bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mis-regulation of Zn and Mn homeostasis is a key phenotype of Cu stress inStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Hong YoungJin , Mackenzie Eilidh S , Firth Samantha J , Bolton Jack RF , Stewart Louisa J , Waldron Kevin J , Djoko Karrera Y
Published: September 2022

All bacteria possess homeostastic mechanisms that control the availability of micronutrient metals within the cell. Cross-talks between different metal homeostasis pathways within the same bacterial organism have been reported widely. In addition, there have been previous suggestions that some metal uptake transporters can promote adventitious uptake of the wrong metal. This work describes the cross-talk between Cu and the Zn and Mn homeostasis pathways in Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Using a ΔcopAmutant strain that lacks the primary Cu efflux pump and thus traps excess Cu in the cytoplasm, we show that growth in the presence of supplemental Cu promotes downregulation of genes that contribute to Zn or Mn uptake. This effect is not associated with changes in cellular Zn or Mn levels. Co-supplementation of the culture medium with Zn or, to a lesser extent, Mn alleviates key Cu stress phenotypes, namely bacterial growth and secretion of the fermentation end-product lactate. However, neither co-supplemental Zn nor Mn influences cellular Cu levels or Cu availability in Cu-stressed cells. In addition, we provide evidence that the Zn or Mn uptake transporters in GAS do not promote Cu uptake. Together, the results from this study strengthen and extend our previous proposal that mis-regulation of Zn and Mn homeostasis is a key phenotype of Cu stress in GAS.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Moving beyond MARCO
Authors: Rosa Nicholas , Watkins Christopher J. , Newman Janet
Published: September 2022

The use of imaging systems in protein crystallisation means that the experimental setups no longer require manual inspection to determine the outcome of the trials. However, it leads to the problem of how best to find images which contain useful information about the crystallisation experiments. The adoption of a deeplearning approach in 2018 enabled a four-class machine classification system of the images to exceed human accuracy for the first time. Underpinning this was the creation of a labelled training set which came from a consortium of several different laboratories. The MARCO classification model does not have the same accuracy on local data as it does on images from the original test set; this can be somewhat mitigated by retraining the ML model and including local images. We have characterized the image data used in the original MARCO model, and performed extensive experiments to identify training settings most likely to enhance the local performance of a MARCO-dataset based ML classification model.
Epitaxies of Ca sulfates on calcite. II. The main {010}, {001} and {100} forms of bassanite epi-deposited on the {10.4} substrate form of calcite
Authors: Aquilano Dino , Bruno Marco , Ghignone Stefano , Pastero Linda , Cotellucci Andrea
Published: September 2022

2D and 3D epitaxies of the main {010}, {001} and {100} forms of deposited bassanite (CaSO4·0.5H2O) on {10.4} calcite (CaCO3) as a substrate are described to provide a theoretical crystallographic background for the replacement of calcite by bassanite both in nature and in the laboratory and by weathering linked to cultural heritage. First, epitaxy in the third dimension, perpendicular to the investigated interfaces, has been verified in order to establish whether adsorption/absorption can occur (as anomalous mixed crystals) at the bassanite/calcite epi-contacts. Secondly, and by applying the Hartman–Perdok method, 2D lattice coincidences have been obtained from the physical-geometric matches of bonds running in the common directions within the elementary slices facing the substrate/deposit interfaces. This research represents the second and more detailed part of a wider program extended to the epi-interactions between the following pairs: (i) {010}-gypsum/{10.4}-calcite (just published); (ii) bassanite/{10.4}-calcite (the present work); and (iii) anhydrite (CaSO4)/{10.4}-calcite (coming soon).
A practical guide for practitioners seeking to create value with big data
Authors: Dal Zotto Pierre
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Practitioners, despite competing in a difficult environment, struggle to understand or implement researchers’ findings that may support the development of sustainable competitive advantage. Following design science research using a gamification framework, the purpose of this study is to develop Game of Streams, a boundary object fostering practitioners’ capabilities to generate IT-dependent strategic initiatives. The Game of Streams method is available following a creative commons license and has two benefits for practitioners. First, it allows practitioners to ideate IT-dependent strategic initiatives with big data fitting their context. Second, it supports the understanding of a taxonomy originating in academic research about big data, precisely Digital Data Streams.

Design/methodology/approach

Through design science research methodology, the author investigates the research/practice gap. This study created with and for firms Game of Streams, a boundary object using gamification. The author tested this boundary object with different organizations from small- and medium-sized enterprises to multinationals and proved its effectiveness in generating IT-dependent strategic initiatives.

Findings

Game of Streams is enhancing practitioners’ use of research conclusions from academic literature. This study demonstrates that academic literature can impact practice better than before using boundary objects and gamification.

Originality/value

The gamification of research to bridge the research/practice gap is an emerging subject in the literature. This study offers an approach that allows practitioners to actively participate while manipulating research concepts in their context to generate IT-dependent strategic initiatives.
Career indecision: a systematic literature review
Authors: Priyashantha K.G. , Dahanayake W.E. , Maduwanthi M.N.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Research has been conducted to investigate the factors that influence career indecision. This study attempted to synthesize empirical research on career indecision to (1) find the common determinants over the last two decades and (2) find the factors/areas that need to be addressed for future research on career indecision.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Following the predetermined inclusion criteria, 118 articles from the Scopus database were included for review.

Findings

From this research, the authors found four main determinants for career indecision, namely (1) career-related decision-making difficulties, (2) adolescent differences, (3) individual and situational career decision-making profiles (CDMPs) and (4) level of individual readiness for career choice, which have been researched in the last two decades. Additionally, eight factors/areas were found to be addressed in future research on career indecision which include those four common determinants, the other three determinants, namely (1) individual differences, (2) contextual/environmental factors, (3) social factors, and one outcome, subjective well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The study had limitations in conducting this research, and the findings of the study provide some theoretical and future research implications.

Practical implications

The seven determinants and the only outcome provide some implications for practitioners and policymakers.

Originality/value

The study found seven determinants and one outcome of career indecision derived from empirical studies conducted during 2000–2021.
# Sponsored-influencer marketing: effects of the commercial orientation of influencer-created content on followers’ willingness to search for information
Authors: Gamage Thilini Chathurika , Ashill Nicholas Jeremy
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Despite the increasing popularity of influencer marketing, there exists a lack of understanding of how content created by social media influencers stimulates the pre-purchase behaviour of followers. Based on the stimulus-organism-response framework, this paper aims to address this lacuna by examining how influencer-created content affects the willingness of followers to search for more information related to the posted product.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design uses a web-based questionnaire among Instagram users in Sri Lanka. Structural equation modelling with analysis of moment structures 27 and SPSS PROCESS macro are used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

Findings indicate that the commercial orientation of influencer-created content reduces follower trustworthiness towards them and the perceived credibility of the content. Mediation results demonstrate that the commercial orientation of influencer-created content negatively affects follower willingness to search for more information related to the posted product through trustworthiness and perceived credibility.

Practical implications

When adopting influencer marketing to stimulate information search behaviour, marketing practitioners should carefully examine the commercial orientation of the content of the messages posted by social media influencers to maintain high levels of follower trustworthiness towards the influencer and positive follower credibility perceptions of the message.

Originality/value

This paper adds to influencer marketing literature by demonstrating the underlying process through which the commercial orientation of influencer-created content impacts follower willingness to search for product-related information.
Social auditing in the supply chain: business legitimisation strategy rather than a change agent
Authors: Rahim Mia Mahmudur , Kuruppu Sanjaya Chinthana , Islam Md Tarikul
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of social auditing in legitimising the relationship between the buyer and supplier firms rather than strengthening corporate accountability in the global supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying case study methodology and drawing on Suchman’s theory on societal legitimacy, it is argued that social audits are artefacts of legitimacy, and global firms dominate the buyer–supplier relationship across the supply chain. The analysis is based on data collected from different secondary sources, including Walmart’s corporate sustainability reports.

Findings

Using Walmart’s relationship with Tazreen Fashions Limited around the Tazreen factory fire incident as a case study, it explains that the practices which attempt to symbolically demonstrate accountability from social audits need to shift to a more continuous and sincere demonstration of accountability through the social audit process. For this to occur, the cognitive and pragmatic approaches that international buyers have previously used in auditing their supply firms’ social responsibility are no longer sufficient to achieve societal legitimacy. Instead, a moral turn needs to underpin the intentions and actions of these buyers to maintain legitimacy and demonstrate accountability across the supply industry in developing economies.

Originality/value

The findings of the study answer the questions raised in the extant literature about the expectation from social auditing and whether social auditing serves to ensure corporate accountability. The paper contributes to the policymaking discussion of how social auditing can be configured to include a legal provision to ensure that social auditing is not a parroting tool for corporations.
Compensation for farms compulsorily acquired for mining in Ghana: an analysis of the laws, compensation practices and valuation methods
Authors: Amponsah Effah , Halvitigala Dulani , Hwang Hyemi , Eves Chris
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the compensation practices and the valuation methods valuers apply in the context of the current legal framework for expropriation to assess compensation for farms impacted by mining in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Compensation reports and archival materials were examined to identify the issues related to the valuation methods, compensation practices and expropriation procedures in the mining sector. Interviews were then conducted with 35 farmers and farmers' representatives, officials of mining companies, representatives of the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission and valuers/researchers on the issues identified through the document analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that the lack of express standards for assessing compensation for mining-impacted crops has occasioned variations in the valuation methods and the standard crop population for compensation. The study further reveals the impacts of exchange rate distortions on crop compensation values.

Practical implications

The study empirically substantiates the arguments for a revised compensation regime in Ghana's mining sector. Valuers, mining companies and policymakers' awareness of this research will impact farm compensation valuation practices in the future.

Social implications

The adequacy of compensation for mining-impacted farmers remains a topical issue, especially in African countries. This research contributes to the literature and reveals the socio-economic impacts of the current compensation regime on the livelihoods of expropriated farmers.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to analyse the valuation methods, the compensation values and the key parameters valuers apply in assessing compensation for mining-impacted crops in Ghana.
Childcare centre for work efficiency of employed parents: perception analysis for business prospects
Authors: Moon Zarin Khan , Hasan Md. Mahedi
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether the working parents' perception about the necessity of childcare centres for their work efficiency is associated with their anxieties and concerns related to their dual responsibilities, i.e. providing proper parental childcare and maintaining work efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 100 employed parents, from the Jashore region of Bangladesh, was surveyed, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

Findings

It was revealed that there is a strong association between the perceived negative impact on job performance, childcare, child development, work efficiency and perceived need for a childcare centre.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that it was confined to Jashore University of Science and Technology. The results may differ from those of the study conducted outside this study area and the methodology used here.

Practical implications

This study has significant practical implications for employers, childcare service providers and policy makers, especially in Bangladesh. The employers will be able to understand the demand for childcare services centres among the employed parents in respective organizations. It will draw attention of employers of knowledge intensive industries and grants commission to the issue of conflict of work and childcare-related responsibilities of employed parents. This will also make employers conscious about the dilemma that is undergone by employed parents motivating them to take actions for minimizing such conflicts to ensure better job performance of working parents.

Social implications

Based on this study, childcare providers and other policy makers will be able to ascertain the potential size of the childcare market and determine the requirement for investment in childcare-related human resources development. As the work and childcare responsibilities compete for limited time of working parents, either childcare or job performance suffers. This causes concerns, anxieties or remorse, which again hampers the job performance further. Therefore, this study may motivate the university authority around the world, specifically those in Bangladesh, to provide childcare facilities for its faculties, students and other employees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on growing demand for centre-based childcare services in an emerging economy context. It provides evidence of high demand for on- and off-site childcare centres to enhance work efficiency of working parents.
Understanding the response plan of corporation against COVID-19: a case of Indian power major
Authors: Rai Alka , Maheshwari Sunil
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The coronavirus crisis has a huge impact on how we work, learn and even live; the purpose of the study is to bring insights on different approaches to deal with challenging situation like COVID-19. For this reason, the study will facilitate to develop understanding on how to conquer the hurdle of business continuity during challenging times, along with dealing of other challenges like ensuring health and well-being of employees, abiding by the regulation and guidelines, prioritizing the need and handling of different resources (most importantly human).

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from case study organization during May 2020. For data collection, various internal documents from the case study organization were referred, including various report, circulars, guidelines, office information note. Further, press release and information from website of the case company were also explored. The interview of different group of decision makers (i.e. top management, human resource managers and head at plant sites) was also performed during data collection.

Findings

The study has initiated to identify with the approach of the case company to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and to overcome the challenges posed by unprecedented crisis.

Originality/value

The COVID-19 crisis has underlined the significance of the power utilities, as electricity is critical to ensure the smooth functioning of various sectors of the economy. Considering the importance of power sector for economy, this article has taken to investigate the crisis management model of one of India’s major power producer companies.
Lizard thermoregulation revisited after two decades of global warming
Authors: Díaz José A. , Izquierdo‐Santiago Raúl , Llanos‐Garrido Alejandro
Published: September 2022

Although the effects of global warming on thermoregulation are usually explored using predictions of climate envelop modelling, such effects should best be analysed empirically, studying the same population with the same methods after a long enough period of temperature rise.

We used a 30‐year long database about body temperatures (Tbs) of field‐active Psammodromus algirus lizards inhabiting a well‐conserved temperate open forest, and we focused on the summers of 1997 and 2017 to compare Tbs, environmental operative temperatures (Tes), their proximity to the selected thermal range (Tsel), and the selection of sunlit and shaded patches all along the day. From these data, we estimated the precision (standard deviation of Tbs), accuracy (average distance between Tbs and Tsel) and effectiveness (extent to which Tbs are closer to Tsel than Tes) of thermoregulation.

Of the highest 5% of all Tbs in the database, 95% were recorded in 2017, when the adjustment to Tsel was much better for Tbs selected in a laboratory thermogradient than for field Tbs (percentages of Tbs above Tsel of 2% and 52% respectively).

In 2017, especially after 12:00 h, the selection of shaded patches (87% of lizards in full shade vs. <1% in full sun) was more intense than in 1997, contributed more to overall thermoregulation, and produced a larger difference between Tes and Tbs. In spite of this, Tbs were lower—and closer to Tsel—in 1997 (when most shaded patches offered favourable thermal opportunities, with Tes within or below Tsel) than in 2017 (when only 33% of full shade Tes, and 8% of all Tes, were within or below Tsel). As a consequence, estimates of the accuracy and effectiveness of thermoregulation decreased over the 20‐year period examined.

We conclude that given the low availability of Tes within or below Tsel, lizards cannot longer prevent the rise of their Tbs above Tsel, at least in hot summer days. Thus, the effects of global warming are already hindering the ability of lizards to buffer environmental change by behavioural means, even in temperate forests with a fine‐grained mosaic of sun and shade patches.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The seminal plasma microbiome of men with testicular germ cell tumours described by small RNA sequencing
Authors: Mørup Nina , Main Ailsa Maria , Jørgensen Niels , Daugaard Gedske , Juul Anders , Almstrup Kristian
Published: September 2022

Background

It has been estimated that microorganisms are involved in the pathogenesis of approximately 20% of all cancers. Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are the most common type of malignancy in young men and arise from the precursor cell, germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). The microbiome of seminal plasma and testicular tissue has not been thoroughly investigated in regard to TGCTs.

Objectives

To investigate the differences in the seminal plasma microbiome between men with TGCT or GCNIS‐only compared with controls.

Materials and methods

The study population consisted of patients with GCNIS‐only (n = 5), TGCT (n = 18), and controls (n = 25) with different levels of sperm counts in the ejaculate. RNA was isolated from the seminal plasma and sequenced. Reads not mapping to the human genome were aligned against a set of 2784 bacterial/archaeal and 4336 viral genomes using the Kraken pipeline.

Results

We identified reads from 2172 species and most counts were from Alteromonas mediterranea, Falconid herpesvirus 1, and Stigmatella aurantiaca. Six species (Acaryochloris marina, Halovirus HGTV‐1, Thermaerobacter marianensis, Thioalkalivibrio sp. K90mix, Burkholderia sp. YI23, and Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus) were found in significantly (q‐value < 0.05) higher levels in the seminal plasma of TGCT and GCNIS‐only patients compared with controls. In contrast, Streptomyces phage VWB was found at significantly higher levels among controls compared with TGCT and GCNIS‐only patients combined.

Discussion

Often the microbiome is analysed by shotgun or 16S ribosomal sequencing whereas our present data build on small RNA sequencing. This allowed us to identify more viruses and phages compared with previous studies but also makes the results difficult to directly compare.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to report identification of the microbiome species in seminal plasma of men with TGCT and GCNIS‐only, which potentially could be involved in the pathogenesis of TGCTs. Further studies are, however, needed to confirm our findings.
Mental health in adults born preterm with very low birth weight at 14 and 26 years of age assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: Eriksen Matilde Midtlin , Hollund Ingrid Marie Husby , Lærum Astrid Merete Winsnes , Indredavik Marit S. , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: September 2022

Aim

Very low birth weight (VLBW: <1500 g) is associated with risk of adverse long‐term outcomes, including mental health problems. We assessed whether self‐reported mental health differed between young adults born preterm with VLBW and term‐born controls. We also examined changes in mental health from 14 to 26 years.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, 61 VLBW and 88 control participants completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 26 years. Group differences were analysed by linear regression with adjustment for sex and parental socioeconomic status. Longitudinal changes from 14 to 26 years were analysed using linear mixed model.

Results

Mean total difficulties score was 1.9 (95% CI: 0.5 to 3.5) higher in the VLBW than in the control group. Internalising and its subscale emotional problems as well as externalising and its subscale hyperactivity/inattention symptoms were higher in the VLBW group. From 14 to 26 years, changes in emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, externalising problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and prosocial behaviour differed between the groups.

Conclusion

At 26 years, VLBW participants had more self‐reported mental health difficulties than controls. Emotional symptoms increased from 14 to 26 years in the VLBW group, whereas hyperactivity and inattention did not decrease with age as it did in the control group.
Letter: a hidden cause of chronic abdominal pain—opioid‐induced adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Kilincalp Serta , Papachrysos Nikolaos
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Coffin et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17064 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17206
Editorial: the immunogenicity to second anti‐TNF therapy (IMSAT) therapeutic drug monitoring study—defining the risk of the in‐class switch
Authors: Wilson Aze Suzanne
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chanchlani et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17170
Letter: the probability to predict HBV‐specific CD8+ cell response derived from HLA‐A2+ may not foresee the functional cure well in Asian off‐therapy cohort—authors' reply
Authors: Peña‐Asensio Julia , Calvo Henar , Miquel Joaquín , Sanz‐de‐Villalobos Eduardo , González‐Praetorius Alejandro , Torralba Miguel , Larrubia Juan‐Ramón
Published: September 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Pena‐Asensio et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16850 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17199
Half a century of bioethics and philosophy of medicine: A topic‐modeling study
Authors: Bystranowski Piotr , Dranseika Vilius , Żuradzki Tomasz
Published: September 2022

Topic modeling—a text‐mining technique often used to uncover thematic structures in large collections of texts—has been increasingly frequently used in the context of the analysis of scholarly output. In this study, we construct a corpus of 19,488 texts published since 1971 in seven leading journals in the field of bioethics and philosophy of medicine, and we use a machine learning algorithm to identify almost 100 topics representing distinct themes of interest in the field. On the basis of intertopic correlations, we group the content‐based topics into eight clusters, thus providing a novel, fine‐grained intellectual map of bioethics and philosophy of medicine. Moreover, we conduct a number of diachronic analyses, examining how the “prominence” of different topics has changed across time. In this way, we are able to observe the distinct patterns in which bioethics and philosophy of medicine have evolved and changed their focus over the past half a century.
Long‐term results in three‐dimensional, complex bone augmentation procedures with customized titanium meshes
Authors: Hartmann Amely , Hildebrandt Helmut , Younan Zina , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Kämmerer Peer W.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Complex, three‐dimensional bony defects still represent challenging situations in routine implant dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate implant survival in customized bone regeneration using a patient‐specific titanium mesh.

Material and Methods

Patients (n = 21, implants 36) who had obtained an augmentation procedure with patient‐specific titanium mesh were examined after 5.7 ± 0.38 years. Survival rate, clinical parameters for periimplantitis (Bleeding on Probing [BOP] and suppuration), and radiographic examination were evaluated. Peri‐implant marginal bone loss (MBL) was calculated by using an image assessment program. Additionally, the influence of various factors on treatment outcomes such as periodontitis, smoking, professional maintenance, or diabetes was assessed as well as the impact on quality of life applying the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP).

Results

The implant survival rate was 97%, with one implant loss in the lower jaw. At the end of the observation period, MBL showed mesial 0.13 ± 1.84 mm and distal −0.13 ± 1.73 mm. The lower jaw showed significant more MBL mesial compared with the upper jaw (p = .034, cluster‐adjusted). Periodontitis was significantly associated with MBL mesial and distal (p < .05). Positive BOP (four implants) was significantly associated with MBL mesial (p = .0031) and distal (p = .0018). MBL was significantly associated with suppuration mesial (p < .0001) and distal (p < .0001).

Conclusions

CBR® results in high implant survival rate and stabilized augmented marginal bone after follow‐up of minimum 5 years. Periodontitis seems to play the mayor role for long‐term stability indicated by BOP and suppuration.
Optimizing habitat connectivity among macaque populations in modern Japan
Authors: Enari Hiroto , Seino Hironori , Uno Takeharu , Morimitsu Yoshiki , Takiguchi Masaaki , Suzuki Katsuya , Tsuji Yamato , Yamabata Naoto , Kiyono Mieko , Akaza Hisaaki , Izumiyama Shigeyuki , Oi Toru , Ebihara Hiroshi , Miki Kiyomasa , Kuramoto Musashi , Enari Haruka S.
Published: September 2022

Nationwide depopulation in modern Japan has led to contrasting changes over the last half‐century: shrinking human communities and recovering populations of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). These changes have triggered macaque damage to public livelihoods, often resulting in decision‐making directed toward strictly regulating macaque populations. To optimize conservation interventions required today, we aimed to identify macaque habitats with conservation priorities to enhance population connectivity. To quantify the current population connectivity, we conducted a least‐cost path analysis by assigning an inverse of habitat suitability as resistance. For this, we collected geo‐information on home ranges of 2288 troops, accounting for >70% of the total number of troops in Japan. Moreover, we composed a minimum spanning tree using least‐cost paths to provide optimal population connectivity. Consequently, the modeled resistance showed that, although human‐induced barriers (i.e., flat areas where people frequently reside) and geographical barriers (i.e., alpine regions >1500 m above sea level) had the highest dispersal cost, macaques presented a high plasticity in the occupation of different forest types. The minimum spanning tree, composed of 77 modeled corridors, detected the vulnerability of population connectivity in western Japan and assigned conservation priorities to these isolated populations to preserve the stepping‐stone paths of macaque movement.
Putting out the welcome mat—A qualitative exploration of service delivery processes and procedures as barriers to treatment‐seeking for people who use alcohol and other drugs
Authors: Francia Leanne , Lam Tina , Berg Amelia , Morgan Kirsty , Savic Michael , Lubman Dan I. , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: September 2022

Introduction

There are a range of models and structures that determine features of alcohol and other drug treatment. Despite some structures being long‐established, less is known about how specific aspects of service delivery impact treatment‐seeking for people who use alcohol and other drugs. This Australian qualitative study explored both people with lived experience of problematic alcohol and other drug use, and health care staff's experiences of service delivery.

Methods

Thirty‐nine semi‐structured interviews with people with lived experience and staff from either alcohol and other drug specialist, or broader health‐care services, explored experiences of service delivery processes and procedures. Transcripts were thematically analysed and guided by a broad interest in barriers to treatment‐seeking.

Results

Within alcohol and other drug specialist services (i) time spent on wait lists; and (ii) poor implementation of assessment processes were identified barriers to treatment‐seeking and engagement. Within broader health‐care services (i) organisational expectations around behaviour and engagement; (ii) alcohol and other drugs viewed as separate to service role; and (iii) limited opportunities to informally engage were identified barriers to treatment‐seeking.

Discussion and Conclusions

Results suggest opportunities to engage and undertake needs‐based care planning are yet to be fully realised, particularly at the intake and assessment stages of alcohol and other drug service delivery; with frequent reassessment resulting in people repeatedly recounting traumatic experiences, often to different people, only to be placed back on wait lists with no support. Within broader health‐care services aspects of service delivery may perpetuate stigma that places such people outside the purview of health care.
Novel drill dilator facilitates endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy
Authors: Okuno Nozomi , Hara Kazuo , Haba Shin , Kuwahara Takamichi , Kuraishi Yasuhiro , Yanaidani Takafumi , Ishikawa Sho , Yasuda Tsukasa , Yamada Masanori , Fukui Toshitaka
Published: September 2022

Tract dilation is one of the most difficult stages of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS), especially for beginners. To overcome this problem, we applied a special dedicated dilator. Herein, we retrospectively evaluate the safety and usefulness of a novel drill dilator in EUS‐HGS. This single‐center retrospective study included 20 consecutive patients who underwent EUS‐HGS with a novel drill dilator. The tip is 0.77 mm, and it becomes 7F at 3 cm from tip. The track is dilated to 7F by simple clockwise rotation. The technical success rate of both initial tract dilation and stent placement was 20/20 (100%). No cases required additional dilation such as balloon or electric cautery. In 13/20 cases (65.0%), EUS‐HGS was performed by beginner endoscopists. Median time required for dilation was 62.5 s (range, 30–144 s). Median procedure time was 13 min (range, 7–25 min). Early adverse events were two cases of mild fever. There was no bile leakage or bleeding. The novel drill dilator appears to be safe and useful for EUS‐HGS. As it is not necessary to press the device strongly, there is no pushback during dilation and the scope position is stable. These characteristics facilitate EUS‐HGS even for beginners. This device may enable the further development and increased dissemination of EUS intervention.
Plasminogen activating inhibitor‐1 promotes angiogenesis in cutaneous angiosarcomas
Authors: Ohuchi Kentaro , Amagai Ryo , Ikawa Tetsuya , Muto Yusuke , Roh Yuna , Endo Junko , Maekawa Takeo , Kambayashi Yumi , Asano Yoshihide , Fujimura Taku
Published: September 2022

Plasminogen activating inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, and elevated levels of PAI‐1 in both tissue and serum are correlated with poor response to therapy in various cancers, including skin cancer. Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a vascular tumor histologically characterized by detachment of endothelial cell‐derived tumor cells. Since CAS expresses multiple angiogenic growth factors and has increased expressions of angiogenic receptor tyrosine kinase transcripts including VEGFR1/2/3, angiogenesis‐promoting factors are potential drug targets in CAS. In this study, the expression of PAI‐1 was examined in 31 cases of CAS, and the immunomodulatory effects of PAI‐1 on a human CAS cell line, ISO‐HAS‐B, were evaluated. We found that, of the angiogenesis‐promoting factors, PAI‐1 was expressed in almost all cases of CAS, and PAI‐1 increased the mRNA expressions of IL‐23p19, VEGF‐C, CXCL5 and CCL20 on ISO‐HAS‐B. Moreover, PAI‐1 stimulated ISO‐HAS‐B culture supernatant promoted favourable tube networks, suggesting that these tumor‐derived factors promote the pro‐angiogenic effect on tumor development. In addition, IL‐23p19 was expressed in 61.3% of cases, whereas VEGF‐C was expressed in 41% of cases. The results of the present study suggest that PAI‐1 promotes angiogenesis that results in tumor progression in CAS.
Job offers recommender system based on virtual organizations
Authors: González‐Briones Alfonso , Chamoso Pablo , Pavón Juan , De La Prieta Fernando , Corchado Juan M.
Published: September 2022

Human interaction has changed considerably with the emergence of the Internet. Today, a large percentage of daily communication takes place on instant messaging applications and social networks. In fact, there has been a considerable increase in the use of social networks because new social networks are being created for specific purposes, such as the search for employment or tourism. When the amount of content on a social network is large, it is necessary to help users find content of their interest. In this regard, artificial intelligence techniques can greatly facilitate the task of searching for relevant content. This paper presents a recommender system for a business and employment oriented social network, on which users are recommended job offers and other user profiles to follow. The presented system is based on virtual organizations of agents, and uses artificial neural networks to determine whether job offers and users should be recommended or not. The system has been evaluated on a real social network; its recommendations regarding job offers and user profiles have had a high acceptance rate.
Biodiversity patterns diverge along geographic temperature gradients
Authors: Loewen Charlie J. G. , Jackson Donald A. , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Models applying space‐for‐time substitution, including those projecting ecological responses to climate change, generally assume an elevational and latitudinal equivalence that is rarely tested. However, a mismatch may lead to different capacities for providing climatic refuge to dispersing species. We compiled community data on zooplankton, ectothermic animals that form the consumer basis of most aquatic food webs, from over 1200 mountain lakes and ponds across western North America to assess biodiversity along geographic temperature gradients spanning nearly 3750 m elevation and 30° latitude. Species richness, phylogenetic relationships, and functional diversity all showed contrasting responses across gradients, with richness metrics plateauing at low elevations but exhibiting intermediate latitudinal maxima. The nonmonotonic/hump‐shaped diversity trends with latitude emerged from geographic interactions, including weaker latitudinal relationships at higher elevations (i.e. in alpine lakes) linked to different underlying drivers. Here, divergent patterns of phylogenetic and functional trait dispersion indicate shifting roles of environmental filters and limiting similarity in the assembly of communities with increasing elevation and latitude. We further tested whether gradients showed common responses to warmer temperatures and found that mean annual (but not seasonal) temperatures predicted elevational richness patterns but failed to capture consistent trends with latitude, meaning that predictions of how climate change will influence diversity also differ between gradients. Contrasting responses to elevation‐ and latitude‐driven warming suggest different limits on climatic refugia and likely greater barriers to northward range expansion.
Advancing disaster geographies: From marginalisation to inclusion of gender and sexual minorities
Authors: Haworth Billy Tusker , McKinnon Scott , Eriksen Christine
Published: September 2022

Despite growing awareness and research into experiences of gender and sexual minorities – also known as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other identities (LGBTQIA+) – their needs and capacities are often overlooked in crisis response and disaster risk reduction. LGBTQIA+ peoples' vulnerability is shaped by social marginalisation, discrimination, and stigma, and exacerbated by dominant value systems and Western heteronormative framings of disaster experiences. We present a review of scholarship into gender and sexual minorities and disasters. We summarise extant knowledge and identify areas for growth in the field of disaster geographies. We argue that progress requires increased conceptual and methodological focus on diversity and the intersectional factors that exacerbate marginality, more inclusive knowledge production pathways focussed on risk reduction, and establishing methods for LGBTQIA+ people to be involved in research about them. More critical and inclusive research will not only aid progress in disaster geographies; it will also provide vital evidence with which to lobby policymakers and disaster management to pay closer attention to diversity and inclusion. By moving beyond normativity, cisgender‐heterosexual assumptions, and homogenising identity labels, we can begin to address social, cultural, and political factors that determine spatial inequalities, marginalisation, and disaster vulnerability for gender and sexual minorities.
Association of pharmacotherapy with the second hip fracture incidence in women: A retrospective analysis of the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan
Authors: Nakatoh Shinichi , Fujimori Kenji , Ishii Shigeyuki , Tamaki Junko , Okimoto Nobukazu , Ogawa Sumito , Iki Masayuki
Published: September 2022

Aim

Second hip fractures worsen the quality of life and are associated with increased mortality. We clarified the association between the pharmacotherapy and second hip fracture prevention.

Methods

The relationship between the incidence of second hip fracture and the presence, type and medication possession ratio (MPR) of pharmacotherapy was investigated using medical insurance data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan during April 2012 to March 2019.

Results

Data of 776 040 female patients were analyzed. The 2‐year rate of second hip fractures was 3.31% (n = 25 684). Bisphosphonates (n = 148 138, 19.1%) were the most commonly used medications after primary hip fracture. Patients receiving selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) had the lowest age, followed by those receiving bisphosphonates, denosumab and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The second hip fracture crude incidence was lowest in patients administered SERMs (n = 859, 2.44%), followed by those administered bisphosphonates (n = 4451, 3.00%), denosumab (n = 484, 3.19%), no medication (n = 19 017, 3.39%) and PTH (n = 873, 5.35%); however, the age‐adjusted incidence was the lowest in patients administered denosumab (2.22%), followed by those administered bisphosphonates (2.35%), SERMs (2.39%), no medications (3.39%) and PTH (3.67%). The MPR was highest in patients administered denosumab (60.0%). Among patients without a second hip fracture, the rate of patients with MPR ≥80% was highest among those administered SERMs (40.8%), followed by those administered bisphosphonates (38.0%), denosumab (35.4%) and PTH (12.2%).

Conclusion

Differences in patient background characteristics and the rate of patients with MPR ≥80% might underlie the observed differences in the crude incidence of second hip fracture among the medication groups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 930–937.
The law and politics of transnational rights protection: Trusteeship, effectiveness, de‐delegation
Authors: Stone Sweet Alec , Sandholtz Wayne
Published: September 2022

International trustee courts embody a specific form of delegation, in which state principals confer on such courts the authority to interpret and apply treaties agreed by the states in order to realize specific values and interests. Human rights courts help states resolve commitment and enforcement problems that are inherent in human rights treaties. This study seeks to answer the question, what happens when states parties seek to reduce or eliminate the authority of a human rights court? To answer these questions, the article assesses six human rights treaty regimes: the Council of Europe; the Organization of American States; the African Union; the Economic Community of West African States; the East African Community; and the Southern African Development Community. The article identifies four types of de‐delegation possible with respect to international human rights courts and assesses the extent to which states have sought to de‐delegate from them. With one exception (the SADC Tribunal), the regimes examined here have so far successfully withstood the challenge of de‐delegation.
Defective structure of doped carbons obtained from preceramic polymers through Cl2‐ and NH3‐assisted thermolysis
Authors: Pérez Berta , Rubio Fausto , Rubio Juan , Tamayo Aitana
Published: September 2022

The processing parameters such as the heat treatment temperature, type of preceramic precursor, and post‐synthesis treatments are key factors for the development the different microstructures in polymer‐derived ceramics. Moreover, doping with different heteroatoms has increased the ability of the polymer‐derived ceramics to produce tunable nanostructures with a controlled pore size and distributions. A preceramic precursor containing P has been prepared from a commercial polysiloxane polymer and a phosphate alkoxide. It has been subjected to thermal treatments in N2, NH3, and Cl2 atmospheres in different order sequences to create differentiated microstructures either in the ceramic matrix and the carbon phase. The structural, textural, and spectroscopic characterization revealed that the P atoms play a key role in the evolution of the microstructure during the thermal treatments. If the chlorination is carried out before the treatment in NH3, a silicophosphate matrix is formed and prevents from nitrogen incorporation into the free carbon phase. On contrary, if the NH3 treatment is carried out before the chlorination, the carbon phase is predominantly modified by the incorporation of P atoms within the free carbon network.
Combined atrial fibrillation ablation and balloon mitral commissurotomy in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis
Authors: Díez‐Delhoyo Felipe , Sánchez De La Nava Ana María , Sanz‐Ruiz Ricardo , Ávila Pablo , González‐Torrecilla Esteban , Delgado‐Montero Antonia , López Jairo , Bermejo Javier , Arenal Ángel , Atienza Felipe , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is usually not considered in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). We analyzed the results of a combined procedure of AF ablation and percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy (PBMC).

Methods

We prospectively included 22 patients with severe RMS to undergo a combined PBMC + AF ablation procedure. Noninvasive mapping of the atria was also performed. A historical sample of propensity‐scored matched patients who underwent PBMC alone was used as controls. The primary endpoint was freedom from AF/AT at 1‐year. Multivariate analysis evaluated sinus rhythm (SR) predictors.

Results

Successful pulmonary vein isolation and electrocardiographic imaging‐based drivers ablation was performed in 20 patients following PBMC. At 1‐year, 75% of the patients in the combined group were in SR compared to 40% in the propensity‐score matched group (p = 0.004). The composite of AF recurrence, need for mitral surgery and all‐cause mortality was also more frequent in the control group (65% vs. 30%; p = 0.005). Catheter ablation (odds ratio [OR] 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.17–17.37]; p = 0.04) and AF type (OR 1.46; 95% CI [1.05–82.64]; p < 0.001) were the only independent predictors of SR at 1‐year. Noninvasive mapping in the combined group showed that the number of simultaneous rotors (OR 2.10; 95% CI [1.41–10.2]; p = 0.04) was the only independent predictor of AF.

Conclusion

A combined procedure of AF ablation and PBMC significantly increased the proportion of patients in sinus rhythm at 1‐year. Noninvasive mapping may help to improve AF characterization and guide personalized AF treatment.