bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the determinants of carbon management system quality: The role of corporate governance and climate risks and opportunities
Authors: Elsayih Jibriel , Datt Rina , Tang Qingliang , Hamid Ali , Varua Maria Estela
Published: March 2023

We examine whether board governance dimensions, carbon risks and opportunities, and environmental management affect carbon management system quality (CMSQ). Based on 1035 firm‐year observations from UK companies from 2011 to 2018, we find that internal governance is significantly related to CMSQ. In addition, firms with a heightened degree of carbon risks and/or opportunities are motivated to adopt a high‐quality carbon management system to mitigate exposure and harness opportunities. Finally, climate risk and opportunity have an interactive and complementary effect on CMSQ (i.e., both climate risk and opportunity can strengthen the effect of the other on CMSQ). This study contributes significantly to a growing body of research on how corporate governance, carbon risks and carbon opportunities may simulate proactivity of corporate sustainability in general and carbon management strategy in particular. Our results provide insights for investors, policymakers, managers and regulators on the combined effect of greenhouse gas emissions and corporate governance practice.
Candidate causative variant for xanthinuria in a Domestic Shorthair cat
Authors: Pritchard Emily , Samaha Georgina , Mizzi Kim , Boland Lara ,   99Lives Consortium, Haase Bianca
Published: March 2023

Xanthinuria is a clinically significant form of urolithiasis in cats with poor clinical outcomes and limited treatment options. In humans, xanthinuria has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, with variants in xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and molybdenum cofactor sulfurase (MOCOS) responsible for cases. While causative genetic variants have not been identified in the domestic cat, a recessive mode of inheritance has been suggested. DNA was extracted from EDTA‐stabilised blood obtained from a Domestic Shorthair cat with clinically confirmed xanthinuria. Whole‐genome sequencing and variant assessment in XDH and MOCOS identified XDH:c.2042C>T (XDH:p.(A681V)) as a candidate causative variant for xanthinuria in this cat. The variant is located in a highly conserved part of the molybdenum–pterin co‐factor domain, responsible for catalysing the hydroxylation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and uric acid. Variants in this domain of XDH have been shown to disrupt enzyme function and to cause xanthinuria in other species. When assessed in the wider cat population, the variant had an allele frequency of 15.8%, with 0.9% of the animals assessed homozygous for the alternative allele. Cats diagnosed with xanthinuria should be tested for this variant to validate its clinical relevance in the wider population.
Tactical strangers: Mobility, trade, and gendered strangerhood in West Africa
Authors: Jónsson Gunvor
Published: March 2023

Mande women in West Africa unable or unwilling to conform to patriarchal gender expectations risk being evicted from social and kinship support structures. Some nonconformist women from Mali respond to this predicament by engaging intactical strangerhood: they choose to remain on the social margins, capitalizing on their situation as strangers by working as foreign traders in Dakar (Senegal). Tactical strangerhood entails only partial inclusion into patriarchal family and social structures and constitutes one of the nonconformist ways in which women in West Africa enact gender roles. Long‐distance trade and travel by Mande women have led to new forms of gendered strangerhood, challenging—and potentially transforming—dominant ideologies of gender differentiation in this part of West Africa. By engaging in tactical strangerhood, women develop new forms of gendered subjectivity. Tactical strangerhood can therefore be considered an implicitly feminist and emancipatory exercise.
India and the Gulf: Regional security and India's multialignment policy
Authors: Quamar Md. Muddassir
Published: March 2023

In the 21st century, India significantly enhanced its engagements with the Gulf region driven by domestic economic and security considerations. New Delhi followed a policy of strengthening bilateral ties and maintained neutrality on intraregional disputes, tensions, and rivalries. Hence, the Gulf policy followed the fine print of a multialigned foreign policy, a concept frequently used to describe the post‐Cold War shifts in India's external relations. However, given the transitions in the regional security scenario both because of regional developments and systemic factors, India's multialigned policy in the Gulf faces serious challenges. The Indian response reveals that despite different regional and international factors pulling in different directions, the Gulf policy continues to be guided by multialignment.
Effect of acute exercise on 12,13‐dihydroxy‐9Z‐octadecenoic acid (12,13‐diHOME) levels in obese male adolescents
Authors: Gurup Aybüke , Yakal Sertaç , Tarçın Gürkan , Şahinler Ayla Sibel , Turan Hande , Toprak Muhammed Sait , Gungor Zeynep B. , Ercan Oya
Published: March 2023

Objective

12,13‐Dihydroxy‐9Z‐octadecenoic acid (12,13‐diHOME) is a lipokine secreted from brown adipose tissue, and it has positive effects on dyslipidemia. Acute exercise has been shown to lead to an increase in its secretion. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship of 12,13‐diHOME with obesity, exercise and dyslipidaemia for the first time in the adolescent age group.

Design

Prospective study.

Patients

Twenty‐eight male adolescents with obesity and the same number of age‐matched healthy normal‐weight male controls.

Measurements

Fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipid and 12,13‐diHOME levels were measured. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed in all subjects using a stress test treadmill. Peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and anaerobic threshold heart rate (ATHR) were measured.

Results

Adolescents with obesity had lower 12,13‐diHOME levels than normal‐weight adolescents both before and after acute exercise (p = .025 and p = .019, respectively), and after acute exercise, 12,13‐diHOME levels significantly increased in both groups (p = .001 for both). 12,13‐diHOME levels negatively correlated with triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL‐C, and positively correlated with HDL‐C. Also, peak VO2 and ATHR levels showed positive correlation with 12,13‐diHOME levels.

Conclusion

12,13‐diHOME levels were found to be lower in adolescents with obesity than normal‐weight adolescents and increased with acute exercise. Also, the close relationship of this molecule with dyslipidaemia in addition to that with obesity suggests that it has an important role in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Further molecular studies will further elucidate the role of 12,13‐diHOME in obesity and dyslipidaemia.
Updated insights on dementia‐related risk of sacubitril/valsartan: A real‐world pharmacovigilance analysis
Authors: Chen Congqin , Ding Lingqing , Fu Fang , Xiao Jie
Published: March 2023

Aim

Sacubitril/valsartan is a new cardiovascular agent characterized by its dual inhibition on the reninangiotensin system (RAS) and the neprilysin. As neprilysin also involved itself in the degradation of amyloid‐β, there is an ongoing concern about the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on cognition, especially in case of long‐term administration.

Methods

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) was mined between 2015Q3 and 2022Q4 to analyze the association between sacubitril/valsartan and adverse events (AEs) involving dementia. Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries (SMQs) with “broad” and “narrow” preferred terms (PTs) relevant to dementia was applied to systematically search demented AE reports. The Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM) from Multi‐Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS) and proportional reporting ratio with Chi‐square (PRR, χ2) were used to calculate the disproportionality.

Results

We filtered the query for indication and identified 80,316 reports with heart failure indication in FAERS during the analytical period. Among all the reports, sacubitril/valsartan was listed as primary suspected or secondary suspected drug in 29,269 cases. No significantly elevated reporting rates of narrow dementia were evident with sacubitril/valsartan. The EBGM05 for narrow dementia‐related AEs associated with sacubitril/valsartan was 0.88 and the PRR (χ2) was 1.22 (2.40). Similarly, broad demented complications were not over‐reported in the heart failure patients administrated with sacubitril/valsartan (EBGM05 1.11; PRR 1.31, χ2 109.36).

Conclusion

The number of dementia‐related cases reported to FAERS generate no safety signal attributable to sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure for now. Further follow‐ups are still warranted to address this question.
Household structure, labour participation, and economic inequality in Britain, 1937–61
Authors: Gazeley Ian , Newell Andrew , Reynolds Kevin , Rufrancos Hector
Published: March 2023

We investigate household income/expenditure inequality using survey data for the United Kingdom from 1937 to 1961. Previous studies employed tax unit or wage rate data. Between 1937/8 and 1953/4, we find little change in inequality for incomes below the top 5 per cent or 10 per cent. This is consistent with the tax unit data. By 1961, inequality was notably higher than in 1953/4. Three trends might account for this: growth in the shares of non‐working and multiple‐worker households, and in the proportion of non‐manual jobs. Non‐manual jobs are diverse in skills and earnings. We find the upward impact on inequality of the rise of non‐working households is mostly offset by their being both smaller and poorer. Data limitations disallow evaluating the impacts of the other two trends, but they are consistent with steady postwar wage differentials observed by other studies.
Disturbed medication management in older adults with good cognitive health and mild cognitive impairment associated with semantic memory impairment: The Wakuya Project
Authors: Kumai Mika , Kumai Keiichi , Kuroki Goro , Shoji Miwako , Nakamura Kei , Meguro Kenichi
Published: March 2023

Aim

For older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, maintaining daily lives at home is also ideal for quality of life. However, they have serious problems with medication management. Although the Dementia Assessment Sheet in community‐based integrated care system‐21 items and the regimen comprehension scale are assessment scales for medication, there have been no reports evaluating both semantic memory and actual performance.

Methods

A total of 180 older adults aged ≥75 years were entered in the Wakuya Project. They underwent the Clinical Dementia Rating, with two original tests: (i) the original semantic memory task for taking medication including the Dementia Assessment Sheet in community‐based integrated care system‐21 items; and (ii) the actual performance task related to medication including regimen comprehension scale. Non‐demented participants were classified into two groups based on reports from their families; that is, a good management group (n = 66) and a poor management group (n = 42), and the two original tests were analyzed as explanatory variables.

Results

There were no differences between the two groups for the actual performance task related to medication including regimen comprehension scale. The success rates for the actual performance task related to medication including regimen comprehension scale (good management group/poor management group) were: regimen comprehension scale 40.9/23.8, One‐Day Calendar 93.9/90.5, Medicine Chest 36.4/23.8 and Sequential Behavior Task 66.7/66.7, respectively. In the original semantic memory task for taking medication including the Dementia Assessment Sheet in community‐based integrated care system‐21 items, logistic regression analysis showed that only the mechanism of action remained (B –2.38, SE 1.10, Wald 4.69, P‐value = 0.03, OR 0.09, 95%CI 0.01–0.80).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that disruption of medicine management might also be associated with drug semantic memory impairment between the two groups, with no difference in general cognitive and executive functions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 319–325.
Bronchiolar adenoma with squamous metaplasia: a distinct phenotype
Authors: Teng Xiao , Chen Zhen , Zhang Lichen , Teng Xiaodong
Published: March 2023

Aims

Pulmonary bronchiolar adenoma is a benign lung tumour characterised by nodular proliferation of bilayered bronchiolar‐type epithelium with a continuous layer of basal cells. The aim of this study was to describe a distinct and rare histological type of pulmonary bronchiolar adenoma: bronchiolar adenoma with squamous metaplasia.

Methods and results

We examined the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characteristics of five cases (two cases from the same patient). The samples were histopathologically characterised by bilayered bronchiolar‐type cells with sheets like spindle‐oval and polygonal cells. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that columnar surface cells of the tumour were diffusely positive for TTF‐1 and Napsin A, while basal cells were positive for P40 and P63. Moreover, the squamous metaplastic cells in the stroma were positive for P40, and P63, while being negative for TTF‐1, Napsin A, S100, and SMA. Genomic analyses uncovered that all five samples had BRAF V600E mutations. Notably, both squamous metaplastic and basal cells were positive for BRAF V600E staining.

Conclusion

We discovered a distinct subtype of pulmonary bronchiolar adenoma termed bronchiolar adenoma with squamous metaplasia. It is composed of columnar surface cells, basal cells, and sheet‐like spindle‐oval cells with squamous metaplasia in the stroma. All five samples harboured the BRAF V600E mutation. Importantly, BASM may be misdiagnosed as pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma upon frozen sections analysis. It may need further immunohistochemistry staining.
Augmented reality in marketing: Conceptualization and systematic review
Authors: Massa Elodie , Ladhari Riadh
Published: March 2023

This systematic review of the literature focuses on the use of AR and its impacts in the marketing area. It provides a multidisciplinary, up‐to‐date synthesis of the literature and an exhaustive classification of AR. Through the use of the SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol, 148 articles were selected for analysis. The study has three main objectives. First, it reports the key characteristics (distribution by year, publication outlets, etc.), theoretical models, and methodologies used in this research domain. Second, it suggests a classification of the types of AR according to their triggers and the object of the augmentation (self vs. external). Third, it proposes a framework that presents (1) the AR features and attributes and the AR use experience; (2) the cognitive, affective, and social mediators; and (3) the outcomes of these experiences. Key moderators (types of AR, types of products, individual characteristics, etc.) are also discussed. Using the TCCM framework (theories, context, characteristics, and methodologies), this study offers several future research avenues and highlights the importance of considering the effects of the different types of AR. Finally, it offers pointers for managers on how to develop efficient AR solutions and how these can be used to reduce a company's carbon footprint.
The cytosolic DNA sensor AIM2 promotes Helicobacter‐induced gastric pathology via the inflammasome
Authors: Dawson Ruby E , Deswaerte Virginie , West Alison C , Sun Ekimei , Wray‐McCann Georgie , Livis Thaleia , Kumar Beena , Rodriguez Emiliana , Gabay Cem , Ferrero Richard L , Jenkins Brendan J
Published: March 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can trigger chronic gastric inflammation perpetuated by overactivation of the innate immune system, leading to a cascade of precancerous lesions culminating in gastric cancer. However, key regulators of innate immunity that promote H. pylori–induced gastric pathology remain ill‐defined. The innate immune cytosolic DNA sensor absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as cancers including gastric cancer. We therefore investigated whether AIM2 contributed to the pathogenesis of Helicobacter‐induced gastric disease. Here, we reveal that AIM2 messenger RNA and protein expression levels are elevated in H. pylori–positive versus H. pylori–negative human gastric biopsies. Similarly, chronic Helicobacter felis infection in wild‐type mice augmented Aim2 gene expression levels compared with uninfected controls. Notably, gastric inflammation and hyperplasia were less severe in H. felis–infected Aim2−/− versus wild‐type mice, evidenced by reductions in gastric immune cell infiltrates, mucosal thickness and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine release. In addition, H. felis–driven proliferation and apoptosis in both gastric epithelial and immune cells were largely attenuated in Aim2−/− stomachs. These observations in Aim2−/− mouse stomachs correlated with decreased levels of inflammasome activity (caspase‐1 cleavage) and the mature inflammasome effector cytokine, interleukin‐1β. Taken together, this work uncovers a pathogenic role for the AIM2 inflammasome in Helicobacter‐induced gastric disease, and furthers our understanding of the host immune response to a common pathogen and the complex and varying roles of AIM2 at different stages of cancerous and precancerous gastric disease.
Expanding strain coverage of a group A Streptococcus pilus–expressing Lactococcus lactis mucosal vaccine
Authors: J‐Khemlani Adrina Hema , Pilapitiya Devaki , Tsai Catherine Jia‐Yun , Proft Thomas , Loh Jacelyn Mei San
Published: March 2023

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogenic bacterium that can trigger a wide range of diseases, including the autoimmune diseases acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, causing major morbidity and mortality in many low‐ and middle‐income countries. Primary intervention programs have had limited success thus far, and a licensed vaccine has yet to be developed. The pilus of GAS is known to be involved in host cell adhesion, biofilm formation and immune evasion. We have a mucosal vaccine in development that expresses the pilus of GAS on the surface of the nonpathogenic bacterium Lactococcus lactis. To expand strain coverage, we combined seven L. lactis constructs, each expressing a different GAS pilus variant, and investigated the systemic and mucosal immune responses following immunization. Mice immunized with this combination showed specific immunoglobin G and immunoglobin A responses to the GAS pilus proteins of vaccine strains, at levels comparable to mice immunized with a single construct. Cross‐reactivity to pilus proteins of nonvaccine strains was also evident. Furthermore, protective efficacy against a homologous strain of GAS in a murine nasopharyngeal colonization model was observed. Overall, this study provides further evidence for using pilus‐expressing lactic acid bacteria as a vaccine to prevent upper respiratory tract GAS infections.
Effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving grief and depression in caregivers of people with dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sánchez‐Alcón Miriam , Sánchez‐Ramos José Luis , Garrido‐Fernández Almudena , Sosa‐Cordobés Elena , Ortega‐Galán Ángela María , Ramos‐Pichardo Juan Diego
Published: March 2023

Caregivers of people suffering from dementia may go through a grieving process prior to the death of the cared‐for person, which is related to mental health and physical problems. Interventions aimed at improving grief and depression are being used in response to these difficulties. The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the grief process in home‐based caregivers of people with dementia with the aim of reducing grief and depression. A systematic review, including a meta‐analysis, was designed. Following the PRISMA guideline, original articles were searched in the databases: Medline, WOS, Scopus and PsycINFO, up to September 2022. Articles that evaluated interventions aimed at improving the grief process in caregivers of people with dementia, whose care recipients were alive at the beginning of the study at minimum and living at home were selected. Grief and depression were considered outcome variables. A meta‐analysis was carried out with a fixed effects model for these variables and for the domains of the Caregiver Grief Scale (CGS). Eight articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Most of the interventions aimed at improving the grief process showed an improvement in grief and depression. The ‘emotional pain’ and ‘absolute loss’ domains of the CGS stood out with an improvement in these variables. Interventions aimed at improving the grief process are relatively effective in reducing grief and depression. Interventions that are even more effective and more robust studies are needed.
Nursing and midwifery education, regulation and workforce in Kenya: A scoping review
Authors: Kimani Rachel Wangari , Gatimu Samwel Maina
Published: March 2023

Aim

To explore contextual literature on nursing and midwifery education, regulation and workforce in Kenya to develop an understanding of the current state and inform opportunities to strengthen the nursing and midwifery professions.

Introduction

Kenya has yet to achieve the minimum nursing and midwifery workforce threshold, despite the exponential increase in population and epidemiologic disease transitions.

Background

There are glaring health gaps and inequities in sub‐Saharan African countries. Health systems are evolving into complex and costly utilities, increasing the demand for nurses and midwives. It is, therefore, necessary to re‐examine systems that educate, deploy and retain the nursing workforce, especially given the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic and increase in non‐communicable diseases.

Methods

This scoping review was guided and reported following the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science) were probed for relevant studies conducted in Kenya between 1963 and 2020. The search was supplemented using Google Scholar. Findings from selected studies were extracted and analysed thematically.

Results

Of the 238 retrieved studies, 37 were included in this review: 10 articles on nursing and midwifery education, 11 on regulation and 16 on the workforce.

Discussion

There have been changes in regulation and an increase in nursing and midwifery enrolment and graduates. However, maldistribution and shortage of nurses and midwives persist.

Conclusions

Kenya's nursing and midwifery professions have undergone significant changes to meet the demand for a skilled workforce. However, the shortage of qualified and specialised nurses and midwives persists. Moreover, this shortage is exacerbated by underinvestment, outmigration and a need for more reforms to expand the nursing and midwifery workforce.

Implication for nursing and midwifery policy

Investment in nurse and midwifery education, mentorship and legislation is needed to build the capacity of the profession to provide quality health services. Several nursing and midwifery policy changes utilising a multipronged approach involving stakeholders’ collaboration are suggested to address the bottlenecks from education to deployment.
Digital nursing practice theory: A scoping review and thematic analysis
Authors: Wynn Matthew , Garwood‐Cross Lisa , Vasilica Cristina , Davis Dilla
Published: March 2023

Aims

This scoping review aims to identify existing theories associated with digital nursing practice to add a lens on the future use of digital technologies by nurses.

Design

A review of theories related to digital technology in nursing practice was conducted following the framework described by Arksey and O'Malley. All published literature until 12th May 2022 was included.

Data sources

Seven databases were utilized including Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, BNI and Web of Science. A Google Scholar search was also performed.

Review Methods

The search terms included (nurs* AND [digital OR technol* OR e‐health or ehealth or digital health or telemedicine or telehealth] AND theory).

Results

The database searches yielded 282 citations. After screening, nine articles were included in the review. These described eight distinct nursing theories.

Conclusion

The focuses of the theories included the role of technology in society and nursing. How technology should be developed to support nursing practice, health consumers' use of nursing informatics, the use of technology as an expression of caring and the preservation of humanness and the relationship between human persons and non‐human actants and the creation of nursing technologies as caring in addition to existing technologies. Three themes were identified including the role of technology as an agent within the patient environment; nurse interactions with technology to achieve ‘knowing’ of patients and the necessity of technological competence among nurses. Then, using Actor Network Theory (ANT), a zoom‐out lens to map the concepts was proposed (The Lens for Digital Nursing [LDN]). This study is the first to add a new theoretical lens on digital nursing.

Impact

This study provides the first synthesis of key concepts of nursing theories to add a theoretical lens to digital nursing practice. This can be used in a functional capacity to zoom‐in different entities.

No patient or public contribution was made in this study due to it being an early scoping study on a currently understudied area of nursing theory.
Methods in molecular biogeography: The case of New Caledonia
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: March 2023

Aim

To examine the different methods currently used in molecular biogeography. Methods of interpreting evolution in space (ancestral‐area algorithms) always find a centre of origin for a group in the region of a paraphyletic basal grade, although regionally restricted basal grades can also be generated by simple vicariance. Current analyses of the timeline of evolution are usually based on the conversion of fossil‐calibrated ages (minimum clade ages) into maximum clade ages by imposing arbitrary, subjective priors. Thus, methods of analysing both space and time in evolution are flawed in theory. They are also inefficient in practice, as indicated by recent papers on the history of the New Caledonian biota, examined here as a case‐study. Work using current methods has left the phenomena as unexplained ‘conundrums’ and ‘enigmas’.

Location

New Caledonia and surrounding areas.

Taxon

Various plants and animals.

Methods

The method favoured here is a synthesis of biogeography and geology. Tectonic features that coincide spatially with phylogenetic breaks (nodes) are identified. Fossils are used to provide estimates of minimum clade age, while the age of the tectonic features provides estimate of actual clade age. If the sequence of nodes in the phylogeny and the chronological sequence of the tectonic events match, a coherent sequence of vicariance events is indicated.

Results

Several critical studies on New Caledonian biogeography have been published in the last 5 years. The results from these can be analysed using revised methodology and integrated to give an alternative model of regional history.

Main Conclusions

The synthesis of geology and biology suggests a new interpretation of the New Caledonian biota, one in which the key processes are tectonic history, vicariance and metapopulation dynamics, rather than chance dispersal (as a mode of speciation), adaptation and radiation. The new model recognises the autochthonous, Mesozoic roots of many New Caledonian lineages.
Specific resistance prevents the evolution of general resistance and facilitates disease emergence
Authors: Hulse Samuel V. , Antonovics Janis , Hood Michael E. , Bruns Emily L.
Published: March 2023

Host‐shifts, where pathogens jump from an ancestral host to a novel host, can be facilitated or impeded by standing variation in disease resistance, but only if resistance provides broad‐spectrum general resistance against multiple pathogen species. Host resistance comes in many forms and includes both general resistance, as well as specific resistance, which may only be effective against a single pathogen species or even genotype. However, most evolutionary models consider only one of these forms of resistance, and we have less understanding of how these two forms of resistance evolve in tandem. Here, we develop a model that allows for the joint evolution of specific and general resistance and asks if the evolution of specific resistance drives a decrease in the evolution of general resistance. We also explore how these evolutionary outcomes affect the risk of foreign pathogen invasion and persistence. We show that in the presence of a single endemic pathogen, the two forms of resistance are strongly exclusionary. Critically, we find that specific resistance polymorphisms can prevent the evolution of general resistance, facilitating the invasion of foreign pathogens. We also show that specific resistance polymorphisms are a necessary condition for the successful establishment of foreign pathogens following invasion, as they prevent the exclusion of the foreign pathogen by the more transmissible endemic pathogen. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering the joint evolution of multiple forms of resistance when evaluating a population's susceptibility to foreign pathogens.
Gaps in awareness and practice of healthy lifestyles among individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Wang Wenxia , Fang Shuyan , Zhang Shuang , He Meng , Zhu Xiangning , Dong Yueyang , Ma Dongfei , Zhao Yanjie , Meng Xiangfei , Zhang Mengting , Sun Jiao
Published: March 2023

Aims

To systematically examine and review relevant qualitative studies exploring the current lifestyle among individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), and their awareness of the role of a healthy lifestyle in CRC prevention.

Background

The increasing incidence and mortality of CRC have presented a serious threat against the health and life of people. As the major population affected by CRC, the lifestyle of individuals at a high risk of CRC is attracting increasing attention.

Design

A qualitative evidence synthesis using the Thomas and Harden method and the PRISMA 2020 checklist provided by the EQUATOR network were used.

Data Sources

Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO from the inception to December 2021.

Review Methods

Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts and identified the eligible studies. Critical appraisals of each included study were performed. Thematic analysis was used to guide the data synthesis.

Results

The data from nine articles were analysed. Three interpretive themes were extracted that formed an overarching synthesis of the experience with healthy lifestyles among high‐risk individuals of CRC. The findings suggested that these individuals with limited awareness of CRC and personal risks lacked sufficient knowledge about the relationship between lifestyle and CRC, and their attitudes and practices towards the role of a healthy lifestyle in CRC prevention were also diversified.

Conclusion

Professionals can potentially provide personalised guidance for healthy lifestyles based on knowledge of prevention, the actual background and social support of individuals at high risk of CRC.

Impact

Considering that knowledge gaps and health beliefs among these individuals are the premise blocking their adoption of a healthy lifestyle, the findings of this review may make contributions to the design and content of public health policy and prevention programs.

No patient or public contribution.
Safety and efficacy of nightly nitrofurantoin as prophylaxis in dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections: 13 cases (2015‐2021)
Authors: Murray O. , Furrow E. , Granick J. , Merkel L. , Lulich J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To report the protocol, efficacy and adverse events in dogs receiving nightly nitrofurantoin therapy as antimicrobial prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case series of dogs prescribed nitrofurantoin as prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections. Data on urological history, diagnostic investigation, protocol, adverse events and efficacy (through serial urine cultures) were extracted from medical records.

Results

Thirteen dogs were included. Before therapy, dogs had a median of 3 (range 3 to 7) positive urine cultures in the past year. In all but one dog, standard antimicrobial therapy was given before starting the nightly nitrofurantoin. The nightly nitrofurantoin was then prescribed at a median dose of 4.1 mg/kg orally every 24 hours for a median of 166 days (range 44 to 1740). The median infection‐free interval on therapy was 268 days (95% confidence interval: 165 to undefined). Eight dogs had no positive urine cultures while on therapy. Of these, five (three which discontinued and two which remained on nitrofurantoin) had no return of clinical signs or bacteriuria at time of last follow‐up evaluation or death, and three had suspected or confirmed bacteriuria 10 to 70 days after discontinuation. Five dogs developed bacteriuria on therapy, four of which were nitrofurantoin‐resistant Proteus spp. Most other adverse events were minor; none were considered likely caused by the drug on causality assessment.

Clinical Significance

Based on this small study group, nightly nitrofurantoin appears well tolerated and might be efficacious prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs. Infection with nitrofurantoin‐resistant Proteus spp. was a common reason for treatment failure.
Efficacy of generic forms of itraconazole capsule in treating subjects with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Dhooria Sahajal , Muthu Valliappan , Prasad Kuruswamy Thurai , Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Choudhary Hansraj , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: March 2023

Background

Itraconazole capsules have variable and unpredictable bioavailability.

Objective

Whether the generic brands are as effective as the innovator itraconazole in treating subjects with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) remains unclear.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we treated CPA subjects with 6‐month itraconazole capsule and measured itraconazole levels at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Our primary outcome was to compare the proportion of subjects achieving therapeutic drug levels (≥0.5 mg/L) with the generic and the innovator itraconazole after 2 weeks. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to ascertain whether trough itraconazole levels affected treatment outcomes. We categorised treatment response as favourable or unfavourable based on improvement (or worsening) in clinical symptoms, microbiology and imaging. We also performed morphometric analysis of different brands of itraconazole by video‐dermoscopy.

Results

We included 193 (generic brands [n = 94] and innovator itraconazole [n = 99]) CPA subjects. A higher proportion of subjects achieved therapeutic levels at 2 weeks with the innovator than with the generic brands (72/99 [73%] vs. 27/94 [29%], p < .0001). The median trough level at 2 weeks was higher with the innovator than the generic brands (0.8 vs. 0 mg/L). The mean trough itraconazole levels achieved (average of three values measured over 6 months) independently predicted a favourable treatment response after adjusting for age, gender and CPA severity. On morphometric analysis, the generic brands had variable pellet numbers and sizes, and dummy pellets.

Conclusion

At 2 weeks, a significantly higher proportion of CPA subjects achieved therapeutic drug levels with the innovator than the generic itraconazole. The mean serum itraconazole levels independently predicted a favourable treatment response in CPA.
African savanna grasses outperform trees across the full spectrum of soil moisture availability
Authors: Belovitch Michael W. , NeSmith Julienne E. , Nippert Jesse B. , Holdo Ricardo M.
Published: March 2023

Models of tree–grass coexistence in savannas make different assumptions about the relative performance of trees and grasses under wet vs dry conditions. We quantified transpiration and drought tolerance traits in 26 tree and 19 grass species from the African savanna biome across a gradient of soil water potentials to test for a trade‐off between water use under wet conditions and drought tolerance.

We measured whole‐plant hourly transpiration in a growth chamber and quantified drought tolerance using leaf osmotic potential (Ψosm). We also quantified whole‐plant water‐use efficiency (WUE) and relative growth rate (RGR) under well‐watered conditions.

Grasses transpired twice as much as trees on a leaf‐mass basis across all soil water potentials. Grasses also had a lower Ψosm than trees, indicating higher drought tolerance in the former. Higher grass transpiration and WUE combined to largely explain the threefold RGR advantage in grasses.

Our results suggest that grasses outperform trees under a wide range of conditions, and that there is no evidence for a trade‐off in water‐use patterns in wet vs dry soils. This work will help inform mechanistic models of water use in savanna ecosystems, providing much‐needed whole‐plant parameter estimates for African species.
Alteration of myoepithelial cells during botulinum toxin type A‐inhibited salivary secretion
Authors: Xu Hui , Ge Huabing , Shan Xiaofeng , Cai Zhigang
Published: March 2023

Objective

Intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) effectively treats sialorrhea. Myoepithelial cells (MECs) are essential for salivary secretion. The role of MECs in BoNT/A‐inhibited salivary secretion, and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Materials and Methods

BoNT/A was injected into rat submandibular glands (SMGs). At 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postinjection, salivary flow rate of SMGs was measured. Electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis were used to detect morphological and functional changes in MECs and chemical denervation in SMGs.

Results

BoNT/A temporarily decreased salivary secretion in rat SMGs and this inhibitory effect lasted 4 weeks. During the inhibitory period, MECs atrophied and expressed reduced α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), vimentin, and phosphorylated myosin light chain 2 (p‐MLC2), suggesting that BoNT/A attenuated MEC contractility. Furthermore, BoNT/A cleaved synaptosome‐associated protein 25 (SNAP‐25) and decreased the expression and activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), indicating that BoNT/A‐induced chemical parasympathetic denervation of SMGs by cleaving SNAP‐25.

Conclusions

BoNT/A temporarily caused MEC atrophy and decreased MEC contractility in rat SMGs, which contributed to reversible inhibition of salivary secretion. The underlying mechanisms involved temporary parasympathetic denervation caused by SNAP‐25 cleavage. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of BoNT/A‐inhibited salivary secretion.
The DNA integrity number and concentration are useful parameters for successful comprehensive genomic profiling test for cancer using formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded tissue
Authors: Yanagita Emmy , Yamada Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Aimono Eriko , Nakamura Kohei , Hirasawa Akira , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

The acquisition of high‐quality biospecimens and the appropriate handling of these materials are indispensable for successful clinical sequencing. We developed a cancer clinical sequencing system targeting 160 cancer genes: PleSSision‐Rapid. Through the PleSSision‐Rapid system, we have analyzed DNA quality evaluated by DIN (DNA integrity number) with 1329 formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples including 477 prospectively collected tissues for genomic test (P) and 852 archival samples after routine pathological diagnosis (A1/A2). As a result, the samples with more than DIN 2.1 was 92.0% (439/477) in prospectively collected sample (P), while it was 85.6% (332/388) and 76.7% (356/464) in two types of archival samples (A1/A2). We performed the PleSSision‐Rapid sequence using the samples with over DIN 2.1 and DNA concentration >10 ng/μL with which we were able to construct a DNA library, and the probability of sequence success was almost equivalent during all types of specimen processing, at 90.7% (398/439) in (P), 92.5% (307/332) in (A1) and 90.2% (321/356) in (A2), respectively. Our result indicated the clinical benefit to prepare the prospective collection of FFPE materials for indisputable clinical sequence, and that DIN ≥ 2.1 would be a solid parameter for sample preparation of comprehensive genomic profiling tests.
Do communicators take over? Mediatization and conflicts in civil society
Authors: Mellquist Joanna
Published: March 2023

The article investigates internal strategies and struggles in civil society organizations' (CSOs') policy advocacy work from the vantage point of policy professionals by using the concepts of field, symbolic capital, and logics. A main claim is that mediatization acts as a strategic‐tension mechanism within a CSO, putting communicators at the center of policy units, which in turn is consequential for the strategies chosen for the organization's policy work. In this way, mediatization as a process celebrates certain professionals and strategies as particularly relevant, creating frustration among employees not specializing in communication. The study identifies a trend for organizations to put more resources and influence into communication and less into actual policy analysis. This article combines research on organizational logics, policy professionals, and mediatization by drawing on 38 interviews with, and ethnographic work among, policy professionals in Sweden, Latvia, and the Netherlands.

Related Articles

Selling, Niels, and Stefan Svallfors. 2019. “The Lure of Power: Career Paths and Considerations among Policy Professionals in Sweden.” Politics & Policy 47(5): 984–1012. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12325.

Svallfors, Stefan. 2016. “Out of the Golden Cage: PR and the Career Opportunities of Policy Professionals.” Politics & Policy 44(1): 56–73. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12149.

Svallfors, Stefan, Erica Falkenström, Corrie Hammar, and Anna T. Höglund. 2022. “Networked Reports: Commissioning and Production of Expert Reports on Swedish Health Care Governance.” Politics & Policy 50(3): 580–97. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12462.
Internet use and agricultural productivity in rural Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Tung , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Grote Ulrike
Published: March 2023

The use of the internet is growing rapidly and has become an engine for economic development. However, few studies have examined the impact of internet use on agricultural production, and the results are not yet conclusive. Employing a dataset of more than 2000 observations in rural Vietnam, our study analyses the impact of internet use on agricultural productivity using the heteroscedasticity‐based instrument approach suggested by Lewbel, Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 2012, 30, 67–80 and examines the heterogeneity and distribution of the impact using quantile regressions. Our results show that internet use has significant and positive effects on agricultural productivity. However, these effects are heterogeneous across population groups. The positive effects of internet use are stronger for households with a lower level of education, with a young and female head, and from ethnic minorities. The benefits are also found to be skewed towards the group of farmers at the bottom of the productivity distribution. Therefore, we propose facilitating the diffusion of the internet, since it not only boosts agricultural productivity, but also reduces productivity inequality. In addition, we recommend promoting rural education, supporting local markets, investing more in irrigation systems, and facilitating farm mechanisation as these factors are found to contribute to increasing agricultural productivity.
Experiences of primary care among young adults with mental illness – A systematic literature review
Authors: Lovén Wickman Ulrica , Schmidt Manuela
Published: March 2023

Background

Mental illness, such as depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and different addictive diseases, has increased among young adults over the last decade. Mental illness is associated with distress and problems functioning in social activities. Healthcare centres, that is, primary care, serve as the first point of contact with healthcare professionals for those young adults and provide outpatient medical and nursing care covering both physical and mental illness.

Objective

To explore experiences of primary care among young adults with mental illness.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted that followed the method of Bettany–Saltikov and McSherry. A keyword search was performed in various databases, and after a quality assessment 23 articles were included in the review.

Results

Young adults' experiences from primary care are described in four categories – Facing difficulties to accept help, relational preconditions, structural and organisational hindrances and satisfaction with youth‐focused mental health interventions. Young adults with mental illness experience many difficulties in accessing and receiving proper help from primary care. Further, they did not believe in recovery from mental illness, and they also expressed a lack of mental health literacy.

Conclusion

While being the first contact with healthcare professionals, primary care needs to adjust its services to address the growing group of young adults suffering from mental illness. It is necessary to provide tailored guidelines and interventions in primary care for young adults with mental illness, and the Tidal Model may improve the contacts with young adults in primary care.
Legume‐wide comparative analysis of pod shatter locus PDH1 reveals phaseoloid specificity, high cowpea expression, and stress responsive genomic context
Authors: Marsh Jacob I , Nestor Benjamin J , Petereit Jakob , Tay Fernandez Cassandria G , Bayer Philipp E , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: March 2023

Pod dehiscence is a major source of yield loss in legumes, which is exacerbated by aridity. Disruptive mutations in “Pod indehiscent 1” (PDH1), a pod sclerenchyma‐specific lignin biosynthesis gene, has been linked to significant reductions in dehiscence in several legume species. We compared syntenic PDH1 regions across 12 legumes and two outgroups to uncover key historical evolutionary trends at this important locus. Our results clarified the extent to which PDH1 orthologs are present in legumes, showing the typical genomic context surrounding PDH1 has only arisen relatively recently in certain phaseoloid species (Vigna, Phaseolus, Glycine). The notable absence of PDH1 in Cajanus cajan may be a major contributor to its indehiscent phenotype compared with other phaseoloids. In addition, we identified a novel PDH1 ortholog in Vigna angularis and detected remarkable increases in PDH1 transcript abundance during Vigna unguiculata pod development. Investigation of the shared genomic context of PDH1 revealed it lies in a hotspot of transcription factors and signaling gene families that respond to abscisic acid and drought stress, which we hypothesize may be an additional factor influencing expression of PDH1 under specific environmental conditions. Our findings provide key insights into the evolutionary history of PDH1 and lay the foundation for optimizing the pod dehiscence role of PDH1 in major and understudied legume species.