bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic energy demand assessment in low-carbon investments: a neural network approach for building portfolios
Authors: Gabrielli Laura , Ruggeri Aurora Greta , Scarpa Massimiliano
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a forecasting tool for the automatic assessment of both environmental and economic benefits resulting from low-carbon investments in the real estate sector, especially when applied in large building stocks. A set of four artificial neural networks (NNs) is created to provide a fast and reliable estimate of the energy consumption in buildings due to heating, hot water, cooling and electricity, depending on some specific buildings’ characteristics, such as geometry, orientation, climate or technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The assessment of the building’s energy demand is performed comparing the as-is status (pre-retrofit) against the design option (post-retrofit). The authors associate with the retrofit investment the energy saved per year, and the net monetary saving obtained over the whole cost after a predetermined timeframe. The authors used a NN approach, which is able to forecast the buildings’ energy demand due to heating, hot water, cooling and electricity, both in the as-is and in the design stages. The design stage is the result of a multiple attribute optimization process.

Findings

The approach here developed offers the opportunity to manage energy retrofit interventions on wide property portfolios, where it is necessary to handle simultaneously a large number of buildings without it being technically feasible to achieve a very detailed level of analysis for every property of a large portfolio.

Originality/value

Among the major accomplishments of this research, there is the creation of a methodology that is not excessively data demanding: the collection of data for building energy simulations is, in fact, extremely time-consuming and expensive, and this NN model may help in overcoming this problem. Another important result achieved in this study is the flexibility of the model developed. The case study the authors analysed was referred to one specific stock, but the results obtained have a more widespread importance because it ends up being only a matter of input-data entering, while the model is perfectly exportable in other contexts.
A multi-objective optimization model for sustainable supply chain network with using genetic algorithm
Authors: Ehtesham Rasi Reza , Sohanian Mehdi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and optimize economic and environmental dimensions in a sustainable supply chain (SSC) network. This paper developed a mixed-integer linear programing (MILP) model to incorporate economical and environmental data for multi-objective optimization of the SSC network.

Design/methodology/approach

The overall objective of the present study is to use high-quality raw materials, at the same time the lowest amount of pollution emission and the highest profitability is achieved. The model in the problem is solved using two algorithms, namely, multi-objective genetic and multi-objective particle swarm. In this research, to integrate sustainable supplier selection and optimization of sustainability performance indicators in supply chain network design considering minimization of cost and time and maximization of sustainability indexes of the system.

Findings

The differences found between the genetic algorithms (GAs) and the MILP approaches can be explained by handling the constraints and their various logics. The solutions are contrasted with the original crisp model based on either MILP or GA, offering more robustness to the proposed approach.

Practical implications

The model is applied to Mega Motor company to optimize the sustainability performance of the supply chain i.e. economic (cost), social (time) and environmental (pollution of raw material). The research method has two approaches, namely, applied and mathematical modeling.

Originality/value

There is limited research designing and optimizing the SSC network. This study is among the first to integrate sustainable supplier selection and optimization of sustainability performance indicators in supply chain network design considering minimization of cost and time and maximization of sustainability indexes of the system.
Corporate social responsibility image and emotions for the competitiveness of tourism destinations
Authors: Rodrigues Paula , Borges Ana Pinto , Vieira Elvira Pacheco
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the perception of tourists in relation to corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in the city of Porto as a tourism destination in three main domains as follows: community, environment and customer’s perception on the effect of the creation of corporate social responsibility image (CSRI) and if this produces a direct effect in brand love (BL). At the same time, it evaluates the effect of tourist engagement in the BL destination.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 958 complete answers that were collected through a questionnaire, which was administered to tourists in the city of Porto is used. The exploratory factor analysis, the confirmatory factor analysis and the structural equation modelling are appliedto analyze the data.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that the city of Porto should invest to increase the CSR activities to develop a positive CSRI in the tourist’s perceptions, thus reinforcing their emotions and engagement. The feelings of BL and brand engagement (BE) are sensations characterized by a strong character that can increase the competitiveness of a tourism destination with favourable and unique associations.

Practical implications

This is the first time that this evaluation has been carried out for the city of Porto, providing useful information to design the destination’s brand identity so as to differentiate it from other competing destinations.

Originality/value

This research aims to fulfil the aforesaid gaps related to the effect of the three dimensions of CSR in the consumer perceptions of CSRI applied to tourism destinations and use the BE and the consumer perception of CSRI to establish a positive relationship, as a BL, with a city destination.
Architectural identity and place attachment in historic neighbourhoods: an empirical study in Sanandaj, Iran
Authors: Farhad Sharareh , Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Hedayati Marzbali Massoomeh
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Environmental and functional situations of neighbourhoods can play a significant role in maintaining neighbourhoods’ socio-economic activities and residents’ place attachment. This study aims to examine the relationship between architectural identity components (i.e. symbol, ornament and old pattern) and place attachment in Aghazaman neighbourhood as a well-known historic neighbourhood in Sanandaj, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is quantitative in nature and a questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of 300 respondents to assess the relationships between the architectural identity components and place attachment.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant and positive relationship between architectural identity and place attachment, indicating that higher architectural identity is associated with high perceptions of place attachment amongst residents. The results further indicate that the most influencing factor in shaping architectural identity is old pattern, followed by ornaments and symbols.

Social implications

As place attachment is a strong incentive to maintain social interactions in neighbourhoods and to create a sense of attachment towards the residential environment, attention must be paid to the relationships amongst people, place, meaning and identity.

Originality/value

The architectural elements such as motifs and columns give identity to the image of historic neighbourhoods. The use of architectural identity components can help in decision making of planners and practitioners of urban neighbourhoods. The study was designed to develop a guideline so that future developments in Iran could be monitored to sustain strong neighbourhood attachment.
Markers of professional identity: records management jobs advertisements in Australia
Authors: Gibbons Leisa , Douglas Janine
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how and why the Australian records and archives professions are in decline by examining job advertisements. The hypothesis was that competencies, developed as standards to communicate a professional identity to recruiters, would show in job advertisements.

Design/methodology/approach

Searches were set up to capture job advertisements for records and archives positions advertised on Australia’s largest job seeking website: Seek.com.au. Criteria developed to identify relevant advertisements were based on existing competencies and standards outlining records professionals’ skills, knowledge and attributes. Statistical analysis was used to assess the data.

Findings

Employers and recruiters are looking for generalist skills rather than specialist knowledge. Additionally, the requirement of having experience outweighs qualifications. Most job advertisements did not demonstrate awareness of records professionals’ specialist skills, knowledge and attributes.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research into the Australian records workforce. There has been only one other research project into job advertisements in Australia, which focussed only on Western Australia. This research collected data over a three-month period for jobs advertised all over Australia. This paper raises questions about the role of competencies in establishing and communicating professional identity, as well as the future of records profession in Australia.
Phytoplankton composition in a eutrophic estuary: Comparison of multiple taxonomic approaches and influence of environmental factors
Authors: Gong Weida , Hall Nathan , Paerl Hans , Marchetti Adrian
Published: September 2020

To assess the comparability between taxonomic identification methods for phytoplankton, multiple approaches were used to characterize phytoplankton community composition within the Neuse River Estuary (NRE), North Carolina. Small subunit 18S rRNA gene sequencing and accessory pigment analysis displayed similar trends, indicating chlorophytes were the dominant microalgal group during most of the year, whereas results from microscopic cell counts, biovolume analysis and metatranscriptomics suggested diatom and dinoflagellate‐dominated communities. Spatial environmental gradients drove variation in taxonomic composition due to preferences for specific environmental conditions among different microalgal groups. Cryptophytes were a greater proportion of the phytoplankton community within high nutrient, fresher environments whereas diatoms and dinoflagellates dominated higher salinity sections of the estuary. This study provides a detailed examination of phytoplankton communities associated with environmental gradients present in the NRE. The high level of taxonomic resolution offered by DNA sequencing (i.e., species to sub‐species level) provides a better understanding of population dynamics at the base of estuarine food webs.
The importance of data source in prescription drug monitoring program research
Authors: Horwitz Jill R. , Davis Corey , McClelland Lynn , Fordon Rebecca , Meara Ellen
Published: September 2020

Objective

To develop a legal research protocol for identifying various measures of prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) start dates, apply the protocol to create a useable PDMP database, and test whether the different legal databases that are meant to contain the same information produce divergent results when used in an illustrative empirical exercise.

Data sources

Original research from state statutes, regulations, policy statements, and interviews; alternative PDMP data from the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws and Prescription Drug Abuse Policy System; claims from a 40 percent random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, 2006‐2014.

Study design

Collaborative research effort among a group of lawyers to develop protocol. Legal research to produce an original database of dates state PDMP laws: (a) were enacted, (b) became operational, and (c) required query before prescribing controlled substances. Descriptive analyses characterize differences in dates of enactment, operation, and must query requirements. Regression analyses estimating, for each beneficiary annually any opioid prescription received in a calendar year, among other measures. Estimates conducted on under age 65 and full Medicare population.

Data collection/extraction methods

PDMP legal databases were linked to annual Medicare claims.

Principal findings

An original database differs from commonly used, publicly available data. Outcomes tested depend on the measure of PDMP date used and differ by data source. Must‐query laws show the largest effects among all the laws tested.

Conclusions

Data choices likely have had large consequences for study results and may explain contradictory outcomes in prior research. Researchers must understand and report protocol for dates used in PDMP research to ensure that results are internally consistent and verifiable.
The Effect of Land Use Restrictions Protecting Endangered Species on Agricultural Land Values
Authors: Melstrom Richard T.
Published: September 2020

This article examines the effect of U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations on agricultural values. Agricultural development is an important contributor to habitat and biodiversity loss in the United States. The ESA attempts to limit this loss by prohibiting habitat destruction on private lands, but this practice is controversial because it places much of the burden for conservation on farmers. I measure the effect of these restrictions on agriculture using a hedonic analysis of county‐level agricultural land values, profits, and revenues reported in the last four rounds of the agricultural census. Results provide strong evidence that ESA regulations depress these three economic measures in dryland areas, which includes counties with less than 1% of agricultural land in irrigation. Specifically, I find that farmland value and profit decline 4% after listing on average at the county level in dryland areas with protected habitat. There is no evidence that values are affected in irrigated counties.
Advances and novel developments in molecular allergology
Authors: Üzülmez Öykü , Kalic Tanja , Breiteneder Heimo
Published: September 2020

The continuous search for new allergens and the design of allergen derivatives improves the understanding of their allergenicity and aids the design of novel diagnostic and immunotherapy approaches. This article discusses the recent developments in allergen and epitope discovery, allergy diagnostics and immunotherapy. Structural information is crucial for the elucidation of cross‐reactivity of marker allergens such as the walnut Jug r 6 or that of nonhomologous allergens, as shown for the peanut allergens Ara h 1 and 2. High‐throughput sequencing, liposomal nanoallergen display, bead‐based assays, and protein chimeras have been used in epitope discovery. The binding of natural ligands by the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 or the mold allergen Alt a 1 increased the stability of these allergens, which is directly linked to their allergenicity. We also report recent findings on the use of component‐resolved approaches, basophil activation test, and novel technologies for improvement of diagnostics. New strategies in allergen‐specific immunotherapy have also emerged, such as the use of virus‐like particles, biologics or novel adjuvants. The identification of dectin‐1 as a key player in allergy to tropomyosins and the formyl peptide receptor 3 in allergy to lipocalins are outstanding examples of research into the mechanism of allergic sensitization.
Fetal fractional limb volumes in pregnancies following bariatric surgery
Authors: Maric Tanya , Kanu Chidimma , Mandalia Sundhiya , Johnson Mark R. , Savvidou Makrina D.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Obesity rates have reached an epidemic level and bariatric surgery is the most effective method of sustainable weight loss. Pregnancy following bariatric surgery is associated with an increased prevalence of small babies. The objective of the study is to compare the fetal fat distribution, as assessed by fractional arm and thigh volume using three‐dimensional ultrasonography, in pregnancies following maternal bariatric surgery with those without such history.

Material and methods

This is a prospective, longitudinal, observational study conducted in a Maternity Unit in the UK. The study included 189 pregnant women; 63 with previous bariatric surgery [27 restrictive (13 with gastric band, 14 with sleeve gastrectomy) and 36 malabsorptive procedures] and 126 with no previous surgery but similar maternal booking body mass index. Fetal arm and thigh volume were obtained at 30‐33 and 35‐37 weeks’ gestation and fractional limb volumes were calculated using a commercially available software. Women underwent a 75 g, 2 h oral glucose tolerance test at 28‐31 weeks of gestation.

Results

Overall, adjusted fetal arm and thigh volume were smaller in the post‐bariatric, compared to the no surgery, group and this was more marked in women who had undergone a previous sleeve gastrectomy (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively) or a malabsorptive procedure (P < .001 for both). There was a strong positive correlation between maternal fasting/post‐prandial (2 h) glucose levels, at the time of the oral glucose tolerance test, and arm and thigh volume at both 30‐33 and 35‐37 weeks (P < .01 for all).

Conclusions

The study has demonstrated that in the third trimester of pregnancy, fetuses of women with previous bariatric surgery have smaller fractional limb volumes, therefore less soft tissue, compared to fetuses of women without such surgery and this may be related to the lower maternal glucose levels seen in the former pregnancies.
Adaptive Parenting Among Low‐Income Black Mothers and Toddlers’ Regulation of Distress
Authors: Bocknek Erika L. , Richardson Patricia A. , McGoron Lucy , Raveau Hasti , Iruka Iheoma U.
Published: September 2020

Parenting differs in purpose and strategy according to cultural background (Brooks‐Gunn & Markman, 2005; Iruka, LaForett, & Odom, 2012). The current study tests a unique latent factor score, Adaptive Parenting, that represents culturally‐relevant, positive parenting behaviors: maternal coping with stress through reframing, maternal scaffolding of toddlers’ learning during a low‐stress task, and maternal commands during a high‐stress task. Participants were Black mothers (N = 119; Mage = 27.78) and their 24‐ to 30‐month‐old toddlers. Families were part of a broader study examining family resilience among urban, low‐income young children and their families. Results demonstrate that the proposed variables align on a single factor and positively predict toddlers’ emotion regulation. Findings are discussed in the context of Black culturally‐specific parenting processes.
“Not Just a Lateral Move”: Residential Decisions and the Reproduction of Urban Inequality
Authors: DeLuca Stefanie , Jang–Trettien Christine
Published: September 2020

Despite decades of research on residential mobility and neighborhood effects, we know comparatively less about how people sort across geography. In recent years, scholars have been calling for research that considers residential selection as a social stratification process. In this paper, we present findings from work our team has done over the last 17 years to explore how people end up living where they do, relying in large part on systematically sampled in–depth narrative interviews with families. We focus on four key decisions: whether to move; where to move; whether to send children to school in the neighborhood; and whether to rent or own a home. We found that many residential mobility decisions among the poor were “reactive,” with unpredictable shocks forcing families out of their homes. As a result of reactive moving, housing search time frames became shorter and poor parents employed short–term survival solutions to secure housing instead of long–term investment thinking about neighborhood and school district quality. These shocks, constraints, and compressed time frames led parents to decouple some dimensions of neighborhoods and schools from the housing search process while maximizing others, like immediacy of shelter, unit quality, and proximity to work and child care. Finally, we found that policies can significantly shape and better support some of these decisions. Combined, our research revealed some of the processes that underlie locational attainment and the intergenerational transmission of neighborhood context.
Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology of T‐Cell Engaging Bispecifics: Current Perspectives and Opportunities
Authors: Morcos Peter N. , Li Junyi , Hosseini Iraj , Li Chi‐Chung
Published: September 2020

T‐cell directing/engaging bispecifics (TDBs) enable a powerful mode of action by activating T‐cells through the creation of artificial immune synapses. Their pharmacological response involves the dynamic inter‐relationships among T‐cells, tumor cells, and TDBs. This results in complex and challenging issues in understanding pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, target engagement, and exposure‐response relationship. Dosing strategy plays a crucial role in determining the therapeutic window of TDBs because of the desire to maximize therapeutic efficacy in the context of known mechanism‐related adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurological adverse events. Such adverse events are commonly reported as the most prominent events during the initial treatment cycles and dissipate over time. Therefore, the kinetic characterization of the inter‐relationships between exposure/target engagement and safety/efficacy outcomes is crucial in designing the optimal dosing regimen to maximize the benefit/risk of TDB agents. In this review, we discuss the key clinical pharmacological considerations in drug discovery and development for TDBs and provide a summary of TDBs currently in clinical development. We also propose forward‐looking perspectives and opportunities to derive insights through quantitative clinical pharmacology approaches.
Longitudinal associations of maternal stress and child stress with child body mass index trajectory
Authors: Dunton Genevieve F. , Chu Daniel , Naya Christine H. , Belcher Britni R. , Mason Tyler B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Although exposure to stress is common among children and their parents, longitudinal research on the effects of perceived stress on child obesity risk is lacking. This study examined the 3‐year longitudinal associations of children and mothers' perceived stress with children's body mass index (BMI).

Methods

A sample of 199 mothers and their children (8‐12 years at baseline, 56% Hispanic) completed six semi‐annual assessments across 3 years with questionnaire‐based self‐report measures of perceived stress and measured height/weight. Parallel process latent growth curve modelling specified regressions of latent intercept and slope of children's BMI on latent intercepts and slopes for mothers' and children's perceived stress.

Results

Greater child self‐reported perceived stress at baseline predicted greater increase in children's BMI across the six assessments whereas mother self‐reported perceived stress at baseline was unrelated to change in child BMI. Baseline child BMI was unrelated to change in children or mothers' perceived stress across the six assessment waves.

Conclusion

Children's own perceptions of stress may play a larger contributing role in BMI progression during middle childhood than their mother's perceived stress levels. These findings underscore the importance of focusing on children's stress‐coping strategies for promoting a healthy weight.
Disaster preparedness amongst pharmacists and pharmacy students: a systematic literature review
Authors: McCourt Elizabeth , Singleton Judith , Tippett Vivienne , Nissen Lisa
Published: September 2020

Objectives

In the aftermath of a disaster, the services provided by pharmacists are essential to ensure the continued health and well-being of the local population. To continue pharmacy services, it is critical that pharmacists are prepared for disasters. A systematic literature review was conducted to explore pharmacists’ and pharmacy students’ preparedness for disasters and the factors that affect preparedness.

Methods

This review was conducted in April 2020 through electronic databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO, and two disaster journals. Search terms such as ‘pharmacist*’, ‘disaster*’ and ‘prepared*’ were used. The search yielded an initial 1781 titles. Articles were included if they measured pharmacists or pharmacy students’ disaster preparedness. After screening and quality appraisal by two researchers, four articles were included in final analysis and review. Data were extracted using a data collection tool formulated by the researchers. Meta-analysis was not possible; instead, results were compared across key areas including preparedness ratings and factors that influenced preparedness.

Key findings

Three articles focused on pharmacy students’ preparedness for disasters, and one on registered pharmacists’ preparedness. Preparedness across both groups was poor to moderate with <18% of registered pharmacists found to be prepared to respond to a disaster. Factors that potentially influenced preparedness included disaster competency, disaster interventions and demographic factors.

Conclusion

For pharmacists, the lack of research around their preparedness speaks volumes about their current involvement and expectations within disaster management. Without a prepared pharmacy workforce and pharmacy involvement in disaster management, critical skill and service gaps in disasters may negatively impact patients.
QiShenYiQi pill improves the reparative myocardial fibrosis by regulating autophagy
Authors: Lv Shichao , Yuan Peng , Dong Jianping , Lu Chunmiao , Li Meng , Qu Fan , Zhu Yaping , Yuan Zhuo , Zhang Junping
Published: September 2020

QiShenYiQi pill (QSYQ), a traditional Chinese medicine, is well known for improving the myocardial remodelling, but the dose‐effect relationship of its intervention in the reparative myocardial fibrosis is still unclear. We investigated the effect of QSYQ on the reparative myocardial fibrosis in cardiac myosin‐induced rats and explored its mechanism of action by regulating autophagy. The results indicated that QSYQ increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased the LVEDD, LVESD, HMI, LVMI, myocardial inflammation histology score, and collagen volume fraction in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, QSYQ declined the number of autophagosomes, down‐regulated the expression of myocardial Beclin‐1 and LC3B, up‐regulated the expression of myocardial p62 and increased the ratios of myocardial p‐PI3K/PI3K, p‐Akt/Akt and p‐mTOR/mTOR. We provided evidence for that QSYQ could inhibit excessive myocardial autophagy by regulating the PI3K/Akt‐mTOR pathway and can be a potential therapeutic approach in treating the cardiovascular diseases such as myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Effect of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase–p53–Krüppel‐like factor 2a pathway in hyperglycemia‐induced cardiac remodeling in adult zebrafish
Authors: Wang Qiuyun , Luo Chen , Lu Guoping , Chen Zhenyue
Published: September 2020

Aims/Introduction

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a type of myocardial disease. It causes left ventricular hypertrophy, followed by diastolic and systolic dysfunction, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. However, the underlying mechanism still requires further elucidation.

Materials and Methods

A high‐glucose zebrafish model was constructed by administering streptozocin intraperitoneally to enhance the development of cardiomyopathy and then treated with adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator. Cardiac structure and function, and protein and gene expression were then analyzed. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) culture in vitro using lentivirus were used for detection of AMPK, p53 and Krüppel‐like factor 2a (klf2a) gene expression.

Results

In the hyperglycemia group, electrocardiogram findings showed arrhythmia, echocardiography results showed heart enlargement and dysfunction, and many differences, such as increased apoptosis and myocardial fiber loss, were observed. The phospho‐AMPK and klf2a expression were downregulated, and p53 expression was upregulated. Activation of phospho‐AMPK reduced p53 and increased klf2a expression, alleviated apoptosis in CMs and improved cardiac function in the hyperglycemic zebrafish. In vitro knockdown system of AMPK, p53 and klf2a using lentivirus illustrated an increased p53 expression and decreased klf2a expression in CMs by inhibiting AMPK. Repression of p53 and upregulation of klf2a expression were observed, but no changes in the expression of AMPK and its phosphorylated type.

Conclusions

In the model of streptozocin‐induced hyperglycemia zebrafish, the reduction of phosphorylated AMPK increased p53, which led to KLF2a decrease to facilitate apoptosis of CMs, inducing the cardiac remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. These results can be reversed by AMPK activator, which means the AMPK–p53–klf2a pathway might be a potential target for diabetic cardiomyopathy intervention.
Investigation of routes of entry and dispersal pattern of RGNNV in tissues of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Lampou Eirini , Dovas Chrysostomos , Margaroni Maritsa , Chasalevris Taxiarchis , Pappas Ioannis S. , Dotsika Eleni , Karagouni Evdokia , Athanassopoulou Fotini , Katsaras Dimitrios , Bitchava Konstantina
Published: September 2020

Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) is a serious neuropathological fish disease affecting in the Mediterranean aquaculture mainly European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. It is well known that betanodaviruses are neurotropic viruses that replicate in nerve tissues, preferentially brain and retina. However, routes of entry and progression of the virus in the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear. The role of four tissues—eye, oesophagus, gills and skin—as possible gateways of a betanodavirus, the redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV), was investigated after experimental challenges performed on European seabass juveniles. The dispersal pattern of Betanodavirus at primarily stages of the disease was also assessed, using a real‐time qPCR assay. The development of typical clinical signs of VER, the presence of characteristic histopathological lesions in the brain and retina and the detection of viral RNA in the tissues of all experimental groups ascertained that successful invasion of RGNNV under all experimental routes was achieved. Transneuronal spread along pathways known to be connected to the initial site of entry seems to be the predominant scenario of viral progression in the CNS. Furthermore, viraemia appeared only after the installation of the infection in the brain.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in stored canine red blood cell units
Authors: McQuinn Erin R. , Smith Stephanie A. , Viall Austin K. , Wang Chong , LeVine Dana N.
Published: September 2020

Background

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), webs of DNA and citrullinated histones extruded from activated neutrophils cause transfusion‐related acute lung injury. Supernatants of stored red blood cell (RBC) units might promote NETosis in neutrophils from the units or from transfusion recipients.

Hypotheses

(1) NETs form during storage of canine RBC, (2) leukoreduction (LR) before storage of RBC reduces NETosis, and (3) supernatant from stored, nonleukoreduced (NLR) RBC units induces NETosis in healthy canine neutrophils modeling transfusion recipients.

Animals

Six healthy purpose‐bred research dogs were utilized for blood donation.

Methods

Prospective controlled study. RBC units were collected from each dog, aseptically divided into 2 equal subunits, 1 of which was leukoreduced, and stored for 42 days. Stored units were sampled biweekly for quantification of NET markers citrullinated histone H3 (Western blot) and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) (DNA dye binding). Unit supernatants were applied ex vivo to canine neutrophils and extracellular DNA release representing NETosis was assessed.

Results

Markers of NETs increased during RBC storage (cfDNAP < .0001 and citrullinated H3P= .0002) and were higher in NLR than LR units (day 42 LR cfDNA 0.34 ± 0.82 ng/mL vs day 42 NLR 1361.07 ± 741.00 ng/mL,P < .0001; day 42 LR citrullinated H3 0.19 ± 0.13 AU vs NLR 0.57 ± 0.34 AU,P= .007). Isolated neutrophils did not form NETs when exposed to stored canine RBC supernatant.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

NETosis occurs in stored canine NLR RBC units, and is attenuated by LR before storage. NETs might be mediators of transfusion reactions.
Flippases play specific but distinct roles in the development, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolism of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Yun Yingzi , Guo Pusheng , Zhang Jing , You Haixia , Guo Pingting , Deng Huobin , Hao Yixin , Zhang Limei , Wang Xueyu , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Zhou Jie , Lu Guodong , Wang Zonghua , Zheng Wenhui
Published: September 2020

The membrane trafficking system is important for compartmentalization of the biosynthesis pathway and secretion of deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxin (a virulence factor) in Fusarium graminearum. Flippases are transmembrane lipid transporters and mediate a number of essential physiological steps of membrane trafficking, including vesicle budding, charging, and protein diffusion within the membrane. However, the roles of flippases in secondary metabolism remain unknown in filamentous fungi. Herein, we identified five flippases (FgDnfA, FgDnfB, FgDnfC1, FgDnfC2, and FgDnfD) in F. graminearum and established their specific and redundant functions in the development and pathogenicity of this phytopathogenic fungus. Our results demonstrate that FgDnfA is critical for normal vegetative growth while the other flippases are dispensable. FgDnfA and FgDnfD were found crucial for the fungal pathogenesis, and a remarkable reduction in DON production was observed in ΔFgDNFA and ΔFgDNFD. Deletion of the FgDNFB gene increased DON production to about 30 times that produced by the wild type. Further analysis showed that FgDnfA and FgDnfD have positive roles in the regulation of trichothecene (TRI) genes (TRI1, TRI4, TRI5, TRI6, TRI12, and TRI101) expression and toxisome reorganization, while FgDnfB acts as a negative regulator of DON synthesis. In addition, FgDnfB and FgDnfD have redundant functions in the regulation of phosphatidylcholine transport, and double deletion of FgDNFB and FgDNFD showed serious defects in fungal development, DON synthesis, and virulence. Collectively, our findings reveal the distinct and specific functions of flippase family members in F. graminearum and principally demonstrate that FgDnfA, FgDnfD, and FgDnfB have specific spatiotemporal roles during toxisome biogenesis.
The public health rationale for reducing saturated fat intakes: Is a maximum of 10% energy intake a good recommendation?
Authors: Brouwer I. A.
Published: September 2020

The role of saturated fat (SFA) in health is frequently debated. Guidelines from different countries are quite comparable, in that they generally advise people to avoid high intakes of SFA and to replace some saturated fats by cis unsaturated fats. A maximum level of intake of 10% energy of SFA (of total energy) is often advised as a guideline for the general population. This paper discusses issues around SFA and health including the pros and cons of randomised controlled trials with hard endpoints, prospective cohort studies and controlled dietary intervention studies with intermediate endpoints and risk markers, concluding that there is not a single kind of research study that will answer the question on whether intake of saturated fat influences health or not. However, taking all the evidence together suggests that replacing SFA by unsaturated fat, preferably polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), to an intake below 10% energy will favourably affect the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to take into account that the proposed changes should be implemented in an otherwise healthy and complete diet. To reach an intake of less than 10% energy from SFA without compromising on the quality of the total diet, the intake of fatty meat and baked goods such as cakes and pastries should be reduced and butter, lard and hard baking fats should be replaced by unsaturated oils and fat spreads made from them.
The technological challenges of reducing the sugar content of foods
Authors: Erickson S. , Carr J.
Published: September 2020

The reduction of sugar and energy (calories) in the diet has been a long‐standing challenge for the food industry, not only to support individuals actively seeking to limit their sugar and energy (calorie) intake but also as a response to public health policy initiatives, such as sugar taxes for the food industry and government reformulation programmes. In recent years, responding to this challenge has become more difficult for food manufacturers and formulators, as consumers are increasingly seeking products formulated using a limited range of natural, clean‐label ingredients. Zero‐calorie high‐potency sweeteners with improved taste performance are a partial solution, but a greater challenge is the replacement of the bulking, browning and other properties that sucrose, glucose and fructose provide in many solid food products. This article describes advances in high‐potency sweeteners and in bulk, low‐calorie sugar replacement ingredients that can offer effective solutions to the challenges encountered in developing great‐tasting, sugar‐ and calorie‐reduced food products for today’s consumers.
Nursing quality indicators for adult intensive care: A consensus study
Authors: Evangelou Efi , Middleton Nicos , Kyprianou Theodoros , Kouta Christiana , Merkouris Anastasios , Raftopoulos Vasilios , Palazis Lakis , Lambrinou Ekaterini
Published: September 2020

Background

The selection of quality indicators demonstrating the efficiency and relevance of nursing practice in patient outcomes in the intensive care unit remains a challenge.

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a set of potential quality indicators to quantify nursing care provided to critically ill patients through a consensus method.

Design

This was a three‐phase study including a European survey of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses (phase one) followed by a two‐phase face‐to‐face consensus meeting of experts from Cyprus.

Method

Two distinct panels of experts were asked to rate each quality indicator using a 4‐point Likert scale in phases one and two. The level of consensus was set at 60%. In phase three, scores of the content validity index for items and scales were considered for the final selection of quality indicators.

Results

The phase one survey included 139 ICU nurses from 13 European countries, and phases two and three included seven ICU experts from Cyprus. “Consensus in” was achieved for 12 items at the end of phase two. Three of the quality indicators were significantly different by country: (a) falls (P = .006), (b) accidental removal of nasogastric tube (P < .001), and (c) accidental removal of intravascular catheters (P < .001). Only falls was significantly correlated with higher academic qualifications of the participants (P = .002).

Conclusions

Fifteen items have been identified as potential indicators for adult ICU nursing quality. These need to be prospectively studied to determine the extent to which they can accurately capture nursing care quality in this setting.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study provides a set of relevant quality indicators. A nursing set for the ICU may serve as the basis for nursing management and facilitate the strategy dedicated to the vision of health care quality assurance.
Salivary LDH in oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Iglesias‐Velázquez Óscar , López‐Pintor Rosa María , González‐Serrano José , Casañas Elisabeth , Torres Jesús , Hernández Gonzalo
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate whether salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are increased in patients with oral cancer (OC) or oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) when compared to a healthy control group (CG).

Material and methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of specialized databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and OpenGrey), including observational analytical studies evaluating the salivary LDH levels (in UI/L or μ/L) in OC or OPMD patients and compared them with a CG.

Results

Thirteen case–control studies were included. A total of 755 patients were evaluated, including 303 OC cases, 149 OPMD cases, and 303 controls. The meta‐analysis showed that LDH levels were higher within the OC group than the CG (SMD 9.49; 95% CI 6.97–12; p = .00001). Patients with oral leucoplakia (SMD 11.67; 95% CI 1.01–22.33; p = .03) and oral submucous fibrosis (SMD 25.83; 95% CI −1.74–53.40; p = .07) also presented higher levels than the CG. In addition, OC patients had higher salivary LDH levels than oral leucoplakia patients (SMD 5.62; 95% CI 2.14–9.11; p = .002). Heterogeneity was high across all the evaluated studies.

Conclusions

The determination of salivary LDH may be a useful method for screening and tracking OC and OPMD, but new protocolized studies are required to establish precise cutoff values.
Silicon deposition on guard cells increases stomatal sensitivity as mediated by K+ efflux and consequently reduces stomatal conductance
Authors: Vandegeer Rebecca K. , Zhao Chenchen , Cibils‐Stewart Ximena , Wuhrer Richard , Hall Casey R. , Hartley Susan E. , Tissue David T. , Johnson Scott N.
Published: September 2020

Silicon (Si) has been widely reported to improve plant resistance to water stress via various mechanisms including cuticular Si deposition to reduce leaf transpiration. However, there is limited understanding of the effects of Si on stomatal physiology, including the underlying mechanisms and implications for resistance to water stress. We grew tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cv. Fortuna) hydroponically, with or without Si, and treated half of the plants with 20% polyethylene glycol to impose physiological drought (osmotic stress). Scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with X‐ray mapping found that Si was deposited on stomatal guard cells and as a sub‐cuticular layer in Si‐treated plants. Plants grown in Si had a 28% reduction in stomatal conductance and a 23% reduction in cuticular conductance. When abscisic acid was applied exogenously to epidermal leaf peels to promote stomatal closure, Si plants had 19% lower stomatal aperture compared to control plants (i.e. increased stomatal sensitivity) and an increased efflux of guard cell K+ ions. However, the changes in stomatal physiology with Si were not substantial enough to improve water stress resistance, as shown by a lack of significant effect of Si on water potential, growth, photosynthesis and water‐use efficiency. Our findings suggest a novel underlying mechanism for reduced stomatal conductance with Si application; specifically, that Si deposition on stomatal guard cells promotes greater stomatal sensitivity as mediated by guard cell K+ efflux.
A closer look at the multidisciplinary interstitial lung disease clinic: Who, what and how
Authors: Grewal Japnam S. , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: September 2020

See related article
Feeding modifications and additional primary caregiver support for infants exposed to Zika virus or diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome: a rapid review of the evidence
Authors: Martinez Sabrina Sales , Pardo‐Hernandez Hector , Palacios Cristina
Published: September 2020

Objective

Infants exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) or diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome (CZVS) may present dysphagia, regurgitation and other feeding difficulties. They may require special feeding practices to minimise the risk of mortality, morbidity and developmental problems. Improving knowledge, skills and behaviours of caregivers may preserve health, maximise development and promote quality of life among affected infants. We reviewed intervention studies of modified feeding practices and additional primary caregiver support to improve outcomes among infants 0 to 12 months of age exposed to ZIKV or diagnosed with CZVS.

Methods

Rapid review and meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and contacted experts. The search is current to 18 July 2020. We planned a meta‐analysis using fixed‐effect models; if unfeasible, we intended to summarise studies narratively. We planned to assess risk of bias of included studies and quality of evidence using Cochrane guidance.

Results

We identified 42 records for title and abstract screening; 14 were eligible for full‐text assessment. Among these, no intervention studies were found. Eight observational studies reported on the nutritional status, feeding practices and outcomes among infants affected by ZIKV or diagnosed with CZVS. They are presented and discussed to provide a basis for future research.

Conclusions

While no intervention studies were found, evidence from eight observational studies highlights the need for early nutrition interventions and caregiver support among infants affected by ZIKV or diagnosed with CZSV. More research is needed to assess whether modifications of feeding practices and provision of additional primary caregiver support will impact outcomes of interest.
Real-Time Diagnostic Method of Gas Turbines Operating Under Transient Conditions in Hybrid Power Plants
Authors: Tsoutsanis Elias , Hamadache Moussa , Dixon Roger
Published: September 2020

The expansion of renewable power plants has transformed the role and operation of gas turbines to a great extent. From the base load operation era, we are moving into a flexible and dynamic engine operation of gas turbines. Advances in computational intelligence have amplified the importance of condition monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostics capabilities in the face of gas turbine operation. Performing diagnostics in transient conditions is beneficial since the gas turbines are now acting as partners of renewables. This article presents a novel diagnostic approach for determining the health of a gas turbine when it works in conjunction with a wind farm in a hybrid power plant. In this article, we propose a model-based diagnostic method without reconstructing component maps according to their degradation. Once the engine model is adapted to its clean condition, it is tuned in real-time to reflect the changes in both the operation and degradation with respect to a benchmark engine model. Time evolving multiple component degradation scenarios are simulated to test the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. From a bank of simulated measurements, data trending is performed which facilitates the detection of degradation and provides useful conclusions about the health state of the engine. This diagnostic method is suitable for gas turbines that spend most of their life time in part-load and transient operation and it can be a useful tool for gas turbine operators in planning their assets maintenance in a computational efficient and accurate manner.
High-precision molecular measurement
Authors: Hori Masaki
Published: September 2020

Spectroscopy of hydrogen deuteride ions provides the proton-to-electron mass ratio