bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic contact stress and frictional heat analysis of femoral head-on-acetabular cup interface based on calculation and simulation methods
Authors: Fang Xingxing , Li Dahan , Xin Yucheng , Wang Songquan , Guo Yongbo , Hu Ningning , Zhang Dekun
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically study the dynamic contact stress, frictional heat and temperature field of femoral head-on-acetabular cup contact pairs in a gait cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, four common femoral head-on-acetabular cup contact pairs are used as the research objects, mathematical calculations and finite element simulations are adopted. The contact model of hip joint head and acetabular cup was established by finite element simulation to analyze the stress and temperature distribution of the contact interface.

Findings

The results show that the contact stress of the head-on-cup interface is inversely proportional to the contact area; high contact stress directly leads to greater frictional heat. However, hip joints with metal-on-polyethylene or ceramic-on-polyethylene paired interfaces have lower frictional heat and show a significant temperature rise in one gait cycle, which may be related to the material properties of the acetabular cup.

Originality/value

Previous studies about calculating the interface frictional heat always ignore the dynamic change process in the contact load and the contact area. This study considered the dynamic changes of the contact stress and area of the femoral head-on-acetabular cup interface, and four common contact pairs were systematically analyzed.
Effect of achievement-related gamification on brand attachment
Authors: Yang Congcong , Yang Pianpian , Feng Yuanyue
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This research draws on self-determination theory and self-construal theory to investigate the effects of achievement-related gamification features on customers' brand attachment in online brand communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data (N = 523) were collected from customers of typical gamified online brand communities. The research model was examined with structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3.2.

Findings

Achievement-related gamification features positively affect customers' brand attachment via the intrinsic motives of autonomy, competence and relatedness, but not extrinsic motives. Relatedness motive exerts the strongest mediating effect between achievement-related gamification features and brand attachment, followed by competence and autonomy. Moreover, interdependent self-construal positively moderates the effects of achievement-related gamification features on intrinsic (autonomy, competence and relatedness) and extrinsic motives.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study contributes to the brand marketing literature by identifying gamification as a new antecedent for brand attachment. It also contributes to the gamification literature by demonstrating that achievement-related gamification features strengthen brand attachment via intrinsic motives but not extrinsic motives in the specific context of the online brand community. Meanwhile, the relatedness motive exerts the strongest mediating effect between achievement-related gamification features and brand attachment, followed by competence and autonomy. Moreover, this research provides the first empirical evidence that interdependent self-construal moderates the effects of achievement-related gamification features on intrinsic and extrinsic motives. Practically, managers can learn from the results that achievement-related gamification features should be designed to foster customers' intrinsic motives and brand attachment, especially those high in interdependent self-construal levels.
Navigating the US “Green Rush”: anti-money laundering and de-risking implications for banking cannabis-related businesses in Jamaica
Authors: Clarke Rohan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to illuminate the diverging approaches to marijuana-related drug enforcement at the federal and state levels in the USA, which have facilitated a boom in the US medical cannabis industry (i.e. the “Green Rush”). It further sheds light on how the USA’ aggressive extraterritorial approach to anti-money laundering (AML) enforcement might simultaneously suppress the banking of cannabis-related businesses in Jamaica due to the lingering fear of de-risking.

Design/methodology/approach

An international and comparative legal and policy analysis was conducted of the nexus among shifting drug enforcement policies, AML laws and the banking of cannabis-related businesses.

Findings

This study found that the constitutional relationship between the US federal government and states has created a de facto comparative advantage for the US medical cannabis-related businesses that benefit from limited access to financial services. This was found to pose far-reaching implications for the banking and development of the Jamaican cannabis sector due to the dependence of the country’s financial institutions on correspondent banking relationships with the US banks that are regulated by federal AML statutes.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to examine the extraterritorial regulatory risks to the banking of cannabis-related businesses in Jamaica.
Counterproductive knowledge behavior in volunteer work: perspectives from the theory of planned behavior and well-being theory
Authors: Shirahada Kunio , Zhang Yixin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the counterproductive knowledge behavior (CKB) of volunteers in nonprofit organizations and its influencing factors, based on the theories of planned behavior and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to collect 496 valid responses. A structural equation model was constructed, and the relationships among the constructs were estimated via the maximum likelihood method. To analyze the direct and indirect effects, 2,000 bootstrapping runs were conducted. A Kruskal-Wallis test was also conducted to analyze the relationship between the variables.

Findings

A combination of organizational factors and individual attitudes and perceptions can be used to explain CKB. Insecurity about knowledge sharing had the greatest impact on CKB. A competitive organizational norm induced CKB while a knowledge-sharing organizational norm did not have a significant impact. Further, the more self-determined the volunteer activity was, the more the CKB was suppressed. However, well-being did not have a significant direct effect. Volunteers with high levels of well-being and self-determination had significantly lower levels of insecurity about knowledge sharing compared to those who did not.

Practical implications

Well-being arising from volunteering did not directly suppress CKB. To improve organizational efficiency by reducing CKB, nonprofit organization managers should provide intrinsically motivating tasks and interact with the volunteers.

Originality/value

There is a lack of empirical research on CKB in volunteer organizations; therefore, the authors propose a new approach to knowledge management in volunteer activities.
Digital service innovation: a paradigm shift in technological innovation
Authors: Opazo-Basáez Marco , Vendrell-Herrero Ferran , Bustinza Oscar F.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Existing innovation frameworks suggest that manufacturing firms have traditionally developed a complementary model of technological innovations comprising process and product innovations (e.g. Oslo Manual). This article presents digital service innovation as a novel form of technological innovation that is capable of enhancing the performance of firms in certain manufacturing industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on technological innovation and digital servitization fields of research, this study argues that digital service innovation, in manufacturing contexts, complements traditional sources of technological innovation, so increasing the profit margins of firms. This effect is significant in industries characterized by business-to-business contexts, high presence of link channels and long product life spans (e.g. manufacturing and computer-based industries). Predictions are tested on a unique sample of 423 Spanish manufacturing firms using parametric (t-test) and nonparametric (fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, fsQCA) approaches.

Findings

The results of this analysis show that a necessary condition so that manufacturing firms can increase profits is the deployment of simultaneous process and product innovations. It also reveals that optimal configuration requires that digital service innovation be undertaken, particularly in machinery and computer-based manufacturing industries. Hence, all three sources of technological innovation are brought together in order to reach the highest levels of company performance. The evidence suggests that technological innovation and digital servitization are closely interrelated in highly innovative manufacturing contexts.

Originality/value

This study's originality and value reside in the fact that it reveals the existence of firms incorporating digital service innovation – a new, technological innovation dimension that challenges existing innovation frameworks – to complement traditional technological innovation sources, namely process and product innovation. Moreover, the study conceptualizes and empirically tests the value-adding role of digital services in firms' technological innovation portfolio.
Optical and spectroscopic characterization of crystalline structures in cannabis extracts
Authors: Abraham Otyllia R. , Waddell Smith Ruth
Published: November 2021

Marijuana and hemp represent two broad classes of Cannabis sativa plants that are distinguished based on the concentration of the psychoactive cannabinoid delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC). In this work, solvent extracts derived from marijuana and hemp were characterized using optical and spectroscopic techniques. The crystalline components of the solvent extracts were first analyzed using polarized light microscopy to determine optical properties, namely, crystal system, optical sign, and principle refractive indices. Crystals from the marijuana‐derived extracts exhibited an orthorhombic crystal system and were optically negative, with nβ between 1.6320 and 1.6330 ± 0.0002. In contrast, crystals from hemp‐derived extracts exhibited a monoclinic crystal system and were optically positive, with nβ between 1.600 and 1.6040 ± 0.0002. Crystals were further distinguished through infrared spectroscopy, which highlighted structural differences between the two sample types, primarily based on differences in O‐H stretching. Finally, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction was used to definitively identify the crystalline components, confirming the presence of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid in marijuana‐derived extracts and cannabidiol in hemp‐derived extracts. Given the differences in crystal structure identified between marijuana‐derived and hemp‐derived solvent extracts, optical characterization provides a screening method to differentiate visually similar samples prior to confirmatory analysis.
Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonism leads to improved anaemia in a murine model of sickle cell disease and is associated with reduced ex vivo platelet‐mediated erythrocyte sickling
Authors: Venugopal Jessica , Wang Jintao , Guo Chiao , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: November 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with haemolytic anaemia and secondary activation of leucocytes and platelets, which in turn may further exacerbate haemolysis. As cytokine signalling pathways may participate in this cycle, the present study investigated whether pharmacological blockade of the interleukin‐1 receptor (IL‐1R) would mitigate anaemia in a murine model of SCD. Within 2 weeks of treatment, reduced markers of haemolysis were observed in anakinra‐treated mice compared to vehicle‐treated mice. After 4 weeks of anakinra treatment, mice showed increased numbers of erythrocytes, haemoglobin, and haematocrit, along with reduced reticulocytes. Blood from anakinra‐treated mice was less susceptible to ex vivo erythrocyte sickling and was resistant to exogenous IL‐1β‐mediated sickling. Supernatant generated from IL‐1β‐treated platelets was sufficient to promote erythrocyte sickling, an effect not observed with platelet supernatant generated from IL‐1R−/− mice. The sickling effect of IL‐1β‐treated platelet supernatant was inhibited by a transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) neutralising antibody, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibition, and superoxide scavengers, but replicated by recombinant TGF‐β. In conclusion, pharmacological IL‐1R antagonism leads to improved anaemia in a murine SCD model. IL‐1β stimulation of platelets promotes erythrocyte sickling. This effect may be mediated by platelet‐derived TGF‐β‐induced reactive oxygen species generation though erythrocyte NADPH oxidase.
The mineralocorticoid receptor in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Barrera‐Chimal Jonatan , Jaisser Frédéric , Anders Hans‐Joachim
Published: November 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, affecting approximately 10% of the population worldwide. CKD of glomerular or tubular origin leads to the activation of stress mechanisms, including the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Over the last two decades, blockade of the MR has arisen as a potential therapeutic approach against various forms of kidney disease. In this review, we summarize the experimental studies that have shown a protective effect of MR antagonists (MRAs) in nondiabetic and diabetic CKD animal models. Moreover, we review the main clinical trials that have shown the clinical application of MRAs to reduce albuminuria and, importantly, to slow CKD progression. Recent evidence from the FIDELIO trial showed that the MRA finerenone can reduce hard kidney outcomes when added to the standard of care in CKD associated with type 2 diabetes. Finally, we discuss the effects of MRAs relative to those of SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as the potential benefit of combination therapy to maximize organ protection.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Emerging Fields for Therapeutic Targeting of the Aldosterone‐Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling Pathway. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.13/issuetoc
Preoperative echocardiography as a prognostic tool for liver transplant in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pai Sher‐Lu , Chadha Ryan M. , Logvinov Ilana I. , Brigham Tara J. , Watt Kymberly D. , Li Zhuo , Palmer William C. , Blackshear Joseph L. , Aniskevich Stephen
Published: November 2021

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) presents with a hypertrophied left ventricle (LV). It is often associated with LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and a risk for sudden death. This study aimed to describe outcomes of patients with HCM who underwent liver transplant (LT).

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted for patients diagnosed with HCM undergoing LT. Patient characteristics, preoperative echocardiography results, HCM risk of sudden cardiac death prediction model score, and 5‐year mortality were examined. A univariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between risk factors and 5‐year mortality. All tests were two‐sided with the alpha level set at .05.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were included in the analysis. Six patients (21%) had a perioperative cardiopulmonary complication. The 5‐year survival rate was 61% (95% CI, 45–82). The analyzed risk factors showed that 5‐year post‐LT survival was significantly predicted by maximal LV outflow tract gradient at rest > 60 mmHg (hazard ratio, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.01‐1.06]).

Conclusions

Preoperative LV outflow tract resting gradient > 60 mmHg was associated with 5‐year post‐LT mortality. The results suggest the severity of LVOTO identified by echocardiography is a prognostic tool for patients with HCM after LT.
Runaway evolution from male‐male competition
Authors: Moore Allen J. , McGlothlin Joel W. , Wolf Jason B.
Published: November 2021

Wondrously elaborate weapons and displays that appear to be counter to ecological optima are widespread features of male contests for mates across the animal kingdom. To understand how such diverse traits evolve, here we develop a quantitative genetic model of sexual selection for a male signaling trait that mediates aggression in male‐male contests and show that an honest indicator of aggression can generate selection on itself by altering the social environment. This can cause selection to accelerate as the trait is elaborated, leading to runaway evolution. Thus, an evolving source of selection provided by the social environment is the fundamental unifying feature of runaway sexual selection driven by either male‐male competition or female mate choice. However, a key difference is that runaway driven by male‐male competition requires signal honesty. Our model identifies simple conditions that provide clear, testable predictions for empirical studies using standard quantitative genetic methods.
Decay by ectomycorrhizal fungi couples soil organic matter to nitrogen availability
Authors: Argiroff William A. , Zak Donald R. , Pellitier Peter T. , Upchurch Rima A. , Belke Julia P.
Published: November 2021

Interactions between soil nitrogen (N) availability, fungal community composition, and soil organic matter (SOM) regulate soil carbon (C) dynamics in many forest ecosystems, but context dependency in these relationships has precluded general predictive theory. We found that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi with peroxidases decreased with increasing inorganic N availability across a natural inorganic N gradient in northern temperate forests, whereas ligninolytic fungal saprotrophs exhibited no response. Lignin‐derived SOM and soil C were negatively correlated with ECM fungi with peroxidases and were positively correlated with inorganic N availability, suggesting decay of lignin‐derived SOM by these ECM fungi reduced soil C storage. The correlations we observed link SOM decay in temperate forests to tradeoffs in tree N nutrition and ECM composition, and we propose SOM varies along a single continuum across temperate and boreal ecosystems depending upon how tree allocation to functionally distinct ECM taxa and environmental stress covary with soil N availability.
Global patterns of resilience decline in vertebrate populations
Authors: Capdevila Pol , Noviello Nicola , McRae Louise , Freeman Robin , Clements Christopher F.
Published: November 2021

Maintaining the resilience of natural populations, their ability to resist and recover from disturbance, is crucial to prevent biodiversity loss. However, the lack of appropriate data and quantitative tools has hampered our understanding of the factors determining resilience on a global scale. Here, we quantified the temporal trends of two key components of resilience—resistance and recovery—in >2000 population time‐series of >1000 vertebrate species globally. We show that the number of threats to which a population is exposed is the main driver of resilience decline in vertebrate populations. Such declines are driven by a non‐uniform loss of different components of resilience (i.e. resistance and recovery). Increased anthropogenic threats accelerating resilience loss through a decline in the recovery ability—but not resistance—of vertebrate populations. These findings suggest we may be underestimating the impacts of global change, highlighting the need to account for the multiple components of resilience in global biodiversity assessments.
Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, as a potential novel treatment for psoriasis
Authors: Samuelov Liat , Bochner Ron , Magal Lee , Malovitski Kiril , Sagiv Nadav , Nousbeck Janna , Keren Aviad , Fuchs‐Telem Dana , Sarig Ofer , Gilhar Amos , Sprecher Eli
Published: November 2021

Background

Psoriasis is characterized by aberrant activation of several pro‐inflammatory circuits as well as abnormal hyperproliferation and dysregulated apoptosis of keratinocytes (KCs). Most currently available therapeutic options primarily target psoriasis‐associated immunological defects rather than epidermal abnormalities.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, Vorinostat, in targeting hyperproliferation and impaired apoptosis in psoriatic skin.

Methods

Vorinostat effect was investigated in primary KCs cell cultures using cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry, apoptosis assays (Annexin V‐FICH and caspase‐3/7) and antibody arrays, qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Vorinostat impact on clinical manifestations of psoriasis was investigated in a chimeric mouse model.

Results

Vorinostat was found to inhibit KCs proliferation and to induce their differentiation and apoptosis. Using a chimeric mouse model, vorinostat was found to result in marked attenuation of a psoriasiform phenotype with a significant decrease in epidermal thickness and inhibition of epidermal proliferation.

Conclusions

Our results support the notion that vorinostat, a prototypic HDAC inhibitor, may be of potential use in the treatment of psoriasis and other hyperproliferative skin disorders.
Flexible bronchoscopy for lung cancer diagnosis in patients aged ≥85 years
Authors: Mineshita Masamichi , Morikawa Kei , Furuya Naoki , Kida Hirotaka , Nishine Hiroki , Handa Hiroshi , Inoue Takeo
Published: November 2021

Aim

Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is a common modality for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Recently, the number of older patients with lung cancer is increasing, and FB is being utilized more for these patients.

Methods

FB carried out in patients aged ≥85 years at St. Marianna University Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan, were reviewed. The indication of FB was decided on a case‐by‐case basis, taking into consideration the condition of the patient, which included mental status and accessibility of the lesion. Outcomes included complications, diagnostic yields, treatment options and survival after FB evaluation.

Results

From April 2015 to March 2019, 1604 diagnostic FBs were carried out. A total of 28 were carried out for the diagnosis of lung cancer (19 transbronchial lung biopsy, 9 transbronchial needle aspiration) in patients aged ≥85 years. Although there were three complications reported (pneumonia, fever, asthma exacerbation), they were successfully treated. A total of 19 cases were diagnosed with malignancy; five were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy, five were prescribed targeted therapy, two underwent surgery and one was treated by cytotoxic monotherapy. Six patients were not included for active treatment. A total of 12 patients who received active treatment for lung cancer reported a 2‐year survival rate of >60%.

Conclusions

FB for lung cancer diagnosis in patients aged ≥85 years were carried out with acceptable safety and diagnostic yield. Considering the development of less invasive therapeutic measures for lung cancer, FB is safe and valuable in individuals aged ≥85 years suspected of lung cancer with therapeutic indications. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 32–35.
The supply chain effect of monitoring cost
Authors: Bi Chen , Yang Feng
Published: November 2021

In bank/trade credit financing, bank/supplier plays monitoring role and pays the fixed and variable monitoring costs. This study investigates the impact of monitoring cost on bank financing and trade credit financing in a push supply chain with a dominant supplier selling to a capital‐constrained retailer who can borrow competitively priced bank loans or trade credit. With a modified selling to the newsvendor Stackelberg game, we obtain the chain's equilibrium financing strategies. We find that bank financing is adopted only when the inefficient supplier sells to the very poor retailer. When the retailer is not very rich, the efficient supplier offers trade credit financing with trade credit rate equal to a risk‐free rate, even in the presence of supplier's monitoring cost, otherwise, the retailer uses either bank financing or self‐financing, depending on the retailer's initial capital and the bank's and the supplier's monitoring cost. There exists a chain efficiency loss region (supplier's monitoring distortion) that the poor retailer uses bank financing at the supplier's benefit, while the overall output can be improved through trade credit financing. The presence of the bank's monitoring cost might benefit the chain. When the factoring market is intensely competitive, we find that factoring can improve the channel efficiency and the supplier's profit. Through this study, we theoretically extend the delegated monitoring theory that the third‐party intermediated financing helps improve the channel performance.
Genomic evidence for stability of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine strain (Pasteur 1173P2) from different batches in Iran
Authors: Asadian Mahla , Safarchi Azadeh , Hassanzadeh Seyed Mehdi , Yaseri Mehdi , Douraghi Masoumeh
Published: November 2021

Aims

Investigate the genetic stability of the BCG vaccine produced in Iran from different batches compared to the reference strain.

Methods and results

We comparatively analyzed the whole genome sequences of the vaccine batches from different years. Eleven vials of different batches from 2010, 2018, and 2019 were included. Complete genome analyses revealed no difference between the old (2010) and new (2018 and 2019) vaccine batches. Additionally, minor genetic changes include five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (indels) were observed compared to the BCG Pasteur 1173P2 reference strain, which were shared among all batches. Besides, the batches were identical to the reference strain in terms of antibiotic resistance genes, prophage sequences, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems.

Conclusions

High genetic stability of the BCG vaccine used in the national immunization program was confirmed, which indicates the optimal conditions in the vaccine production process.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Genetic differences within and between vaccine strains have been declared as one of the main parameters related to the BCG vaccine variable protective efficacy. No study has been done to investigate the genetic variations of the vaccine batches at the single-base level.
Bactericidal effects of high-energy visible light on common otitis media pathogens
Authors: Morgan Shae D. , Yoder-Himes Deborah , Jackson Douglas , Naber John , Berry Rachel , Cash Elizabeth , Chandran Swapna , Roussel Thomas
Published: November 2021

Aims

This study assessed the use of high-energy, visible light on the survival rates of three bacteria commonly found in middle ear infections (i.e. otitis media; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae).

Method and Results

Bacteria were cultured and then subjected to a single, 4-h treatment of 405 nm wavelength light at two different intensities. All three bacteria species were susceptible to the light at clinically significant rates (>99.9% reduction). Bacteria were susceptible to the high-energy visible (HEV) light in a dose-dependent manner (lower survival rates with increased intensity and duration of exposure).

Conclusions

The results suggest that HEV light may provide a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approach to the therapeutic treatment of otitis media.

Significance an Impact of the Study

Given the growing concerns surrounding antibiotic resistance, this study demonstrates a rapid, alternative method for effective inactivation of bacterial pathogens partly responsible for instances of otitis media.
Biochemical features and early adhesion of marine Candida parapsilosis strains on high-density polyethylene
Authors: Oliveira Maiara Monteiro , Proenca Audrey Menegaz , Moreira-Silva Eduardo , dos Santos Francine Melise , Marconatto Letícia , de Castro Aline Machado , Medina-Silva Renata
Published: November 2021

Aims

Plastic debris are constantly released into oceans where, due to weathering processes, they suffer fragmentation into micro- and nanoplastics. Diverse microbes often colonize these persisting fragments, contributing to their degradation. However, there are scarce reports regarding the biofilm formation of eukaryotic decomposing microorganisms on plastics. Here, we evaluated five yeast isolates from deep-sea sediment for catabolic properties and early adhesion ability on high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Methods and Results

We assessed yeast catabolic features and adhesion ability on HDPE fragments subjected to abiotic weathering. Adhered cells were evaluated through Crystal Violet Assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and Infrared Spectroscopy. Isolates were identified as Candida parapsilosis and exhibited wide catabolic capacity. Two isolates showed high adhesion ability on HDPE, consistently higher than the reference C. parapsilosis strain, despite an increase in fragment roughness due to weathering. Isolate Y5 displayed the most efficient colonization, with production of polysaccharides and lipids after 48 h of incubation.

Conclusion

This work provides insights on catabolic metabolism and initial yeast-HDPE interactions of marine C. parapsilosis strains.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our findings represent an essential contribution to the characterization of early interactions between deep-sea undescribed yeast strains and plastic pollutants found in oceans.
Ornamental fish export trade in Malawi
Authors: Msukwa Amulike V. , Cowx Ian G. , Harvey Jonathan P.
Published: November 2021

This study investigated aspects of the ornamental fish export trade in Malawi to understand potential impacts of the trade on exploited fish populations in Lake Malawi and recommend measures for management of the ornamental fishery. Information about the ornamental fish export trade in Malawi was sourced from hardcopy file records maintained by the Department of Fisheries between 1998 and December 2019, and semistructured interviews with ornamental fish exporters in Malawi. The information reported in this paper includes ornamental fish capture process and localities of capture within Lake Malawi, the number of ornamental fish exporters, fish export volumes and values in US$ equivalent at 2020 prices, export destinations, temporally shifts in fish collection localities, and the species exported and their conservation status. These results are discussed in relation to the management of the ornamental fishery in Malawi and many recommendations have been proposed relating to the sustainability of the ornamental fishery in Malawi. Since there are many common issues that affect ornamental fisheries worldwide, the findings and recommendations of this study may be applicable for the management of many other ornamental fisheries worldwide.
Who let the young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) up? The pelagic habitat as a nursery and feeding ground area for the YOY Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933
Authors: Belleggia Mauro , Alvarez‐Colombo Gustavo L. , Santos Betina A. , Castelletta Martin , Mattera Belen
Published: November 2021

The young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) Argentina hake Merluccius hubbsi remained at particular distances off the seabed at pelagic habitat, in a nursery area located in the San Jorge Gulf off south‐western Atlantic. Older specimens were daylight distributed near the bottom in the demersal habitat. In this paper the authors show that the pelagic habitat is favourable for YOY hake compared to the surrounding demersal habitat by decreasing the probability of encounter with larger hake protecting the YOY against conspecific predation, and providing a better food supply. From 303 stomachs of pelagic YOY Argentine hake analysed (60–250 mm), 274 (90.43%) contained prey. Pelagic Argentine YOY hake fed almost exclusively on zooplanktonic crustaceans (Euphausia spp. and Themisto gaudichaudii). From 980 demersal specimens (14–82 cm), 572 (58.36%) contained prey, mainly the lobster krill Munida gregaria, followed by other hakes by cannibalism. The intensity of feeding was higher on pelagic layers. The allometric weight–length relationship revealed that the YOY Argentine hake find sufficient food in the pelagic habitat to live and develop, by increasing their relative body thickness. The cannibalism increases from close to zero when the YOY hake are c. 20 m off the seabed, to between 15% (cold season) and 20% (warm season) when they are 10 m off the seabed. These results suggest that the pelagic habitat is a feeding ground for YOY hake, and it is a favourable one compared to the surrounding demersal habitat by protecting the YOY from cannibalism. Pelagic YOY hakes were less abundant and more distant from the bottom during the cold season (14.3 m) than during warm one (11.4 m), probably because of natural mortality and progressive recruitment to demersal habits.
Investigating the patient food experience: Understanding hospital staffs' perspectives on what leads to quality food provision in Ontario hospitals
Authors: Trinca Vanessa , Duizer Lisa , Paré Shannon , Keller Heather
Published: November 2021

Background

Food quality influences patient food satisfaction, which may subsequently affect food intake and recovery, influencing hospital costs. The present qualitative study aimed to gain an understanding of hospital staff/volunteers experiences of serving food in Ontario hospitals, perceptions of food quality and challenges to quality food provision.

Methods

Sixteen Ontario hospitals participated. Semi‐structured interviews (n = 64 participants) and focus groups (n = 24; 150 participants) were conducted. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged: (1) Providing Good Quality Food (e.g., attributes that comprise the construct of meal quality, patients' expectations and desires from meals); (2) Individualising the Food and Mealtime Experience (e.g., processes to identify and cater to patients' needs and preferences); (3) Acknowledging Organisational Constraints (e.g., staffing, budget, etc.); and (4) Innovating Beyond Constraints (e.g., identifying innovation within potential modifiable and unmodifiable organisational constraints).

Conclusions

Serving meals in hospital is complex because of organisational and patient factors; however, current efforts to serve quality food despite these complexities were uncovered in our investigation. Discussions highlighted current practices that promote food quality and strategies for improvement. Improving food quality and the hospital meal experience can support food intake and patient outcomes, as well as reduce waste and hospital associated costs. The findings can be used to support quality improvement measures aiming to serve high quality food that meets patients' expectations and nutritional needs.
A cross‐practice context exploration of nursing preparedness and comfort to care for people with intellectual disability and autism
Authors: Cashin Andrew , Pracilio Amy , Buckley Thomas , Morphet Julia , Kersten Michelle , Trollor Julian N. , Griffin Ken , Bryce Julianne , Wilson Nathan J.
Published: November 2021

Aims and Objectives

To compare the self‐perceived preparedness, knowledge, comfort and confidence of Australian Registered Nurses when caring for people with ID and/or ASD across contexts of practice: primary care and community, intensive care, acute hospital, emergency department, paediatrics and ID/ASD.

Background

There is limited research comparing nursing preparedness and competency when caring for people with intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism (ASD) across nursing contexts of practice. A greater understanding of the differed educational preparedness, confidence and comfort across contexts of practice can aid the development of tailored educational programmes to improve nursing capacity to care for this cohort.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

A descriptive survey tool of registered nurses (n = 69.3). Comparative inferential analysis was undertaken between the independent categorical variable of six nursing contexts of practice across several dependent variables including age, years since registration, educational content and exposure, knowledge, comfort and confidence. This cross‐sectional study was undertaken according to the STROBE Statement checklist of items.

Results

Occupying an ID/ASD nursing role was significantly associated with higher reported levels of educational preparedness, professional development and postgraduate education relevant to caring for people with ID and/or ASD. Levels of self‐reported knowledge of care issues, confidence and comfort when undertaking healthcare tasks was significantly associated with the context of practice, with nurses working in ID/ASD settings reporting the highest levels across all variables.

Conclusion

The findings of the study highlight an association between greater educational exposure to content relevant to working with people with ID/ASD and subsequently working in that field.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study has highlighted that professional development programmes aiming to improve nursing capacity to care for people with ID and/or ASD, should be informed by and address differing gaps in confidence, comfort and educational preparedness across nursing contexts of practice.
Strategic Behavior in State Multimember Districts: Does Fielding One Candidate offer a Notable Advantage?
Authors: Marin Hellwege Julia , Gerrish Ed
Published: November 2021

In several U.S. states, legislative districts for the lower chamber are structured as multi‐member districts (MMD) electing two or more individuals. Ten states use MMDs, the most common form is a district that elects two candidates (employed in AZ, ND, NJ, SD). Sometimes, parties in these states field only one strong candidate in districts where they have a registration disadvantage, believing this “single shot” strategy improves the election odds. Our research casts doubt on this tactic. It finds that lone Democrats in a pooled sample of three states see a noted disadvantage by widening the electoral gap by 3.3 percentage points on average, meaning that parties are better off running two candidates regardless of their relative quality. However, this effect varies within states. Republicans do not experience a disadvantage, though fewer Democratic‐leaning states employ this election method. This research has practical implications for party strategy in MMD states.
Low birth weight and small for gestational age are associated with complications of childhood and adolescence obesity: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Martín‐Calvo Nerea , Goni Leticia , Tur Josep A. , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased dramatically in children and adolescents, posing a real public health problem. Beyond unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles, growing evidence suggests that some perinatal factors, such as low birth weight (LBW), are associated with higher risk of T2D in adulthood. In this regard, it remains unclear whether the increased risk is already present in childhood and adolescence. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to clarify the association of LBW or being small for gestational age (SGA) with insulin resistance in childhood and adolescence. The systematic review resulted in 28 individual studies, and those with the same outcome were included within two random‐effects meta‐analyses. Compared with children or adolescents born with adequate size for gestational age, those SGA had 2.33‐fold higher risk of T2D (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–5.17). Furthermore, LBW and being SGA were associated with 0.20 higher mean homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) values (95% CI: 0.02–0.38). Given the high prevalence of preterm babies, from a population perspective, these results may be of great importance as they point to the existence of a potentially vulnerable subgroup of children and adolescents that could benefit from screening tests and early preventive strategies.
Transcriptional activation of rice CINNAMOYL‐CoA REDUCTASE 10 by OsNAC5, contributes to drought tolerance by modulating lignin accumulation in roots
Authors: Bang Seung Woon , Choi Seowon , Jin Xuanjun , Jung Se Eun , Choi Joon Weon , Seo Jun Sung , Kim Ju‐Kon
Published: November 2021

Drought is a common abiotic stress for terrestrial plants and often affects crop development and yield. Recent studies have suggested that lignin plays a crucial role in plant drought tolerance; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here, we report that the rice (Oryza sativa) gene CINNAMOYL‐CoA REDUCTASE 10 (OsCCR10) is directly activated by the OsNAC5 transcription factor, which mediates drought tolerance through regulating lignin accumulation. CCR is the first committed enzyme in the monolignol synthesis pathway, and the expression of 26 CCR genes was observed to be induced in rice roots under drought. Subcellular localisation assays revealed that OsCCR10 is a catalytically active enzyme that is localised in the cytoplasm. The OsCCR10 transcript levels were found to increase in response to abiotic stresses, such as drought, high salinity, and abscisic acid (ABA), and transcripts were detected in roots at all developmental stages. In vitro enzyme activity and in vivo lignin composition assay suggested that OsCCR10 is involved in H‐ and G‐lignin biosynthesis. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsCCR10 showed improved drought tolerance at the vegetative stages of growth, as well as higher photosynthetic efficiency, lower water loss rates, and higher lignin content in roots compared to non‐transgenic (NT) controls. In contrast, CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated OsCCR10 knock‐out mutants exhibited reduced lignin accumulation in roots and less drought tolerance. Notably, transgenic rice plants with root‐preferential overexpression of OsCCR10 exhibited higher grain yield than NT controls plants under field drought conditions, indicating that lignin biosynthesis mediated by OsCCR10 contributes to drought tolerance.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Japanese elementary schools: Current conditions and practices
Authors: Sugita Elli W
Published: November 2021

Background

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is the foundation for preventing infectious diseases, as the current COVID‐19 pandemic has shown. WASH is essential for school health, yet there have been very few papers published on WASH in Japanese schools. The objective of this review is to describe the current conditions and practices in Japanese elementary schools using an international framework for WASH in schools and identify implications for handwashing promotion in other areas.

Methods

This research was based primarily on a literature review. Information on common WASH practices was also collected through an international workshop attended by school health experts.

Results

There is a rigorous legal foundation for ensuring the physical infrastructure and quality control of a safe water supply in Japanese schools. Water quality is monitored regularly by Yogo teachers and school pharmacists. Strategic locations and an abundance of water supply infrastructure facilitate handwashing behavior. Hygiene promotion activities by Yogo teachers and student's health committees play a major role in increasing awareness, while health education classes provide minimal but necessary knowledge on handwashing with soap. Flush toilets are the standard, but there is still a demand for improvement of toilet facilities. Children’s participation in daily cleaning of school toilets contributes to students understanding the importance of cleanliness.

Conclusions

Drawing from the Japanese example, WASH in schools' interventions are suggested to include laws and policies, a designated teacher, and children’s participation to sustain both infrastructure and hygiene promotion.
Disease
Authors: Baggott Rob
Published: November 2021

This article examines the significance of the Beveridge report in the light of subsequent developments in health policy and the National Health Service, and considers Beveridge's vision and principles in the context of current and future health challenges. In exploring the post‐war history of health policy and services, it focuses on key themes in the Beveridge report such as prevention, coordination, comprehensive health coverage, funding and the role of the private and voluntary sectors. It argues that in the face of current and future challenges, public health, healthcare and social care should have equal status and an effective system of funding is needed across these three subsystems not only to provide appropriate resources but to ensure that prevention and coordination are prioritised and voluntary action encouraged. In the light of experience, the role of commercial organisations in health and care is more open to challenge. It is also argued that there must also be better coordination of health policy with other spheres of policy making—not just welfare and social policies but economic and environmental policies as well. This agenda requires the kind of joined‐up thinking that Beveridge himself would have applauded.
Use of autologous serum or Vizoovet to improve healing rates of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects after diamond burr debridement in dogs
Authors: Dees D. Dustin , Keys Deborah A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To determine whether the use of autologous serum or Vizoovet® improved healing rates of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) after diamond burr debridement (DBD) in dogs.

Study design

Two parallel group randomized prospective study with a historical control group.

Materials and methods

Canine patients having undergone DBD for treatment of SCCEDs were included. Data for the control group (ofloxacin only) were gathered from patient records. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups for post‐procedural medical treatments of ofloxacin and autologous serum (group 1) or ofloxacin and Vizoovet®, an all‐natural eyed drop containing propolis, aloe vera, and chamomile (group 2). Each dog was examined between 2 and 3 weeks until the cornea was fluorescein stain negative. Data points collected included age, sex, breed, type of medications used, retention of bandage contact lens (BCL), time to healing, and number of DBD performed.

Results

A total of 120 dogs, each contributing one eye to the study, underwent DBD for SCCEDs. Mean (± standard deviation) days until healed were 20.1 ± 11.1 days, 16.3 ± 4.5 days, and 16.0 ± 3.7 days for the control group, group 1, and group 2, respectively. There was a marginally significant difference in days until healed between groups (p = .0515). SCCEDs healed significantly faster in group 2 (p = .03) and marginally faster in group 1 (p = .06) compared with the control group. Days until healing between group 1 and 2 were not significantly different (p = .76).

Conclusions

As compared to the control group, use of Vizoovet® as adjunctive medical treatment resulted in shorter corneal healing time after DBD.