bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Servitization in the circular supply chain: delineating current research and setting future research plan
Authors: Mishra Ashutosh , Badhotiya Gaurav Kumar , Patil Amitkumar , Siddh Man Mohan , Ram Mangey
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore a paradigm for using servitization in circular supply chains, with research fields including smart, sustainable supply chains, circular economy, innovation, digital technology, product service systems and sustainability as focal areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive statistical analysis of the literature on servitization, circular economy and smart supply chains reveals the history of the industry, including scholarly work, major concerns and future research prospects. The database for the analysis is provided by Scopus. Consequently, 288 research articles were reviewed, and the research trends of servitization, circular supply chains and smart supply chains from 2014 to 2022 (Q1) were covered.

Findings

The analysis reconnoitres bibliometric statistics highlighting notable authors, contemporary keywords for sifting through the literature, scientific dimensions related to smart supply chain, servitization and the circular economy, historical growth based on exploration trends and country-by-country investigation of the research field. The study also proposes a conceptual framework that illustrates how a greater emphasis on removing barriers to servitization could increase the efficiency of various circular supply chains. Given this, there is room for further research into the role servitization plays in ensuring long-term sustainability.

Originality/value

This paper helps to understand current scholarly publications on servitization, smart supply chains and their significance in the circular economy. It also provides a template to utilize the field’s prior accomplishments as a guide to future research opportunities.
Does the ferry sector need soft total quality management practices? Evidence from an Italian ferry company
Authors: Torre Teresina , Petrolo Damiano , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Sarti Daria
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The study aims to deepen existing knowledge on the specific role of soft total quality management (TQM) practices in the ferry sector. Over the last decade, TQM practices have been thoroughly restructured, allowing us to develop an appropriate framework through which the relevance of each practice to this particular sector can be explained.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative case study has been conducted to enhance the quality orientation and soft TQM practices adopted by a medium-sized company in the ferry sector.

Findings

The study identifies five soft TQM practices that offer valuable contributions in terms of quality orientation. These are organised into a configurational and systemic approach according to a three-level framework. At the macro level, a customer-orientated approach is paramount, as this orientation clearly points out the fundamental values of TQM. Coherently, at the micro-level, employees should be trained, involved, and empowered to truly internalise and behave according to a quality orientation. At the meso-level, dedicated leadership should support these practices and foster their effectiveness across the organisational structure.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is related to its narrative analysis. More empirically-grounded research should be used in the future to test the validity of the model.

Practical implications

TQM practices can leverage soft aspects, finding mutual integrations and offering reciprocal support if a bundle of practices is enforced and co-present across several layers of an organisational structure.

Originality/value

The model offers a configurational approach to help the ferry sector in leveraging soft TQM practices to implement TQM initiatives successfully. This is subject to external contingencies and thus requires adaptability and flexibility.
Policy on innovation in Australia: Divergence in definitions, problems, and solutions
Authors: Lewis Jenny M. , Mikolajczak Gosia
Published: January 2023

Innovation has joined the mainstream in many nations as governments search for new ways to tackle challenging societal and economic problems. But Australia is seen to be lagging on innovation policy. Is this related to how governments define innovation? What do they regard as the problem they are addressing? What proposed solutions follow from this? This paper examines how Australian governments have defined innovation over four decades, signalling their policy intentions about how to make the nation more innovative. Definitions of innovation are analysed using 79 Australian (national level) policy documents published from 1976 to 2019. Close reading of these documents suggests two main definitions: innovation as technology, and innovation as culture. Topic modelling uncovers more differentiated themes, shows how definitions change over time, and demonstrates an association between definitions and political parties in government. The divergent approaches suggest a lack of coherence and continuity to policy on innovation in Australia.

Points for practitioners

Innovation has expanded and broadened in its definition and governments and policymakers have paid increasing attention to it.

In Australia, there are two main definitions of innovation used in policy—one related to technology and one related to culture.

The technology view of innovation can be further divided into a focus on businesses or a focus on research and development (R&D).

Different innovation definitions, problems, and solutions dominate at different times, with Coalition governments tending to favour business and technology over culture, and Labor governments doing the opposite.

There are divergent approaches to policy on innovation in Australia which suggest a lack of coherence and consistency in policy over the long term.
Synergism and phytotoxicity: The effects of tank‐mix additives on the biological efficacy of Cu2+ against Venturia inaequalis and Podosphaera leucotricha
Authors: Schmitz Christine , Luedeling Eike , Pariyar Shyam
Published: January 2023

The wetting behaviour of the spray and the biological efficacy of Cu2+ active ingredients in agrochemical formulations may be enhanced by tank‐mix additives. We investigated how three BREAK‐THRU® additives (BT301: biodegradable, BT133 and BT420: bio‐based and biodegradable) tank‐mixed with commercial copper preparations influenced the spray distribution, leaf uptake and biological efficacy of copper additive mixtures against apple scab and apple powdery mildew under controlled conditions. We quantified the synergetic effects of these additives in foliar applications. In addition, we determined the phytotoxic potential and evaluated their impacts on photosynthetic activity, non‐photochemical quenching and ROS activity. The additives BT301 and BT420 strongly reduced surface tension and contact angle of copper treatments. The fluorescence observations revealed that BT301 achieved better spreading of copper formulation with more complete coverage of the leaf surface than BT420 and BT133, whereas ‘coffee‐ring’ spreading was observed with BT133. The additive BT301 showed an increase in relative fluorescence area, indicating higher ROS production as a signal of intra‐cellular tissue activity. The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was not negatively influenced by copper or additive treatment. Thus, we observed no phytotoxic effects of copper‐additive mixtures on apple leaves at treatment doses of 4 g Cu2+ L−1. All copper treatments reduced apple scab infections significantly, by 53%–76%. Interestingly, addition of BT301 to copper preparations showed the strongest biological efficacy (83% reduction) against Venturia inaequalis, whereas addition of BT420 showed the strongest effect against Podosphaera leucotricha (89% infection reduction). The synergetic effects of additives on the biological efficacy without phytotoxic effects on plants may have potential for reducing copper loads in horticultural production systems.
Protein phosphatase 2A activators reverse age‐related behavioral changes by targeting neural cell senescence
Authors: Xing Jun , Chen Kehua , Gao Shuaiyun , Pousse Mélanie , Ying Yilin , Wang Bo , Chen Lianxiang , Wang Cuicui , Wang Lei , Hu Weiguo , Lu Yiming , Gilson Eric , Ye Jing
Published: January 2023

The contribution of cellular senescence to the behavioral changes observed in the elderly remains elusive. Here, we observed that aging is associated with a decline in protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity in the brains of zebrafish and mice. Moreover, drugs activating PP2A reversed age‐related behavioral changes. We developed a transgenic zebrafish model to decrease PP2A activity in the brain through knockout of the ppp2r2c gene encoding a regulatory subunit of PP2A. Mutant fish exhibited the behavioral phenotype observed in old animals and premature accumulation of neural cells positive for markers of cellular senescence, including senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, elevated levels cdkn2a/b, cdkn1a, senescence‐associated secretory phenotype gene expression, and an increased level of DNA damage signaling. The behavioral and cell senescence phenotypes were reversed in mutant fish through treatment with the senolytic ABT263 or diverse PP2A activators as well as through cdkn1a or tp53 gene ablation. Senomorphic function of PP2A activators was demonstrated in mouse primary neural cells with downregulated Ppp2r2c. We conclude that PP2A reduction leads to neural cell senescence thereby contributing to age‐related behavioral changes and that PP2A activators have senotherapeutic properties against deleterious behavioral effects of brain aging.
Trajectories of depression among patients in treatment for opioid use disorder: A growth mixture model secondary analysis of the XBOT trial
Authors: Vest Noel , Wenzel Kevin , Choo Tse‐Hwei , Pavlicova Martina , Rotrosen John , Nunes Edward , Lee Joshua D. , Fishman Marc
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives

To inform clinical practice, we identified subgroups of adults based on levels of depression symptomatology over time during opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment.

Methods

Participants were 474 adults in a 24‐week treatment trial for OUD. Depression symptoms were measured using the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) at nine‐time points. This was a secondary analysis of the Clinical Trials Network Extended‐Release Naltrexone versus Buprenorphine for Opioid Treatment (XBOT) trial using a growth mixture model.

Results

Three distinct depression trajectories were identified: Class 1 High Recurring—10% with high HAM‐D with initial partial reductions (of HAM‐D across time), Class 2 Persistently High—5% with persistently high HAM‐D, and Class 3 Low Declining—85% of the participants, with low HAM‐D with early sustained reductions. The majority (low declining) had levels of depression that improved in the first 4 weeks and then stabilized across the treatment period. In contrast, 15% (high recurring and persistently high) had high initial levels that were more variable across time. The persistently high class had higher rates of opioid relapse.

Discussion and Conclusions

In this OUD sample, most depressive symptomatology was mild and improved after medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Smaller subgroups had higher depressive symptoms that persisted or recurred after the initiation of MOUD. Depressive symptoms should be followed in patients initiating treatment for OUD, and when persistent, should prompt further evaluation and consideration of antidepressant treatment.

Scientific Significance

This study is the first to identify three distinct depression trajectories among a large clinical sample of individuals in MOUD treatment.
An economic offer they cannot refuse! Economic expectations on incumbent government support in Core and periphery European countries
Authors: Stancea Andreea , Muntean Aurelian
Published: January 2023

The importance of economic conditions on election outcomes is well established. This paper supplements the standard approach to economic voting by assessing government support from a highly debated perspective of European spaces: Core countries and Periphery countries (Central Eastern European and Southern countries). The paper reveals that the economic conditions perceived by voters in the future are expected to differently affect incumbent government support depending on the macroeconomic position of the country. This paper finds that, contrary to Core countries' electors, voters in periphery countries are keener to support the incumbent governments if the economic outputs are positive. It concludes that positive economic expectations are strongly and positively associated with incumbent government support, regardless of previous vote choice, while negative economic expectations are strongly and negatively associated with government support.
Spermatozoa‐induced seminal vesiculitis in mice
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Yu , Zhang Jing , Yu Xiaoqin , Chen Ran , Chen Yongmei , Han Daishu
Published: January 2023

Background

Seminal vesiculitis is a common inflammation in the male genital tract. Etiologically, microbial infection and non‐infectious factors can be responsible for seminal vesiculitis. The pathogenic triggers and mechanisms underlying non‐infectious seminal vesiculitis remain unclear.

Objectives

To demonstrate that spermatozoa can induce seminal vesiculitis in mice, which could be attributable to spermatozoa‐induced innate immune responses in seminal vesicular epithelial cells.

Material and methods

Spermatozoa from epididymis were injected into seminal vesicles at the tail of the gland. Histopathology of seminal vesicles were examined by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Infiltration of leukocytes were identified by immunohistochemistry. Seminal vesicular epithelial cells were isolated from 5‐week‐old mice and cell types were detected by immunofluoresence. Western blot and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to detect protein and gene expression levels.

Results

In vivo, local injection of epididymal spermatozoa into seminal vesicles resulted in seminal vesiculitis characterized by tissue swelling and leukocyte infiltration. In vitro, spermatozoa induced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐6, CXCL10, and MCP1, and the activation of NF‐κB in seminal vesicular epithelial cells.

Discussion and conclusion

Spermatozoa may induce seminal vesiculitis through the activation of innate immune responses in seminal vesicular epithelial cells, which provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying non‐infectious seminal vesiculitis.
Adolescent co‐researchers identified the central role of social media for young people during the pandemic
Authors: Lygnegård Frida , Thell Maria , Sarkadi Anna
Published: January 2023

Aim

To test the method of engaging co‐researcher adolescents in data collection and explore stated motives for their selection of social media material related to COVID‐19.

Methods

Twenty‐three adolescents, 13–19‐years old, in Sweden participated as co‐researchers collecting material from their social media related to COVID‐19. Specifically, they motivated their selection of social media material in field notes. Their motives were explored using content analysis.

Results

Adolescent co‐researchers understood and performed the task well, providing insight into the social media exchanges of adolescents during the pandemic. An overarching theme for the motivation for their selection emerged: Social media is an important tool for adolescents' communication and information exchange during COVID‐19. Four categories were identified: Keeping track of the talk of the town; Recognition of personally relevant topics; Adolescents as information consumers; Social media as a means for expressing feelings, advice and existential reflections. Co‐researchers reported challenges relating to the quality of pandemic‐related information available to adolescents.

Conclusion

Including young people as co‐researchers on matters relevant to them was successful. This study also underlines the need to consider the role of social media in information exchange during crises and to co‐produce health communication with adolescents to meet their specific needs.
Nasopharyngeal detection of atypical bacteria by multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel in acutely ill children was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia
Authors: Mattila Suvi , Sarlin Suvi , Heikkilä Reetta , Leinonen Emilia , Nurmi Violetta , Riikonen Jonni , Paalanne Niko , Honkila Minna , Huhtamäki Heikki , Pokka Tytti , Koskela Ulla , Renko Marjo , Tapiainen Terhi
Published: January 2023

Aim

We aimed to assess whether detection of respiratory bacteria by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing associates with clinical outcomes in acutely ill children.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled children under the age of 18 with a suspected respiratory infection treated in a paediatric emergency department of Oulu University Hospital, Finland from January 2015 through December 2015. Nasopharyngeal samples were routinely analysed for 16 respiratory viruses and later, after storage, analysed with a multiplex PCR panel for seven respiratory bacteria.

Results

At least one bacterial pathogen was detected in 600 out of the 1195 children (50%). The mean age was 3.3 (SD 3.7) years and 54% were boys. Atypical bacteria were associated with a risk of pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 14.1, 95% CI 3.98–50.1). Co‐detection of rhinovirus with Streptococcus pneumoniae was not associated with risk of pneumonia (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 0.78–7.30). Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or both was not associated with the risk of hospital admission or prescription of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Nasopharyngeal detection of atypical bacteria in acutely ill children was associated with a markedly increased risk of pneumonia. The clinical utility of wide testing for other respiratory bacteria needs further evaluation.
Imagawa–Matsumoto syndrome: SUZ12‐related overgrowth disorder
Authors: Imagawa Eri , Seyama Rie , Aoi Hiromi , Uchiyama Yuri , Marcarini Bruno Guimaraes , Furquim Isabel , Honjo Rachel Sayuri , Bertola Debora Romeo , Kim Chong Ae , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: January 2023

The SUZ12 gene encodes a subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that is essential for development by silencing the expression of multiple genes. Germline heterozygous variants in SUZ12 have been found in Imagawa–Matsumoto syndrome (IMMAS) characterized by overgrowth and multiple dysmorphic features. Similarly, both EZH2 and EED also encode a subunit of PRC2 each and their pathogenic variants cause Weaver syndrome and Cohen–Gibson syndrome, respectively. Clinical manifestations of these syndromes significantly overlap, although their different prevalence rates have recently been noted: generalized overgrowth, intellectual disability, scoliosis, and excessive loose skin appear to be less prevalent in IMMAS than in the other two syndromes. We could not determine any apparent genotype–phenotype correlation in IMMAS. The phenotype of neurofibromatosis type 1 arising from NF1 deletion was also shown to be modified by the deletion of SUZ12, 560 kb away. This review deepens our understanding of the clinical and genetic characteristics of IMMAS together with other overgrowth syndromes related to PRC2. We also report on a novel IMMAS patient carrying a splicing variant (c.1023+1G>C) in SUZ12. This patient had a milder phenotype than other previously reported IMMAS cases, with no macrocephaly or overgrowth phenotypes, highlighting the clinical variation in IMMAS.
“Joy”: Murals and the Failure of Post‐politics After the Morandi Bridge Collapse
Authors: Guano Emanuela
Published: January 2023

In 2018, the Morandi bridge collapsed, killing 43 people and displacing 600 from their homes in Genoa's postindustrial outskirts. Almost entirely isolated after the collapse, Certosa bore much of the brunt of the disaster. This is when Genoa's conservative administration launched On the Wall, a street art project meant to assuage residents’ anger; the theme chosen for the murals was “joy.” Drawing on ethnographic research conducted between 2019 and 2022, this project explores the post‐political underpinnings of Certosa's “joyous” street art.

These murals, I suggest, are an attempt by the city administration to enact a type of aesthetic governance that seeks to conceal institutional neglect while foreclosing political antagonism; this happens through a distribution of the sensible (Ranciѐre 2010, 24‐25) that is meant to promote consensus by shaping the residents’ perception of their neighborhood. However, I also contend that, instead of fostering a post‐political allegiance between Genoa's conservative administration and Certosa's residents, the street art project failed to sway a community organized around the awareness of its own disenfranchisement. Since Certosa's ruination continued unabated, beleaguered residents intensified their demands for the safety and the basic services that are still denied to their neighborhood.
Reduced progression of carotid intima media thickness by personalised pictorial presentation of subclinical atherosclerosis in VIPVIZA—A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nyman Emma , Grönlund Christer , Vanoli Davide , Liv Per , Norberg Margareta , Bengtsson Anna , Wennberg Patrik , Wester Per , Näslund Ulf ,   for the VIPVIZA trial group
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Reduced progression of atherosclerosis can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a pictorial intervention showing atherosclerotic severity on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

A prospective randomised open‐label blinded end‐point trial with participants aged 40–60 years enroled from a routine CVD prevention programme. The intervention group (n: 1575) and their treating physicians received an image based presentation of subclinical atherosclerotic severity measured by carotid ultrasound. The control group (n: 1579) did not receive any information about ultrasound results. Carotid ultrasound at baseline and at 3‐year follow‐up contained plaque detection and measurements of carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). The left, right and bilateral‐mean‐cIMT, plaque prevalence and total plaque area (TPA) at 3‐year follow‐up were compared between groups. Significance level was set to p = 0.01 to adjust for multiple comparisons.

Results

The intervention group revealed reduced cIMT progression in the left‐mean‐cIMT of −0.011 mm (p = 0.001) compared with the control group. The intervention effect on cIMT progression was most prominent in individuals with increased cIMT and plaque prevalence at baseline (−0.021 mm, p = 0.005). There were no differences in progression between groups for the right‐and bilateral‐mean‐cIMT (−0.005 mm, p = 0.223 and −0.005 mm, p = 0.036, respectively), nor any differences between groups for plaque prevalence or TPA (odds ratio 0.88, p = 0.09 and 0.89, p = 0.21, respectively).

Conclusion

Pictorial presentation of subclinical atherosclerotic severity sent to both the individual and their treating physician resulted in significantly reduced left cIMT progression. Pictorial presentation has the potential to increase adherence in CVD prevention.
Understanding accountability in practice: Obligations, scrutiny, and consequences
Authors: Anderson Colin
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Attempting to increase authorities' accountability for their actions has become a mainstay of development practice in recent decades. Yet commentators suggest that these efforts have reached an impasse, in part because of conceptual fuzziness regarding the core ideas of public accountability.

Purpose

This article explores what we can learn about accountability processes and practices from recent multi‐country research into citizen–state relations. I explore three concepts that emerge as important from this material and which might also be useful in broader thinking and development practice: obligations, scrutiny, and consequences.

Methods and approach

The empirical material analysed comes from the five‐year Action for Empowerment and Accountability (A4EA) research programme, which focused on Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Pakistan, and explored a range of experiences of people interacting with public authorities, and the efforts of international donors and activists to improve these interactions.

Findings

The analysis suggests the advantage of paying more attention to (1) the range of obligations from which accountability emerges; (2) what enables citizens to engage in active scrutiny of authorities; and (3) a broad set of consequences of accountability claims. Within this framing, the A4EA material highlights the relative importance of felt obligations and the social contract over formalized entitlements, development of capacities and spaces for informed citizens to actively question authorities, and of outcomes where authorities accept responsibility for their actions or the status quo as well as experience direct sanctions.

Policy implications

Efforts for greater public accountability might be sharpened by identifying what would represent effective scrutiny against felt accountability obligations, and what spaces, capacities, and opportunities are required for that. Incorporating a better understanding of the consequences that come about from accountability claims could help create better measures and understandings of success, and what generates it.
Does conditioning cash transfers on health treatment harm the health of other families on low incomes who depend on public services? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Csapo Marika
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Cash transfers have become popular for relieving poverty in the Global South. Many programmes are conditional on beneficiaries complying with medical check‐ups, nutritional assessments, and vaccinations. Such conditions may improve the health of beneficiaries, above all the health of their young children. But often public health provision is strained. Might the increased attention to those getting the transfers reduce health services to non‐beneficiaries, and especially those on low incomes who cannot afford private medicine?

Purpose

What are the impacts of the largest and longest‐lived conditional cash transfer programme in the world, Brazil's Bolsa Família (BF), on the health of non‐beneficiaries living in poverty? Does the health of non‐beneficiaries suffer when BF requirements come into place? Do the health requirements of BF lead to increased administrative costs for local health centres? Do they squeeze remaining resources for health care?

Methods and approach

Surveys from before and after the creation of BF are used to model the probability of death for infants born into poor households, comparing those enrolled in BF to those not included. The impacts of the BF programme on local health budgets are modelled through regression analysis. The analysis takes advantage of the varying degree of coverage of BF at the level of municipalities across Brazil.

Findings

Implementation of BF led to lower risk of death of infants from beneficiary families than predicted by trends before BF, while infants from impoverished non‐beneficiary families developed a higher‐than‐expected risk of death. The benefits to the former group were larger than the harm to the latter group, which explains why BF appears to reduce infant and child mortality in aggregate. The expansion of BF depressed local spending on primary health care. Above all, more of the health budget and staff time was spent on monitoring compliance with health conditionalities.

Policy implications

The harmful spillovers from BF to the health of low‐income households who were not included in the programme pose questions about the conditions that often accompany cash transfer programmes. In cases like Brazil, where budgets for public health care are limited, unconditional transfers might be preferable. Or, if health conditions are applied to cash transfer beneficiaries, then extra resources need to be granted to health centres to allow them to deal with the increased demand from beneficiaries for services.
The Trust Imperative: Conceptualizing the Dynamics of Trust and Distrust in Parent‐Professional Collaboration
Authors: Matthiesen Noomi , Cavada‐Hrepich Paula , Tanggaard Lene
Published: January 2023

This article develops a conceptual framework of the dynamics of trust between parents and professionals in early childhood education and care. In contemporary Western society, the heightened risk awareness with respect to early childhood has led to an increased focus on the collaboration between home and daycare. Mutual trust is a core aspect of this collaboration, resulting in a trust imperative. Drawing on Knud Eilar Løgstrup, Noomi Matthiesen, Paula Cavada‐Hrepich, and Lene Tanggaard argue here that trust is a spontaneous, relational phenomenon rooted in practice and emerging in a normatively structured order. They develop a conceptual framework of trust that has two dimensions: a basic dimension and a competence dimension. The basic dimension is connected to the willingness of the other to do what is good and right according to the normative order, while the competence dimension has to do with the ability to do so. The authors contend that, while trust is a spontaneous and sovereign phenomenon outside of individuals' control, parents and professionals in daycare perform in ways that are recognized as more or less trust‐worthy. They also perform in ways that signal they are trust‐ful. However, these conscious performances can paradoxically reduce the possibility of spontaneous trust.
Hydrogeological Characterization of Crystalline Bedrock Using Borehole Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Eeva Salla , Karjalainen Aino , Koivisto Emilia , Korkka‐Niemi Kirsti , Rautio Anne , Räisänen Olli , Gee Ryan , Birt Benjamin
Published: January 2023

We aimed to test borehole magnetic resonance (BMR) method for determining hydraulic parameters (porosity, permeability, and hydraulic conductivity) required for hydrogeological modeling in two distinct crystalline rock environments. These sites comprise Proterozoic basement rocks of different compositions: mafic rocks at the Sakatti mining development site in northern Finland and felsic rocks at the Olkiluoto Island nuclear repository site in southwest Finland. Although BMR is widely used for determining storage and hydraulic properties in sedimentary environments, there have been few studies in crystalline bedrocks. The results indicate that BMR is a suitable tool for studying lithologically and hydrogeologically heterogeneous fractured crystalline bedrocks. It can produce continuous data from hydraulic properties of bedrock in addition to more time‐consuming methods such as flowmeter and packer tests and can provide guidance on where to focus additional flow measurements. The intervals display fracture and reduced matrix porosity characteristics, both of which can be enhanced or reduced locally by chemical alteration and by tectonic processes. Flow parameters vary significantly throughout the studied intervals: independently from the lithological composition, these intervals locally display relatively high porosities, and may be correlated to the more intensely fractured and/or brecciated zones. However, due to the heterogeneity in mineralogy, grain/pore arrangement, and the variability of fracture flow‐driven transport in each borehole, the challenge remains in finding a unique set of permeability constants for these crystalline rock types. The permeability models could be calibrated by laboratory measurements of the core, and possibly a new permeability model suitable for crystalline bedrock could be created.
Interobserver reproducibility of cribriform cancer in prostate needle biopsies and validation of International Society of Urological Pathology criteria
Authors: Egevad Lars , Delahunt Brett , Iczkowski Kenneth A , van der Kwast Theo , van Leenders Geert J L H , Leite Katia R M , Pan Chin‐Chen , Samaratunga Hemamali , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Mulliqi Nita , Ji Xiaoyi , Olsson Henrik , Valkonen Masi , Ruusuvuori Pekka , Eklund Martin , Kartasalo Kimmo
Published: January 2023

Aims

There is strong evidence that cribriform morphology indicates a worse prognosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Our aim was to investigate its interobserver reproducibility in prostate needle biopsies.

Methods and results

A panel of nine prostate pathology experts from five continents independently reviewed 304 digitised biopsies for cribriform cancer according to recent International Society of Urological Pathology criteria. The biopsies were collected from a series of 702 biopsies that were reviewed by one of the panellists for enrichment of high‐grade cancer and potentially cribriform structures. A 2/3 consensus diagnosis of cribriform and noncribriform cancer was reached in 90% (272/304) of the biopsies with a mean kappa value of 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.52–0.61). The prevalence of consensus cribriform cancers was estimated to 4%, 12%, 21%, and 20% of Gleason scores 7 (3 + 4), 7 (4 + 3), 8, and 9–10, respectively. More than two cribriform structures per level or a largest cribriform mass with ≥9 lumina or a diameter of ≥0.5 mm predicted a consensus diagnosis of cribriform cancer in 88% (70/80), 84% (87/103), and 90% (56/62), respectively, and noncribriform cancer in 3% (2/80), 5% (5/103), and 2% (1/62), respectively (all P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Cribriform prostate cancer was seen in a minority of needle biopsies with high‐grade cancer. Stringent diagnostic criteria enabled the identification of cribriform patterns and the generation of a large set of consensus cases for standardisation.
Tensile creep properties and damage mechanisms of 2D‐woven C/HfC–SiC composites in high temperature
Authors: Fu Lu , Wen Shifeng , Hou Wanbo , Shi Xinhao , Feng Tao , Tong Mingde
Published: January 2023

2D‐C/HfC–SiC composites were prepared by a combination of precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). Creep tests were performed at 1100°C in air under different stress conditions. Unlike most, C/SiC and SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites only underwent primary and secondary creep stages, and the C/HfC–SiC composites underwent tertiary creep stage in the creep process. The reason was that the mechanical properties of C/HfC–SiC materials prepared by PIP + CVI methods were different from those prepared by traditional methods. The microscopic morphological analysis of the sample fracture showed that the oxidation products SiO2 and Hf–Si–O glass phases of the HfC–SiC matrix played a crack filling role in the sample during creep. In turn, it provided effective protection to the internal fibers of the sample. The creep failure of C/HfC–SiC composites in a high‐temperature oxidizing atmosphere was caused by the oxidation of the fibers. The total creep process was dominated by the oxidation of carbon fibers. It is noteworthy that there was the generation of HfxSiyOz nanowires in the samples after high‐temperature creep. The analysis of the experimental data showed that the creep stress had a linear negative correlation with the creep life.
Diagnostic utility and outcomes of inpatient investigations for syncope in a regional setting
Authors: Schembri Laura , Vangaveti Venkat , Mallett Andrew
Published: January 2023

Background

Syncope is a common presentation to the emergency department with a wide spectrum of aetiology. The identification of the underlying cause can be diagnostically challenging, as are the choice of investigations and the decision for inpatient versus outpatient disposition.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the aetiology of syncope as documented, the diagnostic yield of inpatient investigations and outcomes for adult patients admitted for syncope.

Methods

A single‐centred, retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult patients admitted for syncope within a 2‐year period. A total of 386 patients were identified after exclusion. Information regarding syncope aetiology, investigations and outcomes were established via chart review of electronic records.

Results

The most common cause of syncope was neural‐mediated (43%), followed by orthostatic (36.5%) and cardiogenic (20.5%). The investigations performed in order of frequency included: telemetry electrocardiogram (ECG) (75.4%), computed tomography head non‐contrast (58.8%), transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) (20.2%), computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) (6.5%), MR brain (3.9%), electroencephalogram (1.3%) and carotid ultrasound (0.3%). Telemetry ECG, TTE and CTPA led to the diagnosis of syncope in a minority of patients only. As a result, 17.5% of patients had a new intervention on discharge, 5.4% were readmitted for syncope and 9.6% of patients died.

Conclusions

In the context of the inpatient evaluation of syncope, this study supports the use of telemetry ECG and TTE. Neuroimaging demonstrates a low diagnostic yield for the cause of syncope, but it may have a role to play in excluding other pathologies. Our study does not support the routine use of CTPA, EEG or carotid ultrasound in the evaluation of syncope.
Abnormal upconversion luminescence induced by defects and Er3+–Yb3+ distance change in Cs3GdGe3O9:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors
Authors: Cui Hongqiang , Cao Yongze , Zhang Lei , Li Ying , Zhang Yuhang , Li Lei , Zhang Jinsu , Chen Baojiu
Published: January 2023

A series of Er3+/Yb3+ co‐doped Cs3GdGe3O9 (CGG) phosphors were prepared by solid‐phase sintering method, and the microstructure and upconversion luminescence (UCL) properties were tested by variable‐temperature X‐ray diffractometry and variable‐temperature spectrometer. Abnormal UCL phenomena were found, which include UCL intensity continuously increasing under 980 nm laser continuous irradiation and UCL thermal enhancement. After 10 min of continuous irradiation by 980 nm laser at 513 K, the UCL intensity increased 2.91 times compared with the initial UCL intensity. The phenomenon is due to the electron releasing of host defects. The green UCL intensity of CGG:0.1Er3+/0.2Yb3+ decreases at 303–423 K and increases at 423–723 K, which reaches 13.23 times compared with that at 423 K. The phenomenon is due to Er3+–Yb3+ distance change by temperature and phonon‐assisted transitions. In addition, the absolute temperature sensitivities of samples are calculated by luminescence intensity ratio technology, the maximum absolute sensitivity of CGG:0.1Er3+/0.4Yb3+ is 0.00691 K−1 at 546 K, and the maximum relative sensitivity of CGG:0.1Er3+/0.1Yb3+ is 0.01224 K−1 at 303 K. These results indicate that CGG:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors can be used as a high‐temperature optical thermometer.
Floristic diversity, composition and dominance across Amazonian forest types respond differently to latitude
Authors: de Aledo Julia G. , Paneghel Mara , Cayuela Luis , Matas‐Granados Laura , Saadi Celina Ben , Salinas Norma , La Torre‐Cuadros María de los Ángeles , García‐Villacorta Roosevelt , Macía Manuel J.
Published: January 2023

Aim

The latitudinal biodiversity gradient is considered a first‐order biogeographical pattern for most taxonomic groups. Latitudinal variation in plant diversity is not always consistent, and this could be related to the particular characteristics of different forest types. In this study, we compare latitudinal changes in floristic diversity (alpha diversity), composition (beta diversity) and dominance across different tropical forest types: floodplain, terra firme and submontane forests.

Location

Western Amazonia (Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia).

Taxon

Woody plants.

Methods

We inventoried 1978 species and 31,203 individuals of vascular plants with a diameter at breast height ≥ 2.5 cm in 118 0.1‐ha plots over an 1800 km latitudinal gradient in three different forest types. The relationships between alpha diversity, latitude and forest type were analysed using generalised linear mixed models. Semi‐parametric permutational multivariate analysis of variance was used to investigate the effects of latitude and forest type on beta diversity. Dominant species abundances were correlated with non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination axes to reflect their contributions in shaping changes in beta diversity.

Results

Alpha diversity increased towards equatorial latitudes in terra firme and submontane forests but remained relatively constant in floodplains. Beta diversity of all forest types changed with latitude, although less clearly in floodplains. Also, in floodplain forests, there were fewer dominant species contributing to beta diversity and more species homogeneous along the gradient.

Main Conclusions

Latitudinal diversity patterns are manifested in alpha and beta diversity since latitude summarizes climatic and edaphic changes. However, we found different responses of each forest type. In floodplain forests, inundation regime is a stronger predictor than latitude, limiting floristic diversity and composition. Changes in dominant species abundance over gradients explained species composition, but floodplain forests harboured more homogeneous dominant species than well drained forests. It is key to study environmental trends and habitat characteristics of each forest type to understand their species diversity and dominance patterns.
Joint species distribution models unveil co‐occurrences between freshwater mussels and their fish hosts
Authors: da Silva Janine P. , Gonçalves Duarte Vasconcelos , Garcia‐Raventós Aina , Lopes‐Lima Manuel , Varandas Simone , Froufe Elsa , Teixeira Amílcar , Hui Francis K. C. , Filipe Ana Filipa , Sousa Ronaldo
Published: January 2023

Aim

Freshwater mussels are among the most threatened taxa in the world, partially due to the dependence on fish hosts to complete their life cycle. Knowledge about the role of environmental and biotic drivers in determining mussels' distribution is currently lacking. We aimed to assess the role of environmental and biotic drivers in determining the distribution of mussels and their fish hosts and to test if co‐occurrence patterns were able to identify mussel‐host interactions.

Location

Douro River basin (Iberian Peninsula).

Taxon

Four freshwater mussels and ten fish hosts.

Methods

Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) were fitted to presence‐absence records for mussel and fish assemblages. Variance partitioning among environmental variables and latent variables was conducted to determine the environmental versus biotic drivers of species distributions. Resulting matrices of pairwise species co‐occurrences were used to identify co‐occurrence patterns.

Results

The distribution of host generalist mussel species was mainly explained by environmental variables related to climate and topography. The distribution of the host specialist Margaritifera margaritifera was mainly explained by land use. Strong positive correlations between mussels and the most relevant fish hosts were consistently captured by JSDMs. Co‐occurrence patterns were mainly explained by residual factors, indicating the potential role of biotic interactions.

Main Conclusions

Biotic interactions were expected to play an important role in explaining mussels' distribution, but the contribution of this factor was only meaningful for the host specialist M. margaritifera. Correlations between mussels and suitable hosts allowed to infer important fish hosts for freshwater mussels in the Douro River basin from distributional data alone. By finding similarities between the ecological requirements of co‐occurring species, conservation measures can be oriented towards several species, which brings a more holistic perspective to the protection of biodiversity.
Effect of periodontal phenotype characteristics on post‐extraction dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge: A prospective case series
Authors: Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Graham Zachary A. , Peter Tabitha , Gonzalez‐Martin Oscar , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study was primarily aimed at assessing the effect that specific periodontal phenotypical characteristics have on alveolar ridge remodelling after tooth extraction.

Materials and Methods

Patients in need of extraction of a non‐molar maxillary tooth were enrolled. Baseline phenotypical characteristics (i.e., mid‐facial and mid‐palatal soft tissue and bone thickness, and supracrestal soft tissue height [STH]) were recorded upon extraction. A set of clinical, digital imaging (linear and volumetric), and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed over a 14‐week healing period.

Results

A total of 78 subjects were screened. Forty‐two subjects completed the study. Linear and volumetric bone changes, as well as vertical linear soft tissue and alveolar ridge volume (soft tissue contour) variations, were indicative of a marked dimensional reduction of the alveolar ridge over time. Horizontal facial and palatal soft tissue thickness gain was observed. Thin facial bone (≤1 mm) upon extraction, compared with thick facial bone (>1 mm), was associated with greater linear horizontal (−4.57 ± 2.31 mm vs. –2.17 ± 1.65 mm, p = .003) and vertical mid‐facial (−0.95 ± 0.67 mm vs. –4.08 ± 3.52 mm, p < 0.001) and mid‐palatal (−2.03 ± 2.08 mm vs. –1.12 ± 0.99 mm, p = 0.027) bone loss, as well as greater total (−34% ± 10% vs. 15% ± 6%, p < 0.001), facial (−51% ± 19% vs. 28% ± 18%, p = 0.040), and palatal bone volume reduction (−26% ± 14% vs. –8% ± 10%, p < 0.001). Aside from alveolar bone thickness, STH was also found to be a predictor of alveolar ridge resorption since this variable was directly correlated with bone volume reduction. Patient‐reported discomfort scores progressively decreased over time, and the mean satisfaction upon study completion was 94.5 ± 0.83 out of 100.

Conclusions

Alveolar ridge remodelling is a physiological phenomenon that occurs after tooth extraction. Post‐extraction alveolar ridge atrophy is more marked on the facio‐coronal aspect. These dimensional changes are more pronounced in sites exhibiting a thin facial bone phenotype (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02668289).
Systematic review of therapies for refractory ulcerative proctitis
Authors: Raja Sreecanth S , Bryant Robert V , Costello Samuel P , Barnett Meghan , Schubert Jonathon , Rayner Chris K
Published: January 2023

Patients with ulcerative proctitis have favorable long‐term outcomes but are typically excluded from ulcerative colitis clinical trials. Refractory proctitis presents a management conundrum for gastroenterologists, and there remains a lack of clarity as to the best therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to undertake a systematic review of studies assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of therapies for refractory proctitis. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases were searched without restriction from inception to October 27, 2022. Both interventional and noninterventional studies examining efficacy of therapeutic modalities for the induction and/or maintenance of remission in refractory proctitis were included. Included studies were grouped by therapeutic modalities as follows: (i) immunomodulators, (ii) monoclonal antibodies, (iii) topical calcineurin inhibitors, (iv) other topical therapies, and (v) appendicectomy. The search strategy identified 3301 studies, of which 13 met eligibility criteria for inclusion. Clinical remission rates for systemic therapies ranged from 20–26% for azathioprine to 50–69% for tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor therapies. The use of systemic therapies for proctitis raised safety concerns, with 22–37% of patients discontinuing therapies due to adverse effects across four retrospective cohort studies. Prospective clinical trials of topically applied tacrolimus demonstrated clinical remission rates of 42–46%, with a favorable safety profile. Substantial heterogeneity in study design precluded meta‐analysis. Refractory ulcerative proctitis remains a neglected entity, with a dearth of prospective clinical trials to guide therapeutic decision‐making. Current evidence supports a role for topically administered tacrolimus.