bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAXS study of the formation and structure of polynuclear thorium(IV) colloids and thorium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Zhai Baihui , Tian Qiang , Li Na , Yan Minhao , Henderson Mark J.
Published: January 2022

Stable actinide colloids and nanoparticles are of interest because of their potential to affect the transportation of radionuclides in the near-field of a nuclear waste repository. At high concentrations, thorium(IV) can precipitate to form intrinsic colloids. In the present study, polynuclear thorium colloids and thorium dioxide crystallites, formed by the condensation of hydrolyzed Th4+ solutions (3 mM; initial pH 5.5) aged for up to 18 months, were studied using small-angle X-ray scattering. Scattering profiles were fitted using a unified Guinier/power-law model (Beaucage model) to extract the radii of gyration and Porod exponents. Analysis of the scattering profiles from a dispersion aged for 5 months indicated that both polymer coils and more compacted structures (radius of gyration R
g ≃ 10 nm) were present, which translated in the Kratky plots as a plateau and a peak maximum, respectively. After 18 months, the SAXS data were consistent with the presence of agglomerates of ThO2 particles suspended in aqueous solution (pH 3.2; [Th] = 1.45 mM). The measured radius of gyration (R
g) of the agglomerates was 5.8 nm, whereas the radius of the ThO2 particles was 2.5 nm.
The effect of project management dynamic capabilities on firm performance
Authors: Hermano Víctor , Martin-Cruz Natalia , Pajares Javier
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to shed light on the output of project management (PM) dynamic capabilities Specifically, the study investigates what effect PM dynamic capabilities have on company performance, both directly and indirectly, through the mediation effect of project and portfolio performance. Additionally, it tests whether program performance might also mediate the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares with a sample of 63 international firms that engage in projects globally.

Findings

The main finding of this research is that PM dynamic capabilities do not influence firm performance directly but do so indirectly by increasing firms' performance in projects, programs and portfolios. Both project and portfolio performance have a mediation effect on the relationship between dynamic capabilities and firm performance, but portfolio performance absorbs all this effect when the two performances are in the model.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the link between dynamic capabilities and firm performance. It tests the real outcome of dynamic capabilities by making an explicit distinction between firm performance at three intermediate levels (project, program and portfolio) and overall firm performance. Moreover, it opens the black box of dynamic capabilities and empirically operationalizes the theoretical model of sensing-seizing-transforming as the three constituting routines of dynamic capabilities.
Older workers' career adaptability and career success
Authors: Kim Hye Kyoung , Kim Young Hyung
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to analyze career adaptability among older workers by using a multidimensional model that considered perceived organizational support (POS), career satisfaction (CS) and motivation to continue working in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

Four hypotheses were developed based on a review of the literature, and the hypotheses were tested by at-test, linear regression tests and hierarchical moderated regressions.

Findings

The major findings are as follows: First, older workers showed a higher level of career adaptability (CA) than young workers. Second, POS was positively related to CA. Third, CA was also related to CS. Lastly, motivation to continue working played a moderating role in the relationship between CA and CS.

Originality/value

The significance of this study lies in its enrichment of knowledge related to CA with older workers. In addition, the result of this study underscores the importance of CA and older workers in these very insecure working circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
How agricultural economists are using big data: a review
Authors: Lu Liang , Tian Guang , Hatzenbuehler Patrick
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the main ways in which large amounts of information have been integrated to provide new measures of food consumption and agricultural production, and new methods for gathering and analyzing internet-based data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews some of the recent developments and applications of big data, which is becoming increasingly popular in agricultural economics research. In particular, this study focuses on applications of new types of data such as text and graphics in consumers' online reviews emerging from e-commerce transactions and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data as well as other producer data that are gaining popularity in precision agriculture. This study then reviews data gathering techniques such as web scraping and data analytics tools such as textual analysis and machine learning.

Findings

This study provides a comprehensive review of applications of big data in agricultural economics and discusses some potential future uses of big data.

Originality/value

This study documents some new types of data that are being utilized in agricultural economics, sources and methods to gather and store such data, existing applications of these new types of data and techniques to analyze these new data.
Innovation and human resource management: a systematic literature review
Authors: Jotabá Mariana Namen , Fernandes Cristina I. , Gunkel Marjaana , Kraus Sascha
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to map scientific publications, intellectual structure and research trends in the development of human resource management (HRM) by adopting innovative practices. Specifically, it aims to (1) identify the fundamental contributions of research and to (2) determine the lines of research that constitute the most prominent intellectual structure to contribute to defining a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs bibliometric, bibliographic coupling and cluster analysis techniques. To evaluate any potential patterns among the articles, it is analyzed how those were jointly cited. Hierarchical cluster analysis was also applied to those subject to bibliographic coupling analysis within the scope of grouping the interrelated articles into distinct sets.

Findings

The results enabled the identification and classification of various theoretical perspectives on human resources development through the adoption of innovative practices into four main approaches: (1) organizational factors of success, (2) strategic HRM, (3) human behavior and (4) learning management.

Originality/value

This study identifies, explores, analyzes and summarizes the main themes contributing to deepening the literature by identifying the priority areas concerning HRM through the adoption of innovative practices that can guarantee international standards of excellence.
The effects of corporate, review and reviewer characteristics on the helpfulness of online reviews: the moderating role of culture
Authors: Lee Jungwon , Park Cheol
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The authors investigated the effects of the characteristics of reviews, reviewers and corporate factors on review helpfulness and assessed the role of culture in moderating these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was established based on the elaboration likelihood and information adoption models. To empirically analyze this research model, 10,611 TripAdvisor reviews from 9 countries were collected. In addition, a zero-inflated negative binomial model and multilevel analysis were employed in consideration of the data characteristics.

Findings

The results revealed that review depth had a positive effect on review helpfulness, and review ratings and reviewer expertise had a negative effect. As a corporate characteristic, hotel size had a negative effect on review helpfulness. In addition, the effects of review rating, reviewer expertise and hotel rating exhibited significant differences based on the moderating effects of uncertainty avoidance and power distance level.

Originality/value

The results of this study expand the review helpfulness literature by explaining the inconsistent findings of previous studies via cultural theory. In addition, past research in this field has mainly focused on analyzing only review and reviewer characteristics, while this study demonstrated that company size negatively affects review helpfulness based on the signaling theory. Finally, this study contributes to cultural comparison literature by discovering that the processing of review information by consumers differs according to their cultural background.
Evaluation of an intellectual disability mental health core competency framework
Authors: Eagleson Claire , Weise Janelle , Cvejic Rachael C. , Trollor Julian N.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

An intellectual disability (ID) mental health core competency framework was developed to articulate the essential attributes the mainstream mental health workforce requires to meet the needs of people with ID. This study aims to evaluate the framework’s impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Mental health clinicians, managers, supervisors and educators completed an online survey at download and 3- and 12-months post-download to evaluate the implementation, utility and impact of the framework.

Findings

The majority of respondents at 3-months (62.9%) and 12-months post-download (59.1%) said the core competencies covered important aspects of their role. At 3-months 47.8% of clinicians were working towards developing the core competencies. Respondents rated their confidence working with people with ID significantly higher at 12-months post-download compared to pre-download (EMM pre = 3.51 vs 12 m = 4.21, p < 0. 001).

Practical implications

The framework was well-received and can be used to underpin education, training and recruitment in ID mental health. The evaluation can also inform the development of similar frameworks.

Originality/value

This is the first evaluation, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, of a core competency framework specifically designed for public mental health professionals from different professional backgrounds working with people with ID.
Organizational culture perceptions and change frequency: the moderating effect of members' hierarchical level in the organization
Authors: Krauss James , Vanhove Adam J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Despite considerable conceptual interest in the relationship between organizational culture and various types of organizational change, empirical evidence regarding this relationship at different levels and types of change is surprisingly absent. This study examines whether organizational culture perceptions differ in frequently versus infrequently changing organizations, and whether this relationship is moderated by members' hierarchical level in the organization (i.e. staff, manager, executive).

Design/methodology/approach

Study includes culture survey data for 904 staff, managers and executives from one frequently changing and two infrequently changing organizations in the education sector.

Findings

Results show multiple non-monotonic organization-by-organizational level interaction effects on cultural style scores. In the frequently changing organization, executives report lower constructive cultural style scores and higher defensive cultural style scores than do managers and staff. In the infrequently changing organizations, executives, managers and staff report similar constructive and defensive style scores.

Practical implications

In frequently changing organizations, leaders are more likely to be discontent with the status quo and continuously encourage change efforts, while lower level members' have considerable experience with change and are empowered to continuously create change. The result is systematic differences in culture perceptions across levels, but also an agile organization capable of pursuing opportunities to improve organizational performance.

Originality/value

The authors’ findings show that systematic differences in perceptions of cultural styles across organizational levels relate to organizational change frequency. This contrasts with existing literature emphasizing the importance of culture perceptions being pervasive throughout the organization.
Numerical simulation of MHD heat and mass transfer past a moving rotating disk with viscous dissipation and ohmic heating
Authors: Sharma Kushal , Kumar Sanjay , Vijay Neha
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In this paper the effects of viscous dissipation and ohmic heating on the fluid flow and resulting heat and mass transfer caused by vertically moving rotating disk are explored with magnetic field acting perpendicular to disk rotation. The flow regime is also under the influence of Dufour and Soret effects.

Design/methodology/approach

An approach of similarity transformation is used to transform the governing set of equations into non-linear ordinary differential equations. Numerical simulations are carried out in Maple software to study the influence of incorporated non-dimensional parameters viz. disk movement parameter (−0.3 < S < 0.2), magnetic parameter (0.1 < M < 0.4), Eckert number (0.1 < Ec < 1), Schmidt number (0.1 < Sc < 1), Soret parameter (0.1 < Sr < 1) and Dufour number (0.1 < Du < 1) on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles.

Findings

The upward/downward motion of the disk along with rotation set up a three-dimensional flow over the disk surface and exerts the same effects as injection/suction through the wall. It is also observed that incorporated parameters along with disk movement greatly affect the flow regime and associated heat and mass transfer.

Originality/value

The present study examines the heat and mass transfer characteristics of incompressible Newtonian fluid over an impermeable rotating disk moving vertically. The effect of viscous dissipation and ohmic heating is considered. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such consideration is yet to be published in the literature.
A moderated mediation model of counterproductive work behaviour, organisational justice, organisational embeddedness and psychological ownership
Authors: Mehmood Sultan Adal , Malik Abdur Rahman , Nadarajah Devika , Saood Akhtar Muhammad
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which organisational justice influences counterproductive work behaviour (CWB). This relationship was explained using a moderated mediation model where organisational embeddedness is a mediator between organisational justice and CWB, while psychological ownership (for the organisation) is a moderator of the relationship between organisational embeddedness and CWB. The conservation of resources (COR) theory was used as the underpinning theory to explain the interrelationships among the constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by administering a quantitative cross-sectional survey to employees of Punjab Police, a large public sector, law enforcement organisation in Pakistan. The study model was analysed using PLS-SEM to address the treatment of higher-order reflective-formative constructs.

Findings

The results showed that organisational justice is positively related to organisational embeddedness, while organisational embeddedness is negatively related to CWB. Organisational embeddedness was found to play a significant role in mediating the negative effects of organisational justice on CWB. Also, psychological ownership moderated the influence of organisational embeddedness on CWB in an interesting fashion. CWB was the highest when both embeddedness and ownership were low; however, CWB was not the lowest when both embeddedness and ownership were high.

Research limitations/implications

Reliance on self-report data, not accounting for the community embeddedness and discounting the differential effects of justice dimensions are some of the limitations of the present study. Despite these limitations, this study offers valuable insights into how the occurrence of CWB can be minimised. That is, apart from providing a work environment based on fair procedures and policies, it is critically important to manage the perceptions of embeddedness and psychological ownership of employees.

Originality/value

Although numerous researchers have studied the link between organisational justice and CWB, few have explored the roles of organisational embeddedness and psychological ownership in this relationship. This study thus posits a novel moderated mediation mechanism, based on the COR theory, through which organisational justice is translated into CWB. Moreover, this study adds value by investigating this model in the police force context, where justice and CWB have important consequences.
Incidence and death rate of sarcoidosis in Korea in association with metabolic diseases
Authors: Choi Jin Young , Lee Joo Hee , Seo Ji Min , Yun So Yeon , Koo Ha Yeh Rin , Yu Dong Soo , Lee Young Bok
Published: January 2022

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that affects a variety of organs. Although the etiology has not been fully understood, it is thought that diverse genetic and environmental factors interact with the immune system to develop granulomas. The incidence and death rate of sarcoidosis vary according to race. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiology of sarcoidosis in Korea and reveal its association with comorbid diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in a population‐based database. We retrospectively analyzed Korean National Health Insurance claims data between 2006 and 2017. The average annual incidence from 2006 to 2017 was 0.82/100 000 person‐years and the all‐cause death rate in sarcoidosis patients was 9.25/1000 cases. The incidence of sarcoidosis was higher in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia than patients without those underlying diseases. Sarcoidosis patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed an increased death rate after adjusting the confounding factors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.66 [1.23–2.23] and 1.73 [1.29–2.31] respectively), however, patients with dyslipidemia showed a low death rate (HR = 0.64 [0.46–0.88]). In conclusion, we found that sarcoidosis is associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia and that diabetes mellitus and hypertension increase the risk of death in sarcoidosis patients. Extra caution is needed in sarcoidosis patients who already have these metabolic diseases.
The Cost of Reducing Ammonia from Agriculture: Farm‐gate Estimates and Policy Considerations
Authors: Samuel Aurelia , Sherry Erin , Misselbrook Tom , McIlroy John
Published: January 2022

Ammonia has been identified as one of the major air pollutants threatening human health and the natural environment, with agriculture being the dominant source of ammonia (NH3) emissions. To comply with international agreements and national targets to improve air quality, Northern Ireland (NI) needs to reduce ammonia emissions. Therefore, changes in management and investment in technology to improve the environmental sustainability of the food system will be necessary. More importantly, there is a need to reduce emissions in an economically efficient manner and prioritise measures that are cost‐effective to adopt. This article employs the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) approach to provide insights into decision‐making on the most cost‐effective strategy for reducing ammonia emissions in NI. This article presents five low‐cost measures for livestock production systems: diets, housing, manure storage, application of manure to the land, and the use of urease inhibitors with urea‐based fertilisers. Results of a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve analysis indicate that the adoption of all five measures gives an overall reduction of 6.5 kilotonnes (21 per cent) of ammonia, at a total cost of £6.6 million per annum compared to business‐as‐usual ammonia emissions and holding livestock numbers constant.
Trade Agreements in the Last 20 Years: Retrospect and Prospect for Agriculture
Authors: Beghin John , O’Donnell Jill
Published: January 2022

We provide an overview of major developments in multi‐ and plurilateral trade agreements over the last twenty years with a focus on the implications for agricultural and food markets. We take stock of what has been accomplished in market integration, remaining obstacles to trade, events that have changed the trade landscape, and emerging issues. Agricultural tariffs have fallen through commitments made in the Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture and through the proliferation of regional trade agreements (RTAs). Nevertheless, agricultural trade remains distorted with some extremely high tariffs. RTAs have achieved progress on nontariff measures and other beyond‐the‐border frictions. World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations on agricultural trade distortions have stalled because of their complexity and divergent political interests among WTO members. In addition, the dispute settlement mechanism no longer functions. The WTO will have to adjust to a world of RTAs and use its tools and procedures to support the multilateral trading system by promoting increased transparency of RTAs and their conformity with existing WTO agreements. The WTO can also use existing tools to head off disputes using specific trade concern mechanisms, such as those implemented through the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) committees.
Modelling Transitions to Sustainable Food Systems: Are We Missing the Point?
Authors: Barreiro‐Hurle Jesus , Bogonos Mariia , Himics Mihaly , Hristov Jordan , Pérez‐Domínguez Ignacio , Sahoo Amar , Salputra Guna , Weiss Franz , Baldoni Edoardo , Elleby Christian
Published: January 2022

Agricultural stakeholders have concerns regarding the potential impact of the Farm‐to‐Fork and Biodiversity strategies on the agricultural sector. Several studies have been published recently trying to understand how these strategies would affect the sector, including a JRC report on modelling environmental and climate ambition in the agricultural sector written by the authors of this article. In this article, we argue that the narrow focus of the analysis undertaken is the main driver of the reported reduction in agricultural production in the EU, its deteriorating trade balance and increased prices. We highlight that the strategies include a much broader set of interventions that are not accounted for in the analysis and that the tools used have limitations preventing them from capturing the full scope of potential impacts. The evidence gained from improvements to our modelling approach further reinforce the idea that reported impacts are a higher bound of the potential impact of the input reduction targets. In addition, we signal the limited evidence available on the co‐benefits of improved environmental quality the strategies aim to attain. Both aspects lead us to conclude that we are currently far from being able to assess the impacts that a transition to more sustainable food systems will have on the agricultural sector.
Effect of freezing‐assisted treatment on the formation of stable VII‐type complex of fried sweet potato starch and its mechanism
Authors: Li Ying‐Hui , Wang Yu‐Sheng , Li Xin , Chen Hai‐Hua
Published: January 2022

To comprehensively understand the effect of freezing‐assisted treatment on the physicochemical properties of the fried sweet potato starch, the structural changes at granular and crystalline level were investigated. The results suggested that the freezing temperature exerted a significant effect on the interactions between sweet potato starch (SPS) and fried oil. With decreasing the freezing‐assisted temperature, the gelatinization enthalpy of the fried frozen SPS remarkably increased by 1.5–4.9 J·g−1 and the transition temperatures of the second peak were elevated from 132.5°C to 136.5–141.1°C compared to that of native SPS, which suggested that more stable VII‐type starch–lipid complexes were formed during frying. This finding was consistent with the results of the X‐ray diffractometer that the intensity of the diffraction peak at 20.1° for V‐type complex increased sharply as the temperature decreased from 20°C to −80°C, and the corresponding relative crystallinity and R1047/1022 values were increased from 16.5% and 0.35 to 26.4% and 0.45, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy revealed that the lower freezing‐assisted temperature before frying promoted a membrane‐like material covered on surfaces. The results showed that decreasing the freezing temperature promoted the formation of stable VII‐type complex during frying.

Practical Application

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively understand the effect of freezing‐assisted treatment on the physicochemical properties of the fried sweet potato starch. These results provided useful information and effective method for producing fried starch‐based foods with low digestibility.
Inactivation of stressed Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in hummus using low dose gamma irradiation
Authors: Olaimat Amin N. , Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Osaili Tareq M. , Al‐Holy Murad , Abu Ghoush Mahmoud , Alkhalidy Hana , Jaradat Ziad W. , Ayyash Mutamed , Holley Richard A.
Published: January 2022

Hummus is a popular dip in the Middle East region prepared by mixing the boiled chickpeas with tahini and other ingredients, and because its consumption has increased world‐wide some notoriety has developed following an increase in the incidence of hummus‐related illness outbreaks and recalls. The objectives of the current research were (i) to study the efficiency of low dose gamma irradiation to inhibit Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes in hummus, and (ii) to assess the effect of environmental stresses namely cold, heat, and desiccation on the resistance of these pathogens to gamma irradiation. The samples of hummus were prepared and then individually inoculated with approximately 7.0 log CFU/g of unstressed or cold‐, heat‐, or desiccated‐stressed cocktail cultures of each of E. coli O157:H7, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes. The inoculated samples were then exposed to gamma irradiation at doses of 0.1 to 0.6 kGy. The numbers of unstressed E. coli O157:H7, S. enterica, and L. monocytogenes were decreased by 0.6–3.9, 0.7–2.9, and 1.0–3.0 log CFU/g, respectively, by irradiation treatment. The resistance of E. coli O157:H7 to gamma irradiation was not affected by desiccation, heat, and cold stresses. However, the pre‐exposure of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes cells to these stresses reduced their resistance toward gamma irradiation.

Practical Application

Gamma irradiation is a non‐thermal treatment that can be used in food processing to ensure food safety and quality. The current study proved that low levels (≤0.6 kGy) of gamma irradiation can effectively decrease the risk of unstressed and cold‐, heat‐, or desiccation‐stressed Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coli O157:H7 in hummus.
Human Rights Fallout of Nuclear Detonations: Reevaluating ‘Threshold Thinking’ in Assisting Victims of Nuclear Testing
Authors: Bolton Matthew Breay
Published: January 2022

Atmospheric nuclear test detonations conducted by USA, USSR, UK, France and China, 1945–1980, generated radioactive particles that were dispersed by weather patterns, returning to earth as fallout. People who lived ‘downwind’ face ongoing risks from their exposure to ionizing radiation, as well as psychological, social, cultural and political distress. However, testing states obscured these humanitarian consequences by claiming that fallout could be contained to specific spatial zones, that there are ‘thresholds’ below which radiation exposure has negligible health impacts and that socio‐political forms of harm should be disregarded. While the scientific consensus concludes fallout circulates in complex, nonlinear patterns; there is no safe level of radiation exposure; and nuclear testing can generate tremendous anxiety, what Liboiron calls ‘threshold thinking’ continues to underlie policies ostensibly assisting victims of nuclear weapons. This article offers examples from responses to French Pacific nuclear testing, showing how access to compensation and other assistance has often been conditioned on threshold qualifications that function to limit downwind communities’ access to assistance and remedy. Victim assistance and environmental remediation obligations in the 2017 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons offer opportunities to move beyond reductive policy logics to multifaceted, human rights‐based approaches to affected communities’ concerns.
Effect of microRNA‐181b on the biological characteristics and clinical drug resistance of small‐cell lung cancer by targeting angiotensin converting enzyme 2
Authors: Yang Guang , Wang Wenhao , Han Shaohui , Xu Siwei , Liu Huining
Published: January 2022

Objective

To clarify the effect of miR‐181b on the biological function of small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) and explore the effect of clinical resistance on SCLC.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 30 SCLC patients and 30 non‐SCLC patients in our department from 2017 to 2019 to detect the expression level of miR‐181b.The expression level of miR‐181b was detected in SCLC cells by RT‐PCR, and screening of downstream target genes by gene chip, verification with luciferase, and Western blotting. In addition, collect the general data of 30 SCLC patients and 30 non‐SCLC patients (control group), the patients were diagnosed by pathology and undergoing EC protocol in the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology of our hospital to detect the expression level of mir‐181b in different periods. Furthermore, in the SCLC cell line, EC chemotherapy was administered to detect the sensitivity of drug resistance and nondrug resistance.

Results

miR‐181b in SCLC patients was lower than in normal people as well as the drug‐sensitive cell line. ACE2 was verified as a downstream target of miR‐181b by gene chip screening. First‐line chemotherapy can promote the recovery of miR‐181b, but cannot repair to normal levels. miR‐181b can enhance the drug sensitivity of SCLC drug‐resistant cells.

Conclusion

miR‐181b directly targets ACE2 to affect the biological characteristics of SCLC. The expression level of miR‐181b is highly related to the drug resistance of SCLC, which suggests that miR‐181b could be a potential biomarker candidate for treatment efficacy of SCLC.
The peripheral dopamine 2 receptor antagonist domperidone attenuates ethanol enhancement of dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Obray James Daniel , Jang Eun Young , Klomp Anneke M. , Small Christina A. , Richardson Aaron P. , LeBaron Joshua J. , Lee Jin Gyeom , Yorgason Jordan T. , Yang Chae Ha , Steffensen Scott C.
Published: January 2022

Background

Dopamine neuron firing in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens have been implicated in reward learning. Ethanol is known to increase both dopamine neuron firing in the VTA and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. Despite this, some discrepancies exist between the dose of ethanol required to enhance firingin vivoandex vivo. In the present study we investigated the effects of peripheral dopamine 2 subtype receptor antagonism on ethanol's effects on dopamine neurotransmission.

Methods

Plasma catecholamine levels were assessed following ethanol administration across four different doses of EtOH. Microdialysis and voltammetry were used to assess the effects of domperidone pretreatment on ethanol‐mediated increases in dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. A place conditioning paradigm was used to assess conditioned preference for ethanol and whether domperidone pretreatment altered this preference. Open‐field and loss‐of‐righting reflex paradigms were used to assess the effects of domperidone on ethanol‐induced sedation. A rotarod apparatus was used to assess the effects of domperidone on ethanol‐induced motor impairment.

Results

Domperidone attenuated ethanol's enhancement of mesolimbic dopamine release under non‐physiological conditions at intermediate (1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) doses of ethanol. Domperidone also decreased EtOH‐induced sedation at 2.0 g/kg. Domperidone did not alter ethanol conditioned place preference nor did it affect ethanol‐induced motor impairment.

Conclusions

These results show that peripheral dopamine 2 receptors mediate some of the effects of ethanol on nonphysiological dopamine neurotransmission, although these effects are not related to the rewarding properties of ethanol.
Response of southern African ungulate species to supplementary feeding during drought: Species‐specific differences in relative use, food choice and intraspecific behavioural interactions
Authors: Goodenough Anne E. , Sparkes Emily G. , Dawson Melissa , MacTavish Lynne , Hart Adam G.
Published: January 2022

In southern Africa, climate change is increasing drought severity and duration. One way to mitigate drought‐induced food shortages is supplementary feeding, but ungulate responses are largely unstudied. Here, we analyse ~250 h of video footage from camera traps at feeding stations in South Africa during a year when rainfall was ~50% of the decadal average. Feeding station usage was highly uneven: eland (Taurotragus oryx), greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), sable (Hippotragus niger) and white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) were over‐represented relative to their local population; and impala (Aepyceros melampus), blesbok (Damaliscus dorxas phillipsi) and zebra (Equus quagga) were under‐represented. In total, 81% of individuals at feeding stations fed (0%–90% for different species). Guarding behaviour was observed, especially by eland and kudu, potentially excluding other (smaller) species. Overall, 17% visits involving ≥2 individuals involved intraspecific aggression (highest for sable (40%) and eland (27%); low/absent otherwise); there were very few (n = 6) inter‐specific encounters. Lucerne and teff hay were consumed more frequently than Boskos (pellets), which was favoured by non‐target primates and ungulates showing guarding behaviour. As benefits of feeding are unequal, and can encourage guarding and intraspecific aggression, we suggest feeding should be done with caution, especially if the aim is to benefit specific species.
Bayesian credible intervals for population attributable risk from case–control, cohort and cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Pirikahu Sarah , Jones Geoffrey , Hazelton Martin L.
Published: January 2022

Population attributable risk (PAR) and population attributable fraction (PAF) are used in epidemiology to predict the impact of removing a risk factor from the population. Until recently, no standard approach for calculating confidence intervals or the variance for PAR in particular was available in the literature. Previously we outlined a fully Bayesian approach to provide credible intervals for the PAR and PAF from a cross‐sectional study, where the data was presented in the form of a 2×2 table. However, extensions to cater for other frequently used study designs were not provided. In this paper we provide methodology to calculate credible intervals for the PAR and PAF for case–control and cohort studies. Additionally, we extend the cross‐sectional example to allow for the incorporation of uncertainty that arises when an imperfect diagnostic test is used. In all these situations the model becomes over‐parameterised, or non‐identifiable, which can result in standard ‘off‐the‐shelf’ Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) updaters taking a long time to converge or even failing altogether. We adapt an importance sampling methodology to overcome this problem, and propose some novel MCMC samplers that take into consideration the shape of the posterior ridge to aid in the convergence of the Markov chain.
Epigenetics provides a bridge between early nutrition and long‐term health and a target for disease prevention
Authors: Siddeek Benazir , Simeoni Umberto
Published: January 2022

Exposure to nutritional imbalance during early life can influence disease risk lifelong and across generations. In this long‐term conditioning, epigenetics constitutes a key mechanism. They bridge environmental cues and the expression of genes involved in the setting of long‐standing biological regulations in numerous organs and species. Epigenetic marks are proposed as innovative diagnostic biomarkers and potential targets in the prevention of diseases. However, a number of uncertainties make them difficult to use in clinical approaches in the context of early exposure to nutritional challenge. In conclusion, active investigations in this field are still needed before clinical applications are considered.
Letter: the hidden reasons of long‐term risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after Helicobacter pylori eradication—authors' reply
Authors: Jiang Fang , Guo Chuan‐Guo , Leung Wai K.
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jiang et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16604 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16736
Editorial: early and persistent biological treatment and its impact on long term surgical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pollok Richard C. G. , Jayasooriya Nishani
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Zhao et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16723
Editorial: an accurate, reliable and responsive ultrasound activity score for Crohn’s disease? Sounds good to US. Authors' reply
Authors: Allocca Mariangela , Danese Silvio
Published: January 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Allocca et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16700 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16734
Conceptualizing open distributed innovation: A framework for the collaboration of private companies with grassroots‐driven open communities
Authors: Wolf Patricia , Bernhart Maximilian Joseph
Published: January 2022

In the scholarly discussion of inbound innovation, open innovation approaches for how private companies (PCs) can collaborate with grassroots‐driven open communities (GOCs) have received much less attention than crowdsourcing approaches. At the same time, research acknowledges that PCs struggle to collaborate with GOCs in open distributed innovation (ODI) processes due to the incompatibility of central values, structures and activities. Based on the results of a systematic literature review that identifies (1) incompatibilities and (2) collaborative practice(s) and structures to resolve incommensurability between the parties, this paper conceptualizes a GOC‐PC ODI framework and propositions for successful collaboration.
SU5, a new Auraptene analog with improved metabolic stability, ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diet‐fed db/db mice
Authors: Wen Fen , Bian DeZhi , Wu XuDong , Liu RuoBing , Wang ChaoNan , Gan JianHe
Published: January 2022

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has been considered as a promising target for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), while existing FXR agonists suffer from serious side effects. Thus, it is very necessary to identify novel FXR agonists with good safety. Auraptene (AUR) is a new FXR agonist with excellent safety and extensive pharmacological activities, while the lactone of AUR is vulnerable to esterolysis. In this study, the lactone of AUR was converted to metabolically stable amide moiety, and the obtained analog SU5 revealed comparable activity and better metabolic stability than that of AUR. In NASH model, SU5 showed stronger efficacy than AUR on fatty liver by upregulating gene expressions related to FXR in vivo. Moreover, SU5 improved lipid metabolism by downregulating the gene expressions of lipid synthesis, while upregulating the gene expressions of fatty acid β‐oxidation and triglyceride metabolism. Besides, the inflammation‐related genes were significantly decreased in SU5‐treated group. These positive results highlighted the pharmacological potential of SU5 for the treatment of NASH.
Ophthalmologists and climate change
Authors: Campbell Thomas G. , Al‐Qureshi Salmaan
Published: January 2022

It is indisputable that human activities have caused climate change and that, if left unchecked, these activities will lead to worsening of weather extremes including fire, drought, and flood with all their attendant human suffering. Reducing future climate change requires limiting cumulative emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases including methane. We have written this evidence‐based perspective to highlight interventions with the largest effect to help the average ophthalmologist make the changes with the highest impact in their day‐to‐day lives.
Using methanol to preserve retinas for immunostaining
Authors: Zhang Ningzhi , Cao Wenye , He Xuejun , Xing Yiqiao , Yang Ning
Published: January 2022

Background

Experimental studies on retinal vasculature and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) investigating the developmental and pathological conditions of the retina mainly rely on whole‐mount retinal immunostaining. Methanol, an auxiliary fixed medium for retinal whole‐mount preparations, has been used in some studies; however, its application in short‐ and long‐term storage of retinas for further study has not been well described. We aimed to evaluate methanol use as a preservation treatment for further immunostaining of the retina.

Methods

We generated oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) and optic nerve crush (ONC) mouse models and used their retinas for analysis. We pipetted cold methanol (−20°C) on the surface of the retina to help fix the tissues while promoting permeability, after which the retinas were stored in cold methanol (−20°C) for 1, 6, or 12 months before being evaluated using various optical techniques. Thereafter, retinal whole‐mount immunostaining was performed to analyse retinal neovascularisation and retinal hypoxia in OIR model, and retinal ganglion cell survival rate in ONC model.

Results

Quantitative analysis revealed no significant differences in the fixed retinas after long‐term storage in terms of retinal vasculature or retinal hypoxia in the OIR model. Similarly, no significant difference was found in RGC survival rate after long‐term storage in methanol. These results suggest that methanol can be used as a storage medium when preserving retinal whole‐mount samples.

Conclusions

Cold (−20°C) methanol can serve as an effective medium for long‐term storage of fixed retinas, which is useful for further research.
Food and nutrition education in Australian primary schools: Parents' perspectives on why, when and how
Authors: Aydin Gozde , Margerison Claire , Worsley Anthony , Booth Alison
Published: January 2022

We examined Australian parents' opinions of primary school food and nutrition education (FNE) via a cross‐sectional survey that collected quantitative and qualitative data. Most parents agreed that primary schools should teach FNE, starting at either the first or the second year of primary school and delivered weekly or fortnightly for approximately 1–2 h. The majority of parents believed that FNE could be incorporated into several school subjects. Many believed that FNE should be taught to ensure equity and to promote healthy eating among children. Consideration of parents' opinions about school FNE programmes could help design and deliver more effective FNE programmes.
Existing land uses constrain climate change mitigation potential of forest restoration in India
Authors: Gopalakrishna Trisha , Lomax Guy , Aguirre‐Gutiérrez Jesús , Bauman David , Roy Parth Sarathi , Joshi Pawan K. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: January 2022

Many countries have made ambitious pledges to increase forest areas to mitigate climate change. However, the availability of land to meet these goals is not well understood. Global studies indicate substantial potential, but do not account for local land‐use and regional variation, crucial for policy making. Using India as a case study, we use a machine learning framework to define the bioclimatic envelope of forest cover and map this against current land‐uses with varying suitability for restoration. We estimate the additional feasible area for restoration to be only 1.58 Mha, cumulatively sequestering 61.3 TgC, which is substantially less than estimates derived from global studies. However, we also find up to 14.67 Mha of opportunity for agroforestry in current agricultural land, delivering up to 98.1 TgC nationally. In the UN Decade of Restoration, we recommend developing forest restoration strategies that are compatible with existing land‐uses, such as agroforestry, especially in countries that have large smallholder agriculture holdings.
JAK‐Inhibitoren in der Dermatologie – kleine Moleküle, große Wirkung? Übersicht über Wirkmechanismus, Studienergebnisse und mögliche unerwünschte Wirkungen
Authors: Klein Benjamin , Treudler Regina , Simon Jan C.
Published: January 2022

Zahlreiche entzündliche Dermatosen gehen mit der Ausschüttung proinflammatorischer Zytokine einher, die ihre Wirkung über den intrazellulären JAK‐STAT‐Mechanismus entfalten. JAK‐Inhibitoren stellen daher einen vielversprechenden zielgerichteten therapeutischen Ansatz für eine Vielzahl von Hauterkrankungen dar. In den letzten Jahren konnten mit diesen small molecules beeindruckende Wirkungen erzielt werden. Mit der Zulassung der JAK‐Inhibitoren Baricitinib, Upadacitinib und Abrocitinib stehen nun neue Systemtherapeutika für die mittelschwere bis schwere atopische Dermatitis zur Verfügung. Andere dermatologische Krankheiten, bei denen die Wirksamkeit der JAK‐Inhibitoren sowohl nach systemischer als auch topischer Applikation gezeigt werden konnte, sind Psoriasis, Chilblain‐Lupus, Dermatomyositis, Vitiligo und Alopecia areata. Für die Dermatologie sind damit eine ganze Reihe neuer Medikamentenzulassungen zu erwarten. In diesem Minireview möchten wir die Wirkprinzipien der JAK‐Inhibitoren erläutern, einen Überblick über bisherige Studienergebnisse bei verschiedenen entzündlichen Dermatosen geben und auch auf potenzielle unerwünschte Wirkungen und nötige Vor‐ sowie Kontrolluntersuchungen eingehen.

Numerous chronic inflammatory skin diseases are associated with the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which work via the intracellular JAK‐STAT pathway. JAK inhibitors represent a promising, targeted therapeutic approach for cutaneous diseases. Impressive effects have been achieved with these agents in recent years. With the approval of the JAK1/2‐inhibitor baricitinib, a new systemic therapeutic agent is now available for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Other diseases in which the effectiveness of these small molecules could be shown are psoriasis, chilblain lupus, dermatomyositis, vitiligo and alopecia areata. As dermatologists, we are facing a whole series of new drug approvals. In this minireview we explain the active principles of JAK inhibitors and review study results in selected inflammatory skin diseases. Finally, possible side effects and initial as well as follow‐up laboratory examinations for these drugs are discussed.