bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing word-of-mouth reputation of influencers on B2C live streaming platforms: the role of the characteristics of information source
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Zhihua , Wang Xiaoying , Zhao Yang
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence mechanism of the word-of-mouth reputation of influencers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explored word-of-mouth reputation from four characteristics of information source of influencers: credibility, professionalism, interactivity and attractiveness. The grounded theory was used to extract the characteristic indicators of influencers and used questionnaire surveys to obtain 218 valid samples. The fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used for the configuration analysis.

Findings

The results revealed the following: (1) a causal asymmetric correlation exists between the driving mechanism of high word-of-mouth reputation and non-high word-of-mouth reputation; (2) influencers matching high word-of-mouth reputation comprises potential, developmental and almighty types, whereas live streaming influencer matching non-high word-of-mouth reputation comprises elementary and groping types; and (3) all factors must be combined to play a role, and neutral permutations of two solutions were found among the three overall solutions to attain high word-of-mouth reputation; (4) the combination of high user activity and high exposure is the core configuration that results in high word-of-mouth reputation.

Practical implications

This study provides recommendation for consumers, live streamers, brand and e-commerce platform on how to promote the sustainable and healthy development of influencer marketing.

Originality/value

This study focused on elucidating how the characteristics of information source affect the word-of-mouth reputation of influencers and have a reference value for the research on word-of-mouth reputation in the context of live commerce.
The role of organization intermediaries in science-/techno-push versus user-centric approaches in health care innovation
Authors: Merindol Valerie , Le Chaffotec Alexandra , Versailles David W.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Health care ecosystems instantiate different innovation trajectories, driven either by science-/techno-push or user-centric rationales. This article focuses on organization intermediaries (OIs), respectively, active in health care ecosystems driven by science- and techno-push versus user-centric innovation processes; it aims at characterizing their operation and intervention modes. The analysis elaborates on network and content brokerage. Innovation also needs to consider various challenges associated with physical vicinity. The authors check whether territorial anchoring plays a role in brokerage, depending on the innovation model.

Design/methodology/approach

The article offers an investigation of eight French organizations matching the definition of OIs and active in different areas of health care-related innovation. It follows a qualitative and abductive research protocol adhering to the precepts of grounded theory.

Findings

First, the authors show that content and network brokerage specialize in specific activities in each innovation model. On network brokerage, the authors show that OIs foster the development of communities of practice in the science-/techno-push model, while they nurture communities of innovation in the user-centric model. Services materializing content brokerage are typical consequences of activities performed in each model. The second contribution deals with physical vicinity. In the science-/techno-push model, OIs install a physical space (the “internal” dimension) to support the development of communities of practice, while the “external” dimension copes with agglomeration effects. In the user-centric model, OIs deliver services thanks to the “internal” space; communities of innovation create a leverage effect on the physical space to operate their activities that are supported by “external” network effects.

Originality/value

The originality of the article lies in the description of the alternative roles plaid by organization intermediaries in the science-/techno-push versus user-centric approaches of innovation. In these two approaches, (contents and network) brokerage and physical vicinity play different roles.
Addicted to cruises? Key drivers of cruise ship loyalty behavior through an e-WOM approach
Authors: Castillo-Manzano José Ignacio , Castro-Nuño Mercedes , Pozo-Barajas Rafael
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the drivers that explain loyalty behavior in cruise tourism with the aim of achieving a better understanding of repeat cruisers’ intentions to sail on the same ship or on another ship belonging to the same cruise line or cruise corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on over 150,000 online reviews about their satisfaction and experience posted by cruisers using so-called electronic Word of Mouth (e-WOM), the authors apply both a graphic and an econometric technique through input-output circular plots and discrete choice models.

Findings

The main results show that cruisers’ behavior is influenced by multiple onboard attributes, such as the service crew, entertainment options, type of cabin, some characteristics of the ship (age, capacity) and the cruise line (Premium-Luxury versus mainstream), and, specifically, the quality and variety of the gastronomic experience.

Practical implications

The results highlight that repeats cruisers are predominantly linked to a cruise company or a cruise corporation rather than a particular ship. This result provides information on the moderators that can influence the customers’ repetition behavior, which might be useful for planning revenue management and extending knowledge on hospitality loyalty in general and in the cruise industry in particular, specifically under the current uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

The previous literature has essentially examined revisit intentions in the cruise market from a qualitative approach and the authors have found no study to date that has simultaneously addressed this issue in three dimensions, namely, ship, cruise line and cruise corporation. The research fills this gap by determining the reasons why passengers would repeat a cruise either on the same ship, with the same cruise line or the same cruise corporation based on previous experience.
Principles of foodservice ethics: a general review
Authors: Sharma Amit , Jolly Phillip M. , Chiles Robert Magneson , DiPietro Robin B. , Jaykumar Angeline , Kesa Hema , Monteiro Heather , Roberts Kevin , Saulais Laure
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Moral aspects of food are gaining increased attention from scholars due to growing complexity of the food system. The foodservice system is a complex arrangement of stakeholders, yet has not benefited from similar scholarly attention on the moral facets. This gap is of significance given that the foodservice system has increased in importance with the larger proportion of food consumed in foodservice environments. This paper aims to focus on the foodservice system with the goal of applying moral perspectives associated with the theoretical discussion on the principles of food ethics.

Design/methodology/approach

Food ethics is described within the theoretical framework of three principles, namely, autonomy, justice and well-being. These ethical principles are reviewed in context of the foodservice system comprised of food distribution (supply chains), preparation (foodservice establishments) and consumption (consumer demand). The review also includes international perspectives on foodservice system ethics to assess relativism (versus universalism) of moral issues.

Findings

As the foodservice system increases in complexity, greater discussion is needed on the ethics of this system. This study observes that ignoring ethical principles can negatively impact the ability of consumers, businesses and communities to make informed choices, and on their well-being. Alternatively, a focus on understanding the role of food ethics can provide an anchor for research, practice and policy development to strengthen the foodservice system. While these moral principles are universal truths, they will require relative introspection globally, based on local experiences.

Originality/value

This paper presents a moral principle-based description of food ethics that incorporates the various components of the expanding foodservice system.
Do green features increase housing value in Malaysia?
Authors: Goh Zhen-Ting , Low Sheau-Ting , Choong Weng-Wai , Wee Siaw-Chui
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the perception of valuers towards the contribution of green features in residential property valuation. The concept of green housing was designed to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and humans. The cost of green housing is higher than the conventional building and is reflected in the selling price, which is further enhanced by the increasing demand for green buildings in the housing market. Such a scenario could be a challenge to the valuers when they carry out a valuation on housing with green features, as there is a lack of information to guide valuers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research method. A comprehensive review of the international green rating tools was carried out to ascertain the relative green features in residential buildings. There are 14 green features identified and grouped into four main categories. A total of 147 valid responses were collected by an online platform and face-to-face distribution among licensed valuers in Malaysia.

Findings

The result confirmed that the 14 green features are contributing to the residential property valuation with a reasonable range of adjustment from 2.0% to 6.5%.

Originality/value

The understanding of the range of adjustment for each green feature may provide a guide to the valuer in determining the range of adjustment based on green features associated with residential property in Malaysia. The findings contribute ideas and options to the future development of residential projects by taking into consideration the specific green features that potentially lead to environmental sustainability and building value.
Investigating digital technological competencies amongst black Asian minority ethnic construction students in the UK
Authors: Balogun Teslim Bamidele , Awonuga Olukayode Olusola , Abowen-Dake Rukaya
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate digital technology (DT) competencies, training and awareness amongst Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) construction students in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative online survey to investigate both BAME Construction Undergraduates Graduate Students (CUGS) and staff studying on and teaching on Construction programmes. The investigation examined their opinions as to their own awareness of their competencies and training regarding DT.

Findings

Findings indicate that BAME CUGS were mostly “very proficient” in the use of basic DT, such as required to complete an authentic assessment that typifies a real-life scenario. For example, sending and receiving emails, Excel, Word, computer literacy/basic IT skills, browsing searching materials, PowerPoint, specialist IT skills, mobile devices, tablet and social media handles. However, findings revealed that training awareness and competencies in new DT is shallow, and BAME CUGS are probably not ready for the digitalised construction world. Respondents were mainly within the “probably aware” range, and very few were within the “definitely aware” range, on the Likert scale adopted. New DTs that fell within the “definitely aware” range are BIM, offsite construction and manufacturing, 3D printing, cloud computing and collaboration.

Research limitations/implications

It is acknowledged that expanding the sample size to other universities and exploring BAME industry professionals’ narratives could further enrich the discussion. However, these limitations did not impact the robust practical and theoretical implications provided to CUGS, Higher Education (HE)sectors, University staff and industry emerging from the analysis and findings achieved in the study. Still, it is being recommended for future work to consider.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable recommendations helpful to HE institutions, industry and government. Recommendations provided include a need to review and update the current curriculum, robust partnership between academia and industry, increase government funding, upskilling and training staff in the new DT.
Global research output in pharmacovigilance (2015–2020)
Authors: Tyagi Sunil
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to measure the global research landscape on Pharmacovigilance (PV) indexed in the Scopus database for six years period spanning from 2015 to 2020. The study examines growth rate, author productivity and prominent authors, institutions and countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research literature on PV published globally and indexed in the Scopus core collection database was retrieved using the search string “pharmacovigilance” as per the Medical List of Subject Heading. A total of 1,272 documents were retrieved based on the query set. Quantitative and visualization technologies were used for data analysis and interpretation. Network visualization maps including research collaboration of authors, journals, institutions and countries were created by using the VOSviewer program.

Findings

A total of 1,272 global scientific research output on PV were retrieved with an annual average growth rate of 21.70% and with a proportion of 3.84% compound annual growth rate. The relative growth rate for the world’s PV publications decreased gradually from the rate of 0.71 to 0.20. On the other hand, the doubling time (DT) of PV publications displays an increasing trend from the rate of 0.97 to 3.46. The mean relative growth and DT of PV publication for six years is 0.32 and 1.87, respectively. The global publications on PV registered a total of 6,387 citations with an average citation impact of 5.02 citations per paper. The average number of authors per paper was 0.76 and the average productivity per author was 1.33. The most productive journal was Drug Safety with a total of 74 papers. France has the highest number of publications with a total of 251 papers accounting for 19.73%. Uppsala Monitoring Center, Sweden dominated in research productivity on PV with a proportion of 1.89% papers. There is a considerable research output in the areas of medicine accounting for 77.43% of total publications.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study may help regulators, drug manufacturers, medical scientists and health-care professionals to identify the progress in PV research. In addition, it will also help to identify the prolific authors, journals, institutions and countries/territories in the development of research.

Social implications

PV across the globe has become an important public health issue concerning to regulators, drug manufacturers and health-care professionals, therefore, it is feasible to know the research landscape to safeguard of public health.

Originality/value

The investigation is the first attempt to the scientometric assessment of PV research output at the global level.
Energy‐mediated responses to changing prey size and distribution in marine top predator movements and population dynamics
Authors: Gallagher Cara A. , Chimienti Marianna , Grimm Volker , Nabe‐Nielsen Jacob
Published: November 2021

Climate change is modifying the structure of marine ecosystems, including that of fish communities. Alterations in abiotic and biotic conditions can decrease fish size and change community spatial arrangement, ultimately impacting predator species which rely on these communities. To conserve predators and understand the drivers of observed changes in their population dynamics, we must advance our understanding of how shifting environmental conditions can impact populations by limiting food available to individuals.

To investigate the impacts of changing fish size and spatial aggregation on a top predator population, we applied an existing agent‐based model parameterized for harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena which represents animal energetics and movements in high detail. We used this framework to quantify the impacts of shifting prey size and spatial aggregation on porpoise movement, space use, energetics and population dynamics.

Simulated individuals were more likely to switch from area‐restricted search to transit behaviour with increasing prey size, particularly when starving, due to elevated resource competition. In simulations with highly aggregated prey, higher prey encounter rates counteracted resource competition, resulting in no impacts of prey spatial aggregation on movement behaviour.

Reduced energy intake with decreasing prey size and aggregation level caused population decline, with a 15% decrease in fish length resulting in total population collapse Increasing prey consumption rates by 42.8 ± 4.5% could offset population declines; however, this increase was 21.3 ± 12.7% higher than needed to account for changes in total energy availability alone. This suggests that animals in realistic seascapes require additional energy to locate smaller prey which should be considered when assessing the impacts of decreased energy availability.

Changes in prey size and aggregation influenced movements and population dynamics of simulated harbour porpoises, revealing that climate‐induced changes in prey structure, not only prey abundance, may threaten predator populations. We demonstrate how a population model with realistic animal movements and process‐based energetics can be used to investigate population consequences of shifting food availability, such as those mediated by climate change, and provide a mechanistic explanation for how changes in prey structure can impact energetics, behaviour and ultimately viability of predator populations.
The ability to disperse large seeds, rather than body mass alone, defines the importance of animals in a hyper‐diverse seed dispersal network
Authors: Ong Lisa , McConkey Kim R. , Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa
Published: November 2021

Large‐bodied animals play irreplaceable roles in seed dispersal, partly due to their capacity to disperse large seeds. Understanding this role at a community level has been limited by the paucity of network studies that include large vertebrates, and the almost complete absence of studies including synzoochoric dispersers. Synzoochoric dispersers can disperse seeds disproportionately large for their body size, potentially overlapping the roles of large‐bodied animals. A comprehensive network, inclusive of large vertebrates and synzoochorous dispersers, is imperative to understand seed dispersal at a community level.

Here, we analysed the seed dispersal network of a hyper‐diverse Sundaic forest in Malaysia using local ecological knowledge and including multiple forms of endozoochorous and synzoochorous dispersal. We evaluated the extent to which three disperser traits: body mass, seed‐handling ability (size of the largest seed dispersed) and diet explained the importance of animals in the network. We evaluated dispersers' relative importance using four network metrics—degree of specialisation (nested rank), species strength, within‐module connectivity (z‐value) and between‐modules connectivity (c‐value).

We found that seed‐handling ability had the biggest effect on a disperser's importance, with strong effects on three network metrics (species strength, ecological specialisation and z‐value) and moderate effects on connectivity between modules. Body mass was important in defining interactions within modules, and dietary differences defined the ecological specialisation of species in seed dispersal.

Important dispersers in our network were large‐seed dispersers (e.g. rats, gibbons), large‐bodied animals, in particular the Asian elephant, and animals with frugivorous diets such as hornbills.

Synthesis. Our work uncovers the significance of seed‐handling ability in identifying pivotal seed dispersal roles in tropical rainforests. Key dispersers include large‐bodied herbivores and medium‐sized frugivores that could disperse large seeds by endozoochory, and smaller rodents that dispersed similar‐sized seeds by synzoochory. Many of the species that emerged as particularly important for the seed dispersal network are currently threatened (e.g. the Asian elephant, gibbons and hornbills). Their protection or reintroduction should be a top conservation priority.
Mycorrhizal symbiosis alleviates plant water deficit within and across generations via phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Puy Javier , Carmona Carlos P. , Hiiesalu Inga , Öpik Maarja , de Bello Francesco , Moora Mari
Published: November 2021

Phenotypic plasticity is essential for organisms to adapt to local ecological conditions. It is expected that mutualistic interactions, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, mediate plant phenotypic plasticity, although it is not clear to what extent this plasticity may be heritable (i.e. transgenerational plasticity).

We tested for plant plasticity within‐ and across‐generations in response to AM symbiosis and varying water availability in a full factorial experiment over two generations, using a genetically uniform line of a perennial apomictic herb, Taraxacum brevicorniculatum. We examined changes in phenotype, performance and AM fungal colonization of the offspring throughout plant development.

AM symbiosis and water availability triggered phenotypic changes during the life cycle of plants. Additionally, both factors triggered adaptive transgenerational effects especially detectable during the juvenile stage of the offspring. Water deficit and absence of AM fungi caused concordant plant phenotypic modifications towards a ‘stress‐coping phenotype’, both within and across generations. Parental environment also affected AM fungal colonization of the offspring. Juvenile offspring of amply watered parents and adut offspring of mycorrhizal parents had increasing length of root colonized by AM fungi when they were under water stress.

Synthesis. We show that, in addition to providing beneficial transgenerational effects in offspring traits proxies of fitness (such as increased biomass, survival or nutritional status), AM symbiosis can trigger transgenerational plasticity in anatomical and physiological traits related to resource‐use acquisition, and further influence offspring AM fungal colonization. Our results show that AM symbiosis could improve plants' ability to cope with environmental stress, not only within, but also across generations.
One‐year outcome of patients with cirrhosis who developed spontaneous bacterial empyema: A cohort study
Authors: Jiménez‐Gutiérrez José M. , García‐Juárez Ignacio , Olivas‐Martinez Antonio , Ruiz Isaac
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate outcomes in cirrhotic patients diagnosed with spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBE) compared with those without this complication.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of cirrhotic patients from a tertiary care center. The primary outcome was time to death or liver transplantation (LT) within one year after diagnosis of infection. We integrated three groups: patients with SBE (group A), patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP; group B), and cirrhotic patients without SBP or SBE (group C), matched by age, model for end‐stage liver disease‐sodium (MELD‐Na) score and year of infection. Outcomes were analyzed using a Cox regression model adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and MELD‐Na score.

Results

Between January 1999 and February 2019, 4829 cirrhotic patients were identified. Among them, 73 (1.5%) had hepatic hydrotorax, of whom 22 (30.1%) were diagnosed with SBE. Median age in group A was 58 years, 50% were men, and median MELD‐Na was 21.5. Compared with group C, the hazard ratio of death or LT during the first year after infection was 2.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43‐6.22, P = 0.004) for group A and 1.23 (95% CI 0.65‐2.32, P = 0.522) for group B.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that patients with SBE have a worse outcome during the first year after infection is diagnosed. Patients who develop SBE should be promptly referred for transplant evaluation. SBE may emerge as new indication that could benefit from MELD exception points.
Autochthonous fungi are central components in microbial community structure in raw fermented sausages
Authors: Zwirzitz Benjamin , Thalguter Sarah , Wetzels Stefanie U. , Stessl Beatrix , Wagner Martin , Selberherr Evelyne
Published: November 2021

Raw meat sausage represents a unique ecological niche rich in nutrients for microbial consumption, making it particularly vulnerable to microbial spoilage. Starter cultures are applied to improve product stability and safety as well as flavour characteristics. However, the influence of starter cultures on microbial community assembly and succession throughout the fermentation process is largely unknown. In particular the effect on the fungal community has not yet been explored. We evaluate the microbiological status of four different raw meat sausages using high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 gene sequencing. The objective was to study temporal changes of microbial composition during the fermentation process and to identify potential keystone species that play an important role within the microbial community. Our results suggest that fungi assigned to the species Debaryomyces hansenii and Alternaria alternata play a key role in microbial community dynamics during fermentation. In addition, bacteria related to the starter culture Lactobacillus sakei and the spoilage‐associated genera Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter are central components of the microbial ecosystem in raw fermented sausages. Elucidating the exact role and interactions of these microorganisms has the potential to have direct impacts on the quality and safety of fermented foods.
A multi‐media digital intervention to improve the sexual and reproductive health of female adolescent emergency department patients
Authors: Chernick Lauren S. , Santelli John , Stockwell Melissa S. , Gonzalez Ariana , Ehrhardt Anke , Thompson John L. P. , Leu Cheng‐Shiun , Bakken Susanne , Westhoff Carolyn L. , Dayan Peter S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Adolescent females presenting to emergency departments (EDs) inconsistently use contraceptives. We aimed to assess implementation outcomes and potential efficacy of a user‐informed, theory‐based digital health intervention developed to improve sexual and reproductive health for adolescent females in the ED.

Methods

We conducted a pilot‐randomized controlled trial of sexually active female ED patients age 14–19 years. Participants were randomized to the intervention Dr. Erica (Emergency Room Interventions to improve the Care of Adolescents) or usual care. Dr. Erica consists of an ED‐based digital intervention along with 3 months of personalized and interactive multimedia messaging. We assessed the feasibility, adoption, and fidelity of Dr. Erica among adolescent female users. Initiation of highly effective contraception was the primary efficacy outcome.

Results

We enrolled 146 patients; mean (±SD) age was 17.7 (±1.27) years and 87% were Hispanic. Dr. Erica demonstrated feasibility, with high rates of consent (84.4%) and follow‐up (82.9%). Intervention participants found Dr. Erica acceptable, liking (98.0%, on Likert scale) and recommending (83.7%) the program. A total of 87.5% adopted the program, responding to at least one text; a total of 289 weblinks were clicked. Dr. Erica demonstrated fidelity; few participants opted out (6.9%) and failed to receive texts (1.4%). Contraception was initiated by 24.6% (14/57) in the intervention and 21.9% (14/64) in the control arms (absolute risk difference [ARD] = 2.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –12.4% to 17.8%). Participants receiving Dr. Erica were more likely to choose a method to start in the future (65.9% [27/41]) than controls (30.0% [15/50]); ARD = 35.9%, 95% CI = 16.6% to 55.1%).

Conclusions

A personalized, interactive digital intervention was feasible to implement, acceptable to female ED patients and demonstrated high fidelity and adoption. This ED‐based intervention shows potential to improve contraception decision making.
An endemic dung beetle species feeding on kauri snail carrion in Northland, New Zealand
Authors: Langton‐Myers Shelley S.
Published: November 2021

Worldwide, Scarabaeidae are coprophages, feeding on mammalian dung. In New Zealand, endemic Scarabaeidae are restricted to forested habitats, where they have evolved a more generalised diet of carrion and dung from a variety of fauna. The scarab beetle Saphobius sp. A is an undescribed flightless dung beetle endemic to New Zealand. The diet of Saphobius is of interest as these Scarabaeidae have evolved on the isolated New Zealand landmass, in the absence of large forest‐dwelling land mammals. Here, I observe Saphobius sp. A feeding on a non‐dung food source, kauri snail Paryphanta busbyi, Gray, carrion.
PROSPECT guidelines for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a systematic review and procedure‐specific postoperative pain management recommendations
Authors: Feray S. , Lubach J. , Joshi G. P. , Bonnet F. , Van de Velde M. ,   the PROSPECT Working Group *of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Therapy
Published: November 2021

Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular due to faster recovery times and reduced postoperative pain compared with thoracotomy. However, analgesic regimens for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery vary significantly. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. A systematic review was undertaken using procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology. Randomised controlled trials published in the English language, between January 2010 and January 2021 assessing the effect of analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified. We retrieved 1070 studies of which 69 randomised controlled trials and two reviews met inclusion criteria. We recommend the administration of basic analgesia including paracetamol and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs or cyclo‐oxygenase‐2‐specific inhibitors pre‐operatively or intra‐operatively and continued postoperatively. Intra‐operative intravenous dexmedetomidine infusion may be used, specifically when basic analgesia and regional analgesic techniques could not be given. In addition, a paravertebral block or erector spinae plane block is recommended as a first‐choice option. A serratus anterior plane block could also be administered as a second‐choice option. Opioids should be reserved as rescue analgesics in the postoperative period.
Effect of mixed rearing of barrows and gilts on backfat thickness and serum metabolite profiles of the Kagoshima‐Kurobuta (Berkshire) pig
Authors: Ohkoda Tsutomu , Yoshida Katsunori , Ijiri Daichi , Ohtsuka Akira
Published: November 2021

We investigated the effect of mixed rearing of barrows and gilts on the backfat thickness and the serum metabolite profiles of Kagoshima‐Kurobuta (Berkshire) pigs. A total of 149 pigs with an average body weight of 35 kg were divided into the following groups: 100%, 90%, 70%, 50%, 30%, 10%, and 0% groups consisting of 10 barrows (1 pen), 9 barrows + 1 gilt (3 pens), 7 barrows + 3 gilts (2 pens), 5 barrows + 5 gilts (3 pens), 3 barrows + 7 gilts (2 pens), 1 barrow + 9 gilts (3 pens), and 9 gilts (1 pen), respectively. All pigs were raised to a shipping weight of 120 kg. Mixed rearing significantly reduced (p < 0.001) backfat thickness, and the optimum mixing ratio of barrows and gilts was 7:3 (the 70% group). Four types of circulating sex steroids were found in both the barrows and gilts in the 50% group but were not detected in barrows from the 100% group. These results indicated that mixed rearing of barrows and gilts was effective for reducing the backfat thickness of barrows, and induced sex steroid hormones may influence the backfat thickness of barrows in mixed‐reared groups.
Deciphering Late Cretaceous palaeo‐river catchments in eastern Australia: Recognition of distinct northern and southern drainage basins
Authors: Foley Elliot K. , Roberts Eric M. , Knutsen Espen M.
Published: November 2021

During the Early Cretaceous, Australia was flooded by the epicontinental Eromanga Sea, deposits of which occur across the Great Australian Superbasin. However, the mid‐Cretaceous retreat of this shallow sea, and the resultant palaeogeographic and sediment distribution patterns, are poorly understood. This study chronicles the Eromanga Sea's northward regression through the Carpentaria Basin as captured in the sedimentary record of the Normanton Formation. We achieve this by integrating sedimentary facies analysis of cores from across the Carpentaria Basin with palynology, sandstone petrography and U‐Pb detrital zircon geochronology. Results indicate that the Normanton Formation was deposited between ca. 100 and 96 Ma, and that it represents a large, northward‐prograding, likely river‐dominated delta system. The unit's volcanoclastic nature is exhibited through abundant lithic volcanics and devitrified glass, with a prominent, near‐depositional detrital zircon population attributed to a proximal continental magmatic arc‐derived source hypothesised to parallel the eastern seaboard of Australia at this time. The Normanton Formation is temporally correlative with the lower‐middle portions of the similarly volcanoclastic Winton Formation in the Eromanga Basin, which drained southwards into the Cenomanian‐Santonian Ceduna River Delta system. However, Normanton Formation strata display subtly different provenance signatures and drainage patterns, indicating input from similar, but likely more northern source terrains than much of the contemporaneous Winton Formation. These sediments were unlikely recycled southwards into the Ceduna Delta like those of the Winton Formation; rather they drained northward following the retreat of the Eromanga Sea through the Carpentaria Basin, indicating a Cretaceous drainage divide between two river systems, with distinct northern and southern drainage catchments. The mid‐Cretaceous palaeogeography of eastern Australia is analogous to that of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America, in which the retreat of a shallow epicontinental sea is marked by the rapid deposition and progradation of multiple large, geographically distinct clastic wedges.
Myocardial injury biomarkers at point of care for early identification of primary graft dysfunction after heart transplantation
Authors: Jernryd Victoria , Metzsch Carsten , Andersson Bodil , Smith J. Gustav , Nilsson Johan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a leading cause of 30‐day mortality following heart transplantation, and early intervention in PGD may correlate to improved survival. Our analysis aimed to determine the feasibility of measuring cardiac biomarkers from the donor heart in the early phase for use as a predictor of PGD.

Methods: Blood samples from the coronary sinus were obtained at the time of transplantation in hearts preserved by cold static storage. The samples were analyzed for CK‐MB and cTnI with a point‐of‐care method. The primary outcome was severe PGD or the need for veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation within 7 days, referred to as severe graft dysfunction.

Results: Of the total cohort (n = 63), eight patients (13%) were diagnosed with severe graft dysfunction within 7 days. Patients with high CK‐MB had an increased risk for severe graft dysfunction with unadjusted Odds Ratio (OR) of 4.5 (95%CI .96–21.11P = .057) and adjusted OR of 7.4 (95%CI 1.13–48.46,P = .037. Similar but non significant trends were observed for cTnI.

Conclusion: By measuring CK‐MB from the coronary effluent in the donor heart, it may be possible to identify patients at increased risk for severe PGD after heart transplantation.
Risk factors for hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes admitted to the Emergency Department of a Hospital in French Guiana
Authors: Poret Fabien , Nacher Mathieu , Pujo Jean , Cauvin Jean‐Michel , Demar Magalie , Massicard Mickael , Sabbah Nadia
Published: November 2021

Aims/Introduction

Strict management of glucose levels in elderly people with diabetes or with comorbidities exposes them to the risk of severe hypoglycaemia (capillary or venous glucose ≤3.3 mmol/L) and the associated morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological characteristics of people with diabetes admitted to the Emergency Department in Cayenne, French Guiana for severe hypoglycaemia and identify avoidable behaviours in this population.

Materials and Methods

An observational epidemiological study of adults with diabetes who presented to the Emergency Department with severe hypoglycaemia was conducted between 2015 and 2018. Their medical history, clinical and laboratory data were collected. The primary outcome was the association between therapeutic misuse and age ≥65 years.

Results

Overall, 178 admissions were analysed. The main cause of hypoglycaemia was insulin dosing‐error or inappropriate glycaemic targets. Among those ≥65 years, 59% had a glycated haemoglobin ≤48 mmol/mol (6.5%), and the median duration of their diabetes was 20 years. Among them, 60% were treated with sulfonylurea, repaglinide, biphasic insulin, or mixed drugs, and 48% were on non‐diabetes related treatments that had a hypoglycaemic effect. Furthermore, 23% of the elderly treated with oral antidiabetics had chronic kidney disease.

Conclusion

Many avoidable risk factors for severe hypoglycaemia have been highlighted, in particular insulin dosing errors or non‐compliance with recommendations for participants ≥ 65 years. Primary care physicians and homecare nurses need to provide preventive interventions and undergo training.
The comparative cardiovascular and renal effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: A Scandinavian cohort study
Authors: Ueda Peter , Wintzell Viktor , Dahlqwist Elisabeth , Eliasson Björn , Svensson Ann‐Marie , Franzén Stefan , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Hveem Kristian , Jonasson Christian , Melbye Mads , Hviid Anders , Svanström Henrik , Pasternak Björn
Published: November 2021

Aim

To assess the comparative cardiovascular and renal effectiveness of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists in routine clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

A cohort study of nationwide registers from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, including 87 525 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors and 63 921 new users of GLP‐1 receptor agonists, was conducted using data from 2013‐2018. Co‐primary outcomes, analysed using an intention‐to‐treat exposure definition, were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death), heart failure (hospitalization or death because of heart failure), and serious renal events (renal replacement therapy, hospitalization for renal events, and death from renal causes).

Results

Use of SGLT2 inhibitors versus GLP‐1 receptor agonists was associated with a higher risk of MACE (adjusted incidence rate: 15.2 vs. 14.4 events per 1000 person‐years; HR 1.07 [95% CI 1.01‐1.15]), a similar risk of heart failure (6.0 vs. 6.0 events per 1000 person‐years; HR 1.02 [0.92‐1.12]), and a lower risk of serious renal events (2.9 vs. 4.0 events per 1000 person‐years; HR 0.76 [0.66‐0.87]). In as‐treated analyses, the HR (95% CI) was 1.11 (1.00‐1.24) for MACE, 0.88 (0.74‐1.04) for heart failure, and 0.60 (0.47‐0.77) for serious renal events. In secondary outcome analyses, use of SGLT2 inhibitors versus GLP‐1 receptor agonists was not associated with statistically significant differences for the risk of myocardial infarction (HR 1.09 [95% CI 1.00‐1.19]), cardiovascular death (HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.84‐1.12]), death from renal causes (HR 0.75 [95% CI 0.41‐1.35]), or any cause death (HR 1.01 [95% CI 0.94‐1.09]), while the risk of stroke was higher (HR 1.14 [95% CI 1.03‐1.26]), and the risk of renal replacement therapy (HR 0.74 [95% CI 0.56‐0.97]) and hospitalization for renal events (HR 0.75 [95% CI 0.65‐0.88]) were lower among users of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Conclusions

Use of SGLT2 inhibitors versus GLP‐1 receptor agonists was associated with a similar risk of heart failure and a lower risk of serious renal events, while use of GLP‐1 receptor agonists versus SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a slightly lower risk of MACE. In as‐treated analyses, the associations with MACE and serious renal events increased in magnitude, and the HR for heart failure tended towards a protective association for SGLT2 inhibitors.
Micro ribonucleic acid‐363 regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/threonine protein kinase axis by targeting NOTCH1 and forkhead box C2, leading to hepatic glucose and lipids metabolism disorder in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Peng Yu‐Huan , Wang Ping , He Xiao‐Qun , Hong Ming‐Zhao , Liu Feng
Published: November 2021

Aims/Introduction

Glucose metabolic disorder is the main cause for type 2 diabetes progression. Exploring the molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorder are crucial for type 2 diabetes treatment.

Materials and Methods

Micro ribonucleic acid (miR)‐363, NOTCH1 and forkhead box C2 (FOXC2) expressions in high glucose (HG)‐treated HepG2 cells and the livers of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of NOTCH1, FOXC2 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt)‐related proteins were evaluated using western blot. Lipid accumulation was determined using Oil Red O staining. Then glucose consumption, blood glucose level and glycogen content were detected using kits. Finally, dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the binding relationship between miR‐363 and NOTCH1, and the binding relationship between miR‐363 and FOXC2.

Results

MiR‐363 was significantly upregulated in the livers of diabetic rats and HG‐induced HepG2 cells, whereas NOTCH1 and FOXC2 were downregulated. In HG‐induced HepG2 cells, miR‐363 inhibitor markedly increased glucose consumption and uptake, and reduced accumulation of lipid droplets. Then NOTCH1 and FOXC2 were identified as downstream targets of miR‐363. NOTCH1 overexpression or FOXC2 overexpression could ameliorate glucose and lipids metabolism disorder in type 2 diabetes model cells. In addition, we found that FOXC2 inhibition abolished the effect of NOTCH1 overexpression on HG‐induced HepG2 cells. Finally, we proved that the PI3K/Akt pathway was the downstream pathway of FOXC2.

Conclusion

MiR‐363 was considered as a key regulator of glucose and lipids metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus, which regulated PI3K/Akt axis by targeting NOTCH1 and FOXC2, thus leading to hepatic glucose and lipids metabolism disorder in type 2 diabetes.
Temperature‐based phenology model of African citrus triozid (Trioza erytreae Del Guercio): Vector of citrus greening disease
Authors: Aidoo Owusu Fordjour , Tanga Chrysantus M. , Azrag Abdelmutalab G. A. , Mohamed Samira A. , Khamis Fathiya M. , Rasowo Brenda A. , Ambajo Joseph , Sétamou Mamoudou , Ekesi Sunday , Borgemeister Christian
Published: November 2021

The African citrus triozid (ACT), Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is the major vector of the ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’, associated with the African citrus greening disease [huanglongbing (HLB)]. Although T. erytreae is a very destructive pest in citrus production with yield losses up to 100%, there is limited information on its thermal biology, which is a prerequisite for developing an environmentally friendly management strategy. This study investigated the effect of temperature on the development and survival of T. erytreae under eight constant temperatures (10, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 30°C), relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 12D:12L. Using Insect Life Cycle Modeling software, we fitted linear and non‐linear models to T. erytreae development and mortality data. The best‐fitted functions were compiled for each life stage to yield a phenology model. Our findings revealed that temperature had a significant effect on the development of all the immature stages. No complete development was observed at 10, 27 and 30°C. The developmental time of eggs ranged from 5.27 days at 24°C to 13.5 days at 15°C. The lowest developmental temperature threshold ranged between 3 and 15°C, with thermal constants ranging between 16.7 and 100 degree‐days. The 1st nymphal instars recorded the highest mortality at 15°C. The highest survival rates of the 3rd instar nymphs were recorded at 20°C. The model predicted that temperatures between 20 and 25°C were optimal for the survival of all the immature life stages, except for the 1st nymphal instars. Our results provide relevant information on the impact of temperature on the development and survival of T. erytreae, which is essential for the development of more efficient management strategies.
Season and species influence stable isotope ratios between lethally and non‐lethally sampled tissues in freshwater fish
Authors: Roberts Karling N. , Lund Taylor , Hayden Brian , Poesch Mark
Published: November 2021

The field of stable isotope ecology is moving away from lethal sampling (internal organs and muscle) towards non‐lethal sampling (fins, scales and epidermal mucus). Lethally and non‐lethally sampled tissues often differ in their stable isotope ratios due to differences in metabolic turnover rate and isotopic routing. If not accounted for when using non‐lethal tissues, these differences may result in inaccurate estimates of resource use and trophic position derived from stable isotopes. To address this, the authors tested whether tissue type, season and their interaction influence the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of fishes and whether estimates of species trophic position and resource use are affected by tissue type, season and their interaction. This study developed linear conversion relationships between two fin types and dorsal muscle, accounting for seasonal variation. The authors focused on three common temperate freshwater fishes: northern pike Esox lucius, yellow perch Perca flavescens and lake whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis. They found that fins were enriched in 13C and depleted in 15N compared to muscle in all three species, but the effect of season and the interaction between tissue type and season were species and isotope dependent. The estimates of littoral resource use based on fin isotope ratios were between 13% and 36% greater than those based on muscle across species. Season affected this difference for some species, suggesting the potential importance of using season‐specific conversions when working with non‐lethal tissues. Fin and muscle stable isotopes produced similar estimates of trophic position for northern pike and yellow perch, but fin‐based estimates were 0.2–0.4 trophic positions higher than muscle‐based estimates for lake whitefish. The effect of season was negligible for estimates of trophic position in all species. Strong correlations existed between fin and muscle δ13C and δ15N values for all three species; thus, linear conversion relationships were developed. The results of this study support the use of non‐lethal sampling in stable isotope studies of fishes. The authors suggest that researchers use tissue conversion relationships and account for seasonal variation in these relationships when differences between non‐lethal tissues and muscle, and seasonal effects on those differences, are large relative to the scale of isotope values under investigation and/or the trophic discrimination factors under use.