bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central bank digital currency research around the world: a review of literature
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain some insight into central bank digital currency research by reviewing the recent advances in central bank digital currency (CBDC) research in a way that would help researchers, policy makers and practitioners to take a closer look at CBDC.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a systematic literature review methodology.

Findings

The review shows a general consensus that a CBDC is a liability of the central bank and it has cash-like attributes. The review also presents the motivation and benefits of issuing a CBDC such as the need to increase financial inclusion, the need to improve the conduct of monetary policy and to foster efficient digital payments. The review also shows that many central banks are researching the potential to issue CBDCs due to its many benefits. However, a number of studies have called for caution against over-optimism about the potential benefits of CBDC due to the limiting nature of CBDC design and its inability to meet multiple competing goals. Suggested areas for future research are identified such as the need to find the optimal CBDC design that meets all competing objectives, the need for empirical evidence on the effect of CBDC on the cost of credit and financial stability, and the need to find a balance between limiting the CBDC holdings of users and allowing users to hold as much CBDC as they want, and there is a need to undertake country-specific and regional case studies of CBDC design.

Originality/value

This review paper offers new areas for further research in central bank digital currencies.
Determining factors in the performance of integrated vocational education schools
Authors: Uemura Marise Regina Barbosa , Comini Graziella Maria
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the determining factors in the performance of integrated vocational education schools, in addition to management characteristics and specificities.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, a case study was conducted in two schools located in the cities of Cotia and São Roque.

Findings

The following factors were identified: engagement and commitment of teachers; motivation and focus of teachers and students; team of professionals; commitment and focus of students; family involvement; leadership and climate and selection of students. The following characteristics were observed: participative leadership associated with the use of management tools; pedagogical leadership in partnership with the school community; monitoring of student performance; performance assessment and training of teachers related to career plan; selection of students and actions along the community.

Research limitations

The results reflect the vision of the schools' managers and teachers and not that of the managing institution. There is no intention whatsoever to obtain generalization to other ETECs but rather inferences that could shed light on future studies.

Practical implications

This research ratifies what has already been proven in the literature, showing that there are no isolated factors that interfere with performance, but an interrelationship among them, given the characteristics and peculiarities of each school.

Originality/value

This study is expected to contribute to guiding school managers and teachers in the search for quality education, whether vocational or regular basic education.
Mapping the customer centric weather index insurance service design using quality function deployment
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Agrawal Gaurav
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The present paper aims to propose a framework on weather index insurance (WII) service design by using quality function deployment (QFD).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes QFD technique to propose a customer oriented framework on WII service design. In initial phase, customer and design requirements were gathered to derive the relationship between customers' and managers' voice for construct the house of quality (HOQ). Later on, prioritized customer and design requirements as QFD outcome were utilized to develop the action plan matrix in order to suggest the future action plans.

Findings

This study proposed a customer centric framework on WII service design to address the customer requirements. Findings show that adequate claim payments, hassle free prompt claim payment and transparency in losses computation are prioritized customer requirements with highest importance rating, whereas, accurate claim estimation, claim management system and advancement of technology are prioritized service design necessities with highest importance rating.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed WII service design can enhance the quality of WII service by attain the higher standards of WII service in order to completely satisfy the customers.

Practical implications

The proposed WII service design can provide a solution to the problems faced by WII industry by improve the customer's service experience and satisfaction.

Originality/value

Based on best of author's knowledge, this paper first proposed a framework on WII service design by integrating customer and design requirements by using QFD.
Diverse heliorhodopsins detected via functional metagenomics in freshwater Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Archaea
Authors: Chazan Ariel , Rozenberg Andrey , Mannen Kentaro , Nagata Takashi , Tahan Ran , Yaish Shir , Larom Shirley , Inoue Keiichi , Béjà Oded , Pushkarev Alina
Published: January 2022

The recently discovered rhodopsin family of heliorhodopsins (HeRs) is abundant in diverse microbial environments. So far, the functional and biological roles of HeRs remain unknown. To tackle this issue, we combined experimental and computational screens to gain some novel insights. Here, 10 readily expressed HeR genes were found using functional metagenomics on samples from two freshwater environments. These HeRs originated from diverse prokaryotic groups: Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Archaea. Heterologously expressed HeRs absorbed light in the green and yellow wavelengths (543–562 nm) and their photocycles exhibited diverse kinetic characteristics. To approach the physiological function of the HeRs, we used our environmental clones along with thousands of microbial genomes to analyze genes neighbouring HeRs. The strongest association was found with the DegV family involved in activation of fatty acids, which allowed us to hypothesize that HeRs might be involved in light‐induced membrane lipid modifications.
COVID‐19 and involuntary detention: An emergency medicine or emergency management responsibility?
Authors: Wilson Joel , Dean Jessica , Cunningham Nicola
Published: January 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has thrown up innumerable challenges throughout the world, especially evident in the healthcare system. In emergency medicine, there is a new urgency around the clinical and ethical dilemmas clinicians face as they make decisions that impact upon the lives of their patients. Emergency clinicians are accustomed to upholding duty of care and acting in the best interests of patients. Clinical judgements are made every day about a patient's capacity to make their own decisions and act with free will. It is foreseeable that a duty of care owed to a patient may be in conflict with the responsibility to the health and safety of a community. What is particularly fraught for clinicians is the lack of clarity around this potential duty of care to the community, and navigating the potential conflict with duty of care to the patient. How much danger does the community need to be in, and how definable, imminent and specific does that risk need to be? An attempt to protect the community may well constitute either a breach of confidentiality or a breach of duty of care. This paper will explore the complex issues of respect for autonomy and the principle of non‐maleficence, in the setting of COVID‐19 and public health orders and illustrate the uncomfortable uncertainty that exists surrounding care of some of the most vulnerable patients in the community when their actions are contrary to public health recommendations.
CRISPR‐mediated mutagenesis of the odorant receptor co‐receptor (Orco) gene disrupts olfaction‐mediated behaviors in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Xu Li , Jiang Hong‐Bo , Tang Kai‐Yue , Yan Ying , Schetelig Marc F. , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: January 2022

Olfaction plays an essential role in insect behavior such as host location, foraging, mating, and oviposition. The odorant receptor co‐receptor (Orco) is an obligatory odorant receptor and indispensable in odor perception. Here, we characterized the Orco gene from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a notorious agriculture pest. The olfactory deficiency mutants were generated by editing the BdorOrco gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Electroantennograms (EAG) and olfactory preference assays confirmed that BdorOrco−/− mutant flies had reduced perception of methyl eugenol, β‐caryophyllene, and ethyl acetate. Oviposition bioassays showed that the eggs laid by BdorOrco−/− females mediated by benzothiazole and 1‐octen‐3‐ol were significantly decreased. In addition, BdorOrco−/− mutant flies took a significantly longer time to locate the food source compared with wild type (WT) flies. Altogether, our data indicated that Orco is essential for multiple physiological processes in B. dorsalis, and it expands our understanding of the function of insect Orco.
Scientism as illusio in HR algorithms: Towards a framework for algorithmic hygiene for bias proofing
Authors: Vassilopoulou Joana , Kyriakidou Olivia , Özbilgin Mustafa F. , Groutsis Dimitria
Published: January 2022

Human Resource (HR) algorithms are now widely used for decision making in the field of HR. In this paper, we examine how biases may become entrenched in HR algorithms, which are often designed without consultation with HR specialists, assumed to operate with scientific objectivity and often viewed as instruments beyond scrutiny. Using three orienting concepts such as scientism, illusio and rationales, we demonstrate why and how biases of HR algorithms go unchecked and in turn may perpetuate the biases in HR systems and consequent HR decisions. Based on a narrative review, we examine bias in HR algorithms; provide a methodology for algorithmic hygiene for HR professionals.
Enhanced arthrocentesis of the effusive knee with pneumatic compression
Authors: Brahmbhatt Sumir , Iqbal Ahsan , Jafari Farshami Fatemeh , Muruganandam Maheswari , Trost Jaren R. , Cisneros David R. , Kiani Adnan N. , McElwee Matthew K. , Hayward William A. , Haseler Luke J. , Band Philip A. , Sibbitt Wilmer L.
Published: January 2022

Aim

Complete arthrocentesis of the effusive knee ameliorates patient pain, reduces intra‐articular and intraosseous pressure, removes inflammatory cytokines, and has been shown to substantially improve the therapeutic outcomes of intra‐articular injections. However, conventional arthrocentesis incompletely decompresses the knee, leaving considerable residual synovial fluid in the intra‐articular space. The present study determined whether external pneumatic circumferential compression of the effusive knee permitted more successful arthrocentesis and complete joint decompression.

Methods

Using a paired sample design, 50 consecutive effusive knees underwent conventional arthrocentesis and then arthrocentesis with pneumatic compression. Pneumatic compression was applied to the superior knee using a conventional thigh blood pressure cuff inflated to 100 mm Hg which compressed the suprapatellar bursa and patellofemoral joint, forcing fluid from the superior knee to the anterolateral portal where the fluid could be accessed. Arthrocentesis success and fluid yield in mL before and after pneumatic compression were determined.

Results

Successful diagnostic arthrocentesis (≥3 mL) of the effusive knee was 82% (41/50) with conventional arthrocentesis and increased to 100% (50/50) with pneumatic compression (P = .001). Synovial fluid yields increased by 144% (19.8 ± 17.1 mL) with pneumatic compression (conventional arthrocentesis; 13.7 ± 16.4 mL, pneumatic compression: 33.4 ± 26.5 mL; 95% CI: 10.9 < 19.7 < 28.9 mL, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Conventional arthrocentesis routinely does not fully decompress the effusive knee. External circumferential pneumatic compression markedly improves arthrocentesis success and fluid yield, and permits complete decompression of the effusive knee. Pneumatic compression of the effusive knee with a thigh blood pressure cuff is an inexpensive and widely available technique to improve arthrocentesis outcomes.
Behavioural programmes for cigarette smoking cessation: investigating interactions between behavioural, motivational and delivery components in a systematic review and component network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Ordóñez‐Mena José M. , Livingstone‐Banks Jonathan , Fanshawe Thomas R. , Lindson Nicola , Freeman Suzanne C. , Sutton Alex J. , Theodoulou Annika , Aveyard Paul
Published: January 2022

Aims

To investigate the comparative and combined effectiveness of four types of components of behavioural interventions for cigarette smoking cessation: behavioural (e.g. counselling), motivational (e.g. focus on reasons to quit), delivery mode (e.g. phone) and provider (e.g. nurse).

Design

Systematic review and component network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials identified from Cochrane reviews. Interventions included behavioural interventions for smoking cessation (including all non‐pharmacological interventions, e.g. counselling, exercise, hypnotherapy, self‐help materials), compared with another behavioural intervention or no support. Building on a 2021 review (CD013229), we conducted three analyses, investigating: comparative effectiveness of the components, whether models that allowed interactions between components gave different results to models assuming additivity, and predicted effect estimates for combined effects of components that had showed promise but where there were few trials.

Setting

Community and health‐care settings.

Participants

Adults who smoke tobacco.

Measurements

Smoking cessation at ≥6 months, preferring sustained, biochemically validated outcomes where available.

Findings

Three hundred and twelve trials (250 563 participants) were included. Fifty were at high risk of bias using Cochrane risk of bias tool, V1 (ROB1); excluding these studies did not change findings. Head‐to‐head comparisons of components suggested that support via text message (SMS) compared with telephone (OR 1.48, 95% CrI 1.13–1.94) or print materials (OR 1.44, 95% CrI 1.14–1.83) was more effective, and individual delivery was less effective than delivery as part of a group (OR 0.78, 95% CrI 0.64–0.95). There was no conclusive evidence of synergistic or antagonistic interactions when combining components that were commonly used together. Adding multiple components that are commonly used in behavioural counselling suggested clinically relevant and statistically conclusive evidence of benefit. Components with the largest effects that could be combined, but rarely have been, were estimated to increase the odds of quitting between two and threefold. For example, financial incentives delivered via SMS, with tailoring and a focus on how to quit, had an estimated OR of 2.94 (95% CrI 1.91–4.52).

Conclusions

Among the components of behavioural support for smoking cessation, behavioural counselling and guaranteed financial incentives are associated with the greatest success. Incorporating additional components associated with effectiveness may further increase benefit, with delivery via text message showing particular promise.
Tobacco use during pregnancy
Authors: Havard Alys , Chandran Jonathan James , Oei Ju Lee
Published: January 2022

The use of tobacco during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of pregnancy complications and adverse birth outcomes. In high‐income countries, around one in 10 pregnant women smokes tobacco, while smokeless tobacco is the primary form of tobacco used in many low‐ and middle‐income countries. Although the risk of tobacco‐related harms can be reduced substantially if mothers cease smoking in the first trimester of pregnancy, the proportion of women who successfully quit smoking during pregnancy remains modest. Psychosocial interventions are first‐line treatment, with some high‐quality evidence showing that counselling is effective in promoting smoking cessation among pregnant women. There is insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies when used during pregnancy, although in some countries nicotine replacement therapy is recommended for pregnant women who have been unable to quit without pharmacological assistance. E‐cigarettes are increasingly being used as a smoking cessation aid in the general population of smokers, but more research is needed to determine if e‐cigarettes are a safe and effective treatment option for pregnant women.
Dietary K+ acts as a genuine diuretic
Authors: Svendsen Samuel L. , Kornvig Simon , Berg Peder , Jensen Iben S. , de Araujo Isabela B. B. A. , Larsen Casper K. , Leipziger Jens , Sørensen Mads V.
Published: January 2022

K+ balance in mammals relies on regulated renal K+ excretion matching unregulated fluctuating K+ intake. Upon a K+ rich meal, rapid and powerful K+ excretion is needed. Renal K+ secretion is stimulated by the increased tubular flow. We speculated that high K+ intake acutely increases urinary flow to stimulate K+ excretion.

Methods

Mice were K+ challenged through diets or gavage. Post K+ loading urinary output, osmolarity, [K+]u, [Na+]u, plasma osmolarity, [copeptin]p, [K+]p, and [Na+]p were measured. To locate the mechanism of K+‐induced diuresis in the glomerular/tubular system we measured creatinine excretion and assessed functional transport in isolated perfused TALs and CDs during an acute [K+]bl switch from 3.6 to 6.5 mM. Molecular adaptations of transport proteins involved in water reabsorption were investigated by immunoblotting.

Results

(1) Mice switched from a 1% to 2% K+ diet increased diuresis within 12 hours and reciprocally reduced diuresis when switched from 1% to 0.01% K+ diet. (2) A single K+ gavage load, corresponding to 25%‐50% of daily K+ intake, induced 100% increase in diuresis within 30 minutes. This occurred despite augmented plasma osmolarity and AVP synthesis. (3) K+ gavage did not change GFR. (4) In isolated perfused TALs, shifting [K+]bl from 3.6 to 6.5 mM did not affect AVP‐induced NaCl transport. (5) In sharp contrast, in isolated perfused CDs, shifting [K+]bl from 3.6 to 6.5 mM markedly reduced CD AVP sensitivity, ie inhibited water absorption.

Conclusion

Dietary K+ loading induces a rapidly on‐setting diuresis. The mechanism of K+‐induced diuresis involves desensitization of the CD to AVP.
Inhaled nebulised unfractionated heparin for the treatment of hospitalised patients with COVID‐19: A multicentre case series of 98 patients
Authors: van Haren Frank M. P. , van Loon Lex M. , Steins Anne , Smoot Thomas L. , Sas Caitlin , Staas Sabrina , Vilaseca Alicia B. , Barbera Ruben A. , Vidmar Gustavo , Beccari Hugo , Popilevsky Frida , Daribayeva Eleonora , Venkatesan Bhuvaneshwari , Mozes Susan , Postel Rachel , Popilevski Natalie , Webb Andrew , Nunes Quentin , Laffey John G. , Artigas Antonio , Smith Roger , Dixon Barry , Richardson Alice , Yoon Hwan‐Jin , Page Clive
Published: January 2022

Aims

To determine the safety and efficacy‐potential of inhaled nebulised unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of hospitalised patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Retrospective, uncontrolled multicentre single‐arm case series of hospitalised patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19, treated with inhaled nebulised UFH (5000 IU q8h, 10 000 IU q4h, or 25 000 IU q6h) for 6 ± 3 (mean ± standard deviation) days. Outcomes were activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) before treatment (baseline) and highest‐level during treatment (peak), and adverse events including bleeding. Exploratory efficacy outcomes were oxygenation, assessed by ratio of oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and FiO2, and the World Health Organisation modified ordinal clinical scale.

Results

There were 98 patients included. In patients on stable prophylactic or therapeutic systemic anticoagulant therapy but not receiving therapeutic UFH infusion, APTT levels increased from baseline of 34 ± 10 seconds to a peak of 38 ± 11 seconds (P < .0001). In 3 patients on therapeutic UFH infusion, APTT levels did not significantly increase from baseline of 72 ± 20 to a peak of 84 ± 28 seconds (P = .17). Two patients had serious adverse events: bleeding gastric ulcer requiring transfusion and thigh haematoma; both were on therapeutic anticoagulation. Minor bleeding occurred in 16 patients, 13 of whom were on therapeutic anticoagulation. The oxygen saturation/FiO2 ratio and the FiO2 worsened before and improved after commencement of inhaled UFH (change in slope, P < .001).

Conclusion

Inhaled nebulised UFH in hospitalised patients with COVID‐19 was safe. Although statistically significant, inhaled nebulised UFH did not produce a clinically relevant increase in APTT (peak values in the normal range). Urgent randomised evaluation of nebulised UFH in patients with COVID‐19 is warranted and several studies are currently underway.
Eplerenone repurposing in management of chorioretinopathy: Mechanism, nanomedicine‐based delivery applications and future trends
Authors: Abdelhakeem Eman , El‐Nabarawi Mohamed , Shamma Rehab
Published: January 2022

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an ocular threatening disease, a common cause of central vision loss, affecting the posterior pole of the eye. Eplerenone (EPL) is a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that is primarily used to treat hypertension. Recently, it has shown many benefits in modifying the physio‐pathological processes occurring upon stimulation of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system at the ocular level. In CSCR treatment, several clinical studies and case reports prove the efficacy and safety of EPL. However, setbacks for such studies include a relatively small number of participants and short follow‐up periods. This review article is intended to describe theories about the nature and classification of CSCR and recapitulate EPL therapeutic benefits as selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in the treatment of CSCR. Furthermore, we survey the literature on clinical studies discussing the results of use of EPL in treatment of CSCR. In addition, EPL therapeutic formulations that have been developed are described, and future potential delivery systems will be suggested.
Surgical volume threshold to improve 3‐year survival in designated cancer care hospitals in 2004‐2012 in Japan
Authors: Okawa Sumiyo , Tabuchi Takahiro , Nakata Kayo , Morishima Toshitaka , Koyama Shihoko , Odani Satomi , Miyashiro Isao
Published: January 2022

In Japan, cancer care hospitals designated by the national government have a surgical volume requirement of 400 annually, which is not necessarily defined based on patient outcomes. This study aimed to estimate surgical volume thresholds that ensure optimal 3‐year survival for three periods. In total, 186 965 patients who had undergone surgery for solid cancers in 66 designated cancer care hospitals in Osaka between 2004 and 2012 were examined using data from a population‐based cancer registry. These hospitals were categorized by the annual surgical volume of each 50 surgeries (eg, 0‐49, 50‐99, and so on). Using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression, we estimated the adjusted 3‐year survival probability per surgical volume category for 2004‐2006, 2007‐2009, and 2010‐2012. Using the joinpoint regression model that computes inflection points in a linear relationship, we estimated the points at which the trend of the association between surgical volume and survival probability changes, defining them as surgical volume thresholds. The adjusted 3‐year survival ranges were 71.7%‐90.0%, 68.2%‐90.0%, and 79.2%‐90.3% in 2004‐2006, 2007‐2009, and 2010‐2012, respectively. The surgical volume thresholds were identified at 100‐149 in 2004‐2006 and 2007‐2009 and 200‐249 in 2010‐2012. The extents of change in the adjusted 3‐year survival probability per increase of 50 surgical volumes were +4.00%, +6.88%, and +1.79% points until the threshold and +0.41%, +0.30%, and +0.11% points after the threshold in 2004‐2006, 2007‐2009, and 2010‐2012, respectively. The existing surgical volume requirements met our estimated thresholds. Surgical volume thresholds based on the association with patient survival may be used as a reference to validate the surgical volume requirement.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the outcome of puborectalis division in the treatment of anismus
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Barsom Samer Hani , Khan Sualeh Muslim , Wexner Steven D.
Published: January 2022

Aim

Anismus is a common cause of obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). The aim of the present review is to assess the efficacy and safety of puborectalis muscle (PRM) division in the treatment of anismus.

Method

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies that assessed the outcome of PRM division in the treatment of anismus. The main outcome measures were subjective improvement in ODS, decrease in the Wexner constipation score and ODS score, and complications, namely faecal incontinence (FI).

Results

Ten studies (204 patients, 63.7% male) were included. The weighted mean rate of initial subjective improvement across randomized trials was 97.6% (95% CI 94%–100%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 63.1 (95% CI 39.3%–87%). The weighted mean rate of 12‐month improvement across randomized trials was 64.9% (95% CI 53.3%–76.4%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 55.9% (95% CI 30.8%–81%). The weighted mean rate of FI across randomized trials was 12.1% (95% CI 4.2%–20%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 10.4% (95% CI 1.6%–19.3%). Male sex and unilateral PRM division were significantly associated with recurrence of symptoms after PRM division. Bilateral PRM division, posterior division, complete division and concomitant sphincterotomy were significantly associated with FI after PRM division.

Conclusions

The use of PRM division for treatment of anismus was followed by some initial improvement in ODS symptoms which decreased to <60% 12 months after PRM division. The mean rate of FI after PRM division, namely 10%–12%, is a limitation of the technique. Further well‐designed trials are needed to verify the outcome of PRM division in the treatment of anismus.
More than a feeling: Cognitive beliefs and positive—but not negative—affect predict overall attitudes toward predators
Authors: Perry Laura R. , Moorhouse Tom P. , Jacobsen Kim , Loveridge Andrew J. , Macdonald David W.
Published: January 2022

Attitudes, which can be thought of as the sum of individuals' thoughts, feelings, and beliefs concerning an attitude object, inform how people interact with the world around them. An understanding of attitudes may play an important role in promoting desirable human behavior, and attitudes studies should be incorporated into any behavior‐change intervention. One framework for understanding attitudes is the ABC, or “tripartite” model, which says that affect (“A,” i.e., emotional response); previous behavior (“B”); and cognition (“C,” i.e., beliefs) are the basis for an individual's attitude. Although this framework is widely used in social psychology, few conservation studies break down the “attitude” monolith into these more usable components. In this study, we sought apply the ABC framework to understand how affect and cognitive beliefs relate to overall attitude toward predators across southern Kenya and north‐west Zimbabwe. We used a factor analysis approach to identify latent affective (n = 3) and cognitive (n = 3) factors relating to human–predator interactions. These factors were then used to construct a regression model, which examined the power of the psychological factors to explain overall attitudes toward predators. We found that the model explained 27% of variation in attitudes, with four independently significant factors: location; perceived harms of living with predators; perceived benefits of killing predators; and positive affect. Although effect sizes were relatively small, these results suggest that cognitive beliefs may substantially influence attitudes, and therefore that interventions which seek to (a) remove the factual basis for negative beliefs and (b) improve perceptions or dispel unfounded beliefs may play a significant role in changing overall attitudes toward predators.
Outcomes among CMV‐mismatched and highly sensitized kidney transplants recipients who develop neutropenia
Authors: Brar Sandeep , Berry Reyoot , Raval Amit D. , Tang Yuexin , Vincenti Flavio , Skartsis Nikolaos
Published: January 2022

Limited data exist on the incidence and clinical outcomes of neutropenia among kidney transplant recipients. Our study included 572 adults who received a kidney transplant at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center between 2012 and 2018, and were CMV‐mismatched or had a PRA ≥ 80%. Recipients with HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and primary non‐function were excluded. Participants were followed for at least 1 year after transplantation. Neutropenia was defined as absolute neutrophil count < 1000 cells/μl. Cox proportional hazards regression models using neutropenia as a time‐varying predictor were used to determine the risk of mycophenolic acid and valganciclovir changes, rejection, hospitalizations and use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Models were adjusted for demographics and transplant characteristics. Mean follow‐up was 3.7 (SD, 1.8) years. The mean age of the cohort was 50.4 (13.1) years, and 57.5% were female. A total of 208 (36.3%) participants had neutropenia. Neutropenia was associated with an increased risk of valganciclovir or MPA dose reductions or discontinuations [adjusted hazard ratio, aHR: 7.78, 95% CI: 4.73–12.81], rejection [aHR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.10–3.64] and hospitalizations [aHR 3.32, 95% CI: 2.12–5.19]. Neutropenia occurs frequently after kidney transplantation and leads to more medication changes and adverse clinical outcomes.
Acute effects of linagliptin on intact and total glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide levels in insulin‐dependent type 2 diabetes patients with and without moderate renal impairment
Authors: Meier Juris J. , Quast Daniel R. , Nauck Michael A. , Schenker Nina , Deacon Carolyn F. , Holst Jens J. , Plum‐Mörschel Leona , Kapitza Christoph
Published: January 2022

Aims

To investigate the effect of renal impairment on incretin metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) before and after treatment with the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor linagliptin.

Materials and methods

Long‐standing T2DM patients with normal (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] >90 mL/min/1.73m2) and impaired (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2) renal function on stable treatment with insulin were included. Before and after 8 days of treatment with 5 mg linagliptin once daily, patients underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and total and intact glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), glucose, insulin, C‐peptide and glucagon concentrations were measured. The primary outcome was the difference between the study groups in change of intact GLP‐1 concentrations.

Results

Of 115 patients screened, 29 were analysed (15 [51.7%] with and 14 [48.3%] without renal impairment). Renal function differed significantly between the groups (101 ± 11 vs. 47 ± 13 mL/min/1.73m2; P < 0.0001), while glycaemic control was similar (glycated haemoglobin 68 ±  5 vs. 66 ± 5 mmol/mol; P = 0.45). Baseline GLP‐1 and GIP levels were comparable. Glucose concentrations during the OGTT were significantly lowered by linagliptin treatment in patients with renal impairment (P = 0.017), but not in those with normal renal function (P = 0.17). Treatment with linagliptin resulted in a significant increase in intact GLP‐1 and GIP levels in patients with normal (P = 0.048 and P = 0.0001, respectively) and impaired (P = 0.040 and P = 0.0011, respectively) renal function during the OGTT. However, the primary outcome (difference between the groups in change of intact GLP‐1 concentrations) was not significant (P = 0.22). Overall, linagliptin was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Treatment with linagliptin increases intact incretin levels in patients with T2DM. Impaired renal function does not compromise the effects of linagliptin on active or total incretin levels as well as on glucagon secretion. Thus, treatment with linagliptin is suitable for patients with T2DM, independently of renal function.
Combined sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition upregulates the renin‐angiotensin system in chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled exploratory trial
Authors: Antlanger Marlies , Domenig Oliver , Kaltenecker Christopher C. , Kovarik Johannes J. , Rathkolb Vincent , Müller Martin M. , Schwaiger Elisabeth , Hecking Manfred , Poglitsch Marko , Säemann Marcus D. , Kopecky Chantal
Published: January 2022

Aim

Sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) improve cardiorenal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with and without type 2 diabetes. The molecular mechanisms underlying these pleiotropic effects remain unclear, yet it is speculated that SGLT‐2i elicit a neurohormonal modulation resulting in renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) activation. We hypothesized that combined SGLT‐2 and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) favours RAS regulation towards the beneficial angiotensin‐(1‐7)‐driven axis.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled prospective study investigated the effect of 12 weeks treatment with the SGLT‐2i empagliflozin on top of ACEi on the molecular RAS dynamics in 24 diabetic and 24 non‐diabetic patients with CKD. Systemic RAS peptides were quantified by mass spectrometry.

Results

In patients with type 2 diabetes, combined SGLT‐2i and ACEi significantly upregulated plasma renin activity [pre‐treatment median and interquartile range 298.0 (43.0‐672.0) pmol/L versus post‐treatment 577.0 (95.0‐1543.0) pmol/L; p = .037] and angiotensin I levels [pre‐treatment 289.0 (42.0‐668.0) pmol/L versus post‐treatment 573.0 (93.0‐1522.0) pmol/L; p = .037], together with a significant increase of angiotensin‐(1‐7) levels [pre‐treatment 14.0 (2.1‐19.0) pmol/L versus post‐treatment 32.0 (5.7‐99.0) pmol/L; p = .012]. Empagliflozin treatment resulted in a 1.5 to 2‐fold increase in main RAS peptides in patients with diabetes compared with placebo. No significant effect of empagliflozin on top of ACEi on RAS peptides was found in patients with CKD without diabetes.

Conclusion

A distinct RAS modulation by SGLT‐2i occurs in diabetic kidney disease reflected by enhancement of the beneficial angiotensin‐(1‐7) providing a molecular background for this renoprotective therapeutic approach.
Efficacy and safety of imeglimin add‐on to insulin monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (TIMES 3): A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase 3 trial with a 36‐week open‐label extension period
Authors: Reilhac Caroline , Dubourg Julie , Thang Carole , Grouin Jean‐Marie , Fouqueray Pascale , Watada Hirotaka
Published: January 2022

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of imeglimin for up to 52 weeks as combination therapy with insulin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group phase 3 trial was performed at 35 sites in Japan. Eligible patients were individuals aged ≥20 years with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control with insulin. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either imeglimin (1000 mg twice daily) or matched placebo, in combination with insulin, for 16 weeks. In a subsequent 36‐week, open‐label extension period, all patients received imeglimin 1000 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was change in mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to week 16.

Results

In all, 108 and 107 patients were randomly assigned to treatment with imeglimin 1000 mg twice daily or placebo, respectively. Compared with placebo, the adjusted mean difference in change from baseline HbA1c at Week 16 was −0.60% (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.80 to −0.40; P < 0.0001). This decrease was sustained up to 52 weeks with a mean decrease of −0.64% (95% CI −0.82 to −0.46) versus baseline. The incidence of patients experiencing adverse events and serious adverse events was similar in the two treatment groups. The number of patients experiencing hypoglycaemia was similar in the two treatment groups. In patients receiving imeglimin, all hypoglycaemic events were mild in severity; no episodes required assistance.

Conclusions

Imeglimin significantly improved HbA1c in Japanese patients with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes by insulin and had a similar safety profile to placebo. The efficacy of imeglimin on top of insulin was sustained for 52 weeks. Imeglimin represents a potential new treatment option for this population as add‐on to insulin therapy.
Parallel host‐plant‐associated differences in an extended phenotype between populations of six species of gall‐forming insects
Authors: Zhang Linyi , Mullin Briley F. , Shzu Shihan , Davis Charles K. , Hu Elaine G. , Carroo Isaac J. , Egan Scott P.
Published: January 2022

Understanding the role of divergent host‐use in promoting population differentiation among herbivorous insects provides valuable insight into the origin of diversity in this species‐rich group. A strong signature of divergent selection in promoting population differentiation is provided by parallel phenotypic divergence across multiple insect species adapting to the same set of divergent host plants.

In this study, we explored whether a key phenotype of gall‐forming insects—gall size—exhibits parallel patterns of divergence across a community of gall‐forming insect species because of adaptation to different host plant species. A previous study found parallel divergence in gall morphology across two gall‐forming insect species adapted to two sister species of oaks (Fagaceae). Here, we expand this question to four additional members of the gall‐forming insect community that specialise on the same two host plant species: Quercus geminata (Qg) and Quercus virginiana (Qv).

Consistent with the previous result, all four additional gall‐forming species tended to induce larger galls on Qg than on Qv, with two of the four species exhibited statistically significant differences and one species showed marginally significant differences. Moreover, we found gall size was similar for two gall‐forming species when cross‐reared on natural versus planted hosts, ruling out environmental causes of parallel host‐associated gall size difference across multiple species.

Our study documents parallel divergence in a key phenotype of gall‐forming insects associated with different host environments, shedding light on the important role of divergent host use in driving the evolution of gall morphology.
The synthesis and antineoplastic activities of thiaziridine, sulfidometylphosphonium, and dithiaphosphitane‐sulfide against the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Authors: Mansour Shaimaa T. , Hashem Ahmed I. , Abd‐El‐Maksoud Mansoura A. , El‐Hussieny Marwa , El‐Makawy Aida I. , Abdel‐Aziem Sekena H. , Soliman Fouad M.
Published: January 2022

Phosphonium compounds offer an attractive branch of research that chemists and biologists apply for producing many novel drugs for various applications, and its polymeric ingredients are composed of quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts. The reactions of isothiocyanate with phosphinimine bestow thiaziridine, carbamate, and thiourea derivatives. Moreover, isothiocyanate reacts with tris (dimethylamino) phosphine leading to the formation of sulfidomethyl phosphonium. Lawesson's and Japanese reagents have potential to react with isothiocyanates to generate dithiaphosphetane sulfides. Treatment of isocyanate with Lawesson's or Japanese reagents under reflux conditions affords thiaphosphetidinone sulfide, but when applied at room temperature, the dithiaphosphetane sulfide was isolated. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) mice model was used to investigate potential anticancer properties of the novel phosphonium and thiophosphate derivatives. Synthesized compounds (100 mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally to the EAC‐bearing mice for about 2 weeks. Compounds' antineoplastic activity was determined by the evaluation of volume, viability, and inhibition percent of EAC cells. In addition, DNA fragmentation percent was assessed. The expression of apoptotic marker genes (Bax, Bcl2, Caspase 3) and encoding proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α) and pro‐apoptotic protein (p53) were inspected by real time‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The overall conclusion was based on the findings that treatment with synthesized compounds leads to decrease in tumor volume, increase in tissue DNA fragmentation, downregulation of Bcl2 gene, and upregulation of Bax, caspase3, and p53 markers, along with decrease in TNF‐α level in liver tissues. These findings suggest that the anticancer mechanism of these compounds is based on the programmed cell death (Apoptosis).
Priming effects in soils across Europe
Authors: Siles José A. , Díaz‐López Marta , Vera Alfonso , Eisenhauer Nico , Guerra Carlos A. , Smith Linnea C. , Buscot François , Reitz Thomas , Breitkreuz Claudia , van den Hoogen Johan , Crowther Thomas W. , Orgiazzi Alberto , Kuzyakov Yakov , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Bastida Felipe
Published: January 2022

Land use is a key factor driving changes in soil carbon (C) cycle and contents worldwide. The priming effect (PE)—CO2 emissions from changed soil organic matter decomposition in response to fresh C inputs—is one of the most unpredictable phenomena associated with C cycling and related nutrient mobilization. Yet, we know very little about the influence of land use on soil PE across contrasting environments. Here, we conducted a continental‐scale study to (i) determine the PE induced by 13C‐glucose additions to 126 cropland and seminatural (forests and grasslands) soils from 22 European countries; (ii) compare PE magnitude in soils under various crop types (i.e., cereals, nonpermanent industrial crops, and orchards); and (iii) model the environmental factors influencing PE. On average, PEs were negative in seminatural (with values ranging between −60 and 26 µg C g−1 soil after 35 days of incubation; median = −11) and cropland (from −55 to 27 µC g−1 soil; median = −4.3) soils, meaning that microbial communities preferentially switched from soil organic C decomposition to glucose mineralization. PE was significantly less negative in croplands compared with seminatural ecosystems and not influenced by the crop type. PE was driven by soil basal respiration (reflecting microbial activity), microbial biomass C, and soil organic C, which were all higher in seminatural ecosystems compared with croplands. This cross European experimental and modeling study elucidated that PE intensity is dependent on land use and allowed to clarify the factors regulating this important C cycling process.
Enhanced sound absorption properties of porous ceramics modified by graphene oxide films
Authors: He Chao , Du Bin , Ma Juan , Xiong Hao , Qian Junjie , Cai Mei , Shui Anze
Published: January 2022

Under the condition of constant thickness, improving the low‐frequency sound absorption performance of conventional sound‐absorbing materials is a challenging research topic. To address this issue, a new reduced graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol (RGO/PVA) porous composite ceramic was fabricated using freeze‐drying and optimized by redesigning the internal connecting pores of porous ceramic matrixes with a reticular microstructure using RGO and PVA. The as‐prepared porous structure showed significant enhancement in the low‐frequency sound absorption band compared with pristine porous ceramics. In addition, the hybrid porous ceramics exhibited low thermal conductivity. These favorable properties indicate that the hybrid sound‐absorbing ceramics have potential application prospects for noise reduction in the fields of construction and electrical and mechanical devices.
Preparation and mechanical performance of SiCw/geopolymer composites through direct ink writing
Authors: Ma Siqi , Zhao Shengjian , Zheng Yi , Wang Qikun , Yang Hualong , Liu Xuehui , He Peigang , Duan Xiaoming
Published: January 2022

Traditional geopolymer structures benefit from the durability, irradiation resistance, and environmental friendliness, but their brittleness limits their applications where repeated, impactive strains are imparted. This situation may be alleviated if complex structures with tunable geometry can be fabricated, for example, through 3D printing based on direct ink writing (DIW). In this research, SiC whisker/geopolymer (SiCw/GP) composites were fabricated by the DIW for the first time. The rheological behaviors of the SiCw/GP inks and the fracture behaviors of the printed samples were explored. The modified printing inks exhibited non‐Newtonian fluid behavior (shear‐thinning). Subsequently, a series of lightweight architected structures were fabricated, and they revealed how reinforcement and architecture of the printed structures could influence both the strength and toughness of the SiCw/GP composites.
Colorectal cancer survivors’ experience of continuity of care provided by different health professionals: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Li Huanhuan , Li Yijing , Fang Shuyan , Zhang Shuang , Zhang Xu , Meng Xiangfei , Su Jianping , Sun Jiao
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives

To systematically identify, synthesise and characterise the available qualitative evidence on the experience of adult colorectal cancer survivors with continuity of care led by different health professionals.

Background

The limited evidence base for effective continuity of care led by different medical staff who assist colorectal cancer survivors with their unique survivorship care hampers the development of effective interventions. Synthesising the data on survivors’ experience of care led by different health professionals is critical to develop such interventions.

Design

A qualitative evidence synthesis using the Thomas and Harden method and the PRISMA 2020 checklist provided by the EQUATOR network were used.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched through November 2020 for qualitative and mixed methods studies in English. JBI‐QARI was used to undertake a quality review of the identified studies. The review findings were synthesised by a team of researchers, and the level of confidence was evaluated using GRADE‐CERQual.

Results

Eleven studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. The identified analytical themes included experience of diversity, preference for health professionals and space for enhancement to facilitate improved medical care delivery. Colorectal cancer survivors report diverse experiences regarding continuity of care led by different providers. Specifically, they attach substantial importance to trusted relationships with providers that are closely associated with their overall care experience.

Conclusion

Effective communication and good rapport among stakeholders are cornerstones for addressing the complexity of ongoing care. Future interventions should include adjusting the percentage of care from different providers to deliver cost‐effective and personalised continuity of care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Synthesising data on survivors’ experience facilitates the development of practical approaches to increase the quality of continuity of care and may also foster the integration of providers’ advantages to enable more cost‐effective intervention. The limited capacity of primary care providers may be enhanced by better cooperation and communication with specialists and by additional professional cancer‐related training.