bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beam and sample movement compensation for robust spectro-microscopy measurements on a hard X-ray nanoprobe
Authors: Quinn Paul D. , Gomez-Gonzalez Miguel , Cacho-Nerin Fernando , Parker Julia E.
Published: August 2021

Static and in situ nanoscale spectro-microscopy is now routinely performed on the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline at Diamond and the solutions implemented to provide robust energy scanning and experimental operation are described. A software-based scheme for active feedback stabilization of X-ray beam position and monochromatic beam flux across the operating energy range of the beamline is reported, consisting of two linked feedback loops using extremum seeking and position control. Multimodal registration methods have been implemented for active compensation of drift during an experiment to compensate for sample movement during in situ experiments or from beam-induced effects.
Thirty years and “I'm still Lovin’ it!”: brand perceptions of McDonald's among generation Y and generation Z consumers in China
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Mulhern Frank J. , Wu Yingying , Xu Margaret , Wang Wenqi , Gao Liang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Recognizing the differences between generations Y and Z, this exploratory study uses generational cohort theory as a framework to examine the brand perception of McDonald's, an international brand which has grown up with consumers for over 30 years in China. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Measures of brand perception was built based on Aaker's brand personality model. A total 1,103 valid questionnaires were collected through an online survey platform. Factor analysis is the primary method to analysis the data.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal a favourable brand perception of McDonald's among young Chinese consumers which is consistent with Aaker's brand personality model and support the use of generational cohort theory as a market segmentation tool for brand perception. The differences between the two generational cohorts are not shown to be significant.

Originality/value

The most important contribution of this study is the evaluation of the personality of a major brand in China for Gen Z, a topic with very little existing research. Also, this research suggests future in-depth research into generational cohort theory in a Chinese context by recognizing homogeneity and heterogeneity exist simultaneously between generational cohorts.
The impact of the perceived risk of COVID-19 on consumers' attitude and behavior toward locally produced food
Authors: Palau-Saumell Ramon , Matute Jorge , Derqui Belén , Meyer Jan-Hinrich
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumption of locally produced food. In particular, it examines an extended model of the theory of planned behavior, with the addition of the perceived risk of becoming infected with the disease, locavorism and internal locus of control.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs data collected from an online panel of consumers from the five largest cities in Spain (n = 1,000). It uses partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test and validate the proposed theoretical model.

Findings

The results indicate that the perceived risk of COVID-19 drives consumers to embrace locavorism more and, although locavorism is a strong predictor of attitude, internal locus of control also has a strong impact on attitude and switching intentions. Subjective norm and attitude are strong predictors of switching intentions and purchase intentions, and switching intentions also have a powerful impact on purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This study extends previous research on locally produced food consumption in that it has proposed and tested a new conceptual model with the inclusion of the perceived risk of COVID-19, locavorism, internal locus of control and switching intentions, which were found to have an influence on purchasing behavior.
Impact of the strategic sourcing process on the supply chain response to the COVID-19 effects
Authors: Frederico Guilherme F. , Kumar Vikas , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of the strategic sourcing process on the supply chain response to COVID-19. The paper presents practitioners' perspectives (experts in supply chain management, especially involved in the procurement field) on the strategic sourcing process's impact on the supply chain response.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a survey-based approach for data collection. It uses a descriptive survey methodology where questions related to the impact of the strategic sourcing process on the supply chain response in the face of the coronavirus pandemic were explored by practitioners.

Findings

In total, 130 valid responses were obtained. The results showed that the majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that strategic sourcing positively impacts the supply chain response amid the COVID-19 effects. Also, for the five phases of the strategic sourcing process, the majority of respondents considered them as a high and very high impact on the supply chain response.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides timely insights for practitioners and academics, especially those involved in the supply chain management area, showing how the strategic sourcing process plays an important role in making supply chains more responsive amid disruption situations.

Practical implications

Findings of this paper clearly shows the impact of the phases of the strategic sourcing process on the responsiveness of the supply chains amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This can encourage supply chain leadership to devote more time to strategic sourcing initiatives to generate improvements on the supply chain performance.

Originality/value

This paper is unique since it brings an unexplored relation in respect to strategic sourcing amid disruption situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, from a practitioner's perspective. It also significantly contributes to developing new directions for the supply chain management domain to deal with large-scale disruptions, such as the coronavirus pandemic.
Assessing cognitive, social and teaching presences during emergency remote teaching at a South African university
Authors: Waghid Zayd , Meda Lawrence , Chiroma Jane Adhiambo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how lecturers at a South African university navigated teaching and learning in the current educational landscape obscured by the global pandemic. The authors examine how lecturers employed a community of inquiry (CoI) in their online classrooms within the context of emergency remote teaching (ERT). The study further aims to ascertain students’ feedback concerning current ERT practices at the university toward cultivating a CoI. Doing this would offer more appropriate interventions and support for lecturers and students from, within and for an African context. If not, instructors might risk reproducing and perpetuating the same outdated pedagogies before the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method research design informed by a pragmatist paradigm was used. Primary data were collected from 40 lecturers at the university through online questionnaires of which 10 lecturers responded to e-mail interviews. The original CoI survey was distributed among 150 students in the Faculty of Education at the university.

Findings

The findings revealed that, despite the rushed and trial nature of the use of ERT, there were instances of a CoI among students. The findings further revealed that the majority of the lecturers were not adequately prepared for ERT as a result of limited experience with asynchronous and synchronous online teaching. There was evidence of an absence of a strong active teaching presence that was found to have negatively influenced the development of social and cognitive presences during ERT.

Research limitations/implications

Only a single faculty at one university was selected in this single case.

Practical implications

The results of the study have significant implications for faculties and academic staff who are currently teaching online in response to the teaching challenges paused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings will assist lecturers in developing appropriate pedagogical intervention strategies to enhance strong and active teaching and social presences necessary for cultivating the cognitive presences among students during ERT.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to explore the influence of ERT on the cognitive, social and teaching presences at a university in an African context. The findings and conclusion of the study are novel as they relate to the development of appropriate pedagogical practices and intervention strategies suitable for ERT in response to the current education crisis.
The importance of SMEs’ network partners in consortium bidding for public sector tenders
Authors: Reijonen Helen , Saastamoinen Jani , Tammi Timo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The aim is to examine the importance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) see in different network partners regarding successful tendering in public procurement, and whether this perception predicts the number of joint bids and wins.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by an electronic questionnaire which was sent to the registered users of the leading electronic platform for public procurement in Finland. The data were analysed with statistical methods.

Findings

The findings suggest that a favourable perception of the importance of horizontal networks in public procurement is associated with a larger number of joint bids and better success in joint bidding. However, the results do not establish a positive correlation between vertical networks and consortium bidding.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected from a single EU country. Since the criteria for bidding consortia may vary between countries, different results might have been achieved from other countries.

Practical implications

SMEs should be encouraged to form bidding consortia and acquire related experience. Policymakers should minimise barriers to consortium bidding, e.g. by offering more information. They should also assess the merits of joint bidding because they rarely encourage SMEs to bid as a consortium.

Social implications

Consortium bidding is a way of enhancing SMEs’ possibilities to participate in public tender contests, even in large contracts.

Originality/value

While consortium bidding has been recognised to enhance SMEs’ possibilities of participating in public procurement, there is limited research into how SMEs’ network collaborations relate to bidding as a consortium.
In God we trust…and Caesar too? Evaluating the link between religiosity and trust in government
Authors: Creel Nicholas
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study aims to establish that religiosity has a positive link with government trust, making the secularization trend all the more likely to further erode this already fragile resource.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use of data from the World Values Survey and European Social Survey the link between religiosity and trust in government is examined.

Findings

Religiosity and trust in government are positively linked in aggregate data.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is based on aggregated data, not individual countries, and religiosity is a complex concept to measure.

Practical implications

Secularization will have a long-term negative effect on government trust. Low levels of trust in government in the West are likely here to stay, or even worsen, as populations continue to secularize.

Social implications

With less trust in government, it will be more difficult to govern effectively.

Originality/value

The author has not yet seen a full test on how secularization will impact trust in government. In fact, this study makes clear that the trend goes a long way explaining why trust in government has been falling in the developed world for decades.
The evolution of humanitarian logistics as a discipline through a crystal ball
Authors: Altay Nezih , Kovács Gyöngyi , Spens Karen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Humanitarian logistics has for a long time been argued to be a new discipline. Now that even the Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management (JHLSCM) has existed over a decade, it is time to take a closer look at its evolution. This article provides some understanding for the developments of humanitarian logistics over the past decade, reveals current trends and discovers what lies behind the curtains in the humanitarian logistics and supply chain management discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This article brings in developments and discussions in humanitarian logistics practice into the research domain.

Findings

The article conveys the concerns of humanitarian logistics practitioners to research. These include the backlash from the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime current concern, and also other longer-term issues and developments.

Research limitations/implications

The themes identified in the article can be used to inform a research agenda in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management. The article revisits a framework of global events and their cascading impacts to include non-linearities and multiple disruptions from evolutionary disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

The article argues for more collaborative and co-designed research to increase the relevance and impact of humanitarian logistics.

Social implications

Wider societal views are brought into the area of humanitarian logistics.

Originality/value

The article highlights the gaps that remain in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management research.
Facies‐based full‐waveform inversion for anisotropic media: a North Sea case study
Authors: Singh Sagar , Tsvankin Ilya , Naeini Ehsan Zabihi
Published: August 2021

Elastic full‐waveform inversion can increase the resolution of reservoir characterization using seismic data. However, full‐waveform inversion for realistic anisotropic media suffers from the trade‐offs between the medium parameters and strongly relies on the accuracy of the initial model. Here, we employ a regularization methodology that utilizes geologically consistent information to reduce the inversion non‐linearity and crosstalk between the parameters. The geologic constraints are obtained from well logs and interpolated along major horizons in the migrated image. The algorithm, designed for transversely isotropic media with a tilted symmetry axis, is applied to ocean‐bottom data acquired at Volve field in the North Sea. The facies‐based constraints help build high‐resolution velocity fields and accurately image the reservoir region. In particular, the developed algorithm increases the resolution of the P‐ and S‐wave symmetry‐direction velocities and other parameters at the reservoir level. The facies‐based inversion also provides robust estimates of density, which is inverted simultaneously with the velocity fields. Overall, even relatively sparse prior information proves to be sufficient for the proposed methodology to achieve a much higher spatial resolution than the unconstrained full‐waveform inversion.
Within‐year and among‐year variation in impacts of targeted conservation management on juvenile survival in a threatened population
Authors: Fenn Sarah R. , Bignal Eric M. , Bignal Sue , Trask Amanda E. , McCracken Davy I. , Monaghan Pat , Reid Jane M.
Published: August 2021

Overall impacts of targeted conservation interventions on population growth rate (λ) will depend on within‐year and among‐year variation in exposure of target individuals to interventions, and in intervention efficacy in increasing vital rates of exposed individuals. Juvenile survival is one key vital rate that commonly varies substantially within and among years, and consequently drives variation in λ. However, within‐year, among‐year and overall impacts of targeted interventions on population‐wide survival probabilities of potentially mobile juveniles are rarely quantified, precluding full evaluation and evidence‐based refinement of interventions.

We applied multi‐state mark–recapture models to 8 years of ring–resighting data from a threatened red‐billed chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax population to quantify within‐year and among‐year variation in juvenile exposure to a targeted intervention of supplementary feeding and parasite treatment, and to estimate efficacy in increasing juvenile survival probability. We then combined and up‐scaled these estimated effects to evaluate the impact of the 8‐year intervention on overall population‐wide survival probability and resulting population size.

High proportions of surviving juveniles (>70%) were exposed to the intervention across the annual biological cycle in all years. Exposure was associated with higher short‐term survival probabilities through the full annual cycle. Consequently, management increased estimated population‐wide annual juvenile survival by approximately 0.14. However, such effects were only evident in cohorts with low overall annual survival.

Population models projected that these impacts on annual juvenile survival substantially reduced population decline, such that population size at the end of the 8‐year intervention was approximately double that without management.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show how complex patterns of within‐year and among‐year variation in exposure and efficacy of targeted conservation interventions can arise and scale up to affect population‐level outcomes. We demonstrate overall positive effects of a joint supplementary feeding and parasite treatment intervention on the focal chough population, but also highlight potential routes to improve efficacy, for example, through more precise targeting of interventions and agricultural management actions in the context of among‐year variation in environmental conditions.
Acoustic monitoring shows invasive beavers Castor canadensis increase patch‐level avian diversity in Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Francomano Dante , Valenzuela Alejandro E. J. , Gottesman Benjamin L. , González‐Calderón Alvaro , Anderson Christopher B. , Hardiman Brady S. , Pijanowski Bryan C.
Published: August 2021

The North American beaver Castor canadensis is an invasive species in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. Due to this biological invasion, Argentina and Chile signed an agreement to restore affected ecosystems by eradicating beavers. In southern Patagonia, the beavers’ ecological impacts are well studied, but there is a relative lack of information on how their invasion (and potential removal) could affect bird communities.

In the southern portion of Tierra del Fuego's ‘big island’ (Isla Grande), we conducted passive acoustic monitoring and avian point counts in intact riparian forests, beaver ponds and beaver meadows (i.e. drained ponds) to assess spatial and seasonal differences in acoustic activity and avian abundance, species diversity and functional diversity.

During spring and summer, acoustic activity was significantly higher in meadows than in forests, with ponds exhibiting intermediate values.

Abundance and species diversity exhibited similar patterns, driven largely by resident passerines, while functional diversity tended to be highest in ponds, largely due to ducks and raptors. Effects were weaker in fall and winter.

Acoustic metrics exhibited moderate to strong correlations with all point‐count‐derived metrics.

Synthesis and applications. At the patch level, the avian community was more abundant and diverse in beaver‐modified habitats than in intact riparian forests, though communities in modified patches may not differ substantially from those in analogous natural open and wetland habitats. Dam breaching and pond drainage did not yield a return to an intact forest bird community, indicating that active reforestation may be necessary to restore avian communities to pre‐beaver conditions in the short to medium term, as sought by the binational agreement. Given the immense challenges of eradication and restoration, its social‐ecological costs and benefits—including those related to avifauna—should be thoroughly considered in establishing goals or indicators of success.
Arterial supply to the rat colon
Authors: Kigata Tetsuhito , Shibata Hideshi , Kobayashi Yasushi
Published: August 2021

Rats are often used as animal models in studies such as on intestinal transplantation and anastomosis healing, which require colectomy. Although detailed information regarding arterial supply is important to establish accurate and reproducible experimental procedures, this has not been studied in the rat colon. Therefore, we analysed the detailed arterial distribution pattern and its individual variations in the colon of 34 rats. The rat colon received colic branches of the ileocolic artery, and the right, middle and left colic arteries. The single left colic artery constantly arose from the caudal mesenteric artery and was distributed to the descending colon, whereas the others showed variations in number and distribution. The ileocolic artery gave rise to one (12%) or two (88%) colic branches supplying the proximal ascending colon, and these branches formed rich, mesh‐like anastomoses along the initial portion of the ascending colon. One (74%) or two (26%) right colic arteries originated from the cranial mesenteric artery and supplied the ascending colon and right colic flexure. Moreover, one (38%), two (56%) or three (6%) middle colic arteries emerged from the cranial mesenteric artery and were distributed to the transverse colon, left colic flexure and proximal descending colon. In total, we categorized the individual variations in arterial branching and anastomosis into 11 patterns. Arterial supply to the rat colon showed a specific pattern and frequent individual variations. These findings thus provide essential information for establishing reproducible models of rat colic surgery.
Coming together: The role of marriage in assorting household educational and geographical capital in rural lowland Nepal
Authors: Marphatia Akanksha A. , Saville Naomi M. , Manandhar Dharma S. , Amable Gabriel , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Reid Alice M. , Wells Jonathan C. K.
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates how educational and geographic capital are assorted among households in rural Nepal, and how women's marital age may shape this distribution. Our focus on the timing of marriage adds a new dimension to studies of geographies of youth and marital assortment, while our emphasis on the physical and spatial attributes of households leads us to propose the concept of geographic capital, operationalised here as agrarian landholding and access to rural markets. Using data on 17,284 women from rural lowland Nepal, heat tables showed substantial pairing among uneducated spouses, whereas educated men married women with varying levels of schooling, partly because fewer women were educated. Multivariable logistic regression models showed that the odds of marrying an educated man increased substantially for women with secondary education, and vice versa. Educated women were also more likely to marry into households with geographic capital. However, landowning husbands tended to marry younger wives, perhaps because the natal home was prepared to marry daughters earlier in order to access this geographic capital. The youngest‐marrying women were least likely to marry into households with accessibility to markets. Our findings may help understand the decisions of both a woman's natal and marital household over the timing of her marriage, and the investment in her formal education. These patterns have implications for both spouses because capital not only shapes marital pairing, but also the spatial niche of the household within which women and their children will experience their life‐course.
Composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum
Authors: Inoue Ryo , Tsukahara Takamitsu
Published: August 2021

The first secretion, 24‐h post parturition of the mammary glands of sows, known as colostrum, is high in protein and low in lactose and fat. As a consequence of an insufficient ingestion of colostrum, more than 50% of piglets fail to reach weaning and die. The composition and some functions of colostrum have been previously reported. For example, colostrum carbohydrates consist of mainly lactose. Lipids in the colostrum are mostly triacylglycerols, but <1% is fatty acids, which may act as homeostasis regulators. Similarly, proteins are found mostly as casein and whey, the latter being ≥80% immunoglobulins. Colostrum‐derived immunoglobulins and bioactive proteins such as azurocidin help the immune system of the piglet fend off infections. In addition, leukocytes and exosomes are other minor but nonetheless equally crucial bioactive components in the porcine colostrum. Modern pig farming has achieved increases in pig productivity and litter size, but this has been accomplished in detriment of the health and the survival rate of piglets. Therefore, porcine colostrum is now even more important in pig farming. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge on the composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum and briefly propose future research directions.
Systematic review of the effects of antimicrobial cycling on bacterial resistance rates within hospital settings
Authors: Chatzopoulou Marianneta , Reynolds Lucy
Published: August 2021

Aims

Antimicrobial resistance is an evolving phenomenon with alarming public health consequences. Antibiotic cycling is a widely known antimicrobial stewardship initiative that encompasses periodical shifts in empirical treatment protocols with the aim of limiting selective pressures on bacterial populations. We present a review of the evidence regarding the actual impact of antimicrobial cycling on bacterial resistance control within hospitals.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MedLine, Embase, CINAHL Plus and Global Health databases.

Results

A systematic search process retrieved a sole randomised study, and so we broadened inclusion criteria to encompass quasi‐experimental designs. Fifteen studies formed our dataset including seven prospective trials and eight before‐and‐after studies. Nine studies evaluated cycling vs. a control group and produced conflicting results whilst three studies compared cycling with antibiotic mixing, with none of the strategies appearing superior. The rest evaluated resistance dynamics of each of the on‐cycle antibiotics with contradictory findings. Research protocols differed in parameters such as the cycle length, the choice of antibiotics, the opportunity to de‐escalate to narrow‐spectrum agents and the measurement of indicators of collateral damage. This limited our ability to evaluate the replicability of findings and the overall policy effects.

Conclusion

Dearth of robust designs and standardised protocols limits our ability to reach safe conclusions. Nonetheless, in view of the available data we find no reason to believe that cycling should be expected to improve antibiotic resistance rates within hospitals.
May I give my heart away? On the permissibility of living vital organ donation
Authors: Andersen Didde B.
Published: August 2021

The dead donor rule (DDR) regulates current practice for vital organ donation, which means that organs may only be retrieved from people who are already dead (or brain dead). However, several authors criticize the DDR and argue that we should instead adopt a rule that allows us to retrieve vital organs before people are dead. They call this proposal organ donation euthanasia (ODE). While I am sympathetic to this proposal I do not think it goes far enough. In this paper, I show that the key reasons put forward in favor of permitting ODE actually justify a more far‐reaching suggestion for regulation, permitting people to become living vital organ donors even when they are not about to die for other reasons. Further, I argue that only accepting imminently dying people as eligible donors for living vital organ donation would be objectionably paternalistic.
Ggct (γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase) plays an important role in erythrocyte antioxidant defense and red blood cell survival
Authors: He Zaoke , Sun Xiaoqin , Wang Shixiang , Bai Dongsheng , Zhao Xiangyu , Han Ying , Hao Piliang , Liu Xue‐Song
Published: August 2021

The expression of GGCT (γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase) is upregulated in various human cancers. γ‐glutamyl cyclotransferase enzyme activity was originally purified from human red blood cells (RBCs), but the physiological function of GGCT in RBCs is still not clear. Here we reported that Ggct deletion in mice leads to splenomegaly and progressive anaemia phenotypes, due to elevated oxidative damage and the shortened life span of Ggct−/− RBCs. Ggct−/− RBCs have increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and are more sensitive to H2O2‐induced damage compared to control RBCs. Glutathione (GSH) and GSH synthesis precursor l‐cysteine are decreased in Ggct−/− RBCs. Our study suggests a critical function of Ggct in RBC redox balance and life span maintenance through regulating GSH metabolism.
Preparation and antioxidant activity of phosphorylated polysaccharide from purple sweet potato
Authors: Yang Wenjian , Zhang Yanqiong , Tang Ao , Ruan Qingqing , Huang Gangliang
Published: August 2021

Purple sweet potato polysaccharide was extracted via hot water, and it was chemically modified by phosphorus oxychloride‐pyridine to obtain phosphorylated polysaccharide from purple sweet potato (P‐PPSP) with certain degrees of substitution. Furthermore, the structure and antioxidant activity in vitro of PPSP and phosphorylated derivative were compared. The result indicated that the phosphorylation modification product of polysaccharide from purple sweet potato could improve the scavenging effect on hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion of PPSP, significantly. It also could improve the anti‐lipid peroxidation ability while fail to improve the reducing ability of PPSP.
From Noon to Sunset: Interactive Rendering, Relighting, and Recolouring of Landscape Photographs by Modifying Solar Position
Authors: Türe Murat , Çıklabakkal Mustafa Ege , Erdem Aykut , Erdem Erkut , Satılmış Pinar , Akyüz Ahmet Oguz
Published: August 2021

Image editing is a commonly studied problem in computer graphics. Despite the presence of many advanced editing tools, there is no satisfactory solution to controllably update the position of the sun using a single image. This problem is made complicated by the presence of clouds, complex landscapes, and the atmospheric effects that must be accounted for. In this paper, we tackle this problem starting with only a single photograph. With the user clicking on the initial position of the sun, our algorithm performs several estimation and segmentation processes for finding the horizon, scene depth, clouds, and the sky line. After this initial process, the user can make both fine‐ and large‐scale changes on the position of the sun: it can be set beneath the mountains or moved behind the clouds practically turning a midday photograph into a sunset (or vice versa). We leverage a precomputed atmospheric scattering algorithm to make all of these changes not only realistic but also in real‐time. We demonstrate our results using both clear and cloudy skies, showing how to add, remove, and relight clouds, all the while allowing for advanced effects such as scattering, shadows, light shafts, and lens flares.
Diagnostic impact of safety protocols for processing peritoneal washing specimens during the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019: A comparative study from 195 cytological samples
Authors: Santoro Angela , Angelico Giuseppe , Mastrosimini Maria Gaia , Inzani Frediano , Cianfrini Federica , Straccia Patrizia , Arciuolo Damiano , D'Alessandris Nicoletta , Scaglione Giulia , Spadola Saveria , Rossi Esther Diana , Zannoni Gian Franco
Published: August 2021

Background

The global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 represents a major concern for health services worldwide, and has also induced major changes in cytopathology practice.

Aim

We aimed to verify the diagnostic performance of cytological evaluation under a new safety protocol during the pandemic compared to the standard pre‐pandemic procedure. We also aimed to assess how cytological diagnoses and sampling were impacted during the pandemic period compared to the pandemic‐free period in 2019.

Materials and methods

Cytological samples of peritoneal washings taken during the first 10 months of the pandemic emergency in Italy (March 11, 2020 to January 11, 2021) were compared to samples from the preceding 10‐month time frame (May 11, 2019 to March 10, 2020).

Results

One hundred ninety‐five specimens were analysed in the present study. We observed no noticeable differences in cytological diagnoses during the pandemic period compared to the pre‐pandemic period. The case numbers by diagnostic category for the pre‐pandemic vs pandemic periods, respectively, were as follows: non‐diagnostic, 0 vs 0 cases; negative for malignancy, 86 vs 52 cases; atypia of uncertain significance, 7 vs 1 cases; suspicious for malignancy, 0 vs 2 cases; malignant, 42 vs 4 cases.

Conclusion

While a consistent reduction in the number of cytological examinations has been observed during the COVID‐19 period, our institutional safety protocol for processing cytological samples did not affect the diagnostic reliability of peritoneal washing cytology.
Vascular origin in acute transient visual disturbance: A prospective study
Authors: Obadia Michael , Lamirel Cedric , Meseguer Elena , Seners Pierre , Zuber Kevin , Rosenheim Michel , Yavchitz Amelie , Bidot Samuel , Hage Rabih , Sabben Candice , Savatovsky Julien , Lavallée Philippa C. , Gout Olivier , Vignal Catherine , Amarenco Pierre
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to validate a clinical score of vascular origin in patients with acute transient visual disturbances (TVDs) without diplopia.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in an ophthalmology emergency department and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) clinic. Patients underwent clinical evaluation including a tailored questionnaire, brain, vascular, and ophthalmologic investigations, and 3‐month follow‐up. TVDs were classified according to vascular or nonvascular origin by three independent experts based on all clinical, cerebrovascular, and ophthalmologic investigations, but blind to the questionnaire results. A clinical score was derived based on clinical variables independently associated with a vascular origin, and was externally validated in an independent cohort.

Results

An ischemic origin of TVD was found in 45% (67/149) of patients in the derivation cohort. Age and six questions were independently associated with an ischemic origin. A nine‐point score (≥70 years old = 2; monocular visual loss = 2; black or white vision = 1; single episode = 1; lack of headache = 2; diffuse, constricted, altitudinal, or lateralized visual loss pattern on drawings = 1) showed good discriminative power in identifying ischemic origin (c‐statistic = 0.82) and was replicated in the validation cohort (n = 130, 25% of ischemic origin, c‐statistic = 0.75). With a score ≥ 4, sensitivity was 85% (95% confidence interval = 68−95) and specificity was 52% (95% confidence interval = 41−62). In both cohorts, ophthalmologic evaluation found a vascular cause in 4% and was noncontributive in 85%. After 3 months, no patients had a stroke, TIA, or retinal infarct.

Conclusions

Our score may assist in predicting a vascular origin of TVD. Ophthalmologic evaluation, when not readily available, should not delay the neurovascular evaluation.
Gas permeation and thermomechanical properties for macroporous alumina focused on necking size at grain boundaries
Authors: Honda Sawao , Jia Pengfei , Daiko Yusuke , Hashimoto Shinobu , Nait‐Ali Benoît , Smith David S. , Iwamoto Yuji
Published: August 2021

The gas permeation and thermomechanical properties of macroporous alumina used as a support substrate for microporous ceramic permselective membranes were investigated. The porosity, pore size, and apparent necking size between grains of macroporous alumina were systematically varied, and the relationships between the porous microstructure and material properties were examined. The grain necking size at alumina grain boundaries was evaluated by microstructural observations. The nitrogen gas permeance of the porous alumina increased with increasing pore size. All the measured thermal and mechanical properties decreased with increasing porosity. The properties of porous alumina samples with extensive grain necking showed higher values even in samples with the largest pore size. The high thermal conductivity of porous alumina with extensive grain necking was due to the low interfacial thermal resistance at grain boundaries. Porous alumina with extensive grain necking had high thermal shock strength due to the higher thermal conductivity. It was demonstrated that a porous structure combining high gas permeability and excellent fracture resistance could be successfully achieved.
Effect of resveratrol and curcumin on formation of N‐Carboxymethyl lysine and its intracellular oxidative stress
Authors: Golchinfar Zahra , Tabibiazar Mahnaz , Abdi Fardin , Taghvimi Arezou , Roufegarinejad Leila
Published: August 2021

The effect of resveratrol (Res) and curcumin (CU) on glycation and oxidation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) – Glucose (Glu) to form N‐Carboxymethyl lysine (CML) was assessed. The CML content in BSA‐Glu samples 3:3% w/w was around 180 µg mL−1 after heating at 120 C for 20 min, measured using RP‐HPLC with fluorescence detector. The CML content in Res and CU‐containing samples (240 µmol L−1) decrease to zero and around 19 µg mL−1, respectively. The grafting degree of BSA in Res and CU‐containing samples was only 5% and 16% in comparison of BSA‐Glu with 43% grafting. The advanced glycation end products (AGEs) level with fluorescence properties in CU‐containing heated samples considerably decreased. The results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) and Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) confirmed that the interaction of Res and CU with BSA significantly decreased the glycation rate of BSA. The level of intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) when cells are exposed to Res and CU‐containing heated BSA‐Glu were significantly lower than that of cells exposed to alone BSA‐Glu. The results indicated that Res and CU can play an important role in increasing the safety of heated foods and reducing harmful substances in them.
Gender differences in patients with structural heart disease undergoing VT ablation
Authors: Darma Angeliki , Bertagnolli Livio , Torri Federica , Lurz Julia A. , König Sebastian , Ueberham Laura , Bollmann Andreas , Dagres Nikolaos , Hindricks Gerhard , Dinov Borislav , Arya Arash
Published: August 2021

Introduction

This study sought to examine gender differences in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) referred for ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Background

Female patients are often underrepresented in large studies. Significant differences in the clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis of female patients have been described in previous studies.

Methods and Results

We investigated 88 female patients with SHD undergoing VT ablation (mean age 59 years, 56% nonischemic cardiomyopathy, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, 82% in electrical storm). A case‐control study with 88 male patients was performed and the results regarding clinical and procedural characteristics, acute and long‐term results of the two groups were compared. The female patients had more arrhythmogenic substrate, as they more commonly presented with electrical storm (p = .016) and had a higher number of inducible VT morphologies during the procedure (p = .018). Moreover, the female patients were less likely to have an optimized heart failure medical treatment at baseline (p = .030) and required more time from the first manifestation of the VT to ablation referral (p = .034). Although fewer epicardial ablations were performed in female patients (p = .019), the two groups showed similar results regarding VT noninducibility as ablation endpoint (p = .844), major procedure‐related complications (p = .719) and freedom from VT during follow‐up (p = .268). Moreover, the overall mortality in the two groups was similar (p = .176). Advanced NYHA class was associated with worse transplant and assist‐device‐free survival in the female group.

Conclusion

Female patients presenting for VT ablation had more arrhythmogenic substrate and were less likely to have an optimized heart failure medical treatment. Nevertheless, the procedural acute and long‐term outcomes between the two genders were similar.
Rapid visual detection of Aeromonas salmonicida by loop‐mediated isothermal amplification with hydroxynaphthol blue dye
Authors: Zhou Shun , Huang Qing , Yu Mingming , Li Ying , Zheng Xujia , Xiu Yunji
Published: August 2021

To make crucial prevention, reduce fish losses and minimize the economic damage of diseases on the fish farm owners, a rapid detection of fish pathogens is mandatory. In this study, a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay combined with hydroxynaphthol blue dye (LAMP‐HNB) was developed and used for the rapid detection of Aeromonas salmonicida that caused significant economic losses in fish farming. Firstly, a pair of outer and inner primers specific for conserved fragment of vapA gene in A. salmonicida were designed and synthesized. Secondly, by optimizing the reaction conditions including reaction temperature, time, Mg2+ concentration, dNTP concentration and primer ratio, a LAMP‐HNB assay was successfully established for the detection of A. salmoncida. Thirdly, the assay showed good specificity with no false‐positive and false‐negative results, and good sensitivity with the detection limit of 3.077 × 10–6 ng/μl, which was 102 times more sensitive than the conventional PCR. Finally, the LAMP‐HNB assay was validated by the fish samples inoculated with different concentrations of A. salmoncida. This is the first development of rapid visual detection of A. salmonicida based on LAMP‐HNB assay, which has great application prospect and market for diagnostic testing, health certification and active surveillance programmers.
Potential benefits of immunomodulator use with vedolizumab for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Naganuma Makoto , Watanabe Kenji , Motoya Satoshi , Ogata Haruhiko , Matsui Toshiyuki , Suzuki Yasuo , Ursos Lyann , Sakamoto Shigeru , Shikamura Mitsuhiro , Hori Tetsuharu , Fernandez Jovelle , Watanabe Mamoru , Hibi Toshifumi , Kanai Takanori
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab treatment with or without concomitant immunomodulator use in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis.

Methods

Among enrolled patients in a phase 3 study conducted in Japan (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02039505), data from patients allocated to 300‐mg intravenous vedolizumab for induction and maintenance phases were used for this exploratory analysis. Efficacy endpoints were clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing at week 10 and clinical remission and mucosal healing at week 60, and disease worsening and treatment failure during the maintenance phase.

Results

At week 10, the differences in clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing rates between the subgroups (those with concomitant immunomodulator use minus those without) were 0.7 (95% confidence interval: −14.3, 15.7), 3.3 (95% confidence interval: −8.5, 15.2), and 1.8 (95% confidence interval: −13.0, 16.5), respectively. At week 60, the differences in clinical remission and mucosal healing between the subgroups with and without concomitant immunomodulator use were 26.1 (95% confidence interval: −3.5, 55.6) and 29.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.4, 58.4), respectively. The proportions of patients without treatment failure at day 330 of the maintenance phase were 90.7% with concomitant immunomodulator use and 73.7% without. No marked differences in incidence of infections were observed between subgroups.

Conclusions

This study suggested the possibility that concomitant immunomodulator use may be beneficial to maintain the clinical efficacy of vedolizumab.
The ScCas9++ variant expands the CRISPR toolbox for genome editing in plants
Authors: Liu Taoli , Zeng Dongchang , Zheng Zhiye , Lin Zhansheng , Xue Yang , Li Tie , Xie Xianrong , Ma Genglu , Liu Yao‐Guang , Zhu Qinlong
Published: August 2021

The development of clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐associated protein (Cas) variants with a broader recognition scope is critical for further improvement of CRISPR/Cas systems. The original Cas9 protein from Streptococcus canis (ScCas9) can recognize simple NNG‐protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) targets, and therefore possesses a broader range relative to current CRISPR/Cas systems, but its editing efficiency is low in plants. Evolved ScCas9+ and ScCas9++ variants have been shown to possess higher editing efficiencies in human cells, but their activities in plants are currently unknown. Here, we utilized codon‐optimized ScCas9, ScCas9+ and ScCas9++ and a nickase variant ScCas9n++ to systematically investigate genome cleavage activity and cytidine base editing efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.). This analysis revealed that ScCas9++ has higher editing efficiency than ScCas9 and ScCas9+ in rice. Furthermore, we fused the evolved cytidine deaminase PmCDA1 with ScCas9n++ to generate a new evoBE4max‐type cytidine base editor, termed PevoCDA1‐ScCas9n++. This base editor achieved stable and efficient multiplex‐site base editing at NNG‐PAM sites with wider editing windows (C−1–C17) and without target sequence context preference. Multiplex‐site base editing of the rice genes OsWx (three targets) and OsEui1 (two targets) achieved simultaneous editing and produced new rice germplasm. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ScCas9++ represents a crucial new tool for improving plant editing.
The pathogenesis of melasma and implications for treatment
Authors: Artzi Ofir , Horovitz Tamir , Bar‐Ilan Efrat , Shehadeh Waseem , Koren Amir , Zusmanovitch Lior , Mehrabi Joseph N. , Salameh Fares , Isman Nelkenbaum Gila , Zur Eyal , Sprecher Eli , Mashiah Jacob
Published: August 2021

Background

Melasma is a complex and poorly understood disorder, with high rates of treatment failure and recurrences.

Objectives

We aimed to review the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of melasma and apply this knowledge to clinical implications on relevant therapeutic interventions.

Methods

A systematic PubMed search was performed using the search term “((melasma[Text Word]) OR facial melanosis[Text Word]) AND (pathogenesis OR causality[MeSH Terms])” for articles published between 1990 and 2020. Included articles were then evaluated by two authors and assessed for relevant pathomechanistic pathways, after which they were divided into groups with minimal overlap. We then reviewed current treatment modalities for melasma and divided them according to the involved pathomechanistic pathway.

Results

A total of 309 search results were retrieved among which 76 relevant articles were identified and reviewed. Five main pathomechanisms observed in melasma were identified: (1) melanocyte inappropriate activation; (2) aggregation of melanin and melanosomes in dermis and epidermis; (3a) increased mast cell count and (3b) solar elastosis; (4) altered basement membrane; and (5) increased vascularization. Treatment modalities were then divided based on these five pathways and detailed in 6 relevant tables.

Conclusion

The pathophysiology of melasma is multifactorial, resulting in treatment resistance and high recurrence rates. This wide variety of pathomechanisms should ideally be addressed separately in the treatment regimen in order to maximize results.