bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loving my local business as my neighbor: Religiosity's influence on local business support during a crisis
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A. , Cabano Frank G.
Published: August 2022

Many local businesses have and are continuing to struggle as a result of the pandemic crisis due in part to reduced consumer spending. However, the motives behind why some consumers are more supportive than others toward local businesses in such a crisis are not adequately understood. We address this gap in the literature through three experimental studies where we examine how the core consumer value of religiosity explains consumer response to the crisis as consumers seek to act in ways that align with their value system. Study 1 (257 adults from MTurk) shows a positive relationship between religiosity and support for local businesses but only during a pandemic. Study 2 (307 adults from MTurk) shows that this relationship is greatest for local (vs. non‐local) businesses, and caring for one's neighbors mediates this effect. Finally, Study 3 (200 adults from MTurk) uses advertising to prime focus on one's neighbors, revealing that a neighbors‐focused ad increases local business support to similar levels for consumers of all religiosity levels. Findings build on belief congruence theory with implications for marketing practitioners in the current pandemic crisis and other crises of medical, environmental, and other origins.
Predictors of burnout in female nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Luceño‐Moreno Lourdes , Talavera‐Velasco Beatriz , Martín‐García Jesús
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of burnout in female nurses during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also sought to evaluate the relationship between each of the variables studied (anxiety, depression, sociodemographic and COVID‐19 variables) and the dimensions of the burnout.

Background

One of the groups of health care workers worst affected by the COVID‐19 crisis has been women working as nursing staff, due to the high percentage they account for at a global level and their direct contact with infected patients.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional, quantitative study.

Methods

Four hundred forty‐four Spanish female nurses from hospital and primary health care centres took part in the study. The data were obtained in 2020 by means of an online survey.

Results

Symptoms of depression are a common predictor variable to all the dimensions of burnout, whereas symptoms of anxiety predict emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Age and years of experience in the job predict depersonalization, whereas the probability of contracting the infection is a predictor variable of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment.

Conclusion

Predictor variables should be considered in the creation of prevention and intervention plans to reduce the levels of burnout in female nurses.
Neutrophil modulation of behavior and cognition in health and disease: The unexplored role of an innate immune cell
Authors: Coulibaly Aminata P.
Published: August 2022

Behavior and cognition are multifaceted processes influenced by genetics, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal connectivity. Recent reports have demonstrated that peripheral inflammation and peripheral immune cells play important roles in the preservation and deterioration of behavior/cognition under various conditions. Indeed, several studies show that the activity of peripheral immune cells can be critical for normal cognitive function. Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells in the mammalian system. Their activation is critical to the initiation of the inflammatory process and critical for wound healing. Neutrophils are the first cells to be activated and recruited to the central nervous system in both injury and disease. However, our understanding of the role these cells play in behavior and cognition is limited. The present review will summarize what is currently known about the effect the activation of these cells has on various behaviors and cognitive processes.
Electric‐field assisted ultrafast synthesis of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase
Authors: Kiran N Usha , Choudhary Bishnu , Trivedi Ravi , Chakraborty Brahmananda , Chatterjee Sriparna , Besra Laxmidhar
Published: August 2022

A galaxy of new two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes) have outperformed other 2D nanomaterials in numerous promising applications due to their extraordinary properties. However, the synthesis of MAX phase is pertinent as it is the only precursor for the development of 2D MXenes. As many conventional MAX phase synthesis procedures are complex, time‐ and power consuming, we have introduced a novel electric‐field‐assisted flash sintering technique for a rapid synthesis of Ti3SiC2 MAX phase in both air and vacuum, facilitated by Joule heating effect. The flashing event was observed with an uncontrollable rise in current flow (∼255 mA/mm2) on the application of voltage in a range of 35–42 V/cm. Experimental outcome predicted that Ti3SiC2 MAX phase was synthesized by applying an electric field. Here we support the experimental findings through computational approach by using density functional theory calculations. We also report the synthesis of 2D Ti3C2TX MXene from flash‐synthesized Ti3SiC2 MAX phase. The scientific innovation discussed here could be a breakthrough in the rapid synthesis of different MAX phases with great potential for implementation in industrial scale.
Correlation between metabolites of lactic acid bacteria isolated from dairy traditional fermented Tunisian products and antifungal and antioxidant activities
Authors: Farhat Leila Ben , Aissaoui Neyssene , Torrijos Raquel , Luz Carlos , Meca Giuseppe , Abidi Ferid
Published: August 2022

Aims

The objective of this study is to identify and investigate the antifungal and antioxidant potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from traditional fermented products.

Methods and results

In this work, a collection of LAB was isolated from traditional fermented products collected in four Tunisian regions. After first screening using the overlay method, seven bacterial strains were retained due to their high antifungal effect. Four strains of Limosilactobacillus fermentum were identified, one strain of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, one strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and one strain of Enterococcus faecium. The antifungal and the antioxidant potential of these bacteria were then evaluated. Bacterial strains were effective against six fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 mg/ml and minimum fungicidal concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 mg/ml. Cell-free supernatants of LAB were analysed by HPLC-DAD and LC–MS-qTOF-MS analysis. Results showed significant production of organic acids as well as several phenolic compounds. Correlation analysis confirmed that PLA and 1,2-dihydroxybenzene were positively correlated with antifungal potential. The results of the antioxidant activity highlighted an ABTS radical cation scavenging activity ranging from 49% to 57% and a DPPH trapping percentage ranging from 80% to 97%.

Conclusions

Therefore, due to these characteristics, identified lactic acid bacteria strains have shown their effectiveness to perform as antifungal and antioxidant agents.

Significance and impact of the study

Since microbial contamination is at the root of extensive losses in the food sector, the identified strains or their metabolites can potentially be used as additives to limit micro-organism spoilage in food products and increase their shelf life.
Establishing electroporation thresholds for targeted cell specific cardiac ablation in a 2D culture model
Authors: Avazzadeh Sahar , Dehkordi Mahshid H. , Owens Peter , Jalali Amirhossein , O'Brien Barry , Coffey Ken , O'Halloran Martin , Fernhead Howard O. , Keane David , Quinlan Leo. R
Published: August 2022

Background

Irreversible electroporation has emerged as a new modality to overcome issues associated with other energy sources for cardiac ablation. Strong evidence on the optimal, effective, and selective voltage threshold is lacking for both in vitro and preclinical in vivo studies. The aim of this study is to examine the optimal threshold for selective cell ablation on cardiac associated cell types.

Methods

Conventional monophasic and biphasic pulses of different field strength were delivered in a monolayer culture system of cardiomyocytes, neurons, and adipocytes. The dynamics of cell death mechanisms were examined at different time points.

Results

Neurons exhibit higher susceptibility to electroporation and cell death at higher field strength of 1250 V/cm in comparison to cardiomyocytes. Cardiac adipocytes showed lower susceptibility to electroporation in comparison to other cell types. A significant proportion of cardiomyocytes recovered after 24 h postelectroporation, while neuronal cell death remained consistent but with a significant delayed cell death at a higher voltage threshold. Caspase 3/7 activity was observed in both cardiomyocytes and neurons, with a higher level of activity in cardiomyocytes in response to electroporation. Biphasic and monophasic pulses showed no significant difference in both cell types, and significantly lower cell death in neurons when inter pulse interval was reduced.

Conclusions

This study presents important findings on the differences in the susceptibility of neurons and cardiomyocytes to irreversible electroporation. Cell type alone yielded selective and different dynamics in terms of the evolution and signaling mechanism of cell death in response to electroporation.
Clinical outcomes and associated factors in the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis, combining mechanical debridement and prosthesis modification: A 30‐month follow‐up prospective case series
Authors: de Tapia Beatriz , Bonnin Maria , Valles Cristina , Mozas Carla , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano , Nart José
Published: August 2022

Aim

To evaluate the clinical outcome and the associated factors of a treatment protocol for peri‐implant mucositis.

Materials and Methods

Patients were evaluated 30 months after a treatment protocol including professional mechanical debridement and modification of the prosthesis contours to improve access for biofilm control. Clinical performance was assessed by means of probing with an electronic pressure‐calibrated periodontal probe. The possible impact of implant‐ and patient‐level factors on the changes in peri‐implant mucosal inflammation measured with the modified bleeding index (mBI) was evaluated.

Results

Twenty patients and 61 implants were included in the analysis. At the final visit, 50% of the patients presented bleeding on probing, with a mean mBI of 0.22 (SD 0.27). The adjusted linear regression model showed a significant association between patient's compliance with supportive care visits (p = .006) and mucosal inflammation. Similarly, at the implant level, modified plaque index (p < .001) and an irregular use of interdental brushes (p = .017) had a significant impact on final mBI.

Conclusions

Prosthesis modification when needed in association with non‐surgical treatment may be an important intervention in the treatment of peri‐implant mucositis. Compliance with supportive care visits and the regular use of inter‐dental brushes were identified as important factors to achieve mucosal inflammation control.
Automatic measurement of acidity from roasted coffee beans images using efficient deep learning
Authors: Sajjacholapunt Petch , Supratak Akara , Tuarob Suppawong
Published: August 2022

Sourness is one of the basic yet essential tastes of coffee that is chemically composed of acids and quantitatively represented in the pH scale. Current tools for measuring the acidity level in roasted coffee beans, including traditional methods, require brewing sample coffee and probing the chemical components, limiting the applicability to end customers seeking to estimate the acidity level before choosing the right coffee beans to purchase. This paper proposes a novel approach to directly estimate the acidity levels from roasted coffee beans images by framing the problem into an image classification task, where a picture of roasted coffee beans is categorized into its appropriate pH range. As a result, end customers could simply estimate coffee beans' acidity levels by taking photos with conventional cameras. Multiple traditional machine learning and deep learning algorithms are validated for their ability to predict the correct acidity levels. The experiment results reveal that EfficientNet yields the best performance with an average F1 of 0.71 when trained with images from separate portable devices.

Practical Applications

The research's findings could also be extended to applications in the coffee‐industrial settings, such as automatically monitoring roasted coffee beans' quality from image and video streams. For end customers, the trade‐off between efficacy and efficiency of the EfficientNet algorithm is also investigated, which sheds light on the implementation aspects of state‐of‐the‐art deep learning models in portable devices such as smartphones or cameras. Such applications could prove to be a cost‐effective and convenient solution for customers to quickly measure roasted coffee beans' sourness before deciding to purchase.
Fingerstick glucose monitoring by cognitive impairment status in Veterans Affairs nursing home residents with diabetes
Authors: Nguyen Brian , Deardorff William James , Shi Ying , Jing Bocheng , Lee Alexandra K. , Lee Sei J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Guidelines recommend nursing home (NH) residents with cognitive impairment receive less intensive glycemic treatment and less frequent fingerstick monitoring. Our objective was to determine whether current practice aligns with guideline recommendations by examining fingerstick frequency in Veterans Affairs (VA) NH residents with diabetes across cognitive impairment levels.

Methods

We identified VA NH residents with diabetes aged ≥65 residing in VA NHs for >30 days between 2016 and 2019. Residents were grouped by cognitive impairment status based on the Cognitive Function Scale: cognitively intact, mild impairment, moderate impairment, and severe impairment. We also categorized residents into mutually exclusive glucose‐lowering medication (GLM) categories: (1) no GLMs, (2) metformin only, (3) sulfonylureas/other GLMs (+/− metformin but no insulin), (4) long‐acting insulin (+/− oral/other GLMs but no short‐acting insulin), and (5) any short‐acting insulin. Our outcome was mean daily fingersticks on day 31 of NH admission.

Results

Among 13,637 NH residents, mean age was 75 years and mean hemoglobin A1c was 7.0%. The percentage of NH residents on short‐acting insulin varied by cognitive status from 22.7% in residents with severe cognitive impairment to 33.9% in residents who were cognitively intact. Mean daily fingersticks overall on day 31 was 1.50 (standard deviation = 1.73). There was a greater range in mean fingersticks across GLM categories compared to cognitive status. Fingersticks ranged widely across GLM categories from 0.39 per day (no GLMs) to 3.08 (short‐acting insulin), while fingersticks ranged slightly across levels of cognitive impairment from 1.11 (severe cognitive impairment) to 1.59 (cognitively intact).

Conclusion

NH residents receive frequent fingersticks regardless of level of cognitive impairment, suggesting that cognitive status is a minor consideration in monitoring decisions. Future studies should determine whether decreasing fingersticks in NH residents with moderate/severe cognitive impairment can reduce burdens without compromising safety.
Examining dietitians' knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding working with older adults in residential aged care facilities and home care services: An integrative review
Authors: Bartrim Karly , Moyle Wendy , Rigby Roshan , Ball Lauren
Published: August 2022

Background

The Australian 2021 Royal Commission identified that the dietetic workforce needs to grow in size and capacity to support nutrition care in older adults. However, little is known about dietitians' knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSA) regarding working with older adults in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) or their homes. This review describes dietitians' KSA regarding older adults in RACFs and home care services.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in August 2021 to identify studies examining any aspect of dietitians or student dietitians' KSA working in RACFs and home care services. No restrictions were applied to methodological design, language, location or publication year. Studies were assessed for quality using the Johanna Briggs Institute Quality Appraisal Tools. Study findings were analysed thematically using meta‐synthesis.

Results

All 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria explored dietitians' attitudes towards their role, three studies examined perceived knowledge, although no studies objectively explored dietitians' skill levels. Five themes were developed inductively: (1) recognising their contribution as dietitians; (2) lacking clarity about the boundaries of their role; (3) all team members have a role to play in nutrition care; (4) assumptions and biases about working with older people; and (5) needing to build capacity in the workforce.

Discussion

Dietitians have mixed attitudes about working in RACFs and home care services. Future directions include evaluating dietitians' role in RACFs, reviewing education and training and practical opportunities for student dietitians, and assessing the impact of more dietitian support on an older person's dietary intake and nutrition.
Effects of Humanitude care on people with dementia and caregivers: A scoping review
Authors: Giang Thuy‐Anh , Koh Jonathan Ern Juan , Cheng Ling‐Jie , Tang Qian‐Ci , Chua Min‐Jia , Liew Tau‐Ming , Wee Shiou‐Liang , Yap Philip Lin Kiat
Published: August 2022

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to comprehensively review the research literature to provide an overview of the effects of Humanitude on people with dementia and their caregivers.

Background

Humanitude is a relationship‐centred and compassionate care approach that focuses on improving the communication between people with dementia and their caregivers. There is a lack of updated and comprehensive synthesis on the evidence of the effects of Humanitude in dementia care.

Design and Methods

This paper adopted the scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley. We searched through the following databases: Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science from its inception to 3 September 2021. Three investigators independently screened the titles and abstracts and assessed the full‐text articles for eligibility. The PRISMA‐ScR checklist was included in this scoping review.

Results

We retrieved 1317 articles from databases and grey sources. Eleven studies were included after the screening. The synthesised results suggest that Humanitude can reduce agitation and psychological symptoms and improve the general well‐being of people with dementia. Humanitude also has positive effects in improving care communication, empathy, job satisfaction and reducing burnout among caregivers.

Conclusion

Humanitude shows the potential for positive effects on people with dementia and their caregivers. However, most studies did not include a comparator group and could not provide rigorous findings as compared to randomised controlled trials. There is a need for randomised controlled studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of Humanitude on people with dementia and their caregivers.

Relevance for Clinical Practice

This paper reviewed the literature on all types of publications that examine the use of Humanitude in people with dementia and their caregivers. Thus, it provided an up‐to‐date overview of the effects of Humanitude to inform clinical practice.
Antifungal use via outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Chew Su M. , Heath Christopher H. , Petursson Cecilia , Boan Peter A. , Robinson James Owen , Italiano Claire M. , Dyer John R. , Manning Laurens , Ingram Paul R.
Published: August 2022

Background

Antifungal administration via outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is infrequent. As patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) receiving OPAT are at high risk of readmissions, careful, risk‐based patient selection and monitoring is important.

Objectives

To describe our experience managing IFIs via OPAT, including assessment of risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of outpatients from two tertiary hospitals in Western Australia managed with parenteral antifungals for the treatment of IFIs from 2012 to 2020. Outcomes assessed were unplanned OPAT‐related readmissions; adverse events and achievement of treatment aim at the completion of OPAT.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included, encompassing 696 OPAT days. Twenty‐three (50%) patients received intravenous (IV) liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB), 23 (50%) received IV echinocandins and one (2%) patient received IV fluconazole. One patient received both IV L‐AmB and an echinocandin. Unplanned OPAT‐related readmissions occurred in 13 (28%) patients and any adverse event occurred in 19 (41%), most commonly nephrotoxicity amongst patients receiving L‐AmB. On univariate analysis, unplanned OPAT‐related readmissions were more common in Mucorales infection, L‐AmB doses of ≥5 mg/kg and otorhinolaryngologic (ENT) infections. At the completion of OPAT, attainment of treatment aims occurred in 28 (61%) patients.

Conclusions

Patients receiving parenteral antifungals via OPAT experience high rates of unplanned readmissions and adverse events. Risk factor identification may facilitate optimal patient selection and establishment of treatment aims.
Comparison of Single‐Radius with Multiple‐Radius Femur in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta‐Analysis of Prospective Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lei Ting , Jiang Zichao , Qian Hu , Backstein David , Lei Pengfei , Hu Yihe
Published: August 2022

Background

Whether there was clinical superiority for the single‐radius prosthesis over the multi‐radius prothesis in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) still remains to be clarified. We updated a meta‐analysis including prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the clinical prognosis of patients receiving single‐radius TKA (SR‐TKA) or multi‐radius TKA (MR‐TKA).

Methods

We searched the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE for eligible RCTs. Two reviewers evaluated the study quality according to the Risk of Bias tool of the Cochrane Library and extracted the data in studies individually. The extracted data included the baseline data and clinical outcome. The baseline data include the author's name, country, and year of included studies, the name of knee prosthesis used in studies, sample size, follow‐up time, and BMI of patients. The clinical data comprised primary indicators including postoperative knee range of motion (ROM), sit‐to‐stand rest, severe postoperative scorings, such as visual analog scale (VAS), American Knee Society knee score (AKS), Oxford knee scoring (OKS), and SF‐36 Quality of Life Scale, as well as various secondary indicators of complications including anterior knee pain, postoperative infection, aseptic prosthesis loosening, and prosthesis revision. The data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software and STATA 12.0. The sensitivity analysis was performed using STATA 12.0.

Results

A total of 13 RCTs, along with 1720 patients and 1726 knees, were finally included in our present meta‐analysis. We found that patients in SR‐TKA group performed better in the sit‐to‐stand test (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.05–3.41, p = 0.03) and satisfaction evaluation (OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.42–7.53, p = 0.005), which were only evaluated in two included RCTs. While no significant difference was found between SR‐TKA and MR‐TKA groups in terms of postoperative ROM, VAS scoring, AKS scoring, SF‐36 scoring, OKS scoring, and various complications including anterior knee pain, postoperative infection, aseptic prosthesis loosening, and prosthesis revision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our present meta‐analysis indicated that SR implants were noninferior to MR implants in TKA, and SR implants could be an alternative choice over MR implants, since patients after SR‐TKA felt more satisfied and performed better in the sit‐to‐stand test, with no significant difference in complications between SR‐TKA and MR‐TKA groups. While more relevant clinical trials with long‐term follow‐up time and specific tests evaluating the function of knee extension mechanism should be carried out to further investigate the clinical performance of SR implants.
Zero‐Profile Implant System for Treatment of Dysphagia Caused by Noncontiguous Anterior Cervical Osteophytes—A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Peng Zihan , Liu Hao , Hong Ying , Meng Yang
Published: August 2022

Background

Esophageal cervical spondylosis is a rare type of cervical spondylosis which causes dysphagia. Surgical osteophyte resection is taken when conservative treatment does not respond. However, few reports on its operation and postoperative follow‐up. We first present a case showing how the Zero‐Profile implant system is utilized to treat dysphagia caused by noncontiguous anterior cervical osteophytes.

Case Presentation

A patient with progressive dysphagia was referred to our department. Imaging examinations revealed a large diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) related anterior osteophyte in C3/4, C6/7 and ossification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Anterior cervical osteophytectomy, discectomy, and fusion were performed on C3/4, C6/7. Two Zero‐Profile implants were implanted. Postoperative dysphagia was significantly improved, and the patient was free to swallow large pills or solid foods at nine‐years follow‐up.

Conclusion

Osteophyte excision can effectively treat esophageal cervical spondylosis, This case shows that fusion using the Zero‐Profile implant system is a viable option for patients with potential cervical instability following osteophyte resection.
Heat stress affects potato's volatile emissions that mediate agronomically important trophic interactions
Authors: Munawar Asim , Zhang Yadong , Zhong Jian , Ge Yang , Abou El‐Ela Amr S. , Mao Zhiyao , Ntiri Eric S. , Mao Li‐Juan , Zhu Zengrong , Zhou Wenwu
Published: August 2022

Potato, a cool‐weather crop, emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which attract the specialist herbivore, Phthorimaea operculella, but also this herbivore's parasitic wasp, Trichogramma chilonis, an important biocontrol agent. What happens to this trophic system when heat stress challenges this agro‐ecosystem? We studied how high temperature (HT) pre‐treatments influence potato's VOC emissions and their subsequent effects on the preferences of insects, as evaluated in oviposition assays and Y‐tube olfactometers. HT pre‐stressed plants were less attractive to P. operculella adult moths, which were repelled by HT VOCs, but increased the recruitment of the parasitoid, T. chilonis, which were attracted. VOC emissions, including the most abundant constituent, ß‐caryophyllene, were enhanced by HT treatments; some constituents elicited stronger behavioural responses than others. Transcripts of many genes in the biosynthetic pathways of these VOCs were significantly enhanced by HT treatment, suggesting increases in de novo biosynthesis. HT increased the plant's stomatal apertures, and exogenous applications of the hormone, ABA, known to suppress stomatal apertures, reduced leaf volatile emissions and affected the HT‐altered plant attractions to both insects. From these results, we infer that HT stress affects this plant‐insect interaction through its influence on VOC emissions, potentially decreasing herbivore ovipositions while increasing ovipositions of the parasitoid.
Yearling bulls have reduced sperm concentration and increased seminal plasma interleukin‐8 after a 28‐day breeding season
Authors: Snider Alexandria P. , McCarthy Kacie L. , Wright‐Johnson Elane C. , Ondrak Jeffrey D. , Oliver William T. , Dahlen Carl R. , Cushman Robert A. , Crouse Matthew S.
Published: August 2022

We hypothesized that yearling bulls selected for a 28‐d breeding season would have reduced sperm concentrations and morphology, and have increased seminal plasma concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). Yearling bulls were selected based on a breeding soundness examination (BSE) at approximately 415 d of age and contained at least 750 million sperm in the ejaculate, with 12 bulls randomly selected for breeding (BREEDERS) and 12 bulls not selected for breeding (NON‐BREEDERS). After a 28‐d breeding period, all bulls underwent a BSE. Plasma and seminal plasma were collected at each time point for analysis. Data were analysed utilizing either the MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures with repeated measures in SAS with breeding group, age and the interaction as fixed effects. Sperm concentration per ml of ejaculate was reduced (p < .05) in yearling bulls used for breeding compared with those not used for breeding at the end of the breeding season. Seminal plasma IL‐8 concentrations in yearling bulls used for breeding were increased (p < .05) after the breeding season compared with bulls not used for breeding. Taken together, yearling bulls selected for a 28‐d breeding season have reduced sperm production per ml of an ejaculate and increased inflammatory response in the seminal plasma that can lead to impaired breeding response if they are to be used for more than 30 d of breeding.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*11:422 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Elsermans Vincent , Top Isabelle , Blandin Lucie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: August 2022

HLA‐A*11:422 differs from HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 285 in exon 5.
Parcel Manager: A parcel reshaping model incorporating design rules of residential development
Authors: Colomb Maxime , Tannier Cécile , Perret Julien , Chapron Paul , Brasebin Mickaël
Published: August 2022

Parcels are the smallest units of land usually considered for urban development purposes. Analyses at the parcel level allow taking into account the administrative and physical environment of buildings with accuracy (roads, surrounding buildings, local design rules for building construction). In this article, we propose a free and open source software application, namely Parcel Manager, whose aims are twofold: (1) to assess the effects of different parcel reshaping rules and planning principles on the location, the number, and the shape of reshaped parcels; and (2) to provide a basis to assess the potential for new building construction. To this end, Parcel Manager simulates a large variety of parcel reshaping processes, with or without the joint creation of new roads, and produces realistic parcel layouts that represent either infill urban developments, edge expansions, or leapfrog developments. It can be used to determine if the densification of built parcels is feasible or not, regarding planning and design rules as well as the current urban fabric. The current version of Parcel Manager only concerns the reshaping of parcels dedicated to the construction of residential buildings but not other types of buildings.
Humoral and cellular response of COVID‐19 vaccine among solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Meshram Hari Shankar , Kute Vivek , Rane Hemant , Dave Ruchir , Banerjee Subho , Mishra Vineet , Chauhan Sanshriti
Published: August 2022

Background

We aimed to analyze the humoral and cellular response to standard and booster (additional doses) COVID‐19 vaccination in solid organ transplantation (SOT) and the risk factors involved for an impaired response.

Methods

We did a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies published up until January 11, 2022, that reported immunogenicity of COVID‐19 vaccine among SOT. The study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42022300547.

Results

Of the 1527 studies, 112 studies, which involved 15391 SOT and 2844 healthy controls, were included. SOT showed a low humoral response (effect size [ES]: 0.44 [0.40–0.48]) in overall and in control studies (log‐Odds‐ratio [OR]: −4.46 [−8.10 to −2.35]). The humoral response was highest in liver (ES: 0.67 [0.61–0.74]) followed by heart (ES: 0.45 [0.32–0.59]), kidney (ES: 0.40 [0.36–0.45]), kidney‐pancreas (ES: 0.33 [0.13–0.53]), and lung (0.27 [0.17–0.37]). The meta‐analysis for standard and booster dose (ES: 0.43 [0.39–0.47] vs. 0.51 [0.43–0.54]) showed a marginal increase of 18% efficacy. SOT with prior infection had higher response (ES: 0.94 [0.92–0.96] vs. ES: 0.40 [0.39–0.41]; p‐value < .01). The seroresponse with mRNA‐12723 mRNA was highest 0.52 (0.40–0.64). Mycophenolic acid (OR: 1.42 [1.21–1.63]) and Belatacept (OR: 1.89 [1.3–2.49]) had highest risk for nonresponse. SOT had a parallelly decreased cellular response (ES: 0.42 [0.32–0.52]) in overall and control studies (OR: −3.12 [−0.4.12 to −2.13]).

Interpretation

Overall, SOT develops a suboptimal response compared to the general population. Immunosuppression including mycophenolic acid, belatacept, and tacrolimus is associated with decreased response. Booster doses increase the immune response, but further upgradation in vaccination strategy for SOT is required.

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Quality control validation for a veterinary laboratory network of six Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzers
Authors: Daly Susan , Graham Peter A. , Freeman Kathleen P.
Published: August 2022

Background

Quality control (QC) validation is an important step in the laboratory harmonization process. This includes the application of statistical QC requirements, procedures, and control rules to identify and maintain ongoing stable analytical performance. This provides confidence in the production of patient results that are suitable for clinical interpretation across a network of veterinary laboratories.

Objectives

To determine that a higher probability of error detection (Ped) and lower probability of false rejection (Pfr) using a simple control rule and one level of quality control material (QCM) could be achieved using observed analytical performance than by using the manufacturer's acceptable ranges for QCM on the Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzers for veterinary use. We also determined whether Westgard Sigma Rules could be sufficient to monitor and maintain a sufficiently high level of analytical performance to support harmonization.

Methods

EZRules3 was used to investigate candidate QC rules and determine the Ped and Pfr of manufacturer's acceptable limits and also analyzer‐specific observed analytical performance for each of the six Sysmex analyzers within our laboratory system using the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP)‐recommended or internal expert opinion quality goals (expressed as total allowable error, TEa) as the quality requirement. The internal expert quality goals were generated by consensus of the Quality, Education, Planning, and Implementation (QEPI) group comprised of five clinical pathologists and seven laboratory technicians and managers. Sigma metrics, which are a useful monitoring tool and can be used in conjunction with Westgard Sigma Rules, were also calculated.

Results

The QC validation using the manufacturer's acceptable limits for analyzer 1 showed only 3/10 measurands reached acceptable Ped for veterinary laboratories (>0.85). For QC validation based on observed analyzer performance, the Ped was >0.94 using a 1‐2.5s QC rule for the majority of observations (57/60) across the group of analyzers at the recommended TEa. We found little variation in Pfr between manufacturer acceptable limits and individual analyzer observed performance as this is a characteristic of the rule used, not the analyzer performance.

Conclusions

An improved probability of error detection and probability of false rejection using a 1‐2.5s QC rule for individual analyzer QC was achieved compared with the use of the manufacturers' acceptable limits for hematology in veterinary laboratories. A validated QC rule (1‐2.5s) in conjunction with sigma metrics (>5.5), desirable bias, and desirable CV based on biologic variation was successful to evaluate stable analytical performance supporting continued harmonization across the network of analyzers.
Robbing Peter to Pay Paul: Chlorhexidine gluconate demonstrates short‐term efficacy and long‐term cytotoxicity
Authors: Cheong J. Z. Alex , Liu Aiping , Rust Clayton J. , Tran Collin L. , Hassan Sameeha E. , Kalan Lindsay R. , Gibson Angela L. F.
Published: August 2022

Wound cleansing agents are routine in wound care and preoperative preparation. Antiseptic activity intends to prevent contaminating microbes from establishing an infection while also raising concerns of cytotoxicity and delayed wound healing. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of five clinically used wound cleaning agents (saline, povidone iodine, Dove® and Dial® soaps, and chlorhexidine gluconate [CHG]) using both an ex vivo and in vivo human skin xenograft mouse model, in contrast to classical in vitro models that lack the structural and compositional heterogeneity of human skin. We further established an ex vivo wound contamination model inoculated with ~100 cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate phenotypic and spatial characteristics of bacterial cells in wound tissue. CHG significantly reduced metabolic activity of the skin explants, while all treatments except saline affected local cellular viability. CHG cytotoxicity persisted and progressed over 14 days, impairing wound healing in vivo. Within the contamination model, CHG treatment resulted in a significant reduction of P. aeruginosa wound surface counts at 24 h post‐treatment. However, this effect was transient and serial application of CHG had no effect on both P. aeruginosa or S. aureus microbial growth. Microscopy revealed that viable cells of P. aeruginosa reside deep within wound tissue post‐CHG application, likely serving as a reservoir to re‐populate the tissue to a high bioburden. We reveal concerning cytotoxicity and limited antimicrobial activity of CHG in human skin using clinically relevant models, with the ability to resolve spatial localization and temporal dynamics of tissue viability and microbial growth.
Implementation of an Automated Film Deposition Equipment under the sol/gel Dip-Coating Technique
Authors: Florez-Bedoya Laura Andrea , Mora-Joaqui Laura Estefanía , Cruz-Muñoz Beatriz , Dorantes-Rodríguez Rubén José , Ospina-Castro Sebastián , Ríos-Gaviria Alexander
Published: August 2022

We present the design, construction, and implementation of thin film deposition equipment based on the Sol/Gel dip-coating technique for the fabrication of coatings under controlled deposition conditions and working environment at ambient temperature and pressure. The deposition system includes a 304 stainless steel structure and a moving platform that holds the substrate and is transported along vertical axes at a deposition distance of up to 30 cm in height. The mechanical and electronic design was considered, using computer-aided development and dimensional validation (for the structure and the motion transmission system) and the programming of the system using the Arduino platform. The design focused on the deposition speed control for the functional equipment operations, whose operating principle is based on a PWM scheme, achieving an immersion/extraction speed parameter in ranges between 1.5 cm/s and 3.5 cm/s (with a resolution of ± 0.2 cm/s). The operation of the equipment and the reproducibility of the deposits were tested by studying the optical properties of CuCoMn coatings on glass. A substrate immersion/extraction speed of 1.5 cm/s and precursor agitation time (0.83 h - 0.98 h) were used, obtaining absorbances higher than 90%. In conclusion, the implemented prototype will allow the research group to produce reproducible thin films of better quality than those made manually, which can be produced at a low cost and offer the possibility of sustainable maintenance of the equipment.
Contrato de seguro y mercado digital
Authors: Benito Osma Félix
Published: August 2022

El presente trabajo trata de aproximar a los lectores el Mercado Digital y su Derecho en la Unión Europea, concretamente el Mercado de seguros. Para ello, se toma en perspectiva la tecnología incipiente aplicada en el seguro desde la supervisión, la intermediación, la información, el asesoramiento, así como las relaciones y comunicaciones entre las partes e intervinientes del contrato de seguro en un entorno digital y electrónico. Por último, se analiza el principio de transparencia en el mercado de seguros con sus repercusiones jurídicas en la contratación de seguros mediante plataformas y sistemas de comunicación electrónicas.
Derecho del consumidor y derecho de seguros: Una convivencia pacífica
Authors: Signorino Barbat Andrea
Published: August 2022

Existe una aparente disociación de objetivos entre el Derecho del consumidor y el Derecho de seguros, una supuesta contradicción que a veces enfrenta a la normativa de protección al consumidor con la normativa sobre el contrato de seguros. 

El cuestionamiento surge en especial sobre si debe prevalecer la legislación relativa al contrato de seguros sobre la del consumidor, cual especie al género, y si esto siempre debe ser así o se admite la especialidad de la ley de defensa del consumidor en las áreas que le son propias.

Tema polémico, al menos discutido, ahora, ¿problema real? Intentaremos en este artículo aproximarnos a la respuesta a esta interrogante.
Numerical Study of Temperature Evolution During Friction Element Welding
Authors: Varma Ankit , Absar Saheem , Ruszkiewicz Brandt J. , Skovron Jamie D. , Mears Laine , Choi Hongseok , Zhao Xin
Published: August 2022

Welding of dissimilar materials is critical in industries where mixed materials with high strength-to-weight ratios are urgently needed. Friction element welding (FEW) is a promising solution, with the ability to join high strength materials for a wide range of thicknesses with low input energy and a short processing time. However, the temperature evolution and the influence of different processing parameters remain unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, this work develops a coupled thermal–mechanical finite element model to study the FEW process. The simulation results agree well with the experimental measurements of material deformation and transient temperature evolution. It is found that the friction element’s rotational speed has the greatest impact on friction heat generation, followed by the processing times for different steps. The aluminum layer is heated during the penetration and cleaning steps, thus a lower rotational speed during the penetration step can help prevent the aluminum layer from undesired overheating. The steel layer and the friction element are mainly heated during the cleaning and welding steps. The strong heating, potentially melting, will be beneficial to the friction element’s plastic deformation and bond formation. To enhance the heating of the steel layer and the friction element, faster rotational speeds or longer processing periods could be employed during the cleaning and welding steps. The results by this study establish the relationship between processing conditions and the temperature evolution of different parts, which will guide the design and optimization of the FEW technique for various applications.
Reducing Pumping Power Consumption by Pulsed Operation?
Authors: Ciofalo Michele
Published: August 2022

A computational study, based on exact solutions for transient laminar flow in pipes and on an empirical correlation for transition to turbulence in the presence of temporal acceleration, shows that, provided certain conditions are met, pumping an incompressible fluid at a prescribed flow rate by a series of consecutive pressure gradient pulses may require less mechanical power consumption than pumping the same flow rate under steady-state turbulent flow conditions. The reason is that, in the former case, the fluid is pumped under conditions of accelerated laminar flow, for which the onset of turbulence occurs at Reynolds numbers much larger than the steady-state critical value of ∼2,100. The conclusions of this study rest crucially on the exact criterion for transition to turbulence in accelerated laminar flow, for which, unfortunately, existing experimental results exhibit a large scatter and general consensus is still lacking. Also, this study adopts a simplified description of the problem, and further model refinements, design efforts, and supporting experimental tests will have to be performed before the hypothesis that pulsed pumping can provide energetic advantages can be demonstrated in “real-world” situations.
Profiles of Mental Well- and Ill-Being Among Elite Athletes: Associations With Sport-Related Demands and Resources
Authors: Kaski Satu , Arvinen-Barrow Monna , Kinnunen Ulla , Parkkari Jari
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present study was to identify profiles of elite athlete mental well- and ill-being and study how the profiles (i.e., subgroups of athletes) differed in sport-related demands and resources. A total of 259 Finnish elite athletes (n = 170 active and n = 89 retired) completed quantitative self-report inventories. Through cluster analysis, four profiles of mental well- and ill-being were identified. Profile 1 was overrepresented by retired, older, and male athletes, and characterized by good mental well-being. Profile 2 consisted mainly of active athletes who reported mild risk for alcohol abuse. Profile 3 consisted mainly of women who displayed possible presence of an eating disorder. Profile 4 was typical of young athletes with mental ill-being. The balance between sport-related demands and resources appeared to be the healthiest in Profile 1 and worst in Profile 4. The present findings are beneficial for those who work with and/or provide psychological support to athletes.
Athlete Resilience Trajectories Across Competitive Training: The Influence of Physical and Psychological Stress
Authors: Barczak-Scarboro Nikki E. , Kroshus Emily , Pexa Brett , Register Mihalik Johna K. , DeFreese J.D.
Published: August 2022

Competitive sport involves physical and psychological stressors, such as training load and stress perceptions, that athletes must adapt to in order to maintain health and performance. Psychological resilience, one’s capacity to equilibrate or adapt affective and behavioral responses to adverse physical or emotional experiences, is an important topic in athlete training and performance. The study purpose was to investigate associations of training load and perceived sport stress with athlete psychological resilience trajectories. Sixty-one collegiate club athletes (30 females and 31 males) completed self-reported surveys over 6 weeks of training. Athletes significantly differed in resilience at the beginning of competitive training. Baseline resilience differences were associated with resilience trajectories. Perceived stress and training load were negatively associated with resilience. Physical and psychological stressors had a small but statistically significant impact on resilience across weeks of competitive training, indicating that both types of stressors should be monitored to maintain athlete resilience.