bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICER controls HIV-1 infection and replication in elite controllers
Authors: Luo Zhenwu , Li Min , Li Taiwei , Lv Zongyang , Ye Zhiwei , Cisneros William J. , Zhang Jie , Yuan Lingmin , Hultquist Judd F. , Migueles Stephen A , Zhu Jian , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2021

A rare subset of HIV-infected individuals, termed elite controllers (ECs), can maintain long-term control over HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). To elucidate the biological mechanism of resistance to HIV replication at the molecular and cellular levels, we performed RNA sequencing and identified alternative splicing variants from ECs, HIV-infected individuals undergoing ART, ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals, and healthy controls. Differential gene expression patterns that are specific to ECs and may influence HIV resistance were identified, including alternative RNA splicing and exon usage variants of the CREM/ICER gene (cAMP-responsive element modulator/inducible cAMP early repressors). The knockout and knockdown of specific ICER exons that were found to be upregulated in ECs resulted in significantly increased HIV infection in CD4+ T cell line and primary CD4+ T cells. Overexpression of ICER isoforms decreased HIV infection in primary CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, ICER regulated HIV-1 LTR promoter activity in a Tat-dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that ICER is an HIV host factor that may contribute to HIV resistance of ECs. These findings will help elucidate the mechanisms of HIV control by ECs and may yield a new approach for treatment of HIV.
Pandemonium, panic and the pandemic: implications for human resource development from an unplanned shift to online learning
Authors: Robinson Petra A. , Stojanović Maja , Robinson Zachary Z. , Russo Lyons Renata
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the experiences of a high school senior, a doctoral student, a university professor and an online academic coach with a rapid, unplanned shift to online learning in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the challenges and distinct skills they identify as essential for success in a 100% virtual learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Through scholarly personal narratives (SPNs), the researchers shared details and authentic knowledge regarding their experiences and perceptions of successful teaching and learning in a 100% online learning environment.

Findings

The main goal was to identify necessary skills for success in a 100% virtual learning environment resulting from an unplanned shift. The findings show a need for learner and teacher self-directedness in developing a variety of nontraditional, critical literacies.

Originality/value

In light of the imposed and unplanned educational shifts in teaching and learning, this study has strong practical implications for human resource development offered through an analysis of multiple perspectives. This research may lead to a better understanding of how, in a period of rapid, unexpected shifts, individuals need to use self-directedness to leverage personal and professional development opportunities to adapt and succeed in the new environment. Additionally, the authors use an innovative critical theoretical framework to outline the skills the participants report as useful for success in an online classroom during a period of rapid, unexpected shifting.
Product and service innovation in Portugal: patterns and specificities
Authors: Costa Vianey Oliveira , Rocha Raquel Rodrigues , Madeira Maria Jose
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the innovative scenario in Portugal, assess the patterns of goods and service change in the past decade and evaluate several essential characteristics from innovation and its relevant aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a case study with secondary data obtained from the Community Innovation Survey (CIS) in which it is applied to the constant comparative method of data analysis proposed by Spiggle (1994).

Findings

The innovation of products and services in Portugal increased over the entire period analyzed although not linear, the financing programs contributed to the recovery and growth of innovation and small companies presented the most significant increase in product innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation has limitations related to the data collected because the secondary data analyzed generalize the indicators and make it impossible to comprehend each aspect analyzed in this study in detail. This study also pointed out that Portuguese small- and medium-sized enterprises are more easily able to innovate in times of difficulty when compared to large companies. However, it is necessary to understand this phenomenon and present elements that can support or refute this discovery.

Practical implications

This paper offers a broad view of product and service innovation in Portugal for companies, entrepreneurs, universities and researchers, in addition to facilitating the creation and structuring of policies, research and financing that can develop innovation processes.

Social implications

By presenting a macro view of product and service innovation, this paper may facilitate the creation of incentives for innovation in Portugal and, consequently, to improve economic and development indicators.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in showing the patterns of innovation in the product and service in Portugal over almost a decade and in demonstrating important indicators that can be used in future research.
Return migration and health outcomes in North Macedonia
Authors: Petreski Marjan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold, namely, to investigate if living and working abroad influences the (subjective) health of return migrants and to understand if there are any spillovers of return-migrant members onto health conditions of the family members left behind.

Design/methodology/approach

To that end, this paper uses the DoTM (Development on the Move) Migration Survey 2009, as well a propensity score matching to address selectivity on observables and IV (instrumental variables) for the selectivity on unobservables.

Findings

Results suggest that when equalized on observables, return migrants have better health than non-migrants. However, the reverse causality channel (less healthy individuals are more inclined to return) works to attenuate the true effect of return migration on health. Results further suggest a positive spillover effect of return migration on the health of the family members left behind, being mainly driven by the work of remittances sent while abroad, and not by the returned wealth or by the health knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

This paper offers at least two novelty lines to contribute to the current sparse of knowledge. First, it is among the scarce papers, and probably the only quantitative one, to investigate the nexus between return migration and health outcomes. Second, it heavily dwells on the role of selectivity (both on observables and unobservables) in determining the true (causal) effect of return migration on health.
State transformations and welfare models: the significance of the return of public institutions in Ecuador of the Citizen Revolution (2007–2017)
Authors: Ubasart-González Gemma , Minteguiaga Analía Mara
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between estate transformations produced during the governments of the Citizen Revolution (CR) in Ecuador (2007-2017) and welfare regime transformations.

Design/methodology/approach

The CR’s project registers an array of specificities that make it a relevant case study to understand it. Among them, it articulated the transformation of the development model with a comprehensive state reform: emphasized both the modernization of the state and the productive structure, and the creation of the basic pillars of a welfare state. The ambitious project materialized in an ambivalent manner, revealing accomplishments and limitations.

Findings

The recovery of resources for the state, the efficient organization of resources, decentralization and deconcentration processes, public administration transformations and policy de-corporatization processes accompanied and even propelled important achievements in the social sphere in terms of decommodification, stratification, commodification and defamiliarization. Ecuador’s starting point, as a small and impoverished country with pubic and communal goods and services dismantled through neoliberal reforms, was quite precarious. But, progress was made. Beyond the identified limitations, its accomplishments must be highlighted because they are novel in comparison to other progressive government experiences, especially in the context of Central Andean countries.

Originality/value

This article vindicates the need to link state transformation processes to welfare regime transformations, as well as the academic literature that informs both fields. The description of what took place in Ecuador in the field of social welfare during the ten years of the CR continues to confirm the theoretical potential of the concept of welfare regime with the necessary translations and appropriations that allow for the analysis of countries in the region. It enables an approach to a more theoretically and methodologically elusive object that is at the same time tremendously potent in analytical terms and in its contributions to social transformations. An object that alludes to areas gravely affected during neoliberal hegemony, linked to public institutionality, state capacity and state autonomy. This is why everything that affects the state and the management of public goods and services must be incorporated into the analysis.
Shariah-compliance and IPO underpricing: evidence from Pakistan Stock Exchange
Authors: Mehmood Waqas , Mohd-Rashid Rasidah , Tajuddin Ahmad Hakimi , Saleem Hassan Mujtaba Nawaz
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of Shariah-compliant status and Shariah regulation on initial public offering (IPO) underpricing in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Besides the ordinary least square’s method, this study used quantile least squares as a robust approach and stepwise regression for further analysis to investigate the underpricing phenomenon in Pakistan. Data of 84 IPOs listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange from January 2000 to December 2018 were collected to determine the impact of Shariah-compliant status and Shariah regulation on IPO underpricing.

Findings

Results of the study show that Shariah-compliant status has a negative relationship but Shariah regulation has a positive relationship with IPO underpricing. Hence, it is contended that Shariah-compliant firms have lower asset volatility and uncertainty than non-Shariah-compliant firms because of less information asymmetry, resulting in lower underpricing. These Shariah-compliant firms provide signals of high-quality IPOs as they must comply with the strict guidelines issued by the Securities Exchange Commission of Pakistan in addition to being considered as amicable by investors. Further, this study suggests that investors are more attracted to Shariah-compliant firms than non-Shariah-compliant ones.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s offers limited consideration of nonfinancial and financial characteristics that could influence the decision of investors to subscribe to IPOs. Besides, future studies could consider the screening benchmarks; for instance, debt and cash may explain the intensity of IPO initial return in Pakistan.

Originality/value

The present work empirically investigated the influence of Shariah-compliant status and Shariah regulation on IPO underpricing in Pakistan’s IPO market, which has been scarcely covered in the existing literature.
Further investigation of behavioural intention towards LCAs: multi-group analyses of air traveller behaviouristics
Authors: Wungrotjanarut Chawannuch , Racela Olimpia C.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study investigated an appended belief-attitude-intention (BAI) model, which included two antecedent beliefs of attitude and two marketing factors as additional determinants of air traveller behavioural intentions towards low-cost airlines (LCAs). The hypothesized relationships were compared across different behaviouristic groups based on flying frequency, travel purpose and travel party size.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 331 air travellers intercepted at a major international airport in Thailand were analysed using structural equation modelling and bootstrapping multiple-group comparisons to investigate the hypothesized mediation and moderation effects.

Findings

Results indicate that behavioural intention towards LCAs is largely influenced by perceived price, followed by attitude towards LCAs and subjective norm and not determined by airport accessibility. Antecedent beliefs of perceived service quality and uncertainty avoidance influence behavioural intention, as mediated by attitude towards LCAs. The role of subjective norm varied among air traveller groups.

Practical implications

Managers can manage price perceptions by focusing on LCA affordability and they should closely scrutinize these air traveller behaviouristic groups to identify opportunities to appeal to the distinctive cognitive responses of traveller segments.

Originality/value

This study tested an appended BAI model across three different air traveller behavioural characteristics, a multi-group analytical approach that can reveal meaningful implications, yet has been underused in LCA research.
Strengths and weaknesses of forensic accounting: an implication on the socio-economic development
Authors: Alshurafat Hashem , Al Shbail Mohannad Obeid , Mansour Ebrahim
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This review aims to provide an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of forensic accounting education and profession.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews published forensic accounting studies to explore forensic accounting strengths and weaknesses.

Findings

The strengths of forensic accounting are its benefits to students and accounting professionals, the significant need and increasing demand, the new career channels and the reduction of fraud. The weakness factors are the lack of regulation, the lack of control over the profession entry, the lack of agreement on how to teach forensic accounting, the lack of specialized research journals, the misconception of its intrinsic aim, the lack of highly qualified practitioners and educators and the lack of public recognition and occupation reputation.

Practical implications

It is hoped that this structured investigation of the factors relevant to the current and future status of forensic accounting education and profession will provide a sufficient overview of the critical issues and concerns that are important to be known for understanding and advancing the vital application of forensic accounting on the Socio-Economic Development. It is anticipated that this paper has an impact on future policy that ultimately contributes to improving business and limit fraud incidents, thus, it can contribute to business and socio-economic development.

Originality/value

The literature on forensic accounting is extensive and varied. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of forensic accounting. This study provided policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of forensic accounting.
Singapore variable capital companies: the many uses and benefits
Authors: Koh Jerry , Lee Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To show different ways the Singapore Variable Capital Company (“VCC”) can be employed and utilized.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes how the Singapore VCC can be used in master-feeder structures, umbrella structures, a “plug-and-play” model, sub-fund structures with different assets and different investors, open-ended structures, and structures that allow for tokenization of securities and the offering of VCC shares as digital securities.

Findings

The flexibility of the VCC allows it to be used across different fund strategies, investor classes and asset classes.

Originality/value

Practical analysis, guidance and market commentary from experienced investment funds lawyers.
Proximity to broad bond rating change and CEO power
Authors: Bajaj Akhilesh , Sun Li
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Borderline firms whose bond rating has a plus or minus specification by a rating agency face a greater potential for an upgrade or downgrade by the agency. The authors examine the level of chief executive officer (CEO) power in firms with a plus or minus bond rating. The authors test whether CEOs of these firms become more or less powerful, along with the effect of corporate governance and existing bond rating.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a panel sample with 16,429 observations from 1992 to 2016 from the ExecuComp database.

Findings

The authors find that CEOs of borderline-rated firms tend to be less powerful, relative to firms with a non-proximate rating. This result is largely present in firms with a plus rating. The authors also find that our primary findings are mainly driven by firms with low bond ratings (i.e. below investment grade) or by firms with weak corporate governance. Lastly, the authors document that CEO personal characteristics (i.e. CEO age, gender and tenure) impact our findings.

Research limitations/implications

First, firms in our sample are large public companies, and the external validity of our results to smaller firms that may also be private is unknown. Second, the Compustat database discontinued reporting bond rating data (i.e. S&P bond ratings) in 2017. Hence, the authors are unable to analyze the CEO power of borderline firms in years after 2016.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the larger debate on whether having powerful CEOs is beneficial to an organization or not, because prior research has examined the consequences of CEO power with mixed results. The authors document evidence to support the research stream that links CEO power to negative consequences.

Social implications

The authors find that our primary results are enhanced in firms with weak corporate governance, which is consistent with prior research that finds effective governance may mitigate CEO power and agency problems between the CEO and the Board.

Originality/value

Prior research primarily uses CEO power as a driver for performance. Our study focuses on CEO power as a dependent variable, with the bond rating change proximity as a driver of CEO power. The authors believe that this helps develop a more comprehensive understanding of CEO power.
Blockholders and corporate governance: evidence from China’s split-share-structure reform
Authors: Qian Xiaolin , Tam Lewis
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Proper empirical tests of the effect of blockholders’ monitoring incentives on corporate governance are scant in the literature because the relationship between ownership structure and enforcement of corporate governance mechanisms is bidirectional. This study aims to address the endogeneity issue by examining the effect of blockholding on executive turnover–performance sensitivity, using the split-share-structure (SSS) reform in China as an exogenous shock to blockholders’ monitoring incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a logit model for estimating the change in executive turnover–performance sensitivity around the SSS reform. Sub-sample analysis is conducted to examine whether the impact of SSS reform on the turnover-performance sensitivity is stronger for firms with more contestable blockholders who might consider stock liquidity, risk sharing and diversification in their monitoring/trading decisions.

Findings

Top executive turnover, defined as CEO or board chair turnover, becomes less sensitive to firm operating performance after the reform, mainly for firms with contestable blockholders prior to the reform. Stock liquidity and blockholders’ demand for diversification can explain the impact of contestable blockholding. Moreover, blockholding is sensitive to firm operating performance after the reform but not before it.

Originality/value

With few exceptions, most studies in the blockholding literature focus on the effect of blockholder monitoring on firm value. Examining an exogenous shock to blockholding, this paper provides a set of new evidence for the impact of blockholding on executive turnover–performance sensitivity. The results call for more evidence of the impact of blockholding on executive turnover from other markets.
Microbial metabolism and adaptations in Atribacteria‐dominated methane hydrate sediments
Authors: Glass Jennifer B. , Ranjan Piyush , Kretz Cecilia B. , Nunn Brook L. , Johnson Abigail M. , Xu Manlin , McManus James , Stewart Frank J.
Published: July 2021

Gas hydrates harbour gigatons of natural gas, yet their microbiomes remain understudied. We bioprospected 16S rRNA amplicons, metagenomes, and metaproteomes from methane hydrate‐bearing sediments under Hydrate Ridge (offshore Oregon, USA, ODP Site 1244, 2–69 mbsf) for novel microbial metabolic and biosynthetic potential. Atribacteria sequences generally increased in relative sequence abundance with increasing sediment depth. Most Atribacteria ASVs belonged to JS‐1‐Genus 1 and clustered with other sequences from gas hydrate‐bearing sediments. We recovered 21 metagenome‐assembled genomic bins spanning three geochemical zones in the sediment core: the sulfate–methane transition zone, the metal (iron/manganese) reduction zone, and the gas hydrate stability zone. We found evidence for bacterial fermentation as a source of acetate for aceticlastic methanogenesis and as a driver of iron reduction in the metal reduction zone. In multiple zones, we identified a Ni‐Fe hydrogenase‐Na+/H+ antiporter supercomplex (Hun) in Atribacteria and Firmicutes bins and in other deep subsurface bacteria and cultured hyperthermophiles from the Thermotogae phylum. Atribacteria expressed tripartite ATP‐independent transporters downstream from a novel regulator (AtiR). Atribacteria also possessed adaptations to survive extreme conditions (e.g. high salt brines, high pressure and cold temperatures) including the ability to synthesize the osmolyte di‐myo‐inositol‐phosphate as well as expression of K+‐stimulated pyrophosphatase and capsule proteins.
The next generation of protein super‐fibres: robust recombinant production and recovery of hagfish intermediate filament proteins with fibre spinning and mechanical–structural characterizations
Authors: Oliveira Paula E. , Chen Dong , Bell Brianne E. , Harris Thomas I. , Walker Caleb , Zhang Haixia , Grob Brittany , Lewis Randolph V. , Jones Justin A.
Published: July 2021

Native hagfish intermediate filament proteins have impressive mechanical properties. However, using these native fibres for any application is impractical, necessitating their recombinant production. In the only literature report on the proteins (denoted α and ɣ), heterologous expression levels, using E. coli, were low and no attempts were made to optimize expression, explore wet‐spinning, or spin the two proteins individually into fibres. Reported here is the high production (~8 g l−1 of dry protein) of the hagfish intermediate filament proteins, with yields orders of magnitude higher (325–1000×) than previous reports. The proteins were spun into fibres individually and in their native‐like 1:1 ratio. For all fibres, the hallmark α‐helix to β‐sheet conversion occurred after draw‐processing. The native‐like 1:1 ratio fibres achieved the highest average tensile strength in this study at nearly 200 MPa with an elastic modulus of 5.7 GPa, representing the highest tensile strength reported for these proteins without chemical cross‐linking. Interestingly, the recombinant α protein achieved nearly the same mechanical properties when spun as a homopolymeric fibre. These results suggest that varying the two protein ratios beyond the natural 1:1 ratio will allow a high degree of tunability. With robust heterologous expression and purification established, optimizing fibre spinning will be accelerated compared to difficult to produce proteins such as spider silks.
Concurrent carbogen and nicotinamide with radiation therapy in muscle invasive bladder cancer: A report on feasibility in the Australian setting
Authors: Anzela Anzela , Min Myo , Knesl Marcel , Buddle Nicole , Azzopardi Maree , Hooshmand Riaz , Barrett Salena , Notman Andria , Woolls Helen , Wilson Jennifer , Vignarajah Dharman Dinesh
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The incidence of bladder cancer increases with age, and elderly patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are significantly undertreated. Bladder preservation trimodality therapy (BPTT) is an alternative to radical cystectomy in the curative setting. The use of concurrent carbogen and nicotinamide (CON) with radiation therapy (RT) as radiosensitisers have shown significant improvement in the overall survival and local relapse in the UK BCON Trial and is part of the standard of care for patients with MIBC in the UK. This is the first study in the Australian setting to demonstrate the feasibility in setting up a CON radiation oncology department.

Methods

Based on the UK BCON trial, circuit systems for carbogen gas delivery were set up in consultation with the anaesthetics and respiratory teams. TGA exemption was obtained for 98% oxygen and 2% carbon dioxide carbogen gas mixture and delivery apparatus for each patient. Seven patients with histological locally advanced bladder cancer were recruited into this study.

Results

The establishment of a CON department took approximately 24 months. Development of trial protocol was based on the equipment availability in Australia and proper transport, storage and handling of the equipment was guided by local occupational, health and safety (OHS) regulations. All patients received full of dose of CON. Increased urinary frequency, urgency and diarrhoea were the most commonly reported acute bladder and bowel toxicities.

Conclusions

This is the first study in Australia to demonstrate the feasibility of concurrent CON with radiation therapy. It is a safe and cost‐effective treatment that provides a new therapeutic option in the treatment of patients with MIBC, particularly those with limited treatment options.
Bacteriophage therapeutics to confront multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ‐ a global health menace
Authors: Rai Sandhya , Kumar Amod
Published: July 2021

We have already entered the post‐antibiotic era as the outbreaks of numerous multidrug‐resistant strains in the community as well as hospital‐acquired infections are ringing alarm bells in the health sector. Acinetobacter baumannii is one such pathogen that has been considered a worldwide threat as it acquires multidrug resistance. It is one of the most challenging hospital‐acquired pathogens as World Health Organization has listed carbapenem‐resistant A. baumannii as a critical priority pathogen with limited therapeutic options. There is an urgent need to develop novel strategies against such pathogens to tackle the global crisis. Bacteriophages (phages), especially the lytic ones have re‐emerged as a potential therapeutic approach. This review encompasses vast majority of phages against A. baumannii strains with special references related to single phage or monophage therapy, use of phage cocktails, combination therapy with antibiotics, use of phage‐derived enzymes like endolysins and depolymerases to combat the pathogen and explore their therapeutic aspects. The concurrent ecological as well as evolutionary interplay between the phages and host bacteria demands in depth‐research and knowledge, so as to utilize the maximum potential of the bacteriophage therapy.
Intracranial haemorrhage associated with Vitamin K deficiency in Egyptian infants
Authors: Elalfy Mohsen , Eltonbary Khadiga , Elalfy Omar , Gadallah Mohsen , Zidan Ashraf , Abdel‐Hady Hesham
Published: July 2021

Aim

Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in infancy is a rare life‐threatening event. The aim of this review is to highlight the association of ICH and potentially preventable vitamin K deficiency and to describe risk factors, presentation and outcome.

Methods

Original published data on ICH related to vitamin K deficiency during 2008–2012 were extracted from records of participating centres in Egypt (Cairo and Delta region). Full data on 70 infants (0–24 weeks) have been reported in three publications.

Results

The first study involved premature infants where ICH was potentially preventable with administration of parenteral vitamin K prophylactic doses to mothers ahead of imminent preterm delivery. The other 2 studies involved term newborns and infants. ICH due to early or classic vitamin K deficiency was reported in nine patients while 44 were due to late vitamin K deficiency. Main risk factors for late onset were exclusive breastfeeding, persistent diarrhoea and/or prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a relatively frequent problem underlying ICH in infancy. Prophylactic vitamin K to mothers when anticipating preterm labour or a vitamin K boost in exclusively breast‐fed infants with prolonged antibiotic usage and, or, persistent diarrhoea might have an impact on prevention and outcome.
Pathogenesis, risk factors and therapeutic options for autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in the post‐transplant setting
Authors: Gabelli Maria , Ademokun Christine , Cooper Nichola , Amrolia Persis I.
Published: July 2021

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) is a rare complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), observed with an incidence of 1–5%. Paediatric age, diagnosis of non‐malignant disease, lympho‐depleting agents in the conditioning regimen, use of unrelated donor, graft versus host disease and infections have been associated with a higher risk of AIHA post HSCT. Post‐HSCT AIHA is associated with high mortality and morbidity, and it is often very difficult to treat. Steroids and rituximab are used with a response rate around 30–50%. These and other therapeutic strategies are mainly derived from data on primary AIHA, although response rates in post‐HSCT AIHA have been generally lower. Here we review the currently available data on risk factors and therapeutic options. There is a need for prospective studies in post‐HSCT AIHA to guide clinicians in managing these complex patients.
Activation of AMP kinase ameliorates kidney vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation in rodent models of obesity
Authors: Rodríguez Claudia , Sánchez Ana , Sáenz‐Medina Javier , Muñoz Mercedes , Hernández Medardo , López Miguel , Rivera Luis , Contreras Cristina , Prieto Dolores
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease independent of diabetes, hypertension and other co‐morbidities. Obesity‐associated nephropathy is linked to dysregulation of the cell energy sensor AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). We aimed here to assess whether impairment of AMPK activity may cause renal arterial dysfunction in obesity and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of activating renal AMPK.

Experimental Approach

Effects of the AMPK activator A769662 were assessed on intrarenal arteries isolated from ob/ob mice and obese Zucker rats and then mounted in microvascular myographs. Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production were measured by chemiluminescence and fluorescence, respectively, and protein expression was analysed by western blotting.

Key Results

Endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway were impaired in preglomerular arteries from genetically obese rats and mice, along with impaired arterial AMPK activity and blunted relaxations induced by the AMPK activator A769662. Acute ex vivo exposure to A769662 restored endothelial function and enhanced activity of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway in obese rats, whereas in vivo treatment with A769662 improved metabolic state and ameliorated endothelial dysfunction, reduced inflammatory markers and vascular oxidative stress in renal arteries and restored redox balance in renal cortex of obese mice.

Conclusion and Implications

These results demonstrate that AMPK dysregulation underlies obesity‐associated kidney vascular dysfunction and activation of AMPK improves metabolic state, protects renal endothelial function and exerts potent vascular antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. The beneficial effects of vascular AMPK activation might represent a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of obesity‐related kidney injury.
Identity transformation of mothers with substance abuse histories during a support group
Authors: To Siu‐ming , Lau Cheryl Danielle , So Yuk‐yan , Chung Mee‐yee , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: July 2021

While previous literature has highlighted the significance of supporting mothers with substance abuse histories to create meaning from past events and reconstruct their self‐identities, empirical evidence on the use of existential–narrative interventions to facilitate the identity transformation of these mothers is generally lacking. This study presents qualitative results from interviews with 10 mothers with a history of substance abuse who participated in a support group in Hong Kong that employed an existential–narrative approach. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that before the intervention, participants reported several challenges concerning motherhood and difficulties around narrating their life stories. During the intervention, participants experienced an enhancement of mutual understanding and appreciation, acknowledged the emotional impact of negative life events, and began to reinterpret these events. After the intervention, emergent themes revealed positive changes in self‐perception, strengthened resistance to substance use, improved parent–child relationships and parenting practices, and improved family relationships. Altogether, the findings suggest that interventions adopting an existential–narrative approach may have benefits and implications for helping this population reorganize their self‐perceptions and achieve more positive life outcomes.
Males of a Neotropical spider adjust prey‐gift construction but not mate search in response to sperm competition
Authors: Macedo‐Rego Renato C. , Costa‐Schmidt Luiz Ernesto , Machado Glauco
Published: July 2021

In scramble competition mating systems, males do not guard females and females usually mate polyandrously, leading to high levels of sperm competition. Mathematical models predict that males facing sperm competition can either decrease or increase their reproductive effort. To test how male reproductive responses vary according to sperm competition risk, we ran two experiments using the polyandrous gift‐giving spiderParatrechalea ornata. First, we tested whether males prefer substrates containing silk of unmated females than substrates containing silk of once‐mated females, competitor males or without silk. Males spent more time on substrates containing silk of females but showed no preference for unmated females, which indicates that males may optimize mate search by prioritizing substrates containing cues of potential mating partners. The lack of preference for unmated females suggests that males cannot detect female mating status from silk or that the costs of searching preferentially for unmated females are high in the field. Second, we tested whether males adjust prey‐gift construction when facing sperm competition risk. Experimental groups (substrate containing silk of an unmated female and silk of another malevs. substrate containing only silk of an unmated female) did not differ in the frequency of gift construction, latency to gift construction and number of flies added to the gift. However, males facing sperm competition risk constructed gifts with less silk, suggesting the occurrence of a less evident form of male mate choice based on differential allocation of resources to prey‐gift. Additionally, given the trade‐off between investing in prey‐gifts quantity or quality, a lower silk investment should enable males to increase the number of gifts constructed and the number of courted females. Taken together, our results indicate that males detect female and male pheromones on substrate and adjust the construction of prey‐gifts in response to apparent sperm competition risk.
Case Examples and Process‐Oriented Questions in Teletherapy with Couples and Families
Authors: Drieves Allison A.
Published: July 2021

This paper shares learned experiences in teletherapy (also called tele‐mental‐health, remote video therapy, and virtual therapy) with couples and families. It aims to enhance teletherapy practice with couples and families by providing tools for screening and coaching. The paper describes common pitfalls in teletherapy with couples and families and how to avoid or address them, describes the opportunities for added insight when engaging couples and families in teletherapy from their homes, provides concrete interventions in the form of process‐focused questions which therapists can draw from, and provides case examples. The case examples and process‐oriented questions focus on four areas: screening, logistical coaching of technology, using the family’s meeting place to learn about the family, and avoiding pitfalls.
‘Acknowledge me as a capable person’: How people with mental ill health describe their experiences with general emergency care staff – A qualitative interview study
Authors: Derblom Katharina , Molin Jenny , Gabrielsson Sebastian , Lindgren Britt‐Marie
Published: July 2021

People with mental ill health attend general emergency care more often than others for physical and psychiatric care needs. Staff in general emergency care report they lack knowledge and strategies to meet with and care for people with mental ill health. This study aimed to describe how people with mental ill health experience encounters with staff in general emergency care. We conducted individual semi‐structured interviews with 11 people with mental ill health about their experiences in general emergency care and subjected the interview data to qualitative content analysis. Our results show the importance to people with mental ill health of being acknowledged as capable persons, and how this relates to their experiences of being recognized, ignored, or dismissed by staff in general emergency care. Even small, ordinary aspects of staff/patient interactions can have major impacts on a person’s recovery and well‐being. The study is reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines.
High‐performance Al2O3 ceramics prepared by DCC‐HVCI via microwave heating
Authors: He Zi‐Xuan , Wu Jia‐Min , Wu Ya‐Ru , Zheng Wen , Zhang Jing‐Xian , Shi Yu‐Sheng
Published: July 2021

A novel and rapid fabrication method for Al2O3 ceramics by the DCC‐HVCI method via microwave heating was proposed. Effects of microwave heating temperature on coagulation time, micromorphology, as well as performance of the green body and ceramic sample were studied. As the microwave heating temperature rises, the coagulation time gradually reduced and compressive strength of green sample decreased while relative density and flexural strength of ceramics rose at the beginning and then dropped. The 50 vol.% Al2O3 suspension was coagulated and demolded after treating at 60°C for 800 s by microwave heating. The compressive strength of green samples reached 1.12 ± 0.13 MPa. The relative density of Al2O3 ceramic samples reached 99.39%. And the flexural strength of Al2O3 ceramics reached 334.55 ± 26.41 MPa. The Weibull modulus of Al2O3 ceramics reached 19. In contrast with the ceramic samples heated through water bath, the ceramic samples treated through microwave possessed uniform microstructures. Microwave heating could reduce the coagulation time by 77%. Meanwhile, it could significantly raise the compressive strength of green bodies by 65%. Additionally, it could increase the flexural strength of ceramics by 30%.
Stable pleiotropic loci and candidate genes for fresh pod‐ and seed‐related characteristics across multiple environments in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Chen Shiliang , Sun Yaqian , Shao Zhenqi , Li Wenlong , Du Hui , Kong Youbin , Li Xihuan , Zhang Caiying
Published: July 2021

Soybean provides irreplaceable protein and oil. Pods and seeds are essential soybean harvested organs. To illustrate the genetic basis of pod‐ and seed‐related traits, a natural population was assessed for eight related traits under four environments. In all, 15 associated SNPs were identified across multiple environments or controlling various traits, and 11 were verified through BLUP. Two SNPs on chromosome 15 were associated with six traits across multiple environments. Two SNPs on chromosome 2 were also associated with six traits under multiple environments. Significant phenotype differences between favourable and unfavourable alleles/haplotypes under four environments were detected. Significant association of pod length SNP and large‐pod phenotype (pod length ≥4.5 cm) was detected. The genetic basis of elite germplasms was analysed, and ‘Chuxiu’ possessed all of the 15 favourable alleles with best phenotype. Some candidate genes participating in cell wall structural remodelling, gibberellin and ethylene pathways were selected with different expressions in pod developmental stages. These results provided novel insights into genetic basis and molecular markers/candidate genes for soybean fresh pod and seed genetic improvement.
Incidence of hospitalization for abusive head trauma in Chiba City, Japan
Authors: Yamaoka Yui , Obikane Erika , Isumi Aya , Miyasaka Mikiko , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds

This study aimed to examine the incidence of abusive head trauma (AHT) admissions by calculating admission rates of AHT cases among infants <12 months old in a population‐based sample in Chiba city, Chiba prefecture, Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively examined medical records of infants admitted to all pediatric secondary and tertiary hospitals in Chiba city between 2011 and 2015. We collected 13 AHT cases, as assessed by hospital‐based multidisciplinary child protection teams. One experienced pediatric radiologist and two pediatricians evaluated the case histories and computed tomography images of cases to evaluate them clinically as “strongly” or “moderately” suspected AHT.

Results

The overall incidence per 100 000 person‐years was 34.5 cases (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.4–59.1), of which 13.3 (95% CI: 4.3–31.0), were strongly suspected to be AHT and 21.3 (95% CI: 9.2–41.9) were moderately suspected. There were no statistical differences in computed tomography findings between severe and moderately suspected AHT.

Conclusions

The incidence of hospitalization of infants with AHT was similar to that reported in population‐based studies in other countries.
Pre-Apprenticeship Training for Young People: Estimating the Marginal and Average Treatment Effects
Authors: Dorsett Richard , Stokes Lucy
Published: July 2021

This paper evaluates traineeships, a voluntary programme of work placement and preparation that aims to help young unemployed people in England compete for jobs and apprenticeships. Applying the method of local instrumental variables to administrative data, we estimate the marginal treatment effects on apprenticeship take-up and employment. The heterogeneous impacts are then aggregated to form an estimate of the average impact of treatment for all participants. The results suggest that, among younger trainees, participation increases the probability of becoming an apprentice and that this holds across the distribution of unobserved heterogeneity. For older trainees, we find no significant effect on the probability of becoming an apprenticeship on average but some evidence of a negative effect among those more resistant to participating. We find no effects on employment for either age group.
Ultrahigh‐dimensional generalized additive model: Unified theory and methods
Authors: Yang Kaixu , Maiti Tapabrata
Published: July 2021

Generalized additive model is a powerful statistical learning and predictive modeling tool that has been applied in a wide range of applications. The need of high‐dimensional additive modeling is eminent in the context of dealing with high throughput data such as genetics data analysis. In this article, we studied a two‐step selection and estimation method for ultrahigh‐dimensional generalized additive models. The first step applies group lasso on the expanded bases of the functions. With high probability this selects all nonzero functions without having too much over selection. The second step uses adaptive group lasso with any initial estimators, including the group lasso estimator, that satisfies some regular conditions. The adaptive group lasso estimator is shown to be selection consistent with improved convergence rates. Tuning parameter selection is also discussed and shown to select the true model consistently under generalized information criterion procedure. The theoretical properties are supported by extensive numerical study.
A Wave Prediction Framework Based on Machine Learning and the Third Generation Wave Model
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhang Xinshu
Published: July 2021

To predict the evolution of wave spectrum in the real ocean, a machine learning framework is developed by training a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network on a physics-based third-generation wave model (Simulating WAve Nearshore (SWAN)). Considering the realistic ocean waves are usually mixtures of windsea and swells, the wave spectrum is partitioned using a watershed algorithm, such that the windsea and swells are analyzed and predicted separately. Four parameters are selected to capture the wave spectrum of each system, including the significant wave height Hs, peaked wave period Tp, mean propagation direction θm, and directional spreading width σθ. The results demonstrate that the LSTM neural network can achieve accurate prediction of wave condition, the mean absolute error percentage (MAEPs) of 1-h prediction is less than 5.9%, 3.3%, 3.5%, and 3.3% for Hs, Tp, θm, and σθ, respectively, and accurate prediction of wave spectra is achieved. Even for the 10-h prediction, satisfactory results are obtained, e.g., the MAEP of Hs is less than 15.5%. The effects of output size (i.e., prediction duration), input data size (i.e., number of delays), as well as different combinations of input features on predictions of wave conditions are examined.
Ultrasound of the chest and mediastinum in children, interventions and artefacts. WFUMB review paper (part 3)
Authors: Fang Cheng , Jaworska Joanna , Buda Natalia , Ciuca Ioana Mihaiela , Dong Yi , Feldkamp Axel , Jüngert Jörg , Kosiak Wojciech , Mentzel Hans Joachim , Pienar Corina , Rabat Jorge S. , Rafailidis Vasileios , Schrading Simone , Schreiber-Dietrich Dagmar , Dietrich Christoph F
Published: July 2021

Ultrasound (US) is an ideal diagnostic tool for paediatric patients owning to its high spatial and temporal resolution, realtime imaging, and lack of ionizing radiation and bedside availability. The lack of superficial adipose tissue and favourable acoustic windows in children makes US the first line of investigation for evaluation of pleural and chest wall abnormalities.In the first part of the topic the technical requirements were explained and the use of ultrasound in the lung and pleura in paediatric patients were discussed. In the second part lung parenchymal diseases with their subpleural consolidations are reflected. In the third part, the use of ultrasound for chest wall, mediastinum, diaphragmatic diseases, trachea, interventions and artifacts in paediatric patients are summarized.
New SARS-CoV-2 Variant from Jordan
Authors: Alanagreh Lo’ai , Ababneh Mustafa , Al-Shudifat Abdel-Ellah , Ajlouny Mai , Abu-Shaikh Hanan , Alzoughool Foad , Al-zghoul Mohammad-Borhan , Atoum Manar , Mahafzeh Azmi
Published: July 2021

A variant of SARS-CoV-2 from Jordan was identified during the second wave of infection. The genome of this variant has a unique set of mutations that suggest local evolution. Due to the continuous emergence of new variants worldwide, molecular surveillance is crucial for fighting the pandemic.