bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic regions underlying positive selection in local, Alpine cattle breeds
Authors: Signer‐Hasler Heidi , Casanova Lucas , Barenco Alex , Maitre Blaise , Bagnato Alessandro , Vevey Mario , Berger Beate , Simčič Mojca , Boichon Denis , Capitan Aurélien , Medugorac Ivica , Bennewitz Jörn , Mészáros Gábor , Sölkner Johann , Drögemüller Cord , Flury Christine
Published: February 2023

We used genome‐wide SNP data from 18 local cattle breeds from six countries of the Alpine region to characterize population structure and identify genomic regions underlying positive selection. The geographically close breeds Evolèner, Eringer, Valdostana Pezzata Nera, and Valdostana Castana were found to differ from all other Alpine breeds. In addition, three breeds, Simmental, and Original Braunvieh from Switzerland and Pinzgauer from Austria built three separate clusters. Of the 18 breeds studied, the intra‐alpine Swiss breed Evolèner had the highest average inbreeding based on runs of homozygosity (FROH) and the highest average genomic relationship within the breed. In contrast, Slovenian Cika cattle had the lowest average genomic inbreeding and the lowest average genomic relationship within the breed. We found selection signatures on chromosome 6 near known genes such as KIT and LCORL explaining variation in coat color and body size in cattle. The most prominent selection signatures were similar regardless of marker density and the breeds in the data set. In addition, using available high‐density SNP data from 14 of the breeds we identified 47 genome regions as ROH islands. The proportion of homozygous animals was higher in all studied animals of local breeds than in Holstein and Brown Swiss cattle, the two most important commercial breeds in the Alpine region. We report ROH islands near genes related to thermoregulation, coat color, production, and stature. The results of this study serve as a basis for the search for causal variants underlying adaptation to the alpine environment and other specific characteristics selected during the evolution of local Alpine cattle breeds.
Examining the abundance and habitat use of golden‐rumped sengi (Rhynchocyon chrysopygus) in Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest in Kenya
Authors: Ondoro Rael Nelly Nyanchama , Okeyo Benards , Jackson Colin
Published: February 2023

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the golden‐rumped sengi (Rhynchocyon chrysopygus) as an ‘endangered’ species’. They are endemic to fragmented forests in eastern Kenya. Existing evidence indicates a decline in their population in Arabuko‐Sokoke Forest; however, these studies were conducted over a decade ago. This study assessed their abundance in three vegetation types. This study was conducted in the months of September, October and November in the year 2019. We used line transects in the forest types to locate nests and recorded the distances to the nests together with habitat variable measurements. We used (10 by 10 m) quadrats to obtain data on deadwood. We used line transect distance sampling to estimate sengi density and abundance. We employed linear regression models to examine the association between the number of nests per transect and deadwood volume, while means and proportions were used to examine the determinants of sengi nesting sites. The golden‐rumped sengi population was estimated to be 19,423. Besides, deadwood volume was not associated with nest site occurrence. Although findings from this study indicate an increase in the golden‐rumped sengi population from 12,750 individuals in 2009, continued monitoring is essential to inform conservation measures.
Unmanned aerial vehicle outputs and associated field measurements of the herbaceous and tree layers of the Senegalese savannah
Authors: Taugourdeau Simon , Cofélas Fassinou , Bossoukpe Marina , Diatta Ousmane , Ndiaye Ousmane , Diehdiou Antoine , N'Goran Ange , Audebert Alain , Faye Emile
Published: February 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used to assess the vegetation of an ecosystem. This report presents three data sets from UAVs used on a savannah‐type ecosystem in Senegal. Two data sets contain an orthomosaic and a surface and terrain digital model (UAV outputs), along with associated field measurements on the tree and herbaceous layers, while the third data set contains an orthomosaic and digital surface model, along with field measurements on the herbaceous layers. One data set was compiled over the entire rainy season on the same plot (plot dataset). One was compiled across a landscape at the 7000 ha Dahra Djoloff research center (CRZ‐dahra Centre de recherche zootechnique de Dahra). The third data set was compiled across Senegal from the North to the Southeast of the country with wide variability in climate and soil conditions. All the data sets are in Open Access in the Zenodo repository. These data sets could be used in many different studies: calibration between field measurements and UAV outputs on a large scale, or used as an intermediate step between field and satellite images.
Trends in the epidemiology of fear of childbirth and association with intended mode of delivery: A nationwide register‐based cohort study in Finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Liukkonen Rasmus , Kuitunen Ilari , Ponkilainen Ville , Mattila Ville M. , Kekki Maiju
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common obstetrical challenge that affects the health of women. The epidemiology of FOC has not been studied in Finland for the last decade. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and risk factors for FOC and to evaluate the association between FOC and the rate of elective cesarean section (CS) as an intended mode of delivery.

Material and methods

Data from the National Medical Birth Register were used to evaluate the epidemiology of FOC and to determine the main risk factors for FOC in Finland between 2004 and 2018. Nulliparous and multiparous women were analyzed separately. Logistic regression model was used to determine the main risk factors for FOC. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the intended mode of delivery in those pregnancies with diagnosed maternal FOC. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

A total of 1 million pregnancies were included. The annual rate of pregnancies with maternal FOC increased from 1.5% (CI: 1.4–1.6) in 2004 to 9.1% (CI: 8.7–9.3) in 2018 for all women. For nulliparous women, the rate increased from 1.1% (CI: 1.0–1.3) in 2004 to 7.1% (CI: 6.7–7.5) in 2018, and from 1.8% (CI: 1.7–2.0) in 2004 to 10.3% (10.0–10.7) in 2018 for multiparous women. The strongest risk factors for maternal FOC were higher maternal age and gestational diabetes. For multiparous women, the strongest risk factors were gestational diabetes and previous CS. The total odds for elective CS were notably higher among women with FOC (aOR 8.63, CI: 8.39–8.88).

Conclusions

The incidence of maternal FOC rose six‐fold during our study period. However, the numbers of elective CS among women with this diagnosis, which had earlier risen in parallel, leveled off in 2014.
Study on the strontium isotope standard in pig teeth excavated from Zaoshugounao site, Shaanxi Province of China
Authors: Liu Keyu , Ling Xue , Li Yue , Dou Haifeng , Qian Yaopeng , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2023

In archaeology, strontium isotope analysis is developing into an efficient scientific technique for tracing the movement of prehistoric humans and animals. Determining the local bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr ratio range is the key to distinguishing whether the human or animal is indigenous to the local area. It has been shown that the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the enamel of pigs can be an excellent sample to determine the range of local strontium isotope ratio at the site. However, pigs may not be all local at the site, and there is no special study on whether pigs’ different ages and tooth types impact the local strontium isotope characteristics. In this paper, the tooth enamel of 19 pigs from the Zaoshugounao site for strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) by multicollector–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. There were no significant differences in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of local pigs at different months and different molar types, which did not affect the determination of the local strontium isotope standard. Based on the local strontium isotope ratio range (0.711056–0.711476), we found that five pigs were non‐local. The Jing and Wei river basins (in Guanzhong basin) and northern Shaanxi are likely sources of non‐pigs.
The veritable horns of a dilemma: Assessing homology of the parietal and squamosal asperities of Phrynosoma (Squamata: Iguania: Phrynosomatidae)
Authors: Powell G. Lawrence , Russell Anthony P.
Published: February 2023

Members of the genus Phrynosoma all exhibit asperities upon the parietal and squamosal. We examined μ‐CT scans of the dermatocrania of ontogenetic series of all but two of the species of Phrynosoma, and defined parietal and squamosal “horns”, distinguishing them from tubercles. We counted parietal and squamosal horns and used phylogenetic analysis to reconstruct the plesiomorphic horn numbers for these bones. Based upon this, we propose and test hypotheses of evolutionary homology for these asperities and conclude the following: (1) a plesiomorphic horn array is retained among the species of Phrynosoma; the horns are paramorphs, each identifiable as an evolutionary homologue; (2) an autapomorphic additional pair of parietal horns in P. solare has been recruited from a pair of tubercles associated with the plesiomorphic parietal horns; (3) an additional anterior squamosal horn in P. solare and the Brevicauda species is derived from a tubercle recruited homoplasiously in these taxa; (4) the anteriormost squamosal horn of the plesiomorphic series in the species of the coronatum species group is highly reduced and is subsumed within the posteriormost jugal asperity and (5) an apparent additional squamosal horn exhibited by P. ditmarsi and P. modestum is instead an enlarged submarginal tubercle, a homoplasy for these species.
Designing complex interventions: A description of the development of an intervention to reduce inequalities in planned dental visiting
Authors: Harris Rebecca Vera , Lowers Victoria , Van Der Zande Marieke , Stanley Margaret , Cooke Richard
Published: February 2023

There are multifaceted reasons for a social gradient in planned dental visiting involving various psycho‐social variables that interact with each other and the environment. Interventions in this area are therefore inevitably complex interventions. While guidance recommends undertaking theory and modelling work before experimental work is done, there is a shortage of descriptions of how this is done, especially in the field of oral health.

Objectives

To describe theory, qualitative and public engagement work, and identification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to define features of an opportunistic dental visiting intervention for adult users of urgent dental care services.

Methods

A systematic review and synthesis of theory, qualitative and quantitative work, along with expert input, generated a list of psycho‐social determinants linked to planned dental visiting intentions. Modelling involved ethnographic work in urgent dental care settings and work with members of the community from the targeted demographic. This enabled verification, in the context of their idiosyncratic expression for the target population in question, of behavioural determinants (BDs) identified in the theory phase. It also facilitated generating intervention material which was infused with the identity of the end user. BDs identified were then mapped to BCTs using an accepted BCT taxonomy and an intervention prototype developed. The prototype then underwent iterative testing with target users before it was ready for a feasibility trial.

Results

Theory and modelling identified five key intervention focuses: affordable resources (time/ cost), the importance of oral health, trust in dentists, embarrassment of having poor oral health and dental anxiety. Short videos were developed to incorporate role modelling which were well received. Prototype testing resulted in shifting from ‘if‐then’ plans to action planning.

Conclusions

Complex intervention development involves an iterative rather than sequential process of combining theory, empirical work and user involvement, of which the article provides an example.
‘I wish that COVID would disappear, and we'd all be together’: Maintaining Children's friendships during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Carter Caron , Barley Ruth , Omar Arwa
Published: February 2023

Friendship is a central focus in children's lives and is important for healthy development. During the Covid‐19 pandemic, children experienced restrictions on their interactions with friends. This research heard the voices of 10 children (7–11 years) in England regarding their friendships, drawing on data collected through creative participatory methods including drawings, photography and collages, and accompanying unstructured interviews. Findings provide new insights into how children endeavoured to maintain their friendships through virtual interactions, street/doorstep visits, and artwork, and how friendship disruption affected their well‐being. This paper argues for educators to heed the implications for the period of ‘Covid recovery’.
Homologues and homology and their related terms in phylogenetic systematics
Authors: Göpel Torben , Richter Stefan
Published: February 2023

In the field of phylogenetic systematics, the terms homology and homologue and their relationship to cladistic terms such as character, character state, synapomorphy and symplesiomorphy, as well as their relationships to each other, have been and are still discussed frequently. A recent re‐emergence of concepts of homology/homologue free of any reference to explanatory hypotheses prompted us to explore these concepts and their relationships to each other as well as to the concept of morpheme, as introduced recently. All concepts are examined with regard to their ontological status and their bearing in the epistemological process in morphology and phylogenetic systematics. To us, morphemes, homologues andin partemcharacter states refer to things (concrete objects in the ontological sense). However, although morphemes are exclusively descriptive, the latter two represent objects of causal explanations. Homologue always refers to the things themselves, yet a character state also can be a property or the absence of a thing. In this context, a character as a transformation series of character states does not represent a thing but a natural kind. Character states of one character are connected by homology relationships, i.e. common descent. Synapomorphy and symplesiomorphy represent different states of a single transformation series. A nonexplanatory, purely descriptive, concept of homologues is contradictory to its original as well as the post‐Darwinian, evolutionary, concept which refers to causal relationships between parts of organisms and their correspondences in the archetype or ancestor, respectively. Character states, homologues and synapomorphies/symplesiomorphies can only be approximated in the form of hypotheses. We argue that the high value of the concept of homology and its related concepts for evolutionary biology should be maintained by acknowledging their explanatory nature and that dilution with nonexplanatory (even idealistic) definitions should be avoided.
Influence of soft tissue thickness on marginal bone level around dental implants: A systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial‐sequential analysis
Authors: Bressan Eriberto , Guazzo Riccardo , Tomasi Cristiano , Peña Teresa Gutiérrez , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Sbricoli Luca , Canullo Luigi
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of the present review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the influence of soft tissue thickness on initial bone remodeling after implant installation.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted by two independent reviewers on electronic databases up to May 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) performed on human subjects were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Meta‐analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) were performed on the selected articles. The primary outcome was marginal bone loss.

Results

After screening, 6 studies were included in the final analysis, with a total of 354 implants, and a follow‐up from 10 to 14 months. 194 implants were placed in a ≥ 2 mm soft tissue thickness, while 160 had <2 mm soft tissue thickness before implant placement. The included studies had a high level of heterogeneity (I2 > 50%). The meta‐analysis indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups (0.54; p = .027) and the TSA analysis confirmed the results, despite the limited number of dental implants. Additional analysis showed that age and follow‐up parameters were not statistically significant factors influencing the bone loss (p = .22 and p = .16, respectively).

Conclusions

Based on the available RCTS and CCTs, initial soft tissue thickness seems to influence marginal bone loss after a short follow‐up period. Based on TSA analysis, further studies are needed to assess the influence of the soft tissue thickness on marginal bone loss.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021235324.
Modelling potential biotope composition on a regional scale revealed that climate variables are stronger drivers than soil variables
Authors: Rubanschi Sven , Meyer Sebastian T. , Hof Christian , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: February 2023

Aim

Environmental conditions define the suitability of an area for biotopes, and any area can be suitable for several biotopes. However, most previous studies modelled the distribution of single biotopes ignoring the potential co‐occurrence of biotopes in one area, which limits the usefulness of such models for conservation and restoration planning. In this study, we described the potential biotope composition of an area in response to environmental conditions.

Location

Bavaria, Federal State of Germany.

Methods

Based on the Bavarian biotope mapping data, we modelled the distribution of 29 terrestrial biotopes based on six climate variables and six chemical and four physical soil properties using the species distribution modelling algorithm Maxent.

Results

For most biotopes, we found that climate variables were more important than soil variables for the biotope distribution and that the area of the predicted biotope distribution was larger than the observed distribution. The potential biotope composition illustrated that while 8% of the area in Bavaria was not sufficiently suitable for any analysed biotope, 92% of the modelled area in Bavaria was suitable for at least one biotope, 84% for two and 77% for at least three biotopes. The difference in suitability between the most suitable biotopes in composition was minor. Further, over one‐quarter of the modelled area was suitable for 6–8 different biotopes.

Main Conclusions

Our study showed that considering a composition of potentially suitable biotopes in a raster cell, instead of only the most suitable biotope, provides valuable information to identify conservation priorities and restoration opportunities.
Neuropsychological profiles of children with agenesis of the corpus callosum: A scoping review
Authors: Wright Alice , Booth Rhonda
Published: February 2023

Aim

To understand the wide variety of clinical outcomes in children with agenesis of the corpus callosum (AgCC) and examine evidence for the proposed neuropsychological syndrome reported in adults with primary AgCC.

Method

PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science (January 2007–November 2021) were searched to identify studies reporting on cognitive or neuropsychological outcome in children with AgCC aged up to 18 years. Twenty‐three articles investigating the cognitive profile were found; their methodology was evaluated against quality criteria.

Results

While there was a high degree of heterogeneity across studies, including the methodological quality, there was evidence for some features of the neuropsychological syndrome in children with AgCC. Vulnerabilities in executive function and social cognition were found, with particular difficulties on complex and novel tasks.

Interpretation

Data on the neuropsychological outcomes in children with AgCC are limited. Broad assessments are necessary to determine the extent to which core features of the neuropsychological syndrome may characterize children with AgCC and how additional neuroanatomical features contribute to outcome.
Workplace sexual harassment as a feature of precarious work in Uganda's agro‐processing factories: “Mince your words and watch yourself”
Authors: Oosterom Marjoke , Namuggala Victoria , Nankindu Prosperous
Published: February 2023

Motivation

The agro‐processing sector in Uganda provides jobs to large numbers of workers. While paid work is supposed to be empowering for women, the factory jobs are informal and unsafe, and workplace sexual harassment undermines women's empowerment. To enable decent jobs for women, it is important to understand what constrains their voice and agency in responding to workplace sexual harassment.

Purpose

The article aims to show how workplace sexual harassment is a key feature of precarious work for women working in low‐skilled, informal jobs in factories. The study asked how gender norms and informality in labour arrangements that are part of global capitalist labour relations influence young women's voice and agency in response to sexual harassment at work.

Methods and approach

Twenty in‐depth interviews were carried out with factory workers in seven different agro‐processing factories in Uganda's capital Kampala, supplemented with participatory methods like Safety Audits and Body Mappings.

Findings

We show the informal nature of jobs in factories and how precarious working conditions create the risks of experiencing sexual harassment by managers and supervisors. Keeping jobs informal enables factories to eschew workplace policies. Young women's experiences and articulation of sexual harassment are constrained by social and gender norms; and norms influence factory‐based mechanisms, where they exist. Women rely on informal tactics to prevent sexual harassment.

Policy implications

The policy implications of the research include the importance of improving the implementation of formal complaints mechanisms; and especially developing young women's political capacities to protest collectively against harassment and seek redress, and addressing social and gender norms.
Maximal ecological diversity exceeds evolutionary diversity in model ecosystems
Authors: Rubin Ilan N. , Ispolatov Yaroslav , Doebeli Michael
Published: February 2023

Understanding community saturation is fundamental to ecological theory. While investigations of the diversity of evolutionary stable states (ESSs) are widespread, the diversity of communities that have yet to reach an evolutionary endpoint is poorly understood. We use Lotka–Volterra dynamics and trait‐based competition to compare the diversity of randomly assembled communities to the diversity of the ESS. We show that, with a large enough founding diversity (whether assembled at once or through sequential invasions), the number of long‐time surviving species exceeds that of the ESS. However, the excessive founding diversity required to assemble a saturated community increases rapidly with the dimension of phenotype space. Additionally, traits present in communities resulting from random assembly are more clustered in phenotype space compared to random, although still markedly less ordered than the ESS. By combining theories of random assembly and ESSs we bring a new viewpoint to both the saturation and random assembly literature.
The phylogeography of the stag beetle Dorcus montivagus (Coleoptera, Lucanidae): Comparison with the phylogeography of its specific host tree, the Japanese beech Fagus crenata
Authors: Ueki Gaku , Tojo Koji
Published: February 2023

Dorcus montivagus is a Japanese endemic stag beetle that feeds exclusively on dead beech wood, and its distribution is almost completely coincidental with that of beech forests. Japanese beech, Fagus crenata, is the dominant tree species of the cool‐temperate deciduous broad‐leaved forests in Japan. Historical changes in the distribution of beech forests due to Pleistocene climate change are expected to have also affected the phylogeographic structures of dependent beech‐feeding phytophagous insects. In this study, we elucidated the present phylogeographic structures of D. montivagus using molecular markers, and also compared them with the present geographic genetic structures of beech tress and the post‐glacial distribution as inferred by pollen fossil analyses. It was found that D. montivagus is largely differentiated into two phylogenetic clades: Clade I consisted of populations from Hokkaido, Honshu and Shikoku, and Clade II consisted only of Kyushu populations. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of the stag beetle showed a geographically declining gradient from south‐west to north‐east, consistent with the genetic variation observable in Japanese beech. Genetic differentiation between the Sea of Japan side and the Pacific Ocean side populations was also observed in both clades of the stag beetle. These results indicate a similar phylogeographic structure between the stag beetle and Japanese beech. Therefore, the distributional changes in Japanese beech correspondingly restricted the migratory dispersal of D. montivagus, and strongly influenced its phylogeographic structure.
Nutrients and seabird biogeography: Feather elements differ among oceanic basins in the Southern Hemisphere, reflecting bird size, foraging range and nutrient availability in seawater
Authors: Roman Lauren , Kastury Farzana , Petit Sophie , Aleman Rina , Hardesty Britta Denise , Wilcox Chris
Published: February 2023

Aim

Biodiversity hotspots in wide‐ranging marine species typically overlap with regions of high productivity, which are often associated with nutrient‐rich waters. Here we investigate how element concentrations in feathers vary among highly mobile seabirds in global seabird biodiversity hotspots.

Location

Southern Hemisphere.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Fifteen species in the order Procellariiformes.

Methods

We collected data on the concentration of 15 elements in feathers for 253 seabirds sampled across Australia and New Zealand and compared the “fingerprint” of micronutrient element profiles to feathers of related seabirds from global hotspots using principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis and permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA).

Results

Breast feather concentrations of some elements, including aluminium, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, nickel, arsenic and cadmium, were tens‐to‐hundred‐fold higher in smaller (<400 g) than larger species (≥400 g). We suggest these results reflect the dominance of pelagic crustaceans in the diet of smaller seabirds, blooms of which are influenced by input of limiting ocean nutrients. Cluster analysis revealed three broad groups of feather elements: large seabirds, and small seabirds in each of the South Pacific and South Atlantic Ocean basins. High concentrations of some elements in feathers match seawater availability and are detectable in lower‐trophic feeding seabirds with local movements. Conversely, the element fingerprints of longer‐distance, higher‐trophic foragers, including albatrosses, do not match availability in seawater at the collection site.

Main conclusions

The feather element concentrations of shorter‐range foraging, lower‐trophic feeding seabirds vary significantly among ocean basins, reflecting availability in seawater, while longer‐range, higher‐trophic species do not. We propose that geographically diverse availability of micronutrients, in addition to primary productivity, may play an underrecognized role in seabird biogeography and intra‐hemispheric migration, though more research is needed. This study has important implications, considering the role of element availability in supporting biodiversity hotspots for dispersive marine predators and for the designation of protected areas.
Judo‐based exercise programs to improve health outcomes in middle‐aged and older adults with no judo experience: A scoping review
Authors: Chan Udella , Ayliffe Laura , Visvanathan Renuka , Headland Michael , Verma Meera , Jadczak Agathe Daria
Published: February 2023

The practice of judo appears to impact positively on physical performance, muscle strength and flexibility in older people, while also benefiting bone mineral density in middle‐aged adults. This scoping review aimed to map the range, scope and type of relevant studies conducted to examine the safety, feasibility and effects of judo interventions on various health‐related outcomes designed for middle‐aged and older adults (≥45 years) with no previous experience in judo. Six databases as well as gray literature were searched using a developed search strategy. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, as well as full‐texts of relevant articles using data extraction tools developed for the purpose of this study. Fifteen original studies were included, comprising 648 participants (mean age 45–77.8 years). All 15 studies reported significant positive results of ≥1 health‐related outcome. Quality of life and bone mineral density seemed to improve only after longer interventions (≥9 or ≥12 months, respectively), while results regarding fear of falling and physical activity levels were mixed. Five studies showed improvements in fear of falling while four studies reported no change. Similarly, two studies showed improvements in physical activity, while another study showed no change. Five studies reported on safety and deemed their intervention to be safe (no adverse events), with two studies confirming feasibility. Findings suggest that judo interventions can positively impact health‐related outcomes in middle‐aged and older adults. However, studies had small sample sizes and more research is needed to confirm these findings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 163–178.
Impact of body size on efficacy of high‐dose dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication
Authors: Guan Jia‐Lun , Han Ying‐Ying , Wang Mu‐Ru , Xia Su‐Hong , Li Ji‐Yan , Zhang Ming‐Yu , Zhao Kai , Feng Li‐Na , Zhang Yu , Dong Ruo‐Nan , Liao Jia‐Zhi , Li Pei‐Yuan
Published: February 2023

Background

High‐dose dual therapy (HDDT) is an emerging and promising therapeutic regime for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. However, the pharmacokinetics of the components of HDDT, amoxicillin and proton pump inhibitor, are likely to be affected by body size. In this study, we aimed to find out the impact of body size on the efficacy of HDDT.

Methods

We collected the medical data of 385 treatment‐naive patients infected with H. pylori who received HDDT (esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 750 mg four times daily) for 14 days from July 2020 to December 2021. The associations among the eradication efficacy, adverse events, and variables (sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), smoking, drinking, etc.) were analyzed respectively in our study. Among these factors, continuous variables were classified into categorical variables using the cut‐off values which were calculated by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

The eradication rate of HDDT was 89.9%. There were 55 (14.3%) patients who occurred adverse events during the treatment. Patients with height <170.5 cm, body weight <60.5 kg, BMI <20.55 kg/m2, BSA <1.69 m2 had a higher eradication rate (92.1% vs. 84.0%, 93.1% vs. 86.8%, 96.0% vs. 87.8%, 93.4% vs. 84.8%, all p < .05). The multivariate analysis showed that BSA ≥1.69 m2 (OR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.28–4.99, p = .007) was the only independent predictor of eradication failure.

Conclusion

HDDT could achieve better eradication efficacy in patients with small BSA. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of BSA on the H. pylori eradication rate and pay more attention to patients with large BSA.
How to maintain sustainable consumer behaviours: A systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Elhoushy Sayed , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: February 2023

Maintaining sustainable consumer behaviours is necessary for both mitigating environmental problems and the success of sustainable businesses. However, to date, the focus is mainly on the motivation‐adoption link (i.e., how to motivate sustainable consumer behaviours) rather than the adoption‐continuance link (i.e., how to maintain those behaviours). This study addresses the link between sustainability adoption and continuance, through a structured literature review. Specifically, this study synthesizes what is (and is not) known about the post‐adoption (continuance) stage of the sustainable consumer journey, by reviewing and integrating the results of 87 articles. This review has three key outcomes. First, it elaborates on the importance and distinction of the continuance stage, which is predicted by a set of different and ‘evolving’ factors, compared with motivation and initial adoption. Second, the key components of the continuance stage are identified and grouped under (I) post‐adoption cognitive perceptions, (II) emotional outcomes, and (III) subsequent behavioural patterns of (dis)continuance, spillover, advocacy, loyalty and habit formation. Third, this study introduces the concept of sustainable consumer behaviour continuity and discusses theoretical relationships in a conceptual framework. Finally, this review identifies knowledge gaps and provides research directions as well as implications for theory and practice.
Impact of perceived value on the online purchase intention of base of the pyramid consumers
Authors: Srivastava Abhinav , Mukherjee Srabanti , Datta Biplab , Shankar Amit
Published: February 2023

Despite the voluminous purchasing power of the consumers at the base of the pyramid (BOP), substantial research has not been carried out on their online buying behaviour. This study investigates the factors that trigger the online shopping intention of BOP consumers. We conducted semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 52 BOP respondents from India. Our thematic analysis indicates four perceived benefits and five sacrifices influencing BOP consumers' perceived value for online purchases, subsequently determining their adoption behaviour. As a novel contribution to the literature, this study unfolds several unknown factors that motivate/demotivate BOP consumers to buy online using the Value‐based Adoption Model (VAM). The findings of this study will help e‐commerce marketers enhance BOP consumers' usage intention toward online purchases.
Mobile social commerce content, consumer emotions and behaviour
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Qi , Edu Tudor , Fam Kim‐Shyan , Zaharia Razvan , Negricea Costel
Published: February 2023

Mobile social commerce (MSC) is exhibiting a growing interest from businesses and buyers due to the increasing number of mobile app users and combination of e‐commerce and sharing features of MSC platforms. The limited existing research on MSC recommends that the impact of MSC platform features/content on consumer behaviour should be further explored, while the social commerce literature emphasizes the necessity to investigate impulse buying (IB) and social participation (SP). Thus, this study adopted the Stimulus‐Organism‐Response (SOR) theory to investigate the impact of MSC content's usefulness, interactivity, entertainment and authenticity, built from the literature, on consumer emotions (arousal and pleasure), and their relationship with IB and SP. A sample of 345 Generation Y Chinese consumers was employed, while responses were collected through a survey, being used partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling to test our hypotheses. Significant relationships were established between the content characteristics and emotions, entertainment exhibiting the strongest impact on arousal, and authenticity on pleasure. Arousal had a significant impact on pleasure, and arousal and pleasure significantly affected IB and SP, with arousal displaying a stronger impact. This research expands the MSC theory through the grouping of content characteristics, documentation on the impact on consumer emotions, the relationship between arousal and pleasure, and the effect on both IB and SP, extending the SOR theory applicability. Practical recommendations for Generation Y MSC marketing are proposed. The model could be extended by introducing privacy concern, content personalization, perceived risk as independent factors, and trust and planned behaviour as explained variables.
: Applicants' experiences with discrimination explain their reactions to algorithms in personnel selection
Authors: Koch‐Bayram Irmela F. , Kaibel Chris , Biemann Torsten , Triana María del Carmen
Published: February 2023

Algorithms might prevent prejudices and increase objectivity in personnel selection decisions, but they have also been accused of being biased. We question whether algorithm‐based decision‐making or providing justifying information about the decision‐maker (here: to prevent biases and prejudices and to make more objective decisions) helps organizations to attract a diverse workforce. In two experimental studies in which participants go through a digital interview, we find support for the overall negative effects of algorithms on fairness perceptions and organizational attractiveness. However, applicants with discrimination experiences tend to view algorithm‐based decisions more positively than applicants without such experiences. We do not find evidence that providing justifying information affects applicants—regardless of whether they have experienced discrimination or not.
Infants' preference for speech is stable across the first year of life: Meta‐analytic evidence
Authors: Issard Cécile , Tsuji Sho , Cristia Alejandrina
Published: February 2023

Previous work suggested that humans' sophisticated speech perception abilities stem from an early capacity to pay attention to speech in the auditory environment. What are the roots of this early preference? We assess the extent to which it is due to it being a vocal sound, a natural sound, and a familiar sound through a meta‐analytic approach, classifying experiments as a function of whether they used native or foreign speech and whether the competitor, against which preference is tested, was vocal or non‐vocal, natural or artificial. We also tested for the effect of age. Synthesizing data from 791 infants across 39 experiments, we found a medium effect size, confirming at the scale of the literature that infants reliably prefer speech over other sounds. This preference was not significantly moderated by the language used, vocal quality, or naturalness of the competitor, nor by infant age. The current body of evidence appears most compatible with the hypothesis that speech is preferred consistently as such and not just due to its vocal, natural, or familiar nature. We discuss limitations of the extant body of work on speech preference, including evidence consistent with a publication bias and low representation of certain stimuli types and ages.
Understanding the role of seeds in reactive magnesia cement (RMC) formulations
Authors: Song Yufeng , Qian Xiaoqian , Yan Dongming , Unluer Cise , Peng Yu , Kong Deyu , Hu Chuanlin , Wang Su , Ruan Shaoqin
Published: February 2023

Nucleation effects of seeds in reactive magnesia cement (RMC) systems have been reported, but this process has never been directly observed. In this study, different types and contents of seeds were introduced in RMC formulations. Results show that seeded RMC samples revealed accelerated hydration/carbonation that led to their more rapid strength development, and the use of magnesite outperformed other seeds given their overall performances, as explained by their more homogenous microstructures. Further, in the model solution, the amount of Mg2+ ions adsorbed onto seeds particles continuously increased with the increment of Mg2+ concentrations, confirming the nucleation effects of seeds in RMC formulations directly, and seeds surfaces revealed a much higher affinity for Mg2+ ions than other ions due to their acid‐base interactions. Therefore, the use of seeds could act as accelerators that shorten the curing period of RMC‐based concrete products on a large scale.
Temporal trends in atrial fibrillation ablation procedures at an academic medical center: 2011−2021
Authors: Kushnir Alexander , Barbhaiya Chirag R. , Aizer Anthony , Jankelson Lior , Holmes Douglas , Knotts Robert , Park David , Spinelli Michael , Bernstein Scott , Chinitz Larry A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Radiofrequency ablation technology for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly over the past decade. We investigated the impact of technological and procedural advances on procedure times and ablation outcomes at a major academic medical center over a 10‐year period.

Methods

Clinical data was collected from patients who presented to NYU Langone Health between 2011 and 2021 for a first‐time AF ablation. Time to redo AF ablation or direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for recurrent AF during a 3‐year follow‐up period was determined and correlated with ablation technology and practices, antiarrhythmic medications, and patient comorbid conditions.

Results

From 2011 to 2021, the cardiac electrophysiology lab adopted irrigated‐contact force ablation catheters, high‐power short duration ablation lesions, steady‐pacing, jet ventilation, and eliminated stepwise linear ablation for AF ablation. During this time the number of first time AF ablations increased from 403 to 1074, the percentage of patients requiring repeat AF‐related intervention within 3‐years of the index procedure dropped from 22% to 14%, mean procedure time decreased from 271 ± 65 to 135 ± 36 min, and mean annual major adverse event rate remained constant at 1.1 ± 0.5%. Patient comorbid conditions increased during this time period and antiarrhythmic use was unchanged.

Conclusion

Rates of redo‐AF ablation or DCCV following an initial AF ablation at a single center decreased 36% over a 10‐year period. Procedural and technological changes likely contributed to this improvement, despite increased AF related comorbidities.
Ex‐vivo histopathologic examination of irrigated radiofrequency ablation utilizing half‐normal saline of the human heart
Authors: Pillai Ajay , Robila Valentina , Kasirajan Vigneshwar , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Koneru Jayanthi N.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) utilizing half‐normal saline (HNS) irrigation is a promising intervention to circumvent commonly encountered limitations during radiofrequency ablation of deep myocardial substrate. Few studies to date have analyzed the morphologic changes in the human myocardium following HNS RFA.

Methods and Results

Three patients with symptomatic ventricular tachycardia (VT) who underwent RFA with HNS irrigation underwent pathological specimen examination at time of autopsy or following native heart explant at the time of cardiac transplantation. Gross evaluation of the heart was performed fresh and after fixation in 10% formalin. A routine examination was performed with fixation in 10% formalin. Sections of lesioned tissue were paraffin embedded and evaluated using standard hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.

Conclusion

Irrigated RF ablation with HNS irrigant produces coagulative necrosis as well as several delayed histopathological changes with a deeper field of effective ablation. Transmurality may not be obtained in the ventricular myocardium with endocardial, epicardial, or sequential unipolar HNS ablation.
Rates and predictors of hospital and emergency department care after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Friedman Daniel J. , Freeman James V. , Wong Charlene , Febre Janice , Iglesias Maximiliano , Khanna Rahul , Piccini Jonathan P.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has become increasingly safer, rehospitalization and emergency department (ED) evaluations can occur in the postablation period. Better understanding of the frequency, causes, and predictors for hospitalization and ED evaluation after ablation are needed, particularly as same‐day discharge programs expand.

Methods

The Optum Clinformatics database was used to define rates, causes, and predictors of hospital and ED care after AF ablation performed between January 2016 and May 2019. Primary outcomes were all‐cause hospital and ED care within 30 days of discharge. Independent predictors of all‐cause ED and hospital admissions care were determined via logistic regression.

Results

Of the 18 848 patients in this study, the mean age was 67.5 ± 10 years, 37.9% were female, and the mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score was 3.27 ± 1.84. Within 30 days of AF ablation, 1440 of 18 848 patients (7.6%) required hospital care of which 15% had >1 admission; 7.9% required ED care of which 28.6% had >1 ED visit. The most common reasons for hospital admission (which occurred on average 12.3 days after discharge) were supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or AF (33.2%), heart failure (12.7%), and infection (12.2%). The most common reasons for ED care were SVT/AF (15.0%), noncardiac chest pain (13.3%), and noninfectious respiratory illness (12.2%). Age, female sex, ablation in an inpatient setting, and co‐morbidities were associated with increased risk of rehospitalization. Age, female sex, patient comorbidities, and non‐use of direct oral anticoagulation were associated with increased risk of ED visit.

Conclusion

Approximately 7%–8% of patients require unplanned hospitalization or ED care after AF ablation, most commonly due to SVT/AF. Predictors of unscheduled care include patient age, sex, and several patient comorbidities. This study can inform quality improvement initiatives by identifying common causes for unscheduled care.
Anticoagulation after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: Associations with CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score, sex, and rhythm
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Chan Nicholas , Arockiam Aro D. , Cremer Paul C. , Kanj Mohamed , Baranowski Bryan , Saliba Walid , Hussein Ayman , Wazni Oussama M. , Jaber Wael A. ,   Other members of the Cleveland Clinic Cardiovascular Imaging and Electrophysiology Collaborative Group
Published: February 2023

Guidelines recommend using the CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score to determine anticoagulation decisions in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, including those who undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), however this may not consistently occur in the real‐world setting because of other clinical factors. We sought to evaluate the anticoagulation prescription rates patterns in AF patients 1 year PVI at our institution. Consecutive AF patients undergoing PVI in our prospective registry during 2014−2018 who were alive at 1‐year post‐PVI were studied. Anticoagulation prescription rates at this time‐point were adjudicated, and correlated to CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score, sex, and heart rhythm status at 1 year. Amongst 4596 patients undergoing PVI, mean age was 64.2 ± 10.0 years, 1328 (28.9%) were female, and based on CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score anticoagulation was not indicated, can be considered and indicated in 872 (19.0%), 1183 (25.7%), and 2541 (55.3%) patients, respectively. At 1‐year after PVI, 3504 (76.2%) patients were on anticoagulation, and 792 (17.2%) had recurrence of AF. Anticoagulation was continued in over half of AF patients without classic CHA₂DS₂‐VASc indication particularly in those with AF recurrence and women, while they were mildly under‐prescribed in those with indication, especially for those without AF recurrence and men. In a large real world cohort of patients after PVI, anticoagulation prescription is not solely depending on the CHA₂DS₂‐VASc score and sex, but also heart rhythm status and other clinical or imaging factors.