bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-Microbiome Interactions for Bacterial Wilt Suppression in Modern Tobacco Production
Authors: García-Rodríguez Raymond O. , Thiessen Lindsey D.
Published: December 2020

The soil-borne bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum continues to represent a major threat to flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) production in the southeastern United States and other major producing regions throughout the world. Beneficial microorganisms naturally found in the soil represent an alternative solution for R. solanacearum’s suppression that may reduce soil health impacts of current management strategies. Biological controls and microbiota manipulation together represent a unique opportunity to reduce disease caused by R. solanacearum. Current high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies and advances in bioinformatic analyses enable culture-independent approaches to study root-associated microorganisms and their interactions. The structure and dynamics of tobacco root-associated microbiota, as well as functional capacities of certain taxa, may improve how we apply disease management strategies in the field. Through this review we summarize our current understanding on (i) the role of bacterial microbiota on R. solanacearum survival, (ii) the impacts of current management strategies on the soil bacterial communities, (iii) the rhizospheric and core microbiome composition and inheritance, (iv) the manipulation of the microbiota for enhanced disease suppression, and (v) the shortcomings of the application of plant-associated bacteria for disease suppression.
Surgical clips metal allergy postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Shah Rajiv N. , Tiesenga Frederick , Jorge Juaquito , Chaudhry Arooj F.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Surgical clips and staples are the mainstay of wound closure in a multitude of surgical procedures such as cholecystectomies. These clips/staples are composed of a variation of different elements including titanium, aluminum, cobalt, and nickel—all of which can lead to type IV hypersensitivity reactions. Adverse effects of these hypersensitivities triggered through the release of mast cells and basophils can occur resulting in the development of atopic dermatitis, stomatitis, erythema, urticaria, and edema.

Presentation of case:

We present a rare case of a patient who underwent cholecystectomy involving the use of metal surgical clips with adverse reactions. Postoperatively the patient complained of an array of symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, lethargy, joint aches, and nausea. The pain remained out of proportion to testing modalities, which time and time again were unremarkable. Following the withdrawal of the surgical clips the patients’ symptoms have resolved and remain in remission.

Discussion:

Preoperative screening for metal allergies albeit rare can result in prevention of long-term adverse effects, as was the case with our patient. A detailed patient history and report can demonstrate any need for further testing. Patients should be advised of any and all side effects of surgical procedures including those that may occur as a result of hypersensitivity reactions to surgical clips and staples. Proper patient education can alert a patient with any triggering symptoms to receive prompt medical attention to prevent progression of infection and disease. Postoperative follow up is also recommended to allow both the patient and the physician to ensure the prevention of any arising complications both short and long term.

Conclusion:

Proper preoperative history and physical examination warrants the detection of any pertinent allergies to metals, as well as other compounds. This allows for proper surgical approach. Surgeons may change their method and use other wound healing techniques involving sutures instead. Long-term adverse effects can be avoided ensuring proper patient healing and follow up.
Lifestyle Modifications in PCOS
Authors: ALY JASMINE M. , DECHERNEY ALAN H.
Published: December 2020

Lifestyle modification is widely considered to be the cornerstone of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treatment. However, 45% of women with PCOS have reported that they have never been provided information about lifestyle management. This highlights a significant gap in knowledge and is reflective of the lack of evidence-based guidance for lifestyle modification. While more detailed and comprehensive studies are being performed, it is necessary for health professionals to develop effective action plans utilizing the available evidence. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current data regarding the impact of lifestyle modifications on the disease course of PCOS.
Pharmacologic Treatments for PCOS Patients
Authors: KODAMA SAMANTHA , TORREALDAY SAIOA
Published: December 2020

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in reproductive-aged women and has a vast array of clinical manifestations. Common clinical presentations of the disorder include anovulatory infertility, menstrual disorders, cutaneous symptoms secondary to androgen excess, metabolic abnormalities and mental health issues. If the condition is left unaddressed or inadequately treated, long-term sequelae such as endometrial hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia may ensue, therefore it is imperative for clinicians to address each component of the syndrome. When initial lifestyle changes and dietary modifications do not suffice or fail, pharmacologic therapy should be considered, and when deemed appropriate treatment should be initiated. This review describes the pharmacologic options available to combat the various sequelae commonly seen in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Polycystic Ovary Disease and Obesity: Leptin, Weight-loss Medication, and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: BURGART JENNIFER M.
Published: December 2020

For many patients, weight loss is a first-line measure recommended to reduce comorbidities associated with polycystic ovary disease. When lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are insufficient at achieving this goal, the addition of weight loss medications has proven effective for many patients. In patients with severe obesity, bariatric surgery is often used when other methods have been unsuccessful and has shown promising results for improving health and fertility in patients with polycystic ovary disease.
Spectroscopy of Radiostrontium in Fuel Materials Retrieved from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Zheltonozhsky V.A. , Zheltonozhskaya M.V. , Bondarkov M.D. , Farfán E.B.
Published: December 2020

Some basic methods of measuring radiostrontium activity by spectroscopic methods are considered in this study. These methods of assessing beta spectra and the characteristic radiation that accompanies the breakdown of radiostrontium are described. The sensitivity of these methods based on the assessments of beta spectra both after radiochemical procedures and without radiochemistry is presented. The objective of this paper is to review the spectroscopic procedures that have been developed and used to determine radiostrontium in various matrices; they are focused on modern methods. Samples of fuel particles of different origins, obtained from the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Unit 4, were analyzed using the methods presented in this study.
Trends of Annual Whole-body Occupational Radiation Exposure for Industrial Practices in China (2009–2018)
Authors: Fan Shengnan , Deng Jun , Qiao Baojun , Zhou Wenshan , Wang Tuo , Guo Wen , Sun Quanfu
Published: December 2020

The national status and dose trends on the occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in industrial practices for 2009–2018 in China are presented in terms of seven occupational categories. A total of 504,538 industrial radiation workers were monitored for the period 2009–2018, with a continuous increase in the number of workers from 23,789 in 2009 to 66,017 in 2018. The annual average effective doses were 0.399, 0.425, 0.392, 0.376, 0.346, 0.355, 0.312, 0.305, 0.270, and 0.230 mSv from 2009 to 2018, respectively, which were well lower than the recommended occupational dose limit of 20 mSv y−1 for radiation workers. The Mann-Kendall test result shows a statistically significant decreasing trend at a rate of 0.02 mSv y−1 in average annual effective doses (p<0.001). In addition, more than 95.4% of radiation workers in industrial practices received an average annual effective dose less than the public dose limit of 1 mSv. It was also found that the average annual effective doses in industrial radiography and well logging were significantly higher than those in five other categories (p<0.001). Based on these observations, it is still necessary to control and manage the workplace and radiation workers to control occupational exposure as low as reasonably achievable, especially for the workers engaged in these two activities.
Detailed Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Who Relapsed After the Nordic Mantle Cell Lymphoma Trials: MCL2 and MCL3
Authors: Eskelund Christian Winther , Dimopoulos Kostas , Kolstad Arne , Glimelius Ingrid , Räty Riikka , Gjerdrum Lise Mette Rahbek , Sonnevi Kristina , Josefsson Pär , Nilsson-Ehle Herman , Bentzen Hans H. N. , Fagerli Unn Merete , Kuittinen Outi , Haaber Jacob , Niemann Carsten Utoft , Pedersen Lone Bredo , Larsen Maria Torp , Geisler Christian Hartmann , Hutchings Martin , Jerkeman Mats , Grønbæk Kirsten
Published: December 2020

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an incurable disease with a highly variable clinical course. The prognosis after relapse is generally poor, and no standard of care exists. We investigated the postrelapse outcomes of 149 patients who were initially treated in the Nordic Lymphoma Group trials, MCL2 or MCL3, both representing intensive cytarabine-containing frontline regimens including autologous stem cell transplant. Patients with progression of disease before 24 months (POD24, n = 51, 34%) displayed a median overall survival of 6.6 months compared with 46 months for patients with later POD (n = 98, 66%; P < 0.001). MCL international prognostic index, cell proliferation marker, blastoid morphology, and TP53 mutations showed independent prognostic value irrespective of POD24, and in a combined, exploratory risk score, patients with 0, 1, 2-3, or 4-5 high-risk markers, respectively, displayed a 5-year overall survival of 62%, 39%, 31%, and 0%. By a comparison of median progression-free survival of the different salvage therapies in the relapse setting, bendamustine-rituximab was superior to all other combination chemotherapy regimens; however, it was also associated with longer responses to last line of therapy. Collectively, we confirm the prognostic impact of POD24 and highlight the relevance of other biomarkers, and we emphasize the importance of novel therapies for patients with high-risk features at first POD.
Evaluation of Cobas HPV and SeqHPV Assays in the Chinese Multicenter Screening Trial
Authors: Du Hui , Duan Xianzhi , Liu Yan , Shi Bin , Zhang Wei , Wang Chun , Qu Xinfen , Li Jingran , Zhao Chao , Liu Juan , Jiang Jing , Jin Hua , Li Hanyi , Xiao Aimin , Bao Juncui , Duan Lvfang , Huang Xia , Luo Hongxue , Bian Shuhuang , Zhang Lijie , Wei Lihui , Belinson Jerome L. , Wu Ruifang
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the Cobas 4800 Assay and the SeqHPV Assay with self (S) and direct (D) cervical samples in the Chinese Multicenter Screening Trial (CHIMUST).

Materials and Methods

The CHIMUST is a large population-based multicenter clinical trial, and 10,885 women aged 30–59 years from 15 sites in 7 provinces with no cervical cancer screening for 3 years were eligible. All participating women contributed one self-collected sample (S) and 1 physician-collected endocervical sample (DL). The self-collected sample was first applied to the solid media transport card (SS), and then, the brush placed in 6 mL of ThinPrepSolution (SL). All samples were tested with Cobas 4800 and SeqHPV high-risk HPV assays. Patients human papillomavirus positive (self or direct) were recalled for colposcopy and biopsies.

Results

A total of 10,399 women had complete data. The mean age was 43.9 years. A total of 1.4% (142/10,399) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ and 0.5% (54/10,339) had CIN 3+. In the liquid specimens, the overall HPV infection rates were 10.8% for Cobas and 10.9% for SeqHPV in D sample, and 13.7% for Cobas and 11.6% for SeqHPV in SL sample, respectively. The sensitivity of Cobas-DL, Cobas-SL, SeqHPV-DL, and SeqHPV-SL for CIN 2+ was 95.07%, 95.07%, 94.33%, and 96.48%, respectively. The specificity of Cobas-DL, Cobas-SL, SeqHPV-DL, and SeqHPV-SL for CIN 2+ was 90.38%, 87.35%, 90.21%, and 89.53%, respectively. There were no differences in sensitivity when applying the 2 assays to both self- and directly collected samples in liquid transport media (p > .05).

Conclusions

Both Cobas and SeqHPV screening assays using both self-collected and directly endocervical collected specimens demonstrate similar sensitivity for the detection of CIN 2+ and CIN 3+.
Survival of Older Women With Cervical Cancer Based on Screening History
Authors: Clark Mitchell , Jembere Nathaniel , Wang Li , Kupets Rachel
Published: December 2020

Objective

A population-level retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the influence of cervical screening history on the survival from cervical cancer in women 50 years or older.

Methods

The study included women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in Ontario, Canada, between 2005 and 2012, who were followed for at least 4 years. Screening history was observed for the 5 years before diagnosis. Health care administrative databases were linked to determine demographic, affiliation with primary care physicians, stage (available 2010–2012), treatment, and survival data. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analyses were carried out to evaluate the impact of cervical screening on overall survival (OS).

Results

There were eligible 1,422 women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer between 2005 and 2012 of whom 566 had been screened within the 5 years before diagnosis. There were 856 women who did not undergo screening within the 5 years before diagnosis. Unscreened women were more likely to present with locally advanced disease (69.3%) compared with the screened women (42.9%). Four-year OS was significantly greater in the screened group (79.9% vs 58.2%). In our univariate analysis, screening was significantly related to survival (hazard ratio = 2.1, p < .01). In our multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, treatment, affiliation with a primary care physician, and income, screening was still significantly associated with improved survival (hazard ratio = 1.5, p < .01).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a survival benefit to screening in women 50 years or older who are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Screening participation must be encouraged in women older than 50 years as rates decline in this age group.
Acoustic-gravity wave propagation characteristics in three-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations of the solar atmosphere
Authors: Fleck B. , Carlsson M. , Khomenko E. , Rempel M. , Steiner O. , Vigeesh G.
Published: December 2020

There has been tremendous progress in the degree of realism of three-dimensional radiation magneto-hydrodynamic simulations of the solar atmosphere in the past decades. Four of the most frequently used numerical codes are Bifrost, CO5BOLD, MANCHA3D and MURaM. Here we test and compare the wave propagation characteristics in model runs from these four codes by measuring the dispersion relation of acoustic-gravity waves at various heights. We find considerable differences between the various models. The height dependence of wave power, in particular of high-frequency waves, varies by up to two orders of magnitude between the models, and the phase difference spectra of several models show unexpected features, including ±180° phase jumps.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
On the effect of oscillatory phenomena on Stokes inversion results
Authors: Keys P. H. , Steiner O. , Vigeesh G.
Published: December 2020

Stokes inversion codes are crucial in returning properties of the solar atmosphere, such as temperature and magnetic field strength. However, the success of such algorithms to return reliable values can be hindered by the presence of oscillatory phenomena within magnetic wave guides. Returning accurate parameters is crucial to both magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) studies and solar physics in general. Here, we employ a simulation featuring propagating MHD waves within a flux tube with a known driver and atmospheric parameters. We invert the Stokes profiles for the 6301 Å and 6302 Å line pair emergent from the simulations using the well-known Stokes Inversions from Response functions code to see if the atmospheric parameters can be returned for typical spatial resolutions at ground-based observatories. The inversions return synthetic spectra comparable to the original input spectra, even with asymmetries introduced in the spectra from wave propagation in the atmosphere. The output models from the inversions match closely to the simulations in temperature, line-of-sight magnetic field and line-of-sight velocity within typical formation heights of the inverted lines. Deviations from the simulations are seen away from these height regions. The inversions results are less accurate during passage of the waves within the line formation region. The original wave period could be recovered from the atmosphere output by the inversions, with empirical mode decomposition performing better than the wavelet approach in this task.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
Transverse motions in sunspot super-penumbral fibrils
Authors: Morton R. J. , Mooroogen K. , Henriques V. M. J.
Published: December 2020

Sunspots have played a key role in aiding our understanding of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave phenomena in the Sun’s atmosphere, and it is well known they demonstrate a number of wave phenomena associated with slow MHD modes. Recent studies have shown that transverse wave modes are present throughout the majority of the chromosphere. Using high-resolution Ca II 8542 Å observations from the Swedish Solar Telescope, we provide the first demonstration that the chromospheric super-penumbral fibrils, which span out from the sunspot, also show ubiquitous transverse motions. We interpret these motions as transverse waves, in particular the MHD kink mode. We compile the statistical properties of over 2000 transverse motions to find distributions for periods and amplitudes, finding they are broadly consistent with previous observations of chromospheric transverse waves in quiet Sun fibrils. The very presence of the waves in super-penumbral fibrils raises important questions about how they are generated, and could have implications for our understanding of how MHD wave energy is transferred through the atmosphere of a sunspot.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
Spectropolarimetric fluctuations in a sunspot chromosphere
Authors: Stangalini M. , Baker D. , Valori G. , Jess D. B. , Jafarzadeh S. , Murabito M. , To A. S. H. , Brooks D. H. , Ermolli I. , Giorgi F. , MacBride C. D.
Published: December 2020

The instrumental advances made in this new era of 4 m class solar telescopes with unmatched spectropolarimetric accuracy and sensitivity will enable the study of chromospheric magnetic fields and their dynamics with unprecedented detail. In this regard, spectropolarimetric diagnostics can provide invaluable insight into magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) wave processes. MHD waves and, in particular, Alfvénic fluctuations associated with particular wave modes were recently recognized as important mechanisms not only for the heating of the outer layers of the Sun’s atmosphere and the acceleration of the solar wind, but also for the elemental abundance anomaly observed in the corona of the Sun and other Sun-like stars (also known as first ionization potential) effect. Here, we take advantage of state-of-the-art and unique spectropolarimetric Interferometric BIdimensional Spectrometer observations to investigate the relation between intensity and circular polarization (CP) fluctuations in a sunspot chromosphere. Our results show a clear link between the intensity and CP fluctuations in a patch which corresponds to a narrow range of magnetic field inclinations. This suggests the presence of Alfvénic perturbations in the sunspot.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
Scientific understanding of the fundamentals of China's economic development
Authors: Huang Taiyan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is based on China’s economic fundamentals. Factor input, structural optimization and institutional reform, which determine the fundamentals of China's economic development, will actively prop up long-term, sustained and stable growth of the Chinese economy and keep China's potential economic growth rate stabilized within a reasonable growth range in the long term.

Design/methodology/approach

The fundamentals of economic development of a country are the basic situation of economic operation determined by the country's main factors and the long-term trend thereof, and they have such characteristics as stability, internality and persistence.

Findings

Stability refers to economic operation that remains relatively stable within a reasonable growth range at a certain stage of development, and this does not rule out exceptional economic fluctuations in certain years due to the impact of unexpected short-term factors. For instance, the fundamentals of the Chinese economy during the period after the reform and opening-up are characterized by a sustained high growth rate.

Originality/value

Internality refers to the intrinsic quantity and quality of all factors supporting the economic development of a country, especially the quantity and quality of the factors that play a decisive role in the economic development of a country at a specific stage. For instance, demographic dividend and capital formation have bolstered the high-speed growth of the Chinese economy since the reform and opening-up.
Gender and class distinction in travel behavior: evidence from India
Authors: Saigal Taru , Vaish Arun Kr. , Rao N.V. Muralidhar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the gender differences in various measures of travel behavior for a large-sized Indian city, taking into account the existing class differences.

Design/methodology/approach

Stratified random sampling technique is used to collect primary data for travel behavior. The collected data is then differentiated on the basis of socioeconomic characteristics and gender. Descriptive statistics are used for analysis.

Findings

The findings confirm that, women mostly walk and men use motorized vehicles. With an improvement in socioeconomic status, women switch over to public transport and men continue to ride motorized vehicles. While the number of women making everyday trips declines with a rise in socioeconomic status, the number of men rises.

Research limitations/implications

The study points out at the need for development of an adequate infrastructure of nonmotorized transport and public transport in the city which attends to not only the issue of environmental quality but also of women’s empowerment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time a comprehensive analysis of differences in travel behavior between men and women on the basis of socioeconomic status is carried out in this region. This analysis will facilitate the policy makers in understanding the inconsistencies in transport demand between the two groups of population.
Lesson study and the long-term impact on teacher professional community development
Authors: Lewanowski-Breen Emily , Ni Shuilleabhain Aoibhinn , Meehan Maria
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long-term impact of participating in school-based lesson study on mathematics teachers' professional community.

Design/methodology/approach

A study was conducted with six mathematics teachers, from two post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland, following up on their participation in school-based lesson study over the academic year 2012/13 (see Ni Shuilleabhain, 2016). Qualitative data were generated through one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with the participating teachers and analysed using an empirical framework for teacher community formation (Grossman et al., 2001).

Findings

Analysis of the interview responses suggests that the mathematics teachers in both schools, Doone and Crannog, had developed a mature professional community during their participation in lesson study in 2012/13. Furthermore, the research finds that, in the absence of any other professional development intervention, both teacher communities have been sustained at this level six years later. These findings suggest that a lesson study may serve as a potential structure to foster the development of sustainable professional communities within subject-based teacher groups.

Originality/value

While a lesson study has been shown to support the development of teacher professional communities, previous research has not addressed the sustainability of the communities which emerge. This study, therefore, adds to the existing literature by investigating teachers' perceptions of the long-term impact of lesson study participation on their professional community.
Heterogeneous firm-level responses to the US 2018 tariff announcement
Authors: Qin Yafeng , Yang Zikai , Bai Min
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study examines the impact of the $60 billion tariff announcement of the US government on the Chinese exporting firms. In particular, it focuses on the firms whose revenues are highly dependent on the US economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an experimental analysis and the event study methodology. The sample includes firms listed in mainland China and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges that have the highest revenues from exporting to the USA. The data are obtained from China Stock Market and Accounting Research (CSMAR) and DataStream.

Findings

The authors find that the tariff announcement has significantly negative impacts on stock performance both before and after the announcement, and the impacts are heterogeneous across all sample firms. For A shares listed in Mainland China, firms with more revenues from the US experience greater price drops on the announcement day, regardless of being in the targeted industry or not. But such finding is absent from H shares listed in Hong Kong. The authors also find that for all the firms, greater pricing power can alleviate the impacts of the tariff announcement.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide implications to investors, policymakers and regulators on the further US-China cooperation in the future.

Originality/value

This is the first study documenting the heterogeneity of the impact of the tariff announcement and thus contributes to the prosperous studies on the varied firm-level responses in the Chinese stock market, and to the burgeoning literature by filling the gap of the financial market responses to the protectionist policy announcement.
Social media as a pathway to environmental conservation in protected areas: a case study on Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Bires Zemenu , Raj Sahil
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to uncover the impact of social media in supporting environmental conservation (EC) in protected areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches of a cross-sectional type with simple random and purposive sampling were followed. Primary and secondary data sources were also entertained. A total of 146 observations were used in the analysis. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to measure the impact of social media.

Findings

The result revealed user-generated content and ease of language were significant in explaining EC. Environmental activism and social media usage shall be enhanced with environmental concerns (EnvCs) and objectives.

Originality/value

This is s an original research that tried to address the impact social media on EC and its dimensions in Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve. Unlike the research studies so far, this research attempted to uncover the impact of each social media element's impact on each EC dimensions. Besides, the impact of social media element is also assessed on EC as a construct in general. Thus, it will be helpful for policy makers, government and destination management organizations and other stakeholders to identify the areas which should be promoted and areas that need intervention.
It’s time for men to groom up!
Authors: Sayon Marina , Florêncio de Almeida Luciana , Ponchio Mateus Canniatti
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically review male cosmetics consumption (CC) literature and, given the dearth of research about the topic, especially on Western emerging country contexts, to shed light on the paradoxical behaviour concerning male grooming by empirically assessing the impact of some psychological and demographic antecedents of consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Six hypotheses derived from a systematic review of the literature were tested through structured equation modelling (SEM), based on data of 476 Brazilian men.

Findings

The results empirically sustain the positive influence of vanity and masculinity in grooming product consumption, with partial mediation of vanity between masculinity and consumption. Counterintuitively, it also confirms the negative influence of income. Age and marital status are not statistically relevant.

Practical implications

Practitioners should invest in marketing actions focusing on low-income men, who showed genuine interest in grooming products, promoting them as powerful tools to improve appearance and social recognition. Additionally, educational and wellness-related campaigns could be effective.

Social implications

Beyond profitability, economic growth and men’s well-being, the results might affect the whole society through male cosmetics' contribution to blending gender paradigms.

Originality/value

This study focuses on an economically relevant segment that defies the status quo. It is the first to systematically demonstrate the state of the art of male CC knowledge and to illuminate the role of psychological and demographic variables in influencing CC, enriching the literature on appearance, gender and consumption.
Reconnaissance of tumor immune microenvironment spatial heterogeneity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma and correlation with immunotherapy response
Authors: Hajiran A , Chakiryan N , Aydin A M , Zemp L , Nguyen J , Laborde J M , Chahoud J , Spiess P E , Zaman S , Falasiri S , Fournier M , Teer J K , Dhillon J , McCarthy S , Moran-Segura C , Katende E N , Sexton W J , Koomen J M , Mulé J , Kim Y , Manley B
Published: December 2020

A clearer understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) may help to inform precision treatment strategies. We sought to identify clinically meaningful TIME signatures in ccRCC. We studied tumors from 39 patients with metastatic ccRCC using quantitative multiplexed immunofluorescence and relevant immune marker panels. Cell densities were analyzed in three regions of interest (ROIs): tumor core, tumor–stroma interface and stroma. Patients were stratified into low- and high-marker density groups using median values as thresholds. Log-rank and Cox regression analyses while controlling for clinical variables were used to compare survival outcomes to patterns of immune cell distributions. There were significant associations with increased macrophage (CD68+CD163+CD206+) density and poor outcomes across multiple ROIs in primary and metastatic tumors. In primary tumors, T-bet+ T helper type 1 (Th1) cell density was highest at the tumor–stromal interface (P = 0·0021), and increased co-expression of CD3 and T-bet was associated with improved overall survival (P = 0·015) and survival after immunotherapy (P = 0·014). In metastatic tumor samples, decreased forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T regulatory cell density correlated with improved survival after immunotherapy (P = 0·016). Increased macrophage markers and decreased Th1 T cell markers within the TIME correlated with poor overall survival and treatment outcomes. Immune markers such as FoxP3 showed consistent levels across the TIME, whereas others, such as T-bet, demonstrated significant variance across the distinct ROIs. These findings suggest that TIME profiling outside the tumor core may identify clinically relevant associations for patients with metastatic ccRCC.
Real‐time three‐dimensional echocardiography for left atrial volume assessment in Thoroughbred racehorses: Observer variability and comparison with two‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Worsman Francesca C. F. , Miller Zack J. , Shaw Darren J. , Blissitt Karen J. , Keen John A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Left atrial size predicts cardiac morbidity and mortality in humans and dogs. Real‐time three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) may be reliable for assessing left atrial volume (LAV) in horses.

Objectives

To determine intra‐ and interobserver variability estimates of 3DE‐LAV and compare it to that of 2DE‐LAV estimates.

Study design

Method comparison.

Methods

3DE datasets were obtained from 40 horses, then graded for quality, creating a final study population of 22 horses. The 3DE and 2DE maximum LAV (LAVmax) and minimum LAV (LAVmin) were measured, and left atrial emptying volume (LA EV) and left atrial ejection fraction (LA EF) were calculated, from the same 3D dataset on four occasions using (a) a semi‐automatic surface recognition algorithm and (b) a modified Simpson’s method of discs. 3DE LAV measurements were repeated by a second observer.

Results

For 3DE, median LAVmax was 596cm3 for observer one, and 852 cm3 for observer two, LAVmin was 373 cm3 for observer one and 533 cm3 for observer two. Low intraobserver measurement variation was observed for LAVmax and LAVmin, with horse‐level intraclass correlation coefficients (ICChorse) for both observers between 76% and 85% (horse added as random effect). The interobserver ICC was 58% for LAVmax and 50% for LAVmin on averaged measurements (with observer added as random effect), indicating consistent differences between observers. While intraobserver variation was similar for 2DE LAVmax measurements, it was greater for LAVmin (ICChorse = 67%). The intermethod ICC for 3DE vs 2DE was low at 14% for LAVmax and ~0% for LAVmin, indicating less‐consistent differences with method.

Main limitations

Small study population, low observer number, use of different imaging modalities (fundamental frequency and octave harmonics).

Conclusions

3DE assessment of LAV was reliable, suggesting suitability for longitudinal evaluation of clinical cases. Clinicians should be aware of differences in LAV measurements between observers. More defined measurement guidelines may improve repeatability.
Microbial pathogens of freshwater crayfish: A critical review and systematization of the existing data with directions for future research
Authors: Dragičević Paula , Bielen Ana , Petrić Ines , Hudina Sandra
Published: December 2020

Despite important ecological role and growing commercial value of freshwater crayfish, their diseases are underresearched and many studies examining potential crayfish pathogens do not thoroughly address their epizootiology, pathology or biology. This study reviews over 100 publications on potentially pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and fungal‐like microorganisms reported in crayfish and systematizes them based on whether pathogenicity has been observed in an analysed species. Conclusions on pathogenicity were based on successful execution of infectivity trials. For 40.6% of examined studies, microbes were successfully systematized, while for more than a half (59.4%) no conclusion on pathogenicity could be made. Fungi and fungal‐like microorganisms were the most studied group of microbes with the highest number of analysed hosts, followed by bacteria and viruses. Our analysis demonstrated the need for: (a) inclusion of higher number of potential host species in the case of viruses, (b) research of bacterial effects in tissues other than haemolymph, and (c) more research into potential fungal and fungal‐like pathogens other than Aphanomyces astaci. We highlight the encountered methodological challenges and biases and call for a broad but standardized framework for execution of infectivity trials that would enable systematic data acquisition on interactions between microbes and the host.
High‐resolution X‐ray tomographic workflow to investigate the stress distribution in vitreous enamel steels
Authors: Sensini Alberto , Pisaneschi Gregorio , Cocchi Davide , Kao Alexander , Tozzi Gianluca , Zucchelli Andrea
Published: December 2020

Vitreous enamel steels (VES) are a class of metal‐ceramic composite materials realised with a low carbon steel basement coated by an enamel layer. During the firing phase to adhere the enamel to the metal, several gas bubbles remain entrapped inside the enamel volume modifying its internal structure. In this work high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography (micro‐CT) was used to investigate these composite materials. The micro‐CT reconstructions enabled a detailed investigation of VES minimising the metal artefacts. The tomograms were used to develop finite element models (FEM) of VES by means of a representative volume element (RVE) to evaluate the thermal residual stresses caused by the manufacturing process, as well as the effect of the 3D bubbles distribution on the internal stress patterns after the thermic gradient. The promising results from this study have the potential to inform further research on such composite materials by optimising manufacturing processes for targeted applications.
Detrusor urethral dyssynergy in dogs: 35 cases (2007‐2019)
Authors: Stilwell C. , Bazelle J. , Walker D. , Stanzani G. , Florey J.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of dogs diagnosed with detrusor urethral dyssynergy.

Materials and Methods

Multicentre (n = 3 UK referral clinics), retrospective, observational study. Database searches were performed (2007 to 2019) to identify dogs with detrusor urethral dyssynergy. Dogs with structural abnormalities or detectable neurological disorders affecting micturition were excluded. Clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, treatment and outcome were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐five dogs were included. Middle‐aged, large‐breed, male neutered dogs were most frequently documented. Four female dogs were included. Fifteen breeds, including Labrador retrievers (8/35; 22.9%), golden retrievers (5/35;14.3%) and cross‐breeds (5/35; 14.3%) were identified. Median duration of clinical signs was 152 days (range 0 to 1095). All dogs were dysuric at presentation with 17/35 (48.6%) reported to have an altered stream of urine and 17/35 (48.6%) to be stranguric. Follow‐up data were available for 34 dogs (median 136 days, range 4 to 2188). Response was classified as good (20/34; 58.8%), partial (7/34; 20.5%) or poor (7/34; 20.5%). Overall time to response was known for 21 of 34 dogs (partial n = 6, good n = 15) with a median of 11 days (range 1 to 155). Four dogs had surgical intervention (castration n = 4, cystostomy tube n = 2). Three dogs were euthanased due to partial (n = 1) or poor (n = 2) response. Medications were discontinued in 11 of 20 (55.0%) dogs with a good response to therapy, two of these relapsed.

Clinical Significance

Detrusor urethral dyssynergy is an uncommon micturition disorder in dogs, in particular females. Medical therapy with or without surgery resulted in a favourable prognosis in the majority of dogs, although many require long‐term medication.
RAPGEF2 mediates oligomeric Aβ‐induced synaptic loss and cognitive dysfunction in the 3xTg‐AD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jang You‐Na , Jang HoChung , Kim Gyu Hyun , Noh Jeong‐Eun , Chang Keun‐A , Lee Kea Joo
Published: December 2020

Aims

Amyloid‐β (Aβ) oligomers trigger synaptic degeneration that precedes plaque and tangle pathology. However, the signalling molecules that link Aβ oligomers to synaptic pathology remain unclear. Here, we addressed the potential role of RAPGEF2 as a novel signalling molecule in Aβ oligomer‐induced synaptic and cognitive impairments in human‐mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

To investigate the role of RAPGEF2 in Aβ oligomer‐induced synaptic and cognitive impairments, we utilised a combination of approaches including biochemistry, molecular cell biology, light and electron microscopy, behavioural tests with primary neuron cultures, multiple AD mouse models and post‐mortem human AD brain tissue.

Results

We found significantly elevated RAPGEF2 levels in the post‐mortem human AD hippocampus. RAPGEF2 levels also increased in the transgenic AD mouse models, generating high levels of Aβ oligomers before exhibiting synaptic and cognitive impairment. RAPGEF2 upregulation activated the downstream effectors Rap2 and JNK. In cultured hippocampal neurons, oligomeric Aβ treatment increased the fluorescence intensity of RAPGEF2 and reduced the number of dendritic spines and the intensities of synaptic marker proteins, while silencing RAPGEF2 expression blocked Aβ oligomer‐induced synapse loss. Additionally, the in vivo knockdown of RAPGEF2 expression in the AD hippocampus prevented cognitive deficits and the loss of excitatory synapses.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that the upregulation of RAPGEF2 levels mediates Aβ oligomer‐induced synaptic and cognitive disturbances in the AD hippocampus. We propose that an early intervention regarding RAPGEF2 expression may have beneficial effects on early synaptic pathology and memory loss in AD.
Tax Aggressiveness, Market and Idiosyncratic Risks in Brazil
Authors: Lopo Martinez Antonio , Botão Martins Welliton
Published: December 2020

This study aims to analyze the relationship between tax aggressiveness and the risks associated with the variation of returns in Brazilian companies’ stock. Particularly, the research regards the systematic and idiosyncratic risks. The sample was formed by companies that composed the IBOVESPA index in the period between 2011 to 2016. The measurements of tax aggressiveness were the effective tax rate and the temporary book-tax differences. The results showed a significant relationship between tax aggressiveness and risk, concluding that the higher the tax aggressiveness, the lower the beta, and the higher the idiosyncratic risk. This study is essential because it maps the effect of tax aggressiveness on the financial risks related to Brazilian companies’ shares, as well as being useful to investors, portfolio, and business managers.
Estudo da contabilização dos tributos astecas sob a ótica da nova história da contabilidade
Authors: Schmidt Paulo , Dos Santos José Luiz
Published: December 2020

O estudo examina a Matrícula de Tributos como elemento de contabilização tributária asteca, dentro da dimensão da Nova História da Contabilidade (NHC), com abordagem de pesquisa na História da Cultura Material. A pesquisa classifica-se como histórica qualitativa, com procedimentos de análise bibliográfica e documental, utilizando documentos primários como a Matrícula de Tributos e o Códice Mendoza. Identificou-se que a Matrícula de Tributos foi um objeto material criado para impor uma ordem tributária incontestável, refletidora do poder divino e hereditário de Montezuma. Esse objeto serviu para a criação, pelos hispânicos, do Códice Mendoza, que seria utilizado para apresentar as principais características da sociedade asteca ao imperador espanhol. A análise da Matrícula de Tributos e do Códice Mendoza permitiu identificar os inter-relacionamentos entre culturas, destacando a Matrícula como elemento tradutor do poder imperial, tanto pelo aspecto arrecadatório, como hierárquico da sociedade asteca. O estudo desvendou o cenário sociopolítico que originou as práticas contábeis tributárias, não focando na técnica do registro, mas examinando a prática em que a Contabilidade estava inserida na sociedade asteca. A partir desse estudo, é possível vislumbrar a análise de outros objetos da cultura material, como os Quipus incas e os códices maias, seguindo os conceitos da NHC.
El escepticismo profesional del auditor. Una visión desde los docentes de contaduría pública colombianos
Authors: Viloria Ortega Norka , Espinosa Díaz Yuli Samary
Published: December 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar estrategias de salón de clase para la formación del escepticismo profesional en estudiantes de contaduría pública, basadas en la percepción de los docentes en Colombia. La investigación, de tipo cualitativo, fue realizada a través de una entrevista semi-estructurada a 15 docentes del área de auditoría en instituciones de educación superior en Colombia. Los participantes también son contadores públicos en ejercicio de su profesión. Dentro de las estrategias propuestas por los docentes se encuentran el estudio de caso, el juego de roles, y la revisión curricular como mecanismos para la formación el escepticismo en auditorías. Se considera que reforzar el escepticismo profesional en la formación universitaria de los Contadores Públicos permite lograr un profesional integral e íntegro, capaz de buscar evidencias suficientes y adecuadas en función de su juicio crítico.
Environmental Barrier Coating Oxidation and Adhesion Strength
Authors: Harder Bryan J. , Presby Michael J. , Salem Jon A. , Arnold Steven M. , Mital Subodh K.
Published: December 2020

Plasma spray-physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) of Yb2Si2O7 were deposited on SiC and exposed in a steam environment (90% H2O/O2) at 1426 °C to form a thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer between the substrate and EBC. In advanced ceramic material systems such as coated ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), the TGO layer is the weak interface and directly influences component lifetimes. The effects of surface roughness and TGO thickness on the adhesion strength were evaluated by mechanical testing of the coatings after exposure. Morphology and oxide layer thickness were analyzed with electron microscopy while the composition and crystal structure were tracked with X-ray diffraction. The strength of the system is evaluated with respect to oxidation rate to give a qualitative understanding of coating durability.
Review on Recent Advances, Research Trends, and Gas Film in Electrochemical Discharge-Based Micromachining
Authors: Rajput Viveksheel , Goud Mudimallana , Suri Narendra Mohan
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is distinguished as a novel process that involves thermal heating and chemical dissolution for the micromachining of “difficult-to-machine” materials like ceramics and quartz. This paper comprehensively reviews the study on gas film, the effect of various input parameters on ECDM performance, such as electrical parameters, electrolyte parameters, and tool electrode parameters, are also likewise discussed. Moreover, a summarized report on thermal modeling, gas film, discrete input parameters, hybridization, and variants in the ECDM process is also provided in a lucid manner. Based on the review, it is concluded that the machining performance of the ECDM process especially in terms of material removal rate (MRR), roughness, tool wear (TW), and thermal cracks is strongly influenced by the input parameters. The formation of the gas film induces variable machining features that can be controlled by altering the machining conditions. Additionally, the paper highlights the future areas that may leads to improve the overall machining performance of the ECDM process.