bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico screening of TMPRSS2 SNPs that affect its binding with SARS-CoV2 spike protein and directly involved in the interaction affinity changes
Authors: Nouira Fatma , Hamdi Manel , Redissi Alaeddine , Kouidhi Soumaya , Charfeddine Cherine , M’saad Meriem , Cherif Ameur , Messaoudi Sabri , Aldulaijan Sarah , Raouafi Noureddine , Dhouib Adnene , Mosbah Amor
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we used in silico analysis to shed light on the possible interaction between TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV2 spike (S) protein by examining the role of TMPRSS2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation with susceptibility and inter-individual variability of SARS-CoV2 infection. First, we used molecular docking of human TMPRSS2 protein to predict the binding site of TMPRSS2, especially the TMPRSS2 link loops, in order to assess the effect TMPRSS2 SNPs. The latter lead to missense variants on the interaction between TMPRSS2 and SARS-CoV2 S protein. In a second step, we further refine our analysis by performing a structure-function analysis of the complexes using PyMol software, and finally by MD simulations to validate the as-obtained results. Our findings show that 17 SNPs among the 692 natural TMPRSS2 coding variants are in positions to influence the binding of TMPRSS2 with the viral S protein. All of them give more important interaction energy as assessed by docking. Among the 17 SNPs, four missense variants E389A, K392Q, T393S and Q438E lead to “directly increasing” the interaction affinity and 2 missense variants R470I and Y416C cause it “directly decreasing”. The R470I and Y416C present in African and American population, respectively. While the other 4 SNP variants (E389A; K392Q; T393S and Q438E) are present only in the European population, which could link the viral infection susceptibility to demographic, geographic and genetic factors.
mTOR inhibition enhances delivery and activity of antisense oligonucleotides in uveal melanoma cells
Authors: Dewaele Shanna , Delhaye Louis , De Paepe Boel , Bogaert Bram , Martinez Ramiro , Anckaert Jasper , Yigit Nurten , Nuytens Justine , Van Coster Rudy , Eyckerman Sven , Raemdonck Koen , Mestdagh Pieter
Published: September 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Due to a lack of effective treatments, patients with metastatic disease have a median survival time of 6-12 months. We recently demonstrated that the SAMMSON long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is essential for uveal melanoma cell survival and that antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated silencing of SAMMSON impaired cell viability and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. By screening a library of 2911 clinical stage compounds, we identified the mTOR inhibitor GDC-0349 to synergize with SAMMSON inhibition in UM. Mechanistic studies revealed that mTOR inhibition enhanced uptake and reduced lysosomal accumulation of lipid complexed SAMMSON ASOs, improving SAMMSON knockdown and further decreasing UM cell viability. We found mTOR inhibition to also enhance target knockdown in other cancer cell lines as well as normal cells when combined with lipid nanoparticle complexed or encapsulated ASOs or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Our results are relevant to nucleic acid treatment in general and highlight the potential of mTOR inhibition to enhance ASO and siRNA mediated target knockdown.
Protection of Hamsters Challenged with SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern by Two Doses of MVC-COV1901 Vaccine Followed by a Single Dose of Beta Variant Version of MVC-COV1901
Authors: Kuo Tsun-Yung , Lien Chia-En , Lin Yi-Jiun , Lin Meei-Yun , Wu Chung-Chin , Tang Wei-Hsuan , Campbell John D. , Traquina Paula , Chuang Ya-Shan , Liu Luke Tzu-Chi , Cheng Jinyi , Chen Charles
Published: September 2021

The current fight against COVID-19 is compounded by the Variants of Concern (VoCs), which can diminish the effectiveness of vaccines and potentially increase viral transmission and severity of disease. MVC-COV1901 is a protein subunit vaccine based on the prefusion SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-2P) and is adjuvanted with CpG 1018 and aluminum hydroxide. In this study, we used the Delta variant to challenge hamsters inoculated with S-2P from the Wuhan wildtype and the Beta variant in two-dose or three-dose regimens. Two doses of wildtype S-2P followed by the third dose of Beta variant was shown to induce the highest neutralizing antibody titer against live SARS-CoV-2 of the wildtype and all current VoCs, as well as improved neutralization against Omicron variant pseudovirus compared to three doses of wildtype S-P. All regimens of vaccination were able to protect hamsters from SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant challenge and resulted in reduced lung live virus titer and pathology. Three doses of vaccination also significantly reduced lung viral RNA titer, regardless of whether the wildtype or Beta variant S-2P was used as the third dose. Based on the immunogenicity and viral challenge data, two doses of wildtype S-2P followed by the third dose of Beta variant S-2P induced potent antibody immune responses against the VoCs.
Flooded with too many messages? Predictors and consequences of instant messaging fatigue
Authors: Sun Juhyung , Lee Sun Kyong
Published: September 2021

Purpose

During the digital media era with an explosion of messages, the prevalence of what is known as “message fatigue” has grown. However, there is a lack of understanding toward message fatigue in using instant messengers. Based on the stressor-strain-outcome framework, this study provides a theoretical model to explore possible predictors and consequences of instant messaging fatigue.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesized model includes communication overload, social overload, instant messaging fatigue, technology and behavioral intention to use instant messaging. Three hundred and eleven responses are collected using an online survey. The authors conduct structural equation modeling to evaluate the hypothesized model and test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study reveals that (1) communication overload and social overload are positively associated with instant messaging fatigue and technostress; (2) higher levels of instant messaging fatigue and technostress are also related to a higher level of intention to discontinue usage; (3) technostress significantly mediates the relationship between instant messaging fatigue and intention to discontinue usage of instant messaging.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to collect data from one university in the United States with a cross-sectional design. Future research should include other countries, different age groups and longitudinal methods to examine instant messaging fatigue.

Originality/value

This study extends existing findings on fatigue in using mobile communication by applying the stressor-strain-outcome framework to IM fatigue and improves the understanding of the potential negative aspects of instant messaging.
How e-wallets encourage excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers?
Authors: Aji Hendy Mustiko , Adawiyah Wiwiek Rabiatul
Published: September 2021

Purpose

As it gains more popularity, e-wallets drive its users to spend more. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how and why e-wallets may encourage excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential or QUAL-QUANT design, combining qualitative and quantitative, is used in this study. It is a type of mixed-method design consisting of both the core and supplementary methods. The qualitative method is conducted in Study 1 using online focus group discussion to answer “why” and “how” questions, whereas the quantitative method is used in Study 2 to test or examine the hypothetical model. The questionnaires are extracted from focus group discussion in Study 1, which is further tested for validity and reliability and model estimation in Study 2. The model is evaluated using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Study 1 extracted four keywords to affect young adults spending behavior, easiness, promotions, self-control and perception of having more money (the illusion of liquidity). In Study 2, it is found that those four variables significantly affect spending behavior. Interestingly, it is also found in Study 2 that the illusion of liquidity mediates the relationship between self-control and spending behavior.

Research limitations/implications

During the COVID-19 pandemic, where a physical meeting is not encouraged, focus group discussion is conducted online via Zoom. Perhaps, this condition can be one limitation this study faced.

Originality/value

This study offers a theoretical contribution to the literature by exploring how and why e-wallet payment is connected to excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers. This study also provides a model that further explains the relationship between young adults’ spending behavior by adding the illusion of liquidity as the mediating variable.
The impact of job security, job satisfaction and job embeddedness on employee retention: an empirical investigation of Pakistan’s health-care industry
Authors: Aman-Ullah Attia , Aziz Azelin , Ibrahim Hadziroh , Mehmood Waqas , Abdullah Abbas Yasir
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of job security on doctors’ retention, with job satisfaction and job embeddedness as the mediators. In doing so, the authors seek to contribute to the existing literature by providing additional empirical evidence on the links between job security, job satisfaction, job embeddedness and employee retention by using social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was conducted on doctors working in public hospitals in Pakistan. Data from selected public hospitals were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The simple random sampling method was applied for participant selection and partial least squares-structural equation modelling was used for data analysis purposes.

Findings

The findings confirmed the direct and mediation relationships. Thus, all of this study’s hypotheses are supported. The results indicate that job security can improve doctors’ retention. Further, job satisfaction and job embeddedness play crucial roles in mediating the direct relationship.

Originality/value

This study elaborates job security in health-care sector of Pakistan and also provides empirical evidence of the antecedents and mediators of doctors’ intention to continue working in the health-care industry.
Timeliness in information sharing within creative industries. Case: Finnish game design
Authors: Harviainen J. Tuomas , Lehtonen Miikka J. , Kock Sören
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This article aims to examine instances of timeliness and temporality in information sharing conducted by members of the Finnish game design community. By doing so, it provides new knowledge into the ways in which organizational information practices may take place on an individual and interpersonal level, and the ways in which timeliness impact information sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on three sets of interviews, gathered in 2012–2014, 2017–2018 and 2018–2020.

Findings

The authors identify six themes of information sharing and show that time is strongly tied to the ways in which people in the Finnish game development industry share information outside of their own companies.

Originality/value

This type of information sharing has not been previously researched. This study brings forth new knowledge on how timeliness influence information sharing within creative industries.
Defining and exploring pracademia: identity, community, and engagement
Authors: Hollweck Trista , Netolicky Deborah M. , Campbell Paul
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to define pracademia and conceptualise it in relation to educational contexts. This paper contributes to and stimulates a continuing and evolving conversation around pracademia and its relevance, role and possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual exploration. It draws upon existing and emerging pieces of literature, the use of metaphor as a meaning-making tool, and the positionalities of the authors, to develop the concept of pracademia.

Findings

The authors posit that pracademics who simultaneously straddle the worlds of practice, policy, and academia embody new possibilities as boundary spanners in the field of education for knowledge mobilization, networks, community membership, and responding to systemic challenges. However, being a pracademic requires the constant reconciling of the demands of multi-membership and ultimately, pracademics must establish sufficient legitimacy to be respected in two or more currently distinct worlds.

Practical implications

This paper has implications for knowledge mobilization, networks, boundary spanners, leadership, professional learning, and connecting practice, policy, and research. While the authors are in the field of education, this exploration of pracademia is relevant not only to the field of education but also to other fields in which there is a clear need to connect practice/policy with scholarship.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new definition of pracademia and argues that pracademia identifies an important yet relatively unknown space with many possibilities in the field of education.
Hepatotoxicity of methoxychlor and camel milk restoration
Authors: Elsharkawy Eman E. , El-Nisr Neveen A. , Wahba Nahed M. , Elsherif Walaa M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the restoration effect of camel's milk against methoxychlor induced liver toxicity.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was carried out to investigate the restoration effect of camel's milk against methoxychlor induced liver toxicity.

Findings

Methoxychlor (MXC) caused a significant increase in serum transaminases (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and alkaline phosphatase, while MXC induced a significant reduction in total protein and albumin levels. MXC significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation and markedly enhanced glutathione in liver homogenate. Pathological damages as degeneration and coagulative necrosis of hepatocytes were established in liver. Newly formed bile ducteules denotes neoplastic changes in the portal tract with abnormal mitotic pattern were associated with the long-term exposure.

Originality/value

The present study concluded that camel milk treatment may play a protective role against methoxychlor-induced liver damage in rats.
Adverse childhood experiences and police mental health
Authors: Violanti John M. , Mnatsakanova Anna , Gu Ja K. , Service Samantha , Andrew Michael E.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine cross-sectional associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health among police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study data (132 male and 51 female officers). Standardized surveys were administered to participants. Regression coefficients were obtained from models adjusted for age, sex, race and alcohol intake. All statistical tests were performed using a statistical significance level at p < 0.05.

Findings

Regression analyses showed significant positive associations between ACEs and mental health (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]: β = 1.70, p < 0.001 and depressive symptoms: β = 1.29, p < 0.001). Resiliency significantly modified the association between ACEs and PTSD. A positive and significant association was observed among officers with lower resiliency (β = 2.65, p < 0.001). The association between ACEs and PTSD was stronger among male officers compared to females (β = 2.66, p < 0.001 vs. β = 0.59, p ≤ 0.248, respectively).

Research limitations/implications

Child abuse and development of PTSD or depression could not be traced through time as this was a cross-sectional study. Recall bias may affect results.

Practical implications

PTSD and depression associated with ACEs can affect the interpretation of threat and can exacerbate emotional regulation in officers. An inquiry should be expanded regarding work assignments of victimized officers, such as child exploitation and pornography investigation.

Originality/value

There are few studies on ACEs and the mental health of police officers. The present study is among the first to associate multiple police mental health issues with ACEs.
Pricing office rents in Sydney CBD: testing the water on automated rent reviews
Authors: Filippova Olga , Gabe Jeremy , Rehm Michael
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Automated valuation models (AVMs) are statistical asset pricing models omnipresent in residential real estate markets, where they inform property tax assessment, mortgage underwriting and marketing. Use of these asset pricing models outside of residential real estate is rare. The purpose of the paper is to explore key characteristics of commercial office lease contracts and test an application in estimating office market rental prices using an AVM.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a semi-log ordinary least squares hedonic regression approach to estimate either contract rent or the total costs of occupancy (TOC) (“grossed up” rent). Furthermore, the authors adopt a training/test split in the observed leasing data to evaluate the accuracy of using these pricing models for prediction. In the study, 80% of the samples are randomly selected to train the AVM and 20% was held back to test accuracy out of sample. A naive prediction model is used to establish accuracy prediction benchmarks for the AVM using the out-of-sample test data. To evaluate the performance of the AVM, the authors use a Monte Carlo simulation to run the selection process 100 times and calculate the test dataset's mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), median absolute percentage error (MdAPE), coefficient of dispersion (COD) and the training model's r-squared statistic (R2) for each run.

Findings

Using a sample of office lease transactions in Sydney CBD (Central Business District), Australia, the authors demonstrate accuracy statistics that are comparable to those used in residential valuation and outperform a naive model.

Originality/value

AVMs in an office leasing context have significant implications for practice. First, an AVM can act as an impartial arbiter in market rent review disputes. Second, the technology may enable frequent market rent reviews as a lease negotiation strategy that allows tenants and property owners to share market risk by limiting concerns over high costs and adversarial litigation that can emerge in a market rent review dispute.
Jamaican high school students satisfaction during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Golding Paul , Jackson Camille Althea
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Amid the worldwide lockdown and emergency transition to online classes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper aims to examine high school students’ satisfaction in this unique learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was first used to extract a set of important factors from a number of variables. A logistic regression was subsequently used to access student satisfaction levels during the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, a small qualitative study was conducted to gain additional insight into student satisfaction ratings.

Findings

A study sample of 486 usable responses revealed that students were most satisfied with the responsiveness of teaching staff, which included the provision of assignments and feedback on performance. The study also revealed that students experienced a range of emotions; those who experienced positive emotions (joy, pride, hope) were more satisfied than those who experienced negative emotions (frustration, anxiety, boredom).

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers and educators in high schools could benefit from these findings when formulating policy recommendations to support the manning of operations during crisis situations and justify the introduction of future offerings of blended or online courses.

Originality/value

The study was conducted in a real and unprecedented crisis which created a unique environment to examine factors influencing Jamaican high school students’ satisfaction levels during the lockdown.
The impact and implications of SWFs: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Garg Roshni , Shukla Abha
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review all available evidence on the implications of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) for various stakeholders (recipients of sovereign investment, home countries, which incorporate SWFs and the world at large) and offer future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) technique is used to review 102 handpicked articles for the period 2005‐2019.

Findings

This review reveals that the literature on the impact of SWFs emerged only during the financial crisis of 2008–2011 and much of it is qualitative in nature. The literature is lopsidedly focused on the impact of SWFs on target firms and there has been a limited empirical investigation of the impact on other stakeholders. There is a lack of consensus in several areas, which calls for additional research. Few areas, which have not been addressed in the literature and can be taken up by future researchers include the impact of SWFs on macroeconomic fundamentals and stock markets of recipient countries, especially emerging economies; implications of SWFs for alternative asset classes; impact on the welfare of citizens and internationalization strategies of home countries; impact on initial public offerings and unlisted corporations; and impact on innovativeness, efficiency and corporate governance practices of target firms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to use the SLR technique to review the literature on SWFs. It considers the impact of SWFs on all stakeholders and covers both qualitative and quantitative literature published over a long period of 2005‐2019. It also systematizes all available evidence on this theme and identifies important research gaps, which may be helpful for academicians, practitioners and policymakers.
Environmental management of sport events: a focus on European professional football
Authors: Daddi Tiberio , Rizzi Francesco , Pretner Gaia , Todaro Niccolò , Annunziata Eleonora , Frey Marco , Iraldo Fabio
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The relation between sport and sustainability is a topic that has recently raised a lot of interest among both academics and practitioners. However, in the academic literature, very few studies have investigated which solutions are implemented in football, despite its popularity, to reduce the environmental impact of its events. This study contributes to filling this gap by exploring how stadium managers tackle environmental issues for football events.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have analyzed 94 sustainability reports of major sports events and conducted 6 case studies in 6 different major league stadiums around Europe in the framework of research supported by UEFA and three EU National Football Associations.

Findings

The heterogeneity of practices and goals at both the governance and operational level denote that stadium managers pursue environmental objectives mainly voluntarily and under local pressures. Efforts toward environmental improvement appear to depend on an economic and efficiency rationale, which translates into the adoption of technologies and operational practices characterized by short-term economic returns (i.e. energy and resources savings). As a result, operational practices outnumber governance-level practices.

Practical implications

The analysis clearly highlights that the fragmentation of operational practices derives from a lack of maturity of governance structures, especially when multiple actors have different – yet mutually influencing – responsibilities on the infrastructures or the planning and staging of football events.

Originality/value

Building on the notion of the holistic approach to environmental sustainability in sport management the research differentiated environmental practices according to the operational and governance dimensions. While operational practices tackle environmental aspects directly associated with football events (e.g. waste, energy consumption, water usage, etc.), governance-level practices relate to the systemic allocation of environmental roles and responsibilities within the management structure underlying football events.
Highly integrated adaptive mechanisms in Spiribacter halalkaliphilus, a bacterium abundant in Chinese soda‐saline lakes
Authors: Xue Qiong , Zhao Dahe , Zhang Shengjie , Zhou Heng , Zuo Zhenqiang , Zhou Jian , Li Ming , Xiang Hua
Published: September 2021

Soda‐saline lakes are polyextreme environments inhabited by many haloalkaliphiles, including one of the most abundant Spiribacter species. However, its mechanisms of adaptation are not ecophysiologically characterized. Based on a large‐scale cultivation strategy, we obtained a representative isolate of this Spiribacter species whose relative abundance was the highest (up to 15.63%) in a wide range of salinities in the soda‐saline lakes in Inner Mongolia, China. This species is a chemoorganoheterotrophic haloalkaliphile. It has a small and streamlined genome and utilizes a wide variety of compatible solutes to resist osmotic pressure and multiple monovalent cation/proton antiporters for pH homeostasis. In addition to growth enhancement by light under microaerobic conditions, cell growth, organic substrate consumption and polyhydroxybutyrate biosynthesis were also improved by inorganic sulfide. Both quantitative RT‐PCR and enzymatic assays verified that sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase was upregulated during this process. Metatranscriptomic analysis indicated that all genes related to environmental adaptation were transcribed in natural environments. Overall, this study has identified a novel abundant haloalkaliphile with multiple and highly integrated adaptive strategies and found that inorganic sulfide was able to improve the adaptation of a heterotroph to polyextreme environments.
Pediatric sudden unexpected death due to undiagnosed mediastinal T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma: A series of three cases
Authors: Santos Martins Celeste , Felo Joseph
Published: September 2021

The literature on pediatric sudden unexpected death (SUD) due to unrecognized mediastinal neoplasms is limited to a small number of case reports with several cases confirmed to be secondary to T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐cell LBL). Mediastinal T‐cell LBL can be rapidly progressive and potentially fatal due to the compression and obstruction of the airway and/or the great vessels. The clinical presentation is nonspecific with a predominance of respiratory symptoms that are more apparent when the patient is supine. We presented three cases of pediatric SUD attributed to forensic autopsy‐diagnosed anterior mediastinal T‐ cell LBL. Case 1 involved a 2‐year‐old girl who presented with 9 days of cough and dyspnea. Postmortem examination revealed a firm rubbery mass surrounding the heart and compressing the bronchi. Case 2 involved a 3‐year‐old girl who suffered from a respiratory tract infection over several days. Autopsy revealed a firm nodular mass compressing the superior vena cava. Case 3 involved a 2‐year‐old boy who was found unresponsive, lying prone in his crib. He had cold‐like symptoms for several days before his death. Postmortem examination revealed a firm, rubbery anterior mediastinal neoplasm surrounding the superior vena cava and great arteries. These three cases demonstrate the importance of identifying children with mediastinal masses that could potentially lead to life‐threatening presentations and pediatric SUD. The forensic pathologist should consider a hematologic neoplasm at the time of autopsy in a previously healthy child who dies suddenly.
Use of laser‐scanning confocal microscopy in the detection of diagenesis in bone
Authors: Smith Ashley C. , Watamaniuk Lelia , Rogers Tracy L.
Published: September 2021

This research demonstrates the value of laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) as a research tool in osteological studies, and diagenetic studies in particular. LSCM combines properties of light and scanning electron microscopy using laser light to excite fluorophores throughout the z‐axis, developing a 3‐D image. Using differential staining and selecting for specific wavelengths of light, one can image targeted materials. This research is divided into two parts: visualizing bone structures such as proteins and their decompositional products and visualizing diagenesis. Part one of this study utilized pig bones as a means of testing the overall ability of LSCM to fluoresce bone. Twenty‐three samples were imaged, including 13 samples from a decompositional study conducted 5 years previous, and 10 “fresh” samples collected from a commercial butcher. This part of the study determined that protein and organic components of the bone could be fluoresced and diagenetic alteration could be imaged. The second part of the study used human samples as a means of imaging and mapping diagenetic alterations. The second part of the study used 13 samples, including 4 clinical, 7 ancient, and 2 modern controls. The pig study used Basic Fuchsin and SlowFade Gold stains, while the human study used toluidine blue. Images were also taken with unstained elements. The results of the non‐human study found that a fresh bone fluoresced differently than that of a 5‐year subset, while the results of the human study confirmed these findings and determined that the bone diagenesis can be mapped using LSCM.
Lethal self‐administration of propofol and atracurium
Authors: Drevin Guillaume , Briet Marie , Ferec Séverine , Rossi Lea‐Helena , Jousset Nathalie , Abbara Chadi
Published: September 2021

Acute propofol intoxications appear rare and remain primarily related to the acquisition of the material from the hospital. In this study, two cases of suicide following self‐administration of a propofol–atracurium combination are presented as well as other propofol‐related fatalities, in order to investigate propofol postmortem blood concentrations and circumstances surrounding death. The two case studies involved a 48‐years‐old male and a 61‐year‐old female, both anesthesiologists, who were found unresponsive with drugs (propofol, atracurium for both, and cisatracurium for one of them) discovered at the scene. Toxicological analyses were performed using validated chromatographic methods and highlighted the presence of propofol (1.0 µg/ml), laudanosine (0.2 µg/ml), paroxetine (3.4 µg/ml), and ethanol (12 mg/dl) for the first case and propofol (1.9 µg/ml), laudanosine (1.2 µg/ml), and hydroxyzine (0.03 µg/ml) for the second case. In the literature, 14 publications describing 27 cases of propofol‐related lethal intoxications were identified. Except for two cases, all these fatalities involved healthcare professionals. Accidental overdose was the most frequently reported manner of death and the reported propofol blood concentrations ranged from 0.026 to 223.8 µg/ml. These cases, in agreement with other reported cases, highlight the concerns related to the misuse of hospital‐based medicines, especially by health‐care professionals, and so, the need for a much more stringent internal control of such drugs.
Transcription factors CncC and Maf connect the molecular network between pesticide resistance and resurgence of pest mites
Authors: Shen Guang‐Mao , Ou Shi‐Yuan , Li Chuan‐Zhen , Feng Kai‐Yang , Niu Jin‐Zhi , Adang Michael J. , He Lin
Published: September 2021

Pesticide resistance and resurgence are serious problems often occurring simultaneously in the field. In our long‐term study of a fenpropathrin‐resistant strain of Tetranychus cinnabaribus, enhancement of detoxification and modified fecundity mechanisms were both observed. Here we investigate the network across these two mechanisms and find a key node between resistance and resurgence. We show that the ecdysone pathway is involved in regulating the fecundity of T. cinnabaribus. The concentration change of ecdysone is consistent with the fecundity curve; the concentration of ecdysone is higher in the fenpropathrin‐resistant strain which has stronger fecundity. The enhancement of ecdysone is due to overexpression of two P450 genes (CYP314A1 and CYP315A1) in the ecdysone synthesis pathway. Silencing expression of these CYP genes resulted in lower concentration of ecdysone, reduced expression of vitellogenin, and reduced fecundity of T. cinnabaribus. The expression of CYP315A1 is regulated by transcription factors Cap‐n‐collar isoform C (CncC) and Musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma protein (Maf), which are involved in regulating other P450 genes functioning in detoxification of fenpropathrin in T. cinnabaribus. A similar regulation is established in citrus pest mite Panonychus citri showing that the CncC pathway regulates expression of PcCYP315A1, which affects mite fecundity. Transcription factors are activated to upregulate detoxification genes facilitating pesticide resistance, while the “one to multiple” regulation mode of transcription factors simultaneously increases expression of metabolic enzyme genes in hormone pathways and alters the physiology of pests. This is an important response of arthropods to pesticides which leads to resistance and population resurgence.
Occurrence of an endangered grassland butterfly is mainly driven by habitat heterogeneity, food availability, and microclimate
Authors: Scherer Gwydion , Fartmann Thomas
Published: September 2021

The Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas aurinia) was once widespread in large parts of Central Europe. However, in the course of the last century, populations of the butterfly largely collapsed. Here, we surveyed patch and microhabitat occupancy and its drivers in one of the last vital populations in calcareous grasslands. Our study revealed that environmental conditions at the landscape and habitat level determined the occurrence ofE. auriniain a montane agricultural landscape with low land‐use intensity. Patch occupancy increased with the cover of Devil's‐bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) grasslands in the surroundings of the patches, habitat heterogeneity and host‐plant cover. Microhabitat occupancy was driven by a warm microclimate and high availability of host plants. In the well‐connected landscape of nutrient‐poor grasslands, patch occupancy ofE. auriniawas driven by parameters defining a high habitat quality. Habitat heterogeneity very likely buffersE. auriniapopulations against environmental stochasticity and, hence, enhances long‐term viability. For the gregariously feeding caterpillars ofE. aurinia, host‐plant biomass is essential. Due to their more luxuriant growth,S. pratensisplants were clearly preferred, although the Glossy Scabious (Scabiosa lucida) was also widespread. Additionally, the growth of largeSuccisaplants was favored by soil humidity and grassland abandonment. To cope with the adverse macro‐ and mesoclimatic conditions of the study area, females of the butterfly selected host plants growing in extraordinarily warm microhabitats for oviposition. To secure long‐term viability ofE. auriniapopulations, we recommend creating mosaics of traditionally managed grasslands and early stages of abandonment within the patches.
Progress and prospects of applying carbon‐based materials (and nanomaterials) to accelerate anaerobic bioprocesses for the removal of micropollutants
Authors: Silva Ana Rita , Alves Maria Madalena , Pereira Luciana
Published: September 2021

Carbon‐based materials (CBM), including activated carbon (AC), activated fibres (ACF), biochar (BC), nanotubes (CNT), carbon xenogels (CX) and graphene nanosheets (GNS), possess unique properties such as high surface area, sorption and catalytic characteristics, making them very versatile for many applications in environmental remediation. They are powerful redox mediators (RM) in anaerobic processes, accelerating the rates and extending the level of the reduction of pollutants and, consequently, affecting positively the global efficiency of their partial or total removal. The extraordinary conductive properties of CBM, and the possibility of tailoring their surface to address specific pollutants, make them promising as catalysts in the treatment of effluents containing diverse pollutants. CBM can be combined with magnetic nanoparticles (MNM) assembling catalytic and magnetic properties in a single composite (C@MNM), allowing their recovery and reuse after the treatment process. Furthermore, these composites have demonstrated extraordinary catalytic properties. Evaluation of the toxicological and environmental impact of direct and indirect exposure to nanomaterials is an important issue that must be considered when nanomaterials are applied. Though the chemical composition, size and physical characteristics may contribute to toxicological effects, the potential toxic impact of using CBM is not completely clear and is not always assessed. This review gives an overview of the current research on the application of CBM and C@MNM in bioremediation and on the possible environmental impact and toxicity.
Alcohol dependence severity determines the course of treatment‐seeking patients
Authors: Yoshimura Atsushi , Kimura Mitsuru , Matsushita Sachio , Yoneda Jun‐ichi , Maesato Hitoshi , Komoto Yasunobu , Nakayama Hideki , Sakuma Hiroshi , Yumoto Yosuke , Takimura Tsuyoshi , Tohyama Tomomi , Iwahara Chie , Mizukami Takeshi , Yokoyama Akira , Higuchi Susumu
Published: September 2021

Background

While accumulating evidence suggests a relation between the severity of alcohol dependence and the risk of its recurrence, the impact of dependence severity on the course of the disorder has not been carefully evaluated. The present study examined the impact of several severity indices of alcohol dependence on the drinking course after inpatient treatment.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted over a 12‐month period following alcohol treatment at a specialized hospital. A total of 712 consecutively admitted alcohol‐dependent patients were targeted for enrollment at the time of their hospitalization, with 637 patients registered and followed. The characteristics and severity of the subjects were assessed using multiple methods at admission, with their course after discharge followed continuously using mailed questionnaires that queried them regarding their drinking behavior.

Results

Greater severity of dependence, assessed using the number of ICD‐10 diagnostic criteria met, was associated with a lower rate of abstinence during the study period (p = 0.035). The rate of abstinence also decreased significantly as the baseline blood gamma‐glutamyl transferase value and Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) score increased (p = 0.031 and p = 0.0002, respectively). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses, the group with the most severe ADS scores had a significantly greater risk of relapse to drinking than the group with the least severe scores (HR = 2.67, p = 0.001). Dependence severity also associated with the drinking pattern; participants in both the controlled drinking group and the abstinence group had lower ADS scores at admission and a later age at first drinking (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) than those with poorer drinking outcomes.

Conclusions

The present study showed that more severe alcohol dependence predicts a poorer course after alcohol treatment, as reflected by findings on multiple measures. These results suggest that assessing the dependence severity at the outset of treatment could be useful both in predicting treatment outcome and targeting interventions to alcohol‐dependent individuals who need additional support in their recovery.
Residual alcohol use disorder symptoms after treatment predict long‐term drinking outcomes in seniors with DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder
Authors: Behrendt Silke , Kuerbis Alexis , Braun‐Michl Barbara , Bilberg Randi , Bühringer Gerhard , Bogenschutz Michael , Mejldal Anna , Andersen Kjeld , Søgaard Nielsen Anette
Published: September 2021

Background

Risk of relapse within the first months after alcohol use disorder (AUD) interventions is substantial among older adults. For this vulnerable group, little information exists on how this risk is associated with residual DSM‐5 AUD symptoms after treatment.

Aims

To investigate among older adults who received short‐term treatment for DSM‐5 AUD (1) the prediction of drinking behaviors and quality of life 12 months after treatment initiation by 6‐month DSM‐5 AUD symptoms, AUD severity, and AUD remission, and (2) whether these DSM‐5 AUD indicators provide prognostic information beyond that gained from 6‐month alcohol use (AU) status.

Methods

The international multicenter RCT “ELDERLY‐Study” enrolled adults aged 60+ with DSM‐5 AUD. We used data from the subsample of 323 German and Danish participants with complete DSM‐5 AUD criterion information 6 months after treatment initiation (61% male; mean age = 65.5 years). AU was assessed with Form 90, DSM‐5 AUD with the M.I.N.I., and quality of life with the WHOQOL‐BREF. Generalized linear models were applied to investigate the associations between 6‐month AUD indicators and 12‐month AU and quality of life.

Results

Independent of AU at 6 months, having 1 (vs. no) residual AUD symptom at 6 months predicted a 12‐month “slip,” defined as exceeding a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% at least once during that time (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5 to 9.0), heavy episodic drinking, and hazardous use (p < 0.05). AUD remission was associated with a lower risk of a “slip” at 12 months (p < 0.05). Failed reduction/cessation was associated with poorer physical health (Coef.: −0.4, 95% CI −0.7 to −0.1).

Conclusion

For older adults, residual AUD symptoms in the first months after short‐term treatment predict problematic AU outcomes during the first 12 months after treatment entry. Thus, residual symptoms should be addressed in this patient population during posttreatment screenings.
Swine viscera preservation in hypersaturated salt solution after alcohol fixation as a preparation method for educational purposes
Authors: Guaraná Julia Belotto , Müller Alois Foltran , Strefezzi Ricardo de Francisco , Oliveira Fabrício Singaretti , Machado Luciana Cristina , Ambrósio Carlos Eduardo , Dória Renata Gebara Sampaio , Freitas Silvio Henrique de
Published: September 2021

The use of live animals for educational purposes is an old practice that is still employed in teaching and research institutions. However, there are several objections to this practice, whether for ethical or humanitarian reasons. Surgical techniques teaching using anatomical pieces and/or preserved cadavers promotes greater learning efficiency, provides exercise repetition and increases the confidence and satisfaction of the students when compared to the use of live animals. The current work aimed to analyse the feasibility of using fresh swine urinary bladder and small intestines (jejunum), obtained from slaughterhouses, fixed in 99.8% ethyl alcohol (EA) and preserved in sodium chloride hypersaturated solution (SCHS) at 30%, for 7, 14 and 21 days, as an alternative method for surgical skills training (SST). Swine viscera, fixed in EA and preserved in SCHS, presented a realistic appearance, absence of odour and maintained the viable morphological characteristics during the performance of the operative techniques. Preservation solutions had low cost, were easy to acquire and did not offers risks to human health. Therefore, urinary bladders and small intestines fixed in 99.8% EA for 30 days and maintained in 30% SCHS at different periods were demonstrated as a good viable option as a preservation method for surgical skills training.
Regulating ingredients in sin goods
Authors: Calcott Paul
Published: September 2021

If consumption of unhealthy food is excessive, then a policymaker might respond with a corrective tax. However, she might supplement the tax with a regulatory standard that limits the concentration of an unhealthy ingredient. A tax can restore social efficiency without supplemental regulation if all of four of the following conditions are satisfied: The tax is nutrient specific, the market structure is perfect competition, the magnitude of the distortion is the same across all consumers, and consumers do not react to the tax by substituting to untaxed foods that also have unhealthy ingredients. But if any of these conditions are not met, then there can be benefits to supplementing a corrective tax with a standard.
The relationship between common cognitive screening tests (Standardised Mini‐Mental State Examination and Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale) and the Cognitive Functional Independence Measure
Authors: Fox Sarah Therese , Thompson Leah Elizabeth , Rowland Jeffrey T. J.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess whether the Cognitive Functional Independence Measure (Cog‐FIM) is correlated with the Standardised Mini‐Mental State Examination (SMMSE) and Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) and whether there is agreement between the Cog‐FIM and these two tests.

Methods

Functional Independence Measure assessments were undertaken on 98 subacute patients. Forty‐eight (48) patients were administered the SMMSE, and 50 were administered the RUDAS. Agreement was examined using the Bland‐Altman plot.

Results

Correlation was observed between the Cog‐FIM and both the SMMSE and the RUDAS. The Bland‐Altman analysis demonstrated agreement between the Cog‐FIM and RUDAS, but not the Cog‐FIM and SMMSE. The limits of agreement between the Cog‐FIM and RUDAS were −13 to 13.

Conclusions

The Cog‐FIM is correlated with the RUDAS, but the agreement is unclear. Despite agreement of the means, the limits of agreement are large, which may suggest a clinically meaningful difference. The study should be repeated with a larger sample size.
Collaborative care: Primary health workforce and service delivery in Western New South Wales—A case study
Authors: Ramsden Robyn , Davies Sarah , Colbran Richard , Haigh Amelia , Connors Meegan , Nott Shannon , Lowe Estrella , Edwards Michael , Clegg Richard , Bagnulo Sharif , Pit Sabrina
Published: September 2021

Objective

To explore how four small towns in rural New South Wales known as the 4Ts are addressing challenges accessing quality care and sustainable health services through a collaborative approach to workforce planning using the collaborative care framework.

Design

Descriptive case study approach.

Setting

The collaborative care project was developed as a result of ongoing partnerships between 2 rural Local Health Districts, 2 Primary Health Networks and a non‐governmental health workforce organisation. The collaboration works with 5 subregions each comprising 2 or more rural communities. This paper focuses on the 4Ts subregion.

Participants

Stakeholders of the collaborative design including organisations and the community.

Intervention

A place‐based approach to co‐designing health services with community in one sub‐region of Western New South Wales.

Main outcome measures

A synthesis of field observations and experiences of community and jurisdictional partners in implementation of the 4Ts subregional model. Mapping of implementation processes against the collaborative care framework.

Results

The collaborative care framework is a useful planning and community engagement tool to build health workforce literacy and to impact on system change at the local level. We identify key elements of effectiveness in establishing the 4Ts model, including the need for coordinated health system planning, better integrating existing resources to deliver services, community engagement, building health workforce literacy and town‐based planning.

Conclusion

This study adds to the body of knowledge about how to successfully develop a collaborative primary health care workforce model in practice. The findings demonstrate that the implementation of a collaborative primary health care workforce model using the collaborative care framework can improve service access and quality, which in turn might facilitate workforce sustainability.