bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Self-Care and Educational Mobile App to Improve Outcomes of Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Essa Hani , Jackson Carolyn , Nyjo Siji , Kelly Ann-Marie , Murphy Naomi , Hartshorne-Evans Nick , Walker Lauren , Oguguo Emeka , Douglas Homeyra , Sankaranarayanan Rajiv
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Expansion in digital health using mobile phone health applications has increased recently. We developed a mobile phone application (Aintree Heart Failure Passport-AHFP APP) for heart failure (HF) patient education, self-care and improved medication adherence.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients with acute decompensated HF managed with day-case intravenous diuretics in a HF specialist nurse delivered Ambulatory Acute Heart Failure Unit (AAHFU) in a British university hospital during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to July 2021). We assessed self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour scale – EHFSBs-9) and medication adherence (Medication Adherence Report Scale -MARS-5) at 2 weeks post-presentation in patients who utilised the AHFP APP and compared 30-day HF re-admissions with annual hospital HF data.

Results

148 out of 221 consecutive ADHF patients treated in the AAHFU downloaded the AHFP Mobile APP. 45% were women and mean age of the cohort 62 ± 6.1 years. 55% patients had HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 34% had HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) and 11% had HF with mildly reduced EF. Mean EHFSBs-9 was 19.1±6.7; mean MARS-5 score 23.3±1.HF 30 day re-hospitalisation incidence significantly lower (11%) in the APP cohort compared to the incidence of 19% amongst all patients with ADHF during the study period (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Our pilot feasibility study suggests that use of a HF educational self-care mobile phone APP in ADHF patients during the COVID pandemic, leads to high quality self-care behaviour, high medication adherence and also lower levels of 30-day HF re-hospitalisation. These results will need to be validated in a randomised controlled trial.

3 Key Points

The use of digital healthcare technologies such as mobile APPs, is rapidly increasing

This study analyses the role of our heart failure educational and self-care mobile APP, used by patients with acute decompensated heart failure during the COVID-19 pandemic

Our results show that use of the mobile APP can lead to high levels of self-care, medication adherence and also reduced 30 day readmissions
FGF21 has a sex-specific role in calorie-restriction-induced beiging of white adipose tissue in mice
Authors: Calubag Mariah F. , Ademi Ismail , Yeh Chung-Yang , Babygirija Reji , Bhoopat Alyssa M. , Kasza Ildiko , Sonsalla Michelle M. , Green Cara L. , Pak Heidi H. , Lamming Dudley W.
Published: August 2022

Calorie restriction (CR) promotes healthspan and extends the lifespan of diverse organisms, including mice, and there is intense interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which CR functions. Some studies have demonstrated that CR induces fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone that regulates energy balance and that when overexpressed, promotes metabolic health and longevity in mice, but the role of FGF21 in the response to CR has not been fully investigated. We directly examined the role of FGF21 in the physiological and metabolic response to a CR diet by feedingFgf21-/-and wild-type control mice eitherad libitum(AL) diet or a 30% CR diet for 15 weeks. Here, we find that FGF21 is largely dispensable for CR-induced improvements in body composition and energy balance, but that lack ofFgf21blunts CR-induced changes aspects of glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity in females. Surprisingly, despite not affecting CR-induced changes in energy expenditure, loss ofFgf21significantly blunts CR-induced beiging of white adipose tissue in male but not female mice. Our results shed new light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of a CR diet, clarify that FGF21 is largely dispensable for the metabolic effects of a CR diet, and highlight a sex-dependent role for FGF21 in the molecular adaptation of white adipose tissue to CR.
Super-resolution mass spectrometry enables rapid, accurate, and highly-multiplexed proteomics at the MS2-level
Authors: Kozhinov Anton N. , Johnson Alex , Nagornov Konstantin O. , Stadlmeier Michael , Martin Warham Lance , Dayon Loïc , Corthésy John , Wühr Martin , Tsybin Yury O.
Published: August 2022

In tandem mass spectrometry (MS2)-based multiplexed quantitative proteomics, the complement reporter ion approaches (TMTc and TMTproC) were developed to eliminate the ratio-compression problem of conventional MS2 level approaches. Resolving all highm/zcomplement reporter ions (∼6.32 mDa spaced) requires mass resolution and scan speeds above the performance levels of Orbitrap™ instruments. Therefore, complement reporter ion quantification with TMT™/TMTpro™ reagents is currently limited to 5 out of 11 (TMT) or 9 out of 18 (TMTpro) channels (∼1 Da spaced). We first demonstrate that a Fusion™ Lumos™ Orbitrap™ can resolve 6.32 mDa spaced complement reporter ions with standard acquisition modes extended with 3-second transients. We then implemented a super-resolution mass spectrometry approach using the least-squares fitting (LSF) method for processing Orbitrap transients to achieve shotgun proteomics-compatible scan rates. The LSF performance resolves the 6.32 mDa doublets for all TMTproC channels in the standard mass range with transients as short as ∼108 ms (Orbitrap resolution setting of 50 000 atm/z200). However, we observe a slight decrease in measurement precision compared to 1 Da spacing with the 108 ms transients. With 256 ms transients (resolution of 120 000 atm/z200), coefficients of variation are essentially indistinguishable from 1 Da samples. We thus demonstrate the feasibility of highly-multiplexed, accurate, and precise shotgun-proteomics at the MS2 level.
Why Ortho- and Para-Hydroxy Metabolites Can Scavenge Free Radicals That the Parent Atorvastatin Cannot? Important Pharmacologic Insight from Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Bâldea Ioan
Published: August 2022

The pharmaceutical success of atorvastatin (ATV), a widely employed drug against the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and cardiovascular diseases, traces back to its ability to scavenge free radicals. Unfortunately, information on its antioxidant properties is missing or unreliable. Here, we report detailed quantum chemical results for ATV and its ortho- and para-hydroxy metabolites (o-ATV, p-ATV) in methanolic phase. They comprise global reactivity indices bond order indices and spin densities as well as all relevant enthalpies of reaction (bond dissociation BDE, ionization IP and electron attachment EA, proton detachment PDE and proton affinity PA, and electron transfer ETE). With these properties in hand, we can provide the first theoretical explanation of the experimental finding that, due to their free radical scavenging activity, ATV hydroxy metabolites rather than the parent ATV have substantial inhibitory effect on LDL and the like. Surprisingly (because it is contrary to the most cases currently known), we unambiguously found that HAT (direct hydrogen atom transfer) rather than SPLET (sequential proton loss electron transfer) or SET-PT (stepwise electron transfer proton transfer) is the thermodynamically preferred pathway by which o-ATV and p-ATV in methanolic phase can scavenge DPPH• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radicals.
A distinct phylogenetic cluster of Monkeypox genomes suggests an early and cryptic spread of the virus
Authors: Jolly Bani , Scaria Vinod
Published: August 2022

Since its first reports in humans in 1970, monkeypox has been predominantly restricted to countries in Africa where the disease is endemic. Early in 2022, a large number of cases of the disease were reported from Europe and other countries in patients with no history of travel to regions where monkeypox is endemic. Amid a rise in cases, the availability of genome sequences of monkeypox virus isolates in the public domain provides an opportunity to understand the transmission and evolution of the virus. Here, we describe a distinct phylogenetic cluster of monkeypox virus (lineage A.2) using genome sequences available on GISAID. Lineage A.2 currently encompasses 9 genome sequences from 6 viral isolates collected from 3 countries and is distinctly different from the predominant lineage B.1 which is linked to the large European outbreak.
Machine Learning Informs RNA-Binding Chemical Space
Authors: Yazdani Kamyar , Jordan Deondre , Yang Mo , Fullenkamp Christopher R. , Allen Timothy E. H. , Khan Rabia T. , Schneekloth John S.
Published: August 2022

Small molecule targeting of RNA has emerged as a new frontier in medicinal chemistry, but compared to the protein targeting literature our understanding of chemical matter that binds to RNA is limited. In this study, we reportRepositoryOfBInders toNucleic acids (ROBIN), a new library of nucleic acid binders identified by small molecule microarray (SMM) screening. The complete results of 36 individual nucleic acid SMM screens against a library of 24,572 small molecules are reported (including a total of 1,627,072 interactions assayed). A set of 2,003 RNA-binding small molecules is identified, representing the largest fully public, experimentally derived library of its kind to date. Machine learning is used to develop highly predictive and interpretable models to characterize RNA-binding molecules. This work demonstrates that machine learning algorithms applied to experimentally derived sets of RNA binders are a powerful method to inform RNA-targeted chemical space.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ethyl (3E)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)3-{[(4-methoxyphenyl)formamido]imino}-7-methyl-2H,3H,5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate 0.25-hydrate
Authors: Mohamed Shaaban K. , Mague Joel T. , Akkurt Mehmet , Alfayomy Abdallah M. , Ragab Fatma A. F. , Abd ul-Malik Mokhtar A.
Published: August 2022

In the title compound, C24H23FN4O4S·0.25H2O, the dihydropyrimidine ring is distinctly non-planar, with the flap C atom deviating by 0.297 (2) Å from the least-squares plane. In the crystal, zigzag chains are formed by N—H...N hydrogen bonds parallel to [010] and are connected into layers parallel to (100) by O—H...O, O—H...F, C—H...O, C—H...F and C—H...N hydrogen bonds. Additional C—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the layers into a three-dimensional network. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most significant contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (42.6%), O...H/H...O (16.8%) and C...H/H...C (15.5%) contacts.
How the introduction of the COVID-19 tracing apps affects future tracking technology adoption
Authors: Matt Christian , Teebken Mena , Özcan Beril
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Studies on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tracing apps have mostly focused on how to optimize adoption and continuous use, but did not consider potential long-term effects of their introduction. This study aims to analyse whether the characteristics of the recent introduction of tracing apps may negatively impact individuals' attitudes and intentions to adopt future tracking technology.

Design/methodology/approach

In an online experiment across three countries (Australia, Germany, UK), the authors measured how perceived benefits of COVID-19 tracing apps as well as specific government and campaign-related factors affect privacy concerns, attitude towards future tracking apps and intention to adopt. The authors manipulated the type of provider (governmental vs private) and the type of beneficiaries of the future tracking technology app (the individual alone or also the public) as determinants of adoption.

Findings

The authors find that privacy concerns towards the COVID-19 tracing apps negatively impact attitude and intention to adopt future tracking apps. Future adoption is more likely if the app is provided by the government, whereas additional benefits to the public do not positively stimulate adoption. Second, the study analyzed different factors, including perceptions on governments and the app introduction, as well as perceived benefits.

Originality/value

Taking the introduction of COVID-19 apps in different countries as a basis, the authors link both perceived benefits and contextual factors to privacy concerns, attitudes towards and intention to adopt the related technology in the future. The authors hereby clarify the responsibility of governmental actors who conduct large-scale technology introductions for the future diffusion of related technologies.
Evaluating patient and medical staff satisfaction from doctor–patient communication
Authors: Katsaliaki Korina
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the views of doctors, nursing staff and hospitalized patients on the level of information they provide and receive respectively in public hospitals, focusing on the factors that affect their communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional survey with a sample of 426 participants from two general hospitals in Greece–Pella and KAT Attica. Data were collected through a questionnaire in March–May 2020 and was analyzed with mean comparisons and correlations.

Findings

The results showed discrepancy in the satisfaction rate, with 67.3% satisfied patients from doctors' communication vs. 83.7% satisfied doctors. Improvements in hospital staff – patient communication are required especially on alternative therapies' discussion and time spent on communication. All respondents agreed that staff shortage is a deterrent factor for effective communication. Seamless for all respondents' groups, the factors that affect the communication satisfaction level are the duration of communication, time allowed for expressing questions and interest in patients' personal situation.

Practical implications

Strengthening the communication skills of medical staff and providing clear guidelines on when and how to inform patients are essential.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing body of research on doctor–patient communication. Its originality lies on the fact that communication satisfaction level was examined simultaneously for doctors, nurses and patients. The study provides additional evidence supporting the link among satisfaction and duration of communication and personalized relationship. The study's findings are important in the training of medical staff and the management of patients' expectations.
Some observations on contemporary financial proposals
Authors: Shaikh Salman Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the views of scholarship in South Asia regarding Riba and Riba-free finance, including the conservative and realist schools in mainstream thought and the assimilative and interpretive schools in liberal thought.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses textual analysis to critically review the writings of scholars in South Asia on contemporary issues regarding Riba and Riba-free finance. It provides a critical review in the light of Islamic jurisprudence and extant Islamic economics literature.

Findings

There are several characteristics in conventional banking and finance products that do not comply with Islamic teachings. In this scenario, Islamic banking is comparatively a better alternative to conventional banking and finance products to achieve Shari’ah compliance and avoid indulging in Riba.

Practical implications

Voluntary financial exclusion to avoid Riba is significant in Muslim-majority countries. Increased penetration of Islamic finance requires clarity on what is Riba and confidence in Riba-free alternatives. Outreach efforts of Islamic financial institutions use conventional banking as a frame of reference to provide a critique of interest-based banking. However, the apprehensions within the Islamic finance literature also need to be answered to change perception and enhance people’s willingness to use Islamic banking. Doing this can expedite the process of financial inclusion as well as help in the transformation of the economy on Riba-free foundations in a reasonably quick timeframe.

Originality/value

This is the first study to critically evaluate the financial proposals presented and propagated by the contemporary interpretive school in South Asia.
Are stock market returns affected by financial market variables? Evidence from Bursa Malaysia by panel generalized method of moments
Authors: Ruhani Fatima , Mat Junoh Mohd Zukime
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to find the relationship of stock market returns and selected financial market variables (market capitalization, earnings per share, price-earnings multiples, dividend yield and trading volume) of Malaysia grounded by the arbitrage pricing theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically examines the effects of selected financial market variables on stock market returns using 64 companies listed in Malaysia's stock market with data spanning from 2005 to 2018. A systematic empirical study based on the Generalized Method of Moments following Arellano and Bond (1991) has been taken to estimate the effect.

Findings

The regression result of the financial market variables and stock market return shows that, except for trading volume, all selected financial market variables play significant roles in the stock market returns. Furthermore, market capitalization, earnings per share, price-earnings ratio, dividend yield and trading volume have a positive impact on stock market returns.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study can contribute by helping domestic and global investors devise strategies to minimize their risks. Also, policy administrators can use the outcomes of this study to inform the micro- and macro-level policy formulation.

Originality/value

This study will contribute to filling the gap in knowledge concerning the new release of factors affecting the stock market returns of Malaysia.
Value co-creation and co-destruction in the digital transformation of highly traditional companies
Authors: Hauke-Lopes Aleksandra , Ratajczak-Mrozek Milena , Wieczerzycki Marcin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how digital transformation changes highly traditional business processes and how it impacts value co-creation and co-destruction. More specifically, the aim is to examine, using the resource interaction approach, how the friction between non-digital and digital resources affects the co-creation and co-destruction of value in a network during digital transformation. Based on this, the authors provide managerial implications on how to handle simultaneous digital and traditional business processes to co-create value during digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is conducted of a digital platform provider and of three traditional confectioneries. In this analysis, the authors looked at the business processes of highly traditional confectioneries that have introduced online services through a digital platform and are undergoing digital transformation.

Findings

In some industries, it is neither possible nor advisable to fully digitalise all business processes, and companies have to partially retain their traditional, analogue character to create value. The process of value co-creation during digital transformation is affected by friction between the digital and non-digital resources and is mitigated by specific lubricants (e.g. mutual reliance, smooth personal communication, willingness to help, attitude towards change). This results in the improvement of processes and capabilities in terms of digital development and traditional production. Friction may also lead to value co-destruction, for example, as the result of transformation from face-to-face to digital interactions.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to research on the digital transformation of highly traditional companies that need to introduce new, digital technologies and resources while continuing their traditional processes. The authors develop the concept of lubricants that mitigate the friction between resources and, therefore, facilitate value co-creation in a business network. Additionally, the authors provide managerial implications for how to handle simultaneous digital and traditional business processes during digital transformation.
Scrutinising community-held knowledge transfer into world heritage site management plans: a multidisciplinary method
Authors: Parlak Gizem , Bleil de Souza Clarice , Cerutti Federico
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee requires management plans for world heritage site (WHS) nominations including the evidence of involvement of all stakeholders. Many studies report different engagement methods to ensure the participation of the local communities in these plans. However, this study aims to assess and gauge the community-held knowledge transfer and the quality of their contribution to heritage management plans by proposing an interdisciplinary method.

Design/methodology/approach

The method had been developed to scrutinise community-held knowledge transfer in WHS management plans, combining the domains of knowledge representation with qualitative social research.

Findings

Local knowledge transferred into WHS management plans is poor. The proposed method gauged three levels of community knowledge transfer to WHS. The method enables results to be quantified and the process to be reproducible. The method can be used to quality control the design of WHS management plans. The method can be used to inform evaluation protocols to be developed by UNESCO.

Practical implications

The proposed method can be used to inform evaluation protocols to be developed by ICOMOS and IUCN, which safeguard holistic aspects of heritage in WHS management plans.

Originality/value

The method provides reproducible, quantifiable results from clear premises. Despite being applied to a case study in Turkey, it can be adjusted to any context as WHS management plans tend to follow a standard format. It, therefore, provides a tool to quality control the design of these plans.
The impact of social media marketing activities in the museum industry
Authors: Luo Nuan , Zhu Zhaohai , Ni Yuan , Haodong Li , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The social media expands the scope of museum marketing. Through the social media marketing, visitors get a rich and colorful visual experience, and the museum can quickly and effectively convey various information to visitors. At present, the research on social media in the museum industry mainly focuses on the level of technology use, while the research on the marketing application of social media is relatively scarce, especially from the empirical perspective. This study constructs a conceptual model to identify the impact of SMMAs on visitor experience in the context of the museum industry through the empirical analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is conducted with a total of 538 visitors who follow the fan page of the Palace Museum Weibo. The collected data are analyzed via structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that SMMAs have significant effects on social presence and social support, which in turn significantly affect flow state. Moreover, the results demonstrate that social presence and social support partially mediates the relationships between SMMAs and flow state.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is twofold. First, from a theoretical perspective, it offers new insights into the conceptualization of social media marketing. Second, from a pragmatic perspective, the results are helpful to guide museums how to carry out social media marketing activities.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-12-2020-0564
When degree of integration mediates level of acquired ownership and post-acquisition innovation performance: evidence from cross-border technological acquisitions
Authors: Hanif Nadia , Wu Jianfeng , Grant Kenneth A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test a model for cross-border technological acquisitions (CBTAs) focusing on the level of ownership acquired in the target firm and the acquiring firm's post-acquisition innovation performance (PAIP), with the degree of integration as a mediator, based on the dynamic capability perspective of the resource-based view. This study further concludes the role of the country-of-origin effect (COE) (when emerging economies' acquiring firms purchase technological resources from developed economies' target firms) on the success of the acquiring firms in CBTAs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on CBTAs initiated by 542 acquiring firms was quantified from four high technology industries from 1995 to 2015 for the empirical investigation of the research hypotheses. Hierarchical fixed year effect negative binomial regression technique was used to analyze the proposed model for the success of CBTAs.

Findings

The analysis of the CBTAs confirmed that acquiring firms who opt for a higher level of acquired ownership strategy increase the degree of integration of the target firm's technological resource stock. The level of acquired ownership improves the PAIP of the acquiring firms; however, the degree of integration positively accelerates the relationship between the acquired ownership and the PAIP. Considering the COE, acquiring firms that initiated CBTAs from emerging economies to purchase technological resources from developed economies' targets have firm-specific technological capability holes to execute the integration, which negatively impacts the emerging economies acquiring firm's PAIP.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CBTAs literature by exploring the enabling role of the degree of integration between the level of acquired ownership and the PAIP of the acquiring firms. Further, this study put forward empirics on the COE of the acquiring firms for their integrative capability to integrate the target firm's resource stock and subsequent innovation performance.
A novel methodology to manufacture complex metallic sudden overhangs in weld-deposition based additive manufacturing
Authors: Panchagnula Jayaprakash Sharma , Simhambhatla Suryakumar
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Amongst various additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for realizing the complex metallic objects, weld-deposition (arc)-based directed energy AM technique is attaining more focus over commercially available powder bed fusion techniques. This is because of the capability of high deposition rates, high power and material utilization, simpler setup and less initial investment of arc-based AM. Nevertheless, realization of sudden overhanging features through arc-based weld-deposition techniques is still a challenging task because of the necessity of support structures. This paper aims to describe a novel methodology for producing complex metallic objects with sudden overhangs without using supports.

Design/methodology/approach

The realization of complex metallic objects with sudden overhangs (without using supports) is possible by reorienting the workpiece and/or deposition head at every instance using higher order kinematics (5-axis setup) to make sure the overhanging feature is in line to the deposition direction.

Findings

In the absence of universally applicable support mechanism, deposition of overhanging features remains one of the main challenges in AM. A separate support structure is often necessary for depositing the overhanging features. Small overhang features are usually possible by a little overextension from the previous layer. Nevertheless, deposition of large gradually varying overhangs and sudden overhangs with complex features without support structures is a challenging task in any AM process. This demands higher order kinematics which calls for inclined and/or orthogonal slicing and area filling.

Originality/value

The unique aspect of this paper is the identification of sudden overhang feature from a tessellated computer-aided design (.stl) file and generates an orthogonal tool path for deposition for sudden overhangs. An in-house MATLAB routine has been developed and presented for performing the same. This methodology helps in realization of sudden overhangs without use of supports. To validate proposed technique, various illustrative case studies have been taken up for deposition.
Examining the rigor of SCM research: the case of supply chain agility
Authors: Gligor David M. , Stank Theodore P. , Gligor Nichole , Ogden Jeffrey A. , Nowicki David R. , Farris Ted , Idug Yavuz , Rana Rishabh , Porchia Jamie , Kiran Patil
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of one significant threat to the rigor of theory building within supply chain management, namely, the improper development of different measures for the same construct.

Design/methodology/approach

Two survey studies are conducted. Study 1 investigates the impact of three firm orientations on five of the most cited supply chain agility (SCA) scales. Study 2 explores the impact of the same five SCA scales on three firm performance indicators.

Findings

The findings reveal that the five SCA scales display adequate discriminant validity and thus measure distinct concepts. Further, the relationships between SCA and its antecedents and consequences vary significantly depending on the SCA scale used. In essence, the scale used determines whether a relationship is supported or not, implying that researchers have been loosely applying the same label (i.e. SCA) to distinct constructs.

Originality/value

In essence, the scale used determines whether a relationship is supported or not, implying that researchers have been loosely applying the same label (i.e. SCA) to distinct constructs. The findings indicate the need for further scrutiny and investigation regarding the rigor and validity of theory building within the area of SCA. Importantly, rigorous scale development should be encouraged. Scholars should develop new scales when necessary while carefully distinguishing their proposed constructs and measures from extant ones.
The effects of a decade of agri‐environment intervention in a lowland farm landscape on population trends of birds and butterflies
Authors: Redhead John W. , Hinsley Shelley A. , Botham Marc S. , Broughton Richard K. , Freeman Stephen N. , Bellamy Paul E. , Siriwardena Gavin , Randle Zoë , Nowakowski Marek , Heard Matthew S. , Pywell Richard F.
Published: August 2022

Declines in farmland biodiversity remain evident despite over three decades of research and implementation of agri‐environment schemes (AES). Although positive effects of AES are often demonstrated locally or in the short term, studies exploring longer term trends in biodiversity often show contradictory results. Evidence for the potential of AES to drive beneficial changes in populations remains sparse, especially for mobile taxa such as birds and butterflies.

We analysed the abundance of 12 widespread bird and 9 butterfly species from a 10‐year study of AES intervention in a farmland landscape in southern England. We compared estimates of annual population growth rates from our study landscape with rates derived from large‐scale national monitoring schemes in equivalent landscapes without substantial AES.

Species trends in our study landscape were frequently stable or increasing, in contrast to concurrent declining trends in equivalent landscapes without AES. These differences were significant for total abundance of granivorous species and for chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus and great tit Parus major individually. For butterflies, differences in trends were significantly more positive for gatekeeper Pyronia tithonus and green‐veined white Pieris napi, while small white P. rapae showed a trend that was significantly more negative in our study landscape.

Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that, for some bird and butterfly species, the higher abundances associated with areas of AES uptake within a typical commercial farmland landscape can co‐occur with positive or stable population trends over long time scales and that these trends can show significant differences from those in equivalent landscapes without substantial AES interventions. Our results suggest that previously observed inconsistencies in AES benefits may in part reflect a lack of long‐term studies with accurate data on AES uptake and quality (i.e. successful implementation and management). Our results, thus, affirm the importance of delivering and monitoring high‐quality AES options if the design and implementation of the next generation of AES is to achieve significant benefits for biodiversity.
Use of biosensor technology in analysing milk and dairy components: A review
Authors: Oh Hyunah Eustina , Eathorne Samantha , Jones Matthew A
Published: August 2022

Biosensor technology is relatively new to the dairy industry although it has been used successfully elsewhere including medical devices. This review summarises biosensors with different combinations of biological receptors and transducers which were used to analyse components in milk. Quantification of individual milk proteins and specific detection of lactose were clearly demonstrated. Strain‐specific enumeration of pathogens were also reported along with analyses of raw milk quality parameters relevant for processing. The advantages of using biosensors were consistently shown across numerous studies. Biosensors provide rapid, simple and analyte‐specific techniques, offering unique solutions to support continued innovation in dairy products and processes.
Why Can't I Trade? Exchange Discretion in Calling Halts*,†
Authors: Marshall Nathan T. , Rogers Jonathan L. , Zechman Sarah L.C.
Published: August 2022

Stock exchanges are important intermediaries in how firm information enters price. Trading halts are a key tool, often exercised at the exchanges' discretion, to prevent extraordinary price volatility when new information arrives. We investigate how exchanges use discretion and whether the discretion alters the effectiveness of the halts. We provide evidence consistent with halts reflecting the preferences of listed firms rather than the stated exchange objectives (i.e., minimizing excess volatility and off‐equilibrium trades). Furthermore, when exchanges exercise more discretion (unexplained by firm and information characteristics), the halts are less effective. Specifically, halts with more discretion are less likely to resume trading with efficient prices and are more likely to have been called unnecessarily (i.e., little to no price movement during the halt). These findings are consistent with exchanges using halts to cater to listed firms rather than to meet exchange objectives such as minimizing excess volatility or avoiding trades at off‐equilibrium prices.
Alcohol and falls among people with HIV infection: A view from Russia and the United States
Authors: Kim Theresa W. , Heeren Timothy C. , Samet Jeffrey H. , Bertholet Nicolas , Lloyd‐Travaglini Christine , Winter Michael R. , Magane Kara M. , Gnatienko Natalia , Bryant Kendall , Rateau Lindsey J. , Muyindike Winnie R. , Hahn Judith A. , Blokhina Elena , Saitz Richard
Published: August 2022

Background

Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and alcohol use predispose to autonomic/sensory neuropathy, imbalance symptoms, and cognitive impairment—conditions associated with a greater risk of falls—yet it is unclear how to identify people with HIV (PWH) whose drinking is associated with falls. Research on alcohol and falls using the same instruments in different countries could help to specify the level of alcohol use associated with fall risk. We examined whether a consumption‐based measure (the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption [AUDIT‐C]) and/or a symptom‐based measure (DSM‐5 criteria for alcohol use disorder [AUD]) are associated with sustaining a fall among PWH in St Petersburg, Russia and Boston, Massachusetts in the United States.

Methods

Separate multivariate logistic regressions were used for each cohort to examine cross‐sectional associations for each alcohol measure predicting fall. Potential confounders included physical functioning, depressive symptoms, and other substance use (measured with the Addiction Severity Index).

Results

A fall was reported by 35% (87/251) of the sample in Boston and 12% (46/400) in St Petersburg. Each additional AUD criterion—but not higher AUDIT‐C score—was significantly associated with a fall in both Boston (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 1.18) and St Petersburg (adjusted OR AOR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.02, 1.18). Heavy alcohol use (>6 drinks/occasion, any vs. none) was associated with more than twice the odds of a fall (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI 1.21, 4.13) in Boston.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that while fall risk may vary by setting and population, heavy alcohol use and AUD symptom severity are potential targets for interventions to prevent falls. Studies in diverse global settings advance our understanding of the relationship between alcohol and falls in PWH.
Purpose in life, neural alcohol cue reactivity and daily alcohol use in social drinkers
Authors: Kang Yoona , Cosme Danielle , Lydon‐Staley David , Ahn Jeesung , Jovanova Mia , Corbani Faustine , Lomax Silicia , Stanoi Ovidia , Strecher Victor , Mucha Peter J. , Ochsner Kevin , Bassett Dani S. , Falk Emily B.
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

Alcohol craving is an urge to consume alcohol that commonly precedes drinking; however, craving does not lead to drinking for all people under all circumstances. The current study measured the correlation between neural reactivity and alcohol cues as a risk, and purpose in daily life as a protective factor that may influence the link between alcohol craving and the subsequent amount of consumption.

Design

Observational study that correlated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data on neural cue reactivity and ecological momentary assessments (EMA) on purpose in life and alcohol use.

Setting

Two college campuses in the United States.

Participants

A total of 54 college students (37 women, 16 men, and 1 other) recruited via campus‐based groups from January 2019 to October 2020.

Measurements

Participants underwent fMRI while viewing images of alcohol; we examined activity within the ventral striatum, a key region of interest implicated in reward and craving. Participants then completed 28 days of EMA and answered questions about daily levels of purpose in life and alcohol use, including how much they craved and consumed alcohol.

Findings

A significant three‐way interaction indicated that greater alcohol cue reactivity within the ventral striatum was associated with heavier alcohol use following craving in daily life only when people were previously feeling a lower than usual sense of purpose. By contrast, individuals with heightened neural alcohol cue reactivity drank less in response to craving if they were feeling a stronger than their usual sense of purpose in the preceding moments (binteraction = −0.086, P < 0.001, 95% CI = −0.137, −0.035).

Conclusions

Neural sensitivity to alcohol cues within the ventral striatum appears to be a potential risk for increased alcohol use in social drinkers, when people feel less purposeful. Enhancing daily levels of purpose in life may promote alcohol moderation among social drinkers who show relatively higher reactivity to alcohol cues.
The effect of clinical interventions on the oral health‐related quality of life in older adults
Authors: Ky J , Scepanovic T , Senthilvadevel N , Mati S , Ming ALC , Ng M , Nguyen D , Yeo P , Zhao T , Paolini R , Lim MAWT , Celentano A
Published: August 2022

This paper reviews the literature to assess the effectiveness of oral health interventions in influencing oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults. Clinical studies published in 2010 onwards reporting oral health interventions in older adults and subsequent changes in OHRQoL were systematically searched in Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis criteria. Eligibility evaluation and data abstraction from eligible studies were guided by predefined PICO questions and bias assessment by the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The search retrieved 144 articles. Of the 20 articles that met the eligibility criteria, 45% (9) reported a statistically significant improvement in OHRQoL. The majority of studies were conducted in adults with complete edentulism (70%) and mainly focused on implant provision to support a removable prosthesis (30%). The search indicates the limited scope of current literature on geriatric dental interventions, focusing mainly on denture realignments, denture fabrication and implant placement. Although the majority of the oral health interventions focused on edentulism and removable prostheses, there are many areas of oral health interventions and their potential impact on OHRQoL in this demographic group that have yet to be explored. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.
A double‐blind randomised feasibility trial of angiotensin‐2 in cardiac surgery*
Authors: Coulson T. G. , Miles L. F. , Serpa Neto A. , Pilcher D. , Weinberg L. , Landoni G. , Zarbock A. , Bellomo R.
Published: August 2022

Acute kidney injury is common after cardiac surgery. Vasoplegic hypotension may contribute to kidney injury, and different vasopressors may have variable effects on kidney function. We conducted a double‐blind, randomised feasibility trial comparing peri‐operative angiotensin‐2 with noradrenaline. We randomly allocated 60 patients at two centres to a blinded equipotent angiotensin‐2 or noradrenaline infusion intra‐operatively and for up to 48 h postoperatively, titrated to mean arterial pressure of 70–80 mmHg. Primary feasibility outcomes included consent rate, protocol adherence, infusion duration, mean arterial pressure maintenance in the target range and major adverse outcomes. Secondary outcomes included kidney injury rate. The consent rate was 47%. Protocol adherence was 100% in the angiotensin‐2 group and 94% in the noradrenaline group. Study drug duration was median (IQR [range]) 217 (160–270 [30–315]) vs. 185 (135–301 [0–480]) min (p = 0.78) min intra‐operatively, and 5 (0–16 [0–48]) vs. 14.5 (4.8–29 [0–48]) hours (p = 0.075) postoperatively for angiotensin‐2 and noradrenaline, respectively. The mean arterial pressure target was achieved postoperatively in 25 of 28 (89%) of the angiotensin‐2 group and 27 of 32 (84%) of the noradrenaline group. One participant had a stroke, one required extracorporeal support and three required renal replacement therapy, all in the noradrenaline group (p = 0.99, p = 0.99 and p = 0.1). Acute kidney injury occurred in 7 of 28 in the angiotensin‐2 group vs. 12 of 32 patients in the noradrenaline group (p = 0.31). This pilot study suggests that a trial comparing angiotensin‐2 with noradrenaline is feasible. Its findings justify further investigations of angiotensin‐2 in cardiac surgery.
Multicentre study found no increased risk of clinically important brain injuries when children presented more than 24 h after a minor head trauma
Authors: Vajna de Pava Marco , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Tommasi Paola , Calvi Matteo , Amoroso Angela , Montesano Paola , Boselli Giulia , Castellazzi Massimo Luca , Agosti Massimo ,   the LomPedEm Group
Published: August 2022

Aim

Validated clinical decision rules on neuroimaging are not available for children who are evaluated more than 24 h after a minor head trauma. We compared clinically important traumatic brain injuries in children who presented with a minor head trauma within or after 24 h.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of patients aged 0–17 years, who were evaluated for minor head traumas by five paediatric emergency departments in Northern Italy between January 2019 and June 2020. Children with clinically important traumatic brain injuries were divided into those who had presented within and after 24 h.

Results

The study comprised 5981 children (59.9% boys), with a median age of 2 years, including 243 (4.1%) who had presented more than 24 h after their minor head trauma. Neuroimaging was performed on 448 (7.5%) patients and the time of presentation had no impact on the rates of clinically important traumatic brain injuries. Multiple logistic regression did not show any association between clinically important traumatic brain injuries and late presentation.

Conclusion

Delayed presentation to a paediatric emergency department after a minor head trauma did not alter the risk of clinically important traumatic brain injuries and the same neuroimaging rules could apply.
Virtually in love: The role of anthropomorphism in virtual romantic relationships
Authors: Koike Mayu , Loughnan Steve , Stanton Sarah C. E.
Published: August 2022

Romantic relationships are a cornerstone of human nature. Today, these relationships can potentially be fulfilled by virtual agents. Although previous psychological research has examined how human needs can be met by anthropomorphized agents, it has neglected virtual romantic relationships. This paper introduces the concept of romantic anthropomorphism (i.e. giving a non‐human agent human‐like characteristics in a romantic context) to help understand virtual romance. In three laboratory studies, we used romantic video games (RVGs) to examine how romantic anthropomorphism predicts relationship authenticity, desire for real‐world relationship and mood (Studies 1A, 1B and 2) as well as real‐world interpersonal behaviour (Study 2). Study 1A revealed that romantic anthropomorphism of a virtual agent predicted desire for a real‐world relationship with the virtual agent and greater positive affect via feeling that the relationship built with the virtual agent was authentic. Study 1B replicated these results using a larger sample and a different RVG. Study 2 replicated these results, but revealed that playing RVGs failed to predict real‐world behaviour in a subsequent interaction with a human confederate. This research identifies a unique way that people find connection in the modern world and provides novel insight into the fields of anthropomorphism, virtual interactions and relationship science.
Deep intronic variant in MVK as a cause for mevalonic aciduria initially presenting as non‐syndromic retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Dvaladze Anna , Tavares Erika , Di Scipio Matteo , Nimmo Graeme , Grudzinska‐Pechhacker Monika K. , Paton Tara , Tumber Anupreet , Li Shuning , Eileen Christabel , Ertl‐Wagner Birgit , Mamak Eva , Hoffmann Georg , Marshall Christian R. , Haas Dorothea , Mayatepek Ertan , Schulze Andreas , Heon Elise , Vincent Ajoy
Published: August 2022

Non‐syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (NSRP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the rod and cone photoreceptors, often leading to blindness. The evolving association of syndromic genes to cause NSRP and the increasing role of intronic variants in explaining missing heritability in genetic disorders present challenges in establishing conclusive clinical and genetic diagnoses. This study sought to identify and validate the causative genetic variant(s) in a 13‐year‐old male initially diagnosed with NSRP. Genome sequencing identified a pathogenic missense variant in MVK [NM_000431.3:c.803T>C (p.Ile268Thr)], in trans with a novel intronic variant predicted to create a new donor splice site (c.768+71C>A). Proband cDNA analysis confirmed the inclusion of the first 68 base pairs of intron 8 that resulted in a frameshift in MVK (r.768_769ins[768+1_768+68]) and significantly reduced the expression of reference transcript (17.6%). Patient re‐phenotyping revealed ataxia, cerebellar atrophy, elevated urinary mevalonate and LTE4, in keeping with mild mevalonic aciduria and associated syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Leakage of reference transcript likely explains the milder phenotype observed in our patient. This is the first association of a deep intronic splice variant to cause MVK‐related disorder. This report highlights the importance of variant validation and patient re‐phenotyping in establishing accurate diagnosis in the era of genome sequencing.