bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Informality in a Local Agri‐food Supply Chain in Brazil
Authors: Assis Michel T. Q. M. , Tümpel Markus , Lucas Maria Raquel , Rainho Maria José M.
Published: April 2023

During qualitative research on trust, conducted in a mariculture chain in southern Brazil, the theme of informality emerged spontaneously in most interviews. Although it is difficult to measure, some data and estimates point out that informality is still quite present worldwide, but especially in emerging and developing countries, and this situation was confirmed in the studied supply chain. In analysing the narratives, we noticed that this is a chronic issue which bothers the producers that are properly formalised mainly because of unfair competition, and hinders the organisation of the chain. Some factors foster the persistence of informality, such as family labour and temporary jobs, the low educational level of entrepreneurs, lack of adequate supervision and cultural aspects of producers and their families. We could corroborate the perspectives of modernisation (informality is still persistent), neo‐liberal (informal entrepreneurs reject the bureaucracy of an over‐regulated market) and post‐structuralist (informality is a way of life related to identity, social position and/or resistance against the formal structure) theories. Our research has shown us that the situation found is contributing to a reduction in the number of formal producers and impairing the development of that local supply chain, as well as its sustainability.
Getting to what works: How frontline HRM relationality facilitates high‐performance work practice implementation
Authors: Krachler Nick
Published: April 2023

The lack of an efficient support system for people with multiple, long‐term health conditions has increased costs, worsened health outcomes, and prompted policymakers to implement a boundary‐spanning role within healthcare settings. While scholars have demonstrated the benefits of coordination roles and other such high‐performance work practices (HPWPs) in this sector, the actual implementation of these practices is less clear. Based on a comparative case study approach, 153 interviews, and other qualitative data, this article explores frontline managers' HR philosophies and practices (‘frontline HRM relationality’) to explain possible variation in efforts to implement the boundary‐spanning role of care coordinators (CCs). Despite strong policy support for the role, coordination has improved unevenly because of varying degrees of HRM relationality: findings show that higher frontline HRM relationality was associated with lower inter‐occupational professionalization differences and higher boundary‐spanning coordination. The article contributes to a nascent literature on HPWP implementation by theorizing frontline HRM relationality as a continuum that moderates professionalization‐related coordination problems and highlights the importance of frontline HRM relationality for implementing HPWPs in professionalized settings.
Employee‐perceived ‘motivation‐enhancing HRM practices’ and career ambition: Social subjective norms explain workplace deviant behavior
Authors: Ghosh Koustab
Published: April 2023

Ability‐motivation‐opportunity (AMO) based human resource management (HRM) practices connote positive organizational outcomes, in general. This study has identified the deviant outcome of motivation‐enhancing HRM practices by delineating how it can lead to an undesirable workplace behavior like unethical pro‐organizational behavior (UPOB) through employees' career ambition. Further, such effects are amplified in the presence of UPOB descriptive and injunctive norms. The hypotheses were tested by using two multi‐wave time‐lagged studies for sales executives working in organizations representing two different industries. Career ambition partially mediated the relationship between motivation‐enhancing HRM practices and UPOB. The conditional indirect effect of motivation‐enhancing HRM practices on UPOB through employees' career ambition was stronger when they perceive high level of descriptive and injunctive norms in the workplace. While the relationship between career ambition and UPOB was strengthened for high descriptive and injunctive norms, it was weakened for low injunctive norms but not for low descriptive norms.
Difference analysis of the structure and functional properties among coix seed prolamin fractions (α‐, β‐, and γ‐coixin)
Authors: Wu Yingmei , Zhou Yan , Xu Longquan , Chen Junjie , Li Haoxin , Zhou Shaoqin
Published: April 2023

The differences in proteins in structural characteristics are reported to affect their physicochemical and functional properties. In this study, three types of prolamins (γ‐, α‐, and β‐coixin) derived from coix seed separately distributed among fractions 1–3 extracts. They were studied respecting molecular weight, amino acid composition, secondary structure, microstructure, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, water holding capacity, and oil holding capacity. Results showed that the molecular weights of those three fractions were between 10 and 40 kDa. The secondary structure of those fractions was almost the same, mainly based on β‐sheet and irregular structure. The microstructure of α‐ and γ‐coixin presented an irregular shape, whereas β‐coixin presented a regular spherical shape. Those three fractions exhibited species of abundant essential amino acids with the same amino acid composition but different contents. The β‐coixin fraction had the highest content of hydrophobic amino acids (238.39 mg/g) followed by the α‐coixin fraction (235.05 mg/g), whereas the γ‐coixin fraction had the lowest content (33.27 mg/g). The γ‐coixin fraction has the maximum surface hydrophobicity, whereas the β‐coixin fraction has the highest solubility. In addition, the good amphiphilicity of β‐coixin fraction made it possible to be used as a surfactant. The excellent functional properties of the β‐coixin fraction presented in this research would widen the applications of coix seed prolamins.

Practical Application

The molecular weights of those three fractions were between 10 and 40 kDa.

The secondary structure was almost the same, mainly based on β‐sheet and irregular structure.

Those three fractions exhibited species of abundant essential amino acids with the same amino acid composition but different contents.

The WHC and OHC of β‐coixin were the best, indicating its potential as a surfactant and forming stable lotion.
Ant diversity in relation to time since fire in a mallee landscape of South‐Eastern Australia
Authors: Staff Madison , Chapple David G. , Andersen Alan N. , Walker Ken , Hinkley Simon , Melville Jane , McLean Claire A.
Published: April 2023

Fire is a dominant process shaping the Australian landscape and in many regions the frequency and severity of wildfires are predicted to increase under climate change. The primary impact of fire on fauna is typically indirect through habitat change. In particular, in mesic forests different animal species are favoured at different times since fire as habitat complexity increases with vegetation recovery. However, this will not necessarily be the case in habitats with low complexity such as many of those occurring in arid and semi‐arid regions. Here, we investigate the relationship between fire history and ant diversity and composition in semi‐arid mallee of south‐eastern Australia. We surveyed ants at 11 sites in the Little Desert National Park and nearby private land that last burnt 0.5, 6 or 40 years ago. We found no relationship between time since fire and either ant diversity or composition, and this can be explained by a lack of relationship between time since fire and vegetation cover. Our findings contrast with those for mallee bird species, which show clear successional patterns following fire, but are likely to be typical of ground‐foraging fauna that lack specialized habitat requirements.
Are corals coming to a reef near you? Projected extension of suitable thermal conditions for hard coral communities along the east Australian coast
Authors: Davis Tom R. , Champion Curtis , Dalton Steve , Coleman Melinda A.
Published: April 2023

Climate change is driving the poleward redistribution of coral species, but the rate and magnitude of future range extensions within temperate regions are rarely quantified. A better understanding of the likely future distribution of corals is needed to anticipate the resulting social, economic and environmental implications. Here, we project the rate and magnitude of extensions of suitable thermal conditions for hard coral communities along the east Australian coastline, using data on coral community presence, in conjunction with historical and projected ocean temperatures. Our projections indicate that temperatures will be suitable for coral communities dominated by the subtropical coral Pocillopora aliciae, currently found off Sydney, to extend their range poleward by 80 (RCP 2.6) to 450 km (RCP 8.5) by 2100, corresponding to a rate of 0.9–5.0 km year−1. Similarly, thermal conditions will be such that diverse coral communities, such as those currently occurring in the Solitary Islands, may extend their range by 130 (RCP 2.6) to 580 km (RCP 8.5) by 2100, at a rate of 1.4–6.4 km year−1. These projections are similar to those forecast for coral species in other parts of the world. Newly establishing coral communities in temperate regions may provide a range of novel local economic opportunities, particularly for marine tourism.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the intensive care unit: current challenges and best practices
Authors: Gaffney Sarah , Kelly Dearbhla M. , Rameli Puteri Maisarah , Kelleher Eoin , Martin‐Loeches Ignacio
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is growing in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is increasingly recognized in immunocompetent hosts and immunocompromised ones. IPA frequently complicates both severe influenza and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. It continues to represent both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this narrative review, we describe the epidemiology, risk factors and disease manifestations of IPA. We discuss the latest evidence and current published guidelines for the diagnosis and management of IPA in the context of the critically ill within the ICU. Finally, we review influenza‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA), COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) as well as ongoing and future areas of research.
The effects of model age and familiarity on children's reproduction of ritual behaviour
Authors: Wang Chang , Wang Zhidan
Published: April 2023

Rituals are fundamental social acts that structure relationships and enable the filtering of important cognitive attributes (e.g. working memory and inhibitory control) that make humans what they are today. This study investigated the influence of model age and familiarity on the reproduction of ritual behaviour in five‐year‐old children. Through an exploration of these factors, this study sheds light on the cognitive mechanisms children use to comprehend and replicate rituals. Ninety‐eight five‐year‐old children were divided into two groups: an experimental group, which observed an adult or child model, either familiar or unfamiliar to them, demonstrating eight ritual acts; and a control group, which received no video demonstration. The results revealed that children who observed an adult reproduced more ritual acts than those who observed a child, and children who observed unfamiliar models reproduced ritual acts more frequently than those who observed familiar ones. Additionally, when exposed to unfamiliar models, children's reproductive fidelity was higher. These findings suggest that children have the ability to address new adaptation challenges by participating in rituals at an early age and that they generate suitable solutions depending on the model's characteristics. This provides evidence for the adaptive bias in children's cultural learning from a ritual perspective.
Variability in suicidal ideation during treatment for individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis: The importance of repeated assessment
Authors: Wastler Heather M. , Cowan Henry R. , Hamilton Sarah A. , Lundin Nancy B. , Manges Margaret , Moe Aubrey M. , Breitborde Nicholas J. K.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Suicide risk is elevated among individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR‐P). The current study examined variability in suicidal ideation during treatment for individuals at CHR‐P.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was used to examine the course of suicidal ideation during 16 sessions of individual psychotherapy for 25 individuals at CHR‐P.

Results

Suicidal ideation was reported by 24% of participants at session 1 and 16% at session 16, with minimal within‐subject change in the presence of suicidal ideation across the two time points. However, a more fine‐grained investigation at each session indicated that 60% of individuals at CHR‐P experienced suicidal ideation at least once during treatment. Additionally, there was great variability in suicidal ideation both within and between participants over the course of the 16 sessions.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of repeated assessment when examining suicidal ideation as a treatment outcome for individuals at CHR‐P.
Genetics of familial adult myoclonus epilepsy: From linkage studies to noncoding repeat expansions
Authors: Corbett Mark A. , Depienne Christel , Veneziano Liana , Klein Karl Martin , Brancati Francesco , Guerrini Renzo , Zara Federico , Tsuji Shoji , Gecz Jozef
Published: April 2023

Familial adult myoclonus epilepsy (FAME) is a genetic epilepsy syndrome that for many years has resisted understanding of its underlying molecular cause. This review covers the history of FAME genetic studies worldwide, starting with linkage and culminating in the discovery of noncoding TTTTA and inserted TTTCA pentanucleotide repeat expansions within six different genes to date (SAMD12, STARD7, MARCHF6, YEATS2, TNRC6A, and RAPGEF2). FAME occurs worldwide; however, repeat expansions in particular genes have regional geographical distributions. FAME repeat expansions are dynamic in nature, changing in length and structure within germline and somatic tissues. This variation poses challenges for molecular diagnosis such that molecular methods used to identify FAME repeat expansions typically require a trade‐off between cost and efficiency. A rigorous evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of each molecular approach remains to be performed. The origin of FAME repeat expansions and the genetic and environmental factors that modulate repeat variability are not well defined. Longer repeats and particular arrangements of the TTTTA and TTTCA motifs within an expansion are correlated with earlier onset and increased severity of disease. Other factors such as maternal or paternal inheritance, parental age, and repeat length alone have been suggested to influence repeat variation; however, further research is required to confirm this. The history of FAME genetics to the present is a chronicle of perseverance and predominantly collaborative efforts that yielded a successful outcome. The discovery of FAME repeats will spark progress toward a deeper understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of FAME, discovery of new loci, and development of cell and animal models.
Study of stress intensity factors in sliding and tearing modes for subsurface elliptical cracks in rolling train wheels
Authors: Seifi Rahman , Asadi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

In the railway systems, induced contact between wheels and rails creates maximum shear stress around the contact surfaces. These shear stresses vary with the wheel's rolling and can initiate and extend subsurface cracks in the wheel and rail. The most common subsurface cracks in the rail systems have elliptical forms. Sliding and tearing modes of the fracture can be observed due to different components of the shear stresses around the contact area. Compressive normal stress has no considerable effects on in‐plane and out‐of‐plane shear modes for subsurface cracks. In this research, by proper modeling of the wheel and rail, the effects of dimensions, position, and depth of the subsurface cracks on the stress intensity factors of the sliding (KII) and tearing (KIII) modes have been investigated. Also, variations of the KII and KIII values versus wheel rolling angles and frictions have been considered. The validity and accuracy of the cracked model created by sub‐modeling technique have been verified by half‐space modeling and weight function method.
Ecological importance of rare phytoplankton species revealed by their high contribution to unsaturated fatty acids in tropical waters
Authors: Tang Quehui , You Jiangtao , Qian Song S. , Jeppesen Erik , Han Bo‐Ping
Published: April 2023

There is increasing evidence that rare species play an important role in trophic interactions, but the function of rare species with low biomass in these processes remains unclear. Phytoplankton is placed at the base of lentic and marine food webs and is characterised by a few dominant species and many rare species. While the dominant species contribute most to the primary production, they are often low‐quality food for primary consumers. The rare species may instead provide the essential biochemical nutrients for consumers, especially in eutrophic waters.

We hypothesised that the biomass of rare eukaryotic phytoplankton species significantly determines the concentrations of sestonic long‐chain highly unsaturated fatty acids, directly linking them to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. We applied redundancy analysis and Lasso regression models to identify the species whose population dynamics explain the variations of sestonic fatty acids concentrations in tropical reservoirs and lakes.

The lasso models predicted that the dominant phytoplankton species determined the concentration of saturated sestonic fatty acids and that rare phytoplankton species were the main determinant for polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are critical for the food quality of consumers such as zooplankton and promote the energy transfer from primary producers to higher trophic levels in natural waters. In particular, the biomass of the rare species Scenedesmus obliquus was a key variable explaining the variations of α‐linolenic acid, α‐linoleic acid, γ‐linolenic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations.

We conclude that the population dynamics of rare phytoplankton species can define the food quality associated with eicosapentaenoic acid for consumers and thus play a critical role in the trophic transfer in the food webs of tropical waterbodies.
Macroalgae exhibit diverse responses to human disturbances on coral reefs
Authors: Cannon Sara E. , Donner Simon D. , Liu Angela , González Espinosa Pedro C. , Baird Andrew H. , Baum Julia K. , Bauman Andrew G. , Beger Maria , Benkwitt Cassandra E. , Birt Matthew J. , Chancerelle Yannick , Cinner Joshua E. , Crane Nicole L. , Denis Vianney , Depczynski Martial , Fadli Nur , Fenner Douglas , Fulton Christopher J. , Golbuu Yimnang , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Guest James , Harrison Hugo B. , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Hoey Andrew S. , Holmes Thomas H. , Houk Peter , Januchowski‐Hartley Fraser A. , Jompa Jamaluddin , Kuo Chao‐Yang , Limmon Gino Valentino , Lin Yuting V. , McClanahan Timothy R. , Muenzel Dominic , Paddack Michelle J. , Planes Serge , Pratchett Morgan S. , Radford Ben , Reimer James Davis , Richards Zoe T. , Ross Claire L. , Rulmal John , Sommer Brigitte , Williams Gareth J. , Wilson Shaun K.
Published: April 2023

Scientists and managers rely on indicator taxa such as coral and macroalgal cover to evaluate the effects of human disturbance on coral reefs, often assuming a universally positive relationship between local human disturbance and macroalgae. Despite evidence that macroalgae respond to local stressors in diverse ways, there have been few efforts to evaluate relationships between specific macroalgae taxa and local human‐driven disturbance. Using genus‐level monitoring data from 1205 sites in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we assess whether macroalgae percent cover correlates with local human disturbance while accounting for factors that could obscure or confound relationships. Assessing macroalgae at genus level revealed that no genera were positively correlated with all human disturbance metrics. Instead, we found relationships between the division or genera of algae and specific human disturbances that were not detectable when pooling taxa into a single functional category, which is common to many analyses. The convention to use percent cover of macroalgae as an indication of local human disturbance therefore likely obscures signatures of local anthropogenic threats to reefs. Our limited understanding of relationships between human disturbance, macroalgae taxa, and their responses to human disturbances impedes the ability to diagnose and respond appropriately to these threats.
Nitrogen use strategy drives interspecific differences in plant photosynthetic CO2 acclimation
Authors: Cui Erqian , Xia Jianyang , Luo Yiqi
Published: April 2023

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration triggers an emergent phenomenon called plant photosynthetic acclimation to elevated CO2 (PAC). PAC is often characterized by a reduction in leaf photosynthetic capacity (Asat), which varies dramatically along the continuum of plant phylogeny. However, it remains unclear whether the mechanisms responsible for PAC are also different across plant phylogeny, especially between gymnosperms and angiosperms. Here, by compiling a dataset of 73 species, we found that although leaf Asat increased significantly from gymnosperms to angiosperms, there was no phylogenetic signal in the PAC magnitude along the phylogenetic continuum. Physio‐morphologically, leaf nitrogen concentration (Nm), photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency (PNUE), and leaf mass per area (LMA) dominated PAC for 36, 29, and 8 species, respectively. However, there was no apparent difference in PAC mechanisms across major evolutionary clades, with 75% of gymnosperms and 92% of angiosperms regulated by the combination of Nm and PNUE. There was a trade‐off between Nm and PNUE in driving PAC across species, and PNUE dominated the long‐term changes and inter‐specific differences in Asat under elevated CO2. These findings indicate that nitrogen‐use strategy drives the acclimation of leaf photosynthetic capacity to elevated CO2 across terrestrial plant species.
Observed and projected functional reorganization of riverine fish assemblages from global change
Authors: Woods Taylor , Freeman Mary C. , Krause Kevin P. , Maloney Kelly O.
Published: April 2023

Climate and land‐use/land‐cover change (“global change”) are restructuring biodiversity, globally. Broadly, environmental conditions are expected to become warmer, potentially drier (particularly in arid regions), and more anthropogenically developed in the future, with spatiotemporally complex effects on ecological communities. We used functional traits to inform Chesapeake Bay Watershed fish responses to future climate and land‐use scenarios (2030, 2060, and 2090). We modeled the future habitat suitability of focal species representative of key trait axes (substrate, flow, temperature, reproduction, and trophic) and used functional and phylogenetic metrics to assess variable assemblage responses across physiographic regions and habitat sizes (headwaters through large rivers). Our focal species analysis projected future habitat suitability gains for carnivorous species with preferences for warm water, pool habitats, and fine or vegetated substrates. At the assemblage level, models projected decreasing habitat suitability for cold‐water, rheophilic, and lithophilic individuals but increasing suitability for carnivores in the future across all regions. Projected responses of functional and phylogenetic diversity and redundancy differed among regions. Lowland regions were projected to become less functionally and phylogenetically diverse and more redundant while upland regions (and smaller habitat sizes) were projected to become more diverse and less redundant. Next, we assessed how these model‐projected assemblage changes 2005–2030 related to observed time‐series trends (1999–2016). Halfway through the initial projecting period (2005–2030), we found observed trends broadly followed modeled patterns of increasing proportions of carnivorous and lithophilic individuals in lowland regions but showed opposing patterns for functional and phylogenetic metrics. Leveraging observed and predicted analyses simultaneously helps elucidate the instances and causes of discrepancies between model predictions and ongoing observed changes. Collectively, results highlight the complexity of global change impacts across broad landscapes that likely relate to differences in assemblages' intrinsic sensitivities and external exposure to stressors.
Unpacking (un)conscious social class bias in faculty hiring processes in Chile: PhD prestige granting university and network
Authors: Chiappa Roxana
Published: April 2023

Social class of origin is apparently an imperceptible attribute among doctorate holders seeking academic jobs. Yet, recent studies in different countries reveal that social class of origin may still be influencing the chances of PhD holders from low social class being hired at prestigious universities. Drawing from the theory of social and cultural reproduction, normative ‘fair’ academic hirings frameworks, and qualitative evidence collected in Chile, this research identifies the mechanisms that trigger (un)conscious social class bias in the stages of recruitment and selection of candidates in seven academic departments in economics and industrial engineering (46 interviews). Findings did not prove explicit classism manifestations, but practices of inclusion/exclusion of candidates based on the prestige of PhD‐granting universities, and networks. These reproduce the relationship between social class and unequal chances of being connected to prestigious universities. Recommendations to address (un)conscious social class bias in academic hiring are discussed.
NOSTALGIA AND (PRE‐)MODERNITY
Authors: Skoda Hannah
Published: April 2023

This article argues that, in the fourteenth century, there was a wave of nostalgia that was provoked by extreme structural change: this was a moment of demographic catastrophe (with famine and plague), endemic warfare, economic fluctuation, intensified urbanization, and intellectual and spiritual novelties. Yet scholars from a range of disciplines have assumed that nostalgia and modernity are intimately connected. Given these framings of nostalgia as a modern phenomenon, this article seeks to explore the implications of premodern nostalgia. It begins by setting out the arguments for the intertwining of nostalgia and modernity. Some have argued that modernity brings a sense of rupture and that this produces nostalgia. Others, relatedly, have argued that modernity seems to speed up our experience of time and that this produces a nostalgia for a slower‐paced and more predictable past. I juxtapose these arguments with evidence of fourteenth‐century outpourings of nostalgia across a range of contexts in England, Italy, and France. I analyze examples of nostalgia in political contexts (both radical and reactionary), nostalgia for apparently lost economic orders, nostalgia for a lost set of chivalric values, and nostalgia for disrupted social orders. I then suggest that these fourteenth‐century manifestations of nostalgia were actually produced by precisely the features of the period that are usually deemed to be exclusive to modernity: it was rapid, rupturing structural change that provoked nostalgic regret. Nostalgia, then, would seem to indicate that there are features of the fourteenth century that might be deemed modern. However, rather than simply trying to therefore push back the moment of the birth of modernity, I argue that nostalgia is indicative of the problems of periodization. The presence of nostalgia across epochs—these echoes across the webs of time—suggest that lines of periodization, birthing moments, need to be treated with extreme caution. And it is appropriate that such a reminder should come from a phenomenon such as nostalgia, which is, after all, about resonances and echoes across time—resonances that are amplified, distorted, whispered even, but that all challenge and complicate any straightforward sense of either linear or cyclical time.
Community gardens and urban agriculture: Healthy environment/healthy citizens
Authors: Zutter Cynthia , Stoltz Ashley
Published: April 2023

Studies are showing that urban community gardening can improve people's psychological and physiological health in myriad ways. Community gardens increase social capital, provide opportunities for altruism, and create accessible and sustainable food sources in urban environments. The purpose of this study was to explore the mental, social, and physical health benefits of participation in an urban community garden in Edmonton, Canada. A focused ethnography was conducted with surveys and semi‐structured interviews. Surveys were sent to volunteers and customers of the Green and Gold Garden (GGG). This was followed by focus group interviews with eight volunteers and four customers. The interview format comprised open‐ended questions that encouraged participants to share their perceptions of the health and well‐being benefits from being at the GGG. Data were coded via inductive coding, and subsequently categorized into themes via an iterative, reflective process. Four health‐related themes were generated from thematic analysis: physical health, social health, mental/emotional health, and connection to the global community. Spending time at the GGG improved the respondents' mental health, even during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as they reported feelings of altruism, serenity, and connection with nature. Their social health was improved through gathering with other garden members in a sheltered urban green space within the city limits. This study supports the idea that participation in an urban community garden confers health benefits and engenders a greater awareness of, and appreciation for, the local environment and expands one's scope of care to incorporate planetary health.
B4C‒TiB2 composite with modified microstructure and enhanced properties from optimal size coupling of raw powders
Authors: Zhao Jun , Fang Zheyu , Jin Xing , Wang Dong , Ding Xiang , Ran Songlin
Published: April 2023

B4C‒15 vol% TiB2 composites were fabricated by in situ reactive spark plasma sintering with B4C, TiC, and amorphous B powders as the raw materials. The size coupling of initial B4C and TiC particles was optimized based on the reaction mechanism to derive B4C‒TiB2 composites with enhanced microstructure and properties. During the reactive sintering, fine B4C–TiB2 particles were firstly formed by an in situ reaction between TiC and B. Then, large B4C particles tended to grow at the cost of small B4C particles. The in situ TiB2 grains gradually grew up and interconnect, distributing around the large B4C grains to form an intergranular TiB2 network. The results showed that the B4C‒15 vol% TiB2 composite prepared from 3.12 μm B4C powder and 0.80 μm TiC powder had the optimal comprehensive properties, with a relative density of 99.50%, a Vickers hardness of 31.84 GPa, a flexural strength of 780 MPa, a fracture toughness of 5.77 MPa·m1/2, as well as an electrical resistivity of 3.01 × 10−2 Ω·cm.
Traditional Chinese medicine for frozen shoulder: An evidence‐based guideline
Authors: Qin Xiaokuan , Sun Kai , Ao Yingfang , Liu Jianping , Wang Mei , Deng Qiang , Zhong Weihong , liu Jun , Sun Shaoqiu , Liu Xiangdi , Shi Bin , Guan Xuefeng , Du Shuangqing , Zou Jun , Wu Chengliang , Chen Feng , Fang Yigong , Nie Xiaoyan , Mo Wen , Guo Jiayi , Zhang Yili , Dong Yan , Wei Xu , Zhu Liguo
Published: April 2023

Background

Frozen shoulder is a common disorder that can lead to long‐lasting impairment in shoulder‐related daily activities. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played an important role in the effort to manage frozen shoulder.

Purpose

We aimed to develop an evidence‐based guideline for treating frozen shoulder with traditional Chinese medicine.

Study design

Evidence‐based guideline.

Methods

We developed this guideline based on internationally recognized and accepted guideline standards. The guideline development group used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate the certainty of evidence and the strength of recommendations. The benefits and harms, resources, accessibility, and other factors were fully taken into account, and the GRADE grid method was used to reach consensus on all recommendations.

Results

We established a multidisciplinary guideline development panel. Based on a systematic literature search and a face‐to‐face meeting, nine clinical questions were identified. Finally, twelve recommendations were reached by consensus, comprehensively considering the balance of benefits and harms, certainty of evidence, costs, clinical feasibility, accessibility, and clinical acceptability.

Conclusion

This guideline panel made twelve recommendations, which covered the use of manual therapy, acupuncture, needle knife, Cheezheng Xiaotong plaster, Gutong plaster, exercise therapy and integrated TCM and Western medicine, such as combined modalities and corticosteroid injections. Most of them were weakly recommended or consensus based. The users of this guideline are most likely to be clinicians and health administrators.
Spatial competition with demand uncertainty: A laboratory experiment
Authors: Bonein Aurélie , Turolla Stéphane
Published: April 2023

Motivated by recent research on product differentiation, we conduct laboratory experiments to study how demand uncertainty influences firms' incentives to differentiate. We ground our experiment on a discrete version of the standard location‐then‐price game introduced by Hotelling (1929), and we consider different levels of demand uncertainty. We first derive the game equilibrium assuming risk‐neutral firms, and obtain the standard prediction that a high level of demand uncertainty generates more differentiation. Second, we extend the analysis to consider non‐risk neutral firms and markets with asymmetric risk profiles. We show that the game equilibrium can differ substantially according to the attitude to risk. Third, we compare our predictions with the experimental data and find that demand uncertainty acts as a differentiation force in the context of both symmetric markets composed of risk‐neutral or risk‐lover subjects and asymmetric markets. We find support also for the agglomeration effect arising from demand uncertainty for sufficiently risk‐averse subjects. Overall, these results might explain the opposite product differentiation strategies frequently observed in markets with fast‐evolving tastes (i.e., minimum or maximum differentiation). Finally, the data confirm that subjects differentiate to relax price competition and provide evidence of a strong positive relationship between differentiation and prices.
Influence of immediate postoperative gingival thickness and gingival margin position on the outcomes of root coverage therapy: A 6 months prospective case series study using 3D digital measuring methods
Authors: Blasi Gonzalo , Vilarrasa Javi , Abrahamian Lory , Monje Alberto , Nart José , Pons Ramón
Published: April 2023

Background

To assess linear and volumetric changes following the treatment of gingival recessions (GRs) by means of a modified coronally advanced tunnel technique combined with acellular dermal matrix (MTUN + ADM).

Materials and Methods

Patients presenting GR type 1 (RT1) GRs underwent root coverage surgery consisting of MTUN + ADM. Clinical measurements were made, and intraoral scans were obtained at baseline, postoperatively, and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after surgery, to evaluate changes in probing depth (PD), keratinized tissue width (KTW), recession depth (RD), recession area (RA), marginal gingival thickness (MGT), and mucosal volume (MV). The impact of patient‐level and surgical‐site variables upon percentage root coverage (% RC) and the likelihood of achieving complete root coverage (CRC) were explored.

Results

A total of 20 patients (n = 47 teeth) were treated. After 6 months, RD and RA decreased, while KTW, MGT, and MV increased. The mean % RC was 93% at 6 months and CRC was found on 72.3% of the sites at 6 months. The postoperative MGT changes at 1.5 and 3 mm were significantly correlated to % RC and CRC at 6 months. Each additional mm of postoperative gain of gingival thickness resulted in a 4‐fold increase in the probability of achieving CRC. Additionally, gingival margin positioned ≥0.5 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction immediately after surgery was a strong predictor of CRC.

Conclusions

The MGT gain at 1.5 and 3 mm achieved in the immediate postoperative period is a significant predictor of CRC at 6 months when treating multiple GRs via MTUN + ADM.

Clinical Significance

The Scientific rationale for the study relies on the lack of 3D digital measuring tools in the assessment of soft tissue healing dynamics after root coverage therapy. The principal findings of this study can be summarized as follows: tooth type, tooth position, and post‐operative gingival margin position and gingival thickness and volume changes are predictors of CRC. Therefore, the practical implications are that the more thickness and more coronal advancement achieved immediately after root coverage surgery, the higher chance of achieving CRC.
Comment on: Effectiveness and safety of anti‐tau drugs for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Stefanacci Richard , Miller Sonya , Loh Yin Sze
Published: April 2023

See the reply by Zheng et al.
Effects of short‐term motor training on accuracy and precision of simple jaw and finger movements after orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery: A case‐control study
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Hou Wei , Gu Jingke , Chen Wenjing , Wang Kelun , Svensson Peter , Yan Bin
Published: April 2023

Background

Orthognathic surgery has been performed with increasing frequency for the treatment of severe malocclusion, yet the postsurgical neuromuscular recovery of patients has been inadequately studied.

Objective

To investigate the effect of short‐term and simple jaw motor training on accuracy and precision of jaw motor control in patients following orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery.

Methods

Twenty patients who had completed preoperative orthodontics, 20 patients who had undergone bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and 20 age‐and‐gender‐matched healthy controls participated in the study. Participants were asked to perform 10 continuous jaw opening and finger lifting movements before and after a 30‐min motor training session. The variability in the amplitude of these simple movements was expressed as percentage in relation to the target position (accuracy – Daccu) and as coefficient of variation (precision – CVprec) to describe the motor performance. Furthermore, the changes in amplitude before and after training were measured in percentage.

Results

Daccu and CVprec of simple jaw and finger movements significantly decreased after motor training (p ≤ .018) in all groups. The relative changes in finger movements were higher than jaw movements (p < .001) but with no differences among the groups (p ≥ .247).

Conclusion

Both accuracy and precision of simple jaw and finger movements improved after short‐term motor training in all three groups, demonstrating the inherent potential for optimization of novel motor tasks. Finger movements improved more than jaw movements but with no differences between groups, suggesting that changes in occlusion and craniofacial morphology are not associated with impaired neuroplasticity or physiological adaptability of jaw motor function.
Breastfeeding challenges and opportunities during COVID‐19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Lai Ling , Yeung Karene HT , Chow Ka Ming , Poon Liona C , Ip Patricia LS , Nelson E Anthony S
Published: April 2023

Barriers to sustain breastfeeding could be time and place specific. Here, we summarise new and old challenges to breastfeeding during COVID‐19 pandemic in Hong Kong, some of which were obtained from qualitative in‐depth interviews with health‐care professionals. We document how unnecessary massive mother–baby separations in hospitals and doubts in COVID‐19 vaccine safety seriously harm breastfeeding. We also discuss how the trends and increase in acceptance of receiving post‐natal care from family doctors, online‐antenatal class, work‐from‐home policy and telemedicine implicate new strategies to protect, promote and support breastfeeding during and after the pandemic. The challenges from the COVID‐19 pandemic on breastfeeding have revealed new opportunities to support breastfeeding in Hong Kong and similar settings where exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is still not the norm.
Clinical outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute coronary syndrome in relation to hyperuricemia status
Authors: Zhao Xuedong , Li Siyi , Wang Xiao , Fan Jingyao , Ai Hui , Que Bin , Yan Yan , Zhang Zekun , Wang Ge , Gong Wei , Nie Shaoping
Published: April 2023

The clinical outcome of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute coronary syndrome in relation to hyperuricemia is still unclear. We aimed to explore the clinical prognosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with acute coronary syndrome in relation to hyperuricemia status. This was a prospective cohort study. We included consecutively eligible patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent cardiorespiratory polygraphy between June 2015 and January 2020. According to apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15 events per hr and serum uric acid level, the population was divided into four groups: hyperuricemia with obstructive sleep apnea; hyperuricemia with non‐obstructive sleep apnea; no hyperuricemia with obstructive sleep apnea; and no hyperuricemia with non‐obstructive sleep apnea. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, ischaemia‐driven revascularization, and readmission for unstable angina or heart failure. Spearman correlation analysis and Cox regression model were mainly used to estimate the data. The median follow‐up was 2.9 years. Among 1925 patients with acute coronary syndrome, 29.6% had hyperuricemia and 52.6% had obstructive sleep apnea. Uric acid was negatively correlated with minimum arterial oxygen saturation and mean arterial oxygen saturation, and positively correlated with apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index and the duration of time with arterial oxygen saturation < 90% (p < 0.001). During 2.9 (1.5, 3.6) years of follow‐up, obstructive sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with hyperuricemia (23.5% versus 13.4%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.834; 95% confidence interval: 1.192–2.821, p = 0.006), but not in patients without hyperuricemia (21.9% versus 19.2%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.131; 95% confidence interval: 0.880–1.453, p = 0.336). There was a correlation between uric acid levels and sleep respiratory indicators. Obstructive sleep apnea was associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome with hyperuricemia, but not in patients without hyperuricemia.
Pharmacokinetics and effects of codeine in combination with acetaminophen on thermal nociception in horses
Authors: Tueshaus Tisa , McKemie Daniel S. , Kanarr Kirsten , Kass Philip H. , Knych Heather K.
Published: April 2023

Codeine and acetaminophen in combination have proven to be an effective analgesic treatment for moderate‐to‐severe and postoperative pain in humans. Studies have demonstrated that codeine and acetaminophen, when administered as sole agents, are well tolerated by horses. In the current study, we hypothesized that administration of the combination of codeine and acetaminophen would result in a significant thermal antinociceptive effect compared with administration of either alone. Six horses were administered oral doses of codeine (1.2 mg/kg), acetaminophen (20 mg/kg), and codeine plus acetaminophen (1.2 mg/kg codeine and 6–6.4 mg/kg acetaminophen) in a three‐way balanced crossover design. Plasma samples were collected, concentrations of drug and metabolites determined via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic analyses were performed. Pharmacodynamic outcomes, including effect on thermal thresholds, were assessed. Codeine Cmax and AUC were significantly different between the codeine and combination group. There was considerable inter‐individual variation in the pharmacokinetic parameters for codeine, acetaminophen, and their metabolites in horses. All treatments were well tolerated with minimal significant adverse effects. An increase in the thermal threshold was noted at 1.5 and 2 h, from 15 min through 6 h and 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 3 h in the codeine, acetaminophen, and combination groups, respectively.
Estimating the cost and cost‐effectiveness of adding zinc to, and improving the performance of, Burkina Faso's mandatory wheat flour fortification programme
Authors: Adams Katherine P. , Jarvis Michael , Vosti Stephen A. , Manger Mari S. , Tarini Ann , Somé Jérome W. , Somda Hervé , McDonald Christine M.
Published: April 2023

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that promotes normal growth, development and immune function. In the context of persistent dietary zinc inadequacies, large‐scale food fortification can help fill the gap between intake and requirements. Burkina Faso mandates wheat flour fortification with iron and folic acid. We used activity‐based cost modelling to estimate the cost of adding zinc to the country's wheat flour fortification standard assuming (1) no change in compliance with the national standard, and (2) a substantial improvement in compliance. We used household food consumption data to model effective coverage, that is, the number of women of reproductive age (WRA) predicted to achieve adequate zinc density (zinc intake/1000 kcal) with the addition of fortification to diets. Without interventions, the prevalence of inadequate dietary zinc density was ~35.5%. With no change in compliance, the annual average incremental cost of adding zinc to fortified wheat flour was $10,347, which would effectively cover <1% of WRA at an incremental cost of ~$0.54/WRA effectively covered. Improving compliance added ~$300,000/year to the cost of the fortification programme without zinc; including zinc added another ~$78,000/year but only reduced inadequate intake among WRA by 3.6% at an incremental cost of ~$0.45/WRA effectively covered. Although the incremental cost of adding zinc to wheat flour is low ($0.01/wheat flour consumer/year), given low levels of wheat flour consumption, zinc fortification of wheat flour alone contributes marginally to, but will not fully close, the dietary zinc gap. Future research should explore potential contributions of zinc to a broader set of delivery vehicles.