bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nexus between construction sector and economic indicators for Turkey and European Union evidenced by panel data analysis
Authors: Qabaja Mohammad , Tenekeci Goktug
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The research aims to study the regression, cointegration and causality between the construction sector (CS) and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), considering other variables in the study such as interest rate, taxation, industry sector, investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which are analyzed through unique panel models. The study was conducted in Turkey and the ten other countries of the European Union (EU) from 1988 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression, cointegration and causality methods were used to investigate the different types of relationships between variables in the models. Data were obtained from official databases and the study contains four main stages, which are explained in detail in the methodology section.

Findings

The study used the analysis methods of regression, cointegration and causality tests and found that the CS and GDP have long-run estimates and the relationship between the two for different countries is negative in a two-way direction. Results are detailed in the analysis section.

Research limitations/implications

No data were available for the variables before 1988 for most countries, which led to a limited number of observations and issues in statistical analysis methods.

Originality/value

Previously, only input and output tables were used in the analysis. The impact of interest rate, taxation, investment and FDI has not been analyzed. Key variables are very relevant for Turkey, which suffers from chronical inflation and taxation regimes. These show variability with the EU countries for comparative analysis and have not been explored to date, remaining as a major gap for the construction industry. No attempts were made to use regression, cointegration and causality methods with variables. These analysis methods enable an understanding of the differences in variance (heteroscedasticity) and the presence of cross-sectional dependence (CSD), both critical for the reliability of the comparison of data sets and analysis.
Creating a link between healthy homes and architectural elements: a qualitative study of modern residential buildings
Authors: Mohd Latif Hafizah , Essah Emmanuel A. , Donyavi Sohrab
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of the research presented in this paper is to provide information on the common problems of healthy homes in the context of architectural design deficiencies. Especially because determining the status of a healthy house is particularly challenging if the design is poor.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods, i.e. interviews, site visits and graphic elicitation diagramming were used in two different stages of data collection. They were then analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings show that the architectural elements can have positive or negative effects on the health and safe environments. The quantity of doors and the use of transparent glass have largely contributed to the thermal transmission and increased indoor temperatures. The roof aluminium sheets and absence of vents inhibited indoor heat loss. This has led to discomfort and overuse of air-conditioning units, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic where most households stayed/worked from home. The inappropriate height of the ceiling and roof made it challenging for maintenance purpose, reducing safety levels, which could result in physical injuries.

Originality/value

The concept of healthy homes is not new. Studies have been conducted in Western countries and in the field of healthcare. However, there is lack of study in built environment particularly in developing countries and inadequate inter-disciplinary and empirical research to connect the healthcare field. The pervasive and recurring design deficiencies in the construction industry remain a source of unhealthy homes, which must be addressed. Future investigations are necessary to expand the conclusions that can be drawn from this paper for health equity within the society and nation.
Transformational leadership and employees' helping and innovative behaviors: contextual influences of organizational justice
Authors: Lim Jae Young , Moon Kuk-Kyoung
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article explores whether transformational leadership (TFL) influences individuals' extra-role behaviors, specifically helping and innovative behaviors. More importantly, it focuses on whether TFL's influence on employees' helping and innovative behaviors is contingent upon two subdimensions of organizational justice (OJ): distributive justice (DJ) and procedural justice (PJ).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors relied on the 2017 Korean Public Employee Viewpoint Survey conducted by the Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA), which is based on stratified, two-stage cluster sampling. Because the dependent variables for the empirical models were summed averages, the authors used OLS as a statistical method. The regression was performed using Stata 14.

Findings

The results revealed that TFL was positively associated with both helping and innovative behaviors. When moderated by DJ, TFL has a positive impact only on helping behavior. However, when moderated by PJ, TFL has a positive influence on both behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

TFL was measured using four items. While the measure reflects four dimensions of TFL, its construct validity may be subject to criticism. Relying on a one-year cross-sectional dataset means that this study's findings might not be fully generalizable to all public sector environments across different cultures.

Practical implications

This article's findings on how TFL is contextualized under different OJ contexts will help advance understanding of how it works in contemporary public organizations.

Originality/value

Despite the importance of OJ as a vital heuristic that reshapes employees' perceptions of their organizations, few studies have focused on how it can moderate the relationship between TFL and employees' extra-role behaviors. By investigating such moderating effects, this study advances the scholarly understanding of boundary conditions that affect TFL and its effectiveness in organizational settings. It utilizes a South Korean survey, which brings an international perspective to this understanding.
Increasing workplace physical activity through motivational and volitional coaching – a randomized controlled trial with truck drivers
Authors: Gawlik Angeli , Boss Martin , Kleinert Jens
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Although the health hazards of truck drivers are well known, only few studies address the health status of this occupational group. The purpose of this empirical research paper is to evaluate the effects of motivational and volitional coaching on workplace physical activity (WPA) with the provision of a vehicle-integrated fitness device.

Design/methodology/approach

Intervention group 1 and intervention group 2 received motivational coaching to improve behavioral internalization. Intervention group 2 received additional volitional coaching to increase physical activity (PA)-related self-efficacy. The control group received only the vehicle-integrated fitness device to perform WPA, as did both intervention groups. Internalization and PA-related self-efficacy were collected four times. WPA was assessed weekly.

Findings

All 140 participating truck drivers were consistently physically active for an average of 85 min (SD = 85.2 min) during motivational coaching, 76 min (SD = 65.0 min) during volitional coaching and 71.0 min (SD = 63.5 min) during follow-up, with no differences found between groups. Variance analyses for repeated measures revealed no intervention effects on WPA, internalization and self-efficacy, and internalization and self-efficacy did not prove to be mediators of increased WPA.

Originality/value

The primary goal of increasing WPA of all participants was achieved, but the present form of coaching cannot be confirmed as a successful strategy. Nevertheless, the results are valuable and could be an impetus for further research on WPA promotion in truck drivers as the creation of an opportunity with the vehicle-integrated fitness device alone led to an increased WPA.
#CoronaVirus and public health: the role of social media in sharing health information
Authors: Kothari Ammina , Walker Kimberly , Burns Kelli
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how factual information and misinformation are being shared on Twitter by identifying types of social media users who initiate the information diffusion process.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed methodology approach to analyze tweets with COVID-19-related hashtags. First, a social network analysis was conducted to identify social media users who initiate the information diffusion process, followed by a quantitative content analysis of tweets by users with more than 5K retweets to identify what COVID-19 claims, factual information, misinformation and disinformation was shared on Twitter.

Findings

Results found very little misinformation and disinformation distributed widely. While health experts and journalists shared factual COVID-19-related information, they were not receiving optimum engagement. Tweets by citizens focusing on personal experience or opinions received more retweets and likes compared to any other sender type. Similarly, celebrities received more replies than any other sender type.

Practical implications

This study helps medical experts and government agencies understand the type of COVID-19 content and communication being shared on social media for population health purposes.

Originality/value

This study offers insight into how social media users engage with COVID-19-related information on Twitter and offers a typology of categories of information shared about the pandemic.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2021-0143/.
Investigating the intention to use fitness app: the role of the perceived attractiveness of fitness center customers
Authors: Gómez-Ruiz Antonio Andrés , Gálvez-Ruiz Pablo , Grimaldi-Puyana Moisés , Lara-Bocanegra Alejandro , García-Fernández Jerónimo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the variables that could influence the intentions to use fitness apps based on the attractiveness of the fitness apps.

Design/methodology/approach

The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used in this study. For this purpose, an online questionnaire was sent to 200 sports consumers of a fitness center (117 women and 83 males) to find out their perceptions regarding attractiveness, usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment, trust and intention to use of the fitness app of the fitness center. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted.

Findings

The results showed that the variables analyzed have a positive influence on the intention to use fitness apps, with the attractiveness and usefulness and the ease to use and intention to use having the strongest relationship.

Originality/value

These findings show the importance of these variables for the use of fitness apps in fitness centers. Furthermore, the findings represent advancement and help in the design and development of apps in fitness centers, as well as in the field of sports management.
Customers’ response to mandatory corporate social responsibility in India: an empirical evidence
Authors: K. Aparna , S. Amilan , Raj L. Vimal
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the customers’ response to mandatory activities as per the corporate social responsibility (CSR) laws of India in the Indian hotel industry. Further, it analyzes the influence of mandatory CSR activities of the companies on the purchase intention (PI) of customers with the mediating role of customer satisfaction (CS). It also examines the link between mandatory CSR activities and the customers’ evaluation of corporate.

Design/methodology/approach

The customers of five-star hotels in Kerala, India, were surveyed, and the proposed model is analyzed with factor analysis and structural equation modelling with mediation analysis.

Findings

The study proves three propositions, namely, the mandatory CSR activities influence the PIs of customers, the CS partially mediates the relationship of CSR activities on the PI of the customers and the mandatory CSR activities demonstrate a positive impact on customers’ evaluation of corporate in the Indian hotel industry.

Originality/value

The comprehensive CSR assessment based on hotel customers’ response by considering CSR law in India is a novel outlook. The study will aid in determining the association between mandatory CSR and PI and evaluate the role of mandatory CSR on favorable corporate evaluation.
Two novel mutations of SERPINB7 in eight cases of Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratosis in the Chinese population
Authors: Xiao Tong , Liu Yan , Wang Tian , Ren Junru , Xia Yumin , Wang Xiaopeng
Published: February 2022

Nagashima‐type palmoplantar keratosis (NPPK) is a diffuse, autosomal recessive, and non‐epidermolytic palmoplantar keratosis caused by mutations in the SERPINB7 gene, a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily. Genetic studies and case reports suggest that NPPK is the most common palmoplantar keratosis in East Asia but rare in Western countries. This study reports eight NPPK patients in seven pedigrees of the Chinese Han ethnicity with two novel (c.530T>C and c.643A>G) and two recurrent mutations (c.796C>T and c.455G>T) in SERPINB7. The diagnosis of NPPK is now well‐defined because of the typical manifestations and pathogenic gene tests. However, its pathomechanism is still obscure, and treatment remains a challenge. This study reviewed all 15 pathogenic mutations and related data in the 1000 Genomes Project to elucidate the founder effect of SERPINB7. Also, several latest cases of NPPK in areas outside East Asia are presented, including France, Finland, and Thailand. Further clinical investigation and genetic studies are crucial for identifying the pathomechanism of NPPK. Also, large‐scale control studies are required to determine the safety and curative effects of available therapies.
An exploration of how selective mutism training informs teachers' understanding and practice
Authors: White Joe , Bond Caroline , Carroll Claire
Published: February 2022

This small‐scale research project explored the perceived impact which selective mutism (SM) training, delivered by an educational psychologist (EP), had on school practitioners' understanding of the condition and their subsequent professional practice. Three teachers were interviewed and a thematic analysis elicited four superordinate themes. Participants recognised that they had little previous knowledge of SM and many misconceptions; they also identified key ways in which their understanding of SM, and their practice as school professionals, had developed. In addition, staff highlighted central challenges which nevertheless remained, one of which involved working with parents. This research highlights the limited knowledge which teachers have of SM, whilst demonstrating how staff training and school development might contribute to improved outcomes for children with the condition. Implications for teacher training programmes and future research are considered.
Marginalisation, autism and school exclusion: caregivers' perspectives
Authors: Martin‐Denham Sarah
Published: February 2022

The article presents findings from interviews with five caregivers of children with autism excluded from schools in England. Objectives: to determine the barriers and enablers to mainstream schooling for children with autism and to explore the emotional effect of the journey to school exclusion on the child and caregivers. Background: research has highlighted that some mainstream schools do not listen to caregivers concerns about their child's development, behaviours and mental health. Methods: interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed to understand how participants made sense of their lived experiences, revealing four superordinate themes: inadequate special educational needs and disability (SEND) support, psychological impact, health‐imposed barriers to diagnoses, and effective support. Findings: Theographs present the caregivers' journeys, illustrating that the onus fell on the caregivers to advocate for effective support from schools. A lack of prompt diagnose and effective school support is detrimental to the emotional and physical health of both children and caregivers. Training is needed to ensure thresholds for education, health and care needs assessments are understood, alongside evidence‐based approaches to support children with SEND. There is a policy need to address barriers to prompt health assessments across services and the impact of decreased funding on schools.
Stagnating incomes and preferences for redistribution: The role of absolute and relative experiences
Authors: WEISSTANNER DAVID
Published: February 2022

Stagnating incomes have been a widespread concern in advanced democracies over the past decades. However, despite a turn towards dynamic frameworks, the consequences of stagnation on political support for the welfare state are still unclear. This study introduces the distinction between ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ income stagnation – that is, experiencing stagnating incomes over time (without reference to other groups) and in relative comparison to other groups – and explores how they shape citizens’ attitudes towards redistribution. I argue that absolute and relative stagnation have opposite effects on redistributive preferences. Contrary to political economy theories, I expect that low absolute income growth reduces demand for redistribution, because it reduces voters’ ability and willingness to afford welfare state policies. Support for this hypothesis is provided in an empirical analysis that combines novel estimates for absolute and relative income stagnation with longitudinal survey data on redistribution preferences in 14 advanced democracies between 1985 and 2018. The distinction between absolute and relative experiences has broader implications for comparative politics research and might contribute to explain why income stagnation and rising inequality have not led to higher political demand for redistributive welfare policy.
Comparison of DNA extraction techniques for the recovery of bovine DNA from fly larvae crops
Authors: Cantu Cesar , Bucheli Sibyl , Houston Rachel
Published: February 2022

Forensic entomology aids investigations using insects and is primarily associated with the estimation of post‐mortem interval (PMI). Studies have shown that human DNA can be recovered from the crops of fly larvae. While several factors regarding the recovery of human DNA from crops have been studied, DNA extraction methods have not been thoroughly assessed. Determining a method for optimal extraction could aid crime laboratories in implementing DNA extraction from larvae and streamlining future research. Bovine DNA was used as a substitute for human DNA to test several DNA extractions kits. Four DNA extraction kits (Chelex®, PDQeX forensicGEM, EZ1® DNA Investigator, DNeasy® Powersoil® Pro Kit) were evaluated based on the quantity and quality of bovine DNA extracted. Extractions were performed on whole fly larvae and dissected crops. Quantification was performed using real‐time PCR (qPCR) on a StepOne™ Real‐Time PCR System with SYBR® Green using bovine‐specific cytochrome b primers. The quality of extracts was determined by checking for inhibition using commercial qPCR chemistries with an internal PCR control (IPC). When using whole fly larvae, Powersoil® Pro yielded the highest average DNA yield (n = 10, 0.668 ± 0.458 ng/μl), while EZ1® DNA Investigator yielded the highest average with crops (n = 10, 0.605 ± 0.403 ng/μl). Chelex and forensicGEM yielded low amounts of bovine DNA, and its extracts were inhibited, unlike EZ1® and Powersoil® Pro, which have purification steps. Therefore, it is recommended to use EZ1® DNA Investigator coupled with automation on EZ1® Advanced XL to recover DNA from fly larvae crops.
Hemithyroidectomy vs. total thyroidectomy for minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma: Quality of life and oncological outcomes
Authors: Mlees Mohamed A. , Elbarbary Ahmed H.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To evaluate outcomes of patients following hemithyroidectomy (HT) vs. total thyroidectomy (TT) for minimally invasive follicular thyroid carcinomas (MI‐FTCs).

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 82 patients with unilateral MI‐FTC that was conducted for cases operated between April 2015 and April 2019. A total of 42 and 40 patients were included in the HT and TT groups, respectively. The main outcomes were survival, metastasis and recurrence rates; procedure‐related complications and quality of life (QoL) 1 year after thyroidectomy.

Results

Mean follow‐up 36.3 ± 11.8 months; TT rendered significantly more complications. No recurrences, distant metastases or disease‐specific deaths were observed in either group. Overall survival in the HT vs. TT group was 40/42 (95.2%) vs. 37/40 (92.5%), with P = .570. QoL was better in 5/8 SF‐36v2 items in HT with no superiority for mean collective scores.

Conclusions

HT has less morbidity and comparable survival, metastasis, recurrence and QoL with TT for MI‐FTC. HT might be considered as a first‐line option in the low‐risk subgroup of MI‐FTC; however, further research is needed to establish the ideal individualised approach.
Reproduction does not impede the stopover departure to ensure a potent migration in Cnaphalocrocis medinalis moths
Authors: Guo Jiawen , Yang Fan , Zhang Haiyan , Lin Peijiong , Zhai Baoping , Lu Zhongxian , Hu Gao , Liu Pengcheng
Published: February 2022

Despite the importance of reproduction in insects, its relation with multi‐stop flight remains poorly understood in migratory species. To clarify whether reproductive maturation commences during the multi‐stop flight or after the completion of migration, we conducted physiological and behavioral assays in the rice leaf roller Cnaphalocrocis medinalis with laboratory‐simulated conditions and field‐captured populations. We found that the ovarian development was significantly promoted by tethered flight treatment for 1–2 nights when compared to the unflown group, while the flight muscle development was not impaired. There was no significant difference in flight duration, flight distance and flight velocity between mated and virgin female moths, indicating that mated moths remained competent for the subsequent flights as did the virgins. Using an integrated field assay, we identified that over 60% of the female moths in the migrating populations captured by high‐altitude searchlights in the Immigration period of a season had completed the ovarian development and mating. Sexually mature and mated moths collected in the rice field in the Emigration period were found capable of engaging in migratory take‐off, as observed using an indoor monitoring platform. Overall, our findings point out that C. medinalis managed to complete reproductive maturation to a large extent during the multi‐stop migratory flight without compromising the migration performance. Such a cost‐effective strategy ensures a successful migration for the moths. These findings advance our understanding of the relationship between reproduction and migration, thus shedding light on the development of novel control measures for the outbreak of migratory insect pests.
Simultaneous analysis of the intestinal parasites and diet through eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: CABODEVILLA Xabier , GÓMEZ‐MOLINER Benjamín Juan , ABAD Naiara , MADEIRA María José
Published: February 2022

Agricultural expansion and intensification are having a huge impact on plant and arthropod diversity and abundance, affecting food availability for farmland birds. Difficult food access, in turn, can lead to immunosuppression and a higher incidence of parasites. In the studies designed to examine changes in the diet of birds and their parasites, metabarcoding is proving particularly useful. This technique requires mini‐barcodes capable of amplifying the DNA of target organisms from fecal environmental DNA. To help to understand the impact of agricultural expansion on biodiversity, this study sought to design and identify mini‐barcodes that might simultaneously assess diet and intestinal parasites from the feces of farmland birds. The capacity to identify diet and parasites of 2 existing and 3 newly developed mini‐barcodes was tested “in silico” in relation to the behavior of a reference eukaryotic barcode. Among the newly designed mini‐barcodes, MiniB18S_81 showed the higher taxonomic coverage of eukaryotic taxa and a greater amplification and identification capacity for diet and parasite taxa. Moreover, when it was tested on fecal samples from 5 different steppe bird species, MiniB18S_81 showed high taxonomic resolution of the most relevant diet and parasite phyla, Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, and Apicomplexa at the order level. Thus, the mini‐barcode developed emerges as an excellent tool to simultaneously provide detailed information regarding the diet and parasites of birds, essential for conservation and management.
The role of amygdala neuropsin/serpinb6 pathway in the regulation of gastric hypersensitivity and anxiety by electroacupuncture
Authors: Chen Fei , Yang Jie , Zhang Hao , Shen Lei , Wang Jia Qi , Jin Tian , Yu Xiao Yun
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate whether the neuropsin pathway in the amygdala and stomach may participate in the development of anxiety‐related gastric hypersensitivity, and whether electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli acupoint could improve this condition by regulating such pathway in the rat model of functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods

A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, FD model group and FD + EA group (stimulation at Zusanli acupoint for 30 min daily for 7 consecutive days). Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score and open field test were used to evaluate visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety‐like disorder, respectively. Electrical activity in the amygdala nucleus in each group was recorded by extracellular electrophysiology. Neuropsin and serpinb6 protein expressions in the amygdala and stomach were detected by Western blot.

Results

AWR score in the FD group increased but did not differ after EA therapy than that in the contro group. Both the center square entries and center entries ratio in the FD group were lower than those in the control and FD + EA groups. The total number and frequency of amygdala nucleus discharges induced by gastric distension in the FD group were significantly higher than those in the control and FD + EA groups. Expression of neuropsin increased and that of serpinb6 decreased in the gastric mucosa and amygdale in the FD group, while no change was observed in gastric mucosa after EA therapy.

Conclusion

EA stimulation at the Zusanli acupoint may improve visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety in FD rats through the neuropsin/serpinb6 pathway.
‘Perhaps the Highlanders May Imitate Them’. Highland Identity and the British Empire, from the Forty‐Five to the Seven Years War
Authors: Noble Alastair
Published: February 2022

Participation in imperial service has been seen as a means through which Highlanders, once regarded as a threat to the British state, were assimilated, allowing Highland and British identities to coexist. This was not an uncomplicated process. Reports of Highland soldiers' conduct in the Seven Years War echo earlier accounts of the Jacobite rising and compare Highlanders to Native Americans. Such accounts reflect Enlightenment concerns about the nature of social development. They demonstrate that Highland soldiers in the British Army continued to be regarded as ‘others’ whose supposedly untamed nature remained but was now regarded as useful to the Empire.
DNA barcoding uncovers cryptic diversity in minute herbivorous mites (Acari, Eriophyoidea)
Authors: Yin Yue , Yao Liang‐Fei , Hu Yue , Shao Zi‐Kai , Hong Xiao‐Yue , Hebert Paul D. N. , Xue Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2022

Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) are among the smallest of terrestrial arthropods and the most species‐rich group of herbivorous mites with a high host specificity. However, knowledge of their species diversity has been impeded by the difficulty of their morphological differentiation. This study assembles a DNA barcode reference library that includes 1850 mitochondrial COI sequences which provides coverage for 45% of the 930 species of eriophyoid mites known from China, and for 37 North American species. Sequence analysis showed a clear barcode gap in nearly all species, reflecting the fact that intraspecific divergences averaged 0.97% versus a mean of 18.51% for interspecific divergences (minimum nearest‐neighbour distances) in taxa belonging to three families. Based on these results, we used DNA barcoding to explore the species diversity of eriophyoid mites as well as their host interactions. The 1850 sequences were assigned to 531 barcode index numbers (BINs). Analyses examining the correspondence between these BINs and species identifications based on morphology revealed that members of 45 species were assigned to two or more BINs, resulting in 1.16 times more BINs than morphospecies. Richness projections suggest that over 2345 BINs occurred at the sampled locations. Host plant analysis showed that 89% of these mites (BINs) attack only one or two congeneric host species, but the others have several hosts. Furthermore, host‐mite network analyses demonstrate that eriophyoid mites are high host‐specific, and modularity is high in plant‐mite networks. By creating a highly effective identification system for eriophyoid mites in the Barcode of Life Data Systems database (BOLD), DNA barcoding will advance our understanding of the diversity of eriophyoid mites and their host interactions.
Development of a heterologous gene expression vector in plants based on an infectious clone of a tobravirus, pepper ringspot virus
Authors: Tavares‐Esashika Moana Lima , Campos Ravi Narayan Souza , Maeda Matheus Hideki Kihara , Koyama Lucas Hideo Hataka , Hamann Pedro Ricardo Vieira , Noronha Eliane Ferreira , Nagata Tatsuya
Published: February 2022

Heterologous gene expression systems are important tools for biotechnology, especially due to the increasing demands for mass production of pharmaceutical proteins. In this study, we assessed the use of the infectious clone of a tobravirus, pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV), as a heterologous gene expression tool in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The insert region of gene of interest was evaluated in the infectious clone of PepRSV using the reporter gene encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP). The insertion of the GFP gene in the coat protein gene region resulted in a higher protein yield than the previous system. Then, the reporter gene was replaced by the xylanase gene, and enzymatically active xylanase was produced. This study provides an efficient tool for the production of heterologous proteins using a plant system.
Recognition and management of clozapine adverse effects: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis
Authors: Gurrera Ronald J. , Gearin Priya F. , Love Jonathan , Li Kevin J. , Xu Ashley , Donaghey Faith H. , Gerace Matthew R.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Clozapine is substantially underutilized in most countries and clinician factors including lack of knowledge and concerns about adverse drug effects (ADEs) contribute strongly to treatment reluctance. The aim of this systematic review was to provide clinicians with a comprehensive information source regarding clozapine ADEs.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were searched for English language reviews concerned with clozapine ADEs; publications identified by the automated search were manually searched for additional relevant citations. Following exclusion of redundant and irrelevant reports, pertinent information was summarized in evidence tables corresponding to each of six major ADE domains; two authors reviewed all citations for each ADE domain and summarized their content by consensus in the corresponding evidence table. This study was conducted in accordance with PRISMA principles.

Results

Primary and secondary searches identified a total of 305 unique reports, of which 152 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most clozapine ADEs emerge within 3 months, and almost all appear within 6 months, after initiation. Notable exceptions are weight gain, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), severe clozapine‐induced gastrointestinal hypomotility (CIGH), clozapine‐induced cardiomyopathy (CICM), seizures, and clozapine‐induced neutropenia (CIN). Most clozapine ADEs subside gradually or respond to dose reduction; those that prompt discontinuation generally do not preclude rechallenge. Rechallenge is generally inadvisable for clozapine‐induced myocarditis (CIM), CICM, and clozapine‐induced agranulocytosis (CIA). Clozapine plasma levels >600–1000 μg/L appear more likely to cause certain ADEs (e.g., seizures) and, although there is no clear toxicity threshold, risk/benefit ratios are generally unfavorable above 1000 μg/L. CONCLUSION: Clozapine ADEs rarely require discontinuation.
A most unusual tail: Scoliosis in a wild Australian skink, and reported incidences and suggested causes of similar malformations amongst squamates
Authors: Bateman Philip W. , Benken Robyn , Glowacki Ryan , Davis Robert A.
Published: February 2022

Malformations of vertebrae potentially occur across many taxa, particularly in Testudines, which are susceptible to kyphosis (dorsoventral curvature of the spine). Such malformations may stem from either genetic or environmental origins, and their prevalence and associated impacts on survival remain poorly understood. However, scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine) is rarely reported and especially so in wild lizards. We report here on the first known case of scoliosis in a wild Australian lizard, the skink Ctenotus fallens, from Perth, Western Australia. This occurrence is the first of 805 individuals captured in a natural population monitored annually for the past 11 years. Reporting and monitoring of the frequency of such abnormalities may be a useful indicator of environmental change‐induced impacts on populations.
Varicocoele embolization with sclerosing agents leads to lower radiation exposure and procedural costs than coils: Data from a real‐life before and after study
Authors: Boeri Luca , Fulgheri Irene , Cristina Marco , Biondetti Pierpaolo , Rossi Silvia , Grimaldi Elena , Lucignani Gianpaolo , Gadda Franco , Ierardi Anna Maria , Salonia Andrea , Viganò Paola , Somigliana Edgardo , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Montanari Emanuele
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To investigate clinical outcomes, radiation exposure and procedural costs associated with percutaneous varicocoele embolization using coils and sclerosing agents (SAs) in a cohort of young‐adult men.

Materials and methods

Data from consecutive men treated with percutaneous varicocoele embolization using coils and SA between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. The allocation was based on a change of policy occurred in June 2020 with the substitution of coils with SA (before and after study). Semen analysis values were based on 2010 WHO reference criteria. Anatomic variants of gonadal veins were categorized according to Jargiello et al. Intraoperative radiation dose and procedural costs were collected for each patient. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used to describe the association between clinical parameters with procedural costs and radiation exposure.

Results

One hundred sixteen men were included, of whom 76 (65.5%) received coils, and 40 (34.5%) received SA. Baseline characteristics of the two study groups did not differ. A type 3 Jargiello anatomic variation of left gonadal vein was found in 45.7% of cases. Radiation dose was lower in the SA group as compared to the coils one (13.2 [7–43] vs. 19.8 [12–57] Gy/cm2; p < 0.001). Similarly, procedural costs were lower for the SA group (169.6 [169–199] € vs. 642.5 [561–775] €; p < 0.001). At follow‐up, pain and sperm variables significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.01), without differences among the embolic materials. Linear regression model revealed that coils use was associated with higher radiation exposure (beta 8.8, p = 0.02) than SA after accounting for anatomic variation of gonadal vein, body mass index, and vascular access.

Conclusions

SA and coils for varicocoele embolization are equally safe and effective. The use of SA was associated with lower radiation exposure and procedural costs than coils. These results should be considered in terms of public health cost and patient's safety.
Gastrectomy mortality in Australia
Authors: Davis Sean S. , Noll Darcy , Patel Prajay , Maloney Ryan T. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite advances in medical management and endoscopic therapy, gastrectomy remains an important yet high‐risk procedure for a range of benign and malignant upper gastrointestinal pathologies. No study has previously analysed Australian gastrectomy perioperative mortality rate (POMR). This retrospective, population‐based cohort study was conducted to determine the Australian national gastrectomy POMR, allowing state‐based and regional trends and outcomes to be assessed.

Methods

Logistic regression models were compared using de‐identified procedural data between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2017 from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Codes relating to total and subtotal gastrectomy contained in the Australian Classification of Health Interventions were used to extract patient data. Mortality rates were risk adjusted for age and gender. Temporal trends and differences between states/territories and regions were investigated.

Results

The national average POMR throughout the study period was 2.1%. For subtotal gastrectomy, the national mean POMR was 1.1%, decreasing from 2.7% (2005) to 1.3% (2017). For total gastrectomy, the national mean POMR was 2.8%, decreasing from 3.3% (2005) to 1.7% (2017). POMR significantly reduced over time without variation between states or regions. Procedure volume steadily reduced in rural centres with a concomitant increase in metropolitan centres over time.

Conclusion

Pleasingly, the Australian gastrectomy POMR is favourable when compared to international cohorts. Improved outcomes were consistent between states and territories, and metropolitan and regional centres. Progressive metropolitan centralization of gastrectomy was demonstrated without evidence of improved outcomes.
Choroidal arteriovenous anastomoses: a hypothesis for the pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy and other pachychoroid disease spectrum abnormalities
Authors: Brinks Joost , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Meijer Onno C. , Schlingemann Reinier O. , Boon Camiel J. F.
Published: February 2022

The pachychoroid disease spectrum (PDS) includes several chorioretinal diseases that share specific choroidal abnormalities. Although their pathophysiological basis is poorly understood, diseases that are part of the PDS have been hypothesized to be the result of venous congestion. Within the PDS, central serous chorioretinopathy is the most common condition associated with vision loss, due to an accumulation of subretinal fluid in the macula. Central serous chorioretinopathy is characterized by distinct risk factors, most notably a high prevalence in males and exposure to corticosteroids. Interestingly, sex differences and corticosteroids are also strongly associated with specific types of arteriovenous anastomoses in the human body, including dural arteriovenous fistula and surgically created arteriovenous shunts. In this manuscript, we assess the potential of such arteriovenous anastomoses in the choroid as a causal mechanism of the PDS. We propose how this may provide a novel unifying concept on the pathophysiological basis of the PDS, and present cases in which this mechanism may play a role.
A very low prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection but a high prevalence of other respiratory virus infections in children admitted to paediatric emergency departments
Authors: Viart Juliette , Engelmann Ilka , Joannes Flora , Gras‐Le Guen Christèle , Haas Hervé , Chinazzo Marie , Cantais Aymeric , Gatin Amélie , Brehin Camille , Benhalima Ilyes , Ouafi Mahdi , Martinot Alain , Dubos François
Published: February 2022

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and other respiratory viruses among children admitted to paediatric emergency departments (PEDs).

Methods

From April to July 2020, a prospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted in the PEDs of eight French university hospitals. Regardless of the reason for admission, a nasopharyngeal swab sample from each child was screened using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory viruses. We determined the prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory viruses and identified risk factors associated with a positive test.

Results

Of the 924 included children (median [interquartile range] age: 4 years [1–9]; boys: 55%), 908 (98.3%) were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2. Only three samples were positive (0.3%; 95% confidence interval: 0.1–1) and none of these children had symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019. Of the 836 samples (90%) tested for other viruses, 129 (15.4%) were positive (primarily rhinovirus). Respiratory viruses were significantly more common in young children and in children with respiratory tract symptoms and fever.

Conclusion

The prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 among children admitted to emergency departments was low. In contrast, and despite social distancing and other protective measures, the prevalence of other respiratory viruses detection was high.
HDAC3 inhibition improves urinary‐concentrating defect in hypokalaemia by promoting AQP2 transcription
Authors: Xu Long , Xie Haixia , Hu Shan , Zhao Xiaoduo , Han Mengke , Liu Qiaojuan , Feng Pinning , Wang Weidong , Li Chunling
Published: February 2022

Aim

This study investigated whether enhanced histone acetylation, achieved by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs), could prevent decreased aquaporin‐2 (AQP2) expression during hypokalaemia.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were fed a potassium‐free diet with or without 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA) or the selective HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966 for 4 days. Primary renal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells and immortalized mouse cortical collecting duct (mpkCCD) cells were cultured in potassium‐deprivation medium with or without HDAC inhibitors.

Results

4‐PBA increased the levels of AQP2 mRNA and protein in the kidney inner medullae in hypokalaemic (HK) rats, which was associated with decreased urine output and increased urinary osmolality. The level of acetylated H3K27 (H3K27ac) protein was decreased in the inner medullae of HK rat kidneys; this decrease was mitigated by 4‐PBA. The H3K27ac levels were decreased in IMCD and mpkCCD cells cultured in potassium‐deprivation medium. Decreased H3K27ac in the Aqp2 promoter region was associated with reduced Aqp2 mRNA levels. HDAC3 protein expression was upregulated in mpkCCD and IMCD cells in response to potassium deprivation, and the binding of HDAC3 to the Aqp2 promoter was also increased. RGFP966 increased the levels of H3K27ac and AQP2 proteins and enhanced binding between H3K27ac and AQP2 in mpkCCD cells. Furthermore, RGFP966 reversed the hypokalaemia‐induced downregulation of AQP2 and H3K27ac and alleviated polyuria in rats. RGFP966 increased interstitial osmolality in the kidney inner medullae of HK rats but did not affect urinary cAMP levels.

Conclusion

HDAC inhibitors prevented the downregulation of AQP2 induced by potassium deprivation, probably by enhancing H3K27 acetylation.
Digital surveillance in a pandemic response: What bioethics ought to learn from Indigenous perspectives
Authors: Hendl Tereza , Roxanne Tiara
Published: February 2022

Our paper interrogates the ethics of digital pandemic surveillance from Indigenous perspectives. The COVID‐19 pandemic has shown that Indigenous peoples are among the communities most negatively affected by pandemic infectious disease spread. Similarly to other racialized subpopulations, Indigenous people have faced strikingly high mortality rates from COVID‐19 owing to structural marginalization and related comorbidities, and these high rates have been exacerbated by past and present colonial dominance. At the same time, digital pandemic surveillance technologies, which have been promoted as effective tools for mitigating a pandemic, carry risks for Indigenous subpopulations that warrant an urgent and thorough investigation. Building on decolonial scholarship and debates about Indigenous data sovereignty, we argue that should Indigenous communities wish to implement digital pandemic surveillance, then they must have ownership over these technologies, including agency over their own health data, how data are collected and stored, and who will have access to the data. Ideally, these tools should be designed by Indigenous peoples themselves to ensure compatibility with Indigenous cultures, ethics and languages and the protection of Indigenous lives, health and wellbeing.