bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transposon accumulation at xenobiotic gene family loci in aphids
Authors: Baril Tobias , Pym Adam , Bass Chris , Hayward Alex
Published: October 2023

The evolution of resistance is a major challenge for the sustainable control of pests and pathogens. Thus, a deeper understanding of the evolutionary and genomic mechanisms underpinning resistance evolution is required to safeguard health and food production. Several studies have implicated transposable elements (TEs) in xenobiotic-resistance evolution in insects. However, analyses are generally restricted to one insect species and/or one or a few xenobiotic gene families (XGFs). We examine evidence for TE accumulation at XGFs by performing a comparative genomic analysis across 20 aphid genomes, considering major subsets of XGFs involved in metabolic resistance to insecticides: cytochrome P450s, glutathioneS-transferases, esterases, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, and ABC transporters. We find that TEs are significantly enriched at XGFs compared with other genes. XGFs show similar levels of TE enrichment to those of housekeeping genes. But unlike housekeeping genes, XGFs are not constitutively expressed in germline cells, supporting the selective enrichment of TEs at XGFs rather than enrichment owing to chromatin availability. Hotspots of extreme TE enrichment occur around certain XGFs. We find, in aphids of agricultural importance, particular enrichment of TEs around cytochrome P450 genes with known functions in the detoxification of synthetic insecticides. Our results provide evidence supporting a general role for TEs as a source of genomic variation at host XGFs and highlight the existence of considerable variability in TE content across XGFs and host species. These findings show the need for detailed functional verification analyses to clarify the significance of individual TE insertions and elucidate underlying mechanisms at TE–XGF hotspots.
How cultural values integrate with each other to trigger sustainable consumption: a cross-culture study
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh , Le Thi Loan , Lee Eun-Mi , Gadomska-Lila Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This cross-culture study aims to investigate how two cultural values, collectivism (COL) and long-term orientation (LTO), integrate with each other to trigger green consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from three consumer surveys in Vietnam, South Korea and Poland, this study employs polynomial regression with response surface analysis as a methodological approach to assess the complementary, balanced and imbalanced effects of cultural dimensions (COL and LTO) on consumers' green purchase intention (GPI) and behaviors.

Findings

First, this study found that, in Vietnam, both COL and LTO had a significant positive effect on GPI. However, only COL demonstrated a significant effect on GPI in South Korea and Poland. Second, this study also revealed that, in all three countries, when COL and LTO were in agreement, the degree of GPI was higher when COL and LTO were higher. The findings also showed that an increase in the imbalance between COL and LTO integration in the Vietnam sample led to a decrease in consumers' GPI. However, this relationship was insignificant in the South Korea and Poland samples.

Originality/value

This study enriches the understanding of green purchase behavior (GPB) and its underlying cultural factors within a cross-cultural framework. In particular, it enhances the knowledge of the debated relationship between different facets of cultural values (specifically, COL and LTO) and pro-environmental behavior, shedding light on this complex relationship in the context of the three different countries.
Inhibitory influence of supply chain digital transformation on bullwhip effect feedback difference
Authors: Gao Jing , Gao Yang , Guan Tao , Liu Sisi , Ma Tao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper breaks through the limitations of the research on bullwhip effect in the traditional supply chain, extends the research perspective to digital supply chain and discusses the weakening effect of digital supply chain on bullwhip effect by comparing the overall performance of the two.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper starts with the weakening mechanism of supply chain digitization on bullwhip effect, builds bullwhip effect models of traditional supply chain and digital supply chain, respectively, simulates the influence of supply chain digitization transformation on bullwhip effect by using Matlab software and analyzes the causes of bullwhip effect in supply chain led by T company and the digitization process.

Findings

Firstly, digitization can reduce bullwhip effect in multi-level supply chain by reducing information feedback deviation. Second, digital transformation is conducive to improving the overall performance of the supply chain. Third, government incentives can promote the digital transformation of supply chain and inhibit bullwhip effect.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study considers the heterogeneous subject -- the government's incentive effect on digital transformation and information sharing – it does not include the influence of the end node in the supply chain, that is the consumer. In addition, this paper only analyzes and discusses the bullwhip effect on the amplification of demand, without considering the situation that the market contraction will lead to the reduction of demand.

Practical implications

This paper considers the distortion degree and delay degree of information feedback, carries out quantitative analysis of bullwhip effect, builds the bullwhip effect model of traditional supply chain and digital supply chain, uses Matlab software to analyze the difference of the influence of supply chain digital transformation on bullwhip effect suppression and puts forward the corresponding control strategy.

Social implications

The research shows that digital transformation can reduce the bullwhip effect in multi-layer supply chain by reducing the information feedback deviation, which is conducive to improving the overall supply chain performance, and government support can accelerate the digital transformation of supply chain to a certain extent.

Originality/value

First, break through the limitations of traditional supply chain research, expand the research perspective to digital supply chain and discuss the weakening effect of digital supply chain on bullwhip effect by comparing the overall performance of the two. Second, quantify the bullwhip effect through information feedback bias and provide an analysis method for the weakening of the bullwhip effect. Third, the driving role of the government in the digital transformation of the supply chain is considered in the study, so that the model is more close to the actual situation of enterprise operation.
Meshfree algorithms for analysis and computational modeling of multidimensional hyperbolic wave models
Authors: Pandit Sapna , Verma Pooja , Kumar Manoj , Poonam
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This article offered two meshfree algorithms, namely the local radial basis functions-finite difference (LRBF-FD) approximation and local radial basis functions-differential quadrature method (LRBF-DQM) to simulate the multidimensional hyperbolic wave models and work is an extension of Jiwari (2015).

Design/methodology/approach

In the evolvement of the first algorithm, the time derivative is discretized by the forward FD scheme and the Crank-Nicolson scheme is used for the rest of the terms. After that, the LRBF-FD approximation is used for spatial discretization and quasi-linearization process for linearization of the problem. Finally, the obtained linear system is solved by the LU decomposition method. In the development of the second algorithm, semi-discretization in space is done via LRBF-DQM and then an explicit RK4 is used for fully discretization in time.

Findings

For simulation purposes, some 1D and 2D wave models are pondered to instigate the chastity and competence of the developed algorithms.

Originality/value

The developed algorithms are novel for the multidimensional hyperbolic wave models. Also, the stability analysis of the second algorithm is a new work for these types of model.
Redefining banks in the digital era: a typology of banks and their research, managerial and policy implications
Authors: Mogaji Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to shed light on the evolving nature of banks in the digital era and the implications for bank marketing and management. The research addresses the need for a comprehensive typology of banks that integrates fintech and explores how traditional and app-only banks strategically position their brands. The key argument is that understanding the changing landscape of banking and the impact of technological advancements is crucial for banks to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by fintech and digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines literature and practices to develop a typology of banks, describing their characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and providing examples. It also proposes new research agendas for scholars and practitioners in the field.

Findings

This paper introduces a typology of banks based on their adoption of fintech and digital technologies. Three distinct types of banks are identified: Traditional banks adopting FinTech (TBAF), Traditionally Driven Neo Banks (TDNBs) and Digitally Driven Neo Banks (DDNBs). TBAF are traditional banks that have embraced fintech solutions to enhance their operations and customer experiences. TDNBs represent a hybrid model, combining the trusted brand and infrastructure of traditional banks with the digital capabilities and agility of neo banks. DDNBs are purely digital banks that operate exclusively online, offering innovative and user-friendly banking services.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering work that classified banks based on their utilization of fintech and digital technologies. The study provides a typology of banks based on fintech adoption, offering valuable insights for bank managers, policymakers and researchers. The research also outlines a research agenda, suggesting future investigations to further enhance understanding of the evolving banking landscape and its implications.
Sale to list ratio, for-sale inventory, sale count, and housing value
Authors: Zhang Xingrui , Wang Yunpeng , Yang Eunhwa , Xu Shuai , Yu Yihang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is twofold: first, to observe the relationship between sale to list ratio (SLR)/ for-sale inventory (FSI)/ sale count nowcast (SCN) and real/nominal housing value, and second, to produce a handbook of empirical evidence that can serve as a foundation for future research on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper broadly compiles empirical evidence, using three of the most common causality tests in the field of housing economics. The analysis methods include lagged Pearson correlation test, Granger causality test and cointegration test.

Findings

Causal relationships were observed between SLR/FSI/SCN and both nominal and real housing values. SLR and SCN showed positive long-term correlations with housing value, whereas FSI had a negative correlation. Adjusting the housing value with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to derive real housing values could potentially alter the direction of the causal relationships. It is crucial to distinguish the long-term relationship from temporal dynamics, as FSI displayed a positive immediate impulse–response relationship with nominal housing price despite the negative long-term correlation.

Originality/value

SLR/FSI/SCN are housing market parameters that have only recently begun to be documented and have seen little use in research. So far, housing market research has revolved around traditional macroeconomic indicators such as unemployment rate. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies that introduce these three parameters into housing market research.
MBC-Net: long-range enhanced feature fusion for classifying remote sensing images
Authors: Song Huaxiang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Classification of remote sensing images (RSI) is a challenging task in computer vision. Recently, researchers have proposed a variety of creative methods for automatic recognition of RSI, and feature fusion is a research hotspot for its great potential to boost performance. However, RSI has a unique imaging condition and cluttered scenes with complicated backgrounds. This larger difference from nature images has made the previous feature fusion methods present insignificant performance improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

This work proposed a two-convolutional neural network (CNN) fusion method named main and branch CNN fusion network (MBC-Net) as an improved solution for classifying RSI. In detail, the MBC-Net employs an EfficientNet-B3 as its main CNN stream and an EfficientNet-B0 as a branch, named MC-B3 and BC-B0, respectively. In particular, MBC-Net includes a long-range derivation (LRD) module, which is specially designed to learn the dependence of different features. Meanwhile, MBC-Net also uses some unique ideas to tackle the problems coming from the two-CNN fusion and the inherent nature of RSI.

Findings

Extensive experiments on three RSI sets prove that MBC-Net outperforms the other 38 state-of-the-art (STOA) methods published from 2020 to 2023, with a noticeable increase in overall accuracy (OA) values. MBC-Net not only presents a 0.7% increased OA value on the most confusing NWPU set but also has 62% fewer parameters compared to the leading approach that ranks first in the literature.

Originality/value

MBC-Net is a more effective and efficient feature fusion approach compared to other STOA methods in the literature. Given the visualizations of grad class activation mapping (Grad-CAM), it reveals that MBC-Net can learn the long-range dependence of features that a single CNN cannot. Based on the tendency stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) results, it demonstrates that the feature representation of MBC-Net is more effective than other methods. In addition, the ablation tests indicate that MBC-Net is effective and efficient for fusing features from two CNNs.
Insomnia and post-migration stress among resettled Syrian refugees: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Straiton Melanie Lindsay , Hynek Kamila Angelika , Nissen Alexander
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Post-migration stress is an important aspect of refugees’ mental health, but little is known about the relationship with insomnia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the assication between different post-migration stress factors and insomnia among Syrian refugees living in Norway.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed survey data from the REFUGE study with 873 Syrian adults who resettled in Norway between 2015 and 2017. Potential participants were randomly selected from The Norwegian Population Register. Insomnia was measured using the Bergen Insomnia Scale. Perceived-discrimination, navigation difficulties, financial strain and loss of social status were measured via the refugee post-migration stress scale. The authors ran logistic regression analyses, controlling for socio-demographics, potentially traumatic experiences and symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Findings

Overall, 59% (95% CI, 56%–62%) of the sample reported experiencing insomnia. In the fully-adjusted model, only financial strain and navigation difficulties were significantly associated with increased odds of insomnia. Loss of social status was also related to insomnia but only before adjusting for symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Originality/value

Financial strain and navigation difficulties appear to be the most important post-migration stress factors in terms of insomnia among Syrian refugees living in Norway. Ameliorating these difficulties could potentially reduce insomnia among refugees. Since insomnia is a risk factor for the subsequent development of post-traumatic stress and depression, it is important to prevent or improve symptoms of insomnia among Syrian refugees, especially considering the high prevalence found in this study.
The structural relationships between students' field of study choice, learning readiness and academic competence in higher education: the mediating role of student engagement
Authors: Assefa Yalalem , Gebremeskel Melaku Mengistu , Tilwani Shouket Ahmad , Moges Bekalu Tadesse , Azmera Yibeltal Aemiro
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is aimed to estimate the mediating role of student engagement in the structural relationships between students' field of study choice, learning readiness and academic competence of undergraduate students in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study process, a correlational design was employed. Data were collected from 419 participants who were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study findings showed neither field of study choice nor learning readiness has a significant direct effect on student's academic competence. However, when student engagement, entered the relationships between “field of study choice and academic competence” as well as “learning readiness and academic competence”, the indirect effects became significant. Both conditions, therefore, suggesting student engagement had a full mediation role in the structural relationship models.

Originality/value

Based on the results, it can be concluded that student engagement is shown as one of the key variables used to comprehend how students develop competence in the teaching-learning process. Hence, teachers and academic administrators could use engagement as a strong instrument to optimize students' learning and academic competence to enhance their academic success.
Navigating the challenges of female leadership in the information and communication technology and engineering sectors
Authors: Ramseook-Munhurrun Prabha , Naidoo Perunjodi , Armoogum Sandhya
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper addresses the issue of the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the information and communication technology (ICT) and engineering fields. The study examines the complex issue of vertical segregation and gender equality by exploring the barriers that women encounter and the potential coping strategies they adopt to advance in their careers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 17 women at middle and upper management levels in the ICT and engineering sectors. This approach aims to better understand women's workplace experiences and gain deeper insights into the nature of the barriers they face.

Findings

The study identifies four main factors hindering women's progression toward senior management positions, namely working hours, work-family conflict, social role stereotypes and second-generation bias. The results also offer useful insights into the coping strategies adopted by women to overcome these barriers.

Practical implications

The study highlights the persisting underrepresentation of women in senior positions, indicating a societal and organizational lag in terms of inclusion and equity. It underscores the importance of developing effective policies to address the challenges faced by employees striving to balance their work and family commitments. Training is recognized as an important tool for raising awareness about gender stereotypes among employees and reducing second-generation bias.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable lessons derived from its findings, including potential strategies that organizations can implement to help women navigate and overcome workplace barriers in the ICT and engineering fields.
Public monitoring of environmental management plan implementation in road construction projects: key performance indicators
Authors: Dahalan Nurol Huda , Rahman Rahimi A. , Ahmad Saffuan Wan , Che Ibrahim Che Khairil Izam
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the performance indicators (PIs) for assessing environmental management plan (EMP) implementation in road construction projects. The specific objectives are to compare the key PIs between environment auditors and environment officers and among project stakeholders, develop components to categorize interrelated key PIs and evaluate the effectiveness of interrelated key PIs and components.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-nine PIs were identified through a systematic literature review and in-depth interviews with environmental professionals. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was designed based on this list of PIs and distributed to industry professionals. Sixty-one responses were collected in Malaysia and analyzed using the mean score ranking, normalization, agreement analysis, overlap analysis, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation.

Findings

The analyses identified 18 key PIs: soil erosion, dust appearance, spill of chemical substance, construction waste, clogged drainage, overflowed silt trap, oil/fuel spills, changes in the colour of bodies of water, excessive cut and fill, vegetation depletion, changes in the colour of the runoff water, landslide occurrence, slope failures, irregular flood, public safety, deforestation, open burning and increased of schedule waste. Also, the key PIs can be grouped and ranked into the following four components: geological, pollution, environmental changes and ecological. Finally, the overall importance of the key PIs is between important and very important.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneer in quantitively examining the key PIs for EMP implementation in road construction projects. Researchers, industry practitioners and policymakers can use the findings to develop strategies and tools to allow public monitoring of EMP implementation.
Knowledge transfer in Peru microentrepreneurs. The effects on personal and business improvement
Authors: Ramirez Lozano Julianna Paola , Rojas Valdez Kelly , Sosa Varela Juan Carlos
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of microentrepreneurs’ knowledge transfer (KT) on personal improvement (PI) and business improvement (BI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study was developed in two stages: a literature review based on KT and the learning process in microenterprises to have managerial competence and PI and BI to acquire the managerial competence that entrepreneurs need. The second stage was constructing a structural model based on 107 questionnaires and bootstrapping of 5,000 replications of microentrepreneurs who went through a training program (quantitative) and a focus group (qualitative). This study had a mixed approach, exploratory scope and experimental design.

Findings

The research showed real evidence about the performance level of microentrepreneurs when they passed through the process of KT and its impact on PI and BI. This research considers their managerial competencies, and the findings show a relationship between the theory of individual and organizational learning.

Research limitations/implications

This study considered Peruvian microentrepreneurs who participated in a virtual training program that included several courses related to their current environments and topics of interest. The analyzed period covered the years affected by COVID-19.

Practical implications

The model reveals that KT is relevant to PI and BI. Performance was measured regarding growth, income, innovation, productivity and responsibility before and after the program.

Social implications

This research analyzed the need for training microentrepreneurs for personal and private reasons under a COVID-19 scenario to foster their businesses and assume financial responsibilities. This study considered Peru’s reality, a country in which 94.9% of companies are microenterprises. The study revealed that microentrepreneurs improved their personal and professional lives and addressed relevant social problems that affect their environments because of the KT effects.

Originality/value

This study bridges the gap in the literature on how the theory of KT can be applied to entrepreneurs. This study revealed significant findings in terms of PI and BIs. The impact of KT indicates the relevance of managerial competencies related to the performance level obtained in terms of growth, income, innovation, productivity and responsibility.
A reconceptualisation of the housing cycle based on household upgrading desires
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper sets out a conceptualisation of the housing cycle centring on households' desire to upgrade their housing consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by studying house price trends and cycles in OECD countries since 2000 to identify housing cycle patterns. It then assesses existing theories partly in relation to these patterns. It then proposes a new conceptualisation of the housing cycle.

Findings

The paper finds the central role of supply lags in housing cycles is not warranted. Instead, a demand cycle generated by upgrading desires better explains an initial boom followed by a slow recovery.

Originality/value

The paper challenges existing orthodoxy on housing cycle dynamics and proposes an alternative perspective.
Thematic analysis: factors of food safety certification adoption among farmers in Malaysia
Authors: Omar Mohd Shahir , Yusuf Muhammad Fakhrul , Cheng Jack Kie
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the factors to food safety certification adoption among farmers in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted qualitatively using a method of interviewing with unstructured questions. To identify the factors that influence and prevent the adoption of food safety certification among Malaysian farmers, nine (n = 9) agricultural industrial experts were randomly chosen.

Findings

Based on data analysis using thematic analysis, the respondent highlighted 14 factors to food safety certification. Specifically, the most frequent determinant highlighted by the respondent is enforcement (12). Additionally, it has been proven that the identified factors aligned with existing theories: technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework and eco-innovation theory. These theories help researchers to create effective strategies and produce significant findings from their research.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate food safety certification adoption among farmers in the Malaysian agriculture industry using the integration of the TOE framework and eco-innovation theory. The stakeholder is expected to receive the benefits of creating efficient campaigns to encourage more farmers to obtain food safety certification. This study provides further knowledge by improving the understanding of the processes involved in certification adoption, providing context-specific insights, best practices, policy guiding development and emphasizing the effects of certification on sustainability and competitiveness.
Development of process-structure linkage for Inconel 718 processed by laser powder bed fusion: a numerical modeling approach
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Shukla Mukul
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Understanding and tailoring the solidification characteristics and microstructure evolution in as-built parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is crucial as they influence the final properties. Experimental approaches to address this issue are time and capital-intensive. This study aims to develop an efficient numerical modeling approach to develop the process–structure (P-S) linkage for LPBF-processed Inconel 718.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a numerical approach based on the finite element method and cellular automata was used to model the multilayer, multitrack LPBF build for predicting the solidification characteristics (thermal gradient G and solidification rate R) and the average grain size. Validations from published experimental studies were also carried out to ensure the reliability of the proposed numerical approach. Furthermore, microstructure simulations were used to develop P-S linkage by evaluating the effects of key LPBF process parameters on G × R, G/R and average grain size. A solidification or G-R map was also developed to comprehend the P-S linkage.

Findings

It was concluded from the developed G-R map that low laser power and high scan speed will result in a finer microstructure due to an increase in G × R, but due to a decrease in G/R, columnar characteristics are also reduced. Moreover, increasing the layer thickness and decreasing the hatch spacing lowers the G × R, raises the G/R and generates a coarse columnar microstructure.

Originality/value

The proposed numerical modeling approach was used to parametrically investigate the effect of LPBF parameters on the resulting microstructure. A G-R map was also developed that enables the tailoring of the as-built LPBF microstructure through solidification characteristics by tuning the process parameters.
Military tourism cultural heritage site experiencescape effects on authenticity, memorability, and revisit intention: learning from Taiwanese military dependents’ villages
Authors: Chen Kaung-Hwa , Ye Ying , Yu Ci-Hui
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The normalization of COVID-19 disease prevention has presented a major opportunity for the transformation and upgrade of cultural and tourism products in Taiwan. This paper aims to explore the attractiveness of Taiwanese military dependents’ villages, known as juancun, two studies were conducted to test the path relationships of juancun experiencescape, authenticity, memorability and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted two studies by using a mixed sampling of snowball sampling and purposive sampling for the questionnaire survey. Based on the 397 valid questionnaires retained in Study 1, a cultural heritage site experiencescape was developed and validated; in Study 2, 393 valid questionnaires were collected, and structural equation modeling was conducted to test hypotheses that were developed drawing on the stimulus–organism–response model and theory of buyer behavior.

Findings

It is revealed that cultural heritage site experiencescape include natural and cultural, social, sensory and functional factors and that the experiencescape affects authenticity positively; “existential authenticity–memorability” mediates the relationship of experiencescape and revisit intention, whereas co-creation behavior has the positive moderating effects on the relationship of experiencescape and authenticity.

Originality/value

The research developed an experiencescape scale for cultural heritage sites and described the managerial implications for destination management organizations regarding product development and service design.
Vaccination, treatment and containment policy to reduce the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Morocco
Authors: Moustabchir Abdelhamid , Ouakil Hicham
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a susceptible–exposed–infected–quarantined–removed (SEIQR) dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model to evaluate the macroeconomic effects of the current COVID‐19 pandemic. The SEIQR configuration setting is calibrated using COVID‐19 data from Morocco. Using the model, we demonstrate how the pandemic might lead to declining consumption and productivity. We illustrate that a combination of quarantine policy, vaccination and treatment of the uninfected person is more successful than using only one of the policies. The combination lowered the number of infected, exposed and quarantined people. We also assessed the economic effects of multiple strategies.
Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and markers of arterial vascular health: An experimental case–control study
Authors: Donckers Janneke , van Drongelen Joris , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Scholten Ralph R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate whether women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have impaired arterial vascular health compared with controls, and to evaluate whether this is modifiable by exercise.

Design

Experimental case–control pilot study.

Setting

University medical centre in the Netherlands.

Population

Twelve women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss, 11 nulliparous women and 19 primiparous women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods

In all three groups we measured baseline characteristics, metabolic components and arterial vascular health, and repeated this in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss after 1 month of protocolled and supervised cycle training.

Main outcome measures

Differences in arterial vascular health between women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and controls, and the effect of exercise on arterial vascular health in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

Results

Women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have a significantly increased carotid intima media thickness in comparison with both controls (both P < 0.01), a significantly decreased brachial endothelial dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation in comparison with both controls (nulliparous: P < 0.01; primiparous: P = 0.05) and a significantly decreased femoral endothelial dependent flow‐mediated vasodilation in comparison with primiparous women (P = 0.01). The endothelium independent glyceryl trinitrate response was similar in all groups. With 1 month of exercise, the carotid intima media thickness decreased significantly by 7% (P = 0.05) and the femoral FMD increased significantly by 10% (P = 0.01) in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

Conclusions

Women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss have an impaired vascular health in comparison with controls. This impaired arterial vascular health can be improved by exercise.
A systemic review on Liubao tea: A time‐honored dark tea with distinctive raw materials, process techniques, chemical profiles, and biological activities
Authors: Feng Xinyu , Chen Ming , Song Haizhao , Ma Shicheng , Ou Cansong , Li Zeqing , Hu Hao , Yang Yunyun , Zhou Su , Pan Yani , Fan Fangyuan , Gong Shuying , Chen Ping , Chu Qiang
Published: October 2023

Liubao tea (LBT) is a unique microbial‐fermented tea that boasts a long consumption history spanning 1500 years. Through a specific post‐fermentation process, LBT crafted from local tea cultivars in Liubao town Guangxi acquires four distinct traits, namely, vibrant redness, thickness, aging aroma, and purity. The intricate transformations that occur during post‐fermentation involve oxidation, degradation, methylation, glycosylation, and so forth, laying the substance foundation for the distinctive sensory traits. Additionally, LBT contains multitudinous bioactive compounds, such as ellagic acid, catechins, polysaccharides, and theabrownins, which contributes to the diverse modulation abilities on oxidative stress, metabolic syndromes, organic damage, and microbiota flora. However, research on LBT is currently scattered, and there is an urgent need for a systematical recapitulation of the manufacturing process, the dominant microorganisms during fermentation, the dynamic chemical alterations, the sensory traits, and the underlying health benefits. In this review, current research progresses on the peculiar tea varieties, the traditional and modern process technologies, the substance basis of sensory traits, and the latent bioactivities of LBT were comprehensively summarized. Furthermore, the present challenges and deficiencies that hinder the development of LBT, and the possible orientations and future perspectives were thoroughly discussed. By far, the productivity and quality of LBT remain restricted due to the reliance on labor and experience, as well as the incomplete understanding of the intricate interactions and underlying mechanisms involved in processing, organoleptic quality, and bioactivities. Consequently, further research is urgently warranted to address these gaps.
Enhancing or impeding? The influence of digital systems on interprofessional practice and person‐centred care in nutrition care systems across rehabilitation units
Authors: Olufson Hannah T. , Ottrey Ella , Green Theresa L. , Young Adrienne M.
Published: October 2023

Aims

Digital health transformation may enhance or impede person‐centred care and interprofessional practice, and thus the provision of high‐quality rehabilitation and nutrition services. We aimed to understand how different elements and factors within existing digital nutrition and health systems in subacute rehabilitation units influence person‐centred and/or interprofessional nutrition and mealtime care practices through the lens of complexity science.

Methods

Our ethnographic study was completed through an interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected from observation and interviews with patients, support persons and staff. Overall, 58 h of ethnographic field work led to observing 125 participants and interviewing 77 participants, totalling 165 unique participants. We used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse the data with consideration of complexity science.

Results

We developed four themes: (1) the interplay of local context and technology use in nutrition care systems; (2) digitalisation affects staff participation in nutrition and mealtime care; (3) embracing technology to support nutrition and food service flexibility; and (4) the (in)visibility of digitally enabled nutrition care systems.

Conclusions

While digital systems enhance the visibility and flexibility of nutrition care systems in some instances, they may also reduce the ability to customise nutrition and mealtime care and lead to siloing of nutrition‐related activities. Our findings highlight that the introduction of digital systems alone may be insufficient to enable interprofessional practice and person‐centred care within nutrition and mealtime care and thus should be accompanied by local processes and workflows to maximise digital potential.
A Staphylococcus capitis strain with unusual bacteriocin production
Authors: Szekat Christiane , Josten Michaele , Rickmeyer Jasmin , Crüsemann Max , Bierbaum Gabriele
Published: October 2023

Staphylococcus capitis is a member of the human and mammal skin microbiomes and is considered less harmful than Staphylococcus aureus. S. capitis subsp. urealyticus BN2 was isolated from a cat and expressed strong antibacterial activity against a range of Gram‐positive species, most notably including S. aureus strains with resistance to methicillin (MRSA) and strains with intermediate resistance to vancomycin (VISA). These latter strains are normally relatively resistant to bacteriocins, due to cell wall and cell membrane modifications. Genomic sequencing showed that the strain harboured at least two complete gene clusters for biosynthesis of antagonistic substances. The complete biosynthetic gene cluster of the well‐known lantibiotic gallidermin was encoded on a large plasmid and the mature peptide was present in isopropanol cell extracts. In addition, a chromosomal island contained a novel non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene cluster. Accidental deletion of two NRPS modules and partial purification of the anti‐VISA activity showed that this novel bacteriocin represents a complex of differently decorated, non‐ribosomal peptides. Additionally, a number of phenol‐soluble modulins (PSMs) was detected by mass spectrometry of whole cells. Producing these compounds, the strain was able to outcompete several S. aureus strains, including MRSA and VISA, in tube cultures.
Periconceptional maternal diet quality and offspring wheeze trajectories: Japan Environment and Children's Study
Authors: Okubo Hitomi , Nakayama Shoji F. , Ohya Yukihiro ,   Japan Environment and Children's Study Group
Published: October 2023

Background

The role of prenatal diet on childhood wheezing and subsequent risk of asthma is inconclusive, which may be partly due to the heterogeneity in wheezing phenotypes. We aimed to identify wheeze trajectories in early childhood and to examine their associations with periconceptional maternal diet quality.

Methods

Data from 70,530 mother–child pairs of liveborn singletons from the Japan Environment and Children's Study were analysed. Wheezing was reported by caregivers using a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire yearly from 1 to 4 years of age, from which trajectories were derived using group‐based trajectory modelling. Maternal diet in the year preceding the first trimester of pregnancy was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire; overall diet quality was determined using the balanced diet score based on the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. Bayesian inference of multinomial logistic regression models was performed to examine the association between maternal diet quality and wheeze trajectory in early childhood.

Results

We identified four wheeze trajectories: ‘never/infrequent’ (69.1%; reference group), ‘early‐childhood onset’ (6.2%), ‘transient early’ (16.5%) and ‘persistent’ (8.2%). After adjustment for confounders, a higher quartile of maternal balanced diet score was associated with a lower risk of belonging to the ‘transient early’ and ‘persistent’ wheeze trajectories compared with the ‘never/infrequent’ wheeze trajectory by 10% of both. Maternal balanced diet score was not associated with belonging to the ‘early‐childhood onset’ wheeze trajectory.

Conclusion

Improving maternal diet quality prior to conception may reduce certain wheeze phenotypes in early childhood.
Complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer: current status and controversies
Authors: Brown Kilian G. M. , Ng Kheng‐Seong , Solomon Michael J. , Chapuis Pierre H. , Koh Cherry E. , Ahmadi Nima , Austin Kirk K. S.
Published: October 2023

According to Hohenberger's original description, complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer involves precise dissection of the avascular embryonic plane between the parietal retroperitoneum and visceral peritoneum of the mesocolon. This ensures mesocolic integrity, access to high ligation of the supplying vessels at their origin and an associated extended lymphadenectomy. Results from centres which have adopted this approach routinely have demonstrated that oncological outcomes can be improved by the rigorous implementation of established principles of cancer surgery. Meticulous anatomical dissection along embryonic planes is a well‐established principle of precision cancer surgery used routinely by the specialist colorectal surgeon. Therefore, the real question concerns the need for true central vascular ligation and associated extended (D3) lymphadenectomy or otherwise, particularly along the superior mesenteric vessels when performing a right colectomy. Whether this approach results in improved overall or disease‐free survival remains unclear and its role remains controversial particularly given the potential for significant morbidity associated with a more extensive central vascular dissection. Current literature is limited by considerable bias, as well as inconsistent and variable terminology, and the results of established randomized trials are awaited. As a result of the current state of equipoise, various national guidelines have disparate recommendations as to when complete mesocolic excision should be performed if at all. This article aims to review the rationale for and technical aspects of complete mesocolic excision, summarize available short and long term outcome data and address current controversies.
Partial heart transplantation: Growing heart valve implants for children
Authors: Rajab Taufiek Konrad
Published: October 2023

Heart valves serve a vital hemodynamic function to ensure unidirectional blood flow. Additionally, native heart valves serve biological functions such as growth and self‐repair. Heart valve implants mimic the hemodynamic function of native heart valves, but are unable to fulfill their biological functions. We developed partial heart transplantation to deliver heart valve implants that fulfill all functions of native heart valves. This is particularly advantageous for children, who require growing heart valve implants. This invited review outlines the past, present and future of partial heart transplantation.
Genetic backgrounds and diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Rogozik Joanna , Główczyńska Renata , Grabowski Marcin
Published: October 2023

Lipid disorders play a critical role in the intricate development of atherosclerosis and its clinical consequences, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. These disorders are responsible for a significant number of deaths in many adult populations worldwide. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that causes extremely high levels of LDL cholesterol. The most common mutations occur in genes responsible for low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). While genetic testing is a dependable method for diagnosing the disease, it may not detect primary mutations in 20%–40% of FH cases.
Volumetric changes and graft stability after lateral window sinus floor augmentation: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sedeqi Ahmad , Koticha Tapan , Al Sakka Yacoub , Felemban Mohammad , Garaicoa‐Pazmino Carlos , del Amo Fernando Suárez‐López
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The present investigation compared the stability and volumetric changes of two different grafting material used for lateral window sinus floor augmentation (LWSFA).

Methods

Sixteen patients with a total 20 maxillary sinuses in need of LWSFA were included in the present study. The sinuses were grafted with either 100% anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) alone (Group 1) or a mixture (0.8:1 ratio) of ABBM and mineralized cortical allograft (MCA) (Group 2). Cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) was obtained pre‐operatively, and at 2‐weeks, and 6‐months after LWSFA to perform linear measurements including lateral window dimensions, sinus anatomy, residual bone height/thickness (RBH/RBT), and Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT), among others. Three‐dimensional segmentation analysis was used to evaluate changes of bone graft volume/height (GV/GH).

Results

A total of 10 sinuses per group were included in the analysis. No statistically significant difference was found in between groups regarding mean reduction of GV (Group 1: 14.87% ± 16.60%, Group 2: 18.06% ± 9.81%, p = 0.33). Among the linear measurements, only SMT revealed a significant increase after 2‐weeks more pronounce in Group 1 (8.70 mm) when compared with Group 2 (5.70 mm) with plausible effect upon LWSFA outcomes. Sinus width showed weak positive correlation with GH reduction after 6 months.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that both ABBM alone and ABBM + MCA represent suitable alternatives for LWSFA with adequate graft stability as they revealed similar volumetric and linear dimensional changes 6 months postoperatively.