bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing engineering students' capabilities through game-based virtual reality technology for building utility inspection
Authors: Beh Huai Jian , Rashidi Ali , Talei Amin , Lee Yee Sye
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The construction site operates under a hazardous environment that requires a high level of understanding in building systems to minimise accidents. However, the current building education generally adopts paper-based learning approaches that lack hands-on experiences. Furthermore, to achieve Industrial Revolution 4.0 in line with any unforeseen pandemic, the most optimum solution is to transition from physical to technological-based building education. This paper aims to address the problems by proposing a game-based virtual reality (GBVR) for building utility inspection training.

Design/methodology/approach

The feasibility of the GBVR for building the utility inspection training approach is validated on a sample of undergraduate engineering students through user experience (survey) and performance-based comparisons against traditional paper-based training method.

Findings

The results show that the developed GBVR training has higher system usability in terms of visual output and knowledge retention than paper-based training due to visualisation technologies. The GBVR training method has also higher user-friendliness because of the higher motivational and engagement factors through the adoption of virtual reality and game-based learning.

Research limitations/implications

GBVR training required a longer training duration and achieved a lower performance score (effectiveness) but can be improved by transitioning into hands-on tasks. This study has the potentials to be extended to vocational training platforms for competency development in the construction workforce by using cutting-edge extended reality technologies.

Originality/value

This paper portrays the benefits of integrating virtual reality technology in building education to overcome the low practicality and engagement of paper-based training.
Employability tautological trauma
Authors: Cuthbert Carol Elaine , Skae F. Owen
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper explores the institutional and economic drivers of employability, as existing literature focuses on the individual and skills aspects, of employability. Tertiary institutions, possessing a strong academic reputation and standing amongst potential employers, will achieve high graduate employability, however when measured, this is not the case.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study builds on Santos' career boundary theory, recognising organisational boundaries; those related to the labour market, personal-aspects and finally, cultural boundaries (Santos, 2020). 37 Universities that provided their employability rate, within 12 months of graduation for 2020, are analysed. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Ranking, measures drivers in terms of institutional reputation through survey responses, and partnerships with employers via research and placement data.

Findings

The regression explained 19% of the variation between the number of graduates being employed and the institutional and economic drivers. Universities in the same economic context, do not have the same number of employed students. Equally, those universities with the most favourable academic reputation, do not have the most employed student rate.

Research limitations/implications

Only 37 universities provided all their employability data, thus, research with a larger sample will have to be conducted, but equally more needs to be done to establish why the smaller universities are unable to submit all the required data.

Originality/value

An exploratory understanding of the institutional and economic drivers of employability, is provided.
Understanding political influences on Southeast Asia's development experience
Authors: Perkins Dwight
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The per capita GDP of the countries of Southeast Asia (SEA) varies from less than $5,000 to over $97,000. This paper aims to analyze the political factors behind such variation, such as wars, extreme politics, political instability, and kleptocratic governments and leaders, and how they affect the development experience within the region.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the comparative political economy analysis approach to make a comparison among SEA countries using knowledge from well-known political–economic history and development data from World Development Indicators provided by World Bank.

Findings

A long period of political stability creates a favorable environment for investment that, in return, stimulates sustained economic growth in SEA. The countries have all grown rapidly, but their experience of development varies. The four countries that avoided political extremes (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei) have the highest per capita incomes today. Those that have had long periods of war and political instability, but which have also had substantial periods of stability (Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines), come next. Cambodia and Laos have suffered long periods of war and are the least developed. Myanmar’s military rulers, through civil wars and kleptocratic mismanagement of the economy, have prevented growth much of the time.

Originality/value

Most studies of Southeast Asian growth have analyzed the experience of single countries and missed the central role played by extreme politics, including wars, to explain why some countries have much higher per capita incomes than others. This paper is expected to fill this gap.
Obstetrics services in Malaysia: factors influencing patient loyalty
Authors: Yeo Sook Fern , Tan Cheng Ling , Goh Yen-Nee
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link of functional service quality (hospital’s reputation, administrative procedures, trustworthiness, patient-care provider relationship and waiting time), satisfaction and patient loyalty on the obstetrics services in private health-care in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 419 mothers who had obtained obstetrics services had participated in this study in a continuous and coordinated manner. The study was conducted in 10 private hospitals in Malaysia throughout April 2018.

Findings

Results show that providing excellent service had increased the level of patient satisfaction and achieved patient loyalty. Patients tend to switch to other obstetricians if they are unhappy with the current services that are being offered. The findings showed that patient satisfaction was found to be mediating the relationship between hospital reputation and patient loyalty; trustworthiness and patient loyalty; patient care relationship and patient loyalty; and waiting time and patient loyalty. However, this study also found that administrative procedures do not influence patient satisfaction significantly.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study able to assist the management of the private hospitals to have more operational and practical strategies that would enhance their service quality for the betterment in their services for their patients in this competitive industry.

Originality/value

This paper provides patients’ perception of their loyalty towards obstetrics services offered by private hospitals in Malaysia.
Research on the interactive operations research model of e-commerce tourism resources business based on big data and circular economy concept
Authors: Yang Wenhua , Lin Yigang
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In the context of circular economy, tourism resources development and integrated marketing need to interact with multiple businesses, data processing with big data technology, and in the information age, the best means of integrated marketing is to integrate business through an information platform. The research purpose of this article is to improve the intelligence of the tourism platform by constructing an OR model, integrate information and improve the data processing effect in an all-round way through data mining.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds the business interaction in the form of OR (operations research model) model and combines this model with the e-commerce platform to build an online travel consumption model based on the user's online operation mode.

Findings

With the development of the times and the upgrading of industries, tourism and other industries have provided new tourism resources and tourism methods for human beings by virtue of the beautiful environment, special experiences and colorful stories and related industries have been related to the tourism industry based on natural resources, customs and folklore and agricultural experiences. By identifying important nodes with high connectivity in the social network, the weighted centrality algorithm can mine the importance of interest tags.

Originality/value

In addition, this research builds a test platform for model performance analysis and integrates various factors. The results show that the model constructed in this study can further promote the development of tourism, improve the efficiency of tourism resources, provide marketing effects and meet the circular economy theory.
The moderating effect of organizational culture type on the relationship between cultural satisfaction and employee referral intention: mining employee reviews on glassdoor.com
Authors: Seo Jaekyo , Lee Suhyung
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper explores how organizational culture type and cultural satisfaction are associated with employee referral intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,789 online reviews on glassdoor.com of nine companies from the three industries were collected. Applying directed content analysis based on the competing values framework (CVF) to identify the organizational culture type that employees perceived, the authors conducted a hierarchical logistic regression analysis to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Cultural satisfaction significantly increased the probability of employee referral intention. However, the moderating effect of organizational culture type on the relationship between cultural satisfaction and employee referral intention was not statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

Direct content analysis is beneficial for capturing the dominant organizational culture type that employees perceive through online reviews created by employees. However, this method prevents this study from fully enjoying the benefits of big data even though this study collected data from a big data source.

Practical implications

The authors’ findings imply that cultural satisfaction plays a more important role in organizational outcomes than culture type itself. Thus, when managers and practitioners plan to change culture, they need to establish organizational culture aligned with organizational strategies and consider how to increase cultural satisfaction.

Originality/value

Many organizational culture studies have usually focused on exploring organizational culture type to impact organizational outcomes considering culture perception as cultural satisfaction. This study created empirical evidence of the role of cultural satisfaction in organizational outcomes such as employee referral intention by exploring the interaction effect of organizational culture type and cultural satisfaction.
Four great Asian trade collapses
Authors: de Bromhead Alan , Fernihough Alan , Lampe Markus , O'Rourke Kevin Hjortshøj
Published: July 2021

This paper introduces a new dataset of commodity‐specific, bilateral import data for four large Asian economies in the interwar period: China, the Dutch East Indies, India and Japan. It uses these data to describe the interwar trade collapses in the economies concerned. These resembled the post‐2008 Great Trade Collapse in some respects but not in others: they occurred along the intensive margin, imports of cars were particularly badly affected, and imports of durable goods fell by more than those of non‐durables, except in China and India which were rapidly industrialising. On the other hand the import declines were geographically imbalanced, while prices were more important than quantities in driving the overall collapse.
Skin and poison glands in toads (Rhinella) and their role in defence and water balance
Authors: Mailho‐Fontana Pedro Luiz , Titon Braz , Antoniazzi Marta Maria , Gomes Fernando Ribeiro , Jared Carlos
Published: July 2021

Toads are considered poisonous animals since they have a passive mode of defence relying on cutaneous poison glands, differently from venomous animals who can inject venom in predators/aggressors or prey. Toads of Rhinella marina group are generally large and have a broad distribution in South America, inhabiting a wide range of environments. In this paper, we studied the toads Rhinella icterica from the Atlantic rainforest, and Rhinella jimi from the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga, analysing aspects of natural history and comparing their skin morphology, the presence of macroglands, their resistance to water loss and rates of water uptake. In periods of extreme drought, R. jimi uses rock cracks as refuges, exposing only the head and regions of accumulation of poison glands. The skin of R. jimi showed higher number of poison glands with hydrophilic content than R. icterica. R. jimi also had a thicker skin, which can be related to its superior resistance to water loss. It also showed high rates of rehydration in association with a peculiar behaviour using the limbs to spread water onto highly glandular skin areas, suggesting that poison glands may also act in water balance in addition to chemical defence.
The role of social belonging and exclusion at school and the teacher–student relationship for the development of learned helplessness in adolescents
Authors: Raufelder Diana , Kulakow Stefan
Published: July 2021

Background

Based on learned helplessness theory and conservation of resources theory, the present study explores the role of schools’ social environments (i.e., school belonging, school exclusion, and teacher–student relationships) as potential buffers and amplifiers in students’ development of learned helplessness during adolescence.

Aims

We examine whether school belonging, school exclusion, and teacher–student relationship moderate the longitudinal association of learned helplessness differently for students from low‐track schools and high‐track schools.

Sample

The study uses a sample of N = 1,088 (Mage = 13.70, SD = 0.53; 54% girls) adolescent students who participated in a two‐wave longitudinal study.

Methods

We conducted latent moderated structural equation modelling to examine whether school belonging, school exclusion, and teacher–student relationship moderate the longitudinal association of learned helplessness differently for students from low‐track schools and high‐track schools.

Results

The moderation analyses revealed that students from both school tracks are differently affected by school belonging and school exclusion in their development of learned helplessness. Teacher–student relationship did not moderate the association.

Conclusion

Our findings underline the important role of the social environment in students’ development of learned helplessness. Particularly, the differential effects found for the different educational tracks highlight the necessary awareness of educators to interindividual differences of their students.
Hierarchical distribution of somatic variants in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukaemia at diagnosis and early follow‐up
Authors: Romzova Marianna , Smitalova Dagmar , Hynst Jakub , Tom Nikola , Loja Tomas , Herudkova Zdenka , Jurcek Tomas , Stejskal Lukas , Zackova Daniela , Mayer Jiri , Racil Zdenek , Culen Martin
Published: July 2021

There is an emerging body of evidence that patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) may carry not only breakpoint cluster region‐Abelson murine leukaemia viral oncogene homologue 1 (BCR‐ABL1) kinase domain mutations (BCR‐ABL1 KD mutations), but also mutations in other genes. Their occurrence is highest during progression or at failure, but their impact at diagnosis is unclear. In the present study, we prospectively screened for mutations in 18 myeloid neoplasm‐associated genes and BCR‐ABL1 KD in the following populations: bulk leucocytes, CD34+CD38+ progenitors and CD34+CD38– stem cells, at diagnosis and early follow‐up. In our cohort of chronic phase CML patients, nine of 49 patients harboured somatic mutations in the following genes: six ASXL1 mutations, one SETBP1, one TP53, one JAK2, but no BCR‐ABL1 KD mutations. In seven of the nine patients, mutations were detected in multiple hierarchical populations including bulk leucocytes at diagnosis. The mutation dynamics reflected the BCR‐ABL1 transcript decline induced by treatment in eight of the nine cases, suggesting that mutations were acquired in the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐positive clone. In one patient, the JAK2 V617F mutation correlated with a concomitant Ph‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm and persisted despite a 5‐log reduction of the BCR‐ABL1 transcript. Only two of the nine patients with mutations failed first‐line therapy. No correlation was found between the mutation status and survival or response outcomes.
Whiteness: A Problem for our Times
Authors: Morgan Helen
Published: July 2021

In Western cultures an assumption of ‘whiteness’ as the default position of the human means that the individual may fail to notice how their whiteness affects their sense of identity and patterns of social interaction. Research shows that awareness of racist structures is apparent from an early age, but the child born into a white liberal family seeking to understand what they observe of racialized power differentials is likely to meet a colour‐blind response from significant adults which contradicts their experience. I suggest that, to manage this conflict between the reality of the racist thought and its denial, the vertical split of disavowal develops within the psyche. By way of illustration, a clinical example is offered of a white woman who brought troubling thoughts to her white therapist and I explore how the potential for collusive disavowal may work against the therapeutic task. I suggest that the tendency for psychoanalytic thinking to isolate the individual from social and political forces leaves us ill‐equipped to work with racism as it arises in the consulting room and a more connected view of the human psyche as situated from the start within a political, economic and social setting is required.
Atopic dermatitis or eczema? Consequences of ambiguity in disease name for biomedical literature mining
Authors: Frainay Clément , Pitarch Yoann , Filippi Sarah , Evangelou Marina , Custovic Adnan
Published: July 2021

Background

Biomedical research increasingly relies on computational approaches to extract relevant information from large corpora of publications.

Objective

To investigate the consequence of the ambiguity between the use of terms “Eczema” and “Atopic Dermatitis” (AD) from the Information Retrieval perspective, and its impact on meta‐analyses, systematic reviews and text mining.

Methods

Articles were retrieved by querying the PubMed using terms ‘eczema’ (D003876) and “dermatitis, atopic” (D004485). We used machine learning to investigate the differences between the contexts in which each term is used. We used a decision tree approach and trained model to predict if an article would be indexed with eczema or AD tags. We used text‐mining tools to extract biological entities associated with eczema and AD, and investigated the discrepancy regarding the retrieval of key findings according to the terminology used.

Results

Atopic dermatitis query yielded more articles related to veterinary science, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology; the eczema query linked to public health, infectious disease and respiratory system. Medical Subject Headings terms associated with “AD” or “Eczema” differed, with an agreement between the top 40 lists of 52%. The presence of terms related to cellular mechanisms, especially allergies and inflammation, characterized AD literature. The metabolites mentioned more frequently than expected in articles with AD tag differed from those indexed with eczema. Fewer enriched genes were retrieved when using eczema compared to AD query.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

There is a considerable discrepancy when using text mining to extract bio‐entities related to eczema or AD. Our results suggest that any systematic approach (particularly when looking for metabolites or genes related to the condition) should be performed using both terms jointly. We propose to use decision tree learning as a tool to spot and characterize ambiguity, and provide the source code for disambiguation at https://github.com/cfrainay/ResearchCodeBase.
Post‐extubation dysphagia and dysphonia amongst adults with COVID‐19 in the Republic of Ireland: A prospective multi‐site observational cohort study
Authors: Regan Julie , Walshe Margaret , Lavan Sarah , Horan Eanna , Gillivan Murphy Patricia , Healy Anne , Langan Caoimhe , Malherbe Karen , Flynn Murphy Breda , Cremin Maria , Hilton Denise , Cavaliere Jenni , Whyte Alice
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study aims to (i) investigate post‐extubation dysphagia and dysphonia amongst adults intubated with SARS‐COV‐2 (COVID‐19) and referred to speech and language therapy (SLT) in acute hospitals across the Republic of Ireland (ROI) between March and June 2020; (ii) identify variables predictive of post‐extubation oral intake status and dysphonia and (iii) establish SLT rehabilitation needs and services provided to this cohort.

Design

A multi‐site prospective observational cohort study.

Participants

One hundred adults with confirmed COVID‐19 who were intubated across eleven acute hospital sites in ROI and who were referred to SLT services between March and June 2020 inclusive.

Main Outcome Measures

Oral intake status, level of diet modification and perceptual voice quality.

Results

Based on initial SLT assessment, 90% required altered oral intake and 59% required tube feeding with 36% not allowed oral intake. Age (OR 1.064; 95% CI 1.018–1.112), proning (OR 3.671; 95% CI 1.128–11.943) and pre‐existing respiratory disease (OR 5.863; 95% CI 1.521–11.599) were predictors of oral intake status post‐extubation. Two‐thirds (66%) presented with dysphonia post‐extubation. Intubation injury (OR 10.471; 95% CI 1.060–103.466) and pre‐existing respiratory disease (OR 24.196; 95% CI 1.609–363.78) were predictors of post‐extubation voice quality. Thirty‐seven per cent required dysphagia intervention post‐extubation, whereas 20% needed intervention for voice. Dysphagia and dysphonia persisted in 27% and 37% cases, respectively, at hospital discharge.

Discussion

Post‐extubation dysphagia and dysphonia were prevalent amongst adults with COVID‐19 across the ROI. Predictors included iatrogenic factors and underlying respiratory disease. Prompt evaluation and intervention is needed to minimise complications and inform rehabilitation planning.
LID study: Plasma lidocaine levels following airway topicalisation for paediatric microlaryngobronchoscopy (MLB)
Authors: Doherty Catherine , Quinn Natalie , Mistry Sara , Diacono Jacques , Walker Robert , Harrison Anna , Bateman Neil , Bruce Iain
Published: July 2021

Objectives

A dose of 5 mg/kg lidocaine is considered appropriate for paediatric airway topicalisation. Existing literature suggests that younger children are susceptible to toxic lidocaine plasma levels and achieve this at a faster rate.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome of this study was to ascertain peak plasma lidocaine levels after topicalisation for airway endoscopy. Secondary endpoints included: time to peak lidocaine plasma levels, signs of lidocaine toxicity (restricted to ECG changes or seizures when under anaesthesia) and clinical adverse events of laryngospasm, coughing or desaturation during the procedure.

Setting

Data were collected prospectively over 18 months at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Participants

Children aged 0–8 years undergoing elective diagnostic or therapeutic airway endoscopy were included within the study.

Design

Standardised 2% lidocaine was used for airway topicalisation. Dose varied depending upon the practitioner's usual practice. Venous bloodsampling occurred at 5, 10, 15 and 20 min post‐administration and plasma lidocaine levels (ng/ml) were analysed.

Results

A significant relationship exists between higher peak plasma levels and ages <18 months (p = .00973). Strong linear correlation exists between body weight and age for our cohort (r = .88). Higher peak plasma lidocaine levels occur with total dose volumes between 2 and 3 mls of 2% lidocaine local anaesthetic (p = .03) compared with <2 ml total dose volumes. Data suggest a potential relationship of lower body weights achieving higher peak plasma levels (p = .0516). Reduced interquartile variation of peak plasma lidocaine levels exists when lidocaine dosing is <5 mg/kg.

Conclusions

Age and total dose volume of topicalised lidocaine have a significant relationship with plasma lidocaine levels. A dose of 5 mg/kg topicalised lidocaine for paediatric airway endoscopy is safe and provides good operating conditions. Lower patient body weights trend towards higher peak lidocaine plasma concentrations and require further investigation.
Model‐Based Wisdom of the Crowd for Sequential Decision‐Making Tasks
Authors: Thomas Bobby , Coon Jeff , Westfall Holly A. , Lee Michael D.
Published: July 2021

We study the wisdom of the crowd in three sequential decision‐making tasks: the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART), optimal stopping problems, and bandit problems. We consider a behavior‐based approach, using majority decisions to determine crowd behavior and show that this approach performs poorly in the BART and bandit tasks. The key problem is that the crowd becomes progressively more extreme as the decision sequence progresses, because the diversity of opinion that underlies the wisdom of the crowd is lost. We also consider model‐based approaches to each task. This involves inferring cognitive models for each individual based on their observed behavior, and using these models to predict what each individual would do in any possible task situation. We show that this approach performs robustly well for all three tasks and has the additional advantage of being able to generalize to new problems for which there are no behavioral data. We discuss potential applications of the model‐based approach to real‐world sequential decision problems and discuss how our approach contributes to the understanding of collective intelligence.
Towards a Cognitive Theory of Cyber Deception
Authors: Cranford Edward A. , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Aggarwal Palvi , Tambe Milind , Cooney Sarah , Lebiere Christian
Published: July 2021

This work is an initial step toward developing a cognitive theory of cyber deception. While widely studied, the psychology of deception has largely focused on physical cues of deception. Given that present‐day communication among humans is largely electronic, we focus on the cyber domain where physical cues are unavailable and for which there is less psychological research. To improve cyber defense, researchers have used signaling theory to extended algorithms developed for the optimal allocation of limited defense resources by using deceptive signals to trick the human mind. However, the algorithms are designed to protect against adversaries that make perfectly rational decisions. In behavioral experiments using an abstract cybersecurity game (i.e., Insider Attack Game), we examined human decision‐making when paired against the defense algorithm. We developed an instance‐based learning (IBL) model of an attacker using the Adaptive Control of Thought‐Rational (ACT‐R) cognitive architecture to investigate how humans make decisions under deception in cyber‐attack scenarios. Our results show that the defense algorithm is more effective at reducing the probability of attack and protecting assets when using deceptive signaling, compared to no signaling, but is less effective than predicted against a perfectly rational adversary. Also, the IBL model replicates human attack decisions accurately. The IBL model shows how human decisions arise from experience, and how memory retrieval dynamics can give rise to cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias. The implications of these findings are discussed in the perspective of informing theories of deception and designing more effective signaling schemes that consider human bounded rationality.
Continuous expression of reprogramming factors induces and maintains mouse pluripotency without specific growth factors and signaling inhibitors
Authors: Mao Yihuan , Wang Libin , Zhong Bei , Yang Ning , Li Zhikun , Cui Tongtong , Feng Guihai , Li Wei , Zhang Ying , Zhou Qi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Derivation and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) generally require optimized and complex culture media, which hinders the derivation of PSCs from various species. Expression of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c‐Myc (OSKM) can reprogram somatic cells into induced PSCs (iPSCs), even for species possessing no optimal culture condition. Herein, we explored whether expression of OSKM could induce and maintain pluripotency without PSC‐specific growth factors and signaling inhibitors.

Methods

The culture medium of Tet‐On‐OSKM/Oct4‐GFP mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was switched from N2B27 with MEK inhibitor, GSK3β inhibitor, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (2iL) to N2B27 with doxycycline. Tet‐On‐OSKM mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells were reprogrammed in N2B27 with doxycycline. Cell proliferation was traced. Pluripotency was assessed by expression of ESC marker genes, teratoma, and chimera formation. RNA‐Seq was conducted to analyze gene expression.

Results

Via continuous expression of OSKM, mouse ESCs (OSKM‐ESCs) and the resulting iPSCs (OSKM‐iPSCs) reprogrammed from MEF cells propagated stably, expressed pluripotency marker genes, and formed three germ layers in teratomas. Transcriptional landscapes of OSKM‐iPSCs resembled those of ESCs cultured in 2iL and were more similar to those of ESCs cultured in serum/LIF. Furthermore, OSKM‐iPSCs contributed to germline transmission.

Conclusions

Expression of OSKM could induce and maintain mouse pluripotency without specific culturing factors. Importantly, OSKM‐iPSCs could produce gene‐modified animals through germline transmission, with potential applications in other species.
Investigation of new biomarkers of kidney injury in renal transplant recipients undergoing graft biopsy
Authors: Michon Arthur , Durrbach Antoine , Gautier Jean‐Charles , Benain Xavier , Lunven Catherine , Jagerschmidt Alexandre , Aubert Catherine , Poetz Oliver , Joos Thomas , Gury Thierry , Becquemont Laurent
Published: July 2021

Aim

Urinary and blood kidney biomarkers (BM) remain insufficient for early kidney injury detection. We aimed to compare new kidney BM with histopathological data in kidney allograft recipients.

Methods

Blood and urine samples were collected from consecutive adult patients just before graft biopsy. All kidney samples were classified according to the Banff 2007 classification. The diagnostic performance of 16 new BM was compared to those of urinary proteins, blood urea nitrogen, eGFR, and serum creatinine to identify histopathological groups.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐three patients were analyzed. Microalbuminuria and urinary proteins performed well to discriminate glomerular injury from slightly modified renal parenchyma (SMRP). Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) had the best performance relative to SMRP (AUROC .93) for acute tubular necrosis (ATN) diagnosis. Other BM had a slightly lower AUROC (.89). For the comparison of ATN to acute rejection, several new urinary BM (NGAL, cystatin C, MCP1) and classical BM (eGFR, serum creatinine) gave similar AUROC values (from .80 to .85). Urinary NGAL values in patients with ATN were 10‐time higher than those with acute rejection (P=.0004).

Conclusion

The new BM did not outperform classical BM in the context of renal transplantation. Urinary NGAL may be useful for distinguishing between ATN and acute rejection.
Gradually progressing painless lower lid mass
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Velamala Pavani , Sekar Aravind , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: July 2021

Sebaceous carcinoma of the ocular adnexa is a rare malignant neoplasm. These lesions have high morbidity and mortality owing to their clinical resemblance to benign and nonneoplastic lesions. Awareness of the cytomorphological features of this lesion can facilitate early diagnosis and subsequent appropriate surgical management to prevent recurrence and metastasis.
Periodontal ligament repair after active splinting of replanted dogs' teeth
Authors: Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , Vieira Heloísa Aparecida Orsini , de Gregorio César , Cohenca Nestor , Lucisano Marília Pacífico , Pucinelli Carolina Maschietto , Paula‐Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Romano Fábio Lourenço , Assed Bezerra Silva Lea
Published: July 2021

Background/Aim

The high rate of root resorption resulting from tooth replantation represents a serious clinical problem. In order to prevent ankylosis and replacement resorption, the contemporary literature highlights the importance of using a flexible stabilization for traumatized teeth. For this purpose, orthodontic devices may be promising for obtaining a better prognosis and periodontal repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an active splinting protocol with controlled force in dog's teeth following replantation.

Material and Methods

Sixty premolar roots from three dogs were used. They were submitted to endodontic treatment, hemisected, atraumatically extracted and subsequently replanted. They were divided into four groups: Passive Stabilization (n = 20)‐after 20 min in a dry medium; Active Stabilization (n = 20)‐after 20 min in a dry medium; Negative control (n = 10)‐immediate replantation and passive Stabilization; and Positive control (n = 10)‐90 min of extra‐alveolar time and passive Stabilization. The samples were collected and submitted to histologic processing. They were then evaluated for the count of inflammatory cells, expression of neurotrophin 4, osteoclasts, apoptotic cells and collagen fibres. The results were submitted to ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis statistical tests followed by Tukey or Dunn post‐tests (α = 5%).

Results

Passive Stabilization with orthodontic brackets without traction used after replantation had the highest number of inflammatory cells (p = .0122), osteoclasts (p = .0013) and percentage of collagen fibres in the periodontal ligament (p < .0001) when compared to Active Stabilization with orthodontic brackets applying amild tensile force. Neurotrophin 4 had no statistically significant difference (p = .05), regardless of the treatment. The apoptotic cells count revealed statistical differences (p < .0001) between Active Stabilization (189.70 ± 47.99) and Positive Control (198.90 ± 88.92) when compared to Passive Stabilization (21.19 ± 32.94).

Conclusion

The active splinting protocol using orthodontic appliances generating a light and controlled force favoured periodontal ligament repair of replanted teeth.
On inorganic N uptake by vascular plants: Can 15N tracer techniques resolve the NH4+ versus NO3− “preference” conundrum?
Authors: Chalk Phillip , Smith Christopher
Published: July 2021

The relative uptake by plants of the two ionic nitrogen (N) forms, ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−), has been the subject of much interest during the past 50 years, resulting in a considerable scientific literature. The general idea is that plants have choice, resulting in preference for either one mineral N form or the other. Unfortunately, there is no specific definition of preference or agreement on how it should be measured. In this review, we critically examine the alternative techniques that have been used to measure the relative uptake of NH4+ and NO3− by plants, including those based on unlabelled sources, 15N‐enriched mineral N forms and variations in the 15N natural abundance of mineral N sources. The main difficulty with using unlabelled N is the antecedent N in plant tissue prior to the imposition of treatments. Although 15N‐enrichment overcomes this obstacle, it is nevertheless difficult to separate uptake as 15NH4+, uptake as 15NO3− and uptake as 15NO3− derived from the nitrification of 15NH4+. With 15N natural abundance, isotopic fractionation during plant uptake complicates the interpretation of data. There is increasing evidence that plants exhibit flexibility or plasticity with respect to the use of mineral N forms rather than preference.

Highlights

The concept of plant preference for NH4+ or NO3− forms of mineral N is examined

Experiments using 15N‐enrichment and 15N natural abundance are reviewed

The direct uptake of 15NO3− is confounded with the uptake of 15NO3− derived from nitrified 15NH4+

Plants exhibit plasticity rather than preference in the acquisition of ammonium and nitrate
The cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor AT7519 augments cisplatin's efficacy in ovarian cancer via multiple oncogenic signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Ling , Chen Yan , Li Hui , Xu Qiqi , Liu Rong
Published: July 2021

Although cisplatin is the most active drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer, majority of patients develop resistance and ultimately relapse. Enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin could represent a promising strategy to improve the clinical outcome of patients with ovarian cancer. AT7519 is a multitargeted cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor and displays potent anticancer activities. In this work, we show that the combination of AT7519 with cisplatin is much more superior to cisplatin alone in inhibiting ovarian cancer. AT7519 at nanomolar concentrations inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis of multiple ovarian cancer cell lines. In contrast, AT7519 at the same concentrations either does not affect survival or is significantly less effective in inhibiting proliferation and migration in normal ovarian cells and fibroblast cells. AT7519 significantly augments the inhibitory effects of cisplatin in ovarian cancer cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistic studies suggest that AT7519 (i) inhibits proliferation via decreasing activities of CDK1 and 2, and via inhibiting RNA transcription; (ii) inhibits migration via suppressing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT); and (iii) induces apoptosis via decreasing Mcl‐1 and increasing Bim in ovarian cancer cells. Using a human ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model, we confirm the in vivo efficacy of AT7519 alone, and the synergistic effects of AT7519 and cisplatin in combination, at doses that cause minimal toxicity in mice. Our findings provide systematic preclinical evidence to support the initialization of clinical trials of the AT7519 and cisplatin combination for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Microtubule inhibitors identified through nonbiased screening enhance DNA transfection efficiency by delaying p62‐dependent ubiquitin recruitment
Authors: Tsuchiya Megumi , Ogawa Hidesato , Watanabe Kento , Koujin Takako , Mori Chie , Nunomura Kazuto , Lin Bangzhong , Tani Akiyoshi , Hiraoka Yasushi , Haraguchi Tokuko
Published: July 2021

Ectopic gene expression is an indispensable tool in biology and medicine, but is often limited by the low efficiency of DNA transfection. We previously reported that depletion of the autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1 enhances DNA transfection efficiency by preventing the degradation of transfected DNA. Therefore, p62 is a potential target for drugs to increase transfection efficiency. To identify such drugs, a nonbiased high‐throughput screening was applied to over 4,000 compounds from the Osaka University compound library, and their p62 dependency was evaluated. The top‐scoring drugs were mostly microtubule inhibitors, such as colchicine and vinblastine, and all of them showed positive effects only in the presence of p62. To understand the p62‐dependent mechanisms, the time required for p62‐dependent ubiquitination, which is required for autophagosome formation, was examined using polystyrene beads that were introduced into cells as materials that mimicked transfected DNA. Microtubule inhibitors caused a delay in ubiquitination. Furthermore, the level of phosphorylated p62 at S405 was markedly decreased in the drug‐treated cells. These results suggest that microtubule inhibitors inhibit p62‐dependent autophagosome formation. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that microtubule inhibitors suppress p62 activation as a mechanism for increasing DNA transfection efficiency and provide solutions to increase efficiency.
The changing face of trigeminal neuralgia—A narrative review
Authors: Maarbjerg Stine , Benoliel Rafael
Published: July 2021

Objective

This narrative review aims to update the reader on the new classification of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), clinical signs, pathophysiologic evidence, and their implications on management. This review is based on the authors’ collective experience and knowledge of the literature in addition to a literature search.

Background

In recent years, the phenotype of TN has been intensively studied leading to discrete groups of patients. These include patients with TN with additional continuous pain, and patients with and without neurovascular compression of the trigeminal dorsal root entry zone. A number of associated clinical signs such as tearing and sensory changes need further research.

Methods

The literature on TN was searched in PubMed with the aims of providing evidence for the recently published third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) and update the clinical phenotype and management of the TN subcategories.

Results

The ICHD's new classification for TN is based on reliable clinical data, imaging, and neurophysiologic studies. The TN classification reflects current knowledge and has improved the possibility for clinicians to choose adequate management options. However, there is a lack of effective, safe drugs for the management of TN and sparse, robust data on neurosurgical options.

Conclusion

Research into all aspects of TN—diagnosis, pharmacotherapy, surgery, long‐term management prognosis, and natural history—is needed. Research should adhere to the ICHD's schema for TN. Improved drugs are needed along with rigorous research into surgical options and their efficacy for different subtypes of TN.
Impact of COVID‐19 partial lockdown on household activities in a sample of Kuwaiti and Saudi populations
Authors: Al‐Kazi Lubna Ahmed , Al‐Sejari Maha Meshari , Al‐Ma'seb Hend Batel
Published: July 2021

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID‐19 a global pandemic, partial lockdown has been used as a strict mechanism to constrain the spread of the disease. This study aims to investigate whether there are significant differences between socio‐demographic variables and household and family activities before and during the partial lockdown in Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. A descriptive cross‐sectional method was used in this study. Online surveys were distributed via WhatsApp to a convenience non‐probability sample of 728 participants. The survey contained socio‐demographic information and a 22‐item questionnaire of activities that participants practiced before and during the partial lockdown. An IBM SPSS (25.0) package was utilised to analyse the data. The study found that males and homemakers reported obvious changes for both house and family activities before and during the lockdown. Participants between 40 and 49 years old reported higher scores for family activities before the lockdown. Married participants reported higher scores for house and family activities during the lockdown. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that under certain circumstances in society, cultural gender activities may change due to various reasons such as health precaution regulations, prevention policies, and social isolation.
Effect of AlN addition on the electrical resistivity of pressureless sintered SiC ceramics with B4C and C
Authors: Malik Rohit , Kim Young‐Wook
Published: July 2021

The effect of 0–12 wt% AlN addition on the electrical resistivity of SiC ceramics pressureless sintered with 0.7 wt% B4C and 2.5 wt% C additives was investigated. The elemental analysis of SiC grains revealed a codoping of Al and N in the SiC lattice with a higher N concentration with 1 wt% AlN addition and a higher Al concentration with 12 wt% AlN addition. The electrical resistivity decreased by four orders of magnitude (1.7 × 105 → 8.3 × 101 Ω cm) with 1 wt% AlN addition due to the increased carrier density (1.7 × 1010 → 2.3 × 1015 cm−3) caused by excess N‐derived donors. However, subsequent AlN addition (4 → 12 wt%) led to an increase (2.9 × 103 → 1.2 × 104 Ω‧cm) in electrical resistivity due to (1) increased Al dopants which act as deep acceptors for trapping N‐derived carriers causing a decrease in carrier density (2.3 × 1015 → 5.9 × 1013 cm−3), (2) the formation of electrically insulating SiC‐AlN solid solution, and (3) the presence of electrically insulating AlN grains at the grain boundaries.
Synthesis of coatings on SiC fibers and their effects on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCf/SiBCN composites
Authors: Zhang Meng , Li Daxin , Zhou Yuanyi , Yang Zhihua , Jia Dechang , Cai Delong , Niu Zibo
Published: July 2021

In this study, the amorphous C, ZrB2, and BN single‐layer coatings as well as C/BN, C/ZrB2, ZrB2/BN, and C/ZrB2/BN composite coatings were prepared on SiC fibers (SiCf) by an in situ synthesis and solution impregnation–pyrolysis method. Subsequently, SiCf/SiBCN composites were fabricated by hot‐pressing sintering at 1900℃/60 MPa/30 min to explore the influence of different coatings on the microstructure and mechanical performance of resulting composites. After the preparation of single‐layer‐coated SiCf, the SiCf(BN) or SiCf(ZrB2) tended to be overlapped with each other, whereas the dispersion of amorphous C–coated SiCf was satisfying. Besides, some uneven areas and attached particles have appeared on fiber surfaces of the SiCf(BN) or SiCf(ZrB2), whereas smooth and dense surfaces of amorphous C–coated SiCf were observed. Because the uniformity of ZrB2 coatings can be partially damaged by the subsequent coating process of BN, the composite coatings of ZrB2/BN and C/ZrB2/BN were thereby not suitable for strengthening SiBCN matrix. The SiCf/SiBCN composites with C/ZrB2 coatings have desirable comprehensive mechanical properties. Nevertheless, the conventional toughening mechanisms such as fiber pull‐out and bridging, and crack deflection are not available for these composites because the serious crystallization of SiCf leading to great strength loss, resulting in catastrophic brittle fracture.
Directed Panspermia, Wild Animal Suffering, and the Ethics of World‐Creation
Authors: O'Brien Gary David
Published: July 2021

Directed panspermia is the deliberate seeding of lifeless planets with microbes, in the hopes that, over evolutionary timescales, they will give rise to a complex self‐sustaining biosphere on the target planet. Due to the immense distances and timescales involved, human beings are unlikely ever to see the fruits of their labours. Such missions must therefore be justified by appeal to values independent of human wellbeing. In this article, I investigate the values that a directed panspermia mission might promote. Paying special attention to the outcome in which sentient animals evolve, I argue that we have strong reasons to believe the value of a mission would be negative. Research on wild animal suffering has shown that there is a huge amount of suffering among wild animals on Earth. I argue that there are structural features of evolution by natural selection which explain the prevalence of suffering on Earth and make it predictable that suffering would prevail on the target planet too. Finally, using insights from procreative ethics I argue on non‐consequentialist grounds that creators have duties to their sentient creations which cannot be met in directed panspermia missions.