bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comorbidities in Chilean patients with psoriasis: a Global Healthcare Study on Psoriasis
Authors: Valenzuela Fernando , De La Cruz Claudia , Lecaros Cristóbal , Fernández Javier , Hevia Gonzalo , Maul Lara Valeska , Thyssen Jacob P. , Vera-Kellet Cristián , Egeberg Alexander , Armijo Daniela , Pizarro Cristian , Riveros Tatiana , Correa Hernán , Guglielmetti Antonio , Didaskalu Johannes A. , Wu Jashin J. , Griffiths Christopher E. M. , Romiti Ricardo , Maul Julia-Tatjana
Published: August 2022

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with several important medical comorbidities. There are scant data available on the comorbidities of patients with psoriasis in South America.

Aim

To examine the comorbidity profile of adult patients with psoriasis in Chile and its association with severity of psoriasis.

Methods

This was a multicentre, cross-sectional study involving 16 hospitals and clinics in Chile, which used a 48-item questionnaire to study clinician- and patient-reported outcomes and comorbidities. Inferential analyses were performed by psoriasis severity, using Fisher exact test, Student t-test and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In total, 598 adult patients with psoriasis were included (51.1% male; mean age 49.2 ± 15.1 years); 48.5% mild and 51.4% moderate to severe; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 11.6 ± 11.5; body surface area 14.7 ± 18.2%. Plaque psoriasis was the most common phenotype (90.2%), followed by guttate (13.4%). Psoriatic arthritis occurred in 27.3% of patients. Comorbidities were reported in 60.2% of all patients with psoriasis. Frequent concomitant diseases were obesity (25.3%), hypertension (24.3%), Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (18.7%), dyslipidaemia (17.4%), metabolic syndrome (16.7%) and depression (14.4%). After adjustment, significant associations were found between moderate to severe psoriasis and obesity, T2DM and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared with mild psoriasis.

Conclusions

We report a large study of comorbidities, including depression, dyslipidaemia, T2DM and NAFLD, in people with psoriasis in Chile. The prevalence of comorbidities with psoriasis in Chile appears similar to that found in Western countries, and emphasizes the importance of assessing patients with psoriasis for risk factors for and presence of, comorbid disease in a multidisciplinary setting.
Hesitant adopters: An examination of hesitancy among adults in Arkansas who have taken the COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: McElfish Pearl A. , Rowland Brett , Scott Aaron J. , Andersen Jennifer A. , CarlLee Sheena , McKinnon Joshua C. , Reece Sharon , Meredith‐Neve Sandra M. , Macechko Michael D. , Gurel‐Headley Morgan , Willis Don E.
Published: August 2022

Recent research suggests people who report vaccine hesitancy may still get vaccinated; however, little is known about hesitancy among those who chose to vaccinate. The current study focused on individuals who received the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine despite their hesitancy, whom we refer to as “hesitant adopters.” With the understanding that vaccine attitudes and vaccine behaviors may or may not be correlated, we examined the prevalence of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among those who have been vaccinated, how COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy varies across sociodemographic groups, and how COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy relates to other factors (prior health care access and influenza vaccination behavior over the past 5 years). Random digit dialing of telephone landlines and cell phones was used to contact potential survey respondents, rendering a sample of 1500 Arkansan adults. Approximately one‐third of those who received a COVID‐19 vaccine also reported some level of hesitancy. Among hesitant adopters, 5.3% said they were “very hesitant,” 8.8% said they were “somewhat hesitant,” and 17.1% said they were “a little hesitant.” Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx respondents reported more hesitancy than White respondents, and female respondents reported greater hesitancy compared to male respondents. Greater hesitancy was associated with non‐metro/rural residence, forgoing health care due to cost, and lower influenza vaccination rates over the past 5 years. Findings suggest those who are hesitant may get vaccinated despite their hesitancy, illustrating the complexity of vaccination behaviors. Prevalence of hesitancy among the vaccinated has implications for communication strategies in vaccine outreach programs and may help to reduce stigmatization of hesitant adopters.
Social relationships among captive female Himalayan tahr
Authors: Schino Gabriele , Manzoni Carola , Di Giovanni Massimiliano
Published: August 2022

We studied social relationships in a captive group of female Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus). Female tahr showed frequent aggression and a strictly linear age‐graded dominance hierarchy. Coalitions, in contrast, were rare. Female tahr formed differentiated social relationships, as they interacted with different individuals at widely different rates. A principal component analysis revealed that social relationships were best described along three independent dimensions that we labelled as Affiliation, Agonism and Ambivalence. Both Affiliation and Agonism were directed preferentially down the hierarchy. Affiliation was also directed preferentially to kin, while Agonism showed the reverse pattern. Ambivalence was unrelated to both dominance and kinship. Overall, these results show that an ungulate species can form differentiated social relationships that vary in relation to dominance rank and kinship.
The invasion and impacts of the African sharptooth catfish (Clariidae: Clarias gariepinus) in the Malay Peninsula
Authors: Low Bi Wei , Liew Jia Huan , Tan Heok Hui , Ahmad Amirrudin , Zeng Yiwen , Yeo Darren C. J.
Published: August 2022

The African sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is a globally invasive species with known severe impacts, including native species declines through ecological (e.g., competition, predation) and genetic interactions (e.g., hybridisation, introgression). The species was introduced to the Malay Peninsula in the late 1980s, and has since become widely established.

In this study, we used structural equation models (SEMs) (habitat analyses) and stable isotope analyses (dietary analyses) to elucidate the determinants of C. gariepinus invasion success in streams of the Malay Peninsula and investigate potential impacts on native counterparts.

Our SEMs indicate that C. gariepinus invasions were mediated by greater anthropogenic influences as well as environmental conditions associated with open streams (large channels, higher temperatures and lower canopy cover). Additionally, on the one hand, we find that invasions by C. gariepinus have led to substantial negative impacts on the native Asian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus, with the latter being displaced, or in some areas extirpated, from its characteristic open‐stream habitats. On the other hand, C. gariepinus invasions did not appear to impact the native forest specialist, Clarias leiacanthus. Stable isotope analyses showed that all three Clarias species were opportunistic, generalist feeders. There was substantial overlap in the diets of C. gariepinus and C. batrachus. However, C. leiacanthus generally assimilated comparatively greater volumes of aquatic macroinvertebrate prey, therefore reducing dietary overlap with introduced C. gariepinus.

Our findings indicate that propagule pressure and exaptations probably have played a major role in facilitating C. gariepinus invasions in the Malay Peninsula. Furthermore, our results suggest that habitat competition may have acted synergistically with trophic competition to drive C. gariepinus impacts on native species, although this was mitigated by differentiation in ecological preferences.

Our results help shed light on the general characteristics of invasive species, the mechanisms facilitating their proliferation, and the potential outcomes of biological invasions. These highlight the urgent need to manage the introduction, spread and impacts of invasive C. gariepinus in the Malay Peninsula and elsewhere in its invaded range.
Nursing staff facilitate patient participation by championing the patient's perspective: An action research study in spinal cord injury rehabilitation
Authors: Steensgaard Randi , Kolbaek Raymond , Angel Sanne
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Persons with spinal cord injury have experienced a life‐changing event, and they need to engage in the rehabilitation process to adjust to their current situation and future living conditions. Due to the highly contextual and varying psychological and physical ability to participate from patient to patient during rehabilitation, this is difficult for the injured person and for health professionals to support. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop and facilitate patient participation by engaging nursing staff and from this engagement in the process, disclose methods to support participation.

Methods

The processes conducted were based on an action research approach, from problem identification to the development, test and evaluation of four new nursing initiatives. The initiatives were developed by eight nursing staff members who participated actively as co‐researchers in a 2‐year study conducted at a Spinal Cord Injury Centre in Denmark from 2016 to 2018. Data evolved from workshops, transcriptions of meetings and written evaluations and was further analysed using Ricoeur's phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Results

Action research processes facilitated the development of four communicative initiatives and a shift in the nursing staff's support of the patient. In a collaborative process, the nursing staff acted as participants in the patient's rehabilitation. Awareness of the patient's perspective facilitated a caring, attentive and engaged approach from the nursing staff, which promoted rehabilitation tailored to the individual.

Conclusion

Patient participation was enhanced when nursing staff actively participated in the development of initiatives and a culture supporting a person‐to‐person approach involving the patient and themselves as equal participants in the collaborative rehabilitation process.

Patient or Public Contribution

Eight nursing staff members from the rehabilitation centre participated throughout the study as co‐researchers. Patients participated in observations and as informants in interviews during the first phase to identify challenges to patient participation. Patients also participated in testing the nursing initiatives during the action phase (Phase 3). Furthermore, a former patient was a member of the advisory board.
A stepwise haematological screening and whole‐exome sequencing reveal multiple mutations from SUPT5H causing an elevation of Hb A2 from a cohort of 47336 individuals
Authors: Lou Jiwu , Ye Yuhua , Sun Manna , Zhao Ying , Fu Youqing , Liu Yanhui
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Though an increase in Hb A2 is one of the most key markers of β‐thal carriers, a few independent cases are reported to show elevated Hb A2 levels caused by mutations in other genes beyond β‐globin gene.

Methods

We reviewed the haematological indices of 47336 individuals to analyse the phenotype–genotype correlation and identified 1439 individuals (3.04%) positive in the elevation of Hb A2. Globin and KLF1 genes analysis was performed, and further whole‐exome sequencing was carried to dissect the genetic causes of those positive samples without β‐thalassemic or KLF1 mutations.

Results

Of these 1439 individuals with elevated Hb A2, 1381 had a molecular defect in globin genes, and most were β‐thalassemic mutation; 10 had a molecular defect in KLF1 gene. Finally, among the 38 individuals without β‐thalassemic or KLF1 mutations, 7 were identified to carried a loss‐of‐function mutation in SUPT5H.

Conclusion

This study has provided a mutation spectrum of SUPT5H in a cohort screening leading to the elevation of Hb A2. According to the previous observations that individuals with a combination of β‐thal mutation and a SUPT5H variant might present moderate β‐thaelassemia, these findings emphasized the importance of comprehensive molecular diagnosis to prevent birth defects of β‐thaelassemia caused by rare mutations from modifier genes.
The utilization of a nurse‐led clinic by older people with cognitive complaints: Do they follow our advice?
Authors: Kor Patrick Pui‐kin , Kwan Rick Yiu Cho , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Lai Claudia
Published: August 2022

Aim

Cognitive assessment services were found to be beneficial to older people with cognitive complaints but information is limited on adherence to the recommendations provided. This study aimed to identify predictors of clients' adherence to nursing recommendations after attending a community‐based nurse‐led cognitive assessment service in Hong Kong.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design was adopted. We analysed a dataset routinely collected from clients attending the services between January 2012 and January 2018. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors (demographics, functional health status and cognitive performance) of the clients' adherence. Their satisfaction with the services was also examined.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐three clients attended the clinic. Of the 133 who completed the telephone follow‐up at the 6 months postconsultation, 44.1% did not adhere to the recommendations. Clients with a higher Clinical Dementia Rating (OR = 4.17), lower Clock Drawing Test score (OR = 1.13) and lower education level (OR = 0.91) were found to be less likely to adhere to the nursing recommendations. Ninety‐six percent (190/198) were satisfied with the overall services.

Conclusion

Cognitive assessment services in nurse‐led clinics could provide a self‐referred service for older people with cognitive complaints. However, low adherence to nursing recommendations was found among clients with poorer cognitive functions and lower education levels.
The effects of the instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model on adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aydogdu Ozlem , Tastan Sevinc , Kublay Gulumser
Published: August 2022

Aim

This trial aimed to evaluate the effects of instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model on adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people.

Background

Reminiscence therapy is one of the nursing interventions that facilitates the adaptation of older people to the process of ageing.

Design

The study utilized a pretest–posttest randomized controlled trial design.

Methods

This study was conducted at two nursing homes in Northern Cyprus between April and June 2021. The trial comprised 34 participants. A descriptive information form, the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—Short Form were used for data collection.

Results

Mean posttest scores obtained by the intervention group from the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—Short Form were significantly higher than their pretest scores (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the mean scores obtained by the intervention and control groups from the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly, Life Satisfaction Index A and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire—Short Form (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Instrumental reminiscence therapy based on Roy's adaptation model increased the levels of adaptation, life satisfaction and happiness in older people. Therefore, instrumental reminiscence therapy might be applied, integrated with the Roy's adaptation model.
Genome‐wide scan for selective sweeps identifies novel loci associated with resistance to mastitis in German Holstein cattle
Authors: Abbasi‐Moshaii Bita , Moradi Mohammad Hossein , Yin Tong , Rahimi‐Mianji Ghodratollah , Nejati‐Javaremi Ardeshir , König Sven
Published: August 2022

Domestication and selection significantly changed phenotypic and behavioural traits in modern domestic animals. In this study, to identify the genomic regions associated with mastitis, genomic data of German Holstein dairy cattle were analysed. The samples were genotyped using the Bovine 50 K SNP chip. For each defined healthy and sick group, 133 samples from 13,276 genotyped dairy cows were selected based on mastitis random residual effects. Grouping was done to infer selection signatures based on XP‐EHH statistic. The results revealed that for the top 0.01 percentile of the obtained XP‐EHH values, five genomic regions on chromosomes 8, 11, 12, 14 and 26 of the control group, and four regions on chromosomes 3, 4 (two regions) and 22 of the case group, have been under selection. Also, consideration of the top 0.1 percentile of the XP‐EHH values, clarified 21 and 15 selective sweeps in the control and case group, respectively. This study identified some genomic regions containing potential candidate genes associated with resistance and susceptibility to mastitis, immune system and inflammation, milk traits, udder morphology and different types of cancers. In addition, these regions overlap with some quantitative trait loci linked to clinical mastitis, immunoglobulin levels, somatic cell score, udder traits, milk fat and protein, milk yield, milking speed and veterinary treatments. It is noteworthy that we found two regions in the healthy group (on chromosomes 12 and 14) with strong signals, which were not described previously. It is likely that future research could link these identified genomic regions to mastitis. The results of the current study contribute to the identification of causal mutations, genomic regions and genes affecting mastitis incidence in dairy cows.
Commentary: Will genomics revolutionise research on gene–environment interplay?
Authors: Plomin Robert , Viding Essi
Published: August 2022

The synthesis of quantitative genetics and molecular genetics is transforming research in the behavioural sciences. The ability to measure inherited DNA differences directly has led to polygenic scores and to new methods to estimate heritability and genetic correlations. This issue provides examples of how these advances can be appllied to research on gene‐environment interplay in developmental psychopathology.
Diversity of sex chromosomes in Sulawesian medaka fishes
Authors: Ansai Satoshi , Montenegro Javier , Masengi Kawilarang W. A. , Nagano Atsushi J. , Yamahira Kazunori , Kitano Jun
Published: August 2022

Recent genetic and genomic studies have revealed tremendous diversity in sex chromosomes across diverse taxa. Closely related species with different sex chromosomes provide us excellent opportunities to investigate the driving forces and the consequences of sex chromosome turnover. In the present study, we investigated the diversity of sex chromosomes of 13 Oryzias species from Sulawesi, Indonesia, which diversified during the last 4.86 million years. Using pooled sequencing, we found sex chromosomes in nine species that all had XY systems, with a species being possibly modified by multiple loci. Seven species (O. woworae, O. asinua, O. wolasi, O. matanensis, O. celebensis, O. hadiatyae, and O. dopingdopingensis) share linkage group (LG) 24 as sex chromosomes; however, they differed in the length and magnitude of sequence divergence between the X and Y chromosomes. The sex chromosome of O. eversi was LG4, which has not been reported as a sex chromosome in any other medaka species. In O. sarasinorum, LG16 and LG22 are associated with sex. Although LG16 was found to be sex‐linked in another medaka species previously examined, the sex‐determining regions did not overlap. No significant signatures for sex chromosomes were identified in the other four species (O. marmoratus, O. nigrimas, O. nebulosus, and O. orthognathus). Frequent turnovers and the great diversity of the sex chromosomes will make Sulawesian medaka species a model system for investigating the driving forces and consequences of sex chromosome turnover.
Situating stigma: Accounting for deviancy, difference and categorial relations
Authors: Smith Robin James , Atkinson Paul , Evans Rhiannon
Published: August 2022

This article returns to Goffman's early formulations of ‘stigma’ in outlining a critique of contemporary social scientific uses and abuses of the concept. We argue that whilst Goffman's discussion of stigma is not without its troubles, it has mostly been approached in a manner that treats the concept outside of an appreciation of stigma as a phenomenon of interaction order. More specifically, we discuss and demonstrate how stigma serves an analytic gloss for social relations observable in social settings and in accounts of difference, deviance and degradation. We analyse both social scientific and lay uses of the stigma concept in relation to care‐experienced young children and self‐harm to demonstrate the shared categorisational practices and logics that are often obscured through theoretical treatments of stigma. The recommendation is, then, that an attention to ‘stigma’ in care settings must begin with the conditions in and from which stigma might come to feature as a sense‐making device for all parties.
Three‐dimensional architecture of human medial gastrocnemius fascicles in vivo: Regional variation and its dependence on muscle size
Authors: Takahashi Katsuki , Shiotani Hiroto , Evangelidis Pavlos E. , Sado Natsuki , Kawakami Yasuo
Published: August 2022

Fascicle architecture (length and pennation angle) can vary regionally within a muscle. The architectural variability in human muscles has been evaluated in vivo, but the interindividual variation and its determinants remain unclear. Considering that within‐muscle non‐uniform changes in pennation angle are associated with change in muscle size by chronic mechanical loading, we hypothesized that the regional variation in fascicle architecture is dependent on interindividual variation in muscle size. To test this hypothesis, we reconstructed fascicles three‐dimensionally along and across the whole medial gastrocnemius in the right lower leg of 15 healthy adults (10 males and 5 females, 23.7 ± 3.3 years, 165.8 ± 8.3 cm, 61.9 ± 11.4 kg, mean ± standard deviation) in neutral ankle joint position with the knee fully extended, using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and tractography. The 3D‐reconstructed fascicles arose from the deep aponeurosis with variable lengths and angles both in sagittal and coronal planes. The fascicle length was significantly longer in the middle (middle‐medial: 52.4 ± 6.1 mm, middle‐lateral: 52.0 ± 5.1 mm) compared to distal regions (distal‐medial: 41.0 ± 5.0 mm, distal‐lateral: 38.9 ± 3.6 mm, p < 0.001). The 2D pennation angle (angle relative to muscle surface) was significantly greater in distal than middle regions, and medial than lateral regions (middle‐medial: 26.6 ± 3.1°, middle‐lateral: 24.1 ± 2.3°, distal‐medial: 31.2 ± 3.6°, distal‐lateral: 29.2 ± 3.0°, p ≤ 0.017), while only a proximo‐distal difference was significant (p < 0.001) for 3D pennation angle (angle relative to line of action of muscle). These results clearly indicate fascicle's architectural variation in 3D. The magnitude of regional variation evaluated as standard deviation across regions differed considerably among individuals (4.0–10.7 mm for fascicle length, 0.9–5.0° for 2D pennation angle, and 3.0–8.8° for 3D pennation angle), which was positively correlated with the muscle volume normalized to body mass (r = 0.659–0.828, p ≤ 0.008). These findings indicate muscle‐size dependence of the variability of fascicle architecture.
Differences in evidence‐based nursing practice competencies of clinical and academic nurses in China and opportunities for complementary collaborations: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Qirong , Halili Xirongguli , Castro Aimee R. , Zhao Junqiang , Chen Wenjun , Li Zeen , Tang Siyuan , Wang Honghong
Published: August 2022

Aims and objectives

To explore the evidence‐based nursing practice (EBNP) competencies of clinical and academic nurses and their collaboration needs for supporting EBNP.

Background

Academic‐practice partnerships have strong potential to overcome the key barriers to EBNP. However, there is little known about the collaboration needs of clinical and academic nurses for EBNP.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We recruited clinical and academic nurses online during November 2021 to January 2022. Using a reliable and validated scale and adapted questionnaires, data were collected relating to demographic information, EBNP‐related resources availability, EBNP competencies and EBNP collaboration needs. These data were described using descriptive statistical methods. The t test, χ2 test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to evaluate if the different responses between clinical and academic nurses were statistically significant. This study was reported following the STROBET checklist.

Results

Two 240 clinical nurses and 232 academic nurses submitted questionnaires. There was no difference in overall EBNP competence between clinical and academic nurses. However, clinical nurses reported lower levels of competence and stronger intentions to collaborate with academic nurses when searching for, appraising, and synthesising evidence. Academic nurses reported lower levels of competence and stronger intentions to collaborate with clinical nurses for disseminating and implementing evidence.

Conclusion

Clinical and academic nurses both reported high needs for collaborating to overcome their perceived role limitations. Clinical and academic nurses have different strengths and limitations in EBNP. These role differences and intentions to collaborate for different dimensions of EBNP competence suggest that clinical and academic nursing roles could be complementary to each other, offering opportunities for synergistic collaborations to better support overall EBNP.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare and academic institutions should promote academic‐practice partnerships as opportunities to gain complementary expertise on different dimensions of EBNP, and to improve nurses' competencies and confidence in EBNP overall.
Effects of three endotracheal tube cuff pressure control measures on microaspiration of gastric content: Study protocol for randomised controlled trial
Authors: Er Özlem Soyer , Van Giersbergen Meryem Yavuz , Çelik Sefa
Published: August 2022

Aim

To analyse the effect of endotracheal tube cuff pressure control measures on the microaspiration of the stomach contents by measuring at the level of pepsin in deep tracheal aspiration.

Design

A single‐blind, randomised controlled trial.

Methods

This trial protocol was reported using the SPIRIT checklist. Endotracheal tube cuff pressure control will be provided with pilot balloon finger palpation, intermittent and continuous. The pepsin level will be measured during deep tracheal secretions in order to assess the effect of different endotracheal tube cuff pressure control measures on the microaspiration of the stomach contents. The samples will be examined within the first 4 h, between the 5th and 24th hours, and between the 25th and 48th hours after intubation. The level of pepsin will be considered positive according to the cut‐off value. In addition, the effect of different endotracheal tube cuff pressure controls on the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia will be examined. In study group 1, study group 2 and the control group, the number of patients is planned to be 56.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, Number NCT04061083. Registered in 2019.

Discussion

The findings will show the effect of different endotracheal tube cuff pressure control methods on microaspiration of stomach content and the possible changes in pepsin level in deep tracheal aspirates.

Conclusion

This study will shed light on future studies regarding pepsin level as a biomarker in treatment and follow‐up patients receiving mechanical ventilator support using an ETT and emphasise the importance of multidisciplinary studies.

Relevance to clinical practice

As a result of the findings to be obtained from this study, the effect of endotracheal tube cuff pressure control on gastric content microaspiration and ventilator‐associated pneumonia will be determined and the most appropriate endotracheal tube cuff pressure control method will be identified to prevent it. Nurses' awareness of endotracheal tube cuff pressure measurement methods will be increased. The frequency and methods of endotracheal tube cuff pressure control will provide strong evidence that can be included in the ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention care bundle.
Common Ownership Does Not Have Anticompetitive Effects in the Airline Industry
Authors: DENNIS PATRICK , GERARDI KRISTOPHER , SCHENONE CAROLA
Published: August 2022

Institutions often own equity in multiple firms that compete in the same product market. Prior research has shown that these institutional “common owners” induce anticompetitive pricing behavior in the airline industry. This paper reevaluates this evidence and shows that the documented positive correlation between common ownership and airline ticket prices stems from the market share component of the common ownership measure, and not the ownership and control components. We further show that the results are sensitive to measures of investor control and to assumptions about equity holders' ownership and control during bankruptcy.
Phylogeny and fatty acid profiles of Aliinostoc vietnamicum sp. nov. (cyanobacteria) from the soils of Vietnam
Authors: Maltseva Svetlana , Kezlya Elena , Krivova Zinaida , Gusev Evgeniy , Kulikovskiy Maxim , Maltsev Yevhen
Published: August 2022

A new cyanobacterial species of Aliinostoc, A. vietnamicum sp. nov., is recorded in the tropical forest soil from the Cát Tiên National Park, Vietnam. The analysis is based on morphological characters, 16S rDNA phylogeny, ITS secondary structure, and fatty acid composition analysis. Aliinostoc vietnamicum differed from the other species of the genus by the size and shape of vegetative cells, size of akinetes and heterocytes, and presence of granular polyphosphate inclusions in vegetative cells. The evolutionary distance matrix based on the 16S rRNA gene shared 96.2–98.2% similarities with other Aliinostoc sequences. The phylogeny inferred by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference placed A. vietnamicum in the Aliinostoc clade, within the Nostocaceae. For the first time, fatty acid composition analysis was obtained for a member of the genus Aliinostoc with cultivation time experiments. α‐linolenic (27.54–37.75%), palmitic (13.87–22.65%), and stearic (10.08–20.27%) acids were the dominant fatty acids when cultured during the exponential growth phase, as well as during stationary. This is the first finding of a strain with such a high content of stearic acid among cyanobacteria with Nostoc‐like morphology.
Approach to initial management of canine generalised epileptic seizures in primary‐care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom
Authors: James M. , Lowrie M. , Singleton D. , Garosi L. , McConnell K.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate how primary care clinicians in the UK approach initial management of canine generalised epileptic seizures, including factors potentially associated with prescription and choice of anti‐seizure drugs.

Materials and Methods

Electronic health records concerning 3,150,713 consultations (917,373 dogs) were collected from 224 veterinary practices by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network. Free‐text clinical narratives were reviewed to identify those consistent with generalised epileptic seizure activity, including only those recording the first presentation for seizures. Dogs older than 6 years were excluded.

Results

Five hundred and seventeen cases were included. Sixty‐seven dogs (13.0%) received anti‐seizure drugs at first presentation; this was significantly more likely in dogs presented with cluster seizures (odds ratio 13.8, 95% confidence interval 7.3 to 26.1). Phenobarbital (n=36) and imepitoin (n=29) were the most frequently chosen anti‐seizure drugs. Presentation for a single epileptic seizure occurred in 321 dogs; seven were prescribed anti‐seizure drugs. Eighty‐six dogs were presented with cluster seizures; 38 were prescribed anti‐seizure drugs, most frequently imepitoin (n= 19) and phenobarbital (n=17). Of the dogs presenting with a single seizure and at least 6‐month follow‐up (n=165), 33 (20%) did not have subsequent seizures recorded.

Clinical Significance

Primary care clinicians rarely prescribed anti‐seizure drugs following a single epileptic seizure in accordance with International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force recommendations. Less than half of dogs initially presenting with cluster seizures were prescribed anti‐seizure drugs. Imepitoin was frequently selected in the treatment of cluster seizures despite no authorisation for this purpose. These findings may ultimately contribute to improved cohesion in the management of canine epileptic seizures between primary care and referral institutions.
Association between insomnia severity and presenteeism among Japanese daytime workers
Authors: Takano Yuta , Ibata Rui , Nakano Norihito , Sakano Yuji
Published: August 2022

Presenteeism is the loss of productivity due to a worker's health problems, despite the worker being present at the workplace. Although the association between presenteeism and insomnia complaints is well known, few studies have examined the association between insomnia severity and presenteeism. This study aimed to explore the association between insomnia severity and presenteeism. This study included 1925 participants (1543 males, 379 females, and three of other genders) in total. The mean age of the participants was 49.94 ± 9.82 years. The inclusion criteria were full‐time employment, working 8 hr per day and 5 days per week, and having no night shifts. The insomnia severity was classified based on the Insomnia Severity Index and Athens Insomnia Scale criteria. Logistic regression analysis showed that moderate and severe insomnia severity were associated to a greater magnitude with presenteeism than mild insomnia severity. Severe insomnia severity was associated to a greater magnitude with presenteeism than moderate insomnia severity. In summary, logistic regression analysis showed that increased insomnia severity based on Insomnia Severity Index classification was associated with increased odds of presenteeism, but increased insomnia severity based on Athens Insomnia Scale classification was not fully consistent with increased odds of presenteeism. Because increased insomnia severity is associated with worsening of presenteeism, early detection of and early intervention against insomnia complaints are important for reducing presenteeism. This study was the first to examine the associations between presenteeism and insomnia severity classification of no insomnia, mild, moderate, and severe insomnia severity.
Is pain associated with subsequent job loss? A panel study for Germany
Authors: Piper Alan , Blanchflower David G. , Bryson Alex
Published: August 2022

The cross‐sectional association between pain and unemployment is well‐established. But the absence of panel data containing information on pain and labor market status has meant that less is known about the direction of any causal linkage. Those longitudinal studies that do examine the link between pain and subsequent labor market transitions suggest results are sensitive to the measurement of pain and model specification. We contribute to this literature using large‐scale panel data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (GSOEP) for the period 2002 to 2018. We show that workers suffering pain are more likely than others to leave their job for unemployment or economic inactivity. This probability rises with the frequency of the pain suffered in the previous month. The effect persists having accounted for fixed unobserved differences across workers, is apparent among those who otherwise report good general health and is robust to the inclusion of controls for mental health, life satisfaction and the employee's occupation.
Acyl‐CoA thioesterase 9 promotes tumour growth and metastasis through reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Bao , Zhang Hui , Chen Ya F. , Hu Long Q. , Tian Yi Y. , Tong Hong W. , Wang Gang , Chen Chong , Yuan Peng
Published: August 2022

Acyl‐CoA thioesterase 9 (ACOT9) is a critical regulator of cellular utilization of fatty acids by catalysing the hydrolysis of acyl‐CoA thioesters to non‐esterified fatty acid and coenzyme A (CoA). Recently, ACOT9 was reported to participate in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), which arises from aberrant lipid metabolism and serves as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functions of ACOT9 in carcinogenesis and aberrant lipid metabolism in HCC remain unexplored. Here, we found that ACOT9 expression is significantly elevated in HCC at least partially due to the down‐regulation of miR‐449c‐3p. Upregulation of ACOT9 is closely associated with poor prognosis for patients with HCC. Knockdown of ACOT9 expression in HCC cells significantly decreased cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, mainly through suppression of G1‐to‐S cell cycle transition and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). By contrast, forced ACOT9 expression promoted HCC growth and metastasis. In addition, we found that ACOT9 reprogrammed lipid metabolism in HCC cells by increasing de novo lipogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that increased lipogenesis was involved in ACOT9‐promoted HCC growth and metastasis. Altogether, we demonstrate that ACOT9 plays a critical oncogenic role in the promotion of tumour growth and metastasis by reprogramming lipid metabolism in HCC, indicating ACOT9 as a potential therapeutic target in treatment of HCC.
Does the same refuge signify the same reproductive tactics? Comparing the mating systems of two symbiont alpheid shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda)
Authors: Guéron Rodrigo , Alves Douglas Fernandes Rodrigues , de Souza José Roberto Botelho , Almeida Alexandre Oliveira
Published: August 2022

Animal populations can present different mating tactics according to the number of mates males or females obtain. The limiting factors for copulation in symbiont crustaceans are the size, structural complexity, and density of refuge, in addition to predation risk outside their shelters. In this study, we aimed to investigate, comparatively, if the occupation of the same refuge leads to the same reproductive tactic in two symbiont species of alpheid shrimps. For this purpose, we described the population distribution ofAlpheus estuariensis, a burrowing shrimp, andSalmoneus carvachoi, a tenant species, in an intertidal mudflat in Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil.Alpheus estuariensisexperiences sexual dimorphism relative to body and cheliped size, where males present larger body sizes and allocate more resources to cheliped growth than females. However, both males and females presented positive allometric growth in chelipeds. InS. carvachoi, male‐phase individuals reach smaller body sizes than hermaphrodites. Male‐phase shrimps experience positive allometry in cheliped size, while hermaphrodites do not. Both species were found inhabiting burrows as sexual pairs more frequently than expected by chance. Paired females ofA. estuariensiswere found carrying embryos more frequently than solitary ones. We did not find a statistical difference between the frequency of single and paired ovigerous hermaphrodites inS. carvachoi. Our results indicate thatA. estuariensisis social monogamous, whileS. carvachoiis promiscuous. We argue that different biological and ecological aspects of these species could explain the distinct tactics adopted by them.Alpheus estuariensisdigs its own refuge and is a much larger species, bearing a more robust cheliped thanS. carvachoi. Thus, we argue that the burrowing species (A. estuariensis) should monopolize and defend their refuge, andS. carvachoionly takes advantage of this resource.
Peripheral resistance movements: Towards a triangulated research approach
Authors: Fong Brian C. H.
Published: August 2022

What motivates people in the peripheries to risk their safety and even their lives to resist a centralising centre? In literature, a thesis of peripheral resistance movements was long constructed to postulate that under centre‐periphery conflicts, rising peripheral identity will contribute to resistance movements against a centralising centre. Over the years, this thesis has been developed into a body of historical and contemporary qualitative case studies to account for centre–periphery conflicts worldwide. Yet, quantitative studies that empirically test the mechanism through which peripheral identity influences peripheral resistance movements remain rare. This study endeavours to make a modest contribution to the field by exploring a triangulated approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative analyses of peripheral resistance movements, using the 2019–2020 Hong Kong Anti‐Extradition Bill Movement as the research testing site. Both the quantitative and qualitative findings of this study validate the thesis of peripheral resistance movements in the context of Hong Kong, with ‘peripheral identity’ found to be the most significant variable in predicting people's level of ‘support’ and ‘participation’ in the movement. By fostering a triangulated approach for investigating peripheral resistance movements, this study provides opportunities for conducting future comparative studies of contemporary centre–periphery conflicts worldwide.
The homeostasis and therapeutic applications of innate and adaptive immune cells in periodontitis
Authors: Junxian Li , Mehrabanian Mojtaba , Mivehchi Hassan , Banakar Morteza , Etajuri Enas Abdalla
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Periodontitis (PD) is one of the most common dental disorders. This chronic oral inflammation is caused by complicated interrelations between bacterial infections, dysregulated immune reactions, and environmental risk factors. A dysregulated immune response can lead to inflammatory bone resorption by allowing the recruitment of pro‐inflammatory immune cells to the periodontal tissues.

Subjects

The recruitment of innate and adaptive immune cells in PD initiates the acute and following chronic inflammatory processes. The inflamed tissues, on the other hand, can be restored if the anti‐inflammatory lineages are predominantly established in the periodontal tissues. Therefore, we aimed to review the published literature to provide an overview of the existing knowledge about the role of immune cells in PD, as well as their possible therapeutic applications.

Results

Experimental studies showed that drugs/systems that negatively regulate inflammatory cells in the body, as well as interventions aimed at increasing the number of anti‐inflammatory cells such as Tregs and Bregs, can both help in the healing process of PD.

Conclusion

Targeting immune cells or their positive/negative manipulations has been demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic method. However, to use this sort of immunotherapy in humans, further pre‐clinical investigations, as well as randomized clinical trials, are required.
Putting manufacturing on the offensive
Authors: De Meyer Arnoud , Ferdows Kasra , Vereecke Ann
Published: August 2022

The path for elevating the role of manufacturing in the company strategy in the last few decades has been rather clear: Improve the basic production capabilities—typically quality, reliability, lead times, and cost efficiency of production processes. Leading Japanese companies, like Toyota, showed the way. But as many have heeded the advice and followed suit, this approach has become essentially a defensive strategy; you must do it not to fall behind. Has manufacturing lost its potential to create capabilities on which a company's strategy can rest? Our answer is absolutely not. In fact, unlike before, manufacturing has multiple paths for creating a competitive advantage and these paths require development of new and often nontraditional capabilities. We identify five sets of new capabilities, and since it is hard to excel in all of them, we provide a framework for choosing the right mix depending on the company's business strategy. The framework focuses on the implications of two recent trends: increasing information density embedded in products and increasing connectedness of manufacturing processes. We suggest specific mixes of the five groups of capabilities that can support and accelerate a company's strategy to exploit these trends. We use examples from three multinationals to illustrate the process. These new opportunities change the traditional role of manufacturing executives. Their focus will need to shift exceedingly to collaborating and interfacing with colleagues in other functions as well as managing relationships beyond the boundaries of the company.
TLR9 signalling activation via direct ligation and its functional consequences in CD4 + T cells
Authors: Sharma Ravi Kumar , Sharma Jyoti , Kumar Rajendra , Badal Darshan , Pattekar Ajinkya , Sehgal Shobha , Gupta Amod , Jain Pooja , Sachdeva Naresh
Published: August 2022

CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are established TLR9 ligands; however, their functional responses in CD4+ T cells are believed to be independent of TLR9 and MyD88. We studied ligand‐receptor interactions of ODN 2216 and TLR9 in human CD4+ T cells and assessed their consequences in terms of TLR9 signalling and cell phenotype. We demonstrated that the uptake of ODN 2216, a synthetic TLR9 agonist, is controlled by TLR9 signalling molecules and results in an increase in the expression of TLR9 signalling molecules, regulated via a feedback mechanism. Next, the uptake of ODN 2216 resulted in TLR9 signalling dependent but MyD88 independent increase in expression of TGF‐β. Finally, ODN 2216 treated CD4+ T cells showed an anti‐inflammatory phenotype that was similar to Th3 type of regulatory T cells. These Th3‐like cells were able to suppress the proliferation of untreated CD4+ T cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate a direct and interdependent relationship between ODN 2216 uptake and TLR9 signalling in CD4+ T cells. Our findings thus pave the way for future research to explore direct modulation of adaptive immune cells, using innate immune ligands, to subvert exaggerated inflammatory responses.