bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design thinking in hospitality education and research
Authors: Bhushan Sudhanshu
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to outline why design thinking is an engaging process and provide a methodical framework to approach complex, multi-disciplinary problems in ways that consistently yield solutions that are successful and often creative in unpredictable ways. It is a framework for thinking about complex, multidisciplinary problems and the one that applies to just about anything.

Design/methodology/approach

Service design is all about taking a service and making it meet the user and customer needs for that service. It can be used to improve an existing service or to create a new service from scratch. To adapt to service design, the designer will need to understand the basic principles of service design thinking and be able to focus on it.

Findings

This paper explores the possibilities for applying design thinking in the hospitality industry in general and hospitality education and research in particular. The functional areas of the hospitality profession are explored, evaluated and then integrated as a holistic design to provide coherence, connectivity and linkages.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates an application of design thinking to hospitality research and education.
Team incentives under private contracting
Authors: Goldmanis Maris , Ray Korok
Published: May 2021

We model a moral hazard in teams problem in which a profit‐maximizing principal offers private contracts to multiple agents. Public contracts are common knowledge to all agents, but private contracts are known only by the principal and each individual agent. Public contracts can induce efficient outcomes but are subject to effort‐reducing collusion between the principal and any given agent. Private contracts, by construction, are immune to such collusion but necessarily inefficient, as the principal is forced to make the team collectively the residual claimant (on margin), whereas efficiency requires that each individual agent be the residual claimant on his own.
Recurrent eosinophilic granuloma involving maxilla and mandible in an adult male: an unusual case report
Authors: Xie X , Wang J , Ding Y
Published: May 2021

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease spectrum characterized by the intense infiltration/accumulation of Langerhans' cells in the affected tissues. Eosinophilic granuloma is the mildest form of LCH which mainly affects the skull, mandible, ribs and femur in children and young adults but rarely occurs in the maxilla. Here, we describe an unusual case of eosinophilic granuloma affecting the tissues adjacent to tooth #25 and tooth #46 (FDI numbering system) in a 35‐year‐old male. Although lesions underwent clinical remission after local radiotherapy, a new lesion appeared 11 months after initial therapy in tooth #18, indicating recurrence of eosinophilic granuloma. Subsequently, the patient was treated with corticosteroid therapy, achieved remission and is disease free after 3 years of follow‐up.
Changes in rate of preterm birth and adverse pregnancy outcomes attributed to preeclampsia after introduction of a refined definition of preeclampsia: A population‐based study
Authors: Shinar Shiri , Melamed Nir , Abdulaziz Kasim E. , Ray Joel G. , Riddell Catherine , Barrett Jon , Murray‐Davis Beth , Mawjee Karizma , McDonald Sarah D. , Geary Michael , Berger Howard ,   for DOH‐NET (Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension in Pregnancy Research Network), SOON (Southern Ontario Obstetrical Network) Investigators
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Since 2013, various guidelines for hypertension in pregnancy have been refined, no longer requiring proteinuria as a requisite criterion for preeclampsia. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the new definition on preterm birth (PTB) and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Material and methods

Women delivering in Ontario between April 2012 and November 2016 were included. Delivery <24+0/7 weeks, major fetal anomalies or preexisting renal disease were excluded. The primary outcome was livebirth <37, <34 or <32 weeks. Rates, adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and ratio of the rate ratio (RRR) were used to compare outcomes in the 2 years after the new Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) guideline (December 2014–November 2016; period 2) vs the 2 years before (April 2012–March 2014; period 1), among women with and without preeclampsia.

Results

In all, 268 543 and 267 964 births in periods 1 & 2, respectively, were included. Respective preeclampsia rates increased significantly from 3.9% to 4.4% (p < 0.001), with no change in maternal morbidity rates. In preeclamptic women, respective rates of PTB <37 weeks were 21.0% and 20.7% (aRR 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.02), with significant aRR for PTB <34 (0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.96) and <32 weeks (0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.94). A similar aRR was observed in women without preeclampsia. In preeclamptic women, composite severe neonatal morbidity decreased after guideline change (aRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.99), a finding not observed in women without preeclampsia (RRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.99).

Conclusions

The new definition of preeclampsia was associated with increased disease rates, a modest reduction in adverse neonatal outcomes and no change in maternal outcomes.
Becoming an artist and sharing my story
Authors: Scott Lisa , Watfern Chloe
Published: May 2021

Accessible Summary

Lisa Scott became an artist after she joined a supported studio in Sydney, Australia.

The studio is like her second family, and the staff have always told her ‘you can do this’.

Lisa is proud that she is an artist and likes being able to share her work.

Lisa made an artwork about her life story and some big changes she has experienced.

Background

Over 10 years ago, Lisa Scott first began making art at a studio in Sydney that supports people with intellectual disability to realise their creative ambitions. In this article, we consider what it has meant for Lisa to become an artist and, in the process, share the story of other big changes in her life.

Methods

During audio‐recorded conversations, we discussed Lisa’s life story and the role of her creative practice within it. We worked together to write about some of the things we discussed.

Findings

Becoming an artist has been an important transition for Lisa. With the support of staff at the studio, she has realised what she is capable of, and so have other people—from her family to complete strangers—who all value her work. Through her art, Lisa has been able to find personal relief and reflect on big changes in her life, including the loss of her mum. In a dress hand‐stitched with words from her journals, she has explored another way of sharing her story.

Conclusions

Art at its best forges connections between people. Lisa’s art and life are evidence of this.
Fostering local involvement for biodiversity conservation in tropical regions: Lessons from Madagascar during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Razanatsoa Estelle , Andriantsaralaza Seheno , Holmes Sheila M. , Rakotonarivo O. Sarobidy , Ratsifandrihamanana Anitry N. , Randriamiharisoa Lalatiana , Ravaloharimanitra Maholy , Ramahefamanana Narindra , Tahirinirainy Dinasoa , Raharimampionona Jeannie
Published: May 2021

Tropical ecosystems host a large proportion of global biodiversity and directly support the livelihoods of many of the world's poorest, and often marginalized, people through ecosystem goods and services and conservation employment. The coronavirus pandemic has challenged existing conservation structures and management but provides an opportunity to re‐examine strategies and research approaches across the tropics to build resilience for future crises. Based on the personal experiences of conservation leaders, managers, and researchers from Madagascar during this period, we discuss the coping strategies of multiple biodiversity conservation organizations during the coronavirus pandemic. We highlight the vital role of local communities in building and maintaining resilient conservation practices that are robust to global disruptions such as the COVID‐19 crisis. We argue that the integration of local experts and communities in conservation, research, and financial decision‐making is essential to a strong foundation for biodiversity conservation in developing countries to stand up to future environmental, political, and health crises. This integration could be achieved through the support of training and capacity building of local researchers and community members and these actions would also enhance the development of strong, equitable long‐term collaborations with international communities. Equipped with such capacity, conservationists and researchers from these regions could establish long‐term biodiversity conservation strategies that are adapted to local context, and communities could flexibly balance biodiversity and livelihood needs as circumstances change, including weathering the isolation and financial challenges of local or global crises.
Microarchitectural parameters and bone mineral density in patients with tumour‐induced osteomalacia by HR‐pQCT and DXA
Authors: Mendes Danielle A. B. , Coelho Maria C. A. , Gehrke Bárbara , de Pinho Leandro K. J. , Cardoso Lima Luis F. , Paranhos‐Neto Francisco , de Mendonça Laura M. C. , Farias M. L. Fleiuss , Madeira Miguel
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Tumour‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic condition characterised by decreased tubular phosphate reabsorption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and microarchitecture in six TIO patients, compared with 18 healthy controls.

Methods

Volumetric BMD and microarchitecture were evaluated by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT), and areal BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Differences between groups were significant for p < .05.

Results

All TIO subjects were healthy until the development of diffuse bone pain and multiple skeletal fractures and deformities. At baseline, sPi and TmPi/GFR were low and patients were on vitamin D and phosphate replacement at the study. Compared with controls, TIO patients had lower aBMD at lumbar spine and hip, and lower vBMD at trabecular, cortical and entire bone, at distal radius (R) and distal tibia (T): trabecular vBMD (R = 118.3 × 177.1; T = 72.3 × 161.3 gHA/cm3); cortical vBMD (R = 782.3 × 866.5; T = 789.1 × 900.9 gHA/cm3); total region vBMD (R = 234.5 × 317; T = 167.1 × 295.8 gHA/cm3). Bone microarchitecture was very heterogeneous among patients and significantly different from controls: lower cortical thickness (R = 0.59 × 0.80; T = 0.90 × 1.31 mm), bone volume‐to‐total volume ratio (R = 0.09 × 0.14; T = 0.06 × 0.13) and Tb.N (R = 1.46 × 2.10; T = 0.93 × 1.96 mm−1) and also higher Tb.Sp (R = 0.70 × 0.41; T = 1.28 × 0.45 mm) and Tb.1/N.SD (R = 0.42 × 0.18; T = 0.87 × 0.20 mm).

Conclusion

In this original study of TIO patients, DXA and HR‐pQCT evaluation identified lower areal and volumetric BMD and severely impaired microarchitecture at cortical and trabecular bones, which probably contribute to bone fragility and fractures.
Challenges to exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain: The frontline veterinarian's perspective
Authors: Spence Kelsey L. , Rosanowski Sarah M. , Slater Josh , Cardwell Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Exotic diseases pose a significant risk to horse health and welfare. Several stakeholder groups, including primary care veterinarians, share responsibility for maintaining freedom from pathogens that cause exotic diseases. However, little is known about the current state of exotic disease preparedness within the British horse industry.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore equine veterinarians' experiences of, and attitudes towards, exotic disease preparedness in Great Britain.

Study design

This is a qualitative interview‐based study.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 primary care equine veterinarians in Great Britain. Participants were purposively selected to include perspectives across varying levels of experience, clientele and location. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were developed: (a) the reactive generalist, relating to participants' self‐concept of their role as primary care practitioners; (b) working within the bounds of influence, encompassing participants' perceived inability to influence their clients' knowledge and behaviours and (c) a fragmented horse industry, illustrating the wider culture in which participants worked, characterised by a lack of cohesion amongst its members.

Main limitations

Only veterinarians' perspectives have been captured, so viewpoints from other stakeholders, such as horse owners and government officials, should be used to triangulate these findings.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that improvements are required before an optimal level of exotic disease preparedness can be achieved. Additional support provided to frontline veterinarians, such as skills‐based training (ie, clinical reasoning and collaborative relationship building), accessible and trusted emergency support networks and clear expectations and responsibilities during an outbreak are recommended to optimise exotic disease preparedness.
The diversity of the plasmablast signature across species and experimental conditions: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Grasseau Alexis , Boudigou Marina , Michée‐Cospolite Magalie , Delaloy Céline , Mignen Olivier , Jamin Christophe , Cornec Divi , Pers Jacques‐Olivier , Le Pottier Laëtitia , Hillion Sophie
Published: May 2021

Antibody‐secreting cells (ASC) are divided into two principal subsets, including the long‐lived plasma cell (PC) subset residing in the bone marrow and the short‐lived subset, also called plasmablast (PB). PB are described as a proliferating subset circulating through the blood and ending its differentiation in tissues. Due to their inherent heterogeneity, the molecular signature of PB is not fully established. The purpose of this study was to decipher a specific PB signature in humans and mice through a comprehensive meta‐analysis of different data sets exploring the PB differentiation in both species and across different experimental conditions. The present study used recent analyses using whole RNA sequencing in prdm1‐GFP transgenic mice to define a reliable and accurate PB signature. Next, we performed similar analysis using current data sets obtained from human PB and PC. The PB‐specific signature is composed of 155 and 113 genes in mouse and human being, respectively. Although only nine genes are shared between the human and mice PB signature, the loss of B‐cell identity such as the down‐regulation of PAX5, MS4A1, (CD20) CD22 and IL‐4R is a conserved feature across species and across the different experimental conditions. Additionally, we observed that the IRF8 and IRF4 transcription factors have a specific dynamic range of expression in human PB. We thus demonstrated that IRF4/IRF8 intranuclear staining was useful to define PB in vivo and in vitro and able to discriminate between atypical PB populations and transient states.
Luck Egalitarianism and Disability Elimination
Authors: Palynchuk Matthew
Published: May 2021

Luck egalitarianism’s commitment to neutralizing brute luck inequalities is thought to imply that the elimination of disabilities is an appropriate way to eliminate the unchosen disadvantage that often accompanies disabilities. This implication is not only intuitively objectionable to some, especially those concerned with disability justice, but is subject to objections from relational egalitarians that should be taken seriously. This article defends the claim that disability elimination is not a natural implication of luck egalitarian theories of justice and that luck egalitarians can avoid the related relational egalitarian objections. I take this to be the case because luck egalitarians can consistently endorse three commitments that, together, take disability elimination off the menu of possible ways to redress the disadvantage of persons with disabilities. These three commitments are: (a) the rejection of the view that disability intrinsically makes a person worse off; (b) the endorsement of the fundamental equality of all persons; and (c) the view that luck egalitarianism advances a theory about the arrangement of social institutions.
The absence of muscle segment homeobox 2 leads to the pyroptosis of ameloblasts by inducing squamous epithelial hyperplasia in the enamel organ
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Xu Ying , Zhao Ying , Bai Jingkun , Xu Mengge , Li Chuanji , Li Jinyue , Ren Yong , Xu Chang , Gao Yuguang , Sun Yan , Liu Xiaoying
Published: May 2021

Muscle segment homeobox 2 (MSX2) has been confirmed to be involved in the regulation of early tooth development. However, the role of MSX2 has not been fully elucidated in enamel development. To research the functions of MSX2 in enamel formation, we used a Msx2−/− (KO) mouse model with no full Msx2 gene. In the present study, the dental appearance and enamel microstructure were detected by scanning electron microscopy and micro‐computed tomography. The results showed that the absence of Msx2 resulted in enamel defects, leading to severe tooth wear in KO mice. To further investigate the mechanism behind the phenotype, we performed detailed histological analyses of the enamel organ in KO mice. We discovered that ameloblasts without Msx2 could secrete a small amount of enamel matrix protein in the early stage. However, the enamel epithelium occurred squamous epithelial hyperplasia and partial keratinization in the enamel organ during subsequent developmental stages. Ameloblasts depolarized and underwent pyroptosis. Overall, during the development of enamel, MSX2 affects the formation of enamel by regulating the function of epithelial cells in the enamel organ.
Establishment of a visualized isothermal nucleic acid amplification method for on‐site diagnosis of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp farm
Authors: Yang Xiaohan , Dong Yu , Ma Chao , Qiao Yi , Jiang Ge , Chen Shiqi , Dong Jingquan , Shen Hui , Gao Song
Published: May 2021

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a significant deadly infectious disease in the shrimp farming industry, causing serious economic losses globally every year. Because of the rapid progress speed, lack of effective treatment and high mortality rate of AHPND, monitoring with frequent diagnostic tests is vital for a successful prevention. The conventional histopathological diagnosis fell far short of the requirement for efficient monitoring, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based molecular diagnostic methods that rely on sophisticated thermocycler and trained personnel are hardly applicable in the field. Combining the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and the lateral flow strips (LFSs), a diagnostic method suitable for on‐site everyday monitoring of AHPND has been established in this study. This RPA‐LFS method targeted the binary toxic photorhabdus insect‐related genes PirA and PirB on a virulence plasmid of the AHPND‐causative Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains. The diagnostic test was completed within 30 min at 37°C and showed good specificity and good sensitivity of 20 fg DNA of the AHPND shrimp or one colony‐forming unit of the causative bacterium per reaction, which was better than the administration‐approved standard AP4 assay. Crude templates from sample boiling could be directly used. Tests of clinical samples showed 100% consistency of this method with the standard AP4 assay. This RPA‐LFS method can be a good choice for on‐site diagnosis of AHPND with quick response time, easy procedure and low demand for resources, and should have significant value for the control of spreading of this dangerous disease in farmed shrimp.
Astrocytes in the rostral ventromedial medulla contribute to the maintenance of oro‐facial hyperalgesia induced by late removal of dental occlusal interference
Authors: Mo Si‐Yi , Bai Shan‐Shan , Xu Xiao‐Xiang , Liu Yun , Fu Kai‐Yuan , Sessle Barry J. , Cao Ye , Xie Qiu‐Fei
Published: May 2021

Background

Astrocytes in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) contribute to descending pain modulation, but their role in oro‐facial pain induced by persistent experimental dental occlusal interference (PEOI) or following EOI removal (REOI) is unknown.

Objective

To explore the involvement of RVM astrocytes in PEOI‐induced oro‐facial hyperalgesia or its maintenance following REOI.

Methods

Male rats were randomly assigned into five groups: sham‐EOI, postoperative day 6 and 14 of PEOI (PEOI 6 d and PEOI 14 d), postoperative day 6 following REOI on day 3 (REOI 3 d) and postoperative day 14 following REOI on day 8 (REOI 8 d). The nociceptive head withdrawal threshold (HWT) and activities of RVM ON‐ or OFF‐cells were recorded before and after intra‐RVM astrocyte gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX) microinjection. RVM astrocytes were labelled immunohistochemically with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and analysed semi‐quantitatively.

Results

Persistent experimental dental occlusal interference‐induced oro‐facial hyperalgesia, as reflected in decreased HWTs, was partially inhibited by REOI at day 3 but not at day 8 after EOI placement. Increased GFAP‐staining area occurred only in REOI 8 d group in which CBX could inhibit the maintained hyperalgesia; CBX was ineffective in inhibiting hyperalgesia in PEOI 14 d group. OFF‐cell activities showed no change, but the spontaneous activity and responses of ON‐cells were significantly enhanced that could be suppressed by CBX in REOI 8 d group.

Conclusion

Rostral ventromedial medulla astrocytes may not participate in PEOI‐induced oro‐facial hyperalgesia or hyperalgesia inhibition by early REOI but are involved in the maintenance of oro‐facial hyperalgesia by late REOI.
Siblings of children with chronic kidney disease: A qualitative study of everyday life experiences
Authors: Agerskov Hanne , Thiesson Helle C. , Pedersen Birthe D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease in children has an impact on all family members. Healthy siblings, in particular, may experience negative psychological and emotional symptoms. Little attention has been paid to how they experience everyday family life and the impact of their sibling's disease.

Objectives

To explore perspectives on and experiences of everyday life among siblings of children with chronic kidney disease.

Design

An explorative study with a qualitative method.

Participants

Seven siblings (7–13 years) of children with chronic kidney disease (5–16 years) were included.

Approach

The study took a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using Ricoeur's theory of narrative and interpretation, on three levels: naïve reading, structural analysis and critical interpretation and discussion.

Findings

Three themes emerged: The illness is in the background or comes to the fore, being concerned for and taking care of the sick sibling and the importance of bonds with relatives or other significant adults.

Conclusion

In everyday life, participants experienced that their sick sibling's illness was either in the background or came to the fore. They needed to adapt to periods of hospitalisation. They felt a need to be attentive to, take care of and have concern for the sick brother or sister. Conflicts caused feelings of loneliness; however, having knowledge about the disease provided security and meaning. Being introduced to the healthcare professionals was significant. It was important to have close relationships with friends and other adults, which gave rise to feelings of self‐confidence and being supported.
Influence of endocrine disease on l‐lactate concentrations in blood of ponies
Authors: Dunkel Bettina , Knowles Edward J. , Chang Yu‐Mei , Menzies‐Gow Nicola J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Blood l‐lactate concentrations are higher in people with developing or established diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance.

Objectives

To investigate whether blood l‐lactate concentrations are positively correlated with measures of insulin dysregulation (ID) or increased autumnal ACTH concentrations in ponies.

Animals

Systemically healthy client‐owned ponies (n = 101).

Methods

Prospective case‐control study. Blood samples were obtained from 101 clinically healthy ponies. Breed, weight, height, and subjective and objective measures of body condition were recorded. Blood l‐lactate, glucose, triglyceride, total adiponectin, and ACTH concentrations were measured and an oral sugar test (OST) was carried out. Correlations between blood l‐lactate and variables of endocrine health were determined.

Results

Using a seasonal cutoff point of ACTH concentrations ≥47 pg/mL, 55 ponies had increased autumnal ACTH concentrations and 45 did not. Using a basal insulin concentration of >50 μiU/mL, 42 ponies were diagnosed with ID and 58 were not. Using a 60 minutes after OST cutoff point of >45 μiU/mL, 57 ponies had ID and 37 did not. Blood l‐lactate concentrations were significantly lower in obese (average body condition score ≥ 7/9) compared to nonobese ponies (0.6 mmol/L; range, 0.0‐1.9 mmol/L vs 0.8 mmol/L; range, 0.3‐2.7 mmol/L; P = .01). No other significant correlations were detected. No differences were detected between ponies with and without increased autumnal ACTH concentrations (0.7 mmol/L; range, 0.0‐2.7 mmol/L vs 0.7 mmol/L; range, 0.3‐1.8 mmol/L; P = .84) and with and without ID (0.7 mmol/L; range, 0.3‐2.7 mmol/L vs 0.8 mmol/L; range, 0.0‐1.6 mmol/L; P = .63).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Results do not support an effect of endocrine status on l‐lactate concentrations in blood of ponies.
Sacred distinctions: Law and the political regulation of Sikh Gurdwaras in British Columbia
Authors: Buffam Bonar
Published: May 2021

Since the 1990s, a sizeable body of case law has formed in the Canadian province of British Columbia in response to disputes over the political leadership of local gurdwaras, the name for Sikh places of worship and assembly. Although the disputes stemmed from religious and political disagreements, the legal issues addressed by the courts concern the proper bureaucratic administration of Sikh institutions that have been legally incorporated as nonprofit “societies.” Through a textual analysis of 55 legal decisions related to gurdwara leadership disputes, this article explains how the courts have decided these cases without ceding the pretense of secular neutrality by mobilizing a series of shifting discursive distinctions between religion, politics, materiality, civil society, and bureaucratic procedure. Building on critical secular and sociolegal theory, this article tracks how law is able to establish and extend the state's jurisdiction over Sikh practices and populations through its capacity to inscribe and delimit the social and political parameters of religion. It illustrates how this case law serves as a mechanism of racial governance by extending forms of surveillance and legal intervention that work to embed the diasporic practices of Sikh communities within the spheres of Canadian state power.
Rights-in-between: Resident perceptions of and accessibility to rights within restricted housing units
Authors: Rudes Danielle S. , Magnuson Shannon , Ingel Sydney , Hartwell Taylor
Published: May 2021

Prison laws and policies often do not explicitly state the rights and privileges for the individuals residing there. This space is a unique example of where the law-on-the-books meet the law-in-action—a place where “law-in-between” operates in the hands of street-level workers. Using data collected from interviews with restricted housing unit residents and staff in four men's prisons, this paper examines how the law-in-between operates in a highly structured and punitive environment. Findings reveal agreement among residents and staff regarding general definitions and perceptions of rights, with some similarities regarding what rights are broadly. However, divergence exists in discussion of how rights are accessed in practice.
Impact of a nurse‐led brief tobacco cessation training program for healthcare professionals
Authors: Grech Joseph
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess the impact of a tobacco cessation training program on healthcare professionals' smoking cessation practices, counseling‐related opinions, and attitudes about their role in tobacco control.

Design

A single group pre‐ and post‐design.

Sample

Eligible participants (n = 133) were health professionals who attended a training program between September 2018 and June 2019 at specific training sites in Malta.

Measurements

An already established questionnaire was used to compare healthcare professionals' practices, opinions, and attitudes before the training program, and at 3‐month follow‐up.

Intervention

A public health nurse‐led, 3‐hr training intervention addressing tobacco use and tobacco cessation with emphasis on the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange) framework.

Results

Healthcare professionals were favorably disposed towards counseling patients to stop. While participants still found it difficult to get clients to quit and lacked the time to counsel patients, they were more likely to deliver tobacco cessation interventions frequently at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Despite these challenges, this training program was found useful by the participants, who took a more comprehensive approach to address tobacco use. Public health nurses are encouraged to take a leading role in tobacco cessation training initiatives as part of their efforts to improve population health.
EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF CHITOSAN-BASED HYDROGEL ON PROPERTIES AND COLLAGEN RELEASE
Authors: Boonruam Patiparn , Wattanachai Piyachat
Published: May 2021

Chitosan-based hydrogels have drawn attention from a wide range of applications including drug delivery, heavy metal removal, and wound dressing. This is due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and responsiveness. Physical crosslinking is an easy and eco-friendly way to form hydrogels and the degree of crosslinking influences their mechanical and mass-transport properties. In this research, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a co-hydrogel base polymer along with chitosan, where it was found that an increase in the PVA content by 1% w/v improved the tensile strength of the hydrogel film by 75%. An increase in glycerol which is a plasticizer increased hydrogel elasticity but lowered the tensile strength of the film. When the surfactant, Polysorbate80 (PS80), was added at a concentration of 0.5% w/v, the tensile strength improved between 70-150%. The hydrogel film with a high degree of crosslinking possessed good mechanical properties; however, contained less amounts of voids resulting in less water absorption. The results illustrated that percent swelling as high as 650% could be obtained. Surprisingly, although the percent swelling varied according to the mechanical properties of the films, the absorption of collagen solution was indistinguishable and remained at 30% absorption for all the film compositions studied. Nevertheless, collagen release correlated with the mechanical properties and percent swelling of the hydrogel films, where high percent swelling films released collagen faster. As they are physically incorporated, there are weak interactions between collagen and hydrogels, resulting in considerably fast collagen release which was completed within 5-6 hrs.
A STUDY ON RECENT EARTHQUAKES IN AND AROUND BANGLADESH
Authors: Hossain A S M Fahad , Jahan Nusrat , Ansary Mehedi Ahmed
Published: May 2021

Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a dense population situated in a very vulnerable position of earthquake faults where sudden earthquakes can cause a great loss of lives and properties. This paper deals with the magnitude and focal depth of earthquakes that have been felt from 2015 to 2019 having Richter magnitude more than 3. Maximum earthquakes with a magnitude of 3.0 to 4.9 have occurred at the northern side of Bangladesh whereas at the eastern side the values are between 4.0 to 5.9. It was seen that considerable earthquakes occurred in 2019 at the northern side of Bangladesh that indicates a major earthquake may happen in this area from the stored energy and can cause a devastating effect. It has been observed that Earthquake with more than 3 Richter magnitudes has happened in all five years in February, April, August, and September where January and December have comparatively fewer earthquake records. Focal depths have been found to be higher in 2016 related to other years. A correlation equation has been developed between magnitude and focal depth.
Elements of Interaction in Self and Human Beings Based on the Qur'an in the Learning of 21st Century Islamic Education / Elemen Interaksi Dalam Diri Dan Sesama Manusia Berasaskan Al-Quran Dalam Pembelajaran Abad Ke-21 Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Wan Mohamad Wan Mariana , Mat Teh Kamarul Shukri , Wan Abdullah Wan Ali Akbar
Published: May 2021

This study aims to identify the expert consensus on the items for the elements of interaction in self and human beings for communication skills in 21st Century Learning (PAK21) Islamic Education. This study uses the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) application in the process of designing and developing the Islamic Education PAK21 Model based on the analysis of Quranic content. The data were collected using a questionnaire instrument that was given to 11 experts in the field of Tafsir al-Quran and Islamic Education who have served for more than 10 years. The findings of the study show that all 12 items of interaction in self and fellow human beings have been approved by experts. The items meet the acceptance conditions with the threshold value (d) is less than 0.2, the percentage of expert agreement is more than 75% and the value of defuzzification is more than 0.5. Implications of the study led to the formation of Model of Interaction Elements in Self and Human Beings for Communication Skills PAK21 Islamic Education.
Getting to the root of forest symbioses
Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest
Suzanne Simard
Knopf, 2021. 368 pp.
Authors: Yoder Jeremy B.
Published: May 2021

An ecologist's memoir emphasizes the interdependencies of life
CAMP-disk test for presumptive identification of group B streptococci
Authors: Wilkinson H W
Published: May 2021

The modification of the CAMP test for goup B streptococci involved substituting a paper disk impregnated with partially purified beta-hemolysin for the staphylococcal culture that was the source of beta-hemolysin in the original test. The disk is placed onto a sheep blood agar plate beside the streak of Streptococcus being tested. The plate is then incubated aerobically at 35 degrees C. A positive reaction consists of a lunar-shaped clear zone that appears within 24 h in the dark beta-hemolysin zone surrounding the disk. A double-blind study of 135 randomly coded streptococcal isolates showed complete agreement between the CAMP-disk test and the standard Lancefield precipitin test. All group B streptococci tested had positive reactions, and all strains tested from streptococcal groups A, C, D, and G were negative. The CAMP-disk test is a simple and convenient way to identify presumptively group B streptococci.
Automated, rapid identification of bacteria by pattern analysis of growth inhibition profiles obtained with Autobac 1
Authors: Buck G E , Sielaff B H , Boshard R , Matsen J M
Published: May 2021

A scheme for identifying bacteria has been devised which utilizes the inhibition patterns obtained by Autobac 1 with routine and unusual antimicrobial agents and with other differentially inhibitory chemical compounds. Over 600 compounds were initially identified from the literature, and over 125 of these were selected for further testing on the basis of antibacterial activity most conducive to the instrument-generated differential scheme. Numerical growth index information derived by light scatter comparisons from the instrument were analyzed by computer, utilizing the quadratic discriminant function statistical technique. In comparison with conventional methods, accuracy for the 10 bacterial genera studied was 95% or greater. Results indicate a potential for both bacterial identification and antimicrobial agent susceptibility testing in the clinical laboratory within 3 to 5 h when using this automated approach.
Cellular fatty acid composition of isolates from Legionnaires disease
Authors: Moss C W , Weaver R E , Dees S B , Cherry W B
Published: May 2021

The cellular fatty acids of four isolates from Legionnaires disease and two antigenically related isolates were identified by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and associated techniques. The six isolates had essentially the same fatty acid composition, which was characterized by large amounts (greater than 80%) of branched-chain acids.
Micro-indirect hemagglutination test for detection of antibody against transmissible gastroenteritis virus of pigs
Authors: Shimizu M , Shimizu Y
Published: May 2021

A micro-indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test was developed for detecting antibody against transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus of pigs. TGE virus propagated in swine kidney cell cultures was highly purified and concentrated by the combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, treatment with fluorocarbon, and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Tanned sheep erythrocytes were sensitized with purified virus for use in the IHA test. The results of testing 104 serum samples collected from pigs in the field indicated that the IHA antibody titers were approximately five times higher than those obtained by a serum neutralization test and that there was good correlation between the antibody titers determined by the two tests. High IHA antibody titers developed in pigs experimentally exposed to virulent TGE virus. Sensitized sheep erythrocytes were stable under long-term storage at 4 degrees C (at least for 50 days). The conclusions made are that the IHA test described is more sensitive than the serum neutralization test for the detection of TGE antibody and may be of value for serodiagnosis of TGE.
Reactivity and Specificity of
Trichinella spiralis
Fractions in Cutaneous and Serological Tests
Authors: Barriga Omar O.
Published: May 2021

Six diethylaminoethyl-cellulose fractions of a larval
Trichinella spiralis
extract, an
Ascaris suum
extract, and a nonrelated protein were used for cutaneous tests in guinea pigs with 8-, 14-, and 73-day-old
T. spiralis
infections, in guinea pigs with 13-day-old
A. suum
infections, and in normal guinea pigs. A selected
T. spiralis
fraction was used in hemagglutination (HA) tests with sera of 8
T. spiralis
-infected rabbits, 41 sera of trichinellosis patients positive by bentonite agglutination tests, and 50 sera of clinically healthy persons. Immediate-type cutaneous reactions revealed extensive cross-reactivity between both parasites, although the establishment of conventional limits for considering a reaction positive allowed the specific diagnosis of acute or chronic trichinellosis with different fractions. Delayed-type reactions were specific with all fractions except one, and different fractions reacted during either the acute or the chronic phase of trichinellosis. HA detected anti-
Trichinella
antibodies in all the rabbits 9 to 10 days postinfection, in all trichinellosis patients, and in none of the healthy people. Correlation between HA and bentonite agglutination titers and other considerations suggest that HA with the selected fraction detects early antibodies. HA inhibition tests with
A. suum
extract suggest lack of HA cross-reactivity between the
A. suum
- and
T. spiralis
-selected fractions. The use of different fractions in diverse tests for clinical or epidemiological studies is suggested.
Mouse potency assay for Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterins
Authors: Goodnow R A , Lehr C D , Shade F J , Wisecarver J L
Published: May 2021

A potency assay for Bordetella bronchiseptica bacterins has been developed using mice. The immunogenicities of three bacterins, B, C, and D, were evaluated for ability to prevent death in mice as compared with a reference standard bacterin (RSB-A). Bacterins RSB-A, B, and C were evaluated for ability to prevent death in mice as compared with a reference standard bacterin (RSB-A). Bacterins RSB-A, B, and C were evaluated in swine for efficacy against nasal turbinate atrophy. Swine immunized with RSB-A demonstrated 25% gross nasal turbinate atrophy (GNTA), whereas nonimmunized swine had 85% GNTA. Swine vaccinated with bacterins B and C demonstrated 0 and 100% GNTA, respectively, whereas the nonimmunized groups had 64 and 75% GNTA, respectively. RSB-A and bacterins B, C, and D provided average mouse survivals of 94, 88, 49, and 32%, respectively when the mice were given 1/10,000 of a recommended swine-immunizing dose, whereas an average of 88% of the unvaccinated mice died.
Comparative evaluation of different types of blood culture media for isolation of aerobes
Authors: Gross P A , Fryda R , Reilly K
Published: May 2021

The possible advantage of hypertonic sucrose medium over isotonic medium for isolating aerobic organisms from blood was studied. Approximately 50 ml of medium and 5 ml of blood inoculum were present in each culture bottle. In the first phase of the study, supplemented peptone broth (SPB) was compared with brucella broth containing 10% sucrose (BB-10S). There were 194 significant clinical isolates in at least one of the two bottles in each set during a 7-month period; 160 (82%) of the isolates grew in SPB, whereas 191 (98%) grew in BB-10S (P less than 0.01). Of the 158 isolates that grew in both media, 13 (8%) appeared earlier in BB-10S, whereas none did so in SPB. In the second phase of the study, SPB with 10% sucrose (SPB-10S) was compared with BB-10S. There were 187 isolates during a 9-month period; 173 (93%) grew in SPB-10S compared with 179 (96%) for BB-10S. In this comparison there was no apparent difference in the time interval required for recovery of organisms. The two hypertonic sucrose media (SPB-10S and BB-10S) were comparable for isolating organisms under aerobic conditions and superior to the nonhypertonic medium (SPB).
Group VE-2 (Chromobacterium typhiflavum) bacteremia
Authors: Pien F D
Published: May 2021

Group VE-2 (Chromobacterium typhiflavum) bacteremia occurred in a severely traumatized, post-neurosurgical patient. A discussion of the clinical occurrence of the organism, bacteriological characteristics, and antibiotic sensitivities is presented.
RAND appropriateness panel to determine the applicability of UK guidelines on the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other strategies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Griffiths Mark , Meade Susanna , Summers Charlotte , McAuley Daniel Francis , Proudfoot Alastair , Baladia Marta Montero , Dark Paul M , Diomede Kate , Finney Simon J , Forni Lui G , Meadows Chris , Naldrett Ian A , Patel Brijesh , Perkins Gavin D , Samaan Mark A , Sharifi Laurence , Suntharalingam Ganesh , Tarmey Nicholas T , Young Harriet F , Wise Matt P , Irving Peter M
Published: May 2021

Background

COVID-19 has become the most common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) worldwide. Features of the pathophysiology and clinical presentation partially distinguish it from ‘classical’ ARDS. A Research and Development (RAND) analysis gauged the opinion of an expert panel about the management of ARDS with and without COVID-19 as the precipitating cause, using recent UK guidelines as a template.

Methods

An 11-person panel comprising intensive care practitioners rated the appropriateness of ARDS management options at different times during hospital admission, in the presence or absence of, or varying severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection on a scale of 1–9 (where 1–3 is inappropriate, 4–6 is uncertain and 7–9 is appropriate). A summary of the anonymised results was discussed at an online meeting moderated by an expert in RAND methodology. The modified online survey comprising 76 questions, subdivided into investigations (16), non-invasive respiratory support (18), basic intensive care unit management of ARDS (20), management of refractory hypoxaemia (8), pharmacotherapy (7) and anticoagulation (7), was completed again.

Results

Disagreement between experts was significant only when addressing the appropriateness of diagnostic bronchoscopy in patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Adherence to existing published guidelines for the management of ARDS for relevant evidence-based interventions was recommended. Responses of the experts to the final survey suggested that the supportive management of ARDS should be the same, regardless of a COVID-19 diagnosis. For patients with ARDS with COVID-19, the panel recommended routine treatment with corticosteroids and a lower threshold for full anticoagulation based on a high index of suspicion for venous thromboembolic disease.

Conclusion

The expert panel found no reason to deviate from the evidence-based supportive strategies for managing ARDS outlined in recent guidelines.
Cylindrical Caved Space Stability Analysis for Extension Prediction of Mining-Induced Surface Subsidence
Authors: Liu Yang , Ge Yongxiang , Zhang Congrui , Ren Fengyu , Ma Junsheng , Ren Gaofeng
Published: May 2021

Subsequent extension of surface subsidence after vertical caving leads to large-scale surface destruction, as well as associated geological hazards. The extension prediction for cylindrical caved space, which appears circular surface subsidence, is still an intractable issue, due to the absence of robust models. To fill such a research gap, this paper provides an analytical model for the depth and orientation where the shear failure of isotropic rocks around the caved space is firstly observed. The anisotropy of surrounding rocks is further involved to enable this model to analyze the slip failure along discontinuities in anisotropic stress state. The prediction for the extension of the surface subsidence in Xiaowanggou iron mine is conducted, and the comparison between the prediction and the observation in satellite images demonstrates the validity of the proposed model. Even though this model cannot provide a definite boundary after extension, the prediction for the orientation surface subsidence extends to contribute to mitigating the effect of geological hazards. Another contribution of this work is to provide guidance to mitigate the impact of surface subsidence on safety and environment, such as filling the interspace between large-sized caved rocks by dumping small-sized waste rocks or backfilling the caved space with waste rocks.