bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluative study of public property maintenance practices in a tertiary institution in Ghana
Authors: Amponsah-Kwatiah Kofi , Owusu Seth Anim , Afranie Isaac
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate key factors considered in the maintenance and management of property and facilities in a public tertiary institution in Ghana, taking reflective cognizance of the poor maintenance culture in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional design was adopted, employing both structured and semi-structured interview questionnaires for quantitative and qualitative interview data, respectively from multiple individuals in the Koforidua Technical University. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) tool was deployed to analyze the quantitative data, while the focus group interview was recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Findings

The paper reveals the need for a working policy and strategy for the maintenance of public property to ensure sustainability of practices. Essential factors such as effective communication flow and the competence of the maintenance team were highly ranked in the maintenance of public property. The use of computerized systems and other technological tools in maintenance practice featured low, and this calls for improvement in the delivery of maintenance services. Another critical finding was the need for effective engagement of all stakeholders in the planning and development of strategies to improve property maintenance.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for practitioners and society at large. Notably, they enjoin public sector institutions to embrace policy-driven public property management and maintenance, strategic outlooks for public property maintenance, technological advancement in property management and effective engagement of all stakeholders in property maintenance delivery.

Originality/value

This paper reviews a collection of maintenance practices and moves further to evaluate them using a case study of a public institution to draw useful outcomes. It offers new knowledge pursued to fill a revealed gap in the literature.
Short-term foreign trips correlates of the four factors model of cultural intelligence
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhawana
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In today's global business environment, international assignments have become integral part of employee's job profile. Adaptation to a different cultural environment plays a role in affecting employee's performance. In such a situation, cultural intelligence plays an important role. In order to sustain in a diverse work setting, a global organization entails managers who are sensitive to different cultural requirements. Factors affecting cultural intelligence have been a major area of study. However, studies relating short-term foreign trips and their role on four aspect of cultural intelligence are lacking. Therefore, present study was undertaken to know role of foreign visits in affecting cultural intelligence among professionals of diverse background.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is a primary study conducted for a sample of 120 respondents divided into two groups. One group comprised professionals having experience of foreign visits while other group comprised professionals who had not visited a foreign country. We use Levene’s Test for equality of variances was applied to assess the difference of variation of cultural intelligence between two different groups of respondents.

Findings

The results revealed that short-term trips play a significant role in affecting metacognitive, cognitive and motivational components of cultural intelligence. However, behavior cultural intelligence is not affected by short-term trips significantly.

Research limitations/implications

Outcome of present research forms basis for future studies that can be conducted linking long-term trips and culture intelligence. This study is practically useful for improving cultural intelligence of professionals to enhance their success and effectiveness in international assignments.

Originality/value

The study adds novelty to the field of cultural intelligence as prior studies were lacking in relating role of short-term trips on four different components of cultural intelligence.
Business contributions to the sustainable development goals through community sustainability partnerships
Authors: Ordonez-Ponce Eduardo , Clarke Amelia , MacDonald Adriane
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand how businesses can contribute to the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) by implementing Local Agenda 21 (or equivalent) plans in partnership with other organizations situated in their city. To this end, the present study examines drivers and outcomes from the perspective of business partners, as well as their relationships to the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a mixed-methods approach this research studies 71 businesses from four large cross-sector partnerships formed to achieve local sustainability goals. Data were collected through a survey to determine why firms partner and what outcomes they obtain from partnering. Qualitative content analyses are used to determine the relationships between business drivers and outcomes from partnering for local sustainability and the SDGs.

Findings

From a resource-based view (RBV) perspective, findings show the value of local sustainability partnerships in relation to the SDGs. Many SDG targets are aligned with the top reasons why businesses join large community sustainability partnerships. Also, through the outcomes achieved by participating in the partnership businesses can further the SDGs.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the literature and to practice through the understanding of businesses partnering for local sustainability, and its relationships to global sustainability. Firstly, the connections of business partners to local and global sustainability are better understood. Of note is the contribution made to the literature on sustainability-related drivers and outcomes expanding and refining RBV literature. Secondly, a positive connection has been established between businesses and the SDGs, proposing a virtuous model of relationship that summarizes the findings from this research. And thirdly, large cross-sector social partnerships are better understood.

Practical implications

Small- and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations with local offices can further both local and global sustainable development by engaging in local cross-sector sustainability partnerships.

Social implications

These research findings are crucial for those leading sustainability initiatives, so they can engage businesses actively in light of the important role they play in society improving their contributions and the chances for sustainability partnerships to achieve their goals.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the scale conversation by exploring community sustainability partnerships as a means to understand how business engagement in sustainability at the local level can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and, ultimately, to global sustainability.
An analysis of the application areas of augmented reality technology in the construction industry
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Arowoiya Victor Adetunji
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze the application areas of augmented reality (AR) in the construction industry to enhance its usage level. The objectives are to assess the level of awareness of hardware and software devices of AR, examine the application areas of AR and reveal lagging areas in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of construction professionals engaged in the built environment was sent a well-structured questionnaire in the study area. The professionals involved are project managers, architects, engineers, builders and quantity surveyors. The sampling technique used in selecting those professionals was convenience sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the retrieved data.

Findings

The five most applied areas of Augmented Realities are Visualization and simulation of construction works; Project documentation; Project planning, monitoring and modification. The other two areas include on-site real-time information retrieval and health and safety measures. The findings also revealed the difference in the opinions of professionals among the variables. The results showed that there is significant difference in the opinions of the professionals regarding the application areas except one, that is automated measurement. Automated measurement has the same converging opinions of all professionals engaged in the study.

Originality/value

The study gives deep insight into possible areas where AR can be used in construction. The awareness level of hardware and software devices of AR was revealed by showing that those devices are upcoming in their usage. The areas of application of AR in construction are in their nascent stage. When there is proper implementation of this technology it will improve management in construction, minimize health and safety issues, and enhance the efficiency of workers through visualization and simulation.
Plant traits of grass and legume species for flood resilience and N2O mitigation
Authors: Oram Natalie J. , Sun Yan , Abalos Diego , van Groenigen Jan Willem , Hartley Sue , De Deyn Gerlinde B.
Published: June 2021

Flooding threatens the functioning of managed grasslands by decreasing primary productivity and increasing nitrogen losses, notably as the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Sowing species with traits that promote flood resilience and mitigate flood‐induced N2O emissions within these grasslands could safeguard their productivity while mitigating nitrogen losses.

We tested how plant traits and resource acquisition strategies could predict flood resilience and N2O emissions of 12 common grassland species (eight grasses and four legumes) grown in field soil in monocultures in a 14‐week greenhouse experiment.

We found that grasses were more resistant to flooding while legumes recovered better. Resource‐conservative grass species had higher resistance while resource‐acquisitive grasses species recovered better. Resilient grass and legume species lowered cumulative N2O emissions. Grasses with lower inherent leaf and root δ13C (and legumes with lower root δ13C) lowered cumulative N2O emissions during and after the flood.

Our results highlight the differing responses of grasses with contrasting resource acquisition strategies, and of legumes to flooding. Combining grasses and legumes based on their traits and resource acquisition strategies could increase the flood resilience of managed grasslands, and their capability to mitigate flood‐induced N2O emissions.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Klotho inhibits H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in periodontal ligament stem cells by regulating UCP2 expression
Authors: Zhu Lilei , Xie Hui , Liu Qingqing , Ma Fei , Wu Hao
Published: June 2021

Periodontitis, a human chronic inflammatory disease, has affected the lives of millions of individuals. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), derived from the periodontal ligament, exhibit tissue specificity and impaired differentiation ability and are closely associated with tissue regeneration in periodontitis. Klotho, a single‐pass transmembrane protein, has been reported to positively affect H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in PDLSCs. The ultimate damage of oxidative stress stimulation in PDLSCs was cell apoptosis, which was also the major lesion in periodontitis. Thus, the present study aimed to figure out the effect of klotho on H2O2‐injured PDLSCs and its underlying mechanism to provide new therapeutic targets in periodontitis. The expression of klotho and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) was investigated in the gingival tissues, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Then, under klotho treatment, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring SOD and GSH‐PX levels. Cell apoptosis and cell necrosis were also detected by measuring the cell death‐relevant proteins, including Caspase‐3, BAX, Bcl, MLKL, RIP1, and RIP3. Finally, a rescue assay was performed by inhibiting the expression of UCP2. The results showed that klotho and UCP2 were downregulated in patients with chronic periodontitis. In addition, klotho upregulated the production of UCP2 in H2O2‐treated PDLSCs. Klotho inhibited H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and cellular loss in PDLSCs, moreover, the rescue assay suggested that UCP2 knockdown suppressed the effects of klotho on PDLSCs. In conclusion, this study showed that klotho inhibits H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PDLSCs by regulating UCP2 expression. This novel discovery might provide a potential target for chronic periodontitis treatment.
A reasonable negotiation? Workplace‐based unionists’ subjectivities, wage negotiations, and the day‐to‐day life of an ethical‐political project
Authors: McNamara Thomas
Published: June 2021

This article analyses how, through adopting responsibility for their co‐workers’ livelihoods, workplace‐based unionists shaped Zambian mining capitalism. I argue that union branch executives learnt that they could best assist their co‐workers through offering them financial services and through co‐operation with company HR. During wage negotiations, unionists drew strength from this understanding, encouraging them to see ever‐decreasing salaries as market‐driven, and discouraging the militancy that has on occasion raised wages. Building upon the anthropology of trade unionism, I detail how tangible solidarities within a workplace shape unions’ ethical‐political projects; and argue that subjectivation through union ideologies can discourage scrutiny of structural injustice. Linking anthropology that explores capitalism through relationships and moral norms to liberalized capital's disempowerment of unions, I claim that unionists’ moral, technical, and physical labour mitigated, yet inadvertently enabled, worsening working conditions.
Preventable stillbirths in India and Pakistan: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Goldenberg RL , Saleem S , Goudar SS , Silver RM , Tikmani SS , Guruprasad G , Dhaded SM , Yasmin H , Bano K , Somannavar MS , Yogeshkumar S , Hwang K , Aceituno A , Parlberg L , McClure EM ,   the PURPOSE Study Group
Published: June 2021

Objective

Stillbirths occur 10–20 times more frequently in low‐income settings compared with high‐income settings. We created a methodology to define the proportion of stillbirths that are potentially preventable in low‐income settings and applied it to stillbirths in sites in India and Pakistan.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Three maternity hospitals in Davangere, India and a large public hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Population

All cases of stillbirth at ≥20 weeks of gestation occurring from July 2018 to February 2020 were screened for participation; 872 stillbirths were included in this analysis.

Methods

We prospectively defined the conditions and gestational ages that defined the stillbirth cases considered potentially preventable. Informed consent was sought from the parent(s) once the stillbirth was identified, either before or soon after delivery. All information available, including obstetric and medical history, clinical course, fetal heart sounds on admission, the presence of maceration as well as examination of the stillbirth after delivery, histology, and polymerase chain reaction for infectious pathogens of the placenta and various fetal tissues, was used to assess whether a stillbirth was potentially preventable.

Main outcome measures

Whether a stillbirth was determined to be potentially preventable and the criteria for assignment to those categories.

Results

Of 984 enrolled, 872 stillbirths at ≥20 weeks of gestation met the inclusion criteria and were included; of these, 55.5% were deemed to be potentially preventable. Of the 649 stillbirths at ≥28 weeks of gestation and ≥1000 g birthweight, 73.5% were considered potentially preventable. The most common conditions associated with a potentially preventable stillbirth at ≥28 weeks of gestation and ≥1000 g birthweight were small for gestational age (SGA) (52.8%), maternal hypertension (50.2%), antepartum haemorrhage (31.4%) and death that occurred after hospital admission (15.7%).

Conclusions

Most stillbirths in these sites were deemed preventable and were often associated with maternal hypertension, antepartum haemorrhage, SGA and intrapartum demise.

Tweetable abstract

Most stillbirths are preventable by better care for women with hypertension, growth restriction and antepartum haemorrhage.
Audit of ultrasound usage in emergency departments in greater metropolitan Brisbane
Authors: Pankevich Volha , Manton Joanna , Gross Itai
Published: June 2021

Objective

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine identifies five ultrasound applications which the College deem core to the practice of emergency medicine but there is scant information as to the uptake of ultrasound or the qualification of users. This study aims to determine the percentage of ED physicians in one metropolitan area who utilise ultrasound for core diagnostic and procedural applications in participating hospitals and the percentage of users who have been formally assessed in any ultrasound application.

Methods

The EDs of eight major public hospitals in greater metropolitan Brisbane area participated in this audit. Data‐collectors at each participating ED approached every senior house officer, registrar and senior medical officer in the department and, after obtaining informed consent, asked the participant six questions pertaining to their use of ultrasound for five core applications and about ultrasound training and recorded the answers without information as to the identity of the participant.

Results

94.4% of the physicians participated. Of those participating, 90% used ultrasound for venous access, with progressively fewer using E‐FAST (69%), AAA (51%), Lung (40%) and BELS (29%) for diagnostic purposes. Ninety‐eight percent of participants were in favour of enhanced departmental training. Only 33% of participants had their ultrasound skills assessed by a qualified person for even one application.

Conclusion

While use of ultrasound in some applications is widespread, few users have had their skills assessed. Assessment being a routine part of structured training, it cannot be assumed that these users can competently use ultrasound for procedural or diagnostic applications.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in neurological diseases: Eleven years experience at a tertiary care center in Turkey
Authors: Seyhanli Ahmet , Yavuz Boran , Selimoglu Ismail , Sengun Ihsan Sukru , Aslan Abdullah Taha , Ozsan Guner Hayri , Alacacioglu Inci , Demirkan Fatih
Published: June 2021

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an apheresis procedure in which plasma is separated from the blood cellular components ex vivo, allocated, and replaced with another plasma or a plasma‐replacing fluid. This study aimed to define the rate of complications and determine TPE distribution in various neurological diseases. Our study is a retrospective analysis of neurologic diseases requiring TPE between 2008 and 2019 that were selected using the medical records of neurology departments and apheresis units database. We performed 1459 TPE procedures on 207 patients between 2008 and 2019. TPE Procedure is most frequently applied in patients with Myasthenia‐Gravis syndrome (34.7%). The complication ratio was 1.6% from a total of 1459 TPE procedures. The most commonly specified adverse event was allergic reactions 11 (5.3%), followed by hypotension 6 (2.9%). TPE was safe and tolerable, with manageable complications in experienced hands.
Truth in wine yeast
Authors: Gonzalez Ramon , Morales Pilar
Published: June 2021

Evolutionary history and early association with anthropogenic environments have made Saccharomyces cerevisiae the quintessential wine yeast. This species typically dominates any spontaneous wine fermentation and, until recently, virtually all commercially available wine starters belonged to this species. The Crabtree effect, and the ability to grow under fully anaerobic conditions, contribute decisively to their dominance in this environment. But not all strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are equally suitable as starter cultures. In this article, we review the physiological and genetic characteristics of S. cerevisiae wine strains, as well as the biotic and abiotic factors that have shaped them through evolution. Limited genetic diversity of this group of yeasts could be a constraint to solving the new challenges of oenology. However, research in this field has for many years been providing tools to increase this diversity, from genetic engineering and classical genetic tools to the inclusion of other yeast species in the catalogues of wine yeasts. On occasion, these less conventional species may contribute to the generation of interspecific hybrids with S. cerevisiae. Thus, our knowledge about wine strains of S. cerevisiae and other wine yeasts is constantly expanding. Over the last decades, wine yeast research has been a pillar for the modernisation of oenology, and we can be confident that yeast biotechnology will keep contributing to solving any challenges, such as climate change, that we may face in the future.
Culture‐enriched community profiling improves resolution of the vertebrate gut microbiota
Authors: Goldman Samantha L. , Sanders Jon G. , Yan Weiwei , Denice Anthony , Cornwall Margaret , Ivey Kathleen N. , Taylor Emily N. , Gunderson Alex R. , Sheehan Michael J. , Mjungu Deus , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Pusey Anne E. , Hahn Beatrice H. , Moeller Andrew H.
Published: June 2021

Vertebrates harbour gut microbial communities containing hundreds of bacterial species, most of which have never been cultivated or isolated in the laboratory. The lack of cultured representatives from vertebrate gut microbiotas limits the description and experimental interrogation of these communities. Here, we show that representatives from >50% of the bacterial genera detected by culture‐independent sequencing in the gut microbiotas of fence lizards, house mice, chimpanzees, and humans were recovered in mixed cultures from frozen faecal samples plated on a panel of nine media under a single growth condition. In addition, culturing captured >100 rare bacterial genera overlooked by culture‐independent sequencing, more than doubling the total number of bacterial sequence variants detected. Our approach recovered representatives from 23 previously uncultured candidate bacterial genera, 12 of which were not detected by culture‐independent sequencing. Results identified strategies for both indiscriminate and selective culturing of the gut microbiota that were reproducible across vertebrate species. Isolation followed by whole‐genome sequencing of 161 bacterial colonies from wild chimpanzees enabled the discovery of candidate novel species closely related to the opportunistic pathogens of humans Clostridium difficile and Hungatella hathewayi. This study establishes culturing methods that improve inventories and facilitate isolation of gut microbiota constituents from a wide diversity of vertebrate species.
Single‐cell RNA‐Seq reveals a highly coordinated transcriptional program in mouse germ cells during primordial follicle formation
Authors: He Yuanlin , Chen Qiuzhen , Dai Juncheng , Cui Yiqiang , Zhang Chi , Wen Xidong , Li Jiazhao , Xiao Yue , Peng Xiaoxu , Liu Mingxi , Shen Bin , Sha Jiahao , Hu Zhibin , Li Jing , Shu Wenjie
Published: June 2021

The assembly of primordial follicles in mammals represents one of the most critical processes in ovarian biology. It directly affects the number of oocytes available to a female throughout her reproductive life. Premature depletion of primordial follicles contributes to the ovarian pathology primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). To delineate the developmental trajectory and regulatory mechanisms of oocytes during the process, we performed RNA‐seq on single germ cells from newborn (P0.5) ovaries. Three cell clusters were classified which corresponded to three cell states (germ cell cyst, cyst breakdown, and follicle) in the newborn ovary. By Monocle analysis, a uniform trajectory of oocyte development was built with a series of genes showed dynamic changes along the pseudo‐timeline. Gene Ontology term enrichment revealed a significant decrease in meiosis‐related genes and a dramatic increase in oocyte‐specific genes which marked the transition from a germ cell to a functional oocyte. We then established a network of regulons by using single‐cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) algorithm and identified possible candidate transcription factors that may maintain transcription programs during follicle formation. Following functional studies further revealed the differential regulation of the identified regulon Id2 and its family member Id1, on the establishment of primordial follicle pool by using siRNA knockdown and genetic modified mouse models. In summary, our study systematically reconstructed molecular cascades in oocytes and identified a series of genes and molecular pathways in follicle formation and development.
Breeding habitats, phenology and size of a resident population of Two‐banded Plover (Charadrius falklandicus) at the northern edge of its distribution
Authors: Faria Fernando A. , Repenning MÁrcio , Tavares Nunes Guilherme , Senner Nathan R. , Bugoni Leandro
Published: June 2021

The central‐peripheral hypothesis states that the demographic performance of a species decreases from the centre to the edge of its range. Peripheral populations are often smaller and tend to occur under different and suboptimal conditions from those of core populations. Peripheral populations can also coexist during part of their annual cycle with populations from the core of the species’ range. Studies on peripheral populations are thus valuable for broadly understanding ecological and evolutionary processes. The Two‐banded Plover (TWBP, Charadrius falklandicus, Charadriidae) is an endemic South American shorebird that breeds in Argentine and Chilean Patagonia and migrates northward during the Austral winter. There are breeding records, however, from Lagoa do Peixe National Park in southern Brazil. In this study, we (i) mapped TWBP nests, (ii) characterised their reproductive biology and nesting habitats, (iii) colour‐marked birds and evaluated their seasonal occurrence patterns and (iv) estimated the size of the Brazilian population by combining supervised habitat classification analyses and generalised additive models. We estimated that the Brazilian population has 55 (95% CI: 44.1–66.6) breeding pairs and found that the length of their breeding season was roughly 5 months, spanning the Austral spring and summer. The population’s nesting habitat differed, and their apparent reproductive success was lower than that of core populations. Unlike more southerly populations, the results of our mark‐resighting efforts demonstrate that the Brazilian population is sedentary. Taken together, these results indicate that the Brazilian TWBP population seems geographically isolated from the species’ southernmost core populations, resulting in a heteropatric distribution. Furthermore, differences in nesting habitat and year‐round residency indicate that this peripheral population is ecologically distinct. The marked behavioural and ecological differences combined with the small population at the northern edge of the TWBP distribution support the central‐peripheral hypothesis in a Neotropical system.
Home range and space use by African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mlambo Liberty , Shekede Munyaradzi Davis , Adam Elhadi , Odindi John , Murwira Amon
Published: June 2021

This study examined the African elephant's (Loxodonta africana) seasonal space use and movement using elephant telemetry data in Hwange National Park. The adaptive‐local convex hull (a‐LoCoH) was adopted to understand the elephant movement metrics and home range. Paired t test was used to compare the mean seasonal speed of each group (n = 10) of elephants, while the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to determine differences in the 50% and 90% home range. Results show that mean elephant movement speed significantly differed (t = −3.07, df = , p < 0.01) for all elephant groups across seasons. Moreover, significant differences (W = 3, Z = 2.4973, p < 0.012) were observed between core a‐LoCoH home‐range distributions for the wet and dry seasons. However, no significant differences (W = 10, Z = 1.7838, p > 0.05) were detected between the two seasons for the total (90%) a‐LoCoH ranges. NDVI, Distance to water sources and Slope were positively related with elephant movement speed while Aspect and Distance to roads were negatively related with elephant speed. These findings underscore the importance of resource variability in driving elephant movement and foraging behaviour in a semi‐arid savannah ecosystem.
Photophobia and disability glare in adult patients with Marfan syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Sandvik Gunhild Falleth , Rand‐Hendriksen Svend , Drolsum Liv , Kristianslund Olav
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate photophobia and disability glare in adult patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS).

Methods

In this case–control study, 44 patients with MFS (87 eyes) were compared to 44 controls (88 eyes), who were matched for age and sex. The subjects were asked to grade their photophobia and glare using 10‐cm visual analogue scales (VAS), which were marked with ‘never’ at zero and ‘always’ at 10 ‐cm. In addition, disability glare was measured with C‐Quant straylight meter.

Results

The patients with MFS had significantly higher VAS scores than the controls in four out of seven statements related to photophobia and glare. When including cataract, spherical equivalent, iris colour, axial length and corneal curvature, three of the seven statements were still significantly different between the two groups. The mean straylight values were 1.29 ± 0.03 log(s) in the MFS group and 1.01 ± 0.03 log(s) in the control group (p < 0.001, mixed model). These differences remained significant after adjusting for cataract, spherical equivalent, iris colour, axial length and corneal curvature.

Conclusion

Patients with MFS reported more photophobia and had a higher straylight value than the control group. Awareness of these findings of more photophobia and glare in the MFS patients is important when counselling and treating these patients.
Ultrastructure of the tongue in the African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), comparison within the family Erinaceidae
Authors: Cizek Petr , Hamouzova Pavla , Goździewska‐Harłajczuk Karolina , Klećkowska‐Nawrot Joanna , Kvapil Pavel
Published: June 2021

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is commonly considered as a pet animal, which makes it widely studied. This study focused on lingual morphology due to its relation to the type of food consumed. Light and scanning electron microscopy on the tongues of 3 adult male hedgehogs was performed. Five types of papillae were distinguished on the dorsal lingual surface: filiform (fork‐like), conical, fungiform, vallate and foliate. Small conical papillae covered the dorsal surface of the apex, filiform (fork‐like) papillae were found on the corpus, fungiform papillae were scattered among conical as well as fork‐like papillae. Three vallate papillae localized on the lingual radix were arranged in an inverted V shape. Taste buds were opened to the circumpapillary sulcus. Histochemical analysis of seromucous salivary glands in the radix and purely serous glands in the vicinity of the vallate papillae showed the composition of their secretions in more detail. A comparison of the ultrastructure of the tongue within the family Erinaceidae was performed, as well as to species with similar feeding habits.
Immunolocalization of Cell Adhesion Molecules during tail regeneration in the lizard Podarcis muralis indicates coordinated control of epithelial differentiation
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Immunolocalization of cell adhesion molecules during tail regeneration in the lizard Podarcis muralis indicates coordinated control of epithelial differentiation. Acta Zoologica (Stockolm). Lizard epidermis is formed by alternating layers of hard corneous beta‐layers and softer and pliable alpha‐layers. After tail amputation in the lizard Podarcis muralis, the tail regenerates within a month forming neogenic scales. The differentiation of beta‐ and alpha‐layers in the epidermis has been studied by immunofluorescence detection of cell adhesion molecules. Initially, the thick wound epidermis shows high content in L‐CAM and N‐CAM in comparison with normal epidermis, including pre‐corneous layers where labelling is intense in the cytoplasm and along the keratinocyte perimeter. L‐ and N‐CAMs are also observed in the regenerating ependyma and N‐CAM in mesenchymal cells of blastema. The apical regenerating (wound) epidermis often shows nuclear localization in basal layers, especially for E‐cadherin, perhaps indicating epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Sections of regenerating scales show the typical renewal phase of the epidermis, with an intensification of L‐CAM, N‐CAM and general cadherin immunofluorescence in the forming clear‐Oberhautchen layers, and in the following beta‐ and alpha‐layers as they start to differentiate from the basal layer. A higher immunolabelling for cell adhesion cadherins suggests that these proteins contribute to form an integrated epidermal unit along the regenerating scales that allows the ordered stratification and shedding of these layers in lizard epidermis.
Consensus on nomenclature for clinical staging models in bipolar disorder: A narrative review from the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) Staging Task Force
Authors: Kupka Ralph , Duffy Anne , Scott Jan , Almeida Jorge , Balanzá‐Martínez Vicent , Birmaher Boris , Bond David J. , Brietzke Elisa , Chendo Ines , Frey Benicio N. , Grande Iria , Hafeman Danella , Hajek Tomas , Hillegers Manon , Kauer‐Sant’Anna Marcia , Mansur Rodrigo B. , van der Markt Afra , Post Robert , Tohen Mauricio , Tremain Hailey , Vazquez Gustavo , Vieta Eduard , Yatham Lakshmi N. , Berk Michael , Alda Martin , Kapczinski Flávio
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Clinical staging is widely used in medicine to map disease progression, inform prognosis, and guide treatment decisions; in psychiatry, however, staging remains a hypothetical construct. To facilitate future research in bipolar disorders (BD), a well‐defined nomenclature is needed, especially since diagnosis is often imprecise with blurred boundaries, and a full understanding of pathophysiology is lacking.

Methods

Under the auspices of the International Society of Bipolar Disorders, a Task Force of international experts was convened to review, discuss, and integrate findings from the scientific literature relevant to the development of a consensus staging model and standardize a terminology that could be used to advance future research including staging of BD and related disorders.

Results

Consensus opinion and areas of uncertainty or difference were identified in regard to terms referring to staging as it may apply to BD, to at‐risk status and subthreshold stages, and to various clinical stages of BD as it is currently diagnosed.

Conclusion

The use of a standardized nomenclature about the clinical stages of BD will facilitate communication about research on clinical and pathological components of this heterogeneous group of disorders. The concepts presented are based on current evidence, but the template provided allows for further refinements as etiological advances come to light.
Estimating vaccine efficacy over time after a randomized study is unblinded
Authors: Tsiatis Anastasios A. , Davidian Marie
Published: June 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic due to the novel coronavirus SARS CoV‐2 has inspired remarkable breakthroughs in the development of vaccines against the virus and the launch of several phase 3 vaccine trials in Summer 2020 to evaluate vaccine efficacy (VE). Trials of vaccine candidates using mRNA delivery systems developed by Pfizer‐BioNTech and Moderna have shown substantial VEs of 94–95%, leading the US Food and Drug Administration to issue Emergency Use Authorizations and subsequent widespread administration of the vaccines. As the trials continue, a key issue is the possibility that VE may wane over time. Ethical considerations dictate that trial participants be unblinded and those randomized to placebo be offered study vaccine, leading to trial protocol amendments specifying unblinding strategies. Crossover of placebo subjects to vaccine complicates inference on waning of VE. We focus on the particular features of the Moderna trial and propose a statistical framework based on a potential outcomes formulation within which we develop methods for inference on potential waning of VE over time and estimation of VE at any postvaccination time. The framework clarifies assumptions made regarding individual‐ and population‐level phenomena and acknowledges the possibility that subjects who are more or less likely to become infected may be crossed over to vaccine differentially over time. The principles of the framework can be adapted straightforwardly to other trials.
Patients’ expectations of cancer treatment and their perceived link to subsequent experiences: A qualitative study
Authors: Cockle Sam , Ogden Jane
Published: June 2021

Objective

Whilst much research has addressed patients’ expectations and experiences of cancer treatment, little research has explored the association between these factors. The current qualitative study aimed to explore patients’ beliefs about the relationship between their expectations of cancer treatment and their subsequent experiences.

Design

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with sixteen individuals who had received cancer treatment.

Results

Data were analysed using thematic analysis and illustrated that cancer treatment was experienced as a challenge that could be understood in terms of two themes: ‘investing in treatment’ reflecting trust in treatment and health care professionals and a sense that treatment was a necessary evil and ‘encountering tensions or disconnects’ illustrating the mismatch between expectations and experiences with patient reporting feeling unprepared, pleasantly surprised or shock. Transcending these themes was the notion of ‘searching for stability and certainty’ in terms of a desire for normality and a shift in focus between treatment process and outcome. Overall, disconnects were apparent between participants’ expectations and experiences. However, due to their trust in treatment, participants were able to shift their focus between the treatment itself and future outcomes, to regain a sense of certainty.

Conclusion

Patients describe a complex relationship between expectations and experiences and are able to shift their focus between process and outcome to cope with the challenges they face.
Music during flexible cystoscopy for pain and anxiety – a patient‐blinded randomised control trial
Authors: McClintock George , Wong Eddy , Mancuso Pascal , Lalak Nestor , Gassner Paul , Haghighi Kayvan , Rathore Prem , McAulay Lesley , Jeffery Nicola
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To assess the role of music in reducing the pain and anxiety associated with flexible cystoscopy using a blinded trial design.

Patients and Methods

A patient‐blinded randomised control trial of music during flexible cystoscopy was performed comparing the pain, measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), anxiety, measured by the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and vital signs of 109 patients across two public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. The purpose and hypothesis of the study was concealed from patients until after results had been collected.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences detected between the No Music and Music groups in VAS pain score (mean [SD] 2.04 [1.94] vs 2.10 [1.90], P = 0.86), change in STAI anxiety score (mean [SD] 4.87 [9.87] vs 6.8 [11.07], P = 0.33) or post‐procedural vital signs (mean [SD] heart rate 74 [14] vs 72 [13] beats/min, P = 0.66; systolic blood pressure 144 [20] vs 141 [19] mmHg, P = 0.47) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Music does not appear to decrease perceived pain or anxiety when used during flexible cystoscopy. These findings may differ from the literature due to several factors, most significantly blinding of participants, but also potentially due to the ethnic composition of the study population or lack of choice of music.
In remembrance of Victor Rico Gray (1951‐2021): An astonishing tropical ecologist
Authors: Dáttilo Wesley , Serio‐Silva Juan Carlos , Thompson John N. , Del‐Claro Kleber , Guimarães Paulo R. , Oliveira Paulo S. , Jordano Pedro , Marquis Robert J. , Koptur Suzanne
Published: June 2021

In this remembrance, we have brought together some of Victor Rico‐Gray’s friends and collaborators to recall his many contributions to tropical ecology and his influence on so many young scientists. Victor’s research ranged from Mexican ethnobotany to the evolutionary ecology of complex interactions between ants and plants. His research was highly collaborative, forming strong bonds among those who shared his interests in how the web of life is organized. He inspired students through his mentoring in tropical ecology, mainly his lectures at the Instituto de Ecología AC (INECOL), and later at the Universidad Veracruzana (UV), his courses organized by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), and his talks at meetings, including the Association of Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC). Victor’s story is not over. It will continue to be traced through countless scientists who were inspired by Victor’s life and work.
Laparoscopic colorectal surgery and discharge within 24 h—who is at risk for readmission?
Authors: de Azevedo José Gonçalves Moreira , Mendes Carlos Ramon Silveira , Lima Meyline Andrade , Pessoa Joana Carolina Saraiva de Paula , São Julião Guilherme Pagin , Perez Rodrigo Oliva , Vailati Bruna Borba
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim was to describe risk factors for hospital readmission in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal procedures and being discharged in ≤24 h.

Method

All consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery between 2010 and 2019 from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were included in an enhanced recovery programme. Patients who met criteria for hospital discharge were compared according to the need for readmission in a 45‐day follow‐up.

Results

In all, 664 patients underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery during the study period and 237 (35.7%) were discharged in ≤24 h. Readmission was required in 16 (6.8%) patients discharged in ≤24 h and no postoperative mortality was observed in this group. Patients discharged in ≤24 h were more likely to have benign disease (P < 0.001), fewer associated procedures (P < 0.025) and intracorporeal anastomoses (P < 0.001). The type of surgical procedure (abdominoperineal resection), low rectal tumour, malignant disease, older age and longer operating time were associated with readmission. Age (OR 1.06; P = 0.037), malignant disease (OR 4.39; P = 0.05) and operating time (OR 1.03; P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictive factors for readmission amongst patients being discharged in ≤24 h.

Conclusion

Highly selected patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures in colorectal surgery may be safely discharged within 24 h following the procedure. High‐risk features for readmission include older age, malignant disease and longer operating time.
Evaluation of moxifloxacin in canine and non‐human primate telemetry assays: Comparison of QTc interval prolongation by timepoint and concentration‐QTc analysis
Authors: Chui Ray W. , Baublits Joel , Chandra Fiona A. , Jones Zack W. , Engwall Michael J. , Vargas Hugo M.
Published: June 2021

The in vivo correct QT (QTc) assay is used by the pharmaceutical industry to characterize the potential for delayed ventricular repolarization and is a core safety assay mentioned in International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) S7B guideline. The typical telemetry study involves a dose‐response analysis of QTc intervals over time using a crossover (CO) design. This method has proven utility but does not include direct integration of pharmacokinetic (PK) data. An alternative approach has been validated and is used routinely in the clinical setting that pairs pharmacodynamic (PD) responses with PK exposure (e.g., concentration‐QTc (C‐QTc) analysis. The goal of our paper was to compare the QTc sensitivity of two experimental approaches in the conscious dog and non‐human primate (NHP) QTc assays. For timepoint analysis, a conventional design using eight animals (8 × 4 CO) to detect moxifloxacin‐induced QTc prolongation was compared to a PK/PD design in a subset (N = 4) of the same animals. The findings demonstrate that both approaches are equally sensitive in detecting threshold QTc prolongation on the order of 10 ms. Both QTc models demonstrated linearity in the QTc prolongation response to moxifloxacin dose escalation (6 to 46 ms). Further, comparison with human QTc findings with moxifloxacin showed agreement and consistent translation across the three species: C‐QTc slope values were 0.7‐ (dog) and 1.2‐ (NHP) fold of the composite human value. In conclusion, our data show that dog and NHP QTc telemetry with an integrated PK arm (C‐QTc) has the potential to supplement clinical evaluation and improve integrated QTc risk assessment.
New Evidence on Disability Benefit Claims in Britain: The Role of Health and the Local Labour Market
Authors: Roberts Jennifer , Taylor Karl
Published: June 2021

During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a steep rise in disability benefit claims in Britain, especially among older male workers, and the debate centred on the relative generosity of these benefits as well as the effects of deindustrialization. Since that time, the disability benefit system has been subject to a series of reforms, all largely aimed at reducing the number of claims and targeting benefits more closely to those with the greatest health need. At the same time, the labour market has also evolved, and until the recent Covid‐19 pandemic, it had a historically low level of unemployment, accompanied by falling real earnings. We use individual longitudinal data from 2010 to 2018 in a dynamic panel framework to explore the relative importance of health status, benefit generosity and local labour market conditions for disability benefit claims in the modern British labour market. We focus particularly on spatial variation in claims, and find that, in line with older evidence, while health status is clearly important, geographic variation in labour market conditions still influences the propensity to claim those disability benefits that are conditional on not working.