bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piloting a statewide emergency department take‐home naloxone program: Improving the quality of care for patients at risk of opioid overdose
Authors: Dora‐Laskey Aaron , Kellenberg Joan , Dahlem Chin Hwa , English Elizabeth , Gonzalez Walker Monica , Brummett Chad M. , Kocher Keith E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Emergency department (ED) patients with nonfatal opioid overdose are at high risk for subsequent fatal overdose, yet ED programs aimed at reducing harm from opioid use remain underdeveloped.

Objectives

The objective was to pilot a statewide ED take‐home naloxone program and improve the care of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and risky drug use through training and interprofessional network building.

Methods

Nine hospital EDs with pharmacy, nurse, and physician champions were recruited, surveyed, and trained. Take‐home naloxone rescue kits were developed, disseminated, and tracked. Two overdose prevention summits were convened prior to the COVID pandemic, and two X‐waiver training courses aimed at emergency physicians and advanced practice providers were arranged, both in person and virtual.

Results

A total of 872 naloxone rescue kits were distributed to ED patients at risk of opioid overdose during the first phase of this project, and more than 140 providers were trained in the use of medications for OUD in acute care settings.

Conclusions

A statewide ED take‐home naloxone program was shown to be feasible across a range of different hospitals with varying maturity in preexisting OUD resources and capabilities. Future work will be aimed at both expanding and measuring the effectiveness of this work.
App‐based mindfulness meditation reduces perceived stress and improves self‐regulation in working university students: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schulte‐Frankenfeld Poul Maria , Trautwein Fynn‐Mathis
Published: December 2021

We investigated whether a brief mindfulness meditation programme delivered via a smartphone app improves perceived stress, self‐regulation and life satisfaction in part‐time working university students. Mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal were analysed as potential mediators. A total of 64 university students working at least 20 h per week during the semester were randomised to either a mindfulness‐based mobile intervention or a wait‐list control condition. Participants in the intervention group were asked to complete one training session of 10–15 min per day using the app. Psychological measures were assessed via a self‐report questionnaire at baseline and after 8 weeks. The online mindfulness programme was found to significantly decrease perceived stress (ηp2 = .180, a large effect). It also increased self‐regulation (ηp2 = .195, a large effect), mindfulness (ηp2 = .174; a large effect) and cognitive reappraisal (ηp2 = .136, a medium effect). Increments in life satisfaction were not significant. Changes in self‐regulation were mediated by increased mindfulness. Overall, the mobile application was effective in improving mental well‐being and coping abilities in a non‐clinical sample, encouraging further development of digital health treatments.
Socioeconomic status and infant nighttime sleep across the second year of life: The moderating role of infant attachment security
Authors: Bai Liu , Crosby Brian , Teti Douglas M.
Published: December 2021

This study examined socioeconomic status (SES) and attachment security as predictors of infant nighttime sleep during the second year. Participants included 128 mothers (86% White) with infants (48.4% boys). Data collection took place between April, 2009 and February, 2014. At 12, 18, and 24 months, infant sleep was assessed via actigraphy and daily diaries, and attachment with the Attachment Q‐Set. SES indicators included income‐to‐needs ratios and education. Lower SES predicted greater variability in sleep duration and later sleep timing only for less secure infants. Less secure attachment was associated with poorer sleep at both between‐ and within‐person levels, especially when infants were 12 months of age. Results emphasize the complex interactive effects of environmental and relational factors on infant sleep.
ClC‐c regulates the proliferation of intestinal stem cells via the EGFR signalling pathway in Drosophila
Authors: Huang Jinping , Sheng Xiao , Zhuo Zhangpeng , Xiao Danqing , Wu Kun , Wan Gang , Chen Haiyang
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Adult stem cells uphold a delicate balance between quiescent and active states, which is crucial for tissue homeostasis. Whereas many signalling pathways that regulate epithelial stem cells have been reported, many regulators remain unidentified.

Materials and Methods

Flies were used to generate tissue‐specific gene knockdown and gene knockout. qRT‐PCR was used to assess the relative mRNA levels. Immunofluorescence was used to determine protein localization and expression patterns. Clonal analyses were used to observe the phenotype. RNA‐seq was used to screen downstream mechanisms.

Results

Here, we report a member of the chloride channel family, ClC‐c, which is specifically expressed in Drosophila intestinal stem/progenitor cells and regulates intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation under physiological conditions and upon tissue damage. Mechanistically, we found that the ISC loss induced by the depletion of ClC‐c in intestinal stem/progenitor cells is due to inhibition of the EGFR signalling pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal an ISC‐specific function of ClC‐c in regulating stem cell maintenance and proliferation, thereby providing new insights into the functional links among the chloride channel family, ISC proliferation and tissue homeostasis.
Different functional feeding groups of mangrove soil molluscs invoke unique co‐occurrence patterns in response to a climate extreme
Authors: Chen Guogui , Gu Xuan , Liu Yi , Wang Wenqing , Wang Mao
Published: December 2021

Aim

Due to differences in community functional traits and composition, the response of communities to environmental changes can be variable, and thus an understanding of the mechanisms underlying differential functional group responses is necessary. We investigated a mangrove soil mollusc community before (in 2007) and after (in 2008 and 2009) an extreme cold event (ECE) to determine the effects of the ECE on co‐occurrence patterns, spatiotemporal turnover and ecological processes in different functional groups (i.e. in‐faunal shelled deposit feeders [ISDFs] and hard‐bodied, mobile scavenger/predators [MS/Ps]).

Location

Southeast coasts of China.

Method

We used network analysis and null models to test the co‐occurrence patterns of the soil mollusc community. We used the analysis of distance and time decay to characterize the spatial turnover and temporal succession of the mollusc community based on presence/absence, relative abundance and biomass data. We performed random forest (RF), variation partitioning analysis (VPA) and Mantel tests to detect the effects of local environmental filtering and dispersal limitations on the soil mollusc community.

Results

We found a decrease in species richness and biomass and an increase in abundance after an ECE, reflecting a significant change in mangrove soil mollusc communities. The network modularization, divergent succession and geographical differentiation of the ISDFs increased from 2008 to 2009, but environmental filtering and regional dispersal limitations decreased. The temporal trends of the network modules, geographical differentiation and dispersal limitations of MS/Ps followed a hump‐shaped pattern from 2008 to 2009, whereas the temporal trends of environmental filtering and temporal divergence exhibited an inverted hump‐shape pattern. The ECE changed the main environmental drivers of ISDFs and MS/Ps from water salinity to meteorology and vegetation factors.

Main conclusions

Mangrove soil mollusc communities in different functional groups invoked different spatiotemporal turnover models and ecological processes to shape unique co‐occurrence patterns in response to an ECE. We highlight the value of dividing different functional groups in developing predictive frameworks for a better understanding of community functional responses to global change.
Deification and sanctification in the dialogue between the Finnish Lutheran School and the Chinese Neo‐Confucian School
Authors: GAO Yuan
Published: December 2021

The ideal of becoming divine occupies a central position not only in Lutheran theology but also in Confucian traditional teachings. While expectations of these two traditions on the ideal of human life look different, it does not mean that they do not share any theoretical convergence. The present article explores an in‐depth look into the doctrine of deification (θεοποιεiν; theōsis) in the Finnish interpretation of Luther, where Tuomo Mannermaa (1937–2015) developed originally his theory in the Lutheran‐Orthodox dialogue, and forms a new landscape for building up a connection between the Finnish Lutheran School and Chinese Neo‐Confucianism in their accounts of deification (成神) and sanctification (成聖). The main objective of this study is to clarify the historical doctrine of theōsis in Luther's theology by analyzing the hermeneutic approach of divinization in the Finnish School and its contributions; and furthermore, to discover possibilities of dialogue between deification and sanctification and new approaches to them. Attending to distinctive features of the theology of hope in these two intellectual circles, this study untilizes the perspective of the deification of emotions, which would become a new approach in deepening the theory of deification in the Lutheran‐Confucian dialogue.
Family, healthcare professional, and societal preferences for the treatment of infantile spinal muscular atrophy: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Carey Kate A. , Farrar Michelle A. , Kasparian Nadine A. , Street Deborah J. , De Abreu Lourenco Richard
Published: December 2021

Aim

To understand the factors that most influence decision‐making in the treatment of infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Method

A discrete choice experiment was conducted among parents of people with SMA (parents), healthcare professionals (HCPs), and members of the Australian general population (GenPop). Respondents were asked to accept/reject treatment for an infant newly diagnosed with SMA in eight hypothetical scenarios, characterized by different combinations of the attributes of the treatment offered. The results were analyzed using probability analysis.

Results

Completed responses were provided from 1113 individuals (1024 GenPop, 21 parents, 68 HCPs). Respondents were more likely to accept treatments that improved functioning and mobility. Treatments with higher costs, invasive delivery, and risks of adverse events were accepted less often. Cost most affected treatment choices by HCPs and GenPop, while change in mobility and mode of administration were most influential for parents.

Interpretation

These results highlight the importance of understanding value for money and clinical impact in affecting treatment choice, which are crucial for effective planning of healthcare and the successful implementation of treatment programmes for SMA.

What this paper adds

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatments with a higher chance of improving functioning and mobility are preferred by the general population, parents, and healthcare professionals.

Treatments with higher costs, invasive delivery, and risk of adverse events are less preferred.

Willingness to pay for SMA treatments increases with impact on functioning.
When expansion stalls: an extension to the concept of range pinning in ecology
Authors: Morel‐Journel Thibaut , Haond Marjorie , Lamy Laurent , Muru David , Roques Lionel , Mailleret Ludovic , Vercken Elodie
Published: December 2021

Identifying the factors modulating range expansion is essential to accurately predict changes in the spatial distribution of populations. By preventing population growth after dispersal, Allee effects can lead to front stops in discrete space, called 'pinning' if permanent. However, other mechanisms, such as positive density‐dependent dispersal, have also been shown to affect the rate of range expansion and generate discrete‐space front stops, albeit temporarily. In this study, we investigated the stability of the front stops generated by such mechanisms in relation to the carrying capacity of the environment. To this end, we performed artificial range expansions in discrete space using stochastic simulations and microcosm experiments. Simulation results confirmed that density‐dependent dispersal alone can generate sustained front stops, albeit for a limited range of carrying capacities. We also highlighted the synergy between Allee effects and density‐dependent dispersal on pinning emergence. Experimental results, obtained using a model species known to exhibit density‐dependent dispersal, but without Allee effects, confirmed the model results. Furthermore, our study raises the issue of carefully considering the conditions for pinning stability, in a stochastic context and depending on the time‐scale considered.
Potential of the fumigant ethanedinitrile to kill the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and other forest pathogens
Authors: Uzunovic Adnan , Kus Stacey , Hook Ashley , Leal Isabel
Published: December 2021

A screening test was carried out using ethanedinitrile (EDN) as a candidate fumigant to replace methyl bromide for efficacy against a selection of forest pests, including the pinewood nematodes (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and four tree pathogens: Heterobasidion annosum, Geosmithia morbida, Phytophthora ramorum and Ceratocystis fagacearum. Two EDN concentrations were tested: 50 and 100 g/m3 at two different temperatures and six exposure times. In our tests, EDN was very efficient in killing pathogens in all test parameter combinations, including short exposure times and lower concentration, apart from C. fagacearum surviving short 1 h exposure and G. morbida surviving after 1 and 3 h of exposure. Pinewood nematodes in the small wood blocks were effectively killed at all test parameter combinations. In log sections where deeper nematode infestations were present, nematode survivors at 50 and 100 g/m3 after 1, 3, and 6 h exposure were observed. This suggests that the fumigant was not efficacious at lower exposure times, while penetrating log sections. Both 50 and 100 g/m3 dosages were effective after 24 h exposure, indicating that longer retention times are required to effectively kill pine wood nematodes in deeper wood sections. The lower temperature did not affect the efficacy of EDN. This indicates that EDN could successfully eradicate pinewood nematodes in logs over 24 h of exposure, or even less exposure time, at targeted concentrations.
The impact of donor type on resource utilisation and costs in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the Netherlands
Authors: van Gorkom Gwendolyn , Van Elssen Catharina , Janssen Ian , Groothuis Siebren , Evers Silvia , Bos Gerard
Published: December 2021

Background

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly used, but this treatment is complex and costly. As clinical outcomes of HSCT with matched unrelated donor (MUD) and haploidentical donors are similar, costs could influence donor choice.

Method

We retrospectively compared resource utilisation and costs of HSCT using the three different donor types (matched related donor (MRD) (n = 32), haploidentical related (n = 30) and MUD (n = 60)) within the first year after transplantation. Costs were analysed through a bottom‐up method. Non‐parametric bootstrapping was applied to test for statistical differences in costs. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify predictors for costs.

Results

Cost pre‐transplant for search and acquisition of the graft were significantly higher in MUD HSCT (€35 222) versus MRD and haploidentical HSCT (€15 356 and €16 097 respectively). The costs of haploidentical HSCT were the highest in the transplant phase. Main cost factors were inpatient days and medication. Overall, the costs for haploidentical and MUD HSCT were similar (€115 724 for MUD, €113 312 for haploidentical).

Conclusion

Our study suggests no difference in total transplantation costs between allogeneic HSCT using a MUD or a haploidentical donor. Since clinical outcomes seem similar as well, the choice of donor type might be based on availability, speed and logistics.
Co‐ordinated elevational diversity patterns for soil bacteria, fungi, and plants in alkaline soils of arid northwestern China
Authors: He Zhi‐Bin , Chen Long‐Fei , Zhao Wen‐Zhi , Liu Ji‐Liang , Song Ming‐Dan , Kong Jun‐Qia , Gao Yuan
Published: December 2021

Plants often show remarkable elevational distribution patterns in arid‐montane ecosystems. However, it is not clear if soil microbes follow elevational diversity patterns, even though they represent the majority of biodiversity and drive varieties of ecological processes. Here, we conducted a survey of fungal and bacterial communities across an elevational gradient from 2350 to 3850 m in a typical mountainous grassland of arid northwestern China. Our results revealed co‐ordinated alpha and beta diversity patterns for soil microbes and plants along the elevational gradient, and the richness and Shannon diversity of bacteria, fungi, and plants exhibited a unimodal elevational pattern. The unimodal diversity pattern for soil microbes was further confirmed by the shifts in the relative abundance of dominant bacterial phyla (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Nitrospirae) and fungal phyla (Zygomycota) along the elevational gradient. Soil variables (soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and nitrate nitrogen) explained the largest proportion of the variability in both bacterial and fungal communities, followed by plant (richness and Shannon diversity) and climatic (mean annual temperature and precipitation) variables. These environmental factors together explained a larger proportion of variability in bacterial communities (54.88%) than in fungal communities (24.15%). Our results strongly supported the existence of co‐ordinated elevational diversity patterns for soil microbes and plants in arid‐montane ecosystems, and highlighted that the importance of soil pH in microbial elevational patterns was also apparently in alkaline soils.

Highlights

Soil bacteria and fungi follow elevational diversity patterns of plants.

Species richness and Shannon diversity index exhibited unimodal elevational patterns.

Soil, plant, and climatic factors are co‐responsible for microbial diversity.

These factors explained more variation in bacteria than that in fungi.

Microbial diversity is more vulnerable to precipitation than temperature.
Genomic survey of edible cockle (Cerastoderma edule) in the Northeast Atlantic: A baseline for sustainable management of its wild resources
Authors: Vera Manuel , Maroso Francesco , Wilmes Sophie B. , Hermida Miguel , Blanco Andrés , Fernández Carlos , Groves Emily , Malham Shelagh K. , Bouza Carmen ,   The Cockle’s Consortium, Robins Peter E. , Martínez Paulino
Published: December 2021

Knowledge on correlations between environmental factors and genome divergence between populations of marine species is crucial for sustainable management of fisheries and wild populations. The edible cockle (Cerastoderma edule) is a marine bivalve distributed along the Northeast Atlantic coast of Europe and is an important resource from both commercial and ecological perspectives. We performed a population genomics screening using 2b‐RAD genotyping on 9309 SNPs localized in the cockle's genome on a sample of 536 specimens pertaining to 14 beds in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean to analyse the genetic structure with regard to environmental variables. Larval dispersal modelling considering species behaviour and interannual/interseasonal variation in ocean conditions was carried out as an essential background to which compare genetic information. Cockle populations in the Northeast Atlantic displayed low but significant geographical differentiation between populations (FST = 0.0240; p < 0.001), albeit not across generations. We identified 742 and 36 outlier SNPs related to divergent and balancing selection in all the geographical scenarios inspected, and sea temperature and salinity were the main environmental correlates suggested. Highly significant linkage disequilibrium was detected at specific genomic regions against the very low values observed across the whole genome. Two main genetic groups were identified, northwards and southwards of French Brittany. Larval dispersal modelling suggested a barrier for larval dispersal linked to the Ushant front that could explain these two genetic clusters. Further genetic subdivision was observed using outlier loci and considering larval advection. The northern group was divided into the Irish/Celtic Seas and the English Channel/North Sea, while the southern group was divided into three subgroups. This information represents the baseline for the management of cockles, designing conservation strategies, founding broodstock for depleted beds and producing suitable seed for aquaculture production.
Altitudinal diversity of aquatic plants in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhou Ya‐Dong , Xiao Ke‐Yan , Chen Si‐Chong , Liu Xing , Wang Qing‐Feng , Yan Xue
Published: December 2021

Altitudinal diversity of terrestrial plants has been widely studied, whereas little is known for the patterns of aquatic plants. Here, we used a standardised field dataset to quantify the altitudinal patterns in the diversity and structure of aquatic plant assemblages, as well as the relationships between diversity indices and environmental variables.

Large‐scale field investigations were carried out in 128 sites ranging from 2,280 to 5,020 m above sea level across the southern part of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, China. In total, 102 species of aquatic plants were recorded, belonging to 67 genera, 31 families. Five taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional indices were calculated for each collection site. We firstly examined altitudinal patterns of these diversity indices, then quantified the variations of indices across water areas, water flow, and soil matrix, respectively. We also explored the relationships between diversity indices and environmental variables using redundancy and variance partitioning analysis, to detect the ecological variables that drove the diversity.

The results showed that taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of aquatic plants decreased with increasing altitude. Net relatedness index of aquatic plants showed a hump pattern along the altitude gradient, with a peak around 3,800 m above sea level. There was no obvious trend in the net functional relatedness index of aquatic plants with altitude. Annual mean temperature was the most important variable associated with the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity. Water area and water flow were significantly associated with functional structure, but not phylogenetic structure. Soil matrix also correlated with aquatic plant diversity.

A large‐scale altitudinal gradient can influence aquatic plant diversity. Environmental filtering and niche convergence might have played dominant roles in the increasing and decreasing stages of phylogenetic structure of aquatic plant assemblages, respectively, along the altitudinal gradient. Phylogenetic and functional structure of aquatic plant assemblages showed different patterns along the altitudinal gradient, and the environmental variables better explained the change of functional structure than did the phylogenetic variables.

This is the first comprehensive study on the species, phylogeny, and function of aquatic plant assemblages along a large‐scale altitudinal gradient. We found an altitudinal decline in the diversity of aquatic plants and different patterns in the phylogenetic and functional structures of aquatic plant assemblages. These findings indicate that functional traits have high phenotypic plasticity and are more affected by environments than phylogenetic relationships which are mainly shaped by evolutionary processes.
Nature‐based framework for sustainable afforestation in global drylands under changing climate
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Xu Chongyang , Allen Craig D. , Hartmann Henrik , Wei Xiaohua , Yakir Dan , Wu Xiuchen , Yu Pengtao
Published: December 2021

Drylands cover more than 40% of Earth's land surface and occur at the margin of forest distributions due to the limited availability of water for tree growth. Recent elevated temperature and low precipitation have driven greater forest declines and pulses of tree mortality on dryland sites compared to humid sites, particularly in temperate Eurasia and North America. Afforestation of dryland areas has been widely implemented and is expected to increase in many drylands globally to enhance carbon sequestration and benefits to the human environment, but the interplay of sometimes conflicting afforestation outcomes has not been formally evaluated yet. Most previous studies point to conflicts between additional forest area and water consumption, in particular water yield and soil conservation/desalinization in drylands, but were generally confined to local and regional scales. Our global synthesis demonstrates that additional tree cover can amplify water consumption through a nonlinear increase in evapotranspiration—depending on tree species, age, and structure—which will be further intensified by future climate change. In this review we identify substantial knowledge gaps in addressing the dryland afforestation dilemma, where there are trade‐offs with planted forests between increased availability of some resources and benefits to human habitats versus the depletion of other resources that are required for sustainable development of drylands. Here we propose a method of addressing comprehensive vegetation carrying capacity, based on regulating the distribution and structure of forest plantations to better deal with these trade‐offs in forest multifunctionality. We also recommend new priority research topics for dryland afforestation, including: responses and feedbacks of dryland forests to climate change; shifts in the ratio of ecosystem ET to tree cover; assessing the role of scale of afforestation in influencing the trade‐offs of dryland afforestation; and comprehensive modeling of the multifunctionality of dryland forests, including both ecophysiological and socioeconomic aspects, under a changing climate.
Driving the digital value network: Economic geographies of global platform capitalism
Authors: Howson Kelle , Ferrari Fabian , Ustek‐Spilda Funda , Salem Nancy , Johnston Hannah , Katta Srujana , Heeks Richard , Graham Mark
Published: December 2021

This paper applies insights from global value chains (GVC)/global production networks (GPN) frameworks to explore the economic geographies brought into being by digital labour platforms. In particular, these perspectives facilitate analyses of power imbalances and value extraction across territories—an under‐theorized aspect within platform studies. We theorize this dynamic by introducing the descriptor ‘digital value network’ (DVN): a digitally mediated nexus of platform operations that produce and distribute value between territories, on the basis of labour transactions. Empirically, we draw on a multi‐year action research project, assessing the operations of platforms and the experiences of platform workers in 54 countries. Our analysis highlights that platforms as lead firms extend GVC/GPN logics of coordination and drivenness in DVN to (i) optimize production capabilities while externalizing ownership and costs, (ii) accumulate both monetary and non‐monetary forms of value, and (iii) concentrate power at the global scale in both existing and new sectors.
Engaging young people within a collaborative knowledge mobilization network: Development and evaluation
Authors: Halsall Tanya , McCann Emma , Armstrong Julia
Published: December 2021

Background

It is critical that mental health systems place a focus on prevention and early intervention focused on young people while integrating youth voice to guide priority directions.

Objective

This study was designed to better understand how youth advisories can be utilized to influence strategic directions within integrated knowledge mobilization networks operating within the youth mental health system.

Design

To support this objective, we reviewed the detailed stages of development in establishing a youth advisory within a national network designed to support the integration of youth services. We also engaged the advisory in a participatory evaluation process that examined the extent to which the network had created processes to include youth voice in decision‐making.

Results

Results from the surveys identified moderate to high levels of individual engagement as well as strong development of processes and procedures that support the inclusion of youth voice across the network.

Discussion

Major successes and challenges are presented and discussed with respect to the development of the advisory. The findings are useful for youth advocates and adult allies working to support youth engagement (YE) in knowledge mobilization to enhance the mental health services system. This study also contributes to research and evaluation efforts examining YE and represents an exemplar methodology for evaluating YE efforts at the system level.

Patient or Public Contribution

Young people as mental health service users and youth mental health advocates were involved in the design, data collection, analysis and interpretation of the data as well as the preparation of this manuscript.
Erosive wear behavior of spark plasma‐sintered SiC–TaC composites
Authors: Sharma Sandan Kumar , Chaudhary Kapil , Gupta Yashpal , Kalin Mitjan , Kumar B. Venkata Manoj
Published: December 2021

Spark plasma sintering of SiC‐10, 20, or 30 wt% TaC composites was performed at 1800°C. Microstructures of sintered composites revealed uniform dispersion of TaC particles in SiC matrix. With the increase in TaC content, hardness decreased from 25.75 to 23.30 GPa and fracture toughness increased from 3.48 to 3.85 MPa m1/2. Erosion testing was performed to evaluate the potential of sintered composites at room temperature and 400°C by a stream of SiC particles impinging at different angles (30°, 60°, or 90°). The erosion rate varied from 25 to 166 mm3/kg, with change in TaC content, impingement angle, or temperature. The erosion rate increased as the angle of impingement and temperature increased, but reduced when the TaC concentration increased. Worn surfaces revealed that the material was dominantly removed via fracture of SiC grains and TaC particles pull‐out. SiC‐30 wt% TaC composites exhibited superior erosive wear resistance at low impingement angle and room temperature.
The impact of audit committee expertise on external auditors' disclosures of key audit matters
Authors: Zhang Penny F. , Shailer Greg
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates relations between audit committee expertise, auditors' disclosures of key audit matters (KAMs) and audit committees' disclosures of significant issues (SIs) in the United Kingdom. We find that audit committee accounting and industry expertise reduces both total KAMs and KAMs that are unmatched with SI disclosures. Further, changes in audit committee accounting and industry expertise significantly affect auditors' subsequent adoptions of previous SIs as new KAMs. This subsequent adoption of unmatched SIs is negatively related to prior abnormal audit fees but is not significantly related to prior abnormal accruals, suggesting that an auditor's initial omission of a subsequently adopted SI may be a consequence of lower audit effort but is not necessarily a signal of lower audit quality. The overall results are consistent with non‐alignment of KAMs or SIs being consequences of ineffective communications and that communication or AC persuasiveness improves when AC accounting expertise increases.
Untangling the tolerance of socioeconomic inequality: Comparing Japan, the United States, South Korea, and the People's Republic of China
Authors: Kitsnik Joanna
Published: December 2021

The last three decades have witnessed major institutional and structural transformations across both economically developed and developing countries. While many individuals and groups have benefited from these changes, they have simultaneously resulted in growing disparities between the haves and have‐nots. The growing socioeconomic inequalities, however, have not been met with significant resistance and it has been even observed that people have become more tolerant of inequalities. This article explores the motivations behind tolerating socioeconomic inequality, and investigates how the tolerance of socioeconomic inequality has changed over the past 25 years, while also comparing it across very distinctive political and socioeconomic regimes. This study overcomes a gap in research by employing longitudinal, cross‐sectional survey data to analyze temporal change in attitudes towards inequality. Fixed effects models are applied on five waves of World Values Survey data (1994–2020) on four distinctly different post‐industrial countries: Japan, the People's Republic of China, South Korea, and the United States. The paper argues that, on an individual level, there is a tendency to accept inequality normalizing narratives and defend one's own self‐interest, derived from one's structural position. This accounts for a considerable part of the variation in tolerance for socioeconomic inequality across these nations. The article concludes that trends in tolerating socioeconomic inequality have over time become more similar across these four countries with distinctly different political–economic regimes.
Experiences and perceptions of Turkish intensive care nurses providing care to Covid‐19 patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Sezgin Duygu , Dost Ayşe , Esin Melek N.
Published: December 2021

Aim

To describe the experiences of intensive care nurses who provided care to Covid‐19 patients and their perceptions towards the disease and their work conditions during the pandemic.

Introduction

Identification of experiences and perceptions of intensive care nurses towards disease, care and their workplace conditions when providing care to Covid‐19 patients will inform decision‐makers about improvements that can be implemented.

Background

The Covid‐19 pandemic has led to increased strain and workplace‐related health risks to intensive care nurses, but it has also provided a unique experience and opportunities for learning and development.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 10 intensive care unit nurses working in seven hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Snowball sampling method was used, and the data were collected by semistructured online interviews. A thematic analysis was performed. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed.

Findings

Five major themes were identified: ‘death and fear of death’, ‘impact on family and social lives’, ‘nursing care of Covid‐19 patients’, ‘changing perceptions of their own profession: empowerment and dissatisfaction’, and ‘experiences and perceptions of personal protective equipment and other control measures’.

Discussion

Intensive care nurses experience an increased risk of infection and psychological burden, and they lack a sense of professional satisfaction. Improvements to working conditions are needed to support nurses caring for patients during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The pandemic increased the workload and responsibilities of intensive care nurses and led to increases in their work‐related health risks and challenges with care. However, it also increased nurses’ awareness about the importance of their professional roles.

Implications for nursing practice and policies

There is a need to improve working conditions and develop nursing standards for the care of Covid‐19 patients in intensive care units.
The use of an integrative approach to identify coelomocytes in three species of the genus Holothuria (Echinodermata)
Authors: Queiroz Vinicius , Mauro Manuela , Arizza Vincenzo , Custódio Márcio R. , Vazzana Mirella
Published: December 2021

Coelomocytes in the Holothuroidea are traditionally identified according to their morphology through light, fluorescence, or electron microscopy. Former studies have typically used only one method, with few works combining two or more approaches. Studies using cytocentrifugation to study these cells are scarcer. Thus, for the first time, an integrative approach was used to compare coelomocytes in Holothuroidea. This approach consisted of living and stained cells, scanning electron microscopy (for spherule cells), and accurate morphometric analyses. Specifically, we used specimens of Holothuria grisea, Holothuria arenicola, and Holothuria tubulosa to test whether cytocentrifugation could be valuable in comparative studies with coelomocytes, whether an integrative approach could help to understand spherule cell diversity, and whether closely related species, even those having distinct geographic distributions and ecological requirements, would have a similar population of coelomocytes. Our results showed seven distinct cell types in these species, including phagocytes, fusiform cells, morula cells, acidophilic spherulocytes, spherulocytes, progenitor cells, and crystal cells. Total and differential cell counts, along with morphometric parameters, were similar among species. Morphometric analyses of spherule cells revealed consistent differences among the diameter of their cytoplasmic spherules, as well as a set of different morphotypes in acidophilic spherulocytes and spherulocytes. Cytospin preparations proved to be quite useful because they provided constant morphological and morphometric data, allowing accurate identification of the cell types and comparisons among species. Moreover, this study highlighted (1) that the spherule diameter is a good parameter to separate spherule cells and (2) a putative maturation process to acidophilic spherulocytes and spherulocytes. Lastly, we showed that the cells of these species are very similar, regardless of their geographic distribution and ecology. Thus, our work contributes to a better understanding of the coelomocytes in Holothuria, a genus with a wide geographic distribution. The present study may be useful to establish these species as important model organisms, as well as bring insights into the functions of coelomocytes.
Cheating to win or not to lose: Power and situational framing affect unethical behavior
Authors: Kim Kyoo Hwa , Guinote Ana
Published: December 2021

Power has long been associated with corruption, yet most evidence has been linked to abuses for gains (money, resources, sex). In this article, we propose a conceptual framework that considers unethical conduct to obtain gains and to avoid losses. Following the situated focus theory of power (Guinote, 2007), we propose that power flexibly orients individuals’ cognitions and efforts in line with active goals. Under a gains frame, compared to the powerless, the powerful should be more motivated to obtain gains and cheat more, in order to protect these gains. Under a loss frame, the powerful should experience a temporary activation of loss aversion goals, while the powerless should experience a chronic activation of loss aversion goals. Consequently, power differences in corruption levels should only occur for gains and not when losses are at stake. The effects of power and frame were demonstrated in one study (N = 321). The findings provided initial evidence supporting the notion that an understanding of the effects of power on corruption necessitates a consideration of contextual framing.
Does stock market liberalization improve stock price efficiency? Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Yunsen , Huang Jianqiao , Li Xiao , Yuan Qingbo
Published: December 2021

In this study, we examine whether liberalization of the stock market improves stock price efficiency using China's market liberalization pilot program as a shock. We find that investible firms exhibit a significant increase in price efficiency, as proxied by stock price non‐synchronicity, after stock market liberalization. The results are robust to a series of tests and remain unchanged after we address the issue of endogeneity. We identify two channels through which price efficiency can be improved: better disclosure by firms and the incorporation of more information into stock prices through the trading activities of foreign investors. We also find that investment becomes more sensitive to prices, further indicating that stock prices have become more efficient. Finally, we find that stock price informativeness also increases.
Gingival mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes are immunosuppressive in preventing collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Tian Xiaohong , Wei Wumei , Cao Yue , Ao Tianrang , Huang Feng , Javed Rabia , Wang Xiaohong , Fan Jun , Zhang Yanhui , Liu Yanying , Lai Laijun , Ao Qiang
Published: December 2021

Due to the unsatisfied effects of clinical drugs used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), investigators shifted their focus on the biotherapy. Although human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSC) have the potential to be used in treating RA, GMSC‐based therapy has some inevitable side effects such as immunogenicity and tumorigenicity. As one of the most important paracrine mediators, GMSC‐derived exosomes (GMSC‐Exo) exhibit therapeutic effects via immunomodulation in a variety of disease models, bypassing potential shortcomings of the direct use of MSCs. Furthermore, exosomes are not sensitive to freezing and thawing, and can be readily available for use. GMSC‐Exo has been reported to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing, but have not been reported to be effective against autoimmune diseases. We herein compare the immunomodulatory functions of GMSC‐Exo and GMSC in collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model and in vitro CD4+ T‐cell co‐culture model. The results show that GMSC‐Exo has the same or stronger effects compared with GMSC in inhibiting IL‐17A and promoting IL‐10, reducing incidences and bone erosion of arthritis, via inhibiting IL‐17RA‐Act1‐TRAF6‐NF‐κB signal pathway. Our results suggest that GMSC‐Exo has many advantages in treating CIA, and may offer a promising new cell‐free therapy strategy for RA and other autoimmune diseases.
Sparstolonin B suppresses free fatty acid palmitate‐induced chondrocyte inflammation and mitigates post‐traumatic arthritis in obese mice
Authors: Ma Haiwei , Xie Chenglong , He Gaolu , Chen Zhengtai , Lu Hongwei , Wu Hongqiang , Cai Hancheng , Dai Zihan , Li Baolong , Xu Cong , Xue Enxing
Published: December 2021

Abnormal lipid metabolism, such as systemic increased free fatty acid, results in overproduction of pro‐inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which is crucial in the development of obesity‐related osteoarthritis (OA). However, there are only a few drugs that target the lipotoxicity of OA. Recent researches have documented that the traditional Chinese medicine, Sparstolonin B (Ssn B), exerted anti‐inflammatory effects in various diseases, but not yet in OA. On the basis of this evidence, our works purposed to evaluate the effect of Ssn B on free fatty acid (FFA) palmitate (PA)‐stimulated human osteoarthritic chondrocytes and obesity‐associated mouse OA model. We found that Ssn B suppressed PA‐triggered inflammatory response and extracellular matrix catabolism in a concentration‐dependent approach. In vivo, Ssn B treatment inhibited cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone calcification caused by joint mechanical imbalance and alleviated metabolic inflammation in obesity. Mechanistically, co‐immunoprecipitine and molecular docking analysis showed that the formation of toll­like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation protein‐2 (MD‐2) complex caused by PA was blocked by Ssn B. Subsequently, it leads to inactivation of PA‐caused myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)‐dependent nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) cascade. Together, these findings demonstrated that Ssn B is a potential treatment agent for joint degenerative diseases in obese individuals.
ITGB3BP is a potential biomarker associated with poor prognosis of glioma
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Liu Binfeng , Bian Lu , Wang Hongbo , Jia Yulong , Wang Yubo , Zhang Wang , Wang Yanbiao , Han Zhibin , Cheng Xingbo , Lian Xiaoyu , Ren Zhishuai , Gao Yanzheng
Published: December 2021

Despite the growing recognition of ITGB3BP as an essential feature of various cancers, the relationship between ITGB3BP and glioma remains unclear. The main aim of this study was to determine the prognostic and diagnostic value of ITGB3BP in glioma. RNA‐Seq and microarray data from 2222 glioma patients were included, and we found that the expression level of ITGB3BP in glioma tissues was significantly higher than that in normal brain tissues. Moreover, ITGB3BP can be considered an independent risk factor for poor prognosis and has great predictive value for the prognosis of glioma. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis results showed that ITGB3BP contributes to the poor prognosis of glioma by activating tumour‐related signalling pathways. Some small‐molecule drugs were identified, such as hexestrol, which may specifically inhibit ITGB3BP and be useful in the treatment of glioma. The TIMER database analysis results revealed a correlation between the expression of ITGB3BP and the infiltration of various immune cells in glioma. Our findings provide the first evidence that the up‐regulation of ITGB3BP correlates with poor prognosis in human glioma. Thus, ITGB3BP is a potential new biomarker that can be used for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of glioma.
Roles of mesenchymal stem cells and exosomes in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Wen Chao , Xie Liping , Hu Chenxia
Published: December 2021

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is characterized by several symptoms of higher sensitivity of the lower urinary tract, such as bladder pain/discomfort, urgency, urinary frequency, pelvic pain and nocturia. Although the pathophysiology of IC/BPS is not fully understood, the hypothesis suggests that mast cell activation, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer defects, urothelium permeability disruption, inflammation, autoimmune disorder and infection are potential mechanisms. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven to protect against tissue injury in IC/BPS by migrating into bladders, differentiating into key bladder cells, inhibiting mast cell accumulation and cellular apoptosis, inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, alleviating collagen fibre accumulation and enhancing tissue regeneration in bladder tissues. In addition, MSCs can protect against tissue injury in IC/BPS by secreting various soluble factors, including exosomes and other soluble factors, with antiapoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties in a cell‐to‐cell independent manner. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the current potential pathophysiological mechanisms and standard treatments of IC/BPS, and we discussed the potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of MSCs and MSC‐derived exosomes in alleviating tissue injury in IC/BPS models.