bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of camel milk hydrolysate on blood pressure and biochemical parameters in fructose-induced hypertensive rats
Authors: Alshuniaber Mohammad , Alhaj Omar , Abdallah Qasem , Jahrami Haitham
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the antihypertensive effect of camel milk hydrolysate in rats with fructose-induced hypertension.

Design/methodology/approach

The antihypertensive effect of fermented camel milk was determined using 6 groups comprising 36 Wistar male rats. Blood pressure of rats was altered via exposure to a 10% fructose (w/v) diet in drinking water for 3 weeks before conducting 21 days of treatment. The authors conducted the experiment for short and long term using different doses of 800 and 1,200 mg/kg body weight. Serum was used to assay total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), glucose and insulin levels using standard biochemical kits.

Findings

The group that received 1,200 mg hydrolysate camel milk (HM) has significantly (p = 0.003) reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure after a short exposure time (4–8 h). These effects were significantly (p = 0.005) comparable to the nifedipine (NIF) drug group. Similar long-term (21 days) effects on blood pressure were observed in 1,200 mg HM and NIF groups. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and levels were also reduced in a correlation with blood pressure reduction only in HM1200 and HM800 treated groups. The authors observed no significant effect on blood pressure in groups receiving the 800 mg HM or 1,200 mg unhydrolyzed camel milk (UM). Rats receiving the 10% fructose diet showed significant differences from control rats regarding their blood biochemistry, including TG, TC, blood glucose and insulin levels. Rats in groups NIF, HM1200 and HM800 showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum glucose, insulin, TG and TC levels toward the baseline level.

Research limitations/implications

Further mechanistic investigation on the HM antihypertensive activity is highly recommended before suggesting HM as a product to reduce blood pressure. While drug–food interaction between HM and antihypertensive drugs, especially ACE inhibitors, is probable, UM seems not to affect blood pressure or ACE activity and therefore is expected to have no or minimal effects on the activity of other antihypertensive drugs. Investigation of ACE expression from various organs including lungs and leukocytes is highly recommended in future works using sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Originality/value

No previous studies have measured the antihypertensive activity of milk hydrolysate mediated by the reduction of ACE activity and levels in plasma. Mechanisms involved in attenuating the levels of ACE warrant further investigation.
Corporate social responsibility and employee engagement: making the case for international corporate-sponsored volunteering using a matched-sample analysis
Authors: Gullekson Nicole L. , Cedergren Anders , Arnold Liz , Brooks Taggert
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the growing body of research which demonstrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives can be linked to individual-level outcomes, such as employee engagement, using a quasi-experimental field study to provide initial evidence of a casual effect for such programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined whether participating in an international corporate-sponsored volunteer program increased employee engagement by comparing a sample of employees, matched on their pre-trip engagement scores and other demographic variables, with employees who did not volunteer in the program and comparing the differences in this employee engagement after completing the volunteer experience.

Findings

Using an exact matching technique, the authors were able to isolate the influence of the volunteer program on employee engagement and demonstrate that the program was associated with increased employee engagement after the program ended.

Originality/value

This study provides additional, and stronger, support on the CSR and employee engagement relationship through isolating the causal influence of the volunteer program on engagement. Thus, it provides additional justification for the use of, and financial investment in, such programs by organizations.
Dynamic capabilities in the “new normal”: a study of organizational flexibility, integration and agility in the Peruvian coffee supply chain
Authors: Ramos Edgar , Patrucco Andrea S. , Chavez Melissa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Considering the unprecedented supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the agri-food sector, the possession of dynamic capabilities (DCs) – particularly, the need for higher agility – seems to be the key to survival in highly uncertain environments. This study aims to use the dynamic capability view (DCV) theory to analyze how three key supply chain capabilities – organizational flexibility, integration and agility – should be combined to obtain the desired supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a conceptual model in which the relationships between these three key capabilities and supply chain performance were hypothesized. The model was first tested through partial least square regression using survey data collected from 98 members of the Peruvian coffee supply chain. A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted to uncover how DCs could be combined in successful supply chain configurations.

Findings

The authors show that organizational flexibility is a driver of higher agility in agri-food supply chains, together with external and internal supply chain integration, that have a direct impact on agility, which positively affects supply chain performance. Higher levels of supply chain agility are necessary but insufficient to guarantee high performance, as sufficiency is reached when both integration (internal and/or external) and agility are present.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering attempt to apply the DCV theory to agri-food supply chains – characterized by many sources of uncertainty. All the DCs are included within the same model and the joint use of PLS regression and fsQCA provides evidence about the relationships between DCs and how they can empower agri-food supply to obtain the desired performance.
Travel time forecasting on a freeway corridor: a dynamic information fusion model based on the random forests approach
Authors: Qiu Bo , Fan Wei
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Metropolitan areas suffer from frequent road traffic congestion not only during peak hours but also during off-peak periods. Different machine learning methods have been used in travel time prediction, however, such machine learning methods practically face the problem of overfitting. Tree-based ensembles have been applied in various prediction fields, and such approaches usually produce high prediction accuracy by aggregating and averaging individual decision trees. The inherent advantages of these approaches not only get better prediction results but also have a good bias-variance trade-off which can help to avoid overfitting. However, the reality is that the application of tree-based integration algorithms in traffic prediction is still limited. This study aims to improve the accuracy and interpretability of the models by using random forest (RF) to analyze and model the travel time on freeways.

Design/methodology/approach

As the traffic conditions often greatly change, the prediction results are often unsatisfactory. To improve the accuracy of short-term travel time prediction in the freeway network, a practically feasible and computationally efficient RF prediction method for real-world freeways by using probe traffic data was generated. In addition, the variables’ relative importance was ranked, which provides an investigation platform to gain a better understanding of how different contributing factors might affect travel time on freeways.

Findings

The parameters of the RF model were estimated by using the training sample set. After the parameter tuning process was completed, the proposed RF model was developed. The features’ relative importance showed that the variables (travel time 15 min before) and time of day (TOD) contribute the most to the predicted travel time result. The model performance was also evaluated and compared against the extreme gradient boosting method and the results indicated that the RF always produces more accurate travel time predictions.

Originality/value

This research developed an RF method to predict the freeway travel time by using the probe vehicle-based traffic data and weather data. Detailed information about the input variables and data pre-processing were presented. To measure the effectiveness of proposed travel time prediction algorithms, the mean absolute percentage errors were computed for different observation segments combined with different prediction horizons ranging from 15 to 60 min.
Fantastic teams and where to find them: understanding team processes in space and analog environments through the IMOI framework
Authors: Käosaar Andres , Marques-Quinteiro Pedro , Burke Shawn
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a model of teamwork effectiveness in space and analog environments (SAE).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the state-of-the-art of teamwork literature in SAE. A total of 37 research papers were reviewed and the results were organized according to the input-mediator-output-input (IMOI) framework.

Findings

Based on 37 empirical research papers, the findings suggest that the teams working in SAE are challenged with contextual (e.g. time, isolation and confinement), collective (e.g. autonomy, culture) and individual (e.g. personality) attributes. These are inputs to team processes (e.g. interpersonal processes; communication) and emergent states (e.g. climate; emotions), which mediate team (e.g. performance; cohesion) and individual (e.g. psychological well-being) outputs.

Research limitations/implications

Given the review nature of the manuscript, the final proposed model depicting empirical findings lacks validation evidence when considered in its entirety, although pieces have been validated. Additionally, the focus only on papers that included team-level empirical SAE research (excluding individual-level studies), undoubtedly contributed to a smaller number of papers extracted.

Originality/value

This paper integrates empirical findings regarding the factors impacting team performance in SAE into a proven framework (IMOI). This integration can provide a common baseline, using a widely accepted methodology and framework, that serves to guide future research, identify gaps and guide practice.
Improving teacher evaluation outcomes for special educators: what do the ‘gatekeepers’ say?
Authors: Brobbey Gordon , Kmail Zaher
Published: August 2021

Teacher evaluation has been at the forefront of accountability‐related reforms in the United States due to the realization that teacher effectiveness is a major contributor to student success. Data from evaluations have revealed vital insights into contributing factors to teacher effectiveness and generated valuable information for hiring, promotion, remuneration, and retention of teachers. Using existing evaluation systems to assess special educator performance, has, however, been challenging for a plethora of reasons, leading to disparate experiences for special educators. This study examined special educator knowledge of the process, perceptions about the applicability of existing teacher evaluation frameworks to their roles, responsibilities, and classroom contexts, as well as views about personal cost incurred. Findings reveal that special educators lacked deeper knowledge about the key components of evaluation systems and perceived the evaluation rubrics as impractical for their roles, responsibilities, and classroom contexts. The findings also reveal a strong preference for differentiated evaluation systems for special educators. Implications for practice, policy, and research are presented.
Predictive modeling of service discontinuation in transitional age youth with recent behavioral health service use
Authors: Bory Christopher , Schmutte Timothy , Davidson Larry , Plant Robert
Published: August 2021

Objective

To develop and test predictive models of discontinuation of behavioral health service use within 12 months in transitional age youth with recent behavioral health service use.

Data sources

Administrative claims for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 15–26 years in Connecticut.

Study design

We compared the performance of a decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting machine learning algorithms to logistic regression in predicting service discontinuation within 12 months among beneficiaries using behavioral health services.

Data extraction

We identified 33,532 transitional age youth with ≥1 claim for a primary behavioral health diagnosis in 2016 and Medicaid enrollment of ≥11 months in 2016 and ≥11 months in 2017.

Principal findings

Classification accuracy for identifying youth who discontinued behavioral health service use was highest for gradient boosting (80%, AUC = 0.86), decision tree (79%, AUC = 0.84), and random forest (79%, AUC = 0.86), as compared with logistic regression (71%, AUC = 0.71).

Conclusions

Predictive models based on Medicaid claims can assist in identifying transitional age youth who are at risk of discontinuing from behavioral health care within 12 months, thus allowing for proactive assessment and outreach to promote continuity of care for younger persons who have behavioral health needs.
Do Managers Issue More Voluntary Disclosure When GAAP Limits Their Reporting Discretion in Financial Statements?
Authors: HRIBAR PAUL , MERGENTHALER RICHARD , ROESCHLEY AARON , YOUNG SPENCER , ZHAO CHRIS X.
Published: August 2021

We examine whether managers provide more voluntary disclosure when GAAP limits their reporting discretion in financial statements. We find managers are more likely to disclose non‐GAAP earnings, issue more management forecasts, and provide longer yet more readable management discussion and analysis (MD&A) disclosures when GAAP limits their discretion. These effects are stronger when there is greater demand for information and better monitoring. In contrast, these effects are weaker when managers have incentives to manage earnings. Difference‐in‐differences analyses around standard changes provide further evidence that managers make more non‐GAAP adjustments and are more likely to discuss the standard and its underlying transaction in the MD&A when a new standard limits their discretion more than its predecessor. Collectively, our results suggest managers use voluntary disclosure channels to convey information when GAAP limits their ability to recognize such information in financial statements.
Rapid formation of mature microbialites in Lake Alchichica, Mexico
Authors: Iniesto Miguel , Moreira David , Benzerara Karim , Muller Elodie , Bertolino Paola , Tavera Rosaluz , López‐García Purificación
Published: August 2021

Microbialites are emblematic sedimentary rocks formed by phylogenetically and metabolically complex microbial communities thriving under specific physicochemical conditions. Most microbialites are photosynthesis‐based ecosystems frequently formed by carbonates, thereby capturing inorganic carbon in the form of both, organic matter and mineral precipitates. However, little is known about the amount of sequestered carbon and the kinetics of the process, that is, microbialite growth rate. To assess microbialite growth rate and the influence of substrates on carbonate formation in Alchichica, an alkaline crater lake harbouring well‐developed carbonate microbialites, we incubated in situ sterilized Nylon mesh, hydromagnesite and aragonite crystals, and bleached‐coral aragonite for 2 years. We observed the rapid formation of nascent hydromagnesite and aragonite‐containing microbialites on Nylon mesh, with an average growth rate of ~0.6 (and up to 1) mm year−1. By contrast, only thin (< 0.2 mm) biofilms developed on exposed hydromagnesite and aragonite crystals and bleached‐coral aragonite, suggesting decoupled microbial colonization and biomineralization and/or potential interference of those mineral surfaces with new carbonate nucleation. Microbial communities associated with 2‐year‐old microbialites and biofilms were fully comparable to mature communities populating Lake Alchichica indigenous microbialites.
A lesson in clinicopathological correlation: Plaque‐like myofibroblastic tumour presenting as a pruritic plaque in childhood
Authors: Yiu Daniel , Yau Benny , Abdul‐Wahab Alya , Chong Heung
Published: August 2021

Plaque‐like myofibroblastic tumour (PLMT) is a rare skin condition which presents in childhood and infancy as a nodular fibrous plaque. Including our case, there are currently only 14 cases reported in the literature. Although it represents a well‐defined clinicopathological diagnosis, there is significant under‐reporting of this condition secondary to under‐recognition and potential misdiagnosis as dermatofibroma.
Exploring mechanisms of a web‐based values‐tailored childhood vaccine promotion intervention trial: Effects on parental vaccination values, attitudes, and intentions
Authors: Kwan Bethany M. , Pyrzanowski Jennifer , Sevick Carter , Wagner Nicole M. , Resnicow Kenneth , Glanz Jason M. , Dempsey Amanda F.
Published: August 2021

A recent childhood vaccine promotion intervention trial showed no effects on vaccination outcomes relative to usual care. The purpose of this paper was to test assumptions and theory‐based relationships underlying hypothesised mechanisms for two vaccine promotion educational websites (one tailored to parental values, beliefs, and intentions; one untailored) compared with usual care. This is a secondary analysis of a three‐arm randomized controlled trial. Parental vaccine values, hesitancy, attitudes, and intention to vaccinate surveys were administered at baseline (≤2 months) and at 4–6 and 10–12 months of age. Vaccination was assessed using electronic health records. Analyses included random coefficient models and risk differences with exact confidence limits. Parental vaccine values were mostly stable over time. Vaccine attitudes were generally positive, with no differences among study arms. Both tailored and untailored website arms showed similar increases in intention to vaccinate more than usual care. Positive changes in intentions were associated with lower rates of late vaccination. Although attitudes and intentions predicted vaccination behavior and the intervention increased intention to vaccinate all on time, the web‐based education and values‐tailored messaging approaches were not effective at increasing vaccination rates. Intentions are necessary but insufficient targets for vaccine promotion interventions.
In vitro assessments predict that CYP3A4 contributes to a greater extent than CYP3A5 to prednisolone clearance
Authors: Skauby Ragnhild Heier , Bergan Stein , Andersen Anders M. , Vethe Nils Tore , Christensen Hege
Published: August 2021

Because several steroid hormones are metabolized to their respective 6β‐hydroxy forms by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, these isoenzymes have been assumed to metabolize the immunosuppressive drug prednisolone, with conflicting results in the literature with respect to their relative importance. A direct study of the metabolism of prednisolone by microsomal CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 is missing. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the relative importance of recombinant CYP3A4 and recombinant CYP3A5 in the metabolism of prednisolone and to compare the extent of formation of 6β‐OH‐prednisolone by the two enzymes. Through in vitro incubations using rCYP3A4 and rCYP3A5 enzymes, intrinsic clearance (CLint) of prednisolone was determined by the substrate depletion approach. Formation of the metabolite 6β‐OH‐prednisolone by rCYP3A4 and rCYP3A5, respectively, was compared. Prednisolone concentrations were measured, and its metabolite 6β‐OH‐prednisolone was identified using a HPLC‐MS/MS in‐house method. CLint for prednisolone by rCYP3A5 was less than 26% relative to rCYP3A4. Formation of 6β‐OH‐prednisolone by rCYP3A5 was less than 11% relative to rCYP3A4. The study indicates that 6β‐hydroxylation of prednisolone assessed in vitro in recombinant CYP enzymes depends on rCYP3A4 rather than rCYP3A5 and that CYP3A5 may be responsible for the formation of other prednisolone metabolite(s) in addition to 6β‐OH‐prednisolone.
Thinking about the past, present, and future: Time perspective and self‐esteem in adolescents, young adults, middle‐aged adults, and older adults
Authors: Mello Zena R. , Barber Sarah J. , Vasilenko Sara A. , Chandler Julie , Howell Ryan
Published: August 2021

We examined time perspective and self‐esteem in adolescents, young adults, middle‐aged adults, and older adults. Time perspective was measured with scales that assess relative orientations and relationships among the past, present, and future. Age effects were examined with standard analytic strategies to determine categorical differences between age groups and with new statistical techniques designed to show continuous age patterns. Findings indicated that (1) thinking about the future was greatest for adolescents and young adults and lowest for middle‐aged and older adults, and thinking about the present increased across ages; (2) fewer adolescents and middle‐aged participants perceived that the time periods were interrelated compared to younger and older adults; and (3) across ages, a greater emphasis towards the past compared to other time periods was associated with lower self‐esteem, whereas emphasizing the present and the future jointly was associated with higher self‐esteem.
Syn‐rift hydrothermal circulation in the Mesozoic carbonates of the western Adriatic continental palaeomargin (Western Southalpine Domain, NW Italy)
Authors: Barale L. , Bertok C. , d’Atri A. , Mantovani A. , Martire L. , Agostini S. , Bernasconi S. M. , Gerdes A. , Ferrando S.
Published: August 2021

Evidence of hydrothermal activity is reported for the Mesozoic pre‐ and syn‐rift successions of the western Adriatic palaeomargin of the Alpine Tethys, preserved in the Western Southalpine Domain (NW Italy). The products of hydrothermal processes are represented by vein and breccia cements, as well as dolomitization and silicification of the host rocks. In the eastern part of the study area, interpreted as part of the necking zone of the continental margin, Middle Triassic dolostones and Lower Jurassic sediments are crossed by veins and hydrofracturing breccias cemented by saddle dolomite. The precipitation of dolomite cements occurred within the stratigraphic succession close to the sediment–water interface. Despite the shallow burial depth, fluid inclusion microthermometry and clumped isotopes show that hydrothermal fluids were relatively hot (80–150°C). In the western part of the study area, interpreted as part of the hyperextended distal zone, a polyphase history of host‐rock fracturing is recorded, with at least two generations of veins cemented by calcite, dolomite and quartz. Vein opening and cementation occurred at shallow burial depth around the time of deposition of the syn‐rift clastic succession. Fluid inclusion microthermometry on both quartz and dolomite cements indicates a fluid temperature of 90–130°C, again pointing to hydrothermal fluids. Both in Fenera‐Sostegno and Montalto Dora areas, O, C and Sr isotope values, coupled with fluid inclusion and clumped isotope data, indicate that hydrothermal fluids derived from seawater interacted with crustal rocks during hydrothermal circulation. Stratigraphic and petrographic evidence, and U–Pb dating of dolomitized clasts within syn‐rift sediments, document that hydrothermal fluids circulated through sediments from the latest Triassic to the Toarcian, corresponding to the entire syn‐rift evolution of the western portion of the Adriatic palaeomargin. The documented hydrothermal processes are temporally correlated with regional‐scale thermal events that took place in the same time interval at deeper crustal levels.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide induces the histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation in astrocytes associated with neuroinflammation in rats with neuropathic pain
Authors: Sun Chenyan , An Qi , Li Ruidi , Chen Shuhui , Gu Xinpei , An Shuhong , Wang Zhaojin
Published: August 2021

Aims

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) as a regulator of astrocyte activation may facilitate spinal nociceptive processing. Histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) is considered an important regulator of cytokine and chemokine gene expression after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, we explored the relationship between CGRP and H3K9ac in the activation of astrocytes, and elucidated the underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic neuropathic pain.

Methods

Astroglial cells (C6) were treated with CGRP and differentially enrichments of H3K9ac on gene promoters were examined using ChIP‐seq. A chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was used to evaluate the role of CGRP on astrocyte activation and H3K9ac signaling in CCI‐induced neuropathic pain. Specific inhibitors were employed to delineate the involved signaling.

Results

Intrathecal injection of CGRP and CCI increased the number of astrocytes displaying H3K9ac in the spinal dorsal horn of rats. Treatment of CGRP was able to up‐regulate H3K9ac and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in astroglial cells. ChIP‐seq data indicated that CGRP significantly altered H3K9ac enrichments on gene promoters in astroglial cells following CGRP treatment, including 151 gaining H3K9ac and 111 losing this mark, which mostly enriched in proliferation, autophagy, and macrophage chemotaxis processes. qRT‐PCR verified expressions of representative candidate genes (ATG12, ATG4C, CX3CR1, MMP28, MTMR14, HMOX1, RET) and RTCA verified astrocyte proliferation. Additionally, CGRP treatment increased the expression of H3K9ac, CX3CR1, and IL‐1β in the spinal dorsal horn. CGRP antagonist and HAT inhibitor attenuated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI rats. Such analgesic effects were concurrently associated with the reduced levels of H3K9ac, CX3CR1, and IL‐1β in the spinal dorsal horn of CCI rats.

Conclusion

Our findings highly indicate that CGRP is associated with the development of neuropathic pain through astrocytes‐mediated neuroinflammatory responses via H3K9ac in spinal dorsa horn following nerve injury.

This study found that CGRP act on their astrocytic receptors and lead to H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac), which are mainly associated with proliferation‐, autophagy‐, and inflammation‐related gene expression. The number of astrocytes with H3K9ac expression is increased after nerve injury. Inhibition of CGRP attenuates the development of neuropathic pain, which was accompanied by the suppression of H3K9ac, CX3CR1, and IL‐1β expression in CCI rats.
Introducing Emerging Methods and Technologies
Authors: Chevet Eric , Breuer Manuel
Published: August 2021

With the current issue of The FEBS Journal, we are introducing a new category of invited review article contributions on Emerging Methods and Technologies. These articles provide an overview and discussion of recent, emerging methods that significantly advance and improve research efforts in the different fields of molecular and cellular research of our The FEBS Journal authors and readers. Deputy Editorial Manager Manuel Breuer and our Emerging Methods and Technologies Commissioning Editor Eric Chevet introduce the series.
Plus compliqué qu'il n'y paraît: l'OIT et le champ d'application personnel des normes internationales du travail
Authors: DE STEFANO Valerio
Published: August 2021

L'analyse porte sur le champ d'application personnel des normes internationales du travail de l'OIT. Relevant que celles‐ci ne proposent pas de définition universelle des termes «salarié» et «relation de travail», l'auteur affirme qu'il faut déterminer ce champ d'application au cas par cas, en s'appuyant sur les comptes rendus des travaux préparatoires et sur les avis des organes de contrôle de l'Organisation. Il illustre son propos en analysant de façon approfondie l'interprétation que ces instances ont faite des conventions fondamentales de l'OIT, tout en commentant les discussions que la question du champ d'application personnel a suscitées récemment au sein de l'Organisation.
Les préférences des femmes en matière de temps de travail: pour en finir avec quelques idées reçues sur le sous‐emploi, la centralité du travail et la conciliation entre vie professionnelle et vie privée
Authors: LAMOLLA Laura , FOLGUERA‐I‐BELLMUNT Conxita , FERNÁNDEZ‐I‐MARÍN Xavier
Published: August 2021

L'étude porte sur les préférences en matière de temps de travail de femmes occupées vingt heures par semaine, selon des horaires fixes, dans une entreprise manufacturière. Sur la base d'une analyse quantitative et qualitative, les auteurs définissent plusieurs profils types, en fonction de ces préférences et des motivations sous‐jacentes. Leurs résultats permettent de nuancer les conclusions d'études précédentes: 1) toutes les travailleuses interrogées ne peuvent pas ětre considérées comme étant en sous‐emploi; 2) měme à temps partiel, le travail peut ětre central et avoir du sens; 3) malgré la faiblesse du salaire, le temps libéré par le temps partiel n'est pas toujours destiné aux obligations familiales.
«Eslabones perdidos» en el debate sobre el crecimiento inclusivo: distribución funcional de la renta e instituciones laborales
Authors: ÁLVAREZ Ignacio , KEUNE Maarten , CRUCES Jesús , UXÓ Jorge
Published: August 2021

Los autores examinan en qué medida las propuestas de «crecimiento inclusivo» de la UE, la OCDE y el FMI responden a sus propios objetivos. Se identifican dos «eslabones perdidos» en estas propuestas: la distribución funcional de la renta y las instituciones laborales. Con datos de panel de 42 economías desarrolladas para 1990‐2018, los autores observan cómo la distribución funcional de la renta condiciona la distribución personal, y cómo la cobertura de la negociación colectiva aumenta la participación de los salarios en el PIB y reduce la desigualdad de ingresos. Estos dos «eslabones» deben pues integrarse en las propuestas de «crecimiento inclusivo».
Value of contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosing hepatic metastases of pancreatic cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Emori Tomoya , Nuta Junya , Kawaji Yuki , Tamura Takashi , Hatamaru Keiichi , Itonaga Masahiro , Yamashita Yasunobu , Ashida Reiko , Shimokawa Toshio , Koike Masataka , Ikoma Akira , Sonomura Tetsuo , Kawai Manabu , Kitano Masayuki
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

This study aimed to compare contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH‐EUS) with fundamental B‐mode endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) for the diagnosis of left hepatic lobe metastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

In this single‐center prospective study, CE‐CT, EUS, and CH‐EUS were performed to detect left hepatic lobe metastases in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the detection rates were compared between EUS plus CH‐EUS and the other two modalities. Subgroup comparisons of between‐modality detection rate were performed in patients with only metastases of <10 mm. The number of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients whose clinical stage and treatment strategy were changed because of EUS plus CH‐EUS findings was also assessed.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were diagnosed with left hepatic lobe metastases. For overall detection of left hepatic lobe metastases, EUS plus CH‐EUS had significantly higher accuracy (94.3%) than CE‐CT (86.7%) and EUS alone (87.6%) (P = 0.021 and P = 0.020, respectively). For detection of left hepatic lobe metastases < 10 mm, EUS plus CH‐EUS (93.3%) was significantly superior to CE‐CT (84.4%) and EUS alone (85.6%) (P = 0.021 and P = 0.020, respectively). In five of the 11 patients in whom only CH‐EUS allowed detection of hepatic metastases, the stage and/or treatment strategy of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma was changed after CH‐EUS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that EUS plus CH‐EUS has advantages over CE‐CT and EUS alone with regard to the accuracy of detecting left hepatic lobe metastases, particularly small hepatic metastases and accurate staging.
Factors associated with self‐management behaviors of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lan Xiuyan , Lu Xinyan , Yi Bilan , Chen Xiaohuan , Jin Shuang
Published: August 2021

Aims

To examine self‐management behaviors level and discuss the associated factors among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Methods

A descriptive study design was used. A convenience sample of 124 COPD patients was recruited from three hospitals in Fuzhou. Self‐management Behaviors, Social Support Rating Scale and The Family APGAR Score were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.

Results

The overall score of self‐management behaviors ranged 4–41, with a mean score of 21.26 ± 7.72. Pearson correlation analyses and ANOVA revealed that age, course of disease, education, marital status, family function, subjective support, objective support, and availability of support were positively correlated with overall self‐management behaviors (p < .05). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that subjective support and availability of support significantly predicted self‐management behaviors.

Conclusions

The level of self‐management behaviors of COPD patients was suboptimal. We suggest that people in the patients’ social network should provide support for them, and help them use available resources to improve the level of self‐management behaviors.
Comparison of the Turkish versions of the Glasgow coma scale and four score used by intensive care nurses for neurological evaluation
Authors: Özçelik Emine Ezgi , Celik Selda
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aimed to compare the use of the Turkish versions of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Full Outline of UnResponsiveness (FOUR) Score by intensive care nurses in neurological evaluation.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and March 2019 with 92 patients in the general intensive care unit (ICU) of the training and research hospital of a private university. Data were collected using nurse and patient information forms, the GCS and the FOUR Score. The patients were evaluated by 27 intensive care nurses. To evaluate interrater reliability of the GCS and FOUR Score, each patient in the study was evaluated using both scales by two nurses who were blinded to each other’s responses.

Results

Comparison of the patients’ mean GCS and FOUR Score values from the two nurses revealed no significant difference in subscale or total scores (p > 0.05). Evaluation of interrater reliability demonstrated very good agreement (κ = 0.935,p < 0.001). There was also very good agreement between the results of the two nurse groups when the patients’ total scores were categorised according to the cut‐off points for the two instruments (κ = 0.927,p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated excellent agreement in the Turkish GCS and FOUR Score values, indicating that both scales can be used in neurological evaluation. Both instruments are reliable and easily applied by ICU nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The Turkish versions of the FOUR Score and GCS are both appropriate for use in intensive care units and are reliable tools for use by intensive care unit nurses.
The practice of rural and remote nurses in Australia: A case study
Authors: Whiteing Nicola , Barr Jennieffer , Rossi Dolene M.
Published: August 2021

Aim and Objective

To delineate contemporary practice of registered nurses working in rural and remote areas of Australia.

Background

Despite the implementation of strategies to address challenges reported by rural and remote nurses, concern remains over safety and quality of care, the well‐being of nurses and retention of the nursing workforce. Twenty years on, geographically dispersed nurses still experience scarce human and material resources.

Design

A multiple case study design was implemented.

Methods

Nurses were recruited from 240 sites. The study comprised three phases of data collection. First, a content analysis of 42 documents relating to the context of nursing, specifically rural and remote nursing; second, a content analysis of an online questionnaire (n = 75); and third, a thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews (n = 20). COREQ reporting guidelines were used.

Results

Each phase of data collection informed subsequent data collection and analysis within the study. Following triangulation of data from each phase of the study, the major themes reported are “a medley of preparation for rural and remote work”; “being held accountable”; “alone, with or without someone”; and “spiralling well‐being.”

Conclusions

Regardless of strategies, challenges of nursing in rural and remote areas persist. Issues of isolation, stress, burnout and a lack of organisational commitment to employees affect the retention of rural and remote nurses. While useful, professional development courses and graduate certificates are yet to make an impact on reducing these issues.

Relevance to clinical practice

Registered nurses argue for more experience rather than more education to facilitate transition into this nursing area. The finding that experience is perceived as more valuable than education suggests the need for innovative ways to gain experience to practice in rural and remote nursing. Lack of organisational commitment requires attention to promote the well‐being of nurses and patient safety.
Matteo Ricci’s Legacy for Comparative Theology
Authors: Yin Peng
Published: August 2021

Matteo Ricci is widely recognized as the pioneering figure in East‐West dialogue, but his theology is rarely discussed in its own right. This article offers a first reading of Ricci as a serious theologian who brings Thomas Aquinas into conversation with classical Confucian texts. I demonstrate how the Riccian legacy presents a potential alternative to the two dominant methods in comparative theology: the Lockean language of toleration (which tends to devalue distinctiveness) and the multiculturalist emphasis on difference (which tends to downplay commonality). By attending to how Ricci rewrites Stoic ethics on contingency and fortune, and invents “intellect” and “will” as moral categories in China, this article locates his achievement at the theological juncture of a Thomist‐Ignatian synthesis. What results is a generous account of “pagan” virtue, an overcoming of the dichotomy between infused and acquired virtue predominant in post‐Reformation Europe, and a new conception of chief theological and cardinal virtues. Cut short by the Chinese Rites Controversy, Ricci’s legacy is yet to be recognized as a vital contribution to perennial debates in Christian theology.
A novel pine wood nematode effector, BxSCD1, suppresses plant immunity and interacts with an ethylene‐forming enzyme in pine
Authors: Wen Tong‐Yue , Wu Xiao‐Qin , Hu Long‐Jiao , Qiu Yi‐Jun , Rui Lin , Zhang Yan , Ding Xiao‐Lei , Ye Jian‐Ren
Published: August 2021

The plant‐parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), causes enormous economic loss every year. Currently, little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms of PWD. Several effectors have been identified in B. xylophilus, but their functions and host targets have yet to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that BxSCD1 suppresses cell death and inhibits B. xylophilus PAMP BxCDP1‐triggered immunity in Nicotiana benthamiana and Pinus thunbergii. BxSCD1 was transcriptionally upregulated in the early stage of B. xylophilus infection. In situ hybridization experiments showed that BxSCD1 was specifically expressed in the dorsal glands and intestine. Cysteine residues are essential for the function of BxSCD1. Transient expression of BxSCD1 in N. benthamiana revealed that it was primarily targeted to the cytoplasm and nucleus. The morbidity was significantly reduced in P. thunbergii infected with B. xylophilus when BxSCD1 was silenced. We identified 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase 1, the actual ethylene‐forming enzyme, as a host target of BxSCD1 by yeast two‐hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation. Overall, this study illustrated that BxSCD1 played a critical role in the B. xylophilus–plant interaction.
Low‐cost local food supplements could improve maternal and birth outcomes in Indonesia: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Susiloretni Kun A. , Subandriani Dyah Nur , Ulfiana Elisa , Sunarto Sunarto , Astuti Trina , Smith Emily Rose
Published: August 2021

Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in influencing foetal growth and birth outcomes. The government of Indonesia provides centrally distributed food supplements (GFS) for undernourished pregnant mothers. The aim of the study was to test whether low‐cost, local food supplements (LFS) for undernourished pregnant mothers can improve maternal and birth outcomes compared with the centrally distributed GFS. This study was a two‐arm, randomised controlled trial design. The baseline data were collected at enrolment. We enrolled 60 pregnant mothers from Demak District, Central Java Province, Indonesia with mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) <23.5 cm who were assigned into two groups. The intervention group received LFS and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS). The control group received the GFS and iron and folic acid supplements (IFA). LFS was a balanced energy protein food supplement made from peanuts, beans and fish. The effectiveness of these two interventions was assessed using logistic and linear regression. At baseline, the two groups had similar characteristics. After 60 days of treatment, compliance with the food and micronutrient supplements in the LFS group was 78.1% and 62.6% compared to 29.1% and 12.8% in the GFS group. After adjusting for baseline and the main covariates, mothers in the LFS group were more likely to increase MUAC (mean difference 0.60cm; 95% CI 0.27, 0.92) and to increase gestational weight (mean difference 1.02 kg; 95% CI 0.08, 1.97) than were mothers in the GFS group. For birth outcomes, the LFS group had a reduction in the risk of birthweight <3000 g (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.15; 95% CI 0.02, 0.98), caesarean delivery (AOR 0.11; 95% CI 0.02, 0.60) and short birth length (AOR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01, 0.93) compared with the GFS group. Local foods and MMS supplementation can improve maternal and birth outcomes. Therefore, the provision of LFS can result in better compliance and better outcomes compared with centrally distributed GFS supplements.
Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse: Diagnostic parameters for high‐risk patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Oliveri Federico , Kakargias Fotios , Panday Priyanka , Arcia Franchini Ana P. , Iskander Beshoy , Anwer Fatima , Hamid Pousette
Published: August 2021

Background

Although frequently considered a benign condition, new evidence has shown that mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is associated with complex ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the relevant studies to investigate the parameters that could identify MVP patients at higher risk of experiencing complex VAs.

Method

We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed for potential studies between January 2010 and January 2021. Our meta‐analysis included studies comparing MVP patients with complex VAs (A‐MVP) and those without (NA‐MVP). We used the fixed‐effects model to obtain the odds ratio (OR), risk ratio (RR), or mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each analyzed parameter.

Results

Six studies with 848 individuals were included in the meta‐analysis. As compared to the NA‐MVP patients, A‐MVP patients had a higher prevalence of inverted T‐wave (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.85‐4.02; p < .00001) and longer QTc interval on the resting ECG (MD: 14.73; 95% CI: 9.39‐20.08; p < .00001), longer anterior mitral leaflet length (MD: 2.67; 95% CI: 2.02‐3.31; p < .00001), bi‐leaflet prolapse (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.22‐2.24; p = .001), and mitral annulus disjunction (MAD) on echocardiogram (RR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.50‐2.40; p < .00001), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (RR: 4.38; 95% CI: 1.77‐10.86; p = .001).

Conclusion

Our comprehensive meta‐analysis suggests that risk factors related to A‐MVP are T‐wave inversion, longer QTc interval, bi‐leaflet prolapse, longer anterior mitral valve leaflet, MAD, and LGE.
The function of floral traits and phenotypic selection inAconitum gymnandrum(Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Lu N.‐N. , Ma Y. , Hou M. , Zhao Z.‐G.
Published: August 2021

Floral evolution in angiosperms is thought to be driven by pollinator‐mediated selection. Understanding flower integration and adaptation requires resolving the additive and nonadditive contributions of floral pollinator attraction and pollination efficiency traits to fitness components.

In this study, a flower manipulation experiment with a factorial design was used to study the adaptive significance of galea height (a putative attraction trait) and entrance width (a putative efficiency trait) inAconitum gymnandrumMaxim. flowers. Simultaneously, phenotypic selection analysis was conducted to examine selection by pollinators on galea height, entrance width, nectar production and plant height.

Increased galea height increased the pollinator visitation rate, which confirmed its attractiveness function. Increasing floral entrance width by spreading the lower sepals increased the seed number per fruit without affecting pollinator visitation. This suggests a pollination efficiency role for the entrance width. The phenotypic selection analysis, however, did not provide evidence of pollinator‐mediated selection for either of these traist, but it did for plant height. According to the manipulation treatment and correlational selection results, the combined variation in galea height and entrance width ofA.gymnandrumflowers did not have nonadditive effects on female reproductive success.

This study demonstrated the adaptive value ofA.gymnandrumflowers through manipulation of an attractiveness trait and an efficiency trait. However, neither trait was associated with pollinator‐mediated selection. A combination of manipulating traits and determining current phenotypic selection could help to elucidate the mechanism of selection on floral traits involved in different functions and flower integration.
Wiles defect for Hecke algebras that are not complete intersections
Authors: Böckle Gebhard , Khare Chandrashekhar B. , Manning Jeffrey
Published: August 2021

In his work on modularity theorems, Wiles proved a numerical criterion for a map of rings $R\to T$ to be an isomorphism of complete intersections. He used this to show that certain deformation rings and Hecke algebras associated to a mod $p$ Galois representation at non-minimal level are isomorphic and complete intersections, provided the same is true at minimal level. In this paper we study Hecke algebras acting on cohomology of Shimura curves arising from maximal orders in indefinite quaternion algebras over the rationals localized at a semistable irreducible mod $p$ Galois representation $\bar {\rho }$. If $\bar {\rho }$ is scalar at some primes dividing the discriminant of the quaternion algebra, then the Hecke algebra is still isomorphic to the deformation ring, but is not a complete intersection, or even Gorenstein, so the Wiles numerical criterion cannot apply. We consider a weight-2 newform $f$ which contributes to the cohomology of the Shimura curve and gives rise to an augmentation $\lambda _f$ of the Hecke algebra. We quantify the failure of the Wiles numerical criterion at $\lambda _f$ by computing the associated Wiles defect purely in terms of the local behavior at primes dividing the discriminant of the global Galois representation $\rho _f$ which $f$ gives rise to by the Eichler–Shimura construction. One of the main tools used in the proof is Taylor–Wiles–Kisin patching.