bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircHIPK3 prevents chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degradation by sponging miR‐30a‐3p and promoting PON2
Authors: Shang Jie , Li Huizi , Wu Biao , Jiang Ning , Wang Bin , Wang Dawei , Zhong Junlong , Chen Yufeng , Xu Xianghe , Lu Huading
Published: June 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease featured by the deterioration of articular cartilage and chondrocyte death. Emerging evidence has indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an essential role in OA progress. Here, we found that the expression of circHIPK3 was significantly decreased in human and mouse OA cartilage. Knocking down circHIPK3 increased apoptosis and intracellular ROS level in HC‐a chondrocytes. We performed proteomic studies and identified that circHIPK3 regulated chondrocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Results of JC‐1 staining and western blot further confirmed that mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization was promoted in HC‐a chondrocytes transfected by circHIPK3 siRNA. In terms of mechanism, we showed that PON2 functioned as a potential target of circHIPK3 to regulate chondrocyte apoptosis. Moreover, we revealed that circHIPK3 interacted with miR‐30a‐3p to regulate PON2 expression in chondrocytes. Taken together, our findings suggested that circHIPK3 regulated chondrocyte apoptosis by mitochondrial pathway, and targeting the circHIPK3/miR‐30a‐3p/PON2 axis might be a potential strategy for OA treatment.
Sprouty1 exerts a preventive effect on the initiation of psoriasis by inhibiting innate immune antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and immunocytes
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Wang Ping , Chen Xue‐Yan , Yan Bing‐Xi , Landeck Lilla , Wang Zhao‐Yuan , Xu Fan , Zheng Min , Man Xiao‐Yong
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated skin disease dominated by the cutaneous immune system. Keratinocytes have been considered important triggers that initiate psoriasis. The key molecules and events of keratinocytes that link the innate immune system in psoriasis must be investigated in more detail. Human psoriasis skin and primary human keratinocyte were detected in vitro. Epidermis specific transgenic mouse strain (Krt14‐Sprouty1 tg) was used to further investigate psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in vivo.

Materials and Methods

Bulk RNA sequencing of primary human keratinocyte screened differentially expressed genes, which was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR and Western Blot (WB). Moreover, we concomitantly reviewed open‐accessed published RNAseq datasets of human psoriatic skin from GEO database. Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were used to detect Sprouty1 (SPRY1) expression in human psoriatic skin with and without anti‐psoriasis treatments. Krt14‐Sprouty1 tg was used to further investigate psoriasis‐like skin inflammation, and followed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) Staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western Blot and flow cytometry.

Results

Our data showed that Sprouty1 was decreased in psoriatic skin and keratinocytes. In imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation, the production of cathelicidin (camp/LL37) was inhibited by suppressing signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (Stat3) activation when Sprouty1 overexpressed in mouse epidermal keratinocytes. Moreover, CD11b+CCR2+ dendritic cells, IL‐17A+ γδT cells, and Ly6C+ CD11c+ monocyte‐derived dendritic cells were decreased in Krt14‐Sprouty1 tg (STG) imiquimod‐induced cutaneous inflammation.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Sprouty1 expressed in keratinocytes has a suppressive role in imiquimod‐induced skin inflammation mediated by inhibiting the production of cathelicidin. Collectively, Sprouty1 plays a preventive role in psoriatic skin. Our data provide new evidence for the pathogenesis of psoriatic keratinocytes, and the link cutaneous innate immunity, that indicated Sprouty1 is a potential novel therapeutic target.
Employment and ability to work after kidney transplantation in the Netherlands: The impact of preemptive versus non‐preemptive kidney transplantation
Authors: Visser Annemieke , Alma Manna A. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Bemelman Frederike J. , Berger Stefan P. , van der Boog Paul J. M. , Brouwer Sandra , Hilbrands Luuk B. , Standaar Dorien S. M. , Stewart Roy E. , Gansevoort Ron T.
Published: June 2022

Background

Work can have a major positive impact on health and wellbeing. Employment of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) of working age is much lower than in the general population. The first aim of this study was to examine the impact of a preemptive kidney transplantation (PKT) on employment, in addition to other possible influencing factors. The second aim was to explore differences in work ability, absenteeism and work performance among employed KTR with different types of transplantations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 in nine Dutch hospitals. PKT as potential predictor of employment was examined. Furthermore, work ability, absenteeism and loss of work performance were compared between employed preemptive recipients with a living donor (L‐PKT) and non‐preemptive recipients with a living donor (L‐nPKT) and with a deceased donor (D‐nPKT).

Results

Two hundred and twenty four KTR participated; 71% reported having paid work. Paid work was more common among PKT recipients (82% vs. 65% in L‐nPKT and 55% in D‐nPKT) and recipients who were younger (OR .950, 95%CI .913–.989), had no comorbidities (1 comorbidity: OR .397, 95%CI .167–.942; 2 comorbidities: OR .347, 95%CI .142–.844), had less fatigue (OR .974, 95%CI .962–.987) and had mentally demanding work tasks (only in comparison with physically demanding tasks, OR .342, 95%CI .145–.806). If recipients were employed, D‐nPKT recipients worked fewer hours (mean 24.6±11.3 vs. PKT 31.1±9.6, L‐nPKT 30.1±9.5) and D‐nPKT and L‐nPKT recipients received more often supplemental disability benefits (32 and 33.3%, respectively) compared to PKT recipients (9.9%). No differences were found for self‐reported ability to work, sick leave (absenteeism) and loss of work performance with the exception of limitations in functioning at work.

Conclusions

Preemptive kidney transplantation recipients with a kidney from a living donor are employed more often, work more hours per week (only in comparison with D‐nPKT) and have a partial disability benefit less often than nPKT recipients. More knowledge regarding treatments supporting sustainable participation in the labor force is needed as work has a positive impact on recipients’ health and wellbeing and is also beneficial for society as a whole.
Developmental temperature predicts body size, flight, and pollen load in a widespread butterfly
Authors: Büyükyilmaz Erez , Tseng Michelle
Published: June 2022

Most of our understanding of the effects of climate warming on insect body size comes from laboratory experiments. Whether these studies predict patterns in nature is largely unknown.

Here we examine the relevance of laboratory warming experiments for wild populations of the butterfly Pieris rapae. We tested two predictions: (i) butterflies reared at warmer temperatures in the laboratory should attain smaller adult sizes and have reduced flight ability, and (ii) in nature, this trait combination should lead to smaller butterflies visiting fewer flowers and accumulating less pollen.

Overall, we found that warm‐reared butterflies were indeed smaller and flew more slowly compared to colder‐reared conspecifics. Additionally, wild‐caught small butterflies carried fewer, and a lower diversity of pollen grains compared to larger butterflies.

Our warming experiments thus largely predicted pollen collection patterns in wild P. rapae.

This study demonstrates that increased temperatures will likely have important consequences for butterfly‐plant interactions in nature.
How agency and self‐efficacy moderate the effects of strategic improvisational behaviors on sales performance: Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Hultman Magnus , Boso Nathaniel , Yeboah‐Banin Abena Animwaa , Hodgkinson Ian , Souchon Anne L. , Nemkova Ekaterina , Oliveira Joao , Hughes Paul
Published: June 2022

This study develops and tests arguments that improvisation is not universal in its benefits for the firm, but rather its multidimensional characteristics (action‐orientation, creativity, and spontaneity) hold differential performance effects. The study further examines whether these relationships are contingent upon individual agency and self‐efficacy. Drawing on primary data from industrial sales account managers in Ghana, the study finds that an increasing level of action‐orientation is associated with decreases in perceived sales performance and the decrease in performance is more pronounced under conditions of stronger sense of agency and self‐efficacy. Similarly, an increasing level of creativity is associated with decreases in perceived sales performance when agency is stronger. However, an increasing level of spontaneity is associated with increases in performance and this increase is strengthened under conditions of stronger sense of self‐efficacy. The study concludes that the effect of strategic improvisation on sales performance outcome within the context of an emerging economy (such as Ghana) is more nuanced than established improvisation literature suggests.
Anti‐CD20 therapy for multiple sclerosis‐associated uveitis: A case series
Authors: Stascheit Frauke , Rübsam Anne , Otto Carolin , Meisel Andreas , Ruprecht Klemens , Pleyer Uwe
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Approximately 1% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have uveitis, but data on the effects of immunotherapies for MS on MS‐associated uveitis are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the ophthalmological outcomes in patients with MS‐associated uveitis treated with anti‐CD20 therapy.

Methods

A retrospective study of 12 eyes of six patients with MS‐associated uveitis, refractory to previous immunotherapies, was conducted. Uveitis activity was assessed before initiation of anti‐CD20 therapy and at regular follow‐up visits. Primary outcome measures were: vitreous haze score; retinal vasculitis score, determined on fluorescein angiography images; macular edema, as quantified by central retinal thickness (CRT) on optical coherence tomography; and visual acuity (VA). Secondary outcomes included number of annualized uveitis or MS relapses, disease activity on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score.

Results

After a median (interquartile range [IQR]) treatment time of 28.5 (8–43) months, anti‐CD20 therapy was associated with an improvement of vitreous haze score (p = 0.002), retinal vasculitis score (p = 0.001), CRT (p = 0.002), and VA (p = 0.007). The median (IQR) annualized uveitis relapse rate declined from 0.59 (0.56–0.94) before to 0 (0–0.49) after the start of anti‐CD20 therapy. The median (IQR) annualized MS relapse rate declined from 0.62 (0.26–2.84) before to 0 (0–0) after the start of anti‐CD20 therapy. After initiation of anti‐CD20 therapy, there was no disease activity on cMRI, and EDSS score improved (n = 2) or remained stable (n = 4). No severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that anti‐CD20 therapy may be a valuable treatment option for MS‐associated uveitis.
Precision medicine for genetic epilepsy on the horizon: Recent advances, present challenges, and suggestions for continued progress
Authors: Knowles Juliet K. , Helbig Ingo , Metcalf Cameron S. , Lubbers Laura S. , Isom Lori L. , Demarest Scott , Goldberg Ethan M. , George Alfred L. , Lerche Holger , Weckhuysen Sarah , Whittemore Vicky , Berkovic Samuel F. , Lowenstein Daniel H.
Published: June 2022

The genetic basis of many epilepsies is increasingly understood, giving rise to the possibility of precision treatments tailored to specific genetic etiologies. Despite this, current medical therapy for most epilepsies remains imprecise, aimed primarily at empirical seizure reduction rather than targeting specific disease processes. Intellectual and technological leaps in diagnosis over the past 10 years have not yet translated to routine changes in clinical practice. However, the epilepsy community is poised to make impressive gains in precision therapy, with continued innovation in gene discovery, diagnostic ability, and bioinformatics; increased access to genetic testing and counseling; fuller understanding of natural histories; agility and rigor in preclinical research, including strategic use of emerging model systems; and engagement of an evolving group of stakeholders (including patient advocates, governmental resources, and clinicians and scientists in academia and industry). In each of these areas, we highlight notable examples of recent progress, new or persistent challenges, and future directions. The future of precision medicine for genetic epilepsy looks bright if key opportunities on the horizon can be pursued with strategic and coordinated effort.
Cardiovascular disease prediction using recursive feature elimination and gradient boosting classification techniques
Authors: Theerthagiri Prasannavenkatesan , Vidya Jyothiprakash
Published: June 2022

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common chronic illnesses that affect people's health. Early detection of cardiovascular diseases's can reduce mortality rates by preventing or reducing the severity of the disease. Machine learning algorithms are a promising method for identifying risk factors. This article proposes a recursive feature elimination‐based gradient boosting algorithm in order to obtain accurate heart disease prediction. The patients' health record with important cardiovascular disease features has been analysed for the evaluation of the results. Several other machine learning methods were also used to build the prediction model, and the results were compared with the proposed model. The results of this proposed model infer that the combined recursive feature elimination and gradient boosting algorithm achieves the highest accuracy (89.7%). Further, with an area under the curve of 0.84, the proposed algorithm was found superior and had obtained a substantial gain over other techniques. Thus, the proposed gradient boosting algorithm will serve as a prominent cardiovascular disease estimation and treatment model.
Benzimidazole derivatives: A versatile scaffold for drug development against Helicobacter pylori‐related diseases
Authors: Rostami Hedieh , Haddadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2022

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic gastric pathogen and a major contributor to chronic atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric malignancies. The increasing prevalence of H. pylori infection and its related diseases, such as gastric cancer (GC), motivates medicinal chemists to seek for more effective multi‐targeting drugs to prevent and treat H. pylori‐related clinical complications. Benzimidazole, a hetero‐aromatic bicyclic ring compound, has claimed a prominent role in medicinal chemistry owing to its broad range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. Studies highlight the promising therapeutic potential of benzimidazole derivatives in the treatment of H. pylori‐related clinical complications such as gastric infection, gastritis, peptic ulcer, and GC. Accordingly, we here aimed to scrutinize the role of active molecules of benzimidazole derivatives as potential antibacterial, anti‐urease, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐ulcerative, and anticancer agents, which are expected to find their ways to the clinical setting sooner or later. Due to the role of structural moieties in determining the biological behaviors of benzimidazole derivatives, we explored the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these compounds to further expand the scope of design of and research on new drugs against H. pylori‐related diseases.
Copper mobilisation from Cu sulphide minerals by methanobactin: Effect of pH, oxygen and natural organic matter
Authors: Rushworth Danielle D. , Christl Iso , Kumar Naresh , Hoffmann Kevin , Kretzschmar Ruben , Lehmann Moritz F. , Schenkeveld Walter D. C. , Kraemer Stephan M.
Published: June 2022

Aerobic methane oxidation (MOx) depends critically on the availability of copper (Cu) as a crucial component of the metal centre of particulate methane monooxygenase, one of the main enzymes involved in MOx. Some methanotrophs have developed Cu acquisition strategies, in which they exude Cu‐binding ligands termed chalkophores under conditions of low Cu availability. A well‐characterised chalkophore is methanobactin (mb), exuded by the microaerophilic methanotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b. Aerobic methanotrophs generally reside close to environmental oxic–anoxic interfaces, where the formation of Cu sulphide phases can aggravate the limitation of bioavailable Cu due to their low solubility. The reactivity of chalkophores towards such Cu sulphide mineral phases has not yet been investigated. In this study, a combination of dissolution experiments and equilibrium modelling was used to examine the dissolution and solubility of bulk and nanoparticulate Cu sulphide minerals in the presence of mb as influenced by pH, oxygen and natural organic matter. In general, we show that mb is effective at increasing the dissolved Cu concentrations in the presence of a variety of Cu sulphide phases that may potentially limit Cu bioavailability. More Cu was mobilised per mole of mb from Cu sulphide nanoparticles compared with well‐crystalline bulk covellite (CuS). In general, the efficacy of mb at mobilising Cu from Cu sulphides is pH‐dependent. At lower pH, e.g. pH 5, mb was ineffective at solubilizing Cu. The presence of mb increased dissolved Cu concentrations between pH 7 and 8.5, where the solubility of all Cu sulphides is generally low, both in the presence and absence of oxygen. These results suggest that chalkophore‐promoted Cu mobilisation from sulphide phases is an effective extracellular mechanism for increasing dissolved Cu concentrations at oxic–anoxic interfaces, particularly in the neutral to slightly alkaline pH range. This suggests that aerobic methanotrophs may be able to fulfil their Cu requirements via the exudation of mb in natural environments where the bioavailability of Cu is constrained by very stable Cu sulphide phases.
Current breeding distributions and predicted range shifts under climate change in two subspecies of Black‐tailed Godwits in Asia
Authors: Zhu Bing‐Run , Verhoeven Mo A. , Velasco Nicolas , Sanchez‐Aguilar Lisa , Zhang Zhengwang , Piersma Theunis
Published: June 2022

Habitat loss and shifts associated with climate change threaten global biodiversity, with impacts likely to be most pronounced at high latitudes. With the disappearance of the tundra breeding habitats, migratory shorebirds that breed at these high latitudes are likely to be even more vulnerable to climate change than those in temperate regions. We examined this idea using new distributional information on two subspecies of Black‐tailed Godwits Limosa limosa in Asia: the northerly, bog‐breeding L. l. bohaii and the more southerly, steppe‐breeding L. l. melanuroides. Based on breeding locations of tagged and molecularly assayed birds, we modelled the current breeding distributions of the two subspecies with species distribution models, tested those models for robustness and then used them to predict climatically suitable breeding ranges in 2070 according to bioclimatic variables and different climate change scenarios. Our models were robust and showed that climate change is expected to push bohaii into the northern rim of the Eurasian continent. Melanuroides is also expected to shift northward, stopping in the Yablonovyy and Stanovoy Ranges, and breeding elevation is expected to increase. Climatically suitable breeding habitat ranges would shrink to 16% and 11% of the currently estimated ranges of bohaii and melanuroides, respectively. Overall, this study provides the first predictions for the future distributions of two little‐known Black‐tailed Godwit subspecies and highlights the importance of factoring in shifts in bird distribution when designing climate‐proof conservation strategies.
Screening accuracy of percentage predicted gait speed for prefrailty/frailty in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Pua Yong‐Hao , Tay Laura , Clark Ross Allan , Thumboo Julian , Tay Ee‐Ling , Mah Shi‐Min , Ng Yee‐Sien
Published: June 2022

Aim

In order to account for the variability in gait speed due to demographic factors, an observed gait speed value can be compared with its predicted value based on age, sex, and body height (observed gait speed divided by predicted gait speed, termed “GS%predicted” henceforth). This study aimed to examine the screening accuracy of an optimal GS%predicted threshold for prefrailty/frailty.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 998 community‐dwelling ambulant participants aged >50 years (mean age = 68 years). Participants completed a multi‐domain geriatric screen and a physical fitness assessment, from which the 10‐m habitual gait speed, GS%predicted, Physical Frailty Phenotype (PFP) index, and 36‐item Frailty Index (FI) were computed.

Results

Based on the FI, ~49% of participants had pre‐frailty or frailty. The optimal threshold of GS%predicted (0.93) had greater screening accuracy than the 1.0 m/s fixed threshold for gait speed (AUC, 0.65 vs. 0.60; DeLong's P < 0.001). Replacing gait speed with GS%predicted in the PFP improved its overall discrimination (AUC, 0.70 vs. 0.67 of original PFP; DeLong's P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Defining a “slow” gait speed by a GS%predicted value of <0.93 provided greater screening accuracy than the traditional 1.0 m/s threshold for gait speed. Our results also support the use of GS%predicted‐derived PFP to identify older adults at risk of prefrailty/frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 575–580.
The gendered consequences of the COVID‐19 lockdown on unpaid work in Swiss dual earner couples with children
Authors: Steinmetz Stephanie , Vandecasteele Leen , Lebert Florence , Voorpostel Marieke , Lipps Oliver
Published: June 2022

This article assesses the gendered impact of COVID‐19 measures on changes in time that Swiss dual earner couples spent on unpaid work during the pandemic, focusing on families with children. Overcoming some of the methodological shortcomings of previous studies, high‐quality representative panel data allow us to examine the change in time invested in housework and childcare before and during the pandemic, and test theoretical assumptions as to the mechanisms underlying the observed patterns. Gender inequalities are explained by the couple's work division prior to, and at the onset of, the pandemic and interpreted in the light of key theoretical approaches (economics of the family, bargaining and time availability, doing gender). Our results imply that in particular changes in the time availability of the partner are relevant for changes in time spent on housework, while in case of care work, the own time availability matters more. Moreover, we also found that the respondents' economic bargaining power within the couple matters both for housework and care work. Finally, the implemented COVID‐19 measures neither led to an increase in patriarchal power structures nor did they foster an increase in equality for unpaid work among women and men. Instead, the results show that changes in time availability due to short‐time, remote or overtime working schemes determined changes in time spent on unpaid care to a larger extent than gender alone.
Robust antiviral responses in severe hepatitis flare persist after early retreatment cessation and lead toward hepatitis B surface antigen loss: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Chang Ming‐Ling , Chien Rong‐Nan , Liaw Yun‐Fan
Published: June 2022

Aim

Hepatitis B flare has been interpreted as result of immune response against upsurging hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its antigen(s) that may lead to HBV decline/clearance spontaneously. It has been speculated that antiviral therapy could halt the effective immune response with viral persistent as a consequence. A proof‐of‐concept study was conducted to investigate this issue.

Methods

Serial biochemical, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor‐necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) assays were performed in four patients with severe hepatitis flare who had achieved precipitous HBsAg decline within 4 weeks of antiviral therapy.

Results

TNF‐α and IFN‐γ were found to be elevated in parallel to upsurging HBV DNA and HBsAg levels in all patients. Higher levels of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ and levels relative to qHBsAg were observed during and after early termination of therapy within 4 weeks in two patients and were followed by further HBsAg decline to <5 IU/ml and even achieved HBsAg loss in one patient. The patient who had stopped therapy on day 44 showed minimal HBsAg decline afterward and the patient who continued therapy showed a 10‐fold rebound of qHBsAg from its nadir. The subsequent IFN‐γ and TNF‐α activity of these two patients was minimal.

Conclusions

The results suggest that patients with severe hepatitis flare who achieved precipitous HBsAg decline may have robust immune response to clear the virus, and early termination of antiviral therapy may allow the protective immune response to continue and accelerate HBV decline toward HBsAg loss.
Rapid development of a COVID‐19 care planning decision‐aid for family carers of people living with dementia
Authors: West Emily , Nair Pushpa , Aker Narin , Sampson Elizabeth L. , Moore Kirsten , Manthorpe Jill , Rait Greta , Walters Kate , Kupeli Nuriye , Davies Nathan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

COVID‐19 has disproportionately affected people living with dementia and their carers. Its effects on health and social care systems necessitated a rapid‐response approach to care planning and decision‐making in this population, with reflexivity and responsiveness to changing individual and system needs at its core. Considering this, a decision‐aid to help families of persons with dementia was developed.

Objectives

To coproduce with people living with dementia, and the people who care for them, a decision‐aid for family carers of people living with dementia, to support decisions during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken in 2020 with: (1) staff from two English national end‐of‐life and supportive care organizations; and (2) people living with dementia and family carers. Simultaneously, a rapid review of current evidence on making decisions with older people at the end of life was undertaken. Evidence from these inputs was combined to shape the decision‐aid through a series of workshops with key stakeholders, including our patient and public involvement group, which consisted of a person living with dementia and family carers; a group of clinical and academic experts and a group of policy and charity leads.

Results

The rapid review of existing evidence highlighted the need to consider both process and outcome elements of decision‐making and their effects on people living with dementia and their families. The qualitative interviews discussed a wide range of topics, including trust, agency and confusion in making decisions in the context of COVID‐19. The decision‐aid primarily focussed on care moves, legal matters, carer wellbeing and help‐seeking.

Conclusions

Combining different sources and forms of evidence was a robust and systematic process that proved efficient and valuable in creating a novel decision‐aid for family carers within the context of COVID‐19. The output from this process is an evidence‐based practical decision‐aid coproduced with people living with dementia, family carers, clinical and academic experts and leading national dementia and palliative care organizations.

Patient or Public Contribution

We worked with people living with dementia and family carers and other key stakeholders throughout this study, from study development and design to inclusion in stakeholder workshops and dissemination.
Evaluation of acha flour in the production of gluten‐free sourdough cookies
Authors: Olojede Ayoyinka O. , Oahimire Isabel O. , Gbande Joy I. , Osondu‐Igbokwe Agoziwom D. , Thomas Remilekun M. , Olojede Dare S. , Banwo Kolawole
Published: June 2022

Employing biotechnology processing in the manufacturing of baked goods with underutilised gluten‐free cereals is deserving of marked interest to get new niche products. This study aims at determining the influence of sourdough made with starter cultures on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of cookies produced with acha flour. Sourdough containing lactic acid bacteria and yeast starters were added as ingredients for making acha‐based cookies. Sourdough increased the spread ratio of the cookies. Fructilactobacillus fructivorans and Candida tropicalis as mixed starters gave the highest values (6.52 ± 0.06 and 2.21 ± 0.27, respectively) for crude protein and ash. Sourdough addition and the type of starter culture used for the fermentation influenced the mineral composition of cookies (P < 0.05). The most overall acceptable was SBTC, made with only C. tropicalis sourdough. Utilisation of acha with sourdough addition is recommended for making cookies with improved qualities and promoting the locally grown cereal for potential health benefits.
Income protection for self‐employed and non‐standard workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Spasova Slavina , Regazzoni Pietro
Published: June 2022

Based on original evidence from the European Social Policy Network (ESPN), the article investigates the extent to which self‐employed and non‐standard workers, who are less protected by “ordinary” social protection, were included in “extraordinary” income protection and job retention schemes during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom. When the crisis hit, countries quickly introduced unprecedented emergency income replacement measures for the self‐employed. Nevertheless, most of these schemes provided only basic support through lump sums and were, in some cases, subject to a variety of eligibility conditions. Non‐standard workers were in general included in job retention schemes, but substantial gaps remained in some countries. The article discusses how such gaps were addressed in five EU Member States. The article concludes by highlighting some policy pointers for better and more adequate “extraordinary” income protection for the self‐employed and non‐standard workers in times of crisis.
The financial sustainability of public pensions in Cuba: The impact of ageing, structural reforms and the economic crisis
Authors: Mesa‐Lago Carmelo , Moreno Carla , Kay Stephen J.
Published: June 2022

This article analyses Cuba’s pension system from 2006–2021 with respect to its financial and actuarial sustainability and impact on the population. It includes discussion of the ageing population; the sharp cut in social expenditures since 2009; the deficit in pension financing and the impact of the 2008 parametric reform; the devaluation of pensions; structural reforms and the expansion of poverty and the curtailing of social assistance; the impact of the current economic crisis on pensions; and projections of the future financial sustainability of pensions.
Egypt’s reformed social insurance system: How might design change incentivize enrolment?
Authors: Barsoum Ghada , Selwaness Irene N.
Published: June 2022

In 2019, the Government of Egypt issued a new legal framework for its social insurance system. Aside from providing a unified scheme covering different groups of workers, the new regulation allowed for systemic and parametric reforms that were aimed in large part at addressing the challenge of workers’ low enrolment in social insurance, with an emphasis on informal workers. The reforms reduced the rate of contributions paid by employees and employers, increased the penalties for employers who do not register their workers, and improved the benefits structure. The law also specified provisions to facilitate the enrolment of informal workers by offering to cover the employer’s share of their contributions. However, the law limited such improved access to nine specific categories of informal workers, a decision that fails to recognize the diversity of informal forms of work. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of contributors to the previous system, this article argues that structural barriers pertaining to the large numbers of low‐earners and informal enterprises in the economy will likely hinder the expansion of system enrolment despite the legal reforms.
Factors that foster and challenge the sustainability of departmental health insurance units in Senegal
Authors: Ridde Valéry , Ba Mouhamadou Faly , Guyot Marion , Kane Babacar , Mbow Ndeye Bineta , Senghor Ibrahima , Faye Adama
Published: June 2022

In an effort to establish universal health coverage (UHC), Senegal set up two departmental health insurance units (UDAM) to scale‐up health insurance to rural communities. Part of this innovation meant that health insurance was no longer managed by volunteers, but by professionals. Several years after the conclusion of the project in 2017 that supported their initial development, both UDAMs still operate successfully. This mixed methods research aims to understand the factors that have contributed to the sustainability of both UDAMs, as well as discuss the remaining challenges. The factors deemed favourable to sustainability are actions undertaken to ensure financial stability and organizational risk taking. However, the mobilization of the population, relationships with health professionals and the role of the State have been more difficult to organize. Challenges concern the payment of subsidies and the supply of medicines by the State and partnership with the health care system, the maintenance of contributions, the digitalization of administration, as well as fraud and abuse.
Ablation behavior of (Hf–Ta–Zr–Nb–Ti)C high‐entropy carbide and (Hf–Ta–Zr–Nb–Ti)C–xSiC composites
Authors: Wang Yichen , Yu Duo , Yin Jie , Zhang Buhao , Zhang Hangfeng , Liu Xuejian , An Yulong , Reece Michael J. , Huang Zhengren
Published: June 2022

The ablation behavior of (Hf–Ta–Zr–Nb–Ti)C high‐entropy carbide (HEC‐0) was investigated using a plasma flame in air for different times (60, 90, and 120 s) at about 2100°C. The effect of SiC content on the ablation resistance of HEC–xSiC composites (x = 10 and 20 vol%) was also studied. The linear ablation rate of HEC‐0 decreases with increasing ablation time, showing the positive role of the oxide layer with a complex composition. The linear ablation rate of HEC–10 vol% SiC (0.3 µm s−1) is only a 10th of that of HEC‐0, showing a significant improvement in ablation resistance, probably due to the formation of a protective oxide layer containing melted SiO2 and refractory Hf–Zr–Si–O oxides.
Dynamics of domain walls in ferroelectrics and relaxors
Authors: Otonicar Mojca , Dragomir Mirela , Rojac Tadej
Published: June 2022

The dynamic contribution of domain walls (DWs) to application‐relevant dielectric and piezoelectric properties of ferroelectrics and relaxor‐based oxide ceramics has been in the focus since the earliest studies on these complex multifunctional materials. Despite the vital importance of DWs in the material design for targeted applications, the understanding of these interfaces has been significantly advanced only recently owing to the concurrent development of analytical methodologies probing the structure of samples in situ and at different length scales. In this contribution, we present two recent cases that have raised particular attention and controversy. The first is on the electrically conductive DWs in BiFeO3(BFO), whereas the second is on low‐angle DWs characteristic for relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−xPbTiO3(PMN–PT). Using nonlinear piezoelectric measurements with the support from multiscale structural analysis, we illustrate with the two case studies how, on one hand, the local electrical conductivity in BFO and, on the other hand, the structural disorder inherent to PMN–PT affect DW dynamics, leading to emerging macroscopic effects. By clarifying some of the aspects of these particular interfaces, we hope that the presented results will provide guidance to analytical approaches for identifying the key microscopic mechanisms contributing to macroscopic functional properties of ferroelectric and related materials.
Laccase production from Bacillus aestuarii KSK using Borassus flabellifer empty fruit bunch waste as a substrate and assessing their malachite green dye degradation
Authors: Selvam Kandasamy , Ameen Fuad , Amirul Islam Mohammad , Sudhakar Chinnappan , Selvankumar Thangaswamy
Published: June 2022

Aims

The lignocellulosic waste, Borassus flabellifer empty fruit bunch waste (BFEFBW), was employed to produce laccase using Bacillus aestuarii KSK under solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions and to assess the efficiency of malachite green (MG) dye decolourization.

Methods and Results

Abiotic factors such as pH (5.0–9.0), temperature (25–45°C) and incubation time (24–96 h) were optimized using Response surface methodology-Box-Behenan Design (RSM-BBD) to exploit the laccase production. The anticipated model revealed that the highest laccase activity of 437 U/ml shows after 60 h of incubation at 35°C at pH 7.0. The bacterial laccase was used to remove 89% of the MG dye in less time.

Conclusion

The laccase from B. aestuarii KSK decolorizes the MG and thereby making it a suitable choice for wastewater treatment from industrial effluents.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study is the first report on the production of laccase from B. flabellifer empty fruit bunch waste as a substrate. Bacillus aestuarii KSK was isolated from the soil sample and used to produce laccase under SSF conditions. The bacterial laccase has the potential for industrial application in textile waste dye treatment.
Genetic divergence among threespine stickleback that differ in nuptial coloration
Authors: Jenck Clara S. , Lehto Whitley R. , Hunnicutt Kelsie E. , Murphy Shannon M. , Quinn Thomas W. , Larson Erica L. , Tinghitella Robin M.
Published: June 2022

Sexual signals are shaped by their intended and unintended receivers as well as the signalling environment. This interplay between sexual and natural selection can lead to divergence in signals in heterogeneous environments. Yet, the extent to which gene flow is restricted when signalling phenotypes vary across environments and over what spatial scales remains an outstanding question. In this study, we quantify gene flow between two colour morphs, red and black, of freshwater threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We capitalize on the very recent divergence of signalling phenotypes in this system to characterize within‐species and among‐morph genetic variation and to test for levels of gene flow between colour morphs in Oregon and Washington. Despite limited evidence for assortative mating between allopatric red and black populations, we found that black populations are genetically distinct from nearby red populations and that the black morph appears to have evolved independently at least twice in Oregon and Washington. Surprisingly, we uncovered a group of stickleback in one small coastal stream, Connor Creek, which is genetically and morphologically distinct from the red and black colour morphs and from marine stickleback. Historically, both colour morphs have coexisted in this location and sometimes hybridized, raising new questions about the origins and history of these fish, which were first described as anadromous‐black hybrids >50 years ago. Understanding how genetic variation is currently partitioned within and among populations and colour morphs in this system should prompt future studies to assess the relative roles of habitat, ecological and pre‐ and post‐reproductive barriers in the genetic divergence and phenotypic patterns we observe in nature.
Sex chromosome systems in Neotropical Primates: What have we learnt so far from cytogenetics and genomics?
Authors: Steinberg Eliana Ruth , Bressa María José , Mudry Marta Dolores
Published: June 2022

Neotropical Primates (Platyrrhini) show great diversity in their life histories, ecology, behaviour and genetics. This diversity extends to their chromosome complements, both to autosomes and to sex chromosomes. In this contribution, we will review what is currently known about sex chromosomes in this group, both from cytogenetic and from genomic evidence. The X and Y chromosomes in Neotropical Primates, also known as New World Monkeys, have striking structural differences compared with Old World Monkeys when Catarrhini sex chromosomes are considered. The XY bivalent displays a different meiotic behaviour in prophase I, and their Y chromosome shows extensive genomic differences. Even though the most widespread sex chromosome system is the XX/XY and thus considered the ancestral one for Platyrrhini, modifications of this sexual system are observed within this group. Multiple sex chromosome systems originated from Y‐autosome translocations were described in several genera (Aotus,CallimicoandAlouatta). In the howler monkeys, genusAlouatta, an independent origin of the sexual systems in South American and Mesoamerican species was postulated. All the above‐mentioned evidence suggests that the Y chromosome of Platyrrhini has a different evolutionary history compared with the Catarrhini Y. There is still much to understand regarding their sex chromosome systems.
More work is needed on cost‐utility analyses of robotic‐assisted surgery
Authors: Bai Fei , Li Meixuan , Han Jiani , Qin Yu , Yao Liang , Yan Wenlong , Liu Yujun , He Gege , Zhou Yinjuan , Ma Xiaoya , Aboudou Taslim , Guan Ling , Lu Mengying , Wei Zhipeng , Li Xiuxia , Yang Kehu
Published: June 2022

Objective

To comprehensively analyze the cost‐utility of robotic surgery in clinical practice and to investigate the reporting and methodological quality of the related evidence.

Methods

Data on cost‐utility analyses (CUAs) of robotic surgery were collected in seven electronic databases from the inception to July 2021. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the CHEERs and QHES checklists. A systematic review was performed with the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio as the outcome of interest.

Results

Thirty‐one CUAs of robotic surgery were eligible. Overall, the identified CUAs were fair to high quality, and 63% of the CUAs ranked the cost‐utility of robotic surgery as “favored,” 32% categorized as “reject,” and the remaining 5% ranked as “unclear.” Although a high heterogeneity was present in terms of the study design among the included CUAs, most studies (81.25%) consistently found that robotic surgery was more cost‐utility than open surgery for prostatectomy (ICER: $6905.31/QALY to $26240.75/QALY; time horizon: 10 years or lifetime), colectomy (dominated by robotic surgery; time horizon: 1 year), knee arthroplasty (ICER: $1134.22/QALY to $1232.27/QALY; time horizon: lifetime), gastrectomy (dominated by robotic surgery; time horizon: 1 year), spine surgery (ICER: $17707.27/QALY; time horizon: 1 year), and cystectomy (ICER: $3154.46/QALY; time horizon: 3 months). However, inconsistent evidence was found for the cost‐utility of robotic surgeryversuslaparoscopic surgery and (chemo)radiotherapy.

Conclusions

Fair or high‐quality evidence indicated that robotic surgery is more cost‐utility than open surgery, while it remains inconclusive whether robotic surgery is more cost‐utility than laparoscopic surgery and (chemo)radiotherapy. Thus, an additional evaluation is required.
Reply to: Comment on: Potentially inappropriate medications in older adults visiting a geriatric emergency department
Authors: Martini Isadora D. , Aliberti Márlon J. R. , Avelino‐Silva Thiago J. , Curiati Pedro K.
Published: June 2022

This letter replies to the letter by Prin et al.
Have you found what you are looking for? How values orientations affect pro‐social change after transformative service experiences
Authors: Hamby Anne , Farrell Justine Rapp
Published: June 2022

Past research on transformative service experiences suggests that participating individuals may experience positive, as well as (unintended) negative well‐being consequences. Most of this work has examined aspects of the service provider and the service experience as a causal factor, underemphasizing aspects of the participants in such experiences as a determinant. Implementing a longitudinal design in the context of a cross‐country bike trip to benefit multiple sclerosis, the authors investigate how changes in participants' civic attitudes and skills, as well as perceived personal change and connection to the experience, may depend upon the participants' underlying values orientation. Emerging findings indicate that values associated with achievement and growth may lead to undesirable changes in civic attitudes, while values associated with external validation promote positive personal change and enhanced connection to the organization and cause. Implications for transformative service organizations and research limitations are discussed.
The new world of philanthropy: How changing financial behavior, public policies, and COVID‐19 affect nonprofit fundraising and marketing
Authors: Van Steenburg Eric , Anaza Nwamaka A. , Ashhar Ahmed , Barrios Andres , Deutsch Ashley R. , Gardner Meryl P. , Priya Preeti , Roy Abhijit , Sivaraman Anu , Taylor Kimberly A.
Published: June 2022

Evolving financial behavior, an unpredictable public policy atmosphere, and an unparalleled global pandemic have collaborated to disrupt nonprofit fundraising. The COVID‐19 pandemic alone exacerbated consumer demands for nonprofit services while curtailing nonprofit organizations' ability to fundraise. Without fundraising, nonprofit organizations cannot achieve their mission or support their causes, leading to a precarious situation for societal well‐being. Meanwhile, consumers are changing their financial behaviors, with younger generations often going cashless. At the same time, governments continue to change policies that affect nonprofit organizations. In keeping with the transformative consumer research movement, the present study provides a conceptual framework for the state of nonprofit fundraising amid the challenges associated with changes in financial behavior and public policy, coupled with the effects of the global pandemic. Marketing strategies for fundraising success are presented to aid nonprofits going forward and serve societal interests.
Childhood experience of parental affection and financial well‐being in later life: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Pak Tae‐Young , Fan Lu
Published: June 2022

Childhood experience of parental affection has been shown to be influential in numerous domains of a child's life. Using a nationally representative sample of older Americans, this study examined the association between childhood experience of parental affection and financial well‐being four to five decades later. Consistent with the literature, childhood experience of parental affection was found to be positively related to both objective and subjective financial well‐being, as evidenced by greater total assets and lower total debt, debt‐to‐assets ratio, propensity to experience difficulty paying bills, and financial satisfaction. The results were robust to controlling for early life characteristics of parents and family, as well as addressing potential recall bias in retrospective reports. Our findings suggest that parental affection in childhood exerts a long‐lasting influence on financial well‐being, which persists into later life. Early intervention for those who lack parental affection may complement financial education programs and yield significant lifetime benefits.