bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected costs of extended phenotypes: nest features determine the effect of fires on leaf cutter ant's demography
Authors: Jofré Laura E. , de Torres Curth Mónica , Farji-Brener Alejandro G.
Published: February 2022

A key principle of the extended phenotype concept is that the benefit of the structures that an animal builds exceeds its cost. However, some contexts may enhance the costs of structures that often represent a benefit, reversing their adaptive nature. In leaf-cutting ant nests, thatched mounds are extended phenotypes that offer a stable microclimate for the growth of the fungus culture. We hypothesized that fires will affect the species that build external, easily flammable thatch mounds (
Acromyrmex lobicornis
) more than colonies that build subterranean nests in the less-flammable bare ground (
Amoimyrmex striatus
). We use a stochastic matrix demographic model parameterized with 4 years of data in pre- and post-fire scenarios. Before fires,
Ac. lobicornis
showed higher stochastic population rate (
λ
s) than
Am. striatus
. However, fire frequency every 2 years completely reversed this trend, showing population decline only in
Ac. lobicornis
. Small nests were the stage that most contributed to
λ
s and the most sensitive in all the species and fire scenarios. This illustrates a novel effect of disturbances; the reversion of the adaptive nature of extended phenotypes, which may have strong consequences on population dynamics and assemblage structure through the invert of dominance relationships.
More than just a pretty face? The relationship between immune function and perceived facial attractiveness
Authors: Mengelkoch Summer , Gassen Jeff , Prokosch Marjorie L. , Boehm Gary W. , Hill Sarah E.
Published: February 2022

It has long been hypothesized that attractiveness provides a cue to a target's health and immunocompetence. However, much of the research testing this hypothesis has relied on a small number of indirect proxies of immune function, and the results of this research have been mixed. Here, we build on this past research, examining the relationship between target attractiveness and (i) self-reported health, (ii)
in vivo
measures of inflammation and white blood cell count/composition, and (iii)
in vitro
tests of targets' immune function, including (c
1
) leucocyte proliferation in response to immunological stimulants, (c
2
) phagocytosis of
Escherichia coli
bioparticles, (c
3
) NK cell-mediated lysis of target tumour cells, and (c
4
)
Staphylococcus aureus
growth in isolated plasma. Results revealed multiple, sometimes sex-differentiated, relationships between targets' immune function and others’ perceptions of their attractiveness. Together, this work suggests complex, often sex-differentiated relationships between immune function, health, and attractiveness.
Elevated atmospheric CO2changes defence allocation in wheat but herbivore resistance persists
Authors: Johnson Scott N. , Cibils-Stewart Ximena , Waterman Jamie M. , Biru Fikadu N. , Rowe Rhiannon C. , Hartley Susan E.
Published: February 2022

Predicting how plants allocate to different anti-herbivore defences in response to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations is important for understanding future patterns of crop susceptibility to herbivory. Theories of defence allocation, especially in the context of environmental change, largely overlook the role of silicon (Si), despite it being the major anti-herbivore defence in thePoaceae. We demonstrated that elevated levels of atmospheric CO2(e[CO2]) promoted plant growth by 33% and caused wheat (Triticum aestivum) to switch from Si (–19%) to phenolic (+44%) defences. Despite the lower levels of Si under e[CO2], resistance to the global pestHelicoverpa armigerapersisted; relative growth rates (RGRs) were reduced by at least 33% on Si-supplied plants, irrespective of CO2levels. RGR was negatively correlated with leaf Si concentrations. Mandible wear was c. 30% higher when feeding on Si-supplemented plants compared to those feeding on plants with no Si supply. We conclude that higher carbon availability under e[CO2] reduces silicification and causes wheat to increase concentrations of phenolics. However, Si supply, at all levels, suppressed the growth ofH. armigeraunder both CO2regimes, suggesting that shifts in defence allocation under future climate change may not compromise herbivore resistance in wheat.
Identification of novel, cryptic Clostridioides species isolates from environmental samples collected from diverse geographical locations
Authors: Williamson Charles Hall Davis , Stone Nathan E. , Nunnally Amalee E. , Roe Chandler C. , Vazquez Adam J. , Lucero Samantha A. , Hornstra Heidie , Wagner David M. , Keim Paul , Rupnik Maja , Janezic Sandra , Sahl Jason William
Published: February 2022

Clostridioides difficile

is a pathogen often associated with hospital-acquired infection or antimicrobial-induced disease; however, increasing evidence indicates infections can result from community or environmental sources. Most genomic sequencing of

C. difficile

has focused on clinical strains, although evidence is growing that

C. difficile

spores are widespread in soil and water in the environment. In this study, we sequenced 38 genomes collected from soil and water isolates in Flagstaff (AZ, USA) and Slovenia in an effort targeted towards environmental surveillance of

C. difficile

. At the average nucleotide identity (ANI) level, the genomes were divergent to

C. difficile

at a threshold consistent with different species. A phylogenetic analysis of these divergent genomes together with

Clostridioides

genomes available in public repositories confirmed the presence of three previously described, cryptic

Clostridioide

s species and added two additional clades. One of the cryptic species (C-III) was almost entirely composed of Arizona and Slovenia genomes, and contained distinct sub-groups from each region (evidenced by SNP and gene-content differences). A comparative genomics analysis identified multiple unique coding sequences per clade, which can serve as markers for subsequent environmental surveys of these cryptic species. Homologues to the

C. difficile

toxin genes, tcdA and tcdB, were found in cryptic species genomes, although they were not part of the typical pathogenicity locus observed in

C. difficile

, and in silico PCR suggested that some would not amplify with widely used PCR diagnostic tests. We also identified gene homologues in the binary toxin cluster, including some present on phage and, for what is believed to be the first time, on a plasmid. All isolates were obtained from environmental samples, so the function and disease potential of these toxin homologues is currently unknown. Enzymatic profiles of a subset of cryptic isolates (n=5) demonstrated differences, suggesting that these isolates contain substantial metabolic diversity. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was observed across a subset of isolates (n=4), suggesting that AMR mechanisms are intrinsic to the genus, perhaps originating from a shared environmental origin. This study greatly expands our understanding of the genomic diversity of

Clostridioides

. These results have implications for

C. difficile

One Health research, for more sensitive

C. difficile

diagnostics, as well as for understanding the evolutionary history of

C. difficile

and the development of pathogenesis.
Intraoperative adjustment of radiographic standard projections of the spine: Interrater- and intrarater variance and consequences of ‘fluoro-hunting’ considering time and radiation exposure – A cadaveric study
Authors: Mandelka Eric , Barbari Jan El , Kausch Lisa , Privalov Maxim , Grützner Paul Alfred , Vetter Sven Y. , Franke Jochen
Published: February 2022

Background

For the acquisition of intraoperative fluoroscopic images, standard projections have to be manually adjusted. This process resembles a trial-and-error process and is therefore time-consuming and leads to increased radiation exposure for both patient and staff. In addition, the standard projections adjusted are subject to intra- and interindividual variance. However, to date, only very limited data exist in the literature quantifying the time and radiation exposure caused by the process of manually setting standard projections as well as the intra- and interindividual variance for the manual adjustment of standard projections.

Material and Methods

A.p. and lateral standard projections of the vertebral bodies of two fresh-frozen specimen were manually adjusted by two examiners with a different level of experience using a mobile C-arm. The time needed for manual adjustment as well as the number of X-ray shots acquired and the radiation dose caused during this process were documented. Intra- and interindividual variance of the central beam, the orbital rotation and angulation of the C-arm was analyzed.

Results

The median time needed was 75.9s, with no significant difference between the examiners (p=0.13). 7.1 x-ray images were acquired in average to reach subjective satisfaction with the standard projection with significantly more x-ray shots for the lateral standard (p=0.04) and for the examiner with less experience (p<0.001). Accordingly, the dose caused was more than 50% higher than for the experienced examiner (p=0.01). Mean interindividual variance of the central beam was 7.6° while the intraindividual variance was 4.2°.

Conclusion

In summary, this study investigated the interrater and intrarater variance for standard manual level setting in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Additionally, we were able to quantify the time and number of radiographs required for this procedure for different levels of experience, as well as the resulting radiation dose.
Intraocular water movement visualization using 1H-MRI with eye drops of O-17 labeled saline: a first-in-human study
Authors: Tomiyasu Moyoko , Sahara Yasuka , Mitsui Etsuko , Tsuchiya Hiroki , Maeda Takamasa , Tomoyori Nobuhiro , Kawashima Makoto , Nogawa Toshifumi , Kishimoto Riwa , Takado Yuhei , Higashi Tatsuya , Mizota Atsushi , Kudo Kohsuke , Obata Takayuki
Published: February 2022

Background

Visualization of aqueous humor flow in the human eye is difficult because gadolinium, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, does not readily cross the blood-retinal and blood-aqueous barriers of capillaries that supply water to the eye. The proton (1H) of oxygen-17 water (H217O) has a very short transverse relaxation time (T2), and the T2-weighted (T2W) 1H-MRI signal intensity of a region with H217O is lower than that with only H216O.

Purpose

To observe the distribution of H217O in the human eye, and the flow into and out of the anterior chamber of H217O, using dynamic T2W 1H-MRI.

Materials and Methods

Seven ophthalmologically normal adult volunteers under 40 years old participated in this study. During dynamic imaging, the subject self-administered 10 mol% H217O saline (0.92–1.37 mL) to their right eye for 1 min. Time-series images were created by subtracting the image before the eye drops from each of the images obtained after the eye drops. The “normalized signal intensity of the right anterior chamber” (rAC) in each image was obtained by dividing the signal intensity of the right anterior chamber region-of-interest by that of the left. Changes in transverse relaxation rate and H217O concentration (PO17) were calculated from the rAC. The inflow and outflow constants of H217O in the right anterior chamber were also determined.

Results

Decreased signal intensity after the H217O eye drops was observed in the anterior and posterior chambers, but not in the vitreous body. The rAC signal intensity decreased after the eye drops, and then recovered to close to rAC(0) at 40 min. The inflow and outflow constants were 0.53 ± 0.19 and 0.055 ± 0.019 min-1, respectively, and the peak value of PO17 was 0.19 ± 0.04% (mean ± SD).

Conclusion

H217O saline eye drops distributed in the human anterior and posterior chambers. Further, the eye drops smoothly flowed into, and slowly out of, the anterior chamber.

O-17 water dropped into human eyes as a T2-weighted MRI contrast agent was distributed in the anterior and posterior chambers, with smooth flow into, and slow outflow from, the anterior chamber.

Key findings

In seven healthy volunteers, dynamic T2-weighted 1H-MRI showed that the signal intensity in the anterior chamber decreased smoothly after H217O eye drops and then slowly recovered, reaching a value close to that observed before the eye drops, after 40 minutes, with inflow and outflow constants of H217O of 0.53 ± 0.19 min-1 and 0.055 ± 0.019 min-1, respectively. The signal changes were limited to the anterior and posterior chambers and were not observed in the vitreous body.
Time for Action: Assessment of Knowledge on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points of Food Handlers in Standard Hotels in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Lateefat Habeeb Modupe , Henry Sawyerr Olawale , Adewoye Solomon
Published: February 2022

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are two million reported cases of food poisoning in Nigeria with estimated deaths of 200,000 people from food poisoning and 20,000 deaths from exposure to food pesticides annually – children inclusive. These hotels make provision of letting room, food and refreshment services in restaurant, bars and banqueting rooms, conference/mailing rooms and leisure facilities it was expressed that, threat identified with the production of food items can be minimized to a permissible limit or eliminated through the utilization of HACCP procedure. This study assessed the knowledge of HACCP of food handlers in standard hotels in Lagos State. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design and was conducted in Lagos. All the hotels classified by the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC, 2001) as either three, four or five star-rated were targeted. A purposive and stratified sampling technique was used to select the study units who constituted the respondents for the study with a total of 31 hotels involved in the study. A questionnaire was used to get information on knowledge on HACCP and its implementation by 31 food handlers. Data were presented in tables. Findings from this study has revealed that under 20% of the respondents in the various hotels use HACCP has the quality control strategy, less than 50% understand the concept of HACCP. Results also revealed that there is an insignificant relationship between years of service in the food establishment and the knowledge on HACCP at P value (0.05). More results revealed that there is no significant relation between formal training and knowledge on food safety. Results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between knowledge of HACCP by food handlers and their implementation in food preparation with P-value at (0.05). This insignificant relationship between formal training and knowledge on food safety could mean that there may be other factors preventing food handlers from implementing food safety practice, this may include time, cost of carrying out the practices or even personal attitude of the food handlers during food handling. Food handlers should be taught food safety practices practically rather than theoretically.
Cervical and systemic innate immunity predictors of HIV risk linked to genital herpes acquisition and time from HSV-2 seroconversion
Authors: Govender Y. , Morrison C , Chen P , Gao X , Yamamoto H. , Chipato T. , Anderson S. , Barbieri R. , Salata R. , Doncel G. F. , Fichorova R. N.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To examine innate immunity predictors of HIV-1 acquisition as biomarkers of HSV-2 risk and biological basis for epidemiologically established HIV-1 predisposition in HSV-2 infected women.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal samples from HIV-1 negative visits of 1019 women before and after HSV-2 acquisition. We measured cervical and serum biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation previously linked to HIV-1 risk. Protein levels were Box–Cox transformed and odds ratios for HSV-2 acquisition were calculated based on top quartile or below/above median levels for all HSV-2 negative visits. Bivariate analysis determined the likelihood of HSV-2 acquisition by biomarker levels preceding infection. Linear mixed-effects models evaluated if biomarkers differed by HSV-2 status defined as negative, incident, or established infections with an established infection cut-off starting at 6 months.

Results

In the cervical compartment, two biomarkers of HIV-1 risk (low SLPI and high BD-2) also predicted HSV-2 acquisition. In addition, HSV-2 acquisition was associated with IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-3α, ICAM-1 and VEGF when below median levels. Systemic immunity predictors of HSV-2 acquisition were high sCD14 and IL-6, with highest odds when concomitantly increased (OR=2.23, 1.49-3.35). Concomitant systemic and mucosal predictors of HSV-2 acquisition risk included: 1) serum top quartile sCD14 with cervical low SLPI, VEGF and ICAM-1, or high BD-2; serum high IL-6 with cervical low VEGF and ICAM-1, SLPI, IL-1β and IL-6, and 3) serum low CRP with cervical high BD-2. Most cervical biomarkers were decreased after HSV-2 acquisition compared to the HSV-2 negative visits, with incident infections associated with a larger number of suppressed cervical biomarkers and lower serum IL-6 levels compared to established infections.

Conclusions

A combination of systemic immunoinflammatory and cervical immunosuppressed states predicts HSV-2 acquisition. A persistently suppressed innate immunity during incident infection may add to the increased HIV-1 susceptibility.

Key Messages

A combination of altered systemic and cervical immunity precedes and predicts risk of HSV-2 acquisition.

Factors causing cervical mucosal imbalance (low SLPI and high BD-2) may predispose to both HIV-1 and HSV-2 acquisition

In comparison to non-infected, HSV-2 infected women show suppressed cervical innate immunity

Compared to women with established HSV-2 infection, those with incident infections within 6 months from seroconversion are more immunosuppressed both at the mucosal and peripheral level, adding to the biology of HIV predisposition.
Sympathetic blockage attenuates fasting-induced hepatic steatosis
Authors: Zheng Lin , Gong Lijun , Lu Siyu , Zhou Yiming , Duan Zhigui , Wei Fang , Li Guolin
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Although it is clear that the central nervous system coordinates whole-body metabolism, the neural mechanism for hepatic steatosis remains unclear. This study is aimed to explore the neural mechanism of fasting-induced hepatic steatosis.

Methods

Mice were pretreated with 6-hydroxydopamine to block sympathetic nerve activity before fasting, and explored the potential effects of chemical sympathectomy on fasting-induced hepatic steatosis and transcriptional changes.

Results

Prolonged fasting led to obvious hepatic steatosis, low core temperature, and similar effects to cold-induced white adipose lipolysis. The alterations in hepatic mRNA expression revealed that the hepatic lipid accumulation did not result from the increase of hepatic lipogenesis or the decrease of fatty acid oxidation but from the enhanced fatty acid uptake as indicated by the upregulation of CD36. Blockage of the sympathetic nervous system via chemical sympathectomy attenuated fasting-induced hepatic steatosis and suppressed CD36 upregulation in the liver, but did not obviously alter the expression of genes associated with lipogenesis or fatty acid oxidation.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the sympathetic nervous system orchestrates the mechanism for fasting-induced hepatic steatosis via modulating CD36 expression and adipose fat trafficking into the liver, which provides clues to reveal new targets for fatty liver diseases.

HIGHLIGHTS

Prolonged fasting causes obvious hepatic steatosis

Sympathectomy attenuates fasting-induced hepatic steatosis

Sympathectomy attenuates steatosis via suppressing CD36 upregulation

IN BRIEF

Prolonged fasting contributes to sympathetic hyperactivity, but its role in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis remains unclear. Here, we found prolonged fasting led to obvious hepatic steatosis, low core temperature, and subsequent sympathetic stimulation that promoted white adipose lipolysis, hepatic upregulation of CD36, and adipose fat trafficking into the liver.
Peripheral artery disease affects the legs of claudicating patients in a diffuse manner irrespective of the level of the arterial tree primarily involved
Authors: Leutzinger Todd J. , Koutakis Panagiotis , Fuglestad Matthew A. , Rahman Hafizur , Despiegelaere Holly , Hassan Mahdi , Schieber Molly , Johanning Jason M. , Stergiou Nick , Longo G. Matthew , Casale George P. , Myers Sara A. , Pipinos Iraklis I.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Different levels of arterial occlusive disease (aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, multi-level disease) can produce claudication symptoms in different leg muscle groups (buttocks, thighs, calves) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We tested the hypothesis that different levels of occlusive disease uniquely affect the muscles of PAD legs and produce distinctive patterns in the way claudicating patients walk.

Methods

97 PAD patients and 35 healthy controls were recruited. PAD patients were categorized to aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and multi-level disease groups using computerized tomographic angiography. Subjects performed walking trials both pain-free and during claudication and joint kinematics, kinetics, and spatiotemporal parameters were calculated to evaluate the net contribution of the calf, thigh and buttock muscles.

Results

PAD patients with different levels of arterial occlusions had different patterns of symptoms in their calves, thighs and buttocks. However, no significant biomechanical differences were found between PAD groups during the pain-free conditions with minimal differences between PAD groups in the claudicating state. All statistical differences in the pain-free condition occurred between healthy controls and one or more PAD groups. A discriminant analysis function was able to adequately predict if a subject was a control with over 70% accuracy, but the function was unable to differentiate between PAD groups.

Conclusions

In-depth gait analyses of claudicating PAD patients indicate that different levels of arterial disease produce symptoms that affect different muscle groups across the lower extremity but impact the function of the leg muscles in a diffuse manner generating similar walking impairments.
Experiences of the physicians in the largest COVID-19 dedicated hospital of Bangladesh about COVID-19 and its aftermath
Authors: Mahmud Reaz , Banu Sultana Shahana , Sultana Nusrat , Monayem Farhana Binte , Datta Ponkaj Kanti , Hoque Mohammad Mahfuzul , Rahman Habib S.M. Habibur , Abedin Joynal , Islam Md. Fakhrul , Arifuzzaman Md. , Islam Md Khairul , Deb Sudip Ranjan , Chowdhury Ahmed Hossain , Uddin Ahmed Kazi Gias , Miah Md. Titu , Rahman Md. Mujibur
Published: February 2022

Background

The doctors and the other health care workers are the first-line fighters against COVID-19. This study aims to identify the prevalence, risk factors, clinical severity of COVID-19 infection among the doctors working in the COVID unit. We also analyzed the hospital data for admission and RT-PCR positivity among the physicians.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional survey and review of the hospital database. We surveyed from September 2021 to October 2021 and explored the hospital data from march 2020 to September 2021.We included 342 physicians for analysis in the survey. We reviewed hospital data of 1578 total admitted patients and 336 RT-PCR test positive physicians for analyzing the hospital admission rate, the positivity rate for COVID-19 among the physicians and the other patients in the different COVID-19 surges.

Findings

In this study, we demonstrated the physicians’ sufferings during the pandemic era. We have observed four surges in the hospital admission and RT-PCR for COVID-19 positivity rate among the physicians and the general population. The physicians experienced a similar surge in the hospital admission and positivity rate to the general population. The hospital admission was lower in the fourth surge among the physicians than the general population. The positivity rate was higher in the first, second and third surge among the physicians. In the survey, a total of 146(42%) respondents had COVID-19 infection, and among them, 50(34.2%) had re-detectable positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most of them experienced mild (77[52.7%]) to moderate (41[28.1%]) symptoms. Increasing age (OR, 95%CI, p-value; 1.15, 1.05-1.25, 0.002), male sex (OR, 95%CI, p-value; 5.8, 3.2-9.8, <0.001), and diabetes (OR, 95%CI, p-value; 25.6, 2-327.2, 0.01) were the risk factor of having COVID-19. Female sex and diabetes were the risk factors for re-detectable positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. (OR, 95%CI, p-value; 0.24, 0.09-0.67, 0.006; 44, 8.9-218.7, <0.001 respectively). Most respondents suffered for 7-14 days. Total 98(67%) suffered from post-COVID fatigue.

Conclusions

The physicians observed four surges in hospital admission and COVID-19 positivity rate. A significant number of the COVID-warrior became positive for SARS-CoV-2, had re-detectable positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, and suffered in the post-COVID-19 state.
Directed differentiation of EA/TEF patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into esophageal epithelial organoids reveal SOX2 dysregulation at the anterior foregut stage
Authors: Raad Suleen , David Anu , Sagniez Melanie , Orfi Zakaria , Dumont Nicolas A. , Smith Martin , Faure Christophe
Published: February 2022

A series of well-regulated cellular and molecular events result in the compartmentalization of the anterior foregut into the esophagus and trachea. Disruption of the compartmentalization process leads to esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). Therefore, the objective is to differentiate pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), namely, embryonic stem cells and iPSCs from healthy individuals and iPSCs from EA/TEF type C patients, into mature 3-dimensional esophageal organoids expressing Involucrin, Keratin-4, -13, and p63. CXCR4, SOX17, and GATA4 expression was similar in both patient and healthy endodermal cells. Key transcription factor SOX2 was significantly lower in patient-derived anterior foregut. RNA sequencing revealed critical genes GSTM1 and RAB37 to be significantly lower in patient-derived anterior foregut. Furthermore, we observed an abnormal expression of NKX2.1 in the patient-derived mature esophageal organoids. We therefore hypothesize that a transient dysregulation of SOX2 and the abnormal expression of NKX2.1 in patient-derived cells could be responsible for the abnormal foregut compartmentalization.
Optimization of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite applied to neutron crystal optics
Authors: Freund Andreas K. , Qu Hao , Liu Xiang , Crosby Mike , Chen Changyong
Published: February 2022

The neutron diffraction properties of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) are reviewed using experimental results that have been obtained by diffraction of high-energy gamma rays, X-rays and neutrons. The interpretation of the empirical data based on diffraction theory leads to generic diagrams that display the performance of HOPG as a function of crystal thickness, mosaic spread and neutron wavelength. The analysis of the relation between the defect structure and diffraction properties demonstrates the usefulness of a detailed X-ray diffraction study to maximize the efficiency of composite neutron monochromators and analyzers. The optimization procedure is illustrated by the configuration of a double-focusing monochromator.
In situ wide-angle X-ray scattering study on the change of microcrystalline structure in Jincheng anthracite during high-temperature carbonization
Authors: Wang Yuexiang , Li Zhihong , Kong Jiao , Chang Liping , Zhao Yixin , Li Dongfeng , Lv Baoliang
Published: February 2022

Carbonization is an effective way to achieve the comprehensive utilization of coal. However, the in situ variation of graphite-like microcrystals, the basic structure of coal macromolecules, with heating and cooling during carbonization has not been fully characterized so far. Anthracite is a type of humic coal with the highest degree of coalification, and its structure change can be monitored well by X-ray scattering or diffraction techniques. In this contribution, an in situ synchrotron radiation wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) study on high-temperature (1200°C) carbonization of a high-quality anthracite mined in Jincheng, China, is presented. The results show that, during the continuous process of heating and cooling, the size and height of the aromatic lamellae first decrease and then increase with minima at 900 and 1000°C, respectively, while the interlayer spacing first increases and then decreases with a maximum at 1000°C. The roadmap of graphite-like microcrystalline structure change during the whole continuous process of heating and cooling is revealed and described.
Artificial intelligence: a strategy to harness its power through organizational learning
Authors: Jarrahi Mohammad Hossein , Kenyon Sarah , Brown Ashley , Donahue Chelsea , Wicher Chris
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework that captures the strategic value of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Although AI has become a crucial component of digital transformation efforts tied to organizational strategy, many firms struggle to derive strategic value from emerging AI systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical framework in this paper is based on a learning-centered approach. Specifically, by building on the knowledge-based perspective, this paper elaborates on how AI can contribute to organizational learning to create a competitive advantage in knowledge-intensive contexts.

Findings

This paper argues that the power of AI as a strategic resource lies in its self-learning capacities. Such learning capacities are only realized in partnership with humans through mutual learning. This paper formulates the concept of artificial capital and the ways artificial and human capital can together drive routinization and strategic learning processes that connect internal and external environments of the organization.

Originality/value

This is a timely contribution as many organizations are considering adopting AI technologies for strategic purposes. This paper translates the proposed framework into several practical implications for managing and developing AI to meet strategic business goals.
Offline to online shopping: shift in volition or escape from violation
Authors: Duggal Ekta , Verma Harsh Vardhan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Research studies have attributed customer shift from offline to online retail to primarily functional reasons. Indian retailing differs from western counterparts in terms of structure and socio-cultural-historical-economic context. The purpose of this paper is to find whether this shift is instigated by positive or negative drive.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through group discussions and reflective experiential accounts in the form of text. The textual material was thematically analyzed to develop thematic networks. By this method, the text’s patent structures were explored, and underlying hidden patterns were identified.

Findings

Two global themes of “volition” and “violation” were discovered. At the patent level, customers are attracted to online in volition as it allows them to move to higher or desired value space. However, at the deeper level, customer shifted to online as a means to escape from violations involved in human-to-human dealings with offline retailers.

Practical implications

The way forward for offline retailers is to build their advantage based on human interactions. The salvation of offline retailing does not lie in trying to beat online retailers on their position of strength but in leveraging interactions to build social capital.

Originality/value

This study sought to explore and apprehend the meaning of customer shift from offline to online retail at deeper psycho-socio-cultural level.
Application of classification models on maintenance records through text mining approach in industrial environment
Authors: Rahman Umama , Mahbub Miraj Uddin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The data created from regular maintenance activities of equipment are stored as text in industrial plants. The size of these data is increasing rapidly nowadays. Text mining provides a chance to handle this huge amount of text data and extract meaningful information to improve various processes of an industrial environment. This paper represents the application of classification models on maintenance text records to classify failure for improving maintenance programs in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is presented as an implementation study, where text mining approaches are used for binary classification of text data. Naive Bayes and Support Vector Machine (SVM), two classification algorithms are applied for training and testing of the models as per the labeled data. The reason behind this is, these algorithms perform better on text data for classifying failure and they are easy to handle. A methodology is proposed for the development of maintenance programs, including classification of potential failure in advance by analyzing the regular maintenance data as well as comparing the performance of both models on the data.

Findings

The accuracy of both models falls within the acceptable limit, and performance evaluation of the models concludes the validation of the results. Other performance measures exhibit excellent values for both of the models.

Practical implications

The proposed approach provides the maintenance team an opportunity to know about the upcoming breakdown in advance so that necessary measures can be taken to prevent failure in an industrial environment. As predictive maintenance incurs a high expense, it could be a better replacement for small and medium industrial plants.

Originality/value

Nowadays, maintenance is preventive-based rather than a corrective approach. The proposed technique is facilitating the concept of a proactive approach by minimizing the cost of additional maintenance steps. As predictive maintenance is efficient but incurs high expenses, this proposed method can minimize unnecessary maintenance operations and keep control over the budget. This is a significant way of developing maintenance programs and will make maintenance personnel ready for the machine breakdown.
Impact of visit‐to‐visit fasting plasma glucose variability on the development of diabetes: The mediation by insulin resistance
Authors: Xu Jiji , Li Ling , Huang Shuangqing , Song Haihong , Gao Jinli , Ni Hengru , Lin Hong , Wang Shuangyuan , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu , Qian Xiaozhong
Published: February 2022

Background

Little is known about the risk of diabetes due to higher glycemic variability and the underlying mechanisms. We aimed to examine the association of visit‐to‐visit variability (VVV) in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with incident diabetes in Chinese adults and whether the association was mediated by changes in insulin resistance (IR).

Methods

We included 1856 community residents without a history of diabetes and having attended 3 examinations in 2008, 2009, and 2013 respectively. The SD, the average successive variability (ASV), the coefficient of variation (CV), and the variability independent of the mean (VIM) of three recorded FPG measurements were calculated for each participant, and SD, ASV, CV, and VIM were used as a measure of VVV in FPG. Incident diabetes was defined according to the 1999 World Health Organization criteria. IR was evaluated using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA).

Results

A total of 153 (8.2%) participants developed incident diabetes at the third visit. Compared with the lowest tertile (0–5.83 mg/dl) of FPG‐SD, the highest tertile (9.55–74.17 mg/dl) was associated with a 148% increased risk of diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–4.49), after adjustment for covariates including mean FPG at 3 visits. Mediation analyses suggested that changes in IR (ΔHOMA‐IR) might mediate 17.3% of the association between increased FPG‐SD and elevated diabetes risk. Similar results were found for FPG‐CV, FPG‐ASV, and FPG‐VIM.

Conclusions

The VVV in FPG was significantly associated with risks of diabetes in Chinese adults, which was partially mediated by changes in IR.
Long‐term consequences of alcohol use in early adolescent mice: Focus on neuroadaptations in GR, CRF and BDNF
Authors: Sampedro‐Piquero Patricia , Moreno‐Fernández Román D. , Begega Azucena , López Matías , Santín Luis J.
Published: February 2022

Our aim was to assess the cognitive and emotional state, as well as related‐changes in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression of adolescent C57BL/6J male mice after a 5‐week two‐bottle choice protocol (postnatal day [pd]21 to pd52). Additionally, we wanted to analyse whether the behavioural and neurobiological effects observed in late adolescence (pd62) lasted until adulthood (pd84). Behavioural testing revealed that alcohol during early adolescence increased anxiety‐like and compulsive‐related behaviours, which was maintained in adulthood. Concerning cognition, working memory was only altered in late adolescent mice, whereas object location test performance was impaired in both ages. In contrast, novel object recognition remained unaltered. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that alcohol during adolescence diminished BDNF+ cells in the cingulate cortex, the hippocampal CA1 layer and the central amygdala. Regarding hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA) functioning, alcohol abuse increased the GR and CRF expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and the central amygdala. Besides this, GR density was also higher in the prelimbic cortex and the basolateral amygdala, regardless of the animals' age. Our findings suggest that adolescent alcohol exposure led to long‐term behavioural alterations, along with changes in BDNF, GR and CRF expression in limbic brain areas involved in stress response, emotional regulation and cognition.
Perinatal antidepressant use and breastfeeding outcomes: Findings from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E. , Saha Moni R. , Nordeng Hedvig , Ystrom Eivind , Amir Lisa H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Antidepressant use is common in the perinatal period, but there are concerns that it can negatively impact on breastfeeding outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of perinatal antidepressant use on breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 80 882 mother–infant dyads in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Women were first classified according to self‐reported mental disorders and timing of antidepressant use before and/or after gestational week 28 (i.e., early‐mid–gestation and/or late‐gestation use). We subsequently classified women according to self‐reported mental disorders and antidepressant use postpartum and whether antidepressants were continued from late gestation or were new/restarted. Breastfeeding outcomes included breastfeeding initiation as well as predominant or any breastfeeding and abrupt breastfeeding discontinuation until 6 months.

Results

Late‐gestation antidepressant use was associated with a reduced likelihood of breastfeeding initiation (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90–0.97) but not predominant (aRR 0.96; 95% CI 0.67–1.39) or any (aRR 1.00; 95% CI 0.93–1.07) breastfeeding at 6 months compared with unexposed women with mental disorders. When examined according to postnatal antidepressant use, no differences in predominant (aRR 0.94; 95% CI 0.60–1.48) or any breastfeeding (aRR 0.99; 95% CI 0.91–1.07) at 6 months were evident among women who continued antidepressant use from late gestation into the postpartum period compared with unexposed women with mental disorders. In contrast, new/restarted antidepressant use postpartum was associated with a reduced likelihood of predominant (aRR 0.37; 95% CI 0.22–0.61) and any (aRR 0.49; 95% CI 0.42–0.56) breastfeeding at 6 months, as well as increased risk of abrupt breastfeeding discontinuation (aRR 2.64; 95% CI 2.07–3.37) compared with the unexposed women with mental disorders.

Conclusions

A complex relation exists between depression, antidepressant use, and breastfeeding outcomes. Antidepressant use in late pregnancy was associated with a reduced likelihood of breastfeeding initiation but not breastfeeding duration or exclusivity. In contrast, initiating or restarting antidepressants postpartum was associated with poorer breastfeeding outcomes. Overall, women taking antidepressants and women with a mental disorder may benefit from additional education and support to improve breastfeeding rates and promote maternal and infant health and wellbeing.
Review highlights the importance of donor human milk being available for very low birth weight infants
Authors: Picaud Jean‐Charles
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of this paper was to review the role that donor human milk plays in caring for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods

This review focussed on academic papers and background information published in English and French up to 8 August 2021.

Results

Donor human milk provides a useful bridge to successful breastfeeding in hospitalised neonates and does not have a negative impact on the use of mother's own milk and breastfeeding rates at discharge. It helps to prevent key complications of prematurity, particularly necrotising enterocolitis up to 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, which is more common in infants fed formulas based on cows' milk. When it is carefully fortified, it supports the postnatal growth of the majority of very preterm infants. Well‐organised, accessible human milk banks are required to cover the needs of hospitalised infants, and donor human milk must be prioritised for patients who derive the greatest health benefit from it. These include very preterm infants and those born at term, or near term, with surgical digestive malformations or congenital heart disease.

Conclusion

Safe, high‐quality donor human milk, which is distributed by well‐organised human milk banks, is essential for the most vulnerable hospitalised neonates.
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the development and maintenance of gluten‐related distress and unhelpful eating and lifestyle patterns in coeliac disease
Authors: Satherley Rose‐Marie , Lerigo Fiona , Higgs Suzanne , Howard Ruth
Published: February 2022

Objective

Estimates indicate that individuals with coeliac disease are more likely to experience disordered eating and impaired well‐being than healthy controls, but less is known about the mechanisms by which these factors are related. The aim of this study was to understand experiences of coeliac disease and influence on subsequent unhelpful eating and lifestyle patterns.

Methods

An online focus group discussion, hosted through a synchronous chat log, with adults living with coeliac disease was conducted. Seven individuals discussed their condition, lifestyle, and dietary changes post‐diagnosis. Discussions were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological approach, a technique that enables new practical or research insight into health conditions based upon participants’ experiences of their condition.

Results

Three themes were identified: (i) Nobody knew what was happening to my body; (ii) I am so afraid of being ‘glutened’ that it is central to my thoughts and anxieties; and (iii) I am frightened but I can keep myself safe by being a ‘good’ coeliac. These appeared to contribute to participant distress or unhelpful eating or lifestyle behaviours. Participants appeared to develop severe anxiety around gluten, and implausible beliefs around diet and lifestyle management that appear to initiate and maintain unhelpful eating behaviours and maladaptive lifestyles changes, that contribute to distress.

Conclusions

Extending current knowledge, we propose a novel cognitive perspective on the development and maintenance of disordered eating in coeliac disease. Implications for how health providers can better support individuals with coeliac disease, and the role of dietary management, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms in the development of disordered eating are discussed.
Adrenal androgens versus cortisol for primary aldosteronism subtype determination in adrenal venous sampling
Authors: Viukari Marianna , Kokko Eeva , Pörsti Ilkka , Leijon Helena , Vesterinen Tiina , Hinkka Tero , Soinio Minna , Schalin‐Jäntti Camilla , Matikainen Niina , Nevalainen Pasi I.
Published: February 2022

Objective

We examined if measurement of adrenal androgens adds to subtype diagnostics of primary aldosteronism (PA) under cosyntropin‐stimulated adrenal venous sampling (AVS).

Design

A prospective pre‐specified secondary endpoint analysis of 49 patients with confirmed PA, of whom 29 underwent unilateral adrenalectomy with long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

Concentrations of androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) were measured during AVS in addition to aldosterone and cortisol. Subjects with lateralisation index (LI) of ≥4 were treated with unilateral adrenalectomy, and the immunohistochemical subtype was determined with CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 stains. The performance of adrenal androgens was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses in adrenalectomy and medical therapy groups.

Results

During AVS, the correlations between cortisol and androstenedione, DHEA and DHEAS for LI and selectivity index (SI) were highly significant. The right and left side SIs for androstenedione and DHEA were higher (p < .001) than for cortisol. In ROC analysis, the optimal LI cut‐off values for androstenedione, DHEA and DHEAS were 4.2, 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. The performance of these LIs for adrenal androgens did not differ from that of cortisol.

Conclusions

Under cosyntropin‐stimulated AVS, the measurement of androstenedione and DHEA did not improve the cannulation selectivity. The performance of cortisol and adrenal androgens are confirmatory but not superior to cortisol‐based results in lateralisation diagnostics of PA.