bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bartonella autotransporter CFA is a protective antigen and hypervariable target of neutralizing antibodies blocking erythrocyte infection
Authors: Siewert Lena K. , Korotaev Aleksandr , Sedzicki Jaroslaw , Fromm Katja , Pinschewer Daniel D. , Dehio Christoph
Published: September 2021

Antibodies are key to the clearance of Bartonella bacteremia, but the mechanisms and targets of protective antibodies are unknown and bacterial evasion strategies remain elusive. We studied experimental Bartonella taylorii infection of mice, its natural host, and investigated protective immune responses. Clearance of bacteremia depended on specific antibodies that interfere with bacterial attachment to erythrocytes. Accordingly, antibodies were effective in the absence of complement and Fc-receptors. Moreover, they formed independently of B-cell hypermutation and isotype class switch. The cloning of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) led to the identification of the bacterial autotransporter CFA as a protective antibody target, and vaccination against CFA protected against Bartonella bacteremia. MAb binding mapped to a region of CFA that is hypervariable in both human- and mouse-pathogenic Bartonella strains, suggesting mutational antibody evasion. These insights further our understanding of Bartonella immunity and immune evasion and elucidate mechanisms driving high Bartonella prevalence in the wild.
Klebsiella pneumoniaehijacks the Toll-IL-1R protein SARM1 in a type I IFN-dependent manner to antagonize host immunity
Authors: Feriotti Claudia , Sa-Pessoa Joana , Calderón-González Ricardo , Gu Lili , Morris Brenda , Sugisawa Ryoichi , Insua Jose L. , Carty Michael , Dumigan Amy , Ingram Rebecca J. , Kisenpfening Adrien , Bowie Andrew G. , Bengoechea José A.
Published: September 2021

Many bacterial pathogens antagonize host defence responses by translocating effector proteins into cells. It remains an open question how those pathogens not encoding effectors counteract anti-bacterial immunity. Here, we show thatKlebsiella pneumoniaehijacks the evolutionary conserved innate immune protein SARM1 to control cell intrinsic immunity.Klebsiellaexploits SARM1 to regulate negatively MyD88 and TRIF-governed inflammation, and the activation of the MAP kinases ERK and JNK. SARM1 is required forKlebsiellainduction of IL10 by fine-tuning the p38-type I IFN axis. SARM1 inhibits the activation ofKlebsiella-induced absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome to limit IL1β production, suppressing further inflammation.Klebsiellaexploits type I IFNs to induce SARM1 in a capsule and LPS O-polysaccharide-dependent manner via TLR4-TRAM-TRIF-IRF3-IFNAR1 pathway. Absence of SARM1 reduces the intracellular survival ofK. pneumonaiein macrophages whereassarm1deficient mice control the infection. Altogether, our results illustrate a hitherto unknown anti-immunology strategy deployed by a human pathogen.
Biological hydrogen cyanide emission globally impacts the physiology of both HCN-emitting and HCN-perceivingPseudomonas
Authors: Anand Abhishek , Falquet Laurent , Abou-Mansour Eliane , L’Haridon Floriane , Keel Christoph , Weisskopf Laure
Published: September 2021

Bacterial volatile compounds have emerged as important chemical messengers between bacteria themselves as well as in their interactions with other organisms. One of the earliest examples of bioactive volatiles emitted by bacteria is hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which was long considered a mere respiratory toxin conferring competitive advantage to cyanogenic strains. Using cyanide-deficient mutants in twoPseudomonasstrains and global transcriptome analysis, we demonstrate that the impact of HCN is much more global than previously thought. We first observed that the lack of cyanogenesis in emitting strains led to massive transcriptome reprogramming affecting diverse traits such as motility and biofilm formation (respectively inhibited vs. promoted by HCN), or the production of siderophores, phenazines and other antimicrobial compounds (repressed by HCN). We then exposed non-cyanogenic strains to biogenically emitted HCN from neighboring cells and observed similar transcriptome modulations and phenotypic changes, suggesting that HCN not only acts endogenously but also exogenously, remotely manipulating important traits involved in competition and virulence, e.g. siderophore production, in other organisms. Cyanogenesis inPseudomonashas long been known to play a role in both the virulence of opportunistic pathogens and the efficient biocontrol activity of plant-beneficial strains, however this impact was so far thought to occur solely through the inhibition of respiration. We demonstrate here new ecological roles for a small and fast-diffusing volatile compound, which opens novel avenues in our understanding of and ability to interfere with important processes taking place in pathogenic and beneficialPseudomonasstrains.

Importance

Bacteria communicate by exchanging chemical signals, some of which are volatile and can remotely reach other organisms. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was one of the first volatiles discovered to severely impact exposed organisms by inhibiting their respiration. Using HCN-deficient mutants in twoPseudomonasstrains, we demonstrate that HCN’s impact goes beyond the sole inhibition of respiration and affects both emitting and receiving bacteria in a global way, modulating their motility, biofilm formation and production of antimicrobial compounds. Our data suggest that bacteria could use HCN not only to control their own cellular functions, but also to remotely influence the behavior of other bacteria sharing the same environment. Since HCN emission occurs in both clinically and environmentally relevantPseudomonas, these findings are important to better understand or even modulate the expression of bacterial traits involved in both virulence of opportunistic pathogens and in biocontrol efficacy of plant-beneficial strains.
Sustainability in the food and beverage sector and its impact on the cost of equity
Authors: Garzón- Jiménez Renato , Zorio-Grima Ana
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to analyze in an international setting the relationship between environmental disclosures, carbon emissions and gender equality on the board of directors with the cost of equity (CoE) in the food and beverage sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample includes 142 listed firms and 1,562 firm-observations from 35 developed and developing countries between 2009 and 2019. The authors implement a fixed-effects regression model to contrast the impact of the three sustainable variables of interest on the CoE.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that firms in the food and beverage industry benefit from a lower CoE due to better environmental disclosures and gender equality. On the other hand, carbon intensive firms are penalized with higher equity costs.

Originality/value

This study expands prior research on the effects of sustainable behavior on the CoE in the food and beverage industry by taking into account additional sustainability variables and a greater number of observations, both from developed and from developing countries.
Informal learning behaviors and the role of workplace support: preliminary findings from an India-USA workforce
Authors: Joseph Nidheesh , Rajan E. Sownthara
Published: September 2021

Purpose (mandatory)

The purpose of this paper is to study engagement of employees in informal learning behaviors (ILBs) and to understand the role of workplace support (organizational support, supervisor support and job support) in facilitating such behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach (mandatory)

The study uses descriptive design with data collected through voluntary non-probability sampling method of 58 employees from India and the USA through Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Findings (mandatory)

Preliminary findings suggest that 81% of the employees are likely to engage in ILBs and 65.5% agreed to have received workplace support. Employees from India rate their workplace support as higher and are more likely to engage in ILBs than those from the USA.

Originality/value (mandatory)

This study contributes to workplace informal learning literature and highlights the need for more studies on workforce ILBs across multiple countries and job role variations.
A two-phase approach for solving the multi-skill resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem: a case study in construction industry
Authors: Hosseinian Amir Hossein , Baradaran Vahid
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study the Multi-Skill Resource-Constrained Multi-Project Scheduling Problem (MSRCMPSP), where (1) durations of activities depend on the familiarity levels of assigned workers, (2) more efficient workers demand higher per-day salaries, (3) projects have different due dates and (4) the budget of each period varies over time. The proposed model is bi-objective, and its objectives are minimization of completion times and costs of all projects, simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a two-phase approach based on the Statistical Process Control (SPC) to solve this problem. This approach aims to develop a control chart so as to monitor the performance of an optimizer during the optimization process. In the first phase, a multi-objective statistical model has been used to obtain control limits of this chart. To solve this model, a Multi-Objective Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure (MOGRASP) has been hired. In the second phase, the MSRCMPSP is solved via a New Version of the Multi-Objective Variable Neighborhood Search Algorithm (NV-MOVNS). In each iteration, the developed control chart monitors the performance of the NV-MOVNS to obtain proper solutions. When the control chart warns about an out-of control state, a new procedure based on the Conway’s Game of Life, which is a cellular automaton, is used to bring the algorithm back to the in-control state.

Findings

The proposed two-phase approach has been used in solving several standard test problems available in the literature. The results are compared with the outputs of some other methods to assess the efficiency of this approach. Comparisons imply the high efficiency of the proposed approach in solving test problems with different sizes.

Practical implications

The proposed model and approach have been used to schedule multiple projects of a construction company in Iran. The outputs show that both the model and the NV-MOVNS can be used in real-world multi-project scheduling problems.

Originality/value

Due to the numerous numbers of studies reviewed in this research, the authors discovered that there are few researches on the multi-skill resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem (MSRCMPSP) with the aforementioned characteristics. Moreover, none of the previous researches proposed an SPC-based solution approach for meta-heuristics in order to solve the MSRCMPSP.
Exploration of dissonance segments among fashion apparel consumers: Evidence from a developing nation
Authors: Jamwal Mohit , Mishra Sita
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the existence and profile consumer segments based on dissonance in Indian apparel fashion retail market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on cognitive dissonance theory (CDT) and analyses data using cluster and discriminant analysis on a sample (n = 354) from India.

Findings

The findings revealed three dissonance segments among consumers based on the intensity of dissonance experienced. This study also validated the clusters and profiled each segment. In doing so, the three clusters exhibited unique differences with respect to purchase and socio-demographic characteristics. Moreover, high dissonance segments were found to inversely impact customer’s satisfaction, loyalty and overall perceived value and positively impact tendency to switch.

Practical implications

Understanding the existence of cognitive dissonance (CD) patterns among consumers is critical for fashion apparel retailers. This paper offers unique insights into the specialties of each dissonance segment that assists the marketers to frame appropriate strategies to target them.

Originality/value

This paper advances knowledge on consumer behavior by highlighting the significance of CD.
A study on automated property management in commercial real estate: a case of India
Authors: Kaur Taran , Solomon Priya
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Property management in commercial real estate (CRE) is an important operational function that needs to be managed because it brings large cost implications to the organization. As India aspires to become a developed real estate market, analysis of the growing importance of automating property services and technology acceptance by stakeholders are two key concerns that need to be explicitly addressed. This study aims to examine the extent of property technology (PropTech) adoption in India and propose a technology-enabled stakeholder management model in Indian CRE.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is qualitative in nature and follows the grounded theory approach. Research data were collected by conducting a series of semi-structured interviews with 18 property management professionals from different prominent Indian companies using PropTech.

Findings

The findings suggested the nine most typical automated property management functions in Indian CRE. The result of this research is the automated property services model for stakeholder management in CRE. The model demonstrates the value of implementing technology in property services in India.

Practical implications

The study provides useful insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) in property management can be applied to address property-related challenges, various stakeholder needs and improve property performance in accordance with energy efficiency policies.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to add to the limited body of literature on technology in the property management domain. The model demonstrates how automated property services meet the needs of different stakeholders in CRE and provides remote working procedures within the COVID-19 pandemic context.
Rented apartments an alternative shelter: characteristics and quality across the residential densities in the ancient town of Ile-Ife
Authors: Olowu Falilat Yetunde , Agbabiaka Hafeez Idowu , Jaiyeoba Emmanuel Babatunde , Adesanya Abiola Aminat
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study had examined the dynamism in rental housing characteristic in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through questionnaire administration on 550 tenants selected across high, medium and low density areas, using systematic random sampling.

Findings

Findings revealed that rented apartments in the traditional town are built with modern materials like sandcrete blocks, cement, corrugated roofing sheet and aluminium. Further findings revealed a statistical significant variation in the rental housing typologies across the residential densities (χ2 = 94.732a, df = 10 and p = 0.000). The dominant housing typology in the low income earners areas is rooming apartments known traditionally as (face-to-face), in the middle income earners areas detached and semi-detached bungalows (Mini, 2bedroms and 3 bedrooms flat); and lastly, bungalows and duplexes dominates the high income earners areas. Therefore, the study likened the variation across the income areas to deferential in socioeconomic characteristics of tenants, surroundings peculiarities and the landlord and tenant relationships.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study could strengthen policies in creating design standards for construction of housing for renters; this is step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, creating an inclusive communities.
Job autonomy and knowledge hiding: the moderating roles of leader reward omission and person–supervisor fit
Authors: Peng Qiuping , Zhong Xi , Liu Shanshi , Zhou Huaikang , Ke Nannan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the moderating roles of leader reward omission and person–supervisor fit in the relationship between job autonomy and knowledge hiding are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 248 employees in a two-wave survey, we performed a hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that employees with high job autonomy were less likely to engage in knowledge hiding. Moreover, when employees experienced leader reward omission, the negative relationship between job autonomy and knowledge hiding was weakened, and this interesting effect varied by person–supervisor fit.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not explore the mediating mechanism by which job autonomy affects employee knowledge hiding. Moreover, as this research was conducted in a Chinese context, the generalizability of our findings is unclear.

Practical implications

This research has fulfilled its practical aims by providing advice on knowledge-relevant job characteristic factors that can be used to stage interventions regarding the provision of autonomy in jobs, and by carefully considering how to create interdependence between jobs without pushing people to engage in knowledge-hiding behaviors. Furthermore, it is important for leaders to help employees identify work goals and directions and not engage in reward omission.

Originality/value

This study contributes to theoretical advancements in the field of knowledge hiding by revealing boundary conditions that mitigate or enhance the impact of job autonomy on knowledge hiding.
Climbing the Jobs Ladder Slower: Young People in a Weak Labour Market
Authors: Lampe Bryn , de Fontenay Catherine , Nugent Jessica , Jomini Patrick
Published: September 2021

The downturn in Australia's labour market from 2008–2018 was reflected in dimensions other than unemployment. We use the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia data set to explore one key dimension—occupational choice. Using an occupational ranking (AUSEI06) based on earning potential and education level, we show young graduates (aged 20–35) found work in lower‐scored occupations after 2010. We examine potential heterogeneity of the occupational outcomes using Markov transitions between quartiles of the occupational distribution. We find the likelihood of transitioning to better quartiles worsened over the 2001–2018 period, suggesting poor initial outcomes can have long‐term effects on one's occupation.
The Coproduction illusion: considering the relative success rates and efficiency rates of securing an Education, Health and Care plan when requested by families or education professionals
Authors: Boddison Adam , Soan Sue
Published: September 2021

This comparative study examines success and efficiency rates for Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments in England when requested by families or education professionals. England is the only nation in the UK with EHC needs assessments. These are requested from the Local Authority (LA) if the school’s ordinarily‐available provision is insufficient for individuals to make expected progress. Policy states that needs assessments should include parents, pupils and professionals in all decision making (coproduction). After a needs assessment, the LA may issue an EHC plan. This study considers whether the outcome of a needs assessment (issuing an EHC plan) is independent of the source of the request. Statistical analysis compared outcomes of needs assessments requested by families and education professionals. Analysis of publicly‐available datasets and policy provided further context. Findings included: (i) a need for further research to explore inconsistencies in outcomes of needs assessments across England; (ii) LAs efficient at issuing EHC plans were consistently efficient for requests from education professionals and families; (iii) a potential discrepancy between families’ perceived level of involvement and the reality: a ‘coproduction illusion’. It is proposed that policy and guidance in England requires revision to ensure consistent use of language, roles, and responsibilities.
Probability Puzzle: A Certain Bet
Authors: Fletcher Michael
Published: September 2021

There's a soccer game, three bookies, and an assortment of odds. You have £99 to bet with. What bets should you place to guarantee yourself a profit?
Pietro the Weather Tortoise and the Pursuit of Soggy Bun Prevention
Authors: Jackson Conner
Published: September 2021

Can a pet tortoise really predict when it's about to rain? And are the predictions accurate enough to prevent your barbeque from being a wash-out? Conner Jackson investigates
Inference Using Non-Random Samples? Stop Right There!
Authors: Hirschauer Norbert , Grüner Sven , Mußhoff Oliver , Becker Claudia , Jantsch Antje
Published: September 2021

Statistical inference allows researchers to learn things about a population using only a sample of data from that population. But if it isn't a random sample, inference becomes tricky or outright impossible, as Norbert Hirschauer, Sven Grüner, Oliver Mußhoff, Claudia Becker and Antje Jantsch explain
What's the Big Idea? Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Raviv Eran
Published: September 2021

Deep learning algorithms are modern “media darlings” – and for good reason, as Eran Raviv explains
Modeling the job quality of ‘work relationships’ in China’s gig economy
Authors: Wei Wei , Thomas MacDonald Ian
Published: September 2021

Policy interventions geared toward improving the quality of gig economy work depend not only on how this work is classified in legal terms but also on a fine‐tuned understanding of the relevant factors that determine the quality of the gig ‘work relationship’. Models that are used to evaluate standard work, however, are poorly adapted to gig work. This article proposes a ‘work relationship’ model adapted to the gig economy. The model is inspired by Dunlop’s systems approach and is constructed from 24 in‐depth interviews with gig economy workers. A survey generated from the model was used to verify the relevance of 3 macro‐level and 12 micro‐level factors. Its main findings are that income, labour protections, voice and client behavior are the most significant factors in determining the quality of work and of work relations as determined by gig workers.
Protein‐based natural antibacterial materials and their applications in food preservation
Authors: Zhen Nuo , Wang Xinya , Li Xiang , Xue Jin , Zhao Yitao , Wu Min , Zhou Dongfang , Liu Jingsheng , Guo Jinshan , Zhang Hao
Published: September 2021

Plastics materials used for food packaging are recalcitrant, leading to a growing global environmental problem, which arouses the attention of environmental protection departments in many countries. Therefore, to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and environment‐friendly consumer products, it is necessary for the food industry to develop natural antibacterial materials for food preservation. This review summarizes the common biodegradable natural antimicrobial agents and their applications in food preservation; as well as an overview of five commonly used biodegradable protein‐based polymers, such as zein, soy protein isolate, gelatin and whey protein, with special emphasis on the advantages of protein‐based biopolymers and their applications in food packaging industry.
Reforming Dodd‐Frank from the Whistleblower's Vantage
Authors: Evans Justin W. , Sipe Stephanie R. , Inman Mary , Gonzalez Carolina
Published: September 2021

Whistleblowing is a critical component of corporate integrity and economic stability in the United States. It is unsurprising, then, that policy makers and observers have directed considerable attention to the improvement of whistleblower laws. This article assesses potential improvements to the most visible recent addition to the federal whistleblower regime—the Dodd‐Frank Act, passed in the wake of the Great Recession to combat securities fraud. The article makes two overarching claims. First, the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) recently adopted changes to the administrative rules governing the Dodd‐Frank whistleblower program (WBP) are incomplete since they were formulated without reference to the experiences of whistleblowers and their counsel. Moreover, at least three of the SEC's adopted changes will undermine the WBP and should be repealed. Second, the time is right to experiment with improvements to the WBP. If the SEC's new rules are not the optimal path forward, the question remains what alternative changes should be adopted. To that end, the article utilizes an original qualitative data set consisting of in‐depth interviews with two dozen whistleblower counsel, two whistleblowers, a former SEC commissioner, and a former chief of the SEC's Office of the Whistleblower to propose its own set of changes. Congress and the SEC should embrace these changes to reform Dodd‐Frank from the whistleblower's vantage and to move the WBP closer to its full potential as a deterrent and remedy for securities fraud.
miR‐195‐3p alleviates homocysteine‐mediated atherosclerosis by targeting IL‐31 through its epigenetics modifications
Authors: Xiong Jiantuan , Ma Fang , Ding Ning , Xu Lingbo , Ma Shengchao , Yang Anning , Hao Yinju , Zhang Huiping , Jiang Yideng
Published: September 2021

Atherosclerosis is a serious age‐related disease, which has a tremendous impact on health care globally. Macrophage inflammation is crucial for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, and microRNAs (miRNAs) recently have emerged as potent modulators of inflammation, while the underlying mechanisms of its involvement in homocysteine (Hcy)‐mediated macrophage inflammation of atherosclerosis remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that elevated Hcy inhibits the expression of miR‐195‐3p, which in turn enhances IL‐31 expression and thereby causes the secretion of macrophages pro‐inflammatory factors IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α and accelerate atherosclerosis. Furthermore, we identified that Hcy can induce DNA hypermethylation and H3K9 deacetylation of miR‐195‐3p promoter due to the increased the binding of DNMT3a and HDAC11 at its promoter. More importantly, Sp1 interacts with DNMT3a suppressed the binding of HDAC11 at miR‐195‐3p promoter and promoted its transcription. In summary, our results revealed a novel mechanism that transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of miR‐195‐3p inhibits macrophage inflammation through targeting IL‐31, which provides a candidate diagnostic marker and novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases induced by Hcy.
Is talk cheap? Correspondence between self‐attributions about changes in drinking and longitudinal changes in drinking during the 2019 coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Minhas Meenu , Belisario Kyla , Gonzalez‐Roz Alba , Halladay Jillian , Morris Vanessa , Keough Matthew , Murphy James , MacKillop James
Published: September 2021

Background

There are concerns that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may increase drinking, but most accounts to date are cross‐sectional studies of self‐attributions about alcohol‐related impacts and the accuracy of those perceptions has not been investigated. The current study examined the correspondence between self‐attributions of pandemic‐related changes in drinking and longitudinally‐measured changes in drinking and alcohol‐related consequences in a sample of emerging adults.

Methods

In an existing ongoing longitudinal study on alcohol misuse (≥1 heavy episodic drinking day/month) in emerging adults, 473 individuals (Mage = 23.8; 41.7% male) received a supplemental assessment from June 17th to July 1st, 2020, during public health restrictions in Ontario, Canada. These intrapandemic data were matched to the most recent assessment prior to the pandemic (~8 months earlier). Self‐attributions about changes in drinking were assessed globally (i.e., increases/decreases/no change) and with higher resolution questions clarifying the magnitude of changes.

Results

Global self‐attributions about changes in drinking substantively paralleled longitudinal changes in weekly drinking days (DD). In the longitudinal data, individuals’ who self‐reported increases in drinking exhibited significant increases; individuals’ who self‐reported decreases exhibited significant decreases; and individuals who self‐reported no change exhibited nonsignificant changes. Higher resolution items likewise revealed longitudinal patterns of weekly drinking that were substantively consistent with self‐attributions. Heavy DD and alcohol‐related consequences exhibited similar patterns, but only individuals who self‐reported large increases in drinking exhibited increases on these outcomes. Individuals who reported large increases in drinking also exhibited significant increases in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Conclusions

Self‐attributions about drinking closely corresponded to longitudinal changes in drinking, supporting the validity of self‐attributions in population‐level surveys, particularly in young adults. Notably, a subgroup was identified that exhibited pronounced increases for all alcohol‐related outcomes and concurrent increases in internalizing psychopathology.
Preconception interventions to reduce the risk of alcohol‐exposed pregnancies: A systematic review
Authors: Reid Natasha , Schölin Lisa , Erng May Na , Montag Annika , Hanson Jessica , Smith Lesley
Published: September 2021

Background

The preconception period provides a unique opportunity to optimize the health of women and children. High rates of alcohol use and unintended pregnancies are common across many Western societies, and alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEPs) are a possible unintended outcome. The aim of the current study was to evaluate preconception interventions for the prevention of AEPs.

Methods

A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) was undertaken for relevant peer‐reviewed articles published from 1970 onward. Studies were included if they enrolled women and/or their support networks during the preconception period.

Results

Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies (n = 14) evaluated CHOICES‐based interventions, which incorporate motivational interviewing approaches to change alcohol and/or contraceptive behavior. The other five interventions included a range of different approaches and modes of delivery. The majority of interventions were successful in reducing AEP risk. Changes in AEP risk were more often driven by changes in contraceptive behavior, although some approaches led to changes in both alcohol and contraceptive behavior.

Conclusions

The review indicated that many interventions were efficacious at reducing AEP risk during the preconception period through preventing unplanned pregnancy. The effectiveness estimated from these clinical trials may be greater than that seen in interventions when implemented in practice where there is a lack of blinding and greater attrition of participants during follow‐up. Further research investigating the real‐world effectiveness of these intervention approaches implemented across a wide range of clinical settings would be beneficial.
Tobacco use disorder and cardiovascular health
Authors: Benowitz Neal L. , Liakoni Evangelia
Published: September 2021

This narrative review examines the impact of cigarette smoking and the use of other tobacco and nicotine products on cardiovascular disease. Smoking increases the incidence of both acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, and the harmful effects are substantially and relatively quickly reversible after quitting. Recommended cessation treatment includes offering pharmacotherapy, counseling which should emphasize the rapid risk reduction that occurs after quitting and adequate follow‐up contacts. Although most research on cardiovascular disease in relation to tobacco use has focused upon cigarette smoking, we also review available data related to other combustible tobacco products, smokeless tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems and second‐hand smoke. We discuss the implications of smoking on clinical management of patients with heart disease and newer developments with potential relevance to treatment of such patients.
The impact of disease activity on psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease—results from the Stress, Anxiety and Depression with Disease Activity (SADD) Study
Authors: Mules Thomas C. , Swaminathan Akhilesh , Hirschfeld Esther , Borichevsky Grace , Frampton Chris , Day Andrew S. , Gearry Richard B.
Published: September 2021

Background

Disease activity may be a risk factor for psychological illness in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Aim

To correlate objective measures of disease activity with psychological symptoms.

Methods

Adult patients with IBD undergoing ileocolonoscopy were prospectively recruited. Demographic, psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress), disease activity (symptoms, biomarkers, endoscopy), and quality of life (QoL) data were collected. One‐way ANOVA and multivariable analyses examined the associations between disease activity and symptoms of psychological illness, and identified other predictors of mental illness and reduced QoL.

Results

A total of 172 patients were included, 107 with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 65 with ulcerative colitis (UC). There was no significant association between objective disease activity (endoscopic scores, faecal calprotectin or C‐reactive protein) and depression, anxiety or stress scores (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in patients with CD and UC (P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, only gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with severe symptoms of depression (OR 20.78 [6.71‐92.37], P < 0.001) and anxiety (OR 4.26 [1.70‐12.25], P = 0.004). Anti‐TNF and corticosteroid use, the presence of severe depressive, moderate–severe stress and gastrointestinal symptoms, and endoscopically active IBD were associated with a reduced QoL (P < 0.05). Longer duration of IBD predicted an improved QoL (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Objective measures of disease activity are not associated with symptoms of psychological illness in patients with IBD. Clinicians should consider underlying mental illness in patients with IBD with active gastrointestinal symptoms.
Lymphocytic gastritis and its relationships with other gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Genta Robert M. , Singhal Anuradha , Turner Kevin O. , Sonnenberg Amnon
Published: September 2021

Background

Lymphocytic gastritis (LyG) is a histopathologic finding of unknown clinical relevance.

Aims

To explore the clinical epidemiology of LyG and its associations with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, coeliac disease (CD) and microscopic colitis (MC)

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic data of patients with and without LyG were compared. Between 2008 and 2020, 1.5 million patients with endoscopic biopsies of the gastroduodenal mucosa were extracted from a database. LyG diagnoses were reviewed to collect detailed information regarding its topographic distribution within the stomach. In a large subgroup of 400 000 patients, tissue samples from the colon were also available.

Results

Of 1 481 336 patients, 341 had LyG with Hp and 2697 had Hp‐negative LyG (with an overall prevalence of 0.21%). In patients with Hp‐negative LyG, 450 (17%) had corpus‐predominant LyG, 1068 antrum‐predominant LyG (40%), and 1179 pangastric LyG (44%). LyG was more common in males and in subjects aged 50‐70 years. There was no significant ethnic variation. Anaemia, diarrhoea, and weight loss were more common in patients with than without LyG. In 35% and 19% of patients, LyG was associated with CD and MC, respectively. All 72 patients with Hp‐positive LyG and 280 of 310 patients with Hp‐negative LyG with follow‐up biopsies became free of LyG within a year.

Conclusions

Most cases of LyG may represent a self‐limited expression, frequently associated with other GI conditions, such as Hp infection, CD, and MC. In most patients, LyG is likely to resolve within a year after its initial diagnosis.
Different clinicopathologic features predispose to different patterns of distant metastasis with heterogeneous short‐term prognosis in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Tan Li‐Cheng , Huang Nai‐Si , Yu Peng‐Cheng , Han Pei‐Zhen , Liu Wan‐Lin , Lu Zhong‐Wu , Shi Rong‐Liang , Shi Xiao , Wang Yu , Ji Qing‐Hai , Qu Ning , Wei Wen‐Jun , Wang Yu‐Long
Published: September 2021

Background

Limited studies have focused on the associated clinicopathologic features and short‐term prognostic impacts of metastatic patterns at initial diagnosis in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Methods

Overall, 530 individuals with distant DTC diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multinomial logistic regression model was used to assess the clinicopathologic factors influencing the pattern of distant metastasis. Kaplan–Meier method and multivariable Cox regression were used to estimate the short‐term effects of metastatic patterns on overall (OS) and thyroid cancer‐specific survival (TCSS).

Results

Fifty, 111, 263, 59 and 47 patients presented with distant lymph node (LN)‐only, bone‐only, lung‐only, bone plus lung, and liver and/or brain metastases (Mets), respectively. Regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) and follicular histotype were the only confirmed risk factors for distant LN‐only Mets and bone‐only Mets, respectively. Larger tumour size, extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and papillary histotype were associated with lung‐only Mets. Synchronous bone and lung Mets were more likely to occur in older patients. In addition, patients with distant LN‐only Mets had hardly any negative effect on OS and TCSS, whereas those with synchronous bone and lung or liver/brain Mets predicted unfavourable short‐term outcomes, regardless of whether they received total thyroidectomy and radioisotopes.

Conclusions

Different clinicopathologic factors predispose to different patterns of metastases with profound short‐term survival differences among DTC patients. Our findings may help to determine effective pretreatment screening for aggressive metastatic patterns at initial diagnosis, and thus to provide additional treatment or access of clinical trials for these patients.
Alterations in the gut microbiome with hemorrhagic transformation in experimental stroke
Authors: Huang Qin , Di Liao , Yu Fang , Feng Xianjing , Liu Zeyu , Wei Minping , Luo Yunfang , Xia Jian
Published: September 2021

Objective

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a life‐threatening complication of stroke. Whether changes in gut microbial composition underlie the development of HT remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether the gut microbiota is altered in HT rats and examine the association between these changes and inflammatory responses.

Methods

HT was successfully established in rats injected with 50% glucose (6 ml/Kg, i.p.) 15 min before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 90 min occlusion) with reperfusion. After 5 days, rats were euthanized, and their brains used to estimate infarct volume. The inflammatory factors, the analysis of gut microbiota, and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) were assessed.

Results

In contrast with non‐HT rats, gut microbiota sequencing showed an elevation in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in HT rats. Total SCFAs, especially butyrate and valeric acid, were significantly lower in the cecal contents of HT rats than in those of non‐HT rats. Hyperglycemia‐induced HT exacerbation was not observed when rats were treated with antibiotics, suggesting that altered microbiota play a critical role in hyperglycemic HT pathogenesis. Furthermore, rats whose gut was colonized with HT rat microbiota showed increased susceptibility to HT.

Conclusion

This study provides important information about the gut microbiota profiles and SCFA levels of MCAO rats with HT or non‐HT. The susceptibility to HT in MCAO rats is associated with inflammation and gut microbiota modulation.
Patch tests in nonimmediate cutaneous adverse drug reactions: The importance of late readings on day 4
Authors: Bhujoo Zoé , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro Saskia , Gener Gwendeline , Gaudin Olivier , Fleck Margaux , Verlinde‐Carvalho Muriel , Paul Muriel , Chosidow Olivier , Wolkenstein Paul , Assier Haudrey
Published: September 2021

Background

Patch tests (PTs) with two readings have been used for decades to identify the culprit drug in nonimmediate cutaneous adverse drug reactions (NICADRs), followed more recently by late reading of intradermal tests (IDTs). Some teams tend to perform PTs with only one reading before IDTs or even directly perform IDTs.

Objectives

To evaluate the relevance of a late PT reading on day 4 (D4) in NICADRs.

Methods

We retrospectively selected patients who had a PT for an NICADR between July 2014 and March 2020.

Results

During the study period, 328 patients had a PT with available results. Among the 75 positive‐PT patients with available data for the two readings, 41 (54.7%) had positive results on D2 and D4 and 34 (45.3%) had negative results on D2 but positive results on D4. No patient had positive results on D2 and negative results on D4.

Conclusion

This study shows that a D4 reading enhanced the PT‐positive results. A positive PT result allows for reducing the number of IDTs, which are more difficult and costly to perform. Our series suggests that a late PT reading at D4 should be performed for exploring NICADRs.
Successful transpapillary removal of a migrated percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage tube with a digital peroral cholangioscope
Authors: Kayashima Atsuto , Iwasaki Eisuke , Kanai Takanori
Published: September 2021

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Objectively measured teacher and preschooler vocalizations: Phonemic diversity is associated with language abilities
Authors: Mitsven Samantha G. , Perry Lynn K. , Tao Yudong , Elbaum Batya E. , Johnson Neil F. , Messinger Daniel S.
Published: September 2021

Over half of US children are enrolled in preschools, where the quantity and quality of language input from teachers are likely to affect children's language development. Leveraging repeated objective measurements, we examined the rate per minute and phonemic diversity of child and teacher speech‐related vocalizations in preschool classrooms and their association with children's end‐of‐year receptive and expressive language abilities measured with the Preschool Language Scales (PLS‐5). Phonemic diversity was computed as the number of unique consonants and vowels in a speech‐related vocalization. We observed three successive cohorts of 2.5–3.5‐year‐old children enrolled in an oral language classroom that included children with and without hearing loss (N = 29, 16 girls, 14 Hispanic). Vocalization data were collected using child‐worn audio recorders over 34 observations spanning three successive school years, yielding 21.53 mean hours of audio recording per child. The rate of teacher vocalizations positively predicted the rate of children's speech‐related vocalizations while the phonemic diversity of teacher vocalizations positively predicted the phonemic diversity of children's speech‐related vocalizations. The phonemic diversity of children's speech‐related vocalizations was a stronger predictor of end‐of‐year language abilities than the rate of children's speech‐related vocalizations. Mediation analyses indicated that the phonemic diversity of teacher vocalizations was associated with children's receptive and expressive language abilities to the extent that it influenced the phonemic diversity of children's own speech‐related vocalizations. The results suggest that qualitatively richer language input expands the phonemic diversity of children's speech, which in turn is associated with language abilities.
Sweet syndrome after Oxford‐AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine (AZD1222) in an elderly female
Authors: Majid Imran , Mearaj Samia
Published: September 2021

Vaccination for COVID19 infection is in full swing all around the world and while the vaccines are considered overall safe, many cutaneous and extracutaneous adverse effects have been reported after their use. Local injection‐site reactions are the commonest adverse effect described with the use of these vaccines. We describe a case of Sweet syndrome in an elderly female after the first dose of Oxford‐AstraZeneca COVID‐19 vaccine (AZD1222).
Transaction fee economics in the Ethereum blockchain
Authors: Donmez Anil , Karaivanov Alexander
Published: September 2021

We study the economic determinants of transaction fees in the Ethereum blockchain. We estimate an empirical model based on queueing theory and analyze the factors determining the “gas price” (transaction cost per unit of service, “gas”). Using block‐ and transaction‐level data from the Ethereum blockchain, we show that changes in service demand significantly affect the gas price—when there is high block utilization, per‐unit fees increase on average, with strong nonlinear effect above 90% utilization. The transaction type is another important factor—larger fraction of regular transactions (direct transfers between users) is associated with higher gas price.
De facto immigration enforcement, ICE raid awareness, and worker engagement
Authors: Amuedo‐Dorantes Catalina , Antman Francisca M.
Published: September 2021

We explore whether fear of apprehension affects immigrants' labor market engagement by examining how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removals due to immigration violations and increased awareness of immigration raids impact their labor market outcomes. We find that ICE deportations are associated with reductions in the labor force participation and employment of likely undocumented immigrants when compared to similarly skilled foreign‐born US citizens. Effects are particularly strong among women, especially those with children, as well as in industries likely targeted by ICE raids. Controlling for perceived threats and de jure immigration policies has little impact on these results.
Test of plant defense elicitors for arthropod pest suppression and PR‐1 gene induction in pear orchards
Authors: Orpet Robert J. , Cooper W. Rodney , Beers Elizabeth H. , Nottingham Louis B.
Published: September 2021

Plant defense elicitors (PDEs) are chemicals that stimulate plant defenses against pathogens and herbivores. Previous work shows that PDEs acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) and harpinαβ protein (harpin) can induce the pathogenesis‐related gene PR‐1 in plants and suppress herbivorous arthropods. In this study, we tested the potential for these PDEs to induce PR‐1 in pear, Pyrus communis L. (Rosaceae) orchards and suppress pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förster) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), and spider mites, Tetranychus spp. (Acari: Tetranychidae). In 2017, we compared densities of each pest on mature pear trees following a single application of either an ASM product (Actigard; Syngenta), a harpin product (Employ; Plant Health Care), or no PDE treatment in four commercial and two research center orchards. In 2018, we sampled pear psylla and used qPCR to assess PR‐1 induction in pear leaf samples before and after PDE treatments at one commercial orchard. Neither PDE treatment showed evidence of pest suppression in either year, and no differences in PR‐1 expression were detected. Potted greenhouse trees treated with ASM in 2019 showed higher PR‐1 expression relative to untreated trees, verifying that our procedures can detect induction and suggesting that a single PDE application was sufficient to induce PR‐1 in potted but not mature pear trees. We conclude that plant defense elicitors may contribute to pear pest suppression in some contexts, but effects are unlikely to be strong or consistent. Our results highlight the need for field experiments to advance plant defense elicitor knowledge towards effective field applications.