bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crustal Contamination and Hybridization of an Embryonic Oceanic Crust during the Red Sea Rifting (Tihama Asir Igneous Complex, Saudi Arabia)
Authors: Basch V , Sanfilippo A , Vigliotti L , Langone A , Rasul N , Khorsheed M , Al Nomani S , Al Qutub A , Ligi M
Published: February 2022

The Red Sea rift system represents a key case study of the transition from a continental to an oceanic rift. The Red Sea rifting initiated in Late Oligocene to Early Miocene (24–23 Ma) and was accompanied by extensive magmatism throughout the rifted basin, from Afar and Yemen to northern Egypt. Here, we present a petrological and geochemical study of two gabbro bodies and associated basalts from the Tihama Asir igneous complex, which formed at 24–20 Ma within the rifted Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS). The Tihama Asir is therefore an ideal location to study the initial phase of syn-rift magmatism and its influence on the geodynamic evolution of the Red Sea rift system. The most primitive olivine gabbros present modal, bulk and mineral compositions consistent with formation from Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB)-type parental melts, whereas the evolved olivine-free gabbros and oxide-bearing gabbros show saturation of phlogopite and a crystal line of descent diverging from fractional crystallization trends. In detail, whole-rock and mineral compositions in the most evolved lithologies show high Light over Middle Rare Earth Elements (LREE/MREE) ratios (LaN/SmN = 0.89–1.31) and selective enrichments in Sr, K and highly incompatible elements (Rb, Ba, U, Th). We relate these geochemical characteristics to a process of progressive assimilation of host continental crust during the emplacement of the gabbroic plutons. Interestingly, high LREE/MREE ratios (LaN/SmN = 1.45–4.58) and high Rb, Ba, Th and U contents also characterize the basaltic dike swarms associated to the gabbros. Incompatible trace element compositions of these basalts approach those of the melts that formed the most hybridized gabbros. Therefore, we propose that the dike swarms represent melts partially contaminated by assimilation of continental crust material, extracted from the underlying gabbroic crystal mush. Our results suggest that early syn-rift magmatism led to the partial replacement of the thinned continental crust by MORB-type gabbroic bodies, in turn suggesting that oceanic magmatism started prior to continental break-up. Extensive syn-rift magmatism is consistent with the interpretation of the southern Red Sea rift system as a volcanic rifted margin. One possible implication of this study is that extensive but diffuse syn-rift magmatism possibly hampered continental break-up, leading to a protracted rifting stage.
Brassinosteroids regulate rice seed germination through the BZR1-RAmy3D transcriptional module
Authors: Xiong Min , Yu Jiawen , Wang Jindong , Gao Qiang , Huang Lichun , Chen Chen , Zhang Changquan , Fan Xiaolei , Zhao Dongsheng , Liu Qiao-Quan , Li Qian-Feng
Published: February 2022

Seed dormancy and germination, two physiological processes unique to seed-bearing plants, are critical for plant growth and crop production. The phytohormone brassinosteroid (BR) regulates many aspects of plant growth and development, including seed germination. The molecular mechanisms underlying BR control of rice (Oryza sativa) seed germination are mostly unknown. We investigated the molecular regulatory cascade of BR in promoting rice seed germination and post-germination growth. Physiological assays indicated that blocking BR signaling, including introducing defects into the BR-insensitive 1 (BRI1) receptor or overexpressing the glycogen synthase kinase 2 (GSK2) kinase delayed seed germination and suppressed embryo growth. Our results also indicated that brassinazole-resistant 1 (BZR1) is the key downstream transcription factor that mediates BR regulation of seed germination by binding to the alpha-Amylase 3D (RAmy3D) promoter, which affects α-amylase expression and activity and the degradation of starch in the endosperm. The BZR1-RAmy3D module functions independently from the established Gibberellin MYB-alpha-amylase 1A (RAmy1A) module of the gibberellin (GA) pathway. We demonstrate that the BZR1-RAmy3D module also functions in embryo-related tissues. Moreover, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis identified more potential BZR1-responsive genes, including those involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. Our study successfully identified the role of the BZR1-RAmy3D transcriptional module in regulating rice seed germination.
Effects of transplantation-related immunosuppression on co-existent neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Shah H A , Faulkes R , Coldham C , Shetty S , Shah T
Published: February 2022

Background

Here we detail our experience of managing patients found to have a neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) whilst on immunosuppression for a transplanted organ.

Aim

We aimed to quantify the behaviour of NENs under solid-organ transplant-related immunosuppression.

Design

This was an observational, retrospective case series.

Methods

Ten patients were identified from a prospectively kept database. Three were excluded.

Results

Four patients received a liver, two a kidney, and one a heart transplant. All but one received calcineurin-based immunosuppression. NENs were found in five patients post-transplant: one had surgery for transverse colonic neuroendocrine carcinoma NEC (pT4N1M0, Ki67 60%), was cancer-free after four years; one had cold biopsy of duodenal NEN (pT1N0M0, Ki67 2%), cancer-free at four months; one 7 mm pancreatic NEN (pT1N0M0), untreated and stable for seven years; one small-bowel NEN with mesenteric metastasis (pTxNxM1), alive four years after diagnosis; and one untreated small-bowel NEN with mesenteric metastasis, stable at 1 year after liver transplantation. Two NENs were discovered pre-transplant, one pancreatic NEN (pT1N0M0, Ki67 5%), remains untreated and stable at three years. One gastric NEN (type 3, pT1bN0M0, Ki67 2%) remains stable without treatment for two years.

Conclusions

NENs demonstrate indolent behaviour in the presence of transplant-related immunosuppression.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) among undergraduate and graduate students in the medical field
Authors: Ikeyama Moeka , Imamura Kotaro , Kawakami Norito
Published: February 2022

Objective

Mental health literacy (MHL) is a fundamental basis of reducing stigma towards mental disorders and promoting early help-seeking. However, there is no internationally standardized scale covering all the attributes of MHL available in Japan. This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) developed by O’Connor et al. (2015).

Methods

The MHLS was translated in accordance with international guidelines. Japanese students in the medical field were invited to complete an online questionnaire twice at baseline and two-week follow-up. Using the data, Cronbach’s alphas, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and measurement errors were calculated for internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Correlations with mental health-related behavior (RIBS), accurate knowledge about mental disorders (MIDUS), intentions to seek help (GHSQ), and psychological distress (K6) were used to examine the convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were performed to test structural validity.

Results

A total of 183 and 150 students responded at baseline and follow-up. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.76 and the ICC was 0.77 for the total score. The MHLS had a strong positive correlation with RIBS and moderate positive correlations with MIDUS and GHSQ. The CFA did not show a good fit either for one-or six-factor models, and the EFA yielded a four-factor structure.

Conclusions

The Japanese version of the MHLS demonstrated adequate reliability and validity, while the factor structure did not fit previously proposed models. This scale may be useful for assessing the degree of MHL among medical field students in Japan.
Crystal structures of 3-halo-2-organochalcogenylbenzo[b]chalcogenophenes
Authors: Luz Eduardo Q. , Santana Francielli S. , Silverio Gabriel L. , Tullio Suelen C. M. C. , Iodice Bianca , Prola Liziê D. T. , Barbosa Ronilson V. , Rampon Daniel S.
Published: February 2022

The structure of the title compounds 3-bromo-2-(phenylsulfanyl)benzo[b]thiophene (C14H9BrS2; 1), 3-iodo-2-(phenylsulfanyl)benzo[b]thiophene (C14H9IS2; 2), 3-bromo-2-(phenylselanyl)benzo[b]selenophene (C14H9BrSe2; 3), and 3-iodo-2-(phenylselanyl)benzo[b]selenophene (C14H9ISe2; 4) were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction; all structures presented monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry. The phenyl group is distant from the halogen atom to minimize the steric hindrance repulsion for all structures. Moreover, the structures of 3 and 4 show an almost linear alignment of halogen–selenium–carbon atoms arising from the intramolecular orbital interaction between a lone pair of electrons on the halogen atom and the antibonding σ*Se–C orbital (n
halogen→σ*Se–C). This interaction leads to significant differences in the three-dimensional packing of the molecules, which are assembled through π–π and C—H...π interactions. These data provide a better comprehension of the intermolecular packing in benzo[b]chalcogenophenes, which is relevant for optoelectronic applications.
2-Hydroxybenzenaminium acetate
Authors: Moussa Slimane Nabila , Benarous Nesrine , Bougueria Hassiba , Cherouana Aouatef
Published: February 2022

In the title molecular salt, C6H8NO+·C2H3O2
−, the cations and anions are linked by O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network.
A transnational comparative study of preservice teachers’ critical thinking skills and metaliteracy self-efficacy
Authors: Michelot Florent , Béland Sébastien , Poellhuber Bruno
Published: February 2022

Purpose

While training students to new literacy and critical thinking has been recognized for several decades, it seems even more crucial today as education is presented as a lever to fight against fake news. Preservice teachers, both so-called digital natives at the cutting edge of the social web and tomorrow’s educators, represent a useful object of study. The purpose of this paper is to describe preservice teachers’ critical thinking skills scores notably regarding environmental factors (training type, country of study and employment) and personal determinants (metaliteracy self-efficacy and belief in the likelihood to become a teacher) in three French-speaking nations (Wallonia, France and Quebec).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative methodology, this article is part of sequential mixed design research aiming to describe the level of preservice teachers’ (n = 245) critical thinking in three French-speaking nations: Wallonia, France and Quebec. This study aimed to see to what extent critical thinking skills (measured with a translated version of the Halpern Critical Thinking Assessment; Halpern, 2016) can notably be influenced by metaliteracy self-efficacy (MASE). Metaliteracy is a concept that aims to join information, digital and media literacy providing a comprehensive framework “for engaging with individuals and ideas in digital environments” (Mackey and Jacobson, 2011, p. 70).

Findings

This study establishes the influence of individual determinants such as the feelings of self-efficacy in metaliteracy as well as the belief in the likelihood of becoming a teacher. This study proposes a model predicting the critical thinking skills based on self-efficacy in critical thinking and metaliteracy, the type of training and the interaction between employment and the country of study.

Originality/value

Considering contemporary information issues and infodemic phenomena, critical thinking skills should be developed among preservice teachers. There is a significant positive correlation between MASE and critical thinking skills. Pre-service teachers’ country of study, as well as their training trajectory, seems to influence their critical thinking skills. Involvement in professional life also appears to promote critical thinking skills.
A qualitative analysis and a conceptual model for organizational stupidity
Authors: Karimi-Ghartemani Samaneh , Khani Naser , Nasr Isfahani Ali
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In this study, the concept of organizational stupidity (OS) and different aspects of the OS is analyzed, and a conceptual model for the OS is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the OS study were collected by interviewing the employees of the Iran Revenue Agency (IRA), Isfahan Province Branch. The snowball method was used for sampling and data collection. The data collected from interviews are analyzed using MAXQDA (a software for qualitative data analysis).

Findings

After analyzing the data, a conceptual model for the OS is proposed using the grounded theory (GT). The proposed model contains all factors influencing the OS and the relationship among them. The accuracy of the proposed OS model is confirmed using structural validity, external validity, descriptive validity and interpretive validity. The reliability of the proposed OS model is approved using the Holstie, Miles and Huberman reliability equation. The proposed model shows the casual conditions, interfering factors, contextual factors and main phenomena leading to OS and predicts the strategies and consequences of the OS.

Originality/value

This model can be used to plan strategies for managing and reducing OS in organizations.
The impact of integrating mental health services within a prison setting
Authors: Kothari Radha , White Danielle , Craster Laura , Vicianova Eva , Dennard Sophie , Bailey Fiona , Kemp John , Tracy Derek K. , Sarkissian Natasha
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In 1999, the national health service (NHS) was made responsible for the commissioning of prison health care. Mental health inreach teams (MHIT) were set up to mirror community mental health teams and provide secondary care to prisoners diagnosed with severe and enduring mental illnesses (SEMI). Since then, the provision of mental health care to prisoners without a diagnosis of a SEMI has been variable. A rapid review of NHS health care in prisons conducted by Public Health England (PHE) (2016) highlighted the need for provision to be more integrated and meet the needs of prisoners without a diagnosis of a SEMI. In response, an integrated mental health and substance misuse service was implemented within her majesty’s prison/young offenders institution Pentonville. This study aims to evaluate its impact and share lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

Routinely collected and anonymised data were reviewed for prisoners referred between 1 May 2018 and 31 December 2019. Data are presented on the quantity of referrals over time, and the type of support offered. Chi-square goodness of fit tests was conducted to determine whether the prisoners referred to the service were representative of the wider prison population in terms of age and ethnicity.

Findings

Referrals showed a general pattern of increase over time and were representative of the wider prison population in terms of age and ethnicity, indicating equitable access. Lessons learned are discussed. Demand for therapeutic and substance misuse services was higher than that for SEMIs. Notable was the high quantity of referrals which provides further evidence for the disparity between high need and limited provision within prison settings, particularly for therapeutic interventions.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first service evaluation of a recently implemented integrated and holistic model of prison mental health care in line with recommendations from PHE (2016).
The SAMR model as a framework for scaffolding online chat: a theoretical discussion of the SAMR model as a research method during these “interesting” times
Authors: Arantes Janine
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of the substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition (SAMR) model as a research method via a project that aimed to investigate pre-service teachers' negotiation of data-rich environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The project that underpins this paper saw the author working with a group of seven pre-service teachers through an online learning community on WhatsApp to explore their understanding of increasingly complex computational topics associated with the “Implications and Impacts” component of the digital technologies curriculum.

Findings

The knowledge and experiences of the pre-service teachers suggest considerable unexplored potential through the alignment of the SAMR model in online learning communities.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to a range of opportunities associated with prompting discussion about increasingly complex topics in online learning communities. The adoption of the SAMR model offers a framework in education and the social sciences. It stresses the affordances enabled due to the personalized, ubiquitous and situated nature of the method. Unique contributions include the interpretive and critical approaches discussed in terms of research methods. The paper may be of value to researchers who are interested in a scaffolded means to engage with participants through an online learning community.
Deconstructing the microbial necromass continuum to inform soil carbon sequestration
Authors: Buckeridge Kate M. , Creamer Courtney , Whitaker Jeanette
Published: February 2022

Microbial necromass is a large, dynamic and persistent component of soil organic carbon, the dominant terrestrial carbon pool. Quantification of necromass carbon stocks and its susceptibility to global change is becoming standard practice in soil carbon research. However, the typical proxies used for necromass carbon do not reveal the dynamic nature of necromass carbon flows and transformations within soil that ultimately determine necromass persistence. In this review, we define and deconstruct four stages of the necromass continuum: production, recycling, stabilization and destabilization.

Current understanding of necromass dynamics is described for each continuum stage. We highlight recent advances, methodological limitations and knowledge gaps which need to be addressed to determine necromass pool sizes and transformations. We discuss the dominant controls on necromass process rates and aspects of soil microscale structure including biofilms and food web interactions. The relative importance of each stage of the continuum is then compared in contrasting ecosystems and for climate change drivers.

From the perspective of the continuum, we draw three conclusions to inform future research. First, controls on necromass persistence are more clearly defined when viewed through the lens of the continuum; second, destabilization is the least understood stage of the continuum with recycling also poorly evidenced outside of a few ecosystems; and third, the response of necromass process rates to climate change is unresolved for most continuum stages and ecosystems.

Future mechanistic research focused on the role of biotic and abiotic soil microscale structure in determining necromass process rates and the relative importance of organo–mineral and organo–organo interactions can inform necromass persistence in different climate change scenarios. Our review demonstrates that deconstructing the necromass continuum is key to predicting the vulnerability and persistence of necromass carbon in a changing world.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Context‐dependent variation in persistence of host populations in the face of disease
Authors: Hardy Bennett M. , Muths Erin , Koons David N.
Published: February 2022

Research Highlight: Valenzuela‐Sánchez, A., Azat, C., Cunningham, A. A., Delgado, S., Bacigalupe, L. D., Beltrand, J., Serrano, J. M., Sentenac, H., Haddow, N., Toledo, V., Schmidt, B. R., & Cayuela, H. (2022). Interpopulation differences in male reproductive effort drive the population dynamics of a host exposed to an emerging fungal pathogen. Journal of Animal Ecology, 00, 1– 12. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13603. Understanding the nuances of population persistence in the face of a stressor can help predict extinction risk and guide conservation actions. However, the exact mechanisms driving population stability may not always be known. In this paper, Valenzuela‐Sánchez et al. (2022) integrate long‐term mark–recapture data, focal measurements of reproductive effort, a population matrix model and inferences on life‐history variation to reveal differences in demographic response to disease in a susceptible frog species (Rhinoderma darwinii). Valenzuela‐Sánchez et al. found that demographic compensation via recruitment explained the positive population growth rate in their high disease prevalence population whereas the low disease prevalence population did not compensate and thus had decreasing population growth. Compensatory recruitment was likely due to the high probability of males brooding, and the high number of brooded larvae in the high prevalence population compared to low prevalence and disease‐free populations. Valenzuela‐Sánchez et al. also document faster generation times in the high prevalence population, which may indicate a faster life history that may be contributing to the population's ability to compensate for reduced survival. Lastly, the authors find a positive relationship between disease prevalence and the proportion of juveniles in a given population that suggest that there may be a threshold for disease prevalence that triggers increased reproductive effort. Altogether, their study provides novel support for increased reproductive effort as the pathway for compensatory recruitment leading to increasing population growth despite strong negative effects of disease on adult survival. Their results also caution the overgeneralization of the effects of stressors (e.g. disease) on population dynamics, where context‐dependent responses may differ among host populations of a given species.
The Production of Value Opinions by Specialized Valuers: Practical Sense and the Enactment of Judgment*
Authors: Plante Maude , Maire Sarah , Pucci Richard
Published: February 2022

This article explores how valuers construct value opinions. Although some implications of outsourcing valuation to valuers for accounting purposes have been highlighted in the literature, we add a valuer perspective complementing the accountant's standpoint in order to obtain a fuller picture of these ramifications. Drawing on 62 interviews, we study the role of judgment in valuation and find that judgment is largely tied with the sensemaking of valuers. By examining the valuation activities of art and real estate valuers, we show that these specialized valuers follow a similar valuation process which allows them to grasp how to go on with valuation. This four‐phase process starts and ends by situating the opinion in its specific valuation context and is centered on iterations between researching, analyzing, and relativizing comparable data that may be adjusted to connect with a sense of what the value should be. Overall, judgment is shown to be enacted based on a practical sense of conducting valuation that includes a “gut feeling” of what represents a plausible value. This study suggests that the valuer's input should be recognized as situated, sense‐contingent, and vulnerable to the underlying politics and risks tied to providing an opinion. Our results also point to stark differences between how valuers approach the use of judgment compared to how judgment is typically exercised by accounting specialists.
Do Foreign Investors Monitor Managers in Merger and Acquisition? Evidence from China*
Authors: Zhao Xiaofang , Yang Hao , Xu Chao , Li Shiqing
Published: February 2022

Using foreign investors’ shareholding to proxy for foreign investors’ monitoring effect in the Chinese stock market, we find that those acquirers exhibit higher announcement returns with higher shareholding, and this effect is stronger when acquirers are private firms. We provide price efficiency and corporate governance channels through which foreign investors play a monitoring role in mergers and acquisitions. Finally, foreign investors decrease the likelihood that managers will conduct mergers in the future and significantly improve long‐run performance. Our study provides new insights into the real effects of foreign investors on acquisition performance and the economy.
Allergies and COVID‐19 vaccines: An ENDA/EAACI Position paper
Authors: Barbaud Annick , Garvey Lene Heise , Arcolaci Alessandra , Brockow Knut , Mori Francesca , Mayorga Cristobalina , Bonadonna Patrizia , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Moral Luis , Zanoni Giovanna , Pagani Mauro , Soria Angèle , Jošt Maja , Caubet Jean‐Christoph , Carmo Abreu , Mona Al‐Ahmad , Alvarez‐Perea Alberto , Bavbek Sevim , Benedetta Biagioni , Bilo M.Beatrice , Blanca‐López Natalia , Bogas Herrera Gádor , Buonomo Alessandro , Calogiuri Gianfranco , Carli Giulia , Cernadas Josefina , Cortellini Gabriele , Celik Gülfem , Demir Semra , Doña Inmaculada , Dursun Adile Berna , Eberlein Bernadette , Faria Emilia , Fernandes Bryan , Garcez Tomaz , Garcia‐Nunez Ignacio , Gawlik Radoslaw , Gelincik Asli , Gomes Eva , Gooi Jimmy H. C. , Grosber Martine , Gülen Theo , Hacard Florence , Hoarau Cyrille , Janson Christer , Johnston Sebastian L. , Joerg Lukas , Kepil Özdemir Seçil , Klimek Ludger , Košnik Mitja , Kowalski Marek L. , Kuyucu Semanur , Kvedariene Violeta , Laguna Jose Julio , Lombardo Carla , Marinho Susana , Merk Hans , Meucci Elisa , Morisset Martine , Munoz‐Cano Rosa , Murzilli Francesco , Nakonechna Alla , Popescu Florin‐Dan , Porebski Grzegorz , Radice Anna , Regateiro Frederico S. , Röckmann Heike , Romano Antonino , Sargur Ravishankar , Sastre Joaquin , Scherer Hofmeier Kathrin , Sedláčková Lenka , Sobotkova Marta , Terreehorst Ingrid , Treudler Regina , Walusiak‐Skorupa Jolanta , Wedi Bettina , Wöhrl Stefan , Zidarn Mihael , Zuberbier Torsten , Agache Ioana , Torres Maria J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Anaphylaxis, which is rare, has been reported after COVID‐19 vaccination, but its management is not standardized.

Method

Members of the European Network for Drug Allergy and the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology interested in drug allergy participated in an online questionnaire on pre‐vaccination screening and management of allergic reactions to COVID‐19 vaccines, and literature was analysed.

Results

No death due to anaphylaxis to COVID‐19 vaccines has been confirmed in scientific literature. Potential allergens, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polysorbate and tromethamine are excipients. The authors propose allergy evaluation of persons with the following histories: 1—anaphylaxis to injectable drug or vaccine containing PEG or derivatives; 2—anaphylaxis to oral/topical PEG containing products; 3—recurrent anaphylaxis of unknown cause; 4—suspected or confirmed allergy to any mRNA vaccine; and 5—confirmed allergy to PEG or derivatives. We recommend a prick‐to‐prick skin test with the left‐over solution in the suspected vaccine vial to avoid waste. Prick test panel should include PEG 4000 or 3500, PEG 2000 and polysorbate 80. The value of in vitro test is arguable.

Conclusions

These recommendations will lead to a better knowledge of the management and mechanisms involved in anaphylaxis to COVID‐19 vaccines and enable more people with history of allergy to be vaccinated.
Alpine altitude climate treatment for severe and uncontrolled asthma: An EAACI position paper
Authors: Fieten Karin B. , Drijver‐Messelink Marieke T. , Cogo Annalisa , Charpin Denis , Sokolowska Milena , Agache Ioana , Taborda‐Barata Luís Manuel , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Braunstahl Gerrit J. , Seys Sven F. , van den Berge Maarten , Bloch Konrad E. , Ulrich Silvia , Cardoso‐Vigueros Carlos , Kappen Jasper H. , Brinke Anneke ten , Koch Markus , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , da Mata Pedro , Prins David J. , Pasmans Suzanne G. M. A. , Bendien Sarah , Rukhadze Maia , Shamji Mohamed H. , Couto Mariana , Oude Elberink Hanneke , Peroni Diego G. , Piacentini Giorgio , Weersink Els J. M. , Bonini Matteo , Rijssenbeek‐Nouwens Lucia H. M. , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: February 2022

Currently available European Alpine Altitude Climate Treatment (AACT) programs combine the physical characteristics of altitude with the avoidance of environmental triggers in the alpine climate and a personalized multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation approach. The reduced barometric pressure, oxygen pressure, and air density, the relatively low temperature and humidity, and the increased UV radiation at moderate altitude induce several physiological and immunological adaptation responses. The environmental characteristics of the alpine climate include reduced aeroallergens such as house dust mites (HDM), pollen, fungi, and less air pollution. These combined factors seem to have immunomodulatory effects controlling pathogenic inflammatory responses and favoring less neuro‐immune stress in patients with different asthma phenotypes. The extensive multidisciplinary treatment program may further contribute to the observed clinical improvement by AACT in asthma control and quality of life, fewer exacerbations and hospitalizations, reduced need for oral corticosteroids (OCS), improved lung function, decreased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), improved exercise tolerance, and improved sinonasal outcomes. Based on observational studies and expert opinion, AACT represents a valuable therapy for those patients irrespective of their asthma phenotype, who cannot achieve optimal control of their complex condition despite all the advances in medical science and treatment according to guidelines, and therefore run the risk of falling into a downward spiral of loss of physical and mental health. In the light of the observed rapid decrease in inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, AACT can be considered as a natural treatment that targets biological pathways.
Suitable indicator of heat stress for genetic evaluation of heat tolerance in Holstein cows in Japan
Authors: Ishida Satoka , Osawa Takefumi , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Yamazaki Takeshi , Hagiya Koichi
Published: February 2022

Only a few, principal, weather stations in Japanese prefectures have the daily humidity records required to calculate the temperature–humidity index (THI) as a dairy cow heat‐stress indicator. We compared three heat‐stress indices: (1) THI calculated from daily average temperature and daily relative humidity at a principal weather station (PTHI); (2) daily average temperature at each herd's closest local weather station (TEMP); and (3) THI calculated from daily average temperature at each herd's closest local weather station and daily relative humidity at the principal weather station (HTHI). We used daily records from 532 provincial weather stations and test‐day records of milk production from Days 6 to 305 post‐first‐calving in Holsteins to compare the indices as indicators of heat‐stress effects on milk yield and somatic cell score (SCS). The models used the BLUPF90 package to analyze the effects of herd–year, calving age, days in milk, and PTHI, TEMP, or HTHI. We estimated each model's mean square error (MSE) and compared suitabilities among indices for each trait. TEMP heat‐stress thresholds were ~18°C (milk yield) and 15–20°C (SCS). The MSE of the HTHI model was the smallest, but no significant differences were found among the indices for milk yield.
A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of community pharmacist‐led interventions to optimise the use of antibiotics
Authors: Lambert Maarten , Smit Chloé C. H. , De Vos Stijn , Benko Ria , Llor Carl , Paget W. John , Briant Kathryn , Pont Lisa , Van Dijk Liset , Taxis Katja
Published: February 2022

Aims

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effects of community pharmacist‐led interventions to optimise the use of antibiotics and identify which interventions are most effective.

Methods

This review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42020188552). PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for (randomised) controlled trials. Included interventions were required to target antibiotic use, be set in the community pharmacy context, and be pharmacist‐led. Primary outcomes were quality of antibiotic supply and adverse effects while secondary outcomes included patient‐reported outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the ‘Cochrane suggested risk of bias criteria’ and narrative synthesis of primary outcomes conducted.

Results

Seventeen studies were included covering in total 3822 patients (mean age 45.6 years, 61.9% female). Most studies used educational interventions. Three studies reported on primary outcomes, 12 on secondary outcomes and two on both. Three studies reported improvements in quality of dispensing, interventions led to more intensive symptom assessment (up to 30% more advice given) and a reduction of over‐the‐counter supply up to 53%. Three studies led to higher consumer satisfaction, effects on adherence from nine studies were mixed (risk difference 0.04 [−0.02, 0.10]). All studies had unclear or high risks of bias across at least one domain, with large heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusions

Our review suggests some positive results from pharmacist‐led interventions, but the interventions do not seem sufficiently effective as currently implemented. This review should be interpreted as exploratory research, as more high‐quality research is needed.
Population pharmacokinetics of tanezumab following intravenous or subcutaneous administration to patients with osteoarthritis or chronic low back pain
Authors: Shoji Satoshi , Suzuki Akiyuki , Gaitonde Puneet , Cai Chun‐Hua , Marshall Scott
Published: February 2022

Aims

Describe population pharmacokinetics of intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) tanezumab across Phase 2b/3 studies of osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain.

Methods

Data from 10 studies of IV or SC tanezumab (2.5–20 mg every 8 wk for up to 56 wk) were included in a multistep analysis. In Step 1, a 2‐compartment model with linear and nonlinear elimination (based on prior analysis of pre‐2015 IV osteoarthritis studies) was expanded to include other pre‐2015 studies. In Step 2, post‐2015 SC studies were combined into the model. Steps 3 and 4 evaluated impact of baseline nerve growth factor (NGF) and treatment‐emergent anti‐drug antibodies (TE ADA).

Results

SC bioavailability was estimated at 62–76%. The key disposition parameters CL, Vc, Vp and KM were estimated to be 0.133 L d−1, 2.6 L, 1.77 L and 31.2 μg L−1, respectively. Plasma tanezumab concentration was predicted to reach Cmax at 8.9–11.2 days following single and multiple SC administration in typical patients within the dose range of SC Phase 3 studies (2.5–10 mg every 8 wk). Exposure of a typical patient was similar between IV and SC for the second part of the dosing interval (wk 4–8). Covariates selected on the absorption parameters were weight, age, sex and injection site. Baseline NGF had minimal effect on maximum elimination capacity and TE ADA status was associated with slightly higher tanezumab clearance (6–7%).

Conclusion

Our model adequately described plasma tanezumab concentration vs. time following IV or SC administration. Weight was the most influential covariate with respect to absorption of tanezumab in comparison to patient population (osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain) or other demographics. There was no clinically relevant effect of baseline NGF or TE ADA on tanezumab PK.
Athena: Speciality Certificate Examination case for general dermatology and dermatology in primary healthcare
Authors: Santhosh Parvathy , George Mamatha
Published: February 2022

A 25-year-old man presented with a 3-year history of pruritic, hyperpigmented, scaly, fissured plaques over the dorsa of the feet, which had not responded to topical steroids.
Understanding the inter‐relationships of type 2 diabetes and hypertension with brain and cognitive health: A UK Biobank study
Authors: Newby Danielle , Garfield Victoria
Published: February 2022

Aim

To understand the impact of diabetes and co‐morbid hypertension on cognitive and brain health.

Materials and Methods

We used data from the UK Biobank cohort consisting of ~500 000 individuals aged 40 to 69 years. Our outcomes included brain structural magnetic resonance imaging variables and cognitive function tests in a maximum of 38 918 individuals. We firstly tested associations with all outcomes between those with diabetes (n = 2043) and without (n = 36 875) and, secondly, compared those with co‐morbid diabetes/hypertension (n = 1283) with those with only diabetes (n = 760), hypertension (n = 9649) and neither disease (n = 27 226). Our analytical approach comprised linear regression models, with adjustment for a range of demographic and health factors. Standardized betas are reported.

Results

Those with diabetes had worse brain and cognitive health for the majority of neuroimaging and cognitive measures, with the exception of g fractional anisotropy (white matter integrity), amygdala, pairs matching and tower rearranging. Compared with individuals with co‐morbid diabetes and hypertension, those with only hypertension had better brain health overall, with the largest difference observed in the pallidum (β = .189, 95% CI = 0.241; 0.137), while those with only diabetes differed in total grey volume (β = .150, 95% CI = 0.122; 0.179). Individuals with only diabetes had better verbal and numeric reasoning (β = .129, 95% CI = 0.077; 0.261), whereas those with only hypertension performed better on the symbol‐digit substitution task (β = .117, 95% CI = 0.048; 0.186).

Conclusions

Individuals with co‐morbid diabetes and hypertension have worse brain and cognitive health compared with those with only one of these diseases. These findings potentially suggest that prevention of both diabetes and hypertension may delay changes in brain structure, as well as cognitive decline and dementia diagnosis.
Clinical and genetic features of a large homogeneous cohort of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy patients from the Canary Islands
Authors: Alonso‐Pérez Jorge , de León Hernández Juan Carlos , Pérez‐Pérez Helena , Mendoza‐Grimón María Dolores , Gutierrez‐Martinez Antonio José , Hadjigeorgiou Ioanna , Montón‐Álvarez Fernando , González‐Quereda Lidia , Alonso‐Jimenez Alicia , Suárez‐Calvet Xavier , Díaz‐Manera Jordi
Published: February 2022

Background

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is an autosomal dominant, late‐onset myopathy characterized by ptosis, dysphagia, and progressive proximal limb muscle weakness. The disease is produced by a short expansion of the (GCN)n triplet in the PABPN1 gene. The size of expansion has been correlated to the disease onset and severity. We report the clinical features of a large cohort of OPMD patients harboring the (GCN)15 allele from the Canary Islands.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed analyzing the clinical, demographic, and genetic data of 123 OPMD patients. Clinical data from this cohort were compared with clinical data collected in a large European study including 139 OPMD patients.

Results

A total of 113 patients (94.2%) carried the (GCN)15 expanded PABN1 allele. Age of symptoms’ onset was 45.1 years. The most frequent symptom at onset was ptosis (85.2%) followed by dysphagia (12%). The severity of the disease was milder in the Canary cohort compared to European patients as limb weakness (35.1% vs. 50.4%), the proportion of patients that require assistance for walking or use a wheelchair (9.3% vs. 27.4%), and needed of surgery because of severe dysphagia (4.6% vs. 22.8%) was higher in the European cohort.

Conclusions

Nearly 95% of patients with OPMD from the Canary Islands harbored the (GCN)15 expanded allele supporting a potential founder effect. Disease progression seemed to be milder in the (GCN)15 OPMD Canary cohort than in other cohorts with shorter expansions suggesting that other factors, apart from the expansion size, could be involved in the progression of the disease.
Digital transformation and the public sector auditing: The SAI's perspective
Authors: Otia Javis Ebua , Bracci Enrico
Published: February 2022

The ongoing transformation of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) external environment is changing the demands and expectations of its stakeholders. The changing environment triggered by technological advancements, increased demand for accountability, and transparency means a change in the way auditing is done. The literature provides evidence of an ongoing technological innovation within the private sector audit. Private sector auditing research has focused mainly on technology adoption and use failing to address the umbrella concept of digital transformation (DT), some even consider processes of DT such as technology adoption and use to be DT. The public sector auditing literature is still yet to commence DT‐related research. This study seeks to fill in this gap and after presenting what DT entails, we applied an exploratory approach through semistructured interview responses, together with other documents from SAIs, to understand how SAIs currently perceive DT and what are their current reactions or actions to transform. The paper analyzes and discusses how SAIs perceive and define the DT phenomenon. The results show that most SAIs still do not master the concept of DT, as they often refer to technology adoption or automation of auditing processes to be DT, notwithstanding a great majority acknowledges the need for DT but lacks the right strategy and resources in place. We saw a few proactive SAIs who are futuristic on the contrary a majority are reacting to change when the need arises, especially during the audit process. The paper provides one of the first empirical investigations into the current DT of public audits. It also proposes a general framework suitable for analyzing the factors involved in the DT in SAIs.
Mapping small‐scale fisheries through a coordinated participatory strategy
Authors: Grati Fabio , Azzurro Ernesto , Scanu Martina , Tassetti Anna Nora , Bolognini Luca , Guicciardi Stefano , Vitale Sergio , Scannella Danilo , Carbonara Pierluigi , Dragičević Branko , Ikica Zdravko , Palluqi Arian , Marčeta Bojan , Ghmati Hisham , Turki Akram , Cherif Mourad , Bdioui Marouene , Jarboui Othman , Benhadjhamida Nader , Mifsud Jurgen , Milone Nicoletta , Ceriola Luca , Arneri Enrico
Published: February 2022

The knowledge of small‐scale fisheries (SSFs) is important to develop management policies and mitigate the competition for marine resources. However, spatially explicit information is often unavailable at the regional and subregional scale. We designed and tested a novel participatory approach to map the SSF fishing effort using the Mediterranean sea as a case study. We applied the approach in eight countries (Albania, Croatia, Italy, Libya, Malta, Montenegro, Slovenia and Tunisia) characterized by different cultural, social, political and ecological features. The results provided quantitative and spatially explicit information on fishing operations on a fine‐scale resolution, contributing to overcome the pragmatic and budgetary constraints that to date have prevented an accurate assessment of SSFs worldwide. This novel participatory approach is inspired by the principles of governance, adaptive management, cross‐national cooperation and spatial planning, thus supporting the ecosystem approach to fisheries and has the potential to provide a useful complement to traditional assessments.
On fracture and damage evolution modelling of fissure‐hole containing granite induced by multistage constant‐amplitude variable‐frequency cyclic loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Cao Zhaohui , Song Zhengyang , Zhu Chun , Han Jianqiang
Published: February 2022

This work aims to reveal the fracture the damage evolution characteristics of fissure‐holes containing rock under multistage constant‐amplitude variable‐frequency cyclic loads. Testing results show that the peak strength and fatigue lifetime both increase as the fissure angle increases from 10° to 70°. However, the volumetric deformation, AE activities, and crack network scale get to a maximum for a sample having a 50° fissure angle. More small‐sized cracks were formed for rock having a high fissure angle, and the proportion of low‐frequency signal is relatively high. A damage evolution model was proposed based on AE rate, and an inverted “S”‐shaped curve reflects the damage propagation of the experimental data. Additionally, the highlighted internal crack network reveals the crack coalescence and hole spalling behaviors; three types of rock bridge coalescence modes of single tensile coalescence, double‐tensile coalescence, and double shear coalescence were identified.
Impact of operational fragility on stock returns: Lessons from COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Bansal Avijit , Gopalakrishnan Balagopal , Jacob Joshy , Srivastava Pranjal
Published: February 2022

We examine how the market valuation of firms varies on account of their operational fragility that makes them vulnerable to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using the data on plant location that uniquely identifies the vulnerability of firms to operational disruptions, we find that firms with plants located in zones susceptible to higher infections earn significantly lower returns. For firms with high operational fragility, the marginal value of financial flexibility and operating flexibility is higher. The adverse impact of the operational fragility is lower for firms affiliated with the larger business groups. The paper identifies unique channels associated with the pandemic that impact firm value.
Computer vision syndrome in healthcare workers using video display terminals: an exploration of the risk factors
Authors: Artime‐Ríos Eva , Suárez‐Sánchez Ana , Sánchez‐Lasheras Fernando , Seguí‐Crespo Mar
Published: February 2022

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) in healthcare workers and its relationship to video display terminal (VDT) exposure, sociodemographic, optical correction and work characteristics, and to analyse whether there are differences among occupational groups.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A sample of 1179 physicians and surgeons, nurses, and nursing assistants from two hospitals in Spain between January 2017 and February 2018 were invited to participate in this study. Of these, 622 workers from both hospitals were finally included. CVS was measured using a questionnaire, the CVS‐Q©. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with CVS. All the results were stratified by occupational group.

Results

The prevalence of CVS was 56.75% with nurses being the most affected occupational group (61.75%). It was associated significantly with female sex (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.36–4.88) and morning shifts plus on‐call (aOR = 2.33; 95% CI 1.11–4.88) in the physicians and surgeons group. Among the nurses, it was associated with female sex (aOR = 2.35; 95% CI 1.03–5.37), seniority between 10 and 20 years (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI 1.03–4.59), VDT exposure at work of 2–4 h/day (aOR = 6.14; 95% CI 1.08–35.02), VDT exposure at work >4 h/day (aOR = 7.14; 95% CI 1.29–39.62) and self‐perception that using the software application was not easy (aOR = 2.49; 95% CI 1.23–5.01).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of CVS among healthcare workers was observed. The risk factors that increased the likelihood of suffering from this syndrome depended on the occupation.

Impact

The findings may be used as a reference for occupational health services to implement specific preventive measures to reduce CVS for each occupational group. Such measures should consider both individual factors and the working conditions.