bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alleviating social and economic inequality? The role of social enterprises in Thailand
Authors: Pothipala Varaporn , Keerasuntonpong Prae , Cordery Carolyn
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Thailand is a developing economy underpinned by high levels of wealth inequality and an ingrained patronage culture. This research aims to examine how social enterprises (SEs) have been encouraged in Thailand in recent years as “micro-level challenges” to capitalism and their potential impact in addressing inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysing policy documents and consultations, this paper traces the development of Thai policies intended to encourage SEs’ development. Additionally, the paper uses case study interviews and documents to demonstrate how SEs tackle inequality. From these, a framework is developed, outlining SEs’ roles and interventions to reduce inequality.

Findings

Thailand’s new policy is in contrast to those countries where SEs face policy neglect. Nevertheless, government has been slow to embed processes to encourage new SEs. Despite SEs’ “challenge” to capitalism, listed companies are increasingly providing in-kind and financial support. The case study data shows SEs reduce inequality as they work with rural citizens to increase their employment and incomes. This work may also contribute to diminishing rural citizens’ dependency on political patronage.

Research limitations/implications

While SEs can address inequality gaps, the research includes only existing SEs on specific lists. Nevertheless, the Thai experience will be useful to other developing countries, especially those beset by political patronage.

Originality/value

The research shows legislation is insufficient to support SE growth and inequality reduction. The framework highlights the need for both government policy attention and interventions from donors and companies to support SEs’ efforts.
Manufacturing location decisions and organizational agility
Authors: Theyel Gregory , Hofmann Kay H.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the strategic consequences of manufacturing location decisions, with a focus on understanding the link between collocating manufacturing with other value chain activities, via reshoring or retaining and organizational agility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses qualitative data from 115 interviews with executives from UK high value manufacturing companies to explore the recent phenomenon of reshoring and the strategic effects of manufacturing location.

Findings

The location of manufacturing is operationally and strategically important for multinational companies. The spatial dispersion of manufacturing is determined by firm-specific and external factors, both of which are subject to constant change. The analysis shows that concentrating on manufacturing in their home countries enables firms to increase organizational agility and stimulate innovation. Better integration with and more extensive collaboration between related value chain activities, such as research and development, sales and marketing, leads to higher flexibility, speed and responsiveness to customer requirements. However, under certain conditions, firms also continue to benefit from the known advantages of offshoring.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on possible strategic downsides of global value chains, characterized by dispersed activities and intermitted processes. The results provide evidence that retaining manufacturing or bringing back manufacturing operations to a company’s home country can increase organizational flexibility, speed, adaptability, innovativeness and responsiveness to customer requirements. As these capabilities are critical for long-term survival, especially in dynamic environments, firms need to review their global factory configurations and determine whether the short-term advantages of foreign locations continue to justify offshoring practices.
Tourism – ten possible solutions for a more inclusive society
Authors: Costa Jorge , Montenegro Mónica , Gomes João
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically review the contributions made by the writing team for this theme issue and to present the main ideas, lines of action and implications for a model of inclusive tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of the papers selected for this issue was performed so as to identify the most relevant contributions made by the authors.

Findings

From the analysis of the papers in this theme issue, it is clear that destinations need to reflect on and work towards a new model of tourism – more sustainable, innovative, responsible and supportive – adding value to the tourism ecosystem.

Originality/value

The papers in this theme issue shed light on the importance for tourist destinations of adopting a more inclusive approach. All tourist actors need to maintain their commitment to work together to promote universal accessibility and inclusiveness and this can be characterized via a new model of positive tourism.
Contrasting community assembly processes structure lotic bacteria metacommunities along the river continuum
Authors: Gweon Hyun S. , Bowes Michael J. , Moorhouse Heather L. , Oliver Anna E. , Bailey Mark J. , Acreman Michael C. , Read Daniel S.
Published: December 2020

The heterogeneous nature of lotic habitats plays an important role in the complex ecological and evolutionary processes that structure the microbial communities within them. Due to such complexity, our understanding of lotic microbial ecology still lacks conceptual frameworks for the ecological processes that shape these communities. We explored how bacterial community composition and underlying ecological assembly processes differ between lotic habitats by examining community composition and inferring community assembly processes across four major habitat types (free‐living, particle‐associated, biofilm on benthic stones and rocks, and sediment). This was conducted at 12 river sites from headwater streams to the main river in the River Thames, UK. Our results indicate that there are distinct differences in the bacterial communities between four major habitat types, with contrasting ecological processes shaping their community assembly processes. While the mobile free‐living and particle‐associated communities were consistently less diverse than the fixed sediment and biofilm communities, the latter two communities displayed higher homogeneity across the sampling sites. This indicates that the relative influence of deterministic environmental filtering is elevated in sediment and biofilm communities compared with free‐living and particle‐associated communities, where stochastic processes play a larger role.
Comparative genomics of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis strains reveals nine lineages and a new sequence type of AvrFom2
Authors: Sabahi Fatemeh , Sain Mara de , Banihashemi Zia , Rep Martijn
Published: December 2020

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) is one of the most important pathogens of melon worldwide. In this study, we investigated the genomic diversity of Fom. One of the aims was to find clues for the origin(s) and dispersal of clonal lineages and races of Fom. We therefore included a large number of Fom strains from Iran, where melon has been cultivated for at least 5000 years. In 33 new genome sequences of Fom strains from different geographical regions of Iran and across the world, 40 new candidate effector genes were identified. Presence/absence of candidate effector genes and phylogenetic analyses resolved nine Fom lineages. The presence of a highly similar set of effector genes in some distant lineages is suggestive of horizontal chromosome transfer, a process known to occur in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex. Race 1.2, which breaks both Fom1 and Fom2 resistance genes, occurs in three of the nine lineages, two of which are predominant in Iran. We also identified a new sequence type of the AVRFom2 avirulence gene in one lineage. Expression of this sequence type during melon infection and genetic complementation suggest that this sequence type is not recognized by the Fom2 resistance protein.
The dynamics of toxic dust
Authors: KOPF CHARLINE
Published: December 2020

By examining railway workers' narratives of poussière (dust) and their practices of repair work in the train depot at Rufisque, Senegal, the article reveals how the workers' understanding of dust encapsulates a toxic mixture, not only of pollution and sand but also asbestos lodged in the coaches. Attendant to the corporeal and intimate stories of the workers and the histories of the trains imported from India, the article sheds light on how workers handle their daily encounters with the granular materiality of the toxic dust as it seeps into the bodies of machines and workers, conditioning their past and future. In the context of institutional as well as industrial negligence, despite an awareness of the dangers, the workers continue their unsafe practices in toxic environments for fear of losing their jobs. The article argues that disentangling the nostalgic, future and toxic aspects of the railway, helps to demonstrate how an otherwise fleeting, invisible toxicant ‐ unequally distributed and travelling across geographies ‐ remains stuck in the organisms of both men and machines.
A Strategic Left? Starmerism, Pluralism and the Soft Left
Authors: Thompson Paul , Pitts Frederick Harry , Ingold Jo
Published: December 2020

This article places the Labour Party’s present post‐Corbyn renewal in the context of previous periods of renewal in the party’s recent history, associating with the new leadership of Keir Starmer a potential to rediscover the strategic project of the pluralist soft left as an alternative to the programmatic character of the hard left. After assessing the Corbynist hegemony established in the Labour Party between 2015 and 2019, it considers the current absence of any clearly defined set of principles or values underpinning ‘Starmerism’. It then looks back to the Kinnockite ascendency in the 1980s, and the Blairite ascendency in the 1990s, as possible templates for how the party reassesses its positioning with reference to changing electoral, social and economic circumstances. A critique of Corbynism’s left populism culminates in a consideration of the possible grounds for a new pluralist agenda attuned to the policy and electoral challenges Labour faces today.
Costs of using evidence‐based implementation strategies for behavioral health integration in a large primary care system
Authors: Yeung Kai , Richards Julie , Goemer Eric , Lozano Paula , Lapham Gwen , Williams Emily , Glass Joseph , Lee Amy , Achtmeyer Carol , Caldeiro Ryan , Parrish Rebecca , Bradley Katharine
Published: December 2020

Objective

To describe the cost of using evidence‐based implementation strategies for sustained behavioral health integration (BHI) involving population‐based screening, assessment, and identification at 25 primary care sites of Kaiser Permanente Washington (2015‐2018).

Data Sources/Study Setting

Project records, surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics compensation data.

Study Design

Labor and nonlabor costs incurred by three implementation strategies: practice coaching, electronic health records clinical decision support, and performance feedback.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Personnel time spent on these strategies was estimated for five broad roles: (a) project leaders and administrative support, (b) practice coaches, (c) clinical decision support programmers, (d) performance metric programmers, and (e) primary care local implementation team members.

Principal Finding

Implementation involved 286 persons, 18 131 person‐hours, costing $1 587 139 or $5 per primary care visit with screening or $38 per primary care visit identifying depression, suicidal thoughts and/or alcohol or substance use disorders, in a single year. The majority of person‐hours was devoted to project leadership (35%) and practice coaches (34%), and 36% of costs were for the first three sites.

Conclusions

When spread across patients screened in a single year, BHI implementation costs were well within the range for commonly used diagnostic assessments in primary care (eg, laboratory tests). This suggests that implementation costs alone should not be a substantial barrier to population‐based BHI.
Application of natural‐based nanocoatings for extending the shelf life of green bell pepper fruit
Authors: Correa‐Pacheco Zormy Nacary , Corona‐Rangel María Luisa , Bautista‐Baños Silvia , Ventura‐Aguilar Rosa Isela
Published: December 2020

Pectobacterium carotovorum is a phytopathogenic bacteria that causes significant economic loses in food crops, such as bell pepper, which is of special significance in the value of production and trade in Mexico. Therefore, a solution for fruit conservation must be sought. Due to environmental concerns, it is necessary the use of environmentally‐friendly active packaging. In this article, chitosan and chitosan‐thyme essential oil nanocoatings were used for the preservation of green bell pepper. Different formulations based on chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) and chitosan‐thyme essential oil nanoparticles (15, 30, and 45%) were prepared. For uncoated and coated bell peppers, the quality and physiological variables of inoculated and uninoculated fruit with P. carotovorum during 12‐day storage period were assessed. According to the results, the weight loss of the fruit remained almost constant over the storage days for the different formulations. A decrease in fruit firmness and an increase in the respiration rate and ascorbic acid content until day 8 with a decrease at the end of the storage period were observed. Of all the evaluated nanocoatings, the fruit treated with the formulation containing 15% CSNPs showed the lowest colony‐forming units and disease incidence. Also, the coated bell peppers with this formulation had lower CO2 production compared to the remaining treatments, and the weight loss and firmness were maintained. Therefore, the use of CSNP coatings could represent a good alternative for the protection of bell pepper against the pathogenic bacteria P. carotovorum.

Practical Application

The results of the application of nanocoatings based on chitosan and chitosan‐thyme essential oil as an antibacterial agent against P. carotovorum on green bell pepper during 12‐day storage period suggest that nanoparticle‐based coatings can be a natural option for the preservation of fruit quality during ripening.
Shannon entropy as a robust estimator of Zipf's Law in animal vocal communication repertoires
Authors: Kershenbaum Arik , Demartsev Vlad , Gammon David E. , Geffen Eli , Gustison Morgan L. , Ilany Amiyaal , Lameira Adriano R.
Published: December 2020

Information complexity in animals is an indicator of advanced communication and an intricate socio‐ecology. Zipf's Law of least effort has been used to assess the potential information content of animal repertoires, including whether or not a particular animal communication could be ‘language‐like’. As all human languages follow Zipf's law, with a power law coefficient (PLC) close to −1, animal signals with similar probability distributions are postulated to possess similar information characteristics to language. However, estimation of the PLC from limited empirical datasets (e.g. most animal communication studies) is problematic because of biases from small sample sizes.

The traditional approach to estimating Zipf's law PLC is to find the slope of a log–log rank‐frequency plot. Our alternative option uses the underlying equivalence between Shannon entropy (i.e. whether successive elements of a sequence are unpredictable, or repetitive) and PLC. Here, we test whether an entropy approach yields more robust estimates of Zipf's law PLC than the traditional approach.

We examined the efficacy of the entropy approach in two ways. First, we estimated the PLC from synthetic datasets generated with a priori known power law probability distributions. This revealed that the estimated PLC using the traditional method is particularly inaccurate for highly stereotyped sequences, even at modest repertoire sizes. Estimation via Shannon entropy is accurate with modest sample sizes even for repertoires with thousands of distinct elements. Second, we applied these approaches to empirical data taken from 11 animal species. Shannon entropy produced a more robust estimate of PLC with lower variance than the traditional method, even when the true PLC is unknown. Our approach for the first time reveals Zipf's law operating in the vocal systems of multiple lineages: songbirds, hyraxes and cetaceans.

As different methods of estimating the PLC can lead to misleading results in real data, estimating the balance of a communication system between simplicity and complexity is best performed using the entropy approach. This provides a more robust way to investigate the evolutionary constraints and processes that have acted on animal communication systems, and the parallels between these processes and the evolution of language.
Archival research on audit partners: assessing the research field and recommendations for future research
Authors: Hardies Kris , Hossain Sarowar , Chapple Larelle (Ellie)
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we assess the existing archival research on audit partners and provide recommendations for future research. Our empirical analyses suggest that the audit partner characteristics with the biggest impact are industry specialisation and client importance. We demonstrate that audit partner studies may suffer from omitted variable bias if they study audit partner characteristics in isolation, as they have often done. We also show that, for most audit partner characteristics, there is little within‐company and within‐partner variation. We therefore caution against routinely including company and audit partner fixed effects in audit partner studies. We also examine the importance of properly adjusting for dependence in the data in audit partner studies and suggest to cluster standard errors at the client firm level. Finally, we provide detailed descriptive information at the audit partner level in order to demonstrate how researchers could improve the reporting of audit partner level data.
Clinical features and molecular genetics of patients with ABCA4‐retinal dystrophies
Authors: Holtan Josephine Prener , Aukrust Ingvild , Jansson Ragnhild Wivestad , Berland Siren , Bruland Ove , Gjerde Birgitt Løkhaug , Stokowy Tomasz , Bojovic Ognjen , Forsaa Vegard , Austeng Dordi , Rødahl Eyvind , Bredrup Cecilie , Knappskog Per Morten , Bragadóttir Ragnheiður
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Pathogenic variations in the ABCA4 gene are a leading cause of vision loss in patients with inherited retinal diseases. ABCA4–retinal dystrophies are clinically heterogeneous, presenting with mild to severe degeneration of the retina. The purpose of this study was to clinically and genetically characterize patients with ABCA4‐retinal dystrophies in Norway and describe phenotype–genotype associations.

Methods

ABCA4 variants were detected in 111 patients with inherited retinal disease undergoing diagnostic genetic testing over a period of 12 years. In patients where only a single ABCA4 variant was found, whole‐gene ABCA4 sequencing was performed and intronic variants were investigated by mRNA analyses in fibroblasts. Medical journals were used to obtain a clinical description and ultrawidefield autofluorescence images were used to analyse retinal degeneration patterns.

Results

The genetic diagnostic yield was 89%. The intronic splice variant c.5461‐10T>C was the most prevalent disease‐causing variant (27%). Whole‐gene ABCA4 sequencing detected two novel intronic variants (c.6729+81G>T and c.6817‐679C>A) that we showed affected mRNA splicing. Peripheral retinal degeneration was identified in 33% of patients and was associated with genotypes that included severe loss of function variants. By contrast, peripheral degeneration was not found in patients with a disease duration over 20 years and genotypes including p.(Asn1868lle), c.4253+43G>A or p.(Gly1961Glu) in trans with a loss of function variant.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of ABCA4‐retinal dystrophies in Norway. Further, the study presents novel variants and increases our knowledge on phenotype–genotype associations and the presence of peripheral retinal degeneration in ABCA4‐retinal dystrophy patients.
Falls in individuals with type 2 diabetes; a cross‐sectional study on the impact of motor dysfunction, postural instability and diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: Khan Karolina S. , Pop‐Busui Rodica , Devantier Louise , Kristensen Alexander G. , Tankisi Hatice , Dalgas Ulrik , Overgaard Kristian , Andersen Henning
Published: December 2020

Aim

To estimate the incidence of falls in individuals with type 2 diabetes compared to healthy controls and to describe the characteristics of fallers with type 2 diabetes in relation to motor dysfunction, postural instability and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study of individuals with type 2 diabetes with DPN (n = 54), without DPN (n = 38) and healthy controls (n = 39). Falls were recorded within the preceding year. DPN was defined by clinical scores and nerve conduction studies. Motor function was assessed by a 6‐min walk test (6 MWT), five‐time sit‐to‐stand test (FTSST) and isokinetic dynamometry at the non‐dominant ankle and knee. An instability index (ST) was measured using static posturography. Univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics were used for group comparisons.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, individuals with diabetes had a higher incidence of falls 36%, (n = 33) versus 15%, (n = 6), p = 0.02. There were no differences in falls when comparing individuals with and without DPN. Fallers had an impaired 6 MWT versus non‐fallers (450 ± 153 m vs. 523 ± 97 m respectively), a slower FTSST (11.9 ± 4.2 s vs. 10.3 ± 2.9 s respectively) and a higher ST (53 ± 29 vs. 41 ± 17 respectively), p < 0.02 for all.

Conclusion

Individuals with type 2 diabetes reported a higher number of falls within the preceding year compared to healthy controls, irrespective of the presence of DPN. The main factors associated with falls were increased postural instability, lower walking capacity and slower sit‐to‐stand movements. The 6 MWT, FTSST and posturography should be considered in future screening programs in identification of individuals at risk for falls.
Acute suprarenal occlusion in an American Miniature Horse
Authors: Cuillé O , Bodaan C. J. , Brown S. , Riley C. B. , Munday J. S. , Mack S. J.
Published: December 2020

A 7‐month‐old Miniature filly was examined because of a 4‐day history of abnormal posture, lethargy and weakness. On initial evaluation, the filly presented with an abnormal stiff gait in her hindlimbs associated with hindlimb ataxia and lumbar kyphosis. She showed hindlimb discomfort by weight shifting from one hindlimb to the other. A complete blood count revealed an acute inflammatory leukogram associated with hyperfibrinogenaemia. The measurement of the serum amyloid A concentration indicated anactive inflammatory process. Biochemistry and urinalysis results revealed a severe azotaemia associated with diluted urine despite clinical dehydration, consistent with acute renal failure. Medical treatment was initiated with fluid therapy and antimicrobials. The pain was managed with morphine sulphate only, to avoid further kidney damage. The filly maintained an abnormal gait during this time, became progressively more ataxic and uncomfortable, and developed colic episodes. Because the horse was unresponsive to pain management, euthanasia was elected by the client. Post‐mortem examination revealed an occlusive thrombus within the abdominal aorta, firmly attached to the intima, partially recanalised and extending from the aorta 1 cm along the right renal artery. In the left and right kidneys, severe subacute neutrophilic pyelonephritis, with lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis was noted. In the hindlimb muscles, multifocal myocyte necrosis and evidence of regeneration was present. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case of acute suprarenal occlusion to be described in a horse.
ENLIGHTENMENT, INFORMATION, AND THE COPERNICAN DELAY: A VENTURE INTO THE HISTORY OF KNOWLEDGE
Authors: SISKIN CLIFFORD
Published: December 2020

This essay pursues the history of knowledge in the form of what Francis Bacon called a “literary history”—a “story of learning” that tracks “the antiquities and originals of knowledges.” It focuses on the changing interrelations of information and knowledge from the seventeenth century to the present day in order to identify a fundamental continuity in a knowledge project that links the Enlightenment to our own era of quantum computation. At the core of that project has been Bacon's and Robert Boyle's dreams of re‐making the world through a “handshake” between the intellectual and physical worlds. Quantum theory tells us that the lingua franca that realizes that handshake is information. I track that realization from the simultaneous emergence of newspapers and modern science 350 years ago to today's moment of fake news and quantum computation. In doing so, I identify a feature of the history of knowledge that is applicable to other ventures into that history: a taxonomy of “delays” in explanatory knowledge caused by mismatches between concepts and technologies.
The efficacy of synthetic pseudo‐ceramide for dry and rough lips
Authors: Tamura E. , Ishikawa J. , Yasuda Y. , Yamamoto T.
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE

Lips can easily become dry and rough, one reason being the characteristics of their ceramide (CER) profile. Lips have lower levels of total ceramides, higher percentages of CER[NS] and CER[AS], and lower percentages of CER[NP] and CER[NH] than skin in other regions of the body. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of synthetic pseudo‐ceramide (pCer; Cetyl‐PG hydroxyethyl palmitamide) to improve the dryness and roughness of the lips of healthy subjects in a formulation that exclude an occlusive effect.

METHODS

Thirty‐one Japanese female subjects with normal skin (age range 21–37 years; mean 28.6) were enrolled in this study. A four‐week continuous use test was conducted using samples with or without 0.5% or 2.0% pCer. The degree of lip roughness was scored, and values of capacitance, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and lip surface elasticity were measured. Endogenous CER profiles and absorption levels of pCer in the stratum corneum (SC) were analysed in tape‐stripped skin specimens.

RESULTS

Treatment with the pCer‐2.0% sample significantly improved the visual roughness score after 2 and 4 weeks compared to 0 weeks and compared to the Blank. Moreover, an improvement in TEWL was observed after 4 weeks of treatment with the pCer‐2.0% sample. CER[NP] showed a significant increase in pCer‐2.0% treated lips after 4 weeks compared to the Blank. Both pCer‐0.5% and pCer‐2.0% were significantly absorbed after 2 weeks compared with the Blank.

CONCLUSION

The effect of the synthetic pseudo‐ceramide pCer to improve the roughness of lips was shown excluding the effect of occlusiveness derived from the formulation for the first time. Since the improvement of TEWL and absorption of pCer was observed, we concluded that pCer was first absorbed in rough lip areas, improved the ceramide profile and consequently restored the barrier function.
HOMEOWNERSHIP AND HOUSING TRANSITIONS: EXPLAINING THE DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION
Authors: Ma Eunseong , Zubairy Sarah
Published: December 2020

We document the evolution of homeownership rate across various age groups for the period 1995–2015. We find that variations in the homeownership rates are relatively large for the young, which is mostly driven by renter‐to‐owner transitions. In order to explain these empirical facts, we consider a life‐cycle model featuring housing tenure decisions. Housing is modeled as an indivisible and lumpy investment subject to both loan‐to‐value (LTV) and debt‐to‐income (DTI) credit constraints and transaction fees. Our analysis suggests that variations in the DTI limit play a crucial role in accounting for the uneven behavior across age groups.
Skin and eye protection against ultraviolet C from ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lyons Alexis B. , Narla Shanthi , Torres Angeli E. , Parks‐Miller Angela , Kohli Indermeet , Ozog David M. , Lim Henry W. , Hamzavi Iltefat H.
Published: December 2020

With the COVID‐19 pandemic depleting personal protective equipment worldwide, various methods including ultraviolet C (UVC) germicidal irradiation (UVGI) have been implemented to decontaminate N95 filtering facepiece respirators. These devices pose a risk for UVC exposure to the operator with reported adverse effects generally limited to the eyes and skin. Our hospitals are currently using UVC devices for N95 decontamination with a few reported cases of face and neck erythema from exposure. Because sunscreens are designed and tested for UVA and UVB protection only, their effects on blocking UVC are largely unknown. Therefore, our objective was to determine if various sunscreens, UV goggles, and surgical mask face shields minimize UVC exposure from UVGI devices. Our study clearly demonstrated that healthcare workers responsible for the disinfection of PPE using UVGI devices should always at least utilize clear face shields or UV goggles and sunscreen to protect against side effects of UVC exposure.
Metabolic and sympathovagal effects of bolus insulin glulisine versus basal insulin glargine therapy in people with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Takeshita Yumie , Tanaka Takeo , Wakakuri Hitomi , Kita Yuki , Kanamori Takehiro , Takamura Toshinari
Published: November 2020

Aims/Introduction

This study compares the effects of two different insulin regimens – basal versus bolus insulin – on metabolic and cardiovascular autonomic function in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to groups for therapy with insulin glulisine (IGlu) or insulin glargine (IGla). The primary efficacy end‐point was glycemic variability, including M‐values, mean of glucose levels, and a blood glucose profile of seven time points before and after the intervention. The secondary end‐points included pleiotropic effects, including endothelial and cardiac autonomic nerve functions.

Results

Blood glucose levels at all time points significantly decreased in both groups. Post‐lunch, post‐dinner, and bedtime blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the IGlu group than in the IGla group. Nadir fasting blood glucose levels at the end‐point were significantly lower in the IGla group than in the IGlu group. The M‐value and mean blood glucose levels were significantly decreased from baseline in both groups, although the former was significantly lower in the IGlu group than in the IGla group. IGla, but not IGlu, was found to elevate 24‐h parasympathetic tone, especially during night‐time, and it decreased 24‐h sympathetic nerve activity, especially at dawn.

Conclusions

Both IGlu and IGla regimens reduced glucose variability, with IGlu bringing a greater reduction in M‐value. IGla, but not IGlu, increased parasympathetic tone during night‐time and decreased sympathetic nerve activity at dawn. These findings shed light on the previously unrecognized role of night‐time basal insulin supplementation on sympathovagal activity in type 2 diabetes patients.
Loss of MUNC18‐1 leads to retrograde transport defects in neurons
Authors: van Berkel Annemiek A. , Santos Tatiana C. , Shaweis Hesho , van Weering Jan R. T. , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: December 2020

Loss of the exocytic Sec1/MUNC18 protein MUNC18‐1 or its target‐SNARE partners SNAP25 and syntaxin‐1 results in rapid, cell‐autonomous and unexplained neurodegeneration, which is independent of their known role in synaptic vesicle exocytosis. cis‐Golgi abnormalities are the earliest cellular phenotypes before degeneration occurs. Here, we investigated whether loss of MUNC18‐1 causes defects in intracellular membrane transport pathways in primary murine neurons that may explain neurodegeneration. Electron, confocal and super resolution microscopy confirmed that loss of MUNC18‐1 expression results in a smaller cis‐Golgi. In addition, we now show that medial‐Golgi and the trans‐Golgi Network are also affected. However, stacking and cisternae ultrastructure of the Golgi were normal. Overall, ultrastructure of null mutant neurons was remarkably normal just hours before cell death occurred. By synchronizing protein trafficking by conditional cargo retention in the endoplasmic reticulum using selective hooks (RUSH) and immunocytochemistry, we show that anterograde Endoplasmic Reticulum‐to‐Golgi and Golgi exit of endogenous and exogenous proteins were normal. In contrast, loss of MUNC18‐1 caused reduced retrograde Cholera Toxin B‐subunit transport from the plasma membrane to the Golgi. In addition, MUNC18‐1‐deficiency resulted in abnormalities in retrograde TrkB trafficking in an antibody uptake assay. We conclude that MUNC18‐1 deficient neurons have normal anterograde but reduced retrograde transport to the Golgi. The impairments in retrograde pathways suggest a role of MUNC18‐1 in endosomal SNARE‐dependent fusion and provide a plausible explanation for the observed Golgi abnormalities and cell death in MUNC18‐1 deficient neurons.

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Embedding post‐doctoral clinical academic careers in practice: The St Bartholomew’s Hospital model
Authors: Sanders Julie , Malcolmson James , Philpott Jones Samantha , Kelly Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Aims and Objectives

In order to retain and develop pre‐doctoral and doctoral staff, we sought to establish and implement a model for supporting postdoctoral clinical academic careers at our hospital.

Background

Doctorally‐prepared nurses can raise clinical practice standards, but there is a deficit of career opportunities and post‐doctoral positions. This will inevitably impact delivering the evidence for improving patient outcomes and service delivery. It is therefore imperative that post‐doctoral nursing and allied professional post‐doctoral clinical academic career opportunities are developed and embedded in practice.

Design

We describe the development and implementation of a model to provide and embed post‐doctoral clinical academic roles at our hospital.

Methods

A multidisciplinary group devised the model which was approved by the Hospital Executive Board.

Results

The model includes having a bespoke plan for each individual, planning the post‐doctoral role at time of PhD planning, providing 1 day a week protected research time for a minimum of 12 months after PhD completion, having an appropriate honorary academic contract at a partner University, and providing integrated clinical and academic supervision throughout. Other key components include senior clinical and Executive Board support and an existing vibrant research culture at our organisation.

Conclusions

The St Bartholomew’s Hospital model, focusing on individualised posts integrating clinical and academic roles to address service needs, offers a novel approach to supporting post‐doctoral clinical academic careers in a clinical setting.

Relevance to clinical practice

Since doctorally‐prepared nurses can raise clinical practice standards we developed a sustainable infrastructure to increase our postdoctoral nursing and allied professional workforce. This model could provide a framework for other hospitals to embed postdoctoral clinical academic careers in practice.
Direct oral anticoagulant use and risk of severe COVID‐19
Authors: Flam B. , Wintzell V. , Ludvigsson J. F. , Mårtensson J. , Pasternak B.
Published: December 2020

Background

Hypercoagulability and thromboembolism are prominent features of severe COVID‐19, and ongoing anticoagulant use might be protective.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide register‐based cohort study in Sweden, February through May, 2020, to assess whether ongoing direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use was associated with reduced risk of hospital admission for laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19, or a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death due to laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19.

Results

DOAC use (n = 103 703) was not associated with reduced risk of hospital admission for COVID‐19 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] [95% confidence interval] 1.00 [0.75–1.33] vs. nonuse atrial fibrillation comparator [n = 36 875]; and aHR 0.94 [0.80–1.10] vs. nonuse cardiovascular disease comparator [n = 355 699]), or ICU admission or death due to COVID‐19 (aHRs 0.76 [0.51–1.12], and 0.90 [0.71–1.15], respectively).

Conclusion

Ongoing DOAC use was not associated with reduced risk of severe COVID‐19, indicating that prognosis would not be modified by early outpatient DOAC initiation.
Utilization of macro‐nutrients and minerals in captive greater one‐horned rhinoceros fed season‐specific diets
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Das Asit , Kullu Singray Saleeb , Durge Sharad Moreshwar , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: December 2020

This experiment was conducted to study nutrient and mineral utilization in greater one‐horned rhinoceros fed season‐specific diets. Nine adult greater one‐horned rhinoceros (774–2407 kg BW) of Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna, Bihar, India, were used in this experiment. Three digestion trials of 60‐d duration were conducted per animal, out of which 55 days was adaptation period and 5 days was collection period. The amount of concentrate was kept constant during all the trials. Green fodder sources were sugarcane, berseem (Trifolium alexndrinum) and chari (Sorghum bicolor) during trials I, II and III respectively. Green fodders were offered 20% in excess of previous day's intake in the afternoon. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was higher (p < .01) in group II as compared to other groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was lowest (p < .01) in group I, followed by group III, and the highest value was observed in group II. Apparent digestibility of Ca and P was lower in greater one‐horned rhinoceros fed sugarcane and sorghum as green fodder source. In spite of this, sugarcane and sorghum‐based diets were able to meet the requirement of Ca, P, Fe and Mn. Berseem supplied Ca in excess of requirement. All the diets were deficient in Zn. Hence, a suitable supplement of Zn should be added to the conventional zoo diet of greater one‐horned rhinoceros.
A reclassification of Northwest Africa 2900 from CV3 to CK3 chondrite
Authors: Torrano Zachary A. , Davidson Jemma , Wadhwa Meenakshi
Published: November 2020

The similarities between CV and CK chondrites are so substantial that some studies have argued for a common parent body origin. These similarities also mean that they are susceptible to misclassification as one another. It is, therefore, important to accurately classify CV and CK chondrites to properly compare the properties of the two groups and evaluate the single parent body hypothesis. In this study, we re‐evaluate the current classification of Northwest Africa (NWA) 2900 as a CV3 chondrite. Based on chondrule abundance (~13%), average chondrule diameter (1.11 ± 0.67 mm), iron content in chondrule olivine (Fa1 to Fa35 with a peak near ~Fa31) and matrix olivine (Fa33 to Fa36), magnetite abundance (~4 vol%), elemental abundances in olivine (Cr2O3, Al2O3, TiO2, MnO, NiO, and CaO) and magnetite (Cr2O3, Al2O3, TiO2, and NiO), and comparison with previously reported data for CV and CK chondrites, we propose that the classification of NWA 2900 be changed from CV3 chondrite to CK3 chondrite, with characteristics most similar to those of the CK3.8 subtype. We additionally suggest minor modifications to the compositional criteria used to distinguish between CV and CK chondrites and demonstrate that NWA 2900 extends the range of bulk oxygen isotope compositions of CK chondrites.
Child feeding practices and concerns: Thematic content analysis of Thai virtual communities
Authors: Supthanasup Abhirat , Banwell Cathy , Kelly Matthew , Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara Sbirakos , Davis Jenny L.
Published: December 2020

Parents' child feeding practices are influenced not only by family but also by a broader circle of networks, including online groups. Peer‐to‐peer platforms such as Facebook groups facilitate a learning environment and may influence the transmission of user‐generated content into practice. These digital data not only benefit participants but also offer new opportunities for researchers to study related phenomena. Therefore, this study employs thematic content analysis to investigate peer‐exchanging discourse conveyed in Facebook peer‐support groups in children's diets in Thailand. To identify the area of interest, we classified and quantified the initial posts and investigated the relationship between initial posts' contents and community engagement. Thematic analysis was used to qualitatively describe the peer‐exchanging content that responded to the initial posts. Of the five approved Facebook groups, 200 initial posts with their 1964 comments were extracted anonymously. Results revealed that Facebook groups devoted to diets for children have become a platform for Thai parents to seek informational and emotional support. The top‐ranked initial posts were related to requesting knowledge and skills about age‐appropriate food and meal preparation. Parents have also expressed anxiety about feeding and tension related to food fussiness which created the need for emotional support. Age‐appropriate feeding, homemade baby foods, concerns about food seasonings and food allergy awareness were observable within online groups. However, a shift from traditional child feeding practices to new ideas created cultural gaps which lead to arguments in some families. Understanding these views would help guide to address parental concerns better.
Differential requirement of MED14/17 recruitment for activation of heat inducible genes
Authors: Ohama Naohiko , Moo Teck Lim , Chua Nam‐Hai
Published: November 2020

The mechanism of heat stress response in plants has been studied, focusing on the function of transcription factors (TFs). Generally, TFs recruit coactivators, such as Mediator, are needed to assemble the transcriptional machinery. However, despite the close relationship with TFs, how coactivators are involved in transcriptional regulation under heat stress conditions is largely unclear.

We found a severe thermosensitive phenotype of Arabidopsis mutants of MED14 and MED17. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that a quarter of the heat stress (HS)‐inducible genes were commonly downregulated in these mutants. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that the recruitment of Mediator by HsfA1s, the master regulators of heat stress response, is an important step for the expression of HS‐inducible genes.

There was a differential requirement of Mediator among genes; TF genes have a high requirement whereas heat shock proteins (HSPs) have a low requirement. Furthermore, artificial activation of HsfA1d mimicking perturbation of protein homeostasis induced HSP gene expression without MED14 recruitment but not TF gene expression. Considering the essential role of MED14 in Mediator function, other coactivators may play major roles in HSP activation depending on the cellular conditions.

Our findings highlight the importance of differential recruitment of Mediator for the precise control of HS responses in plants.
Is lorcaserin really associated with increased risk of cancer? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Andrade Mesquita Leonardo , Fagundes Piccoli Giovana , Richter da Natividade Gabriella , Frison Spiazzi Bernardo , Colpani Verônica , Gerchman Fernando
Published: December 2020

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in February 2020 an increased risk of cancer with lorcaserin in the follow‐up of the CAMELLIA‐TIMI 61 trial. This systematic review and meta‐analysis addresses whether lorcaserin is associated with higher incidence of cancer compared with other interventions or no treatment. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for randomized controlled trials that compared lorcaserin with other interventions or no treatment in adults. We performed descriptive synthesis of all included studies and conducted meta‐analysis of trials that reported new cases of cancer. From 11 trials, comprising 21,299 individuals, four studies were included in the meta‐analysis and reported 476 cases of cancer in 10,342 subjects in the lorcaserin group and 438 among 9429 individuals randomized to placebo (relative risk [RR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.96–1.23). The result was heavily influenced by the CAMELLIA‐TIMI 61 trial. In this study, the lorcaserin group had a higher risk of lung and pancreatic but not colon cancer. Overall risk of bias was low, and quality of evidence was moderate. The current evidence does not confirm the increased risk of cancer with lorcaserin but suggests a trend in this direction, with a greater incidence of some subtypes such as lung and pancreas.
Planning Results for High Tibial Osteotomies in Degenerative Varus Osteoarthritis Using Standing and Supine Whole Leg Radiographs
Authors: Bockmann Benjamin , Nebelung Wolfgang , Boese Christoph K , Schulte Tobias L , Venjakob Arne J
Published: December 2020

Objective

In this study, we hypothesized that standing and supine X‐rays lead to different preoperative planning results.

Methods

The present study included 168 pictures from 81 patients who were treated surgically with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for varus deformity between January 2017 and February 2018. Each patient underwent whole leg X‐ray examinations in both standing and supine position. On both images, the following parameters were measured: degree of axis deviation (DAD), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), width of medial (MJS) and lateral joint space (LJS), and the correction angle (CA). The results were correlated with the patients’ age and body mass index (BMI). To analyze intra‐observer reliability, the same researcher, blinded to the previous measurements, remeasured all X‐rays from 10 patients 8 weeks after the initial measurements were carried out.

Results

While mLDFA (P = 0.075), mMPTA (P = 0.435), and MJS (P = 0.119) did not show any differences between the two modalities, LJS (P = 0.016) and DAD (P < 0.001) differed significantly, leading to different correction angles (P < 0.001). The mean difference of the CA was 1.7° ± 2.2° (range, −2.6° to−15.4°). In 14 legs (17%), the standing X‐ray led to a correction angle that was at least 3° larger than the calculation revealed in the supine X‐ray; in 4 legs (5%), it was at least 5° larger. Increased BMI (r = 0.191, P = 0.088) and older age (r = 0.057 , P = 0.605) did not show relevant correlation with DAD differences. However, more severe varus malalignment in the supine radiograph did correlate moderately with differences of correction angles between supine and weight‐bearing radiographs (r = 0.414, P < 0.001). The analysis of the intra‐rater reliability revealed mediocre to excellent intercorrelation coefficients between the measurements of the observer.

Conclusion

The use of supine and standing X‐ray images leads to different planning results when performing high tibial osteotomies for varus gonarthrosis. To avoid potential overcorrection, surgeons might consider increased lateral joint spaces on standing radiographs in osteoarthritic knees with varus deviation.