bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorimetric pad for low-concentration formaldehyde monitoring in indoor air
Authors: Wongsakoonkan Watcharaporn , Pengpumkiat Sumate , Boonyayothin Vorakamol , Tangtong Chaiyanun , Laohaudomchok Wisanti , Phanprasit Wantanee
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop an accurate, selective, low-cost and user-friendly colorimetric pad to detect formaldehyde at low concentration.

Design/methodology/approach

1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, a reactive chemical, was selected to develop the colorimetric pad for indoor air formaldehyde measurement. Silica nanoparticle impregnated with the reactive chemical was coated on the cellulose filter surface to increase the reactive site. A certified formaldehyde permeation tube was used to generate six varied concentrations between 0.01 and 0.10 ppm in a test chamber. The color intensity on the pads was measured using an image processing program to produce a formaldehyde concentration reading chart. The colorimetric pad was tested for optimum reaction time, accuracy, precision, stability, selectivity and shelf life.

Findings

The color of the pads changed from white to yellow and the color intensity varied with the concentrations and appeared to be stable after exposure to formaldehyde for 8 hours. At room temperature, the stability of the pad was 7 days, and shelf life was 120 days. The accuracy, precision and bias of the pad were 12.38%, 0.032 and 6.0%, respectively. Carbonyl compounds, benzene and toluene did not interfere with the reading of this developed colorimetric pad.

Originality/value

The developed colorimetric pad meets NIOSH's criteria for an overall accuracy of ±25%, bias = 10%. They were accurate at low concentrations, user-friendly and had low cost compared to an electronic direct reading instrument (cost of chemicals and materials was 21.50 Bath or 0.69 USD per piece) so that favorable for the use of general people for health protection.
Intellectual capital and innovative performance: a mediation-moderation perspective
Authors: Ur Rehman Shafique , Elrehail Hamzah , Alsaad Abdallah , Bhatti Anam
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study explores central questions related to the connection between intellectual capital (IC) and the innovative performance of organizations through the mediating role of management control systems (MCS) and business strategies, as well as the moderating role of innovation capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from the managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a structured questionnaire. Out of 1,152 questionnaires distributed, only 415 were used for analysis purposes. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

Intellectual capital significantly influences MCS, business strategies and innovative performance. Moreover, MCS, business strategies and innovative capabilities significantly improve innovative performance. MCS and business strategies significantly mediate the relationship between intellectual capital and innovative performance. Finally, innovative capabilities significantly moderate that between intellectual capital and innovative performance.

Practical implications

The current research examines how management should use MCS, business strategies, and innovative capabilities to take maximum benefit from intellectual capital in order to improve innovative performance.

Originality/value

This is pioneering research that develops a theoretical model to incorporate intellectual capital, MCS, business strategies, innovative capabilities and innovative performance. Even though the influence of various kinds of intangible assets/resources on innovative performance has been widely examined in the literature, scant attention has been paid to the role of MCS, business strategies, and innovative capabilities in leveraging the firm's intellectual capital.
Linking leader humor to employee creativity: the roles of relational energy and traditionality
Authors: Yang Chen , Yang Fu , Ding Chao
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The current study examines the effects of leader humor on the creativity of employees by focusing on the mediating role of relational energy and the moderating role of traditionality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used three-wave data from 302 employee–supervisor dyads and tested the hypotheses using hierarchical regression and bootstrapping.

Findings

The results indicated that leader humor was positively associated with employee creativity, relational energy mediated this influence. Besides, traditionality not only moderated the relationship between leader humor and relational energy but also attenuated the indirect relationship between leader humor and employee creativity through relational energy.

Practical implications

Leadership training programs can be used to assist leaders in improving their humorous skills. In addition, supervisors should implement humorous behaviors according to the different levels of traditionality of employees.

Originality/value

Integrating conservation of resource theory, this study provides solid evidence that the extent to which relational energy mediates the relationship between leader humor and employee creativity depends on traditionality. It provides a new direction for leader humor.
The relationship among green human capital, green logistics practices, green competitiveness, social performance and financial performance
Authors: Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Tang Liang
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study explores the role of green human capital in the implementation of green logistics practices to build green competitiveness and achieve improved social performance and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs structured questionnaires to gather data from 152 managers from manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Ghana. The data are analyzed and the hypotheses are tested using the partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings reveal that green human capital does have significant influence on financial performance. However, green human capital does not have significant influence on social performance and green competitiveness. Besides, green logistics practices significantly improve social performance, financial performance and green competitiveness. Green logistics practices mediate the relationship between green human capital and green competitiveness, social performance and financial performance. Hence, green human capital influences the successful implementation of green logistics practices, which results in building stronger green competitiveness and better social and financial performances.

Originality/value

This paper is among the dearth of studies that examine the role of green human capital in the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices. This study pioneers the exploration of the role of green human capital in the implementation of green logistics practices to improve social performance, financial performance and green competitiveness among manufacturing SMEs in sub-Saharan Africa. Besides, the study's findings expand literature by providing new insights into the effect between green logistics practices, financial performance, social performance and green competitiveness from Ghanaian SMEs.
Understanding employees' response to work-related after-hours use of instant messaging apps: a stress and coping perspective
Authors: Cheng Hsiang-Lan , Lin Tung-Ching , Tan Wee-Kheng , Chiu Chao-Min
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the complex relationships between permeability, work-family conflict, moral disengagement, behavioral disengagement, job strain and job engagement. In addition, this study aims to determine whether moral disengagement acts as a moderator and mediator in the relationship between work-family conflict and behavioral disengagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses, using a sample of 176 valid responses.

Findings

The results indicate that permeability is likely to promote work-family conflict, which in turn may trigger moral disengagement. Moral disengagement may lead to behavioral disengagement, which in turn may increase job strain and decrease job engagement. The findings also show that work-family conflict does not have a significant effect on behavioral disengagement, suggesting that moral disengagement fully mediates the influence of work-family conflict on behavioral disengagement. In addition, the moderating effect of moral disengagement is not significant.

Originality/value

Applying the transactional model of stress and coping theory and the moral disengagement theory, this study contributes to a better understanding of employees' experience of job strain caused by work-family conflict (induced by permeability of IM usage), as well as the employee's coping response.
The information-seeking behaviour of Egyptian parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): a descriptive study
Authors: Mansour Essam
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the information-seeking behavior of Egyptian parents of autistic children.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consists of 61 parents across Egypt, divided into six focus groups, as equal as possible, to represent Northern, Middle and Southern Egypt.

Findings

Dmographically, of the 61 parents, 32 (52.5%) were fathers, and 29 (47.5%) were mothers. A large number of parents' ages ranged from 31 to 45 years old. The highest percentage of them was holding a BA, followed by a high school/diploma, and the highest percentage was found to be married. The parents of autistic children followed many methods and channels to obtain supportive information related to their children's disease. They used many types of information, which varied between formal and informal sources. While just over a quarter of Egyptian parents prefer to use formal sources (books, newspapers, magazines, health publications, pamphlets, as well as specialized libraries), more than three-quarters of them used informal sources, such as mobile/smartphones, the Web, social media and social networking sites. The information related to the search for institutions supporting autistic people came in the first place, then that information related to searching for specialized centers in treating autistic children, then information related to rehabilitation, integration and psychological support centers for these children and then information related to the search for financial aid provided by charitable or even government agencies. Some parents were found to have limited awareness of their children's treatment mechanism, as some of them do not consider the need to treat their children in a systematic, continuous, and systematic manner. Similarly, the lack of basic services and shortage of government centers specializing in the treatment of these children. Parents also emphasized the lack of government support, as well as the lack of curative research centers. Some also pointed out that there was a shortage of workshops for the rehabilitation of their children and themselves as well.

Originality/value

This research is considered to be the first research of its kind at the local and Arab levels, which is also one of the few studies at the regional level that is interested in this community of information seekers. The findings of this research can raise awareness about the information behavior of Egyptian parents of autistic children among those who are interested in the role of the information and its use by specific groups of the information society, as well as decision makers.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2020-0494
Assessing the whistleblowing policies of international sport organisations
Authors: Verschuuren Pim
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The implementation of whistleblowing policies is emblematic of the reforms undertaken by international sports organisations in the aftermath of major governance and integrity scandals. However, sport has particular organisational and cultural characteristics that reduce the likelihood of whistleblowing behaviour. This article looks at the quality of reporting policies in sports to assess how far the reporting mechanisms encourage whistleblowers.

Design/methodology/approach

A whistleblowing policy quality assessment system was built and applied to 45 international sport organisations.

Findings

The research identified 23 reporting mechanisms but, despite marked differences between them, most policies are of low quality. In particular, whistle-blower protection regimes and promotion strategies are lacking.

Research limitations/implications

The research suggests that reporting mechanisms currently in place are not likely to encourage whistle-blowers and questions the performance of these mechanisms as well as the objectives of the organisations, which may reflect “window-dressing” strategies. This may have implications for other areas of “good governance” reform.

Practical implications

An assessment questionnaire for sport reporting policies has been created and tested. It was sent to international sport organisations to assist them in identifying policy gaps and improving their policy.

Originality/value

The analysis does not limit itself to the presence or absence of “good governance” measures. It also explores their quality. It proposes a comprehensive assessment grid for whistleblowing policies in international sport that practitioners and researchers may wish to use in future.
The effect of multidimensional service quality on word of mouth in university on-campus healthcare centers
Authors: Dandis Ala' Omar , Jarrad Amr Anwar , Joudeh Jamal M M , Mukattash Ibrahim Lewis , Hassouneh Anas Ghassan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of multidimensional service quality on word of mouth (WOM) in university on-campus healthcare centers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from self-administered questionnaires involving a sample of 407 currently enrolled student-patients visiting the on-campus university healthcare centers in the Jordanian capital, Amman. Non-probability convenience sampling was performed in this study. Factor analysis and multiple and hierarchical multiple regression methods were used to analyze the data and test the proposed relationships.

Findings

The results show that the primary dimensions (administration quality, interpersonal quality and technical quality) had a significant and positive impact on WOM, with administration quality appearing as the most influential factor leading to WOM. At the subdimensions level, the findings of this study revealed that interaction activity had the most significant predictive value on WOM compared to the other service quality subdimensions. An insignificant relationship between atmosphere, tangibles, relationship activity and WOM was found.

Practical implications

This study suggests that university administrators and managers of other high-contact service sectors (e.g. hospitality and travel services, tourism education services, financial and insurance services and public services) ought to take into consideration both service quality subdimensions and satisfaction as significant strategic endpoints, as these inputs provide a roadmap for administrators to elicit positive WOM from customers with regard to their businesses.

Originality/value

This study provided its contribution by presenting a comprehensive model of WOM formation and offering specific insights for the on-campus healthcare centers in higher education institutions. This is also the first study conducted in the Middle East, particularly in Jordan.
Assessing the equilibrium between assemblage composition and climate: A directional distance‐decay approach
Authors: Baselga Andrés , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola
Published: April 2021

The variation of assemblage composition in space is characterised by the decrease in assemblage similarity with spatial distance. Climatic constraint and dispersal limitation are major drivers of distance‐decay of similarity. Distance‐decay of similarity is usually conceptualised and modelled as an isotropic pattern, that is, assuming that similarity decays with the same rate in all directions.

Because climatic gradients are markedly anisotropic, that is, they have different strength in different directions, if species distributions were in equilibrium with climate, the decay of assemblage similarity should be anisotropic in the same direction as the climatic gradient, that is, faster turnover in the direction that maximises the climatic gradient. Thus, deviations from equilibrium between assemblage composition and climatic conditions would result in differences in anisotropy between distance‐decay of similarity and climatic gradients.

We assessed anisotropy in distance‐decay patterns in marine plankton assemblages, terrestrial vertebrates and European beetles, using two procedures: (a) measuring the correlation between the residuals of a distance‐decay model and the angle in which pairs of sites are separated and (b) computing two separate distance‐decay models for each dataset, one using only pairwise cases that are separated on North‐South direction and another one using pairwise cases separated on East‐West direction. We also analysed whether the degree of anisotropy in distance‐decay is related to dispersal ability (proportion of wingless species and body size) and ecological niche characteristics (main habitat and trophic position) by assessing these relationships among beetle taxonomic groups (n = 21).

Anisotropy varied markedly across realms and biological groups. Despite climatic gradients being steeper in North‐South direction than in East‐West direction in all datasets, North‐South distance‐decays tended to be steeper than East‐West distance‐decays in plankton and most vertebrate assemblages, but flatter in European amphibians and most beetle groups.

Anisotropy also markedly varied across beetle groups depending on their dispersal ability, as the proportion of wingless species explained 60% of the variance in the difference between North‐South and East‐West distance‐decay slopes.

Our results suggest that the degree of equilibrium decreases from marine to terrestrial realms, and is markedly different between vertebrates and beetles. This has profound implications on the expected ability of different groups to track their suitable climates, and thus on the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Spirulina supplementation and oxidative stress and pro‐inflammatory biomarkers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Mohiti Sara , Zarezadeh Meysam , Naeini Fatemeh , Tutunchi Helda , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Ghoreishi Zohreh , Ebrahimi Mamaghani Mehrangiz
Published: April 2021

Studies investigating the effects of spirulina on inflammation and oxidative stress status are controversial. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the impacts of spirulina supplementation on oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory markers. PubMed‐Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase databases and Google Scholar were searched up to 1 October 2020. Random‐effect analysis was applied to perform meta‐analysis. Subgroup analyses and multivariate meta‐regression were performed to find heterogeneity sources. Quality assessment was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. A total of 11 studies that enrolled 465 subjects were included in our meta‐analysis. Pooled results demonstrated a significant increase in interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) concentrations [Standardized mean difference (SMD = 2.69 pg/mL; 95% CI: 0.26, 5.11; P = .03)]; however this result changed to insignificant (SMD = 0.54 pg/mL; 95% CI: −1.29, 2.27; P > .05) when sensitivity analysis performed. A marginal decreasing effect were also found on interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (SMD = −0.72 mg/dL; 95% CI: −1.50, 0.07; P = .073) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels (SMD = −0.65; 95% CI: −1.37, 0.08; P = .08). In addition, results of subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in IL‐6 and TBARS concentrations when the baseline body mass index (BMI) of participants was lower than 25 kg/m2. Moreover, spirulina had no significant effect on tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (SMD = −0.07 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.33, 0.18; P = .56) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD = −0.42; 95% CI: −0.98, 0.14; P = .14). Spirulina consumption contributed to a significant increase in IL‐2 concentrations changing to insignificant after sensitivity analysis and marginal decreasing effects on IL‐6 and TBARS levels. No considerable impacts were observed on TNF‐α and MDA concentrations.
Medicaid Waivers and Tenancy Supports for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: Implementation Challenges in Four States
Authors: THOMPSON FRANK J. , FARNHAM JENNIFER , TIDERINGTON EMMY , GUSMANO MICHAEL K. , CANTOR JOEL C.
Published: April 2021

Policy Points

Medicaid policymakers have a growing interest in addressing homelessness as a social determinant of health and driver of the potentially avoidable use of expensive medical services.

Drawing on extensive document reviews and in‐depth interviews in four early‐adopter states, we examined the implementation of Medicaid's Section 1115 demonstration waivers to test strategies to finance tenancy support services for persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Context

The Affordable Care Act extended Medicaid eligibility to large numbers of individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This legislative development and the growing recognition of homelessness as a significant social determinant of health have encouraged advocates and policymakers to seek new ways to use Medicaid to provide housing supports.

Methods

We conducted 28 semistructured interviews with 36 stakeholders in four states. The stakeholders were government administrators, health care providers, nonprofit housing staff, and consultants. We supplemented these interviews with extensive reviews of public documents, media accounts, think‐tank reports, and published literature. We also conducted a systematic inductive qualitative analysis.

Findings

We identified seven challenges to the successful implementation of tenancy support demonstration projects: resolving the housing supply and NIMBY, removing silos between health care and homeless services providers, enrolling and retaining the target populations in Medicaid, contracting with and paying tenancy support providers, recruiting and retaining key workers, ensuring Medicaid's waiver durability, and reducing administrative crowd‐out and waiver burden.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding these challenges, three of the four states have made significant progress in launching their initiatives. At this point, the fourth state has delayed its start‐up to consider alternatives to a Medicaid demonstration waiver to provide tenancy supports. The experience of the four states suggests lessons for Medicaid officials in other jurisdictions that are interested in pursuing tenancy support initiatives. Nevertheless, the limitations of tenancy support waiver programs suggest that federal policymakers should consider allowing states to more directly subsidize housing costs for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness as an optional Medicaid benefit.
Dielectric spectroscopy of Baijiu over 2–20 GHz using an open‐ended coaxial probe
Authors: Li Zhen , Haigh Arthur , Wang Ping , Soutis Constantinos , Gibson Andrew
Published: April 2021

The complex electric permittivity of Baijiu (one of the most consumed beverages) is measured over a frequency range of 2 to 20 GHz using a low‐cost open‐ended coaxial probe and a portable microwave analyzer. The Cole—Cole equation is used to fit the permittivity data, and the parameter values related are extracted using the particle swarm optimization. A linear relationship is obtained between these parameters and the alcohol by volume. A strong dependence of the permittivity on the alcohol content is also observed for other alcoholic drinks, including brandy and whisky. The study demonstrates that the microwave technique provides an efficient solution in the effort to determine the alcohol content and the principal component analysis is a powerful tool for the quick estimation of the dielectric properties. The sensor presented can contribute to efficient on‐site quality control of alcoholic drinks.

Practical Application

The microwave approach presented could offer an economical approach for the characterization of Baijiu and a general solution to the alcohol content determination for the alcoholic drinks industry.
Victoria (Australia) radiotherapy response to working through the first and second wave of COVID‐19: Strategies and staffing
Authors: Rykers Kym , Tacey Mark , Bowes Jack , Brown Kerryn , Yuen Eva , Wilson Carlene , Khor Richard , Foroudi Farshad
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic demanded a rapid response within Radiation Oncology services to minimise the risk of infection to patients and workforce. This study aimed to assess whether the operational changes put in place to reduce infection risks were effective in engaging and supporting staff.

Methods

Our service’s response saw staff and patients split into morning or afternoon shifts without overlap. Changes included extended clinic hours, modified treatment regimens, expanded online/electronic communication and remote working. Staff were invited to respond to an electronic questionnaire in September 2020, just after the peak of the second COVID‐19 wave in Victoria. Responses captured demographic data, parental status, profession, happiness levels, fear of COVID‐19 and e‐communication efficacy.

Results

A 57% response rate was achieved. 69% of respondents were female; 40% were aged 45+ and 35% had school‐aged children. Staff aged 45+ showed a significantly greater fear of COVID‐19 than younger staff. 36% of respondents reported feeling nervous or anxious watching news reports about COVID‐19. 92% of staff were happy with their work arrangements; staff with children were happier than staff without children with their shifts. Online chat/channels were reported as the preferred e‐communication method between colleagues.

Conclusion

Staff provided predominantly positive feedback to the changes made in response to the pandemic, reporting high levels of happiness and willingness to continue with the changes implemented during COVID‐19. The strategies adopted worked well and the overall high levels of staff satisfaction will allow our service to quickly pivot should further surges, or another pandemic, arise.
Safety of the standardized quality tree sublingual immunotherapy tablet: Pooled safety analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Biedermann Tilo , Couroux Peter , Greve Tina Maria , Mäkelä Mika
Published: April 2021

Background

The standardized quality (SQ) tree sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)‐tablet has recently been approved for treatment of tree pollen allergy. Healthcare workers should be provided with detailed safety data for clinical use.

Objective

To assess the tolerability and safety of the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet (12 SQ‐Bet) in adults and adolescents.

Methods

Safety data were pooled from three double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials (2 phase‐II/1 phase‐III) including adults and adolescents 12–65 years with allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis treated before and during one pollen season once‐daily with 12 SQ‐Bet (n = 471) or placebo (n = 458): EudraCT no: 2012‐000031‐59; NCT02481856; EudraCT 2015‐004821‐15.

Results

The most frequently reported investigational medicinal product (IMP)‐related AEs with 12 SQ‐Bet were oral pruritis (39% of subjects) and throat irritation (29%). IMP‐related AEs were mainly mild or moderate in severity, and the majority resolved without treatment and did not lead to treatment interruption/discontinuation. With 12 SQ‐Bet, oral pruritus was more frequent among subjects with pollen food syndrome (PFS) (45%) than without PFS (29%). The 12 SQ‐Bet did not seem to induce an increased risk of asthma: 7 events were reported in 7 subjects with 12 SQ‐Bet and 11 in 10 subjects with placebo. No differences were seen in the risk of moderate‐to‐severe IMP‐related AEs regardless of age, PFS status and asthma medical history.

Conclusions

The 12 SQ tree SLIT‐tablet was well tolerated in tree pollen allergic subjects with no major safety concerns detected. This safety profile supports daily at‐home sublingual administration once the first dose is tolerated when administered under medical supervision.
Variation in treatment and outcomes for patients with chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Choy Oh Sung , Manewell Sarah , Rajendran Saissan , Aitken Sarah J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia (CLTI) carries significant amputation and mortality risks. Australian population‐based outcomes for CLTI are inadequately known. This study aimed to distinguish factors associated with outcomes in the first 2 years after CLTI surgery.

Methods

By linking routinely collected health administrative and mortality data from New South Wales, this population‐based cohort study identified patients with ischaemic rest pain, gangrene or ulceration undergoing vascular surgery in public hospitals between 2010 and 2012. The primary outcome was 2‐year amputation‐free survival (AFS), and secondary outcomes included readmission and reoperation rates. Multivariable regression analysis identified prognostic factors adjusted for patient, hospital and geographic factors.

Results

Primary CLTI surgery was performed on 4898 patients. Almost half the cohort had minor amputations without concurrent revascularization (2398, 49%), and the remaining patients had open (652, 13%) or endovascular (1848, 38%) surgery. At 2‐years, the AFS rate was 72%. Significant disparity was seen between age groups, with the 2‐year AFS 71% in patients aged 75 years or older, compared to 95% in patients aged less than 75 years (P < 0.001). Place of residence or hospital training status did not significantly influence AFS or readmission, but non‐training hospitals had higher rates of reoperation.

Conclusion

This population‐based cohort study demonstrated variable outcomes for patients with CLTI, particularly with respect to older age, admission acuity and comorbidity. Results may guide service improvements however further research is needed into how population‐wide health initiatives can address age‐related disparities in CLTI.
An improved method to estimate absolute blood volume based on dialysate dilution
Authors: Kron Susanne , Schneditz Daniel , Keane David F. , Leimbach Til , Kron Joachim
Published: April 2021

Online hemodiafiltration machines equipped with a blood volume monitor and the possibility to rapidly infuse exact amounts of ultrapure dialysate into the extracorporeal circulation can be used to determine absolute blood volume in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of such measurements. Intra‐individual reproducibility was evaluated in four measurements taken in hourly intervals within the same dialysis treatment. Ten patients were studied. Absolute blood volumes measured at the beginning and after 1 hour of dialysis were significantly different (80.6 ± 14.5 and 63.9 ± 14.3 mL/kg, P < .001) and highly reproducible between the last three measurements (63.9 ± 14.3, 61.4 ± 13.8, and 60.9 ± 13.9 mL/kg, P = n.s.). Measurement of absolute blood volume after 1 hour of treatment is more precise than earlier measurements and might be better suited for guidance of ultrafiltration.
Dry matter intake and milk production of grazing dairy cows supplemented with corn silage or a total mixed ration offered ad libitum in a subtropical area
Authors: Ribeiro‐Filho Henrique M.N. , Dall‐Orsoletta Aline C. , Mendes Diego , Delagarde Rémy
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the feeding choice, dry matter (DM) intake, and milk production of dairy cows that strip grazed on a mixed perennial species pasture receiving different supplementation strategies. The treatments were without supplementation (WS) or with supplementation of either corn silage (CS) or a total mixed ration (TMR) based on CS and concentrates, in a subtropical area. The supplements were provided ad libitum after the afternoon milking. Twelve Holstein × Jersey cows in mid‐lactation (133 ± 43 days in milk) were divided into six groups (two cows/group) and distributed in accordance with a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, with three 21 day periods (15 adaptation days and 6 evaluation days). The total DM intake, milk production, milk fat, and milk protein production were greater in the TMR treatment than in the WS and CS treatments and were similar between the WS and CS treatments. The herbage DM intake and proportion of time spent grazing were greater in the CS treatment than in the TMR treatment. CS supplementation did not affect the total DM intake or milk production/cow, whereas TMR supplementation greatly improved the total DM intake and milk production of the dairy cows grazing on mixed perennial species.
Presumptive neural microsporidiosis in a young adult German Shepherd dog from rural Australia
Authors: Birckhead A , Combs M , Croser E , Montgomery A , Peters A , Stark D , Malik R
Published: April 2021

Case report

A 1‐year‐old, neutered male German Shepherd was presented with a 5‐month history of episodic lethargy, intermittent fever, weight loss and a hunched posture. The dog was diagnosed with presumptive microsporidian meningoencephalitis based on cytological findings on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and a positive PCR test. The dog initially responded favourably to a 4‐week course of trimethoprim‐sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and fenbendazole, and remained well for 12 weeks following cessation of treatment. Disease then recurred, and despite an initial positive response to treatment, he deteriorated and was euthanased 11 weeks later, 7.5 months after definitive diagnosis and 13 months after clinical signs were first reported.

Conclusion

To the authors knowledge, this is the first case of canine microsporidiosis in Australia.
Suspect ‘baggage canine heartworm’ case: canine heartworm disease in a dog from Sydney, New South Wales
Authors: McKeever B , Podadera JM , Beijerink NJ , Šlapeta J
Published: April 2021

Locally acquired canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in the temperate southern climate zones of Australia is currently rare. We report a case of locally acquired canine heartworm from Sydney, New South Wales in a 12‐year‐old Fox Terrier × Jack Russell female that presented with coughing and breathing difficulties. Absence of heartworm prevention and no travel outside Sydney was noted. Blood sample was D. immitis positive using antigen test, but negative on Modified Knott's testing. PCR confirmed the presence of D. immitis DNA in circulating blood. Echocardiographic examination revealed multiple parallel echogenic lines separated by a hypoechoic region (‘tram‐tracks’) in the right pulmonary artery. The patient was treated and clinical condition gradually improved over the following 12 months. Antigen test remained positive for D. immitis at ~7 months and became negative at ~15 months after the start of the treatment. The most plausible scenario is importation of infected mosquito(s) in the luggage arriving from Queensland, Australia, common holiday destination for many Sydney‐siders. We consider this a case of ‘baggage canine heartworm’. Canine heartworm in dogs who did not travel should be considered in the differential diagnosis and D. immitis antigen test coupled with Modified Knott's test or PCR must be considered.
Cerebroprotection by dioscin after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome through SIRT1‐dependent pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐Sheng , Lu Yue , Li Wen , Tao Tao , Wang Wei‐Han , Gao Sen , Zhou Yan , Guo Yi‐Ting , Liu Cang , Zhuang Zong , Hang Chun‐Hua , Li Wei
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Dioscin has multiple biological activities and is beneficial for cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases. Here, we investigated the protective effects of dioscin against subarachnoid haemorrhage and the molecular mechanisms involved.

Experimental Approach

Dioscin was administered after subarachnoid haemorrhage induced in rats. MCC950, a potent selective nod‐like receptor pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inhibitor, was used to suppress NLRP3 and EX527 (selisistat) was used to inhibit sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).

Key Results

In vivo, dioscin inhibited acute inflammatory response, oxidative damage, neurological impairment and neural cell degeneration after subarachnoid haemorrhage along with dramatically suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. While pretreatment with MCC950 reduced the inflammatory response and improved neurological outcomes it did not lessen ROS production. However, giving dioscin after MCC950 reduced acute brain damage and ROS production. Dioscin increased SIRT1 expression after subarachnoid haemorrhage, whereas EX527 abolished the up‐regulation of SIRT1 induced by dioscin and offset the inhibitory effects of dioscin on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. EX527 pretreatment also reversed the neuroprotective effects of dioscin against subarachnoid haemorrhage. Similarly, in vitro, dioscin dose‐dependently suppressed inflammatory response, oxidative damage and neuronal degeneration and improved cell viability in neurons and microglia co‐culture system. These effects were associated with inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and stimulation of SIRT1 signalling, which could be inhibited by EX527 pretreatment.

Conclusion and Implications

Dioscin provides protection against subarachnoid haemorrhage via the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation through SIRT1‐dependent pathway. Dioscin may be a new candidate to ameliorate early brain injury after subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Quercetin relieves D‐amphetamine‐induced manic‐like behaviour through activating TREK‐1 potassium channels in mice
Authors: Ren Keke , Liu Haiying , Guo Baolin , Li Rui , Mao Honghui , Xue Qian , Yao Han , Wu Shengxi , Bai Zhantao , Wang Wenting
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Quercetin is a well‐known plant flavonoid with neuroprotective properties. Earlier work suggested it may relieve psychiatric disorders, cognition deficits and memory dysfunction through anti‐oxidant and/or radical scavenging mechanisms. In addition, quercetin modulated the physiological function of some ion channels. However, the detailed ionic mechanisms of the bioeffects of quercetin remain unknown.

Experimental Approach

Effects of quercetin on neuronal activities in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its ionic mechanisms were analysed by calcium imaging using mice bearing a green fluorescent protein, calmodulin, and M13 fusion protein and patch clamp in acute brain slices from C57BL/6 J mice and in HEK 293 cells. The possible ionic mechanism of action of quercetin on D‐amphetamine‐induced manic‐like effects in mice was explored with c‐fos staining and the open field behaviour test.

Key Results

Quercetin reduced calcium influx triggered by PFC pyramidal neuronal activity. This effect involved increasing the rheobase of neuronal firing through decreasing membrane resistance following quercetin treatment. Spadin, a blocker of TREK‐1 potassium channels, also blocked the effect of quercetin on the membrane resistance and neuronal firing. Further, spadin blocked the neuroprotective effects of quercetin. The effects of quercetin on TREK‐1 channels could be mimicked by GF109203X, a protein kinase C inhibitor. In vivo, injection of quercetin relieved the manic hyperlocomotion in mice, induced by D‐amphetamine. This action was partly alleviated by spadin.

Conclusion and Implications

TREK‐1 channels are a novel target for quercetin, by inhibiting PKC. This action could contribute to both the neuroprotective and anti‐manic‐like effects.
Biomarkers for predicting response to aspirin therapy in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Tyrak Katarzyna E. , Pajdzik Kinga , Jakieła Bogdan , Kupryś‐Lipińska Izabela , Ćmiel Adam , Kacorzyk Radosław , Trąd Gabriela , Kuna Piotr , Sanak Marek , Mastalerz Lucyna
Published: April 2021

Background

Aspirin desensitization followed by daily aspirin use is an effective treatment for aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD).

Objective

To assess clinical features as well as genetic, immune, cytological and biochemical biomarkers that might predict a positive response to high‐dose aspirin therapy in AERD.

Methods

We enrolled 34 AERD patients with severe asthma who underwent aspirin desensitization followed by 52‐week aspirin treatment (650 mg/d). At baseline and at 52 weeks, clinical assessment was performed; phenotypes based on induced sputum cells were identified; eicosanoid, cytokine and chemokine levels in induced sputum supernatant were determined; and induced sputum expression of 94 genes was assessed. Responders to high‐dose aspirin were defined as patients with improvement in 5‐item Asthma Control Questionnaire score, 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score and forced expiratory volume in 1 second at 52 weeks.

Results

There were 28 responders (82%). Positive baseline predictors of response included female sex (p = .002), higher SNOT‐22 score (p = .03), higher blood eosinophil count (p = .01), lower neutrophil percentage in induced sputum (p = .003), higher expression of the hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase gene, HPGD (p = .004) and lower expression of the proteoglycan 2 gene, PRG2 (p = .01). The best prediction model included Asthma Control Test and SNOT‐22 scores, blood eosinophils and total serum immunoglobulin E. Responders showed a marked decrease in sputum eosinophils but no changes in eicosanoid levels.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Female sex, high blood eosinophil count, low sputum neutrophil percentage, severe nasal symptoms, high HPGD expression and low PRG2 expression may predict a positive response to long‐term high‐dose aspirin therapy in patients with AERD.
Listening to the opinista? Relational understandings of voice and silence in a multiperspective narrative study of child psychotherapy
Authors: Capella Claudia , Boddy Janet
Published: April 2021

The concept of ‘child voice’ is examined through a longitudinal narrative case‐based analysis of interviews and drawings with an 8‐year‐old Chilean girl, who was in psychotherapy following sexual abuse, alongside interviews with her mother and therapists. Prompted by the child's description of herself through the neologism of the opinista—one who has opinions—the analysis encompasses diverse narratives of a critical moment in therapy, illuminating the complexity and entangled relationality of ‘child voice’. Moving beyond an individualizsed conception of ‘voice’ makes it possible to account for relationality without privileging adult articulations of children's experiences—allowing the opinista to be heard.
COVID‐19 and food processing in Canada
Authors: Hailu Getu
Published: April 2021

In this paper, I explore the economic activities of the food processing industry during the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. One of the key lessons from food processing and related industries is that without being designated as an essential service and targeted stimulus packages, the food industry could have fallen victim to the COVID‐19 crisis. Although the social and economic impacts of the interventions are not clear, being designated as an essential service was likely far more important to the food industry than the targeted stimulus packages. The pandemic and shutdown orders had a considerable production reallocation effect. Some processors have seen temporary closure and reduced capacity utilization. On the upside, disruptions in the food processing sector have not been as severe as in non‐essential sectors. The food processing sector has proven to be relatively stable during the pandemic – food was still processed and delivered to consumers and food price increases were minimal in most cases given the scale of the shock. Moving forward, because COVID‐19 is a global crisis, internationally targeted and coordinated efforts to tackle the virus could place the industry on a strong trajectory towards economic recovery and growth.

Résumé

Dans cet article, j'explore les activités économiques de l'industrie de la transformation des aliments pendant la pandémie COVID‐19. L'une des principales leçons tirées de la transformation des aliments et des industries connexes est que sans être désignée comme un service essentiel et visée par des plans de relance ciblés, l'industrie alimentaire aurait pu être victime de la crise du COVID‐19. Bien que les impacts sociaux et économiques des interventions ne soient pas clairs, être désigné comme un service essentiel était probablement beaucoup plus important pour l'industrie alimentaire que les plans de relance ciblés. La pandémie et les ordres d'arrêt ont eu un effet considérable de réallocation de la production. Certains transformateurs ont connu des fermetures temporaires et une utilisation réduite de leurs capacités. Les perturbations dans le secteur de la transformation des aliments n'ont pas été aussi graves que dans les secteurs non essentiels. Le secteur de la transformation des aliments s'est avéré relativement stable pendant la pandémie ‐ les aliments étaient encore
transformés et livrés aux consommateurs et les augmentations des prix des denrées alimentaires ont été minimes dans la plupart des cas compte tenu de l'ampleur du choc. À l'avenir, parce que le COVID‐19 est une crise mondiale, des efforts coordonnés et ciblés au niveau international pour lutter contre le virus pourraient placer l'industrie sur une trajectoire solide vers la reprise économique et la croissance.
Ultra‐thin endoscope‐assisted insertion of a suction tube for the removal of massive gastric blood clots
Authors: Maehara Kosuke , Esaki Mitsuru , Minoda Yosuke
Published: April 2021

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Efficacy of metformin monotherapy in US veterans with type 2 diabetes and preexisting chronic kidney disease stage 3
Authors: Gosmanov Aidar R. , Gemoets Darren E. , Kaminsky Laurence S. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Gosmanova Elvira O.
Published: April 2021

Aim

To evaluate the glycaemic efficacy of metformin in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD3).

Participants and methods

This was a retrospective study including 145980 US veterans with T2D and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m2 who initiated metformin monotherapy between November 1999 and July 2017. Propensity‐score‐matched cohorts were generated based on baseline variables associated with CKD3 (eGFR 30‐59 mL/min/1.73 m2) to evaluate the independent association between CKD3 and metformin discontinuation, the addition of a second hypoglycaemic agent, and changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline in those with and without CKD3. Associations were examined using the Kaplan‐Meier method and multivariable regression models, adjusted for baseline and 12‐month average metformin dose.

Results

The mean age of the entire cohort was 60.7 years, and 95% of the cohort were men, 21% were African American and 9% had CKD3. In the adjusted analyses, patients with CKD3 had a higher risk of metformin discontinuation or addition of a second hypoglycaemic agent, as compared with patients without CKD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19‐1.26, and HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13‐1.40, respectively). Among metformin monotherapy users, there were no differences in the average HbA1c reduction from baseline to 12 or 24 months between patients with and without CKD3.

Conclusions

Individuals with CKD3 and T2D were at increased risk of metformin monotherapy failure. However, the HbA1c‐lowering efficacy of metformin was similar in patients with and without CKD3, highlighting that metformin is a valuable treatment option for newly treated individuals with T2D and CKD3.