bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of R&D, patents and innovations disclosure on market capitalization: Russian evidence
Authors: Fedorova Elena , Drogovoz Pavel , Popova Anna , Shiboldenkov Vladimir
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The paper examines whether, along with the financial performance, the disclosure of research and development (R&D) expenses, patent portfolios, patent citations and innovation activities affect the market capitalization of Russian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a set of techniques including bag-of-words (BoW) to retrieve additional innovation-related data from companies' annual reports, self-organizing maps (SOM) to perform visual exploratory analysis and panel data regression (PDR) to conduct confirmatory analysis using data on 74 Russian publicly traded companies for the period 2013–2019.

Findings

The paper observes that the disclosure of nonfinancial data on R&D, patents and primarily product and marketing innovations positively affects the market capitalization of the largest Russian companies, which are mainly focused on energy, raw materials and utilities and are operating on international markets. The study suggests that these companies are financially well-resourced to innovate at risk and thus to provide positive signals to stakeholders and external agents.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings are important to management, investors, financial analysts, regulators and various agencies providing guidance on corporate governance and sustainability reporting. However, the authors acknowledge that the research results may lack generalizability due to the sample covering a single national context. Researchers are encouraged to test the proposed approach further on other countries' data by using the compiled lexicons.

Originality/value

The study aims to expand the domains of signaling theory and market valuation by providing new insights into the impact that companies' reporting on R&D, patents and innovation activities has on market capitalization. New nonfinancial factors that previous research does not investigate – innovation disclosure indicators (IDI) – are tested.
The moderating role of Lean Six Sigma practices on quality management practices and quality performance in medical device manufacturing industry
Authors: Sim Choon Ling , Chuah Francis , Sin Kit Yeng , Lim Yi Jin
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating role of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practices in explaining the relationship between quality management practices (QMPs) and quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to empirically examine the moderating effect of LSS practices on QMPs and quality performance in Malaysian medical device manufacturing companies.

Findings

Findings revealed that both QMPs and LSS practices have a significant and positive effect on quality performance. Furthermore, LSS practices served as a substitute for moderating the positive relationship between QMPs and quality performance in such a way that the relationship becomes weaker as LSS practices increase.

Originality/value

LSS is acknowledged as the most well-known hybrid methodology; however, due to its relative newness, it has not been studied in great detail. Unlike previous studies, this paper argued that Lean and Six Sigma practices are distinct from its predecessor TQM practices; moreover, both Lean and Six Sigma practices do not need to substitute QM/TQM practices instead of complimenting the QMPs. In addition, this study adds to the growing body of QM literature by empirically examine the effect of LSS practices in moderating the relationship between QMPs and quality performance.
Molecular insight of p53/Sp1/MUC5AC axis in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jing , He Wenjuan , Hu Xiangying , Fang Xia , Wang Guosheng , Tang Rongjuan , Zhang Ping , Li Qiang
Published: September 2022

The aberrant expression of secretory mucin MUC5AC has been documented during the tumourigenesis and progression of various cancers. However, little is currently known on the function of MUC5AC in lung adenocarcinoma. The present study focused on the tumour‐promoting role of MUC5AC and its regulatory mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma. Firstly, MUC5AC expression was evaluated in NSCLC tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to clarify the prognostic value of MUC5AC. Subsequently, small interfering RNA and small hairpin RNA were used to knockdown MUC5AC in lung ADC cell lines to elucidate its role in tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma via in vitro functional assays and xenograft mouse models. Finally, the regulatory mechanisms underlying p53/Sp1/MUC5AC axis were identified through dual‐luciferase report. We found that MUC5AC was upregulated in lung ADC tissues and cell lines, especially in KRAS‐mutant cases and correlated with poor prognosis. MUC5AC gene silencing resulted in reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Furthermore, knockdown of MUC5AC led to reversion of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Additionally, downregulation of MUC5AC reduced tumourigenesis in mouse models. Finally, we found an antagonistic role between Sp1 and p53 in the regulation of MUC5AC gene expression. Our findings suggest that high MUC5AC expression promotes tumourigenesis and progression of lung ADC. Both p53 gene inactivation and Sp1 overexpression in lung ADC may enhance MUC5AC expression, especially in KRAS‐mutated cases. Given the paucity of efficient drug‐targeted approaches of KRAS‐driven lung ADCs, therapies directed at downstream effectors such as MUC5AC could have huge prospects.
Psychosocial factors, but not professional practice skills, linked to self‐perceived effectiveness of telepractice in school‐based speech and language therapists during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lam Joseph Hin Yan , Chiu Ming Ming , Lee Stephen Man Kit , Tong Shelley Xiuli
Published: September 2022

Background

Face‐to‐face class suspensions during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic in 2019 increased telepractice in speech and language therapy. However, little is known about speech and language therapists’ (SLTs) perceived effectiveness of telepractice and its antecedents.

Aims

To examine the use of telepractice and the factors affecting its perceived effectiveness in Hong Kong mainstream schools during COVID‐19.

Methods & Procedures

Seventy‐two school‐based Hong Kong SLTs completed a 110‐item online survey with six structural components: (1) concerns, (2) adoption, (3) student selection criteria, (4) perceived effectiveness, (5) continuous professional development and (6) attitudes/beliefs.

Outcomes & Results

Over 90% of respondents adopted telepractice during the pandemic. Confirmatory factor analysis identified reliable constructs from their component measures. These participants reported great telepractice difficulties (especially in therapy preparation and managing students’ attention and/or communication). Mixed‐response analysis revealed that psychosocial factors (i.e., students’ engagement and SLTs’ attitudes towards telepractice) but not professional practice skill factors (i.e., student client selection criteria and SLTs’ years of experience in school settings) contributed to SLTs’ self‐perceived effectiveness of telepractice.

Conclusions & Implications

Our findings suggest that psychosocial factors play a more important role than professional practice skill factors in the self‐perceived effectiveness of telepractice.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

Previous surveys reported that although SLTs were interested in using telepractice before the COVID‐19 pandemic, they showed concern about its effectiveness, resulting in a low adoption rate. One critical question naturally arises: What factors may affect the perceived effectiveness of telepractice by SLTs?

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

This study demonstrates for the first time that despite the high adoption rate of telepractice during the COVID‐19 pandemic, school‐based SLTs exhibited great difficulties, and the SLTs’ self‐perceived effectiveness of telepractice was related to psychosocial factors instead of professional practice skill factors.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work

Professional support is needed to alter the attitudes of SLTs towards telepractice for enhancing their self‐perceived effectiveness and positive clinical practice experience.
Taking time: The temporal politics of dementia, care and support in the neighbourhood
Authors: Ward Richard , Rummery Kirstein , Odzakovic Elzana , Manji Kainde , Kullberg Agneta , Keady John , Clark Andrew , Campbell Sarah
Published: September 2022

Dementia is a global health challenge and currently the focus of a coordinated international response articulated through the notion of ‘dementia‐friendly communities and initiatives’ (DFCIs). Yet, while increasing research attention has been paid to the social and spatial dimensions to life with dementia in a neighbourhood setting, the temporalities of dementia have been largely overlooked. This article sets out different aspects of the lived experience of time for people with dementia and unpaid carers, before exploring the temporal politics of formal dementia care and support. The authors show that time is a site for material struggle and a marker of unequal relations of power. People with dementia and unpaid carers are disempowered through access to formal care, and this is illustrated in their loss of (temporal) autonomy and limited options for changing the conditions of the care received. The authors advocate for a time‐space configured understanding of the relationship with neighbourhood and foreground a tempo‐material understanding of dementia. Set against the backdrop of austerity policy in the UK, the findings reveal that ongoing budgetary restrictions have diminished the capacity for social care to mediate in questions of social justice and inequality, at times even compounding inequity.
More immigrants, less death: An analysis of immigration effects on county‐level drug overdose deaths, 2000–2015
Authors: Feldmeyer Ben , Sun Diana , Harris Casey T. , Cullen Francis T.
Published: September 2022

Public and political discourse has routinely suggested that immigration is linked to higher community levels of violence and drug problems. In contrast to these claims, research has consistently shown that immigration is not associated with greater violence at the macro level. However, few studies have examined the links between immigration flows and community drug problems. The current study seeks to address this gap in research by providing a county‐level longitudinal analysis of immigration and drug overdose deaths both overall and by substance type for the 2000 to 2015 period and provides an analysis of homicide for comparison with prior immigration–crime research. In addition, this analysis compares immigration–overdose relationships across immigrant destination types. The current project relies on overdose and homicide data drawn from the Centers for Disease Control's Restricted Access Multiple Cause of Death Mortality files combined with data on county social, economic, health, and legal contexts drawn from multiple macro‐level data sources. Findings reveal that immigration is not associated with higher levels of overdose or homicide deaths, and when effects are significant, immigration is linked to lower levels of overdose mortality across multiple substances and destination types.
Allometric scaling of interspecific RNA transcript abundance to extend the use of metatranscriptomics in characterizing complex communities
Authors: Lopez Mark Louie D. , Lin Ya‐ying , Schneider Stephan Q. , Hsieh Chih‐hao , Shiah Fuh‐Kwo , Machida Ryuji J.
Published: September 2022

Metatranscriptomics allows profiling of community mRNA and rRNA transcript abundance under certain environmental conditions. However, variations in the proportion of RNA transcripts across different community size structures remain less explained, thus limiting the possible applications of metatranscriptomics in community studies. Here, we extended the assumptions of the growth‐rate hypothesis (GRH) and the metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) to validate the allometric scaling of interspecific RNA transcript (mRNA and rRNA) abundance through metatranscriptomic analysis of mock communities consisting of model organisms. The results suggest that body size imposes significant constraints on RNA transcript abundance. Interestingly, the relationship between the total mitochondrial transcript abundance (mRNA and rRNA slopes were −0.30 and −0.28, respectively) and body size aligned with the MTE assumptions with slopes close to −¼, while the nuclear transcripts displayed much steeper slopes (mRNA and rRNA slopes were −0.33 and −0.40, respectively). The assumed temperature dependence was not observed in this study. At the gene level, the allometric slopes range from 0 to −1. Overall, the above results showed that larger individuals have lesser RNA transcript abundance per tissue mass than smaller ones regardless of temperature. Analyses of field‐collected microcrustacean zooplankton samples demonstrated that the correction of size effect, using the allometric exponents derived from the model organism mock community, explains better the patterns of interspecific RNA transcripts abundance within the metatranscriptome. Integrating allometry with metatranscriptomics can extend the use of RNA transcript reads in estimating ecological processes within complex communities.
Quantifying heterogeneity in mood–alcohol relationships with idiographic causal models
Authors: Stevenson Brittany L. , Kummerfeld Erich , Merrill Jennifer E. , Blevins Claire , Abrantes Ana M. , Kushner Matt G. , Lim Kelvin O.
Published: September 2022

Background

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies have provided conflicting evidence for the mood regulation tenet that people drink in response to positive and negative moods. The current study examined mood‐to‐alcohol relationships idiographically to quantify the prevalence and intensity of relationships between positive and negative moods and drinking across individuals.

Method

We used two EMA samples: 96 heavy drinking college students (sample 1) and 19 young adults completing an ecological momentary intervention (EMI) for drinking to cope (sample 2). Mood and alcohol use were measured multiple times per day for 4–6 weeks. Mood–alcohol relationships were examined using three different analytic approaches: standard multilevel modeling, group causal modeling, and idiographic causal modeling.

Results

Both multilevel modeling and group causal modeling showed that participants in both samples drank in response to positive moods only. However, idiographic causal analyses revealed that only 63% and 21% of subjects (in samples 1 and 2, respectively) drank following any positive mood. Many subjects (24% and 58%) did not drink in response to either positive or negative mood in their daily lives, and very few (5% and 16%) drank in response to negative moods throughout the EMA protocol, despite sample 2 being selected specifically because they endorse drinking to cope with negative mood.

Conclusion

Traditional group‐level analyses and corresponding population‐wide theories assume relative homogeneity within populations in mood–alcohol relationships, but this nomothetic approach failed to characterize accurately the relationship between mood and alcohol use in approximately half of the subjects in two samples that were demographically and clinically homogeneous. Given inconsistent findings in the mood–alcohol relationships to date, we conclude that idiographic causal analyses can provide a foundation for more accurate theories of mood and alcohol use. In addition, idiographic causal models may also help improve psychosocial treatments through direct use in clinical settings.
Association between opioid use disorder and blunted heart rate variability among opioid‐treated chronic pain patients
Authors: Roberts R. Lynae , Garland Eric L.
Published: September 2022

Given the severity of the ongoing opioid epidemic, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of risk for development and maintenance of opioid use disorder (OUD). The aim of the current large‐scale psychophysiological investigation was to test whether patients with OUD had lower resting‐state high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) than those without OUD, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical confounds. Additionally, we tested whether HF‐HRV was associated with opioid craving in this population. Participants in this cross‐sectional study were 490 chronic pain patients (50.4% female) treated with long‐term opioid therapy. OUD diagnosis was determined by psychiatric interview. HF‐HRV was measured at resting baseline. We computed the association between OUD and resting‐state HF‐HRV, controlling for age, gender, race, pain severity, emotional distress and opioid dose. Opioid craving was measured with visual analogue scales to assess whether HF‐HRV was associated with craving. Results showed that resting HF‐HRV was significantly lower for patients with OUD than for those without OUD (p < 0.001, d = 0.36), indicating deficits in autonomic flexibility. OUD diagnosis (p = 0.002) and OUD severity (p = 0.03) were associated with lower HF‐HRV in regression models accounting for a range of confounders. Additionally, lower HF‐HRV was significantly (but weakly) correlated with heightened opioid craving (r = −0.166, p < 0.001). Overall, findings suggest that resting‐state HF‐HRV may serve as a valid biomarker of addiction among people on long‐term opioid therapy.
Systematic review: Wearable remote monitoring to detect nonalcohol/nonnicotine‐related substance use disorder symptoms
Authors: Oesterle Tyler S. , Karpyak Victor M. , Coombes Brandon J. , Athreya Arjun P. , Breitinger Scott A. , Correa da Costa Sabrina , (Dana) Gerberi Danielle J.
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic relapsing diseases characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. Phenomenologically, patients with SUDs present with a repeating cycle of intoxication, withdrawal, and craving, significantly impacting their diagnosis and treatment. There is a need for better identification and monitoring of these disease states. Remote monitoring chronic illness with wearable devices offers a passive, unobtrusive, constant physiological data assessment. We evaluate the current evidence base for remote monitoring of nonalcohol, nonnicotine SUDs.

Methods

We performed a systematic, comprehensive literature review and screened 1942 papers.

Results

We found 15 studies that focused mainly on the intoxication stage of SUD. These studies used wearable sensors measuring several physiological parameters (ECG, HR, O2, Accelerometer, EDA, temperature) and implemented study‐specific algorithms to evaluate the data.

Discussion and Conclusions

Studies were extracted, organized, and analyzed based on the three SUD disease states. The sample sizes were relatively small, focused primarily on the intoxication stage, had low monitoring compliance, and required significant computational power preventing “real‐time” results. Cardiovascular data was the most consistently valuable data in the predictive algorithms. This review demonstrates that there is currently insufficient evidence to support remote monitoring of SUDs through wearable devices.

Scientific Significance

This is the first systematic review to show the available data on wearable remote monitoring of SUD symptoms in each stage of the disease cycle. This clinically relevant approach demonstrates what we know and do not know about the remote monitoring of SUDs within disease states.
Age‐incidence patterns of seminoma and nonseminoma among males and females in Germany and the United States, 2008–2016
Authors: Stang Andreas , Trocchi Pietro , Kajüter Hiltraud , Trabert Britton , Oosterhuis J. Wolter , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: September 2022

Background & objectives

The comparison of the incidence of gonadal germ cell tumors among males and females can provide insights that cannot be gained by separately studying these tumors.

Material and methods

Incidence data on male and female gonadal germ cell tumors were drawn from the cancer registries of North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany, and the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program, for non‐Hispanic White persons only, for the years 2008–2016. We estimated age‐standardized and age‐, and histology‐specific incidence rates.

Results

We included 21,840 male and 716 female gonadal germ cell tumors. Incidence rates among males were higher in Germany (95.8 per million, standard error [SE] 1.1) than in the United States (68.0, SE 0.6), while incidence rates among females were lower in Germany (1.9, SE 0.2) than in the United States (2.6, SE 0.1). The characteristic peak of infantile (age 0–4 years) germ cell tumors among males were missing among females. The age peak of ovarian germ cell tumors occurred 15–20 years earlier (Germany: 10–14 years, United States: 15–19 years) than the age peak of testicular germ cell tumors (30–34 years). The three most common testicular germ cell tumors histologies were seminoma, mixed germ cell tumors, and embryonal carcinoma Among females, the three most common ovarian germ cell tumors histologies were teratoma, yolk sac tumor, monodermal teratomas, and somatic‐type tumors arising from dermoid cysts in both countries.

Discussion

The characteristic peak of infantile (age 0–4 years) germ cell tumors among males was missing among females. The shapes of the age‐specific incidence curves are similar for males and females in Germany and the United States, though with much lower incidence rates in females, suggesting a common pathogenesis.

Conclusion

The lower rates among females may be due to the lower number of initiated tumors in the absence of the Y‐chromosome, and the earlier peak among females may be due to a younger age at puberty.
Acute proximal left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion presenting with Normal ECG: A case report
Authors: Hu Yuecheng , Jin Dongxia , Liu Chunwei , Zhang Rui , Zhou Shiying , Wang Le , Cong Hongliang
Published: September 2022

The middle‐aged male was diagnosed with “acute anterior wall myocardial infarction” based on clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, and coronary angiography (CAG), but his ECG showed no significant change in QRS wave or ST‐T within 6 h of admission. Thus, a perfect explanation with the existing theory is difficult, and only the case is presented here.
Penalised, post‐pretest, and post‐shrinkage strategies in nonlinear growth models
Authors: Piladaeng Janjira , Ejaz Ahmed S. , Lisawadi Supranee
Published: September 2022

In nonlinear growth models, we considered the parameter estimation under subspace information for low‐dimensional and high‐dimensional data. We proposed novel estimators based on pretest and shrinkage strategies to improve the estimation efficiency and to establish asymptotic properties. We used simulation studies and a real data example to confirm the theoretical results. We also applied two well‐known penalised methods—least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and adaptive LASSO (aLASSO)—for the dimensional reduction of the predictor variables. The results demonstrated that the pretest and shrinkage estimation strategies performed well in parameter estimations when the subspace information was incorrect for both low‐ and high‐dimensional regimes.
Study on the source of raw material and firing technique of glazed tiles bodies in the Ming Imperial palace site, Nanjing, China
Authors: Zhao Weijuan , Zhao Dan , Chen Qinlong , Wu Bo , Li Xiang , Cui Jianfeng , Li Jihong , Li Bo
Published: September 2022

This article considered glazed tiles excavated from the Ming Imperial Palace site in Nanjing as the research object. Glazed tiles were selected and analyzed via vacuum porosimeter, thermal dilation (TD), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) to determine their physical property, firing temperature, phase composition, and chemical composition, respectively. Results show that the firing temperature of body belongs to the temperature range (of 950–1,100°C), whereas the water absorption and apparent porosity are large. The phase composition of glazed tile bodies is the same (predominantly quartz and mullite). However, some samples contain trace amounts of rutile, hematite, sodalite, and orthoclase. The firing temperature combined with the phase composition indicates that the raw material and firing process of glazed tile body samples have similarities, which embody of the strict and unified management system of the official kiln. The raw materials of glazed tile body in the Ming Imperial Palace site may come from Dangtu glazed kiln, whereas the rest of the samples remains to be explored. This study provides a scientific basis for understanding the evolution of glazed tile‐making technology in ancient China, and is important for the protection and repair of glazed buildings in the Ming Dynasty.
Different modes of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptor alteration in the hippocampus of P301S tau transgenic mice
Authors: Alfaro‐Ruiz Rocío , Aguado Carolina , Martín‐Belmonte Alejandro , Moreno‐Martínez Ana Esther , Merchán‐Rubira Jesús , Hernández Félix , Ávila Jesús , Fukazawa Yugo , Luján Rafael
Published: September 2022

N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are pivotal players in the synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Accordingly, dysfunction of NMDARs has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD). Here, we used histoblot and sodium dodecylsulphate‐digested freeze‐fracture replica labelling (SDS‐FRL) techniques to investigate the expression and subcellular localisation of GluN1, the obligatory subunit of NMDARs, in the hippocampus of P301S mice. Histoblots showed that GluN1 expression was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of P301S mice in a laminar‐specific manner at 10 months of age but was unaltered at 3 months. Using the SDS‐FRL technique, excitatory synapses and extrasynaptic sites on spines of pyramidal cells and interneuron dendrites were analysed throughout all dendritic layers in the CA1 field. Our ultrastructural approach revealed a high density of GluN1 in synaptic sites and a substantially lower density at extrasynaptic sites. Labelling density for GluN1 in excitatory synapses established on spines was significantly reduced in P301S mice, compared with age‐matched wild‐type mice, in the stratum oriens (so), stratum radiatum (sr) and stratum lacunosum‐moleculare (slm). Density for synaptic GluN1 on interneuron dendrites was significantly reduced in P301S mice in the so and sr but unaltered in the slm. Labelling density for GluN1 at extrasynaptic sites showed no significant differences in pyramidal cells, and only increased density in the interneuron dendrites of the sr. This differential alteration of synaptic versus extrasynaptic NMDARs supports the notion that the progressive accumulation of phospho‐tau is associated with changes in NMDARs, in the absence of amyloid‐β pathology, and may be involved in the mechanisms causing abnormal network activity of the hippocampal circuit.
Associations of depressive symptoms with white matter abnormalities and regional cerebral blood flow in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Hirao Kentaro , Yamashita Fumio , Kato Hikaru , Kaneshiro Kyoko , Tsugawa Akito , Haime Rieko , Fukasawa Raita , Sato Tomohiko , Kanetaka Hidekazu , Umahara Takahiko , Sakurai Hirofumi , Hanyu Haruo , Shimizu Soichiro
Published: September 2022

Aim

Depressive symptoms are one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the pathophysiologies of the depressive symptoms that occur in these diseases have not been elucidated to date. In this study, we therefore investigated the associations between depressive symptoms and cognitive performance, white matter abnormalities, and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in amnestic MCI patients.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with amnestic MCI were analyzed. The volumes of periventricular hyperintensities (PVH) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) were measured on T2‐fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging using the imaging software 3D‐slicer. Associations between the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score and other neuropsychological test scores on the one hand and the PVH and DWMH volumes on the other were analyzed. Voxel‐wise correlations of rCBF with GDS score, after controlling for the effects of age, were investigated using SPM8 software.

Results

Significant correlations were identified between GDS score, Trail Making Test B and apathy scale scores on the one hand and PVH volume on the other. A significant negative association between GDS score and rCBF was identified in the right dominant bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms are significantly associated with PVH volume in MCI patients. The rCBF of the DLPFC was significantly associated with depressive symptoms, suggesting that this area might be closely involved in the pathogenesis of the depressive symptoms observed in MCI patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 846–850.
Public administration and political science: Can this marriage be saved?
Authors: Kettl Donald F.
Published: September 2022

There is a profound irony in how public administration and political science splintered at the very pinnacle of their interconnection, intellectual power, and practical impact. Much of public administration has gradually separated from political science. Then public administration broke into pieces, with public administration and public management going in different directions. The central question is this: Are these tensions the product of diverging intellectual trends, or of fundamental organizational changes in higher education? B. Guy Peters, Jon Pierre, Eva Sorensen, and Jacob Torfing  argue that political science and public administration have reached a “bifurcation” that is nothing less than a “divorce.” As I note in this paper, the wedges in this division are deep, and the basic theoretical and practical challenges are forcing it wider. It is time to ask: Can this marriage be saved? Is this a marriage that should be allowed to wither away? If the divorce becomes final, what might we lose in the split?
Widening or narrowing inequalities? The equity implications of digital tools to support COVID‐19 contact tracing: A qualitative study
Authors: O'Donnell Catherine A. , Macdonald Sara , Browne Susan , Albanese Alessio , Blane David , Ibbotson Tracy , Laidlaw Lynn , Heaney David , Lowe David J.
Published: September 2022

Background

As digital tools are increasingly used to support COVID‐19 contact tracing, the equity implications must be considered. As part of a study to understand the public's views of digital contact tracing tools developed for the national ‘Test and Protect’ programme in Scotland, we aimed to explore the views of groups often excluded from such discussions. This paper reports on their views about the potential for contact tracing to exacerbate inequalities.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out; interviews were conducted with key informants from organizations supporting people in marginalized situations, followed by interviews and focus groups with people recruited from these groups. Participants included, or represented, minority ethnic groups, asylum seekers and refugees and those experiencing multiple disadvantage including severe and enduring poverty.

Results

A total of 42 people participated: 13 key informants and 29 members of the public. While public participants were supportive of contact tracing, key informants raised concerns. Both sets of participants spoke about how contact tracing, and its associated digital tools, might increase inequalities. Barriers included finances (inability to afford smartphones or the data to ensure access to the internet); language (digital tools were available only in English and required a degree of literacy, even for English speakers); and trust (many marginalized groups distrusted statutory organizations and there were concerns that data may be passed to other organizations). One strength was that NHS Scotland, the data guardian, is seen as a generally trustworthy organization. Poverty was recognized as a barrier to people's ability to self‐isolate. Some participants were concerned about giving contact details of individuals who might struggle to self‐isolate for financial reasons.

Conclusions

The impact of contact tracing and associated digital tools on marginalized populations needs careful monitoring. This should include the contact tracing process and the ability of people to self‐isolate. Regular clear messaging from trusted groups and community members could help maintain trust and participation in the programme.

Patient and Public Contribution

Our patient and public involvement coapplicant, L. L., was involved in all aspects of the study including coauthorship. Interim results were presented to our local Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement Group, who commented on interpretation and made suggestions about further recruitment.
Compression strength of tungsten carbide–cobalt hard metals
Authors: Swab Jeffrey J. , Pittari John J.
Published: September 2022

Eight tungsten carbide (WC) materials containing different cobalt (Co) contents (3‒12 wt.%) and with different WC grain sizes (.4‒1.85 μm) were subjected to compressive loading under quasi‐static and dynamic conditions using a dumbbell‐shaped specimen geometry. The materials exhibited varying degrees of inelastic strain prior to final fracture under both loading conditions. Inelastic strain was consistent under dynamic loading but varied with Co content and WC grain size under quasi‐static loading. The only material to exhibit a strain‐rate‐dependent compression strength was the material containing the highest level of Co (12%) and the largest WC grain size (1.85 μm) indicating a potential threshold level of Co content and/or WC grain size where the compressive strength is insensitive to the strain rate.
Are socially responsible exchange‐traded funds paying off in performance?
Authors: Dai Ya , Guo Liang , Liu Steve , Zhang Hongxian
Published: September 2022

This study examines the Socially Responsible (SR) exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) by comparing their risk‐adjusted performance with a matched group of conventional ETFs in the U.S. equity market. In contrast to prior studies that focus on actively managed mutual funds, we find that the risk‐adjusted returns of SR ETFs are significantly lower than those of conventional ETFs during the 2005–2020 period. Such underperformance is only observed in non‐crisis periods but not in economic crisis periods (i.e., the 2020 pandemic recession and 2008 financial turmoil). We attribute the observed underperformance of SR ETFs during the non‐crisis periods to their limited diversification of unsystematic risks resulting from various negative or positive screens employed in the funds. We also find that net fund flows of the SR ETFs are less sensitive to past negative performance than are conventional fund flows. Collectively, our findings suggest that, instead of seeking wealth maximization, socially conscious investors may choose SR ETFs to gain non‐economic utility.
Symptom‐based case definitions for COVID‐19: Time and geographical variations for detection at hospital admission among 260,000 patients
Authors: Baruch Joaquin , Rojek Amanda , Kartsonaki Christiana , Vijayaraghavan Bharath K. T. , Gonçalves Bronner P. , Pritchard Mark G. , Merson Laura , Dunning Jake , Hall Matthew , Sigfrid Louise , Citarella Barbara W. , Murthy Srinivas , Yeabah Trokon O. , Olliaro Piero ,   ISARIC Clinical Characterisation Group
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Case definitions are used to guide clinical practice, surveillance and research protocols. However, how they identify COVID‐19‐hospitalised patients is not fully understood. We analysed the proportion of hospitalised patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19, in the ISARIC prospective cohort study database, meeting widely used case definitions.

Methods

Patients were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) case definitions by age, region and time. Case fatality ratios (CFRs) and symptoms of those who did and who did not meet the case definitions were evaluated. Patients with incomplete data and non‐laboratory‐confirmed test result were excluded.

Results

A total of 263,218 of the patients (42%) in the ISARIC database were included. Most patients (90.4%) were from Europe and Central Asia. The proportions of patients meeting the case definitions were 56.8% (WHO), 74.4% (UKHSA), 81.6% (ECDC) and 82.3% (CDC). For each case definition, patients at the extremes of age distribution met the criteria less frequently than those aged 30 to 70 years; geographical and time variations were also observed. Estimated CFRs were similar for the patients who met the case definitions. However, when more patients did not meet the case definition, the CFR increased.

Conclusions

The performance of case definitions might be different in different regions and may change over time. Similarly concerning is the fact that older patients often did not meet case definitions, risking delayed medical care. While epidemiologists must balance their analytics with field applicability, ongoing revision of case definitions is necessary to improve patient care through early diagnosis and limit potential nosocomial spread.
Nasal Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius carriage in healthy dogs and cats: a systematic review of their antibiotic resistance, virulence and genetic lineages of zoonotic relevance
Authors: Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Zarazaga Myriam , Campaña-Burguet Allelén , Eguizábal Paula , Lozano Carmen , Torres Carmen
Published: September 2022

The molecular ecology of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and their methicillin-resistant strains in healthy dogs and cats could serve as good models to understand the concept of bacterial zoonosis due to animal companionship. This study aims to provide insights into pooled prevalence, genetic lineages, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among healthy dogs and cats. Original research and brief communication articles published from 2001 to 2021 that reported the nasal detection of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius in healthy dogs and cats in the community, homes and outside veterinary clinics were examined and analysed. Forty-nine studies were eligible and included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus/methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in healthy dogs and cats were 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1–11.9)/2.8% (95% CI: 2.4–3.2) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9–4.8)/0.5% (95% CI: 0.0–1.1), respectively. Conversely, the pooled prevalence of S. pseudintermedius/methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) in healthy dogs and cats were 18.3% (95% CI: 17.1–19.7)/3.1% (95% CI: 2.5–3.7) and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6–2.4)/1.2% (95% CI: 0.6–2.3), respectively. Although highly diverse genetic lineages of S. aureus were detected in healthy dogs and cats, MSSA-CC1/CC5/CC22/CC45/CC121/CC398 and MRSA-CC5/CC93/CC22/CC30 were mostly reported in dogs; and MSSA-CC5/CC8/CC15/CC48 and MRSA-CC22/CC30/CC80 in cats. Of note, MSSA-CC398 isolates (spa-types t034 and t5883) were detected in dogs. Genetic lineages often associated with MSSP/MRSP were ST20/ST71, highlighting the frequent detection of the epidemic European MRSP-ST71 clone in dogs. S. aureus isolates carrying the luk-S/F-PV, tst, eta, etb and etd genes were seldomly detected in dogs, and luk-S/F-PV was the unique virulence factor reported in isolates of cats. S. pseudintermedius isolates harbouring the luk-S/F-I, seint and expA genes were frequently found, especially in dogs. High and diverse rates of AMR were noted, especially among MRSA/MRSP isolates. There is a need for additional studies on the molecular characterization of isolates from countries with under-studied nasal staphylococci isolates.
Integrative review: Factors impacting effective delegation practices by registered nurses to assistants in nursing
Authors: Crevacore Carol , Jacob Elisabeth , Coventry Linda L. , Duffield Christine
Published: September 2022

Aim

To identify the evidence on factors that impact delegation practices by Registered Nurses to Assistants in Nursing in acute care hospitals.

Design

An integrative review.

Data Sources

Database searches were conducted between July 2011 and July 2021.

Review Methods

We used the 12‐step approach by Kable and colleagues to document the search strategy. The (Whittemore & Knafl. 2005. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52(5), 546–553) integrative review framework method was adopted and the methodological quality of the studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs critical appraisal instruments.

Results

Nine studies were included. Delegation between the Registered Nurse and the Assistant in Nursing is a complex but critical leadership skill which is impacted by the Registered Nurse's understanding of the Assistant in Nursing's role, scope of practice and job description. Newly qualified nurses lacked the necessary leadership skills to delegate. Further education on delegation is required in pre‐registration studies and during nurses' careers to ensure Registered Nurses are equipped with the skills and knowledge to delegate effectively.

Conclusion

With increasing numbers of Assistants in Nursing working in the acute care environment, it is essential that Registered Nurses are equipped with the appropriate leadership skills to ensure safe delegation practice.
A new species of Geophagus (Teleostei: Cichlidae): Naming a cichlid species widely known in the aquarium hobby as ‘Geophagus sp. Tapajos red head’
Authors: Chuctaya Junior , Nitschke Pedro , Andrade Marcelo C. , Wingert Juliana , Malabarba Luiz R.
Published: September 2022

A new species of Geophagus sensu stricto is described from the Tapajos River basin, Brazil, elevating the number of species of the genus to 21. The new species is of commercial importance and is known in the aquarist trade as Geophagus ‘red head’. The new species is diagnosed using an integrative approach, based on mitochondrial DNA analysis along with morphological evidence. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by the absence of markings on the head, the bar pattern composed by nine vertical bars on the flanks and the presence of distinct longitudinal bands in the caudal fin. Additionally, it shows a genetic distance of at least 2.0% in cytochrome b gene sequences from its closest congeners. Molecular analysis including most genera of Cichlidae from South America corroborates that the new species belongs to the group of Geophagus sensu stricto.
A new species of deep‐water Lethrinops (Cichlidae) from Lake Malawi
Authors: Turner George F.
Published: September 2022

A new species of cichlid fish, Lethrinops atrilabris is described from specimens collected by trawling at a depth of around 90 m off Monkey Bay, southern Lake Malawi. It is assigned to the genus Lethrinops on the basis of its vertical flank barring, lack of enlarged cephalic lateral line canal pores and the form of the lower jaw dental arcade. It can be distinguished from congeneric species by its male breeding dress of contrasting flank barring and dark ventral surface, most strikingly on the lips, throat and chest, its relatively small known maximum size [<75 mm standard length (SL)], large eyes (38%–41% head length), laterally compressed body (depth 2.5–2.7 times max head width) and lower gill raker count (13–14).
Meta‐analysis of fractional radiofrequency treatment for acne and/or acne scars
Authors: Li Jing , Duan Fangfang , Kuang Jie
Published: September 2022

Background

Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) is increasingly used for acne scars. The common coexistence of acne scars and active acne is a challenge in the timely management of acne scarring.

Aims

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of FRF treatment with the lasers for acne and/or acne scars.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Compared with the lasers, a meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the clinical improvement and adverse events after FRF treatment.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials were included. FRF group was more effective than the laser group in patient‐evaluated acne improvement (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01 ∼ 1.80). Regardless of observer assessment or patient evaluation, the FRF group was as effective as the laser group in treating atrophic acne scars (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.78 ∼ 1.08; RR =1.15, 95% CI: 0.99 ∼ 1.34). Although there was no difference in pain level and crusting time between the two groups (SMD =0.20, 95% CI: −0.72 ∼ 1.12; SMD = −0.93, 95% CI: −2.38 ∼ 0.52), PIH incidence of FRF was significantly lower than that of the laser group (RR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.04 ∼ 0.35). The duration of erythema after FRF treatment was also obviously shorter than that after the laser treatment (SMD = −0.78, 95% CI: −1.37 ∼ −0.18). Subgroup analysis showed that at least a 12‐week follow‐up was required to observe the full effects of FRF.

Conclusions

FRF could be a better choice for atrophic acne scar patients with active acne. FRF is superior in treating atrophic acne scar patients prone to pigmentation.
circSKIL promotes osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells by sponging miR‐532‐5p to activate Notch signaling
Authors: Zhong Xiaohuan , Wang Huixin
Published: September 2022

Background and objective

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) possess the capacity to differentiate into a variety of cell types to benefit periodontal regeneration. In this study, we examined the circSKIL/miR‐532‐5p/Notch1 axis in controlling the osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs.

Methods

Primary human PDLCs (hPDLCs) were isolated and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts. Osteogenic responses were assessed for the expressions of osteoblast‐related marker proteins (including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) by RT‐PCR. The formation of mineralized nodules was examined by Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and ALP activity. Expressions of circSKIL, miR‐532‐5p, and Notch1 were measured by RT‐PCR and western blotting, and their regulations by combining bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Notch signaling was assessed for the expressions of hairy and enhancer of split‐1 (HES1) and Notch intracellular domain (NICD).

Results

During osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs, circSKIL, and Notch1 were up‐regulated, while miR‐532‐5p down‐regulated. By sponging miR‐532‐5p, circSKIL activated Notch signaling, increasing levels of Notch1, HES1, and NICD. Functionally, knocking down circSKIL or overexpressing miR‐532‐5p inhibited osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs, down‐regulating ALP, OCN, BMP2, and RUNX2, and reducing ARS staining or ALP activity. The impacts of circSKIL knockdown were rescued by miR‐532‐5p inhibitor or overexpressing Notch1, while those caused by up‐regulating miR‐532‐5p were reversed by overexpressing Notch1.

Conclusion

By targeting miR‐532‐5p and up‐regulating Notch1, circSKIL critically controls osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs. Therefore, modulating this axis may maximize the differentiation of PDLCs into osteoblasts and benefit periodontal regeneration.