bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A widespread methylotroph acyl-homoserine lactone synthase produces an atypical quorum sensing signal
Authors: Cummings Dale A. , Wallace Mike , Roberts Andrew G. , Puri Aaron W.
Published: October 2022

Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs of the generaMethylorubrumandMethylobacteriumare omnipresent bacteria often found associated with plants. Despite their widespread occurrence, the molecular details of how these organisms interact with each other and their environment remain understudied. We analyzed genes encodingN-acylhomoserine lactone quorum sensing signal synthases in published genomes of these bacteria and determined that the product of the largest group of signal synthases had not been characterized. We subsequently identified thisN-acylhomoserine lactone product using inverse stable isotopic labeling (InverSIL), which revealed an atypical signal. We then demonstrate in one representative strain that this signal activates its cognate LuxR-family transcription factor and is produced in a positive feedback loop. These results reveal a previously undescribed yet widespread signal used by pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs, which helps us understand the chemical ecology of these important bacteria.
Policy implementation for extreme hazard events in Caribbean Small Island Developing States: a case study – Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada
Authors: Murray Marlene , Watson Patrick K.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Extreme natural hazard events in the Caribbean continue to result in major adverse consequences. Studies of disaster experiences have identified operational deficiencies that limited the effectiveness of disaster management policies in live emergencies. This paper reports on a study of the implementation characteristics of specific public disaster risk reduction and response measures in two Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, which may impact the success of these measures. The purpose of this paper is to examine these characteristics and their potential impacts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data on specific aspects of disaster risk management (DRM) policy implementation from policy documents and interviews with public DRM agencies. A sample of business entities also provided data on their interactions with public risk management measures. The data focussed on operational aspects of implementation to identify likely impacts on hazard event outcomes.

Findings

The study identifies implementation deficiencies that may hamper achievement of risk reduction objectives and limit the effectiveness of emergency response.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may be instructive for other Caribbean SIDS which share similar economic and social characteristics, natural hazard exposures and potential catastrophic outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings suggest tactical areas of focus to enhance the operationalisation of policy.

Social implications

Improved operational effectiveness will support the efforts of Caribbean SIDS to reduce the scale of adverse outcomes on people and property.

Originality/value

The findings of this study broaden the scope of Caribbean disaster studies to provide an insight into operational weaknesses that may be recognised and addressed prior to hazard events.
Competitive or collaborative? Customer concentration and real earnings management
Authors: Zhu Lei , Chen Wanyi , Zheng Qianwen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Emerging markets are characterized by weak institutions and strong relationships, which give rise to different market characteristics in supply chain relationships. This study investigates the impact of customer concentration on suppliers' real earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on China's relationship-based transaction, this study selects 2007–2019 Shenzhen and Shanghai Stock Exchange A-share manufacturing listed companies as the research samples. The empirical analysis is derived from the ordinary least square regression model with industry and year fixed effects, and cross-sectional analysis is used for further analysis.

Findings

It is found that the higher the degree of customer concentration, the more likely a company is to engage in real earnings management mainly through discretionary expenses instead of accrual-based earnings management. Further research shows that when suppliers provide customers with higher commercial credit and make more relationship-specific investments, and when major customers are also major suppliers, the effect of customer concentration on real earnings management is more significant. It can be seen from the results that high customer concentration is beneficial for suppliers to cooperate with major customers in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This research expands the relationship between customer relationship-based transaction and earnings management from the perspective of collaboration. These conclusions are of great significance for market regulators to reform information disclosure related to customers and for participants to pay attention to the composition of major customers of the company.
Turn calamities into blessings: the impact of resource reconfiguration and firm resilience on the company's recovery and growth in the COVID-19 times
Authors: Zhang Shujie , Sun Qian , Dai Lejiao , Wang Xingyuan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to construct an integrated theoretical framework of firm resilience, and examine the relationship between resource reconfiguration, firm resilience, disruption impact, profit growth, innovation and environmental uncertainty in the context of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was distributed to 220 companies and a total of 207 respondents returned the survey. chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO) of each company participants in the survey. The hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The results showed that firm resilience can be stimulated through the reconstruction of existing resources, and environmental uncertainty played a moderating role in this process; in turn, the improvement of firm resilience enabled companies to reduce the impact of disruptions, achieve profit growth and promote innovation.

Practical implications

This study provides practical implications for how business management shapes firm resilience and promotes organization recovery and development.

Originality/value

This study expands the literature of firm resilience by providing an integrated theoretical framework of firm resilience. Firstly, based on the perspective of dynamic capabilities, this study reveals that resource reconfiguration plays a key role in shaping firm resilience. Secondly, this study enriches the boundary research on firm resilience by incorporating environmental uncertainty into the research framework. Thirdly, this study validates the impact of firm resilience on disruption impact, profit growth and innovation of companies, providing sufficient empirical evidence for the outcomes of firm resilience.
Brand equity and stock performance in time of crisis: evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Farhang Maryam , Kamran-Disfani Omid , H. Zadeh Arash
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of brand equity (BE) on stock performance (i.e. stock return, volatility and beta), and compare the performance of a high brand equity stocks (HBES) portfolio with that of the overall market during market downturn, market upturn and total disturbance periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Stock performance data and brand valuation estimates are obtained from various sources to assemble a portfolio of HBES and conduct the analyses. Econometric models are estimated to examine the impact of BE on stock performance and compare the HBES portfolio performance versus the overall market.

Findings

BE was positively associated with stock return and negatively associated with both types of risk (volatility and beta) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, during the market downturn period, BE was positively related to stock return and negatively related to stock volatility; during the market upturn period, BE was negatively associated with both types of risk; and during the total disturbance period, BE was positively associated with stock return and negatively associated with both types of risk. Finally, the HBES portfolio outperformed the market (S&P 500 index).

Research limitations/implications

The findings advance the extant research by providing evidence pertaining to brands' role in mitigating the impact of unpredictable market shocks and crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on stock performance. While brands are mostly viewed as drivers of sustained competitive advantage and profitability, their protective role in crisis times is noteworthy.

Practical implications

The research findings potentially help marketing and brand managers to justify marketing spending and craft their strategies to enhance firm performance during crises similar to COVID-19.

Originality/value

The marketing–finance interface can benefit from insights offered by the COVID-19 pandemic, as such crises are becoming prevalent and are capable of damaging various stakeholders' outcomes (firms, investors and customers). The empirical examination is separately conducted on the market downturn, market upturn and total disturbance period attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How B&B experience affects customer value cocreation under the social servicescape: an emotional psychological perspective
Authors: Wang Mei-Yu , Li Yong-Quan , Ruan Wen-Qi , Zhang Shu-Ning
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze how bed and breakfast (B&B) experience influences customer value cocreation (CVCC) through emotional psychological factors under the social servicescape (SSC).

Design/methodology/approach

A moderated chain mediation model was constructed based on the SSC framework. This study collected 722 valid questionnaires through convenience sampling in Xiamen, China, and tourists with B&B experiences were taken as samples. A structural equation model analysis was used to test relevant hypotheses.

Findings

Results reveal that B&B experience is the core factor to stimulate CVCC. In this process, the individual emotional psychological factors [pleasant arousal (PAL) and place attachment (PAT)] play the critical chain mediating role. In addition, localness positively moderates the reinforcing effect of B&B experience on PAL and strengthens the positive effect of PAL on PAT.

Practical implications

The findings can provide useful CVCC strategies for B&B operators. They can achieve CVCC by enhancing customer experiences, strengthening emotional interactions and building local culture, thereby improving the competitiveness of B&Bs.

Originality/value

Current research lacks an in-depth analysis on the internal relationship and logic between B&B experience and CVCC, especially from emotional psychological perspectives. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies to reveal the mechanism of the CVCC process of B&Bs under the SSC from an emotional psychological perspective. It provides a new theoretical model for research on the CVCC of experience-dominant logic.
Preconditioned transmission + reflection joint traveltime tomography with adjoint‐state method for subsurface velocity model building
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Dong Liangguo , Wang Jianhua , Huang Chao
Published: October 2022

Adjoint‐state‐based transmission and reflection traveltime inversion are promising approaches for reconstructing a macro velocity field in both shallow and deep depths. However, the contaminated gradient by the uneven illumination impedes the recovery of an optimal velocity model and results in slow convergence rate in inversion. To mitigate this issue, we propose a novel preconditioned transmission + reflection joint traveltime tomography method with transmission and reflection illumination compensation. The proposed illumination compensation operator is theoretically demonstrated as the diagonal elements of the approximated Hessian, which can be efficiently computed in a way similar to gradient calculation. The proposed method can construct a more accurate velocity model compared to the uncompensated counterpart. Convergence is also accelerated by the relatively uniform velocity updates from the shallow to the deep parts. Furthermore, velocity updating and reflector imaging are simultaneously iterated during the inversion. Synthetic numerical example based on the inclusion model indicates that the proposed preconditioned method can result in uniform gradient values of both transmitted and shot/receiver‐side reflected traveltime. The complex foothill model test shows the improved inversion accuracy of the proposed method with an increased convergence rate and improved reflection traveltime predictions using the inverted velocity model. Experiment on the small foothill model indicates that the reflector and velocity can be updated simultaneously, and the inversion accuracy can be significantly improved by selecting multi reflectors. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed method are demonstrated by a field data application in East China Sea.
Staggered arrangement and sequential dehiscence of anthers in didynamous stamens facilitate reproductive fitness of Brandisia hancei
Authors: Ren Yongquan , Huang Chengling , Zhang Rui , Zhu Shouxue , Yang Jialin
Published: October 2022

Didynamous stamens are separated into two pairs of different length, and the implication of this arrangement has not been well understood. The functional advantages of didynamous stamens were investigated in Brandisia hancei. Change of stamens during floral aging was recorded; the quantity, viability, and siring ability of pollen grains were tested; the anther arrangement was manipulated into four types based on stamen category and number, and fruit set and number of seeds per fruit were measured. Didynamous stamens exhibited staggered anther arrangement, and pollen sacs dehisced gradually. There was no difference for quantity, viability, and siring ability of pollen grains between the two pairs of anthers. Seed production after the removal of one long and one short stamen was higher than that of two long or two short stamens. Through prolonging pollen presentation and promoting delayed self‐pollination, staggered arrangement and sequential dehiscence of anthers in didynamous stamens facilitate reproductive fitness of B. hancei.
Heterogeneous treatment effects of dexamethasone 12 mg versus 6 mg in patients with COVID‐19 and severe hypoxaemia—Post hoc exploratory analyses of the COVID STEROID 2 trial
Authors: Granholm Anders , Munch Marie Warrer , Andersen‐Ranberg Nina , Myatra Sheila Nainan , Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar Tirupakuzhi , Venkatesh Balasubramanian , Jha Vivekanand , Wahlin Rebecka Rubenson , Jakob Stephan M. , Cioccari Luca , Møller Morten Hylander , Perner Anders
Published: October 2022

Background

Corticosteroids improve outcomes in patients with severe COVID‐19. In the COVID STEROID 2 randomised clinical trial, we found high probabilities of benefit with dexamethasone 12 versus 6 mg daily. While no statistically significant heterogeneity in treatment effects (HTE) was found in the conventional, dichotomous subgroup analyses, these analyses have limitations, and HTE could still exist.

Methods

We assessed whether HTE was present for days alive without life support and mortality at Day 90 in the trial according to baseline age, weight, number of comorbidities, category of respiratory failure (type of respiratory support system and oxygen requirements) and predicted risk of mortality using an internal prediction model. We used flexible models for continuous variables and logistic regressions for categorical variables without dichotomisation of the baseline variables of interest. HTE was assessed both visually and with p and S values from likelihood ratio tests.

Results

There was no strong evidence for substantial HTE on either outcome according to any of the baseline variables assessed with all p values >.37 (and all S values <1.43) in the planned analyses and no convincingly strong visual indications of HTE.

Conclusions

We found no strong evidence for HTE with 12 versus 6 mg dexamethasone daily on days alive without life support or mortality at Day 90 in patients with COVID‐19 and severe hypoxaemia, although these results cannot rule out HTE either.
Perspectives of COVID‐19 vaccine–hesitant emergency department patients to inform messaging platforms to promote vaccine uptake
Authors: Gentsch Alexzandra T. , Butler Jonathan , O'Laughlin Kelli , Eucker Stephanie A. , Chang AnnaMarie , Duber Herbie , Geyer Rachel E. , Guth Amanda , Kanzaria Hemal K. , Pauley Alena , Rising Kristin L. , Chavez Cecilia Lara , Tupetz Anna , Rodriguez Robert M.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Efforts to promote COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance must consider the critical role of the emergency department (ED) in providing health care to underserved patients. Focusing on patients who lacked primary care, we sought to elicit the perspectives of unvaccinated ED patients regarding COVID‐19 vaccination concerns and potential approaches that might increase their vaccine acceptance.

Methods

We conducted this qualitative interview study from August to November 2021 at four urban EDs in San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Durham, North Carolina; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We included ED patients who were ≥18 years old, fluent in English or Spanish, had not received a COVID‐19 vaccine, and did not have primary care physicians or clinics. We excluded patients who were unable to complete an interview, in police custody, under suspicion of active COVID‐19 illness, or presented with a psychiatric chief complaint. We enrolled until we reached thematic saturation in relevant domains. We analyzed interview transcripts with a content analysis approach focused on identifying concerns about COVID‐19 vaccines and ideas regarding the promotion of vaccine acceptance and potential trusted messengers.

Results

Of 65 patients enrolled, 28 (43%) identified as female, their median age was 36 years (interquartile range 29–49), and 12 (18%) interviews were conducted in Spanish. Primary concerns about COVID‐19 vaccines included risk of complications, known and unknown side effects, and fear of contracting COVID‐19 from vaccines. Trust played a major role for patients in deciding which sources to use for vaccine information and in engendering vaccine acceptance. Health care providers and family or friends were commonly cited as trusted messengers of information.

Conclusions

We characterized concerns about COVID‐19 vaccines, uncovered themes that may promote vaccine acceptance, and identified trusted messengers—primarily health care professionals. These data may inform the development of nuanced COVID‐19 vaccine messaging platforms to address COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among underserved ED populations.
Circ_0031027 adjusts the advancement of cervical cancer by miR‐587/SOCS5 axis
Authors: Chen Yajun , Yang Yuanju , Wang Shuang , Guan Fujuan , Zhen Shenghua
Published: October 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) might participate in the growth of cervical cancer (CC). In this research, we reconnoitered the characters of circ_0031027 in CC.

Methods

Circ_0031027, microRNA‐587 (miR‐587), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5) abundances were distinguished by qRT‐PCR and western blot. The cell functions were examined by colony formation assay, EdU assay, and transwell assay. The combined relationship of miR‐587 and circ_0031027 or SOCS5 was identified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Ultimately, the mice test was utilized to assess the part of circ_0031027.

Results

Circ_0031027 and SOCS5 were downregulated, and the miR‐587 was upregulated in CC. For functional analysis, circ_0031027 overexpression repressed cell proliferation, cell migration, and invasion in CC cells. Circ_0031027 as a miR‐587 sponge to adjust SOCS5. MiR‐587 facilitated the advancement of CC cells by overturning SOCS5. In addition, circ_0031027 overexpression subdued tumor growth.

Conclusion

Circ_0031027 inhibited the enlargement of CC by miR‐587/SOCS5.
In vitro analysis of factors affecting the continuous hemodiafiltration clearance of teicoplanin
Authors: Sawada Mifuyu , Uchida Masashi , Yamazaki Shingo , Suzuki Tatsuya , Suzuki Takaaki , Ishii Itsuko
Published: October 2022

Background

In the treatment of sepsis, continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) and the administration of antibiotics such as teicoplanin (TEIC) are frequently performed in parallel. We aimed to clarify the factors influencing the CHDF clearance (CLCHDF) of TEIC using a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane or a polyacrylonitrile and sodium methallyl sulfonate copolymer membrane coated with polyethylenimine (AN69ST). We also investigated whether the adsorption of TEIC onto the hemofilters inhibits the adsorption of interleukin (IL)‐6 onto the membranes.

Methods

TEIC, human serum albumin (HSA), and IL‐6 were incubated with pieces of hemofilter membranes and adsorption rates were calculated. The CLCHDF, diafiltration rate, and adsorption rate of TEIC were calculated using an in vitro CHDF circuit model.

Results

The adsorption rates of TEIC onto the pieces of PMMA and AN69ST membranes ranged from 15.0% to 100% and from −10% to 5%, respectively. The adsorption rate of IL‐6 was similar with or without TEIC. The CLCHDF and adsorption rate of TEIC under PMMA‐CHDF depended on HSA, but not on effluent flow rate (Qe). The CLCHDF under AN69ST‐CHDF depended on HSA and Qe. The observed CLCHDF under AN69ST‐CHDF was similar to the predicted value (the product of Qe and the plasma unbound fraction). The observed CLCHDF under PMMA‐CHDF was 2.0–7.8 times greater than the predicted value.

Conclusions

Adsorption mainly contributes to the CLCHDF of TEIC using PMMA membranes, whereas diafiltration mainly contributes to the CLCHDF of TEIC using AN69ST membranes. TEIC adsorption might not affect the adsorption of IL‐6 onto PMMA membrane.
Longitudinal causal relationship between depression and self‐esteem in Korean older adults
Authors: Wang Juanjuan , Hoe Maanse
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to examine the longitudinal causal relationship between depression and self‐esteem (SE) in older Koreans and analyze gender differences in this correlation. Participants were 4742 older adults aged ≥65 years in baseline 2018 from the Korea Welfare Panel Study. Depression and SE were measured every year from 2018 to 2021. This study estimated causal relationships using the autoregressive cross‐lagged model and analyzed gender differences using a multigroup approach. The findings indicate that depression and SE in older adults support the reciprocal causal model, but there are no gender differences. The study recommends that both depression and SE should be considered in the design of social work intervention programs for older adults but can disregard gender differences.
Musculature of the male abdominal segments and terminalia of Zaphne barbiventris (Zetterstedt, 1845) and Delia fabricii (Holmgren, 1872) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae)
Authors: Ovtshinnikova Olga. G. , Sorokina Vera S.
Published: October 2022

The abdominal and pregenital segments and genitalia were studied in males of Zaphne barbiventris (Zetterstedt, 1845) and Delia fabricii (Holmgren, 1872) (Anthomyiidae). The examined species are very similar in the structure of the sclerites and muscles of their terminal segments. Differences between Delia Robineau‐Desvoidy, 1830 and Zaphne Robineau‐Desvoidy, 1830 were found only in the structure of the pregenital segments and their muscles. Delia has well‐developed and well‐identified tergite VI, while tergite VI of Zaphne is fused in syntergosternite VI + VII + VIII as indicated by the insertion of muscles of ITM 5 running from tergite V. Within members of the muscoid grade, the skeleton and musculature of male terminalia of the Anthomyiidae were similar to that in the subfamily Azeliinae of the Muscidae and the Scathophagidae. The complete set of phallapodeme muscles, as well as the complete set of muscles of the pregenital sclerites and the position of cercal muscles M 26, has shown that the Anthomyiidae have more plesiomorphic character states than other members of the muscoid grade. Descriptions and figures of the terminal sclerites and muscles of Zaphne barbiventris are provided.
A systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to adherence to mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for those with chronic conditions
Authors: Marks Eleanor , Moghaddam Nima , De Boos Danielle , Malins Sam
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can improve the lives of those with a chronic condition and psychological distress, however, high drop‐out rates limit benefits. MBCT might be a candidate treatment for this population if nonadherence can be overcome. This review explores the existing literature on the barriers and facilitators to adherence to MBCT for those with chronic conditions.

Method

Databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus were searched between 28th May and 11th June 2021. We included empirical papers that identified barriers and/or facilitators to MBCT adherence in patients with chronic conditions—excluding non‐English and grey literature. Papers were screened and duplicates removed. Extracted data included: setting, design, aim, sample‐size, population and identified barriers/facilitators to MBCT adherence. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was adapted and used to appraise the quality of studies

Results

Twenty papers were eligible for review. Synthesis identified six themes (in prevalence order): (1) Practical Factors (e.g., time and other commitments), (2) Motivation (e.g., change‐readiness), (3) Patient clinical and demographic characteristics (e.g., current physical health), (4) Connection with Others (facilitators and group members), (5) Credibility (perception of the intervention) and (6) Content difficulty (intervention accessibility). Findings highlight potential adaptations to implementation (e.g., clear treatment rationale, preference matching, and eliciting and responding to individual concerns or obstructive assumptions) that could address barriers and harness facilitators.

Conclusion

This review contributes a higher order understanding of factors that may support/obstruct client adherence to MBCT with implications for future implementation in research and practice. Future research should prioritize open exploration of barriers/facilitators.
A snapshot of protein trafficking in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Prasad Vibhu , Bartenschlager Ralf
Published: October 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 is a human pathogenic virus responsible for the COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. The infection cycle of SARS‐CoV‐2 involves several related steps, including virus entry, gene expression, RNA replication, assembly of infectious virions and their egress. For all of these steps, the virus relies on and exploits host cell factors, cellular organelles, and processes such as endocytosis, nuclear transport, protein secretion, metabolite transport at membrane contact sites (MSC) and exocytotic pathways. To do this, SARS‐CoV‐2 has evolved multifunctional viral proteins that hijack cellular factors and modulate their function by unique strategies. In this Review, we highlight cellular trafficking factors, processes, and organelles of relevance to the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection cycle and how viral proteins make use of and perturb cellular transport during the viral infection cycle.
Machine learning‐based prediction of mortality after heart transplantation in adults with congenital heart disease: A UNOS database analysis
Authors: Kampaktsis Polydoros N. , Siouras Athanasios , Doulamis Ilias P. , Moustakidis Serafeim , Emfietzoglou Maria , Van den Eynde Jef , Avgerinos Dimitrios V. , Giannakoulas George , Alvarez Paulino , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: October 2022

Background

Machine learning (ML) is increasingly being applied in Cardiology to predict outcomes and assist in clinical decision‐making. We sought to develop and validate an ML model for the prediction of mortality after heart transplantation (HT) in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD).

Methods

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried from 2000 to 2020 for ACHD patients who underwent isolated HT. The study cohort was randomly split into derivation (70%) and validation (30%) datasets that were used to train and test a CatBoost ML model. Feature selection was performed using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Recipient, donor, procedural, and post‐transplant characteristics were tested for their ability to predict mortality. We additionally used SHAP for explainability analysis, as well as individualized mortality risk assessment.

Results

The study cohort included 1033 recipients (median age 34 years, 61% male). At 1 year after HT, there were 205 deaths (19.9%). Out of a total of 49 variables, 10 were selected as highly predictive of 1‐year mortality and were used to train the ML model. Area under the curve (AUC) and predictive accuracy for the 1‐year ML model were .80 and 75.2%, respectively, and .69 and 74.2% for the 3‐year model, respectively. Based on SHAP analysis, hemodialysis of the recipient post‐HT had overall the strongest relative impact on 1‐year mortality after HΤ, followed by recipient‐estimated glomerular filtration rate, age and ischemic time.

Conclusions

ML models showed satisfactory predictive accuracy of mortality after HT in ACHD and allowed for individualized mortality risk assessment.
Demography of Common Swifts (Apus apus) breeding in the UK associated with local weather but not aphid biomass
Authors: Finch Tom , Bell James R. , Robinson Robert A. , Peach Will J.
Published: October 2022

In common with many other insectivorous birds, the Common Swift Apus apus is undergoing population declines, with an estimated 57% reduction in abundance between 1995 and 2017 in the UK. The ultimate drivers of this decline are poorly understood but links have been drawn to reductions in the abundance and availability of insect prey, as well as loss of nesting sites. The aim of this study is to improve understanding of the demographic and environmental drivers of Swift decline in Great Britain, with a particular focus on weather and aphid biomass. We explore spatio‐temporal trends in the biomass of aphids, an important source of food for these aerial feeders, from a network of 17 suction‐traps, each 12.2 m in length. We then use data from national nest recording and ringing schemes to describe temporal trends in, and covariates of, Swift breeding success and annual survival. Demographic data are sparse prior to the mid‐1990s but show stable adult survival, a reduction in first‐year survival and an increase in nest failure rate since the mid‐1970s. Despite marked declines in aphid biomass across much of southern and eastern England during this period, we find no association between aphid biomass and Swift demography. Weather was a stronger correlate of variation in Swift demography, with increased precipitation associated with smaller brood size, higher nest failure rate and lower first‐year survival. Our data suggest that falling first‐year survival, partly linked to wetter summers, may be the most likely demographic driver of population decline. Given that the only convincing correlates of Swift demography were weather‐related, we suggest it would be precautionary for conservation efforts to continue to focus on ensuring that safe and productive nesting sites are in sufficient supply. Further research to identify habitats and land management practices which provide foraging resources, particularly during periods of inclement weather, is required, and future demographic modelling exercises would benefit from increased nest recording and ringing efforts.
Canopy nitrogen addition affects ground‐dwelling spider assemblages and trophic position
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Meng Yuanyuan , Behm Jocelyn E. , Zhang Wei , Fu Shenglei
Published: October 2022

While it is clear that nitrogen (N) deposition impacts the plant diversity of major terrestrial ecosystems, how ground‐dwelling fauna respond to N deposition is less understood.

Here, we use a novel experimental methodology of canopy addition of N (CAN) to simulate realistic N deposition and contrast this method to standard understory addition of N (UAN) in a temperate forest and a subtropical forest. We investigated the shifts in community composition and trophic position for ground‐dwelling spiders under different N deposition treatments.

We found that the CAN deposition treatment increased the diversity of sit‐and‐wait spiders and the abundance of actively hunting spiders at the subtropical forest, but N treatments had no effect on spider abundance or diversity at the temperate forest. In contrast, UAN treatments had no significant impact on spider communities compared to control treatment. Furthermore, N treatments had significant effects on spider assemblage at subtropical forest. Overall, spiders in the CAN treatment had a higher trophic position as indicated by δ15N isotopic signatures at both forest types.

In conclusion, our study suggests that the effects of N deposition on ground‐dwelling spider assemblages depend on N addition approaches. Furthermore, our results suggest that CAN is a more realistic method for understanding the effects of atmospheric N deposition on soil arthropods in forest ecosystems.
Synthesis of silver core‐shell nanoparticles and their influence on an experimental resin endodontic sealer: An in vitro analysis
Authors: Rücker Victória Britz , Balbinot Gabriela de Souza , Collares Fabrício Mezzomo , de Araújo Neto Vitaliano Gomes , Giannini Marcelo , Leitune Vicente Castelo Branco
Published: October 2022

Aim

To avoid root canal recontamination and endodontic treatment failure, endodontic sealers with antibacterial activity could be an alternative. Silver nanoparticles have antibacterial activity and this study aimed to synthesize Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles, incorporate them into an experimental endodontic resin sealer and evaluate their influence on physicochemical and biological properties.

Methodology

Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were produced using the sol–gel process, based on the Stöber method. The particles were characterized in terms of their chemical structure by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–Vis spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, where the particle morphology and diameter were analysed. A dual‐cured experimental endodontic resin sealer was formulated using 70 wt% UDMA, 15 wt% GDMA, and 15 wt% BisEMA. The photoinitiators were added separately in two pastes. The Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into the endodontic sealer at the concentrations of 2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt%, and a control group without nanoparticles was also formulated. The endodontic sealers were evaluated for their flow, film thickness, degree of conversion, softening in solvent, radiopacity, cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity immediately and after 9 months in water storage.

Results

Silver was detected in the chemical characterization of Ag@SiO2 that presented a spheric regular shape and average 683.51 nm ± 93.58 diameter. Sealers presented adequate flow and film thickness while radiopacity values were below the ones required by ISO 6876. All groups underwent softening after immersion in a solvent. The 10 wt% groups showed a higher loss of subsurface hardness (∆KHN%). No reduction in cell viability was observed. Enterococcus faecalis viability in biofilm was reduced in 10 wt% groups after 24 h and 9 months.

Conclusion

The addition of 10 wt% Ag@SiO2 reduced E. faecalis viability at immediate and longitudinal analysis while maintaining the physicochemical properties of developed sealers.
Selenium ameliorates inflammation by decreasing autophagic flux and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling on experimentally induced rat periapical lesions
Authors: Bolat Nergiz , Erzurumlu Yalçin , Aşcı Halil , Özmen Özlem , Üreyen Kaya Bulem
Published: October 2022

Aim

To reveal the molecular mechanisms that targets mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling and the autophagic flux and to investigate the possible effects of the systemic administration of selenium (Se) on experimentally induced rat periapical lesions.

Methodology

Thirty adult Sprague–Dawley rats were divided equally into negative control, positive control and Se groups. In the positive control and Se groups, the pulp chambers of their mandibular first molars were exposed to the oral environment to induce periapical lesions The Se group received daily intraperitoneal injections of Se at a dose of 0.1 mg kg−1. After 28 days, the amount of bone destruction; severity of inflammation; penetration of microorganisms along the root canal; collagen degradation in periodontal ligament; interleukin (IL)‐6, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and caspase‐3 expression; autophagic flux; and p38 MAPK signalling were evaluated using radiographic, histopathological, Gram staining, picrosirius red stain, immunohistochemical, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain (qRT–PCR) and Western blot methods, respectively. These data were analysed through the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunnett's tests (p < .05).

Results

The area of radiographic periapical bone loss, histopathological scores, the area of periapical bone loss and the scores for the bacteria localisation, the intensity of immunohistochemical staining for IL‐6, HIF‐1, COX‐2 and caspase‐3 in the Se group was significantly less than those of the positive control group (p < .01). The mRNA expression levels of Beclin‐1, Atg3, Atg5, Atg7 and Atg16L1 were lower in the Se group than in the positive control group (p < .01). The protein expressions of Beclin‐1, Atg5 and LC3‐II, the phosphorylation ratio of the p38 MAPK and the ratios of LC3II/LC3I were significantly higher (p < .05) in the positive control and Se groups. On the contrary, the expression of the p62/SQSTM1 protein was significantly lower (p < .05) in the positive control and Se groups than in the negative control group.

Conclusion

The induction of periapical lesions in rats increased autophagic flux and activated p38 MAPK signal transduction processes. Se suppressed the inflammatory process, reduced bone destruction and both the autophagic flux and p38 MAPK activation.
Concept analysis of adolescent use of social media for emotional well‐being
Authors: Jo Soojung , Jang Mi Young
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim of the study is to conduct a concept analysis of adolescents' emotional well‐being resulting from healthy social media use.

Background

Adolescents are the group that uses mobile social media the most. They connect to others and achieve life satisfaction via social media. Here, we consider both the positive and negative aspects of social media use and recognize the need for clear guidance on proper social media use among adolescents.

Design

This study utilized an eight‐step method of concept analysis.

Data sources

A systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL and PsycInfo was conducted, and 10 articles were selected.

Review methods

We defined attributes, model cases, antecedents, consequences and referents.

Results

The attributes of adolescent emotional well‐being on social media are (a) relationships with others, (b) internet‐based communication and (c) being happy and maintaining emotional health. Adolescents use social media to feel safe, seek information and connect to others. Adolescents reported having better relationships and positive affect as a result of social media use.

Conclusion

This concept analysis will help health‐care providers understand how adolescent emotional well‐being is attained through social media. Additionally, this study will provide the basis of behavioural theories and future interventions that guide adolescent use of social media.
Initiating value‐based healthcare in psoriasis: Proposing a value‐based outcome set for daily clinical practice
Authors: Hilhorst Niels Timo , Deprez Elfie , Balak Deepak Mukesh Wieshwaykumar , Van Geel Nanja , Gutermuth Jan , Hoorens Isabelle , Lambert Jo Lydie Wilfried
Published: October 2022

Background

With the current trend in healthcare moving towards a more value‐based approach, it is essential to understand what value encompasses.

Objectives

To develop an actionable value‐based outcome set (VOS) for daily practice.

Methods

A mixed method approach was used consisting of four phases. Formerly, a systematic review was conducted, providing an overview of all patient‐relevant outcomes defined in current literature. These 23 outcomes were then presented to a group of patients, using a modified nominal group technique (NGT), to establish whether these results represented all of their relevant outcomes. Subsequently, these outcomes were ranked according to importance by patients attending our academic specialized psoriasis clinic. A review of the literature was performed to assess which instruments were available and suitable to evaluate the outcomes in this VOS. Finally, a pilot feasibility test was performed amongst patients.

Results

Of the 23 outcomes, two were omitted from the ranking exercise after the NGT. In the ranking exercise, 120 patients participated. The median age was 50.0 (IQR 25.0) years and 36.7% were female. Median PASI score was 2.4 (IQR 5.2), and treatments varied from topicals to biologicals. The outcomes scored as most important were symptom control, treatment efficacy, confidence in care and control of disease. The least important outcomes were comorbidity control, productivity and cost of care. A significant difference was shown between the ranking of the outcomes (p < 0.001). In total, 12 instruments were selected, which are reported by both patient and provider, to measure the outcomes in this VOS. Median completion time for the patient part was 30 min (IQR 2.8).

Conclusions

This VOS is a first proposal to evaluate psoriasis care in a value‐based manner. Measuring these outcomes can enable us to critically appraise and improve current care processes, within the reality of available resources, thereby increasing value for patients.
Optimization of encapsulated agents and stirring speed on the physicochemical characteristics of vacuum dried nutmeg seed oleoresin (Myristica fragrans)
Authors: Ananingsih Victoria K. , Soedarini Bernadeta , Andriani Cynthia , Konstantia Bernardine A. A. , Santoso Birgitta D.
Published: October 2022

Nutmeg seed oleoresin (Myristica fragrans Houtt) from nutmeg seed extraction contains active substances. However, oleoresins' active substances are commonly heat sensitive, so encapsulation is needed. Encapsulation is the process of wrapping particles containing active ingredients in a homogeneous or heterogeneous matrix that produces encapsulated powder. The objective of this study was to obtain the best combination of encapsulated agents' concentration (maltodextrin and whey protein isolate) and agitation speed on the physicochemical characteristics of nutmeg seed oleoresin encapsulated using a vacuum drying method. Encapsulation of nutmeg seed oleoresin was performed with comparative parameters, namely agitation speed (3000, 3500, 4000 rpm), maltodextrin (MD) concentrations (ratio of MD to nutmeg seed oleoresin = 2:4, 4:4, 6:4), and whey protein isolate (WPI) concentrations (ratio of WPI to nutmeg oleoresin = 6:4, 4:4, and 2:4). The physicochemical analysis consisted of trapped oil content, antioxidant activity, yields, water content, surface oil, water activity, and color testing. The physicochemical data were further analyzed by response surface methodology (RSM) to get an optimum formula. The best formula resulted from a process at an agitation speed of 3500 rpm and the addition of 4 g maltodextrin and 4 g WPI. That formula had a trapped oil content 10.23%, antioxidant activity 91.50%, yield 66.79%, water activity 0.55, moisture content 8.63, and color intensity L* 65.47, a* 7.90, and b* 19.57. This formula could be applied to produce nutmeg seed oleoresin powder with good physicochemical properties.

Practical applications

Encapsulation of nutmeg seed oleoresin by vacuum drying produced a more stable powder with longer shelf life compared to those in the form of nutmeg seed oleoresin. The viscous liquid of nutmeg seed oleoresin is prone to oxidation and degradation during storage. This encapsulated nutmeg seed oleoresin powder can be used as a food ingredient for different applications, that is, beverage, confectionery, bakery products, and soup seasonings.
Influence of egg storage length and orientation on hatching traits and spread of hatch in Transylvanian naked neck chickens
Authors: Abioja Monsuru O. , Ojoawo Henry T. , Akinjute Obafemi F. , Logunleko Mariam O.
Published: October 2022

Effects of egg storage length and orientation on hatching traits and spread of hatch were determined in Transylvanian naked neck chickens. Eggs (n = 640) stored in a cold room (16 ± 1.5°C, 75 ± 1.5% RH) in batches of 160 eggs each, for 1, 3, 5 or 7 days were used. Half of each batch was stored with a broad end up (BEU) and the other in a narrow end up (NEU). Eggs were incubated in a two‐stage incubator (37.5°C, 64% RH). Storage length caused a significant increase in egg weight loss (EWL; p < 0.001). Egg fertility (FERT) was significantly lower in 7 days than in 1, 3 and 5 days stored eggs (p < 0001). Dead in shell (DIS) was lower (p < 0.001) in 1‐day storage than in other lengths (p < 0.001). Hatchability of total (HSE) and fertile eggs (HFE) decreased (p > 0.001) gradually from 1 to 7 days, though 3 and 5 days were found to be similar. Hatching commenced earlier (p = 0.055) in 5 days than 1‐day storage. Incubation time at 100% hatch, hatch window and spread of hatch were not (p > 0.05) affected by storage length. At the end of the hatch, longer storage than 1 day caused 45, 45 and 15 min/day delay in hatching for 3, 5 and 7 days storage respectively. The chicks from 3 days storage (17.3 cm) were longer (p = 0.05) than those from 5 (17.1 cm) and 7 days groups (17.1 cm). Higher DIG and DIS but lower HSE and HFE (p < 0.05) were recorded in BEU than in NEU orientation. Earlier commencement of hatch (CH) was recorded in BEU than in NEU eggs. There were significant (p < 0.05) interactions between storage length and orientation in FERT, DIG, HSE, HFE, CH and hatch windows. To achieve HFE up to 70%, eggs could be stored for up to 7 days in NUE orientation but should not exceed 3 days in BEU orientation.