bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolution of male weapons is associated with the type of breeding site in a clade of Neotropical frogs
Authors: Santana Erika M. , Caetano Daniel S. , Palaoro Alexandre V. , Machado Glauco
Published: August 2024

Male weaponry evolution is often linked to resource or female defense polygyny. This pattern emerges from highly studied taxa, such as arthropods and mammals. However, whether factors such as breeding site type influence weaponry evolution remains an open question. We explore this question using frogs of the subfamily Leptodactylinae, where males of species spawning in exposed sites (water bodies) fight to hold oviposition sites or dislodge rivals during amplexus. Conversely, males of species spawning in concealed sites (ground nests and crevices) rarely engage in intense physical contests. We hypothesize that male weaponry evolution would be associated with reproduction in exposed sites. Using two complementary phylogenetic comparative methods, we first found a macroevolutionary correlation between male weapons and breeding site type. The presence of weapons is consistently associated with exposed sites, while their absence is linked to concealed sites. We explore how this macroevolutionary pattern can also be influenced by female mate choice. Second, we found that both gains andlossesof weapons occurred more frequently in species spawning in exposed sites. This unexpected finding suggests that the dynamics of weapon evolution are more intricate than anticipated. We propose some explanations aspiring to stimulate further investigations with other external fertilizer species.
Traffic Jam activates theFlamencopiRNA cluster locus and the Piwi pathway to ensure transposon silencing andDrosophilafertility
Authors: Rivera Austin , Lee Jou-Hsuan Roxie , Gupta Shruti , Yang Linda , Goel Raghuveera Kumar , Zaia Joseph , Lau Nelson C.
Published: August 2024

Flamenco (Flam)is the most prominent piRNA cluster locus expressed inDrosophilaovarian follicle cells, and it is required for female fertility to silencegypsy/mdg4transposons. To determine howFlamis regulated, we used promoter-bashing reporter assays in OSS cells to uncover novel enhancer sequences within the first exons ofFlam. We confirmed the enhancer sequence relevance in vivo with newDrosophila Flamdeletion mutants of these regions that compromisedFlampiRNA expression and lowered female fertility from activated transposons. Our proteomic analysis of proteins associated with these enhancer sequences discovered the transcription factor Traffic Jam (TJ).Tjknockdowns in OSS cells caused a decrease inFlamtranscripts,FlampiRNAs, and multiple Piwi pathway genes. A TJ ChIP-seq analysis from whole flies and OSS cells confirmed TJ binding exactly at the enhancer that was deleted in the newFlammutant as well as at multiple Piwi pathway gene enhancers. Interestingly, TJ also bound the Long Terminal Repeats of transposons that had decreased expression afterTjknockdowns in OSS cells. Our study reveals the integral role TJ plays in the on-going arms race between selfish transposons and their suppression by the host Piwi pathway and theFlampiRNA cluster locus.
Healthcare workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of a text message-based NHS workforce support line
Authors: Gould Lisa J. , Angwin Eleanor , Powell Richard A. , Lawrance Emma L.
Published: August 2024

Background

The National Health Service (NHS) is suffering from a workforce crisis of mental and physical sickness and attrition following the COVID-19 pandemic. An in-depth understanding of healthcare workers’ (HCWs) experiences during the pandemic is required to understand the impacts on their mental health in this challenging work environment. This qualitative study explores HCWs’ concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic - expressed in real-time during an active mental health crisis.

Design

This study involved analysis of data from “Shout”, a text message-based, UK-wide mental health support service which, during the pandemic, was advertised to HCWs specifically. Pseudo-random sampling of scripts of anonymised text message conversations between HCWs and Shout Volunteers from April 2020 – March 2021 was undertaken, with data fully anonymised by Shout before researchers accessed them on a secure purpose-built platform. Following application of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 60 conversations were coded to develop a thematic framework and analysed using grounded theory, with sub-themes triangulated to create final themes. Quotes extracted from this process were then synthesised for publication.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: 1) Poor mental health, sub-themes: (a) overwhelming negative feelings or emotional distress experienced, and; (b) active crisis/resurgent symptoms. 2) Negative work experiences, sub-themes: (a) negative NHS work culture and expectations; (b) inadequate structures and arrangements for support; (c) trauma at work, and; (d) abuse at work. 3) The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, sub-themes: (a) additional work pressure, and; (b) isolation and risk.

Conclusion

This study explores the challenges and mental health concerns in HCWs during an active crisis. Organisational stressors, mental health provision and additional resources for HCWs to recover from the pandemic remain a vital issue in current NHS service provision.

Strengths and limitations

This study uniquely provides an analysis of HCWs’ mental health experience, recorded in real-time across the pandemic, thereby free from recall bias.

The study analysed insights from a unique and valuable dataset of particularly vulnerable HCWs (i.e. those in active crisis) in their own words, enabling rich insight into the nature and circumstances of severe distress in HCWs.

The individuals using the Shout text service are more likely to be in a severe mental health crisis and not therefore representative of the whole HCW community, but given the study is aligned with the principles of qualitative enquiry, we do not seek to be representative of, or generalizable to, the whole population.

This paper is not able to represent the views of all HCW’s, and whilst we consider different groups of HCW’s in the body of the analysis, there are relatively small numbers in each group.
Genomic analysis of antimicrobial resistantEscherichia coliisolated from manure and manured agricultural grasslands
Authors: Tyrrell C. , Burgess C.M. , Brennan F.P. , Münzenmaier D. , Drissner D. , Leigh R.J. , Walsh F.
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a multifactorial issue involving an intertwining relationship between animals, humans and the environment. The environment can harbour bacteria that are pathogenic to human health, includingEscherichia coli, an indicator of environmental faecal contamination. Through culture dependent approaches this study identified 46E. coliisolates in porcine and bovine manure, non-manured and manured soil, and the phyllosphere of manured grass. The grass isolation highlights grass as an environmental reservoir forE. coli.Whole genome sequencing identified 11 different multi-locus sequence types. We also identified a diverse plasmidome with 23 different plasmid replicon types. TheE. coliisolates were phenotypically antibiotic resistance, predominantly multidrug resistant. Additionally, whole genome sequencing identified 31 antibiotic resistance genes, and mutations in thegyrA,parC, andparEgenes, conferring fluoroquinolone resistance. The main virulence genes were associated actin mediated locomotion (icsP/sopA), siderophore production and alginate production (algA), which suggest adaptation to survive in the non-gut environment or the UV environment of grass surfaces. These results suggest thatE. coliin soils and grasses may adapt to their new environments evolving novel strategies. This study demonstrates grass as an understudied environmental niche of AMRE. coli, which directly links the environment to the grass grazing animal and vice-versa via the circular economy of manure application.

Impact statement

Escherichia coliis capable of surviving across biomes within One Health. This study sheds light on the genomic elements present in AMRE. coliin the understudied niche of agricultural grassland.

Data summary

The genome sequences have been deposited in Genbank. Bioproject number PRJNA1080214 and SRP491607 in the sequence read archivehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/?term=SRP491607.
Navigating the nexus of political risk, information asymmetry and liquidity: evidence from non-US stocks on the NYSE
Authors: Kim Jang-Chul , Su Qing , Elliott Teressa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship among liquidity, information asymmetry and political risk for non-US stocks listed on the NYSE. Additionally, the study aims to explore the impact of political tension on market quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a quantitative methodology to examine the interplay between liquidity, information asymmetry and political risk in non-US stocks on the NYSE. A comprehensive analysis encompasses stocks from countries with varying political risk levels, demonstrating a correlation between lower political risk and improved market quality. In assessing the impact of US–China trade conflicts on Chinese stocks, political shocks are scrutinized. Results indicate that heightened political tension exacerbates information asymmetry and diminishes market liquidity, underscoring the susceptibility of stocks in politically strained environments to adverse shocks.

Findings

Non-US stocks from countries with lower political risk show higher liquidity and market efficiency, with narrower bid-ask spreads and smaller price impacts of trades. These stocks also demonstrate a higher market quality index, indicating improved overall market performance. In addition, during periods of escalated US –China political tension over trade policy, the liquidity of non-US stocks from China worsens, leading to wider bid-ask spreads and increased information asymmetry.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the impact of political risk on stock market dynamics for non-US stocks listed on the NYSE, with a particular emphasis on the US –China trade conflict's effect on Chinese stocks.
Maximizing asset management and intellectual capital: the role of enterprise resource planning in ASEAN-5 construction firms
Authors: Sarah Dianita , Probohudono Agung Nur
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective of this comparative quantitative study is to examine hypotheses regarding the impact of asset management and intellectual capital (IC) on the financial performance of the construction sector in the ASEAN-5 throughout 2019–2022 with enterprise resource planning (ERP) as a mediator variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A final sample of 65 construction industries listed on stock exchanges during 2019 and 2022 in ASEAN-5 (Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore) was selected using the purposive sampling method. This research employs market-to-book value (MBV) as a measure of IC. The study also used path analysis, the Sobel test and analysis of variance test (ANOVA).

Findings

The findings demonstrate that asset management, intellectual capital and ERP have a significant and favorable impact on return on asset (ROA). Additionally, the asset management and IC of the ERP display weak and substantial outcomes. The implementation of ERP was also shown not to operate as a mediating factor. The ANOVA results on financial performance indicate significant differences for the year 2019. Furthermore, the use of various ERP software types demonstrates a comparable impact on enhancing financial performance.

Originality/value

This is the first study that utilizes ERP to mediate management asset and IC on financial performance. The ASEAN-5 construction sector is representative of developing nations' economic condition, offering the possibility to avoid the global economic collapse in 2023 and recover despite economic volatility.
Investigation on effect of different types of inoculants on the solidification of ductile cast iron using thermal analysis
Authors: Sangame Bahubali Babanrao , Reddy Y. Prasannatha
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Producing superior-quality ductile cast iron demands the use of various intricate inoculants. In addition to iron and silicon, these materials also include alloying elements like calcium, barium, cerium, bismuth and zirconium. These elements are effective in minimizing carbide solidification and enhancing the formation of eutectic cells, thereby resulting in improved cast iron quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the findings of an investigation on how various inoculants impact critical thermal analysis parameters such as undercooling, recalescence and their correlation with the nucleation of graphite nodules and shrinkage tendency.

Findings

For the study, five distinct inoculants with varying active components in their chemical composition were utilized. The particular formulation of the inoculant has a notable impact on the extent of undercooling during the solidifying process of ductile cast iron. Investigation indicates that incorporating inoculant reduces the temperature at which austenite dendrites form and raises the eutectic freezing temperature. Upon analyzing the microstructure, it is found that the inclusion of inoculation led to a rise in the nodule count from 103 to 272 nodules.

Originality/value

An increased graphite factor, which denotes the growth of graphite nodules during the subsequent stage of the eutectic reaction, supports the benefits of inoculation. Ce and Bi-inoculation have increased the growth of graphite nodules in the cast area during solidification compared to other inoculant formulations. This enhanced production helps in decreasing the size of macroporosity.
Broken promises in policing: understanding leadership, procedural justice and psychological health through the lens of psychological contract breach
Authors: Drew Jacqueline M. , Chevroulet Chantal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to empirically test the role of psychological contract breach in explaining the relationship between leadership style and procedural justice, burnout and psychological distress. This study provides important insights for police agencies who seek to positively impact, through the actions of their leaders, on both performance and psychological health of their officers. Drawing from the study findings, key recommendations for police leadership development programs are made.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study with a large sample of Australian police (N = 1763), explores the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) leadership style and two sets of outcomes. The first is procedural justice, an important job performance outcome related to police practice. The second outcome includes two measures of psychological health, specifically burnout and psychological distress. Psychological contract breach (PCB) is investigated in the current research as a potential mediator in the relationship between leadership and (a) job performance and (b) psychological health.

Findings

Using mediated regression analyses, high LMX leadership is associated with lower PCB, higher procedural justice and reduced psychological health impairment amongst staff. The relationship between LMX and procedural justice was fully mediated by PCB, meaning that PCB explains the relationship between LMX and procedural justice. Partial mediation was found for both psychological health outcomes. As such, leadership style has a direct relationship with psychological health, and is partly explained by PCB.

Originality/value

Very little research has considered the role of PCB in explaining how leadership style is related to job performance and psychological health outcomes in policing. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has empirically examined whether leadership style makes it more likely that a police officer will perceive PCB. And further, whether this breach is associated with reduced job performance (i.e. less procedural justice) and poorer psychological health (i.e. increased burnout and psychological distress).
Where Does the Time Go? Auditors’ Commercial Effort, Professional Effort, and Audit Quality
Authors: CICONTE WILLIAM A. , LEIBY JUSTIN , WILLEKENS MARLEEN
Published: August 2024

Audit theory and regulation assumes that auditors’ commercial motivation threatens audit quality. In this registered report, we use data from two Big Four firms in the Netherlands and provide empirical evidence on the relation between auditors’ commercial motivation and (1) compensation, (2) total audit effort, and (3) audit quality. We proxy commercial motivation as the time that individual auditors report allocating to commercial activities. We hypothesize that auditors’ commercial effort is positively related to compensation and we find mixed support. Next, we hypothesize that auditors’ commercial effort is negatively related to the audit effort but we find no support. Turning to audit quality, we hypothesize a negative direct relation between auditors’ commercial effort and audit quality but we find no support. We also predict a positive indirect relation in which auditors’ commercial effort increases quality control reliance leading to higher audit quality. We find some support for this hypothesis but only when we use technical consultations to proxy for quality control. Auditors with greater commercial effort maintain quality because they rely more on technical consultations. In sum, our study challenges the assumption that auditors’ commercial effort threatens audit quality and questions the need for additional regulation to constrain commercial motivation.
Scanning amplicons with CRISPR‐Dx detects endangered amphibians in environmental DNA
Authors: Leugger Flurin , Schmidlin Michel , Lüthi Martina , Kontarakis Zacharias , Pellissier Loïc
Published: August 2024

More efficient methods for extensive biodiversity monitoring are required to support rapid measures to address the biodiversity crisis. While environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods offer advantages over traditional monitoring approaches, their large‐scale application is limited by the time and labour required for developing assays and/or for analysis. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) diagnostic technologies (Dx) may overcome some of these limitations, but they have been used solely with species‐specific primers, restricting their versatility for biodiversity monitoring. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of designing species‐specific CRISPR‐Dx assays in silico within a short metabarcoding fragment using a general primer set, a methodology we term ‘ampliscanning’, for 18 of the 22 amphibian species in Switzerland. We sub‐selected nine species, including three classified as regionally endangered, to test the methodology using eDNA sampled from ponds at nine sites. We compared the ampliscanning detections to data from traditional monitoring at these sites. Ampliscanning was successful at detecting target species with different prevalences across the landscape. With only one visit, we detected more species per site than three traditional monitoring visits (visual and acoustic detections by trained experts), in particular more elusive species and previously undocumented but expected populations. Ampliscanning detected 25 species/site combinations compared to 12 with traditional monitoring. Sensitivity analyses showed that larger numbers of field visits and PCR replicates are more important for reliable detection than many technical replicates at the CRISPR‐Dx assay level. Given the reduced sampling and analysis effort, our results highlight the benefits of eDNA and CRISPR‐Dx combined with universal primers for large‐scale monitoring of multiple endangered species across landscapes to inform conservation measures.
Delayed responses and extinction debt: an opportunity for the conservation of Chaco Serrano forest birds
Authors: Silvetti L. E. , Gavier Pizarro G. , Arcamone J. R. , Bellis L. M.
Published: August 2024

Land‐use change is one of the main threats to biodiversity at the global level, and subtropical dry forests are not exempt from such a threat. Recent studies suggest that species can become extinct with a considerable time lag, even if no further habitat loss occurs. Hence, there may be an extinction debt, which poses a great challenge to conservation. Here, we analyzed the response of taxonomic and functional richness of forest and understory specialist birds to 30 years (data from 1989, 2004 and 2019) of land‐cover and land‐use changes in the Chaco Serrano forest of central Argentina. Our results showed the occurrence of extinction debt in both forest and understory specialist birds, with such debt being greater in forest specialist birds. Results for species trait debt were inconclusive. We also found evidence that birds are not equally sensitive to land‐use change, indicating a species‐specific response. We conclude that the current presence of some large native forest patches and an intermediate degree of isolation in the region might be prolonging the persistence of some bird species and traits. Moreover, ecological legacies can strongly affect the current species distribution pattern and the permanence of functional traits in fragmented landscapes. These findings should be considered in conservation planning.
Myopia dominance in preterm infants without and with retinopathy of prematurity: Indian Twin Cities ROP study (ITCROPS) report number 15
Authors: Thakur Swapnil , Kumari Seema , Sanghavi Vishwa , Belenje Akash , Bhate Manjushree , Ranjan Padhi Tapas , Jalali Subhadra , Verkicharla Pavan K.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate the refractive error profile and progression in infants with different stages of ROP, without ROP, and those who received laser treatment for ROP.

Methods

This retrospective study included the data from 838 infants (baseline mean age 3.7 ± 5.4 months) who had premature birth. Among these, 433 infants had one of the stages of ROP and 405 had no ROP. Infants with ROP were sub‐divided into stage 1 (n = 76), stage 2 (n = 142), and stage 3 (n = 136) and aggressive posterior ROP, (APROP, n = 79). They were further categorized into those who received treatment (n = 213) and with no treatment for ROP (n = 220). Data from a subset of 117 infants was used to assess the 1‐year change in the refractive error. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) <−0.50 diopters (D). Eyes with retinal detachment were excluded.

Results

Higher percentage of myopia was found in infants with ROP (39.7%) than no‐ROP (19.8%), and it increased with severity of ROP: stage 1: 19.7%, stage 2: 33.8%, stage 3: 45.6%, and 59.5% in APROP. Percentage of myopia doubled in those who underwent treatment for ROP (54.5%) compared to no‐treatment group (25.5%). Mean (± SEM) change in SER after 1 year was significantly greater in infants with APROP −4.55 ± 1.38 D and stage 3 ROP −2.28 ± 0.57 D compared to other stages and no‐ROP.

Conclusion

Myopia was found to be more prevalent in preterm infants in general, and more in the presence of ROP. Preterm infants without or with any form of ROP, particularly those with severe form of ROP and those who received treatment require meticulous periodic refractive error assessment.
Beneficial effects of MGL‐3196 and BAM15 combination in a mouse model of fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhou Mingyan , Li Catherine , Byrne Frances L. , Vancuylenburg Calum S. , Olzomer Ellen M. , Hargreaves Adam , Wu Lindsay E. , Shackel Nicholas A. , Santos Webster L. , Hoehn Kyle L.
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a metabolic disorder with limited treatment options. The thyroid hormone receptor (THR)‐β agonist resmetirom/MGL‐3196 (MGL) increases liver fat oxidation and has been approved for treating adult MASH. However, over 60% of patients receiving MGL treatment do not achieve MASH resolution. Therefore, we investigated the potential for combination therapy of MGL with the mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 to improve fatty liver disease outcomes in the GAN mouse model of MASH.

Methods

C57BL/6J male mice were fed GAN diet for 38 weeks before stratification and randomization to treatments including MGL, BAM15, MGL + BAM15, or no drug control for 8 weeks. Treatments were admixed in diet and mice were pair‐fed to control for drug intake. Treatment effectiveness was assessed by body weight, body composition, energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, tissue lipid content, and histological analyses.

Results

MGL + BAM15 treatment resulted in better efficacy versus GAN control mice than either monotherapy in the context of energy expenditure, liver fat loss, glucose control, and fatty liver disease activity score. Improvements in ALT, liver mass, and plasma cholesterol were primarily driven by MGL, while improvements in body fat were primarily driven by BAM15. No treatments altered liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

MGL + BAM15 treatment had overall better efficacy to improve metabolic outcomes in mice fed GAN diet than either monotherapy alone. These data warrant further investigation into combination therapies of THR‐β agonists and mitochondrial uncouplers for the potential treatment of disorders related to fatty liver, obesity, and insulin resistance.
Managerial decision horizon and corporate greenwashing: Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Jinyue , Qiu Qiang , Qiao Yuyang
Published: August 2024

Corporate greenwashing, a significant manifestation of the decoupling of corporate social responsibility, has attracted considerable attention from stakeholders. Based on the internal governance theory, this study examines listed Chinese companies from 2011 to 2021 to assess the effects of managerial decision horizons on corporate greenwashing behaviours. Our finding shows that a shorter managerial decision horizon exacerbates corporate greenwashing. The robustness of the result has been verified by employing various methods, including the use of instrumental variables, the two‐stage Heckman model and alternative variable substitution. Additionally, the study reveals the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and identifies reduced environmental investment as one of the channels through which myopic managerial decision‐making enhances corporate greenwashing. The results also indicate that financial constraints on firms intensify the impact of managerial myopia on greenwashing, whereas the proportion of female executives and investors' site visits mitigate this effect. This study presents important implications for stakeholders governing corporate greenwashing by elucidating the relationship between managerial decision horizons and greenwashing.
Aquatic invasive species exhibit contrasting seasonal detectability patterns based on environmental DNA: Implications for monitoring
Authors: Rounds Christopher I. , Arnold Todd W. , Chun Chan Lan , Dumke Josh , Totsch Anna , Keppers Adelle , Edblad Katarina , García Samantha M. , Larson Eric R. , Nelson Jenna K. R. , Hansen Gretchen J. A.
Published: August 2024

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a global threat to freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services. Documenting AIS prevalence at broad spatial scales is critical to effective management and early detection. However, conventional monitoring for AIS is costly and is rarely applied at the resolution and scale required for effective management. Monitoring of AIS using environmental DNA (eDNA) has the potential to enable broadscale surveillance at a fraction of the cost of conventional methods, but key questions must first be addressed related to how eDNA detection probability varies among environments, seasons, and multiple species with different life histories.

To quantify spatiotemporal variation in the detection probability of AIS using eDNA sampling, we surveyed 20 lakes with known populations of four aquatic invasive species: common carp (Cyprinus carpio), rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus), spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus), and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). We collected water samples at 10 locations per lake, five times throughout the open water season resulting in a total of 1,000 water samples. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used with species‐specific assays to determine the presence of each species' eDNA in water samples. With Bayesian occupancy models, we quantified the effects of lake and site characteristics and Julian date on eDNA detection probability.

The probability of eDNA detection varied seasonally, and the seasonal variation was species‐specific and related to species life histories. Zebra mussel eDNA was generally the most detectable among the species we targeted, and detection probability peaked in midsummer when only six water samples were required to achieve a 95% probability of detection (80% Bayesian credible interval: 3–12 samples). Spiny waterflea eDNA detections also peaked in mid to late summer, but were overall the most difficult species to detect, requiring 160 samples for a 95% probability of detection (80% Bayesian credible interval: 67–1,616 samples). Common carp eDNA was most detectable in the spring and rusty crayfish eDNA was most detectable in the early autumn, corresponding to key life history events.

Sampling for eDNA during the optimal time of the year for each species decreased the number of samples required to reach a 95% probability of detection by an order of magnitude or more.

Our results are relevant for decision makers interested in using eDNA as a multi‐species monitoring tool and highlight the importance of life history in the efficacy of eDNA monitoring.
Where to go: Factors influencing Hong Kong university students' attitude towards working in the Greater Bay Area
Authors: Wu Fengyu , Jung Jisun
Published: August 2024

This study explores Hong Kong university students' concerns when making employment decisions after graduation and their attitudes towards working in mainland China, especially in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Two research questions were identified: What are Hong Kong students' attitudes towards working in the GBA? What factors influence Hong Kong students' employment choices? A qualitative research approach was adopted with semi‐structured interviews with 38 final‐year students from eight Hong Kong universities. Based on thematic analysis, the findings showed that Hong Kong university students' willingness to work in the GBA was mainly influenced by their previous connections with the destination and potential career development opportunities. However, Shenzhen was the only city out of nine in the GBA they considered for employment. University students were aware of the economic rationale for their employment preparation, but, more importantly, they placed a high value on professional development opportunities and work–life balance. They also valued opportunities for internationalisation and emphasised the importance of the work culture and environment in choosing employment. The findings have policy implications for graduate employment and the intra‐mobility of talented young people across GBA cities in China.
Production and characterisation of antioxidant and antibacterial polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Oenocarpus bataua phenolic extract
Authors: Ferreira Richard D. R. , Paula Ladyslene C. , Sora Gisele T. S. , Bernardo Ricardo A. , Cruz Maurício V. , Leles Maria Inês G. , Fernandes Kátia F. , Batista Karla A.
Published: August 2024

One recent trend in the food industry is using natural antioxidants and antimicrobials as additives for developing multi‐functional packaging. In this study, phenolic compounds from patawa (PEP), a neglected Amazon palm tree, were extracted and encapsulated in nanoparticles based on acetylated cashew gum polysaccharide (acCGP) and chitosan (CS) using a nanoprecipitation technique. The primary objective was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties of PEP and acCGP/CS@PEP. Results from HPLC‐MS showed that PEP is mainly composed of epicatechin, naringenin and rutin. acCGP/CS@PEP nanoparticles showed a spheric and smooth microstructure, observed with 40.1% PEP encapsulation into the nanoparticles. The main encapsulated phenolics were luteolin, quercetin and epicatechin. Also, FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses evidenced the success of PEP encapsulation. Results from antioxidant activity evidenced that acCGP/CS@PEP has a DPPH scavenging activity 45‐fold higher than the unencapsulated PEP, a 5‐fold higher ferric reducing power and 20‐fold higher antioxidant potential against ABTS. Similarly, acCGP/CS@PEP had higher antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (MIC = 2.24 mg mL−1), Salmonella enteritis (MIC = 4.48 mg mL−1) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 4.48 mg mL−1). Analysis by SEM evidenced that acCGP/CS@PEP had a potent destructive effect with disruption of the bacterial cell membrane and liberation of cytoplasmic content. These findings demonstrated that PEP could be efficiently encapsulated in acCGP/CS nanoparticles, and this strategy could improve the efficiency of PEP as a bioactive compound for developing active packaging.
Comprehensive analysis of targeted phenolic, sugar, and amino acid variation in 10‐day‐old wheatgrass in response to temperature and photoperiod
Authors: Kumar Arun , Singh Narpinder
Published: August 2024

The present study investigated the phenolic profile, sugar composition and amino acid profile of lyophilised 10‐day‐old wheatgrass cultivated under varying temperature and photoperiod conditions. The targeted phenolic profile showed the abundant presence of chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic and p‐coumaric acid. The phenolic content varied with temperature and photoperiod conditions. The comprehensive sugar profile indicated the variation in the concentration of glucose with different growing conditions altered carbohydrate metabolism in wheatgrass. Similarly, the concentration of amino acids also varied with growing conditions. Notably, the concentration of proline, arginine and GABA in wheatgrass from all wheat varieties increased more prominently in photoperiod of 22 h and growth temperature of 22 °C in light and 17 °C in dark as a response of defence mechanism.
Comparison of vegetable powders as ingredients of flatbreads: technological and nutritional properties
Authors: Santamaria Maria , Ruiz Maria , Garzon Raquel , Rosell Cristina M.
Published: August 2024

Health‐driven innovation is transforming bakery products, particularly with non‐conventional ingredients. This study aimed to produce healthy and technologically acceptable flatbreads, exploring the inclusion (2%) of vegetable powders (black and green olives, orange peel, lemon, tomato, beetroot, carrot, onion, artichoke, spinach, chard, kale and pak choi). Spinach and chard increased the mineral content (1.42 and 1.30 g/ 100 g) respect to control (1.01 g/100 g). Fibre content ranged from 9.33 to 11.18 g/100 g when added onion, chard, pak choi, tomato or artichoke. Beetroot was the most effective changing the colour (ΔE* 43.09), while tomato reduced the hardness (4.06 vs 5.29 N in the control). Lemon and tomato were effective reducing the extent of starch enzymatic hydrolysis by 65% and 34%, respectively. Vegetable powders can be innovative, natural, sustainable and healthy ingredients in the breadmaking of flatbreads. The incorporation of these non‐conventional ingredients opens new opportunities for the bakery industry.
The emergence of training programmes for the garment industry: Analysing the cases of Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka from a historical‐institutionalist perspective
Authors: Maurer Markus , Shimu Sheikh Shahana , Veung Naron
Published: August 2024

This study analyses industry‐specific training programmes catering to the garment industry in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Employing a historical‐institutionalist perspective and using mainly qualitative data, it focuses on programmes that are considered particularly relevant by the industry and discuss their characteristics as well as factors that have had an impact on their development. The article finds that such programmes are usually offered beyond formal upper secondary vocational education and training, mostly at postsecondary and tertiary level, and in many cases by private providers. However, the case of Sri Lanka shows that public investment in the training of employees at different skill levels can make an important contribution to the development of a high‐skill formation regime—but that it depends on the right timing.
Describing a programme of implementation‐effectiveness research on the organization and implementation of frontline nursing care delivery into diverse health systems
Authors: Bender Miriam , Williams Marjory (Micki)
Published: August 2024

Aims

The longitudinal programme of research described in this paper seeks to generate knowledge about factors influencing the implementation of a system‐level intervention, the clinical nurse leader care model, involving nurses as leaders at the frontlines of care and the outcomes achievable with successful implementation. The research programme has the following aims, (a) to clarify clinical nurse leader practice, (b) develop and empirically validate a translational model of frontline care delivery that includes clinical nurse leader practice and (c) delineate the patterns of and critical outcomes of successful implementation of the clinical nurse leader care model.

Design

This programme of research follows a knowledge‐building trajectory involving multiple study designs in both qualitative (grounded theory, case study) and quantitative (descriptive, correlational and quasi‐experimental) traditions.

Methods

Multiple mixed methods within a system‐based participatory framework were used to conduct this programme of implementation–effectiveness research.

Results

Findings are demonstrating how the clinical nurse leader care model, as a complex system‐level intervention, can be implemented in diverse healthcare contexts to make a difference to patient care quality and safety. Findings also contribute to implementation science, helping to better understand the dynamic interdependencies between implementation, the interventions implemented and the contexts in which they are implemented.

Conclusion

Findings translate into sets of evidence‐informed implementation ‘recipes’ that health systems can match to their specific contexts and needs. This allows health systems to take on strategies that both maximize resource impact within their existing structures and support achieving intended outcomes.

Implication

This programme of research is producing actionable implementation and outcome evidence about ways to organize nursing knowledge and practice into care models that can be successfully adopted within real‐world healthcare settings to achieve safer and higher quality patient care.
Identification of molecular targets and small drug candidates for Huntington's disease via bioinformatics and a network‐based screening approach
Authors: Hossain Md Ridoy , Tareq Md. Mohaimenul Islam , Biswas Partha , Tauhida Sadia Jannat , Bibi Shabana , Zilani Md. Nazmul Hasan , Albadrani Ghadeer M. , Al‐Ghadi Muath Q. , Abdel‐Daim Mohamed M. , Hasan Md. Nazmul
Published: August 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a gradually severe neurodegenerative ailment characterised by an increase of a specific trinucleotide repeat sequence (cytosine–adenine–guanine, CAG). It is passed down as a dominant characteristic that worsens over time, creating a significant risk. Despite being monogenetic, the underlying mechanisms as well as biomarkers remain poorly understood. Furthermore, early detection of HD is challenging, and the available diagnostic procedures have low precision and accuracy. The research was conducted to provide knowledge of the biomarkers, pathways and therapeutic targets involved in the molecular processes of HD using informatic based analysis and applying network‐based systems biology approaches. The gene expression profile datasets GSE97100 and GSE74201 relevant to HD were studied. As a consequence, 46 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. 10 hub genes (TPM1, EIF2S3, CCN2, ACTN1, ACTG2, CCN1, CSRP1, EIF1AX, BEX2 and TCEAL5) were further differentiated in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. These hub genes were typically down‐regulated. Additionally, DEGs‐transcription factors (TFs) connections (e.g. GATA2, YY1 and FOXC1), DEG‐microRNA (miRNA) interactions (e.g. hsa‐miR‐124‐3p and has‐miR‐26b‐5p) were also comprehensively forecast. Additionally, related gene ontology concepts (e.g. sequence‐specific DNA binding and TF activity) connected to DEGs in HD were identified using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Finally, in silico drug design was employed to find candidate drugs for the treatment HD, and while the possible modest therapeutic compounds (e.g. cortistatin A, 13,16‐Epoxy‐25‐hydroxy‐17‐cheilanthen‐19,25‐olide, Hecogenin) against HD were expected. Consequently, the results from this study may give researchers useful resources for the experimental validation of Huntington's diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
Emerging connectivity of programmed cell death pathways and pulmonary vascular remodelling during pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yuan Meng‐nan , Liu Ting , Cai An‐qi , Zhan Zibo , Cheng Yi‐li , Wang Qi‐yue , Xia Yu‐xuan , Shen Nong‐er , Huang Ping , Zou Xiao‐zhou
Published: August 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic progressive vascular disease characterized by abnormal pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary artery pressure. The major structural alteration during PH is pulmonary vascular remodelling, which is mainly caused by the imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary vascular cells. Previously, it was thought that apoptosis was the only type of programmed cell death (PCD). Soon afterward, other types of PCD have been identified, including autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis and necroptosis. In this review, we summarize the role of the above five forms of PCD in mediating pulmonary vascular remodelling, and discuss their guiding significance for PH treatment. The current review could provide a better understanding of the correlation between PCD and pulmonary vascular remodelling, contributing to identify new PCD‐associated drug targets for PH.
FBXO22 promotes osteosarcoma progression via regulation of FOXO1 for ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Zhang He , Bai Yang , Li Jiatong , Chen Ting , Shang Guanning
Published: August 2024

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that F‐box protein 22 (FBXO22) participates in tumour development and progression in various types of human malignancies. However, the functions and detailed molecular mechanisms of FBXO22 in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and progression remain elusive. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of FBXO22 on the cell proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells using cell counting kit‐8 and Matrigel Transwell approaches. Moreover, we explored the molecular mechanisms by which FBXO22 mediated oncogenesis and progression in osteosarcoma via Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination. We found that FBXO22 depletion inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells, whereas FBXO22 overexpression increased the proliferation and motility of osteosarcoma cells. Mechanistically, FBXO22 promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of FoxO1 in osteosarcoma cells. FBXO22 depletion reduced cell proliferation and motility via regulation of FoxO1. Taken together, our findings provide new insight into FBXO22‐induced osteosarcoma tumorigenesis. The inhibition of FBXO22 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Development of best performance evaluation indicators based on value‐based healthcare for general hospital nursing: A Delphi study
Authors: He Wenbo , Du Liang , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2024

Objective

To establish and validate a set of best nursing practice indicators for medical groups in Chinese general hospitals based on value‐based healthcare (VBHC) theory.

Design

A modified Delphi method.

Methods

This study engaged experienced clinical nurses from public hospitals and multidisciplinary experts in operations management. Through a literature review and structured brainstorming, a comprehensive framework for assessing best nursing practices in Chinese general hospital medical groups was developed. A modified Delphi method was then employed to establish an indicator framework, followed by the Combined Empowerment‐MABAC method to weight and validate the indicators using empirical data collected between June 2023 and October 2023. The CREDES checklist guided the reporting of this study.

Results

Sixteen experts, each with at least 10 years of experience in nurse management from nine healthcare organizations, participated in two rounds of consultation. The experts' responses and suggestions for rewording, deleting and adding items were incorporated into each round. Of the 34 proposed indicators, 25 were approved, covering healthcare service capacity, efficiency, quality and safety, patient experience and cost.

Conclusion

The Delphi survey reached a consensus on necessary actions to improve nursing performance. The developed indicator system provides a foundational framework for standardizing the monitoring of care quality and performance assessment in Chinese clinical healthcare groups, with broad applicability.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study provides a reliable basis for developing a nursing performance assessment database, offering crucial insights for measuring quality of care and improving patient value.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Dental prosthesis plaque index of Augsburger and Elahi: Expansion and standardisation in community‐dwelling frail older people
Authors: Ho Bach Van , van der Maarel‐Wierink Claar Debora , van der Craats Elinoor , Weijenberg Roxane Anthea Francesca , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: August 2024

Background

Inadequate daily oral hygiene care of dental prostheses could worsen general health of frail older people. The index of Augsburger and Elahi is often recommended to assess maxillary dental prosthesis plaque (DPP).

Objective

To assess the reliability of an expanded and standardised DPP index of Augsburger and Elahi in trained and untrained examiners, and to determine the applicability of the index in community‐dwelling frail older people.

Methods

Ten community‐dwelling frail older persons with complete and partial removable dental prostheses (RDPs) (mean ± SD age = 87.9 ± 8.4 years) participated. Seven persons were revisited after 3 months. The index was expanded with mandibular RDPs. Standardisation was achieved with a specially designed reference sheet. The RDPs were photographed after plaque colouring. Two trained examiners scored the photographs; thereafter, two untrained examiners. One trained examiner scored the photographs again after 3 weeks. Changes in DPP over the 3‐month period were assessed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Inter‐ and intra‐examiner reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

The DPP scores did not change significantly over time (Z = −0.594, p = 0.553). Inter‐examiner reliability was excellent in the trained examiners (ICC = 0.859–0.947), and fair‐to‐good in the untrained examiners (ICC = 0.671–0.703). Intra‐examiner reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.941–0.962).

Conclusion

The proposed expansion and standardisation of the DPP index has an excellent inter‐ and intra‐examiner reliability when performed by trained examiners, and a fair‐to‐good inter‐examiner reliability by untrained examiners. Therefore, the index could be recommended for application in dental prostheses‐wearing older persons and could be useful for awareness and education of professional and informal caregivers and the older persons themselves.

Trail Registration

The Netherlands Trail Register NTR6159.