bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational determinants as antecedent factors of export marketing strategy archetypes of agri-food firms: a three country analysis
Authors: Radojevic Predrag , Manic Slavica , Churlei Edward , Hatzithomas Leonidas , Suluburic Adam
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper researches export marketing strategy (EMS) archetypes of agri-food exporters and organizational determinants that pose as their antecedent factors, using resource-based, dynamic capabilities and contingency theories as theoretical framework in a multi-county research setting. A twofold objective is specified – to explore hitherto used EMS and to examine differences between agri-food exporters based on organizational determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative research design, quantitative methodology, an etic/emic approach, descriptive and causal data analyses were employed. EMS archetypes were portrayed on radial plots, while six hypotheses were tested using MANOVA.

Findings

The tactical coordinator was identified as a universal EMS archetype. Diversity of archetypes was found as results of the effect of organizational determinants, confirming their ambivalent impacts rooted in the resources, capabilities and contingencies exporters have to face.

Research limitations/implications

Main limitations arise from the sample choice in international business, concentration only on organizational determinants, survey as a data collection technique and reliance on self-report data from managers. Nevertheless, several theoretical and practical implications are defined.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to apply the EMS archetype perspective to the agri-food industry in a developing country context and in an economic crisis context. Its multi-theory approach is supplemented with researched countries' national culture perspective and institutional background to extend understanding of agri-food firms' EMS archetypes.
4D-printed parametric façade in architecture: prototyping a self-shaping skin using programmable two-way shape memory composite (TWSMC)
Authors: Yi Hwang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present an architectural application of 4D-printed climate-adaptive kinetic architecture and parametric façade design.

Design/methodology/approach

This work investigates experimental prototyping of a reversibly self-shaping façade, by integrating the parametric design approach, smart material and 4D-printing techniques. Thermo-responsive building skin modules of two-way shape memory composite (TWSMC) was designed and fabricated, combining the shape memory alloy fibers (SMFs) and 3D-printed shape memory polymer matrices (SMPMs). For geometry design, deformation of the TWSMC was simulated with a dimension-reduced mathematical model, and an optimal arrangement of three different types of TWSMC modules were designed and fabricated into a physical scale model.

Findings

Model-based experiments show robust workability and formal reversibility of the developed façade. Potential utility of this module for adaptive building design and construction is discussed based on the results. Findings help better understand the shape memory phenomena and presented design-inclusive technology will benefit architectural communities of smart climate-adaptive building.

Originality/value

Two-way reversibility of 4D-printed composites is a topic of active research in material science but has not been clearly addressed in the practical context of architectural design, due to technical barriers. This research is the first architectural presentation of the whole design procedure, simulation and fabrication of the 4D-printed and parametrically movable façade.
“Through their eyes, I can work” – rural physicians' perceptions about mobile phone use among community health workers – a qualitative analysis
Authors: Venkataraghavan Manjula , Rani Padma , Ashok Lena , Rao Chythra R. , Chandra Sekaran Varalakshmi , Krishnapriya T.K.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Physicians who are primary care providers in rural communities form an essential stakeholder group in rural mobile health (mHealth) delivery. This study was exploratory in nature and was conducted in Udupi district of Karnataka, India. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of rural medical officers (MOs) (rural physicians) regarding the benefits and challenges of mobile phone use by community health workers (CHWs).

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted among 15 MOs belonging to different primary health centers of the district. Only MOs with a minimum five years of experience were recruited in the study using purposive and snowball sampling. This was followed by thematic analysis of the data collected.

Findings

The perceptions of MOs regarding the CHWs' use of mobile phones were largely positive. However, they reported the existence of some challenges that limits the potential of its full use. The findings were categorized under four themes namely, benefits of mobile phone use to CHWs, benefits of mobile phone-equipped CHWs, current mobile phone use by CHWs and barriers to CHWs' mobile phone use. The significant barriers reported in the CHWs' mobile phone use were poor mobile network coverage, technical illiteracy, lack of consistent technical training and call and data expense of the CHWs. The participants recommend an increased number of mobile towers, frequent training in mobile phone use and basic English language for the CHWs as possible solutions to the barriers.

Originality/value

Studies examining the perceptions of doctors who are a primary stakeholder group in mHealth as well as in the public health system scenario are limited. To the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine the perception of rural doctors regarding CHWs' mobile phone use for work in India.
Lecture-based, virtual reality game-based and their combination: which is better for higher education?
Authors: Sanzana Mirza Rayana , Abdulrazic Mostafa Osama Mostafa , Wong Jing Ying , Ng Kher Hui , Ghazy Shams
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper presents an educational virtual reality (VR) game and experiments with different methods of including it into the teaching process. The purpose of this research study is to discover if immersive VR games can be used as an effective pedagogical tool if blended with traditional lectures by assisting learning gain, memory and knowledge retention while increasing edutainment value.

Design/methodology/approach

This research design comprises three different methods of learning: lecture-based involving lecture slides, infographics, and a video, game-based involving an immersive VR game of oil rig exploration, and the combination of lecture and game-based. Participants of each method filled up a questionnaire before and after participation to measure the learning gain, memory, and knowledge retention.

Findings

From the predominant findings of the study, the combined method demonstrated a significant increase in learning gain, memory, and knowledge retention and maybe a potentially suitable pedagogical tool.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include findings based on one VR game with a specific educational topic, additionally, it is suspected that having different participants for each of the three methods may have slightly affected the results, albeit to a limited extent.

Practical implications

Findings of this study will provide evidence that VR games can be used alongside traditional lectures to aid in the learning process. Educators can choose to include VR games into their curriculums to improve the educational delivery process.

Originality/value

This research contributes to ways of incorporating VR games into educational curriculums through findings of this study highlighting the combination of VR games with lectures.
Entrepreneurial and market orientation interactive effects on SME performance within transitional economies
Authors: Zacca Robert , Alhoqail Saad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how the adaptive nature of market orientation (MO) and the risk-taking nature of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) might be integrated for a complementary and reinforcing synergetic effect on firm performance within transitional economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper suggests links between the EO and MO concepts and develops propositions informed by prior research and reasonable assumptions. The propositions aim to spur future research to uncover further evidence that validates the testable hypothesis.

Findings

In particular, the study calls for investigating the interaction effect of EO with MO on new product entry, market intelligence collection and processing competence. In addition, the study proposes research studies on whether EO’s interaction effect with MO will tend to mitigate risk in the development of breakthrough innovation and whether the interacting strategic orientations are creating a synergetic effect towards firm performance. Finally, the study recommends that research models should be tested and understood in consideration of conditions and circumstances from varying contexts, such as the small and medium enterprise sector within transitional economies and the media industry.

Originality/value

Whilst the performance implications of EO and MO, when modelled separately, have been extensively studied in developed and diversified market economies, studies are in the early stages of investigating the joint effect of EO and MO on firm performance, especially within transitional economies.
Do CEOs get rewarded for CSR activities in the director labor market?
Authors: Dunham Lee M. , Obonyo Tirimba , Wei Sijing
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are rewarded or punished in the corporate director labor market for engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically examine the relation between CEOs' CSR engagement and their corporate board appointments in retirement using logit, ordinary least squares (OLS) and Poisson regression models.

Findings

Results indicate that CSR engagement has significant director labor market consequences for retiring CEOs. Specifically, CSR engagement has a favorable impact on the ability of retired CEOs to obtain board seats and board seats at larger firms generally associated with higher pay, even after controlling for firm performance and other determinants previously documented to explain director selection. The authors also find evidence that CEOs of firms with high CSR engagement build up their firms' CSR scores over time as they approach retirement, which is consistent with the labor market for directors providing incentives to attract CEOs to board service in retirement.

Originality/value

By examining the relationship between a CEO's CSR engagement and their external corporate board directorships, this paper advances the understanding of the determinants of corporate board appointments. Further, while most prior research assesses the value of CSR engagement by looking at the relation between CSR engagement and that firm's performance, this is the first study to our knowledge to look outside the firm to determine if CSR engagement has value to the CEO.
Abiotic factors influence species co‐occurrence patterns of lake fishes
Authors: Cordero Ruben D. , Jackson Donald A.
Published: September 2021

Abiotic factors are recognized for their strong influence on community structure. Habitat diversity is related to resource availability that influences species richness and abundance. In lakes, surface area and depth have been used as measures of the size and diversity of habitat, and have strong effects on the structure of entire communities.

We tested whether abiotic variables, related to habitat size, influence co‐occurrence patterns of species pairs of fishes by analysing groups of lakes within a specific area and depth categories in two regions in Ontario, Canada.

We used null models to obtain co‐occurrence patterns and standard effect sizes for each species pair within each area and depth category. We estimated standard effect sizes relative to lake area or depth and determined whether species co‐occurrence patterns change systematically as these measures of habitat increase. We evaluated groups of species where factors such as predation and habitat filtering have been shown to structure those assemblages, and we tested whether area and depth alter the species associations and our interpretation of these relationships.

We found significant differences between the observed and expected distributions of regression slopes relating co‐occurrences to area and depth in both regions across all species, which indicated the strong influence of both variables on the overall co‐occurrence patterns. We observed a significant negative trend of the co‐occurrence patterns across lake area categories for the predator–prey species, indicating that the effect of predation was stronger in smaller lakes, but it was reduced in larger lakes, possibly due to increased habitat and resource availability. We show that pooling results as done in standard community null models can lead to Type II errors due to the ‘cancellation’ of opposing ecological signals.

Our results demonstrate the effect of environmental variables on species co‐occurrence patterns, but the divergent results obtained between geographical regions suggest that such patterns are context‐dependent. This study emphasizes the importance of considering abiotic factors in null models of species co‐occurrence to obtain reliable and detailed information about the association patterns between species.
The current situation and potential effects of climate change on the microbial load of marine bivalves of the Greek coastlines: an integrative review
Authors: Zgouridou Aikaterini , Tripidaki Eirini , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Theodorou John A. , Kalaitzidou Maria , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Lattos Athanasios , Mavropoulou Apostolia‐Maria , Sofianos Sarantis , Karagiannis Dimitrios , Chaligiannis Ilias , Anestis Andreas , Papadakis Nikos , Feidantsis Konstantinos , Mintza Dionysia , Staikou Alexandra , Michaelidis Basile
Published: September 2021

Global warming affects the aquatic ecosystems, accelerating pathogenic microorganisms' and toxic microalgae's growth and spread in marine habitats, and in bivalve molluscs. New parasite invasions are directly linked to oceanic warming. Consumption of pathogen‐infected molluscs impacts human health at different rates, depending, inter alia, on the bacteria taxa. It is therefore necessary to monitor microbiological and chemical contamination of food. Many global cases of poisoning from bivalve consumption can be traced back to Mediterranean regions. This article aims to examine the marine bivalve's infestation rate within the scope of climate change, as well as to evaluate the risk posed by climate change to bivalve welfare and public health. Biological and climatic data literature review was performed from international scientific sources, Greek authorities and State organizations. Focusing on Greek aquaculture and bivalve fisheries, high‐risk index pathogenic parasites and microalgae were observed during summer months, particularly in Thermaikos Gulf. Considering the climate models that predict further temperature increases, it seems that marine organisms will be subjected in the long term to higher temperatures. Due to the positive linkage between temperature and microbial load, the marine areas most affected by this phenomenon are characterized as ‘high risk’ for consumer health.
Subjective Wellbeing Dynamics
Authors: Johnston David W. , Stavrunova Olena
Published: September 2021

A large multidisciplinary literature has sought to explain how a person's wellbeing changes over time in response to individual life events (for example, unemployment), and to larger scale interventions and events (for example, natural disasters). The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey has been a key data source for such explorations because of its consistency, longevity and breadth of information. Through a review of past studies, we highlight some important features in the dynamics of subjective wellbeing; particularly focusing on the speed of adaptation to wellbeing shocks, and the presence of heterogeneity in adaptation profiles.
Conflict Framing in the News Media and Political Discussion
Authors: Bjarnøe Camilla
Published: September 2021

Though political discussion amongst citizens is central in democracy, little is known about what triggers informal political discussions and through which pathways. This article argues that citizens gain knowledge about politics when they are exposed to political conflict in the news media and that this may encourage them to participate more in political discussions conditioned by their orientation towards conflict due to potential interpersonal conflict. The indirect effect is argued to be larger on social media where behaviour is more uncivil than in face‐to‐face interactions. Based on a content analysis of news coverage and a three‐wave panel survey (n = 2,049), exposure to conflict framing is found to have a positive effect on changes in discussion frequency across social settings. The effect is mediated by knowledge and subsequently moderated by conflict avoidance: conflict non‐avoiders are more positively influenced than conflict avoiders. The indirect effect is larger in social media than in public and private settings. The wider societal implications of the results are discussed.
Undue Influence and Will Substitutes: Vitiating Transactions that Blur the Boundaries between Life and Death
Authors: Chen Ben , Silver Natalie
Published: September 2021

An ageing population combined with decades of economic growth has correlated with a rise in inheritance disputes. While many of these disputes involve wills, non‐probate instruments known as ‘will substitutes’ that operate during the donor's lifetime but also transfer specific assets upon death are playing a significant role. To date, the academic literature has not adequately addressed how undue influence claims against will substitutes have been, or should be, resolved. Our case survey reveals two distinct doctrinal approaches taken by the English courts to resolve these claims. The first approach treats will substitutes as estate‐planning instruments on par with wills; the second focuses on the lifetime operations of will substitutes. We argue that the first ‘testamentary’ approach is preferred to the second ‘lifetime’ approach. The testamentary approach not only better promotes testamentary intent and respects relational norms, it also decreases the risk of discrimination and paternalism against elderly people.
Sudden death in an adolescent due to undiagnosed classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Ogunbona Oluwaseun B. , Heninger Michael , Bradley Kyle , Geller Rachel
Published: September 2021

Few cases of natural sudden death presenting as an undiagnosed lymphoma have been reported in the literature, especially in adolescents. Herein we provide a report of sudden death caused by undiagnosed classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). We describe an 18‐year‐old female who collapsed after several weeks of weight loss, decreased appetite, and dyspnea. At autopsy, a bulky mass arising in the mediastinum and neck compressed the esophagus and trachea, surrounded the great vessels, obliterated the pericardial sac, and infiltrated the myocardium. The lungs were collapsed and large pleural effusions were present. The tumor burden, which weighed at least 2710 g in aggregate, was entirely above the diaphragm. Microscopic examination of the masses showed features typical for nodular sclerosis cHL including large bands of sclerosis, numerous Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells, and an eosinophil‐rich mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. Immunohistochemical stains showed the HRS cells to be uniformly positive for CD30 and CD15 and negative for CD3, CD20, CD45, and PAX5. This case exemplifies a rare sudden natural death due to previously undiagnosed cHL in a young patient.
DNA recovery after sequential processing of latent fingerprints on copy paper
Authors: Bathrick Abigail S. , Norsworthy Sarah , Plaza Dane T. , McCormick Mallory N. , Slack Donia , Ramotowski Robert S.
Published: September 2021

Forensic examiners must determine whether both latent fingerprint development and DNA profiling can be performed on the same area of an evidence item and, if only one is possible, which examination offers the best chance for identification. Latent fingerprints can be enhanced by targeting different components of fingerprint residues with sequential chemical treatments. This study investigated the effects of single‐reagent and sequential latent fingerprint development processes on downstream DNA analysis to determine the point at which latent fingerprint development should be stopped to allow for DNA recovery. Latent fingerprints deposited on copy paper by one donor were developed using three sequential processes: 1,8‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (DFO) → ninhydrin → physical developer (PD); 1,2‐indanedione‐zinc (IND‐Zn) → ninhydrin → PD; and IND‐Zn → ninhydrin → Oil Red O (ORO) → PD. Samples were examined after the addition of each chemical treatment. DNA was collected with cotton swabs, extracted, quantified, and amplified. DNA yields, peak heights, number of alleles obtained, and percentage of DNA profiles eligible for CODIS upload were examined. DNA profiles were obtained with varying degrees of success, depending on the number and type of treatments used for latent fingerprint development. The treatments that were found to be the least harmful to downstream DNA analysis were IND‐Zn and IND‐Zn/laser, and the most detrimental treatments were DFO, DFO/laser, and PD. In general, as the number of treatments increase, the opportunities for DNA loss or damage also increase, and it is preferable to use fewer treatments when developing latent fingerprints prior to downstream DNA processing.
Criminal behavior and mental illness in the Arab world
Authors: Albarbari Hassan S. , Al‐Awami Hashim M. , Bazroon Ali A. , Aldibil Hassan H. , Alkhalifah Salman M. , Menezes Ritesh G.
Published: September 2021

Numerous studies have highlighted significant correlations between major psychiatric disorders and criminal behavior. However, the plethora of literature on criminality among patients with major psychiatric disorders originated in the West. The objective of the present paper is to review criminal behavior among individuals with mental illness in Arab countries. Attributes of individuals assessed by forensic psychiatric committees and identifying various aspects that may reinforce criminality among individuals with mental illness were considered. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of literature from three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) was carried out. A total of 20 articles were included. The publications span between 1975 and 2020 and originated in seven different Arab countries including Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Jordan, and Algeria. Individuals evaluated by forensic psychiatric committees were predominantly males. Excluding substance use disorder, psychotic disorders were the most commonly diagnosed disorders among individuals evaluated by forensic psychiatry committees. Concerning schizophrenia, concomitant substance use and nonadherence to therapy were significantly associated with increased criminality. The review demonstrates that substance use is certainly linked to violence. There is a significant association between mental illness and criminal behavior. Therefore, awareness of different characteristics and risk factors behind criminal behavior among mentally ill offenders could allow us to design and implement effective preventative measures. The Arab's contribution in this field of forensic psychiatry is relatively small. Indeed, further investigation and contributions from the Arab world are required.
Chitin synthase 1 and five cuticle protein genes are involved in serosal cuticle formation during early embryogenesis to enhance eggshells in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Lu Jia‐Bao , Guo Jian‐Sheng , Chen Xuan , Cheng Chen , Luo Xu‐Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Ya , Moussian Bernard , Chen Jian‐Ping , Li Jun‐Min , Zhang Chuan‐Xi
Published: September 2021

Many holo‐ and hemimetabolous insects enhance their eggshells during embryogenesis by forming a serosal cuticle (SC). To date, scholarly understanding of the SC composition and SC‐related gene functions has been limited, especially for hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we initially performed transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation and chitin staining of the SC in Nilaparvata lugens, a hemimetabolous rice pest known as the brown planthopper (BPH). We confirmed that the SC was a chitin‐rich lamellar structure deposited gradually during the early embryogenesis. Parental RNA interference (RNAi) against Nilaparvata lugens chitin synthase 1 (NlCHS1) in newly emerged and matured females resulted in decreases of egg hatchability by 100% and 76%, respectively. Ultrastructural analyses revealed loss of the lamellar structure of the SC in dsNlCHS1‐treated eggs. According to temporal expression profiles, five cuticle protein coding genes, NlugCpr1/2/3/8/90, were specifically or highly expressed during the SC formation period, and NlugCpr1/2/3/90 were further detected in 72 h eggshells extract by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. NlugCpr2/3/90 were likely three SC‐specific cuticle proteins. TEM observations of the SC following parental RNAi against NlugCpr1/2/3/8/90 demonstrated that NlugCpr3/8/90 were essential for SC formation. The study provided an understanding of the SC formation process and SC‐related cuticle proteins in BPHs, which offer potential targets for pest control in the egg stage as well.
Auxin‐mediated induction of GAL promoters by conditional degradation of Mig1p improves sesquiterpene production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with engineered acetyl‐CoA synthesis
Authors: Hayat Irfan Farabi , Plan Manuel , Ebert Birgitta E. , Dumsday Geoff , Vickers Claudia E. , Peng Bingyin
Published: September 2021

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae uses the pyruvate dehydrogenase‐bypass for acetyl‐CoA biosynthesis. This relatively inefficient pathway limits production potential for acetyl‐CoA‐derived biochemical due to carbon loss and the cost of two high‐energy phosphate bonds per molecule of acetyl‐CoA. Here, we attempted to improve acetyl‐CoA production efficiency by introducing heterologous acetylating aldehyde dehydrogenase and phosphoketolase pathways for acetyl‐CoA synthesis to enhance production of the sesquiterpene trans‐nerolidol. In addition, we introduced auxin‐mediated degradation of the glucose‐dependent repressor Mig1p to allow induced expression of GAL promoters on glucose so that production potential on glucose could be examined. The novel genes that we used to reconstruct the heterologous acetyl‐CoA pathways did not sufficiently complement the loss of endogenous acetyl‐CoA pathways, indicating that superior heterologous enzymes are necessary to establish fully functional synthetic acetyl‐CoA pathways and properly explore their potential for nerolidol synthesis. Notwithstanding this, nerolidol production was improved twofold to a titre of ˜ 900 mg l−1 in flask cultivation using a combination of heterologous acetyl‐CoA pathways and Mig1p degradation. Conditional Mig1p depletion is presented as a valuable strategy to improve the productivities in the strains engineered with GAL promoters‐controlled pathways when growing on glucose.
Myeloperoxidase and associated lung disease: Review of the latest developments
Authors: Hu Hannah , Keat Karuna
Published: September 2021

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are often detected in association with a variety of lung pathologies, the most common being interstitial lung disease (ILD). A growing cohort of patients are being diagnosed with MPO‐ANCA in the context of ILD without ANCA‐associated vasculitis. Clinically and radiologically, there is little to differentiate this cohort from MPO‐ANCA‐negative ILD patients; however, the pathophysiology is likely different and different treatments are likely required. We present here a brief summary of the proposed pathophysiology of MPO‐ANCA‐positive ILD, and a more detailed review of the latest evidence on management, including monitoring for development of ANCA‐associated vasculitis, immunosuppression, anti‐fibrotics, and novel agents that have yet to be trialled in human experiments.
Donor BMSC‐derived small extracellular vesicles relieve acute rejection post‐renal allograft through transmitting Loc108349490 to dendritic cells
Authors: Wang Zhi‐gang , Xu Hong‐en , Cheng Fu‐min , Zhang Jie , Feng Yong‐hua , Liu Dan‐hua , Shang Wen‐jun , Feng Gui‐wen
Published: September 2021

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are potent candidates for the suppression of acute rejection post‐renal allograft and have been reported to halt dendritic cells (DCs) maturation. However, whether BMSC‐derived sEVs mitigate acute rejection post‐renal allograft by targeting DCs is still unclear. In this study, donor BMSC‐derived sEVs (sEVs) relieved the inflammatory response and suppressed mature DCs (mDCs) location in kidney grafts, and increased regulatory T (Treg) cell population in the spleens of the rats that underwent kidney allograft. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated immature DCs (imDCs), sEVs suppressed the maturation and migration of DCs and inactivated toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Compared with LPS‐treated imDCs, imDCs treated with LPS+sEVs promoted CD4+T cells differentiated toward Treg cells. Subsequently, we found that Loc108349490, a long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) abundant in sEVs, mediated the inhibitory effect of sEVs on DC maturation and migration by promoting TLR4 ubiquitination. In rats that underwent an allograft, Loc108349490 deficiency weakened the therapeutic effect of sEVs on acute rejection. The present study firstly found that sEVs alleviated acute rejection post‐renal allograft by transferring lncRNA to DCs and screened out the functional lncRNA loaded in sEVs was Loc108349490.
Influence of the use of chelating agents as final irrigant on the push‐out bond strength of epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers: A systematic review
Authors: Augusto Carla M. , Cunha Neto Miguel A. , Pinto Karem P. , Barbosa Ana Flavia A. , Silva Emmanuel J. N. L. , dos Santos Ana Paula P. , Sassone Luciana M.
Published: September 2021

This systematic review (PROSPERO – CRD42020150722) was performed to answer the following question: Does the use of chelating agents affect the dislodgment resistance of epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers? A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS and Web of Science, hand searching of two endodontic journals and grey literature until September 2020. Extracted data included: teeth used, sample size, root canal preparation, irrigant, chelating solution, neutralisation solution, type of resin‐based sealer and obturation approach, storage method and duration, root third and slice thickness, plunger dimension and loading direction and the push‐out testing parameters and values. The search retrieved a total of 2.389 studies. After analysis, 12 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included. Most of the final irrigation protocols with chelating agents had a positive impact and promoted an improvement in the dislodgment resistance of epoxy resin‐based sealers to the root dentin.
Assessment of ECG during hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation in heart failure patients—Subanalysis of the Telerehabilitation in Heart Failure Patients (TELEREH‐HF) randomized clinical trial
Authors: Orzechowski Piotr , Piotrowicz Ryszard , Zaręba Wojciech , Główczyńska Renata , Szalewska Dominika , Pluta Sławomir , Irzmański Robert , Kalarus Zbigniew , Banach Maciej , Opolski Grzegorz , Pencina Michael J. , Kowalik Ilona , Piotrowicz Ewa
Published: September 2021

Background

Exercise training in heart failure (HF) patients should be monitored to ensure patients’ safety. Electrocardiographic (ECG) telemonitoring was used to assess the safety of hybrid comprehensive telerehabilitation (HCTR).

Objective

Analysis of ECG recorded during HCTR in HF patients.

Methods

The TELEREH‐HF multicenter, randomized, controlled trial enrolled 850 HF patients with New York Heart Association class I‐III and left ventricular ejection fraction of ≤40%. This subanalysis focuses on 386 patients (aged 62 ± 11 years, LVEF 31 ± 7%) randomized to HCTR. HCTR was telemonitored with a device allowing to record 16‐s fragments of ECG and to transmit the data via mobile phone network to the monitoring center.

ResultsIn 386 patients, 16,622 HCTR sessions were recorded and 66,488 ECGs fragments were evaluated. Sinus rhythm was present in 320 (83%) and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) in 66 (17%) patients, respectively. The most common arrhythmias were ventricular and atrial premature beats, recorded in 76.4% and 27.7% of the patients, respectively. Non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (21 episodes in 8 patients) and paroxysmal AF episodes (6 in 4 patients) were rare. None of the analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics was predictive for onset of the new arrhythmias on exercise.

Conclusion

Telerehabilitation in HF patients was safe without the evidence for symptomatic arrhythmias requiring discontinuation of telerehabilitation. Only one mildly symptomatic paroxysmal AF episode led to the short‐term suspension of the training program. The most common arrhythmias were atrial and ventricular premature beats. These arrhythmias did not result in any changes in rehabilitation and therapy regimens.
Necessity of flow cytometry assessment of circulating plasma cells and its connection with clinical characteristics of primary and secondary plasma cell leukaemia
Authors: Bezdekova Renata , Jelinek Tomas , Kralova Romana , Stork Martin , Polackova Petra , Vsianska Pavla , Brozova Lucie , Jarkovsky Jiri , Almasi Martina , Boichuk Ivanna , Knechtova Zdenka , Penka Miroslav , Pour Ludek , Sevcikova Sabina , Hajek Roman , Rihova Lucie
Published: September 2021

Plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) is a rare and very aggressive plasma cell disorder. Preventing a dismal outcome of PCL requires early diagnosis with appropriate analytical tools. Therefore, the investigation of 33 patients with primary and secondary PCL was done when the quantity of circulating plasma cells (PCs) using flow cytometry (FC) and morphology assessment was evaluated. The phenotypic profile of the PCs was also analysed to determine if there is an association with clinical outcomes and to evaluate the prognostic value of analysed markers. Our results revealed that FC is an excellent method for identifying circulating PCs as a significantly higher number was identified by FC than by morphology (26·7% vs. 13·5%,P = 0·02). None of secondary PCL cases expressed CD19 or CD20. A low level of expression with similar positivity of CD27, CD28, CD81 and CD117 was found in both PCL groups. A decrease of CD44 expression was detected only in secondary PCL. Expression of CD56 was present in more than half of PCL cases as well as cytoplasmic nestin. A decreased level of platelets, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 2–3 and lack of CD20+PC were associated with a higher risk of death. FC could be incorporated in PCL diagnostics not only to determine the number of circulating PCs, but also to assess their phenotype profile and this information should be useful in patients’ diagnosis and possible prognosis.
Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA): a brief group intervention for adolescents with mild‐to‐moderate suicidal ideation and their caregivers
Authors: Cloutier Paula , Gray Clare , Sheridan Nicole , Silverman Aaron , Cappelli Mario , Zemek Roger , Jabbour Mona , Reid Sarah , Kennedy Allison
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Suicidal Ideation (SI) is common in adolescents and increases the risk of completed suicide. Few brief interventions have been shown to reduce SI in adolescents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel brief group intervention, building resilience and attachment in vulnerable adolescents (BRAVA), designed for adolescents and their caregivers to reduce adolescent SI.

Methods

The study was a pre–post, noncontrolled trial in which 46 adolescents were enrolled in the BRAVA intervention. Adolescents and caregivers completed an intake assessment, six BRAVA group sessions, and an exit assessment 1‐week post‐BRAVA.

Results

Adolescents’ SI decreased significantly after completing the BRAVA treatment (pre–post difference = 18.1, 95% CI = 10.01–26.12). Significant improvements in associated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were also observed. Caregivers had reduced perceived stress (pre–post difference = 2.7, 95% CI = 0.30–5.16) and reduction in attachment avoidance (difference = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.29–2.91). Treatment satisfaction was high across the six modules. The rolling entry feature of the intervention allowed participants to begin treatment approximately 2 weeks sooner compared to waiting for the next group cycle.

Conclusions

Study results demonstrate that the BRAVA intervention has the potential to reduce SI among adolescents who present to hospital services in crisis. Further studies are required to establish BRAVA’s efficacy in a randomized controlled trial.
Ontario as a case study for modernizing Home Child Care licensing and support
Authors: Varmuza Petr , Perlman Michal , White Linda A.
Published: September 2021

In this study we demonstrate why oversight and monitoring of the home child care (HCC) sector deserves more scrutiny and policy attention in Canada. Focusing on Ontario as a key case given its population and particular licensing model, we propose a model of licensing which would bring HCC in line with requirements in child care centres and ensure all HCC providers are licensed and monitored. Recognizing that licensing alone does not guarantee quality child care, we propose a system of program supports to accompany licensing. Finally, we estimate the costs associated with implementing our proposal and demonstrate that on a per provider/child basis our model is much more cost effective and equitable than the current system.
The bioequivalence of fixed‐dose combination tablets of bisoprolol and ramipril and its drug‐drug interaction potential
Authors: Sus Jan , Huguet Jade , Bosak Jan , Setnik Beatrice , Hauser Tomas , Sicard Eric
Published: September 2021

Chronic antihypertensive treatment often includes combination of two or more therapies with complementary mechanism of action targeting different blood pressure (BP) control system. If available, these components are recommended to be administered as a fixed‐dose combination (FDC) to reduce tablet burden, improve adherence and thus BP control. A combination of ramipril (RAMI) and bisoprolol (BISO) is one of the options used in clinical practice and is supported by therapeutic guidelines. The clinical program for a novel BISO/RAMI FDC consisted of two randomized, open‐label, bioequivalence (BE) studies and one drug‐drug interaction (DDI) study. The BE was examined between two FDC strengths of BISO/RAMI (10/10 and 10/5 mg) and the individual reference products administered concomitantly at respective doses after a single oral dose under fasting conditions. In both BE studies, 64 healthy subjects were randomized according to a two‐way crossover design. The DDI study evaluated a potential pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction between BISO 10 mg and RAMI 10 mg following their single or concomitant administrations in 30 healthy subjects under fasting condition. BE for BISO/RAMI 10/5 mg and absence of a clinically relevant PK DDI between BISO and RAMI was demonstrated as the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for area under the concentration time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) remained within the acceptance range of 80.00 to 125.00%. However, BE for BISO/RAMI 10/10 mg was not demonstrated, as the lower bound of the 90% CI of Cmax for RAMI was outside the acceptance range of BE. Both drugs administered alone or combined were well‐tolerated. No PK interaction was observed between BISO and RAMI/ramiprilat, since the co‐administration of BISO and RAMI 10 mg single doses resulted in comparable rate and extent of absorption for BISO and RAMI when compared to their individual products.
Particle size primarily shifts chemical composition of organic matter under long‐term fertilization in paddy soil
Authors: Yan Mingrui , Zhang Xiuzhi , Liu Kailou , Lou Yilai , Wang Yidong
Published: September 2021

The chemistry of soil organic matter (SOM) is critical for soil functions. However, the chemical composition and oxidation state of physical SOM fractions under long‐term mineral and organic amendments in paddy soils are still unclear. Here, we investigated this issue using three particle size classes of SOM sampled from five long‐term (37‐years) fertilisation regimes in a subtropical paddy soil which were analysed using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). Coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM, >250 μm), fine particulate organic matter (fPOM, 53–250 μm) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MOM, <53 μm) were isolated. The five fertilisation regimes were (1) unfertilised (control), (2) nitrogen (N, urea), (3) nitrogen + phosphorus + potassium (NPK, urea + Ca(H2PO4)2 + KCl), (4) NPK + straw (NPKS) and (5) NPK + Astragalus sinicus L. + pig manure (NPKM). After 37‐years, the SOM content of the control, N, NPK, NPKS and NPKM treatments had increased by 16.3%, 12.3%, 31.6%, 41.7% and 59.8% compared with the initial level, respectively. The pools of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N (TN), as well as the C/N ratio in the soil matrix, were localised by particle size, with the majority in the mineral‐associated organic matter (MOM). Particle size, not fertilisation regime, primarily associated with shifts in the chemical composition of SOM, with selective preservation of lignin and polysaccharides in the particulate organic matter (POM) and enrichments of lipids and N‐containing compounds in the MOM. The origin (plant‐ and microbial‐derived) and oxidation state of SOM were also regulated by particle size (especially the coarse particles) but not fertilisation treatment. Despite long‐term persistence, the MOM had a lower C oxidation state (implying higher vulnerability to microbial utilisation) than the coarse POM (cPOM) and fine POM (fPOM). In conclusion, fertilisation regime regulated the bulk SOM (SOC and TN) pool, whereas physical particle size generated a divergence trend in the chemical composition and oxidation state of SOM in the subropical paddy soil, indicating the greater role of physical arrangement in SOM chemistry than the quality of amendments.

Highlights

Particle size, not fertilisation regime, regulated chemical composition and oxidation state of SOM.

POM is enriched in lignin and polysaccharides while MOM is enriched in lipids and N‐containing compounds.

Physical arrangement plays a greater role in SOM chemistry than the quality of amendments.
Locked‐Down Love: A Study of Intimate Relationships Before and After the COVID Lockdown
Authors: Ahuja Kanika K. , Khurana Dhairya
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess love and relationship satisfaction among dating and married participants pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 lockdown in India.

Background

Extant literature demonstrates the impact of stressors like terror attacks and natural disasters on intimate relations. Yet little is known about how a significant stressor like the COVID‐19 lockdown will impact love among married and dating couples.

Method

Data from a convenience sample of 100 participants (65 dating, 35 married) was collected in two waves, first in January–March and then in May after the lockdown. Participants completed an online survey with measures of love, relationship satisfaction, self‐esteem, and how they spent time with their partner. Paired sample t test, correlation analysis, and thematic analysis were used.

Results

For both dating and married participants, scores on relationship satisfaction, love, intimacy and passion were significantly lower post‐lockdown compared with the pre‐lockdown period. Commitment for those dating remained unaffected. Watching movies together and revisiting old memories was related to love for those dating, whereas for married couples, doing household chores, cooking, and watching movies together was associated with love.

Conclusion

Passion and intimacy in relationships changed after the COVID‐19 lockdown. How couples spent time with each other during the lockdown holds important implications for relationship satisfaction.

Implications

Practitioners who work with couples must focus on ways in which couples spend quality time with each other. Norms that define a relationship, particularly with regard to participation in domestic work by men, must be revisited to adapt to the new normal.
Effects of a curcumin nanoemulsion on the physico‐chemical properties of chitosan‐based films
Authors: Luangapai Fakfan , Peanparkdee Methavee , Iwamoto Satoshi
Published: September 2021

Chitosan (CH)‐based films were incorporated with a curcumin nanoemulsion (CurNE) to overcome their limitations, such as low mechanical strength and high‐water vapour permeability (WVP). The obtained optimum conditions of NE were, as follows: oil to aqueous phase ratio = 1:9 and ultrasonication time = 15 min, given that the smallest mean diameter and the highest absolute value of the zeta potential were 307.53 ± 6.30 nm and −15.43 ± 0.74 mV. Thereafter, NE was encapsulated in CH(CH–NE) to determine the functional amelioration, as well as the alteration in the inner structure. CH–NE demonstrated the successful fabrication of uniform and compatible films, which reinforced elongation and significantly decreased the WVP. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of CH–NE was five times higher than that of CH. The thermal and electrical properties were evaluated to elucidate the alterations in the inner structure alterations. Further, the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of CH–NE shifted by ˜10 °C and the relaxation time (τ) of the electric modulus increased compared with that of CH, indicating that the incorporation of NE affected the structural alterations.
Characteristics of paediatric weight management in the United States: Associations with program retention and BMI outcomes in the paediatric obesity weight evaluation registry (POWER)
Authors: Tucker Jared M. , Stratbucker William , King Eileen C. , Cuda Suzanne , Negrete Sylvia , Sweeney Brooke , Kumar Seema , Borzutzky Claudia , Binns Helen J. , Kirk Shelley ,   The POWER Work Group
Published: September 2021

Objective

To describe characteristics of paediatric weight management (PWM) programs across the United States and evaluate associations with program‐specific retention rates and body mass index (BMI) outcomes at 6 months.

Methods

A program profile survey was administered to 33 programs within the Paediatric Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry (POWER) to assess program staffing, services, and treatment format. Patient retention and percent of the 95th BMI percentile (%BMIp95) changes were assessed for each program.

Results

At 6 months program retention rates ranged from 15% to 74% (median: 41%), and program %BMIp95 changes ranged from −9.0 to +0.5 percentage points (median: −1.7). Percent of patients with ≥5 percentage‐point decrease in %BMIp95 ranged from 17% to 71% across programs (median: 29%). No associations were detected between program characteristics and retention or %BMIp95 changes.

Conclusions

Six‐month patient retention and BMI outcomes vary substantially in PWM programs across the United States. Yet, no associations were found between PWM treatment factors and these program‐level patient outcomes.