bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of brand love on brand loyalty: the moderating role of self-esteem, and social influences
Authors: Le Minh T.H.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it aims to clarify the moderating role of self-esteem (SE) and susceptibility to normative influence (SNI) in the relationship between brand love and brand loyalty. Second, the study proposes modeling the mediation role of brand love and outlining how SE and SNI affect the consumer-brand relationship. Finally, the study explores the impact of brand love on brand loyalty: the moderating role of self-esteem and social influences, as the literature regarding this is still lacking.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey, which yielded 218 responses. Structural equation modeling was used to predict the research model.

Findings

The findings indicate that both SE and SNI mediate the relationship between brand love and brand loyalty. Additionally, consumers love the focal brands positively relates to SE and SNI. In return, SE and SNI lead to brand loyalty. The tight relationship of SE and SNI affects the connection between brand love and brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The data has been collected in Vietnam, which creates a limitation regarding the study’s cross-cultural nature and the economic context. Thus, the study should be conducted in different cultures and economies (both developing and developed countries) to enhance the generalizability in consumer-brand relationships.

Practical implications

Brand managers should conduct more advertising in brand communities to enhance the influence of SNI and emphasize unique features of the brands, to attract consumers through the overlap of SE.

Social implications

The findings can contribute to enhancing unique brand identity and self-motivation will increase consumer loyalty, increasing the revenue of a specific brand. Moreover, as acceptable peers contribute to making purchase decisions, boosting the brand community will maintain current consumers and attract additional potential consumers from the current consumer relationships.

Originality/value

This study contributes to consumer psychology by indicating both SNI and SE as the mediators in the relationship between brand love and brand loyalty and how the consumer-brand relationship can be enabled.
Critical analysis: bat algorithm-based investigation and application on several domains
Authors: Umar Shahla U. , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide the reader with a full study of the bat algorithm, including its limitations, the fields that the algorithm has been applied, versatile optimization problems in different domains and all the studies that assess its performance against other meta-heuristic algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

Bat algorithm is given in-depth in terms of backgrounds, characteristics, limitations, it has also displayed the algorithms that hybridized with BA (K-Medoids, back-propagation neural network, harmony search algorithm, differential evaluation strategies, enhanced particle swarm optimization and Cuckoo search algorithm) and their theoretical results, as well as to the modifications that have been performed of the algorithm (modified bat algorithm, enhanced bat algorithm, bat algorithm with mutation (BAM), uninhabited combat aerial vehicle-BAM and non-linear optimization). It also provides a summary review that focuses on improved and new bat algorithm (directed artificial bat algorithm, complex-valued bat algorithm, principal component analyzes-BA, multiple strategies coupling bat algorithm and directional bat algorithm).

Findings

Shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of this algorithm through all the research studies that dealt with the algorithm in addition to the fields and applications it has addressed in the hope that it will help scientists understand and develop it.

Originality/value

As far as the research community knowledge, there is no comprehensive survey study conducted on this algorithm covering all its aspects.
Treatment of intra‐anal warts with imiquimod 5% cream: A single‐center prospective open study
Authors: Irisawa Ryokichi , Tsuboi Ryoji , Saito Masuyoshi , Harada Kazutoshi
Published: January 2021

Intra‐anal warts are frequently recalcitrant to surgical removal, but imiquimod 5% cream is not formulated to use in clinical practice due to the risk of mucosal inflammation. In the present, prospective, open study examining the efficacy and safety of imiquimod 5% cream, the drug was applied to the entire inner surface of the anal canal with a cotton swab under anoscopy three times weekly for 16 weeks. If complete remission was not achieved, the treatment was continued until week 28. Electrocautery was applied once in a poorly responsive case. In total, 21 patients with intra‐anal warts, of whom 16 were HIV‐positive, were enrolled. Two patients withdrew before week 16, and nine more patients withdrew before week 28. The complete clearance rate was 36.8% (7/19) at week 16 and 70% (7/10) at week 28. Four patients achieved complete clearance at week 16 and maintained clearance at week 28 without further treatment. Three of four patients resistant to previous electrocautery achieved clearance with imiquimod 5% cream treatment. Adverse events occurred in 81% (17/21) of the patients mainly at the application site, but serious or previously unencountered adverse events were not observed. Imiquimod 5% cream applied to intra‐anal warts was nearly as efficacious and safe as when applied to external anogenital warts. Since treatment modalities for intra‐anal warts are very limited, application of imiquimod 5% cream alone with careful and frequent observation or in combination with electrocautery is a useful option for refractory cases of intra‐anal wart.
Using the Work Behaviour Inventory and Work Environment Impact Scale to measure employment sustainability for people with severe mental illness in a vocational rehabilitation program
Authors: Soo Wei Qing Dionis , Kwan Minh Kimberly , Chia Kai Xin Kylie , Chai YanLin Elaine , Chern Arthur , Budihardjo Vincent , Tan Bhing Leet
Published: January 2021

Objective

People with severe mental illness often have difficulty sustaining employment. Work Behaviour Inventory and Work Environment Impact Scale are vocational assessments used by occupational therapists to evaluate the facilitators and barriers of work performance and work environment respectively. These factors may have an impact on job tenure and can inform occupational therapy practice.

Methods

This study analysed retrospective data of 85 clients who attended a 3‐month Employment Internship Program from August 2016 to August 2017. Scores from Work Behaviour Inventory and Work Environment Impact Scale were analysed for associations with job tenure. Repeated measures were used to determine significant changes in Work Behaviour Inventory composite scores across the 3 months.

Results

One‐month Work Behaviour Inventory composite scores, three Work Behaviour Inventory domains (cooperativeness, work habits, work quality), and three Work Environment Impact Scale domains (time demands, supervisor interaction, architecture) were significantly associated with job tenure. Significant differences in mean job tenure were also found between participants of different internship status. However, these factors did not predict job tenure in regression analysis. There were significant improvements in Work behaviour Inventory composite scores from the first to third month.

Conclusions

Work behaviours such as cooperativeness, work habits, and work quality as well as work characteristics such as time demands, supervisor interaction, and workplace architecture may play a role in influencing job tenure. Occupational therapists may consider such factors and provide more targeted interventions to effectively sustain employment.
Efficacité du dispositif d'accompagnement à l'insertion professionnelle des jeunes au sénégal
Authors: Kane Abou , Ndoye Mamadou Laye , Seck Aliou
Published: January 2021

Cet article évalue à partir de données primaires portant sur 2755 individus, l'impact des programmes d'emploi sur l'insertion professionnelle des jeunes au Sénégal. L'évaluation d'impact est faite par la méthode d'appariement sur les scores de propension. Les résultats révèlent que la participation aux programmes de promotion de l'emploi augmente les chances de trouver un emploi régulier et stable; l'impact étant plus élevé chez les hommes que chez les femmes. L'État, en collaboration avec les employeurs du secteur privé devrait encourager et pérenniser ces programmes afin de réduire l'éloignement au marché du travail des jeunes, perçu comme un signal de faible productivité par les employeurs, mais aussi, et surtout, prendre en compte les spécificités des femmes afin d'améliorer leur situation après leur exposition aux programmes.
Informal Institutions and Corporate Reputational Exposure: The Role of Public Environmental Perceptions
Authors: Gaganis Chrysovalantis , Papadimitri Panagiota , Pasiouras Fotios , Ventouri Alexia
Published: January 2021

Public awareness about issues surrounding the physical environment and climate change is becoming more important around the world. However, there is a lack of research on the association between environment‐related perceptions and reputational exposure. Therefore, we know little about whether and how reputational exposure is shaped by institutional pressures, as would be stipulated by institutional theory. Using a sample of 643 firms from 19 European countries over the period 2015–2018, we aim to shed further light on this issue. Our results show that more environmentally friendly public perceptions result in lower reputational exposure. This finding holds when, on an individual basis, we examine public opinions on energy, climate and the introduction of related policies. To ensure robustness in our results, we conduct a number of analyses and tests designed to alleviate endogeneity and correct sample bias.
STEM education: A tale of two paradigms
Authors: Felder Richard M.
Published: January 2021

Higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines has been in a turbulent period for several decades. Pressures for reform include declining STEM student enrollments, high attrition rates from STEM curricula, and the rise of powerful alternative teaching strategies shown by cognitive science and educational research to promote learning and curricular retention better than traditional teaching methods do. In addition, research has shown that online and face‐to‐face courses on average produce comparable learning outcomes, and hybrid courses that combine the best features of both are more effective than either face‐to‐face or online courses by themselves.

Motivated by these and other pressures, many faculty members have adopted the new teaching methods, and distance education had become widespread well before the 2020 coronavirus pandemic forced most educators at all levels to teach online. As might be expected, however, many faculty members and administrators have resisted change, arguing that the traditional approach has always worked well and needs no major revision. Before the pandemic, most STEM courses were still being taught using the traditional methods, and many course instructors are eager to return to them.

These different responses to calls for education reform have led to heated debates among university instructors and administrators regarding how STEM curricula and courses should be designed, delivered, and assessed, and the role technology should play in all three functions. This essay outlines two competing paradigms on each of these issues—the traditional paradigm, which has long dominated STEM education, and the emerging paradigm, which has become increasingly common in the last 30 years but is still not predominant at most universities and colleges. The essay concludes with speculation about the eventual outcome of the competition.
The influence of intraspecific sequence variation during DNA metabarcoding: A case study of eleven fungal species
Authors: Estensmo Eva Lena F. , Maurice Sundy , Morgado Luis , Martin‐Sanchez Pedro M. , Skrede Inger , Kauserud Håvard
Published: January 2021

DNA metabarcoding has become a powerful approach for analysing complex communities from environmental samples, but there are still methodological challenges limiting its full potential. While conserved DNA markers, like 16S and 18S, often are not able to discriminate among closely related species, other more variable markers – like the fungal ITS region, may include considerable intraspecific variation, which can lead to oversplitting of species during DNA metabarcoding analyses. Here we assessed the effects of intraspecific sequence variation in DNA metabarcoding by analysing local populations of eleven fungal species. We investigated the allelic diversity of ITS2 haplotypes using both Sanger sequencing and high throughput sequencing (HTS) coupled with error correction with the software dada2. All the eleven species, except one, included some level of intraspecific variation in the ITS2 region. Overall, we observed a high correspondence between haplotypes generated by Sanger sequencing and HTS, with the exception of a few additional haplotypes detected using either approach. These extra haplotypes, typically occurring in low frequencies, were probably due to PCR and sequencing errors or intragenomic variation in the rDNA region. The presence of intraspecific (and possibly intragenomic) variation in ITS2 suggest that haplotypes (or ASVs) should not be used as basic units in ITS‐based fungal community analyses, but an extra clustering step is needed to approach species‐level resolution.
Association of the Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase C385A Polymorphism With Alcohol Use Severity and Coping Motives in Heavy‐Drinking Youth
Authors: Best Laura M. , Wardell Jeffrey D. , Tyndale Rachel F. , McPhee Matthew D. , Le Foll Bernard , Kish Stephen J. , Boileau Isabelle , Hendershot Christian S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Reduced function of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the catabolic enzyme for the endocannabinoid anandamide, can be inherited through a functional genetic polymorphism (FAAH rs324420, C385A, P129T). The minor (A) allele has been associated with reduced FAAH enzyme activity and increased risk for substance use disorders in adults. Whether this inherited difference in endocannabinoid metabolism relates to alcohol use disorder etiology and patterns of alcohol use in youth is unknown.

Methods

To examine this question, heavy‐drinking youth (n = 302; mean age = 19.74 ± 1.18) were genotyped for FAAH C385A. All subjects completed a comprehensive interview assessing alcohol use patterns including the Timeline Follow‐back Method, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and Drinking Motives Questionnaire. Analyses of Covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted to assess differences in drinking patterns and drinking motives between genotype groups, and mediation analyses investigated whether drinking motives accounted for indirect associations of genotype with alcohol use severity.

Results

Youth with the FAAH minor allele (AC or AA genotype) reported significantly more drinking days (p = 0.045), significantly more frequent heavy episodic drinking (p = 0.003), and significantly higher alcohol‐related problems and consumption patterns (AUDIT score p = 0.045, AUDIT‐C score p = 0.02). Mediation analyses showed that the association of FAAH C385A with drinking outcomes was mediated by coping motives.

Conclusions

These findings extend previous studies by suggesting that reduced endocannabinoid metabolism may be related to heavier use of alcohol in youth, prior to the onset of chronic drinking problems. Furthermore, differences in negative reinforcement‐related drinking could account in part for this association.
QTL analysis for early growth in an intercross between native Japanese Nagoya and White Plymouth Rock chicken breeds using RAD sequencing‐based SNP markers
Authors: Essa B. H. , Suzuki S. , Nagano A. J. , Elkholya S. Z. , Ishikawa A.
Published: January 2021

An F2 population of 239 chickens was obtained by an intercross between Nagoya (NAG), a native Japanese breed with low growth, and White Plymouth Rock (WPR), a Western breed with high growth. Using SNP markers obtained by restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing, genome‐wide QTL analysis was performed and it revealed three QTL for early postnatal growth in the F2 population at genome‐wide 5% significance levels. The most highly significant QTL affecting body weights at 2–4 weeks of age and weight gains at 2–3 and 0–4 weeks was located on GGA4 between 34.0 and 65.6 Mb with LOD scores of 3.9–5.9 and it explained 4.9–9.9% of the total variance of the traits. The analysis provided evidence for significant QTL on GGA2 between 105.6 and 125.2 Mb (LOD = 4.6) and on GGA1 between 51.1 and 61.6 Mb (LOD = 4.0) which had effects on body weight at 3 weeks and body weight gain at 0–1 week respectively. These two genomic regions explained 6.6 and 6.9% of the phenotypic F2 variance of the corresponding traits respectively. The allele derived from WPR at all QTL increased the corresponding traits. Neither sex‐specific nor epistatic QTL was detected. The results showed that the GGA4 QTL affecting multiple traits is a key locus responsible for early growth in our chicken cross, suggesting that this QTL may make a great contribution to genetic improvement of growth performance of the NAG breed with a low growth rate.
Retrospective cohort study evaluating the efficacy and safety of an orthopaedic consultant‐led virtual fracture clinic in an Australian level 1 trauma centre
Authors: Cavka Bernarda , Cross Emily , Montvida Olga , Plunkett George , Oppy Andrew , Bucknill Andrew , Treseder Thomas
Published: January 2021

Background

In Australian health care, the consistent rise in demand for orthopaedic outpatient clinic services is creating marked challenges in the provision of quality care. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of a virtual fracture clinic (VFC) as an alternative model of care for the management of acute injuries and musculoskeletal conditions in the Australian public hospital setting.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive emergency department (ED) referrals to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery was conducted comparing outcomes prior to (November 2015–February 2017) and after (March 2017–June 2018) implementation of a VFC. The primary outcome measures assessed were the proportion of referrals virtually discharged and unplanned 30‐day ED re‐attendance rates.

Results

A total of 737 (36.4%) referrals managed by the VFC were discharged without requiring orthopaedic outpatient clinic attendance. The rate of unplanned ED re‐attendances was 5.2% post‐VFC implementation compared to 6.5% at baseline (P = 0.01). VFC implementation was also associated with reductions in the average number of orthopaedic outpatient clinic attendances per referral (1.1 versus 1.7, P < 0.01) and the number of referrals lost to follow‐up (7.2% versus 14.7%, P < 0.01). In addition, patient wait times for first contact by the orthopaedic team were significantly reduced from a median of 7 (IQR 5, 9) days to 2 (IQR 1, 3) days post‐intervention (P < 0.01). No complications or adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a VFC is applicable to the Australian healthcare system, and can lead to effective and safe provision of orthopaedic outpatient care.
Development of injectable long‐acting controlled release intravitreal depot of BAY224 using biodegradable silica microparticle‐silica hydrogel composite
Authors: Dargelas Frederic , Forsback Aripekka , Mattila Aarne , Leino Lasse , Noppari Panu , Reay Marcus , Terjung Carsten , Unger Florian , Baerfacker Lars
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Intravitreal (IVT) therapies are a standard of care for many ocular diseases. Frequent administration and injection‐based adverse events pose a hurdle for effective upkeep of ocular health. Developing improved effective treatment durations has gained significant traction. This study investigated if a near water‐insoluble drug, BAY224, could be encapsulated in biodegradable silica microparticles (SMP) and exhibit sustained controlled in vitro and in vivo release through a surface eroding SMP‐silica hydrogel composite (silica‐silica composite).

Methods

BAY224 was encapsulated in a silica matrix by sol‐gel chemistry and spray drying. In vitro silica dissolution and BAY224 release from silica‐silica composite was analyzed followed by studying in vivo IVT release in rabbits. In vitro silica dissolution was studied in sink conditions colorimetrically. Cumulative release and total BAY224 content were analyzed by HPLC. In vivo release was studied by LC‐MS/MS of sample vitreous humor up to 55 days post 30 µl IVT injections.

Results

BAY224 was encapsulated, and silica‐silica composite was made at a load of 1 mg/50 µL (5.7 wt‐%). BAY224‐SMPs were sterilized using γ‐irradiation (26.8–47.5 kGy) not affecting in vitro dissolution. Burst release of BAY224 was >9 wt‐% in SMP and silica‐silica composite. Release of API was controlled by silica matrix surface erosion. In accelerated in vitro dissolution, the release time of BAY224 from SMP was 8–9 days. The silica‐silica composite prolonged release to 9–10 days. With the relevant in vitro‐in vivo correlation factor, in vivo release of 3 months was hypothesized. In vivo PK data showed sustained release of BAY224 in vitreous for at least 55 days. Daily API release (calculated from the API remnant in depot) was ca. 5–8 µg/day.

Conclusions

Efficient encapsulation of a near insoluble drug was achieved with a silica‐silica composite with no burst release and a long‐acting release in‐vivo of >55 days in line with the in‐vitro dissolution results.
The effectiveness of brief cognitive analytic therapy for anxiety and depression: A quasi‐experimental case—control study
Authors: Wakefield Sarah , Delgadillo Jaime , Kellett Stephen , White Stephen , Hepple Jason
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of an 8‐session cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) protocol for patients with anxiety and depression in the context of relational problems, personality disorder traits, or histories of adverse childhood experiences and then to compare outcomes with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Methods

The study was conducted in a single Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service and used sessional outcome monitoring. Propensity score matching was used to derive equivalent CAT (N = 76) and CBT (N = 73) samples through matching intake characteristics. Longitudinal multilevel modelling (LMLM) compared patterns of symptomatic change over time between the two therapies.

Results

LMLM found no significant differences between CAT and CBT in depression, anxiety, and functional impairment outcomes and showed similar symptom change trajectories. Small between‐therapy post‐treatment effects and medium‐to‐large within‐therapy effects were found. CAT patients attended significantly more sessions, and the CAT dropout rate was significantly lower.

Conclusions

Brief CAT appears acceptable and effective for patients with anxiety and depression in the context of complex relational problems when delivered within the high intensity tier of an IAPT service. The potential added value of CAT in IAPT services is discussed.

Practitioner points

Practitioners (under appropriate supervision) could use 8‐session CAT when treating patients with anxiety and depression in the context of clinical complexity.

The 8‐session CAT model holds organizational promise in IAPT services.

Brief CAT interventions should retain theoretical integrity.
Hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being during the COVID‐19 lockdown in Italy: The role of stigma and appraisals
Authors: Paleari F. Giorgia , Pivetti Monica , Galati Desirèe , Fincham Frank D.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

This study examines perceived and anticipated stigma towards infected people, threat and impact appraisals of the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as distressing personal experiences related to the virus in order to determine the extent to which they directly and indirectly predict hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being. Investigated experiences included exposure to COVID‐19‐related news, having being in close proximity to people with a COVID‐19 diagnosis or with COVID‐19‐like symptoms, having being sick or having suffered COVID‐19‐like symptoms, having tested negative for COVID‐19.

Methods

Adults from northern Italy (n = 326; M age = 29.86) provided cross‐sectional data through an online survey during the nationwide lockdown period. Structural equation modelling analyses were conducted.

Results

Perceived and anticipated stigma, exposure to COVID‐19 news, perceived threat and impact on material resources access were negatively and indirectly related to both hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being via perceived COVID‐19 psychological impact which served as a mediator. Perceived stigma was also directly and negatively related to hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being, whereas having tested negative for COVID diagnosis was positively and directly associated with eudaimonic well‐being.

Conclusions

COVID‐19‐related stigma and appraisals can impair positive feelings about life as well as the pursuit of self‐realization and the search for meaning in life. The findings highlight the importance of developing psychological preventive and rehabilitative interventions to help people cope with these risk factors.
Leaving a Choice for Others: Children’s Evaluations of Considerate, Socially‐Mindful Actions
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhao Xuan , Gweon Hyowon , Kushnir Tamar
Published: January 2021

People value those who act with others in mind even as they pursue their own goals. Across three studies (N = 566; 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds), we investigated children’s developing understanding of such considerate, socially‐mindful actions. By age 6, both U.S. and Chinese children positively evaluate a character who takes a snack for herself in a way that leaves a snack choice for others over a character who leaves no choice (Study 1), but only when the actors had alternative possible actions (Study 2) and when a clear beneficiary was present (Study 3). These results suggest an emerging ability to infer underlying social intentions from self‐oriented actions, providing insights into the role of social‐cognitive capacities versus culture‐specific norms in children’s moral evaluations.
Identification of an epigenetic prognostic signature for patients with lower‐grade gliomas
Authors: Yu Hai , Zhang Duanni , Lian Minxue
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor with survival outcome for patients with lower‐grade gliomas (LGGs) being quite variable. Epigenetic modifications in LGGs appear tightly linked to patient clinical outcomes but are not commonly used as clinical tools.

Aims

We aimed to derive an epigenetic enzyme gene signature for LGGs that would allow for improved clinical risk stratification.

Results

The study employed transcriptomic data of 711 lower‐grade gliomas from three publically available data sets. Based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis, we discovered a 13‐gene epigenetic signature that strongly predicts poor overall survival in LGGs. The robust prediction ability for survival was further verified in two independent validation cohorts. The signature was also significantly associated with malignant molecular signatures including wild‐type IDH, unmethylated MGMT promoter, and non‐codeletion of 1p19q together with linkage to multiple oncogenic pathways. Interestingly, our results showed that immune infiltration of MDSCs together with mRNA expression of immune inhibition biomarkers was also positively correlated with the epigenetic signature. Lastly, we confirmed the oncogenic role of SMYD2 in glioma tumor cells in functional assays.

Conclusions

We report a novel epigenetic gene signature that harbors robust survival prediction value for LGG patients that is tightly linked to activation of multiple oncogenic pathways.
S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by promoting clearance of damaged mitochondria in porcine preimplantation embryos
Authors: Niu Ying‐Jie , Zhou Dongjie , Cui Xiang‐Shun
Published: January 2021

Objectives

S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), a protein denitrosylase, protects the mitochondria from mitochondrial nitrosative stress. Mammalian preimplantation embryos are mitochondria‐rich, but the effects of GSNOR on mitochondrial function in preimplantation embryos are not well‐studied. In the present study, we investigate whether GSNOR plays a role in mitochondrial regulation during porcine preimplantation embryo development.

Materials and Methods

GSNOR dsRNA was employed to knock down the expression of GSNOR, and Nω‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L‐NAME), a pan‐NOS inhibitor, was used to prevent protein S‐nitrosylation. Mitochondrial amount and function in embryo development were assessed by performing immunofluorescence staining, Western blot, fluorescent probe and real‐time reverse transcription PCR.

Results

GSNOR knock‐down significantly impaired blastocyst formation and quality and markedly induced the increase in protein S‐nitrosylation. Notably, GSNOR knock‐down‐induced overproduction of S‐nitrosylation caused mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, mitochondria‐derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase and ATP deficiency. Interestingly, GSNOR knock‐down‐induced total mitochondrial amount increase, but the ratio of active mitochondria reduction, suggesting that the damaged mitochondria were accumulated and mitochondrial clearance was inhibited. In addition, damaged mitochondria produced more ROS, and caused DNA damage and apoptosis. Importantly, supplementation with L‐NAME reverses the increase in S‐nitrosylation, accumulation of damaged mitochondria, and oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Interestingly, autophagy was downregulated after GSNOR knock‐down, but reversed by L‐NAME treatment. Thus, GSNOR maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by promoting autophagy and the clearing of damaged mitochondria in porcine preimplantation embryos.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of akt‐1 in pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Zhou Lifeng , Ji Jingjing , Zhu Najie , Guo Kai , Tang Jia , Bai Liqun , Yu Hongshi , Hu Jiafu
Published: January 2021

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, which leads to the devastation of millions of hectares of pine trees worldwide. Protein kinase B (AKT) is a structurally conserved serine/threonine kinase with a pleckstrin homology domain and a kinase domain, and it plays versatile biological roles across different animal kingdoms. We, therefore, investigated the molecular characteristics and biological function of akt‐1 in B. xylophilus (Bxy‐akt‐1). In propagative stages, reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that Bxy‐akt‐1 expression gradually increased during embryogenesis, reaching the highest level at the second‐stage juvenile (J2), and then steadily decreased from J3 to adults. Intriguingly, the expression of Bxy‐akt‐1 was significantly higher in males than in females. Moreover, the expression level of Bxy‐akt‐1 in dispersal third‐stage dauer larvae (DL3) was higher than that in J2, but it decreased to normal level in DL4. Bxy‐akt‐1 promoter::gfp reporter constructed in Caenorhabditis elegans was utilized to mimic the spatio‐temporal expression pattern of Bxy‐akt‐1. The results showed that Bxy‐akt‐1 was broadly expressed in the hypodermis around the head during embryogenesis and was mainly expressed in the muscle cells of pharynx, vulva, tail and nerve systems in post‐embryonic stages. Abnormal embryos were observed, and the hatching rate was significantly decreased after Bxy‐akt‐1 was knocked down in B. xylophilus, but no constitutive developmental arrest of dauer larvae was observed. The results indicated that Bxy‐akt‐1 is indispensable for embryogenesis, but might not play a significant role in controlling dauer entry, as in C. elegans.
First report of Exobasidium camelliae associated with fruit galls on Camellia japonica in Korea
Authors: Park Ji‐Hyun , Jung Bok‐Nam , Choi Byung‐Ki , Shin Hyeon‐Dong
Published: January 2021

A previously unknown Exobasidium disease was observed on the fruits of Camellia japonica in Korea. The associated fungus was identified as Exobasidium camelliae based on morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer and large‐subunit rDNA sequence analyses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. camelliae on C. japonica in Korea.
[18F]FDG PET may differentiate cerebral amyloid angiopathy from Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bergeret Sébastien , Queneau Mathieu , Rodallec Mathieu , Curis Emmanuel , Dumurgier Julien , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire , Farid Karim , Baron Jean‐Claude
Published: January 2021

Background

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a frequent cause of both intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and cognitive impairment in the elderly. Diagnosis relies on the Boston criteria, which use magnetic resonance imaging markers including ≥2 exclusively lobar cerebral microbleeds (lCMBs). Although amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) may provide molecular diagnosis, its specificity relative to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is limited due to the prevalence of positive amyloid PET in cognitively normal elderly. Using early‐phase 11C‐Pittsburgh compound B as surrogate for tissue perfusion, a significantly lower occipital/posterior cingulate (O/PC) tracer uptake ratio in probable CAA relative to AD was recently reported, consistent with histopathological lesion distribution. We tested whether this finding could be reproduced using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐PET, a widely available modality that correlates well with early‐phase amyloid PET in both healthy subjects and AD.

Methods

From a large memory clinic database, we retrospectively included 14 patients with probable CAA (Boston criteria) and 21 patients with no lCMB fulfilling AD criteria including cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. In all, [18F]FDG‐PET/computed tomography (CT) was available as part of routine care. No subject had a clinical history of ICH. Regional standardized [18F]FDG uptake values normalized to the pons (standard uptake value ratio [SUVr]) were obtained, and the O/PC ratio was calculated.

Results

The SUVr O/PC ratio was significantly lower in CAA versus AD (1.02 ± 0.14 vs. 1.19 ± 0.18, respectively; p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Despite the small sample, our findings are consistent with the previous early‐phase amyloid PET study. Thus, [18F]FDG‐PET may help differentiate CAA from AD, particularly in cases of amyloid PET positivity. Larger prospective studies, including in CAA‐related ICH, are however warranted.
Exploding head syndrome (a.k.a. episodic cranial sensory shock) responds to single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Puledda Francesca , Moreno‐Ajona David , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: January 2021

We present the case of a patient with a sleep disturbance attributed to the exploding head syndrome, recently redefined as episodic cranial sensory shock. The patient, who suffered with concomitant migraine, was treated for headache prevention with daily single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS). Following treatment, he reported a significant reduction in the episodes of exploding head syndrome, albeit not of his migraine. Neurologists could consider sTMS in the management of patients troubled by episodic cranial sensory shock, as it is a safe and noninvasive treatment that might provide benefit for this benign but occasionally bothersome parasomnia.
Crystal waters on the nine polyproline type II helical bundle springtail antifreeze protein fromGranisotoma rainierimatch the ice lattice
Authors: Scholl Connor L. , Tsuda Sakae , Graham Laurie A. , Davies Peter L.
Published: January 2021

A springtail (Collembola) identified asGranisotoma rainieriwas collected from snow in Hokkaido, Japan, in late winter when nighttime temperatures were below zero. Extracts of these arthropods showed antifreeze activity by shaping ice crystals and stopping their growth. The glycine‐rich proteins responsible for this freezing point depression were isolated by ice‐affinity purification and had principal masses of ~ 6.9 and 9.6 kDa. We identified a transcript for a 9.6‐kDa component and produced it as a His‐tagged recombinant protein for structural analysis. Its crystal structure was solved to a resolution of 1.21 Å and revealed a polyproline type II helical bundle, similar to the six‐helixHypogastrura harveyiAFP, but with nine helices organized into two layers held together by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. One of the layers is flat, regular, and hydrophobic and likely serves as the ice‐binding side. Although this surface makes close protein–protein contacts with its symmetry mate in the crystal, it has bound chains of waters present that resemble those on the basal and primary prism planes of ice. Molecular dynamic simulations indicate most of these crystal waters would preferentially occupy these sites if exposed to bulk solvent in the absence of the symmetry mate. These prepositioned waters lend further support to the ice‐binding mechanism in which AFPs organize ice‐like waters on one surface to adsorb to ice.

Databases

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession number7JJV. Transcript data are available in GenBank under accession numbers MT780727, MT780728, MT780729, MT780730, MT780731 and MT985982.
The ups and downs of growth hormone secretagogue receptor signaling
Authors: Cornejo María P. , Mustafá Emilio R. , Cassano Daniela , Banères Jean‐Louis , Raingo Jesica , Perello Mario
Published: January 2021

The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) has emerged as one of the most fascinating molecules from the perspective of neuroendocrine control. GHSR is mainly expressed in the pituitary and the brain, and plays key roles regulating not only growth hormone secretion but also food intake, adiposity, body weight, glucose homeostasis and other complex functions. Quite atypically, GHSR signaling displays a basal constitutive activity that can be up‐ or downregulated by two digestive system‐derived hormones: the octanoylated‐peptide ghrelin and the liver‐expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), which was recently recognized as an endogenous GHSR ligand. The existence of two ligands with contrary actions indicates that GHSR activity can be tightly regulated and that the receptor displays the capability to integrate such opposing inputs in order to provide a balanced intracellular signal. This article provides a summary of the current understanding of the biology of ghrelin, LEAP2 and GHSR and discusses the reconceptualization of the cellular and physiological implications of the ligand‐regulated GHSR signaling, based on the latest findings.
Variable amplitude fatigue behavior and modeling of cast aluminum
Authors: Nourian‐Avval Ahmad , Fatemi Ali
Published: January 2021

Most of the research reported in the literature on cast aluminum alloys is related to constant amplitude loading, while in most applications such components are subjected to variable amplitude loading conditions. In this work, fatigue performance of high pressure die cast (HPDC) A356‐T6 aluminum alloy is evaluated using a real industrial load spectrum. Mean stress effect was also studied by conducting variable amplitude fatigue tests under two different mean stress conditions. Fatigue life estimations were performed following S‐N approach as well as fracture mechanics approach using direct summation method as well as FASTRAN program assuming the defects as initial cracks. The size of fatal defects measured from fracture surfaces as well as the maximum defect size estimated by extreme value statistics were used in fatigue life estimations. The results of life estimations are compared and discussed with reference to the experimental results.
On a stakeholder model of corporate governance
Authors: Karpoff Jonathan M.
Published: January 2021

Rationales for a stakeholder model of corporate governance are based on enlightened self‐interest, moral imperative, and/or externalities. Of these, the externalities rationale holds the most promise to justify a stakeholder focus. Recent evidence, however, indicates that the benefits of a stakeholder focus are limited because the social costs of many corporate activities already are internalized. Potential benefits also must be weighed against the costs, which include increased potential for conflict, waste, and managerial self‐dealing. I conclude by advocating for the traditional governance model based on shareholder interests, with allowance for managers to deviate from this model in limited circumstances when the external impacts on other stakeholders are large. To constrain managerial opportunism, such deviations should be defended with a new type of double bottom line reporting, which augments traditional financial reporting with a statement of the social benefits of any deviations from shareholder value maximization.
Potential impact of climate change on northern shrimp habitats and connectivity on the Newfoundland and Labrador continental shelves
Authors: Le Corre Nicolas , Pepin Pierre , Han Guoqi , Ma Zhimin
Published: January 2021

The effect of climate change on ocean circulation and environmental conditions will likely impact important fisheries species which have a limited habitat range and a prolonged larval dispersal phase. Based on projections from a regional scale ice‐ocean model (RCP 8.5 scenario), we investigated the spatial distribution variability of the bentho‐pelagic northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) preferred depth and thermal habitat and larval settlement patterns in the Newfoundland and Labrador waters for the next 70 years. Our projections of ocean temperature revealed the persistence of major shelf‐scale temperature features, but a gradual increase of bottom water temperatures by more than 4°C by 2090. Such warming led to an expansion of the potentially suitable habitat for northern shrimp from 2010 to 2050 prior to a decline and shift towards more coastal and southern areas from 2060 to 2090. The modification of the northern shrimp suitable habitat distribution, associated with changes in the ocean circulation features, affected the settlement patterns from larval dispersal simulations and the temperatures encountered by larvae. During the projection period, historically important areas were mostly negatively impacted in terms of suitable habitat and settlement potential, whereas areas that had been less important in the past (e.g., the north and the shallow area to the south) were projected to receive more settlers in comparison with the historical period. Our study demonstrated the important role of shelf‐scale processes in determining larval connectivity and suggests that regional scale ocean models are needed to assess potential impacts of climate change on fisheries and ecosystems.
Patterns of SATB2 and p16 reactivity aid in the distinction of atypical polypoid adenomyoma from myoinvasive endometrioid carcinoma and benign adenomyomatous polyp on endometrial sampling
Authors: Worrell Helen I , Sciallis Andrew P , Skala Stephanie L
Published: January 2021

Aims

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APAM) is an uncommon uterine lesion composed of complex endometrioid glands with frequent squamous morular metaplasia and fibromuscular stroma. On endometrial curettage, biopsy or polypectomy specimens, the admixture of endometrioid glands and smooth muscle raises the differential diagnosis of myoinvasive endometrioid carcinoma. Reproductive‐age APAM patients may opt for fertility preservation, whereas myoinvasive carcinoma is treated surgically. One previous study reported an incidental finding that the stroma of APAM, in contrast to that of other polypoid lesions, was SATB2‐positive. APAM has also been reported to show increased stromal p16 staining. We aimed to assess whether SATB2 and p16 are useful stains for the distinction of APAM from myoinvasive carcinoma and benign adenomyomatous polyps.

Methods and results

Cases of ‘atypical polypoid adenomyoma’ (n = 32), ‘adenomyomatous polyp’ (n = 39) and ‘myoinvasive endometrioid carcinoma’ (n = 30) were identified. Morphological features were assessed, along with the intensity and extent of SATB2 and p16 staining in the stromal component of each lesion. SATB2 expression was seen in the stromal components of 30 of 32 (94%) APAMs, versus none of 39 (0%) benign adenomyomatous polyps and five of 30 (17%) myoinvasive endometrioid carcinomas. Stromal p16 expression was seen in 31 of 31 (100%) APAMs, versus 20 of 39 (51%) benign adenomyomatous polyps and 12 of 30 (40%) myoinvasive endometrioid carcinomas.

Conclusions

Patchy to diffuse SATB2 and block‐type p16 staining of fibromuscular stroma separating atypical endometrioid glands is more consistent with APAM than with myoinvasive endometrioid carcinoma. These stains are potentially useful adjuncts to careful morphological evaluation of endometrial biopsies/curettings.
Regulation of nursing professionals in Cambodia: strategies to overcome underpinning challenges
Authors: Matsuoka S. , Fujita N. , Koto‐Shimada K. , Zwi A.B.
Published: January 2021

Aims

To elucidate (i) the challenges and constraints in the development and implementation of the regulatory framework for nursing professionals in Cambodia and (ii) the specific strategies adopted to address the challenges experienced in Cambodia.

Introduction

The health workforce will be critical to achieving the health‐related and wider Sustainable Development Goals in the years up to 2030.

Background

In 2006, the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement in relation to nursing services in the region with the main aim of facilitating the mobility of nursing professionals between countries. To ensure the competency of the health workforce and the quality and safety of health services, member states are required to establish an appropriate regulatory framework.

Methods

This is a qualitative descriptive study. Eighteen key informant interviews were conducted in Cambodia in 2018. Walt and Gilson’s policy analysis model was applied to organize and synthesize the data.

Findings

Major challenges were identified such as conceptual and cultural issues, limited capacity of Cambodian stakeholders and an unstandardized system with limited coordination.

Discussion

In Cambodia, the nursing regulatory environment has expanded greatly over the last decade. Strategies adopted were ‘political leadership’, optimal utilization of ‘outsider’s capacity’, strengthening ‘insider’s capacity’, and ‘dedicated consultation and collaboration and consensus building’ involving all players.

Implications for nursing and health policies

Policymakers in similar resource‐limited countries could apply and adapt similar strategic efforts when formulating and implementing health policies, legislation and regulations. ‘Outsiders’, in this case, represented by development partners can play a vital role in the process, but should not be leading the charge. They should be aligned with national priority to support recipient countries. It is imperative for these countries and development partners to invest in increasing the quantity and quality of nursing leaders who can develop and advance regulatory functions.