bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction Based on Magnetite-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories from Water Followed by LC–ESI–MS/MS
Authors: Hsen Ele Ben , Latrous Latifa
Published: January 2022

An analytical method based on liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC–ESI–MS/MS) has been developed for the determination of pharmaceutical compounds in water samples. Five non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) namely Naproxen, Ketoprofen, Piroxicam, Diflunisal and Celecoxib were investigated. Magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) was used for sample pre concentration of water samples and magnetic carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4-MWCNTs) were considered as solid phase extraction sorbent. Important parameters influencing the extraction efficiency such as nature and volume of eluent, sample pH and adsorbent mass were optimized. The developed MSPE method involved 75 mg of Fe3O4-MWCNTs sorbent, 5 mL of water sample at pH = 4 and 5 mL of 10% ammonia in methanol in the elution step. Under the optimized extraction conditions, linearity, detection and quantification limits and reproducibility were evaluated. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of NSAIDs in surface waters, and mean recoveries of all the NSAIDs were above 90% with relative standard deviations < 17%. The detection and quantification limits were comprised between 0.05–3.6 ng.mL−1 and 0.2–11.9 ng.mL−1, respectively.
Evidence of chronic kidney injury in patients not meeting KDIGO criteria for chronic kidney disease
Authors: Alvarez-Llamas Gloria , Santiago-Hernandez Aranzazu , Ruilope Luis M
Published: January 2022

Subjects not meeting KDIGO criteria for chronic kidney disease (CKD), i.e. normoalbuminuric (urinary albumin:creatinine ratio, UACR <30 mg/g) individuals with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m2, are considered at no increased cardiovascular or kidney risk associated with kidney disease, but the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular events and CKD progression is already increased in the high-normal UACR range (10–30 mg/g). Earlier intervention in this subclinical pre-CKD stage may diminish cardiorenal risk. However, tools to predict albuminuria development and to identify those subjects who will benefit most from intervention are limited. Recent data have identified urine molecular changes within the normoalbuminuria condition, consisting of an altered urinary peptidome, proteome and metabolome, which represent subclinical organ damage and processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, tricarboxylic acids cycle deregulation, impaired fatty acids β-oxidation or defective tubular reabsorption.
Investigation of European modular façade system utilizing renewable energy
Authors: Li Yangluxi , Chen Lei
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this investigation is to summarize modular façade construction using renewable energy features in different aspects. Researches done so far primarily focusing on building envelop have shown various constructions of building enclosure without energy usage. This paper mainly focuses on modular façade renovation system programmes of European Horizon 2020 [34] and IEA ECBCS Annex 50 Prefabricated Systems for Low Energy Renovation of Residential Buildings in terms of construction, material, installation and thermal performance. Four aspects of construction, material, installation and thermal performance are adopted to evaluate these practices. Related website, paper and report from European commission constitute the database providing for review. Final results illustrate that all modular façade systems mentioned above could be classified into three layers: interior; module and exterior layer, taking charge of disparate functions. Both insulation and energy usage achieve the innovative envelop constructions manufacture. Integrating the renewable energy resources utilization technique into insulated building façade system is the core of this innovative projects achievement.
Fatal Intoxication by the Novel Cathinone 4-Fluoro-3-methyl-α-PVP
Authors: Hobbs Jennifer M , DeRienz Rebecca T , Baker Daniel D , Shuttleworth Morgan R , Pandey Maneesha
Published: January 2022

A 30 year old non-hispanic white male was found unresponsive at his workplace and admitted to the hospital in cardiac arrest. He was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. At autopsy the pathologist noted a 176 pound, well-nourished, atraumatic, adult male with significant bilateral frothy pulmonary edema (right lung 930 g and left lung 1,130 g), cardiomegaly (430 g), dilated ventricles and slight cerebral edema. Upon completion of the systematic toxicological analysis scope for the Franklin County Coroner’s Office Toxicology Laboratory, no known drugs were found. Further review of the gas chromatography--mass spectrometry (GC--MS) full-scan library summary reports showed an unknown peak in both the blood and urine solid phase extracts. An analogue of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) was identified, and a GC--MS selected ion monitoring method was developed to identify and quantitate the presence of 4-fluoro-3-methyl-α-PVP. This method quantified the drug at 26 ng/mL in gray top femoral blood, 30 ng/mL in purple top heart blood and 20 ng/mL in red top vitreous humor. Qualitative presence was also observed in the urine but was not detected in the liver. The decedent’s cause of death was determined to be due to fluoro-methyl-PVP toxicity and the manner was ruled to be accidental. Investigational follow-up interviews corroborated drug use by the deceased with a preference of research chemicals and synthetic cannabinoids via the internet. No published literature is available currently, and to the author’s knowledge this is the first incident of a fatal death solely attributed to this substituted cathinone.
Improved binary gaining–sharing knowledge-based algorithm with mutation for fault section location in distribution networks
Authors: Xiong Guojiang , Yuan Xufeng , Mohamed Ali Wagdy , Chen Jun , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2022

Fault section location (FSL) plays a critical role in shortening blackout time and restoring power supply for distribution networks. This paper converts the FSL task into a binary optimization problem using the feeder terminal unit (FTU) information. The discrepancy between the reported overcurrent alarms and the expected overcurrent states of the FTUs is adopted as the objective function. It is a typical 0–1 combinatorial optimization problem with many local optima. An improved binary gaining–sharing knowledge-based algorithm (IBGSK) with mutation is proposed to effectively solve this challenging binary optimization problem. Since the original GSK cannot be applied in binary search space directly, and it is easy to get stuck in local optima, IBGSK encodes the individuals as binary vectors instead of real vectors. Moreover, an improved junior gaining and sharing phase and an improved senior gaining and sharing phase are designed to update individuals directly in binary search space. Furthermore, a binary mutation operator is presented and integrated into IBGSK to enhance its global search ability. The proposed algorithm is applied to two test systems, i.e. the IEEE 33-bus distribution network and the USA PG&E 69-bus distribution network. Simulation results indicate that IBGSK outperforms the other 12 advanced algorithms and the original GSK in solution quality, robustness, convergence speed, and statistics. It equilibrates the global search ability and the local search ability effectively. It can diagnose different fault scenarios with 100% and 99% success rates for these two test systems, respectively. Besides, the effect of mutation probability on IBGSK is also investigated, and the result suggests a moderate value. Overall, simulation results demonstrate that IBGSK shows highly promising potential for the FSL problem of distribution networks.
Gastrointestinal duplication masquerading as intussusception in an adult
Authors: Nguyen Patricia , Azar Robert , Starley Greg , Scharff Elana
Published: January 2022

Gastrointestinal duplication is a rare congenital condition that involves tissues anywhere along the alimentary tract. It may also be referred to as enteric duplication or alimentary tract duplication. It typically presents in children and is hardly found in adults because the presentation varies and the diagnosis is often incidental. Surgical resection is generally indicated to prevent future complications. We present a case of duplicated small bowel discovered during surgery in a young female with the initial diagnosis of small bowel intussusception on CT.
The Latent Structure of Negative Symptoms in the General Population in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Havers Laura , Cardno Alastair , Freeman Daniel , Ronald Angelica
Published: January 2022

Negative symptoms predict adverse outcomes within psychotic disorders, in individuals at high-risk for psychosis, and in young people in the community. There is considerable interest in the dimensional structure of negative symptoms in clinical samples, and accumulating evidence suggests a 5-factor structure. Little is known about the underlying structure of negative symptoms in young people despite the importance of this developmental stage for mental health. We used confirmatory factor analysis to test the structure of parent-reported negative symptoms at mean ages 16.32 (SD 0.68, N = 4974), 17.06 (SD 0.88, N = 1469) and 22.30 (SD 0.93, N = 5179) in a community sample. Given previously reported associations between total negative symptoms and genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS) for major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia in adolescence, we assessed associations between individual subdomains and these GPSs. A 5-factor model of flat affect, alogia, avolition, anhedonia, and asociality provided the best fit at each age and was invariant over time. The results of our linear regression analyses showed associations between MDD GPS with avolition, flat affect, anhedonia, and asociality, and between schizophrenia GPS with avolition and flat affect. We showed that a 5-factor structure of negative symptoms is present from ages 16 to 22 in the community. Avolition was most consistently associated with polygenic liability to MDD and schizophrenia, and alogia was least associated. These findings highlight the value of dissecting negative symptoms into psychometrically derived subdomains and may offer insights into early manifestation of genetic risk for MDD and schizophrenia.
Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of neonatal thrombosis: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Paes Bosco , Chan Anthony K.C. , Shaik Mohammed , Patel Dhiman , Bhatt Mihir D.
Published: January 2022

The incidence of neonatal venous and arterial thrombosis ranges from 6.9 to 15/1000 neonatal ICU (NICU) admissions, and is likely an underestimate based on population demographics, frequency of surveillance and vascular catheterization. This retrospective study involving 234 infants reviewed the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of neonatal thrombosis in a single, tertiary care institution over more than 10 years. The incidence of thrombosis was 25/1000 NICU admissions, with a preterm to term infant ratio of 1.5 : 1 and a slightly higher proportion of male sex (55.1%). The mean (range) gestational age and birth weight was 33.8 weeks (23–41.6) and 2360 g (512–5890). The median age (IQR) of thrombus diagnosis was 7 (3–17) days. Portal vein thrombosis was most prevalent (59.4%) compared with other sites of thrombosis. Almost three-quarter (171/234; 73.1%) of the thrombotic episodes were line-related, while infection and surgery were associated with 19.7% (46/234) and 10.7% (25/234), respectively. Twenty patients (8.3%) were screened for thrombophilia and 3 were positive; 2 for antithrombin deficiency, 1 for factor V Leiden gene mutation. Subjects were followed with imaging for 3 months with a treatment duration, mean (IQR) of 33.5 (10.8–42.5) days. Complete clot resolution was significantly higher in the anticoagulation group (48%; 17%; P = 0.03) compared with untreated patients. No group difference was noted for partial thrombus resolution (33.3%; 12.4%; P = 0.313). Anticoagulation halted thrombus progression (2.6 versus 12.4%; P = 0.025) and fewer treated patients failed to attend follow-up visits (6.5 versus 18.6%; P = 0.022). Well designed, multicenter prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.
California Children Presenting to an Emergency Department for Mental Health Emergencies
Authors: Shearer Emily , Wang N. Ewen
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Pediatric emergency department (ED) mental health visits are increasing in the United States. At the same time, child/adolescent psychiatric services are limited. This study examines the trajectory of pediatric patients presenting with mental health emergencies to better understand availability of specialty care resources in regional networks.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development linked ED and Inpatient Discharge Dataset (2005–2015) to study pediatric patients (5–17 years) who presented to an ED with a primary mental health diagnosis. Outcomes were disposition: discharge, admission, or transfer.

Patients transferred were further analyzed for disposition. Regression models to identify characteristics associated with disposition were created.

Results

There were 384,339 pediatric patients presented for a primary mental health emergency from 2005 to 2015; 287,997 were discharged, 17,564 were admitted, and 78,725 were transferred. Among those not discharged, patients with public (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; P < 0.01) or self-pay insurance (OR, 5.64; P < 0.01), Black (OR, 2.15; P < 0.01), or Native American race (OR, 2.32; P < 0.01), and who presented to rural EDs (OR, 3.10; P < 0.01), nonteaching hospitals (OR, 3.06; P < 0.01), or hospitals in counties without dedicated child/adolescent psychiatric beds (OR, 5.59; P < 0.01) had higher odds of transfer.

Among those not discharged from the second hospital, Black patients (OR, 2.47; P < 0.03) and those who were transferred to a teaching hospital (OR, 1.9; P < 0.01) had higher odds of second transfer.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with mental health emergencies experience different trajectories of care. Transfer protocols and regionalized networks may help streamline services and decrease inefficiencies in care.
Histopathological Features of Parathyroid Adenoma and 18F-Choline Uptake in PET/MR of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Liberini Virginia , Morand Gregoire B. , Rupp Niels J. , Orita Erika , Deandreis Désirée , Broglie Däppen Martina , Hofbauer Marlena , Maurer Alexander , Husmann Lars , Mader Cäcilia E. , Grünig Hannes , Alharbi Abdullah A. , Messerli Michael , Huellner Martin W.
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the histopathological properties of hyperfunctioning parathyroids and parathyroid 18F-choline uptake.

Patients and Methods

A total of 31 parathyroid adenomas were retrospectively analyzed in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and preoperative 18F-choline PET/MR. PET/MR parameters of parathyroid glands (SUVmax and target-to-background ratio in early-phase [EP] and late-phase [LP]), MRI volume, preoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum concentration, and postoperative histopathology (predominant cell type and growth pattern of adenoma cells, location and size of adenoma) were assessed. The relationship of PET/MR parameters, PTH, and histological parameters was determined using linear regression, Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

The median volume of parathyroid adenoma was 421.78 ± 142.46 mm3 (46.39–4412.69). Adenomas were predominantly composed of chief, water-clear, and oncocytic/oxyphilic cells in 27/31, 2/31, and 2/31 cases, respectively. The growth pattern was predominantly solid, follicular, and trabecular in 18/31, 8/31, and 5/31, respectively. The SUVmax was 6.71 ± 3.39 in EP and 6.91 ± 3.97 in LP. Follicular growth pattern had slightly higher EP SUVmax (trabecular: 4.12 ± 0.56; solid: 6.62 ± 3.19; follicular: 8.56 ± 3.96; P = 0.046). Spearman correlation showed strong positive correlation between volume and both EP and LP SUVmax (0.626; P = 0.0001 and 0.576; P = 0.0001, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed significant correlation between PTH level and EP and LP SUVmax (both P = 0.001); in contrast, no correlation was found between PTH level and both cell type and growth pattern.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that 18F-choline uptake of parathyroid adenomas might be associated both with the histological growth pattern and adenoma volume, but not with a specific cell type.
Compassionate use of recombinant human IL-7-hyFc as a salvage treatment for restoring lymphopenia in patients with recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Ahn Stephen , Park Jae-Sung , Kim Heewon , Heo Minkyu , Sung Young Chul , Jeun Sin-Soo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Lymphopenia is frequently observed and is associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Restoring lymphopenia in cancer patients has been suggested as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy. As interleukin-7 (IL-7) is necessary for proliferation of lymphocytes and to amplify the total lymphocyte count (TLC), IL-7 therapy has been tried for various cancers, although the results are inconclusive. Here, we describe the clinical results of recurrent GBM treated with long-acting engineered version of recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7-hyFc).

Methods

This prospective case series based on compassionate use was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea. Patients with recurrent GBM were enrolled to Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. Primary outcomes were the safety profile and elevated total lymphocyte count (TLC). Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The duration of median follow-up was 372.6 days (range 98–864 days).

Results

Among 18 patients enrolled, 10 received rhIL-7-hyFc with temozolomide, 5 received rhIL-7-hyFc with bevacizumab, 1 received rhIL-7-hyFc with PCV chemotherapy, and 2 received rhIL-7-hyFc alone. The mean TLC of enrolled patients after the first treatment with rhIL-7-hyFc was significantly increased from 1,131 cells/mm3(range 330-2,989) at baseline to 4,356 cells/mm3(range 661-22,661). Similar increase was observed in 16 of 18 patients (88.8%), only after the first treatment of rhIL-7-hyFc. TLCs of these patients were maintained higher while rhIL-7-hyFc was repeatedly administered. Most common adverse events were injection sites reactions (64.7%) including urticaria and itching sensation, however, there were no serious adverse events more than grade III. Median OS and PFS were 378 days (range 107-864 days) and 231 days (55-726 days), respectively.

Conclusion

Our study first reports that IL-7 immunotherapy can restore lymphopenia and maintain TLC with various salvageable chemotherapies in recurrent GBM patients without serious adverse toxicities. This outcome warrants further larger and randomized clinical trials to validate the clinical benefits of rhIL-7-hyFc for GBM patients.
Towards definitions of critical illness and critical care using concept analysis
Authors: Kayambankadzanja Raphael Kazidule , Schell Carl Otto , Wärnberg Martin Gerdin , Tamras Thomas , Mollazadegan Hedi , Holmberg Mats , Mølsted Alvesson Helle , Baker Tim
Published: January 2022

Objective

As “critical illness” and “critical care” lack consensus definitions, this study aims to explore how the concepts’ are used, describe their defining attributes and propose potential definitions.

Design

We used the Walker and Avant stepwise approach to concept analysis. The uses and definitions of the concepts were identified through a scoping review of the literature and an online survey of 114 global clinical experts. Through content analysis of the data we extracted codes, categories and themes to determine the concepts’ defining attributes and we proposed potential definitions. To assist understanding, we present model, related and contrary cases concerning the concepts, we identified antecedents and consequences to the concepts, and defined empirical referents.

Results

The defining attributes of critical illness were a high risk of imminent death; vital organ dysfunction; requirement for care to avoid death; and potential reversibility. The defining attributes of critical care were the identification, monitoring and treatment of critical illness; vital organ support; initial and sustained care; any care of critical illness; and specialized human and physical resources. Our proposed definition of critical illness is, “a state of ill health with vital organ dysfunction, a high risk of imminent death if care is not provided and the potential for reversibility”. Our proposed definition of critical care is, “the identification, monitoring and treatment of patients with critical illness through the initial and sustained support of vital organ functions.”

Conclusion

The concepts critical illness and critical care lack consensus definitions and have varied uses. Through concept analysis of uses and definitions in the literature and among experts we have identified the defining attributes of the concepts and propose definitions that could aid clinical practice, research, and policy making.

Strengths and Limitations of the Study

This concept analysis is the first study to systematically describe the uses and definitions of the concepts critical illness and critical care

The study uses a scoping review of the literature and input from over one hundred clinical experts from diverse settings globally to identify the defining attributes and provide proposed definitions of the concepts

Some uses and definitions of the concepts in languages other than English, in unpublished grey literature and from clinical experts not included in the study may have been missed

As current usage of the concepts is diverse, the proposed definitions may not be universally accepted and are aimed to stimulate further discussion
Functional impact and targetability ofPI3KCA,GNAS, andPTENmutations in a spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with MYOD1 L122R mutation
Authors: Choo Florence , Odintsov Igor , Nusser Kevin , Nicholson Katelyn S. , Davis Lara , Corless Christopher L. , Stork Linda , Somwar Romel , Ladanyi Marc , Davis Jessica L. , Davare Monika A.
Published: January 2022

Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (ssRMS) is a rare subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma, commonly harboring a gain-of-function L122R mutation in the muscle-specific master transcription factor MYOD1.MYOD1-mutated ssRMS is almost invariably fatal, and development of novel therapeutic approaches based on the biology of the disease is urgently needed. MYOD1 L122R affects the DNA-binding domain and is believed to confer MYC-like properties to MYOD1, driving oncogenesis. Moreover, the majority of theMYOD1-mutated ssRMS harbor additional alterations activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. It is postulated that the PI3K/AKT pathway cooperates with MYOD1 L122R. To address this biological entity, we established and characterized a new patient-derived ssRMS cell line OHSU-SARC001, harboring MYOD1 L122R as well as alterations inPTEN,PIK3CA, andGNAS. We explored the functional impact of these aberrations on oncogenic signaling with gain-of-function experiments in C2C12 murine muscle lineage cells. These data reveal that PIK3CAI459_T462del, the novel PIK3CA variant discovered in this patient specimen, is a constitutively active kinase, albeit to a lesser extent than PI3KCAE545K, a hotspot oncogenic mutation. Furthermore, we examined the effectiveness of molecularly targeted PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MAPK inhibitors to block oncogenic signaling and suppress the growth of OHSU-SARC001 cells. Dual PI3K/mTOR (LY3023414, bimiralisib) and AKT inhibitors (ipatasertib, afuresertib) induced dose-dependent reductions in cell growth. However, mTOR-selective inhibitors (everolimus, rapamycin) alone did not exert cytotoxic effects. The MEK1/2 inhibitor trametinib did not impact proliferation even at the highest doses tested. Our data suggest that molecularly targeted strategies may be effective in PI3K/AKT/mTOR-activated ssRMS. Taken together, these data highlight the importance of utilizing patient-derived models to assess molecularly targetable treatments and their potential as future treatment options.
Unsupervised learning approaches to characterizing heterogeneous samples using X-ray single-particle imaging
Authors: Zhuang Yulong , Awel Salah , Barty Anton , Bean Richard , Bielecki Johan , Bergemann Martin , Daurer Benedikt J. , Ekeberg Tomas , Estillore Armando D. , Fangohr Hans , Giewekemeyer Klaus , Hunter Mark S. , Karnevskiy Mikhail , Kirian Richard A. , Kirkwood Henry , Kim Yoonhee , Koliyadu Jayanath , Lange Holger , Letrun Romain , Lübke Jannik , Mall Abhishek , Michelat Thomas , Morgan Andrew J. , Roth Nils , Samanta Amit K. , Sato Tokushi , Shen Zhou , Sikorski Marcin , Schulz Florian , Spence John C. H. , Vagovic Patrik , Wollweber Tamme , Worbs Lena , Xavier P. Lourdu , Yefanov Oleksandr , Maia Filipe R. N. C. , Horke Daniel A. , Küpper Jochen , Loh N. Duane , Mancuso Adrian P. , Chapman Henry N. , Ayyer Kartik
Published: January 2022

One of the outstanding analytical problems in X-ray single-particle imaging (SPI) is the classification of structural heterogeneity, which is especially difficult given the low signal-to-noise ratios of individual patterns and the fact that even identical objects can yield patterns that vary greatly when orientation is taken into consideration. Proposed here are two methods which explicitly account for this orientation-induced variation and can robustly determine the structural landscape of a sample ensemble. The first, termed common-line principal component analysis (PCA), provides a rough classification which is essentially parameter free and can be run automatically on any SPI dataset. The second method, utilizing variation auto-encoders (VAEs), can generate 3D structures of the objects at any point in the structural landscape. Both these methods are implemented in combination with the noise-tolerant expand–maximize–compress (EMC) algorithm and its utility is demonstrated by applying it to an experimental dataset from gold nanoparticles with only a few thousand photons per pattern. Both discrete structural classes and continuous deformations are recovered. These developments diverge from previous approaches of extracting reproducible subsets of patterns from a dataset and open up the possibility of moving beyond the study of homogeneous sample sets to addressing open questions on topics such as nanocrystal growth and dynamics, as well as phase transitions which have not been externally triggered.
“You’re changing the pattern”: cognitive analytic team formulation with learning disabilities care staff
Authors: Russell Rowena B. , Theodore Kate , Lloyd Julie
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how care staff working with people with learning disabilities experienced psychologist-facilitated team formulation sessions in a cognitive analytic style (contextual reformulation).

Design/methodology/approach

Eleven participants attended at least one contextual reformulation session regarding a client their team referred because of challenging behaviour. Post-intervention semi-structured interviews were analysed using qualitative inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Five themes were developed: multiple roles and functions of sessions and clinicians; challenging behaviour in relationship; making links – understanding can be enlightening, containing and practical; the process of developing a shared understanding and approach; and caught between two perspectives. Findings suggested contextual reformulation helped staff see challenging behaviour as relational, provided them with the space to reflect on their emotions and relate compassionately to themselves and others, and ultimately helped them to focus their interventions on understanding and relationally managing rather than acting to reduce behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative methodology allows no causal inferences to be made. Ten of 11 participants were female.

Originality/value

This qualitative study adds to the limited research base on team formulation in learning disabilities settings and specifically that using a cognitive analytic approach.
Fortune heart healthy oil: when a strong brand strategy hits a cardiac roadblock!
Authors: Unnithan Deepa , Pathy Girish S. , Ramanathan Hareesh
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

The case will familiarize students to TEARS model and No TEARS approach for brand endorser selection. It will enable the students to understand the extent of influencer impact on the brand. It will make students to realistically assess the pros and cons of ambassador marketing using celebrities. It will also enable the student to devise brand strategies to mitigate the risk associated with ambassador-based marketing.

Case overview/synopsis

The case explains the strategic challenge the brand faces in ambassador marketing due to the uncontrollable personal crisis of the celebrity. Brand ambassador is an integral element of the brand persona and is appointed to boost the brand’s unique proposition and sales. The selection of the brand ambassador is a strategic decision with direct implication on the brand equity. A strong celebrity–brand congruence is ideal to establish credibility, but it can backfire if anything negative occurs on either side. This case evaluates the crisis faced by Fortune oil which has been positioned as “the heart healthy oil” when its celebrity ambassador suffers heart attack. In the backdrop of the case, the students can analyse brand strategies with respect to ambassador marketing, TEARS model with No TEARS approach for endorser selection and endorser-related credibility risk management.

Complexity academic level

MBA BBA PG/Graduation in Marketing/Advertising.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
PHP India: the e-commerce dilemma
Authors: Kamath Renuka , Pawar Nilendra Singh
Published: January 2022

Learning outcomes

Through the analysis of the case, the students will be able to: 1. appreciate the dynamics in a multi-channel environment especially in the relatively new ecommerce space in India; 2. understand the decision-making process and the impact on various stakeholders in adopting a new ecommerce sales channel; and 3. evaluate financial implications of channel profitability and its implication on the decision.

Case overview/synopsis

Philadelphia Home Products (PHP) India was facing a sales slowdown and was looking at a foray into the e-commerce channel, as an answer for business growth. The decision was not an easy one, as it had implications on existing channel partnerships and the organization. Channel choice decisions had acquired a new dimension with the proliferation of ecommerce platforms and changing online consumer buying habits. It was January 2015 and Nandini Devgan, CEO of PHP India was with her experienced team, who clearly had differing points of view. She needed to put the organization back on a growth trajectory, but how does she balance the various differing views put forth by her team? Was entering the ecommerce channel the best option?

Complexity academic level

This case is designed for use at the postgraduate level in courses, such as sales management, channel management, e-commerce and strategic marketing courses, as well as in executive management programs. The case is relevant from the context of channel management of a Consumer-Packaged Goods company in India, where e-commerce is nascent yet growing. It gives students a practical hands-on decision-making situation, where there are complexities of quantitative and qualitative nature. It triggers a discussion where the chief executive officer (CEO) and her team are facing growth and profitability issues, and have to take a decision on whether or not to adopt the e-commerce channel while managing the existing channels.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note is available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Understanding the role of the bring-your-own-device policy in medical education and healthcare delivery at the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Medicine
Authors: Kadimo Khutsafalo , Mutshewa Athulang , Kebaetse Masego B.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Seeking to leverage on benefits of personal mobile device use, medical schools and healthcare facilities are increasingly embracing the use of personal mobile devices for medical education and healthcare delivery through bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. However, empirical research findings that could guide the development of BYOD policies are scarce. Available research is dominated by studies that were guided by technocentric approaches, hence seemingly overlooking the complexities of the interactions of actors in mobile device technologies implementation. The purpose of this study was to use the actor–network theory to explore the potential role of a BYOD policy at the University of Botswana’s Faculty of Medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used to select the participants and interviews, focus group discussions, observations and document analysis were used to collect data. Data were collected from 27 participants and analysed using grounded theory techniques. Emerging themes were continually compared and contrasted with incoming data to create broad themes and sub-themes and to establish relationships or patterns from the data.

Findings

The results suggest that the potential roles for BYOD policy include promoting appropriate mobile device use, promoting equitable access to mobile devices and content, and integrating mobile devices into medical education, healthcare delivery and other institutional processes.

Research limitations/implications

BYOD policy could be conceptualized and researched as a “script” that binds actors/actants into a “network” of constituents (with shared interests) such as medical schools and healthcare facilities, mobile devices, internet/WiFi, computers, software, computer systems, medical students, clinical teachers or doctors, nurses, information technology technicians, patients, curriculum, information sources or content, classrooms, computer labs and infections.

Practical implications

BYOD is a policy that seeks to represent the interests (presents as a solution to their problems) of the key stakeholders such as medical schools, healthcare facilities and mobile device users. BYOD is introduced in medical schools and healthcare facilities to promote equitable access to mobile devices and content, appropriate mobile device use and ensure distribution of liability between the mobile device users and the institution and address the implication of mobile device use in teaching and learning.

Originality/value

The BYOD policy is a comprehensive solution that transcends other institutional policies and regulations to fully integrate mobile devices in medical education and healthcare delivery.
Perceived social support is greater among food secure Iranian households during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Ezzeddin Neda , Kalantari Naser , Veysi Zahra
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many different aspects of people’s lives around the world, including household food security. This study aims to investigate the food security status and its determinants, with emphasis on perceived social support among the Iranian population during the epidemic..

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,871 Iranian adults by social media in all provinces of the country. Demographic and socioeconomic information, household food security status and perceived social support status were assessed by the validated questionnaires. Data was analyzed by statistical package for the social sciences version 22.0, with one-way ANOVA, Chi-square and multinomial logistic regression tests.

Findings

The prevalence of food security among the studied population was 55.2%. The results indicated that perceived social support plays a protective role on food security [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 1.09, P-value < 0.001]. Reduced income during the epidemic [OR = 0.29, CI = 0.17, 0.47, P-value < 0.001] and presence of an old person (>65 years old) in the household [OR = 1.72, CI = 1.14, 2.60, P-value < 0.05], were significantly higher among moderate to severe food insecure group than food-secure group. More monthly income [OR = 0.28, CI = 0.13, 0.57, P-value < 0.001] and homeownership [OR = 1.83, CI = 1.22, 2.75, P-value < 0.05] were also predictors of food security status.

Originality/value

The development of supportive strategies which act immediately can protect vulnerable people against the consequences of the epidemic, including food insecurity. Long-term planning should also be considered to improve society’s resistance against such disasters.
Dietary intake and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among tanker truck drivers in Ghana
Authors: Apprey Charles , Baah-Nuako Bernice Adu , Annaful Veronica Tawiah , Adebanji Atinuke Olusola , Dzogbefia Victoria
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to assess dietary intake and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among tanker truck drivers in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study design enrolled 212 fuel tanker drivers. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary and biochemical data were collected. MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) 2005 criteria. A three-day 24-h dietary recall was used to assess dietary intake. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predicting factors of MetS among study participants.

Findings

The prevalence of MetS was 19.6% according to NCEP ATP III criteria. The prevalence of obesity, high BP, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia among participants were 7.5, 39.7, 37.7 and 57.3%, respectively. The energy intake for 176 (88.4%) of the participants was inadequate. The predicting factors of MetS were age (OR: 1.3, p = 0.04), glycated haemoglobin (OR: 9.6, p = 0.004), systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.2 95%, p = 0.01) and service years (OR: 0.8, p = 0.01).

Research limitations/implications

The current study focused on MetS among tanker truck drivers in Kumasi metropolis, which makes the current findings only limited to drivers of tanker truck within the municipality. Additionally, the 24-h dietary recall could be subjected to recall bias. However, the study is still of relevance as it becomes the first to target such a group within the municipality, taking into consideration the importance of these tanker truck drivers in driving the economy of Ghana.

Originality/value

This study highlights dietary intake and MetS among fuel tanker drivers previously underreported in the Ghanaian population. Findings of this study would inform further studies on lifestyle-related determinants of MetS among other cohort of drivers in other settings within the country.
Dual inoculation of dark septate endophytes and Trichoderma viride drives plant performance and rhizosphere microbiome adaptations of Astragalus mongholicus to drought
Authors: He Chao , Liu Chang , Liu Haifan , Wang Wenquan , Hou Junling , Li Xianen
Published: January 2022

Rhizosphere microbiome adapts their structural compositions to water scarcity and have the potential to mitigate drought stress of plants. To unlock this potential, it is crucial to understand community responses to drought in the interplay between soil properties, water management and exogenous microbes interference. Inoculation with dark septate endophytes (DSE) (Acrocalymma vagum, Paraboeremia putaminum) and Trichoderma viride on Astragalus mongholicus grown in the non‐sterile soil was exposed to drought. Rhizosphere microbiome were assessed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S and ITS2 rRNA genes. Inoculation positively affected plant growth depending on DSE species and water regime. Ascomycota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla. The effects of dual inoculation on bacterial community were greater than those on fungal community, and combination of P. putaminum and T. viride exerted a stronger impact on the microbiome under drought stress. The observed changes in soil factors caused by inoculation could be explained by the variations in microbiome composition. Rhizosphere microbiome mediated by inoculation exhibited distinct preferences for various growth parameters. These findings suggest that dual inoculation of DSE and T. viride enriched beneficial microbiota, altered soil nutrient status and might contribute to enhance the cultivation of medicinal plants in dryland agriculture.
C‐di‐GMP and biofilm are regulated in Pseudomonas putida by the CfcA/CfcR two‐component system in response to salts
Authors: Tagua Víctor G. , Molina‐Henares María Antonia , Travieso María L. , Nisa‐Martínez Rafael , Quesada José Miguel , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Ramos‐González María Isabel
Published: January 2022

In Pseudomonas putida KT2440, cfcR encodes an orphan multidomain response regulator with diguanylate cyclase activity, which is responsible for the synthesis of c‐di‐GMP, a second messenger key in the transition from planktonic to sessile bacterial lifestyles. When overexpressed, cfcR enhances biofilm formation and causes other phenotype alterations. The cfcA gene, encoding a membrane‐anchored multisensory CHASE3/GAF hybrid histidine kinase (HK), is required to develop this pleiotropic phenotype. Here we show autophosphorylation of CfcA through HisKA/HATPase_c domains and then transfer of the phosphoryl group to an internal receiver (REC) domain. CfcA REC domains are nonessential for phosphotransfer from CfcA~P to the REC domain of CfcR. CfcA~P also phosphorylates the REC domain of CfcD, a second HK encoded in the same gene cluster as CfcA, which negatively regulates the CfcA/CfcR pathway. To evaluate the impact of CfcA domains on CfcR activity, a battery of mutants with in‐frame domain deletions was generated, whose CfcA protein locations were also examined. CfcA membrane anchorage contributes to protein stability and CfcR activation. Salt enhances c‐di‐GMP levels through CfcR, a response which is hampered by alteration of a presumed ligand‐binding motif in the CHASE3 sensor domain. Thus, in P. putida, c‐di‐GMP is salt‐regulated through the CfcA/CfcR/CfcD system.
A Thorn in Imperial Japan's Side: The Shifting Politics of Protestant Christianity in Colonial Korea
Authors: Shin Seungyop
Published: January 2022

Historians have highlighted the deep connection between imperial ideologies and Christian evangelism that undergirded Western colonialism. This intimate relationship between church and state was far more complicated in colonial Korea because Japan maintained non‐Christian religious traditions, yet Japanese colonial authorities still needed the collaboration of Korean Protestant communities to meet the material and ideological demands of Japan's imperial enterprise. This article examines how Western missionaries and Korean evangelicals engaged with colonial rule — that engagement reflected the fluid nature of religious culture in colonial Korea and changed as imperial Japan faced internal and external challenges. Initially, many Protestant churches remained politically neutral to appease the Japanese regime but some supported anti‐Japanese activities, prompting the Government‐General of Korea (GGK) to try to prevent Protestant churches from becoming loci for rebellion against its rule. The GGK switched from “military rule” to a less harsh “cultural rule” in the 1920s, which motivated Protestants to adopt an uneasy coexistence with colonial authorities. In the 1930s–1940s, the GGK hardened its stance on religion and insisted on peninsula‐wide observance of State Shintō; some Protestants acquiesced to the authorities, but others bravely refused to worship Shintō deities, a ritual that contravened Christian strictures against idolatry.
Clinical applications of point‐of‐care ultrasound in brain injury: a narrative review
Authors: Dinsmore M. , Venkatraghavan L.
Published: January 2022

The use of point‐of‐care ultrasound has increased considerably over the last two decades. It has become a readily available, non‐invasive bed‐side modality for the rapid diagnosis and management of patients in various settings. Point‐of‐care ultrasound for assessing the heart, lung, abdomen, airway and vascular systems is now well established. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound for assessing cerebral blood flow has been in use for many years. In recent years, brain ultrasonography has been shown to be a powerful tool in the rapid bed‐side assessment of cerebral haemodynamics and structural pathology. Brain ultrasound has been shown to be useful in both the emergency department and neurocritical care setting for the non‐invasive assessment of raised intracranial pressure, cerebral autoregulation and diagnosis of intracranial haematoma and other space‐occupying lesions. Point‐of‐care ultrasound is an important alternative technique to routine imaging and invasive monitoring techniques, and results are comparable. Competence is easily attainable without formal radiology training. With technological advancement, applications for the use of brain ultrasound continue to grow. This review discusses the clinical use of point‐of‐care ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of brain injury.
Multiple large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas in the rectum and descending colon presented with liver metastasis: A case report
Authors: Fukushima Naoko , Furukawa Kenei , Takano Yuta , Suzuki Toshiaki , Yoshinobu Mitsuyama , Hanyu Ken , Kobayashi Susumu
Published: January 2022

Colorectal large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is rare and multiple LCNECs have not been previously reported. We encountered a case of multiple LCNECs in the rectum and the descending colon. A 66‐year‐old man presented with anal pain. Colonoscopy showed an ulcerated infiltrating tumor in the rectum, and 0.5 cm of erosion in the descending colon. A biopsy revealed LCNEC in both regions. Abdominal computed tomography revealed irregularly enhanced wall thickening at the rectum and hepatic metastases. Due to the diagnosis of LCNEC, laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection of the rectum was performed. Histopathological examination showed a poorly differentiated, LCNEC in both regions. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that the tumor cells were positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin. LCNEC was confirmed, and systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin/irinotecan was initiated. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes multiple LCNECs in the rectum and descending colon.