bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived economic mobility increases subjective well‐being when perceived social support opens the door for others
Authors: Kwon Yongju , Yi Youjae , Kim Sara
Published: February 2022

When would perceptions of economic mobility enhance individuals’ subjective well‐being? The current research examined the moderating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between perceived economic mobility and subjective well‐being. We found that perceived economic mobility increased subjective well‐being more among people with high perceived social support than among those with low social support. This interaction effect was robust across a secondary data study with South Korean participants (Study 1) and two online studies with U.K. samples (Studies 2 and 3) even when controlled for the effects of subjective SES (in Study 1), household income (in Studies 2 and 3), age, and gender. Willingness to spend future earnings on others was revealed as an underlying mechanism. Specifically, among people with high (vs. low) perceived social support, perceived economic mobility enhanced subjective well‐being via heightened willingness to spend future earnings on others, ruling out an alternative reason for subjective well‐being such as perceived importance of money.
Effect of maltodextrin weight fraction on the amorphous state and critical storage conditions of freeze‐dried juices
Authors: Flores‐Ramírez Alma , Grajales‐Lagunes Alicia , Abud‐Archila Miguel , Ruiz‐Cabrera Miguel A.
Published: February 2022

Diagrams relating to water activity (aw), equilibrium moisture content (Xw) and glass transition temperature (Tg) are valuable tools for predicting amorphous fruit powders' storage procedure and stability. Thus, Tg–aw–Xw diagrams were constructed to characterise the amorphous state and define the critical values of water content (Xwc) and water activity (awc) of freeze‐dried juices of strawberry, pineapple, kiwi and prickly pear prepared with maltodextrin at the dry mass fraction (WMD) of 0, 0.4 and 0.8. The Tg and sorption data were fitted with a polynomial equation and the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model respectively. A Tukey test was performed to evaluate the difference between critical values of the powders (P < 0.05). The awc and Xwc increase with WMD and depend on the chemical composition of the powders. The highest critical values were found in pineapple powders, ranging from 0.174 to 0.632 and 0.029 to 0.142 dry basis (d.b.), and the lowest ones in kiwi juice powders ranging from 0.029 to 0.550 and 0.013 to 0.129 (d.b.). For WMD of 0.8, however, regardless of juice composition, stable powders in an amorphous state were obtained up to an aw of 0.52 at 25°C.
Feminization of refugee: Intersectionality, solidarity, resistance
Authors: Sunata Ulaş , Özsoy Selin
Published: February 2022

This work aims to examine a possible change of feminist civil society pertaining to inclusivity with a particular interest in violence. It evaluates state‐civil society relations, coping mechanisms with domestic violence and solidarity patterns with female refugees. It proposes a novel theoretical contribution, ‘feminization of refugee’ suggesting a positive shift in the empowerment of refugee women through bidirectional solidarity, intersectionality and resistance which consequently diversifies and invigorates the civil society itself. The findings suggest that the manifestation of a resistant civil society in Turkey inclined to withhold a strong feminist stance with a rights‐based approach. The findings further manifest a growing need towards shelters in the pandemic experience which recalls capacity building requirements of civil society for refugee women against violence.
Reshaping wound care: Evaluation of an artificial intelligence app to improve wound assessment and management amid the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Barakat‐Johnson Michelle , Jones Aaron , Burger Mitch , Leong Thomas , Frotjold Astrid , Randall Sue , Kim Bora , Fethney Judith , Coyer Fiona
Published: February 2022

Wound documentation is integral to effective wound care, health data coding and facilitating continuity of care. This study evaluated the usability and effectiveness of an artificial intelligence application for wound assessment and management from a clinician‐and‐patient user perspective. A quasi‐experimental design was conducted in four settings in an Australian health service. Data were collected from patients in the standard group (n = 166, 243 wounds) and intervention group (n = 124, 184 wounds), at baseline and post‐intervention. Clinicians participated in a survey (n = 10) and focus group interviews (n = 13) and patients were interviewed (n = 4). Wound documentation data were analysed descriptively, and bivariate statistics were used to determine between‐group differences. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted. Compared with the standard group, wound documentation in the intervention group improved significantly (more than two items documented 24% vs 70%, P < .001). During the intervention, 101 out of 132 wounds improved (mean wound size reduction = 53.99%). Positive evaluations identified improvements such as instantaneous objective wound assessment, shared wound plans, increased patient adherence and enhanced efficiency in providing virtual care. The use of the application facilitated remote patient monitoring and reduced patient travel time while maintaining optimal wound care.
Changes in β‐diversity of saproxylic beetles along environmental gradients in temperate forests depend on species relative abundances
Authors: Sebek Pavel , Cizek Lukas , Hauck David , Miklin Jan , Konvicka Ondrej , Vodka Stepan , Thorn Simon
Published: February 2022

Aim

Understanding the processes that structure biological communities along environmental gradients remains one of the main aims of ecological research. A leading question is how differences in species composition between sites, that is, β‐diversity, change in habitats ordered along environmental gradients and how such changes vary with species relative abundances. The existing literature remains descriptive, mostly comparing communities from different parts of a gradient, but not tracking sequential changes of β‐diversity along the entire gradient.

Location

Temperate deciduous forests in Central Europe.

Taxa

Saproxylic beetles.

Methods

We applied a generalized concept of Hill numbers to data on the distribution of saproxylic beetles to test (i) whether community dissimilarities correlate with dissimilarities in major environmental variables (canopy openness, tree diameter and tree genus) and (ii) which mechanisms explain sequential changes of β‐diversity along these environmental gradients. Furthermore, we illustrate changes in the mean (α‐diversity) and total (γ‐diversity) number of species along the gradients.

Results

Dissimilarities in saproxylic beetle communities were positively correlated with dissimilarities in all studied environmental variables. Changes in β‐diversity along the gradients differed for different weighting of rare, common and dominant species, with rare and dominant species always showing opposite trends. β‐diversity increased simultaneously with increasing γ‐diversity when weight was given to dominant species. On the other hand, β‐diversity decreased when weight was given to rare species.

Main conclusions

The different response of rare and dominant species indicates a similar importance of stochastic and deterministic processes in determining β‐diversity. Although the changes in β‐diversity detected along the environmental gradients were relatively slight, major community dissimilarities were found when comparing communities in different locations of the environmental gradients.
Adding a dose of empathy to healthcare: What can healthcare systems do?
Authors: Kang Esther ShinHyun , Di Genova Tanya , Howick Jeremy , Gottesman Ronald
Published: February 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Healthcare practitioners often note system‐level barriers to empathy between patients and practitioners. These include burnout‐inducing administrative workloads, unfriendly meeting times, burdensome protocols, lack of wellbeing spaces, and undervaluing empathy as a core part of an institution's mission. The need for empathy in healthcare has been magnified with the current SARS‐COV‐2 outbreak which has limited the expression of interpersonal empathy due to rigid isolation protocols and the use of personal protective equipment.

Method

This study—the first of its kind that we are aware of—outlines the details of a facilitated workshop run with the leadership of a tertiary level pediatric center in Canada. The workshop used a modified nominal group technique to discuss and prioritize actions to enhance empathy into the hospital system.

Results

Inter‐professional and inter‐disciplinary group of healthcare leader participants agreed on several immediately actionable steps, including embedding patient satisfaction with care measures as standard, and streamlining booking appointments. A roadmap was created to implement the other priorities.

Conclusion

A systematic approach to infusing empathy into the structure of our healthcare system is much needed. Furthermore, inter‐professional and inter‐disciplinary educational workshops was well‐received as a way to facilitate discussion and drive change.
Predictable digital restorative workflow for minimally invasive esthetic rehabilitation utilizing a virtual patient model with global diagnosis principle
Authors: Li Yiyuan , Yu Yiqiang , Feng Yue , Liu Weicai
Published: February 2022

Objective

The conventional anterior esthetic treatment protocol is limited as it's time consuming and unreliable. A predictable digital workflow for minimally invasive anterior esthetic tooth rehabilitation with global diagnosis principle has been introduced in this report.

Clinical Considerations

A 23‐year‐old female patient with the chief complaint of unsatisfied shape and color of her anterior teeth visited our hospital for restorative consultation. Three‐dimensional Digital Smile Design was used to integrate into a virtual patient model to provide rehabilitative esthetic planning with global diagnostic principle. 3D printer was used for communication and guidance preparation. Digital impression and computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing technologies were adopted for making the morphology of designed restorations that can precisely transfer to definitive prostheses. The esthetics, functional occlusion, and gingival tissues remained stable for over a follow‐up period of 3 years. No signs of fractures within the restorations were observed.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive anterior esthetic tooth rehabilitation can be readily achieved using a predictable digital workflow with global diagnosis principle.

Clinical Significance

This digital approach might promote diagnosis, enhance communication, reduce processing time, and increase the predictability of final outcomes with high comfort and esthetic effect.
Risk from delayed or missed care and non‐COVID‐19 outcomes for older patients with chronic conditions during the pandemic
Authors: Smith Maureen , Vaughan Sarrazin Mary , Wang Xinyi , Nordby Peter , Yu Menggang , DeLonay Allie J. , Jaffery Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, patients with chronic illnesses avoided regular medical care, raising concerns about long‐term complications. Our objective was to identify a population of older patients with chronic conditions who may be at risk from delayed or missed care (DMC) and follow their non‐COVID outcomes during the pandemic.

Methods

We used a retrospective matched cohort design using Medicare claims and electronic health records at a large health system with community and academic clinics. Participants included 14,406 patients over 65 years old with two or more chronic conditions who had 1 year of baseline data and up to 9 months of postpandemic follow‐up from March 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020; and 14,406 matched comparison patients from 1 year prior. Risk from DMC was defined by 13 indicators, including chronic conditions, frailty, disability affecting the use of telehealth, recent unplanned acute care, prior missed outpatient care, and social determinants of health. Outcomes included mortality, inpatient events, Medicare payments, and primary care and specialty care visits (in‐person and telehealth).

Results

A total of 25% of patients had four or more indicators for risk from DMC. Per 1000 patients annually, those with four or more indicators had increased mortality of 19 patients (95% confidence interval, 4 to 32) and decreased utilization, including unplanned events (−496 events, −611 to −381) and primary care visits (−1578 visits, −1793 to −1401).

Conclusions

Older patients who had four or more indicators for risk from DMC had higher mortality and steep declines in inpatient and outpatient utilization during the pandemic.
Frailty among older surgical patients and risk of hospital acquired adverse events: The South‐Western Sydney frailty and nurse sensitive indicators study
Authors: McEvoy Lynette , Richter Matthew , Chen Tanghua , Le Ann , Wilson Carol , Marov Lynda , Gujraz Poumansing , Gray Leeanne , Mayahi‐Neysi Mandana , Francis Nevenka , Mai Ha Thi , He Steven , Chróinín Danielle Ní , Frost Steven A.
Published: February 2022

Background

While advances in healthcare mean people are living longer, increasing frailty is a potential consequence of this. The relationship between frailty among older surgical patients and hospital acquired adverse events has not been extensively explored. We sought to describe the relationship between increasing frailty among older surgical patients and the risk of hospital acquired adverse events.

Methods

We included consecutive surgical admissions among patients aged 70 years or more across the SWSLHD between January 2010 and December 2020. This study used routinely collected ICD‐10‐AM data, obtained from the government maintained Admitted Patient Data Collection. The relationships between cumulative frailty deficit items and risk of hospital acquired adverse events were assessed using Poisson regression modelling. This study followed the RECORD/STROBE guidelines.

Results

During the study period, 44,721 (57% women) older adults were admitted, and 41% (25,306) were planned surgical admissions. The risk of all adverse events increased with increasing number of frailty deficit items, the highest deficit items group (4–12 deficit items) compared with the lowest deficit items group (0 or 1 deficit item): falls adjusted rate ratio (adj RR) = 15.3, (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.1, 19.42); pressure injury adj RR = 21.3 (95% CI 12.53, 36.16); delirium adj RR = 40.9 (95% CI 31.21, 53.55); pneumonia adj RR = 16.5 (95% CI 12.74, 21.27); thromboembolism adj RR = 17.3 (95% CI 4.4, 11.92); and hospital mortality adj RR = 6.2 (95% CI 5.18, 7.37).

Conclusion

The increase in number of cumulative frailty deficit items among older surgical patients was associated with a higher risk of adverse hospital events. The link offers an opportunity to clinical nursing professionals in the surgical setting, to develop and implement targeted models of care and ensure the best outcomes for frail older adults and their families.
Effects of thalassemia on pregnancy outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Yinyin , Han Lu , Chen Xiangxu , He Jing , Fan Xiaoxiao , Dai Jiamiao , Liu Yanqun , Bai Jinbing
Published: February 2022

Aim

To explore the effect of thalassemia on pregnancy outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of women with GDM delivered at the Chongqing Maternal and Child Health Hospital in China between July 2017 and December 2020. The live singleton pregnancies with α or β‐thalassemia were identified as the thalassemia group, included α‐thalassemia subgroup and β‐thalassemia subgroup, whereas pregnant women without thalassemia were randomly selected as the non‐thalassemia group according to a control‐to‐case ratio of 10:1 by computerized randomization. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the potential association between thalassemia and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

A total of 223 pregnant women with GDM and thalassemia were analyzed, including women with α‐thalassemia (n = 143) and β‐thalassemia (n = 80). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes such as preterm birth and low‐birth weight among groups. However, among pregnancy complications, significant differences were detected in the incidence of placenta increta, polyhydramnios, and postpartum anemia between the thalassemia group and the non‐thalassemia group. Logistic regression results indicated that β‐thalassemia increased the risk of polyhydramnios (odds ratio [OR] = 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–13.65, p = 0.030) and chorioamnionitis (OR = 3.61, 95%CI: 1.04–12.49, p = 0.043) compared with the non‐thalassemia group.

Conclusion

In our study, thalassemia did not increase adverse neonatal outcomes, but β‐thalassemia increased the risk of pregnancy complications, including polyhydramnios and chorioamnionitis.
When More is Less: Quality and Variety Trade‐off in Sharing Economy Platforms
Authors: Skiti Tedi , Luo Xueming , Lin Zhijie
Published: February 2022

Platform owners often attempt to reduce information asymmetry between sellers and buyers by redesigning how users interact. One widely used platform design is to sort (i.e., rank) incumbent sellers based on their buyer‐generated ratings within a geographical area. We theorize that this mechanism may indirectly limit the entry of low‐quality sellers to the platform and therefore increase overall platform quality, but it may also reduce variety. As incumbents adjust their strategies to gain a display advantage, the competition effect functions as an additional barrier to sellers who would otherwise enter the platform. We use an extensive dataset from a sharing economy platform to identify sellers’ heterogeneous strategic responses at the market level. Our results highlight that platform owners may face an unintended trade‐off between product quality and variety at the local level when they design their rating systems.
The effects of maternal supplementation of rumen‐protected lysine during the close‐up dry period on newborn metabolism and growth in Holstein calves
Authors: Kawashima Chiho , Oie Hako , Mashimo Riku , Goto Akira , Kusaba Nobuyuki , Yamagishi Norio
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen‐protected lysine (RPL) supplementation during the close‐up period on blood metabolites and calf growth. Forty multiparous Holstein dams were selected based on parity, body condition score, and expected calving date, and randomly assigned to a group: with RPL (n = 22) or without (control [CON], n = 18). RPL dams were supplied daily with 80 g of RPL from Day 21 before the expected calving date to parturition. Blood samples were obtained from the dams before the start of supplementation, 1 week before calving, and immediately after calving, and from calves immediately after birth and weekly until 8 weeks of age. Body weight measurements were performed immediately after birth in all calves and at weekly intervals until 8 weeks of age in female calves. No significant difference was observed in serum metabolite levels and plasma amino acid concentrations between the RPL and CON dams before supplementation, whereas plasma lysine concentrations tended to be higher in RPL dams immediately after calving (p = 0.07). Serum total protein levels (p < 0.05) were higher, whereas plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total non‐essential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the calves of RPL dams than those of CON dams (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in calf birth weight between the two groups, although female calves of RPL dams (n = 7) had higher serum total protein (p < 0.05) and tended to have greater body weight (p = 0.09) from 1 to 8 weeks of age than those of CON dams (n = 11). Overall, RPL supplementation during the close‐up period may increase placenta‐mediated amino acid transfer to the foetus and enhance protein synthesis in the calf, leading to improved weight gain during the suckling period.
Polarization of human gingival fibroblasts by Th1‐, Th2‐, Th17‐, and Treg‐derived cytokines
Authors: Ha Da Young , Jung Jae‐Suk , Choi Geum Hee , Ji Suk
Published: February 2022

Background and objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gingival fibroblasts (GFs) can be differently activated and polarized into distinct functional subtypes by T‐helper (Th) cytokines.

Methods

Gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐17, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, representative cytokines of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells, respectively, and the gene expression profiles were analyzed by microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GFs stimulated by 4 cytokines were screened, and a gene ontology (GO) analysis of the DEGs was conducted. To confirm the reliability of the microarray results, the DEGs that showed the largest differences compared with non‐stimulated GFs were further analyzed by RT‐PCR. To evaluate the effect of polarization on GFs responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), GFs stimulated by 4 cytokines were further stimulated with Escherichia coli LPS and mRNA levels of several genes were analyzed using RT‐PCR.

Results

Differentially expressed genes by 4 Th cytokines were enriched in different GO terms, and the patterns of gene expression on GFs were shown functionally different. GFs stimulated with IFN‐γ (GF(IFN‐γ)) up‐regulated the expression of chemokines (chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL)9, −10, −11, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand (CCL)8), molecules involved in antigen presentation, complement component 3 (C3), and other immune response–related molecules, whereas they down‐regulated the expression of several types of collagen, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and DNA replication and nuclear protein–related molecules. By contrast, GF(IL‐4) up‐regulated the expression of ECM components, cell adhesion molecules, and tissue development–related molecules and down‐regulated the expression of chemokines (CXCL10 and CXCL8) and adaptive immune response–related molecules. GF(IL‐17) up‐regulated the expression of chemokines and other molecules for neutrophil infiltration and activation, the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6, and C3. GF(TGF‐β) up‐regulated the expression of cell growth–related molecules, ECM components, several types of collagen, and cell adhesion molecules and down‐regulated the expression of molecules related to complement activation and bacterial recognition. GFs stimulated by 4 cytokines responded differently to LPS.

Conclusion

These results show that Th cytokines can polarize GFs into cells with functionally distinct features: immune‐activating but tissue‐destructive GF(IFN‐γ), tissue‐reparative, and immune‐inhibiting GF(IL‐4), highly pro‐inflammatory GF(IL‐17), and potent tissue‐reparative GF(TGF‐β).
A strategy to improve the efficiency of spermatogenesis during the breeding seasons of Pelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Yang Yu‐Fei , Xing Lu , Wang Xin‐Yi , Yao Jia , Yin Shang‐Jun , Qian Guo‐Ying , Wang Wei , Park Yong‐Doo
Published: February 2022

The Chinese soft‐shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a reptile that undergoes seasonal reproduction. To produce enough spermatozoa during the mating season, immature spermatozoa can be quickly released from the testis. Cell morphological changes related to the maturation process are then completed in the epididymis. In this way, spermatozoa develop simultaneously in the epithelium and lumen of the seminiferous tubules, making sperm production much more efficient, which is a strategy to boost the efficiency of spermatogenesis. Morphological changes of spermatozoa can also occur in vitro. We found that when P. sinensis spermatozoa were maintained in vitro, the head could be transformed into an expanded shape with nucleolus‐like structures appearing inside. The results suggest that the process of morphological changes of P. sinensis sperm is a response to the seasonal reproduction and environmental changes. For most species, spermatogenesis and morphological maturation occur at the epithelium of the seminiferous tubule, but our results offer a new perspective in spermatogenesis of P. sinensis, and explain why spermatozoa can be produced so quickly during the breeding seasons.
Automated capillary flow segmentation and mapping for nailfold video capillaroscopy
Authors: Niizawa Tomoya , Yokemura Kota , Kusaka Tomoya , Sugashi Takuma , Miura Ichiro , Kawagoe Keiji , Masamoto Kazuto
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to develop an automated image analysis method for segmentation and mapping of capillary flow dynamics captured using nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC). Methods were applied to compare capillary flow structures and dynamics between young and middle‐aged healthy controls.

Methods

NVC images were obtained in a resting state, and a region of the vessel in the image was extracted using a conventional U‐Net neural network. The approximate length, diameter, and radius of the curvature were calculated automatically. Flow speed and its fluctuation over time were mapped using the Radon transform and frequency spectrum analysis from the kymograph image created along the vessel's centerline.

Results

The diameter of the curve segment (14.4 μm and 13.0 μm) and the interval of two straight segments (13.7 μm and 32.1 μm) of young and middle‐aged subjects, respectively, were significantly different. Faster flow was observed in older subjects (0.48 mm/s) than in younger subjects (0.26 mm/s). The power spectral analysis revealed a significant correlation between the high‐frequency power spectrum and the flow speed.

Conclusions

The present method allows a spatiotemporal characterization of capillary morphology and flow dynamics with NVC, allowing a wide application such as large‐scale health assessment.
A deep reinforcement learning‐based distributed connected automated vehicle control under communication failure
Authors: Shi Haotian , Zhou Yang , Wang Xin , Fu Sicheng , Gong Siyuan , Ran Bin
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)‐based distributed longitudinal control strategy for connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) under communication failure to stabilize traffic oscillations. Specifically, the signal‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio‐based vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication is incorporated into the DRL training environment to reproduce the realistic communication and time–space varying information flow topologies (IFTs). A dynamic information fusion mechanism is designed to smooth the high‐jerk control signal caused by the dynamic IFTs. Based on that, each CAV controlled by the DRL‐based agent was developed to receive the real‐time downstream CAVs’ state information and take longitudinal actions to achieve the equilibrium consensus in the multi‐agent system. Simulated experiments are conducted to tune the communication adjustment mechanism and further validate the control performance, oscillation dampening performance and generalization capability of our proposed algorithm.
Why Did the Origenist Controversy Begin? Re‐thinking the Standard Narratives
Authors: Rubenson Samuel
Published: February 2022

The Origenist controversy at the end of the fourth century was largely played out within a monastic context, and had, moreover, an immediate and extensive impact on the movement. In spite of this, studies of the controversy and its causes have mainly focused on the dogmatic issues foregrounded in the controversy, neglecting the more fundamental issues about why the legacy of Origen was important, but also considered dangerous, to the monastic tradition. In my contribution I draw on suggestions by Rowan Williams and Sarah Coakley on a growing tension between the monastic tradition with its emphasis on individual spiritual growth, and the gradually institutionalized church under the bishops with an emphasis on the society. I question previous approaches and propose an analysis of how the work of Origen related to the early monastic movement. Instead of a presumed inner‐monastic conflict between ‘Origenists’ and ‘non‐Origenists’, for which there is little evidence, I suggest that the legacy of Origen, being an essential element in the Christian transformation of classical paideia, was fundamental to the making of monasticism. Based on recent work on early Egyptian monasticism as basically an educational movement in its broadest sense, I argue that Origen’s views on how and why to read the Scriptures, and how reading relates to prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, were crucial in early monastic tradition and clearly mirrored in our fourth‐century monastic sources.
COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA): Risk factors and development of a predictive score for critically ill COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Calderón‐Parra Jorge , Mills‐Sanchez Patricia , Moreno‐Torres Victor , Tejado‐Bravo Sandra , Romero‐Sánchez Isabel , Balandin‐Moreno Bárbara , Calvo‐Salvador Marina , Portero‐Azorín Francisca , García‐Masedo Sarela , Muñez‐Rubio Elena , Ramos‐Martinez Antonio , Fernández‐Cruz Ana ,   the HUPH IFI Study Group
Published: February 2022

Background

COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a major complication of critically ill COVID‐19 patients, with a high mortality rate and potentially preventable. Thus, identifying patients at high risk of CAPA would be of great interest. We intended to develop a clinical prediction score capable of stratifying patients according to the risk for CAPA at ICU admission.

Methods

Single centre retrospective case–control study. A case was defined as a patient diagnosed with CAPA according to 2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. 2 controls were selected for each case among critically ill COVID‐19 patients.

Results

28 CAPA patients and 56‐matched controls were included. Factors associated with CAPA included old age (68 years vs. 62, p = .033), active smoking (17.9% vs. 1.8%, p = .014), chronic respiratory diseases (48.1% vs. 26.3%, p = .043), chronic renal failure (25.0% vs. 3.6%, p = .005), chronic corticosteroid treatment (28.6% vs. 1.8%, p < .001), tocilizumab therapy (92.9% vs. 66.1%, p = .008) and high APACHE II at ICU admission (median 13 vs. 10 points, p = .026). A score was created including these variables, which showed an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.854 (95% CI 0.77‐0.92). A punctuation below 6 had a negative predictive value of 99.6%. A punctuation of 10 or higher had a positive predictive value of 27.9%.

Conclusion

We present a clinical prediction score that allowed to stratify critically ill COVID‐19 patients according to the risk for developing CAPA. This CAPA score would allow to target preventive measures. Further evaluation of the score, as well as the utility of these targeted preventive measures, is needed.
Paying Attention to Biodiversity and Its Theological Significance
Authors: Deane-Drummond Celia
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on one scientific aspect of eco-theology, which I argue has not yet received sufficient attention either within public discussion or from theologians, namely, that of biodiversity. Given the entanglement between biodiversity loss, climate change, and poverty, understanding the biological context is significant ethically quite irrespective of the presuppositions of different philosophical approaches to eco-theology. After beginning with a more general argument for why it is important for theologians and theological ethicists to engage with and understand different aspects of the relevant science, I will then survey scientific accounts of current biodiversity loss, including arguments for its relevance to social justice questions. I then provide an outline of the first steps towards a theological ethic on biodiversity, drawing on the insights of Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ and Thomas Aquinas’ understanding of the ecologically relevant virtues of practical wisdom and mercy.
Bringing People to the Table in New Ventures: An Effectual Approach
Authors: Sarasvathy Saras , Botha Helet
Published: February 2022

When building new ventures, entrepreneurs confront the three problems of Knightian uncertainty, goal ambiguity, and isotropy. The literature on effectuation offers a framework for action, interaction, and reaction within the prediction control space that can help entrepreneurs tackle the above three problems. In this article, we offer a framework consisting of four approaches to negotiation that populate the prediction‐control space, namely, Pitch, Help, Deal, and (Effectual) Ask. While we emphasize the effectual quadrant, we examine all four from a practical perspective informed by theory, while forging important connections with established works in negotiation research. Along the way, we offer illustrative examples as well as ideas for future research at the nexus of entrepreneurship and negotiation.
OsSWEET11b, a potential sixth leaf blight susceptibility gene involved in sugar transport‐dependent male fertility
Authors: Wu Lin‐Bo , Eom Joon‐Seob , Isoda Reika , Li Chenhao , Char Si Nian , Luo Dangping , Schepler‐Luu Van , Nakamura Masayoshi , Yang Bing , Frommer Wolf B.
Published: February 2022

SWEETs play important roles in intercellular sugar transport. Induction of SWEET sugar transporters by Transcription Activator‐Like effectors (TALe) of Xanthomonas ssp. is key for virulence in rice, cassava and cotton.

We identified OsSWEET11b with roles in male fertility and potential bacterial blight (BB) susceptibility in rice. While single ossweet11a or 11b mutants were fertile, double mutants were sterile. As clade III SWEETs can transport gibberellin (GA), a key hormone for spikelet fertility, sterility and BB susceptibility might be explained by GA transport deficiencies. However, in contrast with the Arabidopsis homologues, OsSWEET11b did not mediate detectable GA transport. Fertility and susceptibility therefore are likely to depend on sucrose transport activity.

Ectopic induction of OsSWEET11b by designer TALe enabled TALe‐free Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) to cause disease, identifying OsSWEET11b as a potential BB susceptibility gene and demonstrating that the induction of host sucrose uniporter activity is key to virulence of Xoo. Notably, only three of six clade III SWEETs are targeted by known Xoo strains from Asia and Africa.

The identification of OsSWEET11b is relevant for fertility and for protecting rice against emerging Xoo strains that target OsSWEET11b.
Aetiology and associations of halitosis: A systematic review
Authors: Memon Maaz Anwer , Memon Hifza Anwer , Muhammad Faizan E , Fahad Shehzad , Siddiqui Amna , Lee Ka Yiu , Tahir Muhammad Junaid , Yousaf Zohaib
Published: February 2022

Halitosis is a term that refers to an unpleasant or foul odour originating from the oral cavity that can be caused by either intra‐oral or extra‐oral factors. Despite the fact that halitosis has multifactorial aetiology, intra‐oral factors play a significant role in the majority of cases. This systematic review assesses halitosis's intra‐oral and extra‐oral associations. An electronic search through MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar and the Wiley Online Library was conducted to identify relevant manuscripts. A keywords‐based search was performed, using the terms ‘halitosis’, ‘bad‐breath’, and ‘oral malodour causes and aetiology’. Articles published from January 2014 to December 2020 were included. We selected studies evaluating the intra‐oral and extra‐oral factors that induce oral malodour, as well as the factors associated with systemic diseases. Eighty to ninety percent of halitosis is caused by intra‐oral factors, with coated tongue, periodontal diseases and poor oral hygiene practices being the principal factors. Ten to twenty percent of halitosis is induced by extra‐oral factors associated with systemic diseases. Multiple factors can cause halitosis, but most of the aetiology is intra‐oral. Increased medical awareness is needed to determine the actual pathophysiological process of oral malodour in otherwise healthy individuals.
Photodynamic Activation of the Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor with Tagged Genetically Encoded Protein Photosensitizers: Optimizing the Tagging Patterns
Authors: Li Yuan , Cui Zong Jie
Published: February 2022

Cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) is activated photodynamically. For this to happen in situ, genetically encoded protein photosensitizers (GEPP) may be tagged to natively expressed CCK1R, but how to best tag GEPP has not been examined. Therefore, GEPP (miniSOG or KillerRed) was tagged to CCK1R and light‐driven photodynamic CCK1R activation was monitored by Fura‐2 fluorescent calcium imaging, to screen for optimized tagging patterns. Blue light‐emitting diode irradiation of CHO‐K1 cells expressing miniSOG fused to N‐ or C‐terminus of CCK1R was found to both trigger persistent calcium oscillations—a hallmark of permanent photodynamic CCK1R activation. Photodynamic CCK1R activation was accomplished also with miniSOG fused to N‐terminus of CCK1R via linker (GlySerGly)4 or 8, but not linker (GSG)12 or an internal ribosomal entry site insert. KillerRed fused to N‐ or C‐terminus of CCK1R after white light irradiation resulted in similar activation of in‐frame CCK1R. Photodynamic CCK1R activation in miniSOG‐CCK1R‐CHO‐K1 cells was blocked by singlet oxygen (1O2) quencher uric acid or Trolox C, corroborating the role of 1O2 as the reactive intermediate. It is concluded that photodynamic CCK1R activation can be achieved either with direct GEPP fusion to CCK1R or fusion via a short linker, fusion via long linkers might serve as the internal control.
Fear and Loathing of Wall Street: Political Liberalism, Uncertainty, and Threat Management in a Dangerous Economic World
Authors: Fiagbenu Michael Edem , Kessler Thomas
Published: February 2022

Conservatives perceive the world as a more dangerous and threatening place than liberals, which explains conservatives’ more cautious social behaviors and their greater support for policies (e.g., anti‐immigration and harsher punitive measures) that aim to manage and reduce perceived threats and uncertainties. However, past research operationalized the “world” as a place replete with social and physical threats (e.g., street crimes and terrorism). Less attention has been given to the economic world, which is equally characterized by threatening events (e.g., corporate crimes, stock market crashes). In four studies, we examined whether differences in appraisal of the economic world explain ideological differences in stock market participation and neoliberal economic policy preferences. The findings reveal that liberals perceive the stock market as a more dangerous and riskier place than conservatives. This asymmetry explains liberals’ cautious investment behaviors, their greater support for regulation of the stock market, and their greater opposition to privatization of Social Security. We argue that liberals’ greater support for these policies serves to protect investors and the general public from the perceived harms of the economic world. Our findings suggest that the psychological processes underlying threat management and uncertainty reduction are similar for conservatives and liberals, but these processes are context dependent.
Aggressiveness of Phytophthora medicaginis on chickpea: Phenotyping method determines isolate ranking and host genotype‐by‐isolate interactions
Authors: Bithell Sean L. , Backhouse David , Harden Steve , Drenth André , Moore Kevin , Flavel Richard J. , Hobson Kristy
Published: February 2022

Phytophthora medicaginis causing Phytophthora root rot of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is an important disease, with genetic resistance using C. arietinum × Cicer echinospermum crosses as the main disease management strategy. We evaluated pathogenic variation in P. medicaginis populations with the aim of improving phenotyping methods for disease resistance. We addressed the question of individual isolate aggressiveness across four different seedling‐based phenotyping methods conducted in glasshouses and one field‐based phenotyping method. Our results revealed that a seedling media surface inoculation method used on a susceptible C. arietinum variety and a moderately resistant C. arietinum × C. echinospermum backcross detected the greatest variability in aggressiveness among 37 P. medicaginis isolates. Evaluations of different components of resistance, using our different phenotyping methods, revealed that differential pathogen–isolate reactions occur with some phenotyping methods. We found support for our hypotheses that the level of aggressiveness of P. medicaginis isolates depends on the phenotyping method, and that phenotyping methods interact with both isolate and host genotype reactions. Our cup‐based root inoculation method showed promise as a non‐field‐based phenotyping method, as it provided significant correlations with genotype–isolate rankings in the field experiment for a number of disease parameters.
Comparison of two staining techniques on the manual and automated canine sperm morphology analysis
Authors: Surmacz Paulina , Niwinska Anna , Kautz Ewa , Gizinski Slawomir , Faundez Ricardo
Published: February 2022

Detailed and direct analysis of semen, including sperm morphology, enables a diagnosis of male fertility. This study aimed to describe an economical and verified protocol for canine spermiograms and compare the effectiveness of Sperm Stain® and Sperm Blue® (Microptic, Spain) in veterinary practice. Sperm assessment was conducted manually, using a standard optical microscope, and via computerized semen analysis using the SCA® CASA (Sperm Class Analyzer® CASA System‐MICROPTIC, Spain). This study showed that Sperm Blue® is a better solution for computerized sperm quality analysis of healthy dogs. At the same time, Sperm Stain® turned out to be more helpful in identifying specific morphological defects of sperm. Automated canine sperm morphology analysis worked better with Sperm Blue stain, but Sperm Stain simplified manual evaluation of various organelles’ defects. Standard, manual examination is more error‐prone for an inexperienced andrology technician, but it seems to be still a gold standard technique for canine sperm assessment.
Hyperhidrosis and human leucocyte antigens in the Danish Blood Donor Study
Authors: AS Henning Mattias , Hother Christoffer E. , Banasik Karina , Ibler Kristina S. , Rye Ostrowski Sisse , Erikstrup Christian , Nielsen Kaspar R. , Ullum Henrik , Hjalgrim Henrik , Hansen Thomas F. , Kaspersen Kathrine A. , Sørensen Betina S. , Sækmose Susanne G. , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Pedersen Ole B.
Published: February 2022

Familial clustering of the skin disease primary hyperhidrosis suggests a genetic component to the disease. The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) is implicated in a range of diseases, including many comorbidities to hyperhidrosis. No study has investigated whether the HLA genes are involved in the pathogenesis of hyperhidrosis. We, therefore, compared HLA alleles in individuals with and without hyperhidrosis in this study of 65 000 blood donors. In this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved information on individuals with and without hyperhidrosis using self‐reported questionnaires, the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish National Prescription Registry on participants recruited to the Danish Blood Donor Study between 2010 and 2019. Association tests using logistic regression were conducted for each HLA allele corrected for sex, age, body mass index, smoking and principal components. Overall, 145 of 65 795 (0.2%) participants had hospital diagnosed hyperhidrosis. Similarly, 1379 of 15 530 (8.9%) participants had moderate‐severe self‐reported hyperhidrosis, of whom 447 (2.9%) had severe self‐reported hyperhidrosis. Altogether, 28 participants had both hospital diagnosed and moderate‐severe self‐reported hyperhidrosis. Severe self‐reported hyperhidrosis was associated with HLA‐A*80:01 (adjusted odds ratio 26.97; 95% confidence interval 5.32‐136.70; n = 7; P < .001). Moderate‐severe self‐reported hyperhidrosis and hospital diagnosed hyperhidrosis were not associated with any HLA. The association between hyperhidrosis and HLA‐A*80:01 was based on a very small number of cases and not replicated in other patient subsets, and therefore likely a chance finding. Thus, this study suggests that genes other than the HLA are involved in the pathogenesis of hyperhidrosis.
Hemispherical Photographs: A Review of Acquisition Methods and Applications in the Context of Urban Energy and Environment Assessments
Authors: Rehman Naveed ur
Published: February 2022

From the use of a pinhole camera placed under a water tank, which was proposed almost 100 years ago, to the application of modern digital cameras mounted with sophisticated fisheye lenses, acquisition methods for capturing hemispherical photographs undergone vigorous research and development. Over the past few decades, such photographs have been extensively used in evaluating energy and environmental aspects in urban contexts. In this review article, the advantages, limitations, and challenges of the various methods of acquiring photographs are described and compared. This involves both the devices themselves and the software tools. Several methods of direct acquisition of hemispheric photographs involving digital cameras, smartphones, the use of drones for photographs at elevations, and the application of thermal imaging technologies are discussed in detail. Indirect methods for generating hemispheric photographs are also discussed, highlighting the use of images from applications such as Google Street View (GSV). Based on a review of technical literature, several applications in energy and the environment that use information from hemispheric photographs as an analysis tool are presented and discussed. Among others, the following are discussed: the quantification of solar radiation potential; the assessment of indicators of local temperature and level of thermal comfort for pedestrians in urban areas; indoor and outdoor daylighting; and air and light pollution. Finally, several potential future research directions for the use of hemispherical photographs in built environments are discussed. These include advances in image processing, use of thermal imaging, solar potential assessment of solar-powered vehicles, applications of drone-mounted hemispherical photography, and fisheye videos.
Nuclear Power Coupled With Thermal Energy Storage: Impact of Technical Performance on Economics in an Exemplary Electricity Grid
Authors: Carlson Fletcher , Davidson Jane H.
Published: February 2022

Thermal energy storage (TES) coupled with nuclear energy could be a transformative contribution to address the mismatch in energy production and demand that occur with the expanding use of solar and wind energy. TES can generate new revenue for the nuclear plant and help decarbonize the electricity grid. Prior work by the authors identified two technical approaches to interface TES with nuclear. One, termed the primary cycle TES, charges and discharges the TES within the main Rankine power cycle. The second, termed the secondary cycle TES or SCTES, discharges the TES to a secondary power cycle. The present work analyzes the potential economic benefits of TES in an arbitrage market for a 1050 MWe nuclear plant. The study is the first to provide a realistic quantification of the impacts of changes in capacity factor due to use of TES on revenue and internal rate of return (IRR). The analysis is for a three-year period for peaking powers from 120% to 150% of the conventional nuclear plant for an exemplary deregulated utility represented by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The SCTES consistently provides the highest revenue and IRR. The benefits increase with increasing use of TES and variability of electricity prices. The results provide a technically sound understanding of the effects of how TES is integrated with nuclear power on economics and strong economic support for pursuing design and implementation of the SCTES.