bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid as Steel: Production Planning at thyssenkrupp
Authors: Schmedders Karl , Schulze Markus
Published: March 2021

thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, a major European steel company, operates a so-called push-pickling line (PPL) in Bochum, Germany. The PPL produces a particular type of steel strips that are sold to B2B customers, mainly in the automotive industry. In spring 2014, a senior vice president of thyssenkrupp Steel's production operations and one of his production managers notice that over the span of ten years the production facility regularly did not meet its planned production volumes. They set out to determine the drivers for the deviations from planned production figures with the ultimate goal to improve the production planning process at the Bochum PPL. Students will step into the shoes of Markus Schulze a production manager at thyssenkrupp Steel as he searches for performance drivers at the Bochum PPL and analyzes recent production data to build a forecasting model for production planning.
Additional support services and the utilisation of teaching assistants in university settings: dissuading inclusive practice or improving academic outcomes?
Authors: Wray Mike
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the perceptions of staff within a university in the UK, of the role of teaching assistants and centrally located disability services. Staff were generally positive about support available although when communication had broken down this led to a lack of trust with centrally organised support. Staff were happy for support staff to be available within the classroom although this role was misunderstood. At times tensions arose around adjustments to classroom practices which were recommended by centrally located staff. Paradoxically, centrally organised support may have acted as a barrier to more inclusive teaching practice: whilst teaching staff often disagreed with recommendations for adjustments to teaching practice made by central staff they were nonetheless reluctant to take on the role of acting as the expert in these situations. Implications for practice and service delivery are discussed alongside suggestions for future research.
Statin use and the reoperation rates in glaucoma filtration surgery – population‐based cohort study
Authors: Virtanen Aapo , Haukka Jari , Harju Mika , Loukovaara Sirpa
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To examine the association of systemic statin therapy and reoperation rate after glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS).

Methods

This is a population‐based, historic cohort study of 2705 eyes undergoing GFS in Finland between July 2009 and December 2016. GFSs were identified from national administrative healthcare registers. Baseline sociodemographic and health characteristics were documented. Reoperation rates of GFS subgroups were analysed, with statin users compared to non‐users. The outcomes were modelled using a Poisson regression model adjusted for age, sex, education, statin use, chronic comorbidities, and cataract surgery with incident rate ratios (IRR) as the main outcome measure.

Results

The cohort contained 2263 subjects with open‐angle glaucoma (OAG), 823 men and 1440 women. Surgery was performed on 2705 eyes. First documented procedures: deep sclerectomy (DS) (n = 1601), trabeculectomy (TRE) (799) and glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation (305) respectively. In total, 438 secondary operations were performed during the 7.5‐year (median 2.25 years) follow‐up period. The reoperation rates were 19% after DS, 12% after TRE, and 13% after GDD. Of the surgical procedures, 32% were performed on eyes of patients receiving statin therapy. Statin users showed no difference in reoperation rates (IRR 1.06, CI 0.82–1.37). In subgroups, no difference was observed in the reoperation rates adjusted with statin use after filtration surgery (DS, TRE) (IRR 1.06, CI 0.8–1.40) or GDD implantation (0.57, CI 0.20–1.63).

Conclusion

Systemic statin therapy among surgically treated OAG patients had no impact on secondary surgery rates following DS, TRE or GDD implantation.
Social and economic value creation by Bendigo Bank and Stockland Property Group: Application of Shared Value Business Model
Authors: Mehera Asoke , Ordonez‐Ponce Eduardo
Published: March 2021

This case study explores how two Australian businesses—Bendigo Bank and Stockland Property—have adopted thematic components of the shared value business model to create social and economic value for their stakeholders. Information about organizational business models was collected from their annual reports and by interviewing company representatives. The study finds that Bendigo and Stockland have emphasized a new thematic component of stakeholder engagement—namely, customers and regional communities—in addition to three thematic components of shared value business model—reconceiving products, redefining the value chain, and using clustered collaboration—to create value. Additionally, both companies have increased their return on equity considerably in the period 2014–2019 while enhancing social value based on strategic initiatives. The study concludes by recommending an extended version of the shared value business model to enhance social and economic value creation based on stakeholder engagement.
Association of sigma‐1 receptor with dopamine transporter attenuates the binding of methamphetamine via distinct helix–helix interactions
Authors: Xu Liang , Chen Liao Y.
Published: March 2021

Dopamine transporter (DAT) and sigma‐1 receptor (σ1R) are potential therapeutic targets to reduce the psychostimulant effects induced by methamphetamine (METH). Interaction of σ1R with DAT could modulate the binding of METH, but the molecular basis of the association of the two transmembrane proteins and how their interactions mediate the binding of METH to DAT or σ1R remain unclear. Here, we characterize the protein–ligand and protein–protein interactions at a molecular level by various theoretical approaches. The present results show that METH adopts a different binding pose in the binding pocket of σ1R and is more likely to act as an agonist. The relatively lower binding affinity of METH to σ1R supports the role of antagonists as inhibitors that protect against METH‐induced effects. We demonstrate that σ1R could bind toDrosophila melanogasterDAT (dDAT) through interactions with either the transmembrane helix α12 or α5 of dDAT. Our results showed that the truncated σ1R displays stronger association with dDAT than the full‐length σ1R. Although different helix–helix interactions between σ1R and dDAT lead to distinct effects on the dynamics of individual protein, both associations attenuate the binding affinity of METH to dDAT, particularly in the interactions with the helix α5 of dDAT. Together, the present study provides the first computational investigation on the molecular mechanism of coupling METH binding and the association of σ1R with dDAT.
Does greater household wealth make young children perform better? The case of Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thai Minh , Tran Tuyen Quang
Published: March 2021

Our study examines factors affecting children's cognitive ability in Vietnam for the period 2006–2016. We find that conditional wealth has a positive association with the cognitive capacity of 15‐year‐old children, manifested in all three methods of measurement: vocabulary points, math scores and reading comprehension scores in Vietnamese. Notably, the finding implies that improving household wealth after the children's first 1,000 days still plays an important role in the cognitive development of 5–12‐year‐olds. Also, it suggests that using conditional wealth enables us to capture the impact of economic shocks, thereby having a significant effect on the cognitive ability of children.
Alveolar ridge preservation with fibroblast growth factor‐2 modified acellular dermal matrix membrane and a bovine‐derived xenograft: An experimental in vivo study
Authors: Wang Ruolin , Liu Wenhua , Guo Hongmei , Ge Shaohua , Huang Haiyun , Yang Pishan
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of a bone substitute material combined with fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) loaded barrier membrane on the preservation of alveolar ridge after tooth extraction.

Material and methods

Four dogs were included. Six extraction sockets of each animal received the 3 treatments and were randomly divided into three groups. Group A: negative control; Group B: bovine xenografts + membrane; and Group C: bovine xenografts + FGF‐2‐loaded membrane. CBCT and histological analysis were performed to evaluate changes in the width and height of alveolar ridges and extraction socket bone healing 8 weeks post‐extraction.

Results

CBCT showed that the alveolar bone in Group A was significantly thinner than that in Group B and Group C at 1 and 3 mm apically from the alveolar crest. The alveolar width at 1 mm in Group C (60.99 ± 15.36%) was significantly thicker than that in Group B (39.75 ± 30.18%). Histomorphmetrical measurements showed that the buccal alveolar width at 1 mm was significantly thicker in Groups B and C than in Group A. Additionally, buccal bone height and lingual bone width at 1 mm in Group C (87.06 ± 10.34%, 89.09 ± 10.56%) were significantly greater than in Group A (53.48 ± 23.94%, 82.72 ± 12.59%).

Conclusion

The present findings indicate that application of bovine bone combined with barrier membrane with or without FGF‐2 over tooth sockets can effectively reduce ridge absorption, especially in terms of ridge width and FGF‐2 modified membrane seems to improve the outcomes obtained with membrane alone.
Primary transoral robotic surgery +/‐ adjuvant therapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma—A large observational single‐centre series from the United Kingdom
Authors: O’Hara James , Warner Laura , Fox Hannah , Hamilton David , Meikle David , Counter Paul , Robson Andrew , Goranova Rebecca , Iqbal Shahid , Kelly Charles , Robinson Max , Paleri Vinidh
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To analyse the oncological outcomes following primary Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Design

Observational case series.

Setting

Tertiary centre; first TORS practice to commence in the UK.

Participants

All consecutive patients undergoing primary TORS with curative intent, with or without adjuvant treatment.

Main outcome measures

Descriptive analysis of patient and tumour pathology variables. Survival outcomes: Overall, Disease‐Specific, Progression‐Free and Locoregional control.

Results

The cohort comprised of 120 patients undergoing TORS with minimum 12‐month follow‐up data and the following characteristics: mean age 58 years, 91 males (76%), 78 tonsil (65%) and 34 base of tongue primaries (28%), 89% HPV‐related OPSCC. The surgical pathology revealed 14 (12%) with positive margins, 19 (16%) had close margins <2mm and 31% with extranodal extension. The treatment was as follows: 39 (33%) treated with TORS alone, 50 (42%) received adjuvant radiotherapy and 31 (26%) received adjuvant radiotherapy with chemotherapy. There were 15 recurrences. Estimated survival for all patients at 3 years (95% CI): overall 85% (78‐92), disease‐specific 90% (85‐96), progression‐free 86% (79‐92) and locoregional control 90% (84‐96). The equivalent survival figures for the HPV‐related cases alone were as follows: overall 88% (82‐94), disease‐specific 93% (87‐98), progression‐free 88% (81‐95) and locoregional control 92% (87‐98).

Conclusions

Whilst TORS has become a common practice in the management of OPSCC in the UK, these are the first reported oncological outcomes. For selected patients, TORS with or without adjuvant therapy is an appropriate treatment modality.
Identification of cell‐free DNA methylation patterns unique to the human left ventricle as a potential indicator of acute cellular rejection
Authors: Pattar Sabrina , Aleinati Mohammad , Iqbal Fatima , Madhu Aiswarya , Blais Samuel , Wang Xuemei , Dallaire Frederic , Wang Yinong , Isaac Debra , Fine Nowell , Greenway Steven C.
Published: March 2021

Increased levels of donor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) in recipient plasma have been associated with rejection after transplantation. DNA sequence differences have been used to distinguish between donor and recipient, but epigenetic differences could also potentially identify dd‐cfDNA. This pilot study aimed to identify ventricle‐specific differentially methylated regions of DNA (DMRs) that could be detected in cfDNA. We identified 24 ventricle‐specific DMRs and chose two for further study, one on chromosome 9 and one on chromosome 12. The specificity of both DMRs for the left ventricle was confirmed using genomic DNA from multiple human tissues. Serial matched samples of myocardium (n = 33) and plasma (n = 24) were collected from stable adult heart transplant recipients undergoing routine endomyocardial biopsy for rejection surveillance. Plasma DMR levels increased with biopsy‐proven rejection grade for individual patients. Mean cellular apoptosis in biopsy samples increased significantly with rejection severity (2.4%, 4.4% and 10.0% for ACR 0R, 1R, and 2R, respectively) but did not show a consistent relationship with DMR levels. We identified multiple DNA methylation patterns unique to the human ventricle and conclude that epigenetic differences in cfDNA populations represent a promising alternative strategy for the non‐invasive detection of rejection.
Personal health budget in patients with first episode psychosis: A new rehabilitation model based on a community care system in Italy
Authors: Leuci Emanuela , Pelizza Lorenzo , Landi Giulia , Quattrone Emanuela , Maestri Davide , Azzali Silvia , Pelosi Annalisa , Ceroni Patrizia , Soncini Caterina , Daolio Maria Cristina , Paulillo Giuseppina , Raballo Andrea , Pellegrini Pietro
Published: March 2021

Aim

Recently, there has been increasing interest in providing Personal Health Budgets (PHBs) to patients with severe mental illness. However, information on implementing PHB initiatives is still limited. Aim of this observational study was to evaluate the applicability of a PHB intervention model in a sample of Italian adults with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) across a 2‐year follow‐up period.

Methods

Participants (n = 104; 18–50 years) were recruited within the ‘Parma‐Early Psychosis’ program and completed the brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), the health of nation outcome scale (HoNOS) and the global assessment of functioning (GAF). Mixed‐design analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kaplan‐Maier survival analysis (as drop‐out measure) were performed.

Results

A significant effect of time on all BPRS, HoNOS and GAF scores along the follow‐up was observed in both the FEP subgroups (i.e., with [n = 49] and without [n = 55] PHB intervention). Mixed‐design ANOVA results showed a significant ‘time x group’ interaction effects on BPRS ‘Disorganization’, HoNOS ‘Psychiatric Symptoms’ and GAF scores in FEP participants with PHB. Kaplan‐Meyer survival analysis showed a longer survival mean for FEP patients with PHB.

Conclusions

Our results support the applicability of a PHB model within an ‘Early Intervention in Psychosis’ program in public community mental health services.
Radical pruning of distribution data may result in loss of knowledge (Response to Larsen & Shirey)
Authors: Faltýnek Fric Zdeněk , Rindoš Michal , Konvička Martin
Published: March 2021

Larsen & Shirey (2020) criticised our analysis of latitudinal changes in butterfly phenology on the grounds of improper data management. We admit some imprecisions, but show that stringent reanalyses did not change the overall results. We also show that unreasonable treatment of data may result in critical information loss.
‘No‐one has listened to anything I’ve got to say before’: Co‐design with people who are sleeping rough
Authors: Mullins Robyn M. , Kelly Bridget E. , Chiappalone Patrick ‘Spike’ , Lewis Virginia J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Despite policies and programmes aimed at housing people who are homeless, there are still people who live and sleep rough. This project used the skills and knowledge of people in this situation to identify a strategy to mitigate some of the risks.

Objective

To describe the development and conduct of a co‐design project involving people who are homeless.

Setting/Group Members

A Working Group of 11 was formed following a careful recruitment process from people who had volunteered after consultation by the project team. The co‐design approach was guided by a set of principles.

Methods

Eight members of the Working Group were interviewed by an external researcher (RM). The approach was primarily deductive, with the principles adopted by the project team used as a framework for data collection and analysis. The co‐design process was captured by the project leaders (BK, PC) supplemented with documentation review and team discussions.

Results

The group met weekly for 12 weeks, with 8‐10 members present on average. They reviewed information from the survey, contributed ideas for solutions and ultimately decided to provide information via print, a website and an event. Important factors in on‐going involvement were carefully selecting group members and making participation rewarding for them.

Discussion/Conclusions

Vulnerable people such as those experiencing homelessness can be excluded from decision‐making processes affecting them, as they can be perceived as hard to reach and unable to make a meaningful contribution. This project demonstrated that a carefully managed project, with sufficient resources and commitment, it was possible to involve people who are homeless and maintain involvement over an extended time period.

Public Contribution

The Working Group reviewed survey findings and developed an intervention to minimize the health, social and legal harms of sleeping rough. Several members reviewe this paper.
A survey of the prevalence and predictors of workplace bullying towards the dental hygienist
Authors: Petit Jacqueline Nicole , Boyd Linda D. , Vineyard Jared , Dominick Christine
Published: March 2021

Objective/Purpose

Given the lack of research within dentistry as it relates to workplace bullying (WPB), the purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of WPB and predictors of WPB for dental hygienists in clinical practice.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey research was used with a convenience sample of dental hygienists (n = 943) providing patient care to explore WPB. Ninety‐three per cent of participants resided in the United States, and 6.9% lived internationally. The survey was shared via social media on Facebook and Instagram group pages, specifically dental focussed. The validated Negative Acts Questionnaire‐Revised (NAQ‐R) was used to measure the exposure WPB using descriptive, correlation, chi‐square and Mann‐Whitney U.

Results

The completion rate was 81% (n = 765). Results showed 21% of participants had experienced WPB now and then, 9.4% several times a week and 2.9% almost daily. Predictors for WPB included highest degree earned (p = −0.03), US (United States) region of residence (p = 0.001), clinical setting (private practice vs. dental service organization) (p < 0.001), clinical years of experience (p = 0.002) and work status (full‐ or part‐time) (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The findings confirmed WPB has been experienced by 1 in 5 clinical dental hygienists. Dental hygienists in their early years are more likely to have reported workplace bullying than those with more years of practice. WPB is not a new phenomenon, but given the prevalence observed in dental hygiene participants, employers need to be active in preventing and managing bullying to create and maintain an effective dental team and positive work environment.
Comparative evaluation of fluorinol and calcium sodium phosphosilicate‐containing toothpastes in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: Bhowmik Eeshita , Pawar Chandrashekhar Deepika , Sharma Hareesha Manohar
Published: March 2021

Background

Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most commonly encountered clinical problems. Various desensitizing agents have been widely used in the management of dentin hypersensitivity. Fluorinol, a fluoride‐containing agent, has shown to be effective in fluoridating the hydroxyapatite crystal and thus reduce enamel solubility. Calcium sodium phosphosilicate mechanically occludes open tubules and releases calcium and phosphorous to remineralize tooth structure.

Objective

To compare and assess the efficacy of fluorinol‐containing toothpaste with 7.5% sodium calcium phosphosilicate‐containing toothpaste in reducing dentin hypersensitivity.

Methodology

Thorough oral prophylaxis was done, and the patients were subjected to the washout phase, after which they were randomly allocated to the two study groups, Group A—fluorinol‐containing toothpaste, Group B—sodium calcium phosphosilicate‐containing toothpaste. Patients were recalled on 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks, and sensitivity was assessed using VAS scores by means of tactile, evaporative and cold water stimuli. Oral health‐related quality of life was assessed using OHIP‐14 questionnaire at baseline and 4 weeks.

Result

Compared to baseline, there was a significant decrease in dentin hypersensitivity in both the groups. The VAS scores for tactile stimuli were significantly lower in group A at 3rd and 4th weeks.

Conclusion

Fluorinol‐containing toothpaste was shown to be effective in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. Hence, it can be used routinely in the management of dentin hypersensitivity.
Effect of SiC nanowhisker addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of regenerated cemented carbides by low‐pressure sintering
Authors: Hu Dongmei , Du Jin , Su Guosheng , Lu Zhenyun , Zhang Chongyan , Kong Xiangmin , Xu Chonghai
Published: March 2021

The hardness and toughness of regenerated cemented carbides, in general, are contradictory. Therefore, it is critical to explore regenerated cemented carbides with both high hardness and high toughness. In this study, regenerated WC‐8‐wt% Co cemented carbide with SiC nanowhisker were prepared by low‐pressure sintering. The influence of SiCw contents on the microstructure and mechanical properties of regenerated WC‐8‐wt% Co cemented carbide was investigated. The results indicated that the hardness, density, flexural strength, and fracture toughness of regenerated cemented carbide first increased and then decreased with the addition of SiCw. The Vickers hardness, density, flexural strength, and fracture toughness could reach 1575 HV, 14.6 g/cm3, 2204 MPa, 16.85 MPa·m1/2, respectively, with SiCw content 0.5 wt%, which were increased by 14.4%, 0.7%, 12.2%, and 17.3%, respectively, when compared with the regenerated cemented carbide without SiCw. The lowest friction coefficient and the best wear resistance could be also reached when 0.5‐wt% SiCw was added. The fracture mechanism of the regenerated cemented carbide contained both transgranular and intergranular fracture through the microscopic observation of fracture surface via scanning electron microscope.
Faltering standardization: Conflict and labour relations in China's taxi and sanitation industries
Authors: ZHANG Hao , FRIEDMAN Eli
Published: March 2021

The marketization of municipal services in China's cities from the 1990s triggered a wave of strikes beginning in the 2000s that provided an impetus towards standardization and the re‐regulation of employment conditions. On the basis of a study of the sanitation and taxi industries in the cities of Wenzhou and Guangzhou, the authors find that local governments have utilized three strategies in promoting standardization: unionization, public policy implementation and business consolidation. Although outcomes vary across the cases considered, institutionalization remains weak at best and conflicts persist. The article concludes by presenting a schema for comparing the different strategies identified in these cases and those historically institutionalized in the West.
Interactions between drought and shade on the productivity of winter pea grown in a 25‐year‐old walnut‐based alley cropping system
Authors: Blanchet Guillaume , Barkaoui Karim , Bradley Mattia , Dupraz Christian , Gosme Marie
Published: March 2021

In the face of climate change, more frequent drought events are expected in the Mediterranean regions. Alley cropping is an agroforestry practice that represents a promising adaptation strategy to sustain yield productivity under drier conditions. However, the presence of trees limits the productivity of the intercrop by reducing light availability and by competing for soil water resources, which could potentially exacerbate the yield losses due to drought conditions. Furthermore, the effects of co‐occurring drought and shade stresses on annual crops are still poorly understood. To tackle this issue, we performed a rainfall manipulation experiment on winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown in full‐sun conditions (agricultural control) and under different levels of shade in a 25‐year walnut‐based alley cropping system located in southern France. We evaluated first the effect of trees on light and water availability, and we then studied the effects of early drought (135 mm excluded from April to the end of May) and light conditions on crop performances and yield components. At 3.5 m from the tree line, light availability was reduced on average by 19% at south and 35% at north of trees over the entire crop cycle and mostly after tree budburst. The impact of trees on soil water content in the crop root zone was weak thanks to the good complementarity of the respective root systems. Under normal rainfall conditions, tree shade decreased pea yield from −25% to −77% compared to full‐sun conditions. In case of spring drought, pea yield was decreased by −22% in full‐sun conditions. The negative effect of tree shade was reduced and decreased pea yield only by −1% to −47%. Under the most intense shade conditions, pea yield was even higher under drought than in normal rainfall conditions. The analysis of crop dynamics and yield components revealed that the vegetative development of pea ceased under drought to the benefit of biomass allocation towards the reproductive organs. Pea yield was less impacted by tree shade under spring drought because yield elaboration relied less on the success of pod set, sensitive to shade and, more on grain filling, improved in case of early drought event. This study supports the hypothesis that agroforestry systems may be more resilient in the case of early drought.
Pyridostigmine improves cardiac function and rhythmicity through RyR2 stabilization and inhibition of STIM1‐mediated calcium entry in heart failure
Authors: Baine Stephen , Bonilla Ingrid , Belevych Andriy , Stepanov Andrei , Dorn Lisa E. , Terentyeva Radmila , Terentyev Dmitry , Accornero Federica , Carnes Cynthia A. , Gyorke Sandor
Published: March 2021

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by asymmetrical autonomic balance. Treatments to restore parasympathetic activity in human heart failure trials have shown beneficial effects. However, mechanisms of parasympathetic‐mediated improvement in cardiac function remain unclear. The present study examined the effects and underpinning mechanisms of chronic treatment with the cholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine (PYR), in pressure overload HF induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in mice. TAC mice exhibited characteristic adverse structural (left ventricular hypertrophy) and functional remodelling (reduced ejection fraction, altered myocyte calcium (Ca) handling, increased arrhythmogenesis) with enhanced predisposition to arrhythmogenic aberrant sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca release, cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) hyper‐phosphorylation and up‐regulated store‐operated Ca entry (SOCE). PYR treatment resulted in improved cardiac contractile performance and rhythmic activity relative to untreated TAC mice. Chronic PYR treatment inhibited altered intracellular Ca handling by alleviating aberrant Ca release and diminishing pathologically enhanced SOCE in TAC myocytes. At the molecular level, these PYR‐induced changes in Ca handling were associated with reductions of pathologically enhanced phosphorylation of RyR2 serine‐2814 and STIM1 expression in HF myocytes. These results suggest that chronic cholinergic augmentation alleviates HF via normalization of both canonical RyR2‐mediated SR Ca release and non‐canonical hypertrophic Ca signaling via STIM1‐dependent SOCE.
A modified endoscopic full thickness resection for gastric subepithelial tumors from muscularis propria layer: Novel method
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Yoo In Kyung , Hong Sung Pyo , Cho Joo Young , Cho Young Kwan
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

The removal of subepithelial tumors (SETs) is challenging, particularly in tumors originating from the muscularis propria (MP) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, owing to the high risk of perforation. We developed mechanical spray lumpectomy (MSL), which is a novel method to safely and easily remove the tumor. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of MSL as a novel endoscopic treatment for gastric subepithelial lesions.

Methods

We performed MSL in a total of 13 patients with upper GI SETs originating from the MP layer. First, mucosectomy was performed using a conventional snare. Repeated injections were performed towards the subserosal layer. After injection, the lesion was mechanically pushed to separate the MP layer using an endoscopic cap. Finally, the mucosa, submucosa, and MP layer with SETs were completely dissected using the spray coagulation mode, and the remaining defect was closed with clipping.

Results

All tumors were completely resected. The mean procedure time was 84.38 ± 41.73 min. There were four leiomyomas, six GI stromal tumors, one mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and two ectopic pancreases. Although small perforation occurred in only one case, the defect was successfully closed using hemostatic clipping. Moreover, no serious complications related to MSL were encountered during or after the procedure. No residual lesion or recurrence was observed during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Mechanical spray lumpectomy can be a novel method that provides a safe and minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for upper GI SETs originating from the MP layer.
The Influence of Compassion Fatigue on Job Performance and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: The Moderating Effect of Person–Job Fit
Authors: Chu Li‐Chuan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the influence of compassion fatigue on job performance and organizational citizenship behavior. Moreover, this study analyzed whether person–job fit effectively moderates the negative impacts of compassion fatigue.

Design

A longitudinal, two‐stage questionnaire was used to collect data.

Methods

This study adopted a convenience sampling whose participants consisted of 263 nursing staff from medical centers, regional hospitals, district hospitals, and clinics in Taiwan. Descriptive, correlational, and hierarchical regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between variables.

Findings

The study results indicated that compassion fatigue exerts a significant negative influence on job performance and organizational citizenship behavior, whereas person–job fit effectively moderates the negative relationships between compassion fatigue and job performance and organizational citizenship behavior.

Conclusions

Hospital administrations could pay more attention to the negative influence of compassion fatigue on the job performance and organizational citizenship behavior of nursing staff. Enhancing person–job fit can mitigate the negative impacts of compassion fatigue.

Clinical Relevance

Apart from seeking reasons for compassion fatigue and proposing effective solutions, hospitals also could adopt appropriate practices to constantly monitor and manage the person–job fit of nursing staff, thereby assisting the nursing staff in adapting to current nursing job requirements.
Using Twitter for Nursing Research: A Tweet Analysis on Heat Illness and Health
Authors: Smith Daniel J. , Mac Valerie V.T. , Hertzberg Vicki S.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To provide an example of a tweet analysis for nurse researchers using Twitter in their research.

Design

A content analysis using tweets about “heat illness + health.”

Methods

Tweets were pulled from Twitter’s application programming interface with premium access using Postman and the key words “heat illness + health.” All data cleaning and analysis was performed in R Version 3.5.2, and the tweet set was analyzed for term frequency, sentiment, and topic modeling. Principal R packages included LDAvis, tidytext, tm, and zyuzhet.

Results

6,317 tweets were analyzed with a date range of April 6, 2009, to December 30, 2019. The most common terms in the tweets were heat (n = 4,532), illness (n = 4,085), and health (n = 2,257). Sentiment analysis showed that the majority of tweets (55%) had a negative sentiment. Topic modeling showed that there were three topics within the tweet set: increasing impact, prevention and safety, and symptoms.

Conclusions

Twitter can be a useful tool for nursing researchers, serving as a viable adjunct to current research methodologies. This practical example has facilitated a deeper understanding of the social media representation of heat illness and health that can be applied to other research.

Clinical Relevance

Twitter serves as a tool for collecting health information for multiple groups, ranging from clinicians and researchers to patients. By utilizing the plethora of data that comes from the platform, we can work towards developing theories and interventions related to numerous health conditions and phenomena.
Sustained credit card borrowing
Authors: Grodzicki Daniel , Koulayev Sergei
Published: March 2021

Using a large panel of credit card accounts, we examine the dynamics of credit card borrowing and repayment in the United States and what these imply for the expected costs of credit card debt to consumers. Our analysis reveals that: (a) credit cards are predominantly used to borrow, (b) card debt is sustained for long periods and balances frequently rise before being repaid, and (c) this debt is potentially more costly than anticipated. Specifically, we document that 82% of outstanding balances are debt and that 70% of this debt accrues to those borrowing continuously for a year or more. The expected annualized cost of an episode of continuous borrowing is 28% of its initial balance, or 13 percentage points. higher than the average annual percentage rate. Moreover, credit scores decline during episodes, further raising the expected cost of borrowing on a card.
Intralipid infusion at time of embryo transfer in women with history of recurrent implantation failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rimmer Michael P. , Black Naomi , Keay Stephen , Quenby Siobhan , Al Wattar Bassel H.
Published: March 2021

Aim

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) affects 10% of couples undergoing assisted conception, often due to poor endometrial receptivity. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of Intra‐venous intralipid (IVI) in improving pregnancy rates in women with history of RIF using.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for any randomized trials evaluating the use of IVI at the time of embryo transfer in women undergoing assisted conception until September 2020. We extracted data in duplicate and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. We meta‐analyzed data using a random effect model.

Results

We included five randomized trials reporting on 843 women with an overall moderate risk of bias. All trials used 20% IVI solution at the time of embryo transfer compared to normal saline infusion or no intervention (routine care). The IVI group had a higher chance of clinical pregnancy (172 vs 119, risk ratio [RR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–2.07, I2 44.2%) and live birth (132 vs 73, RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.42–2.35, I2 0%) post treatment compared to no intervention. Our findings are limited by the small sample size and the variations in treatment protocols and population characteristics.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence to support the use of IVI at the time of embryo transfer in women with the history of RIF. More research is needed before adopting it in clinical practice.
Beneficiaries' perspectives on improved oral health and its mediators after Medicaid expansion in Michigan: a mixed methods study
Authors: Kieffer Edith C. , Goold Susan D. , Buchmueller Tom , Nalliah Romesh , Beathard Erin , Kirch Matthias A. , Solway Erica , Tipirneni Renuka , Clark Sarah J. , Haggins Adrianne N. , Patel Minal R. , Ayanian John Z.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate self‐reported improved oral health and its mediators, and job‐related outcomes, of Medicaid expansion beneficiaries in Michigan.

Methods

This cross‐sectional mixed‐methods study of adult “Healthy Michigan Plan” (HMP) Medicaid expansion beneficiaries included qualitative interviews with a convenience sample of 67 beneficiaries enrolled for ≥6 months, a stratified random sample survey of 4,090 beneficiaries enrolled for ≥12 months; and Medicaid claims data. We examined unadjusted associations between demographic variables and awareness of dental coverage, self‐reported dental care access, dental visits, and self‐reported oral health; and between improved oral health and job seeking and job performance. Multivariate analysis examined factors associated with self‐reported oral health improvement, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, prior health insurance, and having at least one dental visit claim.

Results

Among surveyed beneficiaries, 60 percent received ≥1 dental visit and 40 percent reported improved oral health. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for improved oral health were higher for African‐American beneficiaries [aOR = 1.61; confidence interval (CI) = 1.28‐2.03] and those previously uninsured for ≥12 months (aOR = 1.96; CI = 1.58‐2.43). Beneficiaries reporting improved oral health were more likely to report improved job seeking (59.9 percent vs 51 percent; P = 0.04) and job performance (76.1 percent vs 65.0 percent; P < 0.001) due to HMP. Interviewees described previously unmet oral health needs, and treatments that improved oral health, functioning, appearance, confidence, and employability.

Conclusion

Michigan's Medicaid expansion contributed to self‐reported improved oral health, which was associated with improved job outcomes. Policymakers should consider the importance of Medicaid dental coverage in reducing oral health disparities and improving the health and socioeconomic well‐being of low‐income adults and communities when considering this optional benefit.
Taxonomic revision of the South Asian River dolphins (Platanista): Indus and Ganges River dolphins are separate species
Authors: Braulik Gill T. , I. Archer Frederick , Khan Uzma , Imran Mohammad , Sinha Ravindra K. , Jefferson Thomas A. , Donovan Carl , Graves Jeff A.
Published: March 2021

South Asian river dolphins (Platanista gangetica) are among the most endangered of the world's cetaceans. The two subspecies in the family Platanistidae, Indus, and Ganges river dolphins (P. g. minor and P. g. gangetica), are both threatened by dams and barrages, declining river flows, fisheries bycatch, and pollution. We examine differences in external and skull morphology between dolphins in each river system to clarify their taxonomic status. Skulls from each river system could easily be differentiated using diagnostic differences in the shape of the frontal bones behind the nasals. This feature was present in all individuals irrespective of size, age, and sex. Ganges river dolphins are sexually dimorphic with females larger than males, but there was no evidence of dimorphism in the small sample of Indus river dolphins. There were no mitochondrial DNA haplotypes shared between the two river systems, and five fixed differences suggested a long‐term (approximately 0.55 million years) absence of gene flow. Diagnosable differences in morphological and genetic characteristics indicate long‐term reproductive as well as geographic isolation of Indus and Ganges river dolphins. We conclude that Indus and Ganges river dolphins should each be recognized as distinct species, and elevate the Indus subspecies, Platanista gangetica minor, to species level, Platanista minor Owen, 1853. Formal redescriptions are provided for both species.
In vitro activity of olorofim against clinical isolates of the Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani species complexes
Authors: Badali Hamid , Cañete‐Gibas Connie , Patterson Hoja , Sanders Carmita , Mermella Barbara , Garcia Victor , Mele James , Fan Hongxin , Wiederhold Nathan P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Invasive fusariosis is associated with marked morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts, and clinical outcomes are poor with conventional therapy. Olorofim (F901318) is an investigational antifungal in the orotomide class that selectively targets fungal dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) causing inhibition of pyrimidine biosynthesis.

Objective

We evaluated the in vitro activity of olorofim against 61 clinical isolates of the Fusarium oxysporum and F solani species complexes (FOSC and FSSC, respectively), the most prevalent causes of invasive fusariosis.

Methods

Clinical isolates of FOSC (n = 45) and FSSC (n = 16) were identified using DNA sequence analysis of the translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF1α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by CLSI M38 broth microdilution for olorofim, amphotericin B, isavuconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole and micafungin.

Results

Olorofim demonstrated good in vitro activity against both FOSC and FSSC. Against the 45 FOSC isolates, olorofim MICs ranged between 0.03‐0.5 mg/L and 0.06‐>4 mg/L at the 50% and 100% inhibition endpoints, respectively. Against FSSC isolates, olorofim MIC ranged between 0.25‐1 mg/L and 1‐>4 mg/L at 50% and 100% inhibition, respectively. While amphotericin B also demonstrated similar in vitro activity (MIC ranges 1‐4 and 0.25‐4 mg/L against FOSC and FSSC, respectively), neither the triazoles nor micafungin demonstrated consistent in vitro activity against Fusarium isolates at clinically relevant concentrations.

Conclusions

The investigational agent olorofim demonstrated good in vitro activity against FOSC and FSSC clinical isolates. Further studies are warranted to determine how well this in vitro activity translates into in vivo efficacy.
Digital audiences of union organising: A social media analysis
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Panos
Published: March 2021

The article offers a novel conceptualisation of unions’ digital audiences and considers how their characteristics affect the practice of organising. Data were collected from the central Twitter accounts of 33 British unions resulting in 167,658 tweets and information from their 357,687 followers. Using textual and network methods, the analysis shows how unions interact with large, diverse and unexpected audiences including members, other individuals and organisations within their stakeholder groups. The findings support Twitter’s role as a tool for organising in directions like stakeholder engagement and reaching new audiences. The article further discusses how unions can respond to the imagined characteristics of their digital audiences and develop an approach to engagement that builds on the relationship between audiences and content.
On Grief's Wandering Thought: A Philosophical Exploration
Authors: Atkins Ashley
Published: March 2021

This paper challenges an orthodoxy in recent philosophical discussions of grief, namely, that grief is essentially tied to the thought that a person of significance to oneself has died. As first‐person reports make clear, one can find oneself cut off from the significant other not simply in body but also in thought. This is not, moreover, an isolated difficulty but one that may have repercussions for one's capacity to form an outlook on the social world, the natural world, and the world viewed from one's own scheme of ends. Taking C. S. Lewis's diary of grief as a guide, I argue that our capacity to think of our significant others depends, surprisingly enough, on our capacity to acknowledge their independence from us even in death.
Vitiligo: Translational research and effective therapeutic strategies
Authors: Thakur Vishal , Bishnoi Anuradha , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Kumaran Sendhil M. , Parsad Davinder
Published: March 2021

This is an exciting phase of vitiligo research with the current understanding of vitiligo pathogenesis and its translation to successful treatment. The pathogenetic origin of vitiligo revolves around autoimmunity with supporting role from many other factors like oxidative stress, inherent melanocyte defects, or defective keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Vitiligo can be classified into segmental or non‐segmental depending upon the clinical presentation, or it can be classified as progressing or stable based on the activity of the disease. Vitiligo treatments need to be stratified depending upon which type of vitiligo we are treating and at which phase the vitiligo patient presents to us. There are two different aims of treatment of vitiligo. The first involves rescuing the melanocytes from the damage to arrest the depigmentation. The second strategy focuses on replenishing the melanocytes so that successful repigmentation is achieved. It is also important to maintain the disease in a stable phase or prevent relapse. As stability in non‐segmental vitiligo is a dynamic process, maintenance of the stability of repigmentation is also an important consideration in the management of vitiligo. In this review, we shall briefly discuss the current options and future insight into the management of vitiligo.
Functional composition enhances aboveground biomass stock undergoing active forest restoration on mining tailings in Mariana, Brazil
Authors: Favoreto Campanharo Ítalo , Martins Sebastião V. , Villa Pedro M. , Correa Kruschewsky Gabriel , Aparecida Dias Andreia , Haruki Nabeta Fabio
Published: March 2021

Functional composition is an important driver of aboveground biomass (AGB) variation in the tropical forest and has been demonstrated through the mass ratio hypotheses (MRH) that explain how dominant species and their functional traits have an important role in the AGB increase. We hypothesized that AGB stock of tree species is promoted by the simultaneous effects of restoration treatments and Technosol quality through functional trait composition. We tested the main effects of taxonomic, stand structural, functional attributes and abiotic factors undergoing different restoration methods (planting of nursery‐grown seedlings, seeding, and natural regeneration) and the effect of Technosol fertilization on AGB using different linear models. The functional traits were based on the community‐weighted mean of the community of values of functional traits related to MRH. Stems and biomass distribution were categorized into the following functional groups: successional strategy, dispersal syndrome, nitrogen fixation, wood density (WD). As expected, during early restoration stage, the pioneer and anemochoric species were dominants mainly represented by naturally regenerated stems. However, the autochoric dispersal and nitrogen‐fixing tree species were biomass dominant groups in active restoration, driven mostly bySenna alatawhich had high abundance and WD. We found that high WD and active restoration methods determine higher AGB stock on mining tailings where natural regeneration is limited. We conclude that functional composition reverses the effects of species richness and abundance on AGB tenting the MRH. Therefore, the effects of functional composition and restoration methods are key predictors on ecosystem functioning during forest restoration.