bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life and emergency preparedness of MHO staff: role of psychological capital and perceived organizational support
Authors: Hong Yuxiang , Zhao Jiaqing , Yu Jian , Wang Huihui
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Enhancing the initiative and enthusiasm of emergency preparedness behaviors among Medical and Health Organization (MHO) staff is an effective measure to prevent and reduce losses from emergencies. In this study, emergency preparedness behavioral intentions were divided into noncooperative behavioral intentions (EPNCBI) and cooperative behavioral intentions (EPCBI) to discuss the impact brought by quality of life (QoL). The mediating effects of psychological capital (PsyCap) and perceived organizational support (POS) were also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based questionnaire was used for MHO staff in China, and a structural equation analysis of the data collected from 243 participants was conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that: (1) QoL had a positive effect on EPNCBI, PsyCap and POS; (2) PsyCap had a positive effect on EPNCBI and EPCBI; (3) POS had a positive effect on PsyCap and EPCBI; (4) PsyCap mediated the relationship between QoL and EPNCBI, and the relationship between POS and EPNCBI; (5) PsyCap and POS mediated the relationship between QoL and EPCBI.

Practical implications

Improving MHO staff’s QoL is an effective way to enhance positive behavioral outcomes. Furthermore, these findings could provide managers with valuable insight focusing their limited resources on enhancing the emergency preparedness of MHO staff by reinforcing the level of PsyCap and POS.

Originality/value

This study provides important updated considerations for the application of positive psychology in the field of emergency preparedness.
Overseas management in the English East India Company: a study of the Tonkin factory (1672-1697)
Authors: Tran Ngoc Dung , Dinh Phuong Hoa , Nguyen Dinh Hoang Uyen , Nguyen Van Vinh
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate “corporate governance” of the English East India Company (EIC) in the late 17th century through a case study of the Tonkin factory (1672–1697).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon British primary materials relating to the Tonkin factory to examine and analyze the EIC’s style of management in Tonkin (Vietnam) and Bantam (Java). Qualitative and comparative methods are applied to the analysis of reports, records and letters written by EIC staff.

Findings

The paper finds that the EIC faced principal-agent problems as it had difficulties administering its distant agents and subsidiaries in the 17th century. London was strategically weakened, both by the limiting power of regional headquarters and by its use of experienced factors. Before 1682, London failed to temper the Bantam Council’s influence, and there were serious internal conflicts and power struggles between English Tonkin employees seeking to improve their positions. After 1686, London successfully forced Madras to adopt a noninterventionist stance in Tonkin’s business, but it faced the problem of “adverse selection.”

Originality/value

This paper provides evidence from the Tonkin factory (1672–1697) to show the EIC’s governance in the perspective of the agency theory.
Bending-strength evaluation of wide-flange steel beams subjected to local buckling at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Ozaki Fuminobu , Hirashima Takeo , Kimura Kei , Murakami Yukio , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Yotsumoto Naoya
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to propose theoretical calculation models to evaluate the theoretical bending strengths of welded wide-flange section steel beams with local buckling at elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Steady-state tests using various test parameters, including width-thickness ratios (Class 2–4) and specimen temperatures (ambient temperature, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800°C), were performed on 18 steel beam specimens using roller supports to examine the maximum bending moment and bending strength after local buckling. A detailed calculation model (DCM) based on the equilibrium of the axial force in the cross-section and a simple calculation model (SCM) for a practical fire-resistant design were proposed. The validity of the calculation models was verified using the bending test results.

Findings

The strain concentration at the local buckling cross-section was mitigated in the elevated-temperature region, resulting in a small bending moment degradation after local buckling. The theoretical bending strengths after local buckling, evaluated from the calculation models, were in good agreement with the test results at elevated temperatures.

Originality/value

The effect of local buckling on the bending behaviour after the maximum bending strength in high-temperature regions was quantified. Two types of calculation models were proposed to evaluate the theoretical bending strength after local buckling.
Underdiversification puzzle, volatility puzzle and equity premium puzzle: a common solution
Authors: Ardalan Kavous
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use some of the contributions of the option pricing theory to solve three outstanding puzzles in finance: the underdiversification puzzle, the volatility puzzle and the equity premium puzzle.

Design/methodology/approach

To approach the issue, this paper considers the applications of the option pricing theory to both sides of the corporate balance sheet. Applications to the left-hand side of the balance sheet has led to the real options theory that has expressed the value of a capital budgeting project as the sum of the values of its “discounted cash flow (DCF) method” and “real options.” This paper argues that, because the balance sheet must balance, the value of equity, which appears on the right-hand side of the balance sheet, should also be expressed as the sum of the values of its “DCF method” and “equity options.”

Findings

This proposed model of equity valuation solves the three outstanding puzzles in finance: the underdiversification puzzle, the volatility puzzle and the equity premium puzzle.

Research limitations/implications

This study may not be able to explain the full extent of the three puzzles.

Practical implications

The dividend discount model of equity valuation needs to be augmented by an option component.

Social implications

The community of finance scholars will become more confident of their scholarly work because three puzzles will be solved to a great extent.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, the extant literature does not either solve any single one of the three puzzles through the contributions of option pricing theory or solve all three puzzles at the same time with a single solution. The originality of this paper is that it makes both of these contributions to the extant literature.
Context‐dependent costs and benefits of endosymbiotic interactions in a ciliate–algae system
Authors: Horas Elena L. , Metzger Sarah M. , Platzer Barbara , Kelly Joseph B. , Becks Lutz
Published: July 2022

Endosymbiosis, an interaction between two species where one lives within the other, has evolved multiple times independently, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Evolutionary theory suggests that for an endosymbiotic interaction to remain stable over time, births of both partners should be higher than their deaths in symbiosis and deaths of both partners should be higher than their births when living independently. However, experimentally measuring this can be difficult and conclusions tend to focus on the host. Using a ciliate–algal system (Paramecium bursaria host and Chlorella endosymbionts), we estimated the benefits and costs of endosymbiosis for both organisms using fitness measurements in different biotic environments to test under which environmental conditions the net effects of the interaction were positive for both partners. We found that the net effects of harbouring endosymbionts were positive for the ciliate hosts as it allowed them to survive in conditions of low‐quality bacteria food. The algae benefitted by being endosymbiotic when predators such as the hosts were present, but the net effects were dependent on the total density of hosts, decreasing as hosts densities increased. Overall, we show that including context‐dependency of endosymbiosis is essential in understanding how these interactions have evolved.
Biogeographical variation in antimicrobial resistance in rivers is influenced by agriculture and is spread through bacteriophages
Authors: Andersson Tilde , Adell Aiko D. , Moreno‐Switt Andrea I. , Spégel Peter , Turner Charlotta , Overballe‐Petersen Søren , Fuursted Kurt , Lood Rolf
Published: July 2022

Antibiotic resistance is currently an extensive medical challenge worldwide, with global numbers increasing steadily. Recent data have highlighted wastewater treatment plants as a reservoir of resistance genes. The impact of these findings for human health can best be summarized using a One Health concept. However, the molecular mechanisms impacting resistance spread have not been carefully evaluated. Bacterial viruses, that is bacteriophages, have recently been shown to be important mediators of bacterial resistance genes in environmental milieus and are transferrable to human pathogens. Herein, we investigated the biogeographical impact on resistance spread through river‐borne bacteriophages using amplicon deep sequencing of the microbiota, absolute quantification of resistance genes using ddPCR, and phage induction capacity within wastewater. Microbial biodiversity of the rivers is significantly affected by river site, surrounding milieu and time of sampling. Furthermore, areas of land associated with agriculture had a significantly higher ability to induce bacteriophages carrying antibiotic resistance genes, indicating their impact on resistance spread. It is imperative that we continue to analyse global antibiotic resistance problem from a One Health perspective to gain novel insights into mechanisms of resistance spread.
The revolt of the Rust Belt: place and politics in the age of anger
Authors: McQuarrie Michael
Published: July 2022

This paper argues that the election of Donald Trump is the product of a confluence of historical factors rather than the distinctive appeal of the victor himself. By paying particular attention to the geography of unusual voting behaviour the analytical question comes into view: why did so much uncharacteristic voting occur in the Rust Belt states of the upper Midwest? It is impossible to answer this question adequately using conventional categorical attributes. The usual hypotheses of ‘economic anxiety’ and white revanchism are unable to account for sudden shifts in the voting behaviour of both white and black voters in post‐industrial territories. Instead, it is necessary to turn to the history of the region and the institutional apparatus that connected voters there to the federal government and the Democratic Party. From this perspective we can see that the active dismantling of the Fordist social order set the region on a divergent path from the rest of the country. But this path had no political outlet due to the reorientation of the Democratic Party around a new class and geographic base. Due to this, the party pursued policies that would magnify the region's difficulties rather than alleviate its circumstances. Moreover, the elaborate institutional ties that connected the region's voters to the Democratic Party and the federal government meant that the political implications of regional decline would be muted. However, as these institutions frayed, Rust Belt voters were made available to candidates that challenged the policy consensus that had done so much damage to the region. The election was decided by a Rust Belt revolt that unified black and white working‐class voters against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party.
Effects of state opioid prescribing cap laws on opioid prescribing after surgery
Authors: Schmid Ian , Stuart Elizabeth A. , McCourt Alexander D. , Tormohlen Kayla N. , Stone Elizabeth M. , Davis Corey S. , Bicket Mark C. , McGinty Emma E.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effects of state opioid prescribing cap laws on opioid prescribing after surgery.

Data Sources

OptumLabs Data Warehouse administrative claims data covering all 50 states from July 2012 through June 2019.

Study Design

We included individuals from 20 states that had implemented prescribing cap laws without exemptions for postsurgical pain by June 2019 and individuals from 16 control states plus the District of Columbia. We used a difference‐in‐differences approach accounting for differential timing in law implementation across states to estimate the effects of state prescribing cap laws on postsurgical prescribing of opioids. Outcome measures included filling an opioid prescription within 30 days after surgery; filling opioid prescriptions of specific doses or durations; and the number, days' supply, daily dose, and pill quantity of opioid prescriptions. To assess the validity of the parallel counterfactual trends assumption, we examined differences in outcome trends between law‐implementing and control states in the years preceding law implementation using an equivalence testing framework.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We included the first surgery in the study period for opioid‐naïve individuals undergoing one of eight common surgical procedures.

Principal Findings

State prescribing cap laws were associated with 0.109 lower days' supply of postsurgical opioids on the log scale (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −0.139, −0.080) but were not associated with the number (Average treatment effect on the treated [ATT]: −0.011; 95% CI: −0.043, 0.021) or daily dose of postsurgical opioid prescriptions (ATT: −0.013; 95% CI: −0.030, 0.005). The negative association observed between prescribing cap laws and the probability of filling a postsurgical opioid prescription (ATT: −0.041; 95% CI: −0.054, −0.028) was likely spurious, given differences between law‐implementing and control states in the pre‐law period.

Conclusions

Prescribing cap laws appear to have minimal effects on postsurgical opioid prescribing.
Stakeholder‐driven principles for advancing equity through shared measurement
Authors: Hilliard‐Boone Tandrea , Firminger Kirsten , Dutta Tania , Cowans Tamika , DePatie Holly , Maurer Maureen , Schultz Ellen , Castro‐Reyes Paige , Richmond Al , Muhammad Michael , Pathak‐Sen Ela , Powell Wizdom
Published: July 2022

Objective

To advance equity by developing stakeholder‐driven principles of shared measurement, which is using a common set of measurable goals that reflect shared priorities across communities and systems, such as health care, public health, and human and social services.

Data Sources

From October 2019 to July 2021, we collected primary data from leaders in cross‐systems alignment, measurement, and community engagement—including community members and community‐based organization leaders—across the United States.

Study Design

In partnership with equity and community engagement experts, we conducted a mixed‐methods study that included multiple formative research activities and culminated in a six‐week, stakeholder‐engaged modified‐Delphi process.

Data Collection

Formative data collection occurred through an environmental scan, interviews, focus groups, and an online survey. Principles were developed using a virtual modified Delphi with iterative rapid‐analysis. Feedback on the final principles was collected through virtual focus groups, an online feedback form, and during virtual presentations.

Principal Findings

We developed a set of five guiding principles. Measurement that aligns systems with communities toward equitable outcomes: (1) Requires upfront investment in communities; (2) Is co‐created by communities; (3) Creates accountability to communities for addressing root causes of inequities and repairing harm; (4) Focuses on a holistic and comprehensive view of communities that highlights assets and historical context; and (5) Reflects long‐term efforts to build trust. Using an equity‐focused process resulted in principles with broad applicability.

Conclusions

Leaders across systems and communities can use these shared measurement principles to reimagine and transform how systems create equitable health by centering the needs and priorities of the communities they serve, particularly communities that historically have been harmed the most by inequities. Intentionally centering equity across all project activities was essential to producing principles that could guide others in advancing equity.
Implementation of Eco‐schemes in Fifteen European Union Member States
Authors: Runge Tania , Latacz‐Lohmann Uwe , Schaller Lena , Todorova Kristina , Daugbjerg Carsten , Termansen Mette , Liira Jaan , Le Gloux Fanny , Dupraz Pierre , Leppanen Jussi , Fogarasi József , Vigh Enikő Zita , Bradfield Tracy , Hennessy Thia , Targetti Stefano , Viaggi Davide , Berzina Inga , Schulp Catharina , Majewski Edward , Bouriaud Laura , Baciu Gabriela , Pecurul Mireia , Prokofieva Irina , Velazquez Francisco Jose Blanco
Published: July 2022

Eco‐schemes are set to play an important role in the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post‐2022 for the delivery of environmental and climate benefits and enhanced animal welfare. This article surveys current plans for the design of eco‐schemes in fifteen European Union Member States. The number of eco‐scheme measures to be offered per country varies between 3 and 21, and the complexity and level of ambition of the individual measures are quite heterogeneous. The majority of the proposed eco‐scheme measures either build upon components from greening obligations or stem from agri‐environmental and climate schemes currently offered under Pillar 2. All fifteen Member States address Green Deal targets, with particular emphasis being given to biodiversity enhancement and non‐productive land. Eight of the countries surveyed are planning to provide support for organic farming through an eco‐scheme. The greater creative freedom offered by the CAP’s New Delivery Model has resulted in a situation where similar measures are programmed as eco‐schemes in some countries and as Pillar 2 measures in others. By adding yet another policy instrument to the CAP’s toolbox, the complexity of the CAP is vastly increased. It remains to be seen how farmers will respond.
The inhibition of mineralisation by fibroblast growth factor 2 is associated with the altered expression of genes regulating phosphate balance
Authors: Parsegian Karo
Published: July 2022

The study aimed to determine whether inhibitory effects of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on mineralisation in dental pulp (DP) cultures were associated with changes in the expression of genes regulating phosphate balance (Enpp1, Ank, Slc20a2, Alpl, Phospho1, and Xpr1). DP cultures growing under mineralisation‐inducing conditions were exposed to FGF2 and inhibitors of the FGFR and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Mineralisation, culture cellularity, and gene expression were examined at various time points. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance followed by the Holm‐Šídák test. Control cultures exhibited transient increases in Enpp1 and Ank, continuous increases in Alpl, Phospho1, and Xpr1, and continuous decreases in Slc20a2. FGF2 increased Enpp1, Ank, and Slc20a2 and decreased Alpl, Phospho1, and Xpr1, whereas the FGF2 withdrawal and inhibition of FGFR and MEK/ERK1/2 exerted opposite effects. These changes suggest that FGF2‐mediated decreases in mineralisation could be functionally coupled to the altered regulation of phosphate formation and transport.
Post‐treatment apical periodontitis associated with a missed root canal in a maxillary lateral incisor with two roots: A case report
Authors: Pessotti Vanessa P. , Jiménez‐Rojas Luis F. , Alves Flávio R. F. , Rôças Isabela N. , Siqueira José F.
Published: July 2022

Missed canals can be a common cause of persistent intraradicular infection and post‐treatment apical periodontitis. This article reports on a rare case of a maxillary lateral incisor with two roots exhibiting symptomatic post‐treatment apical periodontitis regardless of a radiographically adequate root canal treatment. The second root, which was only revealed by cone‐beam computed tomography, had passed unnoticed during the first treatment, and its missed canal was the most likely cause of symptoms and treatment failure. Reintervention including the proper management of the extra root canal and retreatment of the main canal resulted in the resolution of symptoms and periradicular tissue healing. This case report reinforces the need for three‐dimensional radiographic diagnosis to search for the cause of post‐treatment disease and guide the decision‐making process for proper management.
Aged care employment and the productivity commission: Fixing the data gaps may be the most useful thing it can do
Authors: Gibson Diane
Published: July 2022

Objective

To explore the gaps and anomalies in Australia's national aged care workforce data with a particular focus on casualisation and insecure employment in residential aged care.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from the National Aged Care Workforce Census and Surveys, the Aged Care Workforce Census and the Australian Bureau of Statistics Characteristics of Employment Survey.

Results

There are significant and disturbing gaps in our knowledge of the aged care workforce deriving from disruptions to the time series as a result of methodological changes, reduced reliability resulting from declining response rates and the historical weighting system. Scope is also a critical factor due to data inadequacies relating to a non‐Pay As You Go (non‐PAYG) workforce and regarding the use of minimum hours contracts. This reduces our understanding of insecure employment.

Conclusions

Australia needs better quality and more reliable data on its aged care workforce if the labour shortages confronting the sector are to be better understood and addressed. There is a critical need to determine the optimum strategy to obtain such data, whether by specific research projects of sufficient scale to accurately document the scale and scope of these issues, or in creative strategies to make use of automatically generated data.
Documenting surgical triage in rural surgical networks: Formalising existing structures
Authors: Robinson Alana , Kornelsen Jude
Published: July 2022

Objective

It is essential that the embedded process of rural case selection be highlighted and documented to provide reassurance of rigour across rural surgical services supported by generalist surgeons, general practitioners with enhanced surgical skills and general practitioner anaesthetists. This enables feedback and improves the triage and case selection process to ensure the highest quality outcomes. Therefore, this research aims to explore participants' rational criteria for decision making around rural case selection.

Design

Participants participated in a series of semi‐structured in‐depth interviews which were coded and underwent thematic analysis.

Setting

Six community hospitals in British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

General practitioners with enhanced surgical skills, general practitioner anaesthetists, local maternity care providers, and specialists.

Results

Based on participant accounts, rural surgical and obstetrical decision‐making processes for local patient selection or regional referral had five major components: (1) Clinical Factors, (2) Physician Factors, (3) Patient Factors, (4) Consensus Between Providers and (5) the Availability of Local Resources.

Conclusion

Decision‐making processes around rural surgical and obstetrical patient selection are complex and require comprehensive understanding of local capacity and resources. Current policies and guidelines fail to consider the varying capacities of each rural site and should be hospital specific.
Partnered pharmacist medication charting (PPMC) in regional and rural general medical patients
Authors: Tong Erica Y. , Hua Phuong U. , Edwards Gail , Van Dyk Eleanor , Yip Gary , Mitra Biswadev , Dooley Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Errors in hospital medication charts are commonly encountered and have been associated with morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the impact of the Partnered Pharmacist Medication Charting (PPMC) model on medication errors in general medical patients admitted to rural and regional hospitals.

Design/Method

A prospective cohort study, comparing before and after the introduction of PPMC was conducted in 13 rural and regional health services. This included a 1‐month pre‐intervention phase and 3‐month intervention phase. In the intervention phase, PPMC was implemented as a new model of care in general medical units.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Participants

Patients admitted to General Medical Units.

Outcome Measure

The proportion of medication charts with at least one error was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included inpatient length of stay (LOS), risk stratification of medication errors, Medical Emergency Team (MET) calls, transfers to ICU and hospital readmission.

Results

Of the 669 patients who received standard medical charting during the pre‐intervention period, 446 (66.7%) had at least one medication error identified compared to 64 patients (9.5%) using PPMC model (p < 0.001). There were 1361 medication charting errors identified during pre‐intervention and 80 in the post‐intervention. The median (interquartile range) inpatient length of stay was 4.8 (2.7–10.8) in the pre‐intervention and 3.7 days (2.0–7.0) among patients that received PPMC (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The PPMC model was successfully scaled across rural and regional Victoria as a medication safety strategy. The model was associated with significantly lower rates of medication errors, lower severity of errors and shorter inpatient length of stay.
A prognostic classification system for uveal melanoma based on a combination of patient age and sex, the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the Cancer Genome Atlas models
Authors: Gill Viktor T. , Sabazade Shiva , Herrspiegel Christina , Ewens Kathryn G. , Opalko Adrianna , Dan Nicole , Christersdottir Tinna , Berg Rendahl Alexander , Shields Carol L. , Seregard Stefan , Ganguly Arupa , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To revisit the independent importance of ciliary body involvement (CBI), monosomy 3 (M3), tumour size, histological and clinical factors in uveal melanoma (UM) and to devise a new prognostic classification based on a combination of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) models.

Methods

Two cohorts with a total of 1796 patients were included. Clinicopathological factors were compared between patients with and without CBI and M3. Development of the prognostic classification was performed in a training cohort and was then tested in two independent validation cohorts.

Results

Tumours with CBI were more common in women, had greater apical thickness, greater basal tumour diameter, greater rates of vasculogenic mimicry and greater rates of M3, were more often asymptomatic at diagnosis and had poorer 5‐ and 10‐year globe conservation rates (p < 0.023). In multivariate logistic regression, patient age at diagnosis, tumour diameter and CBI were independent predictors of M3 (p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression, male sex, age at diagnosis, tumour diameter, M3 and CBI were independent predictors of metastasis. The proposed prognostic classification combined patient age, sex, CBI, extraocular extension, M3, 8q (optional) and tumour size, and demonstrated greater prognostic acumen than both AJCC 4 T categories and TCGA groups A to D in validation cohorts.

Conclusions

Tumour size does not confound the prognostic implication of CBI, M3, male sex and age at diagnosis in UM. These factors were included in a new prognostic classification that outperforms AJCC T category and TCGA groups.
Antibody levels to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein in mothers and children from delivery to six months later
Authors: Martin‐Vicente María , Carrasco Itziar , Muñoz‐Gomez María José , Lobo Alicia Hernanz , Mas Vicente , Vigil‐Vázquez Sara , Vázquez Mónica , Manzanares Angela , Cano Olga , Alonso Roberto , Sepúlveda‐Crespo Daniel , Tarancón‐Díez Laura , Muñoz‐Fernández María Ángeles , Muñoz‐Chapuli Mar , Resino Salvador , Navarro Maria Luisa , Martinez Isidoro
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Pregnant women are vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Neutralizing antibodies against the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein protect from severe disease. This study analyzes the antibody titers to SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein in pregnant women and their newborns at delivery, and six months later.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study on pregnant women with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and newborns. Antibody (IgG, IgM, and IgA) titers were determined using immunoassays in serum and milk samples. An angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor‐binding inhibition assay to the S protein was performed on the same serum and milk samples.

Results

At birth, antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein were detected in 81.9% of mothers' sera, 78.9% of cord blood samples, and 63.2% of milk samples. Symptomatic women had higher antibody titers (IgG, IgM, and IgA) than the asymptomatic ones (P < 0.05). At six months postpartum, IgG levels decreased drastically in children's serum (P < 0.001) but remained high in mothers' serum. Antibody titers correlated positively with its capacity to inhibit the ACE2–spike protein interaction at baseline in maternal sera (R2 = 0.203; P < 0.001), cord sera (R2 = 0.378; P < 0.001), and milk (R2 = 0.564; P < 0.001), and at six months in maternal sera (R2 = 0.600; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High antibody levels against SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein were found in most pregnant women. Due to the efficient transfer of IgG to cord blood and high IgA titers in breast milk, neonates may be passively immunized to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Our findings could guide newborn management and maternal vaccination policies.
The integrin ligand SVEP1 regulates GPCR‐mediated vasoconstriction via integrins α9β1 and α4β1
Authors: Morris Gavin E. , Denniff Matthew J. , Karamanavi Elisavet , Andrews Sarah A. , Kostogrys Renata B. , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Ghaderi‐Najafabadi Maryam , Shamkhi Noor , McConnell George , Kaiser Michael A. , Carleton Laura , Schofield Christine , Kessler Thorsten , Rainbow Richard D. , Samani Nilesh J. , Webb Thomas R.
Published: July 2022

Background and Purpose

Vascular tone is regulated by the relative contractile state of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Several integrins directly modulate VSMC contraction by regulating calcium influx through L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Genetic variants in ITGA9, which encodes the α9 subunit of integrin α9β1, and SVEP1, a ligand for integrin α9β1, associate with elevated blood pressure; however, neither SVEP1 nor integrin α9β1 has reported roles in vasoregulation. We determined whether SVEP1 and integrin α9β1 can regulate VSMC contraction.

Experimental Approach

SVEP1 and integrin binding were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and cell binding assays. Human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived VSMCs were used in in vitro [Ca2+]i studies, and aortas from a Svep1+/− knockout mouse model were used in wire myography to measure vessel contraction.

Key Results

We confirmed the ligation of SVEP1 to integrin α9β1 and additionally found SVEP1 to directly bind to integrin α4β1. Inhibition of SVEP1, integrin α4β1 or α9β1 significantly enhanced [Ca2+]i levels in isolated VSMCs to Gαq/11‐vasoconstrictors. This response was confirmed in whole vessels where a greater contraction to U46619 was seen in vessels from Svep1+/− mice compared to littermate controls or when integrin α4β1 or α9β1 was inhibited. Inhibition studies suggested that this effect was mediated via VGCCs, PKC and Rho A/Rho kinase dependent mechanisms.

Conclusions and Implications

Our studies reveal a novel role for SVEP1 and the integrins α4β1 and α9β1 in reducing VSMC contractility. This could provide an explanation for the genetic associations with blood pressure risk at the SVEP1 and ITGA9 loci.
Clinicopathological characteristics of individuals with coexisting melanoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Fisher Rachel Mary , Ji-Xu Antonio , Abbott Rachel , Basu Tanya , Brown Alistair , Foley Catherine , Glen Catriona , Gupta Girish , Hasan Zeeshaan , Ismail Ferina , Khalid Amina , Khoo Andre B. S. , Koumaki Dimitra , Lally Aoife , Lear John T. , McGrath Emily Jane , McKenna Kein , Milligan Alan , Mulholland Orlagh , Tasker Fiona , Harwood Catherine A. , Proby Charlotte M. , Matin Rubeta N.
Published: July 2022

Background

Individuals with a prior diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have a higher risk of developing melanoma and exhibit poorer outcomes than patients without CLL. However, there are limited data reporting the clinicopathological features of melanoma diagnosed in patients with CLL.

Aims

To review clinicopathological characteristics of patients with coexisting diagnoses of melanoma and CLL.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken for patients with coexisting diagnoses of melanoma and CLL between 2005 and 2015 in 11 centres in the UK and Ireland.

Results

Overall, 46 cutaneous melanomas identified in 45 patients were included. In 28 (62.2%) patients, melanoma was diagnosed after an existing diagnosis of CLL. In this group, mean Breslow thickness was 2.7 mm (range 0.2–25 mm). Ten patients (35.7%) developed locoregional recurrence and 8 (28.6%) developed distant metastases. Melanoma-specific mortality was 5 of 28 (17.9%) and all-cause mortality was 13 of 28 (46.4%). In 17 patients, melanoma was diagnosed before CLL. In this group, mean BT was 2.9 mm (range 0.4–14 mm); five patients (29.4%) developed locoregional recurrence and three (17.6%) developed distant metastases. Melanoma-specific mortality was 1 of 17 (5.8%) and all-cause mortality was 5 of 17 (29.4%) in this group.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first and largest cohort study to report clinicopathological data of coexisting melanoma and CLL in the UK and Ireland. Although the thickness of primary melanoma was not different before or after a CLL diagnosis, melanoma recurrence and melanoma-specific mortality appear to be more common in patients with a prior diagnosis of CLL.
Knowledge about the emergency management of dental injuries among field hockey coaches
Authors: van Vliet Kirsten E. , Brand Henk S. , Lobbezoo Frank , de Lange Jan
Published: July 2022

Background/Aim

Field hockey is frequently associated with oro‐dental injuries. In such acute situations, appropriate management of the injury by coaches can contribute to a better clinical outcome and prognosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of hockey coaches in the Netherlands about the emergency management of dental injuries.

Material and Methods

A 25‐item questionnaire about the prevalence and management of oro‐dental injuries was distributed amongst hockey coaches in the Netherlands. A sub‐analysis was done regarding the knowledge on the management of dental injuries by using a 5‐point scoring system.

Results

Two hundred and six hockey coaches participated in this survey. A small majority (53%) of the coaches knew the treatment of choice in the event of a permanent tooth injury. The median score of coaches' knowledge regarding management of oro‐dental injuries was 3.0 (2.0–4.0) points. Coaches with a (para)medical training/occupation, and coaches with >10 years of experience had significantly higher scores compared with the other groups (p < .01 and p = .03, respectively).

Conclusions

The knowledge level of hockey coaches in the Netherlands about oro‐dental injuries needs to be improved, as many coaches are not aware of the appropriate first aid measures.
Exploring electrophysiological markers of auditory predictive processes and pathological ageing in adults with Down's syndrome
Authors: Avancini Chiara , Jennings Sally , Chennu Srivas , Noreika Valdas , Le April , Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Walpert Madeleine J. , Clare Isabel C. H. , Holland Anthony J. , Zaman Shahid H. , Ring Howard
Published: July 2022

Down's syndrome is associated with pathological ageing and a propensity for early‐onset Alzheimer's disease. The early symptoms of dementia in people with Down's syndrome may reflect frontal lobe vulnerability to amyloid deposition. Auditory predictive processes rely on the bilateral auditory cortices with the recruitment of frontal cortices and appear to be impaired in pathologies characterized by compromised frontal lobe. Hence, auditory predictive processes were investigated to assess Down's syndrome pathology and its relationship with pathological ageing. An auditory electroencephalography (EEG) global–local paradigm was presented to the participants, in which oddball stimuli could either violate local or higher level global rules. We characterised predictive processes in individuals with Down's syndrome and their relationship with pathological ageing, with a focus on the EEG event‐related potential called Mismatch Negativity (MMN) and the P300. In Down's syndrome, we also evaluated the EEG components as predictor of cognitive decline 1 year later. We found that predictive processes of detection of auditory violations are overall preserved in Down's syndrome but also that the amplitude of the MMN to local deviancies decreases with age. However, the 1‐year follow‐up of Down's syndrome found that none of the ERPs measures predicted subsequent cognitive decline. The present study provides a novel characterization of electrophysiological markers of local and global predictive processes in Down's syndrome.
Striatal mechanisms of turning behaviour following unilateral dopamine depletion in mice
Authors: Yu Chunxiu , Jiang Tony Tianlun , Shoemaker Charles T. , Fan David , Rossi Mark A. , Yin Henry H.
Published: July 2022

Unilateral dopamine (DA) depletion produces ipsiversive turning behaviour, and the injection of DA receptor agonists can produce contraversive turning, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We conducted in vivo recording and pharmacological and optogenetic manipulations to study the role of DA and striatal output in turning behaviour. We used a video‐based tracking programme while recording single unit activity in both putative medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs) and fast‐spiking interneurons (FSIs) in the dorsal striatum bilaterally. Our results suggest that unilateral DA depletion reduced striatal output from the depleted side, resulting in asymmetric striatal output. Depletion systematically altered activity in both MSNs and FSIs, especially in neurons that increased firing during turning movements. Like D1 agonist SKF 38393, optogenetic stimulation in the depleted striatum increased striatal output and reversed biassed turning. These results suggest that relative striatal outputs from the two cerebral hemispheres determine the direction of turning: Mice turn away from the side of higher striatal output and towards the side of the lower striatal output.
Identification of responsible amino acid residues in staphylococcal superantigen‐like 12 for the activation of mast cells
Authors: Kim Gwangdong , Itoh Saotomo , Ito Yuma , Ohya Susumu , Hida Shigeaki
Published: July 2022

Staphylococcal superantigen‐like 12 (SSL12) is reported to evoke the degranulation in murine mast cells. The allelic variant of SSL12 in the genome of reference strain NCTC8325 induced the degranulation of murine mast cells, that of MRSA252 strain did not, nevertheless relatively high sequence similarity (82%). To identify responsible amino acid residues of SSL12 for mast cell activation, we created a series of domain swap mutants and amino acid substitution mutants between the active and inactive variants. The mutants that harbored oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding (OB)‐fold domain of the active variant activated mast cells. The replacement at position 56 (L56F) in the OB‐fold domain diminished the mast cell stimulatory activity, and the combinatorial substitutions L56F/K92E, L56F/D95S, and L56F/S100V abolished the stimulatory activities of the mutant that harbored OB‐fold domain of the active variant and the intact active variant. These indicate that the responsive elements of SSL12 for mast cell activation are in the OB‐fold of SSL12, and L56 would be an essential amino acid residue for the activation of mast cells. The findings would contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanism of SSL12 for mast cell activation and the development of toxoids preventing allergic inflammations associated with Staphylococcus aureus.
FGF23 and SOX9 expression in haemophilic cartilage: In vitro studies of the effects of iron
Authors: Zheng Liujie , Han Zhiwei , Luo Dasheng , Li Jiale , Ye Houlong , Feng Ru , Zhong Qigang , Jing Juehua , Yao Yunfeng
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Clarifying the links between iron and FGF23, SOX9 expression in chondrocytes would be helpful for comprehending articular cartilage degradation pathogenesis in blood‐induced arthritis and exploring new protective methods.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to determine iron regulation of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and SRY‐box 9 (SOX9) in human chondrocytes, an area which is unexplored in blood‐induced arthritis cartilage degradation pathogenesis.

Methods

Expression of FGF23, SOX9, MMP13 and collagen Ⅱ in articular cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or haemophilic arthritis (HA) was determined by western blot (WB). Iron‐induced FGF23 and SOX9 mRNA and protein expression in primary human normal chondrocyte cells (HUM‐iCell‐s018) was quantified by qRT‐PCR and WB, respectively.

Results

We found that compared with OA patients, the expression of FGF23, MMP13 in articular cartilage of patients with HA was up‐regulated, while the expression of SOX9, collagen Ⅱ was down‐regulated. Iron‐induced FGF23 and suppressed SOX9 expression in chondrocytes in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that iron was involved in hemophilic cartilage lesion directly via changing cartilage phenotype through regulation of FGF23 and SOX9 expression in chondrocytes.
A new model for categorizing cognitive biases and debiasing strategies in dermatology
Authors: Yesudian Rohan I , Yesudian Paul D
Published: July 2022

Cognitive biases are a significant cause of medical error. They arise from “system 1” thinking, which depends on heuristics to make quick decisions in complex situations. Heuristics make us “predictably irrational,” distorting our ability to accurately assess probabilities in clinical scenarios. It is well reported in the literature that metacognition, the art of reflecting on one's thought processes, is the optimal way to deal with cognitive biases. However, it is unclear how this can be consistently implemented in dermatological practice. Our debiasing attempts thus far have been sporadic at best. This article categorizes important cognitive biases according to each stage of the doctor–patient interaction (history taking, clinical examination, investigations, diagnosis, and management). We hope that providing this clinically relevant framework can foster metacognition and a platform for algorithmic debiasing. This will enable us to engage “system 2” (analytical thinking) in a targeted way, thereby avoiding excessive cognitive load. Organization‐level interventions should also be implemented to free up the cognitive capacity of an individual and to enable them to employ system 2 thinking more regularly.
Age‐dependent stereoselective increase in the oral clearance of hexobarbitone isomers caused by rifampicin.
Authors: Smith DA , Chandler MH , Shedlofsky SI , Wedlund PJ , Blouin RA
Published: July 2022

1. The disposition of hexobarbitone enantiomers before and after rifampicin treatment (600 mg daily for 14 days) was investigated in six young (29 +/‐ 3 years old) and six elderly (71 +/‐ 4 years old) healthy male volunteers. Hexobarbitone was given as a single 500 mg oral dose of the racemate. 2. The mean (+/‐ s.d.) oral clearance of S‐(+) hexobarbitone was 1.9 +/‐ 0.3 and 1.8 +/‐ 0.2 ml min‐1 kg‐1, respectively, in young and elderly subjects and increased approximately six fold following 14 days of rifampicin treatment in both young (to 11.9 +/‐ 2.2 ml min‐1 kg‐1) and elderly (to 10.7 +/‐ 2.8 ml min‐1 kg‐1) subjects. 3. In contrast, rifampicin treatment produced a larger and a differential increase in the oral clearance of R‐(‐) hexobarbitone in young and elderly subjects; an 89 fold change in the young (15.6 +/‐ 16.4 to 1146.7 +/‐ 1478.0 ml min‐1 kg‐1) and a 19 fold change (10.3 +/‐ 3.0 to 199.9 +/‐ 98.1 ml min‐1 kg‐1) in the elderly.
Analysis of bacterial diversity and genetic evolution of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei isolates in fermentation pit mud
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Dong Yun , Xiang Fanshu , Wang Yurong , Hou Qiangchuan , Ni Hui , Cai Wenchao , Liu Wenhui , Yang Shaoyong , Guo Zhuang
Published: July 2022

Aims

Since little is known about the genetic diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates from the fermentation pit mud (FPM), we sought to evaluate the bacterial structure, identify the LAB isolates and investigate the genotype and genetic diversity of the LAB isolates.

Methods and Results

Using high-throughput MiSeq sequencing, we identified seven dominant bacterial genera in FPM. Lactobacillus had the highest abundance. We isolated 55 LAB strains. These isolates were all identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. Using an extant multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme, isolates were assigned to 18 sequence types (STs) and three clonal complexes. ST1, the largest group, mainly comprised FPM isolates. Niche-specific ST2 to ST18 only contained FPM isolates. Isolates could be divided into four lineages, with most assigned to Lineage 1. Only one FPM isolate was classified as L. paracasei subsp. paracasei. Other isolates could not be classified at the subspecies level using the seven MLST loci.

Conclusions

Lactobacilli account for a high proportion of bacteria in pit mud. Based on the traditional culture method, L. paracasei was the dominant species, and these isolates exhibit a high ethanol tolerance, high intraspecific diversity and specific genetic profiles.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The study described the characterization of FPM bacterial diversity, giving an insight into the genetic diversity of L. paracasei strains present in FPM.
Intracellular trehalose accumulation via the Agt1 transporter promotes freeze–thaw tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chen Anqi , Gibney Patrick A.
Published: July 2022

Aim

This study is to investigate the use of a constitutively expressed trehalose transport protein to directly control intracellular trehalose levels and protect baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells against freeze–thaw stress in vivo.

Methods and Results

We used a constitutively overexpressed Agt1 transporter to investigate the role of trehalose in the freeze–thaw tolerance of yeast cells by regulating intracellular trehalose concentrations independently of intracellular biosynthesis. Using this method, we found that increasing intracellular trehalose in yeast cells improved cell survival rate after 8 days of freezing at −80 and −20°C. We also observed that freeze–thaw tolerance promoted by intracellular trehalose only occurs in highly concentrated cell pellets rather than cells in liquid suspension.

Conclusions

Trehalose is sufficient to provide freeze–thaw tolerance using our Agt1 overexpression system. Freeze–thaw tolerance can be further enhanced by deletion of genes encoding intracellular trehalose degradation enzymes.

Significance and Impact of Study

These findings are relevant to improving the freeze–thaw tolerance of baker's yeast in the frozen baked goods industry through engineering strains that can accumulate intracellular trehalose via a constitutively expressed trehalose transporter and inclusion of trehalose into the growth medium.