bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient computational modelling of smooth muscle orientation and function in the aorta
Authors: Rolf-Pissarczyk Malte , Wollner Maximilian P. , Pacheco Douglas R. Q. , Holzapfel Gerhard A.
Published: November 2021

Understanding the mechanical effects of smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction on the initiation and the propagation of cardiovascular diseases such as aortic dissection is critical. Framed by elastic lamellar sheets in the lamellar unit, there are SMCs in the media with a distinct radial tilt, which indicates their contribution to the radial strength. However, the mechanical effects of this type of anisotropy have not been fully discussed. Therefore, in this study, we propose a constitutive framework that models the passive and active mechanics of the aorta, taking into account the dispersed nature of the aortic constituents by applying the discrete fibre dispersion method. We suggest an isoparametric approach by evaluating various numerical integration methods and introducing a non-uniform discretization of the unit hemisphere to increase its computational efficiency. Finally, the constitutive parameters are fitted to layer-specific experimental data and initial computational results are briefly presented. The radial tilt of SMCs is also analysed, which has a noticeable influence on the mechanical behaviour of the aorta. In the absence of sufficient experimental data, the results indicate that the active contribution of SMCs has a remarkable impact on the mechanics of the healthy aorta.
Differential local genetic adaptation to pesticide use in organic and conventional agriculture in an aquatic non-target species
Authors: Almeida Rafaela A. , Lemmens Pieter , De Meester Luc , Brans Kristien I.
Published: November 2021

Pesticide application is an important stressor to non-target species and can profoundly affect ecosystem functioning. Debates continue on the choice of agricultural practices regarding their environmental impact, and organic farming is considered less detrimental compared to conventional practices. Nevertheless, comparative studies on the impacts of both agricultural approaches on the genetic adaptation of non-target species are lacking. We assessed to what extent organic and conventional agriculture elicit local genetic adaptation of populations of a non-target aquatic species,
Daphnia magna
. We tested for genetic differences in sensitivity of different
D. magna
populations (
n
= 7), originating from ponds surrounded by conventional and organic agriculture as well as nature reserves, to pesticides used either in conventional (chlorpyrifos) or organic agriculture (deltamethrin and copper sulfate). The results indicate that
D. magna
populations differentially adapt to local pesticide use. Populations show increased resistance to chlorpyrifos as the percentage of conventional agriculture in the surrounding landscape increases, whereas populations from organic agriculture sites are more resistant to deltamethrin. While organic agriculture is considered less harmful for non-target species than conventional, both types of agriculture shape the evolution of pesticide resistance in non-target species in a specific manner, reflecting the differences in selection pressure.
Punctuated evolution in the learned songs of African sunbirds
Authors: McEntee Jay P. , Zhelezov Gleb , Werema Chacha , Najar Nadje , Peñalba Joshua V. , Mulungu Elia , Mbilinyi Maneno , Karimi Sylvester , Chumakova Lyubov , Gordon Burleigh J. , Bowie Rauri C. K.
Published: November 2021

Learned traits are thought to be subject to different evolutionary dynamics than other phenotypes, but their evolutionary tempo and mode has received little attention. Learned bird song has been thought to be subject to rapid and constant evolution. However, we know little about the evolutionary modes of learned song divergence over long timescales. Here, we provide evidence that aspects of the territorial songs of Eastern Afromontane sky island sunbirds
Cinnyris
evolve in a punctuated fashion, with periods of stasis of the order of hundreds of thousands of years or more, broken up by evolutionary pulses. Stasis in learned songs is inconsistent with learned traits being subject to constant or frequent change, as would be expected if selection does not constrain song phenotypes over evolutionary timescales. Learned song may instead follow a process resembling peak shifts on adaptive landscapes. While much research has focused on the potential for rapid evolution in bird song, our results suggest that selection can tightly constrain the evolution of learned songs over long timescales. More broadly, these results demonstrate that some aspects of highly variable, plastic traits can exhibit punctuated evolution, with stasis over long time periods.
Pigeons retain partial memories of homing paths years after learning them individually, collectively or culturally
Authors: Collet Julien , Sasaki Takao , Biro Dora
Published: November 2021

Memory of past experience is central to many animal decisions, but how long specific memories can influence behaviour is poorly understood. Few studies have reported memories retrieved after several years in non-human animals, especially for spatial tasks, and whether the social context during learning could affect long-term memory retention. We investigated homing pigeons' spatial memory by GPS-recording their homing paths from a site 9 km from their loft. We compared solo flights of naive pigeons with those of pigeons that had last homed from this site 3–4 years earlier, having learnt a homing route either alone (individual learning), together with a naive partner (collective learning) or within cultural transmission chains (cultural learning). We used as a control a second release site unfamiliar to all pigeons. Pigeons from all learning treatments outperformed naive birds at the familiar (but not the unfamiliar) site, but the idiosyncratic routes they formerly used several years before were now partially forgotten. Our results show that non-human animals can use their memory to solve a spatial task years after they last performed it, irrespective of the social context during learning. They also suggest that without reinforcement, landmarks and culturally acquired ‘route traditions' are gradually forgotten.
Nocardioides dongkuii sp. nov. and Nocardioides lijunqiniae sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) and leaves of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), respectively, on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Cheng Yanpeng , Jiao Yifan , Zhang Sihui , Yang Jing , Lu Shan , Jin Dong , Lai Xin-He , Pu Ji , Huang Ying , Zheng Han , Bai Yibo , Wang Suping , Xu Jianguo
Published: November 2021

In the present study, four bacterial strains, two (S-713
T
and 406) isolated from faecal samples of Tibetan antelopes and the other two (S-531
T
and 1598) from leaves of dandelion collected on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of PR China, were analysed using a polyphasic approach. All four isolates were aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, oxidase-negative, Gram-stain-positive and catalase-positive. According to four phylogenetic trees, strain pairs S-713
T
/406 and S-531
T
/1598 form two independent branches belonging to the genus

Nocardioides

, and are closest to

Nocardioides lianchengensis

,

Nocardioides dokdonensis

,

Nocardioides salarius

,

Nocardioides marinisabuli

,

Nocardioides psychrotolerans

and

Nocardioides szechwanensis

. Although sharing MK8-(H
4
) as their major isoprenoid quinone, strains S-713
T
and S-531
T
contained C
18 : 1
 ω
9
c
(24.64 and 16.34 %) and iso-C
16 : 0
(9.74 and 29.38 %), respectively, as their main fatty acids, with remarkable differences in their biochemical profiles but only slight ones in their optimal growth conditions. The chromosomes of strains S-713
T
and S-531
T
were 4 207 844 bp (G+C content, 73.0 mol%) and 4 809 817 bp (G+C content, 72.5 mol%), respectively. Collectively, the two strain pairs represent two separate novel species of the genus

Nocardioides

, for which the names
Nocardioides dongkuii
sp. nov. and
Nocardioides lijunqiniae
sp. nov. are proposed, with S-713
T
(=JCM 33698
T
=CGMCC 4.7660
T
) and S-531
T
(=JCM 33468
T
=CGMCC 4.7659
T
) as the respective type strains.
A Yeast-Based Screening System for Differential Identification of Poison Inhibitors and Catalytic Inhibitors of Human Topoisomerase I
Authors: Seddek Ahmed , Madeira Christian , Annamalai Thirunavukkarasu , Mederos Christopher , Tiwari Purushottam B , Welch Aaron Z. , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching
Published: November 2021

1.

Inhibition of human topoisomerase I (TOP1) by camptothecin and topotecan has been shown to reduce excessive transcription of PAMP (Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern) - induced genes in prior studies, preventing death from sepsis in animal models of bacterial and SARS-CoV-2 infections. The TOP1 catalytic activity likely resolves the topological constraints on DNA that encodes these genes to facilitate the transcription induction that leads to excess inflammation. The increased accumulation of TOP1 covalent complex (TOP1cc) following DNA cleavage is the basis for the anticancer efficacy of the TOP1 poison inhibitors developed for anticancer treatment. The potential cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of TOP1 targeting cancer drugs pose serious concerns for employing them as therapies in sepsis prevention. The aim of this study is to develop a novel yeast-based screening system that employs yeast strains expressing wild-type or a dominant lethal mutant recombinant human TOP1. This yeast-based screening system can identify human TOP1 poison inhibitors for anticancer efficacy as well as catalytic inhibitors that can inhibit TOP1 DNA binding or cleavage activity in steps prior to the formation of the TOP1cc. In addition to distinguishing between such TOP1 catalytic inhibitors and TOP1 poison inhibitors, results from this yeast-based screening system will also allow elimination of compounds that are likely to be cytotoxic based on their effect on yeast cell growth that is independent of recombinant human TOP1 overexpression.
Estimating COVID-19-induced Excess Mortality in Lombardy
Authors: Maruotti Antonello , Jona-Lasinio Giovanna , Divino Fabio , Lovison Gianfranco , Ciccozzi Massimo , Farcomeni Alessio
Published: November 2021

We compare the expected all-cause mortality with the observed one for different age classes during the pandemic in Lombardy, which was the epicenter of the epidemic in Italy and still is the region most affected by the pandemic. A generalized linear mixed model is introduced to model weekly mortality from 2011 to 2019, taking into account seasonal patterns and year-specific trends. Based on the 2019 year-specific conditional best linear unbiased predictions, a significant excess of mortality is estimated in 2020, leading to approximately 35000 more deaths than expected, mainly arising during the first wave. In 2021, instead, the excess mortality is not significantly different from zero, for the 85+ and 15-64 age classes, and significant reductions with respect to the 2020 estimated excess mortality are estimated for other age classes.
Real-time tuning of PID controller based on optimization algorithms for a quadrotor
Authors: Can Muharrem Selim , Ercan Hamdi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to develop a quadrotor with a robust control system against weight variations. A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Differential Evaluation to tune the parameters of PID has been implemented with real-time simulations of the quadrotor.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization algorithms are combined with the PID control mechanism of the quadrotor to increase the performance of the trajectory tracking for a quadrotor. The dynamical model of the quadrotor is derived by using Newton-Euler equations.

Findings

In this study, the most efficient control parameters of the quadrotor are selected using evolutionary optimization algorithms in real-time simulations. The control parameters of PID directly affect the controller’s performance that position error and stability improved by tuning the parameters. Therefore, the optimization algorithms can be used to improve the trajectory tracking performance of the quadrotor.

Practical implications

The online optimization result showed that evolutionary algorithms improve the performance of the trajectory tracking of the quadrotor.

Originality/value

This study states the design of an optimized controller compared with manually tuned controller methods. Fitness functions are defined as a custom fitness function (overshoot, rise-time, settling-time and steady-state error), mean-square-error, root-mean-square-error and sum-square-error. In addition, all the simulations are performed based on a realistic simulation environment. Furthermore, the optimization process of the parameters is implemented in real-time that the proposed controller searches better parameters with real-time simulations and finds the optimal parameter online.
Innovation capability and SME performance in times of economic crisis: does government support moderate?
Authors: Otache Innocent , Usang Obal Usang Edet
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory, the purpose of this study is to empirically explore the moderating role of government support (GS) in the relationship between innovation capability (IC) and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance in times of economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a descriptive research design and collected data from 234 SMEs drawn from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria using a self-reported questionnaire. PLS-SEM was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that IC was positively associated with SME performance. Further analysis indicated that GS had a strong positive impact on SME performance and positively moderated the relationship between IC and SME performance.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of studies that specifically explore the moderating role of GS in the relationship between IC and SME performance. This study contributes to the literature on SMEs by demonstrating the moderating effect of GS on the relationship between IC and SME performance in times of economic crisis. The study offers valuable insights into the vital role played by IC and GS in times of economic crisis.
Backfires on firms' intangible assets of the casino industry in Macau and Las Vegas: investigating advertising expenditure
Authors: Huang Li , Liu Matthew Tingchi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study quantifies the casino-industry-specific intangible assets and brand equity models from a different perspective (relative to Interbrand approach, or EquiTrend approach) to investigate the relationship between advertising expenditure and firms' intangible assets in the casino industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected the casino's data from the financial reports during the period of 2007–2018. The proposed model incorporates a brand structure moderator, and the peculiar characteristics (e.g. ΔS, HHI) of the casino industry based on previous research. We constructed three models for dependent variables using Tobin's Q−1. Model (1, 2, 3) as the primary regressions to firms' intangible assets (and thus serving as tests of hypotheses), as depicted in the diagrams of the firm's brand equity in different scenarios.

Findings

The results suggest that: (1) advertising expenditure has an adverse effect on firms' intangible assets; (2) the coefficients associated with brand structure dummy variables are both positive and significant; and the adverse effect is stronger for firms with house-of-brand's (HOB) and brand of house (BH) structure than for those with mixed branding structure (BH-HOB hybrid); (3) global brands have higher brand equity than local brands, with higher variance over time.

Originality/value

This study gives new evidence of the negative effect of advertising on the casino industry, which primarily reports the adverse effect of advertising in a sinful industry. Meanwhile, the proposed FBBE models can be an efficient tool to monitor a firm's annual brand equity performance with respect to their major competitors in the market.
What drives the healthcare sector's economic impact? Evidence from European countries
Authors: Jagric Timotej , Grbenic Stefan Otto , Jagric Vita
Published: November 2021

Purpose

With high public debts and suffering economies after the COVID-19 pandemic, governments will look for ways to promote recovery. Literature substantially reports on the favorable macroeconomic impact of the healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data on 19 European countries. Over 30 variables are analyzed to find factors that foster or suppress the economic impact of the healthcare sector. The economic impact is thereby expressed through five types of total multipliers, acting as dependent variables. The authors estimate multiple econometric models.

Findings

The results indicate factors that intensify or reduce the economic impact of the healthcare sector as they cause the value of one or more economic multipliers to augment or to diminish. Positive effects are expected from the growth of public funds' share in total healthcare expenditure leading to a higher output, income and value-added multipliers. The import multiplier diminishes when expenditure on healthcare as percent of GDP rises. On the other hand, rising expenditure on pharmaceuticals in the share of healthcare expenditure lowers the output multiplier. Rising GDP per capita and higher healthcare systems' technical efficiency cause the employment multiplier to lower.

Originality/value

Policymakers can strengthen the economic impact of the healthcare sector on the national economy. This could be achieved by stimulating factors, being identified in our study. Strengthening the economic impact of the healthcare sector is especially welcomed when fostering economic recovery is needed.
Reporting on COVID-19 – or not? Annual report disclosure of the pandemic as a subsequent event
Authors: Donatella Pierre , Haraldsson Mattias , Tagesson Torbjörn
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper focuses on the extent to which Swedish municipalities identified and communicated risks due to the COVID-19 outbreak early on. The purpose of this paper is to explore to what extent the situational factors of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the likelihood of municipalities disclosing COVID-19 information as a subsequent event in the annual reports of 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regression models were used to estimate COVID-19 disclosure as a subsequent event. Data were handpicked from annual reports, audit reports and meeting minutes, or were retrieved from publicly available sources.

Findings

Regression results indicate that municipalities issuing their annual report in a later stage of the pandemic, in regions with a higher number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, were more likely to disclose COVID-19 information as a subsequent event. However, the municipal factors used to capture the risk of a severe impact of the COVID-19 outbreak were not of major importance. In line with previous research, this study shows that political and institutional factors have explanatory power in predicting and explaining accounting disclosure choices.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research on accounting disclosures in urgent crises and on the specific topic of subsequent events in the public sector. Few studies address subsequent events in a corporate setting and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, none do so in the context of the public sector. This paper also offers insight into how explanatory factors, previously tested under normal conditions and circumstances, influence disclosure choices in an early stage of a health crisis characterized by uncertainty regarding both occurrence and consequences.
Does ethical leadership and psychological capital promote knowledge creation? An empirical study of research organizations
Authors: Goswami Anil Kumar , Agrawal Rakesh Kumar
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the relationship of ethical leadership and psychological capital with knowledge creation. It also investigates the effect of psychological capital as a mediator in the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on quantitative research methodology. The data was gathered using a survey questionnaire from 286 members of public-sector research organizations (PSROs) in India. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The findings of this study show that ethical leadership and psychological capital have a positive influence on knowledge creation. Further, psychological capital mediated the relationship between ethical leadership and knowledge creation.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a quantitative cross-sectional study. However, future researchers may use qualitative research methodology and longitudinal data collection to supplement this study.

Practical implications

This study provides new understanding into the creation of knowledge by emphasizing on the critical role played by ethical leadership and psychological capital and, thus, makes significant theoretical contribution. It emphasizes that managers should not only be ethical but also use interventions to strengthen psychological capital of employees to strengthen knowledge creation.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the underlying mechanism of psychological capital in explaining the links of ethical leadership with knowledge creation.
Catholic Dressing in the Spanish Franco Dictatorship (1939–1975): Normative Femininity and Its Sartorial Embodiment
Authors: Otero‐González Uxía
Published: November 2021

The Francoist state, in collusion with the Church, tried to domesticate women's bodies and encode dressing patterns in accordance with Catholic moral doctrine. This article interrogates the normative notion of femininity in Francoism, focusing on ecclesiastical discourse and Catholic dress code. The Church dictated dressing norms, and the Franco regime sanctioned to a great extent its sartorial parameters. This paper also explores how women embodied gender ideals and sartorial patterns. I argue that foreign (im)moral influences that fissured normative discourses and sartorial practices from the 1950s onwards, after the international rehabilitation of the dictatorship and the transition from a society marked by an autarkic economic policy to a consumer society. This historical analysis suggests that efforts of (wo)men in positions of power within the Francoist regime and the Catholic Church to control the infiltration of other models and fashions were increasingly unsuccessful.
A bird's eye view of farm size and biodiversity: The ecological legacy of the iron curtain
Authors: Noack Frederik , Larsen Ashley , Kamp Johannes , Levers Christian
Published: November 2021

Agriculture is a major threat to global biodiversity. A common claim is that large‐scale agro‐industrial farming is mainly responsible for the biodiversity decline, while smaller family farms are more wildlife friendly. Here we leverage a natural experiment along the former inner German border to estimate the causal impact of farm size on biodiversity. We combine land cover data with bird diversity data to establish the mechanisms through which farm size affects bird diversity. Our main results show that the increase in farm size at the former inner German border reduces bird diversity by 15%. The results suggest further that the decline is the result of land cover simplification rather than land use intensification.
Can you teach me not to be angry? Relations between temperament and the emotion regulation strategy distraction in 2‐year‐olds
Authors: Schoppmann Johanna , Schneider Silvia , Seehagen Sabine
Published: November 2021

Little is known about toddlers’ acquisition of specific emotion regulation (ER) strategies, and how early ER is shaped by temperament. This study investigated if 24‐month‐old German toddlers, predominantly from families with high levels of parental education (N = 96, n = 49 male), learned the ER strategy distraction through observational learning, and its interaction with temperament. Increased use of distraction correlated with reduced negative affect. Use of distraction increased through observational learning. Highly active toddlers tended to use active playing activities to distract themselves in a frustrating situation, whereas toddlers with a less active temperament used calmer activities. Toddlers’ learning to apply distraction through observational learning was independent of a match between their own temperament and the model's actions.
Long‐term outcomes of aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for treatment of recalcitrant laryngeal premalignant lesions
Authors: Santeerapharp Alena , Song Sungjin A. , Woo Peak , Franco Ramon A.
Published: November 2021

Objective

To assess long‐term outcomes of ALA‐PDT in treating recalcitrant laryngeal leukoplakia.

Study design

Retrospective Case‐Control.

Methods

We reviewed all laryngeal leukoplakia patients treated with ALA‐PDT compared with angiolytic laser treatment alone (585 nm PDL or 532 nm KTP laser) from 2000 to 2019. Patients with laryngeal cancer (or a history of laryngeal cancer), leukoplakia previously treated with radiation and no pathologic report were excluded. Patient demographics, procedure details and outcomes were examined including histopathologic diagnosis, procedures performed, ALA usage, recurrence of leukoplakia and the development of cancer.

Results

We identified 132 patients with laryngeal leukoplakia: 42 were treated with ALA‐PDT and 90 were treated with an angiolytic laser alone (Laser group). The proportion of cases of high‐grade dysplasia was 57.1% in the ALA‐PDT group compared to 32.2% in the Laser group. In high‐grade dysplasia cases, there was a statistically significant better recurrence‐free survival (RFS) at 12 months and 60 months in those who underwent ALA‐PDT 71.4% and 7.1% vs Laser 25% and 0% (p = .01). However, for overall groups, there was no difference in RFS (p = .25). Voice outcomes (patient subjective report) improved or were stable in 75% of subjects with no serious side effects reported.

Conclusion

ALA‐PDT for recalcitrant and high‐grade dysplasia is highly effective with improved recurrence‐free survival compared to laser alone. ALA‐PDT may be an appropriate therapy in patients who have failed prior angiolytic laser alone.
Allergic contact dermatitis from (“hypoallergenic”) adhesives containing D‐limonene
Authors: Dendooven Ella , Foubert Kenn , Naessens Tania , Pieters Luc , Lambert Julien , Goossens An , Aerts Olivier
Published: November 2021

Background

Besides being a potential component of (some species of) colophonium, D‐limonene is also used as a tackifier in the production of adhesives. Hydroperoxides of limonene are well‐known skin sensitizers.

Objectives

To show that D‐limonene may be present in colophonium‐containing but also colophonium‐free (“hypoallergenic”) adhesives, and that patients suffering from allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from both types of adhesives might display positive patch test reactions to limonene hydroperoxides in this regard.

Methods

Five patients with suspected ACD from adhesives were patch tested to the baseline series (containing limonene hydroperoxides 0.3 and 0.2% pet.), additional series and, if available, to the culprit adhesives. The adhesives labelled as containing colophonium (n = 3) or free from it (n = 2) were analysed with gas chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) for the presence of D‐limonene.

Results

All five patients sensitised to adhesives had (strong) positive patch test reactions to limonene hydroperoxides. The presence of D‐limonene, and/or related components, could be demonstrated in all three colophonium‐containing and, surprisingly, also in two colophonium‐free (“hypoallergenic”) tapes.

Conclusions

D‐limonene may be present in both regular and “hypoallergenic” adhesives, with limonene hydroperoxides potentially contributing to ACD from such medical devices. The use of fragrance chemicals in adhesives deserves further research.
Effects of nurse‐led home‐based telephone support or home visits on cognitive function
Authors: Mao Nanqi , Xue Fangyuan , Cai Wanyu , Li Jiahong
Published: November 2021

Patients who have undergone carotid revascularization surgery have a high risk of postoperative cognitive decline, and home‐based care is the major form of postoperative management. Here, we aimed to compare the nurse‐led home‐based telephone support (NLHBTS) and home visits as additional postoperative care for patients who have undergone carotid revascularization surgery. The study recruited 172 patients, and 131 patients were randomly assigned to receive combined telephone support and home visits (intervention group) or home visits alone (control group) during the study period of 12 weeks. At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, cognitive function was assessed using the Trail Making Test, Processing Speed Index, Boston Naming Test, Working Memory Index, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, and Hopkins Verbal Test. Sixty‐five patients in the intervention group and 66 in the control group completed the 1‐month treatment, and 49 in the intervention group and 48 in the control group completed the 3‐month treatment. The intervention group showed significant improvement in four of the six cognitive tests after the 3‐month treatment, whereas the control group only showed significant improvement in the Controlled Oral Word Association Test. Compared to the control group, significantly higher scores were achieved by the intervention group at 3 months in the Trail Making Tests (113 ± 23 vs. 128 ± 18, p = 0.001), Processing Speed Index (115 ± 15 vs. 108 ± 14, p = 0.020), Controlled Oral Word Association Test (51 ± 11 vs. 45 ± 9, p = 0.004), and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (9.0 ± 1.6 vs. 8.3 ± 1.8, p = 0.046). NLHBTS, in combination with home visits, could facilitate the improvement of cognitive function in patients with carotid artery stenosis after surgery.
Unrecorded alcohol consumption in Thailand: Prevalence, geographical variation, relationship with socioeconomic factors and related consequences
Authors: Srisuk Nittaya , Penpong Manolee S. , Saengow Udomsak
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Information on unrecorded alcohol consumption in Southeast Asia and Thailand is lacking. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of unrecorded alcohol (including illegally produced alcohol and untaxed cross‐border alcohol) consumption among past‐year drinkers in Thailand. The secondary objectives were to examine the geographical variation of unrecorded alcohol consumption, effects of socioeconomic factors on unrecorded alcohol consumption and the association between unrecorded alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related consequences.

Methods

This study analysed data from the 2017 Smoking and Drinking Behavior Survey. The prevalence of unrecorded alcohol consumption was estimated. Associations of interest were tested using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 12.3% of past‐year drinkers consumed any unrecorded alcohol. The prevalence was highest in the north (24.8%) and lowest in the central region (7.4%). In multivariate analysis, living in the north was associated with consumption of any unrecorded alcohol and illegally produced alcohol, whereas living in the south was associated with untaxed cross‐border alcohol consumption. The lowest education and income group had the highest likelihood of consumption of any unrecorded alcohol and illegally produced alcohol, but the lowest likelihood of untaxed cross‐border alcohol consumption. Consumption of unrecorded alcohol was associated with a higher chance of alcohol‐related consequences.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study estimated the prevalence of unrecorded alcohol consumption among Thai drinkers and demonstrated the geographical variation in the prevalence and types of unrecorded alcohol consumed. We also found heterogenous associations between socioeconomic factors and each type of unrecorded alcohol.
Risk of vigabatrin‐associated brain abnormalities on MRI: A retrospective and controlled study
Authors: Xu Yong , Wan Lin , He Wen , Wang Yang‐Yang , Wang Qiu‐Hong , Luo Xiao‐Mei , Liu Kun , Yang Xiao‐Yan , Wang Jing , Shi Xiu‐Yu , Yang Guang , Han Fang , Gao Jing , Zou Li‐Ping
Published: November 2021

Objective

Vigabatrin (VGB) is the first‐line treatment for infantile spasms (IS). Previous studies have shown that VGB exposure may cause vigabatrin‐associated brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (VABAM). Based on previous studies, this study aimed to go further to explore the possible risk factors and the incidence of VABAM. In addition, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) were compared to explore whether DWI should be used as a routine examination sequence when MRI is performed in children receiving VGB.

Methods

Children with IS receiving VGB were selected as the study subjects. Whether VABAM occurred or not was categorized as the VABAM group and the non‐VABAM group, respectively. Their general clinical data and medication exposure were collected. The possible risk factors of VABAM and different MRI sequences were compared and statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 77 children with IS were enrolled in the study, of which 25 (32.5%) developed VABAM. Twenty‐three of the 25 VABAM cases have a peak dosage of VGB between 50 and 150 mg/kg/day. The earliest observation time of VABAM was 30 days. Regression analysis of relevant risk factors showed that the peak dosage of VGB was the risk factor for VABAM. Comparison between different MRI sequences showed that DWI is more sensitive than T2WI to the evaluation of VABAM.

Significance

In our study, the occurrence of VABAM was 32.5%, indicating a higher incidence than in most previous reports. In addition, we once again verified that the peak dosage of VGB was the risk factor of VABAM. Caution should be exercised that our data also suggest that VABAM may occur even using the conventional dosage of VGB (ie, 50–150 mg/kg/day). Therefore, even when using the conventional dosage of VGB, regular MRI examination should be required. Furthermore, DWI sequence should be used as a routine examination sequence when MRI is performed in children with IS who are receiving VGB.
Mandatory mobility? The case of immigrant posted workers sent from Italy to Belgium in the construction sector
Authors: Cillo Rossana
Published: November 2021

The impact of the economic crisis on the Italian economy has stimulated onward migration towards Central and Northern Europe and forms of temporary labour migration, such as the posting of workers, which involves Italian workers and EU and non‐EU workers immigrated to Italy. Based on 18 semi‐structured interviews with trade unionists, labour inspectors and experts, this paper studies the posting of immigrant workers from Italy to the Belgian construction sector by analysing the case of the Rive Gauche building site, where some Italian companies employed posted workers immigrated from Albania, Egypt, India, Kosovo and Romania. The findings show how economic reasons and restrictive migration policies force immigrants to accept exploitative working conditions and how the labour market and work organization transformations in the construction sector are expanding this phenomenon. The spread of TCNs’ postings and the intersection of multiple discriminations pose new challenges to trade unions and labour and migration policies.
PostCOVID effect on endothelial function in hypertensive patients: A new research opportunity
Authors: Giménez‐Miranda Luis , Beltrán‐Romero Luis , León‐Jimenez David , Stiefel Pablo
Published: November 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2 is causing devastation both in human lives and economic resources. When the world seems to start overcoming the pandemics scourge, the threat of long‐term complications of COVID‐19 is rising. Reports show that some of these long‐term effects may contribute to the main cause of morbimortality worldwide: the vascular diseases. Given the evidence of damage in the endothelial cells due to SARS‐CoV‐2 and that endothelial dysfunction precedes the development of arteriosclerosis, the authors propose to measure endothelial function around 6–12 months after acute disease in hypertensive patients, especially if they have other cardiovascular risk factors or overt vascular disease. The methods the authors propose are cost‐effective and can be made available to any hypertension unit. These methods could be the “in vivo” assessment of endothelial function by flow mediated vasodilatation after ischemia by Laser‐Doppler flowmetry and the measurement of plasma free circulating DNA and microparticles of endothelial origin.
Physical and mechanical properties of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars: Implications for the design of mechanical peeling machines
Authors: Krishnakumar Thulasimani , Sajeev Moothandassery Sankarakutty , Pradeepika Chintha , Namrata Ankush Giri , Sanket Jijabrao More , Jeevarathinam Ganesan , Muthusamy Velmurugan
Published: November 2021

The data on physical and mechanical properties of short and long‐duration cassava cultivars are limited to design an efficient continuous type peeling machine for small‐scale processing. Short duration cultivars included Sree Jaya, Sree Vijaya, and Sree Swarna, as well as long duration cultivars included M‐4, Sree Athulya, Sree Suvarna, H‐226, Sree Raksha, Sree Pavithra, and Sree Vishakam, were investigated. The moisture content, girth, proximal diameter, middle diameter, cylindricity, and tuber surface taper angle were the highest for long‐duration cultivar H‐226. The maximum length was observed in the short‐duration cultivar Sree Swarna. The periderm thickness was the highest for Sree Suvarna, whereas the highest proximal cortex thickness, middle cortex thickness, and distal cortex thickness were observed in Sree Athulya, Sree Vijaya, and M‐4 cultivar, respectively. The highest bulk density, true density, and porosity were observed in the long‐duration cultivars; Sree Raksha, Sree Athulya, and Sree Suvarna, respectively. The highest hardness, shear force, and rupture force were recorded for cassava peelings in the cultivar Sree Athulya. Similarly for cassava flesh, the highest hardness, shear force, and rupture forces were recorded in the Sree Suvarna cultivar. A strong positive correlation for true density with bulk density and proximal diameter and moisture content with cylindricity and middle‐end diameter was found from the multivariate correlation analysis. Statistical analysis showed that the reported physical and mechanical properties of the cultivars were highly significant (p <.01).

Practical Applications

Engineering properties such as physical and mechanical properties are important for designing machines, storage structures, and processes. Cassava tuber peeling by the manual method is time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and has a low capacity. Thus, the design of a peeling machine for small‐scale processing becomes important. The physical and mechanical characteristics of cassava flesh and peelings are critical design considerations for developing peeling machines for small‐scale processing. The physical and mechanical properties investigated here would provide technical and scientific data for designing continuous shearing type cassava peeling machine units such as tuber feeder length, peeling knife selection, peeling knife angle, and adjustable spring with required tension for holding rotary type peeling knife.
Ion concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid in wakefulness, sleep and sleep deprivation in healthy humans
Authors: Forsberg My , Olsson Martin , Seth Henrik , Wasling Pontus , Zetterberg Henrik , Hedner Jan , Hanse Eric
Published: November 2021

Sleep is controlled by a circadian rhythmicity, via a reduction of arousal‐promoting neuromodulatory activity, and by accumulation of somnogenic factors in the interstitial fluid of the brain. Recent experiments in mice suggest that a reduced neuronal excitability caused by a reduced concentration of potassium in the brain, concomitant with an increased concentration of calcium and magnesium, constitutes an important mediator of sleep. In the present study, we examined whether such changes in ion concentrations could be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy humans. Each subject underwent cerebrospinal fluid collection at three occasions in a randomized order: at 15:00 hours–17:00 hours during waking, at 06:00 hours–07:00 hours immediately following 1 night of sleep, and at 06:00 hours–07:00 hours following 1 night of sleep deprivation. When compared with wakefulness, both sleep and sleep deprivation produced the same effect of a small (0.1 mm, about 3%), but robust and highly significant, reduction in potassium concentration. Calcium and magnesium concentrations were unchanged. Our results support a circadian modulation of neuronal excitability in the brain mediated via changes of the interstitial potassium concentration.
Synthetic biology: at the crossroads of genetic engineering and human therapeutics—a Keystone Symposia report
Authors: Cable Jennifer , Leonard Joshua N. , Lu Timothy K. , Xie Zhen , Chang Matthew Wook , Fernández Luis Ángel , Lora José M. , Kaufman Howard L. , Quintana Francisco J. , Geiger Roger , Lesser Cammie F. , Lynch Jason P. , Hava David L. , Cornish Virginia W. , Lee Gary K. , DiAndreth Breanna , Fero Michael , Srivastava Rajkamal , De Coster Tim , Roybal Kole T. , Rackham Owen J. L. , Kiani Samira , Zhu Iowis , Hernandez‐Lopez Rogelio A. , Guo Tingxi , Chen William C. W.
Published: November 2021

Synthetic biology has the potential to transform cell‐ and gene‐based therapies for a variety of diseases. Sophisticated tools are now available for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells to engineer cells to selectively achieve therapeutic effects in response to one or more disease‐related signals, thus sparing healthy tissue from potentially cytotoxic effects. This report summarizes the Keystone eSymposium “Synthetic Biology: At the Crossroads of Genetic Engineering and Human Therapeutics,” which took place on May 3 and 4, 2021. Given that several therapies engineered using synthetic biology have entered clinical trials, there was a clear need for a synthetic biology symposium that emphasizes the therapeutic applications of synthetic biology as opposed to the technical aspects. Presenters discussed the use of synthetic biology to improve T cell, gene, and viral therapies, to engineer probiotics, and to expand upon existing modalities and functions of cell‐based therapies.
Steroid avoidance/withdrawal and maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplantation
Authors: Kizilbash Sarah J. , Jensen Chelsey J. , Kouri Anne M. , Balani Shanthi S. , Chavers Blanche
Published: November 2021

Background

Corticosteroids have been an integral part of maintenance immunosuppression for pediatric kidney transplantation. However, prolonged steroid therapy is associated with significant toxicities resulting in several SW/avoidance strategies in recent years.

Method/Objective

This comprehensive review aims to discuss steroid‐related toxicities and the safety, efficacy, and benefit of steroid avoidance/withdrawal immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.

Results

Initial studies of SW/avoidance conducted in the setting of CSA and AZA showed an increased incidence of AR but no increase in graft loss or mortality with SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression. Studies performed under modern immunosuppression (induction therapy, Tac, and MMF) show no significant increase in AR or graft loss with SW/avoidance immunosuppression. Furthermore, SW/avoidance immunosuppression is associated with significant improvement in growth, BMI, BP control, and lipid profile in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Despite these data, SW/avoidance remains controversial, and only 40% of pediatric kidney transplant recipients in the United States are currently on SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression.

Conclusion

SW/avoidance maintenance immunosuppression is safe and associated with fewer side effects compared with steroid‐inclusive maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Mixed‐method analysis of the quad council competencies for public health nurses
Authors: Harmon Monica , Joyce Barbara L. , Johnson Regina (Gina) H. , Hicks Vicki , Brown‐Schott Nancy , Pilling Lucille
Published: November 2021

Objective

Evaluate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) of public health nurses (PHNs) related to the eight Domains of the 2011 Quad Council Competencies for Public Health Nurses (QCC‐PHN).

This manuscript is Part 2 of an exploratory study published in the Public Health Nursing journal on PHNs' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and application of the Quad Council Competencies (Harmon et al., 2020).

Design

In this mixed‐method descriptive research study, the multisite team conducted an online survey among a convenience sample of 296 PHNs to determine differences in KSA for each of the eight QCC‐PHN Domains.

Measurements

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) testing revealed differences in KSA for the QCC‐PHN, Domains. Post‐hoc tests and qualitative thematic analysis of PHNs open‐ended comments were used to provide additional data.

Results

ANOVA results showed significant differences in knowledge and skills in all Domains and a significant difference in attitude in only one domain, Domain 7. Post‐hoc test results showed significant differences in KSA between position titles for most Domains.

Conclusions

Recommendations include using the QCC‐PHN to standardize the professional and diverse roles of the PHN workforce.
Sex differences in the coronary vascular response to combined chemoreflex and metaboreflex stimulation in healthy humans
Authors: Boulet Lindsey M. , Atwater Taylor L. , Brown Courtney V. , Shafer Brooke M. , Vermeulen Tyler D. , Cotton Paul C. , Day Trevor A. , Foster Glen E.
Published: November 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Coronary blood flow in healthy humans is controlled by both local metabolic signalling and adrenergic activity: does the integration of these signals during acute hypoxia and adrenergic activation differ between sexes?

What are the main findings and its importance?

Both males and females exhibit an increase in coronary blood velocity in response to acute hypoxia, a response that is constrained by adrenergic stimulation in males but not females. These findings suggest that coronary blood flow control differs between males and females.

Coronary hyperaemia is mediated through multiple signalling pathways, including local metabolic messengers and adrenergic stimulation. This study aimed to determine whether the coronary vascular response to adrenergic stressors is different between sexes in normoxia and hypoxia. Young, healthy participants (n = 32; 16F) underwent three randomized trials of isometric handgrip exercise followed by post‐exercise circulatory occlusion (PECO) to activate the muscle metaboreflex. End‐tidal was controlled at (1) normoxic levels throughout the trial, (2) 50 mmHg for the duration of the trial (hypoxia trial), or (3) 50 mmHg only during PECO (mixed trial). Mean left anterior descending coronary artery velocity (LADVmean; transthoracic Doppler echocardiography), heart rate and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and during PECO. In normoxia, there was no change in LADVmean or cardiac workload induced by PECO in males and females. Acute hypoxia increased baseline LADVmean to a greater extent in males compared with females (P < 0.05), despite a similar increase in cardiac workload. The change in LADVmean induced by PECO was similar between sexes in normoxia (P = 0.31), greater in males during the mixed trial (male: 12.8 (7.7) cm/s vs. female: 8.1 (6.3) cm/s; P = 0.02) and reduced in males but not females in acute hypoxia (male: −4.8 (4.5) cm/s vs. female: 0.8 (6.2) cm/s; P = 0.006). In summary, sex differences in the coronary vasodilatory response to hypoxia were observed, and metaboreflex activation during hypoxia caused a paradoxical reduction in coronary blood velocity in males but not females.