bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer experience management in medical tourism (case study: Iranian hospital’s medical tourists)
Authors: Dabaghi Hamed , Saieda Ardakani Saeid , Tabataba’i-Nasab Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the emerging phenomenon of medical tourism in the context of Iran from a customer experience management perspective and benchmark of their judgment including positive or negative, of the experience they have achieved of the Iranian health (medical) experience (CE) and suggest scenarios for the improvement of the Iranian customer experience management (CEM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodologies and research methods that are used in this descriptive-analytical research are based on an inspection of the remarkable literature related to medical tourism and customer experience management. The data gathering instrument is a researcher-made questionnaire based on the variables in the conceptual model extracted from the research literature. The study was conducted from May to August 2019. The population cohort of this study was the foreign patients calling selected Iranian hospitals and the sampling method was a purposive and snowball sample of prospective medical tourists. As the study was conducted throughout Iran, some important hospitals in Iran were selected by stratified sampling Yang et al. (2020b). The sample size and data saturation were 500 participants Lv and Song (2019). The collected data using the questionnaire were analyzed by SPSS software and statistical tests.

Findings

According to the results, the customer experience management statistical significance in the task aspect is (p = 0.0523), in the mechanical aspect is (p = 0.0563), in the human aspect is (p = 0.0544). The study showed positive customer experience among the patients who had been treated in the Iranian hospitals.

Originality/value

There is a lack of study that focuses on medical tourism and customer experience management in Iran. Therefore, based on the results of this study, the experience of medical tourists in Iran proved to be positive and satisfying. As little research has been conducted in the area of customer experience management (CEM) in Iranian medical tourism, future researchers can use these valuable results precisely and in more detail to benchmark more accurately the customer experience in all areas of medical and health tourism and other research areas in different aspects of CEM in Iran.
Entrepreneurship-driven organizational transformation for sustainability: a sensemaking lens
Authors: Hübel Charlott
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper adopts a sensemaking lens to explore the process of entrepreneurship-driven organizational transformation for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis is based on an in-depth case study of a large European meat company. Sensemaking by top and middle managers is analyzed over the period of 18 months.

Findings

The findings show how, over time, bidirectional sensemaking, that is, sensemaking for and of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship, directed and accelerated organizational transformation for sustainability. The case company transformed with regard to organizational strategy, structure, operations and identity. The process revealed temporally different involvement of top and middle managers in sensemaking.

Originality/value

This paper offers unique insights into fast and emergent sustainability-oriented change in an established organization within a highly topical context. The results highlight how continuous and increasingly shared sensemaking can help top and middle managers navigate organizational change for sustainability in dynamic environments over time.
Behavior of thermo-mechanically treated rebar exposed to elevated temperatures
Authors: Choubey Bishwajeet , Kumar Virendra , Dutta Sekhar Chandra , Saikia Saurav Kumar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to mathematically model and predict the characteristics of thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) rebar when subjected to elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a few selected studies for developing the constitutive relations. Using the exposed temperature and the duration of heating as independent variables, the empirical relations were developed for determining the changes in mechanical properties of TMT rebars at elevated temperatures.

Findings

Recrystallization of TMT rebar crystals took place around 500 °C, which led to a decrease in the dislocation density along with the increase of large-sized grains, resulting in the degradation of strength. Up to a temperature range of 500 °C, the normalized fracture strength was higher, while the normalized fracture strain is not so high. This indicated a failure of brittle nature.

Originality/value

This is an original work done by others as a study to theoretically predict the mechanical behavior of TMT rebars when exposed to elevated temperature.

Highlights

The TMT bars showed brittleness characteristics up to 500 °C and showed ductility characteristics after that on account of its recrystallization and extensive tempering of the outer martensitic rim around that temperature.

The comparison between the super ductile (SD) TMT and the regular TMT exhibit shows that the SD-TMT bars were about 1.5 times more ductile than the normal ones.
Bmmp influences wing morphology by regulating anterior–posterior and proximal–distal axes development
Authors: Zou Yun‐Long , Ding Xin , Zhang Li , Xu Li‐Feng , Liang Shu‐Bo , Hu Hai , Dai Fang‐Yin , Tong Xiao‐Ling
Published: January 2022

Insect wings are subject to strong selective pressure, resulting in the evolution of remarkably diverse wing morphologies that largely determine flight capacity. However, the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms underlying wing size and shape development are not well understood. The silkworm Bombyx mori micropterous (mp) mutant exhibits shortened wing length and enlarged vein spacings, albeit without changes in total wing area. Thus, the mp mutant comprises a valuable genetic resource for studying wing development. In this study, we used molecular mapping to identify the gene responsible for the mp phenotype and designated it Bmmp. Phenotype‐causing mutations were identified as indels and single nucleotide polymorphisms in noncoding regions. These mutations resulted in decreased Bmmp messenger RNA levels and changes in transcript isoform composition. Bmmp null mutants were generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9 and exhibited changed wing shape, similar to mp mutants, and significantly smaller total wing area. By examining the expression of genes critical to wing development in wildtype and Bmmp null mutants, we found that Bmmp exerts its function by coordinately modulating anterior–posterior and proximal–distal axes development. We also studied a Drosophila mp mutant and found that Bmmp is functionally conserved in Drosophila. The Drosophila mp mutant strain exhibits curly wings of reduced size and a complete loss of flight capacity. Our results increase our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning insect wing development and reveal potential targets for pest control.
Circ_0026134 promotes NSCLC progression by the miR‐3619‐5p/CHAF1B axis
Authors: Ge Liang , Tan Wei , Li Guangcai , Gong Nianjin , Zhou Long
Published: January 2022

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. In this study, we explored the molecular determinants underlying the oncogenic property of circ_0026134 in NSCLC.

Methods

The levels of circ_0026134, miR‐3619‐5p and chromatin assembly factor 1 subunit B axis (CHAF1B) were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cell colony formation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by colony formation, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Direct relationships among circ_0026134, miR‐3619‐5p and CHAF1B were verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assays.

Results

Our results showed that circ_0026134 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. Reduced circ_0026134 expression or miR‐3619‐5p overexpression inhibited NSCLC cell colony formation, migration, invasion, glycolysis and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, circ_0026134 directly targeted miR‐3619‐5p, and circ_0026134 regulated CHAF1B expression through miR‐3619‐5p. CHAF1B was a downstream effector of circ_0026134 in affecting NSCLC cell functional behaviors in vitro. Additionally, circ_0026134 silencing weakened tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Our study identified a novel regulatory mechanism, the circ_0026134/miR‐3619‐5p/CHAF1B axis, for the oncogenic role of circ_0026134 in NSCLC, highlighting circ_00261345 inhibition as a potential therapeutic method against NSCLC.
Aging reduces liver resiliency by dysregulating Hedgehog signaling
Authors: Maeso‐Díaz Raquel , Dalton George D. , Oh Sehhoon , Du Kuo , Tang Linda , Chen Tianyi , Dutta Rajesh K. , Hartman Jessica H. , Meyer Joel N. , Diehl Anna Mae
Published: January 2022

Older age is a major risk factor for damage to many tissues, including liver. Aging undermines resiliency and impairs liver regeneration. The mechanisms whereby aging reduces resiliency are poorly understood. Hedgehog is a signaling pathway with critical mitogenic and morphogenic functions during development. Recent studies indicate that Hedgehog regulates metabolic homeostasis in adult liver. The present study evaluates the hypothesis that Hedgehog signaling becomes dysregulated in hepatocytes during aging, resulting in decreased resiliency and therefore, impaired regeneration and enhanced vulnerability to damage. Partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed on young and old wild‐type mice and Smoothened (Smo)‐floxed mice treated with viral vectors to conditionally delete Smo and disrupt Hedgehog signaling specifically in hepatocytes. Changes in signaling were correlated with changes in regenerative responses and compared among groups. Old livers had fewer hepatocytes proliferating after PH. RNA sequencing identified Hedgehog as a top downregulated pathway in old hepatocytes before and after the regenerative challenge. Deleting Smo in young hepatocytes before PH prevented Hedgehog pathway activation after PH and inhibited regeneration. Gene Ontogeny analysis demonstrated that both old and Smo‐deleted young hepatocytes had activation of pathways involved in innate immune responses and suppression of several signaling pathways that control liver growth and metabolism. Hedgehog inhibition promoted telomere shortening and mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes, consequences of aging that promote inflammation and impair tissue growth and metabolic homeostasis. Hedgehog signaling is dysregulated in old hepatocytes. This accelerates aging, resulting in decreased resiliency and therefore, impaired liver regeneration and enhanced vulnerability to damage.
Supply chain disclosure: stakeholder preferences versus current practice in Australia
Authors: Bayne Lyndie , Ng Juliana , Wee Marvin
Published: January 2022

Supply chain reporting has gained increased scrutiny as companies expand their global supplier networks, address climate change risks/opportunities and with the recent introduction of modern slavery legislation. The question remains as to whether supply chain disclosures address stakeholder requirements. We compare the supply chain disclosure preferences of 20 stakeholders with current disclosure practice for a sample of large listed companies in Australia. We contribute to the emerging supply chain disclosure literature by documenting the factors driving and hindering supply chain disclosure. Further, we offer theoretical and policy implications arising from analysis of stakeholder preferences, drivers and challenges to supply chain reporting.
Exploring multiple dimensions of conservation success: Long‐term wildlife trends, anti‐poaching efforts and revenue sharing in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Sarkar D. , Bortolamiol S. , Gogarten J. F. , Hartter J. , Hou R. , Kagoro W. , Omeja P. , Tumwesigye C. , Chapman C. A.
Published: January 2022

Parks are essential for protecting biodiversity and finding ways to improve park effectiveness is an important topic. We contributed to this debate by examining spatial and temporal changes in illegal activities in Kibale National Park, Uganda between 2006 and 2016 and used existing data to evaluate how the changes were correlated with the living conditions of people in neighboring communities, as well as patrolling effort. We explore the effectiveness of conservation strategies implemented in Kibale, by quantifying changes in the abundance of nine animal species over two to five decades. While uncertainty in such animal survey data are inherently large and it is hard to generalize across a 795‐km2 area that encompasses diverse habitat types, data suggest an increase in animal abundance in the National Park. An increase in patrolling effort by park guards over the decade was correlated with a decline in the number of traps and snares found, which suggests patrolling helped limit resource extraction from the park. The park’s edge was extensively used for illegal forest product extraction, while the setting of snares occurred more often deeper in the forest. Perhaps counter‐intuitively, increased community wealth or park‐related employment in a village next to the park were positively correlated with increased illegal forest product extraction. Overall, our results suggest that the portfolio of conservation strategies used over the last two to five decades were effective for protecting the park and its animals, although understanding the impact of these efforts on local human populations and how to mitigate any losses and suffering they sustain remains an important area of research and action. It is evident that complex social, political and economic drivers impact conservation success and more interdisciplinary studies are required to quantify and qualify these dimensions.
The surgical management of spinal disorders in lysosomal storage diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Abbot Samuel , Williams Nicole
Published: January 2022

Background

The skeletal manifestations of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are largely refractory to available therapeutic modalities. Consequently, there is an increasing need to manage their spinal deformities. The aim was to perform a systematic review to answer the questions, “What are the reported indications for surgery for spinal deformity in patients with LSDs?” and “what are the published surgical management strategies?”.

Methods

Articles that made reference to at least one LSD, a spinal abnormality and surgical management were included. Extracted study data included: study type, sample size, methodology and year of publication. The following clinical information was collected: demographics, spinal abnormalities, and surgical indications, details and outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐seven articles were included, with 23 describing surgical management of craniocervical manifestations seen in mucopolysaccharidosis. Radiological evidence of myelopathy at the craniocervical junction and/or progressive clinical neurological compromise were accepted as surgical indications. Prophylactic surgery was proposed by some authors. The recommended surgical technique and whether to stabilise and/or decompress varied between articles and LSD types. Twenty‐one articles discussed thoracolumbar pathology, including thoracolumbar kyphosis and scoliosis. Radiological severity, progression of deformity, and presence of neurological deterioration were discussed as surgical indications. Most papers recommended circumferential arthrodesis via combined anterior and posterior approaches.

Conclusion

The surgical management of spinal disorders in LSDs remains controversial. Centres managing these patients should be encouraged to have a standardised system of reporting outcomes, to facilitate recommendations for management of the spinal manifestations.
Circadian clocks' interactions with oxygen sensing and signalling
Authors: Adamovich Yaarit , Dandavate Vaishnavi , Asher Gad
Published: January 2022

In mammals, physiology and metabolism are shaped both by immediate and anticipatory responses to environmental changes through the myriad of molecular mechanisms. Whilst the former is mostly mediated through different acute signalling pathways the latter is primarily orchestrated by the circadian clock. Oxygen is vital for life and as such mammals have evolved different mechanisms to cope with changes in oxygen levels. It is widely accepted that oxygen sensing through the HIF‐1 signalling pathway is paramount for the acute response to changes in oxygen levels. Circadian clocks are molecular oscillators that control 24 hours rhythms in various aspects of physiology and behaviour. Evidence emerging in recent years points towards pervasive molecular and functional interactions between these two pathways on multiple levels. Daily oscillations in oxygen levels are circadian clock‐controlled and can reset the clock through HIF‐1. Furthermore, the circadian clock appears to modulate the hypoxic response. We review herein the literature related to the crosstalk between the circadian clockwork and the oxygen‐signalling pathway in mammals at the molecular and physiological level both under normal and pathologic conditions.
The effects of exercise intensity and duration on the relationship between the slow component of V̇O2 and peripheral fatigue
Authors: de Almeida Azevedo Rafael , Keir Daniel A. , Forot Jonas , Iannetta Danilo , Millet Guillaume Y. , Murias Juan M.
Published: January 2022

Aim

If the development of the oxygen uptake slow component (V̇O2SC) and muscle fatigue are related, these variables should remain coupled in a time‐ and intensity‐dependent manner. Methods: 16 participants (7 females) visited the laboratory on 7 separate occasions: (1) three 6‐minutes moderate‐intensity cycling exercise bouts proceeded by a ramp incremental test; (2‐3) 30‐minutes constant power output (PO) exercise bout to determine the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS); (4‐7) constant‐PO exercise bouts to task failure (TTF), pseudorandomized order, at (i) 15% below the PO at MLSS; (ii) 10 W below MLSS; (iii) MLSS; (iv) 10 W above MLSS (first intensity and randomized order thereafter). Neuromuscular fatigue was characterized by isometric maximal voluntary contractions and femoral nerve electrical stimulation of knee extensors to measure peripheral fatigue at baseline, at min 5, 10, 20, 30 and TTF. Pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇O2) was continuously recorded during the constant‐PO bouts and V̇O2SC was characterized based on each individual V̇O2 kinetics during moderate transitions.

Results

The development of V̇O2SC and peripheral fatigue were correlated across time (r2adj range of 0.64‐0.80) and amongst each exercise intensity (r2adj range of 0.26‐0.30) (all P < .001). Also, TTF was correlated with V̇O2SC and neuromuscular fatigue parameters (r2adj range of 0.52‐0.82, all P < .001).

Conclusion

The V̇O2SC and peripheral fatigue development are correlated throughout the exercise in a time‐ and intensity‐dependent manner, suggesting that the V̇O2SC may depend on muscle fatigue even if the mechanisms of reduced contractile function are different amongst intensities.
A novel K+‐dependent Na+ uptake mechanism during low pH exposure in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio): New tricks for old dogma
Authors: Clifford Alexander M. , Tresguerres Martin , Goss Greg G. , Wood Chris M.
Published: January 2022

Aim

To determine whether Na+ uptake in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to acidic water adheres to traditional models reliant on Na+/H+ Exchangers (NHEs), Na+ channels and Na+/Cl− Cotransporters (NCCs) or if it occurs through a novel mechanism.

Methods

Zebrafish were exposed to control (pH 8.0) or acidic (pH 4.0) water for 0‐12 hours during which 22Na+ uptake (), ammonia excretion, net acidic equivalent flux and net K+ flux () were measured. The involvement of NHEs, Na+ channels, NCCs, K+‐channels and K+‐dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchangers (NCKXs) was evaluated by exposure to Cl−‐free or elevated [K+] water, or to pharmacological inhibitors. The presence of NCKXs in gill was examined using RT‐PCR.

Results

was strongly attenuated by acid exposure, but gradually recovered to control rates. The systematic elimination of each of the traditional models led us to consider K+ as a counter substrate for Na+ uptake during acid exposure. Indeed, elevated environmental [K+] inhibited during acid exposure in a concentration‐dependent manner, with near‐complete inhibition at 10 mM. Moreover, loss increased approximately fourfold at 8‐10 hours of acid exposure which correlated with recovered in 1:1 fashion, and both and were sensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA) during acid exposure. Zebrafish gills expressed mRNA coding for six NCKX isoforms.

Conclusions

During acid exposure, zebrafish engage a novel Na+ uptake mechanism that utilizes the outwardly directed K+ gradient as a counter‐substrate for Na+ and is sensitive to TEA. NKCXs are promising candidates to mediate this K+‐dependent Na+ uptake, opening new research avenues about Na+ uptake in zebrafish and other acid‐tolerant aquatic species.
Metacognition during unfamiliar face matching
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S. , Gous Georgina , Mireku Michael O. , Ward Robert
Published: January 2022

Kruger and Dunning (1999) described a metacognitive bias in which insight into performance is linked to competence: poorer performers are less aware of their mistakes than better performers. Competence‐based insight has been argued to apply generally across task domains, including a recent report investigating social cognition using a variety of face‐matching tasks. Problematically, serious statistical and methodological criticisms have been directed against the traditional method of analysis used by researchers in this field. Here, we further illustrate these issues and investigate new sources of insight within unfamiliar face matching. Over two experiments (total N = 1077), where Experiment 2 was a preregistered replication of the key findings from Experiment 1, we found that insight into performance was multi‐faceted. Participants demonstrated insight which was not based on competence, in the form of accurate updating of estimated performance. We also found evidence of insight which was based on competence: the difference in confidence on correct versus incorrect trials increased with competence. By providing ways that we can move beyond problematic, traditional approaches, we have begun to reveal a more realistic story regarding the nature of insight into face perception.
Liraglutide attenuate central nervous inflammation and demyelination through AMPK and pyroptosis‐related NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Song Shuang , Guo Ruoyi , Mehmood Arshad , Zhang Lu , Yin Bowen , Yuan Congcong , Zhang Huining , Guo Li , Li Bin
Published: January 2022

Aims

Multiple sclerosis (MS) still maintains increasing prevalence and poor prognosis, while glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists show excellent neuroprotective capacities recently. Thus, we aim to evaluate whether the GLP‐1R agonist liraglutide (Lira) could ameliorate central nervous system demyelination and inflammation.

Methods

The therapeutic effect of Lira was tested on experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) in vivo and a microglia cell line BV2 in vitro.

Results

Lira administration could ameliorate the disease score of EAE mice, delay the disease onset, ameliorate pathological demyelination and inflammation score in lumbar spinal cord, reduce pathogenic T helper cell transcription in spleen, restore phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (pAMPK) level, autophagy level, and inhibit pyroptosis‐related NLR family, pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway in lumbar spinal cord. Additionally, cell viability test, lactate dehydrogenase release test, and dead/live cell staining test for BV2 cells showed Lira could not salvage BV2 from nigericin‐induced pyroptosis significantly.

Conclusion

Lira has anti‐inflammation and anti‐demyelination effect on EAE mice, and the protective effect of Lira in the EAE model may be related to regulation of pAMPK pathway, autophagy, and NLRP3 pathway. However, Lira treatment cannot significantly inhibit pyroptosis of BV2 cells in vitro. Our study provides Lira as a potential candidate for Multiple Sclerosis treatment.
Humoral immune response to COVID‐19 vaccination in diabetes is age‐dependent but independent of type of diabetes and glycaemic control: The prospective COVAC‐DM cohort study
Authors: Sourij Caren , Tripolt Norbert J. , Aziz Faisal , Aberer Felix , Forstner Patrick , Obermayer Anna M. , Kojzar Harald , Kleinhappl Barbara , Pferschy Peter N. , Mader Julia K. , Cvirn Gerhard , Goswami Nandu , Wachsmuth Nadine , Eckstein Max L. , Müller Alexander , Abbas Farah , Lenz Jacqueline , Steinberger Michaela , Knoll Lisa , Krause Robert , Stradner Martin , Schlenke Peter , Sareban Nazanin , Prietl Barbara , Kaser Susanne , Moser Othmar , Steinmetz Ivo , Sourij Harald ,   COVAC‐DM study group
Published: January 2022

Aims

To investigate the seroconversion following first and second COVID‐19 vaccination in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in relation to glycaemic control prior to vaccination and to analyse the response in comparison to individuals without diabetes.

Materials and methods

This prospective, multicentre cohort study analysed people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and a glycated haemoglobin level ≤58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or >58 mmol/mol (7.5%), respectively, and healthy controls. Roche's Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S immunoassay targeting the receptor‐binding domain was used to quantify anti‐spike protein antibodies 7 to 14 days after the first and 14 to 21 days after the second vaccination.

Results

A total of 86 healthy controls were enrolled in the study, as well as 161 participants with diabetes, of whom 150 (75 with type 1 diabetes and 75 with type 2 diabetes) were eligible for the analysis. After the first vaccination, only 52.7% of participants in the type 1 diabetes group and 48.0% of those in the type 2 diabetes group showed antibody levels above the cut‐off for positivity. Antibody levels after the second vaccination were similar in participants with type 1 diabetes, participants with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls after adjusting for age, sex and multiple testing (P > 0.05). Age (r = −0.45, P < 0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.28, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with antibody response.

Conclusions

Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S receptor‐binding domain antibody levels after the second vaccination were comparable in healthy controls and in participants with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, irrespective of glycaemic control. Age and renal function correlated significantly with the extent of antibody levels.
Pathways in the association between added sugar consumption, obesity in mother‐child dyads, and chronic oral disease burden in early childhood
Authors: Araújo Sângela Maria Pereira , da Silva Gisele Quariguasi Tobias Lima , Costa Elizabeth Lima , Nunes Ana Margarida Melo , Ribeiro Cecilia Claudia Costa
Published: January 2022

In this study, we modeled the pathways in the association of socioeconomic status, frequency of added sugar consumption, and obesity in mother‐child dyads with chronic oral disease burden in early childhood using structural equation modeling. A population‐based study was conducted on preschoolers from public daycare centers in São Luís, Brazil (n = 674) and their mothers. Chronic oral disease burden in early childhood was a latent variable, representing the shared variance of the following indicators: visible plaque index, gingivitis, and dental caries. A higher consumption frequency of added sugars by children [standardized regression coefficient (SC) = 0.219] explained the chronic oral disease burden. A higher consumption frequency of added sugars by mothers was associated with greater consumption of sugar by children (SC = 0.236), and indirectly with a greater chronic oral disease burden (SC = 0.052). Maternal obesity was associated with obesity in the offspring (SC = 0.130). The chronic oral disease burden is already present in early childhood and can be explained by the higher consumption of added sugars by the mother‐child dyad. Approaches to preventing chronic oral diseases should focus on common risk factors, start early in life, and promote family involvement in this process.
The use of rodent models to better characterize the relationship among epilepsy, sleep, and memory
Authors: Merten John E. , Villarrubia Sadie A. , Holly Kevin S. , Kemp Aaron S. , Kumler Allison C. , Larson‐Prior Linda J. , Murray Teresa A.
Published: January 2022

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, is known to be associated with impaired sleep and memory. Although the specific mechanisms underlying these impairments are uncertain, the known role of sleep in memory consolidation suggests a potential relationship may exist between seizure activity, disrupted sleep, and memory impairment. A possible mediator in this relationship is the sleep spindle, the characteristic electroencephalographic (EEG) feature of non‐rapid‐eye‐movement (NREM) sleep in humans and other mammals. Growing evidence supports the idea that sleep spindles, having thalamic origin, may mediate the process of long‐term memory storage and plasticity by generating neuronal conditions that favor these processes. To study this potential relationship, a single model in which memory, sleep, and epilepsy can be simultaneously observed is of necessity. Rodent models of epilepsy appear to fulfill this requirement. Not only do rodents express both sleep spindles and seizure‐induced sleep disruptions, but they also allow researchers to invasively study neurobiological processes both pre‐ and post‐ epileptic onset via the artificial induction of epilepsy (a practice that cannot be carried out in human subjects). However, the degree to which sleep architecture differs between rodents and humans makes direct comparisons between the two challenging. This review addresses these challenges and concludes that rodent sleep studies are useful in observing the functional roles of sleep and how they are affected by epilepsy.
A modified nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model for life prediction of rolling bearing under variable loading conditions
Authors: Yu Aodi , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Li Yan‐Feng , Yang Wenxian , Deng Zhiming
Published: January 2022

During the use of rolling bearings in wind turbines, aero engines, and other equipment, they often operate under variable operating and loading conditions. The practice has shown that the sequence of these loads and their interaction has a significant impact on the fatigue life of rolling bearings. In order to better understand this issue, a modified nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model, which considers the influences of both load sequence and load interaction, is proposed in this paper and verified using the fatigue testing data for six materials. Then, the verified model was applied to evaluate the fatigue damage accumulation and fatigue life of a rolling bearing. The results have shown that, compared with the existing models, the proposed model can more accurately predict the damage accumulation and fatigue life of the rolling bearing under variable loading conditions.
Hijras and South Asian historiography
Authors: Hinchy Jessica Bridgette
Published: January 2022

Since the 1990s, scholars of South Asia have framed the hijra community in a variety of ways, for instance, as a third gender, a transgender group, and an identity made through more than gender difference. Both interdisciplinary and historical accounts have debated the relationship between “hijra” and other gender, sexual or social subjectivities and categories. Hijra histories suggest that the community has often been at the center of historical transformations in governance, households, gender, embodiment, epistemologies, and political economies. Yet historical research has especially focused on the 19th century, raising questions about what a deeper genealogy of the term hijra might reveal about longer trajectories of historical change in gendered categories and practices. I argue that hijra histories may provide openings for gender historians to think critically about what precisely they mean by “gender.” Moreover, because hijra and transgender studies from South Asia have foregrounded the geopolitics of translation, this literature prompts fruitful questions for the field of transgender history.
Frequency‐doubled short nanosecond fiber lasers for glass drilling and grinding
Authors: Jiang Shibin , Wang Qing , Jiang Lijia , Zhu Xiaonong
Published: January 2022

We developed a fiber laser based 515 nm single‐mode green laser with pulse width of 5 ns, peak power of greater than 20 kW, and repetition rates from 100 kHz to 500 kHz, which is suitable for glass drilling and grinding. The lithium triborate (LBO) crystal is used for second harmonic generation of 515 nm laser with efficiency of 68%. Glass drilling speed of 50 mm/s @ 0.5 mm thick glass was achieved for industrial environment continuous operation, which is equivalent to 1 s of time to drill a 4 mm diameter hole on a 2 mm thick glass. The typical chip sizes for the rear and front sides are 80 μm and 120 μm, respectively. Seven thousand holes are drilled in 24 hours in glass product line, and the success rate is larger than 99.7%. This laser glass drilling approach is rapidly accepted by glass industrial. Glass surface grinding was demonstrated by using 1 ns pulse width 515 nm lasers.
Update on potential of edible mushrooms: high‐value compounds, extraction strategies and bioactive properties
Authors: López‐Hortas Lucía , Flórez‐Fernández Noelia , Torres María D. , Domínguez Herminia
Published: January 2022

The traditional and growing importance of mushrooms due to their rich composition in nutritive and bioactive compounds converts the whole feedstock and their fractions into versatile attractive ingredients for food and nutraceuticals. The processing conditions are critically relevant to selectively recover high‐valuable compounds in a sustainable way. This short review, covering scientific papers published in the last 2 years, offers an updated vision of the study and applications of edible mushroom bioactive compounds, covering aspects in relation to the novelties in the cultivation, isolation, identification, characterisation of chemical and biological properties, extraction technologies and purification, as well as food applications, particularly in novel foods.
Laboratory characterization of obligate carriers of type 3 von Willebrand disease with a potential role for Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA‐200)
Authors: Geevar Tulasi , Dave Rutvi Gautam , Mathews Nitty Skariah , Kumar Snehil , Mammen Joy John , Vijayan Ramya , Aboobacker Fouzia N. , Abraham Aby , Srivastava Alok , Nair Sukesh Chandran
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by undetectable von Willebrand Antigen (VWF:Ag). Carriers of type 3 VWD carry one null allele and have von Willebrand factor (VWF) at about 50% of normal. The aim of this study was to characterize type 3 VWD carriers and to study the role of Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA‐200) in this cohort.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study where data were collected from carriers (parents/offspring) of type 3 VWD patients and evaluated with activated partial thromboplastin time, factor VIII, blood group, ristocetin cofactor assay (VWF:RCo), VWF:Ag, and closure time on PFA‐200 with collagen/epinephrine (COL/EPI), and collagen/ADP (COL/ADP).

Results

One hundred carriers were included in the study of which 85 were included for PFA‐200 analysis. The mean (SD) of VWF:Ag (IU/ml) and VWF:RCo (IU/ml) was 0.63 (0.24) and 0.61 (0.26), respectively. Among the 100 carriers, based on VWF levels (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo) and bleeding history, there were 7 type 1 VWD, 10 type 2 VWD, 25 borderline VWF (0.30–0.50 IU/ml and no bleeding), and 58 normal VWF (>0.50 IU/ml). PFA‐200 was prolonged in 71% of the carriers, all carriers with type 1 and type 2 VWD phenotype, 80% carriers with borderline VWF, and 59% with normal VWF. COL/EPI was more sensitive than COL/ADP and showed better correlation with VWF parameters than COL/ADP.

Conclusion

Carriers of type 3 VWD can have a variable laboratory phenotype. PFA‐200 showed good sensitivity among the carriers at VWF levels <0.50 IU/ml.
The Nuts and Bolts of Health Care: Evaluating an initiative to build direct support professional capacity to support the health care of individuals with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Selick Avra , Durbin Janet , Salonia Chanelle , Volpe Tiziana , Orr Erin , Hermans Heather , Zaretsky Lauren , Malhas Mais , Lunsky Yona
Published: January 2022

Background

Direct support professionals (DSP) are instrumental in supporting the health care of individuals with intellectual disabilities, yet receive little training and support for this role. We implemented a capacity building intervention for DSPs in a community agency in Ontario, Canada. This study evaluated the perceived value and feasibility of the intervention and the value of a structured implementation approach.

Method

The intervention included communication tools, a health resource toolkit, and training. A mixed methods evaluation was used to collect feedback from DSPs and people with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Participants generally found the intervention valuable and feasible. Although practice change is difficult, extensive engagement and being responsive to feedback were helpful strategies. The primary concern reported by DSPs was resistance from health care providers.

Conclusion

An important next step is to engage health care providers to ensure the tools are valuable and feasible for everyone involved in the health encounter.
FGF21 alleviates acute liver injury by inducing the SIRT1‐autophagy signalling pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaoning , Jin Zhongqian , Lin Danfeng , Shen Tianzhu , Zhang Jiangnan , Li Dan , Wang Xuye , Zhang Chi , Lin Zhuofeng , Li Xiaokun , Gong Fanghua
Published: January 2022

Liver injury can lead to different hepatic diseases, which are the mainly causes of high global mortality and morbidity. Autophagy and Sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1) have been shown protective effects in response to liver injury. Previous studies have showed that Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) could alleviate acute liver injury (ALI), but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we verified the relationship among FGF21, autophagy and SIRT1 in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced ALI. We established CCl4‐induced ALI models in C57BL/6 mice and the L02 cell line. The results showed that FGF21 was robustly induced in response to stress during the development of ALI. After exogenous FGF21 treatment in ALI models, liver damage in ALI mice was significantly reduced, as well as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Consistently, FGF21 also greatly reduced the levels of ALT, AST, pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNFα) in ALI cell lines. Mechanistically, exogenous FGF21 treatment efficiently upregulated the expression of autophagy marker microtubule‐associated protein light chain‐3 beta (LC3 II) and autophagy key molecule coiled‐coil myosin‐like BCL2‐interacting protein (Beclin1), which was accompanied by alleviating hepatotoxicity in CCl4‐treated wild‐type mice. Then, we examined how FGF21 induced autophagy expression and found that SIRT1 was also upregulated by FGF21 treatment. To further verify our results, we constructed an anti‐SIRT1 lentit‐RNAi to inhibit SIRT1 expression in mice and L02 cells, which reversed the protective effect of FGF21 on ALI. In summary, these results indicate that FGF21 alleviates ALI by enhancing SIRT1‐mediated autophagy.
Berberine ameliorates aGVHD by gut microbiota remodelling, TLR4 signalling suppression and colonic barrier repairment for NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition
Authors: Zhao Yanna , Huang Jiefeng , Li Tianyi , Zhang Shuijuan , Wen Chengping , Wang Lipei
Published: January 2022

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders as an herbal medicine in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory activities of BBR in a mouse model with acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD). Mice were intravenously injected with bone marrow cells from donors combined with splenocytes to develop aGVHD. The body weight, survival rate and clinical scores were monitored. Then the levels of inflammatory cytokines, histological changes (lung, liver and colon), colonic mucosal barrier and gut microbiota were analysed. Moreover, the toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88)/nuclear factor‐κB signalling pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome and its cytokines’ expressions were determined. The results showed that the gavage of BBR lessened GVHD‐induced weight loss, high mortality and clinical scores, inhibited inflammation and target organs damages and prevented GVHD‐indued colonic barrier damage. Additionally, BBR modulated gut microbiota, suppressed the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome and its cytokine release. This study indicated that BBR might be a potential therapy for aGVHD through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition.
Care processes and racial/ethnic differences in family reports of end‐of‐life care among Veterans: A mediation analysis
Authors: Kutney‐Lee Ann , Bellamy Scarlett L. , Ersek Mary , Medvedeva Elina L. , Smith Dawn , Thorpe Joshua M. , Brooks Carthon J. Margo
Published: January 2022

Background

Bereaved family members of racial/ethnic minority Veterans are less likely than families of White Veterans to provide favorable overall ratings of end‐of‐life (EOL) care quality; however, the underlying mechanisms for these differences have not been explored. The objective of this study was to examine whether a set of EOL care process measures mediated the association between Veteran race/ethnicity and bereaved families' overall rating of the quality of EOL care in VA medical centers (VAMCs).

Methods

A retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis of linked Bereaved Family Survey (BFS), administrative and clinical data was conducted. The sample included 17,911 Veterans (mean age: 73.7; SD: 11.6) who died on an acute or intensive care unit across 121 VAMCs between October 2010 and September 2015. Mediation analyses were used to assess whether five care processes (potentially burdensome transitions, high‐intensity EOL treatment, and the BFS factors of Care and Communication, Emotional and Spiritual Support, and Death Benefits) significantly affected the association between Veteran race/ethnicity and a poor/fair BFS overall rating.

Results

Potentially burdensome transitions, high‐intensity EOL treatment, and the three BFS factors of Care and Communication, Emotional and Spiritual Support, and Death Benefits did not substantially mediate the relationship between Veteran race/ethnicity and poor/fair overall ratings of quality of EOL care by bereaved family members.

Conclusions

The reasons underlying poorer ratings of quality of EOL care among bereaved family members of racial/ethnic minority Veterans remain largely unexplained. More research on identifying potential mechanisms, including experiences of racism, and the unique EOL care needs of racial and ethnic minority Veterans and their families is warranted.
Integration of light and temperature signaling pathways in plants
Authors: Qi Lijuan , Shi Yiting , Terzaghi William , Yang Shuhua , Li Jigang
Published: January 2022

As two of the most important environmental factors, light and temperature regulate almost all aspects of plant growth and development. Under natural conditions, light is accompanied by warm temperatures and darkness by cooler temperatures, suggesting that light and temperature are tightly associated signals for plants. Indeed, accumulating evidence shows that plants have evolved a wide range of mechanisms to simultaneously perceive and respond to dynamic changes in light and temperature. Notably, the photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) was recently shown to function as a thermosensor, thus reinforcing the notion that light and temperature signaling pathways are tightly associated in plants. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms integrating light and temperature signaling pathways in plants, with the emphasis on recent progress in temperature sensing, light control of plant freezing tolerance, and thermomorphogenesis. We also discuss the questions that are crucial for a further understanding of the interactions between light and temperature signaling pathways in plants.
Implementation problems and adaptations among organizations delivering school‐based dental sealant programs
Authors: AlEissa Eiman E. , Catania Joseph A.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Although research supports the effectiveness of school‐based dental sealant programs (SBDSPs) in increasing access to dental care and reducing dental caries, there is limited information on the implementation processes that impact success at the population level. This study assessed SBDSP program implementation in terms of problems (and adaptations) encountered during school and client (students) recruitment, client attendance, and workforce capacity. These four factors are necessary for reaching eligible youth.

Methods

We interviewed program personnel (n = 18) at five organizations delivering SBDSPs in Oregon in 2018. Qualitative analysis employed a directed content approach.

Results

Specific implementation problems included the following: school recruitment: workforce limitations, school refusals, community objections; client recruitment: ineffective recruitment materials, poor parent/guardian engagement, consent form shortcomings, poor consent forms dissemination and return, low school cooperation; client attendance: poor school cooperation, physical barriers, scheduling conflicts; workforce capacity: insufficient size, high turnover. Participants reported that their respective organizations successfully adapted to resolve these implementation problems with some exceptions (e.g., insufficiencies in workforce capacity).

Conclusion

Implementation problems related to school and client recruitment, client attendance, and workforce capacity may impact SBDSP reach. Adaptations to address these problems provide a basis for specific program recommendations. Larger systemic and translational problems were also observed, and recommendations were made regarding organizational communication and the need for additional pre‐implementation planning and pilot testing.