bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing overheating risk in naturally ventilated houses through the design of compressed Earth blocks walls in hot dry climate
Authors: Hema Césaire , Nshimiyimana Philbert , Messan Adamah , Lawane Abdou , Van Moeseke Geoffrey
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Appropriate thermal properties of walls can lead to the improvement of the indoor environment of buildings especially in countries with low energy availability such as Burkina Faso. In order to benefit from these advantages, the thermal properties must be properly characterized. This paper investigates the impact of the design of single- and double-layer walls based on compressed Earth blocks (CEB) on the risk of indoor overheating.

Design/methodology/approach

First a building has been used as a tool to measure climate data. Then, a software program was used to define an accurate thermal model. Two indices were defined: weighted exceedance hour (WEH) related to the risk of overheating and cyclic thickness (ξ) related to the thermal properties of the walls. The aim is to define the appropriate values of ξ which minimized the WEH. The study also assesses the sensitivity of these thermal properties to occupancy profiles.

Findings

The results indicate the arrangements of the thermal properties that can promote comfortable environments. In single-layer wall buildings, ξ = 2.43 and ξ = 3.93 are the most suitable values to minimize WEH for the room occupied during the day and night, respectively. If a double-layer wall is used, ξ = 1.42 and CEB layer inside is the most suitable for the room occupied during the day, while ξ = 2.43 and CEB outside should be preferred in the case of a room with night occupancy profile.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that occupation patterns at room scale should be systematically considered when dealing with wall design in order to improve the thermal comfort.
Foreign direct investment and domestic entrepreneurship: insights from Asia
Authors: Luu Tien Dung
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the relationships between foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic entrepreneurship (DE) with the moderating role of formal institutions (FI) and informal institutions (II) and information communication technology (ICT) capacities in Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on unbalanced panel data of 17 Asian countries from 2006 to 2018 at different stages of development, using the three-stage least squares estimation method.

Findings

The research findings indicate that FDI directly affects the establishment of domestic formal and informal entrepreneurship. In addition, FDI firms via the buffer mechanism of FI and II and ICT development for DE. Through its adjustment to the quality of institutions and ICT infrastructure, economic development determines the direction of FDI’s impact on DE.

Originality/value

The study findings grant empirical evidence and theoretical contributions to the relationship between FDI and domestic entrepreneurial development through the buffering mechanism of FI and II and the role of ICT.
Supplier selection framework to evade pseudo-resilience and to achieve sustainability in supply chains
Authors: Jessin Thamarassery Abduljaleel , Rajeev A. , Rajesh R.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Due to increasing uncertainty in the global business scenario, research on supply chain resilience is gaining significance. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated and magnified the issues already pertaining in the supply chain thereby increasing the vulnerabilities in the network. This study attempts to build the concept of pseudo-resilience in supplier selection and evaluation for supply chain sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of multi-criteria decision-making methods AHP and R is adopted, and an integrated method called Combined AHP–R method is used to identify and include the property of pseudo-resilience into supplier selection processes.

Findings

The authors identified various factors contributing to pseudo-resilience considering supplier selection process and found the most important attribute. Using the combined AHP–R method, the suppliers were evaluated, considering the attributes contributing to the pseudo-resilience of supply chains and best supplier was selected.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study addressing a supplier selection problem for sustainable supply chains, considering pseudo-resilience. Also, this is the first study to apply the AHP–R method for supplier selection in the resilience or sustainability context.
A conceptual framework for the corporate sustainability higher education in Latin America
Authors: Scavarda Annibal , Daú Gláucya , Scavarda Luiz Felipe , Chhetri Prem , Jaska Patrick
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Many studies have developed the corporate sustainability topic. The United Nations has implemented the 2030 Agenda and has brought “quality education” and “industry, innovation, and infrastructure” as two of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The educational processes in higher education can be focused on adding brand value and social value, and they can be promoting the social inclusion. In this sense, the purpose of this study is to answer some questions related to the corporate sustainability practices under the 2030 Agenda lenses in the Latin American higher educational scenario. After the literature review analysis, a conceptual framework was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory research study proposes an educational conceptual framework, improving the corporate sustainability under the 2030 Agenda lenses. A literature review was developed, involving the seven variables: “Latin America,” “higher education,” corporate social responsibility,” “personal social responsibility,” “corporate sustainability,” “governance” and “sustainability.” A matrix was developed with 25 variable combinations, connecting the seven variables. Three questions have been proposed and answered: “How much research has been developed in the Latin American higher education?” “How can the corporate social sustainability be applied in higher education?” and “Which perspectives can be considered?”

Findings

The results of the literature review are presented through the number of papers found with the analysis of the year of publication and the conceptual background. A total of 524 papers were found. Of these studies, 49 addressed the Latin American panorama, 33 had a general approach and 16 promoted interactions between Latin American and European countries, as well as between regions and continents. Six topics emerged from the literature analysis: digital inclusion, internationalization, innovation, research, servitization and social inclusion. These topics are connected in the “discussion” section, and the educational conceptual framework shows the corporative perspectives on sustainability in higher education.

Originality/value

This research study presents “A conceptual framework for the corporate sustainability higher education in Latin America” and it brings some discussion topics: digital inclusion, internationalization, innovation, research, servitization and social inclusion. These topics were identified through the literature analysis, and they were applied in the conceptual framework to improve the quality of education. The implications of this study are connected with the conceptual framework to promote the discussion topics. The implications involved the public and private governance spheres, third sector, as well as the professors, students and other stakeholders of higher educational institutions. These implications can represent an agent of positive change in the Latin American scenario.
Measuring factors influencing entrepreneurial intention across gender in India: evidence from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Database
Authors: Ali Jabir , Jabeen Zakia , Burhan Muqbil
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims at measuring the factors such as cognitive, economic and social recognition affecting entrepreneurial intention across gender in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the Adult Population Survey of Global Entrepreneurship Monitor covering 4,000 respondents on their characteristics, perception and attitude toward entrepreneurship and intention of individuals for starting businesses. The data has been analyzed using chi-square statistics and logistics regression.

Findings

The relationship among the perceptions toward cognitive, economic and social recognition indicates variation across gender. The probability of becoming entrepreneurs among males and females is significantly influenced by a variety of factors such as cognitive (self-efficacy, knowledge about entrepreneurs and fear of failure), economic (perceived opportunity, career choice and easy to start) and social recognition (sense of equality, status and respect in the society and social welfare) with controlling effect of age, family size, education, working status and household income.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights on factors affecting entrepreneurial intention across gender and helps in developing a policy framework for promoting new ventures among male and female entrepreneurs. This paper also explores the possibility of future research on entrepreneurial intention in the Indian context.

Originality/value

Considering the current focus of the government in the country for promoting new ventures through various schemes, this piece of research can be valuable for various stakeholders for adopting a gender-based approach in implementing entrepreneurial initiatives in the emerging economies.
Trait hypervolumes based on natural history collections can detect ecological strategies that are distinct to biogeographic regions
Authors: Harris Timothy , Ottaviani Gianluigi , Mulligan Mark , Brummitt Neil
Published: October 2022

Bioregionalisation partitions diversity so that similarity of the selected biological and ecological variables is higher within regions than it is outside those regions. The classic approach partitions an area based on species composition, whereas more recent methods based on remotely sensed data classify biogeographic regions on biophysical and structural variables of vegetation. Another, yet to be explored opportunity, is offered by identifying distinct ecological strategies of plants inhabiting a given area, that is, a functional trait‐based bioregionalisation. Here, we propose such a bioregionalisation using trait hypervolumes. We also compare the proposed functional bioregionalisation with established classifications based on species composition or on remotely sensed data to identify spatial congruence among them, and suggest possible reasons behind observed patterns.

Natural history collections represent an underexploited resource, despite holding both trait and locality information and being taxonomically comprehensive. We compile values of traits (leaf size, plant height, seed number per fruit, seed volume) derived from natural history collections for a random sample of African angiosperm species (~1% of the continental flora) to estimate a trait hypervolume. We use hierarchical clustering to divide the hypervolume into four segments (each representing a distinct ecological strategy), whose spatial intersections produced 12 putative biogeographic regions, each containing one or more of these strategies. We spatially map the hypervolume segments onto the entire African continent and calculate the spatial congruence of the putative functional biogeographic regions with previous bioregionalisations.

We identify values and combinations of traits that can be indicative of biogeographic regions. This functional bioregionalisation shows greater spatial congruence with that derived from species composition than from remote sensing. However, spatial congruence is low at the continent scale (19%–37%), and varies greatly among regions and in pairwise comparisons between bioregionalisations.

Synthesis. Plant traits from natural history collections offer an underused source of information for biogeographic analyses. We demonstrate potential applications of trait hypervolumes in functional biogeography, and outline strengths and drawbacks of the different bioregionalisation methods. Finally, we suggest that key ecological strategies could be used in future models as proxies to anticipate shifts of species assemblages and biogeographic regions.
Morphofunctional characterization of hemocytes in black soldier fly larvae
Authors: Bruno Daniele , Montali Aurora , Gariboldi Marzia , Wrońska Anna Katarzyna , Kaczmarek Agata , Mohamed Amr , Tian Ling , Casartelli Morena , Tettamanti Gianluca
Published: October 2022

In insects, the cell‐mediated immune response involves an active role of hemocytes in phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation. Although these processes have been well documented in multiple species belonging to different insect orders, information concerning the immune response, particularly the hemocyte types and their specific function in the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, is still limited. This is a serious gap in knowledge given the high economic relevance of H. illucens larvae in waste management strategies and considering that the saprophagous feeding habits of this dipteran species have likely shaped its immune system to efficiently respond to infections. The present study represents the first detailed characterization of black soldier fly hemocytes and provides new insights into the cell‐mediated immune response of this insect. In particular, in addition to prohemocytes, we identified five hemocyte types that mount the immune response in the larva, and analyzed their behavior, role, and morphofunctional changes in response to bacterial infection and injection of chromatographic beads. Our results demonstrate that the circulating phagocytes in black soldier fly larvae are plasmatocytes. These cells also take part in nodulation and encapsulation with granulocytes and lamellocyte‐like cells, developing a starting core for nodule/capsule formation to remove/encapsulate large bacterial aggregates/pathogens from the hemolymph, respectively. These processes are supported by the release of melanin precursors from crystal cells and likely by mobilizing nutrient reserves in newly circulating adipohemocytes, which could thus trophically support other hemocytes during the immune response. Finally, the regulation of the cell‐mediated immune response by eicosanoids was investigated.
Adjuvant diagnosis of tuberculosis in hemodialysis patients using fourth generation interferon γ releasing assay
Authors: Chinen Miria , Katagiri Daisuke , Sakamoto Emi , Noguchi Haruka , Suzuki Mikako , Kondo Isao , Niikura Takahito , Arai Yohei , Suzuki Minami , Hinoshita Fumihiko , Takano Hideki
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Dialysis patients have a 10–25 times higher risk of reactivation of tuberculosis (TB). In this study, we investigated the diagnostic ability of QuantiFERON (QFT)‐plus for TB in hemodialysis patients. QFT‐plus, an interferon gamma release assay, is characterized by its use of CD4 and CD8 T cell signals.

Methods

Hemodialysis patients aged 20 years or older who underwent QFT‐plus measurement in our hospital were included, inclusion criteria being fever above 37°C, high inflammatory response, and infiltrative pulmonary shadows.

Results

Forty‐six patients were enrolled. Of these, 15% were QFT positive, 4% were diagnosed with active TB, 76% were QFT negative, 8% had inconclusive results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 100%, 87.5%, 28%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

QFT‐plus may be useful for the diagnosis of active TB in dialysis patients. Further studies in cohorts with larger sample sizes are expected.
Age, period and cohort effects on alcohol‐related risky behaviours in Australia from 2001 to 2016
Authors: Yuen Wing See , Peacock Amy , Man Nicola , Callinan Sarah , Slade Tim , Farrell Michael , Mattick Richard , Livingston Michael
Published: October 2022

Aims

The aim of this study is to examine age, period and birth cohort trends in the prevalence of any alcohol‐related risky behaviour and to compare these trends between men and women.

Design and setting

We used an age–period–cohort analysis of repeated cross‐sectional survey data from the Australian National Drug Strategy Household Survey from 2001 to 2016.

Participants

Participants were 121 281 people aged 14–80 years who reported consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.

Measurements

Any risky behaviour undertaken while under the influence of alcohol in the past 12 months (e.g. operating a motor vehicle) was measured: male or female.

Findings

Controlling for age and cohort, cubic spline models showed that any alcohol‐related risky behaviour declined with time among participants who consumed alcohol [2016 versus 2007 rate ratio (RR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.76–0.84]. Risky behaviour peaked in the 1954 birth cohort (1954 versus 1971 RR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.30–1.55) and then steadily declined with more recent birth cohorts (2002 versus 1971 RR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.27–0.39). Risky behaviour peaked at age 21 years, followed by steady decline and stabilization at approximately age 70 years. Males were overall twice as likely as females to report alcohol‐related risky behaviour (RR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.84–2.39), but this effect was smaller in cohorts born after 1980 [1980 prevalence rate ratios (PRR) = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.81–2.43; 2002 PRR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.68].

Conclusions

Alcohol‐related risky behaviour in Australia has declined generally since 2001, with rates for recent cohorts having the sharpest decline. Risky behaviour remains most prevalent in young adults, and the male–female gap in risky behaviour is closing for more recent birth cohorts. These trends are consistent with alcohol consumption trends observed in Australia and world‐wide.
Passive acoustic monitoring reveals behavioural response of African forest elephants to gunfire events
Authors: Swider Colin R. , Gemelli Christopher F. , Wrege Peter H. , Parks Susan E.
Published: October 2022

African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) are a critically endangered and visually cryptic species that inhabits Central African rainforests. Using a 1250 sq‐km grid of 50 acoustic sensors in Republic of Congo, we investigated the landscape‐scale behavioural response of forest elephants to poaching events. We detected eight automatic weapon fire events over 1.5 years of recording (2017–2019). We examined detections of elephant vocalisations across grid sites within 10 km of the gunfire events in the 48 h surrounding the gunfire, and in paired 48‐h control periods free of gunfire. Fewer vocalisations were detected before gunfire events than during control periods, suggesting elephants show behavioural responses to poacher presence before any shots are fired. Immediately following the gunfire events, a significant increase in elephant calls was detected, which may indicate increased communication to facilitate group cohesion and movement. Elevated call levels dropped to lower‐than‐baseline rates after several hours, suggestive of a sustained response. These patterns indicate forest elephants respond to both poacher presence and to gunfire events themselves. As these patterns may reflect behaviours that mediate population processes, conservation strategies should account for the potential of poaching to impact populations via indirect effects on nontarget elephants in the area.
Growth and risk of adverse neuro‐developmental outcome in infants with congenital heart disease: A systematic review
Authors: Trivedi Amit , Browning Carmo Kathryn , Jatana Vishal , James‐Nunez Kristen , Gordon Adrienne
Published: October 2022

Aim

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common birth defects affecting around 1:100 infants. In this systematic review, we aimed to determine impact of growth on neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with CHD.

Methods

Studies that reported association of growth with developmental outcomes in infants with CHD who had surgery, were included. The search strategy was prospectively registered. Relevant studies were identified by electronic searches. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from their earliest date to February 2022.

Results

Twenty studies met inclusion criteria. Choice of growth measures, developmental assessment tools and timing of assessment varied widely precluding conduct of a meta‐analysis. Seventeen studies reported on infants who had cardio‐pulmonary bypass. Birth weight was reported in thirteen studies and was associated with adverse outcome in nine. Head circumference at birth and later predicted developmental outcomes in five. Impaired postnatal growth was associated with adverse developmental outcome in seven studies.

Conclusion

Growth in infants with congenital heart disease, specifically single ventricle physiology can predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Included studies showed significant clinical heterogeneity. Uniformity should be agreed by various data registries with routine prospective collection of growth and developmental data.
SDF‐StyleGAN: Implicit SDF‐Based StyleGAN for 3D Shape Generation
Authors: Zheng X. , Liu Y. , Wang P. , Tong X.
Published: October 2022

We present a StyleGAN2‐based deep learning approach for 3D shape generation, called SDF‐StyleGAN, with the aim of reducing visual and geometric dissimilarity between generated shapes and a shape collection. We extend StyleGAN2 to 3D generation and utilize the implicit signed distance function (SDF) as the 3D shape representation, and introduce two novel global and local shape discriminators that distinguish real and fake SDF values and gradients to significantly improve shape geometry and visual quality. We further complement the evaluation metrics of 3D generative models with the shading‐image‐based Fréchet inception distance (FID) scores to better assess visual quality and shape distribution of the generated shapes. Experiments on shape generation demonstrate the superior performance of SDF‐StyleGAN over the state‐of‐the‐art. We further demonstrate the efficacy of SDF‐StyleGAN in various tasks based on GAN inversion, including shape reconstruction, shape completion from partial point clouds, single‐view image‐based shape generation, and shape style editing. Extensive ablation studies justify the efficacy of our framework design. Our code and trained models are available at https://github.com/Zhengxinyang/SDF‐StyleGAN.
Fiber‐reinforced composite partial fixed dental prostheses supported by short or extra‐short implants: A 10 year retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Chi , Bergamo Edmara T. P. , Murcko Laura , Hirayama Muneki , Perpetuini Paolo , Speratti Drauseo , Bonfante Estevam A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

This study evaluated the 10‐year survival and success of partial fixed dental prostheses (P‐FDPs) fabricated with a milled fiber‐reinforced composite (FRC) framework, supported by short or extra‐short implants.

Methods

Patients restored with FRC P‐FDPs supported by short or extra‐short implants were included in this retrospective study. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate the survival and success rates of the prostheses. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models, clustered to adjust for multiple implants and prostheses being placed in the same patient, were used to correlate changes in peri‐implant bone levels with patient, implant, and prosthesis‐related covariates.

Results

This study followed 121 FRC P‐FDPs supported by 261 implants, placed in 96 patients. At 118 months in function, the P‐FDP survival rate was 95.9% (95% CI: 87.5%–98.7%), and the success rate was 89.8% (95%CI: 80.4%–94.8%). Differences in prosthesis span length, abutment/pontic ratio, and the presence of distal extensions (cantilevers) did not affect the prosthetic outcomes. Bone levels around implants were stable, with an average rate of change of −0.01 ± 0.05 mm/month. Cox regression revealed that grafted sites were correlated with peri‐implant bone loss, while longer prosthetic spans were correlated with bone gain.

Conclusion

P‐FDPs comprised of milled fiber‐reinforced composite frameworks, supported by short and extra‐short implants, had high survival and success rates for up to 10 years.
The effects of heat treatment temperatures on photocatalytic activity of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles synthesised by microwave‐assisted combustion method
Authors: Karakaş Ibrahim Hakki , Karcioğlu Karakaş Zeynep
Published: October 2022

In this study, the effects on the photocatalytic activities of particles after heat treatment has been applied to cobalt ferrite nanoparticles produced by microwave‐assisted combustion method were observed. The heat treatment applied to the samples was produced with only the microwave effect, at temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000°C. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed on the precursor sample in air atmosphere. During this analysis, the gases released up to 1200°C were identified with a Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer integrated into a thermogravimetric analysis system. Then, the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles produced with heat treatments applied at various temperatures were used as a photocatalyst to remove the dyestuff content in synthetic wastewaters prepared by using Astrazon Red GTL textile dye by photocatalytic oxidation, and their photocatalytic activities were compared. In these experiments, the operational parameters for photocatalysis processes were applied as 400 rpm for stirring speed, 50 mg/L for initial contaminant concentration, 0.5 g/L for catalyst dosage, 25°C for temperature, and 4400 μW/cm2 for light intensity. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that the crystal structure of the cobalt ferrite nanoparticles produced with the increase of the applied heat treatment temperature improved significantly. The obtained data show a strong relationship between the structural properties of materials and their photocatalytic activities. In addition, it was determined that the dyestuff in the solution was completely degraded in the experiments, and it was determined that all processes were compatible with the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model.
Assessment of variables associated with prolonged admission duration in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Sung Myongsoon , Roh Eui Jeong , Lee Eun Sil , Lee Ji Young , Kim Hyo‐Bin , Ahn Youngmin , Eun Byung Wook , Kim Ja Kyoung , Kim Hyoung Young , Jung Sung‐Su , Kim Minji , Kang Eun Kyeong , Yang Eun‐Ae , Lee Soo Jin , Park Yang , Seo Ju‐Hee , Lee Eun , Yang Eun Seok , Cho Hyung Min , Shin Meeyong , Chung Hai Lee , Jang Yoon Young , Choi Bong Seok , Kim Hyeona , Jung Jin‐A , You Seung Taek , Lee Mi‐Hee , Kim Jin Tack , Kim Bong Seong , Hwang Yoon Ha , Shim Jung Yeon , Yang Hyeon‐Jong , Han Man Yong , Yew Hae Young , Kim Dong Hyeok , Jeong Sang Oun , Whang Kyujam , Lee Eunjoo , Jeon You Hoon , Chung Eun Hee
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Macrolide‐resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) has become prevalent in children. This study investigated the clinical and laboratory variables of MRMP and macrolide‐sensitive M. pneumoniae (MSMP) and identified factors associated with prolonged hospital admission in children.

Methods

A prospective multicenter study was conducted in 1063 children <18 years old in July 2018–June 2020. The 454 had a positive M. pneumoniae polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results

Most subjects had MRMP (78.4%), and all mutated strains had the A2063G transition. We defined MRMP* (n = 285) as MRMP pneumonia requiring admission and MSMP* (n = 72) as MSMP pneumonia requiring admission. Patients with MRMP pneumonia were older, more likely to have segmental/lobar pneumonia, and had more febrile days than those with MSMP pneumonia. C‐reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and percentage neutrophils were more strongly associated with MRMP* than MSMP* groups. Percentage neutrophils, CRP, and alanine aminotransferase significantly changed between admission and follow‐up measurements in patients with MRMP* (P < 0.05). The duration of admission positively correlated with the number of febrile days after initiation of antibiotic medication and laboratory variables (white blood cell count, CRP, and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) (P < 0.05). Random forest analysis indicated that the number of febrile days after initiation of antibiotic medication, AST, and percentage neutrophils at admission was over five.

Conclusions

This study indicated that children with M. pneumoniae pneumonia with a higher number of febrile days after initiation of antibiotic medication, AST, and percentage neutrophils at admission were more likely to have prolonged admission duration.
The study of women and gender in the Middle East and North Africa beyond culturalism
Authors: Çavdar Gamze
Published: October 2022

The study of the Middle East and North Africa region has long been dominated by culturalist assumptions that this region is unique and thus common concepts and theories that are applied to other parts of the world do not apply here. This has particularly been the case with regard to the study of women and gender. This special issue brings together six cutting edge research articles that fundamentally challenge this culturalist assumption by making connections with disciplinary theories and concepts. By focusing on the three themes of political economy, institutions, and social movements, these articles demonstrate variation across both time and place with respect to gender and politics in the region and at the same time make important contributions to the broader literatures on these subjects.
Association between right ventricular dysfunction and adverse cardiac events in mild COPD patients
Authors: Armentaro Giuseppe , Pelaia Corrado , Cassano Velia , Miceli Sofia , Maio Raffaele , Perticone Maria , Pastori Daniele , Pignatelli Pasquale , Andreozzi Francesco , Violi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio , Sciacqua Angela
Published: October 2022

Background

Lung hyperinflation and systemic inflammation are currently believed to be the most important causes of right heart alterations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. A multicentre observational study was performed to assess the morphological and functional parameters of right ventricle (RV) in COPD subjects, as well as to evaluate the potential prognostic impact on the development of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs).

Methods

For this retrospective study, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021, we enrolled COPD patients on the basis of their airflow limitation. In particular, we selected subjects spanning across GOLD 1 and 2 functional stages. Clinical, laboratory and functional parameters were collected at baseline. Echocardiography was routinely performed in all COPD patients. RV dysfunction was defined on the basis of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) values. MACE occurrence (non‐fatal ischemic stroke, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, cardiac revascularization or coronary bypass surgery and cardiovascular death) was evaluated during a median follow‐up of 55 (36–72) months.

Results

Among the 749 enrolled patients, 408 subjects had a TAPSE value ≥20 mm, while the remaining 341 had a TAPSE value <20 mm. In patients with TAPSE ≥20 mm the observed MACEs were 1.9 events/100 patient‐year, while in the group with a worse right heart function there were 4.2 events/100 patient‐year (p < .0001). The multivariate analysis model confirmed the association between RV dysfunction and MACE. Indeed, a 1‐mm increase in TAPSE value and the intake of long‐acting β2‐receptor agonists (LABA)/long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) inhaled therapy were protective factors for the onset of MACE, while the presence of diabetes mellitus and high values of both uric acid (UA) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (S‐PAP) enhanced the risk of MACE in study participants.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that in patients with mild COPD there is an association between right heart dysfunction and the risk of MACE during follow‐up.
Toddler behavior problems amid household chaos: Is responsive parenting protective for everyone?
Authors: Cherry Kathryn E. , Gerstein Emily D.
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study examined household chaos and children's behavior problems, exploring emotionally responsive parenting as a potential protective factor for children in Early Head Start (EHS) while considering child race and ethnicity as well as several socioeconomic and household contextual factors.

Background

Household chaos relates to children's difficulty with self‐regulation and behavior problems. Emotionally responsive parenting could protect against the negative effects of chaos for children. However, both the perception of chaos and impact of parenting behaviors on children's behavior may vary with race, ethnicity, crowding in the home, and other contextual factors.

Method

This study examined relations among chaos, observed emotional responsivity, and toddler's subsequent behavior problems among EHS Family and Child Experiences Study participants.

Results

Chaos was associated with more behavior problems, and three‐way interaction findings indicated significant group differences by race and ethnicity in the relation between chaos and parenting on behavior problems. Behavior problems were also higher in lower socioeconomic contexts, and with child exposure to violence.

Conclusion

Chaos and parenting both influence children's early behavior problems, with distinct findings by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic, and other contextual factors.

Implications

These findings may reflect differing perceptions and effects of chaos and parenting, with important implications for research and prevention.
Photobiological effect of eugenol‐derived 3‐benzoylcoumarin associated with led lights against MDR microorganisms
Authors: de Sousa Amanda Karine , Rocha Janaina Esmeraldo , de Freitas Thiago Sampaio , Freitas Priscila Ramos , Pereira Raimundo Luiz Silva , Júnior Francisco Nascimento Pereira , Brancaglion Guilherme Andrade , de Paulo Daniela Carvalho , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira , de Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar , dos Santos Francisco Antonio Vieira , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Júnior Lucindo José Quintans
Published: October 2022

The problem of antibiotic resistance by bacteria threatens human health. Therefore, studies in this area seek alternatives to circumvent it. The study with coumarins and eugenol has already proven that these classes of compounds act against bacteria. In this same aspect, exposure to LED also shows a bactericidal effect. Seeking a possible enhancement of this effect, the present work studied coumarins derived from eugenol in association with LED to investigate the bactericidal effect. Four compounds were tested. For this, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and modulation with three antibiotics against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria were determined. To test the behavior of the activity against exposure to LED, the plates were exposed for 20 min to blue light, 415 nm and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. For control, duplicates were made, and one of them did not undergo this exposure. C1 exhibited better activity against S. aureus, as synergism prevailed under the conditions tested. C3 and C4 were promising against E. coli as they showed synergism in association with the three antibiotics both with and without LED exposure. Thus, the compounds showed bactericidal activity, and LED was shown to enhance synergism.
Heat shock‐induced heme oxygenase‐1 expression in a mouse hepatoma cell line is dependent on HSF1 and modified by NRF2 and BACH1
Authors: Inouye Sachiye , Kubo Takanori , Miyamoto Takafumi , Iyoda Takuya , Okita Naoyuki , Akagi Reiko
Published: October 2022

The induction mechanism of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) by heat shock (HS) is still unknown. Here, we discovered that HS activates the HO‐1 expression in a mouse hepatoma cell line (Hepa 1–6). Knockdown experiments showed that the HS‐induced HO‐1 expression was dependent on HS factor 1 (HSF1). A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay demonstrated that the HS‐activated HSF1 bound to the HS elements (HSEs) in the upstream enhancer 1 region (E1). Unexpectedly, HS also facilitates the BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) binding to the Maf recognition elements (MAREs) in E1. We examined the effects of a catalytically inactive CRISPR‐associated 9 nucleases (dCas9) with short guide RNAs (sgRNAs), and demonstrated that the HSF1 binding to HSEs in E1 was indispensable for the HS‐induced HO‐1 expression. Heme treatment (HA) dissociates BACH1 from MAREs and facilitated the binding of nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) to MAREs. Following treatment with both HS and HA, the HO‐1 induction and the HSF1 binding to HSEs in E1 were most notably observed. These results indicate that the HS‐induced HO‐1 expression is dependent on the HSF1 binding to HSEs in E1, although modulated by the BACH1 and NRF2 binding to MAREs within the same E1.
BNT‐based relaxor/ferroelectric systems: Improved field‐induced strain property in the layered composite ceramics
Authors: Ding Yuwei , Liu Zhiyong , Xie Bing , Wang Fang , Guo Kun , Mao Pu , Liang Bingliang , Lu Jinshan
Published: October 2022

Both high strain and low driving electric‐field are important characteristics of the piezoelectric actuators for industrial applications, but they are difficult to achieve together in a single material system. In this work, the layered and inlay‐onlay structures of relaxor/ferroelectric composites were prepared by selecting relaxor phase (0.94Bi0.5(Na0.82K0.18)0.5TiO3‐0.06NaNbO3, BNKT‐6NN) and ferroelectric phase (0.9Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.1Bi0.2Sr0.7TiO3, BNT‐10BST) with the volume ratio of 1:1. By comparing the field‐induced strains under same electric‐field, the S33 of the BNKT‐6NN/BNT‐10BST layered composites (0.17%) was greater than that of the inlay‐onlay composites (0.08%) and exhibited excellent temperature stability. The superiority in field‐induced strain for the layered composite ceramic was originated from the inhomogeneous distribution of internal electric‐field between relaxor and ferroelectric phase and thereby could modulate the polar nanoregions to ferroelectric phase transition. In addition, the restricted phase boundary between relaxor and ferroelectric phase enhanced the potential barrier energy (Ea = 1.47 eV) and hindered the jump of defective ions (mainly oxygen vacancies) of the BNKT‐6NN/BNT‐10BST layered composites. The outstanding electrical properties of layered composite ceramics provide a new idea for further improving field‐induced strain performance.
The prevalence of diabetes distress and its association with glycaemia in young people living with insulin‐requiring‐diabetes in a regional centre in Australia
Authors: Stapleton Ciara , Watkins Elizabeth , Hare Matthew J L , Timms Francesca , Wood Anna J , Titmuss Angela
Published: October 2022

Aim

Emotional responses, such as feeling overwhelmed with diabetes‐related treatment, burnt‐out and anxiety, are known as ‘diabetes distress’. This study aimed to determine diabetes distress among children, adolescents and parents/carers managing insulin‐requiring diabetes in a regional Australian setting, and to assess association with glycaemia.

Methods

All children, adolescents and their parents/carers attending a regional hospital outpatient diabetes clinic between March 2018 and June 2019 were invited to complete a validated child, adolescent or parent/carer diabetes distress questionnaire. Demographics and time‐matched clinical data were obtained from hospital records. A cross‐sectional analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 43 young people and 30 parents/carers completed a diabetes distress questionnaire during the study period. Diabetes distress was common, with 63% of young people and 67% of parents/carers nominating at least one serious concern. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, higher glycaemia (HbA1c%) was associated with higher distress scores among both young people (ß 6.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.2–9.2, P < 0.001) and carers/parents (ß 5.6, 95% CI:1.5–9.8, P < 0.001). Diabetes distress did not differ by child age, duration of diagnosis or mode of insulin administration. For children, adolescents and carers, ‘serious concerns’ most commonly related to the impact of diabetes upon family and peer relationships.

Conclusions

Diabetes distress was common and associated with sub‐optimal glycaemia. Routine screening for diabetes distress should be considered in paediatric services. Development of strategies to minimise diabetes distress for youth and families is required.
Phenytoin induces connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) production through NADPH oxidase 4‐mediated latent TGFβ1 activation in human gingiva fibroblasts: Suppression by curcumin
Authors: Deng Yi‐Ting , Wu King‐Jean , Kuo Mark Yen‐Ping
Published: October 2022

Objective and Background

Gingival overgrowth (GO) is a common side effect of some drugs such as anticonvulsants, immunosuppressant, and calcium channel blockers. Among them, the antiepileptic agent phenytoin is the most common agent related to this condition due to its high incidence. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) importantly contributes to the pathogenesis of GO. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF or CCN2) is a key mediator of tissue fibrosis and is positively associated with the degree of fibrosis in GO. We previously showed that Src, c‐jun N‐terminal kinase, and Smad3 mediate TGFβ1‐induced CCN2 protein expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). This study investigates whether phenytoin can induce CCN2 synthesis through activated latent TGFβ in HGFs and its mechanisms.

Methods

CCN2 synthesis, latent TGFβ1 activation, and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HGFs were studied using western blot analysis, a TGFβ1 Emax® ImmunoAssay System, and 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (an oxidation‐sensitive fluorescent probe), respectively.

Results

Phenytoin significantly stimulated CCN2 synthesis, latent TGFβ1 activation, and ROS generation in HGFs. Addition of an TGFβ‐neutralizing antibody, TGFβ receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542, and Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 completely inhibited phenytoin‐induced CCN2 synthesis. General antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine, NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, and specific NOX4 inhibitor plumbagin almost completely suppressed phenytoin‐induced total cellular ROS and latent TGFβ1 activation. Curcumin dose‐dependently decreased phenytoin‐induced TGFβ1 activation and CCN2 synthesis in HGFs.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that NOX4‐derived ROS play pivotal roles in phenytoin‐induced latent TGFβ1 activation. Molecular targeting the phenytoin/NOX4/ROS/TGFβ1 pathway may provide promising strategies for the prevention and treatment of GO. Curcumin‐inhibited phenytoin‐induced CCN2 synthesis is caused by the suppression of latent TGFβ1 activation.
Exosome‐associated microRNA‐375 induces cell proliferation by regulating IGFBP4 upon hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Pradhan Aunji , Shivaprasad Shwetha , Dey Shuchismita , Goel Amit , Aggarwal Rakesh , Das Saumitra
Published: October 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common causes of liver cancer. HCV infection causes chronic disease followed by cirrhosis, which often leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the roles of exosome‐associated miRNAs in HCV‐induced disease pathology. Small RNA sequencing was performed to identify miRNAs that are differentially regulated in exosomes isolated from patient sera at two different stages of HCV infection: cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR‐375 was found to be significantly upregulated in exosomes isolated from patients with cirrhosis and HCC. A similar upregulation was observed in intracellular and extracellular/exosomal levels of miR‐375 in HCV‐JFH1 infected Huh7.5 cells. The depletion of miR‐375 in infected cells inhibited HCV‐induced cell migration and proliferation, suggesting a supportive role for miR‐375 in HCV pathogenesis. miR‐375, secreted through exosomes derived from HCV‐infected cells, could also be transferred to naïve Huh7.5 cells, resulting in an increase in cell proliferation and migration in the recipient cells. Furthermore, we identified Insulin growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4), a gene involved in cell growth and malignancy, as a novel target of miR‐375. Our results demonstrate the critical involvement of exosome‐associated miR‐375 in HCV‐induced disease progression.
Daily screen time, sleep pattern, and probable sleep bruxism in children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Amaral Cássia Cardozo , Fernandez Matheus dos Santos , Jansen Karen , da Silva Ricardo Azevedo , Boscato Noéli , Goettems Marília Leão
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children aged 7–8 years and its association with sleep pattern and the time spent using devices with a screen.

Material and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with children from Pelotas, Brazil (n = 556). Parents/caregivers were interviewed and provided demographic/socioeconomic information, children's daily screen time, nighttime tooth grinding or clenching, sleep duration and answered the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN‐K‐sleep domain). Probable SB was determined based on a positive clinical inspection with/without a positive parental/caregiver's reports of tooth clenching or grinding. Hierarchical Poisson regression was performed.

Results

The prevalence of probable SB was 15.83% (n = 88). There was no difference in the probable SB prevalence according to the daily screen time (p = 0.744), and low family socioeconomic status was associated with higher SB prevalence (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.95; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 1.21–3.17; p = 0.006). Higher scores in the sleep domain of the BRIAN‐K scale were associated with probable SB [PR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30; p = 0.013].

Conclusions

Difficulties in maintaining sleep and low family socioeconomic status were associated with probable SB in schoolchildren, while screen time spent using devices with a screen was not associated.
Selectivity of polyclonal repertoire of anti‐microbial IgA and its subclasses in saliva and serum in humans
Authors: Nikodijević Slavomir , Blagojević Veljko , Ćuruvija Ivana , Kosanović Dejana , Djukić Tamara , Djordjević Brižita , Ilić Vesna , Minić Rajna
Published: October 2022

Increased interest in microbiota calls for the thorough analysis of antibody reactivity to different microorganisms. As salivary IgA represents the first line of defence against microorganisms contacting mucosal surfaces, we explored the binding and specificity of salivary IgA by testing the binding of purified, FITC‐labelled salivary IgA to different microorganisms in flow cytometry and conclude that this kind of analysis enables the differentiation of species/strains with high IgA binding capacity, which should be corroborated on a larger sample size. Further we compare, with in‐house ELISA, the binding of polyclonal salivary IgA with the binding of polyclonal serum IgA from the same individuals to whole microbial cells and to purified microbial components. High correlations were obtained in total salivary IgA binding to Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Escherichia coli, very distant bacterial species, as well as to isolated bacterial components (r = .70–.97). The binding of total salivary IgA resembled the binding of both salivary IgA1 and IgA2, with IgA2 predominating. For serum polyclonal IgA repertoire, substantially higher specificity was obtained. Serum IgA binding to E. coli correlated best with serum IgA binding to lipopolysaccharide (r = .86), and serum IgA against L. rhamnosus correlated best with the anti‐peptidoglycan IgA levels (r = .88). We have also detected that total serum IgA response is governed by either IgA1 or IgA2 response, depending on the nature of the antigen/s. We conclude that steady state salivary IgA repertoire, unlike serum IgA repertoire, consists of polyreactive antibodies with innate specificity, questioning its capacity to select resident microbiota.