bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masticatory function and mortality among older adults living in long‐term care facilities in Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Mariana Marinho Davino de , Gama Lorena Tavares , Ferreira Danilo Augusto de Holanda , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Brondani Mario Augusto , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between mortality and masticatory function in older adults living in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), controlling for demographic and health covariates.BackgroundPoor oral health has been associated with mortality; however, no previous study investigated whether objective and self‐reported poor masticatory function is a predictor of early mortality in LTCFs.Materials and MethodsBaseline characteristics of 295 participants were collected, including age, sex, polypharmacy, mobility, activities of daily living, frailty, nutritional status, and objective (masticatory performance – chewing gum) and self‐reported masticatory function. The participants were followed‐up with for 4 years to record the mortality data. Cox regression models were run to analyse the data (α = .05).ResultsDuring the 4‐year follow‐up, 124 (42.0%) participants died. Older adults with poor masticatory performance (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.07–2.36) and those who self‐reported masticatory dysfunction (HR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.01–2.16) were at higher risk of early death than those with good mastication. However, in a multivariate model including both objective and self‐reported masticatory function, only the objective measurement remained associated with early death (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.02–2.27).ConclusionPoor masticatory performance seems to be associated with early death in older adults living in LTCFs, but they may have shared risk factors accumulated throughout life that were not covered by the study period.
Is subjective age a multidimensional construct in a Japanese sample aged 20–89?
Authors: Kinjo Hikari , Kawahashi Ikko , Shibuya Megumi 
Published: February 2024

AimSubjective age is an emerging concept in the aging literature that predicts various aspects of quality of life, but its nature is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore whether subjective age is a unidimensional or a multidimensional construct and its relationship with quality of life through a multi‐aspects approach.MethodsWe examined subjective age for 2896 Japanese adults aged 20–89 by using five subjective age measures and questions with regard to their quality of life and analyzed the results with four indexes.ResultsFactor analyses found one factor for the measures, indicating a unidimensional construct. Yet, the multi‐aspect analyses revealed unique features of the measures, especially in relation to variables on the quality of life. Among the five measures, Perceived physical age is the best predictor of life satisfaction and perception of cognitive function (i.e., memory), such that the more satisfied individuals are with their life, the younger they feel. Ideal age is another best predictor in the opposite direction, such that the less satisfied individuals are with their life, the younger they want to be.ConclusionAlthough the factor analyses revealed subjective age to be a unidimensional construct, the present results also suggest the possibility that it is multidimensional in nature. In future studies, a more systematic approach is essential for a thorough exploration of scales designed to measure the multiple aspects of subjective age. This is particularly crucial in the context of predicting our well‐being. Such scales could also enable us to compare the universality and individuality of subjective age across different cultures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 253–258.
LOVE'S ARCHAEOLOGY: ETHICS AND METAPHYSICS BETWEEN IRIS MURDOCH AND WILLIAM DESMOND
Authors: Buck Nicholas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCentring on human perception, attunement to others, and a transcendent conception of the good, Iris Murdoch's intervention in moral philosophy remains an insightful and evocative source for ethical theory. Discerning some pervasive dualisms that hamper its coherence and development, I suggest that her work finds a generative conversation partner in the contemporary metaphysician, William Desmond. Desmond's thought offers promising avenues to overcome these dualisms by repositioning the source and nature of value and by theorising an anti‐reductive, relational ontology. Staging a constructive encounter between these two thinkers that preserves Murdoch's distinct prioritisation of attention and individuality within a Desmond‐inspired metaphysics, I present a synthetic ethical approach that promotes the ideal of attending to an other—in the givenness of its particularity, manifold surplus, and constitutive relationality—as good in itself.
Application of bacteriophage MS2 in preliminary simulation of inactivation rate of pathogenic viruses in commercial beef and chicken packaging
Authors: Rahmati Fateme , Yavarmanesh Masoud , Edalatian Dovom Mohammad Reza 
Published: February 2024

SummaryIn response to the growing concern of transmitting pathogenic viruses through food, this research aimed to assess the impact of various factors on the commercial packaging of meat (chicken and beef) on the inactivation of bacteriophage MS2 which was scrutinised by examining the influence of packaging type, bacteriophage spiking levels, temperature, as well as the meat shape and type. The findings revealed that the recovery of bacteriophage MS2 from minced beef was lower in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) compared with air packaging (AP) at both storage times, spiking levels, and freezing and refrigerating temperatures. On the other hand, the recovery of the bacteriophage from chopped beef was lower in AP than in MAP in refrigerating conditions at both spiking levels during the 3 days of storage. According to our findings, the recovery levels of bacteriophage MS2 from chicken had statistically significant differences in both packaging types at different spiking levels. Storage conditions and packaging type were the most essential parameters in bacteriophage MS2 viability. The lowest bacteriophage viability belonged to MAP.
Employer and employee perceptions of cybervetting as a selection method
Authors: Akbulut Yavuz , Yildirim Şen İrem E. , Şahin Yusuf L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCybervetting—reviewing candidates' online profiles—is a relatively new technique used in the personnel selection processes, but empirical studies have largely been conducted with western samples. In Study 1, we interviewed 20 employers from different sectors in a metropolitan city in Turkey and examined the characteristics and implications of the construct. We summarized the reasons given by participants who avoided cybervetting (i.e., irrelevance, validity, invasion of privacy, prejudice) and those who frequently relied on cybervetting (i.e., necessity, validity, consistency checking) and illustrated perceived positive and negative online posts. In Study 2, we collected data from 316 employees in the same city to examine their perceptions of cybervetting and its relationship to organizational justice constructs. In addition to confirming international scales of cybervetting and organizational justice, we found that the face validity of cybervetting and organizational justice constructs were significantly correlated. While some differences were observed between employers and managers, no gender differences were found. The implications of both studies were presented in line with the available literature.
High seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among healthcare workers in Yaoundé, Cameroon after the first wave of Covid‐19 pandemic and associated factors
Authors: Tejiokem Mathurin Cyrille , Abessolo Hermine Abessolo , Nkodo Joseph Mendimi , Ouethy Mireille , Mayaka Georges Bouting , Touha Yannick , Dikoume Ulrich Armel , Tchatchueng‐Mbougua Jules Brice , Noumbissi Diane Choualeu , Ndjeukam William Tsobeng , Mbarga Hervé Odilon Otabela , Ngoupo Paul Alain Tagnouokam , Moussi Charlotte , Garoua Bonaventure Hollong , Njouom Richard , Richard Vincent 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundHealthcare workers (HWs) are at a high risk of exposure to emerging health threats. Following the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Cameroon, we explored the presence and persistence of naturally acquired antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the factors associated with seropositivity in HWs.MethodsStaff at two referral hospitals in Yaoundé or two Health District Hospitals in Obala and Mbalmayo were included in a 6‐month prospective cohort analysis or cross‐sectional survey, respectively. Seroprevalence and associated factors were determined, and Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess antibody persistence or positive seroconversion over time.ResultsFrom August 2020 to March 2021, 426 HWs (median age: 31 years, interquartile range: 27–37 years; 66.4% female) were enrolled. The overall seroprevalence of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies was 54.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 49.1–58.8) and was significantly different between study sites (p = 0.04). Of the 216 HWs included in the 6‐month cohort, 109 (50.5%) HWs were seropositive at inclusion; the probability of persistent antibodies or of becoming seropositive was 93.8% (95% CI: 84.2–100) and 78.9% (95% CI: 61.7–88.4), respectively. Seroconversion was associated with study site and occupation but not with infection prevention and control (IPC) practices.ConclusionsWe observed high seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody and seroconversion among HWs associated with occupational risk. This suggests low compliance to the COVID‐19 control measures. Continued training and implementation of IPC measures and accelerated preparedness are needed to better tackle future threats.
Interventions addressing challenging behaviours in Arab children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism: A systematic review
Authors: Alarifi Shahad , Denne Louise , Alatifi Nouf , Hastings Richard P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundArabs with intellectual disabilities and/or autism may exhibit challenging behaviour that affects them and their caregivers. Early, appropriate intervention may reduce these effects. This review synthesised and critically appraised challenging behaviour intervention research for this population.MethodsAll published empirical research on challenging behaviour interventions for Arabs with intellectual disabilities and/or autism was included. In September 2022, 15 English and Arabic databases yielded 5282 search records. Studies were appraised using the MMAT. Review findings were narratively synthesised.ResultsThe 79 included studies (n = 1243 participants) varied in design, intervention, and evaluation method. Only 12.6% of interventions were well‐designed and reported. Arab interventions primarily targeted children, were applied collectively on small samples, lacked individualised assessment, and were based on an inconsistent understanding of challenging behaviour.ConclusionThe evidence base on interventions for Arabs with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and challenging behaviour needs strengthening. Attention should be given to culturally relevant adaptations.
Tension regulates the cartilage phenotypic expression of endplate chondrocytes through the α‐catenin/actin skeleton/Hippo pathway
Authors: Zhang Min , Xiong Shouliang , Gao Daokuan , Liu Chen , Xiao Liang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of intracellular tension signaling in endplate chondrocytes and its impact on extracellular matrix synthesis. Human endplate chondrocytes were subjected to tension load using Flexcell FX‐5000™, and changes in phenotype, morphology, and the expression of Hippo signaling pathway and α‐Catenin were assessed through various techniques. Through the overexpression of YAP and inhibition of α‐Catenin, the study clarified the intracellular tension signaling pathway and its regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis in endplate cartilage. In vitro‐cultured human endplate chondrocytes significantly suppressed phenotype‐related genes and proteins, accompanied by distinct changes in cytoskeleton morphology. Tension activation resulted in the substantial activation of the Hippo pathway, increased phosphorylation of YAP, and reduced nuclear translocation of YAP. YAP overexpression alleviated the inhibitory effect of tension on extracellular matrix synthesis in endplate chondrocytes. Tension also upregulated the expression of α‐Catenin in endplate chondrocytes, which was attenuated by inhibiting α‐Catenin expression, thereby reducing the impact of tension on cytoskeletal morphology and YAP nuclear translocation. Taken together, the α‐Catenin/actin skeleton/Hippo‐coupled network is a crucial signaling pathway for tension signaling in endplate chondrocytes, providing potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of endplate cartilage degeneration.
Adenine base editor‐based correction of the cardiac pathogenic Lmna c.1621C > T mutation in murine hearts
Authors: Yang Luzi , Liu Zhanzhao , Sun Jinhuan , Chen Zhan , Gao Fei , Guo Yuxuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBase editors are emerging as powerful tools to correct single‐nucleotide variants and treat genetic diseases. In particular, the adenine base editors (ABEs) exhibit robust and accurate adenine‐to‐guanidine editing capacity and have entered the clinical stage for cardiovascular therapy. Despite the tremendous progress using ABEs to treat heart diseases, a standard technical route toward successful ABE‐based therapy remains to be fully established. In this study, we harnessed adeno‐associated virus (AAV) and a mouse model carrying the cardiomyopathy‐causing Lmna c.1621C > T mutation to demonstrate key steps and concerns in designing a cardiac ABE experiment in vivo. We found DeepABE as a reliable deep‐learning‐based model to predict ABE editing outcomes in the heart. Screening of sgRNAs for a Cas9 mutant with relieved protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) allowed the reduction of bystander editing. The ABE editing efficiency can be significantly enhanced by modifying the TadA and Cas9 variants, which are core components of ABEs. The ABE systems can be delivered into the heart via either dual AAV or all‐in‐one AAV vectors. Together, this study showcased crucial technical considerations in designing an ABE system for the heart and pointed out major challenges in further improvement of this new technology for gene therapy.
Climate risk and credit ratings
Authors: Tran Nhu , Uzmanoglu Cihan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe find weak evidence suggesting that cities’ credit ratings reflect their climate risk exposure. Using a large sample of US cities, we test whether cities with higher exposure to physical or transition risks of climate change have lower credit ratings. We also compare the ratings of coastal and similar noncoastal cities, and run difference‐in‐differences tests around events that raise climate change awareness. Moreover, we study the climate risk effect within cities and at the bond level. We observe a negative association only between the Hallegatte et al. (2013) sea‐level‐rise measure and ratings, and this association is solely driven by New Orleans, which had already experienced a significant climate event.
Effect of gas ultrafine bubbles on the potency of antimicrobials against Escherichia coliO157:H7 biofilms on various food processing surfaces
Authors: Unger Phoebe , Sekhon Amninder Singh , Sharma Sonali , Lampien Alexander , Michael Minto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the impact of incorporating gas [air, carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2)] UFB on the potency of chlorine (Cl2; 50, 100, and 200 ppm) and peracetic acid (PAA; 20, 40, and 80 ppm) antimicrobial (AM) solutions against fresh (3 days) and aged (30 days) E. coli O157:H7 biofilms on polypropylene, silicone, and stainless‐steel surfaces. The biofilms were statically grown on polypropylene, silicone, and stainless‐steel coupons (7.62 × 2.54 cm) at 25°C for 3 or 30 days by immersing in a 3‐strain cocktail of E. coli. The incorporation of air, CO2, and N2 UFB in AM solutions resulted in significantly increased log reductions (2.1–3.7 logs) in fresh and aged E. coli biofilms on all surfaces compared to solutions without UFB, except for N2 UFB on aged stainless‐steel biofilms and air UFB on aged polypropylene biofilms, which resulted in similar log reductions as solutions without UFB (1.5–2.1 logs).
Vitamin C, lactoferrin and elastin—Advancing the science
Authors: Widgerow Alan D. , Ziegler Mary E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study follows an initial scientific validation linking sodium ascorbate (SAC) with elastin conservation and the clinical trial histology observation that the full formulation tested there stimulated elastin development. In an effort to explain the increased elastin response, a candidate was sought that may provide synergy to SAC during elastin stimulation. Lactoferrin was the constituent chosen to explore in this realm.Materials and MethodsUsing the previously described ex vivo skin model, freshly collected discarded human skin from 2 donors was used to evaluate the effects of lactoferrin and SAC alone and together, and L‐ascorbate CE Ferulic formulation (CEF) on elastogenesis. Four skin explants were topically subjected to the treatments daily for 7 days and one group was left untreated as a negative control. The tissue was fixed and embedded. Sections were evaluated by immunofluorescence using antibodies targeting Tropoelastin and CD44, with DAPI counterstaining to observe nuclei. Images were then analyzed using ImageJ.ResultsTreatment with SAC and lactoferrin demonstrated a significant synergistic effect on tropoelastin stimulation compared to the single treatments. In addition, this combination demonstrated intact and increased elastin fibers in contrast to the CEF, which portrayed fragmented elastin fibers. In addition, an additive effect of SAC also contributed to the enhanced CD44, suggesting an increased presence of hyaluronic acid, a new observation for this compound.ConclusionThis study complements a series of studies that have been undertaken to validate the efficacy of a novel antioxidant formulation. Aside from its efficacy in ROS management, the SAC constituent is unique in the different forms of Vitamin C for its ability to conserve elastin. Prior clinical studies demonstrated additive elastin stimulation on histology, not just conservation. From this current study, the combination of SAC with lactoferrin may be responsible for this additive stimulatory effect on elastin. This presents a significant advance in topical antioxidant formulations where the Vitamin C component provides antioxidant and collagen stimulation with additional elastin stimulation rather than degradation.
The effectiveness of interventions to reduce cancer‐related stigma: An integrative review
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Liu Shengjie , Yang Qingmo , Chan Sally , Huang Wenhe , Jiang Xiaoying , Zhu Jiemin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsThe clinical significance of cancer‐related stigma on patients' well‐being has been widely established. Stigma can be perceived and internalised by cancer patients or implemented by the general population and healthcare workers. Various interventions have been carried out to reduce cancer‐related stigma, but their effectiveness is not well‐understood. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce cancer‐related stigma.DesignAn integrative review.MethodsThis integrative review combined both qualitative and quantitative studies and followed five steps to identify problems, search for the literature, appraise the literature quality, analyse data, and present data. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (version 2018) was applied to evaluate the quality of the included studies.Data SourcesDatabases included Web of Science, MEDLINE, SpringerLink, Wiley Online Journals, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, OVID, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (from the inception of each database to 30 April 2021).ResultsEighteen quantitative, six qualitative, and five mixed‐methods studies were included in this review. Cultural factors should be considered when conducting interventions to reduce cancer‐related stigma. For cancer patients, multi‐component interventions have demonstrated a positive effect on their perceived stigma. For general population, interactive interventions show promise to reduce their implemented stigma towards cancer patients. For healthcare workers, there is a paucity of studies to reduce their implemented stigma. Existing studies reported inconclusive evidence, partially due to the lack of a robust study design with an adequate sample size.ConclusionsMulti‐component and interactive interventions show promise to relieve cancer‐related stigma. More methodologically robust studies should be conducted in different cultures to elucidate the most appropriate interventions for different populations to reduce cancer‐related stigma.Implication for the Profession and Patient CareThese findings will facilitate healthcare workers to design and implement interventions to reduce cancer‐related stigma, thus improving the quality of life for cancer patients.Patient and Public ContributionNo patient and public contribution.
Being a nurse between research and clinic: What challenges and opportunities for a PhD‐prepared nurse? Overview from an Italian paediatric hospital
Authors: Ottonello Giulia , Dasso Nicoletta , Da Rin Della Mora Roberta , Rossi Silvia , Calza Simona , Scelsi Silvia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimTo report a reflection on the role, challenges and opportunities for nurses with advanced education in research outside the academic field.DesignA discursive paper.Data SourcesWe reported the case of an Italian paediatric research hospital where PhD‐prepared nurses started to apply their knowledge and competencies in different fields, both in clinical and organizational settings. From this experience, an overview of the possible barriers and challenges that PhD‐prepared nurses may face up within the hospital setting.DiscussionThe application of PhD‐prepared nurses in hospital settings could be an opportunity to advance high standards of quality of care in managerial and clinical areas and to create networks between highly specialized professional figures and different clinical‐care realities.ConclusionMore research is needed to explore how to apply the advanced competencies of PhD‐prepared nurses within healthcare organizations to provide high‐quality and safe care and services.This paper can provide insights for a reflection on applying and developing PhD‐prepared nurses' skills and competencies within the hospital setting in clinical, research and managerial areas. This can enhance the effective application of highly competent nursing professional figures.Patient or Public ContributionNo Patient or Public Contribution, due to study design.