bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and possible solutions in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health
Authors: Nordgreen Tine , Rabbi Fazle , Torresen Jim , Skar Yngvar Sigmund , Guribye Frode , Inal Yavuz , Flobakk Eivind , Wake Jo Dugstad , Mukhiya Suresh Kumar , Aminifar Amin , Myklebost Sunniva , Lundervold Astri J. , Kenter Robin , Hammar Åsa , Nordby Emilie , Kahlon Smiti , Tveit Sekse Ragnhild J. , Griffin Kristine Fonnes , Jakobsen Petter , Pham Minh H. , Côté-Allard Ulysse , Noori Farzan Majeed , Lamo Yngve
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Mental illness presents a huge individual, societal and economic challenges, currently accounting for 20% of the worldwide burden of disease. There is a gap between the need for and access to services. Digital technology has been proven effective in e-mental health for preventing and treating mental health problems. However, there is a need for cross-disciplinary efforts to increase the impact of e-mental health services. This paper aims to report key challenges and possible solutions for cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

The key challenges and possible solutions will be discussed in light of the literature on effective cross-disciplinary research teams.

Findings

Six topics have been key challenges in our cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research team: to develop a shared understanding of the domain; to establish a common understanding of key concepts among the project participants; to involve the end-users in the research and development process; to collaborate across sectors; to ensure privacy and security of health data; and to obtain the right timing of activities according to project dependencies.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses to increase knowledge and training in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research, as this is often referred to as an important tool when developing sustainable solutions for major societal challenges.

Practical implications

This study needs to include theory and skills training in cross-disciplinary research in research training.

Social implications

Cross-disciplinary teams have the potential to address major societal challenges, including more perspectives and more stakeholders than single disciplinary research teams.

Originality/value

Major societal challenges require complex and sustainable solutions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams may work productively to solve these challenges. This paper shares experiences regarding the challenges and possible solutions for productive collaboration in cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial research teams within the domain of e-mental health services.
Linking emotional intelligence to turnover intention: LMX and affective organizational commitment as serial mediators
Authors: Gara Bach Ouerdian Emna , Mansour Nizar , Gaha Khadija , Gattoussi Manel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The present study attempts to examine the mediating effect of leader member exchange (LMX) and affective organizational commitment on the relationship between followers' emotional intelligence (EI) and their turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional design, survey data were obtained from 182 employees in Tunisia. Survey responses were analyzed using Model 6 in PROCESS (Hayes, 2017).

Findings

As predicted, LMX and affective organizational commitment were found to sequentially and totally mediate the causal relationship between EI and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations include using a cross-sectional design, convenience sampling and self-report measures for EI, LMX, affective commitment and turnover intention.

Practical implications

Organizations need to encourage more emotionally intelligent responses in employees which improve the quality of their leader–follower relationships. The quality of LMXs enhances the affective commitment that drives lower turnover intention.

Originality/value

While the relationship between EI and turnover intention has been theorized, this study is one of the first to enable us to explore the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Specifically, a sequential mediation model linking EI with turnover intention through LMX and affective commitment was proposed.
Preventing unnecessary referrals into specialist mental health services: an interrupted time-series evaluation of a new primary care-linked mental health service
Authors: Healey Andrew , Melaugh Alexandra , Demetriou Len , Power Tracey , Sevdalis Nick , Pritchard Megan , Goulding Lucy
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Many patients referred by their GP for an assessment by secondary mental health services are unlikely to ever meet eligibility thresholds for specialist treatment and support. A new service was developed to support people in primary care. “the authors evaluate” whether the phased introduction of the Lambeth Living Well Network (LWN) Hub to a population in south London led to: a reduction in the overall volume of patients referred from primary care for a secondary mental health care assessment; and an increase in the proportion of patients referred who met specialist service eligibility criteria, as indicated by the likelihood of being accepted in secondary care.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation applied a quasi-experimental interrupted time series design using electronic patient records data for a National Health Service (NHS) provider of secondary mental health services in south London.

Findings

Scale-up of the Hub to the whole of the population of Lambeth led to an average of 98 fewer secondary care assessments per month (95% CI −118 to −78) compared to an average of 203 assessments per month estimated in the absence of the Hub; and an absolute incremental increase in the probability of acceptance for specialist intervention of 0.20 (95% CI; 0.14 to 0.27) above an average probability of acceptance of 0.57 in the absence of the Hub.

Research limitations/implications

Mental health outcomes for people using the service and system wide-service impacts were not evaluated preventing a more holistic evaluation of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the LWN Hub.

Practical implications

Providing general practitioners with access to service infrastructure designed to help people whose needs cannot be managed within specialist mental health services can prevent unnecessary referrals into secondary care assessment teams.

Social implications

Reducing unnecessary referrals through provision of a primary-care linked mental health service will reduce delay in access to professional support that can address specific mental-health related needs that could not be offered within the secondary care services and could prevent the escalation of problems.

Originality/value

The authors use NHS data to facilitate the novel application of a quasi-experimental methodology to deliver new evidence on whether an innovative primary care linked mental health service was effective in delivering on one of its key aims.
Design, simulation, testing and application of laser-sintered conformal lattice structures on component level
Authors: Marschall David , Sindinger Sigfrid-Laurin , Rippl Herbert , Bartosova Maria , Schagerl Martin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Laser sintering of polyamide lattice-based lightweight fairing components for subsequent racetrack testing requires a high quality and a reliable design. Hence, the purpose of this study was to develop a design methodology for such additively manufactured prototypes, considering efficient generation and structural simulation of boundary conformal non-periodic lattices, optimization of production parameters as well as experimental validation.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-curved, sandwich structure-based demonstrators were designed, simulated and experimentally tested with boundary conformal lattice cells. The demonstrator’s non-periodic lattice cells were simplified by forward homogenization processes. To represent the stiffness of the top and bottom face sheet, constant isotropic and mapped transversely isotropic simulation approaches were compared. The dimensional accuracy of lattice cells and demonstrators were measured with a gauge caliper and a three-dimensional scanning system. The optimized process parameters for lattice structures were transferred onto a large volume laser sintering system. The stiffness of each finite element analysis was verified by an experimental test setup including a digital image correlation system.

Findings

The stiffness prediction of the mapped was superior to the constant approach and underestimated the test results with −6.5%. Using a full scale fairing the applicability of the development process was successfully demonstrated.

Originality/value

The design approach elaborated in this research covers aspects from efficient geometry generation over structural simulation to experimental testing of produced parts. This methodology is not only relevant in the context of motor sports but is transferrable for all additively manufactured large scale components featuring a complex lattice sub-structure and is, therefore, relevant across industries.
In the COVID era, business leaders must put inclusivity above expediency
Authors: Trehan Rita
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the management practices and priorities best suited to present-day workforce needs.

Design/methodology/approach

From 19 March to 6 April 2021, Dare Worldwide conducted linear regression analysis aimed at understanding the key drivers of employee performance. The target population surveyed was: US adults who are employees of companies with at least 500 employees with a job title of manager or higher within selected industries (manufacturing, information, financial services, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, wholesale and retail, education, health and government).

Findings

The research showed 85% of performance indicators is not linked to company performance and that employees value trust, engagement and communication. Businesses favour rapid adaptation to cope with crises and technology to drive job performance. In the survey, the highest performing factors for business were related to old-fashioned notions of expediency, none of which will impact company performance over the next five years. Employees meanwhile valued inclusivity and collaboration over expediency.

Originality/value

The research showed that c-suits are focussing on the wrong managerial processes and priorities to be successful over the long term. Helping employees understand and shape the purpose of their company will be critical as employees evaluate their motivations post COVID. The Dare Worldwide 2021 findings have implications for how senior management teams relate to their staff in an era of remote working and changing employee values and priorities.
Identification of novel compound heterozygous ITGB4 mutations in a Chinese woman with junctional epidermolysis bullosa without pylori atresia but profound urinary symptoms: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhou Xingli , Wang Mi , Wang Sheng , Jiang Xian , Li Wei
Published: August 2021

Loss of α6 and β4 integrin expression caused by germ line mutations in ITGA6 and ITGB4 usually leads to junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) with pyloric atresia (PA) (JEB‐PA; Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man #226730). However, recent studies have suggested that integrin‐associated JEB may occur without PA but with other symptoms of the epithelial tissues. Here, we present a case of a Chinese woman with JEB without PA but with profound urinary symptoms. Mutation analysis revealed that the patient carried compound heterozygous mutations in the ITGB4 gene: a frameshift mutation c.600dupC (p.Phe201Leufs*15) and a novel missense mutation c.599C>G (p.Pro200Arg). Our report not only raises the question of whether the designation JEB‐PA is appropriate, but also expands our current knowledge of the ITGB4 mutation spectrum.
Forest fragmentation drives liana community structure but not the patterns of liana–tree interaction network in two forest ecosystems in Ghana
Authors: Addo‐Fordjour Patrick , Marfo Isaac , Ofosu‐Bamfo Bismark
Published: August 2021

We assessed fragmentation impact on liana community structure and patterns of liana–tree interaction network structure, and edge effects on liana community structure in a rainforest and a moist semi‐deciduous (MSD) forest in Ghana. In each forest, we randomly established 30 20 × 20 m2 plots at varied distances (0–20 m, 20–40 m, 40–60 m, 60–80 m, 80–100 m) from forest edge to interior in fragmented and intact sites. Lianas with diameter at 1.30 m from rooting base ≥1 cm and their host trees (diameter at breast height ≥ 5 cm) were identified and counted. Our findings revealed that fragmentation caused an increase in liana diversity in the rainforest, but not in the MSD. Fragmentation also resulted in shifts in species composition in both forests, and together with edge effects increased liana abundance in both forest ecosystems. Liana–tree networks in the two forest ecosystems were less nested and connected, but more modular and specialized than their corresponding null models irrespective of fragmentation. Some species of lianas (rainforest fragment/intact: 0.80/0.76%; MSD fragment/intact: 0.47/0.38%) and trees (rainforest fragment/intact: 0.65/0.35%; MSD fragment/intact: 0.54/0.36%) exhibited higher specialization than their null models. Topologically, most lianas in fragmented and intact sites of the forests played peripheral/specialist roles, whereas a few species exhibited structural importance in the form of connectors, network hubs and module hubs. The structural important species in fragmented sites did not also occur in intact sites, suggesting that fragmentation might have influenced topological roles of the species in fragmented sites.
Pragmatic use of short‐course radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery for stage IV rectal cancer with locally advanced or symptomatic primary tumours
Authors: Higgins Martin J , Mulsow Jurgen , Staunton Oonagh , Aird John , Cronin Carmel , Dunne Mary T , Burke John , Shields Conor , Faul Eleanor , McCawley Niamh , Toomey Des , Conneely John , O’Neill Brian
Published: August 2021

Introduction

We assessed management of patients with de novo metastatic rectal cancer, referred for radiotherapy to the rectum, who were candidates for short‐course radiotherapy (SCRT) and chemotherapy, followed by resection of all disease. We assessed surgical outcomes, overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Methods

Retrospective review of patients meeting criteria: (i) treatment with SCRT to rectum; (ii) locally advanced primary rectal cancer; and (iii) resectable distant metastases at diagnosis. Data were collected from charts, correspondence and electronic patient records. OS and PFS were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Between 2016 and 2020, 48 patients with stage IV rectal cancer at diagnosis were treated with SCRT. Only 15 patients (31%) had resectable metastatic disease and were intended for SCRT (25 Gy/5#), then chemotherapy, followed by resection of all sites of disease and are included in our study. 12 of the 15 surgical candidates (80%) had rectal surgery as planned, and 11 of the 15 (73%) had resection of the rectal primary and all metastatic disease. One patient had a pathological complete response (pCR), and 50% of surgical patients had a Mandard TRG of 1 or 2. Median PFS and OS for the 15 surgical candidates were 12.6 and 25.2 months, respectively, with a median FU of 21.2 months.

Conclusion

For this cohort of patients, our treatment paradigm is pragmatic and results in excellent pathological response. However, the effectiveness of this approach should be the subject of future prospective studies.
Trends in the bushmeat market trade in North Sulawesi and conservation implications
Authors: Bailey C. , Hilser H. , Siwi Y. , Lawe Z. , Waterman J. , Loffeld T. A. C. , Sampson H. , Tasirin J. , Melfi V. , Bowkett A. E.
Published: August 2021

The bushmeat trade, or the trade in wild animals for meat, is a primary threat to wildlife and ecosystems in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Hunting for trade and consumption can hasten the local extirpation of vulnerable species, such as fruit bats and the protected babirusa and Sulawesi crested black macaque. This study provides a much‐needed step in understanding the bushmeat trade by describing longitudinal trends in the amount of bushmeat (animal carcasses) observed for sale in markets in North Sulawesi, a particularly biodiversity‐rich area. Surveys were conducted in 10 markets in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2019. At each market, total counts of all taxa for sale were noted, and encounter rates per market sample were derived to account for variable sampling effort across years and markets. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to compare encounter rates across years, months and markets. Our results show that although animal carcasses are still sold in high numbers, there has been an overall decrease between 2011 and 2019, particularly between 2011 and 2018 (encounter rate fell by 99%). However, bats, rats and Sulawesi warty pigs were still present at high levels, indicating a persistent demand for bushmeat in North Sulawesi. The encounter rate of protected taxa for sale was low, but steady throughout the study period. We identified which markets sold the greatest amount of bushmeat to inform future conservation actions and management. Based on our results, the persistent demand for bushmeat in the region, and the continued presence of protected taxa in the markets, we recommend further research to establish the sustainability of the bushmeat trade at its current rate.
Effect of fruit fly protein bait on the red scale parasitoid, Aphytis lingnanensis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae): attraction and toxicity
Authors: Mahat Kiran , Drew R A I
Published: August 2021

Protein bait spray is a tool used widely in tephritid fruit fly pest (Diptera: Tephritidae) control and eradication programs. However, this technique might have a negative effect on non‐target, beneficial insects. Aphytis lingnanensis is a very successful parasitoid of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii, a worldwide pest of citrus. Though A. lingnanensis is widely used in augmentative release programs, the impact of protein bait‐insecticide mixtures on the parasitoid is not documented. In this study, we investigated the attraction of A. lingnanensis to Pinnacle® protein, a fruit fly protein bait commonly used in Australia. Following this, the contact toxicity of field weathered residues of protein bait mixed with the insecticides spinosad, fipronil, malathion and chlorpyrifos to A. lingnanensis were evaluated. Finally, the non‐lethal impact of these residues on the capacity of A. lingnanensis to parasitize its host was investigated. Food‐deprived parasitoids were not attracted to protein but were significantly attracted to honey. The lack of attraction of protein, however, increased when sugar was added to it. Relative to a control of only protein, protein bait‐insecticide mixtures applied on citrus leaves and weathered outdoors for 2 h, 3 days, 7 days and 12 days caused high mortality of A. lingnanensis. The residual toxicity of the four weathering periods, for all the protein bait‐insecticide mixtures, produced high mortality rates varying between 90% and 100%. In addition, the capacity of A. lingnanensis to parasitize its host after exposure to weathered residues containing an insecticide was severely affected. The results suggest that A. lingnanensis is highly susceptible to the insecticides evaluated here when used in fruit fly protein baits. Therefore, the use of these insecticides in protein bait sprays, as part of an area wide fruit fly management, should be carefully considered in areas where augmentative release and conservation of A. lingnanensis are also applied.
Economic Impacts of SARS/MERS/COVID‐19 in Asian Countries
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi
Published: August 2021

This paper surveys the recent literature on the economic impacts of SARS, MERS, and COVID‐19, which Asian countries have experienced in the past two decades. In particular, we provide a detailed summary of how each of the past infectious diseases has impacted on the Asian economies and the extent of that impact. This paper also documents how the governments of Asian countries have responded to the COVID‐19 shocks with their economic policies, and discusses the effectiveness of these economic policies to mitigate the COVID‐19 shocks on their economies.
Addressing the crisis of congenital syphilis: Key findings from an evaluation of the management of syphilis in pregnancy and the newborn in South‐East Queensland
Authors: Wu Mandy , Seel Mandy , Britton Sumudu , Dean Judith A. , Lazarou Mattea , Safa Huda , Griffin Paul , Nourse Clare
Published: August 2021

Background

Syphilis in pregnancy and congenital syphilis (CS) are increasing in Australia. Prevention of adverse outcomes requires adherence to management guidelines.

Aims

The aim is to evaluate the management of syphilis in pregnant women and their newborns.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study of public health notifications, clinical records and testing results of women with positive syphilis serology in pregnancy requiring treatment from 2016 to 2018 inclusive across South‐East Queensland was conducted. Management was described and compared with contemporary guidelines from the Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases, the Communicable Diseases Network Australia and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results

Of 30 women identified, 22 (73%) had management consistent with the guidelines (stage‐appropriate penicillin regimen, appropriate dosing interval and treatment completed greater than 30 days before delivery). Only 14 (47%) women had documentation of partner testing and/or treatment. Of 26 mother–infant pairs with complete data, 16 (62%) had investigations at delivery consistent with recommendations (parallel maternal–infant rapid plasma reagin, infant syphilis immunoglobulin M, placental histopathology +/– syphilis polymerase chain reaction and infant clinical examination). One infant met the criteria for confirmed CS. Five infants received penicillin therapy. Only seven (27%) infants had serological monitoring after discharge.

Conclusions

Management can be optimised with timely maternal testing and treatment, comprehensive partner screening and treatment, strict adherence to seven‐day penicillin dosing for late latent syphilis and thorough maternal and infant testing after treatment and delivery. If maternal treatment was inadequate in pregnancy, consideration needs to be given to close evaluation and empiric treatment of the infant.
The risk of chronic diseases and congenital malformations during childhood and adolescence after in utero exposure to thiopurines
Authors: Jølving Line Riis , Anru Pavithra Laxsen , Nielsen Jan , Friedman Sonia , Nørgård Bente Mertz
Published: August 2021

Background

Women with autoimmune diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), often need to continue immunomodulatory therapies during pregnancy. While the evidence of birth and short‐term outcomes in children exposed in utero to these medicines is reassuring, long‐term safety data are lacking.

Aim

To assess any association between in utero exposure to thiopurines and diagnoses of chronic diseases (type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, IBD and asthma) and congenital malformations during childhood and adolescence.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study was based on information using Danish registers and comprised all live‐born children from 1995 to 2015 (N = 1 308 778). Children exposed in utero to thiopurines were followed for a median of 8.9 years (25%‐75% percentiles 5.5‐12.4 years); children not exposed were followed for 13.9 years (25%‐75% percentiles 8.7‐19.0 years). Analyses were adjusted for a number of confounders including the type of maternal underlying disease.

Results

A total of 1047 children had been exposed to thiopurines in utero; 96 developed a chronic disease and 126 were diagnosed with congenital malformations during follow‐up. The adjusted hazard ratio for rheumatoid arthritis was 0.78 (95% CI 0.35‐1.73); for IBD, it was 1.45 (95% CI 0.64‐3.27); for asthma 0.94 (95% CI 0.73‐1.21), and for congenital malformations, it was 0.95 (95% CI 0.78‐1.15). For type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis, we had insufficient data to perform adjusted analysis.

Conclusion

We found no increased risk of seven common chronic diseases or congenital malformations during childhood and adolescence after gestational exposure to thiopurines.
Realising contingent religious subjects through relational spaces of missionary encounter
Authors: Woods Orlando
Published: August 2021

This paper explores the ways in which the religious subject can be a contingent position that is responsive to the broader socio‐religious context within which it is expressed. These contingencies are acutely observed among short‐term missionaries (STM), who seek out encounters with difference in pursuit of a more cosmopolitan subjectivity. Yet, while spaces of missionary encounter are inherently relational, the missions literature has tended to downplay the effects of relationality on the realisation of these subject positions. By focusing on the experiences of Singaporean missionaries working among Christian communities in Southeast Asia, I contribute a more nuanced and less pre‐determined understanding of the dynamics that underpin intra‐Asian missionary encounters. Drawing on interviews conducted with Singapore's STM community, I explore how materiality and new media can structure encounters and subject positions within relational missionary space. I also emphasise the limits of relational space by highlighting its untranslatability beyond the missionary terrain.
From bad to worse: Avoidance coping with stress increases conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Marchlewska Marta , Green Ricky , Cichocka Aleksandra , Molenda Zuzanna , Douglas Karen M.
Published: August 2021

The present research empirically examines how different types of coping strategies are associated with belief in conspiracy theories. Conspiracy beliefs have been linked to the frustration of basic needs and seem to increase during major world events that evoke stress. Thus, we hypothesized that they may serve as a psychological response to maladaptive coping strategies. This hypothesis was tested among British participants and conceptually replicated across three studies. Cross‐sectionally, we examined coping strategies (i.e., self‐sufficient, social‐support, avoidance, and religious) and belief in a specific conspiracy theory (Study 1, n = 199) and belief in general notions of conspiracy (Study 2, n = 411). In Study 3 (n = 398), we experimentally primed different coping styles via a mnemonic recollection procedure and measured belief in notions of conspiracy. Avoidance coping (recognized as being maladaptive and leading to at least temporary disengagement and abandonment of goal‐related behaviours) positively predicted belief in conspiracy theories (Studies 1 and 2). In Study 3, priming avoidance coping (vs. self‐sufficient coping or no coping strategy) significantly increased belief in conspiracy theories. These findings suggest that using maladaptive coping strategies (either dispositional or situationally induced) may foster conspiracy beliefs.
An early proinflammatory transcriptional response to tau pathology is age‐specific and foreshadows reduced tau burden
Authors: Rasmussen Jay , Ewing Adam D. , Bodea Liviu‐Gabriel , Bodea Gabriela O. , Gearing Marla , Faulkner Geoffrey J.
Published: August 2021

Age is one of the strongest risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, the majority of which involve misfolded protein aggregates in the brain. These protein aggregates are thought to drive pathology and are attractive targets for the development of new therapies. However, it is unclear how age influences the onset of pathology and the accompanying molecular response. To address this knowledge gap, we used a model of seeded tau pathology to profile the transcriptomic changes in 3 and 12 month old mice in response to developing tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. First, we found the burden of hyperphosphorylated tau pathology in mice injected at 12 months of age was moderately reduced compared to animals injected at 3 months. On a molecular level, we found an inflammation‐related subset of genes, including C3 and the disease‐associated microglia genes Ctsd, Cst7, and Clec7a, were more expressed early in disease in 12 but not 3 month old mice. These findings provide evidence of an early, age‐specific response to tau pathology, which could serve as a marker for the severity of downstream pathology.
Child protection in British Columbia: Moving toward primary prevention
Authors: Vaghri Ziba , De Souza Lauren
Published: August 2021

British Columbia lacks sufficient legislation to support Canada's commitments to protect the rights of young children. Of particular concern is the child's right to be free from violence, which requires stronger structural commitments to be fulfilled. This research note presents findings from the review and analysis of provincial child protection legislation and corresponding knowledge translation activities. It highlights three legislative gaps that must be addressed in order to meet BC's commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It concludes with the recommendation that BC develop a comprehensive child protection strategy prioritizing primary prevention of violence against children.
CD146 is a potential immunotarget for neuroblastoma
Authors: Obu Satoshi , Umeda Katsutsugu , Ueno Hiroo , Sonoda Mari , Tasaka Keiji , Ogata Hideto , Kouzuki Kagehiro , Nodomi Seishiro , Saida Satoshi , Kato Itaru , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Okamoto Tatsuya , Ogawa Eri , Okajima Hideaki , Morita Ken , Kamikubo Yasuhiko , Kawaguchi Koji , Watanabe Kenichiro , Iwafuchi Hideto , Yagyu Shigeki , Iehara Tomoko , Hosoi Hajime , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Adachi Souichi , Uemoto Shinji , Heike Toshio , Takita Junko
Published: August 2021

Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, is thought to arise from neural crest‐derived immature cells. The prognosis of patients with high‐risk or recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma remains quite poor despite intensive multimodality therapy; therefore, novel therapeutic interventions are required. We examined the expression of a cell adhesion molecule CD146 (melanoma cell adhesion molecule [MCAM]) by neuroblastoma cell lines and in clinical samples and investigated the anti‐tumor effects of CD146‐targeting treatment for neuroblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. CD146 is expressed by 4 cell lines and by most of primary tumors at any stage. Short hairpin RNA‐mediated knockdown of CD146, or treatment with an anti‐CD146 polyclonal antibody, effectively inhibited growth of neuroblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo, principally due to increased apoptosis via the focal adhesion kinase and/or nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathway. Furthermore, the anti‐CD146 polyclonal antibody markedly inhibited tumor growth in immunodeficient mice inoculated with primary neuroblastoma cells. In conclusion, CD146 represents a promising therapeutic target for neuroblastoma.
Connecting inside out: Development of the social brain in infants and toddlers with a focus on myelination as a marker of brain maturation
Authors: Schneider Nora , Greenstreet Elizabeth , Deoni Sean C. L.
Published: August 2021

Early childhood is a sensitive period for learning and social skill development. The maturation of cerebral regions underlying social processing lays the foundation for later social‐emotional competence. This study explored myelin changes in social brain regions and their association with changes in parent‐rated social‐emotional development in a cohort of 129 children (64 females, 0–36 months, 77 White). Results reveal a steep increase in myelination throughout the social brain in the first 3 years of life that is significantly associated with social‐emotional development scores. These findings add knowledge to the emerging picture of social brain development by describing neural underpinnings of human social behavior. They can contribute to identifying age‐/stage‐appropriate early life factors in this developmental domain.
Young children’s ability to make predictions about novel illnesses
Authors: DeJesus Jasmine M. , Venkatesh Shruthi , Kinzler Katherine D.
Published: August 2021

Understanding disease transmission is a complex problem highlighted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. These studies test whether 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children in the United States use information about social interactions to predict disease transmission. Before and during COVID‐19, children predicted illness would spread through close interactions. Older children outperformed younger children with no associations between task performance and pandemic experience. Children did not predict that being hungry or tired would similarly spread through close interactions. Participants include 196 three‐ to six‐year‐olds (53% girls, 47% boys; 68% White, 9% Black, 7% Asian, 6% Hispanic or Latinx), with medium‐sized effects (d = .6,  = .3). These findings suggest that thinking about social interaction supports young children's predictions about illness, with noted limitations regarding children's real‐world avoidance of disease‐spreading behaviors.
Preparation of three‐notochord explants for imaging analysis of the cell movements of convergent extension during early Xenopus morphogenesis
Authors: Goto Toshiyasu , Keller Ray
Published: August 2021

We describe a method of generating three‐notochord explants to analyze the cell movements of convergent extension (CE) during Xenopus laevis gastrulation and neurulation. This method uses standard microsurgical techniques under a fluorescence stereomicroscope to combine notochordal sectors of gastrulae, side by side (lateral surfaces apposed) into a single explant. Three‐notochord explants cultured on bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐coated glass converged mediolaterally and extended in the anterior–posterior direction. The individual notochordal cells showed the mediolaterally oriented, bipolar tractional motility and the resulting mediolaterally oriented cell intercalation characteristic of CE, thereby reproducing both the in vivo tissue and the cell movements in an explant. Image analysis of three‐notochord explants reveals the effects of overexpressions or knockdowns of genes, of manipulation of the extracellular matrix, and of exposure to chemical reagents on morphogenesis during gastrulation and neurulation, compared with control explants. Moreover, since three‐notochord explants provide two zones of cell intercalation between notochords, individual cell behaviors between notochords of different characteristics and experimental treatments can be observed at the same time.
Potential contribution of haemoconcentration to changes in lipid variables with empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of pooled data from four phase 3 randomized clinical trials
Authors: Lund Søren S. , Sattar Naveed , Salsali Afshin , Neubacher Dietmar , Ginsberg Henry N.
Published: August 2021

Aim

To examine the association between changes in lipids and markers of haemoconcentration (haematocrit and serum albumin) with empagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using pooled data from four phase 3 randomized trials.

Materials and Methods

Patients with T2D received placebo (n = 825), empagliflozin 10 mg (n = 830) or 25 mg (n = 822) for 24 weeks. In post hoc mediation analyses, we assessed total changes in LDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and Apo A‐I, and changes in these variables associated with, and independent of, changes in haematocrit and serum albumin at week 24 using ANCOVA models.

Results

Empagliflozin versus placebo increased serum LDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, and Apo A‐I, decreased triglycerides (empagliflozin 10 mg only), and (non‐significantly) increased Apo B. Empagliflozin modestly increased haematocrit and serum albumin. In mediation analyses, haematocrit changes (increases) with empagliflozin were associated with significant changes (increases) in all lipid variables, including Apo B. Except for triglycerides (non‐significant), similar lipid variable associations were observed with serum albumin changes. Haematocrit‐ and serum albumin‐independent changes in lipids with empagliflozin were significant for HDL‐cholesterol (increases), mostly significant for triglycerides (decreases), and less so for other lipid fractions.

Conclusion

Haematocrit and serum albumin increases were associated with increases in lipid fractions with empagliflozin. Empagliflozin‐associated changes in serum lipids, particularly LDL‐cholesterol increases, may be partly attributable to haemoconcentration resulting from increased urinary volume and subsequent volume contraction.
Orexin receptors: Targets and applications
Authors: Subramanian Subhiksha , Ravichandran Mirunalini
Published: August 2021

Over the years, elucidating targets from the neural circuits that can be used to treat disorders pertaining to the nervous system and extending their scope to other systems have always proved interesting to researchers. The role of various peptides and neurotransmitters has been elucidated and is being developed as therapeutic targets. Out of these, orexins are neuropeptides produced in the hypothalamus that stimulate a specific type of G‐Protein coupled receptors (GPCR) called orexin receptors and bring about various physiological and pathological roles. Orexin receptors are of interest not only because of their wide applications such as insomnia, obesity, and inflammatory disorders but also because of their contribution to promising aspects of drug discovery such as optogenetics and their tremendous growth from the stage of being orphans to orexins. This review will discuss in detail the structure of orexin receptors, their physiological role, and various applications in disease states adding a note on agonists and antagonists and finally summarizing the recent drug approvals in the field.
Analysis of residual stress relaxation of aluminum alloys EN AW 6061/‐82 T6 under cyclic loading
Authors: Repplinger Christian , Sellen Stephan , Kedziora Slawomir , Zürbes Arno , Maas Stefan
Published: August 2021

Stress relaxation describes the reduction of stress under static or cyclic loading at a constant strain level. Several processes induce intentionally residual stresses, for example, autofrettage of thick‐walled pressurized tubes to improve their fatigue life. This well‐known process induces residual compressive stresses at the critical inner surface by using a single static but controlled overloading internal pressure. Relaxation of residual stresses due to cyclic loading in service would endanger the effectiveness of autofrettage and could finally lead to unexpected fatigue failure. In this study, strain‐controlled experiments up to 500,000 load cycles and amending nonlinear finite element simulations were done for the aluminum alloys EN AW 6061 T6 and EN AW 6082 T6 to study potential cyclic stress relaxation in four‐point bending tests after controlled single static plasticization for residual stress generation. This analysis identifies almost stable residual stresses for both materials under different cyclic strain‐controlled load levels.
Phylogenetic structure of alien plant species pools from European donor habitats
Authors: Kalusová Veronika , Padullés Cubino Josep , Fristoe Trevor S. , Chytrý Milan , van Kleunen Mark , Dawson Wayne , Essl Franz , Kreft Holger , Mucina Ladislav , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Weigelt Patrick , Winter Marten , Lososová Zdeňka
Published: August 2021

Aim

Many plant species native to Europe have naturalized worldwide. We tested whether the phylogenetic structure of the species pools of European habitats is related to the proportion of species from each habitat that has naturalized outside Europe (habitat’s donor role) and whether the donated species are more phylogenetically related to each other than expected by chance.

Location

Europe (native range), the rest of the world (invaded range).

Time period

Lastc. 100 years.

Major taxa studied

Angiospermae.

Methods

We selected 33 habitats in Europe and analysed their species pools, including 9,636 plant species, of which 2,293 have naturalized outside Europe. We assessed the phylogenetic structure of each habitat as the difference between the observed and expected mean pairwise phylogenetic distance (MPD) for (a) the whole species pool and (b) subgroups of species that have naturalized outside Europe and those that have not. We used generalized linear models to test for the effects of the phylogenetic structure and the level of human influence on the habitat’s donor role.

Results

Habitats strongly to moderately influenced by humans often showed phylogenetically clustered species pools. Within the clustered species pools, those species that have naturalized outside Europe showed a random phylogenetic structure. Species pools of less human‐influenced natural habitats varied from phylogenetically clustered to overdispersed, with donated naturalized species also often showing random patterns within the species pools. Donor roles in both habitat groups increased with increasing MPD within habitats.

Main conclusions

European human‐influenced habitats donate closely related species that often naturalize in disturbed habitats outside their native range. Natural habitats donate species from different lineages with various ecological strategies that allow them to succeed in different habitats in the invaded range. However, the naturalized species donated by most European habitats are phylogenetically random subsets of their species pools.
Elevating electrical properties of (K, Na)NbO3ceramics via cold sintering process and post‐annealing
Authors: Deng Baoyu , Ma Yiming , Chen Tianxiang , Wang Huajing , Lin Jinfeng , Lin Cong , Wu Xiao , Zhao Chunlin , Lin Tengfei , Gao Min , Zheng Xinghua , Fang Changqing
Published: August 2021

Dense (K, Na)NbO3ceramics are successfully fabricated via the cold sintering process at 350°C under a uniaxial pressure of 400 MPa for 4 h. Equimolar KOH and NaOH solutions were utilized as a transient alkaline flux. The microstructure and dielectric properties were studied in detail. Scanning electron microscope and the relative densities reveal dense structures of the ceramics. After post‐annealing at 800°C for 1 h, the ceramics show good electrical performance. The relative dielectric permittivity is 829 (at 10 kHz) at room temperature, and the piezoelectric constant (d33) reaches up to 148 pC/N. The cold sintering technique with equimolar KOH and NaOH solutions as a transient alkaline flux endow KNN ceramics with excellent dielectric and piezoelectric properties, showing a potential way to fabricating other KNN‐based ceramics at low temperature.
Illustrating a novel methodology and paradigm applied to Emergency Department research
Authors: Binnie Vicki , Le Brocque Robyne , Jessup Melanie , Johnston Amy N. B.
Published: August 2021

Aim

To provide a practical example of how a novel methodology and paradigm was applied to a mixed methods study exploring the healthcare experiences of Australian adults who frequently use emergency department services.

Design

Discussion Paper.

Data sources

We explored published literature discussing philosophical and methodological issues related to mixed methods research. Literature searches were performed between July 2019 and February 2021.

Implications for nursing

Phenomenology is a powerful methodology to explore the lived experience of research participants, but it is not without limitations. Mixed methods phenomenology allows nurse researchers to bring further clarity to their research phenomena, however, including phenomenology in mixed methods studies may be seen to be philosophically incompatible. The philosophical metaparadigm of dialectical pluralism provides nurse researchers with a new coherent methodological and philosophical framework for combining participants’ descriptions of lived experience with a variety of data collection methods. It is effective when working with transdisciplinary research teams, and stakeholders representing diverse values and disciplines.

Conclusion

Complex healthcare environments require sophisticated, flexible research approaches. This paper presents mixed methods phenomenological research combined with the metaparadigm of dialectical pluralism providing a methodological framework that can support multifaceted nursing research.

Impact

The combination of mixed methods phenomenology and dialectical pluralism represents a novel solution for nurse researchers to articulate a research methodology and philosophical paradigm reflecting the complexity embedded in everyday nursing practice. This methodology offers a unique approach to exploration of challenging clinical and patient scenarios with multifaceted elements, and overcomes theories of philosophical incompatibilities between divergent methods.
Association between cortisol and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sagara Rikako , Inoue Tomoaki , Sonoda Noriyuki , Yano Chieko , Motoya Misato , Umakoshi Hironobu , Sakamoto Ryuichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: August 2021

Aims/Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is characterized by left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). It has been reported that excess cortisol found in patients with Cushing's syndrome was associated with the development of LVDD. However, the relationship between cortisol concentration and LVDD in patients with diabetes mellitus has not been addressed.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 109 patients with diabetes mellitus and 104 patients without diabetes mellitus who had undergone echocardiographic examination at Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan, between November 2016 and March 2019. Left ventricular function was evaluated and the ratio of early diastolic velocity from transmitral inflow to early diastolic velocity (E/eʹ) was used as an index of diastolic function. Plasma cortisol concentrations, glycemic control, lipid profiles, treatment with antidiabetic drugs and other clinical characteristics were evaluated, and their associations with E/eʹ were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that log E/eʹ was positively correlated with age (P = 0.017), log systolic blood pressure (P = 0.004) and cortisol (P = 0.037), and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.016) and the use of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (P = 0.042) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Multivariate analysis showed that cortisol was positively correlated with age (P = 0.016) and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.011). There was no association between E/eʹ and cortisol in patients without diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Increased cortisol levels might increase the risk of developing LVDD in diabetes mellitus patients.
Progress and challenges of network meta‐analysis
Authors: Tian Jinhui , Gao Ya , Zhang Junhua , Yang Zhirong , Dong Shengjie , Zhang Tiansong , Sun Feng , Wu Shanshan , Wu Jiarui , Wang Junfeng , Yao Liang , Ge Long , Li Lun , Shi Chunhu , Wang Quan , Li Jiang , Zhao Ye , Xiao Yue , Yang Fengwen , Fan Jinchun , Bao Shisan , Song Fujian
Published: August 2021

In the past years, network meta‐analysis (NMA) has been widely used among clinicians, guideline makers, and health technology assessment agencies and has played an important role in clinical decision‐making and guideline development. To inform further development of NMAs, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to assess the current status of published NMA methodological studies, summarized the methodological progress of seven types of NMAs, and discussed the current challenges of NMAs.