bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors related to overall survival in adolescent and young adults with medulloblastoma: A systematic review
Authors: Yan Han , Zabih Veda , Bartels Ute , Das Sunit , Nathan Paul , Gupta Sumit
Published: February 2022

Background

Medulloblastoma is a rare diagnosis among adolescents and young adults (AYA). Though prognostic factors and treatment are well characterized among children with medulloblastoma, equivalent data for AYA are sparse. We conducted a systematic review to identify predictors of survival among AYA with medulloblastoma.

Methods

We searched for primary studies of AYA (age 15–39 at diagnosis) with medulloblastoma in high-income countries within OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EBM Reviews-Cochrane library databases from inception to August 2020. Patient demographics, primary outcomes, and univariate and multivariable data on all prognostic factors were collected from included studies. Prognosticators were characterized as patient, disease, or treatment-related.

Results

We identified 18 articles. 5-year overall survival ranged between 40% and 89%, while disease-free survival ranged from 49% to 89%. Study quality was low as assessed by the Quality in Prognostic factor Studies tool. Though meta-analyses were not possible due heterogeneity, narrative summaries suggested that lower disease burden, superior postoperative functional status, and higher doses and larger fields of radiation were associated with improved survival. Reported chemotherapy regimens were heterogeneous in timing, agents, and relationship with radiation, precluding meaningful comparisons. Only one study included molecular subgroups for analysis, with the majority (76.5%) of tumors classified as Sonic Hedgehog (SHH).

Conclusions

Prognostication and treatment of AYA medulloblastoma is limited by a dearth of primary evidence and lack of specificity for patients aged 15–39. Dedicated prospective trials to delineate the benefit of various chemotherapy and radiation regimens are required in this population to identify prognosticators and ideal treatment regimens.
FDA Approval Summary: Ruxolitinib for Treatment of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Failure of One or Two Lines of Systemic Therapy
Authors: Le Robert Q , Wang Xin , Zhang Hongfei , Li Hongshan , Przepiorka Donna , Vallejo Jonathon , Leong Ruby , Ma Lian , Goldberg Kirsten B , Pazdur Richard , Theoret Marc R , De Claro Angelo
Published: February 2022

On September 22, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved ruxolitinib for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after the failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. Approval was based on Study INCB 18424-365 (REACH-3; CINC424D2301; NCT03112603), a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial of ruxolitinib in comparison to best available therapy (BAT) for the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory cGVHD occurring after the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A total of 329 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either ruxolitinib 10 mg twice daily (n = 165) or BAT (n = 164). BAT was selected by the investigator prior to randomization. The overall response rate through Cycle 7 Day 1 was 70% (95% CI, 63-77) in the ruxolitinib arm, and 57% (95% CI, 49-65) in the BAT arm. The median duration of response, calculated from first response to progression, death, or initiation of new systemic therapies for cGVHD, was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.2-6.7) for the ruxolitinib arm and 2.1 months (95% CI, 1.6-3.2) for the BAT arm; and the median time from first response to death or initiation of new systemic therapies for cGVHD was 25 months (95% CI, 16.8-not estimable) for the ruxolitinib arm and 5.6 months (95% CI, 4.1-7.8) for the BAT arm. Common adverse reactions included anemia, thrombocytopenia, and infections. Given the observed response rate with durability, the clinical benefit of ruxolitinib appears to outweigh the risks of treatment for cGVHD after the failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy.
Bird predation and landscape context shape arthropod communities on broccoli
Authors: Taylor Joseph M , Smith Olivia M , Edworthy Max , Kennedy Christina M , Latimer Christopher E , Owen Jeb P , Wilson-Rankin Erin E , Snyder William E
Published: February 2022

Birds increase crop yields via consumption of pests in some contexts but disrupt pest control via intraguild predation in others. Landscape complexity acts as an inconsistent mediator, sometimes increasing, decreasing, or not impacting pest control. Here, we examined how landscape context and seasonal variation mediate the impact of birds on arthropod pests and natural enemies, leaf damage, and yields of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) on highly diversified farms that spanned the USA west coast. Our study had two complementary components: a bird exclusion experiment and molecular diet analysis of 357 fecal samples collected from the most commonly captured bird species that also foraged in Brassica fields—American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia), and White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys). Bird access yielded higher, rather than lower, numbers of pest aphids and increased their parasitism, while no other arthropods examined were consistently impacted. Independent of bird presence, percent natural cover in the landscape sometimes increased and sometimes decreased densities of arthropods in the mid-growth period, with diminishing impacts in the late-growth period. Herbivore feeding damage to broccoli leaves decreased with increasing amounts of natural land cover and in the late-growth period. Molecular diet analysis revealed that Brassica pests and predatory arthropods were relatively uncommon prey for birds. Landscape context did not alter the prey items found in bird diets. Altogether, our bird-exclusion experiment and molecular diet analysis suggested that birds have relatively modest impacts on the arthropods associated with broccoli plantings. More broadly, the limited support in our study for net natural pest control services suggests that financial incentives may be required to encourage the adoption of bird-friendly farming practices in certain cropping systems.
Brassinosteroid-regulated bHLH transcription factor CESTA induces the gibberellin 2-oxidaseGA2ox7
Authors: Albertos Pablo , Wlk Tanja , Griffiths Jayne , Pimenta Lange Maria J , Unterholzner Simon J , Rozhon Wilfried , Lange Theo , Jones Alexander M , Poppenberger Brigitte
Published: February 2022

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroids that have growth-promoting capacities, which are partly enabled by an ability to induce biosynthesis of gibberellins (GAs), a second class of plant hormones. In addition, BRs can also activate GA catabolism; here we show that in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) the basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor CESTA (CES) and its homologues BRASSINOSTEROID-ENHANCED EXPRESSION (BEE) 1 and 3 contribute to this activity. CES and the BEEs are BR-regulated at the transcriptional and posttranslational level and participate in different physiological processes, including vegetative and reproduction development, shade avoidance, and cold stress responses. We show that CES/BEEs can induce the expression of the class III GA 2-oxidase GA2ox7 and that this activity is increased by BRs. In BR signaling — and CES/BEE-deficient mutants, GA2ox7 expression decreased, yielding reduced levels of GA110, a product of GA2ox7 activity. In plants that over-express CES, GA2ox7 expression is hyper-responsive to BR, GA110 levels are elevated and amounts of bioactive GA are reduced. We provide evidence that CES directly binds to the GA2ox7 promoter and is activated by BRs, but can also act by BR-independent means. Based on these results, we propose a model for CES activity in GA catabolism where CES can be recruited for GA2ox7 induction not only by BR, but also by other factors.
Chromatin remodeling factors OsYAF9 and OsSWC4 interact to promote internode elongation in rice
Authors: Ikram Aziz Ul , Zhang Fei , Xu Zuntao , Li Enze , Xue Gan , Wang Shiliang , Zhang Cheng , Yang Yachun , Su Yanhua , Ding Yong
Published: February 2022

Deposition of H2A.Z and H4 acetylation by SWI2/SNF2-Related 1 Chromatin Remodeling (SWR1) and Nucleosome Acetyltransferase of H4 (NuA4) complexes in specific regulatory regions modulates transcription and development. However, little is known about these complexes in Oryza sativa (rice) development. Here, we reported that OsYAF9 and OsSWC4, two subunits of SWR1 and NuA4 complexes, are involved in rice vegetative and reproductive development. Loss of OsYAF9 resulted in reduced height, fewer tillers, fewer pollen grains, and defects in embryogenesis and seed filling. OsYAF9 directly interacted with OsSWC4 in vitro and in vivo. Loss of OsSWC4 function exhibited defects in pollen germination and failure to generate seeds, whereas knockdown of OsSWC4 resulted in reduced height and fewer tillers. The reduced height caused by OsYAF9 mutation and OsSWC4 knockdown was due to shorter internodes and defects in cell elongation, and this phenotype was rescued with gibberellin (GA) treatment, suggesting that both OsYAF9 and OsSWC4 are involved in the GA biosynthesis pathway. OsSWC4 was directly bound to the AT-rich region of GA biosynthesis genes, which in turn accomplished H2A.Z deposition and H4 acetylation at the GA biosynthesis genes with OsYAF9. Together, our study provides insights into the mechanisms involving OsSWC4 and OsYAF9 forming a protein complex to promote rice internode elongation with H2A.Z deposition and H4 acetylation.
Influence of supplemental condensed tannins on initial 112-d feedlot growth-performance and characteristics of digestion of calf-fed Holstein steers
Authors: Montano Martin F , Carvalho Pedro H V , Chirino-Romero Juan O , Latack Brooke C , Salinas-Chavira Jaime , Zinn Richard Avery
Published: February 2022

In experiment 1, 150 calf-fed Holstein steers (119 ± 6 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of level of supplemental condensed tannin (0, 14, and 28 g/kg diet DM) in a conventional steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet on feedlot growth performance. There were no treatment effects on growth performance during the initial 56-d period. However, during the subsequent 56-d period, supplemental condensed tannin tended to increase average daily gain (ADG; linear effect, P = 0.09). The increase in ADG was consistent with the tendency for increased dry matter intake (DMI; linear effect, P = 0.08). Hence, differences in gain efficiency during the second 56-d period were not appreciably affected (P = 0.80). Supplemental condensed tannin did not affect overall (112-d) ADG, DMI, gain efficiency, or dietary NE. In a second experiment, six Holstein steers (179.4 ± 7.9 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion. Treatments were the same as in Trial 1. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal OM digestion and tended to decrease (linear effect, P = 0.06) ruminal feed N degradation. Tannin supplementation decreased (linear effect, P = 0.03) ruminal pH, but did not affect (P > 0.20) ruminal molar proportions of volatile fatty acids and estimated methane production. In current study, supplemental tannin had marginal effects on overall growth performance of calf-fed Holstein steers, but reduced ruminal, postruminal, and total tract nitrogen digestion.
Fulminant Sepsis Caused by Leclercia adecarboxylata in a Premature Neonate
Authors: Bronte Anaut Mónica , Arredondo Montero Javier , García Abellás Patricia , de Uribe Viloria Marta , Regojo Zapata Rita María
Published: February 2022

Hospital-acquired infections are especially evident in premature infants because of prolonged stays and the need for invasive procedures. Leclercia adecarboxylata is an uncommon emerging Gram-negative bacterium that has been described in catheter and noncatheter-related infections, immunocompromised patients and less frequently affecting healthy subjects. We report a case with a postmortem diagnosis of a 24-week-old premature neonate who died as a complication of nosocomial sepsis related to an infection by L. adecarboxylata. Although the cases of L. adecarboxylata infection in children have been rarely reported, this case appears to be the first in which an infection by L. adecarboxylata is accompanied by focal spontaneous ileal perforation.
Interprofessional Precepting: A Nursing–Medicine Partnership
Authors: Woolforde Launette , Mercado Nicholas R. , Pawelczak Melissa , Callahan Barbara , Block Lauren
Published: February 2022

Interprofessional precepting can advance team-based collaboration. We evaluated the impact of nurse-led precepting of medical students on perceptions of nurse–physician relationships. Forty-six frontline nurses precepted 73 third year medical students in New York for a three-part clinical and classroom experience. Nurse preceptor and medical student attitudes toward healthcare teams and medical student attitudes toward nurse–physician collaboration improved after participation using validated scales. This pilot study suggests nurse-led interprofessional precepting can improve attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration.
Large and exaggerated sexually selected weapons comprise high proportions of metabolically inexpensive exoskeleton
Authors: Dinh Jason P.
Published: February 2022

The cost-minimization hypothesis proposes that positive allometry in sexually selected traits can be explained if the proportional energetic maintenance costs of weapons decrease as traits increase in size. Energetic maintenance costs are the costs of maintaining homeostasis. They are slow, persistent energy sinks that are distinct from ephemeral costs of growth. Because some tissues expend more energy on maintenance than others, energetic maintenance costs can be inferred from proportional tissue composition. For example, soft tissues require more energy for maintenance than exoskeleton, so an arthropod claw that is 50% soft tissue and 50% exoskeleton would have higher energetic maintenance costs than one that is 30% soft tissue and 70% exoskeleton. I tested the cost-minimization hypothesis using proportional tissue composition as a proxy for energetic maintenance costs in snapping shrimp (
Alpheus heterochaelis
and
Alpheus estuariensis
) and fiddler crabs (
Uca pugilator
). As predicted, larger weapons comprised proportionally less soft tissue mass and more exoskeleton mass than smaller weapons. Furthermore, I extended cost-minimization to explain trait exaggeration: individuals might exaggerate traits by investing more mass in exoskeleton. As predicted, exoskeleton mass proportional to weapon mass increased as exaggeration increased. These results support and extend the cost-minimization hypothesis to explain positive allometry and weapon exaggeration.
Fluctuations in T cell receptor and pMHC interactions regulate T cell activation
Authors: Egan Joseph R. , Abu-Shah Enas , Dushek Omer , Elliott Tim , MacArthur Ben D.
Published: February 2022

Adaptive immune responses depend on interactions between T cell receptors (TCRs) and peptide major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) ligands located on the surface of T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs), respectively. As TCRs and pMHCs are often only present at low copy numbers their interactions are inherently stochastic, yet the role of stochastic fluctuations on T cell function is unclear. Here, we introduce a minimal stochastic model of T cell activation that accounts for serial TCR-pMHC engagement, reversible TCR conformational change and TCR aggregation. Analysis of this model indicates that it is not the strength of binding between the T cell and the APC cell
per se
that elicits an immune response, but rather the information imparted to the T cell from the encounter, as assessed by the entropy rate of the TCR-pMHC binding dynamics. This view provides an information-theoretic interpretation of T cell activation that explains a range of experimental observations. Based on this analysis, we propose that effective T cell therapeutics may be enhanced by optimizing the inherent stochasticity of TCR-pMHC binding dynamics.
A system model of three-body interactions in complex networks: consensus and conservation
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: February 2022

Networked complex systems in a wide range of physics, biology and social sciences involve synergy among multiple agents beyond pairwise interactions. Higher-order mathematical structures such as hypergraphs have been increasingly popular in modelling and analysis of complex dynamical behaviours. Here, we study a simple three-body consensus model, which favourably incorporates higher-order network interactions, higher-order dimensional states, the group reinforcement effect and the social homophily principle. The model features asymmetric roles of acting agents using modulating functions. We analytically establish sufficient conditions for nonlinear consensus and conservation of states for agents with both discrete-time and continuous-time dynamics. We show that higher-order interactions encoded in three-body edges give rise to consensus and conservation for systems with gravity-like and Heaviside-like modulating functions. Furthermore, we illustrate our theoretical results with numerical simulations and examine the system convergence time through a network depreciation process.
On rigid origami III: local rigidity analysis
Authors: He Zeyuan , Guest Simon D.
Published: February 2022

In this article, rigid origami is examined from the perspective of rigidity theory. First- and second-order rigidity are defined from local differential analysis of the consistency constraint; while the static rigidity and prestress stability are defined after finding the form of internal force and load. We will show the hierarchical relation among these local rigidities with examples representing different levels. The development of theory here follows the same path as the conventional rigidity theory for bar-joint frameworks, but starts with different high-order rotational constraints. We also bring new interpretation to the internal force and geometric error of constraints associated with energy. Examining the different aspects of the rigidity of origami might give a novel perspective for the development of new folding patterns, or for the design of origami structures where some rigidity is required.
Exploring the role of crystal habit in the Ostwald rule of stages
Authors: Hadjittofis Eftychios , Vargas Silvia M. , Litster James D. , Campbell Kyra L. Sedransk
Published: February 2022

The crystallization of calcium carbonate is shown to be dictated by the Ostwald rule of stages (ORS), for high relative initial supersaturations (SCaCO3=[Ca2+][CO32−]/KSP, Calcite>2500), under sweet (carbon dioxide saturated) and anoxic (oxygen depleted) solution conditions. Rhombohedral calcite crystals emerge after the sequential crystallization and dissolution of the metastable polymorphs: vaterite (snowflake-shaped) and aragonite (needle-shaped). However, the presence of certain cations, which can form trigonal carbonates (e.g. Fe2+and Ni2+), in concentrations as low as 1.5 mM, triggers the emergence of calcite crystals, with a star-shaped crystal habit, first. These star-shaped crystals dissolve to yield needle-shaped aragonite crystals, which in turn dissolve to give the rhombohedral calcite crystals. The star-shaped crystals, formed at high SCaCO3, possess higher surface free energy (therefore higher apparent solubility) than their rhombohedral counterparts. This sequence of dissolution and recrystallization demonstrates that the ORS does not only drive the crystal towards its thermodynamically most stable polymorph but also towards its most stable crystal habit.
The seismic wavefield as seen by distributed acoustic sensing arrays: local, regional and teleseismic sources
Authors: Kennett B. L. N.
Published: February 2022

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) exploiting fibre optic cables provides high-density sampling of the seismic wavefield. Scattered returns from multiple laser pulses provide local averages of strain rate over a finite gauge length. The nature of the signal depends on the orientation of the cable with respect to the passing seismic waves. For local events, the dominant part of the strain rate can be extracted from the difference of ground velocity resolved along the fibre at the ends of the gauge interval. For more distant events the response at seismic frequencies can be represented as the acceleration along the fibre modulated by the wave slowness resolved in the same direction, which means there is a strong dependence on cable orientation. Slowness–frequency representations of the wavefield provide insight, via modelling, into the character of the DAS wavefield in a range of situations from a local jump source, through a regional earthquake to teleseismic recording. The slowness-domain representation of the DAS signal allows analysis of the array response of cable configurations indicating a bias due to the slowness weighting associated with the effect of gauge length. Unlike seismometer arrays the response is not described by a single generic stacking function.
The evolution of sour taste
Authors: Frank Hannah E. R. , Amato Katie , Trautwein Michelle , Maia Paula , Liman Emily R. , Nichols Lauren M. , Schwenk Kurt , Breslin Paul A. S. , Dunn Robert R.
Published: February 2022

The evolutionary history of sour taste has been little studied. Through a combination of literature review and trait mapping on the vertebrate phylogenetic tree, we consider the origin of sour taste, potential cases of the loss of sour taste, and those factors that might have favoured changes in the valence of sour taste—from aversive to appealing. We reconstruct sour taste as having evolved in ancient fish. By contrast to other tastes, sour taste does not appear to have been lost in any major vertebrate taxa. For most species, sour taste is aversive. Animals, including humans, that enjoy the sour taste triggered by acidic foods are exceptional. We conclude by considering why sour taste evolved, why it might have persisted as vertebrates made the transition to land and what factors might have favoured the preference for sour-tasting, acidic foods, particularly in hominins, such as humans.
Novel patterns of expression and recruitment of new genes on the
t
-haplotype, a mouse selfish chromosome
Authors: Kelemen Reka K. , Elkrewi Marwan , Lindholm Anna K. , Vicoso Beatriz
Published: February 2022

The
t
-haplotype of mice is a classical model for autosomal transmission distortion. A largely non-recombining variant of the proximal region of chromosome 17, it is transmitted to more than 90% of the progeny of heterozygous males through the disabling of sperm carrying a standard chromosome. While extensive genetic and functional work has shed light on individual genes involved in drive, much less is known about the evolution and function of the rest of its hundreds of genes. Here, we characterize the sequence and expression of dozens of
t
-specific transcripts and of their chromosome 17 homologues. Many genes showed reduced expression of the
t
-allele, but an equal number of genes showed increased expression of their
t
-copy, consistent with increased activity or a newly evolved function. Genes on the
t
-haplotype had a significantly higher non-synonymous substitution rate than their homologues on the standard chromosome, with several genes harbouring
dN/dS
ratios above 1. Finally, the
t
-haplotype has acquired at least two genes from other chromosomes, which show high and tissue-specific expression. These results provide a first overview of the gene content of this selfish element, and support a more dynamic evolutionary scenario than expected of a large genomic region with almost no recombination.
Warmer temperatures limit the effects of antidepressant pollution on life-history traits
Authors: Aulsebrook Lucinda C. , Wong Bob B. M. , Hall Matthew D.
Published: February 2022

Pharmaceutical pollutants pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Yet, few studies have considered the interaction between pharmaceuticals and other chronic stressors contemporaneously, even though the environmental challenges confronting animals in the wild seldom, if ever, occur in isolation. Thermal stress is one such environmental challenge that may modify the threat of pharmaceutical pollutants. Accordingly, we investigated how fluoxetine (Prozac), a common psychotherapeutic and widespread pollutant, interacts with temperature to affect life-history traits in the water flea,
Daphnia magna
. We chronically exposed two genotypes of
Daphnia
to two ecological relevant concentrations of fluoxetine (30 ng l
−1
and 300 ng l
−1
) and a concentration representing levels used in acute toxicity tests (3000 ng l
−1
) and quantified the change in phenotypic trajectories at two temperatures (20°C and 25°C). Across multiple life-history traits, we found that fluoxetine exposure impacted the fecundity, body size and intrinsic growth rate of
Daphnia
in a non-monotonic manner at 20°C, and often in genotypic-specific ways. At 25°C, however, the life-history phenotypes of individuals converged under the widely varying levels of fluoxetine, irrespective of genotype. Our study underscores the importance of considering the complexity of interactions that can occur in the wild when assessing the effects of chemical pollutants on life-history traits.
Syntheses and crystal structures of new naphthalene– and anthracene–vanadate salts and an unprecedented dimetallabis(anthracene) sandwich complex: [Na(tetrahydrofuran)3][V2(anthracene)2]
Authors: Kucera Benjamin E. , Young Victor G. , Brennessel William W. , Ellis John E.
Published: February 2022

Reduction of bis(naphthalene)vanadium(0) by potassium naphthalene (KNp) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) provides a highly reactive, thermolabile, and so far unisolable brown substance, which affords the first reported derivatives of bis(naphthalene)vanadates. From these solutions, thermally stable (298 K) and structurally characterized compounds have been obtained, including dark-red rods ofcatena-poly[bis(μ3-η4:η6:η4-naphthalene)tetrakis(tetrahydrofuran)dipotassiumvanadium], [K2V(C4H8O)4(C10H8)2]nor [K(THF)2]2[V(C10H8)2] (3), and red plates of (4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane)potassium [1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane]bis(η4-naphthalene)vanadium tetrahydrofuran monosolvate, [K(C18H36N2O6)][V(C10H8)2(C6H16P2)]·C4H8O or [K([2.2.2]cryptand)][V(C10H8)2(dmpe)]·THF [dmpe is 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane] (4b). Notably, [V(C10H8)2]2−is the only example of a structurally authenticated homoleptic bis(arene)metallate dianion and was obtained by further reduction of the brown material by KNp in THF, in the presence of trimethylphosphane (PMe3). Addition of anthracene (An) to the brown material in THF afforded deep-violet and paramagnetic crystalline (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane)bis(tetrahydrofuran)potassium [(η4-anthracene)(tetrahydrofuran)vanadium]-μ-η4:η2-anthracene-[(1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane)potassium]-μ-η2:η4-anthracene-[(η4-anthracene)(tetrahydrofuran)vanadium] tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [K(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2][KV2(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2(C14H10)4]·2C4H8O or [K(18-crown-6)][K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][V(C14H10)2(THF)]2·2(THF) (5), which readily reacted with PMe3and dmpe to give new vanadate salts. These were structurally characterized as (1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane)bis(tetrahydrofuran)potassium bis(η4-anthracene)(trimethylphosphane)vanadium tetrahydrofuran monosolvate, [K(C12H24O6)(C4H8O)2][V(C14H10)2(C3H9P)]·C4H8O or [K(18-crown-6)(THF)2][V(C14H10)2(PMe3)]·THF (6), and tetrakis(1,2-dimethoxyethane)potassium bis(η4-anthracene)[1,2-bis(dimethylphosphanyl)ethane]vanadium, [K(C4H10O2)4][V(C14H10)2(C6H16P2)] or [K(DME)4][V(C14H10)2(dmpe)] (DME is 1,2-dimethoxyethane) (7b). The last three structures contain the first known bis(anthracene)vanadates and are thereby derivatives of the unknown bis(anthracene)vanadium(0). Attempts to obtain the sodium salt analog of5in THF resulted instead in the formation of a unique substance, (μ3-η6:η6:η6-anthracene)(μ2-η6:η6-anthracene)tris(tetrahydrofuran)sodiumdivanadium, [NaV2(C14H10)2(C4H8O)3] or [Na(THF)3][V2(C14H10)2] (8), containing the first reported dimetallabis(anthracene) sandwich compound.
New insights into the measurement model of a new scale for evaluating restaurant service quality during major infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Chang Ya-Yuan , Cheng Ching-Chan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Consumers prefer to choose restaurants that value hygiene and safety; therefore, appropriate epidemic prevention measures could restore 30% of lost customers and enhance a restaurant’s reputation during infectious disease outbreaks. Providing customers with safe epidemic prevention service quality is an important mission of the restaurant industry during an epidemic. This study aims to construct an epidemic prevention service quality scale for restaurants (REP-SERV scale).

Design/methodology/approach

The REP-SERV scale was constructed through internet big data analytics and qualitative and quantitative research procedures.

Findings

A total of 16 key service factors for restaurant epidemic prevention were extracted through internet big data analytics. The REP-SERV scale contained 28 items in six dimensions, including hygiene, empathy, flexible service, support service, personnel management and body temperature and seating arrangement.

Practical implications

The REP-SERV scale can help many restaurant operators clearly determine the deficiencies and risks of restaurant epidemic prevention services.

Originality/value

The findings can provide references to effectively measure and improve the epidemic prevention service quality in restaurants, thereby providing customers with a comfortable and safe dining environment.
The impact of intellectual capital formation and knowledge economy on banking performance: a case study of GCC’s conventional and Islamic banks
Authors: Akkas Erhan , Asutay Mehmet
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of intellectual capital in terms of human capital, structural capital and capital employed on the financial performance of Islamic and conventional banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Along with the measurement discussion, the empirical analysis examines the relationship between intellectual capital measured through value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) and the financial performance of banks in the GCC states by conducting a panel of six GCC countries, including 24 Islamic banks and 32 conventional banks covering 2012–2020 period.

Findings

This paper shows that while Islamic banks have similar VAIC, human capital efficiency and capital employed efficiency results to conventional banks, Islamic banks have lagged behind conventional banks regarding the impact of structural capital on financial performance. It is argued that this is in contradiction with Islamic ontology and epistemology, which essentialises intellectual capital formation.

Practical implications

Islamic banks should promote research and development for their intellectual capital at the product, operational and institutional levels, as Islamic banking is considered an alternative financing method, incorporating a new form of knowledge-based institutions inspired by capitalist institutions.

Originality/value

This study conducts a comparative examination of the intellectual capital performance and its impact on financial performance by using interaction variables to capture any differences between Islamic banks and conventional banks in the GCC countries. The paper also considers the knowledge economy impact as a novelty, which is prominent for the GCC countries. In addition, Islamic ontology’s essentialisation of knowledge and its articulation in the form of intellectual capital within modern understanding is widely discussed, as part of originality. Finally, the findings are located within Islamic ontology and epistemology.
The European Health Data Space: a step towards digital and integrated care systems
Authors: Genovese Stefano , Bengoa Rafael , Bowis John , Harney Mary , Hauck Bastian , Pinget Michel , Leers Mike , Stenvall Tarja , Guldemond Nick
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgency of better chronic disease management and the importance of making it an integral part of the recovery agenda in Europe. This paper aims to explore the shift towards digital and integrated care systems in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

In this viewpoint paper the Expert Group for Integrated Care and Digital Health Europe (EGIDE) group argues that an orchestrated shift towards integrated care holds the solution to the chronic disease pandemic.

Findings

The development of integrated care cannot happen without shifting towards a digitalised healthcare system via large-scale initiatives like the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and the involvement of all stakeholders.

Originality/value

The EGIDE group has identified some foundational principles, which can guide the way to realise the full potential of the EHDS for integrated care and can support the involved stakeholders’ thinking.
Fashion localism: evaluation and extensions of utility in Sri Lankan fashion brands
Authors: Perera Gayani Anushka , Ranaweera Achini
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Localism refers to a concept that encourages local production, consumption and promotion of goods. It is a movement to encourage consumers and businesses to purchase from locally owned, independent businesses that has grown rapidly in the past decade. However, localism remains understudied by researchers. This study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the localism movement by capturing the dynamism of fashion localism in the context of the Sri Lankan fashion retail sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a qualitative exploratory approach, the authors conducted a series of in-depth interviews with 12 fashion practitioners.

Findings

Based on the findings, the authors propose a conceptual model of fashion localism consisting of eight themes: fashion localism design approach, locally sourced staples, land ethic, employee development, community development, consumer, regulations and limitations and future opportunities.

Originality/value

This research sheds some light on localism literature by capturing the dynamism of fashion localism. In particular, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first study in marketing to propose a conceptual model of fashion localism. This research further points out certain managerial implications by illustrating a few practical approaches to the concept of localism within the Sri Lankan fashion retail sector.
BioLogic‐HD™ and the problem of being (way) too far ahead of the market
Authors: Ash Stephen R.
Published: February 2022

In the 1980s, I led a team to build a hemodialysis machine with sorbent regeneration of dialysate, ultrafiltration control, and single‐needle access. The BioLogic‐HD™ was perfectly suited for home hemodialysis, but not for in‐center or acute dialysis. The home dialysis market in the United States was decimated by HCFA’s decision in 1987 to stop paying for home helpers. As a result, our Venture Capital partners stopped supporting our small company, and the BioLogic‐HD was never marketed. There is criticism of nephrologists for the lack of innovation in dialysis, but the major problem has been the commercialization of new dialysis technology.
Between cornfields and Kinfolk: Identity management among transgender youth in Midwestern families and communities
Authors: Goffnett Jacob , Paceley Megan S. , Fish Jessica N. , Saban Paul
Published: February 2022

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth face high rates of discrimination and victimization in their communities and families that contribute to elevated rates of behavioral health concerns. While the individual links between community and family environments and well‐being for this population are clear, how these environments work in unison remains unclear. Furthermore, the methods TGD youth use to manage their identities in these environments are not well understood. We address this gap by exploring the overlap between community climate and familial treatment of TGD identities and the methods TGD youth use to manage their identities in these environments. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with TGD youth (n = 19) in two Midwestern U.S. states. Thematic analysis was used to develop categories that represent the phenomena being investigated and to understand relationships between categories. Findings depict overlap about TGD people between three components of community climate and family members that shaped the treatment of TGD youth. Furthermore, community climate toward TGD people influenced identity management through the availability of proximal resources. Four methods of identity management emerged from the data: emotion work, educating, connections, and generativity. Findings are discussed in the context of current literature, and recommendations are made for future research and practice with TGD youth.
Association between early initiation of breastfeeding and reduced risk of respiratory infection: Implications for nonseparation of infant and mother in the COVID‐19 context
Authors: Borg Bindi , Gribble Karleen , Courtney‐Haag Karan , Parajuli Kedar R. , Mihrshahi Seema
Published: February 2022

Early initiation of breastfeeding, within 1 h of birth, is vital for the health of newborns and reduces morbidity and mortality. Secondary analysis of the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) showed that early initiation of breastfeeding significantly reduced the risk of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children under 2 years. Early initiation of breastfeeding requires maternal proximity. Separation of infant and mother inhibits early initiation of breastfeeding and increases the risk that infants will suffer from ARIs. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, guidance varied, with some recommending that infants and mothers with SARS‐CoV‐2 be isolated from one another. Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population recommended nonseparation, but the adherence to this guidance was inconsistent. Maternal proximity, nonseparation and early initiation of breastfeeding should be promoted in all birthing facilities.
Rapid SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis using disposable strips and a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor platform
Authors: Chiu Chan-Wen , Xian Minghan , Stephany Jenna L. , Xia Xinyi , Chiang Chao-Ching , Ren Fan , Tsai Cheng-Tse , Shan Siang-Sin , Liao Yu-Te , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F. , Rananaware Santosh R. , Nguyen Long T. , Macaluso Nicolas C. , Jain Piyush K. , Cash Melanie N. , Mavian Carla N. , Salemi Marco , Leon Marino E. , Chang Chin-Wei , Lin Jenshan , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact worldwide. Currently, the most common detection methods for the virus are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and lateral flow tests. PCR takes more than an hour to obtain the results and lateral flow tests have difficulty with detecting the virus at low concentrations. In this study, 60 clinical human saliva samples, which included 30 positive and 30 negative samples confirmed with RT-PCR, were screened for COVID-19 using disposable glucose biosensor strips and a reusable printed circuit board. The disposable strips were gold plated and functionalized to immobilize antibodies on the gold film. After functionalization, the strips were connected to the gate electrode of a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor on the printed circuit board to amplify the test signals. A synchronous double-pulsed bias voltage was applied to the drain of the transistor and strips. The resulting change in drain waveforms was converted to digital readings. The RT-PCR-confirmed saliva samples were tested again using quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to determine cycling threshold (Ct) values. Ct values up to 45 refer to the number of amplification cycles needed to detect the presence of the virus. These PCR results were compared with digital readings from the sensor to better evaluate the sensor technology. The results indicate that the samples with a range of Ct values from 17.8 to 35 can be differentiated, which highlights the increased sensitivity of this sensor technology. This research exhibits the potential of this biosensor technology to be further developed into a cost-effective, point-of-care, and portable rapid detection method for SARS-CoV-2.
A deep-water ray-based blind deconvolution for a near-surface source with a bottom-moored short-aperture vertical array
Authors: Xu Zhezhen , Li Hui , Yang Kunde , Li Peilin
Published: February 2022

A deep-water ray-based blind deconvolution (DW-RBD) method for estimating the channel impulse response of a near-surface source with a bottom-moored vertical array is developed. The proposed DW-RBD is an alternative when the original RBD suffers from performance degradation due to the insufficient beam resolution. The signal-processing scheme coherently utilizes the information of multipath time-delay implied in the conventional wideband beamforming output. A time-delay-related compensation term is then derived based on image theory and introduced into the original RBD to enhance multipath separation. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Novel Application of Survival Models for Predicting Microbial Community Transitions with Variable Selection for Environmental DNA
Authors: Bjorndahl Paul , Bielawski Joseph P. , Liu Lihui , Zhou Wei , Gu Hong
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we report on a novel approach of selecting microorganisms for model-based prediction of the time to critical microbially modulated events (e.g., harmful algal blooms, clinical outcomes, community shifts, etc.). Our novel method for identifying biomarkers from large, dynamic communities of microbes has broad utility to environmental and ecological impact risk assessment and public health.
Supplemental Material: A composite Llandovery δ13Ccarb record from the Michigan Basin, USA
Authors: Al-Musawi Mohammed , al. et
Published: February 2022

Table S1: Stable isotopes analyses (δ13Ccarb and δ18Ocarb) and ED-XRF elemental concentrations ([Ca] and [Mg]). Figure S1. Cross-plot depicts d18Ocarb versus d13Ccarb from the Cooks #1 and Lemcool #1 wells combined.
Surgical management of renal cancer metastasis in the humerus: novel use of a trabecular metal spacer
Authors: Onafowokan Oluwatobi O , Agrawal Somen , Middleton Rory G , Bartlett Gavin E
Published: February 2022

Humeral metastases from renal cell carcinoma are not uncommon. Current surgical practice centres around adequate tumour resection, but often at the expense of functional outcome. The use of trabecular metal (TM) implants is well described in spine and joint surgery. However, their use as a reconstruction device in osseous tumour surgery has yet to be reported. We present our experience in using a TM vertebral body replacement device (VBR) in treating a patient with painful bilateral diaphyseal humeral metastases. Resection of the tumour resulted in defects which the TM-VBR was able to fill. The defect was then bridged with a locking plate and cables. At 2-year clinical and radiographic review, bony integration and a return to pain free, near-normal function was achieved.
Primary fungal laryngitis mimicking recurrent laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Thomas Reuben Abraham , Kew Thean Yean , Mat Baki Marina
Published: February 2022

A 79-year-old smoker with a background history of a treated glottic carcinoma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with progressive hoarseness, symptoms of aspiration and shortness of breath for 6 months. Examination revealed an ulcero-fungating mass over the posterior commissure of the larynx. A tracheostomy, direct laryngoscopy and biopsy of the mass was performed to secure his airway and to exclude recurrent glottic carcinoma. Reassuringly, a histopathological examination of the mass revealed numerous fungal yeast bodies. He was then treated with itraconazole for 4 weeks and was followed up as and outpatient with complete resolution and no recurrence of the disease.
Successful closure of trigemino-cavernous fistula with minimally invasive approach
Authors: Dutta Arpan , Gupta Subhadeep , Das Deep , Kumar Rahul
Published: February 2022

A male in his early teens presented with redness of the right eye following a fall. This redness was progressive and increased suddenly over the week prior to presentation. Fundus evaluation revealed an exudative retinal detachment, and a bruit was audible over the right eye. A digital subtraction angiogram revealed the cause to be a ruptured persistent trigeminal artery aneurysm causing a carotid-cavernous fistula like haemodynamic situation with a massively dilated superior ophthalmic vein. Curative embolisation was done using both vertebrobasilar and carotid approach, and the aneurysm as well as the fistula was occluded using detachable coils and n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue. Patient made a complete recovery in his proptosis and chemosis over 8 weeks, with significant improvement of his visual acuity. The key to successful outcome in this case was a complete occlusion with thrombosis of the fistula bed that can only be achieved using a combination of coils and liquid embolic agents.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on uveitis patients receiving immunomodulatory and biological therapies (COPE STUDY)
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha Kishandutt , Sudharshan Sridharan , Mahendradas Padmamalini , Babu Kalpana , Shenoy Pratik , Dogra Mohit , Bansal Reema , Agarwal Manisha , Biswas Jyotirmay , Balamurugan S , Agrawal Rupesh , Gupta Vishali
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the change in the ongoing immunomodulatory (IMT) and biological therapies among patients with non-infectious uveitis (NIU), and determine the number of uveitis relapses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this national multicentric prospective case series, data of subjects with NIU receiving corticosteroids, systemic IMT and/or biological agents were analysed. The data collection was performed from 1 March 2020 to 25 June 2020. Main outcome measures included change in the ongoing treatments with corticosteroids, IMT and biological agents, use of alternate therapies and rates of uveitis relapse.

Results

In this study, 176 patients (284 eyes) with NIU (mean age: 33±17.1 years; males: 68) were included. A total of 121 eyes (90 patients) were deemed to have active NIU. Of these, seven subjects (7.8%) did not receive intravenous methylprednisolone despite need felt by the treating uveitis experts. In addition, 35 subjects (57.4%) received a rapid tapering dosage of oral corticosteroids despite active disease. A total of 161 (91.5%) subjects were receiving systemic IMT and 25 (14.2%) were on biological therapies. Overall, IMT was altered in 29/161 (18.0%) subjects. Twenty-two eyes were treated with intravitreal therapies in the study period. Fifty-three eyes (32.5%, 29 subjects) developed relapse of NIU, of which 25 subjects (86.2%) were deemed to have reactivation related to altered systemic IMT. No patient developed COVID-19 during follow-up.

Conclusions

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, uveitis specialists may tend to reduce the ongoing systemic IMT, or prefer less aggressive treatment strategies for NIU. These subjects may be at high risk of relapse of uveitis.