bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The key enablers, techniques and benefits of managing stakeholders within BIM supported projects
Authors: Singh Sukhtaj , Chinyio Ezekiel , Suresh Subashini
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Project managers still face challenges with managing stakeholders. Using building information modelling (BIM) has further increased these challenges. Meanwhile, there is a paucity of research specifically focussing on the techniques which organisations are adopting to manage stakeholders within BIM-implemented projects and the associated benefits which they can reap. Thus, this paper aims to identify the key techniques, enablers and benefits of managing stakeholders within BIM-implemented projects.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory approach was adopted due to the paucity of the variables on the topic. In total, 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the UK through purposive and snowball sampling. The data was analysed using content analysis and the “NVivo 11 Pro” software.

Findings

Two key techniques and two enablers required to manage stakeholders within BIM-implemented projects were identified. Nine benefits of managing stakeholders were identified which split into interim and eventual benefits.

Originality

This paper provides a richer understanding of the enablers and techniques which organisations should focus on while strategising for minimum resistance from stakeholders in their BIM implemented projects.
Thriving family businesses in tourism and hospitality: A systematic review and a synthesis of the relevant literature
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony , Valeri Marco
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This contribution appraises previous theoretical underpinnings that are focused on family businesses in tourism and hospitality. It discusses about the opportunities and challenges for their development.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was carried out through peer-reviewed publications that were indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. It relied on the PRISMA protocol to evaluate rigorous articles and reviews. A content analysis sheds light on high impact contributions on “family business” and “tourism” or “hospitality”, which were published since 2010.

Findings

This bibliographic research captured, analyzed and synthesized the findings from previous contributions to identify the factors that are facilitating the growth prospects, long-term sustainability and innovative approaches of family businesses within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Originality/value

Currently, there are just a few contributions that advance relevant knowledge and understanding on the business development of family firms in tourism and hospitality. This research addresses this academic gap as these entities constitute the life blood of tourist destinations in various contexts.
The problems of interpreting GATT Article XXI(b)(iii) in Russia – Traffic in Transit
Authors: Bismono Ramadhan , Priyono Joko , Trihastuti Nanik
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to further study the panel report in Russia – Traffic in Transit regarding the interpretation and application of 1994 general agreements on tariffs and trade (GATT) Article XXI(b). It analyses the threshold applied by the panel in applying Article XXI(b)(iii) and further discusses the potential problem that may arise in the future dispute. This study also investigates the notion of emergency and security interest and its development in international law.

Design/methodology/approach

This normative research uses a qualitative legal methodology. This study conducts desk analysis of primary legal materials and existing literature to assess the concept of security interest within the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.

Findings

This paper finds that the panel in Russia – Traffic in Transit applied subjective and objective test in reviewing Russia’s invocation of GATT Article XXI(b)(iii). Despite the adjectival self-judging clause and the political tension of the dispute, the panel is capable to review its application. This study further finds that the term security interest and emergency in international relations still leaves the possibility of open interpretation.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the normative research approach, the research results lack empirical data and implications. Therefore, future research is encouraged to inquire on the empirical research.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the need to study and explore security exception clause within the WTO framework as a normative rule of law and in the wider conceptual notion of security and emergency in international law.
Interrupting the crossover effect of leader's role overload on employee's negative affect: the moderating role of self-concordance goal
Authors: Chen Long , Chen Ming , Zhang Hengjie , Yan Xiao-Ming
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the crossover effect of leader's role overload on employee's negative affect. More importantly, the stuy will identify the buffering role of self-concordance goal on the relationship between leader's role overload and employee's negative affect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds the crossover impact of leader's role overload on employee's negative affect as well as the moderating effect of self-concordance goal. By a two-wave and paired data from 51 leaders and 225 employees, the study examines the hypothesis using cross-level analysis.

Findings

Results show that leader's role overload tends to reduce negative affect for employees who pursue high-level self-concordance goal and increase negative affect for employees who pursue low-level self-concordance goal.

Practical implications

It is important for employees to get rid of negative affect in the workplace. The study informs managers the benefits of pursuing self-concordance goals in helping employees alleviate the negative effect of leader's role overload.

Originality/value

Findings of the present study can enrich the literature of the crossover process from leader to employee and offer management strategy for enterprises about how to buffer the damaging effect of leader's role overload on employees.
Physical and mechanical investigation for polyionic liquid/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends
Authors: Rozik Nehad N. , Shafik Emad Saad , Abd-El-Messieh Salwa L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to polymerize of 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide (PIL). PIL was embedded into PVA with a different content ratio by casting method. This research also deals with the effect of adding PIL in different proportions to PVA on the electrical and mechanical properties properties in addition to the morphology of the prepared samples.

Design/methodology/approach

1-Butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide was synthesized through quaternization and free radical polymerization. The resulting polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition to the morphology of PVA, PVA/PIL was investigated by polarizing microscope. Also, the effect of PIL content on the electrical and mechanical properties was evaluated.

Findings

The findings of this study might lead to new applications for PVA and PILs in electrical and dielectrics. The mechanical results revealed that the tensile strength increased slightly with increasing polyionic liquid (PIL) content and decreased above 10% PIL. While the elongation at break increased significantly with increasing PIL content and begin to decrease above 10% PIL. Also, the electrical property of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/PIL blends was improved because of the strong plasticizing effect of PIL. Also, the electrical conductivity of these polymer electrolytes is greatly increased. This indicates that the imidazolium-based PIL has an effective approach that leads to an increase in the conductivity of the polymer. The PILs/PVA design will not only enrich the chemical structure but also will contribute to green manufacturing techniques and a processing methodology that enables green membrane manufacture.

Originality/value

This study contributes to green manufacturing techniques and a processing methodology that enables “green” membrane manufacture.
The dead volume effect on the elastic moduli measurements using the forced‐oscillation method
Authors: Mikhaltsevitch Vassily , Lebedev Maxim , Chavez Rafael , Pervukhina Marina , Glubokovskikh Stanislav , do Amaral Vargas Euripedes
Published: December 2021

In low‐frequency laboratory experiments conducted on fluid‐saturated rocks, the boundary conditions of rock samples can significantly affect the results of the measurements of elastic moduli and acoustic attenuation. Generally, in laboratory measurements, the dead fluid volume associated with the fluid storage formed by the segments of the fluid line adjacent to a rock specimen cannot bе completely eliminated. Depending on the size, this fluid storage can significantly affect the elastic moduli measurements. We investigate the impact of the dead volume on (i) the quasistatic measurements of the elastic moduli of a fully fluid‐saturated rock specimen and (ii) the dispersion and attenuation measurements conducted on the same specimen at seismic frequencies. We present the results of the laboratory tests conducted at seismic frequencies on an n‐decane–saturated porous rock with the dead volume gradually changed from 2 to 260 cm3, as well as with the open‐pore‐fluid line. To take into account the dead volume, we developed a modified Gassmann theory and demonstrated that predictions of this theory are in good agreement with the measurements at lower frequencies. The Young's modulus dispersion and extensional attenuation observed at higher frequencies were explained on the basis of a one‐dimensional model considering the guided slow P‐waves in the rock specimen with boundary conditions specific to the experiment.
Reflections on COP26: International Diplomacy, Global Justice and the Greening of Capitalism
Authors: Jacobs Michael
Published: December 2021

The UN climate conference COP26 in November 2021 concluded with the agreement of the Glasgow Climate Pact. This article examines the key elements of the pact and their significance. Explaining the structure of the 2015 Paris Agreement, it shows why the requirement for countries to return with stronger emissions reduction commitments in 2022 was in practice the most the conference could have achieved to ‘keep alive’ the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Developing countries won an increase in finance for adaptation to climate change, but their demand for developed countries to recognise ‘climate justice’ and compensate them for the loss and damage that climate change is causing was rebuffed. Noting the various sectoral commitments made at COP26 in areas such as deforestation and finance, the article argues that the underlying question posed by the conference is whether capitalism can be greened. An answer is suggested.
Profile and outcomes of emergency department presentations based on mode of arrival: A state‐wide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wardrop Rachel , Ranse Jamie , Chaboyer Wendy , Crilly Julia
Published: December 2021

Objective

Understanding how people arrive to the ED assists in planning health services' response to fluctuating ED demand. The present study aimed to describe and compare demographics, clinical characteristics and health service outcomes of adult ED patient presentations based on mode of arrival: brought in by police (BIBP)/brought in by ambulance (BIBA)/privately arranged transport (PAT).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of ED patient presentations made between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 from all public hospital EDs across Queensland, Australia. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to ascertain presentation characteristics and predictors of health service outcomes.

Results

From 4 707 959 ED presentations, 0.9% were BIBP, 34.8% were BIBA and 64.0% were PAT. Presentations BIBP were younger and comprised a higher proportion of mental health problems and Emergency Examination Authority orders compared to presentations BIBA or PAT. Compared to presentations BIBP or PAT, presentations BIBA were more likely to be assigned more urgent triage scores, be admitted to hospital, and have a longer ED length of stay (LOS). Compared to other modes of arrival, presentations arriving by PAT were more likely to be discharged and have a shorter ED LOS.

Conclusion

Presentations BIBA and BIBP encountered a longer ED LOS and higher admission rates than PAT, suggesting more complex care needs than those from PAT. Clinical care pathways for specific modes of arrival that support pre‐hospital providers and patients and are considerate of the throughput and output stages of ED care may be needed.
Who are you? A framework to identify and report genetic sample mix‐ups
Authors: Duntsch Laura , Brekke Patricia , Ewen John G. , Santure Anna W.
Published: December 2021

Sample mix‐ups occur when samples have accidentally been duplicated, mislabelled or swapped. When samples are subsequently genotyped or sequenced, this can lead to individual IDs being incorrectly linked to genetic data, resulting in incorrect or biased research results, or reduced power to detect true biological patterns. We surveyed the community and found that almost 80% of responding researchers have encountered sample mix‐ups. However, many recent studies in the field of molecular ecology do not appear to systematically report individual assignment checks as part of their publications. Although checks may be done, lack of consistent reporting means that it is difficult to assess whether sample mix‐ups have occurred or been detected. Here, we present an easy‐to‐follow sample verification framework that can utilise existing metadata, including species, population structure, sex and pedigree information. We demonstrate its application to a data set representing individuals of a threatened Aotearoa New Zealand bird species, the hihi, genotyped on a 50K SNP array. We detected numerous incorrect genotype‐ID associations when comparing observed and genetic sex or comparing to relationships in a verified microsatellite pedigree. The framework proposed here helped to confirm 488 individuals (39%), correct another 20 bird‐genotype links, and detect hundreds of incorrect sample IDs, emphasizing the value of routinely checking genetic and genomic data sets for their accuracy. We therefore promote the implementation and reporting of this simple yet effective sample verification framework as a standardized quality control step for studies in the field of molecular ecology.
Postoperative radiotherapy improves survival of patients with ypN2 non‐small cell lung cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery – A propensity score matching study of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Bao Yongxing , Yang Xu , Men Yu , Kang Jingjing , Sun Xin , Zhao Maoyuan , Sun Shuang , Yuan Meng , Ma Zeliang , Hui Zhouguang
Published: December 2021

Background

For patients with ypN2 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (NCS), the role of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) is unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of PORT on survival of ypN2 NSCLC patients after NCS.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2015, patients with ypN2 NSCLC after NCS were filtrated from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline characteristics of the PORT and non‐PORT groups. Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were adopted to estimate overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS).

Results

A total of 257 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. After PSM, 115 patients remained in each group. The survival of patients in the PORT group was significantly better than those in the non‐PORT group. Median OS was 36 months vs. 26 months, and 5‐year OS rate was 40.5% vs. 21.0% (p = 0.002). The median CSS was 38 months vs. 27 months, and the 5‐year CSS rate was 43.7% vs. 22.1% (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that PORT was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43–0.82, p = 0.001) and CSS (HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41–0.78, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the following subgroups could benefit from PORT: age ≤ 70, diagnosed in the later period (2010–2015), white race, squamous cell carcinoma, grade III–IV, lobectomy, stage T3‐4, or with positive regional nodes ≤3 or > 3.

Conclusions

For patients with ypN2 NSCLC after NCS, PORT significantly improves OS and CSS. These results need to be confirmed by further randomized studies.
Supplemental oxygen for traumatic brain injury: A systematic review
Authors: Hansen Thea Ellehammer , Christensen Rasmus Ejlersgaard , Baekgaard Josefine , Steinmetz Jacob , Rasmussen Lars S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Oxygen supplementation is recommended after traumatic brain injury (TBI) but excessive oxygen may be harmful. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental oxygen or high/low inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) for TBI patients on in‐hospital mortality.

Methods

We searched Medline (Pubmed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for interventional and observational studies fulfilling the following criteria: TBI patients >17 years (population); initial use of supplemental oxygen/high (≥0.6) FiO2 (intervention) vs no supplemental oxygen/low (<0.6) FiO2 (control) for spontaneously breathing or mechanically ventilated TBI patients, respectively with in‐hospital mortality as primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were 30‐day and 1‐year mortality, length of stay in hospital or intensive care unit, days on mechanical ventilation, complications, and neurological impairment.

Results

We screened 4846 citations. Two interventional studies comparing high vs low FiO2 for mechanically ventilated TBI patients were included. No difference in in‐hospital mortality was found. The first study found a statistically significant shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit for the high FiO2‐group (6.5 [4.6–11.4] vs. 11.4 [5.8–17.2] days, p = 0.02). The second study found a lower disability at 6 months in the high FiO2‐group with low disability in 25 (73.5%) vs. 15 (44.1%), moderate disability in 9 (26.5%) vs. 16 (47.1%), and severe disability in 0 (0.0%) vs. 3 (8.8%), p = 0.02.

Conclusion

Evidence on the effect of initial use of high/low FiO2 for TBI patients on in‐hospital mortality was extremely limited. Evidence on the use of supplemental oxygen for spontaneously breathing TBI patients is lacking.
Brain structural covariance network differences in adults with alcohol dependence and heavy‐drinking adolescents
Authors: Ottino‐González Jonatan , Garavan Hugh ,   The ENIGMA‐Addiction and IMAGEN consortiums
Published: December 2021

Background and aims

Graph theoretic analysis of structural covariance networks (SCN) provides an assessment of brain organization that has not yet been applied to alcohol dependence (AD). We estimated whether SCN differences are present in adults with AD and heavy‐drinking adolescents at age 19 and age 14, prior to substantial exposure to alcohol.

Design

Cross‐sectional sample of adults and a cohort of adolescents. Correlation matrices for cortical thicknesses across 68 regions were summarized with graph theoretic metrics.

Setting and participants

A total of 745 adults with AD and 979 non‐dependent controls from 24 sites curated by the Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta Analysis (ENIGMA)–Addiction consortium, and 297 hazardous drinking adolescents and 594 controls at ages 19 and 14 from the IMAGEN study, all from Europe.

Measurements

Metrics of network segregation (modularity, clustering coefficient and local efficiency) and integration (average shortest path length and global efficiency).

Findings

The younger AD adults had lower network segregation and higher integration relative to non‐dependent controls. Compared with controls, the hazardous drinkers at age 19 showed lower modularity [area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) difference = −0.0142, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.1333, 0.0092; P‐value = 0.017], clustering coefficient (AUC difference = −0.0164, 95% CI = −0.1456, 0.0043; P‐value = 0.008) and local efficiency (AUC difference = −0.0141, 95% CI = −0.0097, 0.0034; P‐value = 0.010), as well as lower average shortest path length (AUC difference = −0.0405, 95% CI = −0.0392, 0.0096; P‐value = 0.021) and higher global efficiency (AUC difference = 0.0044, 95% CI = −0.0011, 0.0043; P‐value = 0.023). The same pattern was present at age 14 with lower clustering coefficient (AUC difference = −0.0131, 95% CI = −0.1304, 0.0033; P‐value = 0.024), lower average shortest path length (AUC difference = −0.0362, 95% CI = −0.0334, 0.0118; P‐value = 0.019) and higher global efficiency (AUC difference = 0.0035, 95% CI = −0.0011, 0.0038; P‐value = 0.048).

Conclusions

Cross‐sectional analyses indicate that a specific structural covariance network profile is an early marker of alcohol dependence in adults. Similar effects in a cohort of heavy‐drinking adolescents, observed at age 19 and prior to substantial alcohol exposure at age 14, suggest that this pattern may be a pre‐existing risk factor for problematic drinking.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on hospital admissions of nursing home residents
Authors: Tan Li Feng , Soh Rodney Yu Hang , Seetharaman Santhosh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Objective

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has impacted nursing home care and activities in profound ways. We sought to understand whether the COVID‐19 pandemic had any impact on hospital admissions of nursing home residents.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of hospital admissions of nursing home residents to a tertiary general hospital in Singapore during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020 was conducted and compared to admissions in the preceding year. Patients' demographics, length of stay, primary diagnosis on admission, death and causes of death were recorded.

Results

Our study found reduced number of hospital admissions of nursing home residents to a tertiary hospital in Singapore. There was a significant decrease in pneumonia (p < 0.001) and fall (p = 0.001) as a primary diagnosis on admission and a decrease in pneumonia as the cause of death (p < 0.001) for nursing home residents admitted to hospital during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

This suggests that measures implemented during the pandemic may have impacted outcomes of nursing home residents. Further study is warranted to lead to practise changing outcomes for nursing home settings.
Identifying barriers and facilitators to implementing mindfulness‐based programmes into schools: A mixed methods study
Authors: Nguyen Dong , Kleeman Nicholas J. , Yager Zali , Parker Alexandra G. , Shean Mandie B. , Jefferies Willow , Wilson‐Evered Elisabeth , Pucinischi Christopher P. , Pascoe Michaela C.
Published: December 2021

Mindfulness‐based initiatives have been shown to improve psychological wellbeing and increase academic engagement in school settings. The current study explored barriers and facilitators to the implementation of mindfulness‐based (MB) programmes in schools. Ninety‐five teachers completed an online survey, and six principals were interviewed, with questions for both informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Quantitative data was analysed via descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests. Qualitative interview data were analysed via thematic analysis. Teachers reported facilitators to successful MB programme implementation as self‐efficacy and motivation, knowledge about MB programmes, acceptance of responsibility to deliver MB programmes and belief of negative consequences if MB programmes are not delivered. Principals reported organisational‐level facilitators as having a school‐wide positive education framework relevant to the school context, taking a long‐term approach, school leaders supporting the initiatives and understanding the evidence behind MB programmes and empowering staff to engage in mindfulness. Individual‐level facilitators included staff buy‐in and commitment to practice and understanding mindfulness. Barriers included time, resources/money, staff buy‐in and competing strategic priorities within the school. These findings are important for consideration by policymakers determining the way forward for more widespread implementation of MB programmes in Australia.
Potential drug–drug interactions when managing status epilepticus patients in intensive care: A cohort study
Authors: Le Roux Clémentine , Destère Alexandre , Hervy Sarah , Lloret‐Linares Célia , Reignier Jean , Caillet Pascal , Jolliet Pascale , Mégarbane Bruno , Boels David
Published: December 2021

Aims

The risk for drug–drug interactions (DDIs) associated with antiseizure drugs (ASDs) used to manage status epilepticus (SE) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been poorly investigated. We aimed to quantify and describe those potential DDIs and determine SE patient risk profiles.

Methods

We conducted an observational bi‐centric cohort study including all SE patients admitted to the ICU in the period 2016–2020.

Results

Overall, 431 SE patients were included and 5504 potential DDIs were identified including 1772 DDIs (33%) between ASDs, 2610 DDIs (47%) between ASDs and previous usual treatments (PUTs), and 1067 DDIs (20%) between ASDs and ICU treatments (ICUTs). DDIs were moderate (n = 4871), major (n = 562) or severe (n = 16). All patients exhibited potential DDIs, which were major‐to‐severe DDIs in 47% of the cases. DDIs were pharmacokinetic (n = 1972, 36%), mostly involving cytochrome P450 modulators, and pharmacodynamic (n = 3477, 64%), mainly leading to increased sedation. ASD/PUT DDIs were the most frequent and severe. Age, PUT and ASD drug numbers and length of ICU stay were significantly associated with increased DDI number. We identified four SE patient profiles with different DDI risks and outcomes including (1) epileptic or brain trauma patients, (2) withdrawal syndrome patients, (3) older patients with comorbidities and (4) self‐poisoned patients with psychiatric disorders and/or past epilepsy.

Conclusion

SE patients are subject to potential DDIs between ASDs, ASD/PUT and ASD/ICUT. Major‐to‐severe DDIs mostly occur between ASDs and PUTs. Physicians should pay attention to SE patient characteristics and history to limit DDI numbers and prevent their consequences.
Pharmacogenomic testing in paediatrics: Clinical implementation strategies
Authors: Barker Charlotte I. S. , Groeneweg Gabriella , Maitland‐van der Zee Anke H. , Rieder Michael J. , Hawcutt Daniel B. , Hubbard Tim J. , Swen Jesse J. , Carleton Bruce C.
Published: December 2021

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) relates to the study of genetic factors determining variability in drug response. Implementing PGx testing in paediatric patients can enhance drug safety, helping to improve drug efficacy or reduce the risk of toxicity. Despite its clinical relevance, the implementation of PGx testing in paediatric practice to date has been variable and limited.

As with most paediatric pharmacological studies, there are well‐recognised barriers to obtaining high‐quality PGx evidence, particularly when patient numbers may be small, and off‐label or unlicensed prescribing remains widespread. Furthermore, trials enrolling small numbers of children can rarely, in isolation, provide sufficient PGx evidence to change clinical practice, so extrapolation from larger PGx studies in adult patients, where scientifically sound, is essential.

This review paper discusses the relevance of PGx to paediatrics and considers implementation strategies from a child health perspective. Examples are provided from Canada, the Netherlands and the UK, with consideration of the different healthcare systems and their distinct approaches to implementation, followed by future recommendations based on these cumulative experiences.

Improving the evidence base demonstrating the clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness of paediatric PGx testing will be critical to drive implementation forwards. International, interdisciplinary collaborations will enhance paediatric data collation, interpretation and evidence curation, while also supporting dedicated paediatric PGx educational initiatives. PGx consortia and paediatric clinical research networks will continue to play a central role in the streamlined development of effective PGx implementation strategies to help optimise paediatric pharmacotherapy.
Proton pump inhibitors are associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in a prospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Czarniak Petra , Ahmadizar Fariba , Hughes Jeff , Parsons Richard , Kavousi Maryam , Ikram Mohammad , Stricker Bruno H.
Published: December 2021

Aim

To investigate the association between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and risk of incident diabetes in a follow‐up study and to investigate its potential mechanisms.

Methods

A total of 9531 individuals without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at baseline were included from the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population‐based cohort of 14 926 individuals aged 45 years or older. During the study period (1 April 1997 to 1 January 2012) all incident cases of T2DM were enrolled. We used multivariable linear regression analysis to investigate the associations of baseline PPI use and various serum biomarkers (eg, serum magnesium, insulin‐like growth factor 1) which might modify the association. Thereafter, we excluded prevalent PPI users and performed a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to explore the time‐varying effect of incident PPI use on T2DM during follow‐up.

Results

Baseline use of a PPI was associated with increased serum levels of fasting insulin (0.091 pmoL/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.049, 0.133), homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (0.100, 95% CI 0.056, 0.145) and C‐reactive protein (0.29 mg/L, 95% CI 0.198, 0.384), but decreased levels of magnesium (−0.009 mmol/L, 95% CI −0.014, −0.004) and IGF‐1 (−0.805 nmoL/L, 95% CI −1.015, −0.595). After adjustment for risk factors such as physical activity and body mass index/waist‐to‐hip ratio, current use of PPI was associated with an increased risk of incident T2DM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.69, 95% CI 1.36‐2.10). The effect was dose‐dependent with the highest risk (HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.29‐2.75) in those on more than one defined daily dose.

Conclusion

New users of PPIs during follow‐up had a significantly higher dose‐dependent risk of incident diabetes. We suggest vigilance regarding their potential adverse effect on glucose homeostasis.
Intra‐articular injection of triamcinolone acetonide sustains macrophage levels and aggravates osteophytosis during degenerative joint disease in mice
Authors: Ferrao Blanco Mauricio N. , Bastiaansen Jenniskens Yvonne M. , Kops Nicole , Chavli Athina , Narcisi Roberto , Botter Sander M. , Leenen Pieter J. M. , van Osch Gerjo J. V. M. , Fahy Niamh
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

Corticosteroids such as triamcinolone acetonide (TAA) are potent drugs administered intra‐articularly as an anti‐inflammatory therapy to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA). However, the ability of early TAA intervention to mitigate OA progression and modulate immune cell subsets remains unclear. Here, we sought to understand the effect of early intra‐articular injection of TAA on OA progression, local macrophages, and peripheral blood monocytes.

Experimental approach

Degenerative joint disease was induced by intra‐articular injection of collagenase into the knee joint of male C57BL/6 mice. After 1 week, TAA or saline was injected intra‐articularly. Blood was taken throughout the study to analyse monocyte subsets. Mice were killed at days 14 and 56 post‐induction of collagenase‐induced OA (CiOA) to examine synovial macrophages and structural OA features.

Key results

The percentage of macrophages relative to total live cells present within knee joints was increased in collagenase‐ compared with saline‐injected knees at day 14 and was not altered by TAA treatment. However, at day 56, post‐induction of CiOA, TAA‐treated knees had increased levels of macrophages compared with the knees of untreated CiOA‐mice. The distribution of monocyte subsets present in peripheral blood was not altered by TAA treatment during the development of CiOA. Osteophyte maturation was increased in TAA‐injected knees at day 56.

Conclusion and implications

Intra‐articular injection of TAA increases long‐term synovial macrophage numbers and osteophytosis. Our findings suggest that TAA accentuates the progression of osteoarthritis‐associated features when applied to an acutely inflamed knee.
Categorisation of serous effusions using the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology and assessment of risk of malignancy with diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Ahuja Sana , Malviya Avneesh
Published: December 2021

Context

The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (ISRSFC) standardises the reporting of serous effusion cytology under five categories: Non‐Diagnostic (ND), Negative for Malignancy (NFM), Atypia of Undetermined Significance (AUS), Suspicious for Malignancy (SFM), and Malignant (M). Very few studies have been conducted so far to confirm the risk of malignancy of the different categories.

Aims

The main objectives of our study were to classify serous effusions according to the ISRSFC categories and assess their risk of malignancy (ROM) and performance parameters.

Materials and Methods

All serous effusion samples received from January 2019 to December 2020 were reclassified according to the ISRSFC. Using histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard, ROM and performance parameters were calculated.

Results

A total of 831 pleural effusion samples were reclassified as follows: ND, 3 (0.4%); NFM, 635 (76.4%); AUS, 65 (7.8%); SFM, 60 (7.2%); and M, 68 (8.2%). For 457 peritoneal effusion samples, the reclassifications were ND, 5 (1.1%); NFM, 368 (80.5%); AUS, 19 (4.2%); SFM, 17 (3.7%); and M, 48 (10.5%). All 12 (100%) pericardial effusions belonged to the NFM category. The ROM for the ND, NFM, AUS, SRM, and M categories was 0%, 2.1%, 33.3%, 94.1%, 100%, respectively, in pleural effusions, and 50%, 4.8%, 22.2%, 83.3%, 100%, respectively, in peritoneal effusions. The ROM was 0% for NFM in pericardial effusions.

Conclusion

The ISRSFC is an excellent system for accurately classifying serous effusions with greater reproducibility of reports and better communication between pathologist and clinician.
Persistence of natural disasters on children's health: Evidence from the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923
Authors: Ogasawara Kota
Published: December 2021

This study examines a catastrophic earthquake in 1923 to analyse the long‐term effects of a natural disaster on children's health. The findings show that foetal exposure to Japan's Great Kantō Earthquake had stunting effects on girls in the devastated area. Disaster relief spending helped remediate stunting among boys by late primary school age, whereas it did not ameliorate girls’ stunting, which suggests a prenatal selection mechanism and compensating investment after birth. While maternal mental stress due to the fear of vibrations and anticipation of future aftershocks played a role in the adverse health effects, maternal nutritional stress via physical disruption also enhanced those effects.
Size‐dependent mortality of corals during marine heatwave erodes recovery capacity of a coral reef
Authors: Speare Kelly E. , Adam Thomas C. , Winslow Erin M. , Lenihan Hunter S. , Burkepile Deron E.
Published: December 2021

For many long‐lived taxa, such as trees and corals, older, and larger individuals often have the lowest mortality and highest fecundity. However, climate change‐driven disturbances such as droughts and heatwaves may fundamentally alter typical size‐dependent patterns of mortality and reproduction in these important foundation taxa. Working in Moorea, French Polynesia, we investigated how a marine heatwave in 2019, one of the most intense marine heatwaves at our sites over the past 30 years, drove patterns of coral bleaching and mortality. The marine heatwave drove island‐wide mass coral bleaching that killed up to 76% and 65% of the largest individuals of the two dominant coral genera, Pocillopora and Acropora, respectively. Colonies of Pocillopora and Acropora ≥30 cm diameter were ~3.5× and ~1.3×, respectively, more likely to die than colonies <30‐cm diameter. Typically, annual mortality in these corals is concentrated on the smallest size classes. Yet, this heatwave dramatically reshaped this pattern, with heat stress disproportionately killing larger coral colonies and equalizing annual mortality rates across the size spectrum. This shift in the size‐mortality relationship reduced the overall fecundity of these genera by >60% because big corals are disproportionately important for reproduction on reefs. Additionally, the survivorship of microscopic coral recruits, critical for the recovery of corals following disturbances, declined to 2%, over an order of magnitude lower compared to a year without elevated thermal stress, where 33% of coral recruits survived. While other research has shown that larger corals can bleach more frequently than smaller corals, we show the severe impact this phenomenon can have at the reef‐wide scale. As marine heatwaves become more frequent and intense, disproportionate mortality of the largest, most fecund corals and near‐complete loss of entire cohorts of newly‐settled coral recruits will likely reduce the recovery capacity of these iconic ecosystems.
Spatial Causality: A Systematic Review on Spatial Causal Inference
Authors: Akbari Kamal , Winter Stephan , Tomko Martin
Published: December 2021

The growing interest in causal inference in recent years has led to new causal inference methodologies and their applications across disciplines and research domains. Yet, studies on spatial causal inference are still rare. Causal inference on spatial processes is faced with additional challenges, such as spatial dependency, spatial heterogeneity, and spatial effects. These challenges can lead to spurious results and subsequently, incorrect interpretations of the outcomes of causal analyses. Recognizing the growing importance of causal inference in the spatial domain, we conduct a systematic literature review on spatial causal inference based on a formal concept mapping. To identify how to assess and control for the adverse effects of spatial influences, we assess publications relevant to spatial causal inference based on criteria relating to application discipline, methods used, and techniques applied for managing issues related to spatial processes. We thus present a snapshot of state of the art in spatial causal inference and identify methodological gaps, weaknesses and challenges of current spatial inference studies, along with opportunities for future research.
Histone variant H2A.Z plays multiple roles in the maintenance of heterochromatin integrity
Authors: Tsukii Kazuki , Takahata Shinya , Murakami Yota
Published: December 2021

H2A.Z, an evolutionally well‐conserved histone H2A variant, is involved in many biological processes. Although the function of H2A.Z in euchromatic gene regulation is well known, its function and deposition mechanism in heterochromatin are still unclear. Here, we report that H2A.Z plays multiple roles in fission yeast heterochromatin. While a small amount of H2A.Z localizes at pericentromeric heterochromatin, loss of methylation of histone H3 at Lys9 (H3K9me) induces the accumulation of H2A.Z, which is dependent on the H2A.Z loader, SWR complex. The accumulated H2A.Z suppresses heterochromatic non‐coding RNA transcription. This transcriptional repression activity requires the N‐terminal tail of H2A.Z, which is involved in the regulation of euchromatic gene transcription. RNAi‐defective cells, in which a substantial amount of H3K9me is retained by RNAi‐independent heterochromatin assembly, also accumulate H2A.Z at heterochromatin, and the additional loss of H2A.Z in these cells triggers a further decrease in H3K9me. Our results suggest that H2A.Z facilitates RNAi‐independent heterochromatin assembly by antagonizing the demethylation activity of Epe1, an eraser of H3K9me. Furthermore, H2A.Z suppresses Epe1‐mediated transcriptional activation, which is required for subtelomeric gene repression. Our results provide novel evidence that H2A.Z plays diverse roles in chromatin silencing.
Glucolipids and lipoteichoic acids affect the activity of SigI, an alternative sigma factor, and WalKR, an essential two‐component system, in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Matsuoka Satoshi , Shimizu Yoko , Nobe Kaori , Matsumoto Kouji , Asai Kei , Hara Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

In a Bacillus subtilis ugtP mutant lacking glucolipids, SigI was activated in the log phase, and the activation of SigI in the mutant was suppressed by the expression of native ugtP. By contrast, SigI was inhibited in a yfnI mutant lacking one of the lipoteichoic acid (LTA) synthase genes, and the inhibition was suppressed by the expression of yfnI. A series of mutation analyses of the sigI promoter revealed that the two WalR binding sites were involved in the increase of PsigI‐lacZ activity in the ugtP mutant and decrease of the lacZ activity in the yfnI mutant. Transcription from the SigI recognition sequence was enhanced in the ugtP mutant, whereas yfnI disruption inhibited the transcription from the SigA recognition sequence in the sigI promoter. We found that not only SigI but also WalKR, the essential two‐component system, was activated in the ugtP mutant and inhibited in the yfnI mutant. The walK mutants with activated WalR exhibited abnormal morphology, but this phenotype was suppressed by the addition of MgSO4. We conclude that glucolipids and LTA are key compounds in the maintenance of normal cell surface structure in B. subtilis.
The early start of hemoperfusion decreases the mortality rate among severe COVID‐19 patients: A preliminary study
Authors: Mikaeili Haleh , Taghizadieh Ali , Nazemiyeh Masoud , Rezaeifar Parisa , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Safiri Saeid , Ardalan Mohammadreza , Ansarin Khalil
Published: December 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19)‐related organ failure is partly related to a sepsis‐like syndrome and extreme pro‐inflammatory cytokine release, named cytokine storm. Therapeutic strategies that prevent the production of or remove the pro‐inflammatory cytokines could potentially be an effective therapy in critically afflicted COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

In this clinical trial study, from April until June 2020, 68 COVID‐19 patients (35 vs. 33 controls) with severe critical symptoms, and PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio less than 200 mmHg either received a single standard therapy or a combination of standard treatment for COVID‐19 combined with hemoperfusion (hemofilter, HA330 D Javfron) for 4 h, in 3 consecutive days. The length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilation, the resolution of radiologic abnormalities, and the mortality rate were defined as the primary outcomes.

Results

Demographic characteristics, the acute physiology, and chronic health evaluation score of both groups were similar (p > 0.05). Importantly, we noticed a significant mortality rate reduction in the perfused group compared with controls (37.1% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.02), this positive effect was stronger among those with a P/F ratio higher than 75 (mortality rate of 84.7% for P/F ratio < 75 vs. 15.4% for P/F ratio ≥ 75, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The results imply that early start of hemoperfusion could be more effective and significantly reduce the mortality rate among COVID‐19 patients with critical diseases.
Controllable Li3PS4–Li4SnS4 solid electrolytes with affordable conductor and high conductivity for solid‐state battery
Authors: Dong Pingping , Jiao Qing , Zhang Zengcheng , Jiang Miao , Lin Changgui , Zhang Xianghua , Ma Hongli , Ma Baochen , Dai Shixun , Xu Tiefeng
Published: December 2021

High ionic conductivity, low grain boundary impedance, and stable electrochemical property have become the focus for all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSB). One of the approaches is to promote the rapid diffusion of lithium ions by regulating the chemical bond interactions within the framework. The structure control of P5+ substitution for Sn4+ on lithium‐ion transport was explored for a series of Li3PS4–Li4SnS4 glass–ceramic electrolytes. Results showed that the grain boundary impedance of the glass electrolyte was reduced after heat treatments. The formation of LiSnPS microcrystals, a good superionic conductor, was detected by X‐ray diffraction tests. Electrochemical experiments obtained the highest conductivity of 29.5 S cm−1 at 100°C and stable electrochemical window from –0.1 to 5 V at 25°C. In addition, the cell battery was assembled with prepared electrolyte, which is promoted as a candidate solid electrolyte material with improved performance for ASSLSB.
Influence of “high” defibrillation thresholds on patient survival and impact of system modification
Authors: Siddiqi Najmul , Tchou Patrick , Niebauer Mark J. , Wilkoff Bruce L. , Varma Niraj
Published: December 2021

Objective

To test whether a high defibrillation threshold (DFT) marks patients with poor outcomes which are improved when DFT is decreased by system modification (subcutaneous coil implant; SM).

Background

The electrical substrate generating fast ventricular arrhythmias may generate poor outcomes among patients treated with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), even when arrhythmias are treated successfully. Since patients with high DFTs have increased mortality, we contrasted survival among patients with high DFT treated with and without SM.

Methods

We studied consecutive patients undergoing ICD implantation and DFT testing at Cleveland Clinic over a 14‐year period. High DFT was defined as successful defibrillation by shock strength >25 J or ≤10 J of maximal device output. Mortality was recorded using the Social Security Death Index. Survival was compared among those high DFT patients receiving SM versus the remainder.

Results

Out of 6353 patients tested, 191 (3%) had high DFT (32.1 ± 3.7 J) versus 13.9 ± 4.9 J in the remainder (“acceptable DFT,” p < .001). One hundred twenty‐one high DFT patients (63%; 33.3 ± 3.4 J) underwent SM, which significantly decreased DFT (24.8 ± 5.9 J; p < .001). Seventy patients (37%; 30.3 ± 3.3 J) did not undergo SM. During follow‐up, 38% (2363/6162; 7.8 yrs) patients with acceptable DFT died versus 48% high DFT patients (91/191; 5.6 yrs.; p < .001). Concomitantly, 48% patients with SM (58/121) died, as compared to 47% patients (33/70) without SM (p = .91); median follow‐up 4.9 yrs).

Conclusion

Patients with high DFT have a higher mortality than those with acceptable DFT. The additional subcutaneous coil implant decreases DFT to an acceptable range but does not appear to improve survival. The electrical substrate underlying high DFT appears to determine survival.