bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germline Selection by Meiosis Defends the Transmission of defective Mitochondria with mtDNA variants
Authors: Sha Hongying , Yang Yimin , Shi Sanbao , Ji Dongmei , Pan Jianxin
Published: November 2020

Germline selection of mtDNA is vital in maternal inheritance of mtDNA, as it can eliminate severe mtDNA mutations. However, current evidence concerning germline selection at meiosis level comes from incomplete mtDNA sequencing in human first polar body (PB1), which lacks persuasion. Here, we found various variants, including pathogenic mutation sites, present on whole genome of mtDNA in human PB1 compared with its oocyte. And that PB1 mitochondria with mtDNA variants were defective. Afterwards, to further explore how mitochondria enter PB, the defective mitochondria transfer in mouse germline, including cumulus-oocyte-complexes at germinal vesicle and matured oocytes stage. It confirmed that in the first and second meiosis, active purification selected defective mitochondria into PB1 and PB2. Thus, twice meiosis is the last defense system for purifying selection of mtDNA mutations during oogenesis, which also demonstrated that PB1 and PB2 would be final destination of deleterious mtDNA mutations in germline selection.
Sucrose promotes D53 accumulation and tillering in rice
Authors: Patil Suyash B. , Barbier Francois F. , Zhao Jinfeng , Zafar Syed Adeel , Uzair Muhammad , Sun Yinglu , Fang Jingjing , Perez-Garcia Maria-Dolores , Bertheloot Jessica , Sakr Soulaiman , Fichtner Franziska , Chabikwa Tinashe G. , Yuan Shoujiang , Beveridge Christine A. , Li Xueyong
Published: November 2020

- Shoot branching, a major component of shoot architecture, is regulated by multiple signals. Previous studies have indicated that sucrose may promote branching through suppressing the inhibitory effect of the hormone strigolactone (SL). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are unknown.

- Here we used molecular and genetic tools to identify the molecular targets underlying the antagonistic interaction between sucrose and SL.

- We showed that sucrose antagonises the suppressive action of SL on tillering in rice and on the degradation of D53, a major target of SL signalling. Sucrose inhibits the expression ofD3, the orthologue of the arabidopsis F-box protein MAX2 required for SL signalling. Over-expression ofD3prevents sucrose from inhibiting D53 degradation and enabled the SL inhibition of tillering under high sucrose. Sucrose also prevents SL-induced degradation of D14, the SL receptor involved in D53 degradation. Interestingly,D14over-expression enhances D53 protein levels and sucrose-induced tillering.

- Our results show that sucrose inhibits SL perception by targeting key components of SL signalling and, together with previous studies reporting the inhibition of SL synthesis by nitrate and phosphate, demonstrate the central role played by strigolactones in the regulation of plant architecture by nutrients.
What social enterprises can learn from the freemium business model
Authors: Layrisse Francisco , Reficco Ezequiel , Barrios Andrés
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify how the value dynamics of the freemium business model (BM) play out in a social enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on a multiple case study of two social enterprises –one nonprofit (Aravind Eyecare) in Asia and one for-profit in Latin America (Biodent)– to analyze the implications of applying the value architecture of a freemium BM to social enterprises.

Findings

The freemium BM departs from standard practice when applied in social enterprises. Meaningful differences include the feasibility/desirability of converting free users to paying ones, the presence of significant variable costs –which requires balancing the ratio of free and paying customers– and the use of nontraditional pricing schemes to enhance value capture. The social freemium BM can increase scalability, value creation and value capture. Under this model, “beneficiaries” can be more than passive recipients of value and contribute to a venture's success in various ways –such as lowering its operational costs or enhancing its value proposition toward third parties.

Originality/value

While in the past years commercial enterprises have been disrupted by the emergence of freemium platforms, the social enterprise field has barely taken notice. We extract lessons and implications from this paradigmatic change for the theory and practice of business model innovation in social enterprises, of particular relevance to Latin America, where social and environmental disequilibria remain a recurring feat.
Weight gain and chronic disease progression among individuals incarcerated in Canadian federal penitentiaries: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Johnson Claire , Bien-Aimé Iva , Dubois Lise
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Very little is known about how weight gain during incarceration influences the health of people living in Canadian federal penitentiaries. To fill this knowledge gap, this study aims to determine how the observed weight gain influenced the development of obesity-related chronic diseases during incarceration.

Design/methodology/approach

This retrospective cohort study examined the association between weight gain and obesity-related chronic diseases for 1,420 participants incarcerated in federal penitentiaries in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. To participate, individuals had to be incarcerated for at least six months at the time of the study (2016–2017). Current anthropometric data were measured or taken from medical records, then compared to anthropometric data at the beginning of incarceration (mean follow-up of 5.0 years) to determine weight change (kg) and body mass index change (kg/m2) during incarceration. Then, information about obesity-related chronic diseases was drawn from the participants’ medical records.

Findings

Chi-square and nonparametric median comparison tests were performed to detect statistically significant changes in anthropometric data, to determine if a relationship was present. This study observed a significant association between weight gain and disease development for many types of obesity-related chronic diseases (e.g. cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and sleep apnea). This confirmed an association between weight gain and chronic disease development in the prison population.

Originality/value

Participants who gained a significant amount of weight, during incarceration, were also more frequently diagnosed with obesity-related chronic diseases. These findings suggest that weight gain may contribute to the deterioration of peoples’ health during incarceration.
From metaphor to militarized response: the social implications of “we are at war with COVID-19” – crisis, disasters, and pandemics yet to come
Authors: Chapman Connor M. , Miller DeMond Shondell
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the framing of the emergency response to the novel coronavirus (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]; severe acute respiratory syndrome-like coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2]) in 2020 with wartime combat language. Metaphors have been used throughout American politics and society to frame perceived social problems, to both mobilize support and demobilize opposition. By simplifying and dichotomizing social problems, latent negative consequences frequently emerge, which tend to have a disproportionate impact on minority communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a case study and applied text from presidential press conferences and policy speeches from multiple sources on the War on Poverty, the War on Drugs and the War on COVID-19. The work identified common themes, actions and policies that can lead to other stakeholders adapting the “war” rhetoric.

Findings

An apparent cycle emerged – from disdain to metaphorical “war,” to policy, to law, to consequences and back to disdain – that fueled the American political system and, by extension, systematic oppression. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be another crucible for this cycle to repeat itself. The series of examples illustrate how public leaders use the “war metaphor” as an all-out victory approach to galvanize policy responses to social issues, crises and natural disasters. By local, national and international stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study are the limited use of the metaphor and the time of completing this manuscript. The paper only views the presidential use and interpretation of the war metaphor. The COVID-19 pandemic disaster is persisting and the race for a vaccine is underway. While the authors present the immediate policy impacts, it is too early to understand the long-term policy impacts typically measured over decades.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the literature by employing three case studies: the War on Poverty, the War on Drugs and the War on COVID-19 pandemic to draw comparisons between wartime rhetoric, social policies and the sociopolitical implications of those policies, as well as how these policies have the potential to disproportionately affect socially vulnerable populations.

Originality/value

This paper builds on research regarding the use of metaphor, this analysis bridges a knowledge gap by employing the COVID-19 case to the historical use of the war metaphor.
Planning for what? An analysis of root cause quality and content in school improvement plans
Authors: Meyers Coby V. , VanGronigen Bryan A.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Limited research on root cause analysis exists in educational leadership. Accurately diagnosing and detailing root causes—the why—of organizational failure, as is relatively common in other fields, could improve principals' ability to devise situationally- and contextually-responsive solutions in their improvement plans. In this study, the authors analyze school improvement plans to provide insight into how principals use root cause analysis to identify their and their school's failures as a way to respond strategically with goals and action steps.

Design/methodology/approach

In this exploratory qualitative study, the authors develop coding schemes and leverage an existing rubric of school improvement plan quality to assess what principals identify as root causes for 216 priorities across 111 school improvement plans.

Findings

The overall quality of root causes submitted by principals was low, typically between “beginning” and “developing” stages. The majority of root causes aligned with priorities and desired outcomes, but fewer than one-third had a systems focus. Moreover, less than half of root causes suggested that school leaders played a part in the organizational failures. The vast majority of plans instead identified teachers as the root cause, foundational fault or “why” of the problem.

Originality/value

An increased understanding of root cause analysis conceptualization and development seems necessary if improvement planning is to be a strategic response to a school's most serious organizational challenges. The predominant approach to school improvement planning has focused almost exclusively on how to succeed or become better with little investment in identifying root causes of organizational decline or failure. This initial study of root cause quality in school improvement planning is a key first step in critically thinking about how improvement is to be achieved when failure is unconceived.
Network science and sustainable performance of family businesses in tourism
Authors: Baggio Rodolfo , Valeri Marco
Published: November 2020

Purpose

There is a little appreciation for the role network science can play in sustainable tourism, and it is not quite clear to what extent generic models from the tourism network analysis literature are applicable. In the international management literature, then, few significant studies exist that deal with the effects of network structures on the sustainable performance of tourism family businesses. This research analyzes these issues and discusses the state of the art of this area.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a scrutiny of the literature conducted on research papers published in the last twenty years, this analysis focuses on the relation between network analysis methods and sustainable performance within the tourism family business domain. The paper uses a limited set of keywords, restricting the selection to tourism and hospitality works on sustainability. A qualitative content analysis is performed.

Findings

The results suggest a critical reflection on how the methods of network science can be profitably and advantageously used for supporting a sustainable performance of family businesses in tourism.

Originality/value

The paper contains a critical consideration on the potential drivers and drawbacks of the relationship between sustainability and networking in tourism and highlights some managerial implications. The analysis closes with some suggestions and indications for future research work.
A methodology for structured literature network meta-analysis
Authors: Murugaiyan Pachayappan , Ramakrishnan Venkatesakumar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Little attention has been paid to restructuring existing massive amounts of literature data such that evidence-based meaningful inferences and networks be drawn therefrom. This paper aims to structure extant literature data into a network and demonstrate by graph visualization and manipulation tool “Gephi” how to obtain an evidence-based literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The main objective of this paper is to propose a methodology to structure existing literature data into a network. This network is examined through certain graph theory metrics to uncover evidence-based research insights arising from existing huge amounts of literature data. From the list metrics, this study considers degree centrality, closeness centrality and betweenness centrality to comprehend the information available in the literature pool.

Findings

There is a significant amount of literature on any given research problem. Approaching this massive volume of literature data to find an appropriate research problem is a complicated process. The proposed methodology and metrics enable the extraction of appropriate and relevant information from huge quantities of literature data. The methodology is validated by three different scenarios of review questions, and results are reported.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed methodology comprises of more manual hours to structure literature data.

Practical implications

This paper enables researchers in any domain to systematically extract and visualize meaningful and evidence-based insights from existing literature.

Originality/value

The procedure for converting literature data into a network representation is not documented in the existing literature. The paper lays down the procedure to structure literature data into a network.
Human and organizational responses to extreme threats: a comparative developmental approach
Authors: Mithani Murad A. , Kocoglu Ipek
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The proposed theoretical model offers a systematic approach to synthesize the fragmented research on organizational crisis, disasters and extreme events.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers a theoretical model of organizational responses to extreme threats.

Findings

The paper explains that organizations choose between hypervigilance (freeze), exit (flight), growth (fight) and dormancy (fright) when faced with extreme threats. The authors explain how the choice between these responses are informed by the interplay between slack and routines.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s theoretical model contributes by explaining the nature of organizational responses to extreme threats and how the two underlying mechanisms, slack and routines, determine heterogeneity between organizations.

Practical implications

The authors advance four key managerial considerations: the need to distinguish between discrete and chronic threats, the critical role of hypervigilance in the face of extreme threats, the distinction between resources and routines during threat mitigation, and the recognition that organizational exit may sometimes be the most effective means for survival.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper pertains to the authors’ use of the comparative developmental approach to incorporate insights from the study of individual responses to life-threatening events to explain organizational responses to extreme threats.
What drives FinTech adoption? A multi-method evaluation using an adapted technology acceptance model
Authors: Singh Shubhangi , Sahni Marshal M. , Kovid Raj K.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Considering the ubiquity of FinTech services, the study proposes a research framework to examine FinTech adoption and use from the technology acceptance perspective by adding sub-constructs of technology acceptance model (TAM), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), ServPerf and WebQual 4.0. This study broadly classified these sub-constructs in three dimensions: adoption, behavior and technological and explores the relationship between these attributes. It also proposes that digital behavior (Internet experience and level of awareness) and demographic characteristics (age and gender) moderate the main relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The measurement scale for the study is developed through iterative discussion with domain experts. The data are collected from 439 active Internet users though a digital survey and analysis were done by applying structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.

Findings

Perceived usefulness and social influence are found to be the key determinant for behavior intention to use FinTech services, with social influence having significant negative influence. Actual use is significantly influenced by ease of use and social influence but is not determined by behavior intention and perceived usefulness. Behavioral attributes are significantly impacted by technological attributes and digital behavior. Also, age significantly affects the perception of security among older users.

Practical implications

This study will help FinTech service providers to design FinTech services considering a wide spectrum of users. More consideration should be on enhancing the usefulness and security features to create social affirmations for the use of FinTech services. This will entice users for frequent use and attract nonusers to do their first online financial transaction.

Originality/value

The study adds to the technology acceptance literature by incorporating relevant technological and behavioral attributes and investigating the moderating effect of digital behavior and demographic characteristics. It contributes to the understanding of user beliefs and perceptions about actual use of FinTech services.
Workplace cyberbullying and creativity: examining the roles of psychological distress and psychological capital
Authors: Kalyar Masood Nawaz , Saeed Munazza , Usta Aydin , Shafique Imran
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of workplace cyberbullying on creativity directly and through psychological distress. Furthermore, this study proposes that psychological capital (PsyCap) buffers the harmful effects of workplace cyberbullying on psychological distress and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected in two waves from 329 nurses working in four large public hospitals located in a metropolitan city of Pakistan. The data were analyzed through PROCESS (Model 8) using SPSS.

Findings

The results demonstrate that cyberbullying negatively affects creativity through increased psychological distress. The findings also explicate that PsyCap moderates the effects of cyberbullying on psychological distress such that the link was weak (vs strong) for those (victims) who had high (vs low) PsyCap.

Practical implications

This study recommends management to develop and promote PsyCap among employees because these positive resources help them to regulate their emotions and cognition to overcome negative consequences of cyberbullying and other workplace stressors.

Originality/value

Psychological distress as an underlying mechanism between cyberbullying and creativity as well as buffering effect of PsyCap is the novelty of the study.
Recruiters prefer expert recommendations over digital hiring algorithm: a choice-based conjoint study in a pre-employment screening scenario
Authors: Oberst Ursula , De Quintana Marc , Del Cerro Susana , Chamarro Andrés
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze aspects of decision-making in recruitment. Using a choice-based conjoint (CBC) experiment with typified screening scenarios, it was analyzed what aspects will be more important for recruiters: the recommendation provided by a hiring algorithm or the recommendation of a human co-worker; gender of the candidate and of the recruiter was taken into account.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 135 recruitment professionals (67 female) completed a measure of sex roles and a set of 20 CBC trials on the hiring of a pharmacologist.

Findings

Participants were willing to accept a lower algorithm score if the level of the human recommendation was maximum, indicating a preference for the co-worker’s recommendation over that of the hiring algorithm. The biological sex of neither the candidate nor the participant influenced in the decision.

Research limitations/implications

Participants were presented with a fictitious scenario that did not involve real choices with real consequences. In a real-life setting, considerably more variables influence hiring decisions.

Practical implications

Results show that there are limits on the acceptance of technology based on artificial intelligence in the field of recruitment, which has relevance more broadly for the psychological correlates of the acceptance of the technology.

Originality/value

An additional value is the use of a methodological approach (CBC) with high ecological validity that may be useful in other psychological studies of decision-making in management.
Learn to disobey: Evolution of “civil disobedience” and the transforming sociopolitical context of Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Jason Kwun‐hong , Chan Rami Hin‐yeung
Published: November 2020

This article analyzes the collective action frame and its interaction with the sociopolitical context of Hong Kong. By tracing the history of civil disobedience, the authors argues that civil disobedience in Hong Kong has been localized by signifying agents as a spontaneous response to the sociopolitical contexts, rather than a planned action. The rapidly changing political environment and sovereignty issues from 1980 onwards had restricted the favorability for opting a planned civil disobedience movement. Through in‐depth interviews with protagonists, major civil disobedience attempts in Hong Kong, including (a) Yau Ma Tei Boat People Incident, (b) Protest regarding 1989 China’s June Fourth Incident, (c) Anti‐Public Order Ordinance Demonstrations, and (d) Citizens’ Radio Incident, are discussed. These four cases would be contrasted with the well‐planned Occupy Central Movement in 2014 to explain why the latter failed to materialize, and why future attempts of civil disobedience will become less possible in Hong Kong.
Predictors of parental stress from admission to discharge in the neonatal special care unit
Authors: Hames Jessica L. , Gasteiger Chiara , McKenzie Melanie R. , Rowley Simon , Serlachius Anna S. , Juth Vanessa , Petrie Keith J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Exacerbated parental stress during a stay in the neonatal intensive care unit can negatively impact the development of the hospitalized infant, strain the dyadic relationship and put parents at risk for poor mental health. It is therefore important to identify risk factors of stress throughout the duration of a hospitalization. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate sources of stress for mothers and fathers who had a baby in the neonatal special care unit.

Methods

Parents of 57 singletons and 11 twins (68 infants) admitted to a neonatal special care unit (46% for prematurity) were recruited. Sixty‐four mothers and 20 fathers were assessed at admission, and 60 mothers and 16 fathers at discharge. Participants reported their satisfaction with hospital information and completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale.

Results

Parents demonstrated similar stress trajectories, with stress on average declining over time. Higher maternal stress at admission was associated with a belief that the baby's illness would have a longer timeline, lower perceptions of treatment efficacy and lower satisfaction with the information received from medical staff. Younger age and lower levels of education predicted higher maternal stress at discharge. Fathers had higher stress at discharge when they were older, had a baby born at younger gestation and felt they had less control. At admission, information satisfaction was positively associated with parental beliefs about treatment efficacy and understanding the infant's condition. At discharge, information satisfaction was negatively associated with beliefs about illness severity and the likely time frame of the illness.

Conclusion

The findings highlight that parents' perceptions of their baby's illness and treatment at admission and discharge have a significant association with stress. Clinical staff can use these factors to identify parents who are at risk of exhibiting a greater level of stress over the hospitalization period.
The role of risk perception and affect in predicting support for conservation policy under rapid ecosystem change
Authors: St John Freya A. V. , Mason Tom H. E. , Bunnefeld Nils
Published: November 2020

Conservation conflicts are damaging for humans and wildlife, with differences in people's objectives fuelling challenges of managing complex, dynamic systems. We investigate the relative importance of economic, psychological (affect, trust and risk perception) and ecological factors in determining farmers' management preferences, using Greenland barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) on Islay, Scotland, as a case study. Barnacle geese reduce agricultural productivity on Islay, negatively impacting household economies. Since 1992, farmers have received partial compensation but a new culling scheme has escalated conflict between conservation and agricultural interests. Using a questionnaire, we collected data from 75% of the farmers receiving goose payments. We found that affect was a strong driver of both risk perception and management preferences. However, we revealed complexity in these relationships, with trust and economic factors also influencing decision‐making. Psychological and economic factors surrounding wildlife management must be understood if we are to achieve conservation objectives in human dominated landscapes.
Newborn crawling and rooting in response to maternal breast odor
Authors: Hym Charlotte , Forma Vincent , Anderson David I. , Provasi Joëlle , Granjon Lionel , Huet Viviane , Carpe Emilie , Teulier Caroline , Durand Karine , Schaal Benoist , Barbu‐Roth Marianne
Published: November 2020

A growing literature shows that perception and action are already tightly coupled in the newborn. The current study aimed to examine the nature of the coupling between olfactory stimuli from the mother and the newborn's crawling and rooting (exploratory movements of the head). To examine the coupling, the crawling and rooting behavior of 28 2‐day‐old newborns were studied while they were supported prone on a mobility device shaped like a mini skateboard, the Crawliskate®, their head positioned directly on top of a pad infused with either their mother's breast odor (Maternal) or the odor of water (Control). Video and 3D kinematic analyses of the number and types of limb movements and quantification of displacement across the surface revealed that newborns are significantly more efficient crawlers when they smell the maternal odor, moving greater distances although performing fewer locomotor movements. In addition, the newborns made significantly more head rooting movements in the presence of the maternal odor. These findings suggest that the circuitry underlying quadrupedal locomotion and exploratory movements of the head is already adaptable to olfactory information via higher brain processing. Moreover, the coupling between olfaction and the two action systems, locomotion and rooting, is already differentiated. As crawling enables the newborn to move toward the mother's breast immediately after birth and facilitates mother–infant interaction, the results of this study highlight the potential value of using maternal odors to stimulate mobility in infants at risk of motor delay and/or deprived of this odor when born prematurely.
Blood pressure changes during alemtuzumab infusion for multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Shosha Eslam , Casserly Courtney , Tomkinson Christine , Morrow Sarah A.
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

Blood pressure (BP) changes during alemtuzumab infusions are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine BP changes during alemtuzumab infusions in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort review of systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP in PwMS receiving alemtuzumab.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were identified; 22 (64.5%) were women. Mean age and disease duration were 35.2 ± 7.1 and 9.2 ± 5.4 years, respectively. There was no history of hypertension or vascular events. Mean baseline SBP was 119.8 ± 15.1 mmHg, 118.8 ± 14.3 mmHg and 106.5 ± 6.1 mmHg whilst mean DBP was 75.3 ± 9.2 mmHg, 74.1 ± 12.4 mmHg and 69.2 ± 4.3 mmHg at doses 1, 6 and 9, respectively. During the first cycle, SBP increased by 19.2 ± 9.4 mmHg, with comparable percentage increases over the five infusions (16%, 22%, 17%, 11%, 13%, respectively). DBP increased by 6.2 ± 3.8 mmHg with similar percentage increases over the five infusions (8.4%, 11.5%, 5.5%, 7%, 3%). For the second cycle, SBP increased by 16.9 ± 3.2 mmHg, with similar increases over the 3 days (12%, 15%, 17%). DBP increased by 5.4 ± 4.2 mmHg (11%, 9%, 12.8%). The third cycle demonstrated increased mean and percentage of SBP and DBP by 8.9 ± 2.3 mmHg (10%, 70%, 11.8%) and 4.2 ± 1.9 mmHg (3%, 2%, 6.5%), respectively. Collectively, for 31 patients, in the first cycle, mean SBP increased from 119.8 ± 15.1 mmHg to 138.8 ± 13 mmHg (p ˂ 0.001), whilst mean DBP increased from 74.5 ± 9.2 mmHg to 79.2 ± 9.1 mmHg (p = 0.007). Overall, 17 (54.8%) patients had increasing BP by ≥20% and nine (29%) had increasing BP by ≥20 mmHg from baseline.

Conclusions

This demonstrates significant increases in BP during alemtuzumab infusions in PwMS.
The Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score as a predictor of aneurysm growth or rupture
Authors: Molenberg Rob , Aalbers Marlien W. , Mazuri Aryan , Luijckx Gert Jan , Metzemaekers Jan D. M. , Groen Rob J. M. , Uyttenboogaart Maarten , van Dijk J. Marc C.
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

The Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment Score (UIATS) was built to harmonize the treatment decision making on unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Therefore, it may also function as a predictor of aneurysm progression. In this study, we aimed to assess the validity of the UIATS model to identify aneurysms at risk of growth or rupture during follow‐up.

Methods

We calculated the UIATS for a consecutive series of conservatively treated unruptured intracranial aneurysms, included in our prospectively kept neurovascular database. Computed tomography angiography and/or magnetic resonance angiography imaging at baseline and during follow‐up was analyzed to detect aneurysm growth. We defined rupture as a cerebrospinal fluid or computed tomography–proven subarachnoid hemorrhage. We calculated the area under the receiver operator curve, sensitivity, and specificity, to determine the performance of the UIATS model.

Results

We included 214 consecutive patients with 277 unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Aneurysms were followed for a median period of 1.3 years (range 0.3–11.7 years). During follow‐up, 17 aneurysms enlarged (6.1%), and two aneurysms ruptured (0.7%). The UIATS model showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 44%. The area under the receiver operator curve was 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.46–0.79).

Conclusions

Our observational study involving consecutive patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm showed poor performance of the UIATS model to predict aneurysm growth or rupture during follow‐up.
Brain metabolic correlates of apathy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: An 18F‐FDG‐positron emission tomography stud
Authors: Canosa Antonio , Vacchiano Veria , D'Ovidio Fabrizio , Calvo Andrea , Moglia Cristina , Manera Umberto , Vasta Rosario , Liguori Rocco , Arena Vincenzo , Grassano Maurizio , Palumbo Francesca , Peotta Laura , Iazzolino Barbara , Pagani Marco , Chiò Adriano
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate brain metabolic correlates of apathy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

A total of 165 ALS patients underwent 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET) and Frontal Systems Behaviour Scale (FrSBe) evaluation. FrSBe provides “before” and “after” apathy subscores, referring to premorbid and morbid conditions. “After” apathy subscore and “before‐after” gap, i.e. the difference between “before” and “after” subscores, were regressed against whole‐brain metabolism. Among patients with a pathological “after” apathy subscore (i.e., ≥65), we compared patients with “before” apathy subscores ≥65 and <65, and patients with “before‐after” gaps of <22 and ≥22.

Results

In the whole sample, the “after” apathy subscore negatively correlated with metabolism in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), premotor cortex (PMC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and insula bilaterally. A positive correlation was found in the cerebellum and pons. The “before‐after” gap negatively correlated with metabolism in bilateral DLPFC, DMPFC and PMC, and left VLPFC and ACC, and positively correlated with cerebellar and pontine clusters. Among patients with an “after” apathy subscore ≥65, we found no difference between those with “before” apathy subscores ≥65 and <65. Patients with a “before‐after” gap ≥22, compared to patients with a gap <22, showed relative hypometabolism in bilateral DLPFC and DMPFC, and left ACC and PMC, and relative cerebellar and pontine hypermetabolism.

Conclusion

No studies on brain 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography correlates of apathy have been performed in ALS. We found that FrSBe “after” apathy subscore correlated with metabolic changes in brain regions known as neuroanatomical correlates of apathy. Furthermore, our findings support the relevance of the gap between premorbid and morbid conditions to detect behavioural changes due to the neurodegenerative process underlying ALS.
Equine nutrition in the post‐operative colic: Survey of Diplomates of the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons, and European Colleges of Equine Internal Medicine and Veterinary Surgeons
Authors: Lawson April L. , Sherlock Ceri E. , Ireland Jo L. , Mair Tim S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Evidence is lacking concerning re‐introduction of feed and water following colic surgery.

Objectives

To describe current approaches of European and American specialists to re‐introduction of feed and water in adult horses following surgical treatment of common intestinal lesions, assuming an uncomplicated recovery.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Electronic invitations, with a link to the online survey, were sent to 1,430 large animal specialists, including Diplomates of the ECVS, ACVS, ECEIM and ACVIM colleges.

Results

The response rate was 12.6% including partial respondent data. Responses for each multiple‐choice question were between 123 and 178. Results are expressed as the percentage of the total number of responses and as a range where specific lesions are grouped together. Respondents reported that horses with large intestinal displacements were offered free choice water (63%‐65%) within 3 hours (55%‐63%), whereas horses with a small intestinal strangulating lesion were offered < 2 L water (64%‐74%) 12‐24 hours (28%‐34%) post‐operatively. Horses with a large colon displacement were offered feed within 3 hours of surgery (16%) with the majority offered feed 6‐12 hours (35%‐36%) post‐operatively. Horses with small intestinal strangulating lesions and small colon lesions were offered feed 24‐48 hours (34%‐42%) after surgery. Following small intestinal, small colon or caecal lesions, horses were re‐introduced feed in handfuls (79%‐93%) and initially with grass (41%‐54%). Horses with large colon displacements were mostly fed handfuls (49%‐50%) of forage initially, but a number of respondents would offer larger quantities such as a small bucket (35%‐37%) and predominantly of hay (50%‐51%).

Main limitations

Low response rate. This study did not take into account common post‐operative complications that may alter the clinical approach.

Conclusions

This post‐operative colic nutrition survey is the first to describe current clinical practice. Further research is required to investigate nutritional strategies in post‐operative colic cases.
Small scale environmental variation modulates plant defence syndromes of understorey plants in deciduous forests of Europe
Authors: Sanczuk Pieter , Govaert Sanne , Meeussen Camille , De Pauw Karen , Vanneste Thomas , Depauw Leen , Moreira Xoaquín , Schoelynck Jonas , De Boevre Marthe , De Saeger Sarah , Bollmann Kurt , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , Plue Jan , Diekmann Martin , Graae Bente J. , Hedwall Per‐Ola , Iacopetti Giovanni , Lenoir Jonathan , Orczewska Anna , Ponette Quentin , Selvi Federico , Spicher Fabien , Vermeir Pieter , Calders Kim , Verbeeck Hans , Verheyen Kris , Vangansbeke Pieter , De Frenne Pieter
Published: November 2020

Aim

Variation in plant defence traits has been frequently assessed along large‐scale macroclimatic clines. In contrast, local‐scale changes in the environment have recently been proposed to also modulate plant defence traits. Yet, the relative importance of drivers at both scales has never been tested. We aimed to quantify the relative importance of environmental drivers inherent to large and small spatial scales on the physical and chemical defence and tolerance to herbivory in understorey plant species of deciduous forests of Europe.

Location

Deciduous forests in Europe.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Forest understorey plants.

Methods

We sampled four typical ancient forest herbs (Anemone nemorosa,Oxalis acetosella,Deschampsia cespitosa,Milium effusum) along small and large spatial scale gradients (those driven by latitude, elevation, forest management and distance to the forest edge), and analysed a suite of nine constitutively expressed traits associated with overall resistance to herbivory, and their multivariate response to environmental clines.

Results

Although our study included a large gradient in macroclimate, we found variation in the local environment at small spatial scales (i.e. soil nutrient concentration and forest structural complexity) to be more important in predicting plant resistance to herbivory.

Main conclusions

In addition to macroclimatic conditions, subtle differences in forest microclimate and soil characteristics also played a major role in modulating plant defence phenotypes. These findings highlight the importance of the local habitat structure and environmental conditions in modulating plant resistance to herbivory.
Responsibilities and capabilities of health engagement professionals (HEPs): Perspectives from HEPs and health consumers in Australia
Authors: Tam Lisa , Burns Kara , Barnes Katherine
Published: November 2020

Background

In Australia, the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (2012) stipulates that partnering with health consumers to improve health‐care experiences is one of the criteria health‐care organizations are assessed and accredited against. This standard has given rise to a role: health engagement professionals (HEPs). While there are no standard requirements for recruitment into this role, this study contributes to much needed research into understanding their responsibilities and capabilities, and their contributions to engagement outcomes.

Methods

Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, 16 HEPs and 15 health consumer representatives (who have experiences of interacting with HEPs) participated in an in‐depth phone interview in December 2019. We explored (a) the purposes of the role, (b) the responsibilities and work activities and (c) the capabilities required to carry out the responsibilities.

Results

Health engagement professionals are specialists in designing engagement mechanisms for health‐care organizations to co‐design health services with health consumers. They facilitate partnerships between health‐care organizations and health consumers. They play significant roles in listening to, facilitating understanding amongst different stakeholder groups (eg hospital management, health‐care workers and health consumers) and navigating the bureaucratic structures to influence outcomes. Four major responsibilities (advocacy, education, facilitation and administration) and four categories of capabilities (relational, communication, professional and personal) were identified.

Conclusion

A list of job responsibilities and desired capabilities of HEPs is provided to help health‐care organizations better understand the requirements for the role. This would help them decide how applicants to these roles would meet the requirements (eg experience of navigating bureaucratic systems).
Effect of dissolved oxygen on the oxidative and structural characteristics of protein in beer during forced ageing
Authors: Zong Xuyan , Yang Huirong , Jin Xiaofan , Brennan Charles S. , Coldea Teodora Emilia , Cai Linfei , Zhao Haifeng
Published: November 2020

Oxygen is contributing to the deterioration of the beer and shortening the shelf‐life of the packaged product. The effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) on oxidative and structural characteristics of protein in beer during forced ageing was examined. Results showed that increased DO decreased obviously protein content in beer, and further reduced antioxidant activities of beer and lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1). Meanwhile, the increase of DO decreased significantly the free thiol groups content and enhanced the disulfide bonds level in beer and LTP1. Results from circular dichroism, surface hydrophobicity and zeta‐potential illustrated that the increase of DO dramatically changed the secondary and tertiary structure of LTP1 with the decrease in the surface hydrophobicity, α‐helix and β‐turn contents, and the increase in the random coil and negative zeta potential. These results indicated that increased DO could damage the structure of LTP1 and had a negative impact on oxidative stability of beer.
Fabrication, characterization and antibacterial mechanism of in‐situ modification nano‐CaCO3/TiO2/CS coatings
Authors: Yang Lili , Yang Hua , Hao Wenting , Li Yingchang , Li Qiuying , Sun Tong
Published: November 2020

In order to obtain the chitosan (CS) coatings with excellent physicochemical properties and antibacterial abilities, the CS coatings were modified by in situ modification nano‐CaCO3 and nano‐TiO2. The coatings were characterised, and their physicochemical properties were measured. The antibacterial mechanism of the coatings was investigated with the Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nano‐CaCO3/TiO2 can improve the tensile strength and elongation at break of the CS coatings. In addition, the carbon dioxide permeability of the CS coatings is increased after modification by nano‐TiO2. The nano‐CaCO3/TiO2/CS coating can effectively disrupt the integrality of bacterial cell membrane and improve their permeability, reduce the cellular enzyme activities, and affect the synthesis and expression of the bacterial protein. Eventually, the growth and reproduction of S. putrefaciens and P. aeruginosa are inhibited. The in situ modified nano‐CaCO3/TiO2/CS coatings have potential to be applied in the field of preservation of aquatic products.
Assessing maternal clotting function with novel global coagulation assays: A prospective pilot study
Authors: O'Keefe David , Lim Hui Yin , Tham Johnathan , Ho Prahlad , Hui Lisa
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Women are at higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy and the puerperium. Global coagulation assays (GCAs), including thromboelastography (TEG), thrombin generation using the calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and fibrin generation using the overall haemostatic potential assay (OHP), provide a more comprehensive assessment of the coagulation process than conventional coagulation assays. We aimed to evaluate the ability of these GCAs to analyse the coagulability among pregnant women of varying VTE risk profile.

Methods

Women undergoing term elective caesarean delivery provided a single predelivery blood sample for conventional and novel coagulation testing (TEG, CAT and OHP). Data from 47 healthy nonpregnant women aged 18‐45 years were used as controls.

Results

Sixty women with term singleton pregnancies were included. Samples from pregnant women were hypercoagulable on most GCA parameters compared to nonpregnant controls, demonstrating increased maximum amplitude (clot strength) (71.5 vs 60.6 mm, P < .001) on whole blood TEG and increased endogenous thrombin potential (1895.22 vs 1399.33 nmol/L·min, P < .001) and overall coagulation potential (fibrin generation) (57.58 vs 36.21 units, P < .001) on platelet‐poor plasma. Pregnant women with booking BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 had significantly higher maximum amplitude compared to pregnant women of normal BMI (18.5‐25 kg/m2) (73.2 vs 66.1 mm, P < .001).

Conclusions

Global coagulation assays reliably detect the physiological hypercoagulability of pregnancy. Thromboelastography in particular appears to correlate with obesity in the pregnant population. GCAs may be potential adjuncts to risk factor‐based criteria to guide VTE thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy and the puerperium.