bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocarboxylate Transporters are Involved in Extracellular Matrix Remodelling in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ufuk Ayşe , Garner Terence , Stevens Adam , Latif Ayşe
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a five-year survival rate of <8%. PDAC is characterised by desmoplasia with abundant extracellular matrix (ECM) rendering current therapies ineffective. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are key regulators of cellular metabolism and are upregulated in different cancers, however their role in PDAC desmoplasia is little understood. Here, we investigated MCT and ECM gene expression in primary PDAC patient biopsies using RNA-sequencing data obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. We generated a hypernetwork model from these data to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between MCTs and ECMs. Our analysis of stromal and epithelial tissues (n=189) revealed 9 differentially expressed MCTs, including upregulation of SLC16A2/6/10 and the non-coding SLC16A1-AS1, and 502 ECMs including collagens, laminins, and ECM remodelling enzymes (false discovery rate<0.05). Causal hypernetwork analysis demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between MCTs and ECMs; 4 MCT and 255 ECM-related transcripts correlated with 90% of differentially expressed ECMs (n=376) and MCTs (n=7), respectively. The hypernetwork model was robust, established by two independent approaches involving iterated sampling and silencing of indirect interactions in the network. This transcriptomic analysis highlights the role of MCTs in PDAC desmoplasia via associations with ECMs, opening novel treatment pathways to improve patient survival.

Simple Summary

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) carry a variety of substrates with MCT1-4 being well characterised and involved in proton-coupled transport of monocarboxylates (such as lactate) which can be used as metabolic fuel for cancer cells. Increased acidity of tumour microenvironment via MCTs favours remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to desmoplasia associated with tumour metastasis and poor patient outcomes. Although MCT1-2/4 are upregulated in several cancers, their expression and role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma desmoplasia is little understood. Here, we aimed to understand the role of MCTs in desmoplasia through their associations with ECM components. Our analysis using hypernetworks showed the presence of bidirectional associations of MCTs and ECMs, suggesting the presence of a causal relationship and the need to further investigate their functional associations. It confirms the role of MCTs in desmoplasia highlighting their importance as therapeutic targets alone or in combination with key ECM components to potentially improve patient outcomes.
Mitophagy mediates beige to white transition of human primary subcutaneous adipocytes ex vivo
Authors: Vámos Attila , Shaw Abhirup , Varga Klára , Csomós István , Mocsár Gábor , Balajthy Zoltán , Lányi Cecília , Bacso Zsolt , Szatmári-Tóth Mária , Kristóf Endre
Published: February 2022

Brown and beige adipocytes have multilocular lipid droplets, express uncoupling protein (UCP) 1, and promote energy expenditure. In rodents, when the stimulus of browning subsides, parkin-dependent mitophagy is activated and dormant beige adipocytes persist. In humans, however, the molecular events during beige to white transition were not studied in detail. In this study, human primary subcutaneous abdominal preadipocytes were differentiated to beige for 14 days, then either the beige culture conditions were applied for additional 14 days or it was replaced by a white medium. Control white adipocytes were differentiated by their specific cocktail for 28 days. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-driven beige differentiation resulted in increased mitochondrial biogenesis, UCP1 expression, fragmentation, and respiration as compared to white. Morphology, UCP1-content, mitochondrial fragmentation, and basal respiration of the adipocytes that underwent transition, along with the induction of mitophagy, were similar to control white adipocytes. However, white converted beige adipocytes had a stronger responsiveness to dibutyril-cAMP, which mimics adrenergic stimulus, than the control white ones. Gene expression patterns showed that removal of mitochondria in transitioning adipocytes may involve both parkin-dependent and independent pathways. Preventing entry of beige adipocytes into white transition can be a feasible way to maintain elevated thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
Analysis of RNA by Northern Blotting
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: February 2022

Northern hybridization is used to measure the amount and size of RNAs transcribed from eukaryotic genes and to estimate their abundance. No other method is capable of obtaining these pieces of information simultaneously from a large number of RNA preparations; northern analysis is therefore fundamental to studies of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. To prepare a northern blot for hybridization, RNA must be separated according to size through a denaturing agarose or polyacrylamide gel and transferred to a solid support in a way that preserves its topological distribution within the gel. These important steps in northern analysis are discussed here.
Poly[dipotassium [(μ6-2,2′,2′′,2′′′-{[pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetrayltetrakis(methylene)]tetrakis(sulfanediyl)}tetraacetato)disilver(I)] 5.2-hydrate]
Authors: Pacifico Jessica , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: February 2022

The reaction of AgNO3 with the ligand 2,2′,2′′,2′′′-{[pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetrayltetrakis(methylene)]tetrakis(sulfanediyl)}tetraacetic acid in the presence of a potassium acetate buffer lead to the formation of a silver(I)–potassium–organic framework, poly[dipotassium [(μ6-2,2′,2′′,2′′′-{[pyrazine-2,3,5,6-tetrayltetrakis(methylene)]tetrakis(sulfanediyl)}tetraacetato)disilver(I)] 5.2-hydrate], {K2[Ag2(C16H16N2O8S4)]·5.2H2O}
n
, (I). The asymmetric unit is composed of half a binuclear silver complex located about a center of symmetry, a potassium cation and 2.6 disordered water molecules. The whole binuclear silver complex is generated by inversion symmetry with the pyrazine ring being located about an inversion centre. The ligand coordinates in a bis-tetradentate manner. The binuclear silver complex anions are linked via bridging Ag...S...Ag zigzag bonds, forming a network lying parallel to the bc plane. The networks are linked by Ocarboxylate...K
+...Ocarboxylate bridging bonds to form a framework. The disordered water molecules are present near to the K+ cations.
Classification-based forest management program and farmers' income: evidence from collective forest area in southern China
Authors: Xu Chang , Cheng Baodong , Zhang Mengzhen
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article's purpose is to examine the effect of a Classification-Based Forest Management (CFM) program on farmers' income and determine whether its effect varies with the degree of farmers' concurrent occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use representative panel survey data from Longquan to explore the welfare effects of CFM on farmers. The analysis uses differences-in-differences with propensity score matching (PSM-DID) estimation techniques to deal with endogeneity problems when farmers make the decision to participate in CFM.

Findings

The results show that CFM has a positive effect on part-time forestry households (where forestry income accounts for between 5 and 50% of total income). In contrast, it has a negative impact on full-time forestry households (forestry income accounts for more than 50%), and no clear effect on nonforestry households whose forestry income is less than 5%. This research also shows that the positive effect of CFM on farmers' total income is mainly due to increase of off-farm income driven by CFM, while the negative effects consist of CFM's reduction of forestry income.

Originality/value

The extent of CFM's economic benefits to farmers is uncertain and largely unexplored. This paper analyzes the impact of CFM on income structure to explore the mechanisms explaining its effects on farmers' income. There are still challenges in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of CFM assessment. This paper collected natural experimental data and used the estimation technology of PSM-DID to solve the possible endogeneity problems.
The impact of the threat of COVID-19 on visiting intentions as influenced by different destination logos
Authors: Kim Jungkeun , Park Jooyoung , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Gonzalez-Jimenez Hector , Kim Jae-Eun , De Villiers Rouxelle , Lee Jacob C. , Giroux Marilyn
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This research aims to examine the role of perceived threat (i.e. COVID-19) on people’s preferences for destination logo designs. In addition, it investigates the influence of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and sensation seeking on the aforementioned effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Five experiments are used. Studies 1 A and 1B examine the impact of the threat of COVID-19 on visiting intentions as influenced by different destination logos. Study 2 replicates the previous studies and tests for evidence of mediation by the perceived risk. Studies 3 and 4 investigate the moderating role of childhood SES and sensation seeking.

Findings

The results show that a salient threat of COVID-19 leads people to display higher visiting intentions when presented with simpler (vs complex) destination logo designs. The perceived risk mediates this effect as well. This preference is evident only for people with low (vs high) childhood SES and only for relatively low sensation seekers.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the branding literature by investigating how situational factors can influence affective reactions to brand logos and to the tourism literature by further investigating the impact of logos on visiting intentions.

Practical implications

This study provides actionable insights for tourism marketers and logo designers, allowing them to select or create positively perceived destination logos during a potential global crisis.

Originality/value

This research offers the first evidence that pandemic-related threat perceptions influence people’s visiting intentions when presented with different destination logos, and that these effects are influenced by individual characteristics such as childhood SES or sensation seeking. In doing so, the current study offers a more sophisticated understanding of the potential boundary conditions driving people’s brand logo evaluation.
How do adoption choices influence public private partnership outcomes? Lessons from Spain and Portugal transport infrastructure
Authors: Anago Jude Chidiebere
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Maximising real efficiency benefit (REB) is currently being replaced with access to private finance as core public–private partnership (PPP) adoption motive. This later choice focusses on short-term performance, compromising REB and the procurement of infrastructure that meets the need of the present and future generations, which the former accomplishes. The paper aims to review these observed changes to understand the rationales and significance behind such switch.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data powered exploratory study. Deployed X-inefficiency theory to triangulate and reduce bias and select country cases to provide the proper foundation for the descriptive “what happened?” question, such as “what was the failure concerns with a particular adoption choice?”

Findings

The shift to accessing private finance adoption motive against REB failed to improve PPP project performance or meet efficiency and sustainability. Instead, it allows the private sector to assume financial risk without synergistic monitoring from the government to determine their contractual and commitment trust level, which would help achieve the five-dimensional sustainable performance measurement system for PPP. This led to the struggles of PPP projects in Portugal and Spain, where cost overruns and high demand forecast led to project failures. A recommendation, blended finance with its technical assistance additionality, is considered pivotal to addressing access to private finance motive shortcomings.

Originality/value

This study improves best practices for new and existing adopters by systematically establishing that adoption ideology is a cardinal variable that influences PPP project success. When not correctly adopted, it can make the most successful structured projects face complexities and uncertainty.
Exploring the nexus of equality and efficiency in healthcare
Authors: Cinaroglu Songul
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nexus of equality and efficiency by considering public hospitals' development dynamics, capacity and technology indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from the Ministry of Health Public Hospital Almanacs from 2014 to 2017. The Gini index (GI) is used to estimate the inequality of distribution of hospital performance indicators. A bias-corrected efficiency analysis is calculated to obtain efficiency scores of public hospitals for the year 2017. A path analysis is then constructed to better identify patterns of causation among a set of development, equality and efficiency variables.

Findings

A redefined path model highlights that development dynamics, equality and efficiency are causally related and health technology (path coefficient = 0.57; t = 19.07; p < 0.01) and health services utilization (path coefficient = 0.24; t = 8; p < 0.01) effects public hospital efficiency. The final path model fit well (X2/df = 50.99/8 = 6; RMSEA = 0.089; NFI = 0.95; CFI = 0.96; GFI = 0.98; AGFI = 0.94). Study findings indicate high inequalities in distribution of health technologies (GI > 0.85), number of surgical operations (GI > 0.70) and number of inpatients (GI > 0.60) among public hospitals for the years 2014–2017.

Originality/value

Study results highlight that, hospital managers should prioritize equal distribution of health technology and health services utilization indicators to better orchestrate equity-efficiency trade-off in their operations.
Availability optimization of biological and chemical processing unit using genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization
Authors: Saini Monika , Goyal Drishty , Kumar Ashish , Patil Rajkumar Bhimgonda
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The demand of sewage treatment plants is increasing day by day, especially in the countries like India. Biological and chemical unit of such sewage treatment plants are critical and needs to be designed and developed to achieve desired level of reliability, maintainability and availability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates and optimizes the availability of biological and chemical unit of a sewage treatment plant. A novel mathematical model for this unit is developed using the Markovian birth-death process. A set of Chapman–Kolmogorov differential equations are derived for the model and a generalized solution is discovered using soft computing techniques namely genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO).

Findings

Nature-inspired optimization techniques results of availability function depicted that PSO outperforms GA. The optimum value of the availability of biological and chemical processing unit is 0.9324 corresponding to population size 100, the number of evolutions 300, mutation 0.6 and crossover 0.85 achieved using GA while PSO results reflect that optimum achieved availability is 0.936240 after 45 iterations. Finally, it is revealed that PSO outperforms than GA.

Research limitations/implications

This paper investigates and optimizes the availability of biological and chemical units of a sewage treatment plant. A novel mathematical model for this unit is developed using the Markovian birth-death process.

Originality/value

Availability model of biological and chemical units of a sewage treatment is developed using field failure data and judgments collected from the experts. Furthermore, availability of the system has been optimized to achieve desired level of reliability and maintainability.
Decreasing e-waste through reliability enhancement encouraged by performance-based contracting
Authors: Uvet Hasan , Celik Hasan , Cevikparmak Sedat , Adana Saban , Idug Yavuz
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In the last 20 years, e-waste has become a serious issue resulting from an overwhelming amount of electronics consumption. However, there has been limited research on how to decrease such waste in a structured manner. Toward study was to use a simulation methodology to investigate the dynamics of upfront investment in reliability enhancement promoted by performance-based contracting (PBC), based on the number of spare parts and duration of the contract.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research first details the relevant mathematical equations and uses game theory to demonstrate the utility for supplier and buyer relationships. Next, the effects of reliability enhancement, spare partsPBC are analyzed using a BlockSim simulation model.

Findings

The results indicate strong relationships among system design cost, reliability, availability and service cost. The authors found that investment in reliability increases system availability while reducing total service costs. Furthermore, increasing the spare parts inventory was determined to have less influence on the readiness of highly reliable systems. The findings support the notion that PBC reduces e-waste by increasing system availability, incentivizing upfront investment in reliability growth.

Research limitations/implications

Recognition of these findings in the context of buyer–supplier relationships will help managers better understand the value of upfront reliability investment, reducing maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements, avoiding the need to plan for extra spare parts and minimizing volume and the resulting e-waste.

Practical implications

This study also clarifies the uncertainty associated with upfront investment and provides potential incentives for suppliers.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is its use of PBC for e-waste reduction, highlighting the effects of upfront investment in reliability enhancement. The authors applied a game theory model to illustrate the relationship between incentives and upfront investment and demonstrate how increased levels of spare parts can be counterproductive to achieving readiness, reducing inventory and consequent e-waste.
Product quality optimization vs production capacity optimization: an analytical perspective
Authors: Goswami Mohit , Daultani Yash
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to devise generalized unconstrained optimization models for ascertaining the optimal level of product quality and production capacity level by modeling both product price and production cost as a function of product quality. Further, interrelations among investment for quality, product quality and production volume are considered. This study contributes toward the extant research, in that nuances related to price, production volume, and product quality are fused together such that two broad operational strategies of product quality optimization and production capacity optimization can be contrasted.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objectives, the authors evolve unconstrained optimization models such that optimal product quality level and optimal production capacity level can be obtained employing the principles of differential calculus aimed at maximizing the manufacturer's profit. Specifically, nuances related to quality technology and efficiency, and quality loss cost has also been integrated in the integrated model. Thereafter, employing numerical analysis for a generalized product, the detailed workings of evolved models are demonstrated. The authors further carry out the sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of investment for quality onto the manufacturer's profit for both operational strategies.

Findings

The research demonstrates that the manufacturer would be better off adopting production capacity optimization strategy as an operational policy, as opposed to product quality optimization policy for the manufacturer's profit maximization. Further, considering the two operational strategies, the manufacturer does not obtain the highest possible theoretical profit when pertinent variables (product quality and production capacity) are set at highest possible theoretical level. This research discusses that in low-volume and high-margin products, it might be useful to adopt a product quality optimization strategy as a production capacity optimization strategy results in significantly high quality loss cost.

Originality/value

The findings of our study have a significant implication for industries such as steel-making, cement production, automotive industry wherein the conventional wisdom dictates that higher level of production capacity utilization always results in higher level of revenues. However, the authors deduce that beyond certain production capacity utilization, striving for higher utilization does not fetch additional profit. This work also adds to the extant research literature, in that it integrates the nuances of product quality, production volume and pricing in an integrative manner.
Voluntary disclosure-cost of equity nexus and the moderating role of corporate governance: evidence from an extremely politically unstable context
Authors: Abu Alia Muiz , Abdeljawad Islam , Jallad Sara Emad , Rashid Mamunur
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Higher degree of and commitment to voluntary disclosure (VD) and corporate governance (CG) helps contain information asymmetry, leading to lower cost of equity (Ke). This study provides evidence on the nexus among VD, CG, and Ke from a context characterized by extreme political instability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses all non-bank companies listed with the Palestine Exchange during 2009–2018. The level of VD was estimated by using a checklist of 35 items modified for the context of Palestine. A second checklist with 19 items was used to measure the commitment of the Palestinian companies with CG requirements. Five proxies for Ke were tested: three ex-ante Capital Asset Pricing Model-like proxies and two ex-post realized return proxies.

Findings

The findings state that the VD negatively impacted Ke. Interaction effect of CG and VD helps reduce the Ke. As such, for firms with better CG, the increase in VD decreases the Ke more than their standalone effect. For control variables, leverage, size and growth of firms exhibited positive impacts on Ke, whereas quality of auditors found a negative connection.

Practical implications

Managers in similar context, like Palestine, may prefer flexibility of smaller size and adopt conservative growth strategies to cope with adverse events. Firms adopt CG and VD as complementary forces to tackle instability and market expectation.

Originality/value

Studies connecting VD-CG-Ke nexus from similar context are rare. Results of this study forward that emphasis on disclosure and governance practices will help boost the confidence of the investors, reduce the Ke and create an incentive for more investment.
The role of access-based apparel in processes of consumer identity construction
Authors: Sörum Niklas , Gianneschi Marcus
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study is to analyse negotiations about ownership and style in access-based apparel related to processes of identity construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a qualitative and interpretative method and relies on semi-structured depth interviews and focus group interviews with clothing library users as the main data source. The conceptual context of this paper is that of consumer culture theory approaches to consumer identity construction and the role of object ownership in consumer identity projects.

Findings

The empirical analysis highlights how processes of consumer identity construction related to symbolic values of clothing and self-possession mechanisms related to ownership are negotiated in encounters with access-based types of fashion consumption with effects on potential consumer adoption of access-based forms of consumption. The findings are structured in six analytical themes.

Social implications

There are several aspects of this research which are of relevance to the sustainability agenda and which have societal implications. Identity has been identified, in previous research, as a key conceptual tool for exploring, predicting and deepening the understanding of pro-environmental and sustainable behaviours. As such, if the aim is to strengthen the commitment of societies to environmental and sustainable behaviours, then this will require greater knowledge of consumers' identities and meaning-making processes. This is a challenge, not least in terms of recognizing the barriers identified in this study as relating to issues of consumer identity construction.

Originality/value

This study reveals multiple possibilities as well as barriers for implementing collaborative apparel consumption schemes in a fashion and apparel context. Some of the barriers might be explained by clothing's emotional character and close relationship to identity formation. Furthermore, the participants questioned whether access and renting services could substitute the meanings of owning. In conclusion, the authors argue that clothing may be a challenging type of goods to integrate in liquid forms of consumption and findings point out complexities amongst fashion-conscious consumers regarding meaning and identity values of collaborative apparel consumption. Theoretical contributions of an interpretative consumer identity approach for understanding barriers as well as possibilities for consumer adoption of access-based fashion are developed in the concluding sections of the article.
A comparative study of valaciclovir, valganciclovir, and artesunate efficacy in reactivated HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections associated with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Maltsev Dmitry
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of valaciclovir, valganciclovir, and artesunate in treating chronic reactivated human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV‐6) and human herpesvirus type 7 (HHV‐7) infection associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). From 255 patients (192 cases) with reactivated HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections (confirmed based on blood leukocyte PCR), valaciclovir, valganciclovir, or artesunate was administered at a dose of 3000, 900, and 100 mg/day, respectively, for 3 months (study group). The control group consisted of similar patients with ME/CFS (n = 63) not taking any antiviral drugs. The significance of differences was evaluated by Student's t‐test and the nonparametric criterion—the number of Z‐signs. Negative PCR results in patients with HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 treated with valaciclovir was achieved in 26% and 23% (first month), 34%, and 28% (second month), 37% and 34% of cases (third month), respectively (P < 0.05; Z < Z0.05). The same results with valganciclovir were obtained in 35% and 33% (first month), 44% and 39% (second month), 48% and 45% of cases (third month), but with artesunate in 44% and 41% (first month), 57% and 53% (second month), 68% and 63% of cases (third month), respectively (P < 0.05; Z < Z0.05). Artesunate is more effective than valganciclovir and valacyclovir in patients with ME/CFS with reactivated HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 infections.
A spectrum of magical consciousness: Conspiracy theories and the stories we tell ourselves
Authors: Greenwood Susan
Published: February 2022

Magical thinking expressed in conspiracy theories is alive and well, as recent insurrection events at the US Capitol have shown, where alt‐right White supremacist activists stormed the government waving Confederate flags and a noose to hang the vice president. This article suggests that such ‘magical consciousness’ is a pan‐human mode of participatory awareness that plays out in a spectrum of various cultural situations with very different objectives and outcomes. While alt‐right conspiracy theories are based in a fascistic, neo‐Nazi, Christianized ‘blood and soil’ battle intent on fostering racial and social separatism, many contemporary British pagan practitioners of magic, for example, might use the same myths but with broadly inclusive meanings. At its most basic level, magical consciousness forms relationships between things created through myths and the stories people tell each other. Broadening the perspective, I suggest that anthropological theories might also be viewed as ‘stories’ in the form of frameworks guided by scientific analysis with their own changing history.
Evidence for long‐lasting alterations in the fecal microbiota following prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Bodnar Tamara S. , Lee Christopher , Wong Athena , Rubin Ilan , Wegener Parfrey Laura , Weinberg Joanne
Published: February 2022

Background

There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota can be shaped by early‐life experiences/exposures, with long‐term consequences for brain, behavior, and health. Changes in the gut microbiota have also been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder and schizophrenia. In contrast, no studies to date have investigated whether the gut microbiota is altered in individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the neurodevelopmental disorder that results from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The current study was designed to assess the impact of PAE on the fecal microbiota.

Methods

We used a rodent model in which pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were provided with an EtOH‐containing diet or a control diet throughout gestation. Fecal samples were collected from adult male and female animals and 16s rRNA sequencing was performed.

Results

Overall, PAE rats showed greater richness of bacterial species, with community structure investigations demonstrating distinct clustering by prenatal treatment. In addition, prenatal treatment and sex‐specific alterations were observed for many specific microbes. For example, in males, Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, and in females, Faecalitalea and Proteus, differed in abundance between PAE and control rats.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results show for the first time that PAE has a long‐lasting and sex‐specific impact on the fecal microbiota. Further research is needed that considers fetal microbiota in the development of new interventions in FASD.
Stressful life events and depression in late pregnancy: Comparison between rural and metropolitan women using data from an Australian cohort study
Authors: Catanzariti Gabriella , Watson Stuart , Oehmen Raoul , MacMillan Kelli , Galbally Megan
Published: February 2022

Objective

To identify whether a diagnosis of depression combined with rurality, compared with either depression or living in metropolitan areas alone, is associated with experiencing more stressful life events in pregnancy.

Design

This study uses data from 402 pregnant women (206 metropolitan and 196 rural), enrolled in the Western Australian arm of the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study. Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study is a prospective, longitudinal cohort with women recruited during early pregnancy (<20 weeks) across 3 groups: those with diagnosed depression, those taking antidepressant medication and control.

Participants

Women were recruited from 3 metropolitan and 3 rural hospitals in Western Australia from 2017 to 2018 and 2018 to 2020, respectively. This study uses antenatal data collected at recruitment and during third trimester (weeks 32‐34).

Main outcome measures

The Stressful Life Events Scale was used to measure the number of self‐reported stressful events. The degree of perceived stress due to the stressful event was also reported.

Results

Compared to pregnant metropolitan women diagnosed with depression, pregnant rural women with depression were more likely to report experiencing at least 1 stressful life event. Despite this, pregnant women with depression in both regions reported similar numbers of stressful life events.

Conclusions

This study highlights women in rural Western Australia diagnosed with depression might be more vulnerable to experiencing stressful life events than rural women without depression and their metropolitan counterparts. Due to known adverse effects of antenatal depression and stress on maternal well‐being and child outcomes, there is a clear need for targeted, preventative interventions for Australian rural women during this period.
Conjuring criminals
Authors: DRYBREAD K.
Published: February 2022

By compiling official paperwork, bureaucrats in institutional settings effectively make their clients into the particular “types” of subjects best suited to preestablished institutional interventions. The efficacy of such paperwork stems from bureaucrats’ unspoken—and perhaps unacknowledged—belief in sympathetic magic, or a person's ability to transform another person or object by working on a representation of them (in this case, their institutional case file). The practice of sympathetic magic via official paperwork is particularly pervasive in disciplinary settings, like prisons, where institutional imperatives and cultural biases encourage professionals to substitute documentation for face‐to‐face interactions with their clients. How such magic works in practice becomes evident in an examination of case files belonging to adolescents incarcerated in a Brazilian juvenile prison during the first decade of the 21st century. In this case, each document added to an incarcerated individual's case file contributes to transforming him into an irredeemable criminal. [bureaucracy, magic, documents, documentation, crime, criminalization, prison, Brazil]
The ethical gene
Authors: Brandt Reuven
Published: February 2022

In this paper I argue that current law and policy governing germline genetic modification are overly broad and in fact prohibit medical interventions normally considered unobjectionable. The root of the problem lies in the fact law and policy tend to espouse a near categorical ban on medical interventions that alter germline DNA. However, if we pay close attention to the biological mechanisms at play we see that many standard medical interventions result in alterations to DNA that can be transmitted to future generations. The correct focus of policy and regulation thus ought to be determining which kinds of transmissible genetic modifications ought to be permitted, and not whether they should be permitted at all. Given that the scientific classification of biological structures involved in the inheritance of traits is unlikely to be in itself ethically significant, ethicists ought to develop a definition of 'gene' fit for ethical purposes.
Protein kinase Cα activation switches YAP1 from TEAD‐mediated signaling to p73‐mediated signaling
Authors: Sinclear Caleb Kwame , Maruyama Junichi , Nagashima Shunta , Arimoto‐Matsuzaki Kyoko , Kuleape Joshua Agbemefa , Iwasa Hiroaki , Nishina Hiroshi , Hata Yutaka
Published: February 2022

Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) interacts with TEAD transcription factor in the nucleus and upregulates TEAD‐target genes. YAP1 is phosphorylated by large tumor suppressor (LATS) kinases, the core kinases of the Hippo pathway, at 5 serine residues and is sequestered and degraded in the cytoplasm. In human cancers with the dysfunction of the Hippo pathway, YAP1 becomes hyperactive and confers malignant properties to cancer cells. We have observed that cold shock induces protein kinase C (PKC)‐mediated phosphorylation of YAP1. PKC phosphorylates YAP1 at 3 serine residues among LATS‐mediate phosphorylation sites. Importantly, PKC activation recruits YAP1 to the cytoplasm even in LATS‐depleted cancer cells and reduces the cooperation with TEAD. PKC activation induces promyelocytic leukemia protein‐mediated SUMOylation of YAP1. SUMOylated YAP1 remains in the nucleus, binds to p73, and promotes p73‐target gene transcription. Bryostatin, a natural anti‐neoplastic reagent that activates PKC, induces YAP1/p73‐mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. Bryostatin reverses malignant transformation caused by the depletion of LATS kinases. Therefore, bryostatin and other reagents that activate PKC are expected to control cancers with the dysfunction of the Hippo pathway.
Mealtime best practices and infection control in early care and education centres during COVID‐19
Authors: Farrer Mackie Joanna , Marshall Jennifer , Alkon Abbey , Gray Heewon , Himmelgreen David , Kirby Russell S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Most young children in the United States attend early care and education (ECE) programmes, where they consume the majority of daily calories. Best practices to support children's healthy eating include teachers sitting together with children, eating the same food, and appropriately supporting children in serving and feeding themselves. To understand how the COVID‐19 pandemic changed mealtime practices in ECE, this study (1) describes what adaptations ECE directors and teachers made to mealtimes to include best practices, and (2) identifies common adaptations made to comply with COVID‐19 infection control guidelines.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, mixed‐methods study utilized survey and interview questions based on the trust model and social cognitive theory. More than 7000 surveys were distributed to ECE directors and teachers in Florida. Surveys were completed by 759 directors and 431 teachers. Also, 29 follow‐up interviews with teachers were completed. Participants were asked to describe their mealtimes before and during COVID‐19. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyse survey data, and thematic analysis was applied to interview data.

Results

Less than 5% of survey respondents reported children serving themselves, a pre‐COVID best practice. Interviews identified three common adaptations: (1) modification—best practices were incorporated into new routines, such as eating together but sitting farther away, (2) elimination—routines changed so that best practices were no longer possible, such as teachers wearing masks and standing during meals, and (3) minimal change—minimal changes due to COVID‐19 occurred and consequently mealtime practices did not change.

Conclusions

Current recommendations do not allow children to self‐serve, which previously was a key best practice. ECE centres that have successfully integrated COVID‐19 modifications and maintained mealtime best practices—perhaps in a new form—can serve as examples for others. These findings are generalizable to ECE centres in Florida and could be compared with other states.
Characterizing the oral and distal gut microbiota of the threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) to enhance conservation practice
Authors: Dudek Natasha K. , Switzer Alexandra D. , Costello Elizabeth K. , Murray Michael J. , Tomoleoni Joseph A. , Staedler Michelle M. , Tinker M. Tim , Relman David A.
Published: February 2022

The southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) is a threatened sub‐species in coastal ecosystems. To understand better the role of diet, monitor health, and enhance management of this and other marine mammal species, we characterized the oral (gingival) and distal gut (rectal and fecal) microbiota of 158 wild southern sea otters living off the coast of central California, USA, and 12 captive sea otters, some of which were included in a diet shift experiment. We found that the sea otter fecal microbiota was distinct from that of three other otter species, and that captivity does not significantly alter the community structure of the sea otter gingival or distal gut microbiota. Metagenomic analysis unexpectedly revealed that the majority of sea otter fecal DNA is derived from prey, rather than from indigenous bacteria or host cells as with most other mammals. We speculate that a reduced bacterial biomass in the sea otter gut reflects rapid gut transit time and a particular strategy for foraging and energy harvest. This study establishes a reference for the healthy sea otter microbiota, highlights how a marine lifestyle may shape the mammalian microbiota, and may inform future health assessments and conservation management of sea otter populations.
Elizabeth Goodrich
Authors: Goodrich Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Widespread virtual work has attracted more clients from around the country, and being a small company is recognized as an advantage for its ability to be nimble.
Comparison of self‐perceived competence of recent dental graduates from the Universities of Otago and Dalhousie
Authors: Adam Lee Ann , Georgy Michael Adel Shawky , Konthasingha Priyangika , Meldrum Alison Margaret , Oranje Joanne Maree , Sejpal Rohan Mehul
Published: February 2022

Introduction

This study investigates and compares the self‐perceived competencies of recent dental graduates from the University of Otago (UoO) (Dunedin, New Zealand) and Dalhousie University (DU) (Nova Scotia, Canada).

Materials and Methods

A validated survey was emailed to recent graduates from the UoO (December 2019) and DU (May 2020). Chi‐squared statistical analysis examined the differences between groups.

Results

The response rate was 73% from the UoO class and 75% from the DU class. Out of 59 competencies, 11 items showed a significant difference. Orthodontics and the surgical aspects of dentistry were the main areas where significant differences have been observed between the two cohorts. Out of the four items in orthodontics, a significantly higher proportion of DU graduates felt more competent than graduates from UoO in three items (“performing orthodontic treatment planning,” “performing space maintenance/regaining” and “performing orthodontic full‐arch alignment”; p < .001). Similarly, graduates from DU felt significantly more competent in three of the eight items in the oral and maxillofacial surgery domain (“managing complications of oral surgery,” “performing soft‐tissue biopsies” and “managing trauma to the dentofacial complex”; p < .001), all requiring surgical training and skills.

Conclusion

Of the differences identified, graduates from DU reported higher levels of self‐perceived competence compared with their UoO counterparts, especially in the orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery domains. This could be because DU students have more practice in these specialties during their training. The results suggest that increased exposure for UoO students in these areas may be beneficial to their self‐perceived competence.
Erinnerungsmomente in der Lyrik Brinkmanns. Zehe, Skunk und Frank Sinatra
Authors: Zechner Dominik
Published: February 2022

Rolf Dieter Brinkmanns Gedichte zählen zu den wichtigsten Innovationsmomenten der deutschsprachigen Literatur in der zweiten Hälfte des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts. Der Tradition der beat poets verpflichtet, läutete Brinkmann in Deutschland das Zeitalter der sogenannten „Pop‐Literatur” ein – und offerierte eine literarische Welt, die sich eng an der Logik spätkapitalistischer Konsumkultur orientierte. Der vorliegende Aufsatz geht der Frage nach, inwiefern das plötzliche Sich‐Auftun von Vergangenem, von Räumen, Momenten und Orten der Erinnerung im Gedicht für Brinkmanns Kritik an Kapitalismus und Kulturindustrie eine zentrale Rolle spielt. Es wird gezeigt, wie das lyrische Interesse am augenscheinlich Banalen und Trivialen von Massenware und kulturindustriellem Konsumgut in eine subversive Ausfaltung von Zeitebenen mündet, die dem Gedicht und der Sprache dasjenige zurückerstattet, was der Markt ihnen genommen hat: ein Gedächtnis.
Effect of Fe3+ and F− on black micro‐arc oxidation ceramic coating of magnesium alloy
Authors: Zhang Zhenqian , He Fei , Huang Changxu , Song Zekai , Yang Jinxiao , Wang Xudong
Published: February 2022

This study focuses on a black micro‐arc oxidation ceramic coating prepared on the surface of magnesium alloy by the technology of micro‐arc oxidation in the electrolyte containing F– and Fe3+ as well as its mechanism of F– and Fe3+. It needs coatings to experience detail analyses on their thickness, roughness, corrosion resistance, thermal control property, valence states of elements, phase composition, and morphology of coatings, respectively, through coating thickness gauge, roughness tester, electrochemical workstation, AE radiometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results showed that with the help of F– in electrolyte, Fe3+ can be complexed and MgF2 can be obtained in the coating, which reduces the pores on the surface of micro‐arc oxidation coating. In addition, Fe3+ in the electrolyte contributes to the preparation of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 in the coating, which can blacken the surface of the coating. Both F– and Fe3+ benefit to improve the corrosion resistance and thermal control performance of micro‐arc oxidation coating. There is higher iron oxide in the outer layer but higher fluoride in the inner layer of the coating.
Comparative evaluation of the fracture resistance of newly developed prefabricated fibreglass crowns and zirconium crowns
Authors: Çiftçi Zülfikar Zahit , Şahin İpek , Karayılmaz Hüseyin
Published: February 2022

Background

Prefabricated fibreglass crowns (PFCs) require less tooth structure reduction than prefabricated zirconium crowns (PZCs) for restoring primary molars. Little is known, however, about their mechanical properties.

Aim

To investigate the fatigue survival and fracture resistance of PZCs and PFCs cemented with two different types of luting cement [glass‐ionomer cement (GIC) and resin‐modified GIC (RMGIC)].

Design

One hundred and twenty extracted human primary molars were randomly divided into subgroups (n = 15) according to the crown type (PFCs/PZCs), the luting cement (GIC/RMGIC) and crowns subjected to the chewing simulation test with thermocycling mechanical loading (CSTTML). The surfaces of the teeth were reduced by approximately 2 mm in the PZC group and 1 mm in the PFC group. All the samples were subjected to fracture tests.

Results

None of the samples subjected to CSTTML exhibited signs of surface damage, fracture or premature debonding. The forces required to fracture PFCs were higher than those required for PZCs in all groups (p = .001). The highest mean fracture resistance values were obtained from the group of PFCs cemented with GIC that were subjected to the CSTTML (2515.8 N ± 619.2 N).

Conclusions

PFCs presented high fatigue survival and could be used as alternatives to PZCs as they require less tooth structure reduction. Crowns cemented with GIC had a similar fracture resistance value when compared with RMGIC.
Testing trapping protocols for detecting the Citrus Longhorn Beetle, Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Marchioro Matteo , Bianchi Alessandro , Ciampitti Mariangela , Faccoli Massimo
Published: February 2022

Citrus Longhorn Beetle (CLB), Anoplophora chinensis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a highly polyphagous species native to eastern and south‐eastern Asia. In 2000, an outbreak of A. chinensis was detected in Lombardy Region (Italy). In 2017, an extensive trapping experiment was conducted at three infested sites in order to evaluate the effectiveness of three variables: trap model (Econex soft cross‐vane trap, Witasek cross‐vane trap and Witasek multi‐funnel trap), trap position (on a wooden pole in an open space or in the canopy of a host tree) and type of lure (ChemTica, Synergy and Glabriwit pheromones). Each combination of variables was replicated five times at each site, giving a total of 270 traps. At the end of the study, 162 adults had been caught, with catches gradually increasing during the month of June to peak in early July. The two cross‐vane traps outperformed the multi‐funnel traps and the Econex traps captured more females than the Witasek traps, probably due to the structure of the collecting funnel. The three lures had similar catch performance, although the best combination was the Econex trap with Synergy blend, due to the remarkable variability in catches observed with Glabriwit blend. Finally, traps set in the tree canopy outperformed traps set on wooden poles. In conclusion, the best protocol was the use of Econex cross‐vane traps baited with Synergy blend and deployed on the canopy of the host trees.