bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiral welded pipe improvement by implementation of Six Sigma
Authors: Kakaei-Lafdani M.H. , Karevan Ali , Tee Kong Fah , Yazdani Majid
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Online spiral pipe manufacturing is one of the most common processes for producing water and gas transmission pipes. Weld quality and pipe circumstances are the most important qualitative characteristics of these pipes determining the overall cost of production. The purpose of this paper is describing how to implement Six Sigma on the production of spiral welded pipes with a real case study.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the capability of the pipe production process has been performed by using the defects per million opportunities to allow for comparison and analysis of the project effectiveness. Then, the variation pattern of this index, after an improvement project, has been investigated. Finally, Taguchi's loss functions are used to evaluate the effectiveness of these projects.

Findings

The results represent a significant improvement in the production process and a reduction in production costs regarding both weld quality and pipe circumstances. Due to the successful implementation of Six Sigma project in welding and pipe quality improvement, the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) method can be used effectively in defining weld and pipe quality.

Originality/value

In this proposed work, for the first time, research on the implementation of Six Sigma in the pipeline and welding industries on two online spiral production machines has been investigated. The DMAIC method has been used for the first time to improve the dimensional quality and weld quality of spiral pipes.
Innovating during the pandemic? Policing, domestic abuse and multi-agency risk assessment conferencing (MARACs)
Authors: Walklate Sandra , Godfrey Barry , Richardson Jane
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the challenges posed for the ongoing implementation of multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs) for police forces in England and Wales during the 2020 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This is rapid response research involving qualitative methods primarily online semi-structured interviewing with a sample of police domestic abuse leads in England and Wales.

Findings

The findings point to increased use of virtual platforms particularly for MARACs and that this has beneficial consequences both for the police and in their view also for victim-survivors.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reported here are from policing domestic abuse leads. More work needs to be done to explore the value of engaging in virtual MARACs for all the agencies concerned but also whether MARACs continue to be the best way to ensure the victim-survivor is kept in view.

Practical implications

The use of virtual platforms carries a range of practice implications for the future of MARACs for the foreseeable future. These range from ensuring attendance of the appropriate agencies to the range and frequency of meetings, to infrastructural support for all agencies to engage.

Originality/value

This is an original study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council examining police and court responses to domestic abuse during the covid-19 pandemic.
Antecedents of brand equity on halal tourism destination
Authors: Preko Alexander , Mohammed Iddrisu , Allaberganov Azizbek
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the antecedents of halal brand equity on destination brand equity (DBE) within the tourism sector. Although much has been done on halal tourism, the issue of halal and brand equity has received little attention in a non-Islamic state context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the brand equity theory, 312 Muslim tourists were conveniently drawn from the Larabanga tourism site with the use of structural equation modelling technique to analyse the data.

Findings

The study revealed that halal brand awareness and halal value have positive and significant impact on DBE. Also, halal perceived brand quality and halal image had a negative but significant impact on DBE.

Research limitations/implications

This research is on a country-specific halal brand equity tourism destination, which means that the findings cannot be generalized to other geographical areas.

Practical implications

The study provides an insight into halal tourism and destination equity, which is important for marketers, the ministry of tourism and local tourism officials to support halal tourism in a non-Islamic country.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap by presenting the first comprehensive overview of halal brand equity research that enhances ongoing discussions in the hospitality and tourism field in a non-Islamic context and proposes priorities for future research.
Susceptibility status of larval Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Nazawi Ashwaq M. , Ashall Simon , Weetman David
Published: May 2021

Vector control programs worldwide are facing the challenge of mosquitoes becoming resistant to available insecticides. Larviciding is a crucial preventative measure for dengue control but data on insecticide resistance of larval Aedes aegypti in the Middle East Region are limited. This study assesses the susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti collected from the two most important dengue foci in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah and Makkah, to important chemical and biological larvicides; the organophosphate temephos and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, Bti). Whilst worldwide, and particularly in Latin America, high‐level resistance to temephos is common, Jeddah and Makkah populations exhibited full susceptibility to both temephos and Bti. Larval bioassays did not detect resistance in Makkah and Jeddah to temephos or Bti where a resistance ratio <5 compared to the New Orleans susceptible strain. These data suggest each can be considered by vector control programs for preventative dengue control in the region, as part of temporal rotations or spatial mosaics to manage insecticide resistance.

Larval bioassays did not detect resistance in either Makkah or Jeddah to temephos or Bti (all resistance ratios <5 compared to a standard susceptible strain.
Time‐varying effect of sex on prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma surgical patients in China
Authors: Wang Zezhou , Mo Miao , Zhou Changming , Feng Xiaoshuang , Shen Jie , Ye Ting , Zhang Yang , Hu Hong , Chen Haiquan , Zheng Ying
Published: May 2021

Background

Little is known about the prognostic advantage of sex for pulmonary adenocarcinoma among Chinese patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the true sex differences in prognosis by adjusting for confounders and to explore whether the differences were time‐varying.

Methods

We identified 4438 lung adenocarcinoma patients who underwent surgery at a regional Cancer Center of China from 2008 to 2016, retrospectively. Sex, age group, smoking history, year of diagnosis and pathological stage were collected. Time‐dependent Cox regression models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity score were used to assess the effect of sex and account for confounders. Landmark analyses were conducted to assess survival before, and after, five years.

Results

Of these patients, 1761 (39.7%) were men and 2677 (60.3%) were women. Median follow‐up time was 52.6 months. After IPTW adjustment, women were found to have significantly better survival than men varying with time in both crude and IPTW models (hazard ratio [HR] [t] = 0.453*1.015t, where t is the length of time from treatment and its unit is month, p < 0.001). Women had significantly better survival than men within 0–5 years after surgery (HR = 0.763, 95% CI: 0.649–0.897, p = 0.001), whereas there was no difference after five years (HR = 1.135, 95% CI: 0.803–1.605, p = 0.472). In subgroup analysis, women in the 61–71+ age group, in the more than 20 year packs group, pathological stage 0–IB group, and 2013–2016 diagnosis period group revealed the same prognostic pattern.

Conclusions

Compared with men, women had better survival after surgical resection of lung adenocarcinoma, especially those who were older and nonsmokers or heavy‐smokers and were pathological stage 0–IB in early years, while the advantage for women diminished with time.
Bark functional ecology and its influence on the distribution of Australian half‐butt eucalypts
Authors: Lawes Michael J. , Woolley Leigh‐Ann , Van Holsbeeck Sam , Murphy Brett P. , Burrows Geoffrey E. , Midgley Jeremy J.
Published: May 2021

Half‐butt eucalypts (genera: Eucalyptus and Corymbia) have both thick outer bark at the stem base (half‐butt) conferring resistance to surface fire, and thin photosynthetic canopy bark that reduces moisture stress. Here we examine how the functional ecology of dual outer bark types influences the wide distribution of Australian half‐butt species. We evaluate the proposition that half‐butts should predominate in semi‐arid environments prone to surface fires. We measured the bark thickness, butt height relative to flame/fire char height and tree height, height of first branch, and the location and prevalence of epicormic resprouting of co‐occurring Eucalyptus miniata (half‐butt) and E. tetrodonta (fibrous bark only) individuals, across 15 sites with contrasting fire frequencies (2000–2015) in the Darwin region. Total tree height was compared with butt height for all E. miniata individuals. The survival of half‐butt and other eucalypt species, as well as non‐eucalypts, was investigated at three sites affected by intense gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) fire. The proportion of half‐butt species in each of Australia’s 85 bioregions was calculated from geographic distribution records of 618 eucalypt species. Mean annual fire frequency (1997–2010), fire type (crown or surface fires) and climate in each bioregion was determined from satellite‐derived records.

Butt height at a site, including gamba grass sites, was not induced by flame height or affected by fire frequency and was approximately half the canopy height of the tree, suggesting it is internally regulated. The half‐butt E. miniata and full‐bark eucalypts were similarly resilient (survival) under surface fire conditions. Half‐butt species predominated in arid and semi‐arid bioregions characterised by surface fire, consistent with our proposition that half‐butt bark is an adaptation to surface fire, and thin photosynthetic outer canopy bark reduces moisture stress, accounting for the wide distribution of half‐butt eucalypts in arid and seasonally dry regions of Australia.
Effects of fermented Yupingfeng on intramuscular fatty acids and ruminal microbiota in Qingyuan black goats
Authors: Yang Hong , Tan Shuwen , Chen Siyu , Wu Yongliang , Yang Ying , Li Hua , Yu Hui
Published: May 2021

Our previous work has demonstrated that Yupingfeng, a Chinese herb medicine, considered as prebiotic showed beneficial properties in poultry health and disease prevention and regulated intestinal microbiota. The effects of Yupingfeng on fatty acids related to meat flavor and ruminal microbiota are not yet known in Qingyuan black goat. In this study, we supplemented fermented (FYP) and unfermented (UYP) Yupingfeng in different combinations to 90 goats. Compared with the normal control group, FYP and UYP significantly increased the concentration of palmitic acid, octadecanoic acid, and arachidonate acid (related to meat flavor) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < .05). In addition, the significant upregulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and fatty acid translocase (CD36) was observed in the FYP and UYP groups (p < .05). In addition, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundance in goat rumen. At the genus level, FYP and UYP significantly increased Ruminococcus related to fiber degradation, and Alistipes related to short‐chain fatty acids production. In summary, Yupingfeng could improve fatty acids of goat meat, which is probably triggered by the increase of PPARγ and CD36, and microbial activity. Besides, FYP showed more beneficial effects than UYP, with increased flavor fatty acids and beneficial microbes.
Immunoreactivity for Dab2 and Foxp3 suggests that immune‐suppressive cells are present in the regenerating tail blastema of lizard
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Immunoreactivity for Dab2 and Foxp3 suggests that immune‐suppressive cells are present in the regenerating tail blastema of lizard. Acta Zoologica (Stockolm). Tail regeneration in lizards likely occurs in immune‐evasive conditions. In order to strengthen this hypothesis, the presence of the tumour suppressor and macrophage marker Dab2 and the lymphocyte regulatory marker, Foxp3, are evaluated by immunofluorescence in lizard regenerating blastema. The observations reveal sparse Dab2 and Foxp3 cells among blastema cells, identified, respectively, as healing M2‐macrophages and Tregs‐lymphocytes. Dab2 is also detected in basal/suprabasal layers of the apical wound epidermis, suggesting that this protein may participate in controlling cell proliferation of the growing tail by regulating Epidermal Mesenchymal Transition. Tregs marker, Foxp3, is localized in sparse cells among blastema mesenchymal cells and in the regenerating apical ependyma, suggesting the presence of immune cells that stimulate healing and sustain blastema growth. However, due to a similar 14 amino acid‐long epitope between Foxp3 and Foxj1, the employed antibody might also recognize the latter protein, known to be involved in ciliogenesis of ependymal cells in fish and amphibians. It is, therefore, possible that Foxj1 may also be produced in the regenerating ependyma of lizards during ciliogenesis. The study further supports the hypothesis that lizard tail regeneration occurs in immune‐tolerant conditions and that organ regeneration in vertebrates can only occur in an immune‐suppressed or immune‐evasive environment.
Gender differences in perceived workplace harassment and gender egalitarianism: A comparative cross‐national analysis
Authors: Otterbach Steffen , Sousa‐Poza Alfonso , Zhang Xing
Published: May 2021

Using 2015 International Social Survey Program (ISSP) data on 38,179 individuals from 36 countries in 9 relatively homogeneous global regions, we analyze the gender differences and the gender gap in perceived workplace harassment (PWH) with particular attention to gender equality's and gender egalitarianism's roles in molding these differences. We find that despite large regional differences, women in most countries are more likely than men to perceive workplace harassment, although this likelihood is higher in countries that score favorably on our gender equality measures. Hence, political empowerment and better economic opportunities alter women's perceptions of workplace harassment, increasing the probability of their experiencing it. Our results also underscore the important roles of values and gender egalitarian practices. Whereas enhanced gender egalitarianism values increase women's perceptions of workplace harassment, concrete practices tend to reduce them. Especially for management, this result highlights the importance of actually implementing gender equality policies at a corporate level, because a discrepancy between corporate values and practices on this issue will only accentuate the perception of harassment.
Mind the gap: Habit and self‐determined motivation predict health behaviours in middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Mullan Barbara , Olivier Claudia , Thøgersen‐Ntoumani Cecilie
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption are two key health behaviours associated with the health and well‐being of middle‐aged and older adults. The present research investigated how habit and self‐determined motivation interact with intention to prospectively predict physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption in middle‐aged and older adults.

Design

A prospective correlational design (two data collection points) was used.

Methods

A convenience sample of 195 adults completed online questionnaires measuring intention, habit, and self‐determined motivation. One week later, 177 participants (67.2% female), aged 52–87 years (M = 61.50, SD = 5.90), completed self‐report measures of physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption over the previous week.

Results

Separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. For physical activity, the model explained 46% of the variance in behaviour, F(8, 168) = 17.88, p < .001 and a large effect size (ƒ2 = .85). Two‐way interactions contributed an additional 3.70% of unique variance in physical activity, F(3, 165) = 4.07, p = .008, ƒ2 = .04. For fruit and vegetable consumption, the model explained 19.20% of the variance in behaviour, F(5, 171) = 8.13, p < .001 and a medium effect size (ƒ2 = .24). Two‐way interactions did not significantly improve the model, F(3, 168) = 1.68, p = .174.

Conclusions

Habit and self‐determined motivation were both important in narrowing the intention–behaviour gap for two key health behaviours, and combining these processes may better inform strategies to support people’s intentions to improve these health behaviours.
Habitat structure mediates vulnerability to climate change through its effects on thermoregulatory behavior
Authors: Neel Lauren K. , Logan Michael L. , Nicholson Daniel J. , Miller Christina , Chung Albert K. , Maayan Inbar , Degon Zach , DuBois Madeline , Curlis John David , Taylor Quinn , Keegan Kaitlin M. , McMillan W. O. , Losos Jonathan B. , Cox Christian L.
Published: May 2021

Tropical ectotherms are thought to be especially vulnerable to climate change because they are thermal specialists, having evolved in aseasonal thermal environments. However, even within the tropics, habitat structure can influence opportunities for behavioral thermoregulation. Open (and edge) habitats likely promote more effective thermoregulation due to the high spatial heterogeneity of the thermal landscape, while forests are thermally homogenous and may constrain opportunities for behavioral buffering of environmental temperatures. Nevertheless, the ways in which behavior and physiology interact at local scales to influence the response to climate change are rarely investigated. We examined the thermal ecology and physiology of two lizard species that occupy distinct environments in the tropics. The brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) lives along forest edges in The Bahamas, whereas the Panamanian slender anole (Anolis apletophallus) lives under the canopy of mature forests in Panama. We combined detailed estimates of environmental variation, thermoregulatory behavior, and physiology to model the vulnerability of each of these species. Our projections suggest that forest‐dwelling slender anoles will experience severely reduced locomotor performance, activity time, and energy budgets as the climate warms over the coming century. Conversely, the forest‐edge‐dwelling brown anoles may use behavioral compensation in the face of warming, maintaining population viability for many decades. Our results indicate that local habitat variation, through its effects on behavior and physiology, is a major determinant of vulnerability to climate change. When attempting to predict the impacts of climate change on a given population, broad‐scale characteristics such as latitude may have limited predictive power.
PP1 regulatory subunit NIPP1 regulates transcription of E2F1 target genes following DNA damage
Authors: Hanaki Shunsuke , Habara Makoto , Masaki Takahiro , Maeda Keisuke , Sato Yuki , Nakanishi Makoto , Shimada Midori
Published: May 2021

DNA damage induces transcriptional repression of E2F1 target genes and a reduction in histone H3‐Thr11 phosphorylation (H3‐pThr11) at E2F1 target gene promoters. Dephosphorylation of H3‐pThr11 is partly mediated by Chk1 kinase and protein phosphatase 1γ (PP1γ) phosphatase. Here, we isolated NIPP1 as a regulator of PP1γ‐mediated H3‐pThr11 by surveying nearly 200 PP1 interactor proteins. We found that NIPP1 inhibits PP1γ‐mediated dephosphorylation of H3‐pThr11 both in vivo and in vitro. By generating NIPP1‐depleted cells, we showed that NIPP1 is required for cell proliferation and the expression of E2F1 target genes. Upon DNA damage, activated protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylated the NIPP1‐Ser199 residue, adjacent to the PP1 binding motif (RVxF), and triggered the dissociation of NIPP1 from PP1γ, leading to the activation of PP1γ. Furthermore, the inhibition of PKA activity led to the activation of E2F target genes. Statistical analysis confirmed that the expression of NIPP1 was positively correlated with E2F target genes. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the PP1 regulatory subunit NIPP1 modulates E2F1 target genes by linking PKA and PP1γ during DNA damage.
Differences in the ultrasonographic appearance of thyroid nodules after radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Wu Ming‐Hsun , Chen Kuen‐Yuan , Chen Argon , Chen Chiung‐Nien
Published: May 2021

Context

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well‐tolerated approach to treating benign thyroid nodules (TNs), but no index can predict its success. Other than size decrease, little is known about TN appearance on ultrasonography (US) after RFA.

Objective

This study aimed to (a) assess the effectiveness of single‐session RFA treatment, (b) determine whether pre‐ablation US characteristics correlate with its effectiveness, and (c) demonstrate TN characteristics on baseline and follow‐up US.

Design

Retrospective cohort study among the patients who underwent single‐session RFA for the treatment of benign TNs at a referral medical center between January 2018 and April 2019.

Patients

A total of 116 patients (137 nodules) were included in the study.

Measurements

Characteristics were quantified using commercial software. TNs were classified into 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) sonographic patterns and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR‐TI‐RADS) categories.

Results

The average volume reduction ratio (VRR) was 74.51% in 1 year (95% confidence interval, 70.63%–78.39%). The only pre‐ablation US feature significantly different between nodules with VRR <50% and VRR >50% was the cyst composition (0.05 vs. 0.02, p‐value = .02). The VRR and margin change in the first 3 months after ablation were found to be leading indicators significantly correlated to the VRR in 6 months with correlation coefficients (r) = .72 and −.28 (p‐value < .0001 and = .0008) and VRR in 1 year with r = .65 and −.17 (p‐value < .0001 and = .046), respectively. After RFA, more TNs became ATA high suspicion (2.9% vs. 19.7%, p < .0001) and more appeared to be the non‐ATA patterns (12.4% vs. 23.4%, p < .0001). Also, a greater number of post‐RFA TNs were classified as ACR‐TI‐RADS categories 4 and 5 (40.1% vs. 70.1%, p < .0001).

Conclusions

Radiofrequency ablation therapy is effective for treating TNs. Pre‐ablation cyst components, 3‐month post‐ablation volume reduction and margin change of TNs were related to the 6‐month and 1‐year response. Clinicians should consider that TNs would appear peculiar on US after RFA, mistakenly suggesting malignant potential.
Clinical relevance of serum immunoglobulin G4 in glucocorticoid therapy of Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Li Yaling , Luo Ban , Zhang Jing , Zhou Xinrong , Shao Shiying , Xu Weijie , Yang Yan , Yuan Gang
Published: May 2021

Objective

Previous study suggested IgG4 levels were associated with the development of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO). The aims of the present study were to investigate the role of IgG4 levels in glucocorticoid (GC) treatment in GO patients.

Design

69 GO patients were enrolled. Serum thyroid hormones, thyroid antibodies, IgG, IgG4, ophthalmological examinations and orbital MRI were performed. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes (a composite response endpoint including the clinical activity score (CAS), proptosis, vision, intraocular pressure, diplopia and lid width) after high‐dose intravenous GC treatment in 32 active moderate‐to‐severe GO patients were compared.

Patients

69 consecutive patients with GO were asked to participate in the study. 32 of 69 GO patients were treated with high‐dose intravenous GCs.

Measurements

Measurement of serum IgG and IgG4, serum thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies. An overall ophthalmic assessment was performed pretherapy (week 0) and post‐therapy (week 12).

Results

33.3% of GO patients (23/69) had elevated IgG4 levels. IgG4 levels were positively correlated with the severity and activity of GO. After GC therapy, IgG4, IgG4/IgG, vision and CAS were significantly improved in GO patients. Patients with high IgG4 levels had a significantly reduced extraocular muscle area (EOMs) and better clinical outcomes than patients with normal IgG4 levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a possible subgroup of elevated IgG4 GO patients, with more severe ophthalmopathy and better response to GCs treatment compare with normal IgG4 GO patients.
Featured Cover
Authors: Rezaei Maryam , Suresh Beena , Bereke Eric , Hadipour Zahra , Aguinaga Monic , Qian Jianhua , Bagga Rashmi , Fardaei Majid , Hemida Reda , Jagadeesh Sujatha , Majewski Jacek , Slim Rima
Published: May 2021

The cover image is based on the Short Report Novel pathogenic variants in NLRP7, NLRP5, and PADI6 in patients with recurrent hydatidiform moles and reproductive failure by Maryam Rezaei et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13941.

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Epidemiology of urticaria in German children
Authors: Staubach Petra , Mann Caroline , Peveling‐ Oberhag Adriane , Lang Berenice M. , Augustin Matthias , Hagenström Kristina , Garbe Claudia , Petersen Jana
Published: May 2021

Background

To date, robust epidemiological metrics as well as data on comorbidity in pediatric urticaria are lacking. They form the basis for the design of efficient healthcare.

Methods

Retrospective study to analyze epidemiological data in pediatric urticaria. The analysis is based on routine data of a health insurance company operating throughout Germany (DAK‐Gesundheit). Insured people under 18 years of age who received at least one confirmed outpatient or inpatient urticaria diagnosis according to the ICD‐10 classification in the years 2010 to 2015 were included in the analysis and compared to children without a corresponding diagnosis.

Results

Of 2.3 million insured individuals, 313,581 (13.5 %) were under 18 years of age (153,214 female). Urticaria was diagnosed in 1.7 % of the 313,581 patients. The prevalence of urticaria decreased with age from 3.0 % in the 0–3‐year age group to 1.0 % in the 14–18‐year age group. Boys and girls were almost equally affected in all age groups. Atopic diseases as comorbidity occurred more frequently in children with urticaria than in the control group (16.0 % vs. 8.0 %). Autoimmune diseases, mental health problems, and obesity also occurred more frequently in children with urticaria than in the control group.

Conclusions

The increased prevalence of specific comorbidities in children with urticaria suggests an increased need for screening. Multimodal treatment strategies need to be developed and interdisciplinary collaboration promoted.
The (new) occupational disease no. 5101: “Severe or recurrent skin diseases”
Authors: Herloch Valeska , Elsner Peter
Published: May 2021

Occupational dermatoses are among the most common occupational diseases, with BK 5101 accounting for the largest proportion. Historically, the latter was also the most frequently reported group of occupational diseases within the working age population. More than 80,000 suspected cases of occupational diseases were notified in 2019, of which 19,883 related to BK 5101. In Germany, work‐related hand eczema accounts for 90 % of all BK 5101 diseases, and consists mainly of contact eczema. Especially young people working in the hairdressing sector, health care, metal, food or construction industries belong to the high‐risk group. Diagnosis, therapy and prevention of BK 5101 play an important role, since advanced skin diseases are usually accompanied by a poor prognosis and long periods of inability to work, which can have considerable socio‐economic consequences. On January 1st, 2021, with the “Seventh Act amending the Fourth Book of the German Social Code (SGB) and other Laws”, an amendment to the Occupational Diseases Law came into force, with which the obligation to cease work was abolished, thereby fulfilling a decades‐long requirement for recognition of BK 5101. As of this year, only the “severe or repeated recurrences” of a skin disease remain as a criterion for the occurrence of an insured event, which will likely result in an increased number of notifications and acknowledged cases of occupational skin diseases.
Non‐stationary drivers on fish sampling efforts in Brazilian freshwaters
Authors: de Almeida Thatyane Caetano , Tessarolo Geiziane , Nabout João Carlos , Teresa Fabrício Barreto
Published: May 2021

Aim

Closing knowledge gaps in species taxonomy and distribution (i.e. Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls, respectively) require spatially distributed high‐quality data. However, studies on terrestrial taxa have shown that occurrence data are biased owing to higher sampling efforts towards areas with greater accessibility, research infrastructure and attractiveness. Here, we tested whether these biasing factors are also important drivers of freshwater fish species research by assessing fishes’ sampling efforts in Brazil, a continental‐sized and megadiverse country. We hypothesized that the influence of biasing factors is scale‐dependent, with differential effects across regions, that is that they present non‐stationarity.

Location

Brazil.

Methods

We modelled sampling events of fish (gathered from online databases) as a function of accessibility (population density, distance from access routes and density of access routes), availability of research infrastructure (distance from research centres) and attractiveness of protected areas (distance from protected areas), by using a traditional stationary model (ordinary least square models—OLS) and a model taking into account non‐stationarity (geographically weighted regression—GWR).

Results

We recorded 43,538 sampling events distributed across Brazil. Freshwater fish samplings were spatially biased with a tendency for major efforts to be concentrated in sites with a higher density of access routes, population and nearness to research centres and protected areas. However, GWR models performed better than the OLS model, revealing the non‐stationarity of the effects of predictors in explaining the number of sampling events.

Main conclusions

Overcoming Linnean and Wallacean shortfalls for freshwater fish species in megadiverse regions such as Brazil can be aided by financially supporting the sampling efforts in less accessible and less populated sites farther from research centres and well‐studied protected areas. However, the source of biasing has strong scale dependency, so that reducing a specific source of bias is not expected to have the same effectiveness in all areas.
Long‐term trajectory of acquired demyelinating syndrome and multiple sclerosis in children
Authors: Eusebi Anna , Zara Pietro , Zarbo Ignazio Roberto , Festa Silvia , Dessì Veronica , Pes Valentina , Salis Francesca , Sotgiu Giovanni , Carta Alessandra , Sotgiu Stefano
Published: May 2021

Aim

We assessed the frequency, characteristics, and future trajectory of monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) associated with conversion to paediatric multiple sclerosis.

Method

This was a retrospective observational study of Sardinian children (<18y of age) with onset of ADS between 2001 and 2018.

Results

We identified 44 children with ADS (21 males, 23 females; median age at onset 16y, range 4mo–18y), 21 of whom were already presenting with criteria for paediatric multiple sclerosis. The mean crude prevalence of ADS in Sardinian children was 59.2 per 100 000, while incidence was 3.1 per 100 000 per year (1.3 in children aged ≤10y and 11.9 in those aged 10–17y). After a mean (SD) follow‐up of 8 years 5 months (5y 4mo), the most common (n=32) trajectory was conversion to paediatric multiple sclerosis. At onset, the total prevalence and mean annual incidence of paediatric multiple sclerosis were 35.6 per 100 000 and 2.3 per 100 000 respectively (0.5 in individuals aged ≤10y, 10.0 in the older group).

Interpretation

Sardinia is a very high risk area for ADS in children. Nearly half of this population can already be diagnosed with paediatric multiple sclerosis at onset. Overall, 72% of those with ADS will have paediatric multiple sclerosis after a mean of 8 years.

What this paper adds

Sardinia is a very high risk area for paediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS).

A high proportion of those with paediatric multiple sclerosis are diagnosed at onset of ADS.

After an average 8 years from onset of paediatric ADS, three‐quarters of patients are diagnosed with paediatric multiple sclerosis.
Impacts of land use and cropland management on soil organic matter and greenhouse gas emissions in theBrazilian Cerrado
Authors: Siqueira‐Neto Marcos , Popin Gustavo Vicentini , Piccolo Marisa C. , Corbeels Marc , Scopel Eric , Camargo Plínio B. , Bernoux Martial
Published: May 2021

The Brazilian Cerrado is a large and expanding agricultural frontier, representing a hotspot of land‐use change (LUC) from natural vegetation to farmland. It is known that this type of LUC impacts soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, particularly labile carbon (C) pools (living and non‐living), decreasing soil health and agricultural sustainability, as well as increasing soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and accelerating global climate change. In this study, we quantified the changes in the quantity and quality of SOM and GHG fluxes due to changes in land use and cropland management in the Brazilian Cerrado. The land uses studied were native vegetation (NV), pasture (PA) and four croplands, including the following management types: conventional tillage with a single soybean crop (CT), and three no‐tillage systems with two crops cultivated in the same year (i.e., soybean/sorghum (NTSSo), soybean/millet (NTSMi) and maize/sorghum (NTMSo)). Soil and gases were sampled in the rainy season (November, December and January) and dry season (May, July and September). The highest soil C and nitrogen (N) stocks (6.7 kg C m−2and 0.5 kg N m−2, 0–0.3‐m layer) were found under NV. LUC reduced C stocks by 25% in the CT and by 10% in the PA and NT. Soil N stocks were 30% lower in the PA and NTMSoand 15% lower in the croplands with soybean compared to NV. δ13C values clearly distinguished between the C‐origin from NV (−25‰) and that from other land uses (−16‰). Soil (0–0.1 m) under NV also presented higher labile‐C (625 g C m−2), microbial‐C (70 g C m−2) and microbial‐N (5.5 g N m−2), whereas other land uses presented values three times lower. GHG emissions (expressed as C‐equivalent) were highest in the NV (1.2 kg m−2year−1), PA (1.3 kg m−2year−1) and NTMSo(0.9 kg m−2year−1) and were positively related to the higher SOM turnover in these systems. Our results suggest that in order to maintain SOM, it is necessary to adopt “best” management practices, that provide large plant residue inputs (above‐ and belowground). This can be seen as a pathway to achieving high food production with low GHG emissions.
Dynamic changes in soil erosion risk and its driving mechanism: A case study in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Xia Lu , Bi Rutian , Song Xiaoyu , Lv Chunjuan
Published: May 2021

The Loess Plateau has long been considered as a very fragile area that suffers from serious water erosion. With the onset of global climate fluctuations and regional implementation of soil and water conservation measures, it is of great significance to effectively reveal the variations in soil erosion risk and its driving mechanism on the Loess Plateau. Taking the Yanwachuan watershed as a case study and using rainfall, soil, digital elevation model (DEM) and land‐use data, this study applied the Revised Universal Soil loss Equation (RUSLE) model with geographic information system (GIS) technology to analyse the temporal and spatial variations of soil erosion risk and to evaluate the effects of land‐use change and climate change on soil erosion from 1981 to 2016. Future soil erosion risk was also assessed under different land‐use and climate‐change scenarios. Results showed that annual soil loss in the Yanwachuan watershed presented a significant decreasing trend with a rate of 47.928 t km−2 a−1 and that average annual soil loss was 3,543.7 t km−2 from 1981 to 2016. However, some areas, even with good vegetation cover, still had a rather high soil erosion risk (exceeding the severe erosion rate of 5,000 t km−2 in 2000–2016) if located in hilly and gully slope regions. Land‐use change and climate variation contributed 37.2% and 62.8%, respectively, to reducing soil erosion, showing that climate variation played a leading role in current soil‐erosion reduction. In addition, the average soil losses in the 2020s, 2030s and 2040s under different scenarios are predicted to increase by 8.6–42.6% compared with the average soil loss (2,993.8 t km−2) in 2001–2016. Future climate change may be the main driving factor in enhancing the risk of soil erosion. Hence, there is an urgent need to strengthen soil and water conservation research and management in future years.

Highlights

This study assessed current and future water erosion risk on the Loess Plateau using the RUSLE model.

Areas with steep slopes were still experiencing serious soil erosion risk in 2000–2016.

Climate change was the main driving factor for soil erosion variation.

Future erosion risk is expected to increase under different climate and land‐use scenarios.
Mortality and AIDS‐defining events among young people following transition from paediatric to adult HIV care in the UK
Authors: Asad H , Collins IJ , Goodall RL , Crichton S , Hill T , Doerholt K , Foster C , Lyall H , Post FA , Welch S , Winston A , Sabin CA , Judd A ,   the Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study (CHIPS) Steering Committee, the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) Study Steering Committee
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate risk of AIDS and mortality after transition from paediatric to adult care in a UK cohort of young people with perinatally acquired HIV.

Methods

Records of people aged ≥ 13 years on 31 December 2015 in the UK paediatric HIV cohort (Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study) were linked to those of adults in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) cohort. We calculated time from transition to a new AIDS event/death, with follow‐up censored at the last visit or 31 December 2015, whichever was the earliest. Cumulative incidence of and risk factors for AIDS/mortality were assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression.

Results

At the final paediatric visit, the 474 participants [51% female, 80% black, 60% born outside the UK, median (interquartile range) age at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation = 9 (5–13) years] had a median age of 18 (17–19) years and CD4 count of 471 (280–663) cell/μL; 89% were prescribed ART and 60% overall had a viral load ≤ 400 copies/mL. Over median follow‐up in adult care of 3 (2–6) years, 35 (8%) experienced a new AIDS event (n = 25) or death (n = 14) (incidence = 1.8/100 person‐years). In multivariable analyses, lower CD4 count at the last paediatric visit [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.8 (95% confidence interval: 0.7–1.0)/100 cells/μL increment] and AIDS diagnosis in paediatric care [2.7 (1.4–5.5)] were associated with a new AIDS event/mortality in adult care.

Conclusions

Young people with perinatally acquired HIV transitioning to adult care with markers of disease progression in paediatric care experienced poorer outcomes in adult care. Increased investment in multidisciplinary specialized services is required to support this population at high risk of morbidity and mortality.
Assessing the patient undergoing pelvic rehabilitation for urinary incontinence: From theory to practice
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Federica Arianna , Ferrara Paolo , Mora Cristina , Wallace Eva , Destrebecq Anne
Published: May 2021

Urinary incontinence is linked to pelvic floor dysfunction; the delicate balance between bones, muscles, tendons, and nerves is fundamental for continence and can be altered for numerous reasons, also linked to anatomical areas other than the pelvis. The assessment of the patient is at the basis of treatment choices; the literature reports the need to assess the patient's postural, respiratory, muscular and neurological components. To date, however, there are no studies that provide the nurse with a compendium of evidence in the form of a practical guide to assessment. To present literature evidence regarding the assessment of patients with urinary incontinence, undergoing pelvic conservative rehabilitation and to discuss the practical implications. This evaluation refers to the first contact with the patient and aims to understand how to set up the rehabilitation pathway and whether specific investigations or consultations are needed before starting rehabilitation. Narrative reviews of the literature on the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro database. We included studies published in the last 10 years, with no design restrictions, on the topic of assessment criteria for patients with urinary incontinence undergoing pelvic floor conservation rehabilitation, with regard to the role of the nurse. Thirty‐two references were retrieved including two systematic reviews. Assessment should focus on physical activity, bowel habits, spine and posture, nutrition and food habits, breathing and clinical history. Physical examination is aimed at (1) collecting data for establishing the correct rehabilitation programme and (2) excluding the need for evaluation/intervention by other healthcare professionals. Nurses play a key role in pelvic rehabilitation teams. Assessment and decision making about rehabilitation methods are complex tasks which require specialistic education. This paper summarizes the key points of both areas. Conservative rehabilitation of urinary incontinence requires a complex assessment in order to correctly set up the rehabilitation pathway. Aspects to be assessed include muscular, postural, respiratory, neurological and medical history. There are no works in the literature offering a compendium of the information to be considered. A complete overview of the evaluation phases and their characteristics including a practical description of the nursing assessment of the patient undergoing pelvic rehabilitation for urinary incontinence.
Patients’ experiences of place and space after a relocation to evidence‐based designed forensic psychiatric hospitals
Authors: Olausson Sepideh , Wijk Helle , Johansson Berglund Inger , Pihlgren Anneli , Danielson Ella
Published: May 2021

Forensic hospitals provide care for incarcerated patients who have committed a crime under the influence of serious mental illness. The care and (re)habilitation of the target group require highly competent staff and treatment strategies as well as purpose‐built facilities that promote successful recovery. The aim of this study was to examine patients’ experiences of place and space in new, purpose‐built, evidence‐based designed forensic psychiatric facilities in terms of supporting everydayness. A qualitative methodology was chosen. In total, 19 patients agreed to participate. Data were collected through photovoice (a combination of photographs and interviews) at three forensic hospitals, according to an evidence‐based design and the concept of person‐centred care in Sweden. The data were analysed through thematic content analysis. Four themes emerged from the data, revealing the patients’ experiences of the new buildings: (i) having a private place, (ii) upholding one’s sense of self, (iii) feelings of comfort and harmony, and (iv) remaining connected to one’s life. The findings reveal that purpose‐built environments can support everyday living and well‐being and can create comfort. This is considered highly therapeutic by the patients. In conclusion, the findings of this study are of imperative importance in the design of health‐promoting forensic hospitals.
Effects of loading and prophylactic dressings on the sacral and heel skin: An exploratory cross‐over trial
Authors: Lichterfeld‐Kottner Andrea , Vogt Annika , Tomova‐Simitchieva Tsenka , Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Kottner Jan
Published: May 2021

Pressure ulcers/injuries are caused by sustained loading and deformation of skin and underlying soft tissues. Prophylactic dressings are recommended as an adjunct to other preventive measures such as repositioning and offloading. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prophylactic soft silicone multi‐layered foam dressings on the skin structure and function of the two most common pressure areas, sacrum and heel, with and without loading. An exploratory randomised cross‐over trial using intra‐individual comparisons was conducted. Eight healthy volunteers (mean age 27.5 years) were assigned to three groups and either spent 2.5 hours on a standard hospital mattress lying in supine position with and without dressings or spent 2.5 hours with dressings applied but without loading. Skin temperature, stratum corneum, and epidermal hydration increased in all groups irrespective of wearing a dressing and/or loading. Mean roughness decreased at the heels. Reactive hyperaemia and the release of interleukin 1 alpha were associated with loading only. Results suggest that the occlusive effects of dressings are similar or only slightly greater than those observed with non‐loading or loading without dressings. Thus, a dressing does not cause additional irritation or skin changes during loading but it may reduce the inflammatory response.
The role of biomechanical forces and MALAT1/miR‐329‐5p/PRIP signalling on glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Li Guomin , Li Bing , Li Bo , Zhao Jie , Wang Xiaoquan , Luo Rui , Li Yankun , Liu Jun , Hu Ruyin
Published: May 2021

Glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GIONFH) is a common orthopaedic disease. GIONFH primarily manifests clinically as hip pain in the early stages, followed by the collapse of the femoral head, narrowing of the hip joint space and damage to the acetabulum, resulting in severely impaired mobility. However, the pathogenesis of GIONFH is not clearly understood. Recently, biomechanical forces and non‐coding RNAs have been suggested to play important roles in the pathogenesis of GIONFH. This study aimed to evaluate the role of biomechanical forced and non‐coding RNAs in GIONFH. We utilized an in vivo, rat model of GIONFH and used MRI, μCT, GIONFH‐TST (tail suspension test), GIONFH‐treadmill, haematoxylin and eosin staining, qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis to analyse the roles of biomechanical forces and non‐coding RNAs in GIONFH. We used RAW264.7 cells and MC3T3E1 cells to verify the role of MALAT1/miR‐329‐5p/PRIP signalling using a dual luciferase reporter assay, qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that MALAT1 and PRIP were up‐regulated in the femoral head tissues of GIONFH rats, RAW264.7 cells, and MC3T3E1 cells exposed to dexamethasone (Dex). Knockdown of MALAT1 decreased PRIP expression in rats and cultured cells and rescued glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of femoral head in rats. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay revealed a targeting relationship for MALAT1/miR‐329‐5p and miR‐329‐5p/PRIP in MC3T3E1 and RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, MALAT1 played a vital role in the pathogenesis of GIONFH by binding to (‘sponging’) miR‐329‐5p to up‐regulate PRIP. Also, biomechanical forces aggravated the pathogenesis of GIONFH through MALAT1/miR‐329‐5p/PRIP signalling.