bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during resurgence driven by Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5 compared with previous waves in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Davies Mary-Ann , Morden Erna , Rosseau Petro , Arendse Juanita , Bam Jamy-Lee , Boloko Linda , Cloete Keith , Cohen Cheryl , Chetty Nicole , Dane Pierre , Heekes Alexa , Hsiao Nei-Yuan , Hunter Mehreen , Hussey Hannah , Jacobs Theuns , Jassat Waasila , Kariem Saadiq , Kassanjee Reshma , Laenen Inneke , Roux Sue Le , Lessells Richard , Mahomed Hassan , Maughan Deborah , Meintjes Graeme , Mendelson Marc , Mnguni Ayanda , Moodley Melvin , Murie Katy , Naude Jonathan , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Paleker Masudah , Parker Arifa , Pienaar David , Preiser Wolfgang , Prozesky Hans , Raubenheimer Peter , Rossouw Liezel , Schrueder Neshaad , Smith Barry , Smith Mariette , Solomon Wesley , Symons Greg , Taljaard Jantjie , Wasserman Sean , Wilkinson Robert J. , Wolmarans Milani , Wolter Nicole , Boulle Andrew
Published: June 2022

Objective

We aimed to compare clinical severity of Omicron BA.4/BA.5 infection with BA.1 and earlier variant infections among laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in the Western Cape, South Africa, using timing of infection to infer the lineage/variant causing infection.

Methods

We included public sector patients aged ≥20 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between 1-21 May 2022 (BA.4/BA.5 wave) and equivalent prior wave periods. We compared the risk between waves of (i) death and (ii) severe hospitalization/death (all within 21 days of diagnosis) using Cox regression adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, admission pressure, vaccination and prior infection.

Results

Among 3,793 patients from the BA.4/BA.5 wave and 190,836 patients from previous waves the risk of severe hospitalization/death was similar in the BA.4/BA.5 and BA.1 waves (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92; 1.12). Both Omicron waves had lower risk of severe outcomes than previous waves. Prior infection (aHR 0.19, 95% CI 0.16; 0.22) and vaccination (aHR 0.24; 95% CI 0.15; 0.39 for boosted vs. no vaccine) were protective.

Conclusion

Disease severity was similar amongst diagnosed COVID-19 cases in the BA.4/BA.5 and BA.1 periods in the context of growing immunity against SARS-CoV-2 due to prior infection and vaccination, both of which were strongly protective.
Legionella pneumophilaoccurrence in reduced-occupancy buildings in 11 cities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dowdell Katherine S. , Greenwald Hannah D. , Joshi Sayalee , Grimard-Conea Marianne , Pitell Sarah , Song Yang , Ley Christian , Kennedy Lauren C. , Vosloo Solize , Huo Linxuan , Haig Sarah-Jane , Hamilton Kerry A. , Nelson Kara L. , Pinto Ameet , Prévost Michele , Proctor Caitlin R. , Raskin Lutgarde M. , Whelton Andrew J. , Garner Emily , Pieper Kelsey J. , Rhoads William J.
Published: June 2022

In spring 2020, reduced water demand was an unintended consequence of COVID-19 pandemic-related building closures. Concerns arose that contaminants associated with water stagnation, such asLegionella pneumophila, could become prevalent. To investigate this potential public health risk, samples from 26 reduced-occupancy buildings across 11 cities in the United States, Canada, and Switzerland were analyzed forL. pneumophilausing liquid culture (Legiolert, n=258) and DNA-based methods (qPCR/ddPCR, n=138).L. pneumophilaculture-positivity was largely associated with just five buildings, each of which had specific design or operational deficiencies commonly associated withL. pneumophilaoccurrence. Samples from free chlorine buildings had higher culture-positivity (37%) than chloramine buildings (1%), and 78% of culture-positive samples occurred when the residual was ≤0.1 mg/L Cl2. Although overall sample positivities using culture- and DNA-based methods were equivalent (34% vs. 35%), there was disagreement between the methods in 13% of paired samples. Few buildings reported any water management activities, andL. pneumophilaconcentrations in flushed samples were occasionally greater than in first-draw samples. This study provides insight into how building plumbing characteristics and management practices contribute toL. pneumophilaoccurrence during low water use periods and can inform targeted prevention and mitigation efforts.

Synopsis Statement

Legionella pneumophilaoccurrence was evaluated in reduced-occupancy buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple cities.

Graphic for Table of Contents (TOC)
Synchronicity of P53 Mutation and Multiple High-Risk HPV Genotypes, and the Risk of Cervical Cancer among Women in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Oyenike Musiliu A. , Akinbo Frederick O. , Adedokun Kamoru A. , Ojokuku Hammed O. , Imodoye Sikiru O. , Yunus Lukman A. , Lasisi Ismaila A. , Jimoh Abdulahi A.
Published: June 2022

Background

In low-and middle-income countries, high burden of cervical cancer is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) due to poor screening and diagnostic methods at early stage. Reports showed that there are discrepancies in data correlating HPV-infection with development of cervical cancer while the functional roles of P53 oncogenic mutation are controversial. Furthermore, the molecular pathogenesis of multiple HPV-genotypes remains an open question. Thus, advancing investigations on HPV-associated cervical abnormalities would add to early diagnostic precision.

Methods

Two hundred (n=200) cervical samples were collected from apparently healthy, active adult women following an ethical approval. Laboratory analyses were conducted through cytological assessment and histochemistry screening using the Papanicolaou smear. PCR methods were used to characterize HPV-DNA genotypes and P53 gene mutations. Positive cervical dysplasia cases were matched with HPV-DNA, and the HPV-genotypes were used to evaluate the prevalence of various HPV-subtypes and the risk of cervical cancer.

Results

Twenty-six (n=26) cervical dysplasia and fifty-one (n=51) HPV+ were identified comprising single and multiple genotypes. While nine cases (n=9) showed p53 gene mutation with concurrent multiple high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes, none of the single hrHPV genotypes had p53 mutation. More so, individuals with coexisting p53 mutation and multiple hrHPV-genotypes already manifesting cervical dysplasia were 22.2% of the group, while 77.8% had normal cervical architecture, the fate of whom was unknown during investigation. There was a higher cervical dysplasia among those with HPV oncogenes; there were connections between the HPV positivity with some genotypes (hrHPV16,18,31 and 33, respectively) and p53 mutation.

Conclusion

P53 gene mutation was independent of HPV-associated cervical abnormalities in single hrHPV-genotype, though other mechanistic drivers attributed to p53 dysfunction by E6 and E7 remain plausible. On the other hand, infection with multiple hrHPVs showed a concomitant predominance with the P53 mutation, implying a potential interplay and an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Differential COVID-19 infection rates in children, adults, and elderly: evidence from 38 pre-vaccination national seroprevalence studies
Authors: Axfors Cathrine , Pezzullo Angelo Maria , Contopoulos-Ioannidis Despina G. , Apostolatos Alexandre , Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: June 2022

Background

COVID-19 exhibits a steep age gradient of infection fatality rate. There has been debate about whether extra protection of elderly and other vulnerable individuals (precision shielding) is feasible, and, if so, to what extent.

Methods

We used systematically retrieved data from national seroprevalence studies conducted in the pre-vaccination era. Studies were identified through SeroTracker and PubMed searches (last update May 17, 2022). Studies were eligible if they targeted representative general populations without high risk of bias. Seroprevalence estimates were noted for children, non-elderly adults, and elderly adults, using cut-offs of 20, and 60 years (or as close to these ages, if they were not available).

Results

Thirty-eight national seroprevalence studies from 36 different countries were included in the analysis. 26/38 also included pediatric populations. 25/38 studies were from high-income countries. The median ratio of seroprevalence in the elderly versus non-elderly adults (or non-elderly in general, if pediatric and adult population data were not offered separately) was 0.90-0.95 in different analyses with large variability across studies. In 5 studies (all of them in high-income countries), there was significant protection of the elderly with ratio <0.40. The median was 0.83 in high-income countries and 1.02 in other countries. The median ratio of seroprevalence in children versus adults was 0.89 and only one study showed a significant ratio of <0.40.

Conclusion

Precision shielding of elderly community-dwelling populations before the availability of vaccines was feasible in some high-income countries, but most countries failed to achieve any substantial focused protection of this age group.

summary

38 COVID-19 nationally representative seroprevalence studies conducted before vaccination campaigns were systematically identified. Median seroprevalence ratio in elderly versus non-elderly adults was 0.90-0.95, indicating no generally achieved precision shielding of elderly. In 5 studies, substantial protection (ratio <0.40) was observed.
Transcriptome landscape of kleptoplastic sea slug Elysia viridis
Authors: Mendoza Manuel , Rocha Sara , Troncoso Jesús , Posada David , Canchaya Carlos A.
Published: June 2022

Certain sacoglossan sea slugs can sequester and maintain photosynthetically active chloroplasts through algae feeding, a phenomenon called kleptoplasty. The period while these plastids remain active inside the slug’s body is species- and environment-dependent and can span from a few days to more than three weeks. Here we report for the first time the transcriptome of sea slug Elysia viridis (Montagu, 1804), which can maintain kleptoplasts for more than two weeks and is distributed along all the Atlantic European coastline. The obtained transcriptome of E. viridis comprised 12,884 protein-coding sequences (CDS). The shortest one was 261bp, and the longest 8,766bp; the whole transcriptome has a total length of 9.3Mb (Table S4 and Fig. S2). Analysing these CDS, we identified 9,422 different proteins, with best hits mainly from two genera: Elysia (87.2%), and Plakobranchus (11.0%) (Fig. S2); the other 2.3% corresponded to multiple genera of sea slugs and snails (Tectipleura) (Kano et al., 2016). We got the functional annotation (Gene Ontologies, GO) corresponding to 9,333 CDS: 4,755 CDS associated with 2,583 Biological Process (BP); 5,466 CDS linked to 683 Cellular Components (CC); and 6,693 related to 1,606 Molecular Functions (MF). We identified 201 CDS related to response to stress (GO:0006950) and 10 CDS associated with the regulation of response to stress (GO:0080134). Focussing on the ROS-quenching toolkit, we found 24 CDS related to oxidoreductase complex (GO:1990204) and 560 annotated with oxidoreductase activity (GO:0016491) acting in a large number of donors, e.g., CH-OH, CH=O, C=O, CH and CH2. In addition, we found 39 CDS with antioxidant activity (GO:00162099) and other CDS with ROS-quenching function: superoxide dismutase (GO:0004784), peroxidase (GO:0004601), glutathione oxidoreductase (GO:0097573) and peroxidase (GO:0004602); and thioredoxin peroxidase (GO:0008379) activity. Furthermore, we found 8 CDS related to the symbiont response (GO:0140546) and nine related to the pattern recognition receptor signalling pathway (GO:0002221).
Suppressor mutations that make the essential transcription factor Spn1/Iws1 dispensable in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: López-Rivera Francheska , Chuang James , Spatt Dan , Gopalakrishnan Rajaraman , Winston Fred
Published: June 2022

Spn1/Iws1 is an essential eukaryotic transcription elongation factor that is conserved from yeast to humans as an integral member of the RNA polymerase II elongation complex. Several studies have shown that Spn1 functions as a histone chaperone to control transcription, RNA splicing, genome stability, and histone modifications. However, the precise role of Spn1 is not understood, and there is little understanding of why it is essential for viability. To address these issues, we have isolated eight suppressor mutations that bypass the essential requirement for Spn1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Unexpectedly, the suppressors identify several functionally distinct complexes and activities, including the histone chaperone FACT, the histone methyltransferase Set2, the Rpd3S histone deacetylase complex, the histone acetyltransferase Rtt109, the nucleosome remodeler Chd1, and a member of the SAGA co-activator complex, Sgf73. The identification of these distinct groups suggests that there are multiple ways in which Spn1 bypass can occur, including changes in histone acetylation and alterations of other histone chaperones. Thus, Spn1 may function to overcome repressive chromatin by multiple mechanisms during transcription. Our results suggest that bypassing a subset of these functions allows viability in the absence of Spn1.
The value of freedom: extending the evaluative space of capability
Authors: Ubels Jasper , Hernandez-Villafuerte Karla , Niebauer Erica , Schlander Michael
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Developing an instrument with an ambiguous construct can be challenging. With the capability approach, this is argued to be case, since the concept of capability by Sen is ambiguous in respect to the burdens that people experience whilst achieving their capabilities. A potential solution is to develop instruments with a more comprehensive concept of capability, such as the concept ‘option-freedom’. The concept option-freedom stresses the importance of achieving capabilities without impediments. However, this concept has not been operationalized for wellbeing assessment. The aim of this study is to develop a theoretical framework of wellbeing with the concept option-freedom.

Methods

A best-fit framework synthesis was conducted with seven papers that report qualitative findings which underpin capability instruments. First, the a-priori concept option-freedom was used to deductively code against. New codes, subthemes and themes were developed inductively when data did not match the a-priori concept.

Results

Four themes emerged from the synthesis. (1) Option Wellbeing represents a range of options that need to be satisfied in order for individuals to experience wellbeing. (2) Self-Realization represents that there are experiences in an individual’s live that have value beyond realizing options. (3) Perceived Access to Options represents the perceived ability of individuals to realize freedoms. (4) Perceived Control represents the experience of having control.

Conclusion

Developing an instrument with the proposed framework has two benefits. First, it acknowledges the importance of assessing impediments in realizing capabilities for the assessment of wellbeing. Second, the themes form a broad informational base by including themes related to subjective wellbeing. The framework could be used as a broad base on which to assess the value of health technologies. Future research should study the feasibility of implementing the framework for the assessment of wellbeing.
Long-term Neurocognitive Outcomes after Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission: Exploring the Role of Drug Exposure
Authors: de Sonnaville Eleonore S.V. , Oosterlaan Jaap , Ghiassi Sima A. , van Leijden Ouke , van Ewijk Hanneke , Knoester Hennie , van Woensel Job B.M. , Königs Marsh
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Concerns exist regarding the impact of widely-used clinical drugs on brain development. This study investigates long-term neurocognitive functioning in relation to frequently used drug exposure at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Methods

This study compared children aged 6-12 years with previous PICU admission (age ≤1 year) for bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation (patient group, n=65) to a demographically comparable control group (n=76) on a broad range of neurocognitive outcomes. The patient group was selected because bronchiolitis seldom manifests neurologically and is therefore not expected to affect neurocognitive functioning in itself. The relation between exposure to sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics and neurocognitive outcomes was assessed by regression analyses.

Results

The patient group had lower intelligence than the control group (p<.001, d=-0.59) and poorer performance in neurocognitive functions; i.e. speed and attention (p=.009, d=-0.41) and verbal memory (p<.001, d=-0.60). Exposure to sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics was not related to neurocognitive outcomes.

Conclusion

Children with PICU admission for bronchiolitis requiring mechanical ventilation are at risk of long-term neurocognitive impairment. This study found no evidence for a role of exposure to sedatives, analgesics or anesthetics. Findings underline the importance of long-term follow-up after PICU admission, even in absence of disease with neurological manifestation.

Category of study

Clinical population study

Impact

Animal studies have indicated that exposure of the maturing brain to clinical drugs may cause neurodegeneration. Clinical studies show mixed evidence for an association between clinical drugs and neurocognitive outcomes.

This study provides evidence for long-term neurocognitive impairment among children with a history of PICU admission for bronchiolitis, a condition that seldom manifests neurologically and is therefore not expected to affect neurocognitive functioning in itself.

We found no evidence for a relation between drug exposure (i.e. sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics) and long-term neurocognitive outcomes, suggesting that the observed neurocognitive impairments are not accounted for by drug exposure.

Findings underline the importance of structured follow-up after PICU admission, even in absence of disease with neurological manifestation.
Sonographic Diaphragm Abnormalities are an Unexpectedly Frequent Feature of Long COVID Outpatients with Unexplained Dyspnea and Fatigue
Authors: Deo Prabhav P. , Bailey Joseph I. , Jensen Alexandra S. , Farr Ellen , Fahey Meghan , Isherwood Matthew , Chakka Keerthana , Wolfe Lisa F. , Roy Ishan , Sala Marc A. , Franz Colin K.
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

The primary aim of this study is to define the sonographic diaphragm phenotype of Long COVID rehabilitation outpatients with non-specific dyspnea and fatigue. We analyzed patients referred from a pulmonary post-COVID clinic that were lacking a specific cardiopulmonary diagnosis for their symptoms. Additionally, we report the functional outcomes of subset of patients who completed an outpatient cardiopulmonary physical therapy program.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study (n = 58) of consecutive patients referred for neuromuscular ultrasound assessment of diaphragm muscle using B-mode technique. Patients were recruited from a single academic hospital between February 25, 2021 and November 22, 2022.

Results

Sonographic abnormalities were identified in 57% (33/58) of patients, and in the vast majority of cases (33/33) was defined by a low diaphragm muscle thickness. Thinner diaphragm muscles are correlated with lower serum creatinine and creatine kinase values, but there was no association with markers of systemic inflammation. Thirty three patients participated in outpatient cardiopulmonary physical therapy that included respiratory muscle training, and 75.8% (25/33) had documented improvement.

Discussion

In the outpatient rehabilitation setting, patients with Long COVID display low diaphragm muscle thickness, but intact muscle contractility, with surprising frequency on neuromuscular ultrasound. We speculate this represents a form of disuse atrophy. Also, these patients appear to have a favorable response to cardiopulmonary physical therapy that includes respiratory muscle training.
Single-nuclei Transcriptome of Human AT Reveals Metabolically Distinct Depot-Specific Adipose Progenitor Subpopulations
Authors: Strieder-Barboza Clarissa , Flesher Carmen G. , Geletka Lynn M. , Delproposto Jennifer B. , Eichler Tad , Akinleye Olukemi , Ky Alexander , Ehlers Anne P. , O’Rourke Robert W. , Lumeng Carey N.
Published: June 2022

Single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing data (scRNAseq and snRNAseq, respectively) have revealed substantial heterogeneity in the AT (AT) cellular landscape in rodents and humans depending on depot and disease status. We used snRNAseq to characterize the cellular landscape of human visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous AT (SAT) samples from lean subjects and subjects with obesity. We identified multiple cell types in the AT cellular repertoire, including three major AT stromal cell (ASC) subpopulations, multiple types of adipocyte (ADIPO) populations that retain properties similar to ASC, endothelial cell (EC), T-cell, and macrophage (MAC) populations that are in concordance and expand upon other published datasets. ADIP and EC are more prominent in SAT compared to VAT which has a higher proportion of ASC. Of two dominant ASC subpopulations, one (inflammatory-mesothelial, IM- ASC) is present in VAT, but absent in SAT, while the other (fibroadipogenic, FA-ASC) is present in both VAT and SAT. Both populations retain their properties in in vitro culture and have adipogenic capacity with different metabolic features. Informatic and in situ studies support ADIP derived from IM- and FA- ASC are found in human VAT. We also identified a wide range of EC subtypes in human AT with features of lymphatic, venous, and arterial EC, with identification of a PRDM16 expression EC population with features of an EC progenitor. Immune cell populations match recent experimental validation of lipid activated macrophage (LAM) phenotypes, TIM4 macrophages, and a prominent population of MRC1/CD206+ resident AT macrophages with gene expression signatures related to glucocorticoid activation. Overall, our study demonstrates depot-specific cellular diversity in human VAT and SAT in which distinct ASC subpopulations may differently contribute to AT dysfunction in obesity. Also, our results highlight an unprecedented EC heterogeneity suggesting AT EC as highly specialized cells and potentially important regulators of depot-specific functions.

METHODS STATEMENT

Human subjects provided informed consent and were enrolled with approval from Institutional Review Boards at the University of Michigan and Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Enrollment, consent, and all aspects of human subject research were carried out in accordance with the Belmont Report from the National Research Act of 1974, and the Declaration of Helsinki set forth by the World Medical Association. This manuscript contains no human participants’ names or other HIPAA identifiers.
Identifying novel interactions of the colon-cancer related APC protein with Wnt-pathway nuclear transcription factors
Authors: Al-Thani Nayra M. , Schaefer-Ramadan Stephanie , Aleksic Jovana , Mohamoud Yasmin A. , Malek Joel A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Colon cancer is often driven by mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, an essential tumor suppressor gene of the Wnt β-catenin signaling pathway. APC and its interactions in the cytoplasm have been well studied, however various groups have also observed its presence in the nucleus. Identifying novel interactions of APC in the Wnt pathway will provide an opportunity to better understand the nuclear role of APC and ultimately identify potential cancer treatment targets.

Methods

We used the all-vs-all sequencing (AVA-Seq) method to interrogate the interactome of protein fragments spanning most of the 60 Wnt β-catenin pathway proteins. Using protein fragments identified the interacting regions between the proteins with more resolution than a full-length protein approach. Pull-down assays were used to validate a subset of these interactions.

Results

74 known and 703 novel Wnt β-catenin pathway protein-protein interactions were recovered in this study. There were 8 known and 31 novel APC protein-protein interactions. Novel interactions of APC and nuclear transcription factors TCF7, JUN, FOSL1, and SOX17 were particularly interesting and confirmed in validation assays.

Conclusion

Based on our findings of novel interactions between APC and transcription factors and previous evidence of APC localizing to the nucleus, we suggest APC may compete and repress CTNNB1. This would occur through the binding of the transcription factors (JUN, FOSL1, TCF7) to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway including through enhanced marking of CTNNB1 for degradation in the nucleus by APC binding with SOX17. Additional novel Wnt β-catenin pathway protein-protein interactions from this study could lead researchers to novel drug designs for cancer.
Integrative single-cell analysis of cardiogenesis identifies developmental trajectories and non-coding mutations in congenital heart disease
Authors: Ameen Mohamed , Sundaram Laksshman , Banerjee Abhimanyu , Shen Mengcheng , Kundu Soumya , Nair Surag , Shcherbina Anna , Gu Mingxia , Wilson Kitchener D. , Varadarajan Avyay , Vadgama Nirmal , Balsubramani Akshay , Wu Joseph C. , Engreitz Jesse , Farh Kyle , Karakikes Ioannis , Wang Kevin C , Quertermous Thomas , Greenleaf William , Kundaje Anshul
Published: June 2022

Congenital heart defects, the most common birth disorders, are the clinical manifestation of anomalies in fetal heart development - a complex process involving dynamic spatiotemporal coordination among various precursor cell lineages. This complexity underlies the incomplete understanding of the genetic architecture of congenital heart diseases (CHDs). To define the multi-cellular epigenomic and transcriptional landscape of cardiac cellular development, we generated single-cell chromatin accessibility maps of human fetal heart tissues. We identified eight major differentiation trajectories involving primary cardiac cell types, each associated with dynamic transcription factor (TF) activity signatures. We identified similarities and differences of regulatory landscapes of iPSC-derived cardiac cell types and their in vivo counterparts. We interpreted deep learning models that predict cell-type resolved, base-resolution chromatin accessibility profiles from DNA sequence to decipher underlying TF motif lexicons and infer the regulatory impact of non-coding variants. De novo mutations predicted to affect chromatin accessibility in arterial endothelium were enriched in CHD cases versus controls. We used CRISPR-based perturbations to validate an enhancer harboring a nominated regulatory CHD mutation, linking it to effects on the expression of a known CHD gene JARID2. Together, this work defines the cell-type resolved cis-regulatory sequence determinants of heart development and identifies disruption of cell type-specific regulatory elements as a component of the genetic etiology of CHD.
A value adoption approach to sustainable consumption in retail stores
Authors: Lin Ying-Tzu , Tseng Timmy H. , Chang Ariana , Yang Chun-Chi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have urged retail companies to transform by adopting more sustainable practices. One of the key goals is to motivate responsible consumption and production. How to facilitate sustainable consumption of retail consumers is a research question of high theoretical and practical relevance. This research investigates the drivers of less examined sustainable consumer behaviour (reuse) from the perspective of consumers by integrating a value-based adoption model and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Two samples of data were collected by using offline and online surveys. The offline survey was conducted at a university in northern Taiwan emphasizing sustainability practices. The online survey was implemented by a market research firm. A total of 518 useable questionnaires were obtained for data analysis by using the structural equation modelling.

Findings

Consistent with TPB, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and attitude, generate reuse intention in retail stores. Furthermore, the results also show the validity of the value adoption approach in predicting reuse intention in retail stores. Economic benefits and identity expressiveness are key facilitators and perceived inconvenience is a key barrier to perceived value and perceived value influences reuse intention in retail stores.

Originality/value

This research contributes by moving beyond TPB and proposing a value-based adoption approach to explain sustainable consumer behaviour in retail stores from the consumer perspectives. Based on the findings, value adoption strategies for retailers to facilitate sustainable consumer behaviour are proposed.
The COVID-19 pandemic: access to relief under social assistance programs by rural households in India
Authors: Ali Jabir , Khan Waseem
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at analyzing the determinants of access to relief under social assistance programs among rural households during COVID-19 outbreaks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the data of COVID-19-Related Shocks Survey, which covered 5,200 rural households across 6 states of India namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The access to relief has been assessed as relief-in kind (RIK) as a free special package of wheat, rice, and pulses, supplied through the public distribution system; and direct benefit transfer (DBT) in cash under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). The association between demographic profiles of rural households and access to relief has been analyzed using the chi-square test. Further, marginal effects have been estimated to assess the determinants of rural households' access to relief.

Findings

The results show a significant association between types of relief vis-à-vis demographic profiles of the rural households. A significant difference in access to relief among rural households is also evident across the states. Further, the analysis of the marginal effects indicates that female-headed households belonging to lower social class, depending on non-agricultural occupation with lower income, belonging to below poverty line families and seeking wage employment, are more likely to access relief as food grains; whereas male respondents with lower age, belonging to lower-income quartile with memberships in Self Help Groups are more likely to access the cash benefit transfers.

Practical implications

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the food security and livelihood of many across the globe, which necessitated provisioning a package of support to everyone, particularly rural poor households. The World Bank undertook the COVID-19-Related Shocks Survey to provide a quick policy response for managing the risk of COVID-19 outbreak effectively. The results of this study provide timely insights for developing an effective relief strategy for rural households during a crisis.

Originality/value

There is limited investigation on access to relief by rural households during the COVID-19 outbreaks and factors affecting the access to relief in terms of cash and kind. This study has utilized a reliable data source to analyze the access of relief packages by the rural communities during the coronavirus outbreak.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-10-2021-0632.
Dispersion stability and wear properties of nano-CeO2 as lubricating oil additives for engines
Authors: Kuang Xin , Yin Bifeng , Wang Jian , Jia Hekun , Xu Bo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dispersion stability and the wear properties of lubricating oil blends added with modified nanometer cerium oxide (CeO2) at high temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, CeO2 was self-made and it was chemically modified. The dispersion stability of CeO2 in lubricating oil was studied. And the wear test of lubricating oil blends added with modified CeO2 was carried out at high temperature.

Findings

The results showed that CeO2 was successfully modified by oleic acid and stearic acid. The dispersion stability of modified CeO2 in lubricating oil was improved. Adding modified nano-CeO2 with the concentration less than 50 ppm into the lubricating oil can improve the wear properties of friction pairs in different extent. With the increase of the amount of CeO2, the wear properties increased first and then decreased. The lubricating oil blend added with 25 ppm CeO2 has the best wear properties.

Originality/value

The raw material CeO2 in this paper is self-made and its shape and size are well controlled. Research on the addition of nano-CeO2 to the engine low viscosity finished lubricants is lacking. It is of great significance to study the dispersion stability and tribological properties of nano-lubricants under the new background of low viscosity of lubricating oil and close to the real engine working conditions. It has certain significance to promote the development of nano-lubricants for engines.
What are the relationship experiences of in which one member identifies as transgender? A systematic review and meta‐ethnography
Authors: Gunby Nicola , Butler Catherine
Published: June 2022

Transgender individuals and their partners may face unique challenges that other couples do not. These unique challenges merit investigation, understanding and consideration by systemic practitioners in order to provide a culturally attuned service for transgender clients. A systematic review of the literature into the experiences of couples in which one member is transgender identified 22 qualitative papers. A translation and synthesis of constructs from these papers utilising a meta‐ethnographic approach generated a number of third order constructs organised into nine overarching themes. These themes included experiences of stigma and discrimination, issues of power, privilege, visibility and identity, and experiences of dissonance and dysphoria that required adjustments and negotiations on the personal and relationship levels. Implications for practice and avenues for future research are discussed.
Root canal cleaning in roots with complex canals using agitated irrigation fluids
Authors: Kumar Kiran , Teoh Yu‐Yao , Walsh Laurence J.
Published: June 2022

The internal topography of the root canal is complex, especially for the mesial root of the permanent first molar. In response to such challenges, enhanced irrigation protocols have been developed, using laser pulses to agitate fluids and enhance the removal of microbial deposits. The aim of this laboratory study was to assess the effectiveness of laser agitation of sodium hypochlorite in removing multispecies biofilms grown in the mesial root of the permanent first molars. The five agitation groups (N = 12 roots for each) were: 940 nm diode laser (superpulsed mode, 50 μs/pulses at 20 Hz using 20 mJ/pulse); 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser (200 μs/pulse at 20 Hz using 20 mJ/pulse); 2940 nm Er: YAG laser (50 μs/pulse at 15 Hz using a 400/14 conical tip in the SWEEPS protocol, with 20 mJ/pulse); passive ultrasonic agitation at 28 kHz (positive control); and irrigation with a 27‐gauge side vented needle for 2 min per canal (negative control). Biofilm removal was assessed by confocal microscopic imaging of root slices at 1, 4 and 7 mm from the root apex. None of the tested methods were effective in completely eradicating biofilm from the most confined regions of the root canal system. The greatest challenge was cleaning the isthmus regions. There was a positive correlation between canal cleaning and isthmus cleaning, suggesting that increased effectiveness in cleaning root canal walls is associated with more effective isthmus cleaning. Wider and narrow isthmuses were cleaned better than long and narrow isthmuses.
HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells: Potential immunologic biomarkers for reproductive aging
Authors: Muyayalo Kahindo P. , Song Su , Liu Chunyan , Gong Guang‐Shun , Zhang Yu‐Jing , Zhou Hui , Shen Li , Liao Ai‐Hua
Published: June 2022

Problem

This study aimed to identify subsets of regulatory T cells (Tregs) associated with ovarian aging and determine whether they can be used as markers of reproductive aging.

Method

This prospective cohort study was conducted among women of reproductive age. Basic physiological characteristics, reproductive hormones, Treg cell subsets, and correlations between these parameters were assessed. The POSEIDON criteria was used to identify women with low reproductive potential.

Results

The percentages of HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells significantly increased with age. Women between 40 and 49 years had significantly higher percentages of HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells than those at 20–29, 30–34, and 35–39 years old. Age positively correlated with FSH levels and the percentages of HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells, but inversely correlated with antral follicle count (AFC) and AMH levels. Interestingly, a positive correlation was found between the percentages of HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and FSH levels, whereas an inverse correlation was found between those of HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and AFC or AMH levels. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between the percentages of CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells and AFC. Based on POSEIDON criteria, women with the percentages of HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells above reference value ranges were assigned to the low prognosis groups.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that HLA‐DR+ CD45RAˉ Tregs and CD28ˉ Treg‐like cells can be used as immunologic markers of reproductive aging, which helps clinicians identify women with low reproductive potential and establish individualized therapeutic strategies.
The prevalence of comorbidities in Danish patients with obesity – A Danish register‐based study based on data from 2002 to 2018
Authors: Pedersen Mikkel H. , Bøgelund Mette , Dirksen Carsten , Johansen Pierre , Jørgensen Nils B. , Madsbad Sten , Pantin Ulrik H.
Published: June 2022

We used the Danish National Health Registers to conduct a study on the prevalence of obesity‐related comorbidities in Danish citizens who have been diagnosed with obesity at a Danish hospital. This was a retrospective observational study with a population comprising all Danish citizens (≥18 years) who have been registered with a specific obesity class diagnosis in the Danish National Patient Register between 2002 and 2018. A total of 86 980 persons with hospital‐diagnosed obesity were included in the study population. To investigate how the risk of having comorbidities varies with the degree of obesity, we applied adjusted logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio of having one of the following predefined comorbidities for people with a BMI in obesity classes II and III compared with people with a BMI in obesity class I: type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, hip and knee osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnoea and asthma. Comorbidities were defined from ICD‐10 diagnosis codes and prescription medication utilization. The odds ratio for obstructive sleep apnoea (OR 1.86 and OR 3.0), type 2 diabetes (OR 1.68 and OR 2.26), hip and knee osteoarthritis (OR 1.29 and OR 1.54) and asthma (OR1.13 and OR 1.25) increased significantly with obesity class (obesity class II relative to I and III relative to I, respectively). The odds ratio of having had at least one comorbidity was estimated to be 1.52 for people with a BMI in obesity class II and 2.10 for people with a BMI in obesity class III compared with people in obesity class I. The risk of obstructive sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and asthma increased significantly with increasing BMI, highlighting the importance of preventing further weight gain even in individuals who are already living with obesity.
Fatigue behavior and electromechanical properties of additively manufactured continuous wire polymer composites for structural health monitoring
Authors: Saleh Menna A. , Kempers Roger , Melenka Garrett W.
Published: June 2022

The fatigue behavior of continuous wire polymer composite (CWPC) fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) was investigated. Four compositions were examined: polylactic acid (PLA), PLA with copper wire (Cu), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and TPU with Cu wire. Residual properties were measured after different sets of number of cycles (102, 104, 105). Residual strengths were 89.7% and 70.5% of the ultimate tensile strength of the original material after 105 cycles for PLA CWPC and TPU CWPC, respectively. A one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical tests showed insignificant changes in the residual strengths of PLA‐based materials after an increasing number of cycles and significant changes for the TPU‐based materials. CWPC electromechanical properties under fatigue test demonstrated reverse piezoresistance behavior. A strain‐controlled fatigue life analytical model was compared with the experimental results showing good agreement. This study demonstrates the applicability of FFF technique to print sensors with continuous integrated wire with tunable properties.
Creep‐fatigue behavior of thin‐walled plate with holes: Stress state characterization and life estimation
Authors: Zhang Hengbin , Shi Duoqi , Li Zhenlei , Huang Jia , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a novel creep‐fatigue life estimation method considering the effect of non‐uniform stress state, through the comprehensively experimental and numerical investigation. Conventional and digital image correlation (DIC) based in‐situ creep‐fatigue tests were performed on thin‐walled plates with various types of holes at 850°C. DIC measurements and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis show that tensile stress plays the dominant role in the creep‐fatigue failure of plate with holes, and the crack initiated at the maximum stress position of the end hole. An equivalent stress was defined to describe the complex stress state between the adjacent holes. The stress factor was proposed to account for the holes‐related stress concentration and multi‐axial stress state. Moreover, a novel weight function was proposed to assess the damage contribution of non‐uniform stress in the damage zone. Creep‐fatigue life model was developed by introducing this proposed weight function, and was validated based on test data.
Microbial community shifts correspond with suppression of decomposition 25 years after liming of acidic forest soils
Authors: Sridhar Bhavya , Wilhelm Roland C. , Debenport Spencer J. , Fahey Timothy J. , Buckley Daniel H. , Goodale Christine L.
Published: June 2022

Microbial community structure and function regularly covary with soil pH, yet effects of these interactions on soil carbon are rarely tested experimentally within natural ecosystems. We investigated the enduring (25 year) impacts of liming on microbial community structure and decomposition at an acidic northern hardwood forest, where experimental liming increased pH one unit and surprisingly doubled the organic carbon stocks of the forest floor. We show that this increase in carbon storage corresponded with restructuring of the bacterial and fungal communities that drive decomposition. In the Oe horizon, liming reduced the activities of five extracellular enzymes that mediate decomposition, while the Oa horizon showed an especially large (64%) reduction in the activity of a sixth, peroxidase, which is an oxidative enzyme central to lignocellulose degradation. Decreased enzyme activities corresponded with loss of microbial taxa important for lignocellulose decay, including large reductions in the dominant ectomycorrhizal generaRussulaandCenococcum, saprotrophic and wood decaying fungi, andActinobacteria(Thermomonosporaceae). These results demonstrate the importance of pH as a dominant regulator of microbial community structure and illustrate how changes to this structure can produce large, otherwise unexpected increases in carbon storage in forest soils.
Combining financial costs and statistical power to optimize monitoring to detect recoveries of species after megafire
Authors: Smart Adam , Southwell Darren , Geary William , Buchan Anne , Wintle Brendan
Published: June 2022

Aim

Megafire plays a crucial role in driving the distribution of biodiversity around the world. Long‐term monitoring is vital for understanding how species are impacted immediately by megafire and subsequently respond over time. However, monitoring should be designed with sufficient statistical power to detect impact and recovery. In this study, we developed a simulation framework for optimizing the design of biodiversity monitoring programmes to detect population recoveries after megafire.

Location

Victoria, Australia.

Time period

2019–2020.

Major taxa studied

Vertebrates.

Methods

We collated species distribution models for 45 priority vertebrates most likely to respond to management after the 2019–2020 megafires in Victoria, Australia. We combined these models with fire severity maps to optimize the location of monitoring sites in and around the fire footprint. We simulated the impact of the megafires on species distributions and modelled plausible recoveries over the next 10 years. Using estimates of detectability for a suite of preferred sampling methods, we simulated monitoring at pairs of burnt and unburnt sites to evaluate the statistical power to detect the modelled recoveries. We tested the sensitivity of power to alternative monitoring designs, rates of recovery and monitoring budgets.

Results

Priority regions to establish monitoring sites varied by taxonomic group. Power to detect population recoveries increased as the monitoring budget increased, as the recovery rate increased and when the proportion of sites in burnt compared with unburnt habitat increased. According to the optimal monitoring design, an AUD $9M budget could detect 90% of recoveries to pre‐fire levels in 40% of species with >80% power. Power was highest for mammals, followed by birds, reptiles and amphibians.

Main conclusions

Our simulation approach allowed us to test the relative performance of alternative post‐fire monitoring designs ahead of time. Although we focused on megafire, our approach could easily be applied to detect population recoveries after any large‐scale catastrophic disturbance.
Socio‐emotional repercussions of severe haemophilia A in the daily lives of children
Authors: Alves Feitoza de Andrade Iara , Castanheira Nascimento Lucila , Albuquerque de Paula Weslla Karla , Rocha Guimarães Tania Maria , Leite Meirelles Monteiro Estella Maria , Pereira Linhares Francisca Marcia , De Moraes Lima Marinus , de Lavor Coriolano Marinus Maria Wanderleya
Published: June 2022

Introduction and Aim

Haemophilia A, in its most severe form, can have serious repercussions, including issues that are physical, emotional, affective, and social, particularly in childhood. This qualitative study aims to understand the socio‐emotional repercussions of severe haemophilia A in children, based on their own testimonies and subjective expressions of their daily lives, in the contexts of the family, school and health service.

Methods

Individual qualitative interviews were carried out using a playful approach through puppets with 15 children, aged 6–12 years old, in a service for the treatment of haemophilia, located in the northeast of Brazil. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were elaborated: (a) Reflecting how I am and how I relate to others; (b) Enjoying family moments; (c) Experiencing the school context: learning, affectivity and play; and (d) Dealing with haemophilia: acceptance and overcoming strategies.

Conclusion

The experiences shared by children with severe haemophilia A and their daily needs should be the basis for guiding child‐centred care. Encouraging self‐care, including self‐administration of the deficient factor, requires a partnership between health professionals, family members, school and child in the construction of therapeutic plans that consider the child's active participation.