bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of emotional intelligence, cross-functional teams and interorganizational networks on operational effectiveness
Authors: Santa Ricardo , Sanz Claudia Marcela , Tegethoff Thomas , Cayon Edgardo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This article aims to examine the influence of emotional intelligence on cross-functional teams, the formation of interorganizational networks and the impact of all three dimensions on operational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was based on 250 valid questionnaires collected from organizations in the Valle del Cauca region in Colombia in the service sector. The variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling to identify their relationships.

Findings

The results suggest that emotional intelligence contributes to establishing cross-functional teams but does not impact the development of interorganizational networks, influencing operational effectiveness only indirectly through the cross-functional teams. Contrary to what the literature suggests, interorganizational networks do not influence the operational effectiveness of organizations. Hence, in the pursuit of competitive advantage, companies in the studied region should encourage the creation of cross-functional teams within their organizations to maximize the returns received through the optimization of operational effectiveness.

Practical implications

Organizations are comprised of individuals whose emotional intelligence competencies and abilities enable them to form effective cross-functional teams. Furthermore, cross-functional teams that effectively establish relationships with other organizations are frequently employed in global, interorganizational collaboration environments like joint ventures and alliances. Cross-functional teams that fulfill their aims have the potential to benefit the organization's performance by boosting operational effectiveness and, therefore, its competitiveness.

Originality/value

The value of this article lies in providing a better understanding of the capabilities and strategies of organizations in the construction of interorganizational networks intended to improve their competitiveness. However, before operational effectiveness and a sustainable competitive advantage can be achieved, the role of the individuals comprising the cross-functional teams should be managed through the appropriate application of the concepts of emotional intelligence.
The use of extrusion technology for encapsulation of bioactive components for their improved stability and bioavailability
Authors: Manzoor Sobiya , Hussain Syed Zameer , Amin Tawheed , Bashir Omar , Naseer Bazila , Jabeen Abida , Fayaz Ufaq , Nisar Naseh , Mushtaq Aarizoo , Yousouf Monisa , Naseem Zahida , Khan Uzznain
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to highlight the various methods of extrusion technologies for encapsulation of bioactive components (BACs).

Design/methodology/approach

BACs provide numerous health-care benefits; however, downsides, including a strong effect of organoleptic properties by reason of the bitterness and acridity of a few components, and also a short shelf-life, limit their application in food. The food industry is still demanding complicated qualities from food ingredients, which were often impossible to obtain without encapsulation such as stability, delayed release, thermal protection and an acceptable sensory profile. Various techniques such as melt injection extrusion, hot-melt extrusion, electrostatic extrusion, co-extrusion and particles from gas-saturated solutions, could be used for maintaining these characteristics.

Findings

Extrusion technology has been well used for encapsulation of bioactive chemicals in an effort to avoid their numerous downsides and to boost their use in food. The count of BACs that could be encapsulated has risen owing to the extrusion technology just as form of encapsulation. Extrusion technique also aids in the devaluation of the fragment size of encapsulated BACs, allowing for greater application in the food business.

Originality/value

The study reported that encapsulating BACs makes them more stable in both the product itself and in the gastrointestinal tract, so using encapsulated BACs would result in a product with stronger preventive properties.
The blood flow rate on the first day after arteriovenous fistula creation is a predictor of successful fistula maturation
Authors: Gjorgjievski Nikola , Dzekova‐Vidimliski Pavlina , Cibrev Dragan , Rambabova‐Bushljetik Irena , Dejanov Petar , Selim Gjulshen , Stojanoska Severova Ana , Trajceska Lada , Gjorgievska Julija , Karanfilovski Vlatko , Spasovski Goce , Nikolov Igor G
Published: December 2022

Background

The determination of blood flow rate (BFR) is a useful tool for assessing the function of arteriovenous fistula (AVF).

Methods

Eighty patients with a newly created radio cephalic AVF were analyzed. Hemodynamics and morphological characteristics of the blood vessels were assessed by Doppler ultrasound.

Results

The mean age of patients was 59.9 ± 13.5 years. A successful rate of AVF maturation was 62.5% at 8 weeks. Six adjusted models of multivariate analysis showed that BFR at Day 1 was a predictor for AVF maturation both at 4 weeks (p < 0.001) and 8 weeks (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an optimal cut‐off point for BFR at Day 1 of 395 ml/min for successful maturation at 4 weeks (sensitivity 0.714, specificity 0.889) and 344 ml/min for successful maturation at 8 weeks (sensitivity 0.860, specificity 0.867).

Conclusion

BFR at Day 1 is a powerful predictor for successful AVF maturation at 4 and 8 weeks.
Survey methods and biases in the Al‐Mudhaybi Regional Survey, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Döpper Stephanie
Published: December 2022

The Al‐Mudhaybi Regional Survey uses different methods to reconstruct the diachronic development of the archaeological landscape within a 930 km2area. This article evaluates the different outcomes of remote sensing, ground‐truthing and systematic field‐walking of transects regarding the type and chronological range of structures found. Additionally, it considers the impact of the geological background on the presence/absence of structures and finds. Through these surveys, it will be demonstrated that, first, while above‐ground, solid constructions like Early Bronze Age tombs are easily spotted during remote sensing, smaller, often below‐ground tombs of other periods and domestic architecture of any (pre‐Late Islamic) date were only identified in the field. Second, Umm an‐Nar and Iron Age structures and finds tend to be clustered in a few spots, while remains of other periods, especially the Hafit, are more dispersed. Third, there are different location choices over time regarding the geological background of structures.
Social risk, green market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, and new product performance among European Multinational Enterprises operating in developing economies
Authors: Pomegbe Wisdom Wise Kwabla , Dogbe Courage Simon Kofi , Bamfo Bylon Abeeku , Borah Prasad Siba , Novixoxo Jewel Dela
Published: December 2022

The current study sought to assess the mediating role of green market orientation dimensions in the relationship between social risk and new product performance among European Multinational Enterprises (EMNEs). We also assessed the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation in the relationship between green market orientation and new product performance. The study was based on primary data gathered from 317 EMNEs in Ghana. After various validity and reliability checks, ordinary least squares (OLS) analysis was performed to estimate the various relationships hypothesized in the study. The study finds that social risk has a negative effect on the success of EMNEs' new products. This negative effect is however nullified by the positive mediating effects of strategic green market orientation, tactical green market orientation and internal green market orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation also played a significant moderating effect in the relationship between green market orientation dimensions and EMNEs' new product performance. Based on this, theoretical and managerial contributions were made.
Understanding the types of social support that can mitigate parental burnout in mothers of children with medical complexity
Authors: Yamoah Jaymi , Brown Laura
Published: December 2022

Background

Parental burnout is characterized by exhaustion, emotional distancing and a sense of ineffectiveness in the parenting role. Parents of children with medical complexity (CMC) face various challenges due to their child's diagnosis. Specifically, mothers of CMC experience more parental burnout symptoms than mothers of children without healthcare needs. Multiple studies have identified interventions for mitigating caregiver stress in parents of CMC. However, social support is of interest to organizations that provide services geared towards the family unit's social–emotional wellbeing. This article aims to explore the role of social support in mitigating parental burnout in mothers of CMC. It also aims to offer guidance to community‐based organizations, practitioners, and mental health advocates on how to best allocate resources to provide social support opportunities for mothers of CMC.

Methods

A qualitative case study approach was utilized to explore the role of social support in mitigating parental burnout in mothers of CMC. A sample of five mothers of CMC participated in an interview regarding the role of social support in mitigating parental burnout. Within‐case analysis was used to identify overarching themes, followed by cross‐case analysis to determine similarities among participants' experience.

Results

Three salient themes emerged from the participants' interviews: isolation, types of social support, and the benefits of helping others. Types of social support included four subcategories: church support, practical support, mental health support and respite/childcare support.

Conclusions

Results of the study indicated that active engagement in specific types of social support was critical in mitigating parental burnout and feelings of isolation in mothers of CMC. Furthermore, results revealed that mothers of CMC experience positive benefits from helping others. These findings encourage community‐based organizations to focus on maximizing partnerships with churches and other non‐profit organizations to develop strategic programmes for mitigating parental burnout in mothers of CMC.
Systematic characterization and biological functions of non‐coding RNAs in glioblastoma
Authors: Dai Lirui , Liang Wulong , Shi Zimin , Li Xiang , Zhou Shaolong , Hu Weihua , Yang Zhuo , Wang Xinjun
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and aggressive type of glioma. Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNAs that do not encode proteins but widely exist in eukaryotic cells. The common characteristics of these RNAs are that they can all be transcribed from the genome without being translated into proteins, thus performing biological functions, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs. Studies have found that ncRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of GBM, and there is a complex regulatory network among ncRNAs, which can regulate cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and differentiation, thus provide a basis for the development of highly specific diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies in the future. The present review aimed to comprehensively describe the biogenesis, general features and functions of regulatory ncRNAs in GBM, and to interpret the potential biological functions of these ncRNAs in GBM as well as their impact on clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis and discusses the potential mechanisms of these RNA subtypes leading to cancer in order to contribute to the better design of personalized GBM therapies in the future.
Towards a unified vision on animal navigation
Authors: Menti Giulio Maria , Meda Nicola , Zordan Mauro A. , Megighian Aram
Published: December 2022

The study of animal navigation is a complex and fertile field of research: Several questions regarding how animals relate to externalstimuli, integrating them to perform their everyday movement routine, have been or are being addressed in different organisms andtaxa, both from the behavioural and the neuronal activity point of view. Several invertebrate model organisms are the object of studies aimed at unravelling how they navigate and their ability to precisely return to a starting point and also how navigational information is communicated to conspecifics when precise social structures are present. Also, vertebrates are studied because of the interest in their orientation abilities while migrating, homing over impressive distances and studying exploration, orientation and space recognition. Last, research on the navigation capabilities of humans pursues a better understanding of the neural architecture involved in these processes in the remarkable effort to find answers and possible solutions to impairments, lesions and diseases. However, an ‘all‐inclusive’ vision of navigation still appears to be in its embryonic state: A better perspective could (and should) shift from a paradigm where single research teams are centred on studying navigation in a singlegenusor species towards a more comprehensive evolutionary‐centred view, searching systematically for behavioural analogies, and possibly for homologies in neural architecture between different taxa. In this review, we introduce examples of relevant topics in animal navigation from distinct animal groups, highlighting the similar approaches of those studies, and why, in our opinion, this research field could profit from a ‘new’ perspective.
Maternal psychological distress associates with alterations in resting‐state low‐frequency fluctuations and distal functional connectivity of the neonate medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Rajasilta Olli , Häkkinen Suvi , Björnsdotter Malin , Scheinin Noora M. , Lehtola Satu J. , Saunavaara Jani , Parkkola Riitta , Lähdesmäki Tuire , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Tuulari Jetro J.
Published: December 2022

Prenatal stress exposure (PSE) has been observed to exert a programming effect on the developing infant brain, possibly with long‐lasting consequences on temperament, cognitive functions and the risk for developing psychiatric disorders. Several prior studies have revealed that PSE associates with alterations in neonate functional connectivity in the prefrontal regions and amygdala. In this study, we explored whether maternal psychological symptoms measured during the 24th gestational week had associations with neonate resting‐state network metrics. Twenty‐one neonates (nine female) underwent resting‐state fMRI scanning (mean gestation‐corrected age at scan 26.95 days) to assess fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo). The ReHo/fALFF maps were used in multiple regression analysis to investigate whether maternal self‐reported anxiety and/or depressive symptoms associate with neonate functional brain features. Maternal psychological distress (composite score of depressive and anxiety symptoms) was positively associated with fALFF in the neonate medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Anxiety and depressive symptoms, assessed separately, exhibited similar but weaker associations. Post hoc seed‐based connectivity analyses further showed that distal connectivity of mPFC covaried with PSE. No associations were found between neonate ReHo and PSE. These results offer preliminary evidence that PSE may affect functional features of the developing brain during gestation.
Kant's regulative essentialism and the unknowability of real essences
Authors: Hoffer Noam
Published: December 2022

In his lectures on Logic and Metaphysics, Kant distinguishes between logical and real essences. While the former is related to concepts and is knowable, the latter is related to things and is unknowable. In this paper, I argue that the unknowability is explained by the modal characteristic of real essences as a necessitating ground on which a priori knowledge is impossible. I also show how this claim is related to the unknowable necessity of particular laws of nature. Since laws of nature are conceived as grounded in real essences, the unknowability of the latter is equivalent to Kant's other claim that there can be no knowledge of the necessity of particular laws of nature. Necessity can only be known a priori, and therefore, the necessity of particular laws is only assumed and conceived as grounded in something unknowable, a real essence. This conclusion will allow me to attribute to Kant a position I label as “regulative essentialism”, meaning that real essences have an indispensable role in accordance with the rational interest to explain nature as a system of laws and natural kinds, combined with an epistemic humility about the correspondence of our empirical concepts to real essences.
Multi‐modelling predictions show high uncertainty of required carbon input changes to reach a 4‰ target
Authors: Bruni Elisa , Chenu Claire , Abramoff Rose Z. , Baldoni Guido , Barkusky Dietmar , Clivot Hugues , Huang Yuanyuan , Kätterer Thomas , Pikuła Dorota , Spiegel Heide , Virto Iñigo , Guenet Bertrand
Published: December 2022

Soils store vast amounts of carbon (C) on land, and increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in already managed soils such as croplands may be one way to remove C from the atmosphere, thereby limiting subsequent warming. The main objective of this study was to estimate the amount of additional C input needed to annually increase SOC stocks by 4‰ at 16 long‐term agricultural experiments in Europe, including exogenous organic matter (EOM) additions. We used an ensemble of six SOC models and ran them under two configurations: (1) with default parametrization and (2) with parameters calibrated site‐by‐site to fit the evolution of SOC stocks in the control treatments (without EOM). We compared model simulations and analysed the factors generating variability across models. The calibrated ensemble was able to reproduce the SOC stock evolution in the unfertilised control treatments. We found that, on average, the experimental sites needed an additional 1.5 ± 1.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1 to increase SOC stocks by 4‰ per year over 30 years, compared to the C input in the control treatments (multi‐model median ± median standard deviation across sites). That is, a 119% increase compared to the control. While mean annual temperature, initial SOC stocks and initial C input had a significant effect on the variability of the predicted C input in the default configuration (i.e., the relative standard deviation of the predicted C input from the mean), only water‐related variables (i.e., mean annual precipitation and potential evapotranspiration) explained the divergence between models when calibrated. Our work highlights the challenge of increasing SOC stocks in agriculture and accentuates the need to increasingly lean on multi‐model ensembles when predicting SOC stock trends and related processes. To increase the reliability of SOC models under future climate change, we suggest model developers to better constrain the effect of water‐related variables on SOC decomposition.

Highlights

The feasibility of the 4‰ target was studied at 16 long‐term agricultural experiments.

An ensemble of soil organic carbon models was used to estimate the uncertainty of the predictions.

On average across the sites, carbon input had to increase by 119% compared to initial conditions.

High uncertainty of the simulations was mainly driven by water‐related variables.
Bactrocera dorsalis in the Indian Ocean: A tale of two invasions
Authors: Deschepper Pablo , Vanbergen Sam , Zhang Yue , Li Zhihong , Hassani Issa Mze , Patel Nausheen Azhaar , Rasolofoarivao Henriette , Singh Sandeep , Wee Suk Ling , De Meyer Marc , Virgilio Massimiliano , Delatte Hélène
Published: December 2022

An increasing number of invasive fruit fly pests are colonizing new grounds. With this study, we aimed to uncover the invasion pathways of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis into the islands of the Indian Ocean. By using genome‐wide SNP data and a multipronged approach consisting of PCA, ancestry analysis, phylogenetic inference, and kinship networks, we were able to resolve two independent invasion pathways. A western invasion pathway involved the stepping‐stone migration of B. dorsalis from the east African coast into the Comoros, along Mayotte and into Madagascar with a decreasing genetic diversity. The Mascarene islands (Reunion and Mauritius), on the contrary, were colonized directly from Asia and formed a distinct cluster. The low nucleotide diversity suggests that only a few genotypes invaded the Mascarenes. The presence of many long runs of homozygosity (ROH) in the introduced populations is indicative of population bottlenecks, with evidence of a more severe bottleneck for populations along the western migration pathway than on the Mascarene islands. More strict phytosanitary regulations are recommended in order to prevent the further spread of B. dorsalis.
Quadruple therapy with vonoprazan 20 mg daily as a first‐line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: A single‐center, open‐label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lu Lifen , Wang Yujing , Ye Jun , Han Yuehua , Lou Guochun , Li Yan , Yan Huihui , Du Qin
Published: December 2022

Background

Although vonoprazan has been proven to be a highly potent drug for Helicobacter pylori eradication, there have been no randomized trials comparing the effectiveness of regimens containing vonoprazan 20 mg daily with alternative standard strategies. We aimed to assess the efficacy, tolerance, and cost‐effectiveness of quadruple therapy with vonoprazan 20 mg daily as a first‐line therapy for H. pylori eradication.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a single‐center, open‐label, noninferiority, randomized controlled study in Zhejiang, China. Treatment‐naive H. pylori‐positive participants (n = 234) were randomly assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: vonoprazan 20 mg daily with amoxicillin 1000 mg, furazolidone 100 mg and colloidal bismuth 200 mg each given twice a day for 10 days (V10) or 14 days (V14), or esomeprazole 20 mg with amoxicillin 1000 mg, furazolidone 100 mg and colloidal bismuth 200 mg each given twice a day for 14 days (E14). The primary endpoint was the eradication rates in each group. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and compliance.

Results

The eradication rates in the V10, V14 and E14 groups were 96.2% (89.2–99.2%), 94.9% (87.4–98.6%), and 93.6% (85.7–97.9%) in the intention‐to‐treat analysis, and 98.6% (92.7–100.0%), 97.4% (90.8–99.7%), and 94.8% (87.2–98.6%) in the per‐protocol analysis, respectively. Quadruple therapy with vonoprazan 20 mg daily was noninferior to the esomeprazole‐based regimen (Farrington and Manning test: margin 10%, significance level 2.5%). The adverse event rates were 12.8% versus 3.8% versus 6.4% in the V10, V14, and E14 groups, respectively. All regimens were well tolerated without significant differences (p = 0.096). The cost‐effectiveness ratio was 1.32, 1.88, and 3.06 for the V10, V14, and E14 groups in the intention‐to‐treat analysis, respectively. (NCT04907747).

Conclusions

Vonoprazan (20 mg daily) was as effective as esomeprazole (20 mg twice a day) in quadruple therapies for the eradication of H. pylori, was more economical, and was well tolerated. In addition, the 10‐day regimen of vonoprazan (20 mg daily) was comparable to the 14‐day regimen.
Pellagra in Zanzibar: a rare diagnosis
Authors: Hassan Hafidh S. , Pandu Salama M. , Said Sanaa S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Pellagra is a nutritional disease resulting from a deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) primarily due to corn consumption, especially in developing countries, but in developed countries, it can occur secondarily as a consequence of chronic alcoholism, malabsorption, certain drugs, and bariatric surgery.

Results

We present a case of a 32‐year‐old woman from a rural area in Zanzibar who was a heavy alcohol consumer and came in with features suggestive of pellagra.

Conclusion

Our therapeutic approach consisted of niacin 500 mg once daily and betamethasone + salicylic acid ointment twice a day until lesions resolved and showed noticeable improvement.
Structure modulation for synergistically optimizing photoluminescence and conductive property in EuNbO4–CaMoO4 ceramics
Authors: Sun Hao , He Donglin , Sun Yifan , Li Yanqing , Chang Aimin , Zhang Su , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2022

As new multifunctional semiconductor materials, solid‐solution ceramics demonstrate great potential in the field of electronic and optoelectronic devices. CaEuNbMoO8 ceramic is the solid solution of EuNbO4 and CaMoO4, but how to synergistically regulate its transmission of electricity and light still remains challenging. Herein, the structure modulations by adjusting the ratio of EuNbO4 and CaMoO4 and the changes in electrical transport and photoluminescence (PL) properties have been investigated. Meanwhile, the asymmetric ratio (5D0–7F2/5D0–7F1) further determines the symmetry variation of the local microstructure with the solid‐solution ratio of EuNbO4. The correspondence between the structure and phase transition of EuNbO4 ceramics at high temperature is investigated, and it is found that the point symmetry changes from C2h to C4h, and the activation energy changes significantly with increasing temperature. This work provides a solution for the synergistic optimization of PL and conductivity of solid‐solution ceramics by modulating the symmetry of the crystal structure.
Neural correlates of face familiarity in institutionalised children and links to attachment disordered behaviour
Authors: Oliveira Paula S. , Fearon Pasco , Belsky Jay , Mesquita Ana R. , Sampaio Adriana , Pinal Diego , Soares Isabel
Published: December 2022

Background

One of the most well‐documented sequelae of early maltreatment and institutionalisation is attachment problems, including behaviours under the labels of reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED). Despite growing evidence of the neurobiological effects of institutionalisation, the neural correlates of these behavioural patterns are largely unknown.

Methods

The current study examined effects of both institutionalisation in general and attachment disordered behaviour, in particular, on brain‐based markers of face processing, in 100 Portuguese children (70 currently institutionalised, 30 continuously raised by their families). Children's neural processing of caregiver's and stranger's faces was assessed with Event‐Related Potentials (ERPs).

Results

Compared to children from the community, institutionalised children showed smaller amplitudes in the N170, to both stranger and caregiver faces. Amongst the institutionalised group, living in a setting with a higher children‐to‐caregivers’ ratio was associated with smaller P400 amplitudes. The display of DSED symptoms was associated with a smaller P1 to both faces, as well as a reduced differentiation between faces in P400 amplitudes and smaller P400 to the stranger's face. In contrast, RAD symptoms were not associated with any ERP measures.

Conclusions

Results replicate previously reported hypoactivation in institutionalised children, in a less‐globally deprived setting than past work, indicating that such a pattern is associated with lack of individualised care and increased symptoms of DSED.
SARS‐CoV‐2, aging, and Post‐COVID‐19 neurodegeneration
Authors: Strong Michael J.
Published: December 2022

As the world continues to experience the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2, there is evidence to suggest that the sequelae of viral infection (the post‐COVID‐19 condition; PCC) at both an individual and population level will be significant and long‐lasting. The history of pandemics or epidemics in the last 100 years caused by members of the RNA virus family, of which coronaviruses are a member, provides ample evidence of the acute neurological effects. However, except for the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 1918/1919 (the Spanish flu) with its associated encephalitis lethargica, there is little information on long‐term neurological sequelae. COVID‐19 is the first pandemic that has occurred in a setting of an aging population, especially in several high‐income countries. Its survivors are at the greatest risk for developing neurodegenerative conditions as they age, rendering the current pandemic a unique paradigm not previously witnessed. The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, among the largest of the RNA viruses, is a single‐stranded RNA that encodes for 29 proteins that include the spike protein that contains the key domains required for ACE2 binding, and a complex array of nonstructural proteins (NSPs) and accessory proteins that ensure the escape of the virus from the innate immune response, allowing for its efficient replication, translation, and exocytosis as a fully functional virion. Increasingly, these proteins are also recognized as potentially contributing to biochemical and molecular processes underlying neurodegeneration. In addition to directly being taken up by brain endothelium, the virus or key protein constituents can be transported to neurons, astrocytes, and microglia by extracellular vesicles and can accelerate pathological fibril formation. The SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein is intrinsically disordered and can participate in liquid condensate formation, including as pathological heteropolymers with neurodegenerative disease‐associated RNA‐binding proteins such as TDP‐43, FUS, and hnRNP1A. As the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus continues to mutate under the immune pressure exerted by highly efficacious vaccines, it is evolving into a virus with greater transmissibility but less severity compared with the original strain. The potential of its lingering impact on the nervous system thus has the potential to represent an ongoing legacy of an even greater global health challenge than acute infection.

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Dermatological impact of hand hygiene practices during COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional web‐based survey among doctors in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India
Authors: Dash Gaurav , Patro Nibedita , Dwari Binayak Chandra , Abhishek Kumar
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic continues to persist throughout the world with intermittent exacerbation. The changing trend of hand hygiene practices during this pandemic has led to new onset or aggravation of pre‐existing hand eczema, especially among doctors. There is a paucity of studies regarding skin changes seen with changing hand hygiene practices in the Indian subcontinent.

Objectives

To estimate the frequency of various cutaneous manifestations and associated factors with hand hygiene practices in doctors during COVID‐19 via a web‐based online questionnaire survey.

Methods

It was a cross‐sectional web‐based survey conducted at a tertiary care teaching institute from July 2021 to September 2021. Those doctors (faculty, residents, and interns) of the hospital completing the questionnaire with electronic informed consent were included in the study.

Results

A total of 143 doctors completed the survey. The most common symptoms were dryness in 60 (42%) and itching in 25 (17.5%) doctors. The most common skin changes were scaling in 30 (21%) and redness in 16 (11.2%) doctors. There was a significant association between skin changes and frequency of hand washing and hand sanitizer use (p value < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of hand changes and symptoms was 77% in doctors in our study. The most commonly seen hand changes were scaling followed by redness and symptoms observed were dryness and itching.
Serum and salivary adipsin levels and its association with insulin resistance in acne vulgaris patients
Authors: Albalwa Kawther , Kenawy Mohammed , El‐fallah Asmaa Adel , Salem Rehab Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Background

There is scarcity in literature about the reliability of salivary markers in acne vulgaris.

Aims

The aims were to evaluate the insulin resistance (IR) and adipsin levels in serum and saliva in a sample of acne vulgaris patients; and to correlate IR and adipsin levels with the disease severity.

Methods

This prospective case–control study included 60 acne vulgaris patients (patients Group), in addition, 60 apparently healthy individuals (control group). The severity of acne vulgaris was determined according to Global Acne Grading system (GAGS). Serum and salivary adipsin, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin levels were measured using ELISA kits.

Results

Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in patients group both in serum and saliva were elevated when compared with the control group. Serum and salivary levels of adipsin and Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUIKI) in patients were decreased than the control group. Adipsin serum levels show significant negative correlations with all study variables except QUIKI with which the correlation was positive both in serum and saliva. There was a significant positive correlation between serum and salivary adipsin levels (r = 0.873, p < 0.00001) and serum and salivary fasting glucose (r = 1, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Adipsin could be considered as a promising biomarker for acne vulgaris and its associated insulin resistance. Moreover, the salivary measurements may be considered as useful biomarkers in acne vulgaris patients, but more studies are still required.
Justifying and practising effective participation in the Court of Protection: an empirical study*
Authors: KONG CAMILLIA , STICKLER REBECCA , COOPER PENNY , WATKINS MATTHEW , DUNN MICHAEL
Published: December 2022

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales (MCA), the participation of persons in making decisions that affect their lives is embedded within the legislation and has also been addressed directly in Court of Protection (CoP) rules and guidelines. Nonetheless, various studies and reports have indicated a potential gap between practice on the ground and the participatory aspirations of the MCA. This article presents an analysis of semi‐structured interviews with 56 legal professionals (lawyers and retired judges) specializing in mental capacity law to examine how they envisage the substantive meaning and function of the effective participation of individuals who are found to lack decision‐making capacity (P). The study reveals deeper legal and ethical justifications behind why P's participation matters and also suggests that interpersonal barriers, relating to communicating and engaging with P, can hinder its realization in practice.
Endogenous timing in tax competition: The effect of asymmetric information
Authors: Hamada Takaaki
Published: December 2022

This study explores the effects of asymmetric information on endogenous leadership in a simple tax competition environment. The study models a two‐country economy where one country is informed about its own and opponent's productivity of private goods, while the other country only knows its productivity. The results show that each type of informed country has an incentive to pretend to be the other type, which leads to a Stackelberg outcome endogenously, while the simultaneous move is the unique outcome under complete information. Under the Stackelberg outcome, the uninformed country moves first and the informed country moves second. Moreover, ex‐post social welfare under asymmetric information can become larger than that under complete information, because the uninformed country chooses a less aggressive tax rate under asymmetric information. These results depend on the type of uncertainty, and capital ownership and share.
Nonlinear taxation of income and education in the presence of income‐misreporting
Authors: Bastani Spencer , Gahvari Firouz , Micheletto Luca
Published: December 2022

We study the joint design of nonlinear income and education taxes when the government pursues redistributive objectives. A key feature of our setup is that the ability type of an agent can affect both the costs and benefits of acquiring education. Market remuneration of agents depends on both their innate ability type and their educational choices. Our focus is on the properties of constrained efficient allocations when educational choices are publicly observable at the individual level, but earned income is subject to misreporting. We find that income‐misreporting (IM) affects the optimal distortions on income and education and shed light on the reasons for it and mechanisms through which it is done. We show how and why IM strengthens the case for downward distorting the educational choices of low‐ability agents. Finally, we find that IM provides another mechanism that makes commodity taxation useful.
The Delta Delta: Gaps in screening and patient assessment for hepatitis D virus infection
Authors: Nathani Rohit , Leibowitz Randy , Giri Dewan , Villarroel Carolina , Salman Sidra , Sehmbhi Mantej , Yoon Bo Hyung , Dinani Amreen , Weisberg Ilan
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is highly prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). AASLD guidelines recommend a risk‐based screening approach. Our aim was to ascertain if the risk‐based approach leads to appropriate HDV screening, identify targets to improve screening rates, and study HDV clinical burden. CHB patients screened for HDV from 01/2016 to 12/2021 were identified. Level of training and specialty of providers ordering HDV screening tests were determined. HDV seropositive (HDV+) patient charts were reviewed for the presence of individual risk factors per the AASLD guidelines to determine if they met screening criteria. The severity of liver disease at the time of HDV screening was compared between the HDV+ group and a matched (based on age, hepatitis B e antigen status, BMI and sex) HDV seronegative (HDV−) group. During the study period, 1444/11,190 CHB patients were screened for HDV. Most screening tests were ordered by gastroenterology (90.2%) specialists and attending physicians (80.5%). HDV+ rate was 88/1444 (6%), and 72 HDV+ patients had complete information for analysis. 18% of HDV+ patients would be missed by a risk‐based screening approach due to unreported or negative risk factors (see Table). A significantly higher number of HDV+ patients had developed significant fibrosis (p = 0.001) and cirrhosis (p < 0.01) by the time of screening than HDV− (n = 67) patients. In conclusion, targeted interventions are needed towards trainees and primary care clinics to improve screening rates. Current risk‐based criteria do not appropriately screen for HDV. It is time for universal screening of HDV in CHB patients.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on pharyngeal swallowing and esophageal motility—A double‐blind randomized cross‐over study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Cajander Per , Omari Taher , Magnuson Anders , Scheinin Harry , Scheinin Mika , Savilampi Johanna
Published: December 2022

Background

Sedative agents increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration, where an intact swallowing function is an important defense mechanism. Dexmedetomidine is an α2‐adrenoceptor agonist widely used during procedural sedation due to beneficial properties with minimal respiratory effects. The effects of dexmedetomidine on pharyngeal swallowing and esophageal motility are not known in detail.

Methods

To determine the effects of dexmedetomidine on pharyngeal swallowing and esophageal motility, nineteen volunteers were included in this double‐blinded, randomized placebo‐controlled cross‐over study. Study participants received target‐controlled dexmedetomidine and placebo infusions. Recordings of pressure and impedance data were acquired using a manometry and impedance solid‐state catheter. Data were analyzed from three bolus swallows series: baseline, during dexmedetomidine/placebo infusion at target plasma concentrations 0.6 ng ml−1 and 1.2 ng ml−1. Subjective swallowing difficulties were also recorded.

Key Results

On pharyngeal swallowing, dexmedetomidine affected the upper esophageal sphincter with decreased pre‐ and post‐swallow contractile pressures and an increase in residual pressure during swallow‐related relaxation. On esophageal function, dexmedetomidine decreased contractile vigor of the proximal esophagus and increased velocity of the peristaltic contraction wave. Residual pressures during swallow‐related esophagogastric junction (EGJ) relaxation decreased, as did basal EGJ resting pressure. The effects on the functional variables were not clearly dose‐dependent, but mild subjective swallowing difficulties were more common at the higher dose level.

Conclusions and Inferences

Dexmedetomidine induces effects on pharyngeal swallowing and esophageal motility, which should be considered in clinical patient management and also when a sedative agent for procedural sedation or for manometric examination is to be chosen.
SHORT‐ROOT and SCARECROW homologs regulate patterning of diverse cell types within and between species
Authors: Shaar‐Moshe Lidor , Brady Siobhan M.
Published: December 2022

The roles of SHORT‐ROOT (SHR) and SCARECROW (SCR) in ground tissue patterning and differentiation have been well established in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana. Recently, work in additional organs and species revealed the extensive functional diversification of these genes, including regulation of cortical divisions essential for nodule organogenesis in legume roots, bundle sheath specification in the Arabidopsis leaf, patterning of inner leaf cell layers in maize, and stomatal development in rice. The co‐option of distinct functions and cell types is attributed to different mechanisms, including paralog retention, spatiotemporal changes in gene expression, and novel protein functions. Elaborating our knowledge of the SHR–SCR module further unravels the developmental regulation that controls diverse forms and functions within and between species.
In utero exposure to selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor affects murine mandibular development
Authors: Boyce Mark A. , Durham Emily L. , Kuo Sharon , Taylor Jane M. , Kishinchand Rajiv , LaRue Amanda C. , Cray James J.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Re‐uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), that alter serotonin metabolism are currently the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of depression. There is some evidence to suggest these drugs contribute to birth defects. As jaw development is often altered in craniofacial birth defects, the purpose of this study was to interrogate the effects of in utero SSRI exposure in a preclinical model of mandible development.

Materials and Methods

Wild‐type C57BL6 mice were used to produce litters that were exposed in utero to an SSRI, Citalopram (500 μg/day). Murine mandibles from P15 pups were analysed for a change in shape and composition.

Results

Analysis indicated an overall shape change with total mandibular length and ramus height being shorter in exposed pups as compared to controls. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that first molar length was longer in exposed pups while third molar length was shorter in exposed as compared to control. Histological investigation of molars and surrounding periodontium revealed no change in collagen content of the molar in exposed pups, some alteration in collagen composition in the periodontium, increased alkaline phosphatase in molars and periodontium and decreased mesenchymal cell marker presence in exposed mandibles.

Conclusion

The results of this study reveal SSRI exposure may interrupt mandible growth as well as overall dental maturation in a model of development giving insight into the expectation that children exposed to SSRIs may require orthodontic intervention.
Colletotrichum abscissum: Detection on symptomless citrus leaves and symptomatic citrus flowers using high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: de Gasparoto Maria Cândida de Godoy , Gama Andre B. , Wang Nan‐Yi , Rebello Carolina S. , Dewdney Megan M. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: December 2022

High‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis has been recently applied for the diagnosis of plant diseases. This cost‐effective method is advantageous over standard PCR as it does not require DNA band visualization or the use of probes necessary for quantitative PCR. Colletotrichum abscissum causes postbloom fruit drop of citrus (PFD) and survives asymptomatically on vegetative tissue. Quiescent appressoria on citrus leaves are the primary source of inoculum between flowering periods. Early PFD symptoms may be misidentified as physical damage on citrus flowers. Our objectives were to validate an HRM‐based method to rapidly identify C. abscissum on citrus leaves and flowers. We screened seven previously published primer pairs and concluded that the most effective set of primers was CaITS‐F and CaITS‐R815. We evaluated three different DNA extraction methods, two with a purification step (DNeasy Plant Mini and PowerSoil kits) and a faster method without a purification step (buffer GEB2). We inoculated citrus leaves with C. abscissum conidial suspensions of varying concentrations and HRM analysis detected as few as 200 C. abscissum spores using DNeasy Plant Mini or DNeasy PowerSoil kits for DNA extraction. As expected, samples extracted with GEB2 buffer reduced HRM sensitivity. We further collected field samples from areas with high and low C. abscissum inoculum levels. The HRM method could detect the pathogen in high inoculum areas from both leaves and flowers regardless of the extraction method used. In summary, we describe a new molecular diagnostic tool to detect C. abscissum on citrus during its asymptomatic and symptomatic stages.
Overview of global Gracilaria production, the role of biosecurity policies and regulations in the sustainable development of this industry
Authors: Mantri Vaibhav A. , Kambey Cicilia S. B. , Cottier‐Cook Elizabeth J. , Usandizaga Sara , Buschmann Alejandro H. , Chung Ik Kyo , Liu Tao , Sondak Calvyn F. A. , Qi Zizhong , Lim Phaik Eem , Van Nguyen Nguyen
Published: December 2022

Gracilaria aquaculture is one of the fastest‐growing sectors, contributing to 10.5% of the global seaweed feed‐stock supply chain in 2019. It predominantly caters to food‐grade agar, animal feed and non‐food sector applications viz. biotechnology, biomedical and pharmaceuticals. It has witnessed a rapid expansion triggered by increased demand due to commodity trade. Biosecurity‐related issues are the key factors constraining its expansion, but are seldom addressed. The global gracilarioids aquaculture is dominated by China and other Asian countries, namely the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. This paper provides an assessment of their national biosecurity capacity, including current risk management strategies, policies and the implementation of existing regulations. It also highlights specific gaps in national policies and regulations, which can be addressed to improve their health management systems. Biosecurity management strategies, such as the provision of clear regulatory guidance, mechanisms for notifying disease and pest outbreaks, movement of live seaweed, risk assessment, stakeholder incentivisation and certification are recommended. Further, insights into the impending biosecurity measures to the emerging countries in this domain namely India and Malaysia are discussed. We suggest, implementing a uniform format of global integrated biosecurity measures across the Gracilaria aquaculture industry, but this requires organisational, operational and procedural changes, coupled with a cross‐sectoral application of risk analysis protocols. Despite one of the important seaweed aquaculture taxa, an overview of Gracilaria production, the role of biosecurity policy and regulation in the sustainable development of this industry was still lacking, this is the first global effort in this direction.