bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐interpellation in narratives about craving: Multiple and unitary selves
Authors: Ekendahl Mats , Karlsson Patrik , Månsson Josefin , Heimdahl Vepsä Karin
Published: August 2022

The concept of addiction seeks to explain why people act contrary to their own best interest. At the centre stage of addiction discourse is craving, conceptualised as a strong urge to use substances. This article analyses how talk therapies such as relapse prevention and self‐help groups shape identity constructions and understandings of craving among clients. Drawing upon interviews with individuals who have engaged in talk therapies in Sweden, we analyse how craving is made up through ‘self‐interpellation’, that is, personal narratives about past, present or future thoughts, feelings and actions. The main ‘self‐interpellation’ included multiple selves, where craving was elided by the true self and only felt by the inauthentic self. Less dominant were narratives which drew on a unitary self that remained stable over time and had to fight craving. The notion of multiple selves appeared as a master narrative that the participants were positioned by in their identity constructions. We conclude that this multiplicity seems ontologically demanding for people who try to recover from substance use problems. A demystification of craving, in which neither substance effects nor malfunctioning brains are blamed for seemingly irrational thoughts and actions, may reduce the stigmatisation of those who have developed habitual substance use.
Umbilical hernia: could it be the ‘canary in the coal mine’ for a more significant abdominal wall problem?
Authors: Lam Ken , Smith Alison , Slater Kellee
Published: August 2022

Background

A considerable proportion of incisional hernias presenting to this unit evolve following simple umbilical hernia repair. Our aim was to review our series of complex ventral hernia repairs and identify the frequency of this problem. Our secondary aim was to encourage surgeons to evaluate whether any of the factors that increase the risk of recurrent hernia may be present, prior to undertaking an umbilical hernia repair.

Methods

Observational retrospective review of a prospectively maintained single‐surgeon database of consecutive patients undergoing surgery for recurrent ventral hernia. Patients presenting with recurrence at the site of a previous umbilical hernia repair were identified and their demographic data collected and analysed. A review of the published literature was performed. Patient and surgeon factors contributing to recurrence were identified and discussed.

Results

Of 386 patients undergoing surgery for a recurrent ventral hernial, 102 (26.4%) were initially managed as ‘simple’ umbilical hernias repaired with a mesh patch or primary suture repair. 71 (69.6%) patients had undergone one or more subsequent hernia repairs prior to referral to our unit with 16 (15.6%) having had three or more repairs prior to referral.

Conclusion

Recurrence rates after umbilical hernia repair are likely to be much higher than surgeons and patients appreciate. There are many aspects to consider in the repair of a ‘simple’ umbilical hernia and we seek promote a discussion amongst surgeons that umbilical hernias be assessed as a major abdominal wall condition and not relegated to minor surgery status.
Responsible leadership and business sustainability: Exploring the role of corporate social responsibility and managerial discretion
Authors: Amir Muhammad , Siddique Muhammad , Ali Kamran
Published: August 2022

In today's world, businesses are involved in several different initiatives to gain sustainable performance, which can discourse the expectations and demands of society. Emerging economics faces numerous challenges in terms of social, relational, governance, and financial, which made it necessary for firms to perform responsibly in order to make positive contributions toward sustainability. Therefore, this study based on upper‐echelon theory constructs a comprehensive framework on responsible leadership, corporate social responsibility, and managerial discretion to provide the guideline for business sustainability. To fulfill the study purpose, an empirical analysis was performed on 382 Pakistani respondents' data by using PLS‐SEM through SmartPLS. Outcomes of the study indicated that responsible leadership entails enormous importance in corporations to influence their impact on society, environment, and economy, which leads to business sustainability. Moreover, the study provides insights into that more responsible and experienced leaders are better able to identify the concerns of their firm's stakeholders in the manners of relational, governing, and orientational perspectives, which help them in satisfying the stakeholders' and society's demands. Hence, responsible leadership enables the firm to better strive for sustainability by applying better CSR activities and directing the decisions by maintaining the compliance of the managers. Furthermore, the current study concluded that the managers and leaders of firms need to develop their business models in such a way that it supports the triple bottom line performance of the firm so that they can achieve sustainability. This study would help managers of firms to realize that they should reexamine their leadership practices and behaviors with the consideration of the triple bottom line framework and integrate the sustainable approach and CSR practice into their business strategy so that they can accomplish the goal of sustainability for business and fulfill the social demands and expectations.
Effectiveness of a pharmacist‐led educational intervention on health outcomes in hypertension management at community pharmacies in Nigeria: A two‐arm parallel single‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ayogu Ebere Emilia , Yahaya Rahmat Isa , Isah Abdulmuminu , Ubaka Chukwuemeka Michael
Published: August 2022

Aims

This study determined the impact of a pharmacist‐led educational intervention on the health outcomes of hypertensive patients in community pharmacies.

Methods

A 2‐arm parallel single‐blind randomized trial design was adopted among hypertensive patients in 4 pharmacies in Abuja and Lokoja, Nigeria. A pharmacist‐led educational intervention was provided to the patients in the intervention group. The study outcomes, namely changes in adherence to medication, quality of life and cost of medication were measured using MARS‐10, SF‐12 and official price list, respectively. Independent and paired‐sample t‐tests were conducted on the data.

Results

A total of 128 patients participated in the study. All of them completed the study and were included in the analysis: 70 in the control arm and 58 in the intervention arm. There was a significant improvement in components of Behaviour (2.57 vs. 2.98), Attitude (2.59 vs. 3.14) and Negative attitude (1.62 vs. 1.92). There was a better improvement in adherence in the intervention arm: 8.05 ± 1.32 vs. 6.55 ± 2.24; t = −4.65, P = .0001. There were no changes in the respondents' health status after intervention in both groups (P < .05). There was a weak inverse association between the physical health component and mental health component: R = −0.2, P = .04 and a positive association with overall adherence (R = 0.26, P = .004) in the intervention group, in whom the monthly cost of treatment decreased from N2233.1 to N2068.4.

Conclusion

Community pharmacy educational intervention improves health outcomes, particularly with adherence among patients with hypertension. Health‐related quality of life of the patients improved, but the physical health component was better than that of the mental health component.
Development of a procedure‐specific tool for skill assessment in left‐ and right‐sided laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision
Authors: Haug Tora Rydtun , Miskovic Danilo , Ørntoft Mai‐Britt Worm , Iversen Lene Hjerrild , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Valentin Jan Brink , Gomez Ruiz Marcos , Benz Stefan , Storli Kristian Eeg , Stearns Adam T. , Brigic Adela , Madsen Anders Husted
Published: August 2022

Aim

To (1) develop an assessment tool for laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (LCME) and (2) report evidence of its content validity.

Method

Assessment statements were revealed through (1) semi‐structured expert interviews and (2) consensus by the Delphi method, both involving an expert panel of five LCME surgeons. All experts were interviewed and then asked to rate LCME describing statements from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Responses were returned anonymously to the panel until consensus was reached. Statements were directly included as content in the assessment tool if ≥60% of the experts responded “agree” or “strongly agree” (ratings 4 and 5), with the remaining responses being “neither agree nor disagree” (rating 3). Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for expert agreement evaluation. All included statements were subsequently reformulated as tool items and approved by the experts.

Results

Four Delphi rounds were performed to reach consensus. Disagreement was reported for statements describing instrument handling around pancreas; visualisation of landmarks before inferior mesenteric artery ligation; lymphadenectomy around the inferior mesenteric artery, and division of the terminal ileum and transverse colon. ICC in the last Delphi‐round was 0.84. The final tool content included 73 statements, converted to 48 right‐ and 40 left‐sided items for LCME assessment.

Conclusion

A procedure‐specific, video‐based tool, named complete mesocolic excision competency assessment tool (CMECAT), has been developed for LCME skill assessment. In the future, we hope it can facilitate assessment of LCME surgeons, resulting in improved patient outcome after colon cancer surgery.
Efficacy of intermittent short‐term use of a real‐time continuous glucose monitoring system in non‐insulin–treated patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moon Sun Joon , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Lee Woo Je , Lee Mi Yeon , Vigersky Robert , Park Cheol‐Young
Published: August 2022

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of intermittent short‐term use of a real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (RT‐CGM) system in non‐insulin–treated patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) uncontrolled with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs).

Materials and Methods

In this multicentre, randomized prospective study, 61 participants were randomly assigned to treatment group 1 (one session of RT‐CGM), treatment group 2 (two sessions of RT‐CGM with a 3‐month interval between sessions) and a control group. All participants used blinded continuous glucose monitoring for up to 6 days with education before randomization, and RT‐CGM was additionally applied for 1 week in the intervention groups. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c at 6 months.

Results

Among 61 participants, 48 subjects completed the study (baseline HbA1c 8.2% ± 0.5%). At 3 months, a significant HbA1c reduction was observed in treatment group 1 (adjusted difference = −0.60%, P = .044) and treatment group 2 (adjusted difference = −0.64%, P = .014) compared with the control group. However, at 6 months, only treatment group 2 achieved a significant HbA1c reduction (adjusted difference = −0.68%, P = .018). Especially in the treatment groups, patients performing self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) at least 1.5 times/day showed a significant HbA1c improvement, at both 3 and 6 months, but those performing SMBG less than 1.5 times/day showed no significant improvement.

Conclusions

In non‐insulin–treated patients with T2D uncontrolled with OADs, intermittent short‐term use of RT‐CGM was an effective method for glucose control, especially in those performing SMBG frequently.
Phosphorus acquisition strategies of arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal trees in subtropical plantations
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Jing , Kou Liang , Ma Zeqing , Lyu Sidan , Wei Jie , Wang Huimin , Wen Xuefa
Published: August 2022

Trees form symbioses with different fungi to exploit soil nutrients, such as phosphorus (P). There is no precise information about the exact strategies by which arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) and ectomycorrhizae (EM) species facilitate P acquisition and thereby regulate soil P availability in the P‐limited subtropical forests. We investigated the plant traits and rhizosphere soil properties related to the P acquisition strategies of seven AM and seven EM tree species in a subtropical plantation in China. The available P content, which was related to acid phosphomonoesterase activity, was higher in the rhizosphere soils of the AM trees than in those of the EM trees. The higher P content in the absorptive fine roots indicated that the AM trees absorbed more P from the soil than the EM trees. The leaf P adsorption efficiency indicated that AM trees resorbed more aboveground P than EM trees. Results from structural equation modelling demonstrated that AM trees were dominated by bacteria, which contributed to the low pH, while EM trees were dominated by ectomycorrhizal and saprophytic fungi that secreted acid phosphomonoesterase to mine P in the rhizosphere soil. The AM trees had higher mycorrhizal colonisation rates than the EM trees, while the EM trees had higher specific root lengths than the AM trees, which suggests that the AM trees tended to depend on mycorrhizae, while EM trees tended to depend on roots, to scavenge P from soil. Our findings suggest that, to influence the P availability and alleviate P deficiencies, the AM trees resorbed more P aboveground and mined and scavenged more P belowground than the EM trees.

Highlights

P availability was higher in the rhizospheres of AM trees than EM trees.

AM trees resorbed more aboveground P than EM trees.

AM trees mined soil P mainly by decreasing pH, whereas EM trees by secreting ACP.

AM trees depended more on mycorrhizae, whereas EM trees on roots, scavenging soil P.
Carry‐over effects and fitness trade‐offs in marine life histories: The costs of complexity for adaptation
Authors: Marshall Dustin J. , Connallon Tim
Published: August 2022

Most marine organisms have complex life histories, where the individual stages of a life cycle are often morphologically and ecologically distinct. Nevertheless, life‐history stages share a single genome and are linked phenotypically (by “carry‐over effects”). These commonalities across the life history couple the evolutionary dynamics of different stages and provide an arena for evolutionary constraints. The degree to which genetic and phenotypic links among stages hamper adaptation in any one stage remains unclear and yet adaptation is essential if marine organisms will adapt to future climates. Here, we use an extension of Fisher's geometric model to explore how both carry‐over effects and genetic links among life‐history stages affect the emergence of pleiotropic trade‐offs between fitness components of different stages. We subsequently explore the evolutionary trajectories of adaptation of each stage to its optimum using a simple model of stage‐specific viability selection with nonoverlapping generations. We show that fitness trade‐offs between stages are likely to be common and that such trade‐offs naturally emerge through either divergent selection or mutation. We also find that evolutionary conflicts among stages should escalate during adaptation, but carry‐over effects can ameliorate this conflict. Carry‐over effects also tip the evolutionary balance in favor of better survival in earlier life‐history stages at the expense of poorer survival in later stages. This effect arises in our discrete‐generation framework and is, therefore, unrelated to age‐related declines in the efficacy of selection that arise in models with overlapping generations. Our results imply a vast scope for conflicting selection between life‐history stages, with pervasive evolutionary constraints emerging from initially modest selection differences between stages. Organisms with complex life histories should also be more constrained in their capacity to adapt to global change than those with simple life histories.
Facile synthesis, in vitro biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity of porous hollow hydroxyapatite microspheres
Authors: Li Shuaishuai , Guo Ren , Chen Song , Zhang Jianan , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Li Xiaona , Chen Weiyi
Published: August 2022

In this study, porous hollow hydroxyapatite (HAp) microspheres are prepared using chitosan microspheres as novel sacrificial templates and their microstructure, biocompatibility, and drug delivery properties are evaluated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show that HAp microspheres are spherical in morphology with a diameter of 100–300 μm and have a porous and core–shell structure. X‐ray diffractometer patterns show that HAp microspheres consist of apatite phase. MTT assay indicates that HAp microspheres are biocompatible and have no significant cytotoxicity. SEM observations show that HAp microspheres support attachment and proliferation of osteoblast MC3T3‐E1 cells. After being soaked in the solution of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH, model drug), HAp microspheres adsorb TH with an adsorption capacity of 47% to derive TH‐loaded HAp microspheres. When exposed to two types of representative bacteria: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, TH‐loaded HAp microspheres maintain the biological activity of TH to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Selective internal radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A 15‐year multicenter Australian cohort study
Authors: Prince David Stephen , Schlaphoff Glen , Davison Scott Anthony , Huo Ya Ruth , Xiang Hao , Chan Michael Vinchill , Lee Alice Unah , Thailakanathan Cynthuja , Jebeili Hazem , Rogan Christopher , Al‐Omary Ahmed , Gupta Sidhartha , Lockart Ian , Tiwari Neha , Clark‐Dickson McCawley , Hillhouse James William , Laube Robyn , Chang Jeff , Nguyen Vi , Danta Mark , Cheng Robert , Strasser Simone Irene , Zekry Amany , Levy Miriam Tania , Chan Christine , Liu Ken
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

The exact place for selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in the therapeutic algorithm for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is debated. There are limited data on its indications, efficacy, and safety in Australia.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SIRT for HCC in all Sydney hospitals between 2005 and 2019. The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were progression‐free survival and adverse events.

Results

During the study period, 156 patients underwent SIRT across 10 institutions (mean age 67 years, 81% male). SIRT use progressively increased from 2005 (n = 2), peaking in 2017 (n = 42) before declining (2019: n = 21). Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages at treatment were A (13%), B (33%), C (52%), and D (2%). Forty‐four (28%) patients had tumor thrombus. After a median follow‐up of 13.9 months, there were 117 deaths. Median overall survival was 15 months (95% confidence interval 11–19). Independent predictors of mortality on multivariable analysis were extent of liver involvement, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, baseline ascites, alpha fetoprotein, and model for end‐stage liver disease score. Median progression‐free survival was 6.0 months (95% confidence interval 5.1–6.9 months). Following SIRT, 11% of patients were downstaged to curative therapy. SIRT‐related complications occurred in 17%: radioembolization‐induced liver disease (11%), pneumonitis (3%), gastrointestinal ulceration, and cholecystitis (1% each). Baseline ascites predicted for radioembolization‐induced liver disease.

Conclusion

We present the largest Australian SIRT cohort for HCC. We have identified several factors associated with a poor outcome following SIRT. Patients with early‐stage disease had the best survival with some being downstaged to curative therapy.
Effectiveness of the VA‐Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (VA‐GRACE) program: An observational cohort study
Authors: Schubert Cathy C. , Perkins Anthony J. , Myers Laura J. , Damush Teresa M. , Penney Lauren S. , Zhang Ying , Schwartzkopf Ashley L. , Preddie Alaina K. , Riley Sam , Menen Tetla , Bravata Dawn M.
Published: August 2022

Background

As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system seeks to expand access to comprehensive geriatric assessments, evidence‐based models of care are needed to support community‐dwelling older persons. We evaluated the VA Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders (VA‐GRACE) program's effect on mortality and readmissions, as well as patient, caregiver, and staff satisfaction.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included patients admitted to the Richard L. Roudebush VA hospital (2010–2019) who received VA‐GRACE services post‐discharge and usual care controls who were potentially eligible for VA‐GRACE but did not receive services. The VA‐GRACE program provided home‐based comprehensive, multi‐disciplinary geriatrics assessment, and ongoing care. Primary outcomes included 90‐day and 1‐year all‐cause readmissions and mortality, and patient, caregiver, and staff satisfaction. We used propensity score modeling with overlapping weighting to adjust for differences in characteristics between groups.

Results

VA‐GRACE patients (N = 683) were older than controls (N = 4313) (mean age 78.3 ± 8.2 standard deviation vs. 72.2 ± 6.9 years; p < 0.001) and had greater comorbidity (median Charlson Comorbidity Index 3 vs. 0; p < 0.001). VA‐GRACE patients had higher 90‐day readmissions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.55 [95%CI 1.01–2.38]) and higher 1‐year readmissions (aOR 1.74 [95%CI 1.22–2.48]). However, VA‐GRACE patients had lower 90‐day mortality (aOR 0.31 [95%CI 0.11–0.92]), but no statistically significant difference in 1‐year mortality was observed (aOR 0.88 [95%CI 0.55–1.41]). Patients and caregivers reported that VA‐GRACE home visits reduced travel burden and the program linked Veterans and caregivers to needed resources. Primary care providers reported that the VA‐GRACE team helped to reduce their workload, improved medication management for their patients, and provided a view into patients' daily living situation.

Conclusions

The VA‐GRACE program provides comprehensive geriatric assessments and care to high‐risk, community‐dwelling older persons with high rates of satisfaction from patients, caregivers, and providers. Widespread deployment of programs like VA‐GRACE will be required to support Veterans aging in place.
Neuroanatomy of the mekosuchine crocodylianTrilophosuchus rackhamiWillis, 1993
Authors: Ristevski Jorgo
Published: August 2022

Although our knowledge on crocodylomorph palaeoneurology has experienced considerable growth in recent years, the neuroanatomy of many crocodylomorph taxa has yet to be studied. This is true for Australian taxa, where thus far only two crocodylian crocodylomorphs have had aspects of their neuroanatomy explored. Here, the neuroanatomy of the Australian mekosuchine crocodylianTrilophosuchus rackhamiis described for the first time, which significantly increases our understanding on the palaeoneurology of Australian crocodylians. The palaeoneurological description is based on the taxon's holotype specimen (QMF16856), which was subjected to a μCT scan. Because of the exceptional preservation of QMF16856, most neuroanatomical elements could be digitally reconstructed and described in detail. Therefore, the palaeoneurological assessment presented here is hitherto the most in‐depth study of this kind for an extinct Australian crocodylomorph.Trilophosuchus rackhamihas a brain endocast with a distinctive morphology that is characterized by an acute dural peak over the hindbrain region. While the overall morphology of the brain endocast is unique toT. rackhami, it does share certain similarities with the notosuchian crocodyliformsAraripesuchus wegeneriandSebecus icaeorhinus. The endosseous labyrinth displays a morphology that is typical for crocodylians, although a stand‐out feature is the unusually tall common crus. Indeed, the common crus ofT. rackhamihas one of the greatest height ratios among crocodylomorphs with currently known endosseous labyrinths. The paratympanic pneumatic system ofT. rackhamiis greatly developed and most similar to those of the extant crocodyliansOsteolaemus tetraspisandPaleosuchus palpebrosus. The observations on the neuroanatomy ofT. rackhamiare also discussed in the context of Crocodylomorpha. The comparative palaeoneurology reinforces previous evaluations that the neuroanatomy of crocodylomorphs is complex and diverse among species, andT. rackhamihas a peculiar neuromorphology, particularly among eusuchian crocodyliforms.
Safety analysis of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with markers of advanced liver disease in clinical and real‐world cohorts
Authors: Feld Jordan J. , Forns Xavier , Dylla Douglas E. , Kumada Hiromitsu , de Ledinghen Victor , Wei Lai , Brown Robert S. , Flisiak Robert , Lampertico Pietro , Thabut Dominique , Bondin Mark , Tatsch Fernando , Burroughs Margaret , Marcinak John , Zhang Zhenzhen , Emmett Amanda , Jacobson Ira M.
Published: August 2022

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has the greatest health impact in patients with advanced liver disease. The direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimen glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) is approved for treatment of HCV‐infected patients without cirrhosis and with compensated cirrhosis. However, events of liver decompensation/failure have been reported in patients treated with protease‐inhibitor–containing DAA regimens, often in patients with advanced liver disease. This study examines the safety of on‐label G/P treatment in patients with compensated cirrhosis (F4 at baseline) with markers of advanced liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis were categorized into 4 subgroups, based on different noninvasive markers of advanced liver disease identified using laboratory measures: platelet count < or ≥ 100 × 109/L, and Child‐Pugh score 5 or 6. Separate analyses were performed using pooled data from clinical trials and from real‐world post‐marketing observational studies. G/P was well tolerated in patients with platelet count ≥100 × 109/L (n = 800), platelet count <100 × 109/L (n = 215), a Child‐Pugh score of 5 (n = 915) and a Child‐Pugh score of 6 (n = 95). In the clinical trial and real‐world cohorts two patients and no patients experienced a serious adverse event (AE) possibly related to study drug, respectively; three patients and no patients experienced an AE of special interest for hepatic decompensation and hepatic failure. This analysis reaffirms G/P's safety profile in indicated patients with compensated cirrhosis, including those with markers of more advanced liver disease. Increasing the number of patients treated with short‐duration G/P therapy may contribute to meeting HCV elimination targets.
Hepatitis E prevalence and infection in solid‐organ transplant recipients in the United States
Authors: Samala Niharika , Wang Richard Y. , Auh Sungyoung , Balla Abdalla Kara , Dakhoul Lara , Alter Harvey J. , Farci Patrizia , Ghabril Marwan , Lucey Michael R. , Rangnekar Amol S. , Reddy K. Rajender , Ghany Marc G.
Published: August 2022

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. An increased risk for HEV infection has been reported in organ‐transplant recipients, mainly from Europe. Prospective data on HEV prevalence in the United States (U.S.) organ transplant population are limited. To determine the prevalence and factors associated with HEV infection among solid organ transplant‐recipients, we conducted a prospective, cross‐sectional, multicentre study among transplant‐recipients and age‐ and organ‐matched waitlist patients. Participants answered a risk‐exposure questionnaire and were tested for HEV‐RNA (in‐house PCR), HEV‐IgG, and IgM (ELISA, Wantai). Among 456 participants, 224 were transplant‐recipients, and 232 were waitlist patients. The mean age was 58 years, 35% female, and 74% White. HEV seroprevalence of the entire cohort was 20.2% and associated with older age (p < 0.0001) and organ transplantation (p = 0.02). The HEV seropositivity was significantly higher among transplant‐recipients compared with waitlist patients (24% vs. 16.4%, p = 0.042). Among transplant recipients, relative‐risk of being HEV seropositive increased with older age (RR = 3.4 [1.07–10.74] in patients >70 years compared with ≤50 years, p = 0.037); history of graft hepatitis (2.2 [1.27–3.72], p = 0.005); calcineurin inhibitor use (RR = 1.9 [1.03–3.34], p = 0.02); and kidney transplantation (2.4 [1.15–5.16], p = 0.02). HEV‐RNA, genotype 3 was detected in only two patients (0.4%), both transplant‐recipients. HEV seroprevalence was higher among transplant‐recipients than waitlist patients. HEV should be considered in transplant‐recipients presenting with graft hepatitis. Detection of HEV‐RNA was rare, suggesting that progression to chronic HEV infection is uncommon in transplant‐recipients in the U.S.
Lesser of Two Evils: Allocating Resources to Opposition Districts in Pakistan
Authors: Malik Rabia
Published: August 2022

Though many scholars find that incumbent party legislators benefit from higher access to distributive resources than opposition ones, there is less attention on how resources are distributed among opposition districts. In most contexts, opposition districts cannot be fully cut off from funds and opposition legislators get credit for spending in their constituencies, which harms the ruling party. I argue that, in such situations, the incumbent party will discriminate between its own legislators and opposition ones but this discrimination will be based on opposition swing districts being punished rather than opposition strongholds. Using data on federal development funds from Pakistan and fixed‐effects estimators, I show that the difference in funds between opposition and ruling party legislators is driven by opposition swing districts while their core areas have similar access as the incumbent party's own districts. The findings further our understanding of distributive politics and have potential implications for long‐term development patterns.
On interconsumer externalities in a model of sales
Authors: Rouskas Evangelos
Published: August 2022

I highlight interconsumer externalities in a static model of sales with homogeneous products and bidimensional consumer heterogeneity wherein there exists two‐type search intensity heterogeneity and two‐type valuation heterogeneity. An increase in the percentage of consumers with high valuation creates a dichotomy in the market. The consumers who experience the increase in their valuation become better off; I call these consumers privileged. All other consumers either become worse off or remain unaffected; I call the consumers who become worse off disadvantaged and the consumers who remain unaffected unprivileged. In the environment with privileged and disadvantaged consumers, the net effect on total consumer surplus is ambiguous. These results come in contrast to a dynamic Coasian version of the model in which if the percentage of consumers with high valuation increases, always all consumers become better off. Public policy interventions that target an increase in the welfare of consumers by altering the mix of the population should (i) distinguish between dynamic and static markets; and (ii) take into account under which conditions in static markets the net effect on consumer surplus is positive.
The global regulatory framework for the commercialization of nutrient enriched biofortified foods
Authors: Mitra‐Ganguli Tora , Pfeiffer Wolfgang H. , Walton Jenny
Published: August 2022

Nutrient enriched crops (NECs) were developed through biofortification as a tool to reach the world's most vulnerable. The delivery model developed by HarvestPlus for the scaling of NECs relies on commercial demand from food businesses and consumers, coupled with the ability to promote and market foods that comply with legislation. This review of standards, regulations, and laws across the value chain in 20 countries demonstrates that existing provisions for food labeling are sufficient to carry out sales and marketing of foods made from conventionally bred NECs. The term biofortification is not necessary to create demand and, potentially, is counterproductive. Promoting the natural source of vitamins and minerals and relevant nutrition claims is the most effective and simple way to signpost healthier products to consumers. Until 2021, it was not possible to distinguish NECs at the grain level from the market standard. The development of a globally relevant Publicly Available Specification allows traders to demand grains that offer a substantial increase in zinc, iron, or vitamin A. Addressing this gap at the grain level ensures that standards and regulations are available end‐to‐end in the food supply chain providing the enabling environment for the rapid scale of NECs.
Antifibrotics and lung transplantation: A Spanish multicentre case‐controlled study
Authors: Mora Cuesta Víctor Manuel , Iturbe Fernández David , Aguado Ibáñez Silvia , Anguera de Francisco Gabriel , Margallo Iribarnegaray Juan , Carrillo Hernández‐Rubio Javier , Reig Mezquida Juan Pablo , Pérez Luz Virginia , Laporta Hernández Rosalía , de Pablo Gafas Alicia , Solé Jover Amparo , Cifrián Martínez José Manuel
Published: August 2022

Background and objective

Antifibrotic drugs are the standard treatments for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aims to assess the safety of antifibrotic treatment in IPF patients undergoing lung transplantation.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of IPF who received a lung transplant between January 2015 and June 2019 at four Spanish hospitals specialized in lung transplantation were retrospectively recruited. Cases were defined as patients receiving antifibrotic treatments at time of transplant. Each case was matched with a control who did not receive antifibrotic treatment.

Results

A total of 164 patients were included in the study cohort (103 cases and 61 controls). There were no statistically significant differences between the cases and controls in any of the items studied related to transplantation except the time until the appearance of chest wall dehiscence: although there were no differences in the incidence of wall dehiscence in either group (12.3% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.318), the patients on antifibrotic drugs experienced it earlier (21 days [IQR = 12.5–41.5] vs. 63 days [IQR = 46.75–152.25]; p = 0.012). There were no differences in overall post‐transplant survival between the two groups (p = 0.698) or in conditional survival at 30 days, 90 days, 3 years or 5 years. However, 1 year survival was significantly greater among controls (80.6% vs. 93.3%; p = 0.028).

Conclusion

There was evidence that chest wall dehiscences appeared earlier post‐transplant in patients using antifibrotics, even though this factor did not significantly impact survival.
Approximate exchangeability and de Finetti priors in 2022
Authors: Diaconis Persi
Published: August 2022

This is a review paper, beginning with de Finetti's work on partial exchangeability, continuing with his approach to approximate exchangeability, and then his (surprising) approach to assigning informative priors in nonstandard situations. Recent progress on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for drawing conclusions is supplemented by a review of work by Gerencsér and Ottolini on getting honest bounds for rates of convergence. The paper concludes with a speculative approach to combining classical asymptotics with Monte Carlo. This promises real speed‐ups and makes a nice example of how theory and computation can interact.
Living on the Edge: Institutional Supports and Perceptions of Economic Insecurity Among People with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Maroto Michelle , Pettinicchio David
Published: August 2022

The growth of precarious employment coupled with declining social safety nets has increased economic insecurity among many households, leaving them without key resources to weather financial hardships like those brought on by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This has been especially true for people whose disabilities, health statuses, and already precarious economic situations have made them extra vulnerable. We combine survey (N = 1,027) and interview (N = 50) data for Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions to explore how mobilizing four types of institutional supports connected to labor markets, financial markets, family, and government influenced perceptions of current and future insecurity during crisis. Because employment income was only available to about half of our respondents, many relied on a combination of savings, family supports, and government programs to make up the difference. This paper demonstrates how marginalized groups make use of different supports within liberal welfare states during times of crisis.
Race, Marginalization, and Perceptions of Stress Among Workers Worldwide Post‐2020
Authors: Dalessandro Cristen , Lovell Alexander
Published: August 2022

Research shows that stressful workplace changes in 2020 disproportionately impacted historically marginalized workers. However, we need more information on enduring inequalities of stress post‐2020. Thus, drawing from surveys with employees working in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and India (N = 5,242), we use logistic regression to explore how worker identities (race/ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and social class) might matter for stress as measured through respondents' self‐assessments of their own feelings of stress (“helplessness”) and states counter to stress (“self‐efficacy”). Taking a sociological approach to analyze worker responses to the perceived stress scale (PSS‐10), we found that historically marginalized workers (in terms of race, gender, sexual identity, and social class) reported greater feelings of stress (helplessness). However, we also found that employees identifying as racially minoritized at work and employees in India reported high self‐efficacy scores on the PSS‐10—a surprising relationship given that feelings of self‐efficacy have been previously theorized to have an inverse relationship with stress (helplessness). Though based on a convenience sample, our research suggests that historically marginalized workers worldwide are feeling more significant amounts of stress. In addition, our findings may have implications regarding how researchers use the PSS‐10 to measure stress across diverse worker groups and international contexts.
A Review of Dispersion Film Drying Research
Authors: Zhang Buyi , Fan Bei , Huang Zhi , Higa Kenneth , Battaglia Vincent S. , Prasher Ravi S.
Published: August 2022

Dispersion drying is an essential step in an enormous number of research and industry fields, including self-assembly, membrane fabrication, printing, battery electrode fabrication, painting, and large-scale solar cell fabrication. The drying process of dispersion directly influences the structure and properties of the resulting dried film. Thus, it is important to investigate the underlying physics of dispersion drying and the effects of different drying parameters. This article reviews modeling studies of coating drying processes, along with corresponding experimental observations. We have divided drying processes into two conceptual stages. In the first drying stage, liquid evaporation, particle sedimentation, and Brownian motion compete and affect the particle distribution during drying and thus in the final film structure. We have included a comprehensive discussion of the influences of drying parameters, such as evaporation rate, particle sizes, and temperature, on the above competition and the resulting film structure. A drying regime map describing where different drying phenomena dominate was formulated based on the literature. We also extended our discussion to the practical applications of battery slurry drying an essential step in conventional battery electrode manufacturing. In the second drying stage, the physics of porous drying and crack formation are reviewed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of dispersion drying mechanisms and to provide guidance in the design of film products with favorable structures and properties for targeted practical applications.
Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of Cylindrical Roller Bearings Under Combined Radial and Axial Loads
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Song Jiawei , Li Xinglin , Yu Qingtao
Published: August 2022

To improve the endurance and reliability of cylindrical roller bearings (CRBs) under complex operating conditions, a dynamic model of CRB is developed. The model incorporates a roller–raceway contact model to optimize roller profile and is further verified with published data. Systematic parametric analyses are conducted to investigate the influence of flange angle, roller-end sphere radius, and roller profile on load distribution, roller tilt, roller skew, and contact performance. The results suggest that high flange–roller contact location and contact stiffness can effectively extend fatigue life of the bearing, while low flange–roller contact location can reduce the heat generation. In addition, roller profile has negligible effect on load distribution, but an optimized roller profile can improve the anti-tilt capacity. The developed model provides a tool for the internal design and frictional loss optimization of CRB under combined loads.
Tribological Electroless Ternary Ni-B-W Coatings: A Suitable Alternative to Hard Chromium Coatings
Authors: Nemane Vaibhav , Sharma Vishal , Chatterjee Satyajit
Published: August 2022

Concerns raised about the environmental ramifications of electrodeposited hard chromium (EHC) plating are perhaps the paramount challenge posed to the finishing industries to find a suitable alternative. Electroless Ni-B coatings have attracted much attention due to their superior mechanical and tribological properties; those are enhanced further in electroless Ni-B-W coatings. Electroless Ni-B-W can be a suitable alternative for the replacement of EHC in a variety of engineering applications. In the present study, the changes in morphological features, deposition rates with respect to time, and deposition mechanisms of electroless Ni-B-W coatings are studied thoroughly. After heat treatment, all deposited coatings are characterized thoroughly for the evaluation of their mechanical and tribological characteristics. This is helpful in the comparison of characteristics with properties of industrial EHC coatings. To analyze the coating-substrate adhesion in the electroless depositions, scratch tests with progressive load and repetitions are carried out. Frictional behavior and failure mechanisms at the scratch tracks of all fabricated coatings are also studied through repetitive scratch tests. Heat treatment of electroless Ni-B-W coatings induced significant improvements in mechanical, tribological properties and adhesion behavior. The present study establishes beyond doubt that owing to a specific set of properties, electroless Ni-B-W coatings show tremendous potential to be recommended as a replacement for chrome coatings.
Exploring Bacterial Attributes That Underpin Symbiont Life in the Monogastric Gut
Authors: Tannock Gerald W.
Published: August 2022

The large bowel of monogastric animals, such as that of humans, is home to a microbial community (microbiota) composed of a diversity of mostly bacterial species. Interrelationships between the microbiota as an entity and the host are complex and lifelong and are characteristic of a symbiosis.
Genome Sequence of the Edible Green Alga Ulva prolifera, Originating from the Yoshinogawa River in Japan
Authors: Tamura Keita , Bono Hidemasa
Published: August 2022

We report the genome sequence of
Ulva prolifera
, which originated from the Yoshinogawa River in Japan, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION and Illumina sequencing reads. The genome assembly size is 103.8 Mbp, consisting of 142 scaffolds with an
N
50
value of 4.11 Mbp.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant and Novel Sequence Type 6130 Klebsiella quasipneumoniae Strain C11S11_BCSIR Isolated from Wastewater of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Chattogram, Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Hossain Saddam , Chaity Farjana Showline , Sarkar Rajib , Bahar Anamul , Masud H. M. Abdullah Al , Islam Saiful
Published: August 2022

In this article, we report draft genome sequence and annotation of
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
from the wastewater source in Bangladesh. Here, we identified
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
strain C11S11_BCSIR, a multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacterium harboring seven antimicrobial resistance genes of five major antibiotic classes with a novel multilocus sequence type (MLST) (ST6130).
Introducing the “Microbiomes and Social Equity” Special Collection
Authors: Ishaq Sue , Gilbert Jack
Published: August 2022

The Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) working group formed in early 2020 out of a need to place microbiome research in a social and political context so as to be able to address health inequities that are rooted in microbiology. A special collection of articles was commissioned by the MSE group to introduce these concepts to a wider audience.
FXR Signaling-Mediated Bile Acid Metabolism Is Critical for Alleviation of Cholesterol Gallstones by
Lactobacillus
Strains
Authors: Ye Xin , Huang Dan , Dong Zhixia , Wang Xiaoxin , Ning Min , Xia Jie , Shen Shuang , Wu Shan , Shi Yan , Wang Jingjing , Wan Xinjian
Published: August 2022

Cholesterol gallstone (CGS) disease is prevalent worldwide. None of the medical options for prevention and treatment of CGS disease are recommended, and surgical management has a high rate of recurrence.
Evaluation Report of the Colistin Broth Disk Elution Method with
Acinetobacter baumannii
Isolates from a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Sharma Swati , Banerjee Tuhina , Garg Rahul , Das Padma
Published: August 2022

The relatively cumbersome broth microdilution (BMD) method for routine colistin susceptibility testing has not been adopted, especially in low-resource settings, often leading to the underreporting of colistin susceptibility and the promotion of the empirical use of colistin. In this regard, the much-preferred colistin broth disk elution (CBDE) method has not yet been approved for
A. baumannii
.