bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measure of nonlinearity for underwater target tracking using hull-mounted sensor
Authors: Omkar Lakshmi Jagan B. , Koteswara Rao S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Doppler-Bearing Tracking (DBT) is commonly used in target tracking applications for the underwater environment using the Hull-Mounted Sensor (HMS). It is an important and challenging problem in an underwater environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The system nonlinearity in an underwater environment increases due to several reasons such as the type of measurements taken, the speeds of target and observer, environmental conditions, number of sensors considered for measurements and so on. Degrees of nonlinearity (DoNL) for these problems are analyzed using a proposed measure of nonlinearity (MoNL) for state estimation.

Findings

In this research, the authors analyzed MoNL for state estimation and computed the conditional MoNL (normalized) using different filtering algorithms where measurements are obtained from a single sensor array (i.e. HMS). MoNL is implemented to find out the system nonlinearity for different filtering algorithms and identified how much nonlinear the system is, that is, to measure nonlinearity of a problem.

Originality/value

Algorithms are evaluated for various scenarios with different angles on the target bow (ATB) in Monte-Carlo simulation. Computation of root mean squared (RMS) errors in position and velocity is carried out to assess the state estimation accuracy using MATLAB.
COVID-19 and supply chain risk mitigation: a case study from India
Authors: Dohale Vishwas , Verma Priyanka , Gunasekaran Angappa , Ambilkar Priya
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study prioritizes the supply chain risks (SCRs) and determines risk mitigation strategies (RMSs) for the Indian apparel industry to mitigate the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, 23 SCRs within the apparel industry are identified through an extant literature review. Further, a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is utilized to prioritize the SCRs considering the epidemic situations to understand the criticality of SCRs and determine appropriate RMSs to mitigate the shock of SCRs during COVID-19.

Findings

This study prioritized and ranked the SCRs within the Indian apparel industry based on their severity during the COVID-19 disruption. Results indicate that the demand uncertainty and pandemic disruption risks are the most critical. Based on the SCRs, the present work evaluated and suggested the flexibility and postponement mitigation strategies for the case under study.

Research limitations/implications

This study has novel implications to the existing literature on supply chain risk management in the form of the FAHP framework. Supply chain practitioners from the other industrial sectors can extend the proposed FAHP framework to assess the SCRs and identify suitable mitigation strategies. The results aid the practitioners working in an apparel industry to benchmark and deploy the proposed RMSs in their firm.

Originality/value

The present study is a unique and earlier attempt to develop a quantitative framework using FAHP to evaluate and determine the risk mitigation strategy for managing the SCRs during the coronavirus epidemic.
The role of operations and supply chains in mitigating social disruptions caused by COVID-19: a stakeholder dynamic capabilities view
Authors: Devi Yashoda , Srivastava Abhishek , Koshta Nitin , Chaudhuri Atanu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The disruption caused by COVID-19 exhorts to reiterate the role of operations and supply chain management (OSCM) in achieving social sustainability. Therefore, the present study aims to develop a conceptual understanding of the OSCM ecosystem's role in enabling the world to accelerate towards social sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the integrative review method to achieve the stated objectives. The study first identifies the societal disruptions caused by COVID-19. Then based on dynamic capabilities (DC) theory, stakeholder theory and real-life examples, the study puts forward the stakeholder dynamic capabilities (SDC) view as an approach to overcome these social challenges.

Findings

Taking the SDC view, the study identified ten social challenges aggravated by the COVID-19. Response actions for OSCM have been proposed to mitigate these challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The pandemic has brought new challenges to the OSCM to achieve social sustainability. Therefore, the study's proposed response actions aim to assist OSCM managers in leveraging their expertise to do good for society and create a better world. Moreover, the study also provides avenues for future research on the topic.

Originality/value

Based on the SDC view, the study attempts to conceptualise social sustainability for OSCM during a pandemic. The SDC view helps capture internal and external social challenges emerging due to COVID-19 and utilise firms' capabilities to overcome these challenges.
(A) Symmetric impacts of crime rate on total factor productivity: evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Ajide Folorunsho M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In this study, an investigation into the asymmetric impacts of crime rate on total factor productivity (TFP) in Nigeria is conducted.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs linear and non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) modelling techniques to analyse Nigerian data spanning over a period of 1986–2017. In addition, Granger causality tests are conducted under error correction technique.

Findings

The study establishes that crime rate has a significant impact on TFP in the short and long run. In addition, the positive component of crime rate has positive impacts on TFP in the short run while the negative shocks have negative impacts on TFP. However, in the long run, both positive and negative components have negative impacts on TFP in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This study is the first to analyse the asymmetric impact of crime rate on TFP. The study also advances the literature by examining the symmetric impact of crime rate on TFP in an African country (Nigeria) where crime-related activities are rampant. The study is one of the few studies that shed light on nonlinearities in criminal behaviour.
Understanding the boundary decision of digital platform enterprises
Authors: Lou Shuzhen , Wang Jiexiang , Xia Ji
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Boundary decision is an important but underexplored theme in digital platform research. The boundary decision of digital platform enterprises (DPEs) differs from traditional organizations because of cross-side network effects (CNEs). This study intends to investigate whether transaction cost economics (TCE) and resource-based view (RBV), as classical organization boundary mechanisms, are still applicable for DPEs.

Design/methodology/approach

To unfold the research problem, this study conducts a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on the samples of 21 platform business units.

Findings

The results show that the classical boundary decision theory still applies in the context of DPEs, but the cross-side network effects will affect boundary decision of DPEs.

Originality/value

This study provides a new framework – integrates TCE, RBV and CNEs – to analyze boundary decision of DPEs. This paper also contributes to research on both organization boundary decision and platform governance.
Remote leadership in health care: a scoping review
Authors: Kiljunen Mari , Laukka Elina , Koskela Tarja K. , Kanste Outi Ilona
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The degree of remote working has increased in the health-care sector, but remote leadership in health-care contexts has not been systematically studied. Thus, the purpose of this review was to map existing literature and research themes of remote leadership in health care and identify potential research gaps to guide future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review with narrative synthesis was conducted, covering all published literature addressing remote, virtual, online or distance leadership practices. The ABI/INFORM Collection, CINALH, PsycArticles, Scopus and Web of Science, MedNar, Open Grey and PQDT Open databases were searched electronically, and Finnish Journal of eHealth and eWelfare was searched manually.

Findings

In total 15 articles were included in the review. Most literature concerning remote leadership in health care has been published during the past three decades. The main themes discerned in this research stream are related to interactions, work environments, leadership in practice, use of technology and needs for more study of remote leadership and guidance for remote leaders.

Research limitations/implications

Research on remote leadership in health care is limited, patchy and associated concepts vary substantially. More comprehensive research on the phenomenon is needed, with more systematic attention to, and coverage of, relevant populations, concepts, contexts and the identified themes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this appears to be the first review to map research on remote leadership in health care and identify research gaps, which is important as its prevalence has rapidly increased.
Damage caused by black inks to the chemical properties of archaeological papyrus – analytical study
Authors: Mazen Bataa Sayed Mohamed , Ismail Badawi Mohamed , Ali Hassan Rushdya Rabee , Ali Mahmoud
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the nature of archaeological papyrus damage and monitoring the mechanics of damage caused by black inks to the chemical properties of ancient papyrus.

Design/methodology/approach

This study the papyrus surface with a digital microscopy “USB,” examination and analyzing by “Scanning Electron Microscope,” characterization of black ink used in writing the ancient papyrus using “Scanning Electron Microscopy” with (EDX). Detection of changes in the chemical bonds of ancient papyrus samples by “Fourier transform infrared” FTIR.

Findings

The result confirmed that SEM examination showed the organization of the parenchyma cells that make up papyrus tissue. Characteristic waveform appears, it indicates the ancient Egyptian manufacturer’s use of the (Strips Method) in the process of manufacturing the archaeological papyrus. Also, the appearance of (Over Lapping) stacking of papyrus slides. EDX analysis showed that the black ink used to write the papyrus was (Carbon Ink). High oxygen content in the papyrus sample analysis indicates deterioration of the cellulose fibers. FTIR spectrum showed that Arabic gum is the bonding material for carbon ink particles, it also showed that archaeological papyrus suffers from hydrolysis due to exposure of papyrus fibers to high moisture content or direct water, resulting in smudge, bleeding and fading of carbon ink on the archaeological papyrus support.

Originality/value

The study is archaeological papyrus with black ink scripts from the excavation of the Qasr I brim.
Analysis of the Aflatoxin M1 contamination in traditional and commercial cheeses consumed in Yemen
Authors: Abdullah Murshed Safwan Ahmad , Rizwan Muhammad , Akbar Fazal , Zaman Nasib , Suleman Muhammad , Shujait Ali Syed
Published: November 2021

The current study aimed to determine the levels of Aflatoxin M1 in traditional Taizi cheese and commercial cheeses utilised in Yemen. A total of 273 cheese samples were collected from supermarkets and analysed for AFM1 contamination by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Among these samples, 79.12% were positive for AFM1 contamination with levels ranging from 0.020 to 5.955 μg/kg. AFM1 was detected at 84.67 and 73.53% in commercial and traditional cheeses, respectively. In the current study, 32.6% of the total cheese samples were contaminated with AFM1 at a level above the acceptable limit (0.250 μg/kg) of the European Commission. Results of this study revealed that the presence of AFM1 contamination in different types of cheese samples should be considered a serious public health problem in Yemen.
Relationships between fasting glucose levels, lifestyle factors, and metabolic parameters in Korean adults without diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kang Seo Young , Kim Young Sik
Published: November 2021

Background

We investigated the associations between fasting glucose level ranges with lifestyle factors and metabolic profiles among adults without previous diagnosis of diabetes.

Methods

We analyzed 13 625 adults without previous diagnosis of diabetes from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2016 to 2018. We categorized fasting glucose levels (mg/dl) as follows: <90, 90 to 99, 100 to 109, 110 to 124, and ≥125. We evaluated trends in the proportions of individuals with obesity, abdominal, obesity, current smoking, heavy drinking, and low physical activity according to these categories, and the odds for uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglycerides (TG), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) for each fasting glucose level compared to a fasting glucose level of <90 mg/dl.

Results

The proportions of individuals with obesity, abdominal obesity, and heavy drinking increased according to fasting glucose level (P for trend <.05). The odds for BP ≥140/90 mm Hg, TG ≥150 mg/dl, HDL‐C < 40 mg/dl in men, and HDL‐C < 50 mg/dl in women increased with increasing fasting glucose levels; however, the odds for LDL‐C ≥ 130 mg/dl increased with increasing fasting glucose levels only in women. The increases in odds for uncontrolled BP and lipid profiles were mostly observed for fasting glucose levels ≥90 mg/dl.

Conclusions

Efforts are needed to prevent increased fasting glucose levels, as higher levels, even within normal range, were associated with poor metabolic profiles.
P‐wave Velocity Structure of Crustal and Upper Mantle beneath South China and its Tectonic Implications
Authors: ZHENG Hongwei , LI Tingdong , HE Rizheng , YU Haiying , YANG Hui , WEN Yanlin , WANG Peng , LIU Fang , SUN Dongjun
Published: November 2021

The 3D P‐wave velocity structure beneath the South China Block was determined by applying arrival times from 269 teleseismic events recorded by 240 seismic stations within the study region. Our tomographic results reveal the deep structural characteristics of major tectonic units and ore concentration areas. There are distinct high velocity anomalies beneath the ancient Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, with the lithosphere of the Cathaysia Block being thinner than the Yangtze Block; the Jiangnan orogenic belt, located in the combined zone of two blocks, is a high and low velocity anomaly conversion zone; the famous metallogenic belts of Edongnan, the Youjiang Basin and the Cathaysia Block are obviously low velocity areas with different metallogenic mechanisms. The deep ore‐forming material source in the Edongnan metallogenic belt is different from that of the Cathaysia Block. The low velocity anomaly under the Cathaysia Block related to mineralization results from the upwelling of mantle material, caused by the joint action of the Paleo‐Tethys tectonic domain, the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic domain and the Hainan mantle plume migration and erosion, which has been occurring from northeast to southwest since 80 Ma. The low‐temperature mineralization mechanism of Youjiang Basin should be considered not only in terms of the influence of the Emeishan mantle plume in the west and the Paleo‐Tethys tectonic domain in the south, but also in the context of the influence of the upwelling of asthenospheric material from the Paleo‐Pacific tectonic domain in the east.
Implementation and maintenance of an emergency department naloxone distribution and peer recovery specialist program
Authors: Jacka Brendan P. , Ziobrowski Hannah N. , Lawrence Alexis , Baird Janette , Wentz Anna E. , Marshall Brandon D. L. , Wightman Rachel S. , Mello Michael J. , Beaudoin Francesca L. , Samuels Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2021

Study Objective

Emergency department (ED)‐based naloxone distribution and peer‐based behavioral counseling have been shown to be feasible, but little is known about utilization maintenance over time and clinician, patient, and visit level factors influencing implementation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of an ED overdose prevention program providing take‐home naloxone, behavioral counseling, and treatment linkage for patients treated for an opioid overdose at two Rhode Island EDs from 2017 to 2020: one tertiary referral center and a community hospital. Utilizing a Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework, we evaluated program reach, adoption, implementation modifiers, and maintenance using logistic and Poisson regression.

Results

Seven hundred forty two patients were discharged after an opioid overdose, comprising 966 visits (median: 32 visits per month; interquartile range: 29, 41). At least one intervention was provided at most (86%, 826/966) visits. Take‐home naloxone was provided at 69% of visits (637/919). Over half (51%, 495/966) received behavioral counseling and treatment referral (65%, 609/932). Almost all attending physicians provided take‐home naloxone (97%, 105/108), behavioral counseling (95%, 103/108), or treatment referral (95%, 103/108) at least once. Most residents and advanced practice practitioners (APPs) provided take home naloxone (78% residents; 72% APPs), behavioral counseling (76% residents; 67% APPs), and treatment referral (80% residents; 81% APPs) at least once. Most clinicians provided these services for over half of the opioid overdose patients they cared for. Patients were twice as likely to receive behavioral counseling when treated by an attending in combination with a resident and/or APP (adjusted odds ratio: 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.68, 3.12) compared to an attending alone. There was no depreciation in use over time.

Conclusions

ED naloxone distribution, behavioral counseling, and referral to treatment can be successfully integrated into usual emergency care and maintained over time with high reach and adoption. Further work is needed to identify low‐cost implementation strategies to improve services use and dissemination across clinical settings.
The Stop‐tabac smartphone application for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Etter Jean‐François , Khazaal Yasser
Published: November 2021

Aims

To test whether the Stop‐tabac smartphone application (app) increased smoking cessation rates.

Design

A two‐arm, parallel‐group, individually randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial.

Setting and Participants

A total of 5293 daily smokers (Stop‐tabac = 2639, control = 2654) enrolled on app stores and on the internet in 2019–20, who lived in France or Switzerland.

Intervention and comparator

The Stop‐tabac application includes immediate feedback during episodes of craving and withdrawal; individually tailored counseling messages with notifications sent during 6 months; a discussion forum; fact sheets; modules on nicotine replacement therapy and e‐cigarettes; and calculators of cigarettes not smoked, money saved and days of life gained since quitting. The control application included five brief pages and calculators as above.

Measurements

Primary outcome: self‐reported smoking cessation after 6 months (no puff of tobacco in the past 4 weeks), with non‐responders counted as smokers. Secondary outcome: self‐reported use of nicotine medications.

Findings

Participants were aged 36 years on average; 66% were women who smoked 15 cigarettes/day, and 64% screened positive for depression. Stop‐tabac participants used the app over a longer period than control participants (23 versus 11 days, P < 0.001). Smoking cessation rates after 6 months were 9.9% in the Stop‐tabac group versus 10.3% in the control group (odds ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval = 0.80–1.45, P = 0.63). Rates of use of nicotine medications after entry in the study were 38 versus 30% after 6 months (χ2 = 8.3, P = 0.004) in the Stop‐tabac and control groups. After 6 months, 26% of participants in the Stop‐tabac group and 8% in the control group said that the app helped them ‘a lot’ or ‘enormously’ to quit smoking (χ2 =  113, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In smokers enrolled on the app stores and the internet, allocation to the Stop‐tabac smoking cessation app did not increase smoking cessation rates, but increased rates of use of nicotine medications.
Heterogeneous origin of IgE in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis revealed by B cell receptor repertoire analysis
Authors: Luo Lihua , Luo Yang , Xu Jing , Zhu Ronghui , Wu Jinghua , Liu Xiao , Li Wei , Yao Xu
Published: November 2021

Background

Epicutaneous sensitization is an important route for the production of IgE, and skin inflammation‐induced IgE has recently been reported having features of natural antibody. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis have differentially increased level of serum IgE; however, the production mechanism of IgE in these inflammatory skin diseases remains unknown.

Objective

To explore the origin of IgE in AD and psoriasis by analyzing the B cell receptor repertoire.

Methods

mRNA was prepared from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AD and psoriasis patients that had elevated serum levels of IgE, and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) repertoires were sequenced after reverse transcription. Clonal lineages of B cells containing members expressing IgE were identified, and somatic hypermutations in IGH inherited from common ancestors within the clonal lineage were used to infer the relationships between B cells.

Results

The proportions of IGHE from AD and psoriasis were higher than that of normal control, which were positively correlated with the levels of serum total IgE. The somatic hypermutation value of IGHE variable region was lower than that of IGHG and IGHA, but higher than IGHM and IGHD, indicating a mixed natural and adaptive origins of IgE; and psoriasis demonstrated lower level of hypermutation than AD. The Shannon indexes of CDR3 in IGHE of AD and psoriasis were higher than that of normal control, also supporting the natural origin. The VH usage of IgE was weakly biased in AD and psoriasis patients with high level of house dust mite‐specific IgE. Comparison of the number of shared mutations in multi‐isotype lineages containing IgE showed that isotype‐switching from IgG‐expressing B cells might be the major source of IgE in AD and psoriasis.

Conclusion

IgE has heterogeneous origin in AD and psoriasis, and skin inflammation may contribute to the increased production of natural IgE.
Role of cytochrome P450 2C8 genetic polymorphism and epoxygenase uncoupling in periodontal remodelling affecting orthodontic treatment
Authors: Yamoune Sabrina , Wintz Katharina , Niederau Christian , Craveiro Rogerio B. , Wolf Michael , Stingl Julia
Published: November 2021

In genome‐wide association studies, the CYP2C8 gene locus has been reported to be associated with bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw, a severe devastating side effect of antiresorptive bone treatment. The aim of this study was to elucidate the putative pathomechanism explaining the association between the genetic polymorphism with the alleles CYP2C8*2 and *3 causing low CYP2C8 activity, and disturbed periodontal remodelling in periodontal fibroblasts cultured from patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. CYP2C8 activity, enzyme expression and substrate metabolism were detected in human periodontal fibroblast cultures. Zoledronic acid caused enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in periodontal fibroblasts, which was enhanced by arachidonic acid as inflammatory signal. Enhanced bisphosphonate‐induced uncoupling of the CYP2C8 enzyme was detected in the variant allele (CYP2C8*3) with the result of increased H2O2 production and lowered substrate oxidation. Conversely, substrate (amodiaquine) addition led to decreased H2O2 production in isolated CYP2C8 enzymes, but in CYP2C8*3 enzyme, increased H2O2 was still detected, especially in presence of arachidonic acid. CYP2C8 variants leading to decreased enzyme activity in substrate oxidation may enhance ROS production by reaction uncoupling, and thus, contribute to difficulties in orthodontic treatment and the risk of side effects of antiresorptive drugs.
Benchmark dose and the adverse effects of exposure to pendimethalin at low dose in female rats
Authors: Gad Marwa F. , Mossa Abdel‐Tawab H. , Refaie Amel A. , Ibrahim Noha E. , Mohafrash Samia M. M.
Published: November 2021

Pendimethalin (PND) is a dinitroaniline herbicide widely used to control broadleaf and annual grasses. Although the acute oral toxicity of PND is >5 g/kg b.wt. in humans (LD50 for rats >5000 g/kg b.wt.), it has been classified as a possible human carcinogen. It is still used in agriculture so agricultural workers and their families, as well as consumers, can be exposed to this herbicide. The present study is the first report investigating the dose–response effect using the benchmark dose (BMD) and the adverse effects of exposure to PND at low dose via apoptosis responses linked to the expression of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), FAS and BAX proteins; oxidative stress; and DNA and liver damage in female rats. The rats were exposed to PND via drinking water at doses equivalent to no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL = 100 mg/kg b.wt.), 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. for 28 days. PND caused the overexpression of TNF‐α, FAS and BAX; increased the levels of serum liver biomarkers; and increased oxidative stress in the liver and erythrocytes. Furthermore, it induced DNA and liver damage in a dose‐dependent manner. The BMD showed that serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total antioxidant capacity (78.4 and 30.1 mg/kg b.wt./day, respectively), lipid peroxidation in liver tissue (30.9 mg/kg b.wt./day), catalase in erythrocytes (14.0 mg/kg b.wt./day) and FAS expression in liver tissue (6.89 mg/kg b.wt./day) were highly sensitive biomarkers of PND toxicity. Our findings suggest the generation of reactive oxygen species as a possible mechanism of PND‐induced gene overexpression of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), FAS and BAX proteins, oxidative stress and DNA and liver damage in female rats.
Primary immune thrombocytopenia in very elderly patients: particularities in presentation and management: results from the prospective CARMEN‐France Registry
Authors: Sokal Aurélien , de Nadaï Thomas , Maquet Julien , Comont Thibault , Limal Nicolas , Michel Marc , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Godeau Bertrand , Adoue Daniel , Mahévas Matthieu , Moulis Guillaume ,   the CARMEN investigators group
Published: November 2021

Data about the presentation and the management of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in very elderly patients (VEPs; aged ≥80 years) are lacking. The aim of the present study was to describe ITP in this subgroup. The data source was the prospective CARMEN‐France registry. Patients included between 2013 and 2018 were selected. ITP presentation and management in VEPs was compared to elderly patients (EPs; aged 65–79 years). We assessed factors associated with bleeding at ITP onset in VEPs. Of 541 patients, 184 were included: 87 in the VEP group and 97 in the EP group. The mean age was 85·7 years in the VEP group. Comorbidities were more frequent in the VEP group (67·4% vs. 47·9%). The median platelet count at ITP onset was similar but severe bleeding tended to be more frequent in VEPs (10·3% vs. 4·1%, P = 0·1) as well as mortality. Exposure to ITP drugs, response to first‐line treatment, need of second‐line treatment, evolution towards persistency, occurrence of bleeding, infection and thrombosis did not differ between groups. In VEPs, factors associated to bleeding were female sex [odds ratio (OR) 4·75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·31–17·32] and platelet count of <20 × 109/l (OR 10·05, 95% CI 4·83–67·39). Exposure to anticoagulants was strongly associated with severe bleeding (OR 7·61, 95% CI 1·77–32·83).
How palmitoylation affects trafficking and signaling of membrane receptors
Authors: Jansen Maxime , Beaumelle Bruno
Published: November 2021

S‐acylation (or palmitoylation) is a reversible post‐translational modification (PTM) that modulates protein activity, signalization and trafficking. Palmitoylation was found to significantly impact the activity of various membrane receptors involved in either pathogen entry, such as CCR5 (for HIV) and anthrax toxin receptors, cell proliferation (epidermal growth factor receptor), cardiac function (β‐Adrenergic receptor), or synaptic function (AMPA receptor). Palmitoylation of these membrane receptors indeed affects not only their internalization, localization, and activation, but also other PTMs such as phosphorylation. In this review, we discuss recent results showing how palmitoylation differently affects the biology of these membrane receptors.
Rehabilitation‐related treatment beliefs in adolescents: A qualitative study
Authors: Metzner Gloria , Höhn Cindy , Waldeck Edith , Stapel Matthias , Glattacker Manuela
Published: November 2021

Background

Medical rehabilitation plays an important role in the health care of chronically ill children and adolescents. During medical rehabilitation, supporting illness‐related self‐regulation is a central goal. Beliefs about illness and beliefs about treatment are core elements of patients' self‐regulation, and there is evidence that these beliefs are relevant predictors of different health‐ and treatment‐related outcomes such as adherence. However, little is known about adolescents' beliefs about rehabilitation. This study therefore explores adolescents' treatment beliefs in the context of inpatient medical rehabilitation.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in a German rehabilitation clinic for children and adolescents. Using a purposive sampling method, 13 adolescents (12–16 years old) were recruited. Semi‐structured, audiotaped interviews were conducted and analysed using content analysis.

Results

Results demonstrate that adolescents have differentiated rehabilitation‐related treatment beliefs. Twelve themes, with various subthemes, emerged, which include access to and knowledge about rehabilitation, the rehabilitation‐related individual position and normative aspects, expectations of oneself, as well as in respect of the social context (fellow patients, contact with family and friends), expectations of the structure, process and outcome of rehabilitation, concerns and barriers and emotional aspects.

Conclusions

Our explorative study revealed a broad range of rehabilitation‐related treatment beliefs in adolescents, indicating parallels, but also differences, to research results with adults. Treatment beliefs are assumed to be an influencing factor for various health‐ and treatment‐related outcomes. Thus, implications of our findings for clinical practice and further research are discussed.
Characteristics of dermatomyositis patients with and without associated malignancy
Authors: Lauinger Julia , Ghoreschi Kamran , Volc Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Background

Dermatomyositis belongs to the rare idiopathic, inflammatory myositis group. A previously postulated link between some cases of dermatomyositis and malignancy has been established in recent years. Criteria suggestive of a malignancy association are still being explored.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 63 patients with dermatomyositis over a period of 15 years.

Results

The following criteria argue for cancer‐associated dermatomyositis: older age (> 52 years [P = 0.001], > 65 years [P = 0.002], ≥ 75 years [P = 0.002]), shorter time between manifestation and diagnosis of dermatomyositis (malignancy group: 59 days vs. non‐malignancy group: 137 days [P = 0.022]), typical skin involvement such as Gottron sign (P = 0.045), centrofacial erythema (P = 0.036) and typical erythema on the upper arms and forearms (P = 0.019), oropharyngeal involvement (P = 0.015) and increased ALT (P = 0.031). The following criteria argue for non‐cancer‐associated dermatomyositis: younger age (≤ 52 years [P = 0.001], 40–65 years [P = 0.045]) and pruritus (P = 0.026).

Conclusions

The aforementioned criteria have been documented in the literature, but reported findings are heterogenous concerning the suitability of their markers for malignancy association. Small study populations, few prospective controlled studies, summarization of different forms of myositis and inconsistent use nomenclature contribute to biased results. Our study aims to make an important contribution toward the identification of risk factors in cancer‐associated dermatomyositis.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates propofol‐induced apoptosis of neonatal hippocampal astrocytes by inhibiting the Bcl2l1 signalling pathway
Authors: Sun Wen‐chong , Pei Ling
Published: November 2021

Apoptosis shapes brain structure and function during early life. However, aberrant apoptosis, including that associated with the general anaesthetic propofol, is undesirable. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) provides potential neuroprotection against apoptosis, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We exposed neonatal rodent hippocampal astrocytes to propofol alone and in combination with DEX and yohimbine (an α2‐adrenergic receptor antagonist), then evaluated cell viability using the MTT assay. The underlying regulatory mechanism associated with apoptosis‐related genes was detected using a combinational strategy including double immunofluorescent staining, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blot, and flow cytometry. Propofol reduced matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) in cultured astrocytes, and activated the rno‐miR‐665/Bcl2‐like 1 (Bcl2l1)/cleaved caspase 9 (CC9)/cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) pathway. Combinations incorporating propofol with A–1155463 (a selective Bcl2l1 inhibitor) or MMP9 antagomir reduced Bcl2l1 and promoted apoptosis. Co‐culture of propofol with Bcl2l1 or with MMP9 agomir was sufficient to decrease the pro‐apoptotic effects of propofol. Interestingly, DEX alone had no significant effect on apoptosis. When combined with propofol, however, the negative effects of propofol on the MMP9 and apoptosis‐related genes (Bcl2l1, CC9, and CC3) were reduced. Furthermore, yohimbine pretreatment blocked the neuroprotective effects of DEX. Rno‐miR‐665 was also found to reduce MMP9 expression in propofol‐treated hippocampal astrocytes. Taken together, the results indicate that DEX pretreatment reduces propofol‐associated pro‐apoptosis in developing astrocytes via downregulation of anti‐apoptotic signalling mediated by Bcl2l1.
Process‐explicit models reveal pathway to extinction for woolly mammoth using pattern‐oriented validation
Authors: Fordham Damien A. , Brown Stuart C. , Akçakaya H. Reşit , Brook Barry W. , Haythorne Sean , Manica Andrea , Shoemaker Kevin T. , Austin Jeremy J. , Blonder Benjamin , Pilowsky July A. , Rahbek Carsten , Nogues‐Bravo David
Published: November 2021

Pathways to extinction start long before the death of the last individual. However, causes of early stage population declines and the susceptibility of small residual populations to extirpation are typically studied in isolation. Using validated process‐explicit models, we disentangle the ecological mechanisms and threats that were integral in the initial decline and later extinction of the woolly mammoth. We show that reconciling ancient DNA data on woolly mammoth population decline with fossil evidence of location and timing of extinction requires process‐explicit models with specific demographic and niche constraints, and a constrained synergy of climatic change and human impacts. Validated models needed humans to hasten climate‐driven population declines by many millennia, and to allow woolly mammoths to persist in mainland Arctic refugia until the mid‐Holocene. Our results show that the role of humans in the extinction dynamics of woolly mammoth began well before the Holocene, exerting lasting effects on the spatial pattern and timing of its range‐wide extinction.
Suspected vagal reflex and hyperkalaemia inducing asystole in an anaesthetised horse
Authors: Ryan Aoife , Gurney Matthew , Steinbacher Roswitha
Published: November 2021

A 10‐year‐old 466 kg mustang gelding presented to an equine referral hospital for surgical repair of nasal, frontal and lacrimal bone fractures from an unknown trauma. Surgical repair was performed under general anaesthesia, including a right‐sided maxillary regional anaesthetic block with mepivacaine hydrochloride. Progressive hyperkalaemia was documented perianaesthetically (T‐3 mins; 134 mins after induction; potassium 6.4 mmol/L (ref 3.5‐5.1 mmol/L). Perianaesthetic bradycardia was attributed to alpha −2 agonist infusion administration, and other characteristic ECG changes (flattened P waves, narrow T waves of increased amplitude, prolonged QRS complex) were not documented. Asystole occurred 137 min after induction of anaesthesia; however, a review of the available literature suggests the degree of hyperkalaemia documented was unlikely to be the primary cause of asystole but may have been a contributing factor. It is hypothesised that a trigeminocardiac reflex was the primary contributory factor to asystole in the described case, and may represent a maxillomandibulocardiac reflex that has not been previously described in the horse.
Bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures of the pelvis in endurance horses
Authors: Puccetti Massimo , Beccati Francesca , Denoix Jean‐Marie
Published: November 2021

Background

Bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures of the pelvis are reported in only a small number of endurance horses.

Objectives

To describe bone stress injuries and fatigue fracture of the pelvis in endurance horses trained and competing on the deep sand surfaces.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records of horses used for endurance and diagnosed with bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the pelvis by ultrasound were reviewed. The bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures were classified as affecting the iliac wing, the iliac shaft, the tuber ischiadicum, the rest of the ischium or the pubis and subdivided into four fracture configurations: isolated iliac fracture, isolated fracture of the floor of the pelvis, isolated tuber ischiadicum fracture and multiple fractures. Descriptive statistics were performed overall and on fracture configurations for age, sex, breed, level of activity, affected limbs, previous injuries, development of the injury, seasons in the UAE, physical and dynamic findings and outcome. For each fracture configuration and the outcome, multivariable logistic regression models were developed after univariable logistic regression and collinearity analyses. Significance was set atP ≤ .05.

Results

Sixty endurance horses were included; 48% (95% CI: 36%‐61%) had isolated iliac fracture, 17% (7%‐26%) isolated fracture of the floor of the pelvis, 15% (6%‐24%) isolated tuber ischiadicum fracture and 20% (10%‐30%) had multiple fractures. Breed (OR, 4.42; 95%CI, 1.02‐19.57) was significantly associated with isolated iliac fracture and asymmetry of bone landmarks (OR, 7.42; 95% CI, 1.47‐37.45) with isolated tuber ischiadicum fracture. Degree of lameness (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.07‐8.9) and trotting on three tracks (OR, 8.62; 95% CI, 1.43‐51.9) were significantly associated with the diagnosis of isolated fracture of the floor of the pelvis.

Main limitations

Data acquired in a single country.

Conclusions

Bone stress injuries and fatigue fractures of the pelvis can affect endurance horses trained and competing on deep sand. Isolated bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the ileum were the commonest followed by multiple pelvic bones involvement. The presence of lameness and trotting on three tracks suggest the presence of bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the floor of the pelvis; asymmetry of bony landmarks is more commonly detected in horses with bone stress injuries and/or fatigue fractures of the tuber ischiadicum.
FAK regulates cardiomyocyte mitochondrial fission and function through Drp1
Authors: Chang Yu‐Wang , Song Zong‐Han , Chen Chien‐Chang
Published: November 2021

Loss of the mitochondrial fission enzyme dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) in cardiomyocytes results in energy shortage and heart failure. We aim to understand the intracellular signal pathway and extracellular factors regulating Drp1 phosphorylation and mitochondrial morphology and function in cardiomyocytes. We found cyclic mechanical stretching induced mitochondrial fission through Drp1 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). FAK regulated phosphorylation of Drp1 and mitochondrial Drp1 levels. Extracellular fibronectin activated Drp1 and caused mitochondrial fission through FAK and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Fibronectin increased NRVMs oxygen consumption rate and ATP content via FAK‐ERK1/2‐Drp1. Inhibition of the FAK‐ERK1/2‐Drp1 pathway caused cellular energy shortage. In addition, the FAK‐ERK1/2‐Drp1 pathway was rapidly activated by adrenergic agonists and contributed to agonists‐stimulated NRVMs respiration. Interestingly, fibronectin limited the adrenergic agonists‐induced NRVMs respiration by restricting phosphorylation of Drp1. Our results suggest that extracellular fibronectin and adrenergic stimulations use the FAK‐ERK1/2‐Drp1 pathway to regulate mitochondrial morphology and function in cardiomyocytes.
Does municipal incorporation always increase property values?
Authors: Hodges Collin D. , Stephens Heather M.
Published: November 2021

Municipal formation by voter approval should reflect the costs and benefits associated with the more localized control and provision of public services. To the extent that the benefits associated with incorporation exceed the costs, the impact of a new municipal formation should be positively capitalized into housing values within the new municipality. However, differences in local policy, municipal characteristics, and voter sentiment may impact rates of capitalization. Using housing transactions data from 2000 to 2014, we investigate the impact of four new municipal incorporations on housing values in Riverside County, California. We find that, in contrast to previous studies in other regions, there is a generally negative capitalization effect observed post‐incorporation in the new cities of Riverside County. Our results are robust to multiple model and matching specifications and suggest that not all housing markets respond the same to incorporation and that heterogeneity in regional policies and local characteristics are important to understanding how incorporation will impact a community.
“A trade of one's own”: The role of social and cultural capital in the success of women in male‐dominated occupations
Authors: Bridges Donna , Bamberry Larissa , Wulff Elizabeth , Krivokapic‐Skoko Branka
Published: November 2021

The skilled trades are highly gender segregated occupations. Unsurprisingly, research about women in this male‐dominated sector focuses on the various barriers to inclusion. In contrast, this article identifies factors that have contributed to women's successes. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with tradeswomen, we found that the success factors for women in the skilled trades were aligned with social and cultural capital. Findings also indicate that women's success is driven by their individual attributes and resources rather than any forms of systematic support. There is limited evidence of a coordinated approach from industry and government to increase gender equity and inclusion. Success for women is, therefore, most likely to be singularly occurring, unpredictable and difficult to replicate. We use a Bourdieusian approach to understand how capital facilitates women's success and how forms of capital can be translated into measurable and repeatable strategies. We argue that capital offers women an opportunity to circumvent traditional resistance to gender inclusion because it provides cultural legitimacy. Replicating social and cultural capital through industry initiatives that are measurable and repeatable are likely to be the most constructive ways forward. We recommend a coordinated industry approach to improve diversity and inclusion in the sector.
Changes in OGTT‐derived biomarkers in response to lifestyle intervention among Latino adolescents with obesity
Authors: Peña Armando , Kim Joon Young , Reyes Jessica A. , Vander Wyst Kiley B. , Ayers Stephanie L. , Olson Micah L. , Williams Allison N. , Shaibi Gabriel Q.
Published: November 2021

Background

Glucose concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) have been used as biomarkers to differentiate type 2 diabetes risk phenotypes. No studies have examined changes in OGTT‐glucose phenotypes following lifestyle intervention among high‐risk youth.

Objective

To examine changes in OGTT‐glucose phenotypes following lifestyle intervention and to explore differences in insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function among post‐intervention phenotypes.

Methods

Latino adolescents with obesity (n = 48, age 15.4 ± 1.0, BMI% 98.2 ± 1.4, female 56.3%) completed a 12‐week lifestyle intervention that included weekly nutrition education and physical activity. At baseline and 12 weeks, youth completed a 2‐h OGTT with glucose and insulin concentrations assessed at 0′, 30′, 60′, 90′ and 120′. Glucose concentrations during the OGTT were used to identify biomarkers, 1‐h glucose, glucose response curve and time to glucose peak. Using these respective biomarkers, high‐risk (1‐h glucose ≥ 155 mg/dl, Monophasic, Late Peak) and lower‐risk phenotypes (1‐h glucose < 155 mg/dl, Biphasic, Early Peak) were categorized. Insulin sensitivity was estimated by whole‐body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) and β‐cell function by oral disposition index (oDI).

Results

Following intervention, the prevalence of Monophasic phenotypes decreased from 81% to 67% (p = 0.048) and 1‐h glucose ≥ 155 mg/dl from 38% to 10% (p = 0.054). Although Late Peak phenotypes did not significantly change (from 58% to 29%, p = 0.200), Early Peak phenotypes at post‐intervention demonstrated significantly higher WBISI compared to Late Peak (2.3 ± 0.1 vs 1.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

OGTT‐glucose phenotypes improve following lifestyle intervention among high‐risk youth. These findings further support their potential utility as clinical biomarkers to identify diabetes risk and risk reduction in youth.
Foreign element doping and thermal stability of alumina aerogels
Authors: Peng Fei , Jiang Yonggang , Feng Jian , Feng Junzong , Li Liangjun
Published: November 2021

The addition of foreign elements is considered as an effective method to improve the thermal stability of alumina aerogels at a higher temperature. However, the location and stabilizing mechanism of the foreign elements in the alumina aerogel have not been carefully studied. In this work, Si or La was introduced into the network of alumina aerogels through a sol‐gel strategy. The Si‐doped alumina aerogel maintained high surface area (92 m2/g) and pore volume (0.572 cm3/g) even at 1300°C. The dopants prevented α‐Al2O3 transformation at elevated temperatures (1200°C–1300°C). The distribution of foreign ions and their stabilizing mechanism were discussed in detail. The doped alumina aerogels reinforced by mullite fiber felt, with quite low density and thermal conductivity, can be used as high‐temperature thermal insulations.