bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilises host-derived polyamines to facilitate antimicrobial tolerance
Authors: Hasan Chowdhury M. , Green Angharad E. , Cox Adrienne A. , White Jack , Jones Trevor , Winstanley Craig , Kadioglu Aras , Wright Megan , Neill Daniel R. , Fothergill Joanne L.
Published: December 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa undergoes diversification during infection of the cystic fibrosis (CF) lung. Understanding these changes requires model systems that capture the complexity of the CF lung environment. We previously identified loss-of-function mutations in the two-component regulatory system sensor kinase gene pmrB, in P. aeruginosa from CF and from experimental infection of mice. Here, we demonstrate that whilst such mutations lower in vitro MICs for multiple antimicrobial classes, this is not reflected in increased antibiotic susceptibility in vivo. Loss of PmrB impairs aminoarabinose modification of lipopolysaccharide, increasing the negative charge of the outer membrane and promoting uptake of cationic antimicrobials. However, in vivo, this can be offset by increased membrane binding of other positively charged molecules present in lungs. The polyamine spermidine readily coats the surface of PmrB-deficient P. aeruginosa, reducing susceptibility to antibiotics that rely on charge differences to bind the outer membrane and increasing biofilm formation. Spermidine is elevated in lungs during P. aeruginosa infection in mice and during episodes of antimicrobial treatment in people with CF. These findings highlight the need to study antimicrobial resistance under clinically relevant environmental conditions. Microbial mutations carrying fitness costs in vitro may be advantageous during infection, where host resources can be utilised.
Coevolution with Spatially Structured Rice Landraces Maintains Multiple Generalist Lineages in the Rice Blast Pathogen
Authors: Ali Sajid , Gladieux Pierre , Ravel Sebastien , Adreit Henri , Meusnier Isabelle , Milazzo Joelle , Cros-Arteil Sandrine , Bonnot François , Jin Baihui , Dumartinet Thomas , Charriat Florian , Lassagne Alexandre , He Xiahong , Tharreau Didier , Huang Huichuan , Morel Jean-Benoît , Fournier Elisabeth
Published: December 2021

Traditional agrosystems, where humans, crops and microbes have coevolved over long periods, can serve as models to understand the eco-evolutionary determinants of disease dynamics and help the engineering of durably resistant agrosystems. Here, we investigated the genetic and phenotypic relationship between rice (Oryza sativa) landraces and their rice blast pathogen (Magnaporthe oryzae) in the traditional Yuanyang terraces of flooded rice paddies in China, where rice landraces have been grown and bred over centuries without significant disease outbreaks. Analyses of genetic subdivision revealed that indica rice plants clustered according to landrace names. Three new diverse lineages of rice blast specific to the Yuanyang terraces coexisted with lineages previously detected at the worldwide scale. Population subdivision in the pathogen population did not mirror pattern of population subdivision in the host. Measuring the pathogenicity of rice blast isolates on landraces revealed generalist life histories. Our results suggest that the implementation of disease control strategies based on the emergence or maintenance of a generalist lifestyle in pathogens may sustainably reduce the burden of disease in crops.
Paw placement during walking is altered by analgesic doses of opioids and post-surgical injury in mice
Authors: Brings Victoria E. , Payne Maria A. , Gereau Robert W.
Published: December 2021

Hind paw-directed assays are commonly used to study the analgesic effects of opioids in mice. However, opioid-induced hyper-locomotion can obscure results of such assays. We aimed to overcome this potential confound by using gait analysis to observe hind paw usage during walking in mice. We measured changes in paw print area following induction of post-surgical pain (using the paw incision model) and treatment with oxycodone. Paw incision surgery reduced the paw print area of the injured hind paw as the mice avoided placing the incised section of the paw on the floor. Surprisingly, oxycodone caused a tiptoe-like gait in mice, resulting in a reduced paw print area in both hind paws. Further investigation of this opioid-induced phenotype revealed that analgesic doses of oxycodone or morphine dose-dependently reduced hind paw print area in uninjured mice. The gait changes were not dependent on opioid-induced increases in locomotor activity; speed and paw print area had no correlation in opioid-treated mice, and other analgesic compounds that alter locomotor activity did not affect paw print area. Unfortunately, the opioid-induced “tiptoe” gait phenotype prevented gait analysis from being a viable metric for demonstrating opioid analgesia in injured mice. However, this work reveals an important, previously uncharacterized effect of treatment with analgesic doses of opioids on paw placement. Our characterization of how opioids affect gait has important implications for the use of mice to study opioid pharmacology and suggests that scientists should use caution when using hind paw-directed nociceptive assays to test opioid analgesia in mice.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Point of Care Devices in the Laboratory and Clinical Setting
Authors: McCance Kirsty , Wise Helen , Simpson Jennifer , Bachelor Becky , Hale Harriet , McDonald Lindsay , Zorzoli Azul , Furrie Elizabeth , Chopra Charu , Muecksch Frauke , Hatziioannou Theodora , Bieniasz Paul D. , Templeton Kate , Jenks Sara
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody tests have been marketed to diagnose previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and as a test of immune status. There is a lack of evidence on the performance and clinical utility of these tests. We aimed to carry out an evaluation of 14 point of care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests.

Serum from participants with previous RT-PCR (Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and pre-pandemic controls were used to determine specificity and sensitivity of each POC device. Changes in sensitivity with increasing time from infection were determined on a cohort of participants. Corresponding neutralising antibody status was measured to establish whether the detection of antibodies by the POC device correlated with immune status. Paired capillary and serum samples were collected to ascertain whether POC devices performed comparably on capillary samples.

Sensitivity and specificity varied between the POC devices and in general did not meet the manufacturers reported performance characteristics signifying the importance of independent evaluation of these tests. The sensitivity peaked at >20 days following symptoms onset however sensitivity of 3 POC devices evaluated at extended time points showed that sensitivity declined with time and this was particularly marked at >140 days post infection onset. This is relevant if the tests are to be used for sero-prevelence studies. Neutralising antibody data showed positive antibody results on POC devices did not necessarily confer high neutralising antibody titres and these POC devices cannot be used to determine immune status to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Comparison of paired serum and capillary results showed that there was a decline in sensitivity using capillary blood. This has implications in the utility of the test as they are designed to be used on capillary blood by the general population.
Forecasting COVID-19 infection trends in the EU-27 countries, the UK and Switzerland due to SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Omicron
Authors: Gerli Alberto Giovanni , Centanni Stefano , Soriano Joan B , Ancochea Julio
Published: December 2021

Background

On November 26, 2021, WHO designated the variant B.1.1.529 as a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VoC), named Omicron, originally identified in South Africa. Several mutations in Omicron indicate that it may have an impact on how it spreads, resistance to vaccination, or the severity of illness it causes.

Methods

We used our previous modelling algorithms to forecast the spread of Omicron aggregated in the EU-27 countries, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and report trends in daily cases with a 7-day moving average. We followed EQUATOR’s TRIPOD guidance for multivariable prediction models. Modelling included a third-degree polynomial curve in existing epidemiological trends on the spread of Omicron in South Africa, a five-parameter logistic (5PL) asymmetrical sigmoidal curve following a parametric growth in Europe, and a new Gaussian curve to estimate a downward trend after a peak.

Results

Up to January 15, 2022, we estimated a background rate projection in EU-27 countries, the UK and Switzerland of about 145,000 COVID-19 daily cases without Omicron, which increases up to 440,000 COVID-19 daily cases in the worst scenario of Omicron spread, and 375,000 in the “best” scenario. Therefore, Omicron might represent a relative increase from the background daily rates of COVID-19 infection in Europe of 1.03-fold or 2.03-fold, that is up to a 200% increase.

Conclusion

This warning pandemic surge due to Omicron is calling for further reinforcing of COVID-19 universal hygiene interventions (indoor ventilation, social distance, and face masks), and anticipating the need of new lockdowns in Europe.
Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and risk of incident type 2 diabetes: the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort
Authors: Langmann Fie , Ibsen Daniel B. , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Overvad Kim , Dahm Christina C.
Published: December 2021

Objective

In 2019 the EAT-Lancet Commission proposed a dietary pattern, defined to be globally environmentally sustainable, but untested directly in population studies with regards to health. We investigated adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet and risk of incident type 2 diabetes in a Danish setting.

Research design and methods

In total, 54,232 participants aged 50-64 years at inclusion (1993-1997) with no previous cancer or diabetes diagnoses were included. Dietary data were collected using a validated 192-item food frequency questionnaire, and scored 0 (non-adherence) or 1 (adherence) point for each of the 14 dietary components of the EAT-Lancet diet (range 0-14 points). Incident type 2 diabetes cases were identified using the Danish National Diabetes Register. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During follow-up (median 15 years), 7130 participants developed type 2 diabetes. There was a 22% (95% CI: 14%; 29%) lower risk of type 2 diabetes among those with the greatest adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet (11-14 points) compared to those with the lowest adherence (0-7 points). After further adjusting for potential mediators, the corresponding risk was 17% (95% CI: 8%; 24%) lower.

Conclusion

Adherence to the EAT-Lancet diet was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in a middle-aged Danish population.
Workplace Contact Patterns in England during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Virus Watch prospective cohort study
Authors: Beale Sarah , Hoskins Susan , Byrne Thomas , Erica Fong Wing Lam , Fragaszy Ellen , Geismar Cyril , Kovar Jana , Navaratnam Annalan M D , Nguyen Vincent , Patel Parth , Yavlinsky Alexei , Johnson Anne M , Aldridge Robert W , Hayward Andrew
Published: December 2021

Background

Workplaces are an important potential source of SARS-CoV-2 exposure; however, investigation into workplace contact patterns is lacking. This study aimed to investigate how workplace attendance and features of contact varied between occupations and over time during the COVID-19 pandemic in England.

Methods

Data were obtained from electronic contact diaries submitted between November 2020 and November 2021 by employed/self-employed prospective cohort study participants (n=4,616). We used mixed models to investigate the main effects and potential interactions between occupation and time for: workplace attendance, number of people in shared workspace, time spent sharing workspace, number of close contacts, and usage of face coverings.

Findings

Workplace attendance and contact patterns varied across occupations and time. The predicted probability of intense space sharing during the day was highest for healthcare (78% [95% CI: 75-81%]) and education workers (64% [59%-69%]), who also had the highest probabilities for larger numbers of close contacts (36% [32%-40%] and 38% [33%-43%] respectively). Education workers also demonstrated relatively low predicted probability (51% [44%-57%]) of wearing a face covering during close contact. Across all occupational groups, levels of workspace sharing and close contact were higher and usage of face coverings at work lower in later phases of the pandemic compared to earlier phases.

Interpretation

Major variations in patterns of workplace contact and mask use are likely to contribute to differential COVID-19 risk. Across occupations, increasing workplace contact and reduced usage of face coverings presents an area of concern given ongoing high levels of community transmission and emergence of variants.
Functional interaction between the RNA exosome and the sirtuin deacetylase Hst3 maintains transcriptional homeostasis
Authors: Bryll Alysia R. , Peterson Craig L.
Published: December 2021

Eukaryotic cells maintain an optimal level of mRNAs through unknown mechanisms that balance RNA synthesis and degradation. We found that inactivation of the RNA exosome leads to global reduction of nascent mRNA transcripts, and that this defect is accentuated by loss of deposition of histone variant H2A.Z. We identify the mRNA for the sirtuin deacetylase Hst3 as a key target for the RNA exosome that mediates communication between RNA degradation and transcription machineries. These findings reveal how the RNA exosome and H2A.Z function together to control a deacetylase, ensuring proper levels of transcription in response to changes in RNA degradation.
Optimized signal deduction procedure for the MIEZE spectroscopy technique
Authors: Jochum J. K. , Spitz L. , Franz C. , Wendl A. , Leiner J. C. , Pfleiderer C. , Soltwedel O.
Published: December 2021

A method is reported to determine the phase and amplitude of sinusoidally modulated event rates, binned into four bins per oscillation, based on data generated at the resonant neutron spin-echo spectrometer RESEDA at FRM-II. The presented algorithm relies on a reconstruction of the unknown parameters. It omits a calculation-intensive fitting procedure and avoids contrast reduction due to averaging effects. It allows the current data acquisition bottleneck at RESEDA to be relaxed by a factor of four and thus increases the potential time resolution of the detector by the same factor. The approach is explained in detail and compared with the established fitting procedures of time series having four and 16 time bins per oscillation. In addition the empirical estimates of the errors of the three methods are presented and compared with each other. The reconstruction is shown to be unbiased, asymptotic and efficient for estimating the phase. Reconstructing the contrast increases the error bars by roughly 10% as compared with fitting 16 time-binned oscillations. Finally, the paper gives heuristic, analytical equations to estimate the error for phase and contrast as a function of their initial values and counting statistics.
Towards a dynamic compression facility at the ESRF
Authors: Sévelin-Radiguet Nicolas , Torchio Raffaella , Berruyer Gilles , Gonzalez Hervé , Pasternak Sébastien , Perrin Florian , Occelli Florent , Pépin Charles , Sollier Arnaud , Kraus Dominik , Schuster Anja , Voigt Katja , Zhang Min , Amouretti Alexis , Boury Antoine , Fiquet Guillaume , Guyot François , Harmand Marion , Borri Marcello , Groves Janet , Helsby William , Branly Stéphane , Norby James , Pascarelli Sakura , Mathon Olivier
Published: December 2021

Results of the 2018 commissioning and experimental campaigns of the new High Power Laser Facility on the Energy-dispersive X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (ED-XAS) beamline ID24 at the ESRF are presented. The front-end of the future laser, delivering 15 J in 10 ns, was interfaced to the beamline. Laser-driven dynamic compression experiments were performed on iron oxides, iron alloys and bismuth probed by online time-resolved XAS.
X-ray beam monitoring and wavelength calibration using four-beam diffraction
Authors: Huang XianRong , Shi Xianbo , Assoufid Lahsen
Published: December 2021

Rigorous dynamical theory calculations show that four-beam diffraction (4BD) can be activated only by a unique photon energy and a unique incidence direction. Thus, 4BD may be used to precisely calibrate X-ray photon energies and beam positions. Based on the principles that the forbidden-reflection 4BD pattern, which is typically an X-shaped cross, can be generated by instant imaging using the divergent beam from a point source without rocking the crystal, a detailed real-time high-resolution beam (and source) position monitoring scheme is illustrated for monitoring two-dimensional beam positions and directions of modern synchrotron light sources, X-ray free-electron lasers and nano-focused X-ray sources.
The crystal structure of DynF from the dynemicin-biosynthesis pathway of Micromonospora chersina
Authors: Kosgei Abigael J. , Miller Mitchell D. , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Xu Weijun , Thorson Jon S. , Van Lanen Steven G. , Phillips George N.
Published: December 2021

Dynemicin is an enediyne natural product from Micromonospora chersina ATCC53710. Access to the biosynthetic gene cluster of dynemicin has enabled the in vitro study of gene products within the cluster to decipher their roles in assembling this unique molecule. This paper reports the crystal structure of DynF, the gene product of one of the genes within the biosynthetic gene cluster of dynemicin. DynF is revealed to be a dimeric eight-stranded β-barrel structure with palmitic acid bound within a cavity. The presence of palmitic acid suggests that DynF may be involved in binding the precursor polyene heptaene, which is central to the synthesis of the ten-membered ring of the enediyne core.
Crystal structures of two novel iron isocyanides from the reaction of 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide, CNXyl, with bis(anthracene)ferrate(−1)
Authors: Brennessel William W. , Ellis John E.
Published: December 2021

The reaction of the [K(18-crown-6)(thf)2]1+ (thf is tetrahydrofuran) salt of bis(anthracene)ferrate(−1), or [Fe(C14H10)2]−, with 2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide (CNXyl) in thf resulted in the formation of two new iron isocyanide complexes, namely, [(1,2,3,4-η)-anthracene]tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide)iron, [Fe(C14H10)(C9H9N)3] or [Fe(1,2,3,4-η-C14H10)(CNXyl)3], and {5,6-bis(2,6-dimethylanilino)-3-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1,2,7-tris[(2,6-dimethylphenyl)imino]-3-azoniahept-3-ene-1,4,7-triido}tris(2,6-dimethylphenyl isocyanide)iron tetrahydrofuran disolvate, [Fe(C54H56N6)(C9H9N)3]·2C4H8O or [Fe(C54H56N6)(CNXyl)3]·2C4H8O, which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The former is likely an intermediate along the path to the known homoleptic [Fe(CNXyl)5], while the latter contains a tridentate ligand that is formed from the `coupling' of six CNXyl ligands. A third crystal structure from this reaction, (7-methylindol-1-ido-κN)(1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane-κ6
O)potassium, [K(C9H8N)(C12H24O6)] or [K(C9H8N)(18-crown-6)], contains a 7-methylindol-1-ide anion, in which one CNXyl ligand has shed a proton during its reductive cyclization.
Studying the effect of tomato pomace incorporation on physicochemical, nutritional and storage characteristics of corn-based extrudates using response surface approach
Authors: Jabeen Abida , Naik Haroon , Jan Nusrat , Hussain Syed Zameer , Amin Tawheed , Rafiq Aasima
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The present research was envisaged with an aim to optimize the system and the product responses for the development of tomato pomace-incorporated corn-based extrudates employing central composite rotatable design and determine its proximate, lycopene, consumer acceptability and storage studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Lycopene-rich extrudates were developed from corn flour blended with different levels of tomato pomace. The independent extrusion variables, namely, feed composition (95:5 to 75:25), feed moisture (12–20%), screw speed (200–600 rpm) and barrel temperature (125–185 °C), were studied to determine their influence on dependent variables, namely, specific mechanical energy, hardness, water solubility index, lateral expansion, water absorption index, bulk density and color.

Findings

All of the quality parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by independent variables. The regression models obtained for all the responses showed high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.85–0.95). The optimum conditions for the development of tomato pomace-incorporated corn-based extrudates were feed composition (90:10), feed moisture (14%), screw speed (300 rpm) and barrel temperature (170 °C). The moisture, fat and carbohydrate contents of the extrudates were significantly reduced, whereas protein, ash and fiber were significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced after the incorporation of tomato pomace. Aluminum laminates were found to be the suitable packaging materials for extrudates for a period of 120 days in comparison to high-density polyethylene packages.

Originality/value

As far as the authors could possibly know, scanty literature exists wherein the tomato pomace has been utilized for the development of lycopene-rich corn-based extruded snacks. Such extrudates with significantly higher fiber and lycopene contents than corn flour will serve as a suitable alternative for the development of shelf-stable ready-to-eat extruded snacks.
Environmental policy stringency and comparative advantage of environmental sensitive goods: a study of textile exports in G20 countries
Authors: Mahajan Alisha , Majumdar Kakali
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Textile, listed as one of the highly environmentally sensitive goods, its trade is susceptible to be influenced by the implementation of stringent environmental policies. This paper aims to investigate the long-run relationship between revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and Environmental Policy Stringency Index (EPSI) for textile exports of G20 countries in panel data setup.

Design/methodology/approach

Apart from trend analysis, the authors have employed Pedroni and Westerlund panel cointegration method and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) method to study the long-run relationship between RCA and EPSI in presence of cross-sectional dependence.

Findings

A strong link between trade and environmental stringency is observed for textile in the present study. For G20 countries, slight evidence of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis has also been witnessed in the study. Correspondingly, the results reveal the presence of long-run association between the variables under study, implying that stringent environmental policies reduce RCA for some countries, whereas some countries witness the Porter hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

The results imply that policy formulation should not aim at limiting the efforts of connecting RCA to environmental stringency but to set trade policies in a wider framework, considering environmental concerns, as these are inseparable subjects. However, this study also provides relevant real-world implications that can support further research.

Practical implications

The present study has important implications for textile exporters such as green innovations. The Porter hypothesis can be a beneficial tool for G20 exporters in enhancing their export performance, especially for the ones dealing in environmentally sensitive goods. This study offers relevant policy implications and provides directions for future research on global trade and environment nexus.

Originality/value

This study deals in a debatable area of research that evaluates the interlinkages between environmental stringency and global trade flows in the G20 countries. An important observation of the study is the asymmetrical nature of policy stringency across different countries and its impact on trade. The unavailability of updated data is the limitation of the present study.
The effect of grassland transfer on herders' livestock production and grazing intensity in Inner Mongolia and Gansu, China
Authors: Feng Xiaolong , Tang Jianjun , Qiu Huanguang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact mechanism of grassland transfer on herders' production behaviour in pastoral areas. The impact of grassland transfer on herders' livestock production and grazing intensity is quantified.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the survey data collected for 356 herder households from Inner Mongolia and Gansu, China, quantile regression is employed to assess the heterogeneous effects of grassland transfer on livestock production and grazing intensity. To correct the potential self-selection bias of grassland transfer, the propensity score matching technique is used.

Findings

Results show that labour, percentage of livestock income and livestock stock are the main factors affecting herders' choice to transfer grassland. The positive effect of grassland transfer on livestock numbers on behalf of those who rented additional grassland is statistically significant but declines with livestock numbers. The sustainability-enhancing effect of grassland transfer on grazing intensity is significant, and the effect becomes larger amongst herder households with higher grazing intensity. The analysis on the impact mechanism shows that grassland transfer significantly promotes the adoption of sustainable grazing modes, such as rotational and seasonal rest grazing, which in turn increases herders' livestock numbers and decreases grazing intensity.

Originality/value

Few studies have empirically analysed the influence of grassland transfer on livestock numbers and grazing intensity. This study fills this gap by employing a quantile regression to assess the heterogeneous effects of grassland transfer on livestock numbers and grazing intensity, while accounting for self-selection bias. In addition, the authors have examined the influencing mechanisms under which grassland transfer impacts on livestock numbers and grazing intensity.
Designing for others: the roles of narrative and empathy in supporting girls’ engineering engagement
Authors: Peppler Kylie , Keune Anna , Dahn Maggie , Bennett Dorothy , Letourneau Susan M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Science museums provide a context for developing and testing engineering activities that support visitors in creating personally meaningful objects. This study aims to propose that narrative design elements in such engineering activities can foster empathy to support engineering engagement among girls ages 7–14.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a constructionist approach to engineering design, the authors present results from an observational study (n = 202 girls) of engineering activities across three museums that were designed to foster girls’ engineering engagement by integrating narrative elements aimed to foster empathy in activities. Using quantitative counts from observation protocols, the authors conducted statistical analyses to explore relationships between narrative, engineering and empathy.

Findings

Linear regression demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between empathy and increased numbers of engineering practices within museum activities. Additionally, this led us to explore the impacts the potential narrative design elements may have on designing for empathy – multiple linear regressions found both narrative and empathy to be independently associated with engineering practices. Overall, the authors found that using narrative to design activities to elicit empathy resulted in girls demonstrating more engineering practices.

Originality/value

The authors offer design ideas to foster aspects of empathy, including user-centered design, perspective-taking, familiarity and desire to help.
Assessing individual behavior towards adoption of telemedicine application during COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from emerging market
Authors: Rahi Samar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study attempts to gain insight into what factors influence individual behavior towards the adoption of telemedicine application during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The research model incorporates two well-known theories namely the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) and DeLone and McLean information success model to examine individual behavior towards the adoption of telemedicine application.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design of this study is based on quantitative research approach. During research survey, 350 valid responses were received from Pakistani citizens and examined to understand citizen's behavior towards the adoption of telemedicine applications. The research model was empirically tested with the latest statistical approach namely variance-based structural equation modeling (VB-SEM).

Findings

The results of the structural equation modeling have revealed that altogether performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy, facilitating condition, habit, hedonic motivation, price values, information quality, system quality and service quality explained 77.9% variance in determining user behavior towards adoption of telemedicine application. The predictive relevance of the research model was found substantial in measuring user behavior to adopt telemedicine applications. The research framework is further extended with moderating role of perceived severity between the relationship of user intention and actual usage behavior. Results confirmed that the positive relationship between intention to adopt telemedicine health application and usage behavior will be stronger when perceived severity is higher.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study integrates extended UTAUT2 and DeLone and McLean information success model and contributes to e-health literature. Practically, this research suggests that by improving user performance expectancy and effort expectancy, managers and healthcare professionals can boost user confidence towards the adoption of telemedicine applications.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it integrates the extended UTAUT2 with DeLone and McLean information success model and perceived severity to investigate user behavior towards adoption of telemedicine application during COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the integration of theories contributes to information system literature in the context of the adoption of telemedicine applications.
Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) a promising superfood in food industry: a review
Authors: Gomez Cahuata Jerry Fredy , Rosas-Quina Yessica Estefany , Pachari Vera Erika
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to divulge the current knowledge about the nutritional and functional characteristics of Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen), in addition to its potential applications in the food industry since research studies related to it are still limited compared to other cereals of greater diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The scientific information was collected from Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, using keywords such as nutrition value of Chenopodium pallidicaule, amaranth and pseudocereals. Consistent information was selected according to its relevance, year of publication and accuracy with the topic. A total of 49 research papers were selected.

Findings

Cañihua is a grain with high nutritional potential, considered a superfood because it has a high protein quality, a balanced composition of essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids, with a high concentration of linoleic and oleic acid. Besides, it has a good level of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant capacity. However, its production and consumption are limited outside its area of origin, although its cultivation is possible under harsh conditions.

Originality/value

This paper, through a systematic bibliographic review, highlights the potential of cañihua to be considered in the development of food products with high nutritional and functional value. The information compiled will help researchers and professionals become aware of the importance of this grain and join forces in its processing and enhancement of its attributes.
Mild processing of seafood—A review
Authors: Abel Nanna , Rotabakk Bjørn Tore , Lerfall Jørgen
Published: December 2021

Recent years have shown a tremendous increase in consumer demands for healthy, natural, high‐quality convenience foods, especially within the fish and seafood sector. Traditional processing technologies such as drying or extensive heating can cause deterioration of nutrients and sensory quality uncompilable with these demands. This has led to development of many novel processing technologies, which include several mild technologies. The present review highlights the potential of mild thermal, and nonthermal physical, and chemical technologies, either used alone or in combination, to obtain safe seafood products with good shelf life and preference among consumers. Moreover, applications and limitations are discussed to provide a clear view of the potential for future development and applications. Some of the reviewed technologies, or combinations thereof, have shown great potential for non‐seafood products, yet data are missing for fish and seafood in general. The present paper visualizes these knowledge gaps and the potential for new technology developments in the seafood sector. Among identified gaps, the combination of mild heating (e.g., sous vide or microwave) with more novel technologies such as pulsed electric field, pulsed light, soluble gas stabilization, cold plasma, or Ohmic heat must be highlighted. However, before industrial applications are available, more research is needed.
An investigation of CEO characteristics on firm performance
Authors: Shen Yun , Wallace Damien , Reddy Krishna , Ramiah Vikash
Published: December 2021

This paper considers the effects of different CEO demographic factors on firm performance in Australia. We investigate the impact of CEO characteristics on firm performance for the period January 2003 to December 2018 via panel regression models and the event study methodology. The results highlight that the CEO characteristics of gender, CEO–chairperson duality, CEO education level and CEO location have significant managerial effects on firm performance following debt‐ and equity‐related announcements. The CEO characteristics findings add support for the Upper Echelon Theory and provide important implications for board members and human resource departments investigating the efficiency and fairness of CEOs.
Trait activation in commitment to difficult goals: The role of achievement striving and situational cues
Authors: Aksoy Eda , Bayazit Mahmut
Published: December 2021

The current study utilized trait activation theory (TAT) (Tett & Burnett, 2003; Tett et al., 2013) to explain how the salience of goal‐relevant performance‐oriented social (i.e., manager's transformational leadership and peer performance norms) and organizational cues (i.e., reward expectancy) release or constrain employees' achievement striving (AS) personality trait and regulate the commitment to assigned difficult work goals. We also examined the effects of discretionary cues (signified by psychological empowerment) as trait activators. Hypotheses were tested using survey data collected from 297 managers employed in six large firms operating under a large Turkish family business group and using a common management‐by‐objectives system. In line with our predictions, when goals were perceived to be difficult, the associations between situational cues and goal commitment were inverse for employees with high versus low AS. When goal difficulty was high, performance‐oriented situational cues were generally positively related to goal commitment for employees with high AS, but the relationships were negative for those with low AS. The results also showed that, for commitment to difficult goals, psychological empowerment activated the expression of high and low AS in a similar manner. Overall, the findings challenge the prevailing universalistic approaches to goal motivation.
Improving appropriate use of anticoagulants in hospitalised patients: A pharmacist‐led Check of Medication Appropriateness intervention
Authors: Quintens Charlotte , Verhamme Peter , Vanassche Thomas , Vandenbriele Christophe , Van den Bosch Bart , Peetermans Willy E. , Van der Linden Lorenz , Spriet Isabel
Published: December 2021

Aims

Inappropriate anticoagulant use increases the risk of bleeding and thrombotic events. We implemented clinical decision rules to promote judicious medication use, as part of the ‘Check of Medication Appropriateness’ (CMA). The CMA is a pharmacist‐led review service, targeting potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs). In this analysis, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the CMA on anticoagulant prescribing.

Methods

The number of anticoagulant‐related PIPs was evaluated before and after implementation of the intervention in a quasi‐experimental interrupted time series analysis. The pre‐implementation cohort received usual care. The anticoagulant‐focused CMA, comprising 13 clinical rules pertaining to anticoagulation therapies, was implemented in the post‐implementation cohort. Segmented regression analysis was used to assess the impact of the intervention on the number of residual PIPs. A residual PIP was defined as a PIP which persisted up to 48 hours after the CMA intervention. Total number of recommendations and acceptance rate were documented for the 2‐year post‐implementation period.

Results

Pre‐implementation, we observed 501 PIPs in 466 inpatients on 36 days, with a median proportion of 78.5% (range: 46.2%–100%) residual PIPs per day. Post‐implementation, 538 PIPs were detected in 485 patients over the same number of days. The CMA intervention reduced the median proportion to 18.2% (range: 0–100%) per day. The effect coincided with an immediate relative reduction of 70% (95%CI 0.19–0.46) in anticoagulant‐related residual PIPs. Post‐implementation, 2778 recommendations were provided and 75.1% were accepted.

Conclusion

Our CMA approach significantly reduced anticoagulant‐related PIPs. Implementing a pharmacist‐led intervention, based on clinical rules, may support safer prescribing of anticoagulants.
Diversity of invited speakers at endocrinology conferences
Authors: Gamage Isuru , Bolland Mark J. , Sadler Lynn , Dalbeth Nicola , Grey Andrew
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess diversity of gender and geographical location of institutional affiliation among invited speakers at major international endocrinology conferences.

Design and Methods

Descriptive study of characteristics of invited speakers at eight general and discipline‐specific endocrinology conferences held annually in Europe and North America 2013–2019. Main outcomes were gender, geographical location of institutional affiliation and frequency of repeat presentations among invited speakers.

Results

Of 2375 invited speakers who gave 3522 presentations, 843 (35.5%) were women. Five hundred and ninety‐four (25.0%) speakers gave >1 presentation at any conference. The proportion of women speakers declined as the number of presentations per speaker increased. Of speakers giving two and seven presentations, respectively, 36.0% and 20.0% were women. 52.9% of speakers were from institutions in North America, and 25.6% from institutions in Western Europe. Fewer than 5% of speakers were from institutions in each of Eastern Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and Oceania. The proportions of speakers who were women and from each geographical area were unchanged over 7 years. Up to one in three speakers gave >1 presentation at an individual conference (range 9.9%–32.2%).

Conclusions

Women and speakers from institutions outside of North America and Western Europe are underrepresented among invited speakers at major international endocrinology conferences. Longitudinal data indicate no change in either speaker characteristic over the time period examined. These underrepresentations are more marked among speakers who give repeat presentations.
Population decline at distribution margins: Assessing extinction risk in the last glacial relictual but still functional metapopulation of a European butterfly
Authors: Sherpa Stéphanie , Kebaïli Caroline , Rioux Delphine , Guéguen Maya , Renaud Julien , Després Laurence
Published: December 2021

Aim

To determine the interplay between climate and land use changes in driving population dynamics in a butterfly species, Coenonympha hero, at the southern limit of its distribution.

Location

French Jura massif and Europe.

Methods

We analysed patterns of genetic diversity distribution at 817 loci in 136 butterflies from 31 sites using NGS to infer the genetic structure and population size changes over time, using two methods of demographic inference (SNP frequency spectrum analyses and coalescent ABC inferences). We then characterized the climate and land use descriptors of C. hero geographic distribution using species distribution modelling (SDM) and ordination method and compared demographic changes to changes in climatically suitable areas.

Results

Coenonympha hero persists in the Jura massif as three core populations that share a common history of decline in two steps: an old decline and a more recent decline that resulted in population fragmentation, the southernmost sites being the most threatened (lowest genetic diversity). Climate change during the Würm glaciation is presumably the main factor explaining the first demographic decline. The second decline started 2000 years ago possibly under increased human pressure as suggested by recent extinctions in several sites nowadays characterized by urban and agricultural surfaces. Both climate and land use variables are important descriptors of C. hero distribution, as SDM predictions were improved by adding aridity index, altitude and land use to bioclimatic predictors. Its habitats include forests in north‐eastern Europe and grasslands in the Jura massif.

Main conclusions

Using SDM and genetic demographic inferences, we identified a persistent glacial refuge for the species in Europe. We show that although this relictual population has declined and fragmented under the combined effects of climate warming and anthropization, the metapopulation is still functional but requires particular conservation attention to maintain its connectivity, and to favour the local persistence of this highly endangered butterfly species.
Seven jobs in a lifetime? An analysis of employee tenure
Authors: Baum Charles L.
Published: December 2021

This analysis examines the number of jobs and the lengths of employer‐specific tenures for four cohorts of relatively young workers: male and female high school and college graduates. It compares those measures with the experiences of an older cohort of workers who were born approximately 20 years earlier. Young workers today have many jobs—at least seven—over the first decade or two of their careers. The majority last no more than a year. Hazard models for the annual probability of separating from an employer show that short tenures are associated with a high probability of leaving.
Correlates and predictors of perceived stigma and self‐stigma in Chinese patients with psychosis
Authors: Tao Tiffany Junchen , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Ho Elise Chun Ning , Hui Priscilla Wing Man , Suen Yi Nam , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Chang Wing Chung , Chen Eric Yu Hai
Published: December 2021

Aims

In patients with psychosis, perceived stigma (i.e., beliefs about discriminative viewpoints held by the public) and self‐stigma (i.e., internalization of such perceived stereotypes) could have devastating consequences. Knowledge about their correlates bears importance for understanding individual differences in stigma experiences, and further, given the social nature of stigma, Asians may show more distinctive features than Westerners.

Methods

A total of 142 Chinese patients who originally enrolled into a randomized controlled trial during their first‐episode psychosis were followed up at 10 years. We explored potential demographics, clinical and psychosocial correlates of perceived stigma and self‐stigma.

Results

Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that both perceived‐ and self‐stigma were predicted by a more negative attitude to treatment, whereas differential factors including perceived recovery predicted perceived stigma, and quality of life and attention predicted self‐stigma.

Conclusions

These results can help identify individuals susceptible to experiencing perceived‐ or self‐stigma, highlighting the need to consider factors such as attitude towards treatment when designing anti‐stigma strategies.
Correcting for physiological ripples improves epileptic focus identification and outcome prediction
Authors: Zweiphenning Willemiek J. E. M. , von Ellenrieder Nicolás , Dubeau François , Martineau Laurence , Minotti Lorella , Hall Jeffery A. , Chabardes Stephan , Dudley Roy , Kahane Philippe , Gotman Jean , Frauscher Birgit
Published: December 2021

Objective

The integration of high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs; ripples [80–250 Hz], fast ripples [250–500 Hz]) in epilepsy evaluation is hampered by physiological HFOs, which cannot be reliably differentiated from pathological HFOs. We evaluated whether defining abnormal HFO rates by statistical comparison to region‐specific physiological HFO rates observed in the healthy brain improves identification of the epileptic focus and surgical outcome prediction.

Methods

We detected HFOs in 151 consecutive patients who underwent stereo‐electroencephalography and subsequent resective epilepsy surgery at two tertiary epilepsy centers. We compared how HFOs identified the resection cavity and predicted seizure‐free outcome using two thresholds from the literature (HFO rate > 1/min; 50% of the total number of a patient's HFOs) and three thresholds based on normative rates from the Montreal Neurological Institute Open iEEG Atlas (https://mni‐open‐ieegatlas.research.mcgill.ca/): global Atlas threshold, regional Atlas threshold, and regional + 10% threshold after regional Atlas correction.

Results

Using ripples, the regional + 10% threshold performed best for focus identification (77.3% accuracy, 27% sensitivity, 97.1% specificity, 80.6% positive predictive value [PPV], 78.2% negative predictive value [NPV]) and outcome prediction (69.5% accuracy, 58.6% sensitivity, 76.3% specificity, 60.7% PPV, 74.7% NPV). This was an improvement for focus identification (+1.1% accuracy, +17.0% PPV; p < .001) and outcome prediction (+12.0% sensitivity, +1.0% PPV; p = .05) compared to the 50% threshold. The improvement was particularly marked for foci in cortex, where physiological ripples are frequent (outcome: +35.3% sensitivity, +5.3% PPV; p = .014). In these cases, the regional + 10% threshold outperformed fast ripple rate > 1/min (+3.6% accuracy, +26.5% sensitivity, +21.6% PPV; p < .001) and seizure onset zone (+13.5% accuracy, +29.4% sensitivity, +17.0% PPV; p < .05–.01) for outcome prediction. Normalization did not improve the performance of fast ripples.

Significance

Defining abnormal HFO rates by statistical comparison to rates in healthy tissue overcomes an important weakness in the clinical use of ripples. It improves focus identification and outcome prediction compared to standard HFO measures, increasing their clinical applicability.