bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of pks+Escherichia coliand bile acid in colorectal tumorigenesis among people with cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy
Authors: Pan Si-Yuan , Zhou Cheng-Bei , Deng Jia-Wen , Zhou Yi-Lu , Liu Zhu-Hui , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: December 2022

Patients with cholelithiasis (CL) or cholecystectomy (CE) would have more chances to get colorectal adenoma (CRA) or cancer (CRC). To figure out the effect of gut microbiota and bile acid on colorectal neoplasm in CL and CE patients, we executed a retrospective observational study recruited 463 volunteers, including 182 people with normal gallbladder (Normal), 135 CL and 146 CE patients. The discovery cohort was established to explore the difference of gut microbiota through 16S rRNA sequencing. The validation cohort aimed to verify the results of sequencing through qPCR. Through this research, significant enrichment ofEscherichia coliwas found in patients with cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy both in discovery cohort (PNormal-CL=0.013;PNormal-CE=0.042) and in validation cohort (PNormal-CL<0.0001;PNormal-CE<0.0001). The relative abundance ofEscherichia coliwas also increased in CRA and CRC patients (in discovery cohort,PHC-CRA=0.045,PHC-CRC=0.0016; in validation cohort,PHC-CRA=0.0063,PHC-CRC=0.0007). Pks+Escherichia coliwas found enriched in CL and CE patients in validation cohort (PNormal-CL<0.0001;PNormal-CE<0.0001). Through KEGG analysis in discovery cohort, the differences of bile acid metabolism were revealed (Ko00120 primary bile acid biosynthesisP=0.014; Ko00121 secondary bile acid biosynthesisP=0.010). In validation cohort, we also found the elevation of serum total bile acid of CE patients (P<0.0001). And the level of serum total bile acid was found associated with the relative abundance of pks+Escherichia coli(r=0.1895,P=0.0012). In one word, our research found thatEscherichia coli, especially pks+species, was enriched in CL and CE patients. Pks+Escherichia coliand bile acid metabolism were associated with CRA and CRC in people after cholecystectomy.
Metatranscriptome of infected root canals in teeth with apical periodontitis
Authors: Pinheiro Ericka T. , Russo Giancarlo , Candeiro George T. M. , Vilela Bruna G. , Gomes Brenda P. F. A. , Attin Thomas , Karygianni Lamprini , Thurnheer Thomas
Published: December 2022

Metatranscriptomics has not yet been applied to the study of the endodontic microbiome. Therefore, this study investigated the microbial composition and patterns of gene expression in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. We performed next-generation, microbiomewide RNA-sequencing in eight root canal samples, including five primary and three secondary endodontic infections. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria represented the dominant phyla, whereas Fusobacteria, Spirochaetes and Synergistetes were among the non-dominant phyla. At species level, the microbiome was dominated by Gram-negative and Gram-positive anaerobes. In particular,Prevotellaspp. andOlsenella uliwere more abundant in primary than in secondary infections. Transcripts encoding moonlighting proteins were abundant, including glycolytic proteins, translational elongation factors, chaperonin, and heat shock proteins.Fusobacteriumwas highly active in primary infections, showing upregulation of genes involved in protein synthesis, responses to oxidative stress and resistance to antibiotics, especially tetracycline. In addition, other members of the community expressed high numbers of antimicrobial resistance genes. Overall, metatranscriptomics revealed the expression of putative virulence factors and the activity of potential endodontic pathogens, represented mainly by obligate anaerobes. In particular, the functional role ofFusobacteriumin primary infections was highlighted. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance, especially to tetracycline, was a common feature in endodontic samples.
Neuron- and microglia-specific immunoexpression in steroid-independent male sexual behaviour in castrated B6D2F1 male mice
Authors: Chiang Vic Shao-Chih , Lipkin Sophie , McCusker Catherine D , Park Jin Ho
Published: December 2022

Sexual behaviour is necessary for procreation for several species and is traditionally viewed to be regulated by sex steroid hormones. However, several species exhibit steroid-independent sexual behaviour, and its molecular understanding is only beginning to be uncovered. The main goal of our experiment was to provide new insight into cell-specific roles that both neuronal and non-neuronal cells may play in steroid-independent male sexual behaviour. Forty B6D2F1 hybrid male mice underwent orchidectomy and were tested for reinstatement of steroid-independent male sexual behaviour after an extended period of social isolation caused by the COVID-19-mandated laboratory shutdown. After 62 weeks post-orchidectomy, 20.59% demonstrated reinstatement of steroid-independent male sexual behaviour (identified as ‘steroid-independent persistent maters’), while 23.53% of the males did not display steroid-independent male sexual behaviour (identified as ‘steroid-independent non-maters’). Using flow cytometry, we compared the preoptic area immunoexpression in NeuN+ neurons and Iba1+ microglia between steroid-independent persistent maters and steroid-independent non-maters (N = 5-6 per group). We found neuronal immunoexpression up-regulated for amyloid precursor protein and androgen receptor, as well as down-regulated for glucocorticoid receptor in steroid-independent persistent maters compared to steroid-independent non-maters. In conjunction, microglial immunoexpression of amyloid precursor protein was up-regulated in steroid-independent persistent maters compared to steroid-independent non-maters. These data suggest there are cell-specific immunoexpression differences, including the role of non-neuronal cells in steroid-independent male sexual behaviour.
The role of Macao's universities in the education and training development of Hengqin
Authors: Wang Wanli , Johnny F.I.Lam , Li Jiagui , Yang Zhenjie
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study intends to explore the opportunities and roles of Macao's universities in the education and training development of Hengqin under the General Plan of the Development of the Guangdong–Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin promulgated in August 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is intended to analyze the role of Macao’ universities in Hengqin development, based on data collected through interviewing with dozens of scholars and government officials from Macao and Hengqin, and government reports, news reports and other relevant data.

Findings

The General Plan provides Macao's universities with opportunities to develop education and training in Hengqin. On the one hand, Hengqin can be the locus of Macao's tertiary education diversification; Macao's universities can jointly establish technological research institutions and set up postdoctoral research centers and university branches to enroll master's and doctoral students from Mainland China. On the other hand, Macao's universities can set up a branch of professional training and open training courses in Hengqin. These efforts are designed to promote technological innovation and cultural diffusion in Macao.

Originality/value

This study analyses the potential role of Macao's universities in developing education and training in Hengqin since the central policy was announced last August. This study will be of interest to scholars as well as policymakers.
Vertical line extensions: consumers' preferences for downward and upward extensions
Authors: Shirai Miyuri
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Research on vertical line extensions shows that consumers tend to evaluate upward extensions higher than downward ones. This paper examines the opposite situation. It also investigates the process underlying consumer responses by identifying a moderator and mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to assess the effect of extension direction (upward vs downward) on consumers' extension evaluations. Study 1 incorporated implicit theories of relationships (the growth belief) as a moderator and inferred motives for launching a vertical line extension as mediators in the effect. Study 2 presented a firm's rationale for undertaking the extension to examine whether it influenced evaluations.

Findings

Consumers' preferences for downward over upward extensions appeared in markets where the exclusivity of luxury brands had been reduced. However, the resistance to upward extensions was weaker when consumers endorsed stronger growth beliefs in human relationships. Consumers inferred customer- and selling-oriented motives more strongly from downward than upward extensions, enhancing the evaluations. Finally, when presenting a rationale for launching an extension in the launch announcement, customer-oriented reasoning raised the evaluations higher than selling-oriented reasoning but did not elevate the evaluations higher than the announcement showing no reason.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on vertical line extensions and shows that consumers' preference for upward over downward extensions is not universal. The opposite pattern exists in markets with a lower distinction between high- and low-end brands. It supports the theoretical notion that responses are driven by the differences in growth belief and in cognitive inferences vis-à-vis motives.
Strategic internal communication for effective internal employer branding
Authors: Pološki Vokić Nina , Tkalac Verčič Ana , Sinčić Ćorić Dubravka
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Although internal communication is perceived as one of the crucial elements for favorable internal evaluation of an employer brand (EB), the importance of internal communication for EB advocacy has been insufficiently theoretically problematized and related empirical evidence is almost non-existent. In this paper, the relationship between employees' satisfaction with internal communication and their perceptions of their employers' attractiveness is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based field research study was conducted on a sample of 3,457 Croatian employees. The Internal Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire (ICSQ) (Tkalac Verčič et al., 2009) and the Employer Attractiveness (EmpAt) Scale (Berthon et al., 2005) were used for assessing internal communication satisfaction (ICS) and employer attractiveness (EA).

Findings

Findings reveal that respondents' overall satisfaction with internal communication in their organizations is significantly positively related with the overall attractiveness they assign to their employers, that all explored ICS dimensions are significant for the overall EA, and that each ICS dimension is significant for at least one EA dimension. The most relevant ICS dimensions for EA are “satisfaction with feedback” and “satisfaction with communication climate”.

Originality/value

A conducted large sample study is among the first quantitative empirical studies that proved that employees who are satisfied with internal communication are likely to see their employers as attractive. Moreover, findings point toward internal communication endeavors which add more value to developing an attractive internal EB.
Untangling operational performance implication of ambidextrous blockchain initiatives: an empirical investigation of Chinese manufacturers
Authors: Tse Ying Kei , Wang Shiyun , Liu Xiaohong , Wu Chun Ho
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Blockchain has been considered as a disruptive technology and every industry stands to benefit from it. According to Deloitte, increasing number of managers claim that their firms will suffer loss in competitive advantage if they do not adopt blockchain. Despite this motivation, insufficient knowledge on how can blockchain add value inhibits the commitment to its adoption. To better understand the possible influence of blockchain, two dimensions (exploitation and exploration) of blockchain initiatives are distinguished. This research aims to examine the impact of ambidextrous blockchain initiatives on firms' operational efficiency, as well as the moderating role of unabsorbed slack and environmental munificence.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, secondary panel data were collected from multiple sources to test the proposed hypotheses. Content analysis was adopted to operationalise ambidextrous blockchain initiatives from firms' official announcements.

Findings

The authors find that firms' ambidexterity in blockchain initiatives have significantly positive impact on operational efficiency. Furthermore, when firms have lower unabsorbed slack or in more munificent environments, they may benefit from managing a balance between exploration and exploitation.

Originality/value

This research offers some insightful theoretical and managerial implications of ambidextrous blockchain initiatives. The findings of this study contribute to blockchain literature by providing theory-driven empirical research.
The value co-creation journey: a longitudinal process unfolding in a network through collaboration
Authors: Perna Andrea , O’Toole Thomas , Baraldi Enrico , Gregori Gian Luca
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop our understanding of the value co-creation process in business networks. This study identifies four key sub-processes that characterize the value co-creation journey as it unfolds across an inter-organizational network. These four sub-processes are opportunity co-creation, solution co-creation, complementary co-creation and activated co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflecting the exploratory nature of this research, the methodology relies on an in-depth case study, which is analyzed through the lens of the resource interaction occurring within the specific business relationships and collaborative episodes that affected the nine-year long development of Deko, a new architectural lighting solution.

Findings

The main contribution of the paper is identifying the sub-processes comprising the value co-creation journey of a technology development solution based on resource combining, re-combining and un-combining across a business network. That value co-creation occurs through a time-consuming journey requiring multiple episodes of collaboration can also inspire the practice of handling this process for instance for a small business such as the one featured in this case study.

Originality/value

This paper highlights that the value co-creation journey process has the potential to frame the unfolding of collaboration in practice for a small business.
How augmented reality can improve e-commerce website quality through interactivity and vividness: the moderating role of need for touch
Authors: Kim Seeun , Park Hyejune , Kader Mohammad Shahidul
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a conceptual model to examine the effect of an augmented reality (AR)–based product display (vs a picture-based product display) on interactivity, vividness, website quality and consumer responses. In addition, the moderating role of the need for touch (NFT) in the effect of AR on media features is identified.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are tested using a one-factor between-subjects design for both a student sample (Study 1, N = 120) and a nonstudent sample (Study 2, N = 272). Data are analyzed using a series of analyses of variance, multivariate analyses of covariance and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Study 1 shows that an AR-based product display generates greater website quality, interactivity and vividness than a picture-based product display. Moreover, an AR-based product display improves interactivity and vividness only for high-NFT consumers; however, no significant difference emerged for low-NFT consumers. Study 2 replicates and extends our findings by identifying the specific processes that consumers go through when evaluating a website.

Originality/value

The current research advances the understanding of how product presentation technologies can attract customers with different haptic orientations and provides practical implications for online retailers interested in improving their customers' e-commerce experience.
Supply chain integration and firm performance in the COVID-19 era: the mediating role of resilience and robustness
Authors: Hendijani Rosa , Norouzi Mahdis
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most impactful disruptions which has imposed high levels of uncertainty on supply chains around the world. Supply chain integration (SCI) is highly recommended as an underlying mechanism that can facilitate the development of resilience and robustness as two dynamic capabilities. They can in turn positively influence firm performance and success during the disruptive conditions of COVID-19 era. The study aims to examine whether SCI as an enabler of resilience and robustness can improve firm performance during COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model is developed to elaborate the relationship between SCI dimensions, resilience and robustness and firm’s operational and financial performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey method is then used to empirically examine the model using a sample of 94 companies in the food industry in the province of Tehran, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study makes several contributions. It provides a novel theoretical model on the relationship between SCI, resilience and robustness and firm performance and tests this model in a less-studied yet critical context (i.e. Iranian food industry) and during a disruptive era (i.e. COVID-19 pandemic).

Findings

The results support the positive effect of three SCI dimensions of internal, product and process integration on operational and financial performance during corona virus pandemic. Furthermore, internal and process integration have positive effects on resilience. Internal, product and process integration have positive effects on robustness. In addition, resilience mediates the effects of internal and product integration on both operational and financial performance, whereas robustness mediates the effect of internal and product integration on financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in the Province of Tehran. To test and generalize the results, it is recommended to conduct this study in other places and countries.

Originality/value

These results highlight the importance of SCI dimensions as vital enablers of resilience and robustness and their consequent impact on firm’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asynchronous learning: a general review of best practices for the 21st century
Authors: Varkey Thomas Chandy , Varkey John A. , Ding Jack B. , Varkey Philip K. , Zeitler Colton , Nguyen Anne M. , Merhavy Zachary I. , Thomas Charles Ryan
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to create a “go-to-guide” of best practices in the creation of asynchronous courses. Due to the global pandemic, millions of students around the world transitioned from in-class instruction to online programs, which ranged from completely synchronous classrooms to completely asynchronous classrooms. Students were forced to learn how to engage within an online classroom environment with minimal notice and instructors were abruptly thrusted into a different operational environment, with many required to construct educational ecosystems in an unfamiliar and digitized interface. This led to several actions and the utilization of a multitude of different teaching techniques, many of which were poorly implemented.

Design/methodology/approach

Key words, “Asynchronous learning”, “Learning”, “Feedback”, “Online Instruction”, and “Classroom Design” were searched in online data bases (Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO and Data Base of Open Access Journals). These then were read by the authorial team and authoritative papers were selected by the team based on the frequency of utilization by other papers in the field and the utility of these papers for the design of asynchronous courses.

Findings

This paper explores asynchronous learning from the perspective of how instructional science and learning science can be applied to create the best classroom for both pupil and instructor.

Originality/value

It looks to provide a go-to-guide for best practices in asynchronous learning and the development of K-12 classrooms, graduate and medical school classrooms and finally continuous medical education classrooms. Finally, this guide looks to facilitate the development of master instructors through statements on how to properly provide feedback to students.
Review: Monitoring of land cover changes and plant phenology by remote‐sensing in East Asia
Authors: Shin Nagai , Saitoh Taku M. , Takeuchi Yayoi , Miura Tomoaki , Aiba Masahiro , Kurokawa Hiroko , Onoda Yusuke , Ichii Kazuhito , Nasahara Kenlo Nishida , Suzuki Rikie , Nakashizuka Tohru , Muraoka Hiroyuki
Published: December 2022

To achieve a sustainable society and solve the problems caused by climate change and socioeconomic activities, it is necessary to monitor the spatial and temporal variability of ecosystem functions, services, and biodiversity at both regional and global scales. During the last decade, we have seen rapid and significant improvement in satellite and near‐surface remote‐sensing technologies. In this review, we describe how remote‐sensing observations are being used to effectively evaluate the spatial and temporal variability of land use and cover types and of plant phenology in East Asia. We discuss the current status, uncertainties, problems, and future perspectives for terrestrial ecosystem and biodiversity monitoring, and we address the multidisciplinary research by incorporating in situ and satellite observations for East Asia. Recent satellites with advanced optical sensors, such as MultiSpectral Instrument/Sentinel‐2A/2B, Advanced Himawari Imager/Himawari‐8, and PlanetScope, and satellites with synthetic aperture radar, such as Advanced Land Observing Satellite‐2, allow detailed monitoring of land use and cover type changes and plant phenology. These satellite sensors can provide images with high spatial (3–10 m) and high temporal (10 min to 5 days) resolution, at both large (≥1 km2) and small (<1 km2) scales. In particular, researchers are expected to develop discrimination techniques that will enable these advanced satellite technologies to detect evergreen broadleaf trees and ways to estimate the geographic distribution of leaf traits. We encourage more collaborations among ecologists, engineers, and remote‐sensing scientists to share their abundant knowledge and experience and thereby improve the monitoring capabilities.
Blue carbon stock in sediments of mangroves and seagrass ecosystems at Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Analuddin Kangkuso , Sharma Sahadev , Kadidae La Ode , Haya La Ode Muhammad Yasir , Septiana Andi , Rahim Saban , Syahrir La , Aba La , Fajar La Ode Abdul , MacKenzie Richard A. , Nadaoka Kazuo
Published: December 2022

Coastal ecosystems store approximately 80% of carbon in sediments, which could be emitted due to degradation and deforestation. Therefore, protecting and managing these ecosystems are crucial for climate change mitigation. This study aims to determine sediment bulk density (SBD), sediment organic carbon (SOC) concentration, and sediment carbon stocks (SCS) in mangroves and seagrasses, and to elucidate how the protection scheme impacts them. We collected four sediment cores of 100 cm each from protected and unprotected mangrove areas and three sediment cores of 80 cm each from unprotected and protected seagrass areas. The average SBD in mangroves was 0.48 g cm−3 in protected areas and 0.55 g cm−3 in unprotected areas, while the average SBD in seagrass was 0.79 g cm−3 in protected areas and 0.85 g cm−3 in unprotected areas. The average SOC in mangroves was 8.65% in protected areas and 8.63% in unprotected areas, while the average SOC in seagrass was 5.89% and 6.25% in protected and unprotected areas, respectively. The average SCS in the protected area was 381 and 363 Mg C ha−1 in the mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, respectively. On the other hand, the average SCS in the unprotected areas was 449 and 422 Mg C ha−1 in mangroves and seagrass ecosystems, respectively. Although we did not find any significant differences in SCS between protected and unprotected ecosystems regardless of ecosystem types, the conservation management of blue carbon ecosystems is still needed to avoid future carbon emissions.
New insights into the structure of consumer preferences for natural and artificial sweeteners
Authors: Hovhannisyan Vardges , Bastian Christopher T.
Published: December 2022

This study utilizes the Generalized Exact Affine Stone Index demand system to investigate the structure of demand for natural and artificial sweeteners in the United States based on uniquely disaggregate data. Our empirical framework allows for arbitrarily complex Engel curves, unobserved consumer heterogeneity and potential precommitments in sweetener consumption, while addressing price endogeneity. Results from a series of weak separability tests reveal that consumers select from among both sets of natural and artificial sweeteners. In addition, most sweeteners are empirically established to be consumed in precommitted quantities, with the shares thereof varying from 6.3% for molasses to 34.4% for granulated sugar. Based on the unconditional elasticities obtained via a two‐stage budgeting framework, we further examine the implications of hypothetical sweetener tax scenarios for consumer energy intake and bodyweight, as well as assess the consumer welfare consequences thereof.
Increased fetal microchimerism in immune and stem cell subsets in preeclampsia
Authors: McCartney Stephen A. , Kolarova Teodora , Kanaan Sami B. , Chae Angel , Laughney Caitlin I. , Nelson J. Lee , Gammill Hilary S. , Shree Raj
Published: December 2022

Problem

Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with an increased risk of maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, it is unclear whether this is due to shared underlying physiology or changes which occur during the disease process. Fetal microchimerism (FMc) within the maternal circulation can durably persist decades after pregnancy, is known to occur at greater frequency in PE, and can potentially affect local and systemic immune programming, thus changes in cellular FMc may provide a mechanism for long‐term health outcomes associated with PE.

Method of study

We investigated whether PE is associated with alterations in FMc immune and stem cell populations. We analyzed maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PE cases (n = 16) and matched controls from normal pregnancies (n = 16), from which immune and stem cell subsets were isolated by flow cytometry. Genomic DNA was extracted from total PMBC and individual cell subsets, and FMc frequency was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays targeting a fetal‐specific non‐shared polymorphism identified from family genotyping.

Results

There was a significant increase in FMc concentration in immune cell subsets in PE cases compared to controls, predominantly in B cell, and NK cell lymphocyte populations. There was no significant difference in FMc frequency or concentration within the stem cell population between PE and controls.

Conclusions

The altered concentrations of immune cells within FMc in the maternal blood provides a potential mechanism for the inflammation which occurs during PE to induce long‐lasting changes to the maternal immune system and may potentially promote chronic maternal disease.
Primary oral vaccination followed by a vaginal pull protects mice against genital HSV‐2 infection
Authors: Mulvey Peter B. M. , Trim Logan K. , Aaskov John G. , Bryan Emily R. , Sweeney Emma L. , Kollipara Avinash , Plenderleith Mark B. , Aldwell Frank E. , Beagley Kenneth W.
Published: December 2022

Problem

HSV‐2 infected more than 491 million people aged 15–49 world‐wide in 2016. The morbidity associated with recurrent infections and the increased risk of HIV infection make this a major health problem. To date there is no effective vaccine. Because HSV‐2 ascends to the dorsal route ganglion within 12–18 h of infection, an effective vaccine will need to elicit a strong local resident CD8+ T cell response to prevent the infection from becoming life‐long.

Method of Study

Using a mouse model we investigated the potential of oral immunization with a novel lipid adjuvant (LiporaleTM) followed by local vaginal application of an inflammatory agents to protect against primary HSV‐2 infections.

Results

Oral vaccination of mice with live‐attenuated HSV‐2 in Liporale followed by vaginal application of DNFB or CXCL9/10 led to recruitment of tissue‐resident CD8+ memory cells into the genital epithelia. This prime and pull vaccination strategy provided complete protection against wild‐type HSV‐2 challenge and prevented viral dissemination to the spinal cords.

Conclusions

Activation of mucosal immunity by oral immunization, combined with induction of transient local genital inflammation can recruit long‐lived tissue resident CD8+ T cells into the genital epithelium, providing significant protection against primary HSV‐2 infection.
Efficient and Robust Approaches for Analysis of Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trials: Illustration Using the ADAPT-R Trial
Authors: Montoya Lina M. , Kosorok Michael R. , Geng Elvin H. , Schwab Joshua , Odeny Thomas A. , Petersen Maya L.
Published: December 2022

Personalized intervention strategies, in particular those that modify treatment based on a participant's own response, are a core component of precision medicine approaches. Sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs) are growing in popularity and are specifically designed to facilitate the evaluation of sequential adaptive strategies, in particular those embedded within the SMART. Advances in efficient estimation approaches that are able to incorporate machine learning while retaining valid inference can allow for more precise estimates of the effectiveness of these embedded regimes. However, to the best of our knowledge, such approaches have not yet been applied as the primary analysis in SMART trials. In this paper, we present a robust and efficient approach using targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) for estimating and contrasting expected outcomes under the dynamic regimes embedded in a SMART, together with generating simultaneous confidence intervals for the resulting estimates. We contrast this method with two alternatives (G-computation and inverse probability weighting estimators). The precision gains and robust inference achievable through the use of TMLE to evaluate the effects of embedded regimes are illustrated using both outcome-blind simulations and a real-data analysis from the Adaptive Strategies for Preventing and Treating Lapses of Retention in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Care (ADAPT-R) trial (NCT02338739), a SMART with a primary aim of identifying strategies to improve retention in HIV care among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Hypothesis: Efficacy of early treatments with some NSAIDs in COVID‐19: Might it also depend on their direct and/or indirect zinc chelating ability?
Authors: Zamai Loris
Published: December 2022

The present work argues for the involvement of the zinc chelating ability of some non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs as an additive mechanism able to increase their efficacy against COVID‐19.
Drug repurposing for cardiovascular diseases: New targets and indications for probenecid
Authors: Onódi Zsófia , Koch Sheryl , Rubinstein Jack , Ferdinandy Péter , Varga Zoltán V.
Published: December 2022

The available pharmacological options in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as ischaemic heart disease and subsequent heart failure are effective in slowing the progression of this condition. However, the long‐term prognosis is still poor, raising the demand for new therapeutic strategies. Drug repurposing is a time‐ and cost‐effective drug development strategy that offers approved and abandoned drugs a new chance for new indications. Recently, drugs used for the management of gout‐related inflammation such as canakinumab or colchicine have been considered for drug repurposing in cardiovascular indications. The old uricosuric drug, probenecid, has been identified as a novel therapeutic option in the management of specific cardiac diseases as well. Probenecid can modulate myocardial contractility and vascular tone and exerts anti‐inflammatory properties. The mechanisms behind these beneficial effects might be related inhibition of inflammasomes, and to modulation purinergic–pannexin‐1 signalling and TRPV2 channels, which are recently identified molecular targets of probenecid. In this review, we provide an overview on repurposing probenecid for ischaemic heart disease and subsequent heart failure by summarizing the related experimental and clinical data and propose its potential repurposing to treat cardiovascular diseases.
Declarative knowledge in oral health: The case of the term ‘centric occlusion’
Authors: Astudillo‐Rozas Wilson , Valdivia‐Gandur Iván , Vasquez Aruny Vasquez , Aceituno‐Antezana Oscar , Vasquez‐Salinas Matias , Guerra Claudio Ly , Manzanares‐Céspedes María Cristina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The lack of academic agreement in the practical or clinical use of declarative knowledge can generate unnecessary confusion and miscommunication. The concept Centric Occlusion (CO) is part of the body of declarative knowledge in dentistry, but its definition remains unclear.

Objective

To ascertain the CO concept in articles published in dental journals as a study case for the dentistry “corpus” of declarative knowledge.

Methodology

The alternative definitions of CO used by the GPT (Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms) from 1956–1977, ‘CO as a synonym for maximum intercuspal contact (MIC)’, or by the GPT from 1987–2017, ‘CO may or may not coincide with MIC’, were searched in the articles. The association between the CO definition used and variables such as article aims, journal scope and authors specialty was assessed.

Results

Eight hundred and twelve articles were analysed. The widespread use of CO as synonym of MIC was the main finding and was significantly associated to the Orthodontics field. The CO definition according to the GPT 1987–2017 was less frequently observed but appeared in all dentistry fields, showing a significant association with the Oral Rehabilitation field. The difficulty of incorporating the current definition of CO (by GPT) into the main clinical discussions was evidenced all the long of the review process.

Conclusion

The lack of consensus in the concept use was confirmed by the present study case, showing the influence of specific fields in Oral Health declarative knowledge. This methodology can provide a tool to the academy to assess controversial terms or concepts in Oral Health education, thus facilitating the critical and reflexive learning by students.
Drug use, risk perceptions and attitudes towards drug use amongst medical and dentistry students
Authors: Pérez‐Jardón Alba , López‐Durán Ana , Somoza‐Martín Manuel , Barba‐Montero Catalina , Blanco‐Carrión Andrés , Chamorro‐Petronacci Cintia , Pérez‐Sayáns Mario
Published: December 2022

Aims

To analyse the use of psychoactive substances and the risk perceptions amongst odontology and medical students. To study their perceptions, attitudes and knowledge, and to evaluate their motivation when helping their patients to stop using these substances.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted amongst 962 students in Spain, using validated questionnaires on an anonymous basis.

Results

Amongst these students, drug use varies and increases with age as assessed by the DAST and CAST tests, with more problematic use being observed as the academic cycle progresses (p < .001). Participants in the 2nd cycle presented higher consumption than those in the 1st cycle, in the univariate model (OR = 1.77, IC 95% 1.27–2.48, p = .001) and in the adjusted model (OR = 1.86, IC 95% 1.32–2.62, p < .001). Regarding CAST, non‐problematic use in the 1st cycle versus the 3rd cycle presented an OR = 8.69 (IC 95% 4.50–16.78, p < .001) and for low risk use it presented an OR = 15.18 (IC 95% 1.83–14.68). Only 46.7% considered using marijuana on a regular basis as a high risk, whilst 60.5% stated that smoking a pack of cigarettes represents a high risk. Alcohol was the substance for which the risk perception was lowest. 66.2% are in the maintenance stage “I provide my regular drug‐using patients help to give up,” with women being more likely to be in this stage (p = .012).

Conclusions

High risk of drug use increases after the 1st cycle in Dentistry and in Medicine. Training programmes should be implemented in both degrees, focusing on the 1st years in order to simultaneously prevent drug use amongst students.
RETRACTED: Intelligent cognitive evaluation of ice and snow sports training by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation from the perspective of supply chain management
Authors: Hu Ping , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2022

This exploration aims to promote the development of ice and snow sports (ISS), strengthen people's physiques and improve people's health level. First, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is adopted to determine the importance weight of the intelligent cognitive factors of ISS. Then, based on the evaluation grade, the membership matrix of intelligent cognitive factors of ISS is constructed, and an individual cognitive ability evaluation model combining qualitative analysis with quantitative analysis is established. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) 25.0 and Smartpls software are further used to determine the questionnaire items about the participation intention in ISS training. A structural equation model among individual participation intention, theoretical factors of planned behaviour and participation behaviour is constructed. After analysing the data obtained from the survey, the final results are as follows. (1) Harbin's largest number of ISS participants is 18–29 years old, accounting for 44.8%. Undergraduate education accounts for 47.5%. The number of participants whose monthly income is 6001–12,000 is the largest, accounting for 25%. (2) The number of people participating in skating is the highest, reaching 59.7%. The proportion of people who have participated in ISS for one year or less is the highest, reaching 45.8%. From the consumption amount perspective, the people spending 1000 yuan and below account for the highest proportion, so the consumption degree of ISS is mainly experiential consumption. (3) The correlation coefficient between subjective norms and individual participation intention is 0.598, indicating that the relationship between the two is significantly positive, that is, subjective norms will have a certain impact on individual participation intention. The correlation coefficient between behaviour attitude and participation intention is 0.697, indicating that the relationship between them is significantly positive. The correlation coefficient between perceived behaviour control and participation intention is 0.745, indicating a significant positive correlation between them. The research content provides a theoretical basis for the follow‐up ISS training intelligent cognition. It can also provide a reference for the further development of ISS in China.
A new multiaxial fatigue life prediction method based on grey theory under small sample condition
Authors: Pan Xuemei , Liu Jianhui , Li Youtang , Hua Feilong , Xu Jianping , Chen Xiaochuang
Published: December 2022

It is always a challenge to accurately predict the fatigue life of specimens in engineering, and it is urgent to establish a convenient and accurate approach to estimate the fatigue life of specimens with different materials under small sample conditions. To solve the above problems, a new multiaxial fatigue life prediction method is proposed based on grey theory. First, established a modified MGM (1, N) model by fine‐adjusting the time series based on the GM (1, N) model. Then the MGM (1, N) model is used to compare the results with different types of parameters, and the optimal gray prediction model is established based on the gray correlation analysis. The proposed method is verified by 79 test data of 10 kinds of materials including Q355(D), and the predicted results matched well with the experimental results. It displays that the method is reliable. Finally, the predicted results with an accuracy of more than 90% were fused with the test data to obtain a more accurate S‐N field and ε‐N field of Q355(D) based on small sample by the ProFatigue program.
Ukraine's poor majority: Exploring the driving factors of subjective poverty
Authors: Homonchuk Olha
Published: December 2022

Existing scholarship indicates that subjective and objective poverty hardly overlap. This study contributes to our understanding of what different types of poverty mean by analysing the drivers of subjective poverty in Ukraine, whereby in 2018 71.8% of people self‐identified as poor despite the relative material deprivation measures estimating poverty to be around 30%. To understand the drivers of subjective poverty, the paper draws on 50 in‐depth semi‐structured interviews across low‐ and high‐income individuals, of which 38 self‐identified as poor. Data suggests that the self‐perception of being poor is driven by Ukraine's relative deprivation to other European countries, fears about the future due to vulnerability to shocks, and the perception of purposeful exclusion by the economic elite. In exploring these findings, the paper contributes to the works of literature on social status, social exclusion, relative deprivation, and populism.
LincRNA_XR209691.3 could promote Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus replication by interacting with BmHSP70
Authors: Lin Su , Yin Hao Tong , Zhao Zhi Meng , Chen Zi Kang , Zhou Xue MIng , Zhang Zheng Dong , Guo Xi Jie , Zhao Wei Guo , Wu Ping
Published: December 2022

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts exceeding 200 nucleotides and lacking protein coding potential, have been proven to play important roles in viral infection and host immunity. Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is an important pathogen, which causes the silkworm disease and leads to a huge challenge to the sericultural industry. At present, research on the roles of insect lncRNAs in host‐virus interaction are relatively few. In this study, we explored the function of lincRNA_XR209691.3 that was significantly up‐regulated in the silkworm fat body upon BmNPV infection. Firstly, the subcellular localization experiment confirmed that lincRNA_XR209691.3 was present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Enhancing the expression of lincRNA_XR209691.3 in BmN cells could promote the proliferation of BmNPV, while inhibition of lincRNA_XR209691.3 by RNA interference suppresses the proliferation of BmNPV. Combining RNA pull‐down and mass spectrometry, we identified the host and BmNPV proteins that could interact with lincRNA_XR209691.3. Next, by using truncation experiment and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, it was found that lincRNA_XR209691.3 could bind to the Actin domain of BmHSP70. Subsequently, overexpression of lncRNA_XR209691.3 in BmN cells promoted the expression of BmHSP70, while knockdown of BmHsp70 suppressed the replication of BmNPV. Based on the above results, it is speculated that lincRNA_XR209691.3 could promote the proliferation of BmNPV through interaction with BmHSP70, possibly by improving the stability of BmHSP70 and thereby enhancing the expression of BmHSP70. Our results shed light on the lncRNA function in insect‐pathogen interactions and provide a new clue to elucidate the molecular mechanism of BmNPV infection.
High‐temperature carbothermal synthesis and characterization of graphite/h‐BN bimaterials
Authors: Chari Celia S. , McEnerney Bryan W. , Hofer Richard R. , Wollmershauser James A. , Gorzkowski Edward P. , Faber Katherine T.
Published: December 2022

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) and graphite have similar crystal structures, comparable lattice parameters, and coefficients of thermal expansion, but vastly different electrical and thermal transport. Despite their key differences, it is possible to couple h‐BN and graphite in a bimaterial system allowing the unique properties of both materials to be utilized in a single component. Through a carbothermal reduction of B2O3 in nitrogen, the surface of graphite can be converted to h‐BN. This results in a layered system that is electrically insulating on the surface due to h‐BN, and more compliant as well as conductive within the substrate due to the graphite structural body. We discuss the high‐temperature synthesis and characterization of this layered material, focusing on the processing–microstructure relationship as well as the interface of graphite/h‐BN to assess the chemical and mechanical adhesion of the layers, and to establish how such properties are contingent on the reacting phase of B2O3. This is achieved by investigating the origin of h‐BN formation and the unwanted side reaction of boron carbide formation, through the evaluation of the thermochemistry and kinetics governing the carbothermic reactions. We establish that a reaction temperature and holding time of 1700°C for 18 h produced the thickest h‐BN layers which exhibited the highest fracture toughness over all lower temperature synthesis conditions.
Minority Minds: Mental Disability and the Presumption of Value Neutrality
Authors: Carter Matilda
Published: December 2022

Elizabeth Barnes has recently developed an account of disability that is sensitive to the role of self‐evaluation. To have a physical disability is, according to Barnes, to have a body that is merely different from the norm. Yet, as Barnes notes, some disabilities will genuinely frustrate some life plans. It may be the case, therefore, that a disability is instrumentally bad for a person and that acquiring one may be a genuine loss. Equally, however, a person may genuinely value a disability such that it is instrumentally good for them and that they experience the acquiring of it as a gain. Notably, Barnes explicitly restricts this analysis to physical disabilities, leaving open the status of mental disabilities. Nevertheless, Barnes does not rule out the extension of her model to this category, and she expresses a desire to see future work on other disabilities built upon it. This article takes up this challenge, making the case that to possess a mental disability is merely to possess a minority mind.