bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of sample temperature effect on femtosecond and nanosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: LIU Miao , CHEN Anmin , CHEN Yutong , ZENG Xiangyu , WANG Qiuyun , ZHANG Dan , YANG Dapeng , JIN Mingxing
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we investigated the emission spectra of plasmas produced from femtosecond and nanosecond laser ablations at different target temperatures in air. A brass was selected as ablated target of the experiment. The results indicated that spectral emission intensity and plasma temperature showed similar trend for femtosecond and nanosecond lasers, and the two parameters were improved by increasing the sample temperature in both cases. Moreover, the temperature of nanosecond laser-excited plasma was higher compared with that of femtosecond laser-excited plasma, and the increase of the plasma temperature in the case of nanosecond laser was more evident. In addition, there was a significant difference in electron density between femtosecond and nanosecond laser-induced plasmas. The electron density for femtosecond laser decreased with increasing the target temperature, while for nanosecond laser, the electron density was almost unchanged at different sample temperatures.
Measuring the impact of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Community Respiratory Programme on emergency admissions to hospital: a controlled interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Levin Kate A , Milligan Marianne , Bayes Hannah K , Crighton Emilia , Anderson David
Published: May 2021

Background

A community respiratory service was implemented in the North West of Glasgow (NW) in January 2013, as part of the Reshaping Care for Older People programme (RCOP). This study aimed to measure the impact of the service on older people’s emergency admissions (EAs) to hospital.

Methods

EAs to hospital with a primary diagnosis of COPD (COPD EAs) per 1,000 population aged 65 years+ in NW were compared before and after onset of the service with a 6-month phase-in period, using segmented linear regression. South and North East Glasgow (S + NE) was the control—an area with no such service in place. The model adjusted for the rate of all-cause EAs to control for the impact of other localised RCOPP initiatives. Autoregressive terms and a Fourier term to adjust for seasonality were included in the model.

Results

Prior to implementation of the respiratory service, increases in COPD EAs over time were evident in NW. Adjusting for changes in COPD EAs in NE + S, an additional reduction of −0.04 (−0.03, −0.05) per 1,000 population per month was observed in NW following the phase-in, so that by March 2015, the predicted reduction due to the respiratory service was −0.85 COPD EAs per 1,000 population, a relative reduction of 34.3%. No significant changes in admissions with COPD as a secondary diagnosis (COPD5 EAs) were observed, suggesting that the intervention had no impact on these.

Conclusions

The community respiratory service was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of COPD EAs among older people and no change in COPD5 EAs.
How We Work Now: Preliminary Review of a Pediatric Neuropsychology Hybrid Model in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Lichtenstein Jonathan D , Amato Jennifer T , Holding Emily Z , Grodner Kelsey D , Pollock Erica N , Marschall Kelsea P , Scull Sara
Published: May 2021

Objective

Although telehealth has become a central component of medical care in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, comprehensive pediatric neuropsychological assessment over virtual platforms lacks empirical efficacy. This paper presents: a) the results of a quality improvement project examining the feasibility of in-person evaluation in the context of safety measures that alter test standardization, b) the impact such changes had upon neuropsychological test scores, and c) how using a hybrid model of clinical service delivery affected access to care.

Method

We compared demographic and outcome variables between patients seen during the pandemic (N = 87) to a group of patients seen in our service immediately prior to COVID-19 (N = 87). A subset of those patients were case-matched for age and diagnosis (N = 39 per group). Children seen for neuropsychological re-evaluation during the pandemic (N = 10) were examined using pairwise comparison.

Results

Groups did not differ on age, sex, or FSIQ. Despite changes to standardized administration, no group differences were found for any selected neuropsychological test variables in the larger sample or subsamples. In fact, all variables were moderately to highly correlated in the re-evaluation subgroup. The hybrid model expedited feedback sessions and increased face-to-face (telehealth) feedbacks.

Conclusions

A hybrid model incorporating modified in-person testing and intake and feedback encounters via telehealth may be a feasible and effective way to provide pediatric neuropsychological services. These preliminary findings suggest such novel aspects of neuropsychological evaluation could represent an improvement over pre-COVID models, especially in rural settings.
iAMP-CA2L: a new CNN-BiLSTM-SVM classifier based on cellular automata image for identifying antimicrobial peptides and their functional types
Authors: Xiao Xuan , Shao Yu-Tao , Cheng Xiang , Stamatovic Biljana
Published: May 2021

Predicting antimicrobial peptides (AMPs’) function is an important and difficult problem, particularly when AMPs have many multiplex functions, i.e. some AMPs simultaneously have two or three functional classes. By introducing the ‘CNN-BiLSTM-SVM classifier’ and ‘cellular automata image’, a new predictor, called iAMP-CA2L, has been developed that can be used to deal with the systems containing both monofunctional and multifunctional AMPs. iAMP-CA2L is a 2-level predictor. The 1st level is to identify whether a given query peptide is an AMP or a non-AMP, while the 2nd level is to predict if it belongs to one or more functional types. As demonstration, the jackknife cross-validation was performed with iAMP-CA2L on a benchmark dataset of AMPs classified into the following 10 functional classes: (1) antibacterial peptides, (2) antiviral peptides, (3) antifungal peptides, (4) antibiofilm peptides, (5) antiparasital peptides, (6) anti-HIV peptides, (7) anticancer (antitumor) peptides, (8) chemotactic peptides, (9) anti-MRSA peptides and (10) antiendotoxin peptides, where none of AMPs included has ≥90% pairwise sequence identity to any other in the same subset. Experiments show that iAMP-CA2L has greatly improved the prediction performance compared with the existing predictors. iAMP-CA2L is freely accessible to the public at the web site http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/ iAMP-CA2L, and the predictor program has been uploaded to https://github.com/liujin66/iAMP-CA2L.
“My Money and My Heart”: Buying a Birkin and Boundary Work Online
Authors: Foster Jordan
Published: May 2021

YouTube videos document the purchase and “unboxing” of status goods, highlighting the intense emotional fervor that follows. Commenters respond with praise while expressing envy for the goods on their person. Taken together, online videos and the comments that attend them raise a number of questions about how we evaluate fashion purchases and the boundaries and inequalities these purchases bring to light. Using a sample of 10 widely viewed online videos and over 2,700 public comments in reply to these, I provide an analysis of boundary work in a context of extreme privilege. I do this with a critical eye towards the ways in which commenters leverage envy and aspiration to both bridge boundaries and draw distinctions online.
Racial Disparities in InvasiveHaemophilus influenzaeDisease—United States, 2008–2017
Authors: Brown Nicole E , Blain Amy E , Burzlaff Kari , Harrison Lee H , Petit Susan , Schaffner William , Smelser Chad , Thomas Ann , Triden Lori , Watt James P , Pondo Tracy , Whaley Melissa J , Hu Fang , Wang Xin , Oliver Sara , Soeters Heidi M
Published: May 2021

Background

Since the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccines in the United States, invasive H. influenzae disease epidemiology has changed, and racial disparities have not been recently described.

Methods

Active population- and laboratory-based surveillance for H. influenzae was conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance at 10 US sites. Data from 2008–2017 were used to estimate projected nationwide annual incidence, as cases per 100 000.

Results

During 2008–2017, Active Bacterial Core surveillance identified 7379 H. influenzae cases. Of 6705 patients (90.9%) with reported race, 76.2% were White, 18.6% were Black, 2.8% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2.4% were American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN). The nationwide annual incidence was 1.8 cases/100 000. By race, incidence was highest among AI/AN populations (3.1) and lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander populations (0.8). Nontypeable H. influenzae caused the largest incidence within all races (1.3), with no striking disparities identified. Among AI/AN children aged <5 years, incidence of H. influenzae serotype a (Hia) was 16.7 times higher and Hib incidence was 22.4 times higher than among White children. Although Hia incidence was lower among White and Black populations than among AI/AN populations, Hia incidence increased 13.6% annually among White children and 40.4% annually among Black children aged <5 years.

Conclusions

While nontypeable H. influenzae causes the largest H. influenzae burden overall, AI/AN populations experience disproportionately high rates of Hia and Hib, with the greatest disparity among AI/AN children aged <5 years. Prevention tools are needed to reduce disparities affecting AI/AN children and address increasing Hia incidence in other communities.
Rectal Cancer Incidence is Low Following Rectal Diversion or Subtotal Colectomy for IBD: Results of a Population-based Study
Authors: Brar Mantaj S , de Buck van Overstraeten Anthony , Baxter Nancy N
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Following subtotal colectomy or diversion for medically refractory inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], completion proctectomy has been recommended to reduce the risk of rectal cancer. However, this recommendation is based on low-quality evidence. Our objectives were to estimate the cumulative incidence of rectal cancer and evaluate if surveillance endoscopy reduces the risk of rectal cancer.

Methods

We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada, of all patients undergoing either subtotal colectomy or diversion for medically refractory IBD over 1991–2015. We excluded patients with a previous history of colorectal cancer or previous rectal resection, and those with <1 year of observation. We calculated the rate of incident rectal cancer using a competing risks model, and evaluated the effect of surveillance endoscopy on the rate of rectal cancer.

Results

In all, 3700 patients were included with a median follow-up of 4.3 years. Of this cohort, 47% underwent rectal resection or restoration of gastrointestinal [GI] continuity during the observation period; 40 patients were diagnosed with rectal cancer, with a cumulative incidence of rectal cancer of 0.81% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53%, 1.20%) and 1.86% [95% CI 1.29%, 2.61%] at 10 and 20 years, respectively. Surveillance endoscopy was associated with a lower rate of rectal cancer (subhazard ratio [sHR] 0.37, 95% CI 0.16, 0.82, p = 0.014].

Conclusions

Among patients with a retained rectum following surgery for IBD, the risk of rectal cancer is low and appears to be lower when surveillance endoscopy is performed. Expectant management with surveillance endoscopy may be a reasonable alternative to completion proctectomy in selected patients.
Long-term follow-up after ultrathin vs. conventional 2nd-generation drug-eluting stents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Madhavan Mahesh V , Howard James P , Naqvi Azim , Ben-Yehuda Ori , Redfors Bjorn , Prasad Megha , Shahim Bahira , Leon Martin B , Bangalore Sripal , Stone Gregg W , Ahmad Yousif
Published: May 2021

Aims 

Contemporary 2nd-generation thin-strut drug-eluting stents (DES) are considered standard of care for revascularization of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. A previous meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 11 658 patients demonstrated a 16% reduction in the 1-year risk of target lesion failure (TLF) with ultrathin-strut DES compared with conventional 2nd-generation thin-strut DES. Whether this benefit is sustained longer term is not known, and newer trial data may inform these relative outcomes. We therefore sought to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing clinical outcomes with ultrathin-strut DES (≤70 µm strut thickness) with conventional 2nd-generation thin-strut DES.

Methods and results 

We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of all RCTs comparing ultrathin-strut DES to conventional 2nd-generation thin-strut DES. The pre-specified primary endpoint was long-term TLF, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR). Secondary endpoints included the components of TLF, stent thrombosis (ST), and all-cause death. There were 16 eligible trials in which 20 701 patients were randomized. The weighted mean follow-up duration was 2.5 years. Ultrathin-strut DES were associated with a 15% reduction in long-term TLF compared with conventional 2nd-generation thin-strut DES [relative risk (RR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–0.96, P = 0.008] driven by a 25% reduction in CD-TLR (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62–0.92, P = 0.005). There were no significant differences between stent types in the risks of MI, ST, cardiac death, or all-cause mortality.

Conclusions 

At a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, ultrathin-strut DES reduced the risk of TLF, driven by less CD-TLR compared with conventional 2nd-generation thin-strut DES, with similar risks of MI, ST, cardiac death, and all-cause mortality.
Non-invasive body surface electrocardiographic imaging for diagnosis of atrial cardiomyopathy
Authors: Eichenlaub Martin , Mueller-Edenborn Bjoern , Lehrmann Heiko , Minners Jan , Nairn Deborah , Loewe Axel , Allgeier Juergen , Jander Nikolaus , Allgeier Martin , Ruile Philipp , Hein Manuel , Rees Felix , Trenk Dietmar , Weber Reinhold , Neumann Franz-Josef , Arentz Thomas , Jadidi Amir
Published: May 2021

Aims

Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and increased risk for stroke. At present, diagnosis of ACM is feasible by endocardial contact mapping of left atrial (LA) low-voltage substrate (LVS) or late gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, but their complexity limits a widespread use. The aim of this study was to assess non-invasive body surface electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) as a novel clinical tool for diagnosis of ACM compared with endocardial mapping.

Methods and results

Thirty-nine consecutive patients (66 ± 9 years, 85% male) presenting for their first PVI for persistent atrial fibrillation underwent ECGI in sinus rhythm using a 252-electrode-array mapping system. Subsequently, high-density LA voltage and biatrial activation maps (mean 2090 ± 488 sites) were acquired in sinus rhythm prior to PVI. Freedom from arrhythmia recurrence was assessed within 12 months follow-up. Increased duration of total atrial conduction time (TACT) in ECGI was associated with both increased atrial activation time and extent of LA-LVS in endocardial contact mapping (r = 0.77 and r = 0.66, P < 0.0001 respectively). Atrial cardiomyopathy was found in 23 (59%) patients. A TACT value of 148 ms identified ACM with 91.3% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity. Arrhythmia recurrence occurred in 15 (38%) patients during a follow-up of 389 ± 55 days. Freedom from arrhythmia was significantly higher in patients with a TACT <148 ms compared with patients with a TACT ≥148 ms (82.4% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Analysis of TACT in non-invasive ECGI allows diagnosis of patients with ACM, which is associated with a significantly increased risk for arrhythmia recurrence following PVI.
Reversal of pulmonary hypertension in paediatric patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Schlein Johanna , Riebandt Julia , Laufer Günther , Zimpfer Daniel
Published: May 2021

Left ventricular assist devices can reverse pulmonary hypertension in cardiac transplant candidates with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction. Whether a similar approach is applicable in restrictive cardiomyopathy is uncertain. We report the successful implantation of a Medtronic HVAD left ventricular assist device in a bridge-to-candidacy concept in 2 paediatric patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy.
The Immediate Effects of a Combined Mass Drug Administration and Indoor Residual Spraying Campaign to Accelerate Progress Toward Malaria Elimination in Grande-Anse, Haiti
Authors: Druetz Thomas , Stresman Gillian , Ashton Ruth A , Joseph Vena , van den Hoogen Lotus , Worges Matt , Hamre Karen E S , Fayette Carl , Monestime Frank , Impoinvil Daniel , Rogier Eric , Chang Michelle A , Lemoine Jean Frantz , Drakeley Chris , Eisele Thomas P
Published: May 2021

Background

Haiti is planning targeted interventions to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination. In the most affected department (Grande-Anse), a combined mass drug administration (MDA) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaign was launched in October 2018. This study assessed the intervention’s effectiveness in reducing Plasmodium falciparum prevalence.

Methods

An ecological quasi-experimental study was designed, using a pretest and posttest with a nonrandomized control group. Surveys were conducted in November 2017 in a panel of easy access groups (25 schools and 16 clinics) and were repeated 2–6 weeks after the campaign, in November 2018. Single-dose sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and primaquine was used for MDA, and pirimiphos-methyl as insecticide for IRS.

Results

A total of 10 006 participants were recruited. Fifty-two percent of the population in the intervention area reported having received MDA. Prevalence diminished between 2017 and 2018 in both areas, but the reduction was significantly larger in the intervention area (ratio of adjusted risk ratios, 0.32 [95% confidence interval, .104–.998]).

Conclusions

Despite a moderate coverage, the campaign was effective in reducing P. falciparum prevalence immediately after 1 round. Targeted MDA plus IRS is useful in preelimination settings to rapidly decrease the parasite reservoir, an encouraging step to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination.
Consumption of macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017
Authors: Adriaenssens Niels , Bruyndonckx Robin , Versporten Ann , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Andrašević Arjana Tambić , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Hider-Mlynarz Karima , Sin Muna Abu , Kontopidou Flora , Benkő Ria , Aspelund Gudrun , Oza Ajay , Fortinguerra Filomena , Rutkovska Ieva , Valintėlienė Rolanda , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Herreras Mayte Alonso , Bergfeldt Vendela , Müller-Pebody Berit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Data on the consumption of macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins (MLS) in the community were collected from 30 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in composition of the main subgroups of MLS.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of MLS, i.e. ATC group J01F, in the community and aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Consumption of MLS was analysed and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes, using a classification based on mean plasma elimination half-life for macrolides.

Results

In 2017, consumption of MLS in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied by a factor of 13 between countries with the highest (Greece) and the lowest (Sweden) consumption. Consumption of MLS did not change significantly up to 2003, after which it significantly increased up to 2007. No significant change was observed after 2007. Consumption of MLS showed high seasonal variation. The proportional consumption of long-acting macrolides significantly increased over time compared with that of intermediate-acting macrolides, and proportional consumption of the latter increased compared with that of short-acting macrolides.

Conclusions

Consumption of MLS did not change significantly over time during 2007–2017, while the proportional consumption of long-acting macrolides increased. Seasonal variation remained high, which suggests that MLS are still prescribed inappropriately in many countries.
Analysing the trend over time of antibiotic consumption in the community: a tutorial on the detection of common change-points
Authors: Bruyndonckx Robin , Coenen Samuel , Adriaenssens Niels , Versporten Ann , Monnet Dominique L , Goossens Herman , Molenberghs Geert , Weist Klaus , Hens Niel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Payerl-Pal Marina , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Cavalié Philippe , Eckmanns Tim , Kontopidou Flora , Matuz Mária , Aspelund Gudrun , Burns Karen , Fortinguerra Filomena , Seilis Andis , Valintėlienė Rolanda , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Navas Antonio López , Bergfeldt Vendela , Müller-Pebody Berit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

This tutorial describes and illustrates statistical methods to detect time trends possibly including abrupt changes (referred to as change-points) in the consumption of antibiotics in the community.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of antibacterials for systemic use (ATC group J01) in the community, aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology and expressed in DDD (ATC/DDD index 2019) per 1000 inhabitants per day. Trends over time and presence of common change-points were studied through a set of non-linear mixed models.

Results

After a thorough description of the set of models used to assess the time trend and presence of common change-points herein, the methodology was applied to the consumption of antibacterials for systemic use (ATC J01) in 25 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The best fit was obtained for a model including two change-points: one in the first quarter of 2004 and one in the last quarter of 2008.

Conclusions

Allowing for the inclusion of common change-points improved model fit. Individual countries investigating changes in their antibiotic consumption pattern can use this tutorial to analyse their country data.
Larvae Crowding Increases Development Rate, Improves Disease Resistance, and Induces Expression of Antioxidant Enzymes and Heat Shock Proteins in Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Li Hongbo , Dai Changgeng , Zhu Yi , Hu Yang
Published: May 2021

High population density (crowding) becomes a stress factor in insects. The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker), displays gregarious and solitary phases at high and low population densities, respectively. In this study, we compared life history, disease resistance, and induction of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock protein (HSPs) in two phases of M. separata larvae. Results showed that gregarious larvae had a faster growth rate and lower pupal weight compared to solitary larvae. Furthermore, gregarious individuals exhibited higher survival rates than solitary individuals after Beauveria bassiana infection. The gregarious larvae had higher malondialdehyde content compared to solitary ones, but no differences in total antioxidant capacity were observed between the two larval phases before or after infection. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly lower in gregarious M. separata larvae than solitary individuals before infection, but no difference was detected in two phases after infection. However, peroxidase and catalase activities in the two phases showed no difference either before or after infection. Hsp19.8 and Hsp90 expression in gregarious larvae were up-regulated when compared to solitary individuals before or after infection. CuZnSOD expression was not different between the two phases before infection, but it was up-regulated in gregarious ones compared to solitary ones after infection. However, expression of other stress-related genes in gregarious larvae was either repressed or unchanged when compared to solitary individuals before or after infection. Thus, larval crowding changed life history, improved disease resistance of M. separata larvae, and induced variable response of antioxidant enzymes and HSPs to fungal infection.
To move or not to move? Immigration and natives’ neighborhood choices in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Han Joseph , Hur Jinwook , Lee Jongkwan , Yang Hyunjoo
Published: May 2021

We investigate the impact of an increase in immigrant inflows on natives’ residential choices in a large metropolitan city. We utilize an administrative dataset containing information about residential address changes and self-reported reasons for relocation. Exploiting the expansion of a special visa program as an exogenous shock, we find that immigration inflows are both a push and a pull factor for natives. While neighborhoods in Seoul lost more than 6 natives for every 10 additional immigrants between 2006 and 2015, certain native workers were drawn to areas with immigrant inflows for job-related reasons.
Rice recruits Sphingomonas strain HJY-rfp via root exudate regulation to increase chlorpyrifos tolerance and boost residual catabolism
Authors: Feng Fayun , Zhan Honglin , Wan Qun , wang Ya , Li Yong , Ge Jing , Sun Xing , Zhu Hong , Yu Xiangyang
Published: May 2021

Inoculation with pollution-degrading endophytes boosts the catabolism of residual contaminants and promotes the pollution adaptation of host plants. We investigated the interaction pattern between Sphingomonas strain HJY-rfp, a chlorpyrifos-degrading endophytic bacterium, and rice (Oryza sativa) under pesticide stress using hydroponic cultivation. We observed a notable trend of endophytic root colonization in rice plants treated with 10 mg l−1 chlorpyrifos solution, and after 24 h the migration of HJY-rfp enhanced the chlorpyrifos degradation rate in leaves and stems by 53.36% and 40.81%, respectively. Critically, the rice root exudate profile (organic acids and amino acids) changed under chlorpyrifos stress, and variations in the contents of several components affected the chemotactic behaviour of HJY-rfp. HJY-rfp colonization dramatically activated defensive enzymes, which enabled efficient scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and led to 9.8%, 22.5%, and 41.9% increases in shoot length, fresh weight, and accumulation of total chlorophyll, respectively, in rice suffering from oxidative damage by chlorpyrifos. Endophytic colonization caused up-regulation of detoxification genes that have shown a significant positive correlation with chlorpyrifos degradation in vivo. Collectively, our results demonstrate that agrochemical stress causes plants to actively recruit specific symbiotic microbes to detoxify contaminants and survive better under pollution conditions.
Genetic autonomy and low singlet oxygen yield support kleptoplast functionality in photosynthetic sea slugs
Authors: Havurinne Vesa , Handrich Maria , Antinluoma Mikko , Khorobrykh Sergey , Gould Sven B , Tyystjärvi Esa
Published: May 2021

The kleptoplastic sea slug Elysia chlorotica consumes Vaucheria litorea, stealing its plastids, which then photosynthesize inside the animal cells for months. We investigated the properties of V. litorea plastids to understand how they withstand the rigors of photosynthesis in isolation. Transcription of specific genes in laboratory-isolated V. litorea plastids was monitored for 7 days. The involvement of plastid-encoded FtsH, a key plastid maintenance protease, in recovery from photoinhibition in V. litorea was estimated in cycloheximide-treated cells. In vitro comparison of V. litorea and spinach thylakoids was applied to investigate reactive oxygen species formation in V. litorea. In comparison to other tested genes, the transcripts of ftsH and translation elongation factor EF-Tu (tufA) decreased slowly in isolated V. litorea plastids. Higher levels of FtsH were also evident in cycloheximide-treated cells during recovery from photoinhibition. Charge recombination in PSII of V. litorea was found to be fine-tuned to produce only small quantities of singlet oxygen, and the plastids also contained reactive oxygen species-protective compounds. Our results support the view that the genetic characteristics of the plastids are crucial in creating a photosynthetic sea slug. The plastid’s autonomous repair machinery is likely enhanced by low singlet oxygen production and elevated expression of FtsH.
BBX19 fine-tunes the circadian rhythm by interacting with PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR proteins to facilitate their repressive effect on morning-phased clock genes
Authors: Yuan Li , Yu Yingjun , Liu Mingming , Song Yang , Li Hongmin , Sun Junqiu , Wang Qiao , Xie Qiguang , Wang Lei , Xu Xiaodong
Published: May 2021

The core plant circadian oscillator is composed of multiple interlocked transcriptional–translational feedback loops, which synchronize endogenous diel physiological rhythms to the cyclic changes of environmental cues. PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATORS (PRRs) have been identified as negative components in the circadian clock, though their underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that a subfamily of zinc finger transcription factors, B-box (BBX)-containing proteins, have a critical role in fine-tuning circadian rhythm. We demonstrated that overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana BBX19 and BBX18 significantly lengthened the circadian period, while the null mutation of BBX19 accelerated the circadian speed. Moreover, BBX19 and BBX18, which are expressed during the day, physically interacted with PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 in the nucleus in precise temporal ordering from dawn to dusk, consistent with the respective protein accumulation pattern of PRRs. Our transcriptomic and genetic analysis indicated that BBX19 and PRR9, PRR7, and PRR5 cooperatively inhibited the expression of morning-phased clock genes. PRR proteins affected BBX19 recruitment to the CCA1, LHY, and RVE8 promoters. Collectively, our findings show that BBX19 interacts with PRRs to orchestrate circadian rhythms, and suggest the indispensable role of transcriptional regulators in fine-tuning the circadian clock.
Temporary Diverting End-Colostomy in Critically Ill Children with Severe Perianal Wound Infection
Authors: Gün Emrah , Kendirli Tanil , Botan Edin , Özdemir Halil , Çiftçi Ergin , Konca Kübra , Koloğlu Meltem , Göllü Gülnur , Can Özlem Selvi , Tutar Ercan , Akar Ahmet Rüçhan , İnce Erdal
Published: May 2021

Broad and deep perianal wounds are challenging in both adult and pediatric ICUs. These wounds, if contaminated with gastrointestinal flora, can cause invasive sepsis and death, and recovery can be prolonged. Controlling the source of infection without diverting stool from the perianal region is complicated. The option of protective colostomy is not well-known among pediatric critical care specialists, but it can help patients survive extremely complicated critical care management.

 These authors present three critically ill children who required temporary protective colostomy for perianal wounds because of various clinical conditions. Two patients were treated for meningococcemia, and the other had a total artificial heart implantation for dilated cardiomyopathy. There was extensive and profound tissue loss in the perianal region in the patients with meningococcemia, and the patient with cardiomyopathy had a large pressure injury. Timely, transient, protective colostomy was beneficial in these cases and facilitated the recovery of the perianal wounds. Temporary diverting colostomy should be considered as early as possible to prevent fecal transmission and accelerate perianal wound healing in children unresponsive to local debridement and critical care.
Did Access to Care Improve Since Passage of the Veterans Choice Act?
Authors: Gurewich Deborah , Shwartz Michael , Beilstein-Wedel Erin , Davila Heather , Rosen Amy K.
Published: May 2021

Background:

The 2014 Veterans Choice Program aimed to improve care access for Veterans through expanded availability of community care (CC). Increased access to CC could particularly benefit rural Veterans, who often face obstacles in obtaining medical care at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). However, whether Veterans Choice Program improved timely access to care for this vulnerable population is understudied.

Objectives:

To examine wait times among rural and urban Veterans for 5 outpatient specialty care services representing the top requests for CC services among rural Veterans.

Research Design:

Retrospective study using VHA and CC outpatient consult data from VHA’s Corporate Data Warehouse in Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015) and FY2018 (October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018).

Subjects:

All Veterans who received a new patient consult for physical therapy, cardiology, optometry, orthopedics, and/or dental services in VHA and/or CC.

Measures:

Wait time, care setting (VHA/CC), rural/urban status, sociodemographics, and comorbidities.

Results:

Our sample included 1,112,876 Veterans. Between FY2015 and FY2018, mean wait times decreased for all services for both rural and urban Veterans; declines were greatest in VHA (eg, mean optometry wait times for rural Veterans in VHA vs. CC declined 8.3 vs. 6.4 d, respectively, P<0.0001). By FY2018, for both rural and urban Veterans, CC mean wait times for most services were longer than VHA wait times.

Conclusions:

Timely care access for all Veterans improved between FY15 and FY18, particularly in VHA. As expansion of CC continues under the MISSION Act, more research is needed to evaluate quality of care across VHA and CC and what role, if any, wait times play.
Impact of marine heatwaves for sea turtle nest temperatures
Authors: Hays Graeme C. , Chivers William J. , Laloë Jacques-Olivier , Sheppard Charles , Esteban Nicole
Published: May 2021

There are major concerns about the ecological impact of extreme weather events. In the oceans, marine heatwaves (MHWs) are an increasing threat causing, for example, recent devastation to coral reefs around the world. We show that these impacts extend to adjacent terrestrial systems and could negatively affect the breeding of endangered species. We demonstrate that during an MHW that resulted in major coral bleaching and mortality in a large, remote marine protected area, anomalously warm temperatures also occurred on sea turtle nesting beaches. Granger causality testing showed that variations in sea surface temperature strongly influenced sand temperatures on beaches. We estimate that the warm conditions on both coral reefs and sandy beaches during the MHW were unprecedented in the last 70 years. Model predictions suggest that the most extreme female-biased hatchling sex ratio and the lowest hatchling survival in nests in the last 70 years both occurred during the heatwave. Our work shows that predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of MHWs will likely have growing impacts on sea turtle nesting beaches as well as other terrestrial coastal environments.
The Impact of Control and Mitigation Strategies during the Second Wave of COVID-19 Infections in Spain and Italy
Authors: De Nadai Marco , Roomp Kristof , Lepri Bruno , Oliver Nuria
Published: May 2021

European countries struggled to fight against the second and the third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Test-Trace-Isolate (TTI) strategy widely adopted over the summer and early fall failed to effectively contain the spread of the disease. In this paper, we shed light on the effectiveness of such a strategy in two European countries (Spain and Italy) by analysing data from June to December 2020, collected via a large-scale online citizen survey with 95,251 answers in Spain and 43,393 answers in Italy. Through our analysis, we identify several weaknesses in each of the three pillars of the TTI strategy: testing, tracing and isolating. Moreover, we analyse the respondents’ self-reported behaviour before and after the mitigation strategies were deployed during the second wave of infections. We find that the changes in the participants’ behaviour were more pronounced in Italy than in Spain, whereas in both countries, respondents reported being very compliant with individual protection measures, such as wearing facial masks or frequently disinfecting their hands. Finally, we analyse the participants’ perceptions about their government’s measures and the safety of everyday activities and places regarding the risk of getting an infection. We find that the perceived risk is often gender- and age-dependent and not aligned with the risk level identified by the literature. This finding emphasises the importance of deploying public-health communication campaigns to debunk misconceptions about SARS-CoV-2. Overall, our work shows the value of online citizen surveys to quickly and cheaply collect large-scale data to support and evaluate policy decisions to contrast the spread of the disease.
Perceptions, motivators and barriers of using city management applications among citizens: a focus group approach
Authors: Annis Catherine , Hou Jinghui (Jove) , Tang Tian
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand citizens' perceptions of smartphone-based city management apps and to identify facilitators and barriers that influence app adoption and use. An aim is to identify how current technology adoption theories might be expanded and enriched for studying citizen adoption of city apps in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a qualitative exploratory case study of citizen perceptions of city management apps in Tallahassee, a top-ranked digital city in the southeastern United States. The authors derive empirical data from focus group discussions with citizens using thematic analysis.

Findings

Overall, the findings suggest that city management apps are primarily perceived and used by citizens as handy and efficient tools for the provision of information and public services. The findings suggest that current technology adoption and use models applied to citizen adoption of m-government may benefit by being expanded for the US context.

Originality/value

This paper highlights what factors of m-government technology are effective, useful or inhibiting in citizens' lives from the perspective of a group of citizens in the southeastern US. Implications that might be learned for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
The reflective fostering programme: evaluating the intervention co-delivered by social work professionals and foster carers
Authors: Midgley Nick , Sprecher Eva A. , Cirasola Antonella , Redfern Sheila , Pursch Benita , Smith Caroline , Douglas Sue , Martin Peter
Published: May 2021

Purpose

There is little evidence regarding how to best support the emotional well-being of children in foster care. This paper aims to present the evaluation of an adaptation of the reflective fostering programme, a group-based programme to support foster carers. This study aimed to explore whether a version of the programme, co-delivered by a social work professional and an experienced foster carer, was acceptable and relevant to foster carers and to gather data on programme effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 38 foster carers attended the programme and took part in this study. Data was collected regarding carer- and child-focused outcomes at pre-intervention, post-intervention and four-month follow-up. Focus interviews were also conducted to further assess acceptability and relevance for foster carers.

Findings

Analysis of quantitative outcome showed statistically significant improvements in all outcomes considered including foster carers stress and carer-defined problems, as well as carer-reported measures of child difficulties. Focus group interviews with foster carers suggested that the programme as co-delivered by a foster carer and a social worker was felt to be relevant and helpful to foster carers.

Originality/value

These results provide a unique contribution to limited understandings of what works for supporting foster carers and the children in their care. Promising evidence is provided for the acceptability and relevance of the revised version of this novel support programme and its effectiveness in terms of carer- and child-related outcome measures. This work paves the way for further necessary impact evaluation.
Drug mule for love
Authors: Whitty Monica T.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain in-depth understandings of the stages involved in the case of a romance scam victim who was unknowingly used as a drug mule. The work compares this case with established research in this field. It also seeks to learn more about the strategies used by these cybercriminals.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presents a case study of a victim of a romance scam who was arrested for drug trafficking. The research involves a grounded theory analysis of interviews with the victim, legal team and family members and analysis of her instant messenger chat logs and email communications.

Findings

The analysis identified a variation on previous stage models of romance scams and re-names this as the “romance scammers” strategy model. It also replicates previous work on scammers’ techniques and highlights some new strategies, including positively and negatively framing messages, unconditional positive regard, activating norms of romantic relationships, cognitive immersion, manipulating role, sleep deprivation and signing is believing.

Practical implications

These findings could be used to help guide future similar court cases. Moreover, they can be drawn upon to advance future research on romance scams, as well as scams in general.

Originality/value

This is the first in-depth case study of a romance scam victim involved in drug trafficking and is the first research on romance scams to examine in depth a case, taking into account textual exchanges. While not undermining previous research, this paper provides valuable insights that are lacking in previous qualitative work on cyber scam victims.
Domestic energy consumption in Ghana: deprivation versus likelihood of access
Authors: Karakara Alhassan A. , Osabuohien Evans S. , Asongu Simplice
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the extent to which households are deprived (or otherwise) of clean energy sources in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

It engages the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data. Three different energy deprivation indicators were estimated: cooking fuel deprivation, lighting deprivation and indoor air pollution. The empirical evidence is based on logit regressions that explain whether households are deprived or not.

Findings

The results show that energy deprivation or access is contingent on the area of residence. Energy access and deprivation in Ghana show some regional disparities, even though across every region, the majority of households use three fuel types: liquefied petroleum gas, charcoal and wood cut. Increases in wealth and education lead to reduction in the likelihood of being energy deprived. Thus, efforts should be geared towards policies that will ensure households having access to clean fuels to reduce the attendant deprivations and corresponding effects of using dangerous or dirty fuels.

Originality/value

This study complements the extant literature by analysing the extent to which households are deprived (or otherwise) of clean energy sources in Ghana.
Factors influencing real estate graduates soft skill gap in Nigeria
Authors: Ayodele Timothy Oluwafemi , Adegoke Oluseyi Joshua , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu , Olaoye Olaitan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the soft skill gap of graduate employees, as well as the factors influencing the skill gaps of real estate graduates in the employment of real estate firms in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were employed for the study. Close-ended questionnaire served on real estate employers in the two major property markets of Nigeria: Lagos and Abuja. From a total of 343 questionnaires administered, 172 (59.7%) questionnaires were retrieved. While data from the graduate employees were obtained via a web-based survey sent out to a total of 558 graduates, 119 (21.33%) responses were received. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed in the data analysis.

Findings

The findings showed that employers had high expectations for soft skillsets relating to responsibility, administrative, listening and communication skills. These have respective mean scores of 6.38, 6.33, 6.31 and 6.31 on a seven point scale. However, the results revealed significant skill gaps with skills such as logical thinking, business negotiation, responsibility and marketing. Further, the analysis revealed that factors influencing the skill gap, in decreasing order of influence, are training/professional mentors/remuneration, personal preferences/industry characteristics and curriculum/faculties.

Practical implications

Real estate graduate soft skills are investigated to uncover areas of emphasis and skill gaps. These outcomes could serve as important feedbacks for stakeholders towards improving real estate teaching and curriculum. The findings could also assist real estate graduates to know employers areas of emphasis in relation to graduate employability skills.

Originality/value

Extant studies have reiterated and evaluated the soft skills gaps based on the perceptions of employers, faculties and institutions of higher learning. However, there is the need to investigate the perception of graduate employees, being the recipient and major stakeholders in the training process.
It’s time to change how we think about our employees
Authors: Martin Jim
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose the need to be bolder about recognizing when an employee needs to be let go.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based upon a review of literature and extensive fieldwork.

Findings

Three situations are presented for when releasing an employee may be the appropriate tactic, along with five general principles for shifting the organization–employee relationship from unhealthy enmeshment to a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a practical view of the organization–employee relationship that strives to enhance organizational performance while honoring the humanity of the employee.