bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kuznets curve with parabola-shaped ultra-wideband antenna with defected ground plane for communications
Authors: Konkyana Lalitha Bhavani , Alapati Sudhakar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to state the configuration of the proposed antenna which is competent to many networks such as LTE and X band applications. The experimental study encountered the significance of the proposed antenna.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel compact Kuznets curve with parabola-shaped quad-band notched antenna is demonstrated in this paper. The presented prototype is ascertained on a composite material composed of woven fiberglass cloth with an epoxy resin binder. The resulting ultra-wideband antenna ranges 3.1–3.54 GHz, 5.17–5.51 GHz, 5.74–6.43 GHz and 6.79–7.60 GHz. To avoid the frequency bands which cause UWB interference,the projected antenna has been incorporated with slotted patch. The proposed antenna design is attained in four steps. The simple circular patch antenna model with defected ground plane is subjected to stepwise progression by including parabola-shaped slot and U shaped slot on the patch to attain four notched bands.

Findings

This projected antenna possesses an optimal bond among simulated and measured outcomes,which is more suitable for the quad notched band applications. Substrate analysis is done by varying substrate material, and notch behavior is presented. The proposed method’s optimum performance in metrics such as return loss, voltage standing wave ratio and radiation pattern varies its frequency range from 2.56 to 7.6 GHz.

Originality/value

The antenna adaptation of the defected ground plane has achieved through the quad notched band with operating frequency ranges 2.56 to 7.6 GHz and with eliminated frequency ranges 3.55–5.16 GHz, 5.52–5.73 GHz, 6.44–6.78 GHz and 7.66–10.6 GHz.
IoT based lung cancer detection using machine learning and cuckoo search optimization
Authors: Chapala Venkatesh , Bojja Polaiah
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Detecting cancer from the computed tomography (CT)images of lung nodules is very challenging for radiologists. Early detection of cancer helps to provide better treatment in advance and to enhance the recovery rate. Although a lot of research is being carried out to process clinical images, it still requires improvement to attain high reliability and accuracy. The main purpose of this paper is to achieve high accuracy in detecting and classifying the lung cancer and assisting the radiologists to detect cancer by using CT images. The CT images are collected from health-care centres and remote places through Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled platform and the image processing is carried out in the cloud servers.

Design/methodology/approach

IoT-based lung cancer detection is proposed to access the lung CT images from any remote place and to provide high accuracy in image processing. Here, the exact separation of lung nodule is performed by Otsu thresholding segmentation with the help of optimal characteristics and cuckoo search algorithm. The important features of the lung nodules are extracted by local binary pattern. From the extracted features, support vector machine (SVM) classifier is trained to recognize whether the lung nodule is malicious or non-malicious.

Findings

The proposed framework achieves 99.59% in accuracy, 99.31% in sensitivity and 71% in peak signal to noise ratio. The outcomes show that the proposed method has achieved high accuracy than other conventional methods in early detection of lung cancer.

Practical implications

The proposed algorithm is implemented and tested by using more than 500 images which are collected from public and private databases. The proposed research framework can be used to implement contextual diagnostic analysis.

Originality/value

The cancer nodules in CT images are precisely segmented by integrating the algorithms of cuckoo search and Otsu thresholding in order to classify malicious and non-malicious nodules.
Privacy preserving model-based authentication and data security in cloud computing
Authors: Pawar Ankush Balaram , Ghumbre Shashikant U. , Jogdand Rashmi M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Cloud computing plays a significant role in the initialization of secure communication between users. The advanced technology directs to offer several services, such as platform, resources, and accessing the network. Furthermore, cloud computing is a broader technology of communication convergence. In cloud computing architecture, data security and authentication are the main significant concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to design and develop authentication and data security model in cloud computing. This method includes six various units, such as cloud server, data owner, cloud user, inspection authority, attribute authority, and central certified authority. The developed privacy preservation method includes several stages, namely setup phase, key generation phase, authentication phase and data sharing phase. Initially, the setup phase is performed through the owner, where the input is security attributes, whereas the system master key and the public parameter are produced in the key generation stage. After that, the authentication process is performed to identify the security controls of the information system. Finally, the data is decrypted in the data sharing phase for sharing data and for achieving data privacy for confidential data. Additionally, dynamic splicing is utilized, and the security functions, such as hashing, Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), Data Encryption Standard-3 (3DES), interpolation, polynomial kernel, and XOR are employed for providing security to sensitive data.

Findings

The effectiveness of the developed privacy preservation method is estimated based on other approaches and displayed efficient outcomes with better privacy factor and detection rate of 0.83 and 0.65, and time is highly reduced by 2815ms using the Cleveland dataset.

Originality/value

This paper presents the privacy preservation technique for initiating authenticated encrypted access in clouds, which is designed for mutual authentication of requester and data owner in the system.
4W of user-generated content: why who we are and where we post influence what we post
Authors: Soylemez Kemal Cem
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In continuation of Soylemez (2021), this study utilized equity theory and investigated how personal factors (personality traits) and community factors (ownership) influence relative generation of brand-oriented and community-oriented content.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of A/B testing was conducted with 104 online brand community (OBC) participants who had been active in an OBC in the last 30 days.

Findings

Members with a high level of conscientiousness, extroversion and neuroticism generate more brand-oriented content than community-oriented content. Openness to experience, agreeableness and community ownership have been found to have no significant effects.

Practical implications

This research helps marketing practitioners on whether they should build their own online brand communities. The study also suggests that brands should adjust their community strategies based on the personality traits of community members and expectations from the community.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates how personality traits and community ownership influence the generation of different types of user-generated content (UGC).
The role of construal fit in threat appeal to persuade young drivers not to text while driving
Authors: Lim Dongjae (Jay) , Lin Jhih-Syuan , Chung Un Chae , Ko Youngjee
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of matching social distance and the concrete/abstract visual presentation of the threats of distracted driving in campaign design.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a series of 2 (social distance frame: close vs distant) × 2 (visual rhetoric style: literal vs metaphorical) online experiments on the perspective of the construal level theory.

Findings

This study identified that a fit between social distance and visual rhetoric style of the threat enhances the effect of a social marketing campaign targeting young adults. A message framed in terms of socially proximal entities shows a favorable impact on young drivers’ threat perception and behavioral intention when the visual rhetoric depicts the threats of texting while driving more concrete. On the other hand, more distant social entities in the message show a better impact when the threats are visualized in metaphor.

Originality/value

This paper enhances the understanding of a threat appeal message design by adding empirical evidence of matching visual rhetoric style and social distance. The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for social marketing campaigns, regarding the strategic tailoring of messages, particularly in public service announcements that discourage texting while driving on young adults.
Demoralizing: integrating J.D. Peters’ communication “chasm” with Niklas Luhmann’s (1989) ecological communication to analyze climate change mitigation inaction
Authors: Miller Jacob A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the US society’s insignificant mitigation of climate change using Niklas Luhmann’s (1989) autopoietic social systems theory in ecological communication. Specifically, the author’s analysis falls within the context of Luhmann re-moralized while focusing on particular function systems’ binary codes and their repellence of substantive US climate change mitigation policy across systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The author achieves this purpose by resituating Luhmann’s conception of evolution to forgo systems teleology and better contextualize the spatial-temporal scale of climate change; reinforcing complexity reduction and differentiation by integrating communication and media scholar John D. Peters’s (1999) “communication chasm” concept as one mechanism through which codes sustain over time; and applying these integrated concepts to prominent the US climate change mitigation attempts.

Findings

The author concludes that climate change mitigation efforts are the amalgamation of the systems’ moral communications. Mitigation efforts have relegated themselves to subsystems of the ten major systems given the polarizing nature of their predominant care/harm moral binary. Communication chasms persist because these moral communications cannot both adhere to the systems’ binary codes and communicate the climate crisis’s urgency. The more time that passes, the more codes force mitigation organizations, activist efforts and their moral communications to adapt and sacrifice their actions to align with the encircling systems’ code.

Social implications

In addition to the conceptual contribution, the social implication is that by identifying how and why climate change mitigation efforts are subsumed by the larger systems and their codes, climate change activists and practitioners can better tool their tactics to change the codes at the heart of the systems if serious and substantive climate change mitigation is to prevail.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, there has not been an integration of a historical communication concept into, and sociological application of, ecological communication in the context of climate change mitigation.
Fighting the virus, “hunting the witches” – moralizing in public discourses during the coronavirus pandemic in Croatia
Authors: Žažar Krešimir
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to discuss particular features of the public debate around the COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation strategies in Croatian media from the beginning of 2020 to mid-September of the same year.

Design/methodology/approach

The discussion is theoretically grounded on Luhmann’s concept of moral communication combined with the key assumption of critical discourse analysis that language reflects a position of power of social actors. Based on these premises, the analysis of a sample of articles in a chosen online media was conducted to uncover the moral codes in the public debate concerning the corona outbreak and connect them with specific moral discourses of particular social actors.

Findings

The findings clearly indicate that the communication about the pandemic is considerably imbued with moralization and that moral coding is profoundly used to generate preferred types of behaviour of citizens and their compliance with the imposed epidemiologic measures. In conclusion, Luhmann’s claim of moralization as a contentious form of communication is confirmed as the examined public discussion fosters confrontations and generates disruptions rather than contributing to a productive dialogue among diverse social actors.

Originality/value

The novelty of the approach lies in the combination of Luhman’s conceiving of moral communication with critical discourse analysis that, taken together, entails a pertinent research tool for analysing relevant attributes of the ongoing vibrant debate on the coronavirus outbreak.
The future of work: how HR drives digital transformation in the new normal
Authors: Chandrasekaran Ramkumar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on how organisations can leverage digital transformation by discussing the importance of having a zero-trust approach when it comes to security. This is something that is imperative, and so this paper aims to provide advice on how organisations can keep their networks and systems safe from cyberattacks and opportunistic cybercriminals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a thought leadership piece and draws on Tata Consultancy Services (TCS’) COVID-19 Business Impact Survey, which surveys nearly 300 executives on how they are planning and managing the near and long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Those surveyed represented mostly large companies across 11 countries in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Moreover, 63% of these companies had an annual revenue of over $5bn.

Findings

The findings from the survey revealed that most organisations lack digital capabilities, and the coronavirus pandemic is exposing these weaknesses. It found that companies with essential digital capabilities (“leaders”) have held up better during the pandemic than those without (“followers). Moreover, the survey demonstrated that there is a significant lack of clarity on how to strategically move on multiple digital fronts cost-effectively.

Originality/value

As TCS is a global leader in information technology services, consulting and business solutions, this paper provides value to senior business and technology leaders in organisations that hold influence over the company’s security strategies. By focussing on zero trust, this paper recommends how such leaders can rethink and reassess their business strategy to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Fabricating a highly sensitive graphene nanoplatelets resistance-based temperature sensor
Authors: Gamil Mohammed , Shaalan Nagih M. , Abd El-Moneim Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present an efficient and reliable graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs)-based temperature sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

A high-quality dispersion of GNPs was dropped by casting method on platinum electrodes deposited on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The GNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction spectra to ensure its purity and quality. The temperature sensing behavior of the fabricated sensor was examined by subjecting it to different temperatures, range from room temperature (RT) to 150 °C.

Findings

Excellent resistance linearity with temperature change was achieved. Temperature coefficient of resistance of the fabricated sensor was calculated as 1.4 × 10–3°C. The sensor also showed excellent repeatability and stability for the measured temperature range. Good response and recovery times were evaluated at all the measured temperatures. With measuring the sensor response, the ambient temperature can be determined.

Originality/value

The present work presents a new simply and low cost fabricated temperature sensor based on GNPs working at a wide temperature range.
Cardiac abnormalities after induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and connexin43 expression
Authors: He Jinli , Gong Mengqi , Wang Zaojia , Liu Daiqi , Xie Bingxin , Luo Cunjin , Li Guangping , Tse Gary , Liu Tong
Published: June 2021

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for protein synthesis and calcium storage. ER stress, reflected by protein unfolding and calcium handling abnormalities, has been studied as a pathogenic factor in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of ER stress on mechanical and electrophysiological functions in the heart and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. A total of 30 rats were randomly divided into control, ER stress inducer (tunicamycin[TN]) and ER stress inhibitor (tunicamycin+4‐phenylbutyric acid [4‐PBA]) groups. ER stress induction led to significantly systolic and diastolic dysfunction as reflected by maximal increasing/decreasing rate of left intraventricular pressure (±dp/dt), left ventricular peaksystolic pressure(LVSP) and LV end‐diastolic pressure(LVEDP). Epicardial mapping performed in vivo revealed reduced conduction velocity and increased conduction heterogeneity associated with the development of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia. Masson’s trichrome staining revealed marked fibrosis in the myocardial interstitial and sub‐pericardial regions, and thickened epicardium. Western blot analysis revealed increased pro‐fibrotic factor transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), decreased mitochondrial biogenesis protein peroxlsome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactlvator‐1α （PGC‐1a）, and decreased mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin‐2 (MFN2). These changes were associated with mitochondria dysfunction and connexin 43(CX43)translocation to mitochondria. These abnormalities can be partially prevented by the ER stress inhibitor 4‐PBA. Our study shows that ER stress induction can produce cardiac electrical and mechanism dysfunction as well as structural remodelling. Mitochondrial function alterations are contributed by CX43 transposition to mitochondria. These abnormalities can be partially prevented by the ER stress inhibitor 4‐PBA.
Exercise capacity in axial spondyloarthritis and associated factors: A cross‐sectional controlled study
Authors: Köseoğlu Tohma Ebru , Günendi Zafer , Özyemişçi Taşkıran Özden , Mengi Gönen , Demirsoy Nesrin , Taş Nihal
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the associations between exercise capacity (EC), cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and disease‐related variables in axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) patients.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional controlled study, CV risk profile data, physical activity, 10‐year CV event risk estimated by the Framingham model and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score – C‐reactive protein were recorded. A maximal treadmill exercise test by Bruce protocol was administered. Analyses of covariance were performed with adjustments for age, smoking status and physical activity level. Linear regression analysis was performed to study the association between EC and related CV risk factors.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients and 38 age‐gender matched controls were recruited between May and October 2014. Patients had significantly lower EC than controls (MD 2.2; metabolic equivalents 0.91‐3.49; P = .001). The difference remained significant after adjustments (P = .001). There were significant correlations between EC and age, 10‐year CV event risk, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference for patients and controls (P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). There was a significant relationship between EC and total cholesterol, triglycerides and heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients (P = .04, P < .001 and P = .006, respectively). High‐density lipoprotein ‐ cholesterol was significantly higher, and BMI was significantly lower in nonradiographic AxSpA patients (P = .026 and P = .03 respectively). Age and triglyceride levels were found as the significant predictors for EC in the AxSpa group (for age β = −.105, P = .003; for triglycerides β = −.016 P = .003).

Conclusion

Exercise capacity was significantly lower and attenuated HRR was significantly associated with low EC and high 10‐year CV event risk in AxSpA patients.
Myopericarditis in a previously healthy adolescent male following COVID‐19 vaccination: A case report
Authors: McLean Kelsey , Johnson Tiffani J.
Published: June 2021

We report the case of a previously healthy 16‐year‐old male who developed myopericarditis following the second dose of his Pfizer‐BioNTech COVID‐19 vaccine, with no other identified triggers. Adolescents and young adults experiencing chest pain after COVD‐19 vaccination should seek emergent medical care, and emergency providers should have a low threshold to consider and evaluate for myopericarditis. More data are needed to better understand the potential association between COVID‐19 vaccines and myopericarditis. If a true causal link is identified, the risk must also be viewed in context with the millions of patients who have been safely vaccinated and the known morbidity and mortality from COVID‐19 infection. As we see widespread vaccine rollout, it is important that all potential adverse reactions are reported as we continue to monitor for more rare but potentially serious side effects not identified in vaccination trials.
Levetiracetam in lactation: How much is excreted into human breast milk?
Authors: Dinavitser Natalie , Kohn Elkana , Berlin Maya , Brandriss Nurit , Bar‐Chaim Adina , Keidar Rimona , Livne Ayelet , Stepensky David , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Sheinberg Revital
Published: June 2021

Aims

In breastfeeding women, anti‐epileptic therapy can lead to infant toxicities, even with newer anti‐epileptic drugs such as levetiracetam. This study assessed levetiracetam breastmilk excretion and its correlation with the maternal oral dose and serum concentrations.

Methods

Women with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam were recruited to this study and completed a questionnaire. Levetiracetam concentrations were determined in serial breastmilk samples (pre‐dose to 12 h post‐dose period) and in a single pre‐dose maternal serum sample.

Results

Twenty breastfeeding women and 21 infants (one woman with twins; 16 fully and five partially breastfed infants) participated in this study. The trough breastmilk/serum ratio of levetiracetam was 0.98 ± 0.20. The infant levetiracetam daily dose was 5.39 ± 1.96 and 2.70 ± 0.98 mg.kg‐1.d−1, and the relative infant dose (RID) was 13.8 ± 3.1% and 6.9 ± 1.6% in the fully and partially breastfed infants, respectively. Substantial correlations between the levetiracetam dose, maternal serum and breastmilk trough concentrations, and breastmilk AUC values were found. Three women reported somnolence in their fully breastfed infants, which resolved shortly after switching to partial breastfeeding. All the infants gained weight according to their age.

Conclusions

Infant levetiracetam exposure via the breastmilk was close to the safety thresholds (trough breastmilk/serum ratio slightly below 1, RID > 10% in fully breastfed infants), and infant somnolescence reports could be related to exposure of the infants to levetiracetam via breastmilk. Further studies are warranted to reveal the short‐ and long‐term safety of levetiracetam in breastfeeding.
Statin liver safety in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Pani Arianna , Di Rocco Arianna , Menichelli Danilo , Gazzaniga Gianluca , Farcomeni Alessio , D'Erasmo Laura , Angelico Francesco , Del Ben Maria , Baratta Francesco
Published: June 2021

Aims

Statin liver safety in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients is not well defined. We analysed differences in liver function tests, including alanine transaminase aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in NAFLD patients treated or not treated with statins.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE databases and metanalysis of clinical studies investigating levels of ALT, AST and GGT in NAFLD according to statin treatment. Mean difference (MD) and percentage MD were calculated between the two groups.

Results

We included 22 studies with 2345 NAFLD patients. Overall, 16 were before‐after interventional, five were cross‐sectional and one was combined cross‐sectional/interventional study. In all interventional studies, except one, patients had raised ALT, AST and GGT at baseline. Interventional studies showed reduced ALT values with an MD reduction of −27.2 U/L (95% CI −35.25/−19.15) and a percentage MD reduction of −35.41% (95% CI −44.78/−26.04). Also, AST values were reduced after statin treatment in interventional studies with an MD of −18.82 U/L (95% CI −25.63/−12.02) (percentage −31.78%, 95% CI −41.45/−22.11). Similarly, GGT levels were reduced after statin treatment with an MD of −19.93 U/L (95% CI −27.10/−12.77) (percentage −25.57%, 95% CI −35.18/−15.97). Cross‐sectional studies showed no difference in AST and GGT values between patients treated with and without statins.

Conclusion

In interventional studies, ALT, AST and GGT were reduced after statin treatment with a percentage mean difference of −35.41%, −31.78% and −25.57%, respectively, while observational studies showed a null effect, suggesting liver safety of statins in NAFLD patients.
What drives transcranial Doppler velocity improvement in paediatric sickle cell anaemia: analysis from the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP) longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Cong Ze , Agodoa Irene , Kang Guolian , Ding Juan , McCarville M. Beth , Hankins Jane S. , Wang Winfred C.
Published: June 2021

Children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and conditional transcranial Doppler (TCD) flow velocities (conditional: 170–199 cm/s; normal: <170 cm/s) have an increased risk of stroke. The Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP), a lifetime observational study, assessed the influence of haematological markers on TCD velocities. In children (≤16 years) with SCA (HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassaemia) and conditional TCD velocities (n = 32), increases in haemoglobin and in fetal haemoglobin after hydroxyurea initiation were significantly associated with decreases in TCD velocities. The benefit of pharmacological intervention to increase haemoglobin and fetal haemoglobin and normalise TCD velocities was demonstrated in this real‐world dataset.
Geographical variation in the bill–flower fit in a plant–pollinator interaction in western Mexico
Authors: Ocampo‐Sandoval Marisol , Arizmendi‐Arriaga María del Coro , Olson Mark E. , Sánchez‐González Luis A.
Published: June 2021

Few studies have examined geographical variation in traits involved in biotic interactions, although such variation is likely key in the evolution of interactions. The fit between hummingbird bills and the flowers they feed on suggests mutual selection pressures. We tested for geographical variation in the pollinator–flower fit in the Mexican hermit Phaethornis mexicanus and Heliconia spp. flowers by analyzing the morphospaces of the interacting species and the ways they vary. To analyze the geographical variation in the morphology of P. mexicanus and Heliconia spp. flowers, we grouped samples into three operational geographic units (OGUs). Within each OGU, we assessed pollinator–flower specificity by analyzing floral resource preference, and morphological data using correlations and principal component analysis. Our data on floral preferences and morphology indicate geographical variation in the P. mexicanus–Heliconia interaction in all of the OGUs. Heliconia was the preferred floral resource (83% of the samples), suggesting a preference for these flowers as a food source. We also detected morphological overlap between the bill of P. mexicanus and the corollas of both Heliconia species, at least in the two westernmost OGUs. That P. mexicanus morphology tracked variation in the different Heliconia spp. across the hummingbird's range suggests that the specificity of the hummingbird–plant interaction exerts a significant selection pressure on hummingbird morphology. The morphological overlap observed in the two northernmost OGUs is probably due to the evolution of a close biotic interaction, which is reflected in the high correlation values in the morphological characters involved.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: What do we understand about protein alterations?
Authors: Perveen Nadia , Ashraf Waseem , Alqahtani Faleh , Fawad Rasool Muhammad , Samad Noreen , Imran Imran
Published: June 2021

During neuronal diseases, neuronal proteins get disturbed due to changes in the connections of neurons. As a result, neuronal proteins get disturbed and cause epilepsy. At the genetic level, many mutations may take place in proteins like axon guidance proteins, leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 protein, microtubular protein, pore‐forming, chromatin remodeling, and chemokine proteins which may lead toward temporal lobe epilepsy. These proteins can be targeted in the future for the treatment purpose of epilepsy. Novel avenues can be developed for therapeutic interventions by these new insights.
Kidney transplant surgical director training: Urologists represent a functional alternative to general surgeons
Authors: Chiodo Ortiz A. , Choubey Ankur P. , Pai K. , Khan S. , Mishra A. , Bullock B. , Sureddi S. , James R. , Siddique A.B. , Koizumi N. , Ortiz J.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Kidney transplant (KT) directors are general surgeons or urologists. All KT centers must meet established performance standards. However, it has not been established if general surgery and urology led programs have disparate outcomes.

Methods

Transplant outcomes and donor‐recipient characteristics by director training were investigated. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) directory, program websites were analyzed for surgical director demographics. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) 1‐year kidney survival and deceased donor (DD) wait‐time rankings were evaluated. A retrospective analysis of 142 157 KT recipients from 2010 to 2019 was performed using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database.

Results

One hunderd and seventy three (90.6%) KT programs were led by general surgeons. There were no significant differences in gender, ethnicity, region, credentials, or fellowship completion. Recipients undergoing KT with urology led programs were older (P = .002) and had longer wait‐times (P < .001). These centers used higher KDPI (.47 vs. .45, P < .001) and higher HLA mismatch (3.92 vs. 3.89, P = .02) kidneys. Urology led centers utilized living donors less frequently (32.1% vs. 35.8%, P < .001) and had longer CIT (15.44 vs. 12.21, P < .001). Both had similar SRTR ranking of 1‐year survival and DD wait‐time.

Conclusion

Most directors were general surgeon. Patient outcomes did not differ by transplant director training. Urologists represent a viable option for KT leadership and recruitment should be encouraged.
First‐line pharmacotherapy for incident type 2 diabetes: Prescription patterns, adherence and associated costs
Authors: Campbell David J. T. , Campbell Dennis B. , Ogundeji Yewande , Au Flora , Beall Reed , Ronksley Paul E. , Quinn Amity E. , Manns Braden J. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Tonelli Marcello , Spackman Eldon
Published: June 2021

Aims

To use real‐world prescription data from Alberta, Canada to: (a) describe the prescribing patterns for initial pharmacotherapy for those with newly diagnosed uncomplicated type 2 diabetes; (b) describe medication‐taking behaviours (adherence and persistence) in the first year after initiating pharmacotherapy; and (c) explore healthcare system costs associated with prescribing patterns.

Methods

We employed a retrospective cohort design using linked administrative datasets from 2012 to 2017 to define a cohort of those with uncomplicated incident diabetes. We summarized the initial prescription patterns, adherence and costs (healthcare and pharmaceutical) over the first year after initiation of pharmacotherapy. Using multivariable regression, we determined the association of these outcomes with various sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

The majority of individuals for whom metformin was indicated as first‐line therapy received a prescription for metformin monotherapy (89%). Older individuals, those with higher baseline A1C and those with no comorbidities, were most likely to be started on non‐metformin agents. Adherence with the initially prescribed regimen was suboptimal overall, with nearly half (48%) being non‐adherent over the first year. One‐third of those who started metformin discontinued it in the first 3 months. Those started on non‐metformin agents had roughly twice the healthcare costs, and five to seven times higher medication costs, compared to those started on metformin, in the first year after starting therapy.

Conclusions

With the addition of new classes of medications, healthcare providers who look after those with type 2 diabetes have more pharmaceutical options than ever. Most individuals continue to be prescribed metformin monotherapy. However, adherence is suboptimal, and drops off considerably within the first 3 months.
Habitat partitioning among three predatory fish in a temperate reservoir
Authors: Westrelin Samuel , Cucherousset Julien , Roy Romain , Tissot Laurence , Santoul Frédéric , Argillier Christine
Published: June 2021

The diversity of predatory species plays a key role in ecosystem functioning but our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their coexistence is limited, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. Northern pike Esox lucius, European perch Perca fluviatilis and pikeperch Sander lucioperca are three widespread predatory species in European lakes, where they often coexist. As potential competitors, we hypothesised that partitioning habitat is a determinant of species coexistence. This was tested by quantifying the variability of their habitat use in tracking adult individuals in the Bariousses reservoir (France, 86.6 ha, mean depth 7.1 m). Specifically, we investigated their distribution along the littoral–pelagic and depth axes along the daily cycle and across seasons. From littoral to pelagic waters were first found pike, then perch and finally pikeperch. Pike was the closest to the surface while pikeperch was the deepest. This general pattern was, however, variable across seasons with the three species located in the upper layer in summer during reservoir stratification. Individuals were more evenly distributed along the littoral–pelagic axis and closer to the bottom when water was mixing (autumn, winter). In summer, perch used more intensively in the pelagic zone during the daytime. Other species did not show any diel change of habitats. Our results highlighted that species coexistence is associated with habitat partitioning among these three predators, with perch showing a more variable behaviour regarding habitat characteristics. Now more than ever, in the context of global change which modifies habitats, it is of crucial importance to understand the coexistence mechanisms of species that shape ecosystems.
Aphids show interspecific and intraspecific variation in life history responses to host plant infection by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Srisakrapikoop Ussawit , Pirie Tara J. , Fellowes Mark D. E.
Published: June 2021

The life histories of insect herbivores are affected by variation in host plant quality, with poor quality typically being associated with reduced herbivore fecundity, size and longevity. Plant pathogens are ubiquitous in nature and can alter host plant quality as experienced by insect herbivores. We asked how host plant infection by the widespread and economically important fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea affected the life history traits of two aphid species. We found that the life history traits of the black bean aphid Aphis fabae were negatively affected by being reared on infected host plants, showing reduced fecundity, population growth rate, size, off‐plant survival time and development rate. In contrast, we found that pea aphids Acyrthosiphon pisum benefitted from being reared on infected plants, and that the degree of benefit varied between pea aphid clonal lines. This work suggests that the ecological and economic consequences of plant pathogen infection on the dynamics of aphid pests could be difficult to predict.
Mdivi‐1 alleviates atopic dermatitis through the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Li Lin , Mu Zhenzhen , Liu Pengyue , Wang Ying , Yang Fan , Han Xiuping
Published: June 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder with few treatment options. Dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1)‐dependent mitochondrial fission contributes to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, and inhibiting Drp1 has been become an attractive therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Drp1 inhibitor mdivi‐1 on experimental AD. We firstly detected the effects of mdivi‐1 on primary human keratinocytes in an inflammatory cocktail‐induced AD‐related inflammation in vitro. Results showed that mdivi‐1 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis which were evidenced by decreased expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleavage of caspase‐1, GSDMD‐NT, mature interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 in keratinocytes under AD‐like inflammation. Next, mouse model of AD‐like skin lesions was induced by epicutaneous application of 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and mdivi‐1 (25 mg/kg/day, days 5–33 during construction of AD model) was intraperitoneally injected into DNCB‐induced mice. AD mice with mdivi‐1 treatment exhibited ameliorated AD symptoms, lower serum IgE level, and reduced epidermal thickening, mast cells infiltration, and production of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 in the lesional tissues. Indeed, mdivi‐1 significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic injury occurred in DNCB‐treated skin tissues. Mechanically, mdivi‐1 regulated the expression of mitochondrial dynamic proteins and suppressed the activation of NF‐κB signal pathway which is an upstream of NLRP3 inflammasome both in vitro and in vivo. This study demonstrated that mdivi‐1 could protect against experimental AD through inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent inflammatory cytokine release, and mdivi‐1 might exert this function by inhibiting mitochondrial fission and subsequently blocking NF‐κB pathway.
‘I hated being ghosted’ – The relevance of social participation for living well with post‐stroke aphasia: Qualitative interviews with working aged adults
Authors: Manning Molly , MacFarlane Anne , Hickey Anne , Galvin Rose , Franklin Sue
Published: June 2021

Background

In the context of increasing incidence of stroke in working aged adults, there is a specific need to explore the views of working aged adults with post‐stroke aphasia, whose communication difficulties may result in restricted social participation, loss of employment and changed relationship and parenting roles. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of working aged adults with post‐stroke aphasia in relation to social participation and living well with aphasia (LWA).

Design and participants

We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 people with post‐stroke aphasia (PWA). Data were analysed following principles of reflexive, thematic analysis.

Patient or Public Contribution: A Public and Patient Involvement aphasia advisory group inputted into the study design and interpretation of data.

Results

Social participation spanned 5 themes: Relationships and roles; Social support; Peer network, Aphasia awareness; and Employment and training. Meaningful, interesting social participation for LWA is individually defined. Working aged PWA may require flexible support with parenting, accessing a diverse social network and finding opportunities for meaningful social connection, training and employment.

Conclusions

The findings extend knowledge of social participation in the context of LWA for working aged adults by elucidating the individually defined nature of meaningful participation and how PWA may need flexible support with parenting, accessing a diverse social network and training and employment. For aphasia research, policy and services to be relevant, it is crucial that working aged PWA are meaningfully involved in setting the aphasia agenda.
Towards data‐driven quantification of skin ageing using reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Hames Samuel C. , Bradley Andrew P. , Ardigo Marco , Soyer H. Peter , Prow Tarl W.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Evaluation of skin ageing is a non‐standardized, subjective process, with typical measures relying coarse, qualitatively defined features. Reflectance confocal microscopy depth stacks contain indicators of both chrono‐ageing and photo‐ageing. We hypothesize that an ageing scale could be constructed using machine learning and image analysis, creating a data‐driven quantification of skin ageing without human assessment.

Methods

En‐face sections of reflectance confocal microscopy depth stacks from the dorsal and volar forearm of 74 participants (36/18/20 training/testing/validation) were represented using a histogram of visual features learned using unsupervised clustering of small image patches. A logistic regression classifier was trained on these histograms to differentiate between stacks from 20‐ to 30‐year‐old and 50‐ to 70‐year‐old volunteers. The probabilistic output of the logistic regression was used as the fine‐grained ageing score for that stack in the testing set ranging from 0 to 1. Evaluation was performed in two ways: on the test set, the AUC was collected for the binary classification problem as well as by statistical comparison of the scores for age and body site groups. Final validation was performed by assessing the accuracy of the ageing score measurement on 20 depth stacks not used for training or evaluating the classifier.

Results

The classifier effectively differentiated stacks from age groups with a test set AUC of 0.908. Mean scores were significantly different when comparing age groups (mean 0.70 vs. 0.44; t = −6.62, p = 0.0000) and also when comparing stacks from dorsal and volar body sites (mean 0.64 vs. 0.53; t = 3.12, p = 0.0062). On the final validation set, 17 out of 20 depth stacks were correctly labelled.

Discussion

Despite being limited to only coarse training information in the form of example stacks from two age groups, the trained classifier was still able to effectively discriminate between younger skin and older skin. Curiously, despite being only trained with chronological age, there was still evidence for measurable differences in age scores due to sun exposure—with marked differences in scores on sun‐exposed dorsal sites of some volunteers compared with less sun‐exposed volar sites. These results suggest that fine‐grained data‐driven quantification of skin ageing is achievable.
Influence of crystallinity on the corrosion rate of chemically vapor‐infiltrated SiCf/SiC composites under 310°C hydrothermal condition
Authors: Han Jangwon , Kim Daejong , Lee Hyeon‐Geun , Kim Weon‐Ju , Park Chan , Park Ji Yeon
Published: June 2021

The rationale of this work was to investigate the effect of crystallinity on corrosion rate of chemically vapor‐infiltrated (CVI) SiCf/SiC composites. SiCf/SiC composites were fabricated from fabric preform with densifying by CVI. To evaluate the effect of crystallinity on the behavior of SiCf/SiC composite, the infiltration temperature was increased from 1000 to 1100°C with 25°C intervals. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy results indicated the diffraction peaks, as the infiltration temperature elevated, become sharp and the transverse optical (TO) and longitudinal optical (LO) phonon peak of the composite increased, respectively. Hydrothermal corrosion tests were performed on the polished surface in a static autoclave at a DI water for 7 and 30 days to evaluate the relation of crystallinity and the microstructure of the composite. Low infiltration temperature revealed columnar growth structure at the matrix after corrosion while weight loss behavior had a linear decreasing tendency from 1000 to 1075°C. These findings are particularly important for determining the infiltration temperature which changes the crystallinity of the SiC phase, and hence the corrosion rate of SiCf/SiC composites.
Replacement migration on the edge of the European Union: Wasting human capital?
Authors: Janicki Wojciech , Ledwith Valerie
Published: June 2021

A great deal of research has examined the degree to which migration acts as a regulator of labour supply and demand. This research considers the economic development potential of migration by examining whether replacement migration can be harnessed in peripheral locations to offset the loss of human capital resulting from emigration. The analysis focuses on Eastern Poland and includes data from Ukrainian migrants, Polish emigrants and Polish nationals. Our results suggest that Ukrainian labour migrants have the potential to operate as replacement migrants, offsetting the loss of human capital associated with the out‐migration of Polish nationals. However, there are two important caveats. First, the legal‐administrative framework must place labour migrants on equal footing with host nationals and develop a comprehensive integration strategy. Second, the wasted human capital associated with replacement migration must be acknowledged as a central cost of utilizing replacement migration as a development strategy.
Do‐it‐yourself as a means for making assistive technology accessible to elderly people: Evidence from the ICARE project
Authors: Mettler Tobias , Daurer Stephan , Bächle Michael A. , Judt Andreas
Published: June 2021

New assistive technology (AT) is at our disposal for improving the everyday life of people in need. Yet, the current way how AT is produced and provisioned is hindering certain marginalised groups in the population, particularly elderly people, to get access to it. To expedite time‐to‐market, reduce costs, and increase accessibility to otherwise unattainable AT, we explore if do‐it‐yourself (DIY) could be a feasible and desirable alternative to commercial applications. We provide answers to the following research questions: (1) For whom does the DIY approach work in the context of assistive technology? (2) Under which circumstances do DIY work? and (3) How can researchers make DIY a satisfying experience? The evidence we collected during the “iCare” project suggests that DIY attracts both, elderly people with a need‐based motive and a hedonic motive. It also shows that a participatory approach and an early engagement with potential users, their family members, and informal caregivers is beneficial for improving design and use‐related aspects of the AT and the DIY intervention.