bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An examination of the effects of cross-docking on retail out of stock
Authors: Benrqya Yassine
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine the impact of cross-docking on the retail out of stock (OOS).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a three-phase Delphi study consisting of a seeding/literature review phase, a pre-testing phase and a three-round Delphi study. The Delphi study used in this paper brings together leading supply chain management experts with leading academics.

Findings

The findings of the paper show that cross-docking may impact the retailers OOS drivers positively or negatively. The study demonstrates that cross-docking has a negative impact on ordering, placement, delivery, handling, DC handling and receipt. On the other hand, cross-docking has a positive effect on supplier ordering. Finally, academics and supply chain managers disagreed on the effect of cross-docking on the promotions driver. Academics consider that cross-docking has a positive impact on promotions OOS driver, while supply chain managers believe the opposite.

Research limitations/implications

The Delphi study was administrated to supply chain managers from a single major FMCG company, which is a supplier of grocery retailers. By including supply chain managers from the retailers' side, more perspectives on the impact of cross-docking on the OOS drivers can be investigated.

Originality/value

The study develops an original instrument to investigate the impact of cross-docking on OOS drivers. This is the first scholarly work to investigate the relationship between a distribution strategy and the OOS drivers.
Assessing the economic viability of commercial moringa production for Kenyan small-scale farmers
Authors: Waterman Carrie , Peterson Austin , Schelle Celina , Vosti Steven A. , McMullin Stepha
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a highly nutritious, fast-growing crop that has emerged in Western markets as a “superfood” and as a “smart crop” for income generation potential among small-scale farmers. As such, moringa has been widely promoted by agricultural development practitioners in low-income countries and by emerging businesses aimed at achieving nutritional and social impact. However, the intrinsic nutritional and agronomic strengths of moringa are not enough to warrant its widespread promotion without first evaluating its economic potential to farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

A Land Use System (LUS) analysis modeling tool was employed to test the economic performance of two sets of moringa production practices in Kenya. Data were collected during in-depth interviews and field visits with farmers in Meru that supply a local market, and in Shimba Hills that supply an organic export market.

Findings

Results suggest that current production practices over an 12-years assessment period generate a Net Present Value (NPV) of US$8,049 [ha-1] in Meru and a negative NPV of US$697 [ha-1] in Shimba Hills; with average daily returns to family labor of these two production systems of roughly 1.6 times and 0.13 times the prevailing local wage rate, respectively. These differences were attributed to a higher farmgate prices and greater yields in Meru. The analysis tool was then used to predict the effects of changes in farming practices, e.g. if farmers in Meru switched to intensive bed cultivation NPV is estimated to increase by ∼650%.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates the importance of examining the economic performance of agricultural production systems intended to increase the benefits to small-scale farmers.

Originality/value

Our study is the first to assess moringa's economic performance within two production systems in Kenya – a local farmers' cooperative in Meru, and a group of farmers contracted by an export company.
Corporate social responsibility and dividend policy: a strategic choice in family firms
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Fayyaz , Bhutta Aamir Inam , Rehman Bareera , Bazil Muhammad , Hassan Ali
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects dividend policy (the propensity to pay dividends as well as the dividend payout ratio) and what role family ownership plays in this regard in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 1,480 observations from Pakistan for the period 2010–2016 and accounts for Hackman self-selection bias and endogeneity issues using a robust regression analysis. CSR activity is measured by CSR score developed through a content analysis of firms' annual reports.

Findings

The study finds that the greater number of CSR activities increases the propensity to pay dividends, but reduces the dividend payout in dividend-paying firms. On the other hand, in family firms, the greater number CSR activities decreases the propensity to pay dividends, but increases the dividend payout in dividend-paying firms. The findings hold for a series of robustness and sensitivity checks, for example, alternative measures, specifications and estimators.

Practical implications

A trade-off between firms' CSR activities and dividend policy needs to be the point of concern for investors, minority shareholders and policy makers. The role of the non-executive and independent directors becomes more important, especially in the family firms where family members sitting on the boards may drive CSR activities in their own interests opportunistically. The potential opportunistic behaviour of family members warrants the need for policy reform initiatives to strengthen the protection of other stakeholders' interests.

Originality/value

The study highlights that family owners' efforts to preserve their socio-emotional wealth in family firms affect the relationship between CSR activities and dividend policy. Further, the relationship between CSR and dividend policy in emerging markets is different from developed markets. This study simultaneously focuses on both the propensity to pay dividends and the amount of dividend payment and documents that the implications of CSR are different for them.
The effect of payment method and multimorbidity on health and healthcare utilisation
Authors: Hayes Helen , Stokes Jonathan , Kristensen Søren Rud , Sutton Matt
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Three types of payment methods have been introduced across European countries in attempts to encourage better, more integrated care of persons with multimorbidity: pay-for-performance; pay-for-coordination; and an all-inclusive payment method. We examine whether there are differences in the way these payment methods affect health and healthcare use in persons with multimorbidity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using individual-level survey data from twenty European countries, we examine unadjusted differences in average outcomes for the years 2011–2015 by whether countries adopted new payment methods for integrated care. We then test for a differential effect for multimorbid persons using linear, individual random effects regressions, including country and time fixed effects and clustering standard errors at the country level.

Findings

We find little effect of varying payment methods on key outcomes for multimorbid individuals despite the theoretical predictions and the rhetoric in many policy documents.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers should bear in mind that the success of the payment method relies on the specific design of the incentives and their implementation. New effective models of care and how to incentivise these for multimorbid patients is an ongoing research priority.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to study the effects of payments for integration on the dimensions and populations these schemes intend to affect; health and healthcare use at the individual level for multimorbid individuals.
Divergent notions of “quality” in healthcare policy implementation: a framing perspective
Authors: Marani Husayn , Evans Jenna M. , Palmer Karen S. , Brown Adalsteinn , Martin Danielle , Ivers Noah M.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper examines how “quality” was framed in the design and implementation of a policy to reform hospital funding and associated care delivery. The aims of the study were: (1) To describe how government policy-makers who designed the policy and managers and clinicians who implemented the policy framed the concept of “quality” and (2) To explore how frames of quality and the framing process may have influenced policy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from a qualitative case study involving semi-structured interviews with 45 purposefully selected key informants involved in the design and implementation of the quality-based procedures policy in Ontario, Canada. The authors used framing theory to inform coding and analysis.

Findings

The authors found that policy designers perpetuated a broader frame of quality than implementers who held more narrow frames of quality. Frame divergence was further characterized by how informants framed the relationship between clinical and financial domains of quality. Several environmental and organizational factors influenced how quality was framed by implementers.

Originality/value

As health systems around the world increasingly implement new models of governance and financing to strengthen quality of care, there is a need to consider how “quality” is framed in the context of these policies and with what effect. This is the first framing analysis of “quality” in health policy.
Knowledge sharing, knowledge transfer and SMEs: evolution, antecedents, outcomes and directions
Authors: Anand Amitabh , Muskat Birgit , Creed Andrew , Zutshi Ambika , Csepregi Anikó
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically synthesize the extant literature of knowledge sharing (KS) and knowledge transfer (KT) in the small and medium enterprise (SME) context and to contribute with predictions of emerging themes.

Design/methodology/approach

Applied is a systematic literature review using three bibliometric techniques: (1) textual analysis for keywords and abstracts to identify the research hotspots, (2) co-citation analysis of references to identify the evolution of KS and KT in SME and (3) bibliographic coupling analysis of documents to synthesize antecedents and outcomes.

Findings

A conceptual map emerges from the review to reveal the antecedents of KS and KT at the individual, group and organizational levels. The analysis shows the strategic importance of KS and KT for the SME context. Specific findings include: (1) KS and KT are involved in enhancing SMEs strategic focus for human resources, including organizational learning, customer relations, creativity, higher profit and positive effects on operational processes and decision-making. (2) Innovation, trust and performance are identified as central human factors linked to KS and KT in SMEs. (3) Human resource (HR) management research could contribute to KS and KT in the SME domain by exploring KS- and KT-based practices, linking the emergence of innovation and innovative behaviors to these practices, leading to a better understanding of strategies that enable the long-term storage and retrieval of tacit and explicit knowledge as organizational memory in the SME context.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to systematically review KS and KT in SMEs and propose a concept map. The research adds value to the growing literature of KS and KT and exposes the need for more specific activities to support SME managers, as well as HR managers, who need to facilitate KS and KT in SMEs.
How Does Financial‐Reporting Regulation Affect Industry‐Wide Resource Allocation?
Authors: BREUER MATTHIAS
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the impact of mandatory reporting and auditing of firms’ financial statements on industry‐wide resource allocation. Using threshold‐induced variation in the share of mandated firms in a given industry, I document that reporting mandates facilitate ownership dispersion in capital markets and spur competition in product markets. I, however, do not find that reporting mandates unambiguously improve the efficiency of industry‐wide resource allocation. With respect to auditing mandates, I find only that they impose a fixed cost on firms, deterring smaller entrants.
Non‐small cell lung cancer with gastric metastasis and repeated gastrointestinal bleeding: A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Shih‐Chun Chang , Shih‐Chiang Huang , Chun‐Yi Tsai , Shan‐Yu Wang , Keng‐Hao Liu , Jun‐Te Hsu , Ta‐Sen Yeh , Chun‐Nan Yeh
Published: January 2021

The occurrence of gastrointestinal metastasis from lung carcinoma is rare. Compared with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer more commonly results in this sort of metastasis. Here, we report an unusual case of NSCLC initially without evidence of distant metastasis that developed into gastric metastasis five months after the initial diagnosis, despite the primary lung cancer having a partial response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Serial radiological examinations and endoscopic biopsies of the gastric tumor confirmed that it was a metastatic carcinoma originating from the lung. The patient received a total gastrectomy for gastric metastasis due to repeated gastrointestinal bleeding.
Effect of anaemia on the response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Bong Jun Woo , Lim Seok‐Byung , Ryu Hyoseon , Lee Jong Lyul , Kim Chan Wook , Yoon Yong Sik , Park In Ja , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon
Published: January 2021

Backgrounds

Radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy is an important treatment for rectal cancer, especially for advanced stage disease. Low serum haemoglobin levels are accepted as a negative indicator in the response to radiation therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between anaemia and the response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer and its effect on oncologic outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of primary rectal cancer patients who were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision between January 2011 and December 2015. Anaemia was defined as serum haemoglobin levels ≤9 g/dL before or during radiotherapy. Patients were divided into good and poor responders according to pathologic tumour regression grades. The effect of anaemia on the response to radiation therapy, recurrence‐free survival and overall survival were analysed after subgroup analysis.

Results

Overall, 301 and 394 patients were categorized into good and poor responder groups, respectively. Proportions of anaemia patients were higher in the poor responder group than in the good responder group (7.6% versus 4.0%, P = 0.042). Anaemia was associated with less pathologic complete regression but was not a risk factor for worse recurrence‐free or overall survival. There was no significant difference in survival between patients with and without anaemia.

Conclusion

Haemoglobin levels ≤9 g/dL before or during radiotherapy were risk factors for achieving pathologic complete regression after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer. However, anaemia was not independently associated with worse survival outcomes.
Comparison of radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma conforming to the Milan criteria: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tang Maocai , Zhang Shouru
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to include all current randomized controlled trials to compare the clinical efficacy between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and surgical resection (SR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who meet the Milan criteria using meta‐analysis techniques.

Methods

We conducted literature search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library clinical database for studies of RFA versus SR. Only randomized clinical trials were included. The odds ratios (OR) were pooled and calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for both fixed‐effects and random‐effects models.

Results

A total of 8 randomized controlled trials with 1177 patients were included in the present meta‐analysis. There were no significantly difference between the patients underwent SR or RFA in terms of 1, 3 and 5 years' overall survival rate (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.46–1.64; OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.57–1.24 and OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.61–1.73, respectively). And there were no significantly difference between the patients received SR and RFA in terms of 1 and 3 years' disease‐free survival rate (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.61–1.18 and OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57–1.03). However, it is worth noting that RFA has advantages over SR in terms of treatment‐related complications (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.80; P < 0.05), post‐operative mortality, length of stay and hospitalization costs.

Conclusion

For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who meet the Milan criteria, RFA exhibited similar clinical efficacy to SR.
Dyeing recipe prediction of cotton fabric based on hyperspectral colour measurement and an improved recurrent neural network
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Zhang Xinen , Wu Junkai , Xiao Chunhua
Published: January 2021

Precise dyeing recipe prediction is important in the final colour reproduction of textile dyeing and printing products. Currently, the widely used dyeing recipe prediction methods based on colour tri‐stimulus cannot effectively avoid the metamerism phenomenon. An intelligent dyeing recipe prediction model for cotton fabric dyeing is proposed in this paper based on hyperspectral colour measurement and a deep learning algorithm. The hyperspectral colour measurement can obtain three‐dimensional spectral information (X, Y and λ) of fabric samples, and can acquire accurate colour values even with uneven samples if the regional correlation algorithm is used. A deep learning algorithm based on an improved recurrent neural network was then employed to establish the model between spectral reflectance and the dyeing recipe. In total, 343 evenly dyed and 20 unevenly dyed fabric samples were dyed using the dyestuffs of Reactive Red CI 238, Reactive Blue CI 204 and Reactive Yellow CI 206, upon which the recipe prediction model was based, established and evaluated. The experimental results show that the proposed model based on hyperspectral colour measurement and our algorithm can provide higher prediction accuracy for Reactive Red CI 238, Reactive Blue CI 204 and Reactive Yellow CI 206. The relative prediction errors are 3.40%, 2.70% and 3.10%, respectively, for these three types of dyeing recipe, while the relative prediction errors are 19.60%, 22.60% and 11.83%, respectively, using the Datacolor 650 recipe prediction model.
An unusual neonatal case of reverse flow in the aortic arch and persistent pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Pinello Giuseppa , Geraci Leandra , Rinaudo Grazia , Rosella Vincenzo
Published: January 2021

The reverse flow in the aortic arch in newborn is a rare finding due to congenital heart disease with blood “stealing” from the descending aorta or severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and to extracardiac abnormalities as systemic arteriovenous malformation. We describe a female newborn with unexpected reverse flow in the aortic arch due to severe persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). The presence of reverse flow in the aortic arch in PPH, secondary to compromised LV output, was rarely reported and investigated but can be a helpful sign of worse clinical course and poor prognosis.
Wheat noodles enriched with A‐type and/or B‐type wheat starch: physical, thermal and textural properties of dough sheet and noodle samples from different noodle‐making process
Authors: Hong Jing , An Di , Wang Mansheng , Liu Chong , Buckow Roman , Li Limin , Zheng Xueling , Bian Ke
Published: January 2021

This study explored the effects of adding A‐type starch (AS), B‐type wheat starch (BS) on the physicochemical or edible quality of dough sheet and noodle samples at different stages of the noodle‐making process, which included 1‐mixing, 2‐kneading, 3‐resting, 4‐sheeting and cutting and 5‐drying. The swelling power and pasting viscosities of samples in noodle‐making process were decreased compared with mixed flour, indicating gluten network during noodle‐making inhibits these properties of starch. Adding 20% BS enhanced the formation and aggregation of gluten network during kneading and drying compared by adding AS. The drying process increased cooking yield and cooking loss and decreased hardness and springiness, and the effect was weakened when adding BS. The correlation results show the increased solubility and decreased setback during drying are the main reason for the changes of cooking and texture quality of noodles. The increase of swelling power resulted in the increased cooking yield.
The Effect on Foreign Direct Investment of Membership in the European Union
Authors: Bruno Randolph Luca , Campos Nauro Ferreira , Estrin Saul
Published: January 2021

This article explores the impact of EU membership on foreign direct investment (FDI). It analyses empirically how the effects of such deep integration differ from other forms and investigates what drives these effects. Using a structural gravity framework on annual bilateral FDI data for almost every country in the world from 1985 to 2018, we find EU membership leads to about 60 per cent higher FDI investment into the host economy from outside the EU, and around 50 per cent higher intra‐EU FDI. Moreover, we find that the effect of EU membership on FDI is larger than from membership of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the European Free Trade Association and the Southern Common Market, and that the single market is the cornerstone of this differential impact.
“Happy, Healthy, and Smart”: Student Responses to the Walking Classroom Education Program Aimed to Enhance Physical Activity
Authors: Erwin Heather , Weight Erianne , Harry Molly
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Over 1 in 3 children in US schools is overweight or obese; thus, most teachers believe physical education and activity are necessary K‐12 components. One potential avenue to infuse physical activity (PA) in educational settings is integrating in classrooms based on learning objectives and academic outcomes. In this study, we examined student emotion through the use of the Walking Classroom (WC) learning platform.

METHODS

Students from 9 fourth‐ and fifth‐grade classrooms (N = 100) in 1 North Carolina county participated in 10 separate focus groups related to their engagement in an active education program. Discussions centered on how engaging in a short bout of PA during a WC podcast impacted students' overall educational experience. Data analysis included open in vivo manual coding methods resulting in major themes and visual word‐clouds.

RESULTS

Students reported feeling happy, healthy, educated, smart, and excited while walking and learning. Afterwards, students discussed feeling strong, relaxed, energized, happy, and alert. On days students were not able to do a walk, they reported feeling mad, bored, sad, sleepy, and tired.

CONCLUSION

Offering active learning appears to result in students feeling happier, healthier, and smarter.
A Year of Equity literacy: community actions and invitations
Authors: Wessel‐Powell Christy , Panos Alexandra , Weir Regina
Published: January 2021

School inequity is a persistent and ‘wicked’ problem communities have a responsibility to solve. Here, we argue that critical literacy advocacy within community‐based settings provides an unprecedented opportunity to examine and disrupt school inequity and promote sustainable actions towards justice‐based solutions. This article connects critical literacy and equity literacy theoretical frameworks to describe a series of invitations and actions that focused on addressing school inequity in one town. Here, authors offer lessons learned from a community‐led school equity literacy campaign where researchers and participants collectively organised and reflected on a public event series entitled ‘Year of Equity’ (YoE). Three keyYoEprocesses are described: facilitating book clubs, facilitating a community conversation event and forming action committees. These processes relied on critical equity literacies through the promotion of new relationships and shared experiences centring on engagement with a variety of texts, through a focus on incremental change over time.
Shared decision‐making for infant feeding and care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Haiek Laura N. , LeDrew Michelle , Charette Christiane , Bartick Melissa
Published: January 2021

Despite decades of research establishing the importance of breastfeeding, skin‐to‐skin contact and mother–infant closeness, the response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has underscored the hidden assumption that these practices can be dispensed with no consequences to mother or child. This article aims to support shared decision‐making process for infant feeding and care with parents and health care providers during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. It proposes a structure and rationale to guide the process that includes (1) discussing with parents evidence‐based information and the different options to feed and care for an infant and young child in the context of the pandemic as well as their potential benefits, risks and scientific uncertainties; (2) helping parents to recognize the sensitive nature of the decisions and to clarify the value they place on the different options to feed and care for their infant or young child; and (3) providing guidance and support needed to make and implement their decisions. A shared decision‐making process will help parents navigate complex feeding and care decisions for their child as we face the different stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
An ‘incredible community’ or ‘disgusting’ and ‘weird’? Representations of breastmilk sharing in worldwide news media
Authors: Dowling Sally , Grant Aimee
Published: January 2021

Breastmilk sharing via the internet has become more popular in recent years, with a resultant increase in media attention. It is actively discouraged by public health bodies in at least three countries. We undertook a qualitative analysis of worldwide English language news media (online newspaper articles and transcripts of television and radio pieces) focusing on peer‐to‐peer breastmilk sharing during a 24‐month period (2015–2016). One hundred eleven news articles were analysed semiotically for positive (n = 49) and negative (n = 90) depictions of breastmilk sharing and the actors involved. Three countries published the majority of the articles: United States (n = 42), United Kingdom (n = 24) and Australia (n = 20). Topics associated with using shared breastmilk included perceived insufficiency, having surgery or taking medication, or the prematurity of the baby. Reports of women who gave and received breastmilk were largely positive although sometimes confused with women who sell breastmilk, who were demonised. The breastmilk itself, however, was considered as potentially contaminated and possibly dangerous; calls for action (n = 33) focused on increasing regulation and safety. Peer‐to‐peer milk sharing and the commercial availability of human milk are activities that occur within social and cultural contexts, and, as such, the ways in which they are represented in the news media reflect the ways in which they are also represented more widely in society. Increased understanding of normal infant feeding practices is needed, alongside guidance on how to better support breastfeeding. News media outlets can facilitate this through reporting risk in line with evidence. Further research should be undertaken to understand the safety of breastmilk sharing and the experience of those who participate.
Behavioral weight management interventions in metabolic and bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating optimal delivery timing
Authors: Julien Cassandre A. , Lavoie Kim L. , Ribeiro Paula A.B. , Dragomir Anda I. , Mercier Li Anne , Garneau Pierre Y. , Pescarus Radu , Bacon Simon L.
Published: January 2021

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) yields unprecedented clinical outcomes, though variability is high in weight change and health benefits. Behavioral weight management (BWM) interventions may optimize MBS outcomes. However, there is a lack of an evidence base to inform their use in practice, particularly regarding optimal delivery timing. This paper evaluated the efficacy of BWM conducted pre‐ versus post‐ versus pre‐ and post‐MBS. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement and included pre‐ and/or post‐operative BWM interventions in adults reporting anthropometric and/or body composition data. Thirty‐six studies (2,919 participants) were included. Post‐operative BWM yielded greater decreases in weight (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.766 to −0.049, p < 0.05; I2 = 93.5%) and body mass index (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI: −0.913 to −0.289, p < 0.001; I2 = 87.8%) relative to comparators. There was no effect of BWM delivered pre‐ or joint pre‐ and post‐operatively. The risk of selection and performance bias was generally high. Delivering BWM after MBS appears to confer the most benefits on weight, though there was high variability in study characteristics and risk of bias across trials. This provides insight into the type of support that should be considered post‐operatively.
Silencing integrin α6 enhances the pluripotency–differentiation transition in human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Shen Jingling , Zhang Shuang , Liu Xu , Pan Shuang , Li Yanping , Zhang Lin , He Lina , Niu Yumei
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Although integrins have been shown to be associated with proliferation and differentiation in some stem cells, the regulatory effect of integrin α6 (ITGα6) on the human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) has not been reported. Here, we detected the roles of ITGα6 in hDPSCs.

Materials and methods

Attached to Cytodex 3 microcarriers, hDPSCs grown under stimulated microgravity (SMG) or conventional culture conditions were measured the proliferation and different gene expression. Further, ITGα6 was silenced in hDPSCs, and its effect on proliferation, differentiation, and cytoskeletal organization was analyzed.

Results

SMG conditions increased the number of Ki67‐positive hDPSCs and progression into S phase of cell cycle. WB analysis showed the expression of ITGα6 was upregulated in hDPSCs under SMG conditions. Knockdown of ITGα6 decreased the expression of stemness markers, CD105 and STRO‐1 in hDPSCs, but promoted the osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation by increased ALP expression and Alizarin Red nodules. Moreover, RNA‐seq demonstrated that RHO/ROCK signaling pathway upregulated silencing ITGα6‐hDPSCs. Treatment with Y‐27632 inhibited the effect of ITGα6 depletion on hDPSCs stemness, rearranged the cytoskeleton, promoted the pluripotency, proliferation ability, and inhibited the differentiation.

Conclusion

ITGα6 promotes hDPSCs stemness via inhibiting RHO/ROCK and restoring cytoskeleton.
My Country, Right or Wrong: Education, Accumulated Democratic Experience, and Political Socialization of Blind Patriotism
Authors: Sumino Takanori
Published: January 2021

Although educational attainment has been identified as a significant factor that reduces uncritical positive attachment to one's country (i.e., blind patriotism), little is known about whether the remedial effect of education on uncritical patriotism is universal across countries with different histories of democratic rule. This article examines the extent to which democracy stock (the accumulated amount of democratic traditions, legacies, and experiences consolidated over time) conditions the relationship between education and blind patriotism. Using international data from 33 countries, the article shows that the remedial effect of education is more pronounced in countries with larger stocks of democracy than in countries with higher levels of democracy (current or recent). The results imply that the political socialization of critical patriotism is a cumulative process in which citizens internalize their potentially democratic competencies (e.g., knowledge, skills, and dispositions) and develop a sense of national attachment based on critical reflection on government policy and practice (i.e., critical loyalty) over an extended period of time.
Good interaction skills are not enough – competency in mental health issues in child health clinics and school health services
Authors: Putkuri Tiina , Salminen Leena , Axelin Anna , Lahti Mari
Published: January 2021

Background

Mental health problems among children and adolescents are a worldwide issue of concern. Health professionals who have sufficient competency in mental health issues are crucial for responding to this situation.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe the competency in mental health issues required by the work of public health nurses in child health clinics and school health services.

Methods

This qualitative, descriptive study was conducted with focus group interviews in March 2018. The sample consisted of public health nurses (n = 24) who were working in child health clinics or school health services in Finland. The data were analysed using inductive and deductive content analysis.

Results

The competency in mental health issues required by the work of public health nurses was formulated from the identified strengths and topics required in continuing education. In total, 18 competencies were identified as covering mental health promotion, as well as the alleviation and treatment of symptoms and disorders. Intuitive and interpersonal competency was identified as the main strength of public health nurses. The theoretical and evidence‐based competency regarding mental health issues was identified as a main topic needed in continuing education.

Conclusion

Public health nurses in child health clinics and school health services need competency in mental health issues for the promotion of mental health, the alleviation of symptoms and treatment of disorders. The results indicate that good interactional skills are not enough: the current competency of public health nurses in mental health issues is insufficient and does not meet the requirements of the work.

The results were consistent with existing knowledge, but also provide a more comprehensive and precise insight into the current situation. In the future, the results should be verified with more studies. There is also a need for intervention studies aiming to improve competency in mental health issues.
Role of pattern recognition receptors and the microbiota in neurological disorders
Authors: Keogh Ciara E. , Rude Kavi M. , Gareau Mélanie G.
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the gut microbiota has been increasingly implicated in the development of many extraintestinal disorders, including neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this growing connection, our understanding of the precise mechanisms behind these effects is currently lacking. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are important innate immune proteins expressed on the surface and within the cytoplasm of a multitude of cells, both immune and otherwise, including epithelial, endothelial and neuronal. PRRs comprise four major subfamilies: the Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain leucine rich repeats‐containing receptors (NLRs), the retinoic acid inducible gene 1‐like receptors and the C‐type lectin receptors. Recognition of commensal bacteria by PRRs is critical for maintaining host–microbe interactions and homeostasis, including behaviour. The expression of PRRs on multiple cell types makes them a highly interesting and novel target for regulation of host–microbe signalling, which may lead to gut–brain signalling. Emerging evidence indicates that two of the four known families of PRRs (the NLRs and the TLRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders via the gut–brain axis. Taken together, increasing evidence supports a role for these PRRs in the development of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, via the microbiota–gut–brain axis.

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Effect of Supraglottal Acoustics on Fluid–Structure Interaction During Human Voice Production
Authors: Bodaghi Dariush , Jiang Weili , Xue Qian , Zheng Xudong
Published: January 2021

A hydrodynamic/acoustic splitting method was used to examine the effect of supraglottal acoustics on fluid–structure interactions during human voice production in a two-dimensional computational model. The accuracy of the method in simulating compressible flows in typical human airway conditions was verified by comparing it to full compressible flow simulations. The method was coupled with a three-mass model of vocal fold lateral motion to simulate fluid–structure interactions during human voice production. By separating the acoustic perturbation components of the airflow, the method allows isolation of the role of supraglottal acoustics in fluid–structure interactions. The results showed that an acoustic resonance between a higher harmonic of the sound source and the first formant of the supraglottal tract occurred during normal human phonation when the fundamental frequency was much lower than the formants. The resonance resulted in acoustic pressure perturbation at the glottis which was of the same order as the incompressible flow pressure and found to affect vocal fold vibrations and glottal flow rate waveform. Specifically, the acoustic perturbation delayed the opening of the glottis, reduced the vertical phase difference of vocal fold vibrations, decreased flow rate and maximum flow deceleration rate (MFDR) at the glottal exit; yet, they had little effect on glottal opening. The results imply that the sound generation in the glottis and acoustic resonance in the supraglottal tract are coupled processes during human voice production and computer modeling of vocal fold vibrations needs to include supraglottal acoustics for accurate predictions.
Structural basis for antibody inhibition of flavivirus NS1–triggered endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Biering Scott B. , Akey David L. , Wong Marcus P. , Brown W. Clay , Lo Nicholas T. N. , Puerta-Guardo Henry , Tramontini Gomes de Sousa Francielle , Wang Chunling , Konwerski Jamie R. , Espinosa Diego A. , Bockhaus Nicholas J. , Glasner Dustin R. , Li Jeffrey , Blanc Sophie F. , Juan Evan Y. , Elledge Stephen J. , Mina Michael J. , Beatty P. Robert , Smith Janet L. , Harris Eva
Published: January 2021

Two antibodies against flaviviruses

Flaviviruses are a group of RNA viruses that include the human pathogens dengue virus, Zika virus, and West Nile virus. The envelope protein (E) on the virus surface has been the target of vaccine development, but problems have arisen with antibodies against E, leading to enhanced infection. Now, Modhiran
et al.
and Biering
et al.
describe two different antibodies that bind to the flavivirus NS1 protein and prevent it from disrupting epithelial cells, which is associated with severe disease. Both antibodies cross-react with multiple flavivirus NS1 proteins. The antibodies reduce viremia and increase survival in mouse models of flavivirus disease. Both papers include structures of NS1 bound to an antibody, which give insight into the protective mechanism.

Science
, this issue p.
190
, p.
194
Microbial sulfate reduction and organic sulfur formation in sinking marine particles
Authors: Raven M. R. , Keil R. G. , Webb S. M.
Published: January 2021

Where they can't breathe

Climate warming is causing the expansion of marine oxygen-deficient zones, which are regions in which dissolved oxygen concentrations are so low that many marine animals cannot survive. This phenomenon also might affect the global cycles of carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and trace metals in the oceans. Raven
et al.
show how ocean anoxia affects microbial sulfur processing in sinking marine particles. They observed cryptic microbial sulfate reduction, which forms organic sulfur that is resistant to acid hydrolysis, a process that could enhance carbon preservation in sediments underlying oxygen-deficient water columns. This may help explain some of the more extreme episodes of organic carbon preservation associated with marine anoxia in Earth's history.

Science
, this issue p.
178
Between a hydrogen and a covalent bond
Authors: Bonn Mischa , Hunger Johannes
Published: January 2021

The bonds in aqueous FHF
−
are neither simple hydrogen nor covalent bonds
Tetramerization of Phosphoprotein Is Essential for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Budding while Its N-Terminal Region Mediates Direct Interactions with the Matrix Protein
Authors: Bajorek Monika , Galloux Marie , Richard Charles-Adrien , Szekely Or , Rosenzweig Rina , Sizun Christina , Eleouet Jean-Francois
Published: January 2021

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infantile bronchiolitis in the developed world and of childhood deaths in resource-poor settings. It is a major unmet target for vaccines and antiviral drugs.
COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates Based on Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Expressing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induce Robust T- and B-Cell Immune Responses and Full Efficacy in Mice
Authors: García-Arriaza Juan , Garaigorta Urtzi , Pérez Patricia , Lázaro-Frías Adrián , Zamora Carmen , Gastaminza Pablo , del Fresno Carlos , Casasnovas José M. , S. Sorzano Carlos Óscar , Sancho David , Esteban Mariano
Published: January 2021

The continuous dissemination of the novel emerging SARS-CoV-2 virus, with more than 78 million infected cases worldwide and higher than 1,700,000 deaths as of 23 December 2020, highlights the urgent need for the development of novel vaccines against COVID-19. With this aim, we have developed novel vaccine candidates based on the poxvirus modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) strain expressing the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, and we have evaluated their immunogenicity in mice using DNA/MVA or MVA/MVA prime/boost immunization protocols.
Para-spermatic cord proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma
Authors: Farnan Jessica , Morrison Ellen , Hennessey Derek Barrry
Published: January 2021

Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma is an ultra-rare, high-grade soft tissue malignancy usually presenting as a deep-seated painless mass in the proximal extremities. Most patients are diagnosed as young adults, between 20 and 40 years of age. Perineal and genital masses do occur but are extremely rare and represent a challenging tumour to diagnose and treat. Early radical excision is recommended due to its aggressive behaviour and poor prognosis. Median overall survival from initial diagnosis is 30 months. We present the case of a 22-year-old man with a left groin proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma who is sadly deceased 12 months after initial presentation despite early surgical excision, completion of both first-line and palliative chemotherapy, and palliative radiotherapy.
Eagle Syndrome: an underdiagnosed cause of orofacial pain
Authors: de Barros João Ferreira , Rodrigues Maria Vieira , Barroso Leonor Aurélio , Amado Isabel Cruz
Published: January 2021

Eagle Syndrome (ES), also termed stylohyoid syndrome or styloid syndrome, is a rare condition characterised by a cluster of symptoms related to an elongation of the styloid process (SP) of the temporal bone. These may range from mild pharyngeal foreign body sensation and dysphagia to severe orofacial pain. High clinical suspicion is necessary owing to the unspecific clinical picture and limited diagnostic clues. Until a definitive diagnosis is achieved, these patients may develop symptoms which significantly impact their quality of life. The aim of this article is to report a case of ES in which a considerable length of SP was documented. Diagnosis was made years after the initial complaints and several medical workups by different specialties. Surgical resection of the elongated process by cervical approach was the adopted treatment modality. Patient recovery and follow-up was satisfactory, with remission of the afflicting symptoms.
Refractive accuracy in eyes undergoing combined cataract extraction and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Campbell Jack A , Ladas John G , Wang Kendrick , Woreta Fasika , Srikumaran Divya
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the refractive accuracy of current intraocular lens (IOL) formulas and propose a modification in calculation of corneal power in eyes undergoing combined cataract extraction and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy undergoing uncomplicated combined cataract surgery and DMEK at a single institution were included. The Hoffer Q, SRK/T, Holladay I, Barrett Universal II and Haigis formulas were compared. A modified corneal power was calculated using a thick lens equation based on anterior and posterior corneal radii and corneal thickness from Pentacam imaging. Error calculations were adjusted based on the difference in optical biometry and the modified corneal power. Mean absolute error (MAE) for each formula was compared between the corneal power modification and optical biometry corneal power.

Results

In 86 eyes, the mean error ranged from 0.90 D for the Barrett Universal II formula to −0.10 D for the Haigis formula, with 4 of 5 formulas resulting in a mean hyperopic error. The corneal power modification resulted in a significantly lower MAE for the Hoffer Q (0.82 D), Holladay I (0.85 D), SRK/T (0.85 D) and Barrett Universal II (0.90 D) formulas compared with optical biometry corneal power for the Hoffer Q (1.02 D; p<0.005), Holladay I (0.97 D; p<0.005), SRK/T (0.93 D; p<0.01) and Barrett Universal II (1.16 D; p<0.005) formulas.

Conclusions

All formulas except the Haigis formula resulted in a hyperopic error. The corneal power modification significantly reduced error in four out of five IOL formulas.