tsuruta Nobuhiro , Hanamura Fumiyasu , Yamaguchi Kyoko , Yamauchi Takuji , Ariyama Hiroshi , Kusaba Hitoshi , Nakamura Masafumi , Maeda Takahiro , Kuo Calvin J. , Baba Eishi , Akashi Koichi
Published: March 2023

The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory features typically rare self‐renewing subpopulations that reconstitute the heterogeneous tumor. Identification of molecules that characterize the features of CSCs is a key imperative for further understanding tumor heterogeneity and for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. However, the use of conventional markers of CSCs is still insufficient for the isolation of bona fide CSCs. We investigated organoids that are miniature forms of tumor tissues by reconstructing cellular diversity to identify specific markers to characterize CSCs in heterogeneous tumors. Here, we report that the receptor for hyaluronan‐mediated motility (RHAMM) expresses in a subpopulation of CD44+ conventional human colorectal CSC fraction. Single‐cell transcriptomics of organoids highlighted RHAMM‐positive proliferative cells that revealed distinct characteristics among the various cell types. Prospectively isolated RHAMM+CD44+ cells from the human colorectal cancer tissues showed highly proliferative characteristics with a self‐renewal ability in comparison with the other cancer cells. Furthermore, inhibition of RHAMM strongly suppressed organoid formation in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Our findings suggest that RHAMM is a potential therapeutic target because it is a specific marker of the proliferative subpopulation within the conventional CSC fraction.
Invalidity of, and alternative to, the linear quadratic model as a predictive model for postirradiation cell survival
Authors: Li Heng
Published: March 2023

The linear quadratic (LQ) model has been the dominant tool in preclinical radiobiological modeling of cell survival as a function of dose. However, as a second‐order polynomial approximation, it suffers from two well‐known pitfalls: nonmonotonic behavior and poor extrapolation. This study examined the raw data of 253 sets of photons and 943 sets of the ion beam from the Particle Irradiation Data Ensemble (PIDE) project to understand how often the LQ model could result in a negative β, which would give unrealistic predictions. Additionally, the predictive performance of the LQ model, the power model, and the linear model's predictive performance was studied using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation (LOOCV) and twofold cross‐validation. It was found that, when fitted to the LQ model, 7.5% of the photon and 29.8% of the ion beam dose–response data would result in negative β, compared to 0.77% and 2.0%, respectively, reported in published works. The LQ model performed poorly in LOOCV compared to the alternative power model, and performed the worst among the three models in twofold cross‐validation. The LQ model leads to unrealistic parameters, which are vastly under‐reported in published studies, and performs poorly in standard cross‐validation tests. Therefore, the LQ model is not a valid predictive dose–response model for cell survival. Alternative models need to be investigated.
Reliable capillary sampling of carcinoembryonic antigen at home: the CASA feasibility study
Authors: Voigt Kelly R. , Wullaert Lissa , Verhoef Cornelis , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Ramakers Christian
Published: March 2023

Aim

Follow‐up after colorectal cancer requires frequent surveillance of the tumour marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Home‐based blood sampling could be beneficial in terms of patients' well‐being and societal cost‐effectiveness. Blood sampling by venepuncture is unsuitable for home‐based sampling. The aim of this feasibility study is to evaluate the long‐term whole‐blood stability of CEA.

Method

In this prospective feasibility study capillary blood withdrawal was collected in a Hem‐Col® microtube containing a patented stabilization buffer using an internal lithium standard to correct for dilution. Long‐term whole‐blood stability was considered adequate if the relative bias in CEA concentration between delayed analysis of capillary samples and directly processed venepuncture is within the total error margin of CEA.

Results

Twenty two colorectal cancer patients were included to determine the stability of CEA in capillary sampling compared with directly processed (i.e. within 2 h) venepuncture sampling. The median time between venous sampling and CEA analysis and capillary sampling and CEA analysis was 2 h (interquartile range 1–4 h) and 76 h (interquartile range 74–95 h), respectively. A Bland–Altman difference plot excluding outliers showed an overall relative bias of −1.23%. The two capillary samples in our outlier analysis also showed the highest lithium concentrations.

Conclusion

Home‐based capillary sampling with the use of the Hem‐Col® buffer is a feasible method for CEA determination when analysed within 4 days after blood withdrawal, allowing monitoring for colorectal cancer patients from home. High lithium concentrations due to insufficient filling of the Hem‐Col® tube suggest less reliable CEA measurements.
A pooled analysis of the risk prediction models for mortality in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ji Zile , Li Xuanlin , Lei Siyuan , Xu Jiaxin , Xie Yang
Published: March 2023

Objective

The prognosis for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is not optimistic, and severe AECOPD leads to an increased risk of mortality. Prediction models help distinguish between high‐ and low‐risk groups. At present, many prediction models have been established and validated, which need to be systematically reviewed to screen out more suitable models that can be used in the clinic and provide evidence for future research.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases for studies on risk models for AECOPD mortality from their inception to 10 April 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST). Stata software (version 16) was used to synthesize the C‐statistics for each model.

Results

A total of 37 studies were included. The development of risk prediction models for mortality in patients with AECOPD was described in 26 articles, in which the most common predictors were age (n = 17), dyspnea grade (n = 11), altered mental status (n = 8), pneumonia (n = 6) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN, n = 6). The remaining 11 articles only externally validated existing models. All 37 studies were evaluated at a high risk of bias using PROBAST. We performed a meta‐analysis of five models included in 15 studies. DECAF (dyspnoea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidemia and atrial fibrillation) performed well in predicting in‐hospital death [C‐statistic = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 0.98] and 90‐day death [C‐statistic = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.82] and CURB‐65 (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure and age) performed well in predicting 30‐day death [C‐statistic = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.77].

Conclusions

This study provides information on the characteristics, performance and risk of bias of a risk model for AECOPD mortality. This pooled analysis of the present study suggests that the DECAF performs well in predicting in‐hospital and 90‐day deaths. Yet, external validation in different populations is still needed to prove this performance.
Concordance of reflectance confocal microscopy and gene expression profiling for melanocytic lesions with uncertain malignant potential: A case series
Authors: Gronbeck Christian , Rabinovitz Harold , NP Margaret Oliviero , Grant‐Kels Jane M.
Published: March 2023

For a small yet significant proportion of melanocytic lesions, histopathologic analysis may be unable to definitively evaluate malignant potential. These cases may signify a specific need for newer ancillary diagnostic technologies, including in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and gene expression profiling (GEP), both of which are highly sensitive in the diagnosis of melanoma. We report four cases of clinically suspicious melanocytic lesions that lacked definitive malignant features on histopathology and that were aided by use of RCM and GEP. Three of the four cases showed concordance between RCM and GEP in the diagnosis of melanoma. In one case, RCM was suggestive of melanoma; on the other hand, GEP and histopathology supported a final diagnosis of compound Spitz nevus. These cases support the role of RCM as a novel, non‐invasive diagnostic tool to aid in the diagnosis of clinically suspicious melanocytic lesions with uncertain malignant potential, although RCM may have relatively lower accuracy for some atypical spitzoid lesions.
Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) suppress Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) feeding activity and increase aggressive behaviours at warmer temperatures
Authors: Ramberg‐Pihl Nicole C. , Klemmer Amanda J. , Zydlewski Joseph , Coghlan Stephen M. , Greig Hamish S.
Published: March 2023

By 2050, mean temperature in the state of Maine, located in the Northeastern USA, is expected to increase nearly 1°C, which could directly affect native coldwater salmonid behaviour and increase competition with warmwater smallmouth bass. We conducted a microcosm experiment to examine the feeding and agonistic behaviour of endangered juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) at two temperatures (18 and 21°C) in the presence and absence of non‐native Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu). By visually reviewing footage of fish competition in our tanks, we quantified feeding and agonistic interactions. We predicted salmon would exhibit lower feeding activity than bass at 21°C and antagonistic interactions between the two species would increase with warming. We found salmon feeding activity was reduced by smallmouth bass presence and this effect was stronger at 21°C. We also found smallmouth bass aggression was strongest at 21°C when salmon were present. Lastly, feeding activity and aggression in both species changed with food availability. These findings illustrate the potential for invasive warmwater species to outcompete native salmonids for resources, especially under the warmer conditions predicted by climate change scenarios.
Vulnerability to loneliness among fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder: The role of interpersonal and familial resources
Authors: George‐Levi Sivan , Laslo‐Roth Roni , Ben Yaakov Lital
Published: March 2023

Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be at increased risk of becoming lonely. In the current study, we explored the differences in loneliness between fathers of children with and without ASD and identified interpersonal and familial resources (social support, family cohesion, and family adaptability) that might be related to levels of loneliness. Using a cross‐sectional design, 348 fathers (of 114 children with ASD and 234 without) completed a series of questionnaires. Fathers of children with ASD reported higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of social support and family cohesion. A moderated mediation model indicated that the interaction between social support and family cohesion mediated the association between ASD group (i.e., ASD vs. non‐ASD) and fathers' loneliness. Findings suggest the importance of interpersonal and familial resources (e.g., perceived social support and family cohesion) for family members at risk of loneliness.
ACTFL Chinese reading proficiency guidelines: Verifying the difficulty hierarchy
Authors: Lin Jia
Published: March 2023

The Challenge

The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines play a guiding role in foreign language teaching, testing, curriculum design, and textbook development. However, can the difficulty hierarchy posited by descriptors in the Guidelines be verified empirically? How to verify it by scaling teachers' collective perceptions of descriptor difficulty?
The impacts and implications of the community face mask use during the Covid‐19 pandemic: A qualitative narrative interview study
Authors: Hanna Esmée , Martin Graham , Campbell Anne , Connolly Paris , Fearon Kristine
Published: March 2023

Introduction

A range of nonpharmaceutical public health interventions has been introduced in many countries following the rapid spread of Covid‐19 since 2020, including recommendations or mandates for the use of face masks or coverings in the community. While the effectiveness of face masks in reducing Covid‐19 transmission has been extensively discussed, scant attention has been paid to the lived experience of those wearing face masks.

Method

Drawing on 40 narrative interviews with a purposive sample of people in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on marginalised and minoritized groups, our paper explores experiences of face mask use during the pandemic.

Results

We find that face masks have a range of societal, health and safety impacts, and prompted positive and negative emotional responses for users. We map our findings onto Lorenc and Oliver's framework for intervention risks. We suggest that qualitative data offer particular insights into the experiences of public health interventions, allowing the potential downsides and risks of interventions to be more fully considered and informing public health policies that might avoid inadvertent harm, particularly towards marginalised groups.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study primarily involved members of the public in the conduct of the research, namely through participation in interviews (email and telephone). The conception for the study involved extensive discussions on social media with a range of people, and we received input and ideas from presentations we delivered on the preliminary analysis.
Study for skin gloss perception using computer modulation and frequency separation on surface reflection
Authors: Lee Myeongryeol , Jung Yuchul , Kim Eunjoo
Published: March 2023

Objective

Skin gloss is a parameter of beauty and health and is used to evaluate the efficacy of makeup or skin care products. Skin gloss is a perception‐based characteristic, which yet needs to be evaluated quantitatively and objectively. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the perception of matte, glossiness and greasiness on Korean women's skin, focusing on the effect of surface reflection.

Methods

In this study, a visual evaluation of skin gloss was performed using modulated images that combined facial reference (normal) images with images characterized by 64 different levels of surface reflection to investigate factors that might affect the perception of matte, glossy and greasy skin. Fifteen participants classified the respective images into three categories (matte, glossy and greasy), and the intensity of each image was rated using a three‐point scale (weak, moderate or strong). A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed using 960 data points (n = 64 × 15). A high‐frequency average + 1 standard deviation (SD = 4) was set as the criterion for a highly glossy object.

Results

A significant difference was found between the three categories considering four parameters: low‐frequency mean (LFM) and SD (LFSD) and high‐frequency mean (HFM) and SD (HFSD). The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that LFM and HFSD were significant influencing factors for perceiving matte, glossiness and greasiness. As the LFM and HFSD of the images increased, perception changed from matte, to glossy and greasy. Further, the total number and total area of highly glossy objects were significantly different among the three categories.

Conclusion

We identified four different factors related to perceiving matte, glossiness and greasiness on the faces of Korean women, including the LFM and HFSD of surface reflection, as well as the number of highly glossy objects and the area of surface reflection. Furthermore, we identified evenness of shine as a key factor for the perception of greasiness. These parameters could be useful for distinguishing skin gloss and for a quantitative evaluation of greasiness.
Combined intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages and sugar‐containing ultra‐processed foods is associated with an increase in body mass index during early childhood
Authors: Pereyra‐González Isabel , Mattei Josiemer
Published: March 2023

Background

Sugar‐containing ultra‐processed (SUP) foods and beverages consumption has increased globally in recent years and contributes to the rising global trends of obesity and diet‐related chronic non‐communicable diseases. However, there are limited longitudinal studies of SUP foods and beverages intake and weight gain in children.

Objectives

To examine associations between intake of sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) and SUP foods and changes in body mass index during early childhood.

Methods

Multistage sampling was used to select a nationally representative sample of Uruguayan children living in urban areas from the 2012–2013 Continuous Household Survey. The sample for this analysis included all children aged 0–3 years 11 months with dietary data in 2013–2014 (wave 1;n = 2611) and in 2015–2016 (wave 2;n = 2383). Multilevel regression modelling tested the association between children's consumption of SSB and SUP foods and change in BMIz‐score (BMIz).

Results

In multivariable‐adjusted models, intake of SSB and SUP foods (in combination but not individually) in both waves was positively associated with change in BMIz over 2 yearsβcoefficient: 0.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.23). BMIz decreased among non‐consumers (β: −0.12, 95% CI: −0.24, −0.00,p = 0.048). Associations were significant for SUP foods but not SSB foods individually. Children consuming ≥2 SSB and SUP foods (vs. <2) at baseline had increased BMIz (pfor trend = 0.02).

Conclusion

Early and current intake of SSB and SUP foods and beverages was associated with increases in BMIz in children over 2 years.
Transvaginal vesicovaginal fistula closure: A retrospective study of 28 cases at a single facility in Japan
Authors: Kurokawa Ippei , Nomura Yukiko , Nakagawa Chie , Okada Yoshiyuki , Fuji Kohzo , Yoshimura Yasukuni
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We aimed to report the background of patients with vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) at our center, which has treated a relatively large number of such patients in Japan, as well as the ingenuity and outcomes of vesicovaginal fistula closure (VVFC). We also investigated the causes of VVFs.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed for 28 patients with VVFs treated at our center. Age, body mass index, etiology, site of fistula, and postoperative outcomes were investigated.

Results

Twenty‐one (75%) fistulas occurred following hysterectomy. The overall success rate of VVFC was 85.7%, and the success rate limited to the first attempt was 89.5%. In 68% of cases, no bladder injury suspected as the cause of VVF was noticed during the surgery. Energy devices were used in all 12 patients for whom information on the type of device used for hysterectomy was confirmed.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report to evaluate a relatively large number of VVFCs in Japan. Although VVF is thought to be caused by bladder injury during hysterectomy, delayed thermal damage might also result in this pathology, even if there is no apparent intraoperative bladder injury.
Effect of superfine grinding on the physico‐chemical and antioxidant properties ofCistanche deserticolapowders
Authors: Hou Shoubu , Zhao Qing‐Sheng , Chang Senlin , Li Hang , Zha Sheng‐hua , Li Qiushuang , Weng Di , Qin Qiao , Zhao Bing , Zhang Jinyu
Published: March 2023

Cistanche deserticolahas recently been included in the category of food. In this study, the physical and chemical attributes and antioxidant capacity of six kinds ofC. deserticolapowders prepared by jet milling were discussed. With the decrease of particle size, the specific surface areas ofC. deserticolpowders had increased significantly (from 0.040 ± 0.0060 to 0.86 ± 0.030 m2·g−1). The repose angles and slide angles (from 18.43 ± 1.15° to 34.21 ± 1.72° and 27.38 ± 1.72° to 35.80 ± 1.49°, respectively), water and oil holding capacities (from 2.40 ± 0.11 to 1.23 ± 0.12 g/g, 0.73 ± 0.12 to 1.39 ± 0.11 g/g, respectively) of superfineC. deserticolapowders were compared with coarse powders. Superfine grinding promoted the dissolution of active substances, such as the dissolution of phenylethanol glycoside increased from 0.15% to 2.11%. The ultrafine powders ofC. deserticolashow great potential in food industry, such as health foods and dietary foods, extending the application ofC. deserticola.

Practical Applications

Cistanche deserticolahave recently been included into food catalogue and the ultrafine particles ofC. deserticolawould be widely used in food industry. Therefore, to understand the physico‐chemical and antioxidant properties are very necessary, which could be conducive to improve their application. The study showed that the ultrafine powders ofC. deserticolahave better physico‐chemical and antioxidant properties than coarse powders.
Identification of residues in the first transmembrane domain of the P2X7 that regulates receptor trafficking, sensitization, and dye uptake function
Authors: Rupert Marian , Bhattacharya Anirban , Sivcev Sonja , Knezu Michal , Cimicka Jana , Zemkova Hana
Published: March 2023

P2X receptors (P2X1‐7) are trimeric ion channels activated by extracellular ATP. Each P2X subunit contains two transmembrane helices (TM1 and TM2). We substituted all residues in TM1 of rat P2X7 with alanine or leucine one by one, expressed mutants in HEK293T cells, and examined the pore permeability by recording both membrane currents and fluorescent dye uptake in response to agonist application. Alanine substitution of G27, K30, H34, Y40, F43, L45, M46, and D48 inhibited agonist‐stimulated membrane current and dye uptake, and all but one substitution, D48A, prevented surface expression. Mutation V41A partially reduced both membrane current and dye uptake, while W31A and A44L showed reduced dye uptake not accompanied by reduced membrane current. Mutations T28A, I29A, and L33A showed small changes in agonist sensitivity, but they had no or small impact on dye uptake function. Replacing charged residues with residues of the same charge (K30R, H34K, and D48E) rescued receptor function, while replacement with residues of opposite charge inhibited (K30E and H34E) or potentiated (D48K) receptor function. Prolonged stimulation with agonist‐induced current facilitation and a leftward shift in the dose–response curve in the P2X7 wild‐type and most functional mutants, but sensitization was absent in the W31A, L33A, and A44L. Detailed analysis of the decay of responses revealed two kinetically distinct mechanisms of P2X7 deactivation: fast represents agonist unbinding, and slow might represent resetting of the receptor to the resting closed state. These results indicate that conserved and receptor‐specific TM1 residues control surface expression of the P2X7 protein, non‐polar residues control receptor sensitization, and D48 regulates intrinsic channel properties.

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Implicit rationing of nursing care reported by nurses from different types of hospitals and hospital units
Authors: Zeleníková Renáta , Jarošová Darja , Polanská Andrea , Mynaříková Eva
Published: March 2023

Aims and Objectives

The study aimed to investigate differences in assessing implicit rationing of nursing care by Czech nurses with respect to the type of unit and type of hospital.

Background

Implicit rationing of nursing care may differ across different types of hospitals and hospital units.

Design

This study used a multicentre cross‐sectional study design.

Methods

The STROBE checklist for observational cross‐sectional studies was followed for reporting of the research study. The sample included 8209 nurses providing direct care to medical and surgical patients in 14 acute care Czech hospitals. The main outcome was implicit rationing of nursing care as measured with a Czech version of the Perceived Implicit Rationing of Nursing Care (PIRNCA) instrument. Data were collected from September 2019 to October 2020.

Results

The most frequently rationed nursing care activity was timely response to patient or family request/need, followed by emotional or psychological support and adequate supervision of delegated tasks. More implicitly rationed nursing care was reported in medical units. Statistical differences were found in rating 25 items and the PIRNCA total score. Nurses from middle‐sized hospitals reported implicitly rationed care more frequently than those from large hospitals.

Conclusion

More rationed care was reported by nurses from medical units and nurses from middle‐sized hospitals. Organisational variables (the type of unit and type of hospital) influence the implicit rationing of nursing care in our study.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings call for nursing managers to pay attention to organisational variables which may affect the implicit rationing of nursing care.
Moderate dietary salt restriction improves blood pressure and mental well‐being in patients with primary aldosteronism: The salt CONNtrol trial
Authors: Schneider Holger , Sarkis Anna‐Lina , Sturm Lisa , Britz Vera , Lechner Andreas , Potzel Anne L. , Müller Lisa Marie , Heinrich Daniel A. , Künzel Heike , Nowotny Hanna F. , Seiter Thomas Marchant , Kunz Sonja , Bidlingmaier Martin , Reincke Martin , Adolf Christian
Published: March 2023

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a frequent cause of hypertension. Aldosterone excess together with high dietary salt intake aggravates cardiovascular damage, despite guideline‐recommended mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment.

Objectives

To investigate the antihypertensive impact of a moderate dietary salt restriction and associated physiological changes, including mental well‐being.

Methods

A total of 41 patients with PA on a stable antihypertensive regimen—including MRA—followed a dietary salt restriction for 12 weeks with structured nutritional training and consolidation by a mobile health app. Salt intake and adherence were monitored every 4 weeks using 24‐h urinary sodium excretion and nutrition protocols. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance analysis and mental well‐being by validated questionnaires.

Results

Dietary salt intake significantly decreased from 9.1 to 5.2 g/d at the end of the study. In parallel, systolic (130 vs. 121 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (84 vs. 81 mm Hg) improved significantly. Patients’ aptitude of estimating dietary salt content was refined significantly (underestimation by 2.4 vs. 1.4 g/d). Salt restriction entailed a significant weight loss of 1.4 kg, improvement in pulse pressure (46 vs. 40 mm Hg) and normalization of depressive symptoms (PHQD scale, p < 0.05). Salt restriction, cortisol after dexamethasone suppression test and dosage of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone‐system (RAAS) blockers were independently associated with BP reduction.

Conclusion

A moderate restriction of dietary salt intake in patients with PA substantially reduces BP and depressive symptoms. Moreover, the findings underline that a sufficient RAAS blockade seems to augment the effects of salt restriction on BP and cardiovascular risk.
Neural oscillations after acute large artery atherosclerotic cerebral infarction during resting state and sleep spindles
Authors: Zeng Guoli , Zhou Yan , Yang Yushu , Ruan Lili , Tan Linjie , Luo Hua , Ruan Jianghai
Published: March 2023

Electroencephalogram‐microstate analysis was conducted using low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA)‐KEY to evaluate dynamic brain network changes in patients with acute large artery atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (LAACI) during the rest and sleep stages. This study included 35 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls and 34 patients with acute LAACI. Each participant performed a 3‐h, 19‐channel video electroencephalogram test. Subsequently, 20 epochs of 2‐s sleep spindles during stage N2 sleep and five epochs of 10‐s electroencephalogram data in the resting state for each participant were obtained. In both the resting state and sleep spindles, patients with LAACI displayed altered neural oscillations. The parameters of microstate A (coverage, occurrence, and duration) increased during the resting state in the patients with LAACI compared with healthy controls. The coverage and occurrence of microstate B and D were reduced in the LAACI group compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, during sleep spindles, the duration of microstate A and the transition probability from microstate A and B to C decreased, but the coverage of microstate B and the transition rate from microstate B to D increased (p < 0.05) in the LAACI group compared with the healthy controls. These results enable better understanding of how neural oscillations are modified in patients with LAACI during the resting state and sleep spindles. Following LAACI, the dynamic brain network undergoes changes during sleep spindles and the resting state. Continued long‐term investigations are required to determine how well these changes in brain dynamics reflect the clinical characteristics of patients with LAACI.
The efficacy of intensive sleep retraining for insomnia: A systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Scott Hannah , Bensen‐Boakes Darah‐Bree , Lovato Nicole , Reynolds Amy , Perlis Michael , Lack Leon
Published: March 2023

Intensive sleep retraining (ISR) is a brief behavioural treatment for sleep onset insomnia, administered in just a single overnight treatment session. This systematic review evaluates existing trials about the efficacy of intensive sleep retraining for treating insomnia, to inform whether there is enough evidence to recommend its use for clinical practice. A systematic literature search was conducted across three databases, yielding 108 results. Of these studies, three were deemed suitable for inclusion in this review. The included studies consistently reported significant reductions in insomnia symptoms following intensive sleep retraining, particularly decreases in sleep diary‐derived sleep latency and increases in total sleep time. Based on these inconclusive but promising findings, a research agenda is proffered to test intensive sleep retraining as a treatment for insomnia. Large randomised controlled trials are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of intensive sleep retraining for different populations with insomnia, as are mechanistic trials to test which components underlie its seemingly therapeutic effects. Since more practical modalities of intensive sleep retraining administration have been developed, such trials are more feasible to conduct now than ever before.
Effects of glutenin and gliadin on the surface tackiness of frozen cooked noodles
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Hui , Zhang Ya‐Ru , Qiao Lin , Guo Wei‐Min , Yang Yue‐Ying , Xu Fei
Published: March 2023

The mechanism of glutenin and gliadin on the surface tackiness of recooked frozen cooked noodles (FCNs) is unclear. In this study, the effects of glutenin and gliadin addition on the surface tackiness of FCNs were investigated. The addition of glutenin and gliadin reduced the surface tackiness (3.60 and 3.50 N) of recooked FCNs stored for 0 min. The addition of glutenin increased the rigidity of the gluten network and the compactness of FCNs and made the FCNs have a moisture‐distribution with multilayers. The addition of gliadin increased the tensile distance of FCNs, restricted water migration during frozen storage, and increased the membranous structure of the gluten network to wrap starch particles. Glutenin had a stronger effect on reducing the surface tackiness of FCNs than gliadin. In the future, the synergistic effects of different proportions of glutenin and gliadin on the gluten network of FCNs could be further studied.
Distrusted Partnership: Unpacking Anti‐Americanism in Turkey
Authors: Grigoriadis Ioannis N. , Aras Ümit Erol
Published: March 2023

The decline of US‐Turkey relations has been one of the most striking developments within NATO and the broader Western alliance. This article sheds light on this distrusted partnership by studying anti‐American sentiment in Turkish public opinion since the Arab uprisings of the 2010s. Employing a typology of anti‐Americanisms introduced by Keohane and Katzenstein, it examines views of the United States and US‐Turkey relations in the Turkish media and among the public, and it explores the conditions under which the declining relations could be reset. In particular, it shows how the ruling Justice and Development Party exploits anti‐US opinion, the Turkish media's role, the stances of Turkish opposition groups, and the long‐term consequences for the strained bilateral relationship.