bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receipt of anti-SARS-CoV-2 pharmacotherapies among non-hospitalized U.S. Veterans with COVID-19, January 2022 to January 2023
Authors: Yan Lei , Streja Elani , Li Yuli , Rajeevan Nallakkandi , Rowneki Mazhgan , Berry Kristin , Hynes Denise M. , Cunningham Francesca , Huang Grant D. , Aslan Mihaela , Ioannou George N. , Bajema Kristina L.
Published: May 2023

IMPORTANCE

Several pharmacotherapies have been authorized to treat non-hospitalized persons with symptomatic COVID-19. Longitudinal information on their use is needed.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze trends and factors related to prescription of outpatient COVID-19 pharmacotherapies within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study evaluated non-hospitalized veterans in VHA care who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from January 2022 through January 2023, using VHA and linked Community Care and Medicare databases.

EXPOSURES

Demographic characteristics, regional and local systems of care including Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs), underlying medical conditions, COVID-19 vaccination.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Monthly receipt of any COVID-19 pharmacotherapy (nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, molnupiravir, sotrovimab, or bebtelovimab) was described. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with receipt of any versus no COVID-19 pharmacotherapy.

RESULTS

Among 285,710 veterans (median [IQR] age, 63.1 [49.9-73.7] years; 247,358 (86.6%) male; 28,444 (10%) Hispanic; 198,863 (72.7%) White; 61,269 (22.4%) Black) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between January 2022 and January 2023, the proportion receiving any pharmacotherapy increased from 3.2% (3,285/102,343) in January 2022 to 23.9% (5,180/21,688) in August 2022, and declined slightly to 20.8% (2,194/10,551) by January 2023. Across VISNs, the range in proportion of test-positive patients who received nirmatrelvir-ritonavir or molnupiravir during January 2023 was 5.9 to 21.4% and 2.1 to 11.1%, respectively. Veterans receiving any treatment were more likely to be older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.18, 95% CI 1.14-1.22 for 65 to 74 versus 50 to 64 years; aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.15-1.23 for 75 versus 50 to 64 years), have a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.44-1.59 for CCI ≥6 versus 0), and be vaccinated against COVID-19 (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19-1.30 for primary versus no vaccination; aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.42-1.53 for booster versus no vaccination). Compared with White veterans, Black veterans (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09) were more likely to receive treatment, and compared with non-Hispanic veterans, Hispanic veterans (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11) were more likely to receive treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among veterans who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between January 2022 and January 2023, prescription of outpatient COVID-19 pharmacotherapies peaked in August 2022 and declined thereafter. There remain large regional differences in patterns of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir use.
Impact of social dominance hierarchy on PACAP expression in the extended amygdala, corticosterone, and behavior in C57BL/6 male mice
Authors: Meloni Edward G. , Carlezon William A. , Bolshakov Vadim Y.
Published: May 2023

The natural alignment of animals into social dominance hierarchies produces adaptive, and potentially maladaptive, changes in the brain that influence health and behavior. Aggressive and submissive behaviors assumed by animals through dominance interactions engage stress-dependent neural and hormonal systems that have been shown to correspond with social rank. Here, we examined the impact of social dominance hierarchies established within cages of group-housed laboratory mice on expression of the stress peptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in areas of the extended amygdala comprising the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). We also quantified the impact of dominance rank on corticosterone (CORT), body weight, and behavior including rotorod and acoustic startle response. Weight-matched male C57BL/6 mice, group-housed (4/cage) starting at 3 weeks of age, were ranked as either most-dominant (Dominant), least-dominant (Submissive) or in-between rank (Intermediate) based on counts of aggressive and submissive encounters assessed at 12 weeks-old following a change in homecage conditions. We found that PACAP expression was significantly higher in the BNST, but not the CeA, of Submissive mice compared to the other two groups. CORT levels were lowest in Submissive mice and appeared to reflect a blunted response following social dominance interactions. Body weight, motor coordination, and acoustic startle were not significantly different between the groups. Together, these data reveal changes in specific neural/neuroendocrine systems that are predominant in animals of lowest social dominance rank, and implicate PACAP in brain adaptations that occur through the development of social dominance hierarchies.
A novel subset of colonocytes targeted byCitrobacter rodentiumelicits epithelial MHCII-restricted help from CD4 T cells
Authors: Zindl Carlene L. , Garrett Wilson C. , Chadha Awalpreet S. , Cai Baiyi , Harbour Stacey N. , Nagaoka-Kamata Yoshiko , Hatton Robin D. , Gao Min , Figge David A. , Weaver Casey T.
Published: May 2023

Interleukin (IL)-22 plays a non-redundant role in immune defense of the intestinal barrier1–3. We recently discovered an indispensable role for T cells, but not ILCs, in sustaining IL-22 signaling required for protection of colonic crypts against invasion during infection by the enteropathogen,Citrobacter rodentium(C.r)4. However, identification of the intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) subsets targeted by T cell-derived IL-22 and how T cell-derived IL-22 sustains activation in IECs are undefined. Here, we identify a novel subset of absorptive IECs in the mid-distal colon that are differentially targeted byC.rand are differentially responsive to IL-22 signaling. Importantly, MHCII expression by these colonocytes was required to elicit T cell-activated IL-22 signaling necessary to resistC.rinvasion. Our findings explain the basis for the regionalization of the host response toC.rand demonstrate that epithelial cells must elicit MHCII-dependent help from IL-22–producing T cells to orchestrate immune protection in the intestines.
Mechanical Dissociation of Tissues for Single Cell Analysis Using a Simple Motorized Device
Authors: Amosu Mayowa , Gregory Andrew J. , Murtagh John D. , Pavin Nitay , Meyers Carson Taylor , Grano de Oro Fernandez Juan , Moore Kaitlyn , Maisel Katharina
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT/SUMMARY

The use of single cell analysis methods has grown rapidly in the last two decades and has led to rapid discoveries in cell biology and beyond. Single cell analysis requires complex systems like tissues to be dissociated, separating individual cells from extracellular tissue materials. This requires manual processing of tissues and materials through chopping, pipetting, and suspension with enzymes for degradation of the structural elements of the tissue. Manual processing can be time consuming and lead to variability between scientists. Automating this process through motorized dissociation could thus improve reproducibility of research and reduce time of cell manipulation prior to analysis. Here, we have designed a low-cost, customizable automatic tissue dissociator device that can be easily assembled by research groups for individual use. Our device allows for customizable programmed dissociation protocols for ease of use and reproducibility between researchers and can be placed into heat or cold environments based on the protocol need. We have found this device comparable in cell viability and reproducibility to manual dissociation, while significantly reducing time spent and even enhancing cells extracted from more fibrous tissues. Broad dissemination and use of this device could enhance single cell analysis reproducibility and provide a time-saving alternative to the currently used manual dissociation protocols.
Uncovering the Prevalence of Cystinosis through Genetic Analysis
Authors: Wu Chen-Han Wilfred , Tomaszewski Alicja , Stark Louisa A. , Scaglia Fernando , Elenberg Ewa , Schumacher Fredrick R.
Published: May 2023

Background

Cystinosis is a metabolic disease characterized by the accumulation of cystine most often presenting in an infantile nephropathic form caused by pathogenic variants in theCTNSgene. It is characterized by progressive loss of glomerular function leading to renal failure by the first decade of life, making early diagnosis crucial to improving outcomes. This study seeks to estimate the prevalence of cystinosis using a population genetics approach.

Methods

The Human Genome Mutation Database (HGMD) was used to identify known pathogenic variants inCTNS, and the 1000 Genomes (1KG) database was used to identifyCTNSvariants in a cohort representing a healthy population. These two databases were intersected to identify disease-causing variants and their carriers in the general population. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was used to calculate expected carrier and affected rates for cystinosis.

Results

The allele frequency for all disease-causing alleles was calculated to be 0.016. The predicted affected rate was calculated to be 0.00027 (approximately 1:3680), and the predicted carrier rate was 0.032 (approximately 1:30).

Conclusion

Compared to the reported clinical prevalence of between 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 200,000, the prevalence of cystinosis in this study was calculated to be 1 in 3,680. This significantly higher result may be due to the underdiagnosis of cystinosis or variable expressivity of variants presenting with a broad range of disease severity. These results support the proposal of newborn screening for early diagnosis and improved outcomes in infantile nephropathic cystinosis.
Glycan strand cleavage by a lytic transglycosylase, MltD contributes to the expansion of peptidoglycan inEscherichia coli
Authors: Kaul Moneca , Meher Suraj Kumar , Reddy Manjula
Published: May 2023

Peptidoglycan (PG) is a protective sac-like exoskeleton present in most bacterial cell walls. It is a large, covalently cross-linked mesh-like polymer made up of several glycan strands cross-bridged to each other by short peptide chains. Because PG forms a continuous mesh around the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, opening the mesh is critical to generate space for the incorporation of new material during its expansion. InEscherichia coli, the ‘space-making activity’ is known to be achieved by cleavage of cross-links between the glycan strands by a set of redundant PG endopeptidases whose absence leads to rapid lysis and cell death. Here, we demonstrate a hitherto unknown role of glycan strand cleavage in making space for cell wall expansion inE. coli. We find that overexpression of a membrane-bound lytic transglycosylase, MltD that cuts the glycan polymers of the PG sacculus rescues the cell lysis caused by the absence of essential cross-link specific endopeptidases, MepS, MepM and MepH. Further detailed genetic and biochemical analysis revealed that MltD works in conjunction with cross-link specific endopeptidases to expand the PG sacculus. Interestingly, we find that cellular MltD levels are stringently controlled by two independent regulatory pathways. MltD undergoes regulated proteolysis by NlpI-Prc, a periplasmic adaptor-protease complex that specifically degrades two of the elongation-specific endopeptidases, MepS and MepH. In addition, MltD levels are post-transcriptionally controlled by RpoS, a stationary-phase specific sigma factor. Overall, our results show that coordinated cleavage of the glycan strands and the peptide cross-bridges facilitates the opening of the PG mesh for successful expansion of the cell wall during growth of a bacterium.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Most bacteria are protected by a cell wall made up of peptidoglycan (PG), a mesh-like large polymer. PG consists of several linear glycan strands interlinked through short peptide chains to form a continuous meshwork around the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Because PG tightly encases the cytoplasmic membrane, the growth of a bacterial cell is coupled to the expansion of PG requiring the activity of hydrolytic enzymes that cleave PG cross-links to make space for incorporation of new PG material. lnE. coli, a set of redundant cross-link specific endopeptidases are known to be crucial for expansion of PG. In this study, we show that cleavage of the glycan polymers by MltD, a glycan cleaving enzyme compensates the absence of cross-link cleavage and contributes to the expansion of PG. Overall, our work shows a previously unknown role of glycan hydrolases in cell wall expansion identifying these as potential targets for development of cell wall-specific antimicrobial agents.
Limits and potential of organic farming towards a more sustainable European agri-food system
Authors: Calabro Grazia , Vieri Simone
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to assess whether the current European target to increase the areas under organic farming to 25% by 2030 is attainable and whether the simple increase in areas under organic farming may be sufficient to improve the sustainability of European agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis has been carried out through a simple data processing related to areas under organic farming, for the period 2012–2020 (Eurostat database), in order to highlight the trends of areas under organic farming and to verify whether the annual average change rates may be compatible with the stated target.

Findings

The analysis showed that organic farming has a productive weight not corresponding to the amount on the total of the areas under cultivation and a small impact on the total of food consumption. It is a plausible hypothesis, the one that shows the increase in areas under organic farming will engage forms of agriculture and farms that, already, are more sustainable, so the achievement of 25% target will not particularly impact the European potential productive and the less environmental sustainable forms of agriculture.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate, involving scientific community, policy maker and civil society, about the real contribution of organic farming to sustainability, and it will be developed in future research.
A model of image retrieval based on KD-Tree Random Forest
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Thi , Nhi Nguyen Thi Uyen , Le Thanh Manh , Van Thanh The
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The problem of image retrieval and image description exists in various fields. In this paper, a model of content-based image retrieval and image content extraction based on the KD-Tree structure was proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A Random Forest structure was built to classify the objects on each image on the basis of the balanced multibranch KD-Tree structure. From that purpose, a KD-Tree structure was generated by the Random Forest to retrieve a set of similar images for an input image. A KD-Tree structure is applied to determine a relationship word at leaves to extract the relationship between objects on an input image. An input image content is described based on class names and relationships between objects.

Findings

A model of image retrieval and image content extraction was proposed based on the proposed theoretical basis; simultaneously, the experiment was built on multi-object image datasets including Microsoft COCO and Flickr with an average image retrieval precision of 0.9028 and 0.9163, respectively. The experimental results were compared with those of other works on the same image dataset to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Originality/value

A balanced multibranch KD-Tree structure was built to apply to relationship classification on the basis of the original KD-Tree structure. Then, KD-Tree Random Forest was built to improve the classifier performance and retrieve a set of similar images for an input image. Concurrently, the image content was described in the process of combining class names and relationships between objects.
Leadership style, knowledge sharing and audit quality
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohassel Ali , Hesarzadeh Reza , Bagherpour Velashani Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how leadership style in audit firms influences audit quality. The paper further explores the mediating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between leadership style and audit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper studies the effects of transformational and servant leadership styles on audit quality through knowledge sharing. Data are collected from 396 Iranian external auditors via a questionnaire.

Findings

The results show that both transformational and servant leadership style significantly influence audit quality through knowledge sharing. Moreover, the impact of transformational leadership style is stronger than the impact of servant leadership style.

Originality/value

In audit quality literature, little attention has been devoted to both leadership style and knowledge sharing. This paper develops a parsimonious model which shows how leadership style improves audit quality, and how knowledge sharing strengthens the impact of leadership style on audit quality. The results have important implications particularly for audit industry.
Mediating effect of integrated health commodities procurement system on the relationship between responsiveness and health service delivery
Authors: Israel Baraka
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The problems that face health service delivery across different countries are compounded by financial, political, institutional and technical deficiencies. Yet, the role of technological aspects in the procurement of health commodities and health service delivery system requires in-depth exploration. This study bridges this gap by examining the mediating effect of an integrated health commodities procurement system on the relationship between responsiveness and health service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected from 274 respondents, comprising procurement staff and pharmacists using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. A total of 28 government-owned hospitals from 6 regions in the Southern Highland of Tanzania were sampled for observation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used for data analysis.

Findings

The results of the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between responsiveness and integrated health commodities procurement system (β = 0.572, p < 0.001). Responsiveness positively and significantly affects health service delivery (β = 0.175, p = 0.004). The results also show that integrated health commodities procurement system is positive and significantly related to health service delivery (β = 0.264, p < 0.001). Lastly, the bootstrapping confidence intervals revealed that an integrated health commodities procurement system significantly mediates the relationship between responsiveness and health service delivery.

Practical implications

To strengthen the health service delivery system, the study recommends enforcing internal control mechanisms and supporting policies that will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated health commodities procurement system and service practitioners' responsiveness. Moreover, health service managers should ensure that the planning, procurement and distribution of health commodities are fully and effectively integrated at each node of the health supply chain.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of knowledge which examines the efficacy of health service delivery from procurement perspective. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that offers empirical evidence for the mediating effect of integrated health commodities procurement system on the link between responsiveness and health service delivery.
The dual institutional work of Lyra's Walk: partisan violence and peace protest in Northern Ireland
Authors: Gidley Devon , Lubit Amanda J.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore peace protest as a form of institutional work aimed at supporting one institution and disrupting another.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized walking ethnography (28 miles in 18 h while conducting 25 walking interviews) and digital media analysis (news reports, social media and electronic communication).

Findings

Walking participants engaged in multiple types of institutional work aimed at maintaining the Good Friday Agreement and disrupting partisan violence. The institutional work left no lasting impact on either institution.

Originality/value

The paper conceptualizes two competing institutions and situates the dual institutional work of Lyra's Walk in the post-conflict context of Northern Ireland. The study contributes to understanding formality and multiplicity in institutional work research.
Emergency plan selection for epidemic prevention and control based on cumulative prospect theory and hybrid-information MADM
Authors: Mao Qinghua , Chen Jinjin , Lv Jian , Chen Shudong
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Decision-making problems in emergency plan selection for epidemic prevention and control (EPAC) are generally characterized by risky and uncertainty due to multiple possible emergency states and vagueness of decision information. In the process of emergency plan selection for EPAC, it is necessary to consider several obvious features, i.e. different states of epidemics, dynamic evolvement process of epidemics and decision-makers' (DMs') psychological factors such as risk preference and loss aversion.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a novel decision-making method based on cumulative prospect theory (CPT) is proposed to solve emergency plan selection of an epidemic problem, which is generally regarded as hybrid-information multi-attribute decision-making (HI-MADM) problems in major epidemics. Initially, considering the psychological factors of DMs, the expectations of DMs are chosen as reference points to normalize the expectation vectors and decision information with three different formats. Subsequently, the matrix of gains and losses is established according to the reference points. Furthermore, the prospect value of each alternative is obtained and the comprehensive prospect values of alternatives under different states are calculated. Accordingly, the ranking of alternatives can be obtained.

Findings

The validity and robustness of the proposed method are demonstrated by a case calculation of emergency plan selection. Meanwhile, sensitivity analysis and comparison analysis with fuzzy similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) method and TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and MADM) method illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

Originality/value

An emergency plan selection method is proposed for EPAC based on CPT, taking into account the psychological factors of DMs.

Highlights

This paper proposes a new CPT-based EDM method for EPAC under a major epidemic considering the psychological factorsof DMs, such as risk preference, loss aversion and so on.

The authors' work gives approaches of normalization, comparison and distance measurement for dealing with the integration of three hybrid formats of attributes.

This article gives some guidance, which contributes to solve the problems of risk-based hybrid multi-attribute EDM.

The authors illustrate the advantages of the proposed method by a sensitivity analysis and comparison analysis with existing FTOPSIS method and TODIM method.
Market exit and re-entry in a volatile emerging economy: a case study of Yamaha motorcycles in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Huda , Zahoor Nadia , Arslan Ahmad , Khan Zaheer
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the dynamics underpinning the exit and re-entry strategies adopted by multinational enterprises (MNEs) in an emerging market, Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study undertook an in-depth historical case study of Yamaha Motorcycles, which had initially entered Pakistan as a joint venture but had then exited and re-entered as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Findings

This study found that, despite its status as a market leader and one of the older players in the Pakistani market, changing market dynamics in the 2000s – especially the increased competition brought by more affordable (inexpensive) Chinese motorcycles and the weak enforcement of industrial policies – had pushed Yamaha Motorcycles to exit. Another factor that had contributed to its exit were differences in risk perception and strategies with its local joint venture partner (a Pakistani business group). Hence, both firm-level and institutional factors had played significant roles in Yamaha’s market exit. This study further found that re-entering in a wholly owned subsidiary operation mode had been beneficial for the firm, as it gained a significant market share due to its focus on innovation and on capturing a market niche, which had earlier not been its main focus. The findings also suggest that opportunity logics and multiple forms of learning can be important for a firm’s re-entry into a host market – such as experiential (i.e. learning from experience) and vicarious learning (i.e. learning from other organizations, including suppliers and competitors) in an emerging market context, in which institutions evolve amid political and policy uncertainty. Finally, this study found that exit and re-entry timing is an important factor for the development of competitive advantage in a host market.

Originality/value

This study is among the few to have investigated the exit and re-entry strategies of MNEs in emerging markets. The relatively short time during which Yamaha Motorcycles had been out of the market had benefited it on its re-entry, as the firm had been able to capitalize on its prior learning and ties to suppliers’ networks.
Reducing anxiety and hospital readmission in the early weeks following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation: the new community enhanced rehabilitation team
Authors: Fenton Kelly , Kidd Katherine , Lord Alex
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess if the new community-enhanced rehabilitation team reduced anxiety and readmissions in service users discharged from an inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology. Service user’s anxiety level was measured before being discharged and at the end of the Community Enhanced Rehabilitation Team (CERT) transition intervention. Six service users were interviewed to gain further understanding of their experiences of anxiety.

Findings

Findings showed the anxiety score was significantly lower (M = 1.5, 95% CI [0.051,2.99], t(20) = 2.159, p = 0.043) following the CERT intervention (M = 8.6, SD = 6.4) compared to before (M = 10.1, SD = 7.0). No service user receiving the CERT intervention was readmitted to hospital within 12 weeks of discharge from the inpatient setting, compared to three service users (15% of those discharged) who were discharged to other community services.

Research limitations/implications

Community rehabilitation pathways would benefit from having interventions to aid patient transitions from inpatient to the community. The National Health Service (NHS) trusts develop community rehabilitation teams as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and they should consider including transitional support as part of their model.

Practical implications

It is recommended that as NHS trusts design and implement community mental health teams, they should consider including transition support as part of their model.

Social implications

People with severe and enduring mental health difficulties who have been in an inpatient rehabilitation setting would benefit from community transitional support. This study suggests that such support helps reduce anxiety and readmission.

Originality/value

Community rehabilitation teams are currently being developed across the NHS as part of the NHS long-term plan. These teams are new, and as such, there is a dearth of information regarding their effectiveness. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to evaluate outcomes in these new teams.
Knowledge management through information and communication technology investments: the story of Indian family firms
Authors: Mondal Arindam , Chakrabarti Amit Baran
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are indispensable tools for Knowledge Management (KM) practices in today’s knowledge-intensive and globally interconnected marketplace. This paper seeks to investigate the impact of family ownership on ICT investments in an emerging economy (EE) context.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical paper uses data from 300 large Indian listed firms with 2,650 observations in the period 2008–2017, to test its hypothesis.

Findings

The results indicate that family firms are not favourably inclined towards ICT investments for formalizing their KM practices. However, under certain contexts, such as higher foreign institutional ownership or business group affiliation, they are more willing to invest in ICT resources.

Practical implications

This study establishes a nuanced understanding of how family firms approach ICT investments and KM practices. This research can help family owners/managers to commit sufficient resources on ICT projects.

Originality/value

Literature on KM has largely emanated from developed countries. This is one of the first papers from an EE context that studies the impact of family ownership on ICT investments and subsequent KM practices. In this way, this paper offers specific insights into the context of Indian family firms and offers some interesting findings that can contribute to the literature, policy and practice.
The role of online learning in enhancing the performance of introverted female Saudi students in translation
Authors: Alaskar Hajer
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine the role of distance learning in enhancing introverted students’ lack of communication and social interaction to improve their performance in translation class. Cain (2013) and Kuzeljevich (2017) agreed that identifying “introverted” and “extroverted” students is important for meeting their learning needs. While extroverted students have strong social skills that allow them to interact comfortably in different learning environments, introverted students tend to be more shy, quiet, and silent, thus, requiring more careful planning in classroom settings. Therefore, educators need to support introverted students in reaching their full academic and social potential.

Design/methodology/approach

The present case study adopted a qualitative research method to explore the role of online/distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in enhancing introverted students’ performance and communication abilities in translation classes. The researcher of the current study spent a considerable time observing and set herself as part of the group (i.e. translation students of level 6 class) to understand the phenomenon, events and the new situation of having translation students interact in online settings. Data collection was based on this observation, interviews with the participants and archival documents. To enhance the validity and credibility of this research, the researcher employed the method of triangulation.

Findings

The results (see Appendixes A, B and C) revealed the level of students interactions in translation classes and their attitudes toward online learning. Based on the observations made by the instructor, the researcher found that the involvement of the introverted students during online translation learning was remarkable, as they provided their translation outputs in the chat window of Microsoft Teams with no hesitation. Consequently, 65% of the students were providing their translation output through the chat window, which indicates that they are more introverted and preferred not to speak. Comparing this result to face-to-face translation class, the researcher found that 25% of the students provided their translation outputs through oral participation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of translation and education. Previous studies have not sufficiently examined the role of distance learning in enhancing the performance and communication of introverted students in translation classes. The current study is also expected to provide insight into the field of technical translation in remote teaching and learning settings.
Rhizodeposition through root senescence and root exudation of atmospheric C and N by legumes is controlled by traits indicative of resource acquisition and root development
Authors: Kanté Mohamed , Riah‐Anglet Wassila , Trinsoutrot‐Gattin Isabelle , Cliquet Jean‐Bernard
Published: May 2023

Legume crop production has many benefits for agricultural systems. Through the rhizodeposition process, they release a significant amount of C and N into the soil, increasing soil organic C and reducing the use of N fertilizer. Rhizodeposition is known as a dynamic process influenced by many factors.

The aim of this study was to study the contribution of root exudation and root senescence to the rhizodeposition of atmospheric C and N during vegetative and reproductive growth in annual and perennial legumes and to understand how this is linked to the fixation capacities of C and N and root functional traits.

An original approach that combined 13CO2 labelling and the 15N dilution method was developed to measure the rhizodeposition of atmospheric C and N throughout plant growth by two annual grain legumes (pea and faba bean) and two perennial forage legumes (white and crimson clovers).

C rhizodeposition was found to increase proportionally with N rhizodeposition during reproductive development and the differences observed between species were related to the C and N fixation abilities. The use of root traits such as specific root length, root tissue density and root dry matter content suggests a strong contribution of root exudation to C rhizodeposition at vegetative growth and a strong contribution of root senescence to both C and N rhizodeposition during reproductive growth.

Synthesis. Both C and N rhizodeposition appeared to be controlled by traits indicative of resource acquisition and root development.
Microbially influenced corrosion and rust tubercle formation on sheet piles in freshwater systems
Authors: Fiskal Annika , Shuster Jeremiah , Fischer Stefan , Joshi Prachi , Raghunatha Reddy Lipi , Wulf Sven‐Erik , Kappler Andreas , Fischer Helmut , Herrig Ilona , Meier Jutta
Published: May 2023

The extent of how complex natural microbial communities contribute to metal corrosion is still not fully resolved, especially not for freshwater environments. In order to elucidate the key processes, we investigated rust tubercles forming massively on sheet piles along the river Havel (Germany) applying a complementary set of techniques. In‐situ microsensor profiling revealed steep gradients of O2, redox potential and pH within the tubercle. Micro‐computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy showed a multi‐layered inner structure with chambers and channels and various organisms embedded in the mineral matrix. Using Mössbauer spectroscopy we identified typical corrosion products including electrically conductive iron (Fe) minerals. Determination of bacterial gene copy numbers and sequencing of 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA amplicons supported a densely populated tubercle matrix with a phylogenetically and metabolically diverse microbial community. Based on our results and previous models of physic(electro)chemical reactions, we propose here a comprehensive concept of tubercle formation highlighting the crucial reactions and microorganisms involved (such as phototrophs, fermenting bacteria, dissimilatory sulphate and Fe(III) reducers) in metal corrosion in freshwaters.
Policy, office and votes: An experimental investigation of the dynamic aspect of party goals
Authors: Kolltveit Kristoffer
Published: May 2023

Political parties face hard choices when balancing desires to influence public policy, to gain executive office and to win votes. The existing literature examining such party preferences has traditionally focused on rather static aspects of the parties, such as size, policy positions and the level of intraparty democracy. This article argues that party actors' sophisticated estimations of whether to enter into coalition can be affected by fluctuating public opinion, thereby having a more dynamic aspect. Drawing on a survey experiment on youth politicians in Norway, we test how perceived standing in the polls affects how politicians weigh up policy versus office and votes versus office. The experimental effect of perceived standings was investigated in addition to the respondents' positions within the party, as well as their parties' former governing history, political orientation and size. Results show that, in the presence of the treatment condition (party is perceived to do well in the polls), the preference for policy over office is lessened. We find no experimental effect for vote versus office. These results advance our understanding of the dynamic aspects of party goals and coalition formation.
‘Bigwig hatred’ and the emergence of the first Scandinavian agrarian‐populist party
Authors: Arter David
Published: May 2023

In the genealogy of the Scandinavian populist‐party family, agrarian populism has been largely neglected and, when discussed at all, it is traced back to Finland in the late 1950s. This paper argues: (i) that agrarian populism long predated the 1950s and that it was politically salient from the decade before Finnish independence in 1917; (ii) that it is useful to distinguish between an agrarian‐class and agrarian‐populist party type; (iii) that in wider comparative perspective, first‐wave Finnish agrarian populism was distinctive; and iv) that during the critical party‐building phase, the Finnish Agrarian Party (AP) is best characterised a populist party embodying a diffuse small‐farmer antipathy towards socially superior urban elites. The AP did not create this ‘bigwig hatred’ (herraviha), but in perpetuating it and ‘othering it’ within a binary ‘us‐and‐them’ paradigm, it became the first populist party in both Finland and Scandinavia.
A secreted salivary effector from Riptortus pedestris impairs soybean defense through modulating phytohormone signaling pathways
Authors: Huang Yue , Hu Biao , Wei Zhongyan , Shan Shiqi , Guo Chunyun , Zhang Hehong , Li Yanjun , Chen Jianping , Kang Xue , Huang Haijian , Sun Zongtao
Published: May 2023

Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius), one of the major piercing‐sucking insects in soybeans, causes delayed plant senescence and abnormal pods, known as staygreen syndrome. Recent research has shown that direct feeding of this insect is the major cause of soybean staygreen syndrome. However, it remains unclear whether R. pedestris salivary proteins play vital roles in insect infestation. Here, we found that 4 secretory salivary proteins can induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana by transient heterologous expression. The cell death induced by Rp2155 relies on the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat helper, HSP90. Tissue‐specificity assays indicated that Rp2155 is specifically expressed in the salivary gland of R. pedestris and is significantly induced during insect feeding. The expression of salicylic acid (SA)‐, jasmonic acid (JA)‐related genes was increased in soybean when fed by Rp2155‐silenced R. pedestris. More importantly, soybean staygreen symptoms caused by R. pedestris were significantly alleviated when Rp2155 was silenced. Together, these results suggest that the salivary effector Rp2155 is involved in promoting insect infestation by suppressing the JA and SA pathways, and it can be considered as a potential RNA interference target for insect control.
Relative contributions of fasting and postprandial glucose increments, glycemic variability, and non‐glycemic factors to HbA1c in individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Zhou Yongwen , Zheng Mao , Deng Hongrong , Zheng Xueying , Luo Sihui , Yang Daizhi , Mai Xiaodong , Xu Wen , Yan Jinhua , Weng Jianping
Published: May 2023

Aim

Evidence for contribution of basal and postprandial glucose increment, and glycemic variability to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is limited. This study aimed to capture glycemic fluctuation patterns and quantify contributions of these factors to HbA1c levels among adults with T1D.

Methods

HbA1c, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and diet diaries were collected and pooled from two clinical trials. Available data sets were divided into HbA1c quartiles: group 1 (≤6.7%), group 2 (6.7%–7.3%), group 3 (7.3%–7.8%), and group 4 (≥7.8%). Area under curve above 110 mg/dL (AUC>110mg/dL) in 24‐h profile was defined as overall hyperglycemia and stratified with postprandial hyperglycemia (PHG, AUC>110mg/dL in 3‐h period after meals) and basal hyperglycemia (BHG, AUC>110mg/dL in remaining period). Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the proportion of variance in HbA1c explained by BHG, preprandial glucose, PHG, glycemic variability, and non‐glycemic factors (age, body mass index, hemoglobin, and duration).

Results

A total of 169 550 glucose data in 2409 meals recorded from 102 patients (male/female, 34/68) were included. Age and duration were 35.2 ± 12.6 and 8.9 (2.9, 13.0) years, with 51.0% using pumps. Overall, BHG was four times higher than PHG (p all <.05) and between‐group comparisons showed BHG exhibited a progressive increase (group 1 vs. 2, 3, 4, p = .053, .086, .006) with fasting contribution of 76.1%, 82.6%, 81.5%, and 84.3% from group 1 to 4. The increment was not significant among groups 2, 3, and 4 (p > .05). Factors included in analysis explained a total of 74% of the variance in HbA1c, in which BHG accounted for 32.1% of variance whereas PHG accounted for 24.4%. In group with HbA1c >7.3%, BHG accounted for a higher percentage with 33.8% of the variance in HbA1c.

Conclusions

In our study, basal hyperglycemia better predicts overall glycemic control than postprandial hyperglycemia among adults with T1D. The relative contribution of basal hyperglycemia increased gradually with HbA1c increasing and predominant strategy for insulin titration among T1D is different among different levels of glycemic control.
Is radical local therapy effective in postoperative recurrent EGFR‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer?
Authors: Takenaka Tomoyoshi , Yano Tokujiro , Yamazaki Koji , Okamoto Tatsuro , Hamatake Motoharu , Takamori Shinkichi , Kohno Mikihiro , Miura Naoko , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Yoshizumi Tomoharu ,   Kyushu University Lung Surgery Study Group
Published: May 2023

Background

Long‐term survival can be achieved with radical local therapy in some cases of postoperative recurrence of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we evaluated post‐recurrence survival (PRS) after treatment of postoperative recurrent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated NSCLC and examined the effectiveness of radical local therapy.

Methods

This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in 14 hospitals. The inclusion criteria for this study were patients with recurrence after radical resection for NSCLC. Information about the patient characteristics at recurrence, tumor‐related variables, primary surgery, and treatment for recurrence was collected. After registration, follow‐up data (e.g., treatment and survival outcomes) were obtained and analyzed.

Results

From 2010 to 2015, 505 patients with recurrent NSCLC were enrolled into the study, and 154 EGFR mutation‐positive cases were included. As the initial treatment for recurrence, 111 patients (72%) received chemotherapy, 14 (9%) received chemoradiotherapy, 14 (9%) received definitive radiotherapy, and seven (5%) received surgical resection. The remaining eight patients (5%) received supportive care. The median PRS and 5‐year survival rates for all cases were 64 months and 53.2%, respectively. The 5‐year survival rate according to the initial treatment was as follows: supportive care, 0%; chemotherapy, 53.3% and radical local therapy, 60.1%. The six patients who received radical local treatment remained recurrence‐free for more than 3 years after recurrence with only initial treatment.

Conclusions

Although radical local therapy may be curative in some patients, chemotherapy including EGFR‐TKI treatment is expected to provide long‐term survival comparable to that of radical local therapy.
Surgical treatment for lung metastasis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the lung: A case report
Authors: Iwai Hidenobu , Yanagawa Naoki , Deguchi Hiroyuki , Tomoyasu Makoto , Shigeeda Wataru , Kaneko Yuka , Yoshimura Ryuichi , Kanno Hironaga , Sugai Mayu , Shikanai Shunsuke , Sugai Tamotsu , Saito Hajime
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare disease that is considered an intermediate neoplasm, with the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Surgical treatment is the standard therapy for IMT, although there are only a few reports of surgery for lung metastasis of pulmonary IMT. We opine that surgical treatment might be effective not only for localized tumors, but also for cases of lung metastasis of IMT.
Gestational diabetes mellitus care re‐imagined – A cost‐minimisation analysis: Cost savings from a tertiary hospital, using a novel, digital‐based gestational diabetes management model
Authors: Laurie Josephine G. , Wilkinson Shelley A. , Mcintyre Harold D. , Snoswell Centaine
Published: May 2023

Background

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a pregnancy has a significant impact on health service resources and represents a substantial financial and time impost on women.

Aim

To describe a cost‐minimisation analysis conducted following the demonstration of clinically equivalent care of women using a novel, digital model for GDM management, compared with conventional care.

Materials and Methods

A pre‐implementation model of care was compared with the post‐implementation model of care which included systematic development and delivery of education videos, use of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation ‘M♡THer’ smart phone app/portal and a dramatically reduced schedule of visits. The Mater Mothers' Hospital Brisbane cares for approximately 1200 women with GDM per annum, on which the cost estimates were based. Service costs were estimated using the resource method, where resource volumes and costs were gathered from experts within the health service. Patient costs were estimated using results from a short survey completed by a cohort of the study population.

Results

Health service costs showed a modest saving of AU$17 441.78 (US$12 158.92) in the intervention group over a 12‐month period. Cost savings for the woman were estimated at $566.56 (US$394.96) per patient after accounting for lost wages, childcare expenses, and travel expenses avoided. This reduction led to an overall saving of $679 872 (US$473 948.82) for the cohort of 1200 women, primarily due to the reduction in face‐to‐face visits.

Conclusion

Re‐imagining GDM patient care by introducing a novel, digital‐based GDM model of care has substantial positive cost implications for patients.