bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharides induce deep-seaLentisphaeraestrains to release chronic bacteriophages
Authors: Wang Chong , Zheng Rikuan , Zhang Tianhang , Sun Chaomin
Published: August 2022

Viruses are ubiquitous in nature and play key roles in various ecosystems. Notably, some viruses (e.g. bacteriophage) exhibit alternative life cycles, such as chronic infections without cell lysis. However, the impact of chronic infections and their interactions with the host organisms remains largely unknown. Here, we found for the first time that polysaccharides induced the production of multiple temperate phages infecting two deep-seaLentisphaeraestrains (WC36 and zth2). Through physiological assays, genomic analysis, and transcriptomics assays, we found these bacteriophages were released via a chronic style without host cell lysis, which might reprogram host polysaccharide metabolism through the potential auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). The findings presented here, together with recent discoveries made on the reprogramming of host energy-generating metabolisms by chronic bacteriophages, shed light on the poorly explored marine virus-host interaction and bring us closer to understanding the potential role of chronic viruses in marine ecosystems.
Dairy industry employee knowledge, attitudes and practices in response to COVID -19 policies in Jordan
Authors: Osaili Tareq , Al-Nabulsi Anas A. , Albluwi Balqees I.H. , Olaimat Amin , Shaker Obaid Reyad , Taha Sadi , Ayyash Mutamed , Holley Richard
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study examined the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Jordanian dairy employees about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) characteristics and the effect of precautionary measures on food safety risk during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted between Dec 17, 2020 and Feb 22, 2021, involving a total of 428 participants across 34 random chosen dairy facilities in Jordan. KAP related to COVID-19 were measured by 46 items, while 13 items were used to examine perceived notions regarding COVID-19 precautionary measures on food safety.

Findings

The results indicated that 32.2% of the respondents had sufficient knowledge, 60.3% had a good attitude, and 27.1% followed correct practices concerning COVID-19. Moreover, female respondents had higher total KAP scores of COVID-19 characteristics than males. Furthermore, older and more experienced respondents had higher total KAP scores than younger respondents. This study also observed that the total KAP scores were not affected by education, marital status, and job position. Characteristics and measures taken by the dairy industry were at large significantly associated with (p < 0.05) knowledge and practice of employees about COVID-19 attributes. Results of this study suggested that Jordanian dairy workers were not adequately aware about COVID-19.

Originality/value

No such study on dairy workers has been conducted previously to the best of the authors’ knowledge. Moreover, studies which analyse the association of industry response and characteristics on the KAP of employees are very limited.
Strategizing for innovative work behavior in higher education institutions: the role of creative self-efficacy
Authors: Namono Rehema , Obanda Peter Wanyama , Ayebale Dan , Isiagi Emmanuel , Wofuma Gorden
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Scholars have emphasized the antecedent role of personal factors such as creative self-efficacy (CSE) in enhancing innovative behavior in work settings. Existent studies have revealed that individuals with high CSE have the cognitive ability to resiliently exhibit innovative work behavior (IWB). Little is however known as regards the influence of CSE on innovative work behavior in service settings, more so in developing countries. This study sought to establish the antecedent role of CSE on IWB as a multistage process comprising creativity and IWB.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a cross-sectional research design to establish the hypothetical influence of CSE on innovative work behavior and collected data at one point in time. The researchers used regression analysis to establish the influence of CSE on IWB using a sample of teaching staff selected from Ugandan public Universities.

Findings

The findings reveal that CSE has a significant effect on creativity as the first step in the innovation process. The results further revealed that CSE has a statistically significant influence on IWB.

Research limitations/implications

The researchers collected data from public Universities, and the application of the findings may fall short when applied to a setting of private universities. Therefore, future research can consider a setting of private universities to replicate the current study findings. The study was cross-sectional, and yet employees' CSE and innovation behavior may change over time. This study opens grounds for longitudinal research in the same research area.

Practical implications

The study shapes direction for practicing managers to resiliently strategize for enhancing creative self-efficacy of employees to promote IWB. Specifically, our study indicates that organizations must enhance positive organizational behavior like CSE to enhance employees' ability to resiliently overcome the fear of uncertainty associated with innovation. While devising the intervention strategies geared towards enhancing CSE, organizations need to consider the stage of IWB required whether at creativity or innovation stage of the innovative behavior.

Originality/value

This research is empirically and theoretically valuable. This is an original study to establish a direct causal influence of CSE on creativity and IWB using a sample drawn from public Universities in the context of a developing Country. Theoretically, the study expands on the applicability of the social cognitive theory (SCT) by revealing that the influence of an individual's personality characteristics like CSE varies with the stage of IWB because the tasks involved in the various types of IWB differ and thus the magnitude of influence varies.
Workers' attitudes toward women managers: evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Phan Anh T. , Nguyen Hannah-Hanh D.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate personality-related antecedents of Vietnamese workers' attitudes toward female managers, which subsequently predicted workers' judgments of them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a factorial experiment to examine participants' general attitudes toward women's rights and roles and their particular attitudes toward female managers in the workplace. Vietnamese workers (N = 159) were randomly assigned to experimental conditions of manager performance and completed a post-test questionnaire. This study also qualitatively explored participants' observations of any gender stereotypes in the workplace.

Findings

Findings demonstrated that participants' gender, general attitudes toward women's social rights and roles, and internal work locus of control positively predicted their attitudes toward female managers. Qualitative findings showed perceived gender-based egalitarianism in the workplace, but women's leadership qualities were barely recognized.

Originality/value

This study is the first to utilize a mixed-method approach to assess Vietnamese workers' attitudes, contributing to the literature on attitudes toward both women in general and women in management in Asia generally and in Vietnam in particular.
Flexural bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced plastics strips and ultra-high performance concrete layers
Authors: Liu Long , Wan Songqiang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To make full use of the tensile strength of near surface mounting (NSM) pasted carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) strips and further increase the flexural bearing capacity and flexibility of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, a new composite reinforcement method using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) layer in the compression zone of RC beams is submitted based on embedding CFRP strips in the tension zone of RC beams. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned points.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental beam was simulated by ABAQUS, and compared with the experimental results, the validity of the finite element model was verified. On this basis, the reinforced RC beam is used as the control beam, and parameters such as the CFRP strip number, UHPC layer thickness, steel bar ratio and concrete strength are studied through the verified model. In addition, the numerical calculation results of yield strength, ultimate strength, failure deflection and flexibility are also given.

Findings

The flexural bearing capacity of RC beams supported by the new method is 132.3% higher than that of unreinforced beams, and 7.8% higher than that of RC beams supported only with CFRP strips. The deflection flexibility coefficient of the new reinforced RC beam is 8.06, which is higher than that of the unreinforced beam and the reinforced concrete beam with only CFRP strips embedded in the tension zone.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new reinforcement method is submitted, and the effects of various parameters on the ultimate bearing capacity and flexibility of reinforced RC beams are analyzed by the finite element numerical simulation. Finally, the effectiveness of the new method is verified by the analytical formula.
Strategic vendor due diligence in real estate transactions
Authors: Wiejak-Roy Grazyna Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In light of the ever-growing complexity of real estate transactions, the need for vendors and buyers to better understand the role of vendor due diligence (VDD) is imperative. The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly, it provides a detailed literature review regarding the role of VDD from both the vendor's and buyers' perspectives. Secondly, it analyses the value of VDD over and above the buyer's due diligence (BDD) in real estate transactions by proposing a theoretical model involving two-stage auctions.

Design/methodology/approach

Real-world examples from the industry are used as a motivation behind listing a set of practical questions. A theoretical construct is built to approximate the real estate environment under study. The construct is then studied from a game-theoretic perspective to obtain theoretical answers to the questions. These answers are then used to shape recommendations for the relevant industry and beyond.

Findings

The model suggested accommodates the feature that even though the VDD is broadly increasing informational efficiency in the market, its value is limited and sometimes harmful when the vendors have a sound prior understanding of their assets and the buyers' pre-transaction information about the asset is already high.

Originality/value

Though the real estate market is considered here, the theoretical model we propose is applicable to any other complex asset transaction decision that supports endogenous information disclosure considerations using VDD.
Uptake of Staphylococcus aureus by keratinocytes is reduced by interferon–fibronectin pathway and filaggrin expression
Authors: Miyake Ryu , Iwamoto Kazumasa , Sakai Norio , Matsunae Kyoka , Aziz Fatkhanuddin , Sugai Motoyuki , Takahagi Shunsuke , Tanaka Akio , Hide Michihiro
Published: August 2022

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is frequently detected in the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). AD skin‐derived strains of S. aureus (AD strain) are selectively internalized into keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) compared to standard strains. However, the mechanism of AD strain internalization by keratinocytes and effect of the skin environment on internalization remain unclear. HaCaT cells were exposed to heat‐killed AD or standard strains of fluorescently labeled S. aureus, with or without interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, and IL‐13 cytokines, for 24 h. Filaggrin and fibronectin expression in HaCaT cells was knocked down using small interfering RNA. The amount of internalized S. aureus was evaluated using a cell imaging system. The effects of INF‐γ, IL‐4, and S. aureus exposure on mRNA expression in HaCaT cells were analyzed using single‐cell RNA sequencing. AD strains adhered to HaCaT cells in approximately 15 min and were increasingly internalized for up to 3 h (2361 ± 467 spots/100 cells, mean ± SD), whereas the standard strain was not (991 ± 71 spots/100 cells). In the presence of IFN‐γ, both the number of internalized strains and fibronectin expression significantly decreased compared to in the control, whereas Th2 cytokines had no significant effects. The number of internalized AD strains was significantly higher in filaggrin knockdown and lower in fibronectin knockdown HaCaT cells compared to in the control. RNA sequencing revealed that IFN‐γ decreased both fibronectin and filaggrin expression. Keratinocyte internalization of the AD strain may be predominantly mediated by the INF‐γ‐fibronectin pathway and partially regulated by filaggrin expression.
The effects of functional differences in cultivar of Cryptomeria japonica on nutrient dynamics and soil invertebrates in a common garden
Authors: Ohta Tamihisa , Hiura Tsutom
Published: August 2022

Recently, some studies have established the ecological effects of intraspecific variation in phytochemical traits on soil ecosystems. Because plantations comprise a major proportion of forest area in some regions, intraspecific functional variation in plantation tree species is of great importance to forest ecosystems. Intraspecific variation in plantation tree species can result from natural geographical and cultivated variation. A previous study estimated the effects of geographical variation of Cryptomeria japonica, the most dominant plantation tree in Japan. The results showed that the significant consequences for ecosystem processes, such as calcium (Ca) dynamics and community composition of soil invertebrates, vary among the geographical variation of C. japonica. However, no studies have shown the effect of cultivar variation of tree species on the soil invertebrate community through alteration of the availability of nutrients. In this study, we used a common garden where four cultivars of C. japonica (Kumotoshi, Aya, Obi, and Satsumameasa) were planted in separate plots. In these plots, we measured the concentration of nutrients in leaves, litter and roots, strontium isotope ratio (87Sr/86Sr) of leaves. Root activities, exchangeable nutrients in soil, and soil parameters such as soil pH and abundance and composition of soil invertebrates. Our results show that cultivating different varieties of C. japonica may alter the accumulation of Ca in soil and soil pH. Furthermore, the effects of the cultivated varieties of C. japonica shape the abundance and composition of soil invertebrates by altering the soil properties, such as Ca concentration and pH in the soil.
Supplementary and Complementary Congruence at the Apex of the Organization: Management and Board as a Strategic‐Oriented Multiteam System
Authors: González Carlos , Greve Peder
Published: August 2022

Our knowledge of the top management team (TMT) and board interface in the context of major strategic decisions remains limited. Drawing upon the strategic leadership system perspective (SLSP) and the interface approach, we argue that the two groups constitute a strategic‐oriented multiteam system and consider how supplementary (similarity) and complementary (interacting variety) congruence of international and functional backgrounds influence strategic decision‐making. Looking at the internationalization decisions of the largest public firms in the UK, we find that complementary congruence of international backgrounds and supplementary congruence of functional experience promote the pursuit of new market entries. We extend the SLSP by showing how the cognitive TMT–board interface dynamics associated with supplementary and complementary congruence are important antecedents of strategic outcomes. Further, we find a boundary condition to the interface approach in strategic leadership research by identifying the underlying mechanisms that activate some TMT–board interfaces and not others.
Milk, Modernity and Muscles: Raw Dairy and Bodybuilding in 1960s America
Authors: Heffernan Conor
Published: August 2022

In the mid‐1960s, bodybuilding coach Vince Gironda began promoting raw milk. Done alongside nutritional supplement entrepreneur Rheo H. Blair, the pair claimed raw (unpasteurised) milk was the most anabolic and ‘pure’ substance available to men. Accordingly, raw milk and cream were presented as effective as anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders. Studies of milk have often focused on the manufacturing, trading and politics surrounding the foodstuff. Few studies have associated milk with masculinity in the same way that scholars have done for meat. This article examines Gironda and Blair's nutritional plans with reference to modernity and masculinity and highlights the hyper‐realised masculine bodies and personalities linked to raw milk.
Racial disparities in pregnancy options counseling and referral in the US South
Authors: Nobel Kristin , Luke Alina A. , Rice Whitney S.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine racial variation in receipt of counseling and referral for pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting) following pregnancy confirmation. Equitable offering of such information is a professional and ethical obligation and an opportunity to prevent racial disparities in maternal and child health.

Data Source

Primary data from patients at southern United States publicly funded family planning clinics, October 2018–June 2019.

Study Design

Patients at 14 clinics completed a survey about their experiences with pregnancy options counseling and referral following a positive pregnancy test. The primary predictor variable was patients' self‐reported racial identity. Outcomes included discussion of pregnancy options, referral for those options, and for support services.

Data Collection

Data from eligible patients with non‐missing information for key variables (n = 313) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and multivariable logistic regression.

Principal Findings

Patients were largely Black (58%), uninsured (64%), and 18–29 years of age (80%). Intention to continue pregnancy and receipt of prenatal care referral did not differ significantly among Black as compared to non‐Black patients. However, Black patients had a higher likelihood of wanting an abortion or adoption referral and not receiving one (abortion: marginal effect [ME] = 7.68%, p = 0.037; adjusted ME [aME] = 9.02%, p = 0.015; adoption: ME = 7.06%, p = 0.031; aME = 8.42%, p = 0.011). Black patients intending to end their pregnancies had a lower probability of receiving an abortion referral than non‐Black patients (ME = −22.37%, p = 0.004; aME = −19.69%, p = 0.023). In the fully adjusted model, Black patients also had a higher probability of wanting access to care resources (including transportation, childcare, and financial support) and not receiving them (aME = 5.38%, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Clinical interactions surrounding pregnancy confirmation provide critical opportunities to discuss options, coordinate care, and mitigate risk, yet are susceptible to systemic bias. These findings add to limited evidence around pregnancy counseling and referral disparities. Ongoing assessment of pregnancy counseling and referral disparities can provide insight into organizational strengths or the potential to increase structural equity.
Trends in postpartum mental health care before and during COVID‐19
Authors: Rokicki Slawa , Steenland Maria W. , Geiger Caroline K. , Gourevitch Rebecca A. , Chen Lucy , Martin Michelle W. , Cohen Jessica L.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of COVID‐19 on trends in postpartum mental health diagnoses and utilization of psychotherapy and prescription drug treatment.

Data Sources

Data were obtained from a large, national health insurance claims database that tracks individuals longitudinally.

Study Design

We used interrupted time series models to examine changes in trends of postpartum mental health diagnoses before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic and t‐tests to examine differences in treatment.

Data Extraction Methods

We used billing codes to identify individuals who received mental health‐related diagnoses and treatment in the first 90 days after a birth hospitalization. We excluded individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and those with an unknown payer at delivery.

Principal Findings

Compared to the pre‐pandemic period, the trend in new postpartum mental health diagnoses increased significantly in the post‐COVID‐19 period (0.06 percentage points [95%CI 0.01, 0.11]). Over 12 months, the percentage of new diagnoses was 5.0% greater relative to what would be expected in absence of COVID‐19. The percentage of diagnosed individuals who did not receive treatment increased from 50.4% to 52.7% (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Findings point to an urgent need to improve screening and treatment pathways for perinatal individuals in the wake of COVID‐19.
Farmers' participation in the Income Stabilisation Tool: Evidence from the apple sector in Italy
Authors: Rippo Ruggiero , Cerroni Simone
Published: August 2022

The Income Stabilisation Tool (IST), which was recently added to the European Common Agricultural Policy's risk management toolkit, is a mutual fund that aims at stabilising farmers' income. We investigate the drivers of farmers' participation in an IST for the apple sector in the Autonomous Province of Trento in Italy, which is the only region that has operationalised the IST in the European Union. Our analysis is based on a theoretical framework based on the Unified Theory of Use and Acceptance of Technology. Using a three‐year panel dataset of 3268 farm households, we estimated a logit model with the Mundlak–Chamberlain procedure. Our results show that higher crop production specialisation, associated with greater risk exposure, favours participation in the IST. Similarly, previous experience with mutual funds increases the acceptance of the IST. The analysis also provides evidence of how the new tool interacts with existing on‐farm protection strategies, leading to a discussion of the presence of adverse and advantageous selection effects. Our paper sheds light on farmers' acceptance of newly implemented sector‐specific ISTs and generates better knowledge and understanding of lock‐ins and levers that influence participation in such schemes, which are relevant to other EU regions or member states that are considering the introduction of ISTs.
Blunt force homicides in Denmark 1992–2016
Authors: Thomsen Asser H. , Leth Peter M. , Hougen Hans P. , Villesen Palle
Published: August 2022

Blunt force trauma is a common homicide method, inflicted in three different ways: bodily force, assault with blunt objects of various types and falls from height. The objective of this study is to provide thorough information on blunt force homicides with data on the victims, the offenders, the surrounding circumstances, the injury methods, the extent of injuries, and survival time, which will help inform the inexperienced as well as the seasoned forensic pathologist in their daily work with death investigation and as expert witnesses in court. We have analyzed autopsy reports and available case files of 311 blunt force homicides, making up 21.9% of all homicides in Denmark during 1992–2016. Most victims and offenders were male. Altercation in the setting of nightlife and intoxication was common in male victims, while most female victims were killed in a domestic setting. Bodily force was the most common primary homicide method, followed by assault with a blunt object and fall from height. The head was the region that most often had external injuries, with no noteworthy difference between cases with bodily force and blunt objects. Two out of three victims had one or more lacerations, most often located on the head and more often on the front. Brain injury was the primary cause of death in at least 72.0% victims. Compared to bodily force victims of blunt object assault were especially prone to skull and brain injuries, had a higher trauma score, and more died at the crime scene and had a shorter survival time.
Comparison of chemical characterization and oxidative stability of Lycium barbarum seed oils: A comprehensive study based on processing methods
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Xiaolong , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Mengze , Wang Fengjun
Published: August 2022

Five different processing methods (cold pressing, hot pressing, solvent extraction, ultrasound‐assisted solvent extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction) were evaluated to extract oils from Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) seeds based on the lipid composition, minor bioactive components, and oxidative stability of oils. A large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was detected in the L. barbarum seed oil, especially linoleic acid (65.24–66.26%). Minor bioactive components were abundant in L. barbarum seed oils, including tocopherols (292.65–488.49 mg/kg), phytosterols (9606.31–166,684.77 mg/kg), polyphenols (35.65–113.87 mg/kg), and carotenoid (4.17–46.16 mg/100 g). Specifically, the phytosterol content was higher than that of other common oils. Comparing the different processing techniques, ultrasound‐assisted solvent extraction provided the highest extraction yield and recovery. The quantities of tocopherols, phenols, and phytosterols in hot‐pressed oil were higher than those in oils extracted from other methods, and thus it had the best oxidative stability. L. barbarum seed oils extracted by different techniques showed various characteristics and could be distinguished through principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis.

Practical Application

L. barbarum seed oil is a potentially underutilized oil resource with abundant essential fatty acid and phytosterol, which owns great value to apply in the nutritional, cosmetic, and medicinal fields. Hot pressing is an efficient method to produce L. barbarum seed oil for health care with high nutritional value and good quality, which can also be easily implemented on an industrial scale.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in a patient with small cell lung cancer and anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1‐γ antibody‐positive dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: Kim Yoonjoo , Park Dongil , Choi Song‐Yi , Chung Chaeuk
Published: August 2022

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are closely related to cancers; 30% of dermatomyositis (DM) cases are associated with malignancy. In lung cancer patients accompanied by DM, the most frequent cancer type is small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Anti‐transcriptional intermediary factor 1 γ (anti‐TIF1γ) antibody is a promising marker for the assessment of cancer risk in DM patients. The recent use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for extensive‐stage SCLC has improved patient outcomes. However, clinical trials of ICI excluded most patients with ADs because of the increased risk of toxicity. Nevertheless, recent evidences suggest that ICI may be appropriate for AD patients. A 76‐year‐old man diagnosed with extensive‐stage SCLC and anti–TIF1γ Ab‐positive DM developed limb weakness and typical skin manifestations of DM. Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography showed diffuse uptake in all muscles. The results of a nerve conduction study and electromyography were consistent with acute myopathy. Electron microscopy showed tubuloreticular inclusions in endothelial cells. He was treated with corticosteroids for DM and chemotherapy with atezolizumab for SCLC. Despite concerns regarding the use of ICI because of DM, atezolizumab was administered under close observation. After treatment, tumor size decreased and his symptoms improved significantly. We believe that the response of SCLC to chemotherapy including ICI, had a positive effect on the improvement of DM. Clinicians should consider ICIs for SCLC patients with DM and carefully monitor the patient's symptoms during treatment.
Greece: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: MYLONAS HARRIS
Published: August 2022

The year 2021 marked the 200th anniversary of the onset of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. On top of the ongoing economic recovery, the government continued to deal with the devastating impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A significant anti‐vax movement developed. In the summer, devastating wildfires ravaged Greece. The mounting critique about the handling of the fires together with the worsening situation of the pandemic pointed to a drastic Cabinet reshuffle. Such a reshuffle was attempted but ended up undermining the government's effort to start afresh. Regardless, the ruling party, New Democracy/Nea Dimokratia (ND), remained hegemonic according to the polls. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita increased at a faster rate than expected, but the trade deficit of the country also increased dramatically. Inflation was at the highest point in a decade at 5%. The #MeToo movement eventually reached Greece involving public figures. Finally, this was the year with a staggering number of femicides, 17 in total.
The effects of preoperative focused cardiac ultrasound in high‐risk patients: A randomised controlled trial (PREOPFOCUS)
Authors: Pallesen Jan , Bhavsar Rajesh , Fjølner Jesper , Bakke Skule Arnesen , Krog Jan , Andersen Mikkel Andreas Strømgaard , Bøndergaard Michael Helbo , Jessing Thomas Damgaard , Mortensen Lone , Nielsen Michael Bugge , Vang Marianne , Malachauskiené Laima , Juhl‐Olsen Peter
Published: August 2022

Background

Surgery is the third most common cause of mortality worldwide. Focused cardiac ultrasound (FOCUS) yields information on cardiac status and discloses the presence of unknown pathology. Preoperative FOCUS changes patient treatment, allowing for a patient‐tailored anaesthesia. We hypothesised that preoperative FOCUS would reduce the proportion of patients who were either admitted to hospital for more than 10 days or who were dead within 30 days after high‐risk, non‐cardiac surgery.

Methods

This was a randomised, controlled, multi‐center study. Patients ≥65 years of age, admitted for urgent orthopaedic‐ or abdominal surgery, scheduled for general‐ or neuraxial anaesthesia and with ASA 3/4 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to preoperative FOCUS or no preoperative FOCUS performed in accordance with a predefined protocol. Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients admitted more than 10 days or who were dead within 30 days. Secondary endpoints included major complications, days of admission and changes in anaesthesia handling.

Results

During the second COVID‐19 wave the study monitoring committee terminated the study prematurely. We included 338 patients of which 327 were included in the final analysis. In the FOCUS group, 41/163 (25%) patients met the criteria for the primary endpoint versus 35/164 (21%) for the control group, adjusted odds ratio 1.37 (95% CI 0.86–2.30), p = .36. The proportions of patients who developed major complications did not differ significantly between groups. Length of hospital stay was 4 (3–8) days in the FOCUS group and 4 (3–7) days on the control group (adjusted p = .24).

Conclusion

The routine availability of preoperative FOCUS assessment in this cohort does not appear to reduce the risk for hospitalisation exceeding 10 days or 30‐day mortality, although study enrolment was prematurely terminated.
Postoperative complications and myocardial injury in patients receiving air or oxygen. Prospective, randomised and pilot study
Authors: Valadkhani Arman , Henningsson Ragnar , Nordström Johan L. , Granström Anna , Hallqvist Linn , Wahlgren Carl Magnus , Peterzén Bengt , Eriksson Julia , Bell Max , Gupta Anil
Published: August 2022

Background

Supplementary oxygen is administered during anaesthesia to increase oxygen delivery and prevent hypoxia. Recent studies have questioned this routine. In this pilot study, our main aim was to investigate if 21% oxygen compared to ≥50% reduces the risk of postoperative complications and myocardial injury.

Methods

In this pragmatic, multicentre, single‐blind study, patients undergoing vascular surgery were randomised to receive a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≥ 0.50 and oxygen saturation determined by pulse oximetry (SpO2) ≥ 98% (group H) or FiO2 of 0.21 and SpO2 > 90% (group N) oxygen perioperatively. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of major pre‐defined postoperative complications assessed at 30 days. Myocardial injury was determined by serial troponin measurements. Data were analysed using generalised estimating equation, Mann–Whitney U test or chi‐squared test, as appropriate.

Results

The 191 patients were randomised, and per‐protocol principle was used for analyses. At 30‐day follow‐up, 43 out of 94 patients (46%) had a postoperative complication in group H and 36 out of 90 patients (40%) in group N, p = .46. New myocardial injury was seen in 27% versus 22% in Groups H and N respectively (p = .41). No differences in other outcomes were observed between the groups. Twelve patients (13%) in Group N had SpO2 < 90%, six recovered spontaneously and six required supplemental oxygen. At 1‐year follow‐up, one patient in group H had died.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, postoperative complications were similar between the groups in patients randomised to FiO2 of 0.21 or ≥0.50 and no difference was found in the incidence of new myocardial injury. Larger, prospective adequately powered studies are needed.
Offshore and coastline migration of radio‐tagged Nathusius' pipistrelles
Authors: Bach Petra , Voigt Christian C. , Göttsche Matthias , Bach Lothar , Brust Vera , Hill Reinhold , Hüppop Ommo , Lagerveld Sander , Schmaljohann Heiko , Seebens‐Hoyer Antje
Published: August 2022

The wind energy‐bat conflict is well documented for the onshore sector, with high numbers of casualties, specifically for migratory bat species. Offshore wind turbines might be a threat to bats as well, yet offshore bat migration is poorly documented. Accordingly, potential conflicts between bat conservation and offshore wind energy production are difficult to evaluate. Here, we used automated radio‐telemetry to track 50 km continuous offshore movements of two Nathusius' pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii) within the Motus network. After crossing the marine waterbody, tagged bats traveled over several hundred kilometers along the coastline from Germany towards the Netherlands and Belgium. Our study highlights the possibility for migratory bats to collide with offshore and coastal wind turbines. Therefore, we plead for implementing pre‐ and post‐construction surveys and adequate mitigation schemes at offshore wind turbines in sensitive areas of the North and Baltic Sea if not already practised.
Adult children in complex families: How do relationships affect relationships?
Authors: Hornstra Maaike , Kalmijn Matthijs , Ivanova Katya
Published: August 2022

Objective

We examined how adult (step)parent–child closeness is associated to the quality of other ties in the family network (i.e., parent–child dyads, parent–parent dyads).

Background

Although stepfamily scholars often assume that there are associations between all dyads within a family unit, more research needs to examine this premise empirically.

Method

We used survey data on adult children and their relationships with mothers, fathers, stepfathers, and stepmothers (N = 1,022). Two methods—non‐recursive structural equation modeling (SEM), and cross‐lagged SEM—were applied to consider the bidirectionality between ties.

Results

Those who are close to their biological parent are often also close to the new partner/stepparent, which is interpreted as a household effect. Moreover, the tie between the divorced parents is strongly associated to father–child closeness but less to mother–child closeness. We also found that mother–stepmother closeness and stepmother–child closeness are correlated, as are father–stepfather closeness and stepfather–child closeness. Our findings suggested weak substitution between father–child and stepfather–child closeness (a small but significant negative association). Gender differences are visible, as ties between biological mothers and adult children seemed more independent of the family system than other parent–child ties.

Conclusions

Shifts in one (step)family dyad seem to create a spillover effect, also affecting other family dyads.

Implications

For family practitioners or counselors, it is more efficient to consider the embeddedness of parent–child closeness within the family system than to focus on one constituent member or dyad of the system.
Multi‐season climate projections forecast declines in migratory monarch butterflies
Authors: Zylstra Erin R. , Neupane Naresh , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: August 2022

Climate change poses a unique threat to migratory species as it has the potential to alter environmental conditions at multiple points along a species' migratory route. The eastern migratory population of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) has declined markedly over the last few decades, in part due to variation in breeding‐season climate. Here, we combined a retrospective, annual‐cycle model for the eastern monarch population with climate projections within the spring breeding grounds in eastern Texas and across the summer breeding grounds in the midwestern U.S. and southern Ontario, Canada to evaluate how monarchs are likely to respond to climate change over the next century. Our results reveal that projected changes in breeding‐season climate are likely to lead to decreases in monarch abundance, with high potential for overwintering population size to fall below the historical minimum three or more times in the next two decades. Climatic changes across the expansive summer breeding grounds will also cause shifts in the distribution of monarchs, with higher projected abundances in areas that become wetter but not appreciably hotter (e.g., northern Ohio) and declines in abundance where summer temperatures are projected to increase well above those observed in the recent past (e.g., northern Minnesota). Although climate uncertainties dominate long‐term population forecasts, our analyses suggest that we can improve precision of near‐term forecasts by collecting targeted data to better understand relationships between breeding‐season climate variables and local monarch abundance. Overall, our results highlight the importance of accounting for the impacts of climate changes throughout the full‐annual cycle of migratory species.
Effects of Confidentiality‐Preserving Geo‐Masking on the Estimation of Semivariogram and of the Kriging Variance
Authors: Arbia Giuseppe , Ghiringhelli Chiara , Nardelli Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

Geostatistical methods, such as semivariograms and kriging are well‐known spatial tools commonly employed in many disciplines such as health, mining, forestry, meteorology to name only few. They are based essentially on point‐referenced data on a continuous space and on the calculation of distances between them. In many practical instances, however, the exact point location, even if exactly known, is geo‐masked to preserve confidentiality. This typically happens when dealing with confidential data related to individuals‐health and their biometric parameters. In these situations, the estimation of the semivariogram and, hence, the spatial prediction can become biased and highly inefficient. This paper examines the extent of the bias in the particular case when the geo‐masking mechanism is known (called “intentional locational error”) and lays the ground to a full understanding of the phenomenon in more general cases. We also examine how the geo‐masking affects the estimation of the kriging variance thus reducing the efficiency of spatial prediction. We pursue our aims by developing some theoretical results and by making use of simulated and real data analysis.
Probabilistic Contaminant Source Assessment—Getting the Most Out of Field Measurements
Authors: Hugman Rui , Lotti Francesca , Doherty John
Published: August 2022

This paper describes a methodology for undertaking probabilistic investigations into the locations at which contaminants have leaked into a groundwater system. The methodology is built with highly parameterized, stochastic history‐matching in mind. It is able to reduce uncertainties associated with estimates of subsurface hydraulic properties at the same time as it reduces uncertainties associated with inferences of contaminant sources. Particles are used to simulate contaminant movement. This reduces simulator execution time while increasing simulator stability. Borehole measurements of groundwater chemistry are endowed with a binary classification that indicates the presence, or otherwise, of a contaminant plume. This classification is transferred to passing particles as a detect or nondetect status awarded to their trajectories. Because this status is continuous with respect to model parameters, the latter can be adjusted in order to ensure that the same trajectory cannot possess both a detect status and a nondetect status. Particle trajectory statuses can be assigned to model cells from which they are released. By calculating cell statistics using a large number of history‐match‐constrained, stochastic parameter fields, probability maps can be drawn. We illustrate two of these. The first maps the probability that a contaminant sourced at a particular location will go undetected by the current observation network. The second maps the probability that a contaminant source cannot exist at a particular location. The method is extended to examine the worth of supplementing an existing observation network with new wells.
Gastrointestinal, hepatic, and pancreatobiliary involvement by plasma cell neoplasms: clinicopathologic correlations in a retrospective cohort of 116 cases
Authors: Kelley Justin T , Fuller Lanisha D , Lai Keith K , Yantiss Rhonda K , Dzedzik Siarhei , Alapat Daisy , Mashayekhi Azin , Alpert Lindsay , Gonzalez Raul S , Owens Scott R , Arber Daniel A , Lamps Laura W
Published: August 2022

Aims

Plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs) may involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in two forms: plasmacytoma (PC), an isolated lesion that lacks marrow involvement, and extramedullary myeloma (EMM). However, previous literature on PCNs involving the GI tract, liver, and pancreas is limited. We evaluated the clinicopathologic features of the largest series of GI PCNs to date.

Methods and Results

Six institutional archives were searched for GI, liver, and pancreas cases involved with PCNs. Medical records were reviewed for clinical and imaging features. Histopathologic features evaluated included involved organ, tumor grade, and marrow involvement. Overall, 116 cases from 102 patients were identified. The tumors most presented as incidental findings (29%). The liver was most involved (47%), and masses/polyps (29%) or ulcers (21%) were the most common findings. Most cases had high‐grade morphology (55%). The majority (74%) of GI PCNs were classified as EMM due to the presence of marrow involvement at some point during the disease course, occurring within a year of marrow diagnosis in 46% of patients. PC was classified in 26% of patients due to the lack of marrow involvement. Most (70%) patients died from disease within 10 years (median 14.1) of diagnosis and more than half (58%) died within 6 months.

Conclusion

PC and EMM involving the GI tract, liver, and pancreas have a wide range of clinicopathologic presentations. Tumors may occur virtually anywhere in the GI tract or abdomen and may precede the diagnosis of marrow involvement. Both GI PC and EMM are associated with a poor prognosis.
Diagnosis consensus among endodontic specialists and general practitioners: An international survey and a proposed modification to the current diagnostic terminology
Authors: Azim Adham A. , Merdad Khalid , Peters Ove A.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

This survey aimed to determine the consensus amongst endodontic specialists in North America and practitioners worldwide to diagnose the pulp and periapical conditions of selected case scenarios encountered in daily practice using the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) pulpal and periapical diagnostic terms. Secondly, an attempt was made to suggest modifications in terms accordingly.

Methodology

A survey designed by two endodontic educators was sent to endodontists in North America and clinicians worldwide through an electronic database. The survey included socio‐demographic questions followed by the clinical and radiographic presentations of four clinical scenarios. The participants were then requested to provide the pulpal and the periapical diagnosis of 11 teeth presented in these cases (22 answers in total/participant) using the AAE diagnostic terminology. Cases were designed to include 12 pulpal/periapical conditions as control (non‐controversial conditions) and ten so‐called controversial conditions. A proportion threshold of 10% was required for any diagnostic term to be reported in this survey. The participants were divided into two groups based on the region of endodontic training and/or practice to ‘Specialised North American’ or ‘International Practitioners,’ and their results were statistically compared using chi‐squared tests (p < .05).

Results

The survey included 421 participants. 74% were endodontists, and 46.1% were amongst the ‘Specialised North American’ group and 53.9% amongst the ‘International Practitioners’. Eleven of 12 control conditions had an almost complete agreement amongst the participants regarding the diagnostic terms selected, ranging between 82% and 96%, with no other diagnostic term exceeding the 10% threshold. All the controversial conditions yielded more than one diagnostic term selected/condition that exceeded the 10% threshold for groups (‘Specialised North American’ and ‘International practitioners’). There were no differences in the diagnostic terms selected between the two groups; however, the weight for each term varied between the groups in some cases.

Conclusion

There is a lack of consensus amongst clinicians, regardless of their training and region of practice, on the appropriate diagnostic terms to be used in particular clinical conditions. More diagnostic terms and modifications in the current terms may be required to establish a more reliable diagnostic terminology.
Direct ink writing of silicone/filler mixtures for sphene scaffolds with advanced topologies
Authors: Elsayed Hamada , Grigolato Luca , Savio Gianpaolo , Colombo Paolo , Bernardo Enrico
Published: August 2022

Pastes based on preceramic polymers have a great potential for direct ink writing of bioceramic scaffolds. In this paper, we discuss the fabrication of phase pure sphene (CaTiSiO5) bioceramics, developed by firing, at 1300°C, of silicone‐based printed scaffolds containing CaCO3and TiO2as active fillers. As a proof of the flexibility of the combination of preceramic polymers and additive manufacturing technologies, several lattice geometries of increasing complexity were successfully explored. In particular, the approach allowed the fabrication of sphene scaffolds with gyroid‐like structure exhibiting an impressive compressive strength, given the high porosity. Moreover, different lattice topologies of sphene scaffolds were compared also in terms of permeability.