bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do some social enterprises flourish in Vietnam? A comparison of human and ecosystem partnerships
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hieu Thi , Carr Stuart C. , Hodgetts Darrin , Fauchart Emmanuelle
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Social enterprises can be found across Vietnam. However, little is known about how these organizations contribute to the country’s broader efforts to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper aims to explore whether and to what extent differences in social impacts by social enterprises may be explained by the psychological characteristics of social entrepreneurs and cross-sector “ecosystem” partnerships in training, networking, consultation and funding.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of N ≈ 352 Vietnamese social entrepreneurs explored relationships between individual entrepreneurial orientation (EO), social identity, self-construal and personality, with elements of ecosystem partnerships (access to training, networking, consultation and funding) and social impacts over the previous three years (growth/jobs created and people helped, termed efficiency and generosity, respectively).

Findings

Ecosystem partnerships factored into frequency and quality of partnerships. Frequency predicted social enterprise efficiency (p < 0.05) and quality predicted generosity (p < 0.01). Frequency of partnerships further moderated (boosted) significant links between EO (risk innovation, p < 0.05) and efficiency; and between social identity (communitarianism, p < 0.01) to efficiency; plus, quality of partnerships moderated a link between EO (risk innovation) and efficiency (p < 0.05).

Practical implications

Ecosystem partnerships may foster social enterprise development through at least two pathways (equifinality), i.e. frequency and quality. The former is linked to efficiency and the latter to generosity, signaling interrelates but distinguishable outcomes. Direct links between EO and communitarian social identity leading to social enterprise development were additionally boosted (p < 0.05) by the frequency and quality of partnerships. Thus, ecosystem partnerships brought about both direct and indirect benefits to social enterprises in Vietnam.

Social implications

Social impacts of efficiency and generosity support both decent work (SDG-8) and poverty eradication (SDG-1), through ecosystem partnerships in development (SDG-17).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study to show that social enterprises in Vietnam may enhance social impacts through a combination of effects from social entrepreneurs and ecosystem partnerships. Current models of social enterprises in low-income countries like Vietnam can be expanded to include ecosystem partnerships and social outcomes relating to SDGs 1 and 8, and especially the multiple path benefits that ecosystem partnerships (under SDG-17) bring to social enterprise development.
Identification of serum interleukin‐13 and interleukin‐13 receptor subunit expressions: Rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Hussein Manal Shawky , El‐Barbary Amal Mohamad , Nada Doaa Waseem , Gaber Rasha Ahmad , Elkolaly Reham Mohamed , Aboelhawa Marwa Ahmed
Published: February 2021

Aim of the work

To identify the role of serum IL‐13, and its receptor subunit expressions as a serologic marker of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐associated ILD (RA‐ILD).

Patients and Methods

Fifty RA patients with ILD and 50 RA patients without ILD were examined, in addition to 50 controls. Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS‐28), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and medication history were evaluated. ESR, CRP, RF, Anti‐CCP, Serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6), surfactant protein D (SP‐D) levels, Interleukin 13 and its receptors (IL‐13 Rα1 and L‐13 Rα2), and mRNA relative expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured. High‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scores were used with all RA patients with interstitial lung disease.

Results

Mean age, percent of male affection, duration of the disease, DAS28 and MHAQ were significantly higher in the RA–ILD group than in the RA–no ILD group. ESR, CRP, RF, anti‐CCP, serum KL‐6, SP‐D, IL‐13 levels, IL‐13 Rα1and IL‐13 Rα2 mRNA expressions were significantly increased in RA patients compared to controls; in addition, their levels were significantly higher in the RA–ILD group than in the RA–no ILD group. Serum IL‐13 levels and IL‐13 Rα1and IL‐13 Rα2 were positively correlated with RF, Anti‐CCP, KL‐6, SP‐D, and the HRCT score (P < .001).

Conclusions

Serum IL‐13 and its receptor subunit expressions are useful biomarkers which can be used in detecting severity of the interstitial lung disease in RA patients.
EU–Asian–American Partnership for a Third Industrial Revolution: Transitioning to High Productivity, Sustainable Infrastructures in the Age of COVID‐19
Authors: Mayor Vicente Lopez‐Ibor , Khalid Fazlun , Ahmed Nafeez Mosaddeq
Published: February 2021

The COVID‐19 virus has caused a crisis for the world's economy and markets. The World Health Organization has declared the virus to be a global pandemic, meaning that it will have a sustained impact worldwide. In response to the shutdown of economies, governments across the world have implemented fiscal and monetary stimulus packages to counteract the disruption caused by the coronavirus. However, with many countries’ economies already slowing before the pandemic, the measures to combat the virus risk sending many countries into full scale recession for the first time since 2009, according to the European Commission. COVID‐19 has demonstrated the vulnerability of global supply chains and the need for more resilient infrastructures. Yet Europe cannot do this alone. The EU can only achieve this by strengthening ties and increasing trade cooperation with Asia and South America, in alignment with the values of sustainability. Prior to the COVID‐19 crisis, however, the EU has had major public disagreements around trade with both regions, essentially on environmental issues. By prioritising cooperation, the EU can work with developing countries in Asia and South America to take tangible steps towards environmentally sustainable production while boosting economic trade.
What factors influence the occurrence and abundance of midstorey Acacia in Mountain Ash forests?
Authors: Lindenmayer David , Blanchard Wade , McBurney Lachlan , Ashman Kita , Bowd Elle , Blair David
Published: February 2021

The midstorey is a critical structural component of many forests globally. Using statistical models, we quantified the influence of two sets of variables on the percentage cover and basal area of two dominant Acacia spp. (Montane Wattle [Acacia frigescens] and Silver Wattle [Acacia dealbata]) in the midstorey of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests in mainland south‐eastern Australia. Specifically, we focused on the influence of (1) the age of the overstorey eucalypts (corresponding to the time since the last stand‐replacing disturbance), and (2) environmental drivers (aspect, topographic wetness index, slope, elevation). We found evidence for generally non‐linear relationships between stand age and the percentage cover and the basal area of both Silver Wattle and Montane Wattle. Silver Wattle had the highest values for percentage cover, and Montane Wattle the lowest, in stands regenerating from fire in 2009. The basal area of Silver Wattle was highest in stands that regenerated after the 2009 wildfires and after disturbance that occurred between 1960 and 1990s. For Montane Wattle, basal area was lowest in stands that regenerated in 2009 but values did not differ among stands of other ages. Both Acacia species were a midstorey component in old‐growth Mountain Ash forest. No environmental covariates influenced the percentage cover of Montane Wattle or Silver Wattle. However, our model for the basal area of Montane Wattle contained evidence of a positive relationship with topographic wetness. The general paucity of environmental drivers in most of the models we constructed is likely due to the fact that both tree species occur well beyond our study region. Hence, the set of environmental conditions modelled may not be limiting the percentage cover or basal area of these midstorey tree species. Disturbance appears to be the key driver of dynamics of Montane Wattle and Silver Wattle in Mountain Ash forests.
Maternal autoimmune disease is not associated with cancer in the offspring
Authors: Seppälä Laura K. , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura‐Maria , Troisi Rebecca , Sampson Joshua N. , Leinonen Maarit K. , Vettenranta Kim
Published: February 2021

Aim

Autoimmune disease and its medication are associated with increased cancer risk in adults, but it is unknown whether maternal autoimmune disease and/or medication use in pregnancy are associated with increased cancer risk in offspring.

Methods

In this case‐control study, we identified all patients under 20 years of age with their first cancer diagnosis in 1996–2014 from the Finnish Cancer Registry (n = 2029) and 1:5 population‐based controls (n = 10,103) from the Medical Birth Register. We obtained information on maternal autoimmune disease and its medication from the relevant Finnish registries and used conditional logistic regression to analyse the risk of offspring cancer after maternal autoimmune disease exposure.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) for cancer in offspring following maternal autoimmune exposure was 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–1.23). Individual ORs for inflammatory bowel and connective tissue diseases were 1.08 (95% CI 0.56–2.01) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.23–1.08), respectively. The OR for maternal autoimmune medication was 0.95 (95% CI 0.80–1.14) overall and similar by drug subtype. There was an increased risk with medication in late pregnancy but the ORs were unstable owing to small numbers.

Conclusion

Our study does not support an increased cancer risk among offspring of women with autoimmune disease or its medication during pregnancy.
Validation of a phenol‐sulfuric acid method in a microplate format for the quantification of soluble sugars in ruminant feeds
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Mulianda Randi , Matamura Masaya , Shibata Toshiyuki , Mishima Takashi , Jayanegara Anuraga , Isono Naoto
Published: February 2021

Soluble sugars in feeds are important for ruminant production; however, performing numerous sugar analyses within a short period is a laborious task. Here, we developed a phenol‐sulfuric acid (PSA) assay in a microplate format to quantify soluble sugars in ruminant feeds. This method is easy and quick and requires only a small quantity of harmful reagents. We found that assay measurements were not affected by the representative organic acids and sugar alcohol contained in feeds. The treatment of activated charcoal with ethanol extract prior to the PSA assay was effective in removing interfering compounds for a more accurate determination of soluble sugars in certain feeds. Furthermore, the inter‐day and intra‐day repeatability of the present method was acceptable. Hence, we conclude that the method developed in this study is suitable for routine analysis of soluble sugars content in ruminant feeds.
Estimation of the marbling development pattern in Japanese Black cattle by using serial ultrasound measurement data
Authors: Tokunaga Tadaaki , Jomane Fortune N. , Mandai Shintarou , Ishida Takafumi , Hirooka Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to develop mathematical equations for describing the change in marbling in Japanese Black steers using longitudinal measurements. Serial ultrasound measurements were taken at 14, 16, 20, and 26 months of age and analyzed using an image analysis software. The longitudinal marbling measurements from the ultrasound images and carcasses were fitted into a nonlinear logistic curve. Data used for the analysis consisted of 749 steers that converged in nonlinear curve fitting and showed reasonable estimated parameters of the logistic curves. The average predicted mature beef marbling score (BMS) and maturation rate were 6.26 and 0.353, respectively, and the average maturity levels at 24 months of age were 83.9%. The heritability estimates for the predicted maturity traits were moderate, indicating that these traits may have potential for genetic improvement. There was a negative relationship between the expected progeny differences between carcass BMS and maturity traits, suggesting that genetic improvement by carcass BMS may lead to the selection of bulls with late maturity for marbling. The results indicate that ultrasound and model building for marbling can be useful tools to correctly select candidate bulls with high marbling in the early fattening period.
Thirty Years of The Australian Accounting Review: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Pattnaik Debidutta , Kumar Satish , Burton Bruce
Published: February 2021

This study presents a retrospective review of the Australian Accounting Review (AAR) across its first 30 years of publication, 1991 to 2020. AAR’s academic contributions have grown by 17.01% year‐on‐year over this period, while its level of academic influence has risen by 20.21%. Authorship numbers have grown by 16.10% annually, from 11 authors in the year of inception to 969 individuals in 2020. Emerging initially as an important regional resource, the AAR has evolved to become an internationally renowned academic outlet with contributions sourced from 44 different countries. Emergent themes in the journal include integrated reporting, corporate social responsibility, investor protection and comprehensive income.
Role of A‐ and B‐type lamins in nuclear structure–function relationships
Authors: Patil Shalaka , Sengupta Kundan
Published: February 2021

Nuclear lamins are type V intermediate filament proteins that form a filamentous meshwork beneath the inner nuclear membrane. Additionally, a sub‐population of A‐ and B‐type lamins localizes in the nuclear interior. The nuclear lamina protects the nucleus from mechanical stress and mediates nucleo‐cytoskeletal coupling. Lamins form a scaffold that partially tethers chromatin at the nuclear envelope. The nuclear lamina also stabilises protein–protein interactions involved in gene regulation and DNA repair. The lamin‐based protein sub‐complexes are implicated in both nuclear and cytoskeletal organisation, the mechanical stability of the nucleus, genome organisation, transcriptional regulation, genome stability and cellular differentiation. Here, we review recent research on nuclear lamins and unique roles of A‐ and B‐type lamins in modulating various nuclear processes and their impact on cell function.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 4,4‐difluoro‐1‐methyl‐N, 6‐diphenyl‐5, 6‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrimido [4, 5‐b] [1, 2, 4] triazolo [4, 3‐d] [1, 4] diazepin‐8‐amine derivatives as potential BRD4 inhibitors
Authors: Li Jiuhui , Zhang Wenjie , Qiu Qianqian , Zhou Daoguang , Feng Ziying , Tong Zhenzhen , Wei Jiaxin , Huang Wenlong , Li Jieming , Qian Hai , Shi Wei
Published: February 2021

Bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4) plays an extremely important physiological role in cancer, and the BRD4 inhibitors can effectively inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. By taking BI‐2536 (PLK1 and BRD4 inhibitor) as the lead compound, sixteen novel BRD4 inhibitors with the 4,4‐difluoro‐1‐methyl‐N,6‐diphenyl‐5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrimido[4,5‐b] [1,2,4] triazolo[4,3‐d] [1,4] diazepine‐8‐amine structure were designed and synthetized. Among the target compounds, compound 15h exhibited outstanding inhibition for BRD4‐BD1 (IC50 value of 0.42 μM) in the BRD4‐BD1 inhibitory activity assay. Additionally, cell growth inhibition assay demonstrated that compound 15h potently suppressed the proliferation of MV4‐11 cells (IC50 value of 0.51 μM). Besides, compound 15h induced apoptosis and G0/G1 cycle arrest in MV4‐11 leukemia cells effectively, and downregulated the expression of c‐Myc in a dose‐dependent manner. In summary, the optimal compound 15h is expected to become the clinical therapeutic drug for further research.
Toll‐like receptor 4 antagonist FP7 alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐induced septic shock via NF‐kB signaling pathway
Authors: Li Chao , Wang Junhui , Zhao Mailiang , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Yanwei
Published: February 2021

Septic shock is the most severe complication of sepsis occurs when body has an overwhelming response to infection, making it the most prevalent cause of deaths in surgical intensive‐care units. Therefore, it is urgent to understand its pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic candidate drugs for septic shock. Here, we explored the effect of FP7, an antagonist of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), in the septic shock. First, we injected mice with FP7 and found that FP7 had no effect on immune cells. Then, bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated from mice were pretreated with FP7 followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and FP7 specifically suppressed LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in BMDMs via Nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) signaling pathway, with no effect on other TLRs‐mediated inflammations. Finally, we injected mice with LPS and D‐galactosamine to induce septic shock, followed by the treatment of FP7, and FP7 significantly increased survival rate, improved lung necrosis, and inhibited the secretions of proinflammatory cytokines in the mice with septic shock. Therefore, our study suggested that FP7 had a protective role in septic shock and it might serve as a promising therapeutic candidate drug to treat septic shock.
Thriving alongside cystic fibrosis: Developing a grounded theory of empowerment in children and young people with cystic fibrosis during key life transitions
Authors: Fairweather Naomi H. , Jones Fergal W. , Harris Sally A. , Deiros Collado Martha , Shayle Amy
Published: February 2021

Background

Although the importance of patient empowerment is increasingly recognized, little is known about empowerment in children and young people (CYP) with long‐term conditions. Empowerment may be particularly important in CYP with cystic fibrosis (CF) due to high treatment burden and limited opportunities for peer support.

Methods

A Grounded Theory method was employed to develop a preliminary theory of empowerment in CYP with CF. Seven CYP with CF, five parents and four professionals were interviewed.

Results and conclusions

The emerging model suggests that ‘thriving alongside CF’ may be supported by interactions between ‘having a team’ and ‘taking charge and having a voice’, leading to ‘being able to just be a child’, that ‘concealing self’ may get in the way of ‘thriving alongside CF’ and that these processes occur within wider medical and developmental contexts. Study limitations, clinical and research implications are discussed.
Perspectives of nurturance within the parent–child relationship in resource‐constrained families
Authors: Goldschmidt Tessa , Petersen Lisa , Booley Shakierah , Roman Nicolette V.
Published: February 2021

Background

Nurturing parents raise children in an engaged, flexible, emotionally expressive and supportive manner, which is associated with positive outcomes for children. While parenting research within the South African context is increasing, there is a lack of focus on nurturance within the parent–child relationship. Thus, this study sought to explore how parents nurture their children in resource‐constrained environments in South Africa.

Method

A qualitative approach with an exploratory research design was used. Participants were purposively recruited via non‐governmental institutions and key informants in the communities. A sample of 77 semi‐structured interviews was conducted with participants from two rural areas, Calvinia and Lamberts Bay, in South Africa.

Results

A thematic analysis of the data revealed two themes. The first theme is nurturance approaches, which encapsulate how parents nurture their children physically and emotionally. The second theme focuses on factors contributing to nurturance within the parent–child relationship with regard to parenting practices and external factors.

Conclusion

Although parents are nurturing children physically and emotionally, parenting capacity needs to be improved in the South African context.
Two‐piece zirconia implants supporting all‐ceramic crowns: Six‐year results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Cionca Norbert , Hashim Dena , Mombelli Andrea
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to present the 6‐year outcomes of a two‐piece yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y‐TZP) implant system in partially edentulous patients.

Material and methods

Forty‐nine two‐piece zirconia implants were placed in 32 patients systemically healthy. Zirconia abutments were connected with adhesive resin cement. Single‐unit full‐ceramic crowns were cemented. The cases have been followed for an average of 82.2 ± 5.86 months after loading (range 74.93–92.26 months).

Results

24 participants with 39 implants were available for examination 6 years after loading. The cumulative implant survival rate was 83%. On an implant level, the cumulative mechanical complication rate was 17.5%, the cumulative technical complication rate was 13%, and the biological complication rate was 8%. After 6 years, subjects reported good satisfaction with the treatment: 3.7 ± 4.4 on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100 mm.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this prospective case series study, two‐piece zirconia implants could offer an alternative for treatment of single edentulous spaces in the posterior region. The major complication on the long term of this pioneering system was the abutment fracture; however, due to the versatility of a two‐piece implant system, replacement of the broken parts was possible.
Interactive online informational and peer support application for patients with low anterior resection syndrome: patient survey and protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moon Jeongyoon , Monton Olivia , Smith Allister , Garfinkle Richard , Zhao Kaiqiong , Zelkowitz Phyllis , Loiselle Carmen G. , Fiore Julio F. , Sender Liberman A. , Morin Nancy , Faria Julio , Ghitulescu Gabriela , Vasilevsky Carol‐Ann , Bhatnagar Sahir R. , Boutros Marylise
Published: February 2021

Aim

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) refers to a constellation of bowel symptoms that affect the majority of patients following restorative proctectomy. LARS is associated with poorer quality of life (QoL), and can lead to distress, anxiety and isolation. Peer support could be an important resource for people living with LARS, helping them normalize and validate their experience. The aim of this work is to describe the development of an interactive online informational and peer support app for LARS and the protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Method

A multicentre, randomized, assessor‐blind, parallel‐groups pragmatic trial will involve patients from five large colorectal surgery practices across Canada. The trial will evaluate the impact of an interactive online informational and peer support app for LARS, consisting of LARS informational modules and a closed forum for peers and trained peer support mentors, on patient‐reported outcomes of people living with LARS. The primary outcome will be global QoL at 6 months following app exposure. The treatment effect on global QoL will be modelled using generalized estimating equations. Secondary outcomes will include patient activation and bowel function as measured by LARS scores.

Results

In order to better understand patients' interest and preferences for an online peer support intervention for LARS, we conducted a single institution cross‐sectional survey study of rectal cancer survivors. In total, 35/69 (51%) participants reported interest in online peer support for LARS. Age <65 years (OR 9.1; 95% CI 2.3‐50) and minor/major LARS (OR 20; 95% CI 4.2‐100) were significant predictors of interest in LARS online peer support.

Conclusion

There is significant interest in the use of online peer support for LARS among younger patients and those with significant bowel dysfunction. Based on results of the needs assessment study, the app content and features were modified reflect patients’ needs and preferences. We are now in an optimal position to rigorously test the potential effects of this initiative on patient‐centered outcomes using a randomized controlled trial.
Exploring the intersections of governance, constituencies, and risk in genetic interventions
Authors: Burgiel Stanley W. , Baumgartner Bridget , Brister Evelyn , Fisher Joshua , Gordon Doria R. , Novak Ben , Palmer Megan J. , Seddon Philip J. , Weber Michele
Published: February 2021

In June 2020, Revive & Restore hosted the Intended Consequences Workshop to explore how the field of conservation can realize the benefits of genetic interventions and address concerns about unintended consequences of these actions. A group of 57 participants from eight countries representing government, academia, and conservation practice discussed how implementation of genetic interventions designed to achieve conservation objectives can be optimized to both address concerns about risk and achieve the intended consequences. Genetic interventions are efforts designed to manipulate the genetic composition of a conservation target at a species or population level. The planning and implementation of genetic interventions in conservation raises questions about how key constituencies are involved in the process and how risks and benefits are characterized and evaluated. Governance frameworks are critical to structuring dialogue and decision‐making among interested parties around the development of these conservation efforts in a manner that addresses risks, benefits, and equity considerations. In this article, we explore related issues of policy and governance, key constituencies, and risk as raised during discussions at a 2020 workshop on “Intended Consequences” of conservation interventions. We examine how different constituencies characterize risks of genetic interventions within particular sociocultural contexts. We then revisit the characterization and framing of risks to suggest ways that the perspectives of different constituencies can be visualized in a manner to inform resulting policy decisions.
Investments in worker health and production: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Filippini Massimo , Srinivasan Suchita
Published: February 2021

In manufacturing industries, occupational health and safety measures ensure better working conditions for employees, which may influence their productivity. We study the impact of investments undertaken by small and medium enterprises in Vietnam in mitigating indoor pollution (including air quality improvements, heat and noise protection as well as lighting) on firm‐level gross output and value added. We find that the amount invested by the firm in health has a significant positive effect on both outcomes. Given historically poor working conditions in Vietnam, policy implications relate to incentivizing and enabling firms to undertake such investments, on both moral and economic grounds.
Effects of inter‐specific crossbreeding between the invasive pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and native B. mucronatus on morphology and reproduction of the hybrid offspring
Authors: Tomalak Marek , Filipiak Anna
Published: February 2021

The process of inter‐specific hybridization between the invasive, highly pathogenic pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and the Eurasian‐native, relatively harmless B. mucronatus has been examined with the aid of the B. xylophilus Roller (Bxy‐rol(tom3) mutation (Tomalak & Filipiak, 2019) as a morphological marker, in the breeding protocol. Validity of the morphologically based selection of the inter‐specific hybrids has been confirmed by examination of individual nematodes with the multiplex PCR technique with specific primers (Filipiak et al., 2017). The research showed that hybridization between both species was possible in F1 and to some extent in subsequent offspring generations. In the general body plan, the hybrids resembled the wild‐type parental species but differed in various morphological/anatomical details. The changes ranged from seemingly indistinct to heavily distorted or occasional missing of particular structures. The most affected were spicules, female tails, the development of gonads and the position of the excretory pore. The hybridization led to various distortions of mating, gametogenesis, embryogenesis and juvenile viability, and development in F1, F2 and subsequent generation offspring, which severely affected the nematode reproductive potential. Potential consequences of the spontaneous inter‐specific hybridization between both species are discussed.
Long‐term cardiac, vascular, hypertension, and effusion safety of bosutinib in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive leukemia resistant or intolerant to prior therapy
Authors: Cortes Jorge E. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Mauro Michael J. , An Fiona , Nick Sonja , Leip Eric , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Brümmendorf Tim H.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Long‐term follow‐up (≥4 years) demonstrated a low incidence of cardiac and vascular treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with bosutinib treatment. We evaluated cardiac, vascular, hypertension, and effusion TEAEs after ≥ 7 years of follow‐up in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) leukemia.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of a phase I/II study and its ongoing extension study included data from patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with bosutinib after resistance/intolerance to imatinib (CP2L) or to imatinib plus dasatinib and/or nilotinib (CP3L), and those with accelerated/blast phase CML or acute lymphoblastic leukemia after treatment with, at a minimum, imatinib (ADV).

Results

In all, 570 patients were treated with bosutinib; median treatment duration was 11.1 months (range: 0.03‐133.1). The incidence of cardiac, vascular, hypertension, and effusion‐related TEAEs was 10.9%, 8.8%, 9.1%, and 13.3%, respectively. Few patients had maximum grade 3‐4 TEAEs (cardiac, 3.9%; vascular, 4.0%; hypertension, 3.0%; effusion, 4.6%). Grade 5 TEAEs occurred in the cardiac (0.7%) and vascular (1.8%) clusters only. In years 5‐7, fewer than 5% of patients each year had newly occurring cardiac, vascular, hypertension, or effusion TEAEs. The exposure‐adjusted TEAE rates (patients with TEAEs/total patient‐year) pooled across CP2L, CP3L, and ADV cohorts were as follows: cardiac, 0.044; vascular, 0.035; hypertension, 0.038; and effusion, 0.056, of which, correspondingly, 0.9%, 1.2%, 0%, and 2.1% required treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

The incidence of cardiac, hypertension, vascular, and effusion events was low in patients with Ph+ CML resistant or intolerant to prior therapy who were treated with bosutinib.
The environmental enrichment model revisited: A translatable paradigm to study the stress of our modern lifestyle
Authors: Rojas‐Carvajal Mijail , Sequeira‐Cordero Andrey , Brenes Juan C.
Published: February 2021

Mounting evidence shows that physical activity, social interaction and sensorimotor stimulation provided by environmental enrichment (EE) exert several neurobehavioural effects traditionally interpreted as enhancements relative to standard housing (SH) conditions. However, this evidence rather indicates that SH induces many deficits, which could be ameliorated by exposing animals to an environment vaguely mimicking some features of their wild habitat. Rearing rodents in social isolation (SI) can aggravate such deficits, which can be restored by SH or EE. It is not surprising, therefore, that most preclinical stress models have included severe and unnatural stressors to produce a stress response prominent enough to be distinguishable from SH or SI—frequently used as control groups. Although current stress models induce a stress‐related phenotype, they may fail to represent the stress of our urban lifestyle characterized by SI, poor housing and working environments, sedentarism, obesity and limited access to recreational activities and exercise. In the following review, we discuss the stress of living in urban areas and how exposures to and performing activities in green environments are stress relievers. Based on the commonalities between human and animal EE, we discuss how models of housing conditions (e.g., SI–SH–EE) could be adapted to study the stress of our modern lifestyle. The housing conditions model might be easy to implement and replicate leading to more translational results. It may also contribute to accomplishing some ethical commitments by promoting the refinement of procedures to model stress, diminishing animal suffering, enhancing animal welfare and eventually reducing the number of experimental animals needed.
Eucalyptusspp. leaf traits determine litter processing by fungi and invertebrates
Authors: Simões Sara , Gonçalves Ana Lúcia , Canhoto Jorge M. , Gonçalves Guilherme , Canhoto Cristina
Published: February 2021

Eucalyptusis one of the most cultivated genera globally. Conversion of native forests intoEucalyptusspp. monocultures leads to species‐specific changes in the quality of the litter that contributes to the structure and function of allochthonous‐based aquatic systems.

We used a microcosm approach to compare the relative importance of structural and chemical leaf trait variability among congeneric exoticEucalyptusspecies (E. camaldulensis,E. globulus,E. grandis, andE. nitens) and two Portuguese native species—alder (Alnus glutinosa) and oak (Quercus robur)—on microbial‐mediated decomposition and invertebrate shredder (Trichoptera:Sericostoma vittatum) consumption.

Structural leaf traits, rather than chemical characteristics, appeared to be the main determinants of leaf‐processing dynamics. Differences between the exotic species were mainly determined by the persistence (E. globulus,E. grandis, andE. nitens) or detachment (E. camaldulensis) of the cuticular barrier soon after immersion. Detachment favoured an earlier and higher level of fungal colonisation, as well as a higher mass loss.

Sericostoma vittatumexhibited higher consumption rates when fed by the nitrogen‐rich and softer alder leaves,E. camaldulensis, and oak. Consistently lower consumption rates were observed in the other threeEucalyptusspecies (64–77% lower thanE. camaldulensis). Leaf litter from these species was colonised by a lower number of fungal species and was dominated byFlagellospora curta.

Results suggest that streams adjacent toE. camaldulensismonocultures receive a continuous supply of easily degradable organic matter throughout the year. The potential effect of subsidies from this species in alleviating the general negative impacts ofEucalyptusplantations on native bordered aquatic systems remains to be evaluated.
Data privacy and confidentiality from the perspectives of general public and health care providers in Jordan
Authors: Bardaweel Sanaa K. , AlMuhaissen Suha A. , Alkurdi Nujood H. , Tayyem Humzeh H.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess knowledge, attitude, and beliefs about the right to privacy and confidentiality from the viewpoints of the general public (GP) and the health system (HS) professionals in Jordan.

Methods

An online‐based cross‐sectional descriptive questionnaire was distributed across Jordan during May & June of 2020. A total number of 388 respondents filled in the online survey assessing their knowledge, attitude, and opinion about the right to privacy and confidentiality being practiced during the professional contact between the patients and their health care providers.

Results

Amongst the respondents, 44 (11.3%) participants were health care professionals, and 344 (88.6%) participants were from the general public. Most of the respondents were females (69.6%) and the mean age was about 27 years. The main sources of knowledge about patients’ right to privacy and confidentiality regulations were from school and media platforms. Only 18.1% of the GP respondents reported that they have been introduced to patients’ right to privacy and confidentiality regulations by medical staff during professional contact. Almost about 97% of GP respondents and 93.2% of HS professionals valued patients’ right to assure the level of their data privacy prior to receiving medical care. A significantly (P = .012) higher percentage (93%) of GP respondents believed that there should be no prioritisation of privacy based on the gender of the patient. Most of the GP respondents had concerns about electronic medical records being violated and their data being reached by unauthorised parties.

Conclusion

The general public and health system professionals in Jordan are familiar with the patients’ right to privacy and confidentiality regulations. More efforts must be put in place to inform patients about their rights to privacy and confidentiality practices when they are in professional contact with their healthcare providers. In addition, rules, laws, and legal agreements must be effectively established and monitored to prevent privacy violations.
Pneumococcal pneumonia in adult hospitalised solid organ transplant recipients: Nationwide, population‐based surveillance
Authors: Huang Shih‐Ting , Yu Tung‐Min , Chuang Ya‐Wen , Chen Cheng‐Hsu , Wu Ming‐Ju , Wang I‐Kuan , Li Chi‐Yuan , Lin Cheng‐Li , Kao Chia‐Hung
Published: February 2021

Background

Pneumococcal disease poses a burden to the community in high risk population. Most early studies focused on invasive pneumococcal disease. However, the epidemiology of pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) requiring hospitalisation in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) is poorly defined.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study (January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012) to evaluate the risk of PP requiring hospitalisation in SOTRs. SOTRs and non‐SOT cohorts, propensity score‐matched at a 1:1 ratio for age, sex, index date and underlying comorbidities, were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database.

Results

Each cohort consisted of 7507 patients. In the SOT cohort, 26 episodes of PP requiring hospitalisation were identified (incidence rate of 52.4 per 100,000 person‐years). The risk of PP requiring hospitalisation in the SOT cohort was 1.50 times greater than in the non‐SOT cohort [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.31‐1.71, P < .001]. The nested case control study identified older age, kidney transplant, and concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease and heart failure as predictors of PP requiring hospitalisation in the SOT cohort. The highest risk period for PP requiring hospitalisation occurred within the first year of transplantation (36.47 per 1000 patients). Amongst kidney transplant recipients, patients with PP requiring hospitalisation exhibited higher cumulative incidences of graft failure than those without PP (log‐rank test: P value = .004).

Conclusions

SOTRs are at risk of PP requiring hospitalisation with its attendant morbidity. Strategies to reduce risk of PP requiring hospitalisation using preventive vaccinations warrant further study.
HDR brachytherapy with individual epithetic molds for facial skin cancer: techniques and first clinical experience
Authors: Diefenhardt Markus , Chatzikonstantinou Georgios , Meissner Markus , Köhn Janett , Scherf Christian , Trommel Martin , Licher Jörg , Ramm Ulla , Rödel Claus , Tselis Nikolaos
Published: February 2021

Background

Facial skin cancer lesions in close proximity to critical organs require further development of radiotherapeutic techniques for highly conformal treatment, especially when treating elderly frail patients. We report on our treatment technique and first clinical experience for patients with perinasal/periorbital skin cancer treated with individualized epithetic mold high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (BRT).

Methods

From January 2019, patients with complex shaped or unfavorably located skin cancer not eligible for surgery or external beam radiotherapy (RT) were screened for mold‐based BRT. Six patients were identified. Toxicity and clinical response were documented during therapy and posttreatment follow‐up.

Results

Median patient age was 80 years (74–92 years). Median prescription dose was 42 Gy (range, 33–44 Gy) delivered in once‐daily fractions of 3 or 4 Gy. Two patients had treatment interruptions caused by acute conjunctivitis grade 2 and a nontreatment‐related cardiac event, respectively. At a median follow‐up of 335 days (96–628 days), no ≥ grade 2 late toxicity was documented with all patients showing complete clinical response.

Conclusions

High‐dose‐rate BRT with individualized epithetic molds for perinasal/periorbital skin cancer is a well‐tolerated and safe treatment option for patients not eligible for primary surgery or definitive external beam RT because of comorbidities or tumor location.
The development of infants’ sensitivity to native versus non‐native rhythm
Authors: Paillereau Nikola , Podlipský Václav Jonáš , Smolík Filip , Šimáčková Šárka , Chládková Kateřina
Published: February 2021

Speech rhythm is considered one of the first windows into the native language, and the taxonomy of rhythm classes is commonly used to explain early language discrimination. Relying on formal rhythm classification is problematic for two reasons. First, it is not known to which extent infants’ sensitivity to language variation is attributable to rhythm alone, and second, it is not known how infants discriminate languages not classified in any of the putative rhythm classes. Employing a central‐fixation preference paradigm with natural stimuli, this study tested whether infants differentially attend to native versus nonnative varieties that differ only in temporal rhythm cues, and both of which are rhythmically unclassified. An analysis of total looking time did not detect any rhythm preferences at any age. First‐look duration, arguably more closely reflecting infants’ underlying perceptual sensitivities, indicated age‐specific preferences for native versus non‐native rhythm: 4‐month‐olds seemed to prefer the native‐, and 6‐month‐olds the non‐native language‐variety. These findings suggest that infants indeed acquire native rhythm cues rather early, by the 4th month, supporting the theory that rhythm can bootstrap further language development. Our data on infants’ processing of rhythmically unclassified languages suggest that formal rhythm classification does not determine infants’ ability to discriminate language varieties.
Location‐routing problem: a classification of recent research
Authors: Mara Setyo Tri Windras , Kuo R.J. , Asih Anna Maria Sri
Published: February 2021

The location‐routing problem (LRP) and its variants have been studied extensively over the past few years. The number of articles has grown more than ever, since the last surveys. Therefore, this study aims to perform a review of recent LRP research from 222 academic literature published from 2014 to 2019. The analysis of publication intensity, problem characteristics, solution methods, and application areas was executed to draw the state‐of‐the‐art of LRP research. As the main contributions to this study, a new taxonomy was proposed to capture some recently emerging issues in LRP and some suggestions for future research were listed and discussed.
Synthesis and microstructure evolution of β‐Sialon fibers/barium aluminosilicate (BAS) glass‐ceramic matrix composite with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Sun Shaojie , Xia Long , Zhang Tao , Yang Hua , Qin Chunlin , Zhong Bo , Xiong Li , Wu Xin , Wen Guangwu
Published: February 2021

Dense Sialon fibers/barium aluminosilicate (BAS) matrix self‐reinforced composite was synthesized by one‐step method without applying pressure before or during sintering process. In this work, BAS matrix and internal Sialon fibers were synthesized successfully by directly sintering precursor powders at 1400°C for 4 h. The BAS is not only introduced as a structural matrix material, but also as an effective liquid phase sintering aid to attain full densification bulk sample. The results show that the diameter of fibers is about 100–200 nm, and the quantity of the fibers can be changed with different temperatures. The obtained Sialon fibers/BAS matrix composites exhibit better toughness due to fiber bridging, crack deflection, and pullout. The sample with 3.5 wt% carbon content has maximum value of flexural strength (74.5 ± 3.5 MPa) and fracture toughness (3.2 ± 0.20 MPa·m1/2). The growth of the Sialon fibers follows a vapor‐liquid‐solid (V‐L‐S) mechanism. These findings featured with a green and simple preparation process provide a facile strategy to design and fabricate the bulk ceramic matrix composites in complex shapes and different sizes.
Glucokinase is required for high‐starch diet‐induced β‐cell mass expansion in mice
Authors: Tsuchida Kazuhisa , Nakamura Akinobu , Miyoshi Hideaki , Yang Kelaier , Yamauchi Yuki , Kawata Shinichiro , Omori Kazuno , Takahashi Kiyohiko , Kitao Naoyuki , Nomoto Hiroshi , Kameda Hiraku , Cho Kyu Yong , Seino Yusuke , Terauchi Yasuo , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: February 2021

Aims/Introduction

We aimed to determine whether glucokinase is required for β‐cell mass expansion induced by high‐starch diet (HSTD)‐feeding, as has been shown in its high‐fat diet‐induced expansion.

Materials and Methods

Eight‐week‐old male wild‐type (Gck+/+) or glucokinase haploinsufficient (Gck+/−) mice were fed either a normal chow (NC) or an HSTD for 15 weeks. The bodyweight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and β‐cell mass were assessed.

Results

Both HSTD‐fed Gck+/+ and Gck+/− mice had significantly higher bodyweight than NC‐fed mice. Insulin and oral glucose tolerance tests revealed that HSTD feeding did not affect insulin sensitivity nor glucose tolerance in either the Gck+/+ or Gck+/− mice. However, during the oral glucose tolerance test, the 15‐min plasma insulin concentration after glucose loading was significantly higher in the HSTD group than that in the NC group for Gck+/+, but not for Gck+/− mice. β‐Cell mass was significantly larger in HSTD‐fed Gck+/+ mice than that in NC‐fed Gck+/+ mice. In contrast, the β‐cell mass of the HSTD‐fed Gck+/− mice was not different from that of the NC‐fed Gck+/− mice.

Conclusions

The results showed that HSTD feeding would increase pancreatic β‐cell mass and insulin secretion in Gck+/+, but not Gck+/− mice. This observation implies that glucokinase in β‐cells would be required for the increase in β‐cell mass induced by HSTD feeding.
Exercise physiology in cirrhosis and the potential benefits of exercise interventions: A review
Authors: West Jack , Gow Paul J , Testro Adam , Chapman Brooke , Sinclair Marie
Published: February 2021

Reduction in muscle mass is a highly prevalent phenomenon in cirrhosis and is now well‐documented to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Research into muscle loss in cirrhosis remains limited by an ongoing poor understanding of its relationship with muscle function, physical activity, and aerobic capacity. Alterations in exercise physiology have been documented in studies of individuals with cirrhosis that provide important information on physical function that is not captured by simple quantification of muscle mass. Despite expert consensus recommending regular exercise in end‐stage liver disease to maintain muscle mass and function, there is little evidence guiding clinicians as to which form of exercise or delivery mechanism is most effective. It also remains unproven whether any specific intervention can alter clinically relevant outcomes. This review article summarizes the available literature regarding the changes in exercise physiology observed in cirrhosis, the associated impact on physical capacity, and the results of existing trials that examine the potential benefits of exercise delivery in patients with cirrhosis, particularly pertaining to their impact on exercise physiology.