bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial evolution of cavitating bubbles and coherent structures in a confined submerged jet shear layer
Authors: Zhang Runqiang , Sun Guoyong , Wang Yuchuan , Leguizamón Sebastián
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The study aims to display the bubbles' evolution in the shear layer and their relationship with the pressure fluctuations. Furthermore, the coherent structures of the first six modes are extracted, in order to provide insight into their temporal and spatial evolution and determine the relationship between cavitating bubbles and coherent structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, numerical simulations of submerged jet cavitating flow were carried out at a cavitation inception condition inside an axisymmetric cavity using the large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model and the Schnerr–Sauer (S–S) cavitation model. Based on snapshots produced by the numerical simulation, dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) was performed to extract the three-dimensional coherent structures of the first six modes in the shear layer.

Findings

The cavitating bubbles in the shear layer are deformed to elongated ellipsoid shapes by shear forces. The significant pressure fluctuations are induced by the collapse of the biggest bubble in the group. The first mode illustrates the mean characteristics of the flow field. The flow in the peripheral region of the shear layer is mainly dominated by large-scale coherent structures revealed by the second and third modes, while different small-scale coherent structures are contained in the central region. The cavitating bubbles are associated with small size coherent structures as the sixth or higher modes.

Practical implications

This work demonstrates the feasibility of LES for high Reynolds number shear layer flow. The dynamic mode decomposition method is a novel method to extract coherent structures and obtain their dynamic information that will help us to optimize and control the flow.

Originality/value

(1) This paper first displays the three-dimensional coherent structures and their characteristics in the shear layer of confined jet flow. (2) The relationship of bubbles shape and pressure fluctuations is illustrated. (3) The visualization of coherent structures benefits the understanding of the mixing process and cavitation inception in jet shear layers.
A new method to optimize the truncated PCE order of collocation-based SRSM in reliability analysis and its application to geotechnical problems
Authors: Zeng Peng , Li Tianbin , Jimenez Rafael , Feng Xianda , Chen Yu , Zhang Tianlong
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The collocation-based stochastic response surface method (CSRSM) is widely used in geotechnical reliability analyses due to its efficiency and accuracy. Determining the optimal truncated order of the associated polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is important, as it may strongly affect the practical applicability of CSRSM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the performance of different optimal order selection strategies used in the CSRSM and proposes a new cross-order validation method. First, several methods commonly used for optimal order selection are briefly reviewed, and their merits and limitations for reliability analyses are discussed. Then, an improved optimal order selection method that achieves a better trade-off between efficiency and accuracy is proposed.

Findings

In total, ten simple mathematical examples from the literature are employed to perform a preliminary test on the proposed method, and a comparative study is conducted to demonstrate its advantages with respect to some other existing methods.

Practical implications

A total of three typical geotechnical problems are employed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method in geotechnical practice.

Originality/value

An improved optimal order selection method that achieves a better trade-off between efficiency and accuracy is proposed. The threshold value of the deterministic coefficient used for the proposed method is discussed.
The relative influence of spectator dysfunctional behavior on spectator enjoyment in Major League Baseball
Authors: Pedersen Zack P. , Kim Kyungyeol (Anthony) , Byon Kevin K. , Williams Antonio S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceived enjoyment that is derived from spectators observing other spectators’ dysfunctional behavior during a game.

Design/methodology/approach

Using four forms (i.e. fighting, verbal assault, disrupting play and throwing missiles) of spectators dysfunctional behavior (SDB), two experiments (N = 252 for Study 1 and N = 92 for Study 2) were conducted in which video clips corresponding to the four types of SDB were used as experimental stimuli.

Findings

The findings indicate that participants enjoyed viewing spectators running onto the field of play significantly more than the other forms of SDB (i.e. fighting, verbal assaults and throwing missiles). The results also show no significant difference between how much spectators enjoyed the actions of fighting, verbal assault and throwing missiles.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study include the usage of a multidimensional approach to the concept of SDB and testing for a positive outcome pertaining to SDB that has largely, if not fully, been examined using negative inputs and outputs.
Adaptive customer relationship management contingency model under disruptive events
Authors: Lozada-Contreras Frank , Orengo-Serra Karen L. , Sanchez-Jauregui Maria
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Given that few studies examine how disruptive events affect customer relationships during and after the event, this study examines the resilience of companies in Puerto Rico, their underlying vulnerabilities, and how they deployed customer relationship management (CRM) resilience strategies during and after Hurricane Maria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed data gathered from qualitative focus groups composed of 41 firms via an exploratory approach. Participants were business owners and managers of enterprises in Puerto Rico.

Findings

All companies faced critical government infrastructure failures that affected their CRM activities. Firms implemented one or more CRM resilience strategies in response to the natural disaster. Accordingly, a comprehensive, adaptive CRM contingency model was postulated using marketing crisis management strategies discussed in the literature, existing resilience models and research studies in marketing resilience. The adaptive CRM contingency model operationalizes all processes at the business-logic level via the event-driven process chain (EPC) language, thus making it easier to understand and employ.

Originality/value

This study presents a unique model that shows the value of CRM and its capacity to evolve under disruptive environments that affect company–customer relationships. The operationalization of the model allows practitioners, policymakers and academic researchers to better understand how CRM is not only a suitable tool for managing business continuity after a natural disaster but also a mitigating technique for responding to new customer needs and expectations.
Perceptions, knowledge and self-defense behaviors regarding COVID-19 among employees at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thailand
Authors: Siramaneerat Issara
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This research aims to study self-defense behaviors from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to investigate factors affecting the prevention and control behavior of COVID-19 among personnel at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was 405 personnel of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. The sample was calculated by using the Yamane formula at a confidence level of 95. The researcher collected the data between July 1 and 15, 2020. Questionnaire items were developed following the health belief model (HBM). The questionnaire contains basic information, knowledge of COVID-19, perception of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis at the statistical significance level of 0.05.

Findings

The results showed that the sample had an average knowledge about COVID-19 of 8.93, the perceived of risk and severity of COVID-19 was presented average of 4.22 and 3.48. The perceived of benefits and barriers of COVID-19 showed average of 4.31 and 2.72 and mean of COVID-19 prevention and control behaviors was 2.41. The multiple regression analysis showed that the model can explain the various self-defense behaviors from COVID-19 of 11.30%. Perception of the benefits of COVID-19 had a statistically significant effect on self-defense behaviors from COVID-19 at the level 0.05 (Beta = 0.232, 95% CI: 1.233–3.395, p < 0.001).

Originality/value

Based on the results, the relationship between HBM and COVID-19 prevention behavior can be clearly seen. This study found the perception of benefit toward COVID-19 affected prevention practice. Thus, using HBM could be useful in improving preventive behaviors of COVID-19.
Hybrid ensemble learning approaches to customer churn prediction
Authors: Tavassoli Sara , Koosha Hamidreza
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Customer churn prediction is one of the most well-known approaches to manage and improve customer retention. Machine learning techniques, especially classification algorithms, are very popular tools to predict the churners. In this paper, three ensemble classifiers are proposed based on bagging and boosting for customer churn prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, three ensemble classifiers are proposed based on bagging and boosting for customer churn prediction. The first classifier, which is called boosted bagging, uses boosting for each bagging sample. In this approach, before concluding the final results in a bagging algorithm, the authors try to improve the prediction by applying a boosting algorithm for each bootstrap sample. The second proposed ensemble classifier, which is called bagged bagging, combines bagging with itself. In the other words, the authors apply bagging for each sample of bagging algorithm. Finally, the third approach uses bagging of neural network with learning based on a genetic algorithm.

Findings

To examine the performance of all proposed ensemble classifiers, they are applied to two datasets. Numerical simulations illustrate that the proposed hybrid approaches outperform the simple bagging and boosting algorithms as well as base classifiers. Especially, bagged bagging provides high accuracy and precision results.

Originality/value

In this paper, three novel ensemble classifiers are proposed based on bagging and boosting for customer churn prediction. Not only the proposed approaches can be applied for customer churn prediction but also can be used for any other binary classification algorithms.
Scientific collaboration networks and firm innovation: the contingent impact of a dynamic environment
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhang Jing , Zeng Deming
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The environment in high-tech industries is highly dynamic, and after COVID-19, it has become even more unpredictable. Hence, it has become critical for firms to develop strategies to cope with a highly dynamic environment. This paper aims to analyze how the impact of the scientific collaboration networks with URIs (universities and research institutes) on firm innovation performance is contingent on technological and market dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 174 Chinese firms in the new-energy vehicle industry during 2004–2015, the authors applied a random-effects negative binomial modeling approach to model these relationships.

Findings

A broad and strong scientific collaboration network promotes firm innovation network effects are contingent on technological and market dynamics. While technological dynamics strengthen the effect market dynamics weaken it due to the different purposes of collaboration for firms and URIs.

Practical implications

Firms should adjust the structure of scientific collaboration networks with URIs when facing different environments. The government should encourage firms to jointly research with diverse URIs and play an active role in stabilizing market environments.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the academic debate on university-industry scientific collaborations. Applying the temporary competitive advantage (TCA) framework, we provide nuances to the literature that studies the factors that condition the effects of networks. This study also adds to the research on firm scientific collaboration networks by measuring networks based on the coauthorship between firms and URIs.
Life-cycle asset allocation and the peso problem: does ambiguity aversion matter?
Authors: Silva Nuno
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The study aims to show that ambiguity aversion exerts a non-negligible effect on the investors' decisions, especially due to the possibility of sharp declines in stock prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The vast majority of previous studies on life-cycle consumption and asset allocation assume that the equity premium is constant. This study evaluates the impact of rare disasters that shift the stock market to a low return state on investors' consumption and portfolio decisions. The author assumes that investors are averse to ambiguity relative to the current state of the economy and must incur a per period cost to participate in the stock market and solve their optimal consumption and asset allocation problem using dynamic programming.

Findings

The results show that most young investors choose not to invest in stocks because they have low accumulated wealth and the potential return from their stock market investments would not cover the participation costs. Furthermore, ambiguity-averse investors hold considerably fewer stocks throughout their lifetime than ambiguity-neutral ones. The fraction of wealth invested in stocks over the typical consumer's life is hump-shaped: it is low for a young individual, peaks at his early 30s and then decreases until his retirement age.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that assesses the impact of negative stock price jumps on the optimal portfolio of an ambiguity-averse investor.
FSR and IMU sensors-based human gait phase detection and its correlation with EMG signal for different terrain walk
Authors: Negi Sachin , Sharma Shiru , Sharma Neeraj
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present gait analysis for five different terrains: level ground, ramp ascent, ramp descent, stair ascent and stair descent.

Design/methodology/approach

Gait analysis has been carried out using a combination of the following sensors: force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors fabricated in foot insole to sense foot pressure, a gyroscopic sensor to detect the angular velocity of the shank and MyoWare electromyographic muscle sensors to detect muscle’s activities. All these sensors were integrated around the Arduino nano controller board for signal acquisition and conditioning purposes. In the present scheme, the muscle activities were obtained from the tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles using electromyography (EMG) electrodes, and the acquired EMG signals were correlated with the simultaneously attained signals from the FSR and gyroscope sensors. The nRF24L01+ transceivers were used to transfer the acquired data wirelessly to the computer for further analysis. For the acquisition of sensor data, a Python-based graphical user interface has been designed to analyze and display the processed data. In the present paper, the authors got motivated to design and develop a reliable real-time gait phase detection technique that can be used later in designing a control scheme for the powered ankle-foot prosthesis.

Findings

The effectiveness of the gait phase detection was obtained in an open environment. Both off-line and real-time gait events and gait phase detections were accomplished for the FSR and gyroscopic sensors. Both sensors showed their usefulness for detecting the gait events in real-time, i.e. within 10 ms. The heuristic rules and a zero-crossing based-algorithm for the shank angular rate correctly identified all the gait events for the locomotion in all five terrains.

Practical implications

This study leads to an understanding of human gait analysis for different types of terrains. A real-time standalone system has been designed and realized, which may find application in the design and development of ankle-foot prosthesis having real-time control feature for the above five terrains.

Originality/value

The noise-free data from three sensors were collected in the same time frame from both legs using a wireless sensor network between two transmitters and a single receiver. Unlike the data collection using a treadmill in a laboratory environment, this setup is useful for gait analysis in an open environment for different terrains.
The effects of COVID-19 on Andalusian tourism and aviation sector
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on airlines, airports and the destination Andalusia. On that basis, the study has assessed the bankruptcy of some airlines, closure and reduction of the frequency of air routes, COVID-19 measures at airports by governments, etc., to adapt to new circumstances, be efficient and plan their resources according to the tourist demand.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the relevant literature on the impact of COVID-19 on the aviation industry, airports and tourism sector are undertaken to understand the link between them. The paper begins by explaining the effects of the pandemic on the aviation industry and discusses its impact in the Andalusian region. Furthermore, this study uses secondary data from IATA, AENA, EUROCONTROL, INE, OAG, UNTWO, etc., to support research results.

Findings

The results of the effects of the pandemic in Andalusia are being devastating and this destination is heavily dependent on tourism. The drastic drop in flight frequencies at airports during the pandemic has caused an average decrease of −65% in passenger arrivals at airports until October 2020 that is 23 million passengers, too many passengers for the Andalusian economy, which depends mainly on the tourism sector.

Originality/value

The study contributes toward assessing the COVID-19 effects on the aviation industry and tourist destinations. Both sectors will re-emerge in the medium term and at different speeds in different regions. The contribution of this study is essential for managers and operators of airlines, airports and tourist destinations to make better future decisions.
Can passive pedaling improve sexual function in patients under hemodialysis? A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Salehi Farzaneh , Mangolian Shahrbabaki Parvin , Dehghan Mahlagha , Amirihosseini Mojdeh
Published: May 2021

To investigate the effect of passive pedaling with mini bike on sexual function in patients under hemodialysis. This study was a randomized clinical trial. Thirty‐seven patients undergoing hemodialysis were assigned to the intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 17) groups by the stratified block randomization method. The intervention group exercised with a mini bike that was automatic and tuned for patients during the first 2 h of dialysis, twice a week for 20 min each time, for 3 months. The International Index of Erectile Function and Female Sexual Function Index were used to assess the sexual function in the first, second, and third months during the intervention and one month after the intervention. A higher score indicates a better sexual function. Repeated measure ANOVA, Chi–square and Fisher exact tests, independent t, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. The SPSS software version 22 was used for data analysis. Sexual function scores of the intervention group were 35.9 at the beginning of the study, 34.1 in the first month, 37.4 in the second month, 34.8 in the third month, and 31.7 one month after the study. There was no significant difference in the scores of sexual function in the intervention group during the study. The mean scores of sexual function in the control group were 34.5, 34.4, 34.9, 33.8, and 33.9 at the beginning of the study, in the first month, in the second month, in the third month, and one month after the study, respectively (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function scores during and after the intervention (p > 0.05). Passive pedaling with mini‐bike had no effect on sexual function of hemodialysis patients.
Hospital competition and quality for non‐emergency patients in the English NHS
Authors: Moscelli Giuseppe , Gravelle Hugh , Siciliani Luigi
Published: May 2021

We investigate the effect on the quality of three high‐volume non‐emergency treatments of a reform that relaxed restrictions on patient choice of hospital. We employ a quasi difference‐in‐difference strategy and use control functions allowing for patient selection into providers correlated with unobserved morbidity. Public hospitals facing more rivals reduced quality, increased waiting times, and reduced length of stay for hip and knee replacements. This is likely due to regulated prices implying larger losses on these treatments compared to coronary artery bypass grafts, where no effects were found. Our findings are robust to estimation methods and competition measures, allowing for private providers’ entry.
Can novel ‘swift‐certain‐fair’ programs work outside of pioneering jurisdictions? An analysis of 24/7 Sobriety in Montana, USA
Authors: Midgette Greg , Kilmer Beau
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

The US state of South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program (24/7) requires individuals charged or convicted of alcohol‐involved offenses to avoid alcohol and submit to twice‐daily or continuous alcohol testing. We evaluated the impact of the 24/7 program in the US state of Montana.

Methods

Using data from everyone in Montana who was convicted of their second driving under the influence (DUI) offense from 2009 to August 2013, we described program violations among 24/7 participants and then estimated the effect of 24/7 participation on the probability of DUI re‐arrest. To address potential selection issues related to individual‐level 24/7 participation, we used an instrumental variables approach that exploits county‐level variation in program adoption.

Results

Among 2768 people convicted of a second DUI in our analytical sample, 356 participated in 24/7 and were monitored for an average of 173 days (median = 112 days). Among the 332 participants monitored by breath test, 95.5% of scheduled alcohol breath tests were completed and did not lead to a program violation. After controlling for individual‐ and community‐level covariates as well as year and county fixed effects, our instrumental variable models suggested that participation in 24/7 reduced the 1‐year DUI re‐arrest probability by at least 80% (preferred model: 86% decrease; 8.9 percentage points) compared with a counterfactual group of people convicted of a second DUI over the same period but not assigned to the program.

Conclusions

South Dakota USA's 24/7 Sobriety Program appears to work in Montana as well. Certain delivery of immediate but modest sanctions for repeat driving under the influence (DUI) arrestees who violate alcohol abstinence orders appears to be able to reduce future DUI arrests.
Association between mucosal barrier disruption by Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoproteins and asthma in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tuli Jannatul Ferdoush , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Cooksley Clare , Psaltis Alkis James , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common chronic respiratory condition, frequently associated with asthma and affecting the majority of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and biofilms have been implicated in recalcitrant CRS. One of the mechanisms of action for bacteria in CRS and CF is mucosal barrier disruption by secreted products that contribute to the inflammation. However, the role of biofilm and planktonic forms of P. aeruginosa in this process is not known. The aim is to determine the effect of P. aeruginosa exoproteins isolated from CF and non‐CF CRS patients on the mucosal barrier.

Methods

Exoproteins from 40 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected in planktonic and biofilm forms and applied to air‐liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). Mucosal barrier integrity was evaluated by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), passage of FITC‐dextrans and immunofluorescence of tight junction proteins. Cytotoxicity assays were performed to measure cell viability, and IL‐6 ELISA was carried out to evaluate pro‐inflammatory effects.

Results

Planktonic exoproteins from 20/40 (50%) clinical isolates had a significant detrimental effect on the barrier and significantly increased IL‐6 production. Barrier disruption was characterized by a reduced TEER, increased permeability of FITC‐dextrans and discontinuous immunolocalization of tight junction proteins and was significantly more prevalent in isolates harvested from patients with comorbid asthma (P < .05).

Conclusion

Exoproteins from planktonic P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from asthmatic CRS patients have detrimental effects on the mucosal barrier and induce IL‐6 production potentially contributing to the mucosal inflammation in CRS patients.
Efficacy of patient selection criteria for obesity surgery in a non‐high‐dependency unit/intensive care unit facility
Authors: Newbold Ryan , Craven Alexander , Aly Ahmad
Published: May 2021

Backgrounds

Publicly funded obesity surgery remains underfunded in Australia. One barrier to expansion is the perception that perioperative care requires critical care facilities. This study evaluates the effectiveness of patient selection criteria in avoiding unplanned patient transfer and adverse outcomes in obesity surgery performed at a facility without a high‐dependency unit/intensive care unit (HDU/ICU).

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on patients undergoing obesity surgery between January 2017 and March 2020 in a centre with specific screening criteria. Criteria included: body mass index <48 for males and <52 for females with up to three stable comorbidities from a selected list. Revision sleeve or bypass procedures were contraindicated. Primary outcome was patient transfer to our main campus. Secondary outcomes included return to theatre (RTT), readmission and death. Outcomes were compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) performed at the same centre.

Results

A total of 387 obesity surgery procedures were performed; 372 patients (96%) were discharged without complication. Fifteen (3.9%) were transferred to the main campus, eight were admitted to ICU and two required re‐operation. Twelve (3.1%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, five required re‐operation. Transfer, 30‐day readmission and 30‐day emergency department presentation rates were similar in comparison to LC. RTT during index admission (0.5% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.006) and during 30‐day post‐operative period (1.8% vs. 4.4%; p = 0.025) was lower in the obesity surgery group.

Conclusion

Carefully selected screening criteria allow obesity surgery to be performed at a well‐supported non‐HDU/ICU facility with few complications and acceptable rates of unplanned patient transfer.
Recurrence, postponing pregnancy, and termination rates after hyperemesis gravidarum: Follow up of the MOTHER study
Authors: Nijsten Kelly , Dean Caitlin , van der Minnen Loïs M. , Bais Joke M. J. , Ris‐Stalpers Carrie , van Eekelen Rik , Bremer Henk A. , van der Ham David P. , Heidema Wieteke M. , Huisjes Anjoke , Kleiverda Gunilla , Kuppens Simone M. , van Laar Judith O. E. H. , Langenveld Josje , van der Made Flip , Papatsonis Dimitri , Pelinck Marie‐José , Pernet Paula J. , van Rheenen‐Flach Leonie , Rijnders Robbert J. , Scheepers Hubertina C. J. , Vogelvang Tatjana , Mol Ben W. , Roseboom Tessa J. , Koot Marjette H. , Grooten Iris J. , Painter Rebecca C.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) complicates 1% of pregnancies and has a major impact on maternal quality of life and well‐being. We know very little about HG’s long‐term impact after an affected pregnancy, including recurrence rates in future pregnancies, which is essential information for women considering subsequent pregnancies. In this study, we aimed to prospectively measure the recurrence rate of HG and the number of postponed and terminated subsequent pregnancies due to HG. We also aimed to evaluate if there were predictive factors that could identify women at increased risk for HG recurrence, and postponing and terminating subsequent pregnancies.

Material and methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study. A total of 215 women admitted for HG to public hospitals in the Netherlands were enrolled in the original MOTHER randomized controlled trial and associated observational cohort. Seventy‐three women were included in this follow‐up study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Recurrent HG was defined as vomiting symptoms accompanied by any of the following: multiple medication use, weight loss, admission, tube feeding or if nausea and vomiting symptoms were severe enough to affect life and/or work. Outcome measures were recurrence, postponing, and termination rates due to HG. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors associated with HG recurrence, and postponing and terminating subsequent pregnancies.

Results

Thirty‐five women (48%) became pregnant again of whom 40% had postponed their pregnancy due to HG. HG recurred in 89% of pregnancies. One woman terminated and eight women (23%) considered terminating their pregnancy because of recurrent HG. Twenty‐four out of 38 women did not get pregnant again because of HG in the past. Univariable logistic regression analysis identifying possible predictive factors found that having a western background was associated with having weight loss due to recurrent HG in subsequent pregnancies (odds ratio 12.9, 95% CI 1.3–130.5, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

High rates of HG recurrence and a high number of postponed pregnancies due to HG were observed. Women can be informed of a high chance of recurrence to enable informed family planning.
TRPV3 and TRPV4 as candidate proteins for intestinal ammonium absorption
Authors: Manneck David , Braun Hannah‐Sophie , Schrapers Katharina T. , Stumpff Friederike
Published: May 2021

Aim

Absorption of ammonia from the gut has consequences that range from encephalitis in hepatic disease to global climate change induced by nitrogenous excretions from livestock. Since patch clamp data show that certain members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family are permeable to NH4+, participation in ammonium efflux was investigated.

Methods

Digesta, mucosa and muscular samples from stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon of pigs were analysed via colourimetry, qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and Ussing chambers.

Results

qPCR data show high duodenal expression of TRPV6. TRPM6 was highest in jejunum and colon, with expression of TRPM7 ubiquitous. TRPM8 and TRPV1 were below detection. TRPV2 was highest in the jejunum but almost non‐detectable in the colon. TRPV4 was ubiquitously expressed by mucosal and muscular layers. TRPV3 mRNA was only found in the mucosa of the caecum and colon, organs in which NH4+ was highest (>7 mmol·L−1). Immunohistochemically, an apical expression of TRPV3 and TRPV4 could be detected in all tissues, with effects of 2‐APB and GSK106790A supporting functional expression. In symmetrical NaCl Ringer, removal of mucosal Ca2+ and Mg2+ increased colonic short circuit current (Isc) and conductance (Gt) by 0.18 ± 0.06 µeq·cm−2·h−1 and 4.70 ± 0.85 mS·cm−2 (P < .05, N/n = 4/17). Application of mucosal NH4Cl led to dose‐dependent and divalent‐sensitive increases in Gt and Isc, with effects highest in the caecum and colon.

Conclusion

We propose that TRP channels contribute to the intestinal transport of ammonium, with TRPV3 and TRPV4 promising candidate proteins. Pharmacological regulation may be possible.
Adhering to COVID‐19 health guidelines: Examining demographic and psychological predictors of adherence
Authors: Bailey Brooklynn , Whelen Megan L. , Strunk Daniel R.
Published: May 2021

The effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID‐19) has relied heavily on the general public's compliance with health guidelines limiting social contact and mitigating risk when contact occurs. The aim of this study was to identify latent variables underlying adherence to COVID‐19 guidelines and to examine demographic and psychological predictors of adherence. A sample of US adults (N = 1,200) were surveyed in late April to mid‐May 2020. The factor structure of adherence was examined using exploratory factor analysis. Machine learning regression models using elastic net regularization were used to examine predictors of adherence. Two factors characterized adherence: avoidance and cleaning. Elastic net models identified differential demographic and psychological predictors of these two forms of adherence. Religious affiliation, denial coping, full‐time employment, substance use coping, and being 60 or older predicted lower avoidance adherence. Behavioral and mindfulness emotion regulation skills, agreeableness, and Democrat political affiliation predicted greater avoidance adherence. For cleaning adherence, interpersonal and behavioral emotion regulation skills and conscientiousness emerged as strong predictors of greater cleaning. Efforts to promote compliance with COVID‐19 health guidelines may benefit from distinguishing avoidance and cleaning adherence and considering predictors of each of these aspects of adherence.
Autonomous but not isolated: A petrographic study of Iron Age ceramics from a ‘deep‐rural’ community in Asturias (NW Iberia)
Authors: de Groot Beatrijs G. , González‐Álvarez David
Published: May 2021

This article discusses a petrographic study of Late Iron Age (400–19 BCE) ceramics from El Castru in Vigaña (Asturias, NW Spain), providing evidence, for the first time in this region and time period, for the circulation of ceramics across NW Iberia. This preliminary study comprises the petrographic analysis of 40 pottery sherds and nine geological samples in order to discuss the mineralogical composition of the ceramic fabrics. The results point to a non‐local origin of most samples, providing the basis of a re‐examination of traditional views on the self‐sufficiency and isolation of Iron Age communities in Asturias during the Late Iron Age.
Triploid pregnancy–Clinical implications
Authors: Massalska Diana , Bijok Julia , Kucińska‐Chahwan Anna , Zimowski Janusz Grzegorz , Ozdarska Katarzyna , Panek Grzegorz , Roszkowski Tomasz
Published: May 2021

Triploidy is a life‐limiting genetic aberration resulting from an extra haploid set of chromosomes of paternal (diandric triploidy) or maternal origin (digynic triploidy). Triploidy affects around 1%–2% of all conceptions. The majority of cases is miscarried at early developmental stages. In consequence of genomic imprinting, parental origin affects the phenotype of triploid pregnancies as well as the prevalence and spectrum of related maternal complications. Distinctive ultrasound features of both triploid phenotypes as well as characteristic patterns of biochemical markers may be useful in diagnosis. Molecular confirmation of the parental origin allows to predict the risk of complications, such as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, or preeclampsia associated with the paternal origin of triploidy. Diagnosis of partial hydatidiform mole associated with diandric triploidy is challenging especially in the first trimester pregnancy loss due to the limitations of both histopathology and ultrasound. We present important clinical aspects of triploid pregnancies and indicate unresolved issues demanding further studies.
EZH2‐mediated inhibition of KLF14 expression promotes HSCs activation and liver fibrosis by downregulating PPARγ
Authors: Du Zhipeng , Liu Mei , Wang Zhihui , Lin Zhuoying , Feng Yangyang , Tian Dean , Xia Limin
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Induction of deactivation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are principal therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis. Krüppel‐like factor 14 (KLF14) regulates various biological processes, however, roles, mechanisms and implications of KLF14 in liver fibrosis are unknown.

Materials and Methods

KLF14 expression was detected in human, rat and mouse fibrotic models, and its effects on HSCs were assessed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were utilized to investigate the binding of KLF14 to peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) promoter, and the binding of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to KLF14 promoter. In vivo, KLF14‐overexpressing adenovirus was injected via tail vein to thioacetamide (TAA)‐treated rats to investigate the role of KLF14 in liver fibrosis progression. EZH2 inhibitor EPZ‐6438 was utilized to treat TAA‐induced rat liver fibrosis.

Results

KLF14 expression was remarkably decreased in human, rat and mouse fibrotic liver tissues. Overexpression of KLF14 increased LD accumulation, inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation, migration and induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, KLF14 transactivated PPARγ promoter activity. Inhibition of PPARγ blocked the suppressive role of KLF14 overexpression in HSCs. Downregulation of KLF14 in activated HSCs was mediated by EZH2‐regulated histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation. Adenovirus‐mediated KLF14 overexpression ameliorated TAA‐induced rat liver fibrosis in PPARγ‐dependent manner. Furthermore, EPZ‐6438 dramatically alleviated TAA‐induced rat liver fibrosis. Importantly, KLF14 expression was decreased in human with liver fibrosis, which was significantly correlated with EZH2 upregulation and PPARγ downregulation.

Conclusions

KLF14 exerts a critical anti‐fibrotic role in liver fibrosis, and targeting the EZH2/KLF14/PPARγ axis might be a novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of post‐transplant diabetes mellitus in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Lawendy Bishoy , Srinathan Sujitha , Kotha Sreelakshmi , Gomes Charlene , Misra Shruti , Yu Jeffrey , Orchanian‐Cheff Ani , Tomlinson George , Bhat Mamatha
Published: May 2021

Post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) compromises long‐term survival in liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of this study was to determine incidence of PTDM after LT and risk factors associated with it. A literature search was conducted, and prospective studies that reported on the incidence of PTDM in LT adult patients on tacrolimus, sirolimus, or cyclosporine were included. We performed random effects meta‐analyses for the incidence of PTDM stratified by immunosuppressant and time period. Of 9817 articles identified, 26 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 21 studies were eligible for the quantitative analysis representing 79 559 LT recipients in 32 separate treatment arms. The proportion of patients who developed PTDM by two‐three years was 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10–0.24) for cyclosporine, 0.23 (95% CI: 0.14–0.36) for tacrolimus, and 0.27 (95% CI: 0.23–0.30) for sirolimus.

Conclusion

Our results showed that sirolimus‐based immunosuppression was associated with a higher incidence of PTDM than tacrolimus or cyclosporine at two‐three years. However, there were only two studies that compared all three drugs which is a limitation of the study and requires more studies with patients on sirolimus. Recipient factors increasing the risk of PTDM are older age, male sex, and high BMI.
When is it safe to perform abdominal transplantation in patients with prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A case series
Authors: Natori Yoichiro , Anjan Shweta , Martin Eric F. , Selvagi Gennaro , Villavicencio Aasith , Coro Ana , Mendez‐Castaner Lumen A. , Mattiazzi Adela , Pagan Javier , Ortigosa‐Goggins Mariella , Roth David , Kupin Warren , O’Brien Christopher B. , Arosemena Leopoldo R. , Ciancio Gaetano , Burke George W. , Morsi Mahmoud , Figueiro Jose M. , Chen Linda , Tekin Akin , Miyashiro Rafael , Simkins Jacques , Abbo Lilian M. , Vianna Rodrigo M. , Guerra Giselle
Published: May 2021

Background

The Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID‐19) pandemic has negatively impacted worldwide organ transplantation. However, there is limited information on recipients transplanted after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A full understanding of this scenario is required, as transplantation is a life‐saving procedure and COVID‐19 remains an ongoing threat.

Methods

Abdominal organ transplant recipients diagnosed with COVID‐19 prior to transplantation were identified by chart review and clinical data were collected. The primary outcome was the transplant outcome including graft loss, rejection and death, and reactivation of infection post‐transplant.

Results

We identified 14 patients who received abdominal organ transplants after symptomatic PCR confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection; four patients had a positive PCR at the time of admission for transplantation. The median time of follow‐up was 79 (22‐190) days. One recipient with negative PCR before transplant tested positive 9 days after transplant. One of 14 transplanted patients developed disseminated mold infection and died 86 days after transplant. During the follow‐up, only one patient developed rejection; thirteen patients had favorable graft outcomes.

Conclusions

We were able to perform abdominal transplantation for patients with COVID‐19 before transplant, even with positive PCR at the time of transplant. Larger studies are needed to determine the time to safe transplant after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
A call for transplant stewardship: The need for expanded evidence‐based evaluation of induction and biologic‐based cost‐saving strategies in kidney transplantation and beyond
Authors: Jorgenson Margaret R. , Descourouez Jillian L. , Brady Bethany L. , Chandran Mary M. , Do Vincent , Kim Miae , Laub Melissa R. , Lichvar Alicia , Park Jeong M. , Szczepanik Amanda , Alloway Rita R.
Published: May 2021

Rising expenditures threaten healthcare sustainability. While transplant programs are typically considered profitable, transplant medications are expensive and frequently targeted for cost savings. This review aims to summarize available literature supporting cost‐containment strategies used in solid organ transplant. Despite widespread use of these tactics, we found the available evidence to be fairly low quality. Strategies mainly focus on induction, particularly rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), given its significant cost and the lack of consensus surrounding dosing. While there is higher‐quality evidence for high single‐dose rATG, and dose‐rounding protocols to reduce waste are likely low risk, more aggressive strategies, such as dosing rATG by CD3+ target‐attainment or on ideal‐body‐weight, have less robust support and did not always attain similar efficacy outcomes. Extrapolation of induction dosing strategies to rejection treatment is not supported by any currently available literature. Cost‐saving strategies for supportive therapies, such as IVIG and rituximab also have minimal literature support. Deferral of high‐cost agents to the outpatient arena is associated with minimal risk and increases reimbursement, although may increase complexity and cost‐burden for patients and infusion centers. The available evidence highlights the need for evaluation of unique patient‐specific clinical scenarios and optimization of therapies, rather than simple blanket application of cost‐saving initiatives in the transplant population.
Diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and flow cytometric immunophenotyping in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , KS Lekshmon , Rastogi Pulkit , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: May 2021

Central nervous system involvement by lymphomas is fairly infrequent; however, it is often associated with fatal outcome and indicates a poor prognosis. Cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) complemented by flow cytometric immunophenotyping and/or immunocytochemistry can help in establishing a prompt diagnosis.
Diagnostic utility of BAP1 for malignant pleural mesothelioma in pleural fluid specimens with atypical morphology
Authors: Louw Amber , Lee Y. C. Gary , Acott Nathan , Creaney Jenette , van Vliet Chris , Chai Siaw Ming
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess the utility of BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in fluid samples with atypical cytology.

Methods

Pleural fluid samples with an atypical mesothelial proliferation (diagnostic categories: ‘atypical’ and ‘suspicious’) received between January 2015 and March 2018 at a tertiary referral centre were identified. Results of routine IHC testing were recorded for each case. BAP1 by IHC was performed and a final diagnosis sought from subsequent pathology specimens, medical records, or consensus clinical diagnosis.

Results

Of 50 cases identified, 41 were reported as atypical and 9 as suspicious. Seven (14%) demonstrated loss of BAP1 staining, 40 retained BAP1 staining, 1 had heterogeneous staining, and 2 had insufficient cells for analysis. All seven cases with BAP1 loss were diagnosed with MPM on follow‐up. Of those with retained BAP1, 52.5% (21) were subsequently diagnosed with MPM, while 40% (16) had non‐MPM diagnoses after a median follow‐up of 24 months. Three cases were not further investigated based on patient and clinician decision. The case with heterogeneous staining was diagnosed as mesothelioma by clinical consensus.

Conclusions

BAP1 IHC loss is highly specific for malignancy and has value as a rule‐in test. Even in a tertiary centre with clinical interest in the cytological diagnosis of MPM this investigation was able to increase diagnostic accuracy beyond routine IHC studies. Cytological criteria remain valuable, as retained BAP1 in an atypical or suspicious mesothelial proliferation cannot exclude malignancy.
Social work training to reduce duration of untreated psychosis: Methodology and considerations of a web‐based training for community providers
Authors: Andorko Nicole D. , Fitzgerald John , Roemer Caroline , Solender Eric , Petti Emily , Rakhshan Rouhakhtar Pamela , McNamara Karen E. , Smith Melissa E. , Buchanan Robert W. , Schiffman Jason , DeVylder Jordan
Published: May 2021

Aim

Outcomes for individuals with psychotic disorders can be improved through early intervention services; however, identification continues to be a major problem in connecting individuals with these services. Social workers form a vast majority of the human service and mental health workforce in the United States and therefore have the potential to play a unique role in identifying and referring those who may benefit from specialty early intervention services.

Methods

The current article describes the methodological design, implementation, and participant recruitment procedures of a large‐scale, web‐based training program for social workers promoting identification and referral of individuals with emerging symptoms of a mental illness with psychosis in the context of a randomized clinical trial.

Results

The web‐based study enrolled 1384 individuals. More than half of study participants enrolled within the first 3 months of the 14‐month recruitment period. Completion of all study components was achieved by 959 individuals (69% of total enrolled), and completion status did not vary significantly by gender, ethnicity, or facility at which the individual was employed. Completion rates varied by race, such that participants identifying as White were more likely to complete the study, while those identifying as Black were less likely.

Discussion

The results suggest the feasibility of using a web‐based training program to engage social workers in early psychosis identification practices. Challenges related to encouraging participants to complete the training and lessons learned during the study recruitment are discussed.