bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of knowledge generation between training and development of human talent and innovative performance
Authors: Acosta-Prado Julio César , López-Montoya Oscar Hernán , Tafur-Mendoza Arnold Alejandro
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between training and development (TD) of human talent and innovative performance (IP) while considering the mediating role of knowledge generation (KG).

Design/methodology/approach

An explanatory design with latent variables was used, represented through a system of structural equations made up of observable and latent variables. The study had a sample of 1,572 companies belonging to the Colombian manufacturing industrial sector between 2017 and 2018. The instrument used in this research was the survey on technological development and innovation in the manufacturing industry EDIT IX. The statistical approach for estimating the parameters of the structural equation model (SEM) was the variance-based or PLS-SEM approach.

Findings

The results link the existing theory on the relationship between TD of human talent and IP with the empirical evidence in Colombian manufacturing companies. In addition, the research highlights the role of KG in the relationship presented, which leads to the conclusion that it is an essential factor for any organization today.

Originality/value

The findings obtained are practical use for the various agents involved in the management of manufacturing companies. At present, it is not only important for companies to generate good economic returns. It is necessary to focus on IP, which will favor the economic and non-economic firm performance, which involves the improvement in the quality of the products and services offered.
Environmentally friendly landscape management improves oilseed rape yields by increasing pollinators and reducing pests
Authors: Perrot Thomas , Bretagnolle Vincent , Gaba Sabrina
Published: May 2022

Pollination and pest control are two major ecological functions sustaining crop yield. In insect‐pollinated crops, previous studies have revealed that an increase in resources and habitats in landscapes can increase pest control by natural enemies as well as insect pollination by pollinators. However, data have been lacking that simultaneously considers the effects of landscape on both pollinators and pests, and the direct and indirect effects on yields of farming practices interacting with landscape, bees and pests.

This study aimed to fill this gap by focusing on oilseed rape (OSR), an insect‐pollinated crop of high economic value. We first quantified the effects of landscape and farming practices on both bee and pest abundance caught in OSR blooming season in 124 farmed fields over a 6‐year study (~20 fields sampled per year), and then used structural equation modelling to assess the direct and indirect links between bees, pests, farming practices and landscape on yield.

The results showed that landscape had a stronger effect on bee and pest abundance than agrochemical farming practices. Bees and pests decreased with the amount of OSR in the landscape surrounding the focal field, and showed contrasted effects with the amount of meadow and organic farming: positive for bees and negative for pests. Bee abundance also increased with the amount of sunflower in the landscape the preceding year, and decreased with increasing field size.

While agrochemicals surprisingly had barely any effect on bees and pests, their use improved OSR yield, although at a similar magnitude as bee and pest abundances.

Synthesis and application. This study, conducted in commercial crop fields, underlines the important contribution of sustainable landscape management for enhancing OSR yield. Despite agrochemicals' ability to improve or maintain OSR yields, their unconditional use is unsustainable due to negative externalities. Therefore, alternative options such as those highlighted in our study—such as reducing field size, increasing the amount of organic farming in the landscape, or sowing OSR in landscapes rich in sunflowers the preceding year—appear to be relevant tools to promote ecosystem services, maintain yield and conserve biodiversity. These findings support the potential of nature‐based solutions to foster more sustainable agriculture.
Socioeconomic status and early reading achievement: How working memory and cognitive flexibility mediate the relation in low‐achieving and typically developing K to first grade students
Authors: Barnes Zachary T. , Boedeker Peter , Cartwright Kelly B. , Zhang Bingshi
Published: May 2022

Studies have demonstrated significant associations between executive function (EF) and reading ability. Many of these studies have evaluated this association through composite EF skills. In this study, we evaluated the indirect effects of working memory (WM) and cognitive flexibility (CF) in the relation between kindergarten socioeconomic status (SES) and first‐grade reading achievement. Through a two‐period estimation of mediating effects, we also examined these same relationships within low‐achieving (LA) and typically developing (TD) readers. For these investigations, nationally representative data from the United States were utilised from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011. Results revealed significant EF and SES differences between TD and LA readers. Additionally, WM mediated around 11% of the association between kindergarten SES and first‐grade reading achievement while CF mediated 2.6%. The comparison of results between LA and TD readers yielded differences in mediating effects. For LA readers, 15% of the association was mediated by WM, but for TD only, 7.8% was mediated. CF mediated a small amount in both groups. Both WM and CF mediate the relation between kindergarten SES and first‐grade reading achievement. These findings are important because they provide clear evidence that EF ability may partially account for achievement gaps in reading ability from kindergarten to first grade.
Perimortem dynamics of blood potassium concentration in patients dying in intensive care unit: A prospective nested cohort study
Authors: Schmidt Matouš , Waldauf Petr , Krbec Martin , Duška František
Published: May 2022

To enable diagnosis of hyperkalemia from the perimortem blood sample, we aim to describe the natural dynamics of blood potassium [K+] in patients dying after withdrawal of care while in an intensive care unit.

In a nested sub‐study of international Death Prediction and Physiology after Removal of Therapy (DePPaRT) project, we obtained serial whole‐blood samples and analyzed ions and acid–base parameters in 23 patients just before life‐sustaining treatment withdrawal, at the time of death, and after 5 and 30 min after death.

Of the 631 patients in the DePPaRT study, we obtained consent and enrolled 23 subjects in the [K+] sub‐study (12 M, 11F, aged 73 ± 14 years), mostly dying from irreversible brain damage or multi‐organ failure. Blood [K+] rose from the median 4.3 (IQR 3.9; 4.8) mEq/L at treatment withdrawal to 5.2 (IQR 5.0; 6.8) mEq/L at death and then to 5.85 (IQR 5.2; 6.8) mEq/L after 30 min (mean rise of +0.64 mEq.L−1.h−1). These changes were associated with progressive lactic and hypercapnic acidemia. After correcting the measured [K+] for pH by subtracting 0.6 mEq/L from [K+] for every 0.1 pH decrease from 7.40, the calculated [K+] remained normal or decreased from that measured at treatment withdrawal.

In contrast to the late autolysis phase, the early changes of blood [K+] after death are slow and can be fully explained by progressive acidemia. Our data suggest that the diagnosis of hyperkalemia at death from a blood sample obtained within 30 min after death can be made by adjusting the [K+] concentration to a pH 7.40.
Hobby and part‐time farmers in a multifunctional landscape: Environmentalism, lifestyles, and amenity
Authors: Song Bingjie , Robinson Guy M , Bardsley Douglas K
Published: May 2022

Hobby and part‐time farming have become important elements of agricultural development in peri‐urban areas of developed countries. Although there has been renewed interest recently in examining the characteristics of this farming, studies have rarely attempted to consider its role in transitional multifunctional landscapes. This article reports on research in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, using surveys and semi‐structured interviews to examine contributions of hobby and part‐time farmers to an evolving multifunctionality. Hobby farmers are often recent, well‐educated migrants transferring capital from urban areas to the peri‐urban fringe. They engage in various on‐farm and off‐farm activities, with an emphasis on pro‐environmental actions and/or keeping horses. In contrast, part‐time farmers commonly have a farming background and are often transitioning out of farming while retaining farm‐based enterprises representing up to half their household income. While hobby farmers are seeking amenity value from the fringe, part‐time farmers are a more integral component of the conventional rural economy. A re‐evaluation of the importance of the growing numbers of hobby and part‐time farmers is vital as urbanisation pressures increase in peri‐urban fringes of major Australian cities. These farmers represent an important bulwark against urban sprawl, helping to retain agricultural and environmental land uses on the fringe.
Shared risk factors for COVID‐19 and preeclampsia in the first trimester: An observational study
Authors: Serrano Berta , Mendoza Manel , Garcia‐Aguilar Paula , Bonacina Erika , Garcia‐Ruiz Itziar , Garcia‐Manau Pablo , Gil Judit , Armengol‐Alsina Mireia , Fernandez‐Hidalgo Nuria , Sulleiro Elena , Lopez‐Martinez Rosa Maria , Ricart Marta , Martin Lourdes , Lopez‐Quesada Eva , Vives Angels , Maroto Anna , Maiz Nerea , Suy Anna , Carreras Elena
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The association between preeclampsia and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is under study. Previous publications have hypothesized the existence of shared risk factors for both conditions or a deficient trophoblastic invasion as possible explanations for this association. The primary aim of this study was to examine baseline risk factors measured in the first‐trimester combined screening for preeclampsia in pregnant women with COVID‐19 compared with the general population. A secondary aim of this study was to compare risk factors among patients with mild and severe COVID‐19.

Material and Methods

This was an observational retrospective study conducted at Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus (Catalonia, Spain). Study patients were 231 pregnant women undergoing the first‐trimester screening for preeclampsia and positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 between February 2020 and September 2021. The reference cohort were 13 033 women of the general population from six centers across Catalonia from May 2019 to June 2021. Based on the need for hospitalization, patients were classified in two groups: mild and severe COVID‐19. First‐trimester screening for preeclampsia included maternal history, mean arterial blood pressure, mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtAPI), placental growth factor (PlGF), and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A).

Results

The proportion of cases at high risk for preeclampsia was significantly higher among the COVID‐19 group compared with the general population (19.0% and 13.2%, respectively; p = 0.012). When analyzing risk factors for preeclampsia individually, women with COVID‐19 had higher median body mass index (25.2 vs 24.5, p = 0.041), higher UtAPI multiple of the median (MoM) (1.08 vs 1.00, p < 0.001), higher incidence of chronic hypertension (2.8% vs 0.9%, p = 0.015), and there were fewer smokers (5.7% vs 11.6%, p = 0.007). The MoMs of PlGF and PAPP‐A did not differ significantly between both groups (0.96 vs 0.97, p = 0.760 and 1.00 vs 1.01, p = 0.432; respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with COVID‐19, there was a higher proportion of women at high risk for preeclampsia at the first‐trimester screening than in the general population, mainly because of maternal risk factors, rather than placental signs of a deficient trophoblastic invasion.
Enhancing students' well‐being with a unified approach based on contextual behavioural science: A randomised experimental school‐based intervention
Authors: Macías Juanjo , Schlosser Károly K. , Bond Frank W. , Blanca María J. , Valero‐Aguayo Luis
Published: May 2022

A new generation of interventions has begun to move towards principles of acceptance that deal with the context and function of psychological events. The aim of this paper is to analyse the effectiveness of a brief contextual behavioural intervention to improve the psychological well‐being of secondary school students. This intervention represents a unified model with key processes based on contextual behavioural science, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). We conducted an intervention with 94 students (age range 17–19 years), randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 50) or control group (n = 44). Participants took a pretest and post‐test of distress, life satisfaction, psychological flexibility and mindfulness. The intervention consisted of three sessions of 1 h each. The results showed significant differences between the groups in distress and significant differences for the interaction (group × pre–post) in all the other variables. The intervention had greater benefits for girls than for boys. These results may provide a breakthrough, thus leading to a process of evidence‐based therapies, which would be responsible for inducing psychological improvements in brief periods, in a population with an increasing risk of distress.
The efficacy and safety of keverprazan, a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker, in treating erosive oesophagitis: a phase III, randomised, double‐blind multicentre study
Authors: Chen Songfeng , Liu Deliang , Chen Honghui , Liao Aijun , Li Fangfang , Liu Chengxia , Li Xing , Li Shengbao , Zhang Yan , Wang Yang , Xia Min , Guo Qinghong , Miao Xinpu , Wen Zhili , Xu Min , Yin Hekun , Chen Huixin , Chen Minhu , Xiao Yinglian
Published: May 2022

Background

Keverprazan is a novel potassium‐competitive acid blocker (P‐CAB) with a strong acid‐suppressive capacity that may provide clinical benefit in acid‐related diseases.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the non‐inferior efficacy and safety of keverprazan to lansoprazole in treating erosive oesophagitis (EO).

Methods

This was a phase III, randomised, double‐blind multicentre study. Patients were randomised to receive keverprazan 20 mg once daily or lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for 4–8 weeks. EO healing rates and adverse events (AEs) were compared between the keverprazan group and the lansoprazole group.

Results

A total of 238 patients comprised the full analysis set (FAS) while 221 patients comprised the per‐protocol set (PPS). For FAS analysis, the EO healing rates at week 8 were 95.8% (114/119) and 89.9% (107/119) for keverprazan and lansoprazole respectively. For PPS analysis, the EO healing rates at week 8 were 99.1% (110/111) and 92.7% (102/110) for keverprazan and lansoprazole respectively. Non‐inferiority of keverprazan compared with lansoprazole according to EO healing rates at 8 weeks was demonstrated in both FAS (difference: 5.8% [95% CI: −0.6% to 12.3%]; p = 0.081) and PPS (difference: 6.1% [95% CI: 1.1%–11.2%]; p = 0.018) analysis. Drug‐related AEs were reported in 34.5% (41/119) patients of the keverprazan group and 25.2% (30/119) patients of the lansoprazole group with no significant difference (p = 0.156). No severe AE happened in the keverprazan group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the non‐inferior efficacy of keverprazan to lansoprazole in treating EO. The incidences of drug‐related AEs were comparable between keverprazan and lansoprazole.
Decolonising spaces of geographical knowledge production: ‘Thinking geographically’ with undergraduate geographers in the RGS‐IBG at Kensington Gore
Authors: Jazeel Tariq , Mackay Anson , Evans Sarah L. , Souch Catherine
Published: May 2022

This commentary is a response to the Area commentary by Mark Griffiths and Kate Baker, which draws focus on the problematic prominence of colonial material histories at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s Lowther Lodge site. We outline an undergraduate field trip – run collaboratively by University College London (UCL) and the RGS‐IBG since 2018 – for first‐year UCL geography students that aims to make them both aware of geography's problematic colonial histories, and party to the ways the discipline is changing and critically engaging with its past. Positioned at the intersections of teaching and research, we highlight this field trip because we believe it stands as an example of precisely the kind of decolonial engagement with the RGS‐IBG for which Griffiths and Baker call.
Loss of smell in patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease impacts mental health and quality of life
Authors: Tchekmedyian Raffi , Lundberg Marie , Buchheit Kathleen M. , Maurer Rie , Gakpo Deborah , Mullur Jyotsna , Bensko Jillian C. , Laidlaw Tanya M.
Published: May 2022

Background

The impact of anosmia on quality‐of‐life (QoL) for patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate how the severity of smell loss and olfactory dysfunction (OD) in patients with AERD affects their QoL, mental health and physical well‐being.

Methods

Five validated QoL questionnaires (Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22, Asthma Control Test, Healthy Days Core Module‐4, Short Form‐36 and Patient Health Questionnaire‐4) and two newly developed questionnaires assessing severity and consequences of OD were electronically sent to all 2913 patients in the Brigham and Women's Hospital AERD registry. Responses were received from 853 participants for analysis.

Results

Overall, 85% of participants reported a present diminished sense of smell and/or taste, and 30% categorized their OD severity was, “as bad as it can be.” There were significant relationships between the severity of self‐reported OD and both psychological distress and general health scores, even after adjusting for asthma control. Additionally, incidence rates for physically and mentally unhealthy days in the prior month were higher for patients with moderate or severe OD than for normosmic patients. Patients with diminished smell responded that they could not identify spoiled food (86%), did not enjoy food (71%), felt unsafe (63%) and had encountered dangerous situations (51%) as consequences of their OD.

Conclusions

Anosmia and hyposmia severely impact the physical, emotional and mental health of AERD patients, and lead to safety concerns in their daily lives. The importance of olfaction and the relevance of OD to patients’ QoL should be acknowledged and evaluated by clinicians caring for these patients.
The use of bubble wrap to simulate vesicle sampling for direct fluorescence assay
Authors: AlJasser Mohammed I. , Hakami Alanoud
Published: May 2022

Proper sampling from vesicles or bullae is important in order to reach the correct diagnosis and avoid false negative results. We demonstrate the use of bubble wrap to teach direct fluorescence assay for the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus infections.
Clinical evaluation of the buccal aspect around immediate implant using dual zone therapeutic concept versus buccal gap fill to bone level: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wanis Remon Wahid , Hosny Manal Mohamed , ElNahass Hani
Published: May 2022

Objective

Soft tissue esthetics for immediate implant is considered challenging when restoring a tooth in an esthetic zone. This study aimed to evaluate the buccal aspect after immediate implant using the dual‐zone therapeutic concept compared to grafting the buccal gap to the bone crest.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four patients were randomly assigned into either immediate implant with the dual‐zone therapeutic concept (DZ, test group) or with bone grafting till buccal bone crest with immediate temporization (BCG, control group). Pink esthetic score (PES), buccal bone loss (BBL), mid‐facial recession (MFR), soft tissue thickness (STT), keratinized tissue width (KTW), post‐operative swelling (POS), and patient satisfaction (PS) were evaluated for 1 year.

Results

At 12 months the PES in the test group was 11.36 ± 1.69, and 10.80 ± 1.55 in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.45). MFR in the DZ and BCG groups was 0.27 ± 0.34 and 0.45 ± 0.44 after 12 months with no statistical significance difference (p = 0.195). The STT assessment showed a statistically significant increase in both groups, however the intergroup comparison was statistically not significant (p = 0.23). The mean KTW in the DZ and BCG groups was 4.55 ± 1.08 and 4.20 ± 0.82 mm, respectively with no statistical significance (p = 0.42). There was no statistical significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two groups except in question number 10 concerning the post‐operative swelling which was higher in the DZ group (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Both treatment modalities are considered reliable methods to achieve good soft tissue esthetics. However, both treatment modalities were not effective in preventing facial bone resorption despite the use of bone graft.
Management of inguinal lymph node metastases from rectal and anal canal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sato Harunobu , Maeda Kotaro , Kinugasa Yusuke , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Takahashi Keiichi , Nozawa Hiroaki , Takii Yasumasa , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Akagi Yoshito , Suto Takeshi , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Ozawa Heita , Komori Koji , Ohue Masayuki , Hiro Junichiro , Shinji Seiichi , Minami Kazuhito , Shimizu Tomoharu , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Uehara Kay , Takahashi Hiroshi , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: May 2022

Aim

The surgical treatment of inguinal lymph node (ILN) metastases secondary to anorectal adenocarcinoma remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the surgical treatment and management of ILN metastasis according to its classification.

Methods

This retrospective, multi‐centre, observational study included patients with synchronous or metachronous ILN metastases who were diagnosed with rectal or anal canal adenocarcinoma between January 1997 and December 2011. Treatment outcomes were analysed according to recurrence and prognosis.

Results

Among 1181 consecutively enrolled patients who received treatment for rectal or anal canal adenocarcinoma at 20 referral hospitals, 76 (6.4%) and 65 (5.5%) had synchronous and metachronous ILN metastases, respectively. Among 141 patients with ILN metastasis, differentiated carcinoma, solitary ILN metastasis and ILN dissection were identified as independent predictive factors associated with a favourable prognosis. No significant difference was found in the frequency of recurrence after ILN dissection between patients with synchronous (80.6%) or metachronous (81.0%) ILN metastases. Patients who underwent R0 resection of the primary tumour and ILN dissection had a 5‐year survival rate of 41.3% after ILN dissection (34.1% and 53.1% for patients with synchronous and metachronous ILN metastases, respectively, P = 0.55).

Conclusion

The ILN can be appropriately classified as a regional lymph node in rectal and anal canal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, aggressive ILN dissection might be effective in improving the prognosis of low rectal and anal canal adenocarcinoma with ILN metastases; thus, prophylactic ILN dissection is unnecessary.
Traditional knowledge and practices, sacred spaces and protected areas, technological progress: Their success in conserving biodiversity
Authors: Parween Rana , Marchant Rob
Published: May 2022

While the loss of species is a well‐known phenomenon drawing much attention, the loss of traditional ecological knowledge is more insidious and goes unnoticed. India, a mega‐biodiverse country, is home to many indigenous communities known for their historical conservation strategies entwined in traditional beliefs. Using focus groups, questionnaire surveys, in‐depth interviews, and in‐class test, this study explores the differences in knowledge and attitudes towards conserving biodiversity amongst four stakeholder groups living around two national parks in the state of Uttarakhand. Forest officers highlight lack of documentation of traditional practices and its coverage in school curricula. School children's test results show lowest scores in biodiversity amongst all science subjects. Village elders' responses show alienation, with some having to change their traditional means of livelihood due to environmental degradation. General public showed interest, awareness and admiration for ancestral ways of living in co‐existence with nature. Along with its ethical, cultural and societal dimensions, biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems and supporting livelihoods. In times of environmental uncertainty when the experiences of the living past may not be directly applicable, its recognition as a tried and tested inventory could be a beneficial resource that needs capturing before it is lost forever.
PF‐07321332 (Nirmatrelvir) does not interact with human ENT1 or ENT2: Implications for COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Hau Raymond K. , Wright Stephen H. , Cherrington Nathan J.
Published: May 2022

The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and subsequently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), has led to the deaths of over 6.1 million people and sparked a greater interest in virology to expedite the development process for antivirals. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for three antivirals: remdesivir, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir. Remdesivir and molnupiravir are nucleoside analogs that undergo biotransformation to form active metabolites that incorporate into new viral RNA to stall replication. Unlike remdesivir or molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir is a protease inhibitor that covalently binds to the SARS‐CoV‐2 3C‐like protease to interrupt the viral replication cycle. A recent study identified that remdesivir and the active metabolite of molnupiravir, EIDD‐1931, are substrates of equilibrative nucleoside transporters 1 and 2 (ENT1 and 2). Despite the ubiquitous expression of the ENTs, the preclinical efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir is not reflected in wide‐scale SARS‐CoV‐2 clinical trials. Interestingly, downregulation of ENT1 and ENT2 expression has been shown in lung epithelial and endothelial cells in response to hypoxia and acute lung injury, although it has not been directly studied in patients with COVID‐19. It is possible that the poor efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir in these patients may be partially attributed to the repression of ENTs in the lungs, but further studies are warranted. This study investigated the interaction between nirmatrelvir and the ENTs and found that it was a poor inhibitor of ENT‐mediated [3H]uridine uptake at 300 μM. Unlike for remdesivir or EIDD‐1931, ENT activity is unlikely to be a factor for nirmatrelvir disposition in humans; however, whether this contributes to the similar in vitro and clinical efficacy will require further mechanistic studies.
Type 2 diabetes medication and HbA1c levels in North Karelia Finland, 2013–2019
Authors: Wikström Katja , Lamidi Marja‐Leena , Rautiainen Päivi , Tirkkonen Hilkka , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: May 2022

Aims

To analyse the prevalence of prescribed medications among people with type 2 diabetes, their relationship to HbA1c levels and transitions between medications.

Methods

The data included all 18‐ to 85‐year‐old adults with type 2 diabetes (identified from the electronic health records), who lived in North Karelia, Finland, between 2013 and 2019. Type 2 diabetes medication was defined based on prescriptions. Logistic and linear regressions with generalized estimating equations were used to assess the differences between years.

Results

Metformin as a monotherapy was the most used medication (33%–35%) with the largest percentage of those in good glycaemic control. After metformin, the most used medications were long‐acting and short‐acting insulin and gliptin (16%–24% per group). In insulin groups, there were the smallest percentage of people in good glycaemic control. The use of SGLT2‐i increased most during the follow‐up (from 1.6% to 11%), but at the same time the percentage of those meeting the target HbA1c level decreased the most (from 83% to 53%). The use of GLP‐1 RA and other medications were under 3.5%. SGLT2‐i and insulin were the most stable medication groups. The most common transitions were from SGLT2‐i to long‐acting insulin and between insulin groups.

Conclusions

The sequencing of prescribing additional type 2 diabetes medication or replacing current medication with new ones seems to occur according to guidelines. However, more attention should be paid to the intensification of treatment and the possibilities for new treatment choices in the management of T2D taking into account the persons’ characteristics.
First report of Podosphaera mors‐uvae causing powdery mildew on Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense in Korea
Authors: Choi In‐Young , Abasova Lamiya , Park Ji‐Hyun , Shin Hyeon‐Dong
Published: May 2022

In July 2017, hundreds of Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense plants were found infected with powdery mildew for the first time in Korea. Further field surveys resulted in collecting anamorphs and teleomorphs of the powdery mildew at three additional locations in Korea. Morphological characterization of the holomorph and molecular sequence analyses of the ITS regions and 28S rDNA gene confirmed the identification of this fungus as Podosphaera mors‐uvae, which is already known for a long time on Ribes spp. in Europe and North America. Previous records of P. mors‐uvae on Ribes grossularia in Japan and China are also discussed. This is the first report of P. mors‐uvae from Korea.
Resolution of platelet count interference due to cytoplasmic fragments of leukaemic cells by flow cytometry in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Lam Wing Kit , Law Yim Fong Winnie , Yip Sze Fai
Published: May 2022

Background

Platelet count interference could lead to problems in clinical decisions especially in the cases of thrombocytopenia. Here we report a case of platelet count interference in Beckman Coulter DxH800 haematology analyser due to cytoplasmic fragments of leukaemic cells in acute myeloid leukaemia. A 19‐year‐old female patient presented to the emergency department with bruises and anaemic symptoms. A machine platelet count (by impedance method) was 40 × 109/L. There was a flag on platelet count interference by debris. Peripheral blood smear showed some bluish cytoplasmic fragments are seen mimicking platelets.

Method

Immunological platelet counting by flow cytometry using fluorochrome‐labeled antibodies against platelet markers CD41 and CD61 was attempted by adopting and modifying from the ICSH reference method for platelet counting. Events with low forward scatter and positive CD41 and/or CD61 expression were identified as platelets, and events with high forward scatter and negative CD41 and CD61 expression were identified as red cells.

Results

The platelet count was derived from the formula: Platelet count = RBC count (Haematology analyser) × PLT event (flow cytometry)/RBC events (flow cytometry). The immunological platelet count was determined to be 2 × 109/L, which is much lower than the original machine count and platelet transfusion was warranted.
Independent prognostic significance of TP53 mutations in adult acute myeloid leukaemia with complex karyotype
Authors: Xu Nan , Lai Yue‐Yun , Chen Wen‐Min , Jiang Hao , Wang Yu , Wang Xu , Zhao Xiao‐Su , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Jiang Qian , Qin Ya‐Zhen
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients with complex karyotype (CK) generally have unfavourable outcomes. CK commonly co‐exists with characteristic chromosomal and genetic abnormalities such as monosomal karyotype (MK), −17 or 17p‐ [abn(17p)] and TP53 mutations. Their individual prognostic significance needs to be clarified.

Methods

Seventy‐three adult CK‐AML patients and eleven adult non‐CK‐AML patients with TP53 mutations (non‐CK/TP53mu) who were diagnosed and received therapy at our institute were enrolled. One hundred and fifty‐seven AML cases retrieved from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) for validation.

Results

Among CK‐AML patients, those with TP53 mutations (CK/TP53mu) had significantly lower rates of 1‐course induction complete remission (CR), 2‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) and 2‐year overall survival (OS) than those without TP53 mutations (CK/TP53wt); whereas, abn(17p) did not have the above impacts; MK was significantly associated with a lower 2‐year OS rate but was not related to the rates of CR and RFS. Multivariate analysis showed that it were TP53 mutations and treating with chemotherapy alone but not MK and abn(17p) that independently predicted the adverse prognosis for RFS and OS in CK‐AML. Furthermore, non‐CK/TP53mu patients showed similar rates of CR, RFS and OS to CK/TP53mu patients. Validation using the TCGA cohort showed that CK/TP53mu patients had a significantly lower 2‐year OS rate than CK/TP53wt patients, whereas abn(17p) and MK did not impact OS; the 2‐year OS rate of patients with CK/TP53wt was similar to that of patients with intermediate‐risk cytogenetics.

Conclusion

Adult CK‐AML patients have varied risks and TP53 mutations seem to be an independent adverse prognostic factor.
MicroRNA‐mediated metabolic reprogramming of chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Authors: Rad Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini , Halpin Joshua Colin , Tawinwung Supannikar , Suppipat Koramit , Hirankarn Nattiya , McLellan Alexander D
Published: May 2022

Advances made in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy have revolutionized the treatment and management of certain cancers. Currently, B cell malignancies have been among the few cancers to which CAR T cells have shown persistent and resilient anti‐tumor responses. A growing body of evidence suggests that the persistence of CAR T cells within patients following infusion is linked to the mitochondrial fitness of the CAR T cell, which could affect clinical outcomes. Analysis of CAR T cells from patients undergoing successful treatment has shown an increase in mitochondrial mass and fusion events, and a reduction in aerobic metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondria in CAR T cell function. Consequently, there has been recent interest and investment in approaches that focus on mitochondrial programming. In this regard, miRNAs are promising agents in mitochondrial reprogramming for several reasons: (1) natural and artificial miRNAs are non‐immunogenic, (2) one miRNA can simultaneously modulate the expression of multiple genes within a pathway, (3) the small size of a sequence required for producing mature miRNA is ideal for use in viral vectors and (4) different precursor miRNAs (pre‐miRNAs) hairpins can be incorporated into a polycistronic miRNA cluster to create a miRNA cocktail. In this perspective, we describe the latest genetic engineering strategies that can be used to achieve the optimal expression of candidate miRNAs alongside a CAR construct. In addition, we include an in silico analysis of rational candidate miRNAs that could promote the mitochondrial fitness of CAR T cells.
Conflicting temporalities and the unsustainability of the Italian model of migrant personal care assistant
Authors: Vianello Francesca Alice
Published: May 2022

In Southern Europe, the migrant‐in‐the‐family model has become a structural component of the elderly care regime. However, home care work is, by its nature, poorly reconcilable with private and family life. In fact, several studies have denounced the limitations on the right to private and family life that these workers suffer. In this article, I use the migrant home care assistants’ experience of conflicting temporalities around the work–life balance as lens through which to show the social unsustainability of the Italian model of home care assistant. This paper is based on broader research conducted between 2018 and 2020 in Padua (Italy) on Moldovan female migrant workers. As part of this research, 30 semi‐structured interviews were collected with Moldovan workers employed – at the time of the interview or in the past – in home care for elderly people, in a live‐in or live‐out regime.
The role of S-layer protein (SlpA) in biofilm-formation of Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Shukla Sudhir K. , Manobala Tamilselvam , Rao Toleti Subba
Published: May 2022

Aims

To investigate the molecular basis of biofilm formation in a recombinant lab strain of Deinococcus radiodurans with a plasmid harbouring gfp and kanR that acquired the biofilm-forming ability.

Methods and results

Deinococcus radiodurans R1 is known as a nonbiofilm former bacterium and so far there are no reports on its biofilm-producing capabilities. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of biofilm formation in a recombinant strain of D. radiodurans using classical biofilm assays, confocal laser scanning microscopy and real-time PCR. Biochemical analysis of D. radiodurans biofilm matrix revealed that it consisted predominantly of protein and carbohydrate complexes with a little amount of extracellular DNA (eDNA). Furthermore, studies showed that D. radiodurans biofilm formation was enhanced in the presence of 25 mM Ca2+, which enhanced the exopolysaccharide and protein content in the biofilm matrix. Enzymatic treatments with proteinase K, alginate lyase and DNase I indicated the involvement of some proteinaceous components to be critical in the biofilm formation. RT-PCR studies showed that increased expression of a surface layer protein SlpA conferred the biofilm ability to D. radiodurans.

Conclusion

Overexpression of SlpA in D. radiodurans conferred the biofilm formation ability to the bacterium, in which a partial role was also played by the recombinant plasmid pKG. It was also shown that the presence of Ca2+ in the growth medium enhanced SlpA production, thus improving biofilm stability and biofilm maturation of D. radiodurans.

Significance and Impact

This study shows how biofilm formation can be augmented in D. radiodurans. The finding has implications for the development of D. radiodurans biofilm-based biotechnological applications.
Shocks and Time: The Development of the European Financial Assistance Regime
Authors: Rehm Moritz
Published: May 2022

This paper analyses the impact of economic crises on the development of European financial assistance. It demonstrates that crisis episodes that have taken place over the last five decades have significantly altered the design of European Union emergency support. This paper illustrates how solutions adopted in formative moments – including the 1973 oil shock, the Eurozone crisis, and the Covid‐19 pandemic – and their long‐term consequences led to the smorgasbord of instruments of the present financial assistance structure. By applying a historical institutionalist approach, combining insights from studies of critical junctures and gradual change, this contribution explains how economic shocks contributed to change in financial assistance, while also highlighting mechanisms that led to the continuation of specific elements of the assistance structure.
The evolution of the additive variance of a trait under stabilizing selection after autopolyploidization
Authors: Clo Josselin
Published: May 2022

Whole‐genome duplication is a common mutation in eukaryotes with far‐reaching phenotypic effects. The resulting morphological, physiological and fitness consequences and how they affect the survival probability of polyploid lineages are intensively studied, but little is known about the effect of genome doubling on the evolutionary potential of populations. Historically, it has been argued polyploids should be less able to adapt because gene duplication dilutes the effects of alleles, such that polyploids are less likely to evolve new adaptive gene complexes compared with diploids. In this paper, I investigate the short‐ and long‐term consequences of genome doubling on the additive genetic variance of populations. To do so, I extended the classical models of quantitative traits under stabilizing selection to study the evolution of the additive variance of the trait under study after a shift from diploidy to tetraploidy. I found that, for realistic allele‐dosage effects, polyploidization is associated with an initial decrease in adaptive potential. In the long term, the better masking of recessive deleterious mutations associated with polyploidy compensates for the initial decrease in additive variance. The time for the tetraploid populations to reach or exceed the additive variance of their diploid progenitors is generally lower than 200 generations. These results highlight that polyploidization per se has a negligible negative effect on the adaptive potential of populations in the short term, and a substantial positive effect in the long term.
Integrated electron beam irradiation treatment with hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution to inactivate Salmonella on grape tomatoes
Authors: Omac Basri , Moreira Rosana G. , Castell‐Perez Elena M.
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the efficacy of integrated electron beam (e‐beam) irradiation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) aqueous solution treatments to inactivate mixed strains of Salmonella inoculated in grape tomatoes. Whole grape tomatoes were inoculated with a mixed bacterial cocktail composed of five strains of Salmonella enterica corresponding to serotypes Rissen (SAL1449), Montevideo (SAL4599), Saintpaul (476398), and Typhimurium (ATCC 13311 and ATCC 700720), dried in a biological safety cabinet for 2 h at room temperature and then stored at 4°C for 24 h to facilitate bacterial attachment before treatment. Tomatoes in H2O2 (60 mg/L) aqueous solution were irradiated at 0.45, 0.60, 0.75, 1.0, and 1.25 kGy dose. The combined treatment of 1.0 kGy radiation dose and 60 mg/L H2O2 achieved 4‐log reductions in Salmonella. The D10−average value of Salmonella in the present study was 0.25 ± 0.01 kGy. Regarding the effect of the treatment on tomato quality, the combined application of e‐beam up to 1.25 kGy and H2O2 (60 mg/L) did not affect (p > .05) the color and texture of grape tomatoes compared to non‐irradiated samples. Furthermore, the combined treatments of e‐beam and H2O2 aqueous solution reduced the dose uniformity ratio (DUR) by 7%, a relevant finding regarding commercial applications of electron beam accelerators. Exposure of the tomatoes to e‐beam and water wash with added H2O2 is a promising decontamination system for use in tomatoes and other produce processing. Further studies on the optimization of this integrated treatment are needed.

Practical Applications

Electron beam irradiation of tomatoes immersed in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution reduces the dose required to eliminate pathogens in the fresh produce. The integrated treatment ensures minimal changes to produce quality and increased treatment efficiency in terms of dose uniformity.
Use of ComBase data to develop an artificial neural network model for nonthermal inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni in milk and beef and evaluation of model performance and data completeness using the acceptable prediction zones method
Authors: Boleratz Bethany L. , Oscar Thomas P.
Published: May 2022

ComBase is a widely used microbial modeling database. ComBase data can be used to develop and validate models and to test novel modeling methods like artificial neural networks (ANN) and acceptable prediction zones (APZ), which have been shown to outperform traditional methods. Here, ComBase data were used to evaluate the ANN and APZ methods for modeling nonthermal inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni in milk and beef as a function of time, temperature (−20, 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40°C), and strain (18177, ATCC 29428). Four ANN were developed using Excel and NeuralTools, and the best‐performing was a general regression neural network (GRNN) whose performance and data completeness were evaluated using the APZ method. Relative variable impacts in the GRNN model were 42.5%, 31.5%, 20.1%, and 5.9% for time, temperature, food, and strain, respectively. Nonthermal inactivation of C. jejuni was faster and greater at ambient than at cold temperatures and in milk than in beef except at 1°C where it was similar. The proportion of residuals in the APZ (pAPZ) ranged from 0.77 to 1 for individual nonthermal inactivation curves. Although the model had acceptable performance (pAPZ ≥0.7), it failed validation because of data gaps like one instead of four replicates per combination of independent variables and no data at −10°C. Thus, these and other data gaps identified need to be filled before the model can be used with confidence to predict behavior of C. jejuni in milk and beef. Nonetheless, results indicated that ANN and APZ methods can be used to model data for nonthermal inactivation of C. jejuni in food.
Endoscopic radial incision and cutting for benign stenosis of the lower gastrointestinal tract: An investigation of novel endoscopic treatment in multicenter trial
Authors: Moroi Rintaro , Shiga Hisashi , Nochioka Kotaro , Chiba Hirofumi , Shimoyama Yusuke , Kuroha Masatake , Tosa Masaki , Kakuta Yoichi , Kayaba Shoichi , Takahashi Seiichi , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

The standard therapies for benign gastrointestinal stenosis are endoscopic balloon dilation or surgery; each have their advantages and disadvantages. In contrast, radial incision and cutting (RIC) is a novel approach for such stenosis. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of RIC.

Methods

We enrolled 20 patients with benign stenosis of the lower gastrointestinal tract developed by various causes and conducted RIC. We evaluated the re‐intervention free rate 52 weeks after RIC, technical success rate, adverse events, procedure time, and improvement of symptoms using a visual analog scale.

Results

We performed 20 sessions of first RIC for 20 lesions and seven sessions of additional RIC due to re‐stenosis. The cumulative re‐intervention‐free survival rate 52 weeks after the first RIC was 55.8%. The technical success rate of the first RIC was 100% (20/20) while that of the additional RIC was 85.7% (6/7). One case developed perforation during the additional RIC and urgent surgery was performed. The additional RIC tended to show worse results in adverse events and procedure time compared with the first RIC. The patients' symptoms including abdominal bloating and dyschezia were significantly improved.

Conclusions

Although RIC demonstrated a higher technical success rate for lower gastrointestinal stricture and subsequent improvement of patient symptoms, several issues including preventing delayed bleeding, perforation, and the long‐term prognosis should be solved and clarified in further investigations.