bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When psychological ownership nurtures satisfaction: a tripartite attitude theory and psychological ownership theory perspective
Authors: Jakada Muhammad Bello , Kurawa Najib Sabo , Rabi'u Aliyu , Sani Armaya'u Alhaji , Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim , Umar Abdurrahman
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Drawing from tripartite theory of attitude, this study examined whether interaction effect of psychological ownership (cognitive component) changes the nature of the relationship between job satisfaction (affect component) and job performance (behavioral component) toward a higher or weaker relationship. Furthermore, the study draws from psychological ownership theory to find support whether job satisfaction is nurtured by the feeling of psychological ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data from 211 academic and non-academic employees was randomly collected and partial least square-structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis through SmartPLS version 3.3.2.

Findings

The study found a positive interaction effect of psychological ownership on the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance. Furthermore, the study found that feeling of psychological ownership nurtures employees' satisfaction with their job.

Practical implications

The findings of the study explicate to human resource managers and practitioners the mechanism through which job satisfaction affects job performance and how feelings of psychological ownership nurtures employees' satisfaction with their job.

Originality/value

The study provides new insight into the relationship between job satisfaction and job performance by drawing on the tripartite theory of attitude perspective, and concluded that job performance as overall employee attitude toward the organization is predicted by the interaction and interplay of job satisfaction, psychological ownership and job performance as components of attitude. To the authors’ best knowledge, none of the previous literatures on job satisfaction–job performance relationship draws its conclusions from the perspective of tripartite theory of attitude. Furthermore, the study found empirical evidences that psychological ownership nurtures employees' job satisfaction.
Leaving academia: why do doctoral graduates take up non-academic jobs and to what extent are they prepared?
Authors: Chen Shuhua
Published: June 2021

Purpose

An increasing number of doctoral graduates are seeking non-academic employment. While statistics have revealed multiple aspects regarding the non-academic employment they hold, there is insufficient documentation of what has led them to leave academia and to what extent they are prepared for non-academic positions. This paper aims to address this gap and reports on five Chinese doctoral graduates’ reflections on their change in career choices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is exploratory and follows the approach of qualitative multi-case studies. The data includes in-depth interviews with five Chinese doctoral graduates and their responses to a survey. The paper applies a theoretical perspective drawing from protean career and boundaryless career theories, focusing on the participants’ agency in managing career choices and their meaning making of career decision-making.

Findings

The study has found that, besides the factors mentioned in the literature, such as lack of academic positions, pressure related to academic work and lack of career planning, some participants were directed by their intrinsic values, and agency plays an important role in their career preparation.

Practical implications

The study makes recommendations on university career guidance for doctoral students.

Originality/value

This paper documents why and how doctoral students change their career choices, which have not been sufficiently documented in the literature. As well, the theoretical perspective used provides an innovative way to interpret doctoral students' career decision-making.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas: addressing loneliness and isolation through client-volunteer interaction
Authors: Bonagurio Christine , Brunson Emily , Marceaux Seanna , Sasser Lauren
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Meals on Wheel Central Texas (MOWCTX) provides meals to more than 5,000 home-bound older adults in the Austin area every weekday. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of client-volunteer interactions to assess the social benefits clients receive and ascertain if and how loneliness and social isolation are addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

Observations of volunteer-client interactions, interviews with clients and surveys of clients were conducted to gain insight into clients’ experiences with MOWCTX services.

Findings

Qualitative analysis of observation and interview data revealed four non-tangible benefits clients received from MOWCTX: reduced physical risks when mobility issues are present, a daily safety check, opportunities for social contact and increased ability to maintain independence. Survey results supported these conclusions.

Originality/value

This research examines the impact of volunteer-client relationships on the experience of loneliness and social isolation.
Supporting creative ageing through the arts: the impacts and implementation of a creative arts programme for older people
Authors: Evans Simon Chester , Bray Jennifer , Garabedian Claire
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on an independent evaluation of a three-year “Creative Ageing” programme, focussing on the impacts for participants and factors promoting successful delivery of sessions.

Design/methodology/approach

Artists provided feedback through reflective journals and questionnaires, while the views of care staff and participants were also captured in a standard format at the end of each arts session. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified common themes.

Findings

Twenty-three arts projects were delivered across a range of settings and through diverse art forms including dance, drama, music, visual arts and poetry. They reached nearly 2,200 participants who recorded over 8,100 session attendances in total. Participation in high quality creative experiences improved well-being for older people, as well as increasing social interaction and reducing isolation. Several factors facilitated successful implementation and delivery of the activities, particularly the need to hold planning meetings with staff to provide guidance around participant numbers and suitability, minimising disruption of the sessions and the supportive role of staff during the sessions. Opportunities for reflection enabled artists to address potential challenges and adapt their practice to meet the needs and preferences of participants and to the complexities of diverse settings.

Originality/value

Previous research has largely focussed on the impact of activities in a single setting. This study supports the role of creative arts in increasing social interaction as an attempt to tackle isolation and loneliness, both for older people living in the community and for those living in a communal setting such as care homes and supported living schemes.
Disability and work in a health and economic crisis: Mitigating the risk of long‐term labour market exclusion for Australians with disability through policy coordination
Authors: Olney Sue , Devine Alexandra , Karanikolas Pan , Dimov Stefanie , Malbon Jennifer , Katsikis Georgia
Published: June 2021

Labour markets around the world are experiencing extraordinary disruption during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The gap in the employment rate between Australians with and without disability is likely to widen, given the entrenched disadvantage of people with disability in the job market. For many, it will compound existing health and economic vulnerabilities. This scenario is troubling from both a human rights and an economic perspective. In this paper, we examine the interface of two policy instruments intended to improve the prospects of people with disability finding and keeping employment in Australia – Disability Employment Services and the National Disability Insurance Scheme – in the lead up to and in the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Findings from three studies conducted between 2018 and 2020 reveal these instruments are not mutually reinforcing. With a 10‐year National Disability Employment Strategy (NDES) in development under federal government oversight, we argue that more concerted and targeted effort from these services and broader public policies and programs is needed to ensure Australians with disability are not sidelined in the labour market in the wake of the pandemic.
‘A feeling which it is impossible for Englishmen to understand’: Booker T. Washington and Anglo‐American Rivalries
Authors: Webb Clive
Published: June 2021

African American educator and activist Booker T. Washington visited Britain in 1899 and 1910. This article uses these transatlantic encounters to reassess conventional notions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as an era of rapprochement between Britain and the United States rooted in racial ideas of Anglo‐Saxon supremacy. It shows how the visits exacerbated a rift between the two countries over the issue of race. At a time when the United States had started to eclipse their own country economically, Britons used their enthusiastic reception of Washington as a means to reassert their claims to moral superiority over Americans whom they accused of failing to fulfil their paternalist obligations to other races. Race was therefore the cause of conflict as much as cooperation in Anglo‐American relations.
Effectiveness of uterine tamponade devices for refractory postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth: a systematic review
Authors: Pingray V , Widmer M , Ciapponi A , Hofmeyr GJ , Deneux C , Gülmezoglu M , Bloemenkamp K , Oladapo OT , Comandé D , Bardach A , Vázquez P , Cormick G , Althabe F
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To evaluate uterine tamponade devices’ effectiveness for atonic refractory postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) after vaginal birth and the effect of including them in institutional protocols.

Search strategy

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, POPLINE, from inception to January 2021.

Study selection

Randomised and non‐randomised comparative studies.

Outcomes

Composite outcome including surgical interventions (artery ligations, compressive sutures or hysterectomy) or maternal death, and hysterectomy.

Results

All included studies were at high risk of bias. The certainty of the evidence was rated as very low to low. One randomised study measured the effect of the condom‐catheter balloon compared with standard care and found unclear results for the composite outcome (relative risk [RR] 2.33, 95% CI 0.76–7.14) and hysterectomy (RR 4.14, 95% CI 0.48–35.93). Three comparative studies assessed the effect of including uterine balloon tamponade in institutional protocols. A stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial suggested an increase in the composite outcome (RR 4.08, 95% CI 1.07–15.58) and unclear results for hysterectomy (RR 4.38, 95% CI 0.47–41.09) with the use of the condom‐catheter or surgical glove balloon. One non‐randomised study showed unclear effects on the composite outcome (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–1.03) and hysterectomy (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.04–5.38) after the inclusion of the Bakri balloon. The second non‐randomised study found unclear effects on the composite outcome (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.32–2.81) and hysterectomy (RR 1.84, 95% CI 0.44–7.69) after the inclusion of Ebb or Bakri balloon.

Conclusions

The effect of uterine tamponade devices for the management of atonic refractory PPH after vaginal delivery is unclear, as is the role of the type of device and the setting.

Tweetable abstract

Unclear effects of uterine tamponade devices and their inclusion in institutional protocols for atonic refractory PPH after vaginal delivery.
The HEART score to identify emergency department patients suspected of an acute coronary syndrome who can be removed from cardiac monitoring: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Oh Jason , Asha Stephen Edward
Published: June 2021

Objective

Continuous cardiac monitoring has been recommended for ED patients being evaluated for possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to concern for arrhythmia, although evidence suggests this risk is low. Indiscriminate use of monitored beds restricts access for other critically unwell patients and contributes to overcrowding. The objective of the present study was to determine if a low/intermediate‐risk HEART score identified patients at very low risk for a clinically important arrhythmia who could be removed from cardiac monitoring.

Methods

This was a single centre, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive ED patients in a tertiary referral hospital evaluated for possible ACS from July to August 2017. Patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction or an arrhythmia at presentation which would mandate monitoring were excluded. Data was obtained by medical chart review. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an arrhythmia requiring treatment while in ED.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability for data extraction demonstrated very strong agreement (kappa 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.83–0.91). There were 653 participants included with 83 (12.7%) having a final diagnosis of ACS. Three (0.5%) clinically important arrhythmias occurred. There were no cases of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest. Five hundred and forty (82.7%) participants were low/intermediate‐risk HEART score and one (0.2%) clinically important arrhythmia occurred (this was supraventricular tachycardia treated by a valsalva manoeuvre).

Conclusion

Among ED patients presenting with a possible ACS, a low/intermediate‐risk HEART score identified those at very low risk for having a clinically important arrhythmia while in ED.
Combination of high‐throughput microfluidics and FACS technologies to leverage the numbers game in natural product discovery
Authors: Oberpaul Markus , Brinkmann Stephan , Marner Michael , Mihajlovic Sanja , Leis Benedikt , Patras Maria A. , Hartwig Christoph , Vilcinskas Andreas , Hammann Peter E. , Schäberle Till F. , Spohn Marius , Glaeser Jens
Published: June 2021

High‐throughput platforms facilitating screening campaigns of environmental samples are needed to discover new products of natural origin counteracting the spreading of antimicrobial resistances constantly threatening human and agricultural health. We applied a combination of droplet microfluidics and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS)‐based technologies to access and assess a microbial environmental sample. The cultivation performance of our microfluidics workflow was evaluated in respect to the utilized cultivation media by Illumina amplicon sequencing of a pool of millions of droplets, respectively. This enabled the rational selection of a growth medium supporting the isolation of microbial diversity from soil (five phyla affiliated to 57 genera) including a member of the acidobacterial subgroup 1 (genus Edaphobacter). In a second phase, the entire diversity covered by 1071 cultures was used for an arrayed bioprospecting campaign, resulting in > 6000 extracts tested against human pathogens and agricultural pests. After redundancy curation by using a combinatorial chemical and genomic fingerprinting approach, we assigned the causative agents present in the extracts. Utilizing UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS‐guided fractionation and microplate‐based screening assays in combination with molecular networking the production of bioactive ionophorous macrotetrolides, phospholipids, the cyclic lipopetides massetolides E, F, H and serratamolide A and many derivatives thereof was shown.
Survival and medical costs of melanoma patients with subsequent cancer diagnoses: A South Korean population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Park Hae‐Young , Yang Hyun‐Ju , Jeon Soo Min , Lee In Hee , Kwon Jin‐Won
Published: June 2021

Aim

Subsequent cancers (SCs) after melanoma diagnosis further increases the risks of mortality and medical costs. This population‐based analysis aimed to evaluate risk factors for SC, mortality, and medical costs of melanoma patients with SC.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using a nationwide claims database during 2002‐2017 in South Korea. SC was defined as having other types of cancer diagnoses other than subsequent melanoma during‐up to 5 years after melanoma diagnosis. Melanoma patients were divided into patients with and without SC, and the overall and subgroup survival rates, the risk of developing SC, and the total medical costs were analyzed using a Kaplan–Meier method and regressions.

Results

A total of 3740 melanoma patients were included in the analysis (mean age, 62.3 ± 15.4 y; 47.2% men), and 2273 patients (1157 within 2 months, 756 after 2 months of melanoma diagnosis) had SC. Higher Charlson comorbidity index score and male sex significantly increased the risk of developing SC. Five‐year survival rate and cumulative medical costs were 62.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.8‐63.9) and $21,413, respectively, in all patients. Patients with SC diagnosed after 2 months showed the lowest survival rate of 47.8% (95% CI, 44.3‐51.4) and the highest costs of $27,081, showing a mortality hazard ratio of 1.65 (range, 1.46‐1.86) and a cost ratio of 1.189 (range, 1.112‐1.271) compared with those without SC.

Conclusion

This study presented survival outcomes and medical costs in melanoma patients and confirmed that SC after the first diagnosis of melanoma significantly increased disease burden in terms of mortality and medical costs.
The combined use of endometrial ablation or resection and levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system in women with heavy menstrual bleeding: A systematic review
Authors: Oderkerk Tamara J. , van de Kar Majorie M.A. , van der Zanden Carlijn H.M. , Geomini Peggy M.A.J. , Herman Malou C. , Bongers Marlies Y.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Despite endometrial ablation/resection being a very successful treatment for women with heavy menstrual bleeding, re‐intervention with additional surgery is needed in 12%–25% of cases. Introducing a levonorgestrel‐intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) immediately after ablation could preserve the integrity of the uterine cavity and suppress the regenerated or non‐ablated endometrial tissue. Therefore, this combined treatment can perhaps lower the re‐intervention rate. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of the combined treatment.

Material and methods

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were systematically searched. No language restrictions were applied. All types of studies were included reporting on the results of endometrial ablation or resection combined with immediate insertion of LNG‐IUS for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. The primary outcome was the number of hysterectomies after the ablation procedure. Secondary outcomes included re‐intervention rates, removals of LNG‐IUS, bleeding pattern, patient satisfaction, adverse effects, and complications. Our protocol was registered in PROSPERO, an international prospective register of systematic reviews under registration number CRD42020151384.

Results

Six studies with a retrospective design and one case series with a follow‐up duration varying from 6 to 55 months were included. In total, 427 women were treated with the combined treatment. The studies described a lower hysterectomy and re‐intervention rate after combined treatment compared with treatment with endometrial ablation/resection alone. Hysterectomy rate varied from 0% to 11% after combined treatment compared with 9.4% to 24% after endometrial ablation/resection alone. Bleeding patterns and patient satisfaction appeared to be in favor of the combined treatment group. No intra‐ or post‐operative complications or complications in the removal of LNG‐IUS were described. The most reported adverse effects after combined treatment were weight gain, mood changes, and headaches. An additional 11 studies with only an abstract available substantiated these findings. All the included studies had poor methodological quality.

Conclusions

Based on the available literature, inserting an LNG‐IUS immediately after endometrial ablation/resection seems to lower the hysterectomy and re‐intervention rates compared with ablation/resection alone. However, as only limited observational studies of low methodological quality are available, high‐quality research is necessary to confirm the findings of this systematic review.
The impact of body mass index on efficacy and safety in the tofacitinib OCTAVE ulcerative colitis clinical programme
Authors: Farraye Francis A. , Qazi Taha , Kotze Paulo G. , Moore Gregory T. , Mundayat Rajiv , Lawendy Nervin , Sharma Puza P. , Judd Donna T.
Published: June 2021

Summary

Background

Obesity may affect efficacy and safety of biologic treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC). Tofacitinib is an oral, small molecule Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of UC.

Aims

To assess efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in patients with UC, by baseline body mass index (BMI).

Methods

This post hoc analysis evaluated patients with UC receiving placebo or tofacitinib from the 8‐week OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 (NCT01465763, NCT01458951) and 52‐week OCTAVE Sustain (NCT01458574) studies. Patients were stratified by BMI at OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2 baseline (<25, 25 to <30 and ≥30 kg/m2). Outcomes included remission, endoscopic improvement, clinical response, sustained steroid‐free remission, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire total score and Short Form‐36 Health Survey scores. Adverse events were evaluated.

Results

At Week 8 of OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, and Week 52 of OCTAVE Sustain, higher proportions of patients receiving tofacitinib 5 or 10 mg twice daily (b.d.) achieved clinical response vs placebo, regardless of baseline BMI subgroup (all P < 0.05). Proportions of patients achieving efficacy endpoints were generally similar across BMI subgroups; in univariate and multivariate regression analyses, BMI was not a significant predictor (all P ≥ 0.05; univariate BMI [continuous] odds ratio for remission: 0.98 [95% confidence interval 0.95, 1.02]). There was no consistent trend between BMI and adverse events. Among patients receiving tofacitinib 10 mg b.d. in OCTAVE Induction 1 and 2, serious infections were numerically greater in the BMI ≥30 subgroup (3.2%) vs other subgroups (0.4%). Limitations included small patient numbers in the BMI ≥30 subgroup.

Conclusions

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib were similar in patients with UC regardless of baseline BMI.
Fully versus conventionally guided implant placement by dental students: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Søndergaard Kasper , Hosseini Mandana , Storgård Jensen Simon , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare fully guided with conventionally guided implant surgery performed by dental students in terms of deviation of actual implant position from an ideal implant position.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐five patients in need of 26 straightforward implant‐supported single crowns were randomly allocated to a fully guided (FG, n = 14) or a conventionally guided (CG, n = 12) implant surgery. In the preoperative CBCTs, 3 experienced investigators placed a virtual implant in the ideal position, twice, allowing deviational analysis in the facio‐lingual (coronal) and mesio‐distal (sagittal) planes for 7 parameters. Facio‐lingual crestal deviation, facio‐lingual apical deviation, facio‐lingual angular deviation, mesio‐distal crestal deviation, mesio‐distal apical deviation, mesio‐distal angular deviation, and vertical deviation between the ideal, virtually placed position and actual implant position for the FG and CG groups were compared statistically (p < .05).

Results

Statistically significant differences between ideal and actual implant position were only seen for the facio‐lingual apical deviation (p = .047) and for the facio‐lingual angular deviation (p = .019), where the CG group deviated more from the ideal position than the FG group. The 5 other examined variables did not show any significant differences, and none of the implants in the FG group and CG group were placed in conflict with the clinical guidelines.

Conclusions

The present study reported no difference in 5 out of 7 deviational parameters concerning actual implant position in relation to ideal implant position between a FG and CG implant placement protocol performed by dental students. Facio‐lingual angular deviation and apical deviation were lower, when a FG protocol was followed. All implants were positioned according to clinical guidelines.
Development of bacterial cellulose film coated with mixed colorimetric indicator for tracking the freshness/spoilage of ready‐to‐cook idli batter
Authors: Gaikwad P. S. , Sarma Chayanika , Rajan Anbarasan , Anandakumar S. , Yadav B. K.
Published: June 2021

The current study focuses on the fabrication of a mixed chemical colorimetric pH dye‐based indicator to monitor the freshness of ready‐to‐cook (RTC) idli batter stored under ambient conditions. The base of the indicator label was created using Acetobacter xylinum culture for the fabrication of a bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane film, and the characteristics of the developed film were analysed. Scanning electron microscopy identified the presence of a cellulose fibrils network and Fourier Transform–infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of an amine group at wavenumber 1642 cm−1 on the developed BC film. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis identified the glass transition, onset, melting and end set melt temperatures as −30.3, 42.2, 85.6 and 105.9°C, respectively, and enthalpy as 209.2 Jg−1. The tensile strength of the developed base layer was found to be low at 27.11 ± 0.05 MPa. The developed base layer was coated with mixed colorimetric pH dyes of bromothymol blue and methyl red in a ratio of 2:3. The fabricated mixed colorimetric indicator label reacted as the carbon dioxide concentrations in the headspace increased from 0.15% ± 0.05% to 17.64% ± 0.11% (v/v) for up to 24 hours, and displayed a colour change of yellow for fresh to reddish orange for spoiled RTC idli batter stored under ambient conditions.
Less bleeding associated with apixaban versus other direct acting oral anticoagulation in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Salerno David M. , Thornberg Megan E. , Lange Nicholas W. , Hedvat Jessica , Robbins Hilary , Brown Robert S. , Jennings Douglas L. , Scheffert Jenna
Published: June 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of bleeding and thrombosis resulting from the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in a large cohort of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.

Methods

This was a single center, retrospective cohort study of adult kidney, heart, lung, and liver transplant recipients transplanted between August 2009 and May 2018. Patients were stratified into two groups: those who received apixaban (apixaban group) or those patients receiving either rivaroxaban or dabigatran (non‐apixaban group). The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of bleeding while receiving DOAC therapy. The secondary endpoints were incidence of major bleeding and thrombosis at any time while receiving DOAC therapy.

Results

A total of 106 patients were included; 70 patients received apixaban and 36 patients received non‐apixaban anticoagulation. Cumulative incidence of any bleeding was lower in the apixaban group compared to the non‐apixaban group at both 90 days (4.9% vs. 16.1%) and 180 days (11.4% vs. 24.9%, P = .034). Cumulative incidence of major bleeding (P = .686) and thrombosis (P = .515) were similar between groups. DOAC dosing congruent with the package insert(s) was associated with a lower risk of thrombosis.

Conclusion

Apixaban‐based anticoagulation was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of any bleeding compared to non‐apixaban DOACs.
Keep CALME (childhood asymmetry labium majus enlargement) and follow up
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Patrizi Annalisa , Vara Giulio , Golfieri Rita , Neri Iria
Published: June 2021

CALME is the abbreviation of “childhood asymmetry labium majus enlargement” and denotes a physiological, non‐neoplastic swelling of labium majus soft tissues. It is caused by the expansion of one or more normal vulvar tissue components and is devoid of a peripheral capsule. A few reports in the literature have raised awareness of this benign condition and stressed the need to avoid invasive procedures with possible permanent sequelae. The etiopathogenesis of CALME is still debated, although the hypothesis of a hormone‐driven major labia stromal hyperplasia is favored over the assumption of a benign neoplastic process. This article aims to provide a detailed review of the clinical, histological, and instrumental findings of CALME and provide a step‐based algorithm to approach and manage genito‐inguinal masses in pediatric patients.
Spatial organization and transitions of spontaneous neuronal activities in the developing sensory cortex
Authors: Nakazawa Shingo , Iwasato Takuji
Published: June 2021

The sensory cortex underlies our ability to perceive and interact with the external world. Sensory perceptions are controlled by specialized neuronal circuits established through fine‐tuning, which relies largely on neuronal activity during the development. Spontaneous neuronal activity is an essential driving force of neuronal circuit refinement. At early developmental stages, sensory cortices display spontaneous activities originating from the periphery and characterized by correlated firing arranged spatially according to the modality. The firing patterns are reorganized over time and become sparse, which is typical for the mature brain. This review focuses mainly on rodent sensory cortices. First, the features of the spontaneous activities during early postnatal stages are described. Then, the developmental changes in the spatial organization of the spontaneous activities and the transition mechanisms involved are discussed. The identification of the principles controlling the spatial organization of spontaneous activities in the developing sensory cortex is essential to understand the self‐organization process of neuronal circuits.
IFN‐γ+ cell response and IFN‐γ release concordance after in vitro SARS‐CoV‐2 stimulation
Authors: Vallejo Alejandro , Vizcarra Pilar , Quereda Carmen , Moreno Ana , Casado José Luis ,   the CoVEX study group
Published: June 2021

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk since they are directly exposed to SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients, and nevertheless, some remain without the development of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies or related symptoms, suggesting less susceptibility to the infection.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, case‐control study aimed to compare SARS‐CoV‐2 T‐cell response by two different technologies, the analysis of IFN‐γ+ CD8+/CD4+ T cells by flow cytometry and the quantification of IFN‐γ release by ELISA‐related assay (without cell discrimination), both after SARS‐CoV‐2 stimulation among uninfected and convalescent HCWs.

Results

A high proportion of uninfected HCWs (53.8%) had pre‐existing IFN‐γ+ CD8 T‐cell response after stimulation with at least one of the structural viral proteins S, M or N, while 35.9% had pre‐existing IFN‐γ+ CD4 T‐cell response. This proportion was nearly or greater than 90% among convalescent HCWs. Interestingly, the magnitude of the response in uninfected was lower compared to that found in convalescent HCWs, using both methods. The concordance, quantifying the specific cellular response in convalescent HCWs, between both methods was 94.1% comparing CD8 T‐cell response and 89.7% comparing CD4 T‐cell response. This concordance was lower but still high in uninfected HCWs (76.5%) comparing CD8 T‐cell response and 71.8% comparing CD4 T‐cell response.

Conclusions

The good concordance between the proportion of individuals with IFN‐γ release after SARS‐COV‐2 stimulation with the proportion of individuals with specific IFN‐γ+ CD8/CD4 T cells found in this study drives IFN‐γ release assays to be a simple and easy way to determine the protective immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2 in a wide population.
Impacts of beekeeping on wild bee diversity and pollination networks in the Aegean Archipelago
Authors: Lázaro Amparo , Müller Andreas , Ebmer Andreas W. , Dathe Holger H. , Scheuchl Erwin , Schwarz Maximilian , Risch Stephan , Pauly Alain , Devalez Jelle , Tscheulin Thomas , Gómez‐Martínez Carmelo , Papas Evangelos , Pickering John , Waser Nickolas M. , Petanidou Theodora
Published: June 2021

Maintaining the diversity of wild bees is a priority for preserving ecosystem function and promoting stability and productivity of agroecosystems. However, wild bee communities face many threats and beekeeping could be one of them, because honey bees may have a strong potential to outcompete wild pollinators when placed at high densities. Yet, we still know little about how beekeeping intensity affects wild bee diversity and their pollinator interactions. Here, we explore how honey bee density relates to wild bee diversity and the structure of their pollination networks in 41 sites on 13 Cycladic Islands (Greece) with similar landscapes but differing in beekeeping intensity. Our large‐scale study shows that increasing honey bee visitation rate had a negative effect on wild bee species richness and abundance, although the latter effect was relatively weak compared to the effect of other landscape variables. Competition for flowering resources (as indicated by a resource sharing index) increased with the abundance of honey bees, but the effect was more moderate for wild bees in family Apidae than for bees in other families, suggesting a stronger niche segregation in Apidae in response to honey bees. Honey bees also influenced the structure of wild bee pollination networks indirectly, through changes in wild bee richness. Low richness of wild bees in sites with high honey bee abundance resulted in wild bee networks with fewer links and lower linkage density. Our results warn against beekeeping intensification in these islands and similar hotspots of bee diversity, and shed light on how benefits to pollination services of introducing honey bees may be counterbalanced by detriments to wild bees and their ecosystem services.
Rapid administration of undiluted intravenous levetiracetam
Authors: Haller John Tyler , Bonnin Sophia , Radosevich John
Published: June 2021

Objective

Operational delays have the potential to lead to suboptimal time to seizure control during status epilepticus. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an urgent control antiepileptic medication that offers relative lack of adverse effects and ease of monitoring. There are limited data published demonstrating safety and tolerability of undiluted rapid intravenous (IV) push of LEV in doses of 1000 mg or less. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of IV push administration of LEV doses up to 4500 mg.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational, cohort analysis of adult patients who received at least one dose of undiluted IV push LEV from October 15, 2019 to August 31, 2020 at a large academic medical center in Phoenix, Arizona. Outcomes of interest include safety and tolerability of rapid administration of undiluted LEV.

Results

There were 953 unique patients included during the study period. LEV was a new medication for witnessed or suspected seizure in 51.9% of patients, and 40.7% of patients had a documented history of epilepsy or seizure disorder. There were 8561 undiluted IV push LEV doses administered, 3674 (42.9%) of which were greater than 1000 mg. LEV was administered most often through a peripheral IV (79.1%). There were 12 patients with documented adverse drug events during the study period, with four potentially directly related to IV push LEV administration. These events were limited to local injection site reactions and included redness, burning, and loss of a peripheral IV line.

Significance

Rapid IV administration of undiluted LEV is both safe and tolerable in doses of up to 4500 mg, allowing for rapid drug administration, which is paramount during neurologic emergencies.
Growth resistance and resilience of mixed silver fir and Norway spruce forests in central Europe: Contrasting responses to mild and severe droughts
Authors: Bottero Alessandra , Forrester David I. , Cailleret Maxime , Kohnle Ulrich , Gessler Arthur , Michel Dominic , Bose Arun K. , Bauhus Jürgen , Bugmann Harald , Cuntz Matthias , Gillerot Loïc , Hanewinkel Marc , Lévesque Mathieu , Ryder James , Sainte‐Marie Julien , Schwarz Julia , Yousefpour Rasoul , Zamora‐Pereira Juan Carlos , Rigling Andreas
Published: June 2021

Extreme droughts are expected to increase in frequency and severity in many regions of the world, threatening multiple ecosystem services provided by forests. Effective strategies to adapt forests to such droughts require comprehensive information on the effects and importance of the factors influencing forest resistance and resilience. We used a unique combination of inventory and dendrochronological data from a long‐term (>30 years) silvicultural experiment in mixed silver fir and Norway spruce mountain forests along a temperature and precipitation gradient in southwestern Germany. We aimed at examining the mechanisms and forest stand characteristics underpinning the resistance and resilience to past mild and severe droughts. We found that (i) fir benefited from mild droughts and showed higher resistance (i.e., lower growth loss during drought) and resilience (i.e., faster return to pre‐drought growth levels) than spruce to all droughts; (ii) species identity determined mild drought responses while species interactions and management‐related factors strongly influenced the responses to severe droughts; (iii) intraspecific and interspecific interactions had contrasting effects on the two species, with spruce being less resistant to severe droughts when exposed to interaction with fir and beech; (iv) higher values of residual stand basal area following thinning were associated with lower resistance and resilience to severe droughts; and (v) larger trees were resilient to mild drought events but highly vulnerable to severe droughts. Our study provides an analytical approach for examining the effects of different factors on individual tree‐ and stand‐level drought response. The forests investigated here were to a certain extent resilient to mild droughts, and even benefited from such conditions, but were strongly affected by severe droughts. Lastly, negative effects of severe droughts can be reduced through modifying species composition, tree size distribution and stand density in mixed silver fir‐Norway spruce forests.
Thermal optima of gross primary productivity are closely aligned with mean air temperatures across Australian wooded ecosystems
Authors: Bennett Alison C. , Arndt Stefan K. , Bennett Lauren T. , Knauer Jürgen , Beringer Jason , Griebel Anne , Hinko‐Najera Nina , Liddell Michael J. , Metzen Daniel , Pendall Elise , Silberstein Richard P. , Wardlaw Timothy J. , Woodgate William , Haverd Vanessa
Published: June 2021

Gross primary productivity (GPP) of wooded ecosystems (forests and savannas) is central to the global carbon cycle, comprising 67%–75% of total global terrestrial GPP. Climate change may alter this flux by increasing the frequency of temperatures beyond the thermal optimum of GPP (Topt). We examined the relationship between GPP and air temperature (Ta) in 17 wooded ecosystems dominated by a single plant functional type (broadleaf evergreen trees) occurring over a broad climatic gradient encompassing five ecoregions across Australia ranging from tropical in the north to Mediterranean and temperate in the south. We applied a novel boundary‐line analysis to eddy covariance flux observations to (a) derive ecosystem GPP–Ta relationships and Topt (including seasonal analyses for five tropical savannas); (b) quantitatively and qualitatively assess GPP–Ta relationships within and among ecoregions; (c) examine the relationship between Topt and mean daytime air temperature (MDTa) across all ecosystems; and (d) examine how down‐welling short‐wave radiation (Fsd) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) influence the GPP–Ta relationship. GPP–Ta relationships were convex parabolas with narrow curves in tropical forests, tropical savannas (wet season), and temperate forests, and wider curves in temperate woodlands, Mediterranean woodlands, and tropical savannas (dry season). Ecosystem Topt ranged from 15℃ (temperate forest) to 32℃ (tropical savanna—wet and dry seasons). The shape of GPP–Ta curves was largely determined by daytime Ta range, MDTa, and maximum GPP with the upslope influenced by Fsd and the downslope influenced by VPD. Across all ecosystems, there was a strong positive linear relationship between Topt and MDTa (Adjusted R2: 0.81; Slope: 1.08) with Topt exceeding MDTa by >1℃ at all but two sites. We conclude that ecosystem GPP has adjusted to local MDTa within Australian broadleaf evergreen forests and that GPP is buffered against small Ta increases in the majority of these ecosystems.
Use of the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System 21 items among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Chen Yuan , Cui PingYu , Pan YiYang , Li Ying
Published: June 2021

Aim

The objective of this study was to verify the reliability and validity of the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community‐based Integrated Care System 21 items (DASC‐21) among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults, and to explore the related factors for dementia screening.

Methods

The study adopted a cross‐sectional design, and a total of 1152 participants aged ≥60 years were recruited from 26 locations in China. All data were collected using questionnaires through face‐to‐face interviews. The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the effect factors of DASC‐21 for dementia screening. The receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cut‐off points and the accuracy of the DASC‐21 for dementia and mild cognitive impairment screening.

Results

For test–retest reliability, the Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.873 (P < 0.001). In the criterion‐related validity, the DASC‐21 scores were significantly and negatively correlated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination (r = −0.663, P < 0.001) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (r = −0.565, P < 0.001) scores. The results of the receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that there were different optimal cut‐off values for different age groups. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 95.6% and 90.3% for dementia and mild cognitive impairment screening using DASC‐21 after considering related effect factors.

Conclusions

The DASC‐21 was confirmed to be a valid and reliable instrument for dementia screening among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults. Our results suggested that the age, education level and 2‐week prevalence were important effect factors for dementia screening using the DASC‐21. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 705–711.
An autoethnography of pregnancy and birth during Covid times: Transcending the illusio of overwork in academia?
Authors: Lupu Ioana
Published: June 2021

Under the pressure of always increasing demands of publication, excessive working hours are widespread in academia. Based on an autoethnography of myself as a pregnant woman under Covid, I explore the extent of my being caught by the illusio–“being taken in and by the game” (Bourdieu & Wacquant, 1992), that prompted me to remain absorbed by the publishing game and to overwork until the very last day before giving birth to my son. I also explore how the forced deceleration induced by the maternity leave as well as the Covid confinement contributed to increased awareness and reflection thus helping me to transcend the illusio that prompted me to overwork. I also reflect to the extent of this conversion being reversible given the continued pressures of the academic context.
Writing memory work through artistic intersections. Unplugged
Authors: Mandalaki Emmanouela , Daou Ely
Published: June 2021

In the current text, we present archives of our embodied memories from childhood to make sense of how, despite our different backgrounds and life paths, these shape our collective sense‐making processes of who we are and become as well as how we connect and interact with others in the social world. By bringing these together through artistic forms of expression, we discuss the emancipating potential of memory work through art practice to enable a relational sensuous academic language that allows reclaiming an active embodied presence in our feminist journey for social justice. Our account seeks to reinvigorate feminist discussions on memory work also contributing to the burgeoning stream of organizational literature on writing differently.
Theoretical predictions on temperature‐dependent strength for MAX phases
Authors: Deng Yong , Li Weiguo , Zhang Xianhe , Zhang Chao
Published: June 2021

MAX phases have great application potential in high‐temperature fields due to their unique combination of ceramic and metallic properties. In this work, a physics‐based theoretical model is developed for the prediction of temperature‐dependent strength of MAX phases, based on the force‐heat equivalence energy principle. The quantitative relationship between the strength, Young's modulus, temperature, and melting point is revealed by the proposed model. Through the comparison between theoretical predictions of strength and available experimental results from the literature, the model is proved to be efficient in predicting the strength of MAX phases at high temperatures. Since the melting point and Young's modulus of material can be easily obtained, the proposed theoretical model provides a convenient and feasible method for predicting the temperature‐dependent strength of MAX phases.
Bi‐atrial or left atrial ablation of atrial fibrillation during concomitant cardiac surgery: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Guo Qiuzhe , Yan Fangbing , Ouyang Peigang , Xie Zhuxinyue , Wang Haonan , Yang Weimin , Pan Xiangbin
Published: June 2021

Objective

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a routine procedure during concomitant cardiac surgery, however, the extension of lesion sets remain controversial. We sought to compare the relative benefit and risk of different lesion sets through a Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Trials databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the rhythm outcome of AF patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), left atrial Maze (LAM), bi‐atrial Maze (BAM), or no ablation during concomitant cardiac surgery. An NMA was conducted to explore the difference of over 1 year AF freedom as well as risks for early mortality and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI).

Results

A total of 2031 patients of 19 RCTs were included. PVI, LAM, and BAM (OR [95% Cr.I]: 5.02 [2.72, 10.02], 7.97 [4.93, 14.29], 8.29 [4.90, 14.86], p < .05) demonstrated higher freedom of AF compared with no ablation, however, no significant difference of rhythm outcome was found among the three ablation strategies based on the random‐effects model. BAM was associated with an increase in early mortality when compared with no ablation (OR [95% Cr.I]: 4.08 [1.23, 17.30], p < .05), while none of the remaining comparisons reached statistical difference in terms of early mortality and PPMI.

Conclusion

Bi‐atrial ablation is not superior to left atrial ablation strategies in reducing AF recurrence for un‐selected surgical patients. BAM has a higher risk of early mortality than no ablation, but no difference was found between bi‐atrial and left atrial ablation in regard to early mortality and PPMI based on the current evidence.