bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between industry 4.0 maturity of manufacturing processes and performance measurement and management in SMEs
Authors: Naeem Hafiz Muhammad , Garengo Patrizia
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper proposes an SME oriented Industry 4.0 maturity framework to explore the interplay between manufacturing processes, performance measurement system and management practices (PMM). Given that the fourth industrial revolution, famously referred to as Industry 4.0, is a new paradigm for manufacturing firms, it is crucial to know the ‘as-is’ state or maturity of SMEs' manufacturing processes and link it with their PMM. Despite the availability of numerous maturity models, no previous study has tried to link the maturity of manufacturing processes with performance measurement and management.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the exploratory nature of the study and the lack of theoretical base for Industry 4.0 maturity and PMM interaction, especially in the SME context, a multiple case study approach has been adopted due to its robustness and effectiveness under such circumstances.

Findings

There is a strong interplay between the maturity of manufacturing processes and PMM. The firms that have invested in their manufacturing processes have also developed performance measurements. Overall, performance measurement is more developed than performance management practices.

Originality/value

The characteristics of the interplay between the maturity of manufacturing processes and PMM are summarized in three main propositions. Moreover, the study provides practitioners with an assessment framework to help SMEs evaluate the current state of their manufacturing processes and PMM to highlight the areas of improvement towards the I4.0 expedition.
Liquidity constraints and optimal annuitization
Authors: Park Seyoung
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we view an individual's annuitization decision as an American style call option whose underlying asset is financial wealth, which controls the distance to annuitization. We then derive a certain threshold of wealth over which the individual is optimal to annuitize all of her wealth. We particularly focus on the effects of liquidity constraints on the individual's optimal annuitization decision, concerning their effects on the optimal investment and consumption strategies. We show that the annuitization decision can be significantly affected by the extent to which individual borrowing is constrained. More specifically, the optimal decision is for the individual to annuitize earlier with the tighter liquidity constrains she is exposed to than initially planned. This is particularly relevant to today's pandemic situation especially with the growing concern about cutting credit limits.
Oilseed warehouse location selection with an integrated approach: a case of Turkey
Authors: Gergin Ramazan Eyup , Peker Iskender , Baki Birdogan , Tuzkaya Umut Rifat , Tanyas Mehmet
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Agricultural sector not only meets the nutritional requirements of all living creatures but also generates the primary source of the raw material provided by various branches of industry to fulfill their functions. It is of great importance to increase studies on oilseeds which have an important role in Turkey's agricultural products. They are grown in almost all of the country, which are vital for the nutrition and many sectors. The main purpose of the study is to offer an integrated approach to determine potential warehouse locations for oilseeds.

Design/methodology/approach

This is the first study that integrates Delphi, analytical hierarchical process (AHP), technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), P-Median and Panel data analysis in a real case. This integrated approach consists of the following steps, respectively: (1) The criteria were determined by the Delphi method. (2) The weights of the criteria were calculated by AHP and the provinces with the highest oilseed warehouse potential in seven regions of Turkey were specified by TOPSIS. (3) Oilseed warehouse numbers and locations were obtained by P-Median. (4) In order to answer whether the distribution network is profitable in the future with the determined center locations, a forecast model based on panel data analysis was created. (5) Regional representatives were determined for 2030, and the distribution network was analyzed again. (6) The costs that arose in 2018 and 2030 were computed and compared by cost analysis. (7) The effect of the change in criteria weights on the alternative results was tested by scenario analysis.

Findings

The findings indicated that oilseed crop production potential and oilseed crop production area turned out to be the most important criteria. Furthermore, the results showed that this model is robust and suitable for warehouse location selection studies.

Practical implications

The study can serve as a guide for local and central policy makers with both the criteria it uses and the model it develops.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that the integrated approach has been used for the first time in location selection in a real case.
Implementing environmental protection tax in China: an alternative framework
Authors: Cai Wei , Bai Min , Davey Howard
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to better understand the nexus between environmental taxes and other environmental management systems (EMSs) and to propose an alternative framework for implementing environmental protection tax (EPT) in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a multimethod approach encompassing document analysis and comparative analysis. The archival data covers laws, reports, regulations, guidelines and standards related to the EPT and EMS sub-systems in China.

Findings

The study identifies several institutional features of environmental taxes that have not been fully explored in past tax research. In addition, the study reveals that information-sharing mechanisms are key to addressing the risks and uncertainties associated with the implementation of an environmental tax and that the mechanisms are grounded in the nexus among EPT and two EMS sub-systems.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study have implications for the understanding of China’s environmental tax system, the Environmental Impact Assessment system and the pollutants discharge permit (PDP) system. The construction of an alternative framework provides insights for approaches to environmental taxation. A limitation of this study is that the application of the framework might be undermined by the inaccurate manual sampling, as some pollutants may be non-replicable.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are relevant to policymakers who are designing, improving or abandoning environmental taxes for alternate solutions to environmental issues.

Social implications

The insights gained from this study may be of assistance to lower the risks and uncertainties associated with the implementation of an environmental tax.

Originality/value

The study contributes to approaches to environmental taxes by constructing an alternative framework that connects an environmental tax system with two EMSs. The framework lays the groundwork for some promising research opportunities. Additionally, the study extends the tax accounting literature (Hanlon and Heitzman, 2010) by connecting accounting and environmental knowledge and developing a transdisciplinary approach. The study also contributes to the emerging body of literature that addresses the challenges in implementing environmental taxes in China.
Police contact with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities: a special issue introduction
Authors: Wallace Danielle , McGhee Hassrick Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the authors summarize the empirical and theoretical gaps in understanding of police contact with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities at the individual, interactional, organizational and systems level and introduce the special issue papers which address these gaps. The authors close with a discussion of future directions for research in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ objective in producing this issue was to create a platform to generate and facilitate research in this area. The authors chose papers that represented research that could “move the needle” around the understanding of policing and intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Findings

The papers in this special issue reflect four thematic areas: (1) the nature of interactions between the police and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities; (2) police interactions about individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities with criminal justice systems, social services and mental health services, (3) experiences of the police when encountering individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and finally, (4) the experiences within police encounters of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Originality/value

Research on intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is still in its infancy, particularly within the field of criminology and criminal justice. This special issue brings together innovative international research that adds critical information surrounding the nature of interactions between the police and individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, the experience for both parties during that interaction and the context of these interactions in the larger organizational ecosystem of criminal justice organizations and social service agencies.
Enhancing project team outcomes despite provisional work: a discussion to leverage cross-generational advantages
Authors: Paros Amy , Kelly Patricia S. , Sprinkle Therese A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper seeks to enhance team performance by intersecting two existing literature streams, generational influences and working teams. This paper aims to boost project objective achievement through the instrumental use of generational competencies despite temporary and provisional project team environments. This supports project team leaders in harnessing diverse generational competencies of contributors to maximize outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt the simultaneous use of social categorization and information processing to connect these diverse literature streams, highlighting the value system and skills of each generation to maximize working benefits.

Findings

Project team leader’s tactical deployment of generational competencies may positively contribute to execution and increased goal achievement. The increasingly provisional nature of workforce teams magnifies the need for intentional team management. Embracing generational competencies may elevate team members, increase productivity and decrease turnover.

Practical implications

This paper offers a pathway to couple team execution and generational differences by identifying generational traits which may benefit execution-focused, but provisional teams.

Social implications

Rather than managing team members to fit into a specific work process, this paper explores the benefits associated with team leader acceptance and strategic use of diverse generational behaviours.

Originality/value

The authors expand upon team diversity by intersecting execution-based and provisional project teams with the intentional use of generational influences to build trust and further positive outcomes.
Review of moving magnet linear oscillating actuators for linear compressor application
Authors: Khalid Sumeet , Khan Faisal , Ullah Basharat , Ahmad Zahoor , Akbar Siddique
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the recent developments and new topologies of single-phase moving magnet linear oscillating actuators (MMLOAs). The key advantage of the MMLOA when compared with conventional LOA is the absence of screws, gears and crankshaft mechanism, which results in fewer mechanical parts, simple structure, easy fabrication, lower noise levels and negligible frictional losses.

Design/methodology/approach

The review included papers up to August 2021. The structural designs of alternative topologies are deliberated in detail, and their relative merits and demerits are evaluated. Specific design issues, including pole and tooth number combinations, stroke length, magnet pole ratio and split ratio, are investigated. The imperative phenomena of the resonance, as well as the adjustable stroke, are also discussed in detail.

Findings

The electromagnetic performance in terms of thrust force of selected MMLOA topologies is compared. It is observed that the MMLOA with flux bridge topology has the highest thrust force of 365 N because of the large volume of the permanent magnets (PMs) used, which consequently increased the mass of the mover but based on overall performance analysis, single-phase end ferromagnetic Halbach surface-mounted PM LOA has the highest efficiency around 92%.

Originality/value

This review provides a comparative analysis for different tubular MMLOA topologies based on design construction and their electromagnetic performances.
Family involvement in low-salt diet for hypertensive older adults
Authors: Usman Suharno , Irwan Andi Masyitha , Arafat Rosyidah
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of family involvement in the educational sessions and follow-up meetings on compliance with the low-salt diet for hypertensive older adults.

Design/methodology/approach

Randomized controlled trial was used in this study with a total of 30 hypertensive older adults divided into two groups (n = 15). The intervention group involved one family member during the educational sessions and follow-up meetings. Conversely, no family member was involved in the control group.

Findings

The intervention group showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in compliance level on the attitude (knowledge) and subjective norm (psychomotor and family support) subscales. The perceived obstacle subscale and the salt concentration in food and urine excretion significantly decreased both after educational sessions and follow-up meetings (p < 0.05). However, the control group did not.

Research limitations/implications

A relatively small number of samples would have affected the results, but in this study, randomization was applied in sample collection.

Practical implications

By encouraging the involvement of family members in the educational sessions and follow-up meetings, it could enhance compliance of low-salt diet among hypertensive older adults.

Originality/value

The findings and outputs provide a combination of family involvement and the Geragogy learning model through educational sessions and follow-up meetings that could enhance a low-salt diet adherence among older adults with hypertension in the community.
Metacommunity dynamics and the detection of species associations in co‐occurrence analyses: Why patch disturbance matters
Authors: Calcagno Vincent , Cunniffe Nik J. , Hamelin Frédéric M.
Published: April 2022

Many statistical methods attempt to detect species associations—and so infer interspecific interactions—from species co‐occurrence patterns. Habitat heterogeneity and out‐of‐equilibrium colonization histories are well recognized as potentially causing species associations, even when interactions are absent. The potential for patch disturbance, a classical component of metacommunity dynamics, to also drive spurious species associations has however been overlooked.

Using a new general metacommunity model, we derive mathematical predictions regarding how patch disturbance would affect the patterns of species associations detected in ‘null’ co‐occurrence matrices. We also conduct numerical simulations to test our predictions and to compare the performance of several widespread statistical methods, including direct tests of pairwise independence, matrix permutation approaches and joint species distribution modelling.

We show how classical metacommunity dynamics can produce statistical associations, both positive and negative, even when species do not interact, when there is no habitat heterogeneity, and at equilibrium. This occurs as soon as there is some rate of patch disturbance (i.e. simultaneous extinction of several species in a patch) and/or a finite life span of patches, a common feature of a broad range of plant, animal or microbial systems.

Patch disturbance can compromise species co‐occurrence analyses and cause the artefactual detection of species associations if not taken into account. Including patch age (i.e. the time since the last patch disturbance event) as a covariate in a joint species distribution model can resolve the artefact. However, this requires additional data that often are not available in practice. We argue that the consequences of patch disturbance should not be underestimated when analysing species distribution patterns in metacommunity‐like systems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Life stage and proximity to roads shape the skin microbiota of eastern newts (Notophthalmus viridescens)
Authors: Wuerthner Vanessa P. , Hua Jessica , Hernández‐Gómez Obed
Published: March 2022

Host‐associated microbiomes play an essential role in the health of organisms, including immune system activation, metabolism and energy uptake. It is well established that microbial communities differ depending on the life stage and natural history of the organism. However, the effects of life stage and natural history on microbial communities may also be influenced by human activities. We investigated the effects of amphibian life stage (terrestrial eft vs. aquatic adult) and proximity to roadways on newt skin bacterial communities. We found that the eft and adult life stages differed in bacterial community composition; however, the effects of roads on community composition were more evident in the terrestrial eft stage compared to the aquatic adult stage. Terrestrial efts sampled close to roads possessed richer communities than those living further away from the influence of roads. When accounting for amplicon sequence variants with predicted antifungal capabilities, in the adult life stage, we observed a decrease in anti‐fungal bacteria with distance to roads. In contrast, in the eft stage, we found an increase in anti‐fungal bacteria with distance to roads. Our results highlight the need to consider the effects of human activities when evaluating how host‐associated microbiomes differ across life stages of wildlife.
Therapist and supervisor experiences of the application of standard Multisystemic therapy to young people with suspected or diagnosed level 1 autistic Spectrum disorder
Authors: Pattni Sanu , Fox Simone , Glorney Emily
Published: March 2022

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intervention offered to young people presenting with antisocial and aggressive behaviour and is currently being adapted for use with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. This qualitative study aimed to provide the first consideration of the experiences of MST therapists and supervisors of delivering standard MST to young people with suspected or diagnosed Level 1 ASD. Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 11 MST therapists and supervisors with experience of working with the client group. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: (1) nuanced delivery of MST for Level 1 ASD, (2) need for knowledge and resources, and (3) positive experiences with delivering the intervention. Findings suggested the need for an increased focus on understanding the individual needs of a young person in assessment and intervention, the increased importance of structure and consistency, and psychoeducation for all systems around the young person in order to meet the developmental needs of young people with Level 1 ASD.
Who will pay for workplace reforms in U.S. meat‐processing plants? Simulation results from the USAGE model*
Authors: Dixon Peter B. , Rimmer Maureen T.
Published: March 2022

It is possible that COVID will trigger permanent changes in work practices that increase costs in U.S. meat‐processing plants. These changes will be beneficial for the safety and economic welfare of meat‐processing workers. However, they will have economic costs. In assessing reform options, policymakers seek guidance from analyses based on models embracing micro detail and an economy‐wide perspective. In this paper, we use USAGE‐Food, a highly disaggregated computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the United States, to work out how additional processing costs would be distributed between consumers of meat products and farmers. We also calculate industry and macroeconomic effects. Despite modelling farmers as owning fixed factors, principally their own labour, we find that the farmer share in extra processing costs is likely to be quite moderate. Throughout the paper, we support simulation results with back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations, diagrams and sensitivity analyses. These devices identify the mechanisms in the model and key data points that are responsible for the main results. In this way, we avoid the black‐box criticism that is sometimes levelled at CGE modelling.
Associations between vaginal flora, MIP‐1α, IL‐17A, and clinical pregnancy rate in AIH
Authors: Yang Hui , Gao Chengzhen , Wang Xia , Qiu Fenglong , Wei Mian , Xia Fei
Published: March 2022

Problem

To investigate how asymptomatic bacterial imbalance affects the clinical pregnancy rate after artificial insemination with the husband's semen (AIH).

Methods

This study included married heterosexual couples who underwent AIH. According to the follow‐up results, participants were divided into the pregnancy and non‐pregnancy groups. Based on the first 10 pair participants in each group with vaginal flora bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing results, six semen samples received bacterial‐sperm mixed test. Moreover, 34 cytokines were detected in the peripheral blood sera of the first three pairs by high‐throughput Luminex, which were verified in vaginal secretions, cervical mucus, and blood sera from the first 200 pairs by ELISA.

Results

The results of the 16S sequencing of vaginal secretions showed that compared with the pregnant group, the non‐pregnant group had a significantly increased bacterial species diversity, which was mainly manifested by a decrease in Lactobacillus crispatus and an increase in Prevotella bivia. When Prevotella bivia or Lactobacillus crispatus were mixed with sperms, the sperm motility was decreased (p < .05). The vaginal posterior fornix secretions, cervical mucus, and peripheral blood sera of the non‐pregnant group showed decreased levels of MIP‐1α and increased levels of IL‐17A (p < .05).

Conclusion

The imbalance of vaginal flora leading to the increase of Prevotella bivia and the decrease of Lactobacillus crispatus may cause an imbalance of immune regulation. Low expression of MIP‐1α and high expression of IL‐17A were associated with reduced clinical pregnancy rate in AIH.
Bochdalek hernias in the adult population: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Katsaros Ioannis , Giannopoulos Spyridon , Katelani Stamatia , Vailas Michail , Sotiropoulou Maria , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios , Giannakodimos Ilias , Kapetanakis Emmanouil I , Tomos Periklis , Schizas Dimitrios
Published: March 2022

Background

Bochdalek hernia (BH) is characterized by the protrusion of viscera into thorax through the posterolateral section of the diaphragm. The aim of this study was to systematically review current literature concerning Bochdalek hernias in adults and elucidate their clinical characteristics and preferable treatment approach.

Methods

A search of PubMed and Cochrane bibliographical databases for studies regarding BHs was conducted (last search: 31st March 2021).

Results

Predefined inclusion criteria were met by 173 articles and concerned collectively 192 patients (50.5% males) with a mean age of 45.41 ± 20.26 years. Abdominal pain (62.0%) and pulmonary symptoms (41.1%) were the predominant symptomatology of included cases. BHs protruded mainly through the left side of the diaphragm (70.7%), with large intestine (42.7%) and stomach (37.1%) being the most commonly herniated abdominal organs. Most patients (53.8%) underwent an open surgical approach, while abdominal approach was preferred (64.8%). to the thoracic one. Thirty‐day postoperative complication were encountered at 21.5% of patients, while 30‐day mortality reached 4.4%.

Conclusion

BH is an extremely rare type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It rarely concerns adults, and it manifests with vague gastrointestinal or pulmonary symptoms. Surgical approach is the preferred method for their management with open procedures being preferable at emergency cases, while minimal invasive approach necessitates experienced centers. Further research is needed in order to clarify their true incidence and optimal therapeutic strategy.
C1q and mobility score in predicting sarcopenia in an Australian cohort of cancer surgery patients
Authors: Senanayake Tharindu , Loh Eu Jhin , Carroll Rosemary , Chan Virgil , Smith Stephen R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Sarcopenia has been shown to have significant adverse health outcomes in a range of patient populations. Particularly, sarcopenic patients having cancer surgery are a unique group who demonstrate poorer post‐operative outcomes. Currently, the gold standard in diagnosing sarcopenia is through the use of computed tomography. However, the widespread use of imaging to diagnose patients with sarcopenia is neither cost‐effective nor practical. Identifying a serum biomarker or a simple mobility scoring system as an alternative diagnostic tool may aid in identifying more patients at risk of sarcopenia. C1q, a novel biomarker, has previously been shown to correlate with sarcopenia. Similarly, we sought to explore whether mobility scores may provide a useful surrogate marker for sarcopenia.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of patients who presented for colorectal cancer surgery between the dates of 6/10/2016 and 4/10/2017 at John Hunter Hospital. Computed tomography was utilized to calculate the psoas area at the L3 spinal level. Pre‐operative blood samples were obtained for C1q analysis and de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) was also performed.

Results

A total of 51 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients were 69 years old. We did not demonstrate a correlation between serum C1q and DEMMI scores with psoas area.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that neither C1q nor DEMMI scores are correlated with psoas area in a colorectal cancer population.
Technology landscape of pediatric mechanical circulatory support devices: A systematic review 2010–2021
Authors: Palazzolo Thomas , Hirschhorn Matthew , Garven Ellen , Day Steven , Stevens Randy M. , Rossano Joseph , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang , Throckmorton Amy L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, such as ventricular assist devices (VADs) and total artificial hearts (TAHs), have become a vital therapeutic option in the treatment of end‐stage heart failure for adult patients. Such therapeutic options continue to be limited for pediatric patients. Clinicians initially adapted or scaled existing adult devices for pediatric patients; however, these adult devices are not designed to support the anatomical structure and varying flow capacities required for this population and are generally operated “off‐design,” which risks complications such as hemolysis and thrombosis. Devices designed specifically for the pediatric population which seek to address these shortcomings are now emerging and gaining FDA approval.

Methods

To analyze the competitive landscape of pediatric MCS devices, we conducted a systematic literature review. Approximately 27 devices were studied in detail: 8 were established or previously approved designs, and 19 were under development (11 VADs, 5 Fontan assist devices, and 3 TAHs).

Results

Despite significant progress, there is still no pediatric pump technology that satisfies the unique and distinct design constraints and requirements to support pediatric patients, including the wide range of patient sizes, increased cardiovascular demand with growth, and anatomic and physiologic heterogeneity of congenital heart disease.

Conclusions

Forward‐thinking design solutions are required to overcome these challenges and to ensure the translation of new therapeutic MCS devices for pediatric patients.
Prevalence of failure of passive immunity transfer in Australian non‐replacement dairy calves
Authors: Roadknight N , Jongman E , Mansell P , Courtman N , McGill D , Hepworth G , Fisher A
Published: March 2022

Failure of passive immunity transfer (FPIT) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dairy calves. The prevalence of FPIT in dairy calves has generally been reported to be high, with FPIT estimated to occur in 38%–42% of Australian dairy calves. However, the focus of previous studies has been on replacement heifer calves. Our aim was to assess the prevalence of FPIT in Victorian bobby calves (non‐replacement dairy calves). We collected blood samples from 3608 bobby calves at three abattoirs at exsanguination, and measured serum total protein as an indicator of passive transfer. We found that 36% of bobby calves showed evidence of FPIT (serum total protein ≤52 g/L), and 50% of calves had poor or fair passive transfer (<58 g/L). When a subset of calves (from farms with more than five calves in the dataset) was analysed using a linear mixed model, Jersey calves and crossbred/other calves had an estimated 5.3 g/L and 5.1 g/L higher serum total protein concentration, respectively, than Holstein‐Friesian calves (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the prevalence of FPIT in bobby calves at abattoirs is similar to that reported in dairy heifer calves sampled on farms. A high prevalence of FPIT has implications for bobby calf morbidity and mortality, as well as calf viability and profitability for dairy‐beef production.
Response to commentary
Authors: Bahanan Lina , Scott Thayer , Kaye Elizabeth , Sohn Woosung
Published: April 2022

This letter is a response to commentary by Dr. Smith on ‘Examining the association between cancer history in early life and dental care utilization’. We provided additional information and clarification regarding our analysis and results in response to Dr. Smith's questions and comments. Despite the limitations and weaknesses of our study, we still believe that it provides important information and further research questions.
Patients with alopecia areata are at risk of endothelial dysfunction: results of a case–control study
Authors: Waśkiel-Burnat Anna , Kotowska Maja , Dorobek Wioleta , Smyk Julia Maria , Gąsecka Aleksandra , Niemczyk Anna , Blicharz Leszek , Filipiak Krzysztof Jerzy , Olszewska Małgorzata , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: March 2022

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune form of hair loss, which may affect any hair-bearing area. It has been suggested that AA is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities.

Aim

To evaluate the early predictors of cardiovascular disease [endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS)] in patients with AA without prior cardiovascular disease, and compare with healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

In total, 52 patients with AA (38 women and 14 men; mean age 41 years, range 30–52 years) and 34 HCs, matched for age, sex and body mass index, were enrolled in the study. EF, expressed as reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), and AS, identified by augmentation index at 75 beats/min (AI@75) were assessed with the use of the Endo-PAT 2000 device. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was defined as RHI value ≤1.67.

Results

ED was observed in 22 of 52 patients with AA (42%) and in 4 of 34 HCs (12%) (P < 0.01). Moreover, mean RHI was lower in patients with AA compared with HCs (1.90 ± 0.31 vs. 2.11 ± 0.45; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in AI@75 between patients with AA and HCs.

Conclusions

Patients with AA show abnormalities in early predictors of cardiovascular diseases. Regular cardiovascular screening might be appropriate for patients with AA.
Intravitreal dexamethasone versus bevacizumab in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with diabetic macular oedema: The OASIS study (a randomised control trial)
Authors: Meyer Joos , Fry Carly , Turner Angus , Razavi Hessom
Published: March 2022

Background

Frequent intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections are impractical for many Aboriginal patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). The longer acting intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX‐implant) is approved for DMO but has not been assessed in an Aboriginal population.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicentre, randomised, single‐masked, non‐inferiority clinical trial. Aboriginal adults from Western Australia with DMO were randomised to receive 3‐monthly DEX‐implant, or monthly intravitreal bevacizumab. The primary outcome was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months.

Results

The final endpoint was analysed for 24 DEX‐implant and 28 bevacizumab injection eyes. Mean BCVA improved by 4.0 letters (−0.08 LogMAR) in the DEX‐implant group and worsened by 5.5 letters (0.11 LogMAR) in the bevacizumab group. Before adjusting for cataract surgery, the upper bound of the two‐sided 90% CI for the DEX‐implant was 3.5 letters (0.07 LogMAR), which met non‐inferiority criteria. The BCVA of remote participants who received the DEX‐implant improved by 5.5 letters (0.11 LogMAR), compared to an 18.5 letter (0.37 LogMAR) decline for bevacizumab (p = 0.04). The incidence of steroid‐induced ocular hypertension for the DEX‐implant was 33.3%.

Conclusions

Before adjusting for the effect of cataract surgery, the DEX‐implant was non‐inferior to bevacizumab for treating DMO in Aboriginal participants. In remote participants, the DEX‐implant surpassed non‐inferiority to achieve superior outcomes to bevacizumab. The incidence of steroid‐induced hypertension was comparable to that reported in non‐Aboriginal populations. We provide guidelines for the judicious use of DEX‐implant among Aboriginal people, and a framework for performing ophthalmic clinical trials in Aboriginal communities.
Detection of interictal epileptiform discharges in an extended scalp EEG array and high‐density EEG—A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Heers Marcel , Böttcher Sebastian , Kalina Adam , Katletz Stefan , Altenmüller Dirk‐Matthias , Baroumand Amir G. , Strobbe Gregor , van Mierlo Pieter , von Oertzen Tim J. , Marusic Petr , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Beniczky Sándor , Dümpelmann Matthias
Published: March 2022

Objectives

High counts of averaged interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are key components of accurate interictal electric source imaging (ESI) in patients with focal epilepsy. Automated detections may be time‐efficient, but they need to identify the correct IED types. Thus we compared semiautomated and automated detection of IED types in long‐term video‐EEG (electroencephalography) monitoring (LTM) using an extended scalp EEG array and short‐term high‐density EEG (hdEEG) with visual detection of IED types and the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).

Methods

We prospectively recruited consecutive patients from four epilepsy centers who underwent both LTM with 40‐electrode scalp EEG and short‐term hdEEG with 256 electrodes. Only patients with a single circumscribed SOZ in LTM were included. In LTM and hdEEG, IED types were identified visually, semiautomatically and automatically. Concordances of semiautomated and automated detections in LTM and hdEEG, as well as visual detections in hdEEG, were compared against visually detected IED types and the SOZ in LTM.

Results

Fifty‐two of 62 patients with LTM and hdEEG were included. The most frequent IED types per patient, detected semiautomatically and automatically in LTM and visually in hdEEG, were significantly concordant with the most frequently visually identified IED type in LTM and the SOZ. Semiautomated and automated detections of IED types in hdEEG were significantly concordant with visually identified IED types in LTM, only when IED types with more than 50 detected single IEDs were selected. The threshold of 50 detected IED in hdEEG was reached in half of the patients. For all IED types per patient, agreement between visual and semiautomated detections in LTM was high.

Significance

Semiautomated and automated detections of IED types in LTM show significant agreement with visually detected IED types and the SOZ. In short‐term hdEEG, semiautomated detections of IED types are concordant with visually detected IED types and the SOZ in LTM if high IED counts were detected.
Pharmacological and molecular characterization of the A‐type muscarinic acetylcholine receptor from Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Pilon Alexandre , Goven Delphine , Raymond Valerie
Published: March 2022

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) which are G protein‐coupled receptors play key roles in insect physiology. Whereas vertebrate mAChRs are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs, insect mAChRs are under‐exploited by the agro‐chemical industry. Moreover, insect mAChRs have been less well studied than their vertebrate counterparts. Their critical functions mean that a better knowledge of the insect mAChRs is crucial for the effort to develop a new molecular‐level strategy for insect pest management. Almost all insects possess three mAChRs named A, B and C which differ according to their coupling effector systems and their pharmacological profile. The aim of this study was to characterize the A‐type mAChR (mAChR‐A) from Anopheles gambiae which is the major vector of malaria in order to develop new strategies in pest management. In this paper, we reported that mAChR‐A is more expressed in adult mosquitoes than in larvae. Furthermore, using calcium imaging recordings, we found that the An. gambiae mAChR‐A expressed in Sf9 cells is activated by specific muscarinic agonists acetylcholine, muscarine and oxotremorine M and blocked by several mAChR antagonists. Moreover, using inhibitors of phosphoinositide pathway such as Gαq/11 protein blocker, we have shown that an increased intracellular calcium concentration elicited by the acetylcholine application was mediated by PLC/IP3R pathway. As a rise in intracellular calcium concentration could lead to an increase in the insecticide target sensitivity, these results suggest that An. gambiae mAChR‐A should not be only considered as a potential target for new molecules but also as a key element to optimize the efficacy of insecticide in vector control.
Cost‐effectiveness of screening for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing echocardiography
Authors: Ramkumar Satish , Kawakami Hiroshi , Wong Edmond , Nolan Mark , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: April 2022

Background

Screening for atrial fibrillation is recommended for patients > 65 years on current guidelines. Targeted screening may be more efficient, however the appropriate location for screening programs has not been well defined. Our aim was to compare the cost‐effectiveness of unselected electrocardiographic (ECG) screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), and selective screening based on an abnormal echocardiogram.

Methods

Two strategies of portable ECG screening for AF were compared in the base case of a hypothetical asymptomatic 65‐year‐old man (CHA2DS2‐VASC = 3 based on hypertension and diabetes mellitus) with previous echocardiography but without a cause for AF (e.g. mitral valve disease, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction). With age‐based screening (AgeScreen; 3% AF detection rate) all patients underwent ECG. With imaging‐guided screening (ImagingScreen; 5% detection rate), only patients with left atrial (LA) volume ≥34 mL/m2 and LA reservoir strain <34% or LV global longitudinal strain > −18% underwent ECG screening. A Markov model was informed by published transition probabilities, costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALY). Costs, effects and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio were assessed for each screening strategy over a 20‐year period. The willingness‐to‐pay threshold was $53 000/QALY.

Results

ImagingScreen dominated AgeScreen, with a lower cost ($54 823 vs $57842) and better outcome (11.56 vs 11.52 QALY over 20 years). Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that 61% of observations were more efficacious with ImagingScreen, with cost below willingness to pay. The main cost determinants were annual costs of stroke or heart failure and AF detection rates. ImagingScreen was more cost‐effective for AF detection rates up to 14%, and more cost‐effective across a range of annual stroke ($24 000–$102 000) and heart failure ($4000–$12 000) costs.

Conclusion

In patients with a previous echocardiogram, AF screening of those with baseline clinical and imaging risk parameters is more cost‐effective than age‐based screening.
NEDD4 attenuates phosgene‐induced acute lung injury through the inhibition of Notch1 activation
Authors: Shao Yiru , Jiang Zhifeng , He Daikun , Shen Jie
Published: March 2022

Phosgene gas leakage can cause life‐threatening acute lung injury (ALI), which is characterized by inflammation, increased vascular permeability, pulmonary oedema and oxidative stress. Although the downregulation of neuronal precursor cell‐expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4) is known to be associated with inflammation and oxidative damage, its functions in phosgene‐induced ALI remain unclear. In this study, rats with phosgene‐induced ALI were intravenously injected with NEDD4‐overexpressing lentiviruses to determine the functions of NEDD4 in this inflammatory condition. NEDD4 expression was decreased in the lung parenchyma of phosgene‐exposed control rats, whereas its expression level was high in the NEDD4‐overexpressing rats. Phosgene exposure increased the wet‐to‐dry lung weight ratio, but NEDD4 abrogated this effect. NEDD4 overexpression attenuated phosgene‐induced lung inflammation, lowering the high lung injury score (based on total protein, inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) and also reduced phosgene‐induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Finally, NEDD4 was found to interact with Notch1, enhancing its ubiquitination and thereby its degradation, thus attenuating the inflammatory responses to ALI. Therefore, we demonstrated that NEDD4 plays a protective role in alleviating phosgene‐induced ALI, suggesting that enhancing the effect of NEDD4 may be a new approach for treating phosgene‐induced ALI.
Prevalence of hospital‐acquired malnutrition and modifiable determinants of nutritional deterioration during inpatient admissions: A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Cass Alyssa R. , Charlton Karen E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Malnutrition affects between 20% and 50% of hospital inpatients on admission, with further declines expected during hospitalisation. This review summarises the existing literature on hospital‐acquired malnutrition that examines the magnitude of nutritional deterioration amongst adult inpatients and identifies preventable barriers to optimising nutrition support during episodes of care.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to answer the question: Among adult hospital inpatients, the presence of which modifiable factors contribute to hospital‐acquired malnutrition? A database search was conducted between the 24 April and 30 June 2020 using CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and PubMed databases according to a protocol registered with PROSPERO (CD42020182728). In addition, issues of the 10 top clinical nutrition journals published during the period of from 1 April 2015 to 30 March 2020 were hand‐searched.

Results

Fifteen articles were eligible for inclusion from a total of 5944 retrieved abstracts. A narrative synthesis of evidence was completed because of the high level of heterogeneity in methodologies. Nutritional deterioration is common among previously well‐nourished and nutritionally compromised patients, with studies reporting that 10%–65% of patients experienced nutritional decline. Frequently reported barriers were mealtime interruptions, meal dissatisfaction, procedure‐related fasting, effects of illness or treatment, chewing difficulties, poor appetite and malnutrition as a low clinical priority.

Conclusions

The findings of this review support the need for routine nutritional risk screening throughout each hospital admission with hospital‐acquired malnutrition affecting up to 65% of inpatients. Clear establishment of the roles and responsibilities of each member within multidisciplinary healthcare teams in the provision of nutrition care and cost–benefit analyses are recommended to demonstrate the effectiveness of changes to models of care.
Clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic islet amyloidosis in the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and sooty mangabey (Cercocebus atys)
Authors: Birdwell Leeza , Levesque Denyse , Machiah Deepa , Gumber Sanjeev
Published: March 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus type 2 has been linked to pancreatic islet amyloid deposition in humans and nonhuman primates. The authors hypothesized that diabetic primates would have significant differences in pathology than non‐diabetic groups.

Methods

This retrospective study used histopathology and immunohistochemistry to characterize and compare pancreatic islet amyloidosis in 58 diabetic and non‐diabetic rhesus macaque (RM) and sooty mangabeys (SM).

Results

The pancreatic tissues from diabetic RM and SM showed higher histopathology scores for islet amyloid deposit distribution, severity, and calcification deposits compared to their respective non‐diabetic cohorts. Further, these tissues from RM and SM with amyloid deposits showed immunoreactivity to insulin, glucagon, islet amyloid polypeptide, serum amyloid P, and glucagon‐like peptide 1.

Conclusions

Histopathology results showed that the defined amyloid characteristics are associated with clinical diabetes in both species. The immunohistochemistry results collectively suggest differences in pancreatic hormones and islet amyloid components among both species and diabetic status.