bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An accurate soft diagnosis method of breast cancer using the operative fusion of derived features and classification approaches
Authors: Jha Sunil Kumar , Wang Jinwei , Shanmugam Raju
Published: March 2022

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer around the world. The early‐stage recognition of breast cancer is favourable for the diagnosis and treatment of the affecting patient. Data mining approaches can ease the diagnosis of breast cancer by analysis of the associated dataset for real‐time decision‐making. The present study proposes an effective transformation approach of experimental attributes of a breast cancer dataset using the latent semantic analysis and the fusion of derived features with classification methods for accurate recognition of breast cancer. The proposed approach is validated using the most widely used benchmark and open‐access breast cancer dataset. The transformed features of the original dataset result in 100% recognition efficiency using a multilayer perceptron, support vector machine, multi‐class classifier and functional tree classifiers. Other classifiers, like naïve Bayes, rotation forest, simple linear logistic regression and logistic model tree result in recognition accuracy between 96.85% and 99.30% using a similar feature subset. Besides, the optimal subset of derived features has been affirmed based on the evaluation metrics of classification approaches.
Osteoporosis management and falls prevention in patients with haemophilia: Review of haemophilia guidelines
Authors: Petkovic Madison J. , Tran Huyen A , Ebeling Peter R. , Zengin Ayse
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia (PWH) have a high prevalence of osteoporosis, falls and fractures at all ages. The role of haemophilia itself may contribute to low bone mineral density (BMD) due to coagulation factor deficiency. Guidelines for the management of osteoporosis, fracture and fall risk may help to reduce fracture and fall risk, and delay osteoporosis onset.

Aim

We aim to review current haemophilia guidelines regarding osteoporosis prevention, screening, diagnosis and management, and fall prevention.

Method

A database search (Ovid MEDLINE) revealed two haemophilia guidelines (World and British) published within the last ten years. Local Australian haemophilia guidelines were identified through a manual search.

Results

All haemophilia guidelines were found to contain inadequate recommendations for osteoporosis management and fall prevention due to a lack of evidence in the literature.

Conclusion

Further studies are required to assess the trajectory of bone health in PWH, the mechanism of bone loss in PWH, and the effectiveness of weight‐bearing exercises, interventions for fall prevention, screening programmes, and use of anti‐osteoporosis medications in PWH across the lifecourse.
Unlocking consumer consideration set size formation for luxury services: A study of self‐identification, brand status and anticipated emotions
Authors: Siahtiri Vida , O'Cass Aron , Nabi Nazia
Published: March 2022

With a wide array of services touting their luxury and status appeal, consumers must make choices in an increasingly contested marketspace. The choice of luxury services can be complex and entail uncertainty and risk. In an attempt to understand factors that influence consumers’ choices regarding luxury services, this study explores consumers’ consideration set size, the role of self‐identification with the service brand, positive anticipated emotions about using the service brand, and perception of the brand's status. We draw on data collected from 448 white‐collar professionals who had stayed at hotels. The findings reveal that the effect of self‐identification on consideration set size is mediated by the positive anticipated emotions consumers expect to experience when using the service. Furthermore, the path from self‐identification through positive anticipated emotions to consideration set size is moderated by the service brand's status. The findings contribute to the evolving luxury services literature and self‐congruity theory to explain the mechanisms by which self‐identification drives the development of consumers’ consideration sets in the context of luxury service brands. This study further contributes to the luxury literature by accounting for the role of positive anticipated emotions and perceived brand status. Our findings suggest managers should portray customers experiencing positive emotions when using their luxury services to ensure that the alignment of brand and self is correctly translated to their brand being placed in consumers consideration set. Furthermore, we recommend managers to maximise the power of their brand's status which can increase the likelihood of consumers considering their brand.
Continuation of Festivals and Community Resilience duringCOVID‐19: The Case of Nagahama Hikiyama Festival in Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Takeda Shunsuke
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has severely affected the way of life of communities in Japan. This study examines the pandemic's impact by focusing on a popular activity in Japanese townships: participation in traditional festivals with roots dating back to before the Edo period. These festivals display the social customs of each community and their prosperity from the past to the present. Residents participating in local festivals gain a deep understanding of their personal importance within the community. However, many communities were forced to cancel their festivals in 2020 because of the pandemic. In 2021, many communities attempted to reinstate their traditional festivals, and some of them resumed the festivities with infection control measures in place. This case study examines how people resumed festivals in their communities and the conditions needed for them to reengage with their traditions. Focusing on the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, we demonstrate the resilience of traditional communities in Japan. This study analyzes the reasons for and process of reviving and subsequently implementing traditional festivals and clarifies the positive factors contributing to the resumption of festivals in local communities. It examines the sources of resilience that have been cultivated in these communities and explains how their social capital bridges the gaps between local governments, schools, and broadcasters.
COVID‐19 Pandemic and Non‐standard Employees in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Koji
Published: March 2022

This article aims to grasp the influence of the pandemic on standard and non‐standard employees in Japan and clarify its disparity between them. In 2020, there was an imbalance between the slight increase in standard employees and the massive loss of non‐standard employees in the labour market. Non‐standard employees' working hours were greatly reduced, often without allowances for absence, and hence their monthly income considerably diminished. As a result, their well‐being also declined. Thus, the pandemic has affected employment, and its impact has been felt most strongly by non‐standard employees. This does not mean that there is no discriminatory treatment of non‐standard employees in firms. However, a closer look at the real picture reveals a variety of factors. In addition to the discriminatory treatment that is related to the Japanese employment system, a combination of managerial factors such as the shortage of standard employees, practical factors such as differences in wage systems, and the lack of sufficient information about the expansion of the coverage of the Employment Adjustment Subsidy, have placed non‐standard employees at a huge disadvantage.
Circulating miRNAs in girls with abdominal obesity: miR‐221‐3p as a biomarker of response to weight loss interventions
Authors: Ojeda‐Rodríguez Ana , Assmann Taís Silveira , Alonso‐Pedrero Lucia , Azcona‐Sanjulian Maria Cristina , Milagro Fermín I. , Marti Amelia
Published: March 2022

Background

Recent studies have associated several microRNAs (miRNAs) with childhood obesity and energy homeostasis, suggesting that an individual miRNA profile could be used as an early predictor to estimate the response to weight loss interventions in the design of precision nutrition.

Objective

To investigate associations between the expression of circulating adiposity‐related miRNAs and the response to a weight loss intervention.

Methods

A total of 51 Spanish girls (age 7–16 years) with abdominal obesity underwent 8 weeks of a multidisciplinary intervention for weight loss. Participants were stratified into two groups in accordance with changes in body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score: low‐responders (LR) and high‐responders (HR). The expression of 39 circulating miRNAs (c‐miRNAs) was evaluated in plasma of all subjects before the intervention.

Results

Six miRNAs were differentially expressed between LR and HR. However, after adjustment for Tanner stage, the association was maintained only for miR‐126‐3p and miR‐221‐3p with a higher expression in HR group compared to LR group. After the intervention, miR‐221‐3p expression decreased in all subjects with a significant difference in the change within groups. However, changes in miR‐126‐3p levels were not significant. The expression of miR‐221‐3p was positively correlated with body weight, BMI and waist circumference, and negatively correlated with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index.

Conclusions

Bioinformatic analysis evidenced that miR‐221‐3p participates in several obesity‐related pathways, and more interestingly, this miRNA targets several candidate genes to childhood obesity according to DisGeNet database. Thus, miR‐221‐3p could be used for predicting the response to a multidisciplinary intervention for weight loss in young girls.
Escherichia coli ST131 isolated from urological patients can acquire plasmid‐mediated extended spectrum β‐lactamase from other bacteria with high frequency
Authors: Kondo Tsubasa , Sakamoto Kei , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Miyata Yasuyoshi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Sakai Hideki
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of the clonal group Escherichia coli ST131 in urologic patients, and to clarify the mechanisms underlying the high prevalence of the antimicrobial resistant genes in ST131.

Methods

We used 65 Escherichia coli strains collected from the Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Hospital, between January 2018 and December 2018. All of them underwent multilocus sequence typing and were analyzed for genes associated with quinolone resistance and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases. To compare ST131 and non‐ST131 strains, bacterial conjugation experiments and intestinal colonization evaluations were performed.

Results

ST131 was the most dominant among all the strains, along with levofloxacin resistant strains, and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases positive strains (32%, 63%, and 73%, respectively). 12 out of 15 extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases‐producing Escherichia coli strains harbored CTX‐M‐9. In particular, all extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases‐producing ST131 strains possessed CTX‐M‐9. The proportions of ST131 strains with or without quinolone resistance‐determining region mutations were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than that of non‐ST131 strains (P = 0.0002 and P < 0.0001, respectively). When Klebsiella pneumoniae was used as a donor, three ST131 strains acquired extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases a total of 16 times (six, four, and six times each), which was significantly more than that in one of the non‐ST131 strains (two times). The amount of bacteria was significantly lower in the ST131 strains than in the non‐ST131 strains administered to mice. Both the ST131 and non‐ST131 strains increased again after the administration of vancomycin, even after the colony was not detected.

Conclusions

These results support the mechanisms underlying the prevalence of ST131 strains in hospitals, particularly in urologic patients.
The role of tail network topological characteristic in portfolio selection: ATNA‐PMCmodel
Authors: Li Mengting , Xu Qifa , Jiang Cuixia , Zhao Qinna
Published: March 2022

To improve the performance of a large portfolio selection, we consider the effect of tail network and propose a novel tail network‐augmented parametric mean‐conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) portfolio selection model labeled as TNA‐PMC. First, we adopt the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator‐quantile vector autoregression (LASSO‐QVAR) approach to construct a tail network. Second, we parameterize the weights of the mean‐CVaR model as a function of asset characteristics. Third, we incorporate the effect of the tail network topological characteristic, namely eigenvector centrality (EC), on the weights to construct the TNA‐PMC model. After that, we apply the model to the empirical analysis on the Shanghai Stock Exchange 50 (SSE50) Index of China from January 2010 to September 2020. Our empirical results illustrate the effectiveness of the TNA‐PMC model in two aspects. First, the TNA‐PMC model clarifies the economic interpretation of the characteristics, such as the negative effective of EC on the portfolio weights. Second, the TNA‐PMC model performs well in terms of achieving diversification and attractive risk‐adjusted return.
Evidence for machine learning guided early prediction of acute outcomes in the treatment of depressed children and adolescents with antidepressants
Authors: Athreya Arjun P. , Vande Voort Jennifer L. , Shekunov Julia , Rackley Sandra J. , Leffler Jarrod M. , McKean Alastair J. , Romanowicz Magdalena , Kennard Betsy D. , Emslie Graham J. , Mayes Taryn , Trivedi Madhukar , Wang Liewei , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Bobo William V. , Croarkin Paul E.
Published: March 2022

Background

The treatment of depression in children and adolescents is a substantial public health challenge. This study examined artificial intelligence tools for the prediction of early outcomes in depressed children and adolescents treated with fluoxetine, duloxetine, or placebo.

Methods

The study samples included training datasets (N = 271) from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with fluoxetine and testing datasets from patients with MDD treated with duloxetine (N = 255) or placebo (N = 265). Treatment trajectories were generated using probabilistic graphical models (PGMs). Unsupervised machine learning identified specific depressive symptom profiles and related thresholds of improvement during acute treatment.

Results

Variation in six depressive symptoms (difficulty having fun, social withdrawal, excessive fatigue, irritability, low self‐esteem, and depressed feelings) assessed with the Children’s Depression Rating Scale‐Revised at 4–6 weeks predicted treatment outcomes with fluoxetine at 10–12 weeks with an average accuracy of 73% in the training dataset. The same six symptoms predicted 10–12 week outcomes at 4–6 weeks in (a) duloxetine testing datasets with an average accuracy of 76% and (b) placebo‐treated patients with accuracies of 67%. In placebo‐treated patients, the accuracies of predicting response and remission were similar to antidepressants. Accuracies for predicting nonresponse to placebo treatment were significantly lower than antidepressants.

Conclusions

PGMs provided clinically meaningful predictions in samples of depressed children and adolescents treated with fluoxetine or duloxetine. Future work should augment PGMs with biological data for refined predictions to guide the selection of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment in children and adolescents with depression.
What is the relationship between hypoxia, water chemistry and otolith manganese content?
Authors: Jiang Shengjiang , Hong Peiqi , Katayama Satoshi
Published: March 2022

Previous studies have shown an increase in otolith Mn caused by exposure to hypoxic water masses. The mechanism leading to the increases in otolith Mn is still unclear, but might possibly be due to the larger amount of available Mn left in the water column under hypoxia. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between hypoxia, water Mn and otolith Mn through marbled flounder (Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae, Günther) captured from Tokyo Bay and reared under different water Mn at laboratory. Otoliths from the Bay showed a higher (Mn/Ca)otolith than outside, together with a seasonal trend of high (Mn/Ca)otolith at the start of translucent zones (which form in the summer), supporting the occurrence of summer hypoxia in Tokyo Bay. Nonetheless, juveniles reared under control (Mn 0.50 μmol l−1), middle (Mn 6.94 μmol l−1) and high (Mn 10.4 μmol l−1) treatments of water Mn concentrations showed a disproportional smaller increase in (Mn/Ca)otolith. Comparing the laboratory experiment with the field data, (Mn/Ca)water under hypoxia in Tokyo Bay could reach a low level similar to control treatment, yet (Mn/Ca)otolith of the Bay showed a higher value than the high treatment. These results revealed an elevated (Mn/Ca)otolith towards hypoxia, but also suggested that changes in water Mn might not be directly recorded by otolith Mn.
Design and development of sub‐baric thermal processer for frying ofGulab jamun: A deep‐fat fried dairy product
Authors: Mahesh Kumar Guruvanna , Ravindra Menon Rekha , Nagajjanavar Kiran , Juvvi Praneeth , Sinha Chitranayak , Manjunatha Mutharayappa , Basava Sharana
Published: March 2022

A sub‐baric thermal processor (SBTP) was conceptualized, designed by 3D modeling and simulation for von mises stress analysis, deformation, and factor of safety. The auxiliary system components like electrical heater, surface condenser, vacuum pump, and frying cage with tiered trays were selected based on the design for a flexible capacity to prepare fried snack products and were integrated into the system for smooth functioning. Essential mechanical movements of the frying cage were controlled by frequency‐controlled planetary gear motor along with pneumatic system for rotary and vertical movements. The design concept was transformed into process, instrumentation, and manufacturing drawings. The fully automatic, microcontroller based, skid mounted, mobile SBTP was fabricated asper c‐GMP and 3‐A hygiene fabrication standards. Based on von mises stress analysis (135.79 MPa), the SBTP was fabricated from 4‐mm thick, food grade, acid‐resistant AISI‐316 stainless steel to withstand high vacuum environment. The factor of safety obtained was 1.50, which implies that vacuum vessel can practically withstand a stress up to 205 MPa. The operating process parameters of SBTP, temperature, process time, and pressure were controlled by custom‐made microcontrollers, programmed to work in auto mode. The rotation of frying basket was varied by inverter‐controlled variable frequency gear motor. The basket hoist mechanism was automated and controlled by microcontroller. Results showed that the sub‐baric product had lower oil content (22.74%) and the use of leavening agent could be eliminated due to the development of adequate porosity during sub‐baric frying. Sub‐baric friedGulab jamunballs at 118°C, 5 min and 48 kPa had a color comparable to the conventional fried balls (140°C, 5 min, 101 kPa) with a browning index of 164/94 and 169/103, respectively, for crust/crumb. From the above results, it concluded that sub‐baric thermal process is a potential alternative technique, which could be adopted by the dairy and food industry for the production of low‐fat dairy and food products.

Practical Applications

The developed sub‐baric thermal processer would lead to innovation, which can conveniently replace the conventional frying and soaking process with savings in use of frying oil and could also be applicable to similar other frying applications in the food processing industry especially in the preparation of snack products.
A Dilemma between Liquidity Regulation and Monetary Policy: Some History and Theory
Authors: MONNET ERIC , VARI MIKLOS
Published: March 2022

History suggests a conflict between current Basel III liquidity ratios and monetary policy, which we call the liquidity regulation dilemma. Although forgotten, liquidity ratios, named “securities‐reserve requirements,” were widely used historically, but for monetary policy (not regulatory) reasons, as central bankers recognized the contractionary effects of these ratios. We build a model rationalizing historical policies: a tighter ratio reduces the quantity of assets that banks can pledge as collateral, thus increasing interest rates. Tighter liquidity regulation paradoxically increases the need for central bank's interventions. Liquidity ratios were also used to keep yields on government bonds low when monetary policy tightened.
Submental fat reduction using sequential treatment approach with cryolipolysis and ATX‐101
Authors: Jalian H. Ray , Fitzgerald Rebecca , Bowen Beta , Gamio Sylvia
Published: March 2022

Background

Submental fat (SMF) detracts from facial aesthetics and negatively impacts self‐image.

Aims

To evaluate safety, effectiveness, and satisfaction of cryolipolysis and ATX‐101 used sequentially to reduce SMF.

Methods

A prospective, open‐label, interventional, single‐site study enrolling 22‐ to 65‐year‐old participants rated as Grade 4 (extreme) on the Clinician‐Rated SMF Rating Scale (CR‐SMFRS). Co‐primary effectiveness endpoints were proportions of participants with ≥1‐grade and ≥2‐grade improvement on CR‐SMFRS at 12 weeks post final treatment. Additional assessments included ultrasound measurement of fat thickness and Subject Self‐Rating Scale (SSRS) scores at 12 weeks post final treatment. Safety was assessed throughout the study.

Results

Of 16 enrolled participants, 62.5% were female, mean age of 43, and mean body mass index of 31.8 kg/m2. 100% of participants achieved ≥1‐grade improvement, and 71.4% achieved ≥2‐grade CR‐SMFRS improvement. Mean (SD) reduction in SMF thickness was 0.2 mm (1.3), and SSRS scores ≥4 (slightly to extremely satisfied) were reported by 71.4% of participants. Adverse events (AEs) were mild and resolved by study end. No unanticipated adverse device effects or serious or unexpected AEs occurred.

Conclusion

Sequential treatment with cryolipolysis and ATX‐101 was found safe and effective for reducing extreme SMF, resulting in approximately a 2‐grade improvement.
Management of relapsed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: What can help to reduce the re‐recurrence rate?
Authors: Wang Xingran , Cheng Yu , Li Wenzhi , Mao Runye , Zhu Tingting , Lu Jiaqi , Yue Xiaoni , Lu Xin
Published: March 2022

Aim

To explore the risk factors for re‐recurrence in relapsed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and therapeutic approaches to reduce the re‐recurrence rate.

Methods

Data of relapsed GTN treated in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, were reviewed retrospectively. Risk factors associated with re‐recurrence were analyzed using Logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 39 relapsed GTN patients were included in our study. At the time of the first relapse, 14 patients received single‐agent chemotherapy and 25 patients received multi‐agent chemotherapy. Surgery was performed in 19 patients. Complete remission was achieved in all of the patients. Re‐recurrence occurred in 21 patients. Univariate analysis suggested that unifocal recurrence was the only factor significantly associated with re‐recurrence (OR = 0.25, p = 0.04). Recurrence pattern‐based subgroup analysis showed that the proportion of re‐recurrence was lower in patients who received both surgery and chemotherapy compared to those who received only chemotherapy in the unifocal recurrence group (3/11 vs. 2/4), but not in the non‐unifocal recurrence group (7/8 vs. 9/16). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in re‐recurrence rates between the surgical approaches and that the non‐unifocal recurrence pattern was an independent risk factor for re‐recurrence.

Conclusions

For relapsed GTN with unifocal recurrence pattern, surgical removal of the lesion can effectively reduce the re‐recurrence rate.
Harmony and Aversion in the Face of a Pandemic1
Authors: Hitokoto Hidefumi , Adeclas Joane
Published: March 2022

While the survival function of culture against infectious disease has been investigated, little is known about its psychological processes under the real‐world threat of infection. Here, we compare the subjective COVID‐19‐related symptoms of Japanese and French adults during the spring of 2021. We tested two regression models describing the downregulation of symptoms by germ aversion, and by interdependent happiness, together with relational mobility and demographics. We regard germ aversion as an individualized fending‐off process marked by discomfort with the general other in the face of possible infection. We regard interdependent happiness as a relational safeguarding process against possible infection. Results suggest that the effect of germ aversion differed across nations, negatively explaining symptoms in Japan but not in France, and that the effect of interdependent happiness was shared. A possible psychological mechanism whereby collectivist culture suppresses infection in the face of the pandemic is discussed.
The relationships between sleep disturbance and falls: A systematic review
Authors: Knechel Nancy A. , Chang Pei‐Shiun
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine critically the literature that addresses the association between sleep disturbance and falls. Electronic databases OVID MEDLINE, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched using MeSH terms “sleep” and “accidental falls.” Search limits included adults, humans, and English. The articles selected for the final sample were assessed for methodological quality. Eleven key attributes of sleep disturbance were extracted. The search yielded 177 articles from OVID MEDLINE, 124 from PubMed, and 46 from CINAHL. The final sample included 42 papers. The mean methodological quality score was 7.5 (range 2–10). Those who self‐report >11 h or ≤5 h of nocturnal sleep duration may have a greater fall risk, but variations in cutoff points, study designs, and data collection methods contribute to difficulty in comparing study results. Subjective sleep fragmentation is associated with falls. The few studies on obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia demonstrate evidence of an increased risk for falls. It remains unclear whether daytime sleepiness, self‐reported sleep quality, snoring, or napping are associated with falls, since some but not all studies demonstrate an association and the study quality did not differ.
Role of the FnIII domain associated with a cell wall‐degrading enzyme cellobiosidase of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Nathawat Rajkanwar , Maku Roshan V. , Patel Hitendra K. , Sankaranarayanan Rajan , Sonti Ramesh V.
Published: March 2022

Cellobiosidase (CbsA) is an important secreted virulence factor of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which causes bacterial blight of rice. CbsA is one of several cell wall‐degrading enzymes secreted by Xoo via the type II secretion system (T2SS). CbsA is considered a fundamental virulence factor for vascular pathogenesis. CbsA has an N‐terminal glycosyl hydrolase domain and a C‐terminal fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain. Interestingly, the secreted form of CbsA lacks the FnIII domain during in planta growth. Here we show that the presence of the FnIII domain inhibits the enzyme activity of CbsA on polysaccharide substrates like carboxymethylcellulose. The FnIII domain is required for the interaction of CbsA with SecB chaperone, and this interaction is crucial for the stability and efficient transport of CbsA across the inner membrane. Deletion of the FnIII domain reduced virulence similar to ΔcbsA Xoo, which corroborates the importance of the FnIII domain in CbsA. Our work elucidates a hitherto unknown function of the FnIII domain in enabling the virulence‐promoting activity of CbsA.
Additional burdens of family caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of social media in Germany
Authors: Fieselmann Jana , Wahidie Diana , Yilmaz‐Aslan Yüce , Brzoska Patrick
Published: March 2022

Caregiving is associated with various burdens for family caregivers. The COVID‐19 pandemic and the protective measures implemented to restrict public life, such as social distancing and the closure of services and educational institutions, add further challenges. Little is known about how they are perceived by family caregivers. Based on an analysis of German social media posts, the aim of this study was to explore the additional strains family caregivers experience during the pandemic. The websites of three social media services were searched using the respective search engines provided by the websites. Data from a 10‐month period (March to December 2020) were identified and examined. A total of 237 publicly available posts were included in the analysis. Seven main categories were identified using a thematic approach: care and support, deterioration of the condition of the person being cared for, psychological challenges, financial challenges, infection control, access to protective equipment, and acknowledgement of family caregivers. Family caregivers are affected by additional burdens during the pandemic, which makes the development of support and relief services tailored to this population group necessary.
Identification of research priorities of radiography science: A modified Delphi study in Europe
Authors: Törnroos Sanna , Pasanen Miko , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Metsälä Eija
Published: March 2022

Radiography science is a new discipline among health sciences. It is a discipline that investigates phenomena in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. It has merged from the need to provide research evidence to support these services. The domain of the discipline needs clarification and more research should be focused on its paradigmatic issues. Radiography research priorities have been previously charted on a national level in different countries but the viewpoint has been that of the needs of the profession, not of the discipline. This study aimed to identify the priorities of the discipline. The method chosen was a modified version of the Delphi technique with two rounds. The expert panel consisted of 24 European radiography researchers with long professional experience. This study shows that the research priorities in radiography science are related to the phenomena of radiographers' profession, clinical practices, and the safe and high‐quality use of radiation and technology for medical imaging, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine. Identifying these priorities can help focus research onto most important topics and clarify disciplinary perspective.
Plant responses to multifactorial stress combination
Authors: Zandalinas Sara I. , Mittler Ron
Published: March 2022

Human activity is causing a global change in plant environment that includes a significant increase in the number and intensity of different stress factors. These include combinations of multiple abiotic and biotic stressors that simultaneously or sequentially impact plants and microbiomes, causing a significant decrease in plant growth, yield and overall health. It was recently found that with the increasing number and complexity of stressors simultaneously impacting a plant, plant growth and survival decline dramatically, even if the level of each individual stress, involved in such ‘multifactorial stress combination’, is low enough not to have a significant effect. Here we highlight this new concept of multifactorial stress combination and discuss its importance for our efforts to develop climate change‐resilient crops.
Sr‐O‐C isotope signatures reveal herbivore niche‐partitioning in a Cretaceous ecosystem
Authors: Cullen Thomas M. , Zhang Shuangquan , Spencer Joseph , Cousens Brian
Published: March 2022

Stable and radiogenic isotopes represent powerful tools for reconstructing ecological and environmental patterns in ancient ecosystems. The Cretaceous of North America preserves a diverse record of fossil vertebrates well‐suited to analysis using these proxies, contained within many well‐sampled and stratigraphically well‐characterized intervals. Multiple hypotheses have been offered to explain the diverse assemblages of megaherbivores that co‐occurred in the relatively restricted available landmass here, including various forms of niche‐partitioning related to habitat preference, dietary specialization and feeding height stratification. Here we analyse the 87Sr/86Sr, δ13C and δ18O of bioapatite samples obtained from a range of herbivores, faunivores and endemic taxa, from a spatiotemporally‐constrained and intensively‐sampled site in the upper Oldman Formation, to test if megaherbivores partitioned their niches based on spatial patterns of occupation and resource‐use. We also compare measured strontium values to regional 87Sr/86Sr data to assess biogeographical range sizes, habitat breadth and migration potential. We find that hadrosaurs had broad ranges, whereas ankylosaurs and ceratopsids were more spatially restricted. The 87Sr/86Sr ranges of hadrosaurs are much wider and do not overlap with those of other ornithischians, potentially related to dietary differences driven by a combination of feeding height‐stratification and habitat breadth differences. Ankylosaurs and ceratopsids overlapped extensively in 87Sr/86Sr, δ13C and δ18O, indicating overlap in the same habitats and intake of similar resources, and suggesting more complex spatiotemporal variation in resource‐use patterns, fine‐scale dietary differences, and/or sufficient resource‐availability to reduce the degree of competition given this theoretical niche overlap. Additional analyses integrating ecomorphological proxies may elucidate these patterns further.
Transposable element insertion: a hidden major source of domesticated phenotypic variation in Brassica rapa
Authors: Cai Xu , Lin Runmao , Liang Jianli , King Graham J. , Wu Jian , Wang Xiaowu
Published: March 2022

Transposable element (TE) is prevalent in plant genomes. However, studies on their impact on phenotypic evolution in crop plants are relatively rare, because systematically identifying TE insertions within a species has been a challenge. Here, we present a novel approach for uncovering TE insertion polymorphisms (TIPs) using pan‐genome analysis combined with population‐scale resequencing, and we adopt this pipeline to retrieve TIPs in a Brassica rapa germplasm collection. We found that 23% of genes within the reference Chiifu‐401‐42 genome harbored TIPs. TIPs tended to have large transcriptional effects, including modifying gene expression levels and altering gene structure by introducing new introns. Among 524 diverse accessions, TIPs broadly influenced genes related to traits and acted a crucial role in the domestication of B. rapa morphotypes. As examples, four specific TIP‐containing genes were found to be candidates that potentially involved in various climatic conditions, promoting the formation of diverse vegetable crops in B. rapa. Our work reveals the hitherto hidden TIPs implicated in agronomic traits and highlights their widespread utility in studies of crop domestication.
Photodynamic Therapy: Critical PDT Theory†
Authors: Kessel David
Published: March 2022

Photodynamic therapy can be useful for the eradication of malignant cells at sites that are accessible to light delivery. There are few adverse effects, with many clinical reports indicating that PDT has curative potential. Patients with minimal disease, where success is more likely, are also sought by those promoting other protocols. New photosensitizing agents that initiate light‐catalyzed reactions continue to be discovered. Reports describing advances in understanding fundamental aspects of photobiology are always of interest. But, implications for treatment of neoplasia and other diseases are not always justified, especially when poorly penetrating wavelengths of light are employed, often at very high light doses. Efficacy is sometimes estimated by protocols that may not accurately measure photokilling. Many reports claiming potential clinical relevance for in vitro observations are based on a limited understanding of the determinants of clinical efficacy. The future of photodynamic therapy depends on an appreciation of what can be accomplished, especially when used with other modalities, but will also depend on the goals and interests of granting agencies, pharmaceutical groups, and clinical personnel. This commentary is intended to provide some thoughts on current research efforts, especially where clinical implications are suggested, hinted at or otherwise implied.
Analytics applications, limitations, and opportunities in restaurant supply chains
Authors: Swink Morgan , Hu Kejia , Zhao Xiande
Published: March 2022

Technology, market, and competitive dynamics are requiring firms in restaurant/food service supply chains to improve their analytics capabilities, which have tended to lag behind other comparable industries. The global COVID‐19 pandemic has further encouraged industrial leaders to evaluate new challenges and opportunities. Our research provides insights into current applications of analytics technologies and organizationally integrates these insights for decision‐makers in restaurant supply chains. The study applies decision theory as a framing perspective to this phenomenon, thereby advancing the academic literature on the interface between data management, analytical techniques, and computing. We combine data drawn from interviews of leading players in U.S. and Chinese‐based restaurant chains with insights from trade publications and social media posts to identify best practices for analytics usage and supporting organizational changes. Our analysis provides examples of ways in which business leaders are applying analytics technologies to structured and unstructured data to address targeted objectives for demand/supply processes and to foster higher order organizational learning. In keeping with the stated objectives of this special issue of Production and Operations Management, this study provides an overview of both current state‐of‐the‐art and next‐generation capabilities for analytics in the restaurant industry. We further identify specific limitations of current processes, opportunities for development and theory‐based research, and challenges to implementation.
Power Law in COVID-19 Cases in China
Authors: Ahundjanov Behzod B. , Akhundjanov Sherzod B. , Okhunjanov Botir B.
Published: March 2022

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in China in December 2019. Within a short period of time, the infectious disease has spread far and wide. This study focuses on the distribution of COVID-19 confirmed cases in China—the original epicentre of the outbreak. We show that the upper tail of COVID-19 cases in Chinese cities is well described by a power law distribution, with exponent around one in the early phases of the outbreak (when the number of cases was growing rapidly) and less than one thereafter. This finding is significant because it implies that (i) COVID-19 cases in China is heavy tailed and disperse; (ii) a few cities account for a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases; and (iii) the distribution generally has no finite mean or variance. We find that a proportionate random growth model predicated by Gibrat’s law offers a plausible explanation for the emergence of a power law in the distribution of COVID-19 cases in Chinese cities in the early phases of the outbreak.
Epidural myelolipoma in a Silken Windhound
Authors: Ierardi Rosalie A. , Anderson Melanie N. , Bryan Jeffrey N. , Matheson Jodi S. , Sample Saundra H. , Coates Joan R.
Published: March 2022

A 12‐year‐old female spayed, Silken Windhound dog was presented with a 3‐month history of lethargy and cervical and lumbosacral spinal pain. No significant abnormalities were noted on CBC or serum biochemical assays. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated a soft tissue mass within the ventral and right epidural space at the level of the L7 vertebra. During surgery, a pale brown mass was identified within the epidural fat. Cytologic and histopathologic examinations demonstrated that the mass was composed of adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements, consistent with a myelolipoma. The lumbosacral spinal pain resolved after surgery. Epidural myelolipomas are rarely reported in the human and veterinary literature.
Effect of calcanean bone‐tunnel orientation for teno‐osseous repair in a canine common calcanean tendon avulsion model
Authors: Beamon Weston L. , Duffy Daniel J. , Chang Yi‐Jen , Moore George E.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the influence of bone‐tunnel anchoring technique on teno‐osseous repair of the common calcanean tendon (CCT) in dogs.

Study design

Randomized, ex vivo, biomechanical.

Population

Forty‐two skeletally mature canine hindlimbs.

Methods

Canine hindlimbs were dissected to produce a model simulating avulsion of the CCT and accessory tendons from the calcaneus. Hindlimbs were randomized to 1 of 3 anchoring techniques (n = 14/group): a single transverse tunnel (TT), vertical tunnels (VT), or modified bone tunnels (MT) for teno‐osseous repair in a 3‐loop‐pulley (3LP) pattern using 0 USP polypropylene. Yield, peak and failure loads, construct stiffness, loads to produce a 3 mm teno‐osseous gap, and failure modes were compared between groups.

Results

The only difference detected consisted of TT constructs yielding at loads 25% higher than MT constructs (P = .027).

Conclusion

Although yield loads were lower in MT constructs than other groups, the bone‐tunnel anchoring techniques tested here did not appear to influence the biomechanical properties or gapping characteristics of teno‐osseous repairs in this canine CCT avulsion model.

Clinical significance

All drilling techniques and bone‐tunnel orientations tested in the study reported here offer viable options to reattach the CCT to the calcaneus. Surgeons should evaluate how bone‐tunnel orientation may affect placement of adjunctive fixation methods to stabilize the talocrural joint after primary CCT repair in dogs.
Application of a bilateral temporal fascia free graft in a dog with multifragmented frontal sinus and nasal bone fracture
Authors: Dunand Lucile , Belluzzi Elena , Bongartz Alexandre , Caraty Johan
Published: March 2022

Objective

To describe the use of temporal fascia free grafts to treat dorsal open comminuted frontal sinus and nasal fractures.

Animal

One Belgian shepherd dog.

Study design

Case report

Methods

A 5‐year‐old spayed female Belgian shepherd was admitted with severe facial deformation due to trauma. A deep, 3 cm wide wound was present between the nose and the frontal sinus. No abnormalities were detected on neurological examination. On computed tomographic examination, comminuted open fractures of the frontal and nasal bones were associated with a severe depression of the dorsal wall and presence of bone fragments in the sinus cavities. Bone fragments were apposed with polydioxanone monofilament suture. Bilateral temporal fascia grafts were placed over the bone fragments.

Results

The integrity of the frontal and nasal cavities, and the facial profile of the dog were restored. No short‐term or long‐term complications were observed after 4 months follow up.

Conclusion

The innovative combination of suture apposition of bone fragments and a temporal fascia free graft resulted in very satisfying long‐term outcomes in a dog with open sinus and nasal bone fractures.
Azione Sindacale, Lavoro a Distanza e Gap Di Genere. L’Unione Europea Sollecita un Cambio di Paradigma
Authors: Guaglianone Luciana
Published: March 2022

L’articolo riflette sul rapporto tra organizzazioni sindacali e genere per concludere che gli organismi collettivi sono dominati da una forte ideologia maschilista i cui effetti si ripercuotono, non solo sull’organizzazione interna, ma anche sui contenuti dei testi contrattuali. Fatte queste premesse, l’interrogativo che muove la ricerca è comprendere se le organizzazioni sindacali siano in grado di operare per colmare il gap di genere in materia di lavoro digitale, gap la cui evidenza è esplosa a causa della pandemia. L’articolo si chiude con l’individuazione di possibili aree di interventi contrattuali e con una riflessione/confronto sul rapporto tra evoluzione del modello sindacale ed evoluzione della idea di industria e del ruolo che potrebbe svolgere.
Obesity and exercise training alter inflammatory pathway skeletal muscle small extracellular vesicle microRNAs
Authors: Sullivan Brian P. , Nie Yaohui , Evans Sheelagh , Kargl Chris K. , Hettinger Zach R. , Garner Ron T. , Hubal Monica J. , Kuang Shihuan , Stout Julianne , Gavin Timothy P.
Published: March 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is 1 week of exercise training sufficient to reduce local and systemic inflammation?

Do obesity and short‐term concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training alter skeletal muscle extracellular vesicle (EV) contents?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Obesity alters skeletal muscle small EV microRNAs targeting inflammatory and growth pathways. Exercise training alters skeletal muscle small EV microRNAs targeting inflammatory pathways, indicative of reduced inflammation. Our findings provide support for the hypotheses that EVs play a vital role in intercellular communication during health and disease and that EVs mediate many of the beneficial effects of exercise.

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation characterized by increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, whereas exercise training reduces inflammation. Small extracellular vesicles (EVs; 30–150 nm) participate in cell‐to‐cell communication in part through microRNA (miRNA) post‐transcriptional regulation of mRNA. We examined whether obesity and concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training alter skeletal muscle EV miRNA content and inflammatory signalling. Vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained from sedentary individuals with (OB) and without obesity (LN). Before and after 7 days of concurrent aerobic and resistance training, muscle‐derived small EV miRNAs and whole‐muscle mRNAs were measured. Pathway analysis revealed that obesity alters small EV miRNAs that target inflammatory (SERPINF1, death receptor and Gαi) and growth pathways (Wnt/β‐catenin, PTEN, PI3K/AKT and IGF‐1). In addition, exercise training alters small EV miRNAs in an anti‐inflammatory manner, targeting the IL‐10, IL‐8, Toll‐like receptor and nuclear factor‐κB signalling pathways. In whole muscle, IL‐8 mRNA was reduced by 50% and Jun mRNA by 25% after exercise training, consistent with the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise on skeletal muscle. Obesity and 7 days of concurrent exercise training differentially alter skeletal muscle‐derived small EV miRNA contents targeting inflammatory and anabolic pathways.
Experimental and Numerical Flow Analysis of an Engine Realistic State-of-the-Art Turbine Rear Structure
Authors: Vikhorev Valentin , Nylander Pär , Chernoray Valery , Larsson Jonas , Thulin Oskar
Published: March 2022

This paper presents experimental and numerical CFD studies of the aerodynamics of a turbine rear structure (TRS). The TRS test geometry is an engine-realistic state-of-the-art design with a polygonal outer case, recessed engine mount bumps, and three different vane types: regular vanes, bump vanes in bump sectors, and thick vanes. Using three different sector types simultaneously was found to be crucial for the inlet boundary conditions. Experiments were performed in a modern rotating test facility with a low-pressure turbine (LPT) stage upstream of the TRS. A Reynolds number of 350,000 was used, representative of a TRS in a narrow-body geared turbofan engine. The TRS performance was analyzed both at on- and off-design conditions, and a thorough side-by-side comparison of CFD and experiments was performed. Static-pressure distributions, turning and outlet flow-angles, wakes and losses, and surface-flow visualizations and outlet total pressure contours are presented. The thick vane showed good aerodynamic performance, similar to the regular vane. For the bump vane, the mount bumps were found to generate additional local separations and secondary flows, resulting in extra losses. In the regions with strong secondary flows, CFD over-predicts the wakes, whereas the wakes around midspan, where secondary flows have a smaller influence, are predicted well.