bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical evidence for larger government spending multipliers in uncertain times than in slumps
Authors: Goemans Pascal
Published: February 2022

We investigate whether US government spending multipliers are higher during periods of heightened uncertainty or economic slumps as opposed to normal times. Using quarterly data from 1890 onward and local projections, we estimate a cumulative 1‐year multiplier of 2 during uncertain periods. In contrast, the multiplier is about 1 in times of high unemployment and about 0.4–0.8 during normal times. While we find positive employment effects in slumps as well as in uncertain times, two transmission channels can explain the higher multipliers in the latter: greater price flexibility leading to short‐term inflation (lowering the real interest rate) and diminishing risk premiums.
Functional divergence from ecological baselines on Caribbean coral reefs
Authors: Melo‐Merino Sara M. , Lira‐Noriega Andrés , González‐Barrios F. Javier , Reyes‐Bonilla Héctor , Álvarez‐Filip Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Understanding how emergent ecological assemblages have diverged from natural states is fundamental in predicting future functioning and services of ecosystems. Coral reefs are of particular concern due to their high susceptibility to anthropogenic stressors. Yet, little is known about their pre‐disturbance ranges of natural states, and most reports of decline are based on a limited number of sites and high levels of uncertainty. Here, we used a novel approach to estimate the physical functionality of reefs across marine ecoregions based on habitat suitability and morpho‐functional traits for coral species. We calibrated ecological niche models for 49 reef‐building corals of the Greater Caribbean based on occurrence records and environmental predictors, which we combined with species‐specific functional coefficients derived from morpho‐functional traits reflecting their contribution to the reef three‐dimensional structure to estimate the reef functional potential (RFP). We then assessed the degree of divergence of western Caribbean reefs by comparing our physical functionality estimates against recent field data evaluations. We found spatial variability in RFP across the Caribbean, with the highest mean value in the western Caribbean and the lowest in areas with marginal environmental conditions. Hotspots of RFP exist along the coast of Belize and the southeast of Cuba. Overall, 84% of sites along the western Caribbean showed a substantial reduction in their physical functioning, with the highest reductions occurring within hotspots, implying that reefs displaying the greatest changes have high initial RFP. We conclude that combining niche models with species morpho‐functional traits is a valuable and promising approach to estimate the large‐scale functional potential of communities and the degree of change in the absence of ecological baselines. These findings have important implications and could be used to guide efforts to preserve coral reefs functionality and define priority conservation areas in the Caribbean.
Effect of different double‐stranded RNA feeding solutions on the RNA interference of V‐ATPase‐B in Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhi Jun‐Rui , Li Ding‐Yin , Liu Li , Zeng Guang
Published: February 2022

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), has posed a serious threat to horticultural and agricultural crop production by feeding, ovipositing, and transmitting plant viruses. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is considered a potential strategy for insect pest control. A main method of RNAi research on WFT is the feeding method for delivering double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). The feeding solution plays an important role in the stable delivery of dsRNA. In this study, we screened for a feeding solution suitable for RNAi experiments and investigated the effects of five feeding solutions on the survival of WFT adults and nymphs. The effect of mixed V‐ATPase‐B dsRNA in various feeding solutions on the RNAi efficiency of WFT was analysed. The Luria–Bertani‐based and ‘tryptone soy broth and yeast’ (TSBY) solution had a higher adverse effect than the other feeding solutions on the survival of adults and nymphs of WFT, whereas sucrose, pollen, and honey solution could maintain higher survival rates in both nymph and adult thrips. Sucrose solution and TSBY solution mixed with dsRNA had no significant knockdown effects on V‐ATPase‐B transcription level. Honey and pollen solution mixed dsRNA, however, not only significantly decreased V‐ATPase‐B transcription level, but also reduced the survival rate and fertility of female adults to a certain extent. The stability of dsRNA was improved in honey solution. The results of this study provide a feasible reference for the selection of feeding solutions for RNAi experiments for feeding of WTF with dsRNA.
Confidence‐level of foundation dentists in the North West of England in the placement of preformed metal crowns using the Hall technique
Authors: Reynolds Laura , Sohal Gursahib , Barry Siobhan
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The Hall technique is a biological caries management approach commonly used within the field of paediatric dentistry. The technique involves the placement of a preformed metal crown (PMC) without local anaesthetic, caries removal or tooth preparation. Despite being widely taught across dental schools in the United Kingdom, evidence from the literature suggests that PMCs are seldom used in general dental practice, even by newly qualified dentists.

This study aimed to evaluate the experience and self‐reported confidence of Foundation Dentists (FDs) in the North West of England in the placement of preformed metal crowns using the Hall technique.

Materials and Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 117 Foundation Dentists in the North West of England.

Results

Forty‐six questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 39%. The results revealed that 80.4% of FDs felt “somewhat,” “quite” or “extremely” confident with the Hall technique at the point of graduation. This increased to 85.3% upon completion of Dental Foundation Training.

Conclusion

Foundation Dentists' self‐reported confidence in the Hall technique was reasonably high both at the point of qualification and upon completing Dental Foundation Training. Nevertheless, many of the Foundation Dentists felt that they would benefit from further postgraduate training on the technique.
Balancing food acquisition and predation risk drives demographic changes in snowshoe hare population cycles
Authors: Majchrzak Yasmine N. , Peers Michael J. L. , Studd Emily K. , Menzies Allyson K. , Walker Philip D. , Shiratsuru Shotaro , McCaw Laura K. , Boonstra Rudy , Humphries Murray , Jung Thomas S. , Kenney Alice J. , Krebs Charles J. , Murray Dennis L. , Boutin Stan
Published: February 2022

Snowshoe hare cycles are one of the most prominent phenomena in ecology. Experimental studies point to predation as the dominant driving factor, but previous experiments combining food supplementation and predator removal produced unexplained multiplicative effects on density. We examined the potential interactive effects of food limitation and predation in causing hare cycles using an individual‐based food‐supplementation experiment over‐winter across three cycle phases that naturally varied in predation risk. Supplementation doubled over‐winter survival with the largest effects occurring in the late increase phase. Although the proximate cause of mortality was predation, supplemented hares significantly decreased foraging time and selected for conifer habitat, potentially reducing their predation risk. Supplemented hares also lost less body mass which resulted in the production of larger leverets. Our results establish a mechanistic link between how foraging time, mass loss and predation risk affect survival and reproduction, potentially driving demographic changes associated with hare cycles.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation versus low‐dose immunosuppression in secondary–progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mariottini Alice , Bulgarini Giovanni , Forci Benedetta , Innocenti Chiara , Mealli Fabrizia , Mattei Alessandra , Ceccarelli Chiara , Repice Anna Maria , Barilaro Alessandro , Mechi Claudia , Saccardi Riccardo , Massacesi Luca
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose

Effectiveness of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) is well known, but in secondary–progressive (SP)‐MS it is still controversial. Therefore, AHSCT activity was evaluated in SP‐MS using low‐dose immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide (Cy) as a comparative treatment.

Methods

In this retrospective monocentric 1:2 matched study, SP‐MS patients were treated with intermediate‐intensity AHSCT (cases) or intravenous pulses of Cy (controls) at a single academic centre in Florence. Controls were selected according to baseline characteristics adopting cardinality matching after trimming on the estimated propensity score. Kaplan–Meier and Cox analyses were used to estimate survival free from relapses (R‐FS), survival free from disability progression (P‐FS), and no evidence of disease activity 2 (NEDA‐2).

Results

A total of 93 SP‐MS patients were included: 31 AHSCT, 62 Cy. Mean follow‐up was 99 months in the AHSCT group and 91 months in the Cy group. R‐FS was higher in AHSCT compared to Cy patients: at Year 5, 100% versus 52%, respectively (p < 0.0001). P‐FS did not differ between the groups (at Year 5: 70% in AHSCT and 81% in Cy, p = 0.572), nor did NEDA‐2 (p = 0.379). A sensitivity analysis including only the 31 “best‐matched” controls confirmed these results. Three neoplasms (2 Cy, 1 AHSCT) and two fatalities (2 Cy) occurred.

Conclusions

This study provides Class III evidence, in SP‐MS, on the superior effectiveness of AHSCT compared to Cy on relapse activity, without differences on disability accrual. Although the suppression of relapses was observed in the AHSCT group only, AHSCT did not show advantages over Cy on disability, suggesting that in SP‐MS disability progression becomes based more on noninflammatory neurodegeneration than on inflammation.
Sequential multi‐headed attention for entity‐based relational neural networks
Authors: Moges Dagmawi , Zhao Jiaxu , Qu Hong
Published: February 2022

The capacity of relational interaction between high‐level information and reason is the defining characteristic of human intelligence. Regardless of the remarkable progress in artificial intelligence, recent machine reading comprehension models still heavily rely on high‐dimensional word‐based distributed representations. Since these models employ statistical means to answer questions of complex textual corpus and employ an accuracy‐based metric system, their learning capacity of the required skills is not guaranteed. To ensure the capacity of MRC models to learn the desired skills, explainability has become an emerging requirement. In this paper, we propose an end‐to‐end natural language reasoning model that is based on sets of high‐level aggregated representations which promote operational explainability. To this end, sequential multi‐head attention, and a loss regularization function is proposed. We show analysis of the proposed approach on two natural language reasoning oriented question and answering datasets (bAbI and NewsQA).
RETRACTED: Model innovation of students' mental health education from the perspective of big data
Authors: Yang Bin
Published: February 2022

To improve the effect of college students' mental health education, and to meet the needs of mental health education data processing, this article combines big data technology and gene regulation ideas to propose a mental health education data processing algorithm based on big data technology and immunotherapy gene regulation network. Moreover, this article uses improved algorithms to extract features from mental health education network data, controls the problems in mental health education in real‐time, and proposes targeted improvement strategies. In addition, this article combines the improved algorithm to construct a mental health education system based on big data technology and immunotherapy gene regulation network are combined for an improved algorithm to process mental health education data. Finally, this article verifies the effectiveness of the system through experimental research.
Prevalence of prediabetes in children and adolescents by class of obesity
Authors: Pedicelli Stefania , Fintini Danilo , Ravà Lucilla , Inzaghi Elena , Deodati Annalisa , Spreghini Maria Rita , Bizzarri Carla , Mariani Michela , Cianfarani Stefano , Cappa Marco , Manco Melania
Published: February 2022

Background

To evaluate prevalence of prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose, IFG; impaired glucose tolerance, IGT; and high glycated haemoglobin, h‐HbA1c) in children and adolescents in relation to class of age and obesity; to appraise association with estimates of insulin metabolism, cardiovascular risk factors and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.

Methods

Study of marginal prevalence (i.e., as function of sex, age and obesity class) of isolated and combined IFG, IGT and h‐HbA1c in children (age 4–9.9 years) and adolescents (age 10–17.9 years) and association to blood pressure (BP), total, HDL and non‐HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT and insulin sensitivity/secretion indexes.

Results

Data of 3110 participants (51% males, 33% children; 33% overweight, 39% obesity class I, 20.5% class II, 7.5% class III) were available. Unadjusted prevalence of prediabetes was 13.9% in children (2.1% IFG, 6.7% IGT, 3.9% h‐HbA1c, IFG‐IGT 0.06%) and 24.6% in adolescents (3.4% IFG, 9.4% IGT, 5.5% h‐HbA1c, IFG‐IGT 0.09%). Combined h‐HBA1c was found in very few adolescents. Prevalence of prediabetes increased significantly by class of obesity up to 20.5% in children and 31.6% in adolescents. Phenotypes of prediabetes were differently but significantly associated with increased systolic and diastolic BP (by 2–7.3 and ~8 mmHg, respectively), triglycerides (by 23–66 mg/dl), and ALT levels (by 10–22 UI/L) depending on the prediabetes phenotype.

Conclusion and Relevance

It is worth screening prediabetes in children aged <10 years old with obesity classes II and III and in adolescents. In those with prediabetes, monitoring of blood pressure, triglycerides and ALT levels must be encouraged.
Annexin‐A1: The culprit or the solution?
Authors: Kelly Lauren , McGrath Sarah , Rodgers Lewis , McCall Kathryn , Tulunay Virlan Aysin , Dempsey Fiona , Crichton Scott , Goodyear Carl S.
Published: February 2022

Annexin‐A1 has a well‐defined anti‐inflammatory role in the innate immune system, but its function in adaptive immunity remains controversial. This glucocorticoid‐induced protein has been implicated in a range of inflammatory conditions and cancers, as well as being found to be overexpressed on the T cells of patients with autoimmune disease. Moreover, the formyl peptide family of receptors, through which annexin‐A1 primarily signals, has also been implicated in these diseases. In contrast, treatment with recombinant annexin‐A1 peptides resulted in suppression of inflammatory processes in murine models of inflammation. This review will focus on what is currently known about annexin‐A1 in health and disease and discuss the potential of this protein as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Cellular landscape of tumour microenvironment in prostate cancer
Authors: Feng Dechao , Xiong Qiao , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu
Published: February 2022

Prostate cancer is still a public health priority in men and the impact of this disease will be more pronounced with the ageing of the world's population. Clinical heterogeneity of prostate cancer is reflected in spatial and clonal genomic diversity. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the malignant behaviour of cancer is not only attributed to cancer cells but also fundamentally affected by stromal activity and controlled by various mechanisms of the tumour microenvironment. Data on prostate cancer in this study was derived from seven GEO datasets and the TCGA database. We analyzed the tumour microenvironment of prostate cancer in terms of clinical process, T stage and Gleason score using EPIC and xCell algorithms. We also analyzed the common immune checkpoints. In this study, we confirmed remarkable tumour tissue remodelling in the development of prostate cancer and further demonstrated the importance of cancer‐related fibroblasts in the biochemical recurrence and metastasis for patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical radiotherapy or prostatectomy. In addition, we found that NRP1, CD200, TNFSF18 and CD80 might be the potential targets for prostate cancer.
Factors affecting the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 in school settings
Authors: Yuan Haokun , Reynolds Connor , Ng Sydney , Yang Wan
Published: February 2022

Background

Several studies have reported SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks in schools, with a wide range of secondary attack rate (SAR; range: 0–100%). We aimed to examine key risk factors to better understand SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in schools.

Methods

We collected records of 35 SARS‐CoV‐2 school outbreaks globally published from January 2020 to July 2021 and compiled information on hypothesized risk factors. We utilized the directed acyclic graph (DAG) to conceptualize risk mechanisms, used logistic regression to examine each risk‐factor group, and further built multirisk models.

Results

The best‐fit model showed that the intensity of community transmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06–1.16, for each increase of 1 case per 10 000 persons per week) and individualism (aOR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.50–4.95, above vs. below the mean) was associated higher risk, whereas preventive measures (aOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19–0.32, distancing and masking vs. none) and higher population immunity (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.46–0.71) were associated with lower risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in schools. Compared with students in high schools, the aOR was 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23–0.95) for students in preschools and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.76–1.08) for students in primary schools.

Conclusions

Preventive measures in schools (e.g., social distancing and mask wearing) and communal efforts to lower transmission and increase vaccination uptake (i.e., vaccine‐induced population immunity) in the community should be taken to collectively reduce transmission and protect children in schools.
An evaluation of plasma vitamin C concentrations in individuals requiring home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Barrett Maria Patricia , Farrer Kirstine , Forde Claire , Deutsch Liat , Lal Simon
Published: February 2022

Background

Ascorbic acid (VitC) is an essential coenzyme to maintain health, but there are minimal data on the adequacy of VitC supply in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

Methods

A prospective pilot study was carried out measuring plasma VitC, serum vitamins A, D and E, and the minerals zinc, copper, selenium and magnesium in 28 adult HPN‐dependent (≥6 months) patients.

Results

Fifty‐seven percent of patients had insufficient VitC status. There was a strong, positive correlation between HPN provision of VitC and plasma VitC concentrations (rs = 0.663, p = 0.00) with an 83% insufficiency rate below a provision of 800 mg week–1. There was no association seen between plasma VitC and number of HPN days week–1 (p = 0.539), number of months on HPN (p = 0.773) or dependency on HPN (86% ± 31% of energy requirements met via HPN (77% ± 23%, p = 0.39).

Conclusions

VitC insufficiency is prevalent in HPN‐dependent patients. Our data highlight the need for regular monitoring of VitC in those living with type III intestinal failure.
The Fragility of Market Risk Insurance
Authors: KOIJEN RALPH S.J. , YOGO MOTOHIRO
Published: February 2022

Variable annuities, which package mutual funds with minimum return guarantees over long horizons, accounted for $1.5 trillion or 35% of U.S. life insurer liabilities in 2015. Sales decreased and fees increased during the global financial crisis, and insurers made guarantees less generous or stopped offering guarantees to reduce risk exposure. These effects persist in the low‐interest rate environment after the global financial crisis, and variable annuity insurers suffered large equity drawdowns during the COVID‐19 crisis. We develop and estimate a model of insurance markets in which financial frictions and market power determine pricing, contract characteristics, and the degree of market completeness.
Did perceptions of supportive work–life culture change during the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: Schieman Scott , Badawy Philip , Hill Daniel
Published: February 2022

Objective

This article examines whether perceptions of supportive work–life culture changed during the COVID‐19 pandemic—and if that depended on (1) working from home; (2) children in the household; and (3) professional status. We test for gender differences across the analyses.

Background

During normal times, the “ideal worker” is expected to prioritize the demands of their job and is penalized for attending to family/personal needs while on company time. But the organization and expectations of roles might have changed due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Organizations could have become more empathic or reinforced norms about single‐minded devotion to work.

Method

In September 2019, we collected data from a national sample of Canadian workers. Then, during a pivotal period of shocks to the economy and social life, we re‐interviewed these participants in June 2020.

Results

We discovered that overall perceptions of work–life culture became more positive. However, subgroup differences revealed this positive change was muted among employees: (1) who worked from home; (2) with children under age 6 at home; and (3) in professional occupations. We found no subgroup differences by gender.

Conclusion

Our findings address speculation about whether employees perceived their employers as becoming more supportive of work–life fit early in the pandemic. Future research should determine (a) longer‐term change in work–life culture during and after the pandemic; and (b) whether the actual benefits of supportive work–life culture also changed or if it was “window dressing.” This direction suggests it should have more strongly reduced work–life conflict as the pandemic unfolded.
Origin and evolution of the Micronesian biota: Insights from molecular phylogenies and biogeography reveal long‐distance dispersal scenarios and founder‐event speciation
Authors: Demeulenaere Else , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M.
Published: February 2022

Micronesian islands taxa show high endemism rates, but very little is known about their biogeographical histories. The lack of systematic biogeography is mainly due to insufficient phylogenetic research in Micronesia. With the recent increase in published molecular biogeographic data, we were able to, for the first time, answer fundamental biogeography questions by reviewing and analyzing numerous geological, ecological, and evolutionary studies. This review, in addition to providing an overview of Micronesian geological history, confirmed the importance of long‐distance dispersal mechanisms and founder‐event speciation, and morphological and physiological adaptations of plant propagules to cross vast stretches of ocean by wind, ocean currents, bird, or bat dispersal. These adaptations to habitat and geological features, including reef types, determined colonization success as well as inland dispersal and speciation mechanisms. We further identified the source areas of the Micronesian biota and reconstructed historical dispersal scenarios: a dominant Austro‐Melanesian dispersal scenario, an Indo‐Malaysian connecting to the Austro‐Melanesian dispersal scenario, and a Neotropical American and an African dispersal scenario toward Micronesia. Most generic origins were estimated between the Eocene and the Miocene and dispersed to Micronesia between the Miocene and the Pleistocene.
Effects of yogurt as a deglutition aid on disintegration and dissolution of oral tablets
Authors: Matsuo Taisuke , Tabata Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Hina , Yoshida Yuki , Gotoh Yayoi , Suzuki Toshio , Obara Michiko , Sadzuka Yasuyuki , Tomita Takashi
Published: February 2022

Patients with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing oral medications. Swallowing aid foods, such as deglutition aid jellies and food thickeners, are often used to help such patients take oral medications. Yogurt is occasionally used to help swallow medications. It is also advantageous as it is nutritious and easy to swallow. However, the influence of yogurt on the pharmacokinetics of oral medications is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate yogurt as a potential swallowing aid for the intake of oral tablets, by comparing the physical properties and effects of yogurt on disintegration and dissolution profiles of various oral tablets with deglutition aid jelly and xanthan gum‐based food thickener. Yogurt and the food thickener were found to extend the disintegration time of several tablets; however, this increase was unremarkable. Although dissolution of magnesium oxide tablets decreased by 6%, 14%, and 25% after immersion in deglutition aid jelly, food thickener, and yogurt, respectively, at 15 min, this impact on dissolution reduced over time (dissolution rates of all samples at 120 min were over 90%). Rheological measurements showed that yogurt and food thickeners have a weak gel structure and therefore have better fluidity than deglutition aid jelly. The adhesiveness and dynamic viscosity of yogurt were higher than those of the food thickener, which delayed tablet disintegration and reduced the dissolution rate. However, these effects were not substantial. We can thus conclude that yogurt may be a useful swallowing aid for patients with deglutition disorders who take oral medications.
Wage bargaining and product innovation: The role of market expansion effect
Authors: Basak Debasmita , Hoefele Andreas , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: February 2022

Using the right‐to‐manage model of union‐firm bargaining, we show that a higher union power increases product innovation if the bargaining is decentralised, the market expansion effect is weak, and the cost of innovation is relatively low. Otherwise, the relationship between union power and innovation is negative. Hence, we contribute to the literature in two ways. Unlike the extant theoretical literature, we consider the effects on product innovation, which is empirically relevant but has been ignored in the theoretical literature and explain a positive relationship between union power and innovation.
Optical method to determine in vivo capillary hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and 3‐D network geometry in skeletal muscle
Authors: Christie Jaryd R. , Kong Isaac , Mawdsley Laura , Milkovich Stephanie , Doornekamp Ande , Baek Jason , Fraser Graham M. , Ellis Christopher G. , Sové Richard J.
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to visualize and quantify hemodynamic information, such as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit, within microvascular networks recorded in vivo using intravital video microscopy. Additionally, we aimed to facilitate the 3‐D reconstruction of the microvascular networks.

Methods

Digital images taken from an intravital video microscopy preparation of the extensor digitorum longus muscle in rats for 25 capillary segments were used. The developed algorithm was used to delineate capillaries of interest, calculate the optical density for each pixel in the image, and reconstruct the 3‐D capillary geometry using the calculated light path‐lengths. Subsequently, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit for these capillaries were calculated. We evaluated the hematocrit values determined by our methodology by comparing them to those obtained using a previously published method.

Results

The hematocrit values from the proposed optical method were strongly correlated with those calculated using published methodsr2(25) = .92,p < .001, and demonstrated excellent agreement with a mean difference of 1.3% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 11%. The average MCHC, hemoglobin concentration, and light path‐lengths were 23.83 g/dl, 8.06 g/dl, and 3.92 µm, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed methodology can quantify hemodynamic measurements and produce functional images for visualization of the microcirculation in vivo.
A case of idiopathic intracardiac and pulmonary arterial thrombosis successfully treated with surgical thrombectomy
Authors: Maruyama Kotone , Shibata Makoto , Nagashima Kazuaki , Abe Tomonobu , Ikeda Yoshio
Published: February 2022

We report an asymptomatic case of idiopathic multiple thromboses that progressively worsened despite dabigatran administration. An 81‐year‐old Japanese man was admitted for orbital apex syndrome. He had a history of sustained atrial fibrillation and was taking dabigatran. Dabigatran was temporarily changed to heparin in preparation for the biopsy. However, it was resumed after the biopsy had been taken. The patient was diagnosed with an asymptomatic recurrent cerebral infarction and thrombosis of the pulmonary artery and left atrium. Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia was the suspected cause for idiopathic thrombosis, but the diagnosis was not confirmed serologically. Left atrial appendectomy and anticoagulant therapy with argatroban resulted in improvement. It is important to evaluate the D‐dimer levels and investigate the development of thrombi after heparin administration.
Bullying and burnout in critical care nurses: A cross‐sectional descriptive study
Authors: Amini Kourosh , Miyanaji Hamid , Din Mohamadi Mohamadreza
Published: February 2022

Background

Employee bullying and burnout are two crucial, prevalent and challenging concepts that adversely affect organizational staff behaviours. Also, adverse patient care is associated with nurse bullying and burnout.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the incidence and association between workplace bullying and occupational burnout among nurses in critical care units in Iran.

Study design

A cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Methods

The subjects were 184 nurses from critical care units in 6 teaching hospitals in Iran. Three questionnaires were distributed among the study population; (a) demographic characteristics questionnaire, (b) Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and (c) bullying at Workplace Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the workplace bullying and occupational burnout status among nurses. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the relationship between workplace bullying with MBI and nurses' demographic characteristics, respectively.

Results

62% of the nurses had moderate emotional exhaustion, 59.8% had moderate depersonalization and 46.2% had a moderate individual achievement. 75.5% faced workplace bullying. There was a positive and significant association between bullying scores and burnout in total (Pearson's r = 0.598, p < 0.001). Linear regression test showed a positive and significant relationship between bullying with MBI dimensions (R = 0.613, p < 0.001) for emotional exhaustion, (R = 0.679, p < 0.001) for depersonalization and (R = −0.417, p < 0.001) for individual achievement.

Conclusions

Among Iranian nurses, bullying is a prominent and substantial issue that significantly correlates with their negative performance by enhancing job burnout.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is suggested that some measures are adopted to avoid workplace bullying and to reduce occupational burnout for nurses. Managers should create an environment that encourages nurses to voice their concerns – informing nurses about their rights and creating a positive atmosphere in the hospital.
The many‐worlds theory of consciousness
Authors: List Christian
Published: February 2022

This paper sketches a new and somewhat heterodox metaphysical theory of consciousness: the “many‐worlds theory”. It drops the assumption that all conscious subjects’ experiences are features of one and the same world and instead associates different subjects with different “first‐personally centred worlds”. We can think of these as distinct “first‐personal realizers” of a shared “third‐personal world”, where the latter is supervenient, in a sense to be explained. This is combined with a form of modal realism, according to which different subjects’ first‐personally centred worlds are all real, though only one of them is present for each subject. The theory offers a novel way of capturing the irreducibly subjective nature of conscious experience without lapsing into solipsism. The paper also looks at some scientific theories of consciousness, such as integrated information theory, through the proposed lens and reconsiders the hard problem of consciousness.
Resveratrol protects renal damages induced by periodontitis via preventing mitochondrial dysfunction in rats
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Xin‐chan , Ding Xu , Liu Xiao‐meng , Cao Niu‐ben , Deng Yu , Hou Yu‐bo , Yu Wei‐xian
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Periodontitis is closely associated with kidney disease and reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement. Mitochondria are the primary source of both endogenous ROS and renal energy. We investigated whether resveratrol (RSV) prevents renal injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in periodontitis rats.

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into control, experimental periodontitis (Ep) and Ep‐RSV groups. To induce periodontitis, a steel ligature was placed on the cervix of the bilateral first maxillary molars. RSV (50 mg/kg/day) to the Ep‐RSV group and vehicle to the Ep and control groups were gavaged. After 8 weeks, alveolar bone loss, pocket depth, gingival blood index and tooth mobility were assessed. Oxidative stress parameters, mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial ROS, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) were analysed in renal. Renal function and histology were also evaluated.

Results

Compared with the control group, the Ep group showed renal structural destruction, elevated oxidative stress levels, mitochondrial structure destruction, MMP loss, mitochondrial ROS accumulation, ATP reduction, and decreased SIRT1 and PGC‐1α levels. RSV prevented these destruction (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant impairment in renal function (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Periodontitis induces mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tissues. Resveratrol exerts a preventive effect on periodontitis‐induced kidney injury by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
The impact of optimized electricity tariff changes towards renewable energy and non‐renewable energy growth in Malaysia
Authors: Saad Noriza Mohd , Ramli Munirah , Mohd Arshad Mohamad Taufik , Mohayiddin Ahmad Lutfi
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of electricity tariff changes towards renewable energy (RE) and non‐RE growth in Malaysia. Recently, the growth of RE explains the interest of the world to shift the source of generating electricity towards green environmental sustainability. Thus, the utility provider predicts a decreased demand for electricity associated with the rise of RE and verse vice. Input–output model is utilized in this study to elaborate on the social‐economic impact using data obtained from the Department of Statistics, Malaysia. The study focuses on the cost of production towards 124 production sectors for household expenditure from 12 types of consumer classifications. The results found a small impact on both categories, RE and non‐RE, and it is proportionally associated with a positive increase in electricity tariff. Thus, the increase in RE did not have a big impact on the non‐RE customer, leading to no impact on electricity tariff changes.
Finite Element Analysis of a New Type of Spinal Protection Device for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Che Mingxue , Wang Yongjie , Zhao Yao , Zhang Shaokun , Yu Jun , Gong Weiquan , Zhang Debao , Liu Mingxi
Published: February 2022

Objective

To study the effectiveness of a new spinal protection device for preventing and treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) by finite element analysis (FEA).

Methods

One healthy volunteer and one patient with 1‐segment lumbar vertebral compression fractures were included in this experimental study. The DICOM files of two different lumbar spiral computed tomography (CT) scans were converted into STL files, and 3D finite element models of the lumbar spine were generated for normal and L1 vertebral fracture spines. A new type of spinal protection device was applied to reduce the stress on the anterior vertebral edge and direct the center of gravity posteriorly. The stress distribution characteristics of different finite element models of the lumbar spine were analyzed, revealing the characteristics of the stress distributed along the spine under the action of the new spinal protection device.

Results

Under normal conditions, the stress was mainly distributed in the middle and posterior columns of the spine. When the anterior border of the L1 vertebral body was fractured and collapsed, the stress distribution shifted toward the anterior column due to the center of gravity being directed forward. According to finite element analysis of the spine with the new protection device, the stress in the middle and posterior columns tended to increase, and that in the anterior column decreased. After the new type of spinal fixation device was applied, the stress at the L1 and L2 vertebral endplates decreased to a certain extent, especially that at the L1 vertebral body. The maximum stress on the L1 vertebral body decreased by 20% after the auxiliary device was applied.

Conclusions

According to the FEA results, the new spinal protection device can effectively prevent and treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), and can alter the stress distribution in the spine and reduce the stress in the anterior column of the vertebral body, especially in vertebral compression fractures.
Self‐compassion at work: A self‐regulation perspective on its beneficial effects for work performance and wellbeing
Authors: Jennings Remy E. , Lanaj Klodiana , Kim You Jin (YJ)
Published: February 2022

The work environment is fraught with complex demands, hardships, and challenges, highlighting the need to approach work with self‐compassion each day. We propose that work self‐compassion—a mindset of kindness, gentleness, and care toward oneself as an employee—may generate the resources and motivation needed for self‐regulation at work. Drawing from integrated self‐control theory (ISCT) and theory on self‐compassion, we suggest that on days when employees hold a work self‐compassionate mindset, they will exhibit greater work performance and wellbeing via enhanced resource capacity and motivation. In an experimental experience sampling study, we found that a work self‐compassionate mindset reduced depletion and increased work self‐esteem and thereby heightened daily work engagement and daily resilience. Consequently, employees made greater goal progress at work and experienced higher meaning in life. In a supplemental study, we show that state self‐compassion at work is associated with unique variance in work outcomes beyond compassion received from coworkers. We discuss theoretical and practical implications for self‐compassion in organizational contexts.
Treatment adherence and behavior of pediatric liver transplant recipients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dorfman Lev , Nassar Raouf , Rozenfeld Bar‐Lev Michal , Shafir Michal , Oseran Ilan , Mozer‐Glassberg Yael , Gavish Rachel , Assa Amit , Shamir Raanan , Waisbourd‐Zinman Orith
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected medical care worldwide. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on pediatric LT recipients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study based on a structured internet or telephone survey was conducted among pediatric LT recipients. Survey results were compared with results of a survey conducted among pediatric patients with IBD.

Results

Seventy‐six pediatric LT patients participated in the study. Of them, 58 (76.3%) reported fear of severe COVID‐19 infection due to LT or LT‐associated medications. Half of the patients reported needing emotional support. Most patients (51, 67.1%) reported strictly following official guidance, while more stringent protective measures were taken by 64 (84.2%) patients. None of the patients discontinued their medications due to COVID‐19. Compared to pediatric patients with IBD, a higher proportion of pediatric LT recipients reported fears of contracting severe COVID‐19 infection due to their illness or medications (45, 59.2% vs. 110, 45.1%).

Conclusion

Among pediatric LT recipients a higher proportion reported fear of severe COVID‐19 infection, implemented additional protective measures and expressed a need for emotional support, compared to patients with IBD. Medical teams should provide adequate information and offer a support system for this vulnerable population.
Overexpression of aldolase, fructose‐bisphosphate C and its association with spheroid formation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Maruyama Ryota , Nagaoka Yuma , Ishikawa Akira , Akabane Shintaro , Fujiki Yuto , Taniyama Daiki , Sentani Kazuhiro , Oue Naohide
Published: February 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. The spheroid colony formation assay is a useful method to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs). Using the DLD‐1 and WiDr CRC cell lines, we performed microarray analyses of spheroid body‐forming and parental cells and demonstrated that aldolase, fructose‐bisphosphate C (ALDOC) was overexpressed in the spheroid body‐forming cells of both lines. Cells transfected with small interfering RNA against ALDOC demonstrated lower proliferation, migration, and invasion compared with negative control cells. Both the number and size of spheres produced by the CRC cells were significantly reduced by ALDOC knockdown. Additionally, inhibition of ALDOC reduced lactate production. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze ALDOC protein expression in tissues from 135 CRC patients and revealed that 66 (49%) cases were positive for ALDOC. The ALDOC‐positive cases were associated with higher T and M grades and, as determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis, a poorer prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that ALDOC expression was an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients. Furthermore, ALDOC expression was associated with CD44 expression. These results suggest that ALDOC contributes to CRC progression and plays an important role in CSCs derived from CRC.
Most families tend to realize progress of Alzheimer's disease when behavioural and psychological symptoms are obvious
Authors: Honjo Yasuyuki , Ide Kazuki , Takechi Hajime
Published: February 2022

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common cognitive disease that can progress at an accelerating rate. Even with early diagnosis, the families might not recognize AD progressing unless behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) develop. In many cases, discrepancies could exist between family‐assessed AD stage and diagnosed AD stage. This study explored such discrepancies and potential clinical implications.

Methods

Participants were 161 new outpatients with AD or mild cognitive impairment at four memory clinics whose AD stage was diagnosed using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS‐R) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). We classified patients into four groups according to AD severity. Family members completed the Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) scale during an interview. We then assigned patients to three groups according to discrepancies between family‐assessed and diagnosed AD stage.

Families also completed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q), which assesses 12 neuropsychiatric domains, in order to examine the presence of BPSD in relation to AD stage.

Results

Most families (74%–80%) assessed patients as having milder AD than the diagnosed stage. NPI‐Q scores and duration of education significantly affected discrepancies with HDS‐R and MMSE scores. The NPI‐Q domains of anxiety, apathy/indifference, aberrant motor behaviours, and appetite/eating disturbance significantly affected family‐assessed FAST. Families of patients with more years of education assessed the AD stage as more advanced than the diagnosed stage. Surprisingly, living together did not significantly affect the discrepancy.

Conclusions

Most families assessed AD as milder than the clinically diagnosed AD stage. In addition, high NPI‐Q scores and more years of school education significantly affected the discrepancy. Family‐assessed FAST was significantly affected by the NPI‐Q domains of anxiety, apathy/indifference, aberrant motor behaviours, and appetite/eating disturbance. These results suggest that obvious BPSD are significant factors for Japanese families to recognize AD progress.
Supplemental dietary zinc sulphate and folic acid combination improves testicular volume and haemodynamics, testosterone levels and semen quality in rams under heat stress conditions
Authors: Fadl Aya M. , Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. , El‐Sherbiny Hossam R.
Published: February 2022

This study was aimed to investigate the combined effect of zinc sulphate and folic acid (ZnF) dietary supplementation on testicular haemodynamics (TH), testicular volume (TV), plasma testosterone levels (T) and semen quality of rams under heat stress conditions. Fifteen Ossimi rams were allocated to three groups: (1) G0 (n = 5) received only basic diet; (2) G1 (n = 5) received basic diet +ZnF (Zn, 0.4 mg/kg bw; F, 0.02 mg/kg bw) and (3) G2 (n = 5) received basic diet +ZnF (Zn, 0.8 mg/kg bw; F, 0.04 mg/kg bw) daily for 60 days. TH was evaluated using colour (testicular coloration, TC) and spectral modes [resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI)] Doppler of the supra‐testicular arteries (proximal and distal parts, STA). Semen traits including progressive motility (PM), alive sperm % (AS), sperm viability (SV), sperm abnormalities (SA) and acrosome integrity (AI) were also assessed. The examinations were carried out one month before (D‐30), the beginning of ZnF inclusion in the diet (D 0) and continued for the successive two months (D 30 and D 60). TH was significantly (p < .05) improved at D 30 and D 60, evidenced by lowering both RI and PI and increasing of TC in G1 compared to G0 and G2. In addition, both TV and serum T levels were elevated (p < .05) at D 30 and D 60 in G1 compared to other groups. Semen quality parameters (PM, AS, SV and AI) were significantly (p < .05) augmented in the same trend as TH, TV and T in G1 versus G0 and G2. A marked decrease (p < .05) in SA % was noticed at Days 30 and 60 after ZnF inclusion in G1 compared to G0 and G2. In conclusion, supplementation of the summer diet with ZnF improved the whole reproductive functions such as testicular haemodynamics and semen quality of rams housed in heat stress conditions.