bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A benefit costing process for Lean Six Sigma programs
Authors: Crowdle Mary Margaret , McDermott Olivia , Trubetskaya Anna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to bridge the gap between the financial measurement of process improvement ideas and Lean Six Sigma measurements. It was required to increase employee engagement in process improvement initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Through both a practical and theoretical application of the Design for Lean Six Sigma methodology, the researcher was able to design a process and a benefit measuring methodology that was acceptable by finance and aligns with the benefits expected from the elimination of the Lean wastes.

Findings

The project found that benefit measurement methodology is not understood by most employees, which leads to a lack of engagement in working on improvements. The result of the study was a model for employees to identify and quantify these benefits. This has resulted in a model for cost-benefit analysis aligning financial costs with non-value add waste costs and cost of poor-quality costs resulting in increased process improvement ideas and activity.

Research limitations/implications

While this study was limited to one company, applying this methodology could benefit any company experiencing the same difficulties.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to try and cost the benefits of LSS projects both from an organisational and generic viewpoint.
Mechanical and morphological properties of unsaturated polyester resin composites reinforced with recycled PET fibers of varying lengths
Authors: Dehas Ouided , Babouri Laidi , Biskri Yasmina , Bardeau Jean-Francois
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to deal with both the development and mechanical investigations of unsaturated polyester matrix (UPR) composites containing recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers as new fillers.

Design/methodology/approach

UPR/PET fibers composites have been developed as mats by incorporating 5, 8, 13 and 18 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) of 6-, 10- and 15-mm length PET fibers from the recycling of postconsumer bottles. The mechanical and physical properties of the composites were investigated as a function of fiber content and length. A significant increase in stress at break and in ultimate stress (sr) were observed for composites reinforced with 5 and 8 phr of 15-mm length PET fibers. The Izod impact strength of UPR/mat PET fiber composites as a function of fiber rate and length showed that the 5 and 8 phr composites for the 15-mm length PET fiber have the optimal mechanical properties 13.55 and 10.50 Kj/m2, respectively. The morphological study showed that the strong adhesion resulting from the affinity of the PET fiber for the UPR matrix. The ductile fracture of materials reinforced with 5 and 8 phr is confirmed by the fiber deformation and fracture surface roughness.

Findings

This study concluded that the PET fiber enhances the properties of composites, a good correlation was observed between the results of the mechanical tests and the structural analysis revealing that for the lower concentrations, the PET fibers are well dispersed into the resin, but entanglements are evidenced when the fiber content increases.

Originality/value

It can be shown from scanning electron microscopy micrographs that the fabrication technique produced composites with good interfacial adhesion between PET fibers and UPR matrix.
Teaching online amid the Covid‐19 pandemic: Exploring first‐time online lecturers' lived experiences
Authors: Chikasha Jubilee
Published: October 2023

The study explored the lived experiences of online teaching by first time online lecturers in institutions of higher education in South Africa during COVID‐19. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Findings show positive and negative experiences influenced by variables related to personality, technology, workload and physical teaching environment among others. Personality traits like fear of risks, attitudes to online teaching, emotional management skills serve to model experiences. Participants with negative attitude towards online teaching and low emotional intelligence generally had negative experiences of online teaching exacerbated by a lack of technical and psycho‐social support. Positive experiences were found to be a result of positive attitude towards change, positive emotional intelligence and access to different kinds of support. This group experienced high levels of job satisfaction and positive online teaching experiences. Understanding lecturers’ experiences is thus crucial in establishing best practices in online teaching which ensure job satisfaction and quality of teaching.
A note on European farmers' preferences under cumulative prospect theory
Authors: Finger Robert , Garcia Viviana , McCallum Chloe , Rommel Jens
Published: October 2023

Explaining farmer decision making using cumulative prospect theory is of increasing importance. We present a systematic review on European farmers' preferences under the cumulative prospect theory framework. We identified 17 studies covering 2324 farmers from 12 European countries. All studies report that (on average) farmers are: (i) risk averse, (ii) loss averse, and (iii) overweight small probabilities and underweight large probabilities. However, there is a large heterogeneity across and within studies. These findings have implications for the analysis and design of policy and insurance.
Interventional effect of compound sugar and salt on the thermal instability behavior of liquid egg yolk
Authors: Yu Qian , Chi Yujie , Chi Yuan
Published: October 2023

In this study, the influence of compound sugar (glucose, sucrose, trehalose, and arabinose) and compound sugar and salt (glucose, sucrose, trehalose, arabinose, and NaCl) on the thermal stability of heat‐treated liquid egg yolk was explored. The results showed that the addition of 4% compound sugar or 4% compound sugar salt could significantly enhance the heat resistance of liquid egg yolk and increase the denaturation temperature of liquid egg yolk to above 77°C. Moreover, the addition of sugar and salt could improve the functional properties of liquid egg yolk to varying degrees, allowing it to maintain excellent emulsification and soluble protein content after heat treatment. Further analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the increase in α‐helix content in liquid egg yolk treated with sugar salt also contributes to improving the thermal stability of egg yolk. The method of inhibiting egg yolk aggregation caused by heat treatment provided in this study provides a selective method and theoretical basis for the commercial production of heat‐resistant liquid egg yolk.
Treatment of functional dyspepsia in Chinese adult patients with domperidone: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Fang Xiu Cai , Lin Zhi Hui , Wu Yong Dong , Tian De An , Liu Shi , Wu Dong Sheng , Lin Han , Meng Fan Dong , Liu Mei , Du Fan , Shu Hui Jun , Wang Zhi Feng , Zhuo Jian Min , Wang Ping , Li Meng Yu , Xu Jian
Published: October 2023

Objective

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of domperidone for the treatment of Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) who were diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria and to identify the FD subtypes that potentially responded better to domperidone.

Methods

This multicenter prospective study was conducted in China from August 2018 to July 2020, consisting of a 1‐week screening phase and a 2‐week double‐blind treatment phase. Participants were randomized to receive domperidone 10 mg or matching placebo tablets thrice daily for 14 days. The primary end‐point was the overall treatment effect (OTE) response rate after 2‐week therapy.

Results

Altogether 160 patients were included, with 80 patients in each group. The OTE response rate after 2‐week therapy was significantly higher for domperidone compared with placebo (60.7% vs 46.0%; relative risk [RR] 1.318, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.972–1.787). Moreover, the OTE response rate after 2‐week domperidone or placebo treatment was 60.3% versus 54.9% for postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) (RR 1.098, 95% CI 0.750–1.607) and 60.6% versus 35.2% for overlapping PDS–epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) (RR 1.722, 95% CI 0.995–2.980). Adverse events were reported by seven patients in the domperidone group and 12 patients in the placebo group. None of the adverse events in the domperidone group were serious.

Conclusion

Domperidone showed a positive pattern regarding OTE response rates after 2‐week therapy compared to placebo in patients with FD, as well as in subtypes of PDS and overlapping PDS–EPS. No new safety issue was observed.
PacBio high‐throughput multi‐locus sequencing reveals high genetic diversity in mushroom‐forming fungi
Authors: Swenie Rachel A. , Looney Brian P. , Ke Yi‐Hong , Alejandro Rojas J. , Cubeta Marc A. , Langer Gitta J. , Vilgalys Rytas , Matheny P. Brandon
Published: October 2023

Multi‐locus sequence data are widely used in fungal systematic and taxonomic studies to delimit species and infer evolutionary relationships. We developed and assessed the efficacy of a multi‐locus pooled sequencing method using PacBio long‐read high‐throughput sequencing. Samples included fresh and dried voucher specimens, cultures and archival DNA extracts of Agaricomycetes with an emphasis on the order Cantharellales. Of the 283 specimens sequenced, 93.6% successfully amplified at one or more loci with a mean of 3.3 loci amplified. Our method recovered multiple sequence variants representing alleles of rDNA loci and single copy protein‐coding genes rpb1, rpb2 and tef1. Within‐sample genetic variation differed by locus and taxonomic group, with the greatest genetic divergence observed among sequence variants of rpb2 and tef1 from corticioid Cantharellales. Our method is a cost‐effective approach for generating accurate multi‐locus sequence data coupled with recovery of alleles from polymorphic samples and multi‐organism specimens. These results have important implications for understanding intra‐individual genomic variation among genetic loci commonly used in species delimitation of fungi.
GenAPoPop 1.0: A user‐friendly software to analyse genetic diversity and structure from partially clonal and selfed autopolyploid organisms
Authors: Stoeckel Solenn , Becheler Ronan , Bocharova Ekaterina , Barloy Dominique
Published: October 2023

Autopolyploidy is quite common in most clades of eukaryotes. The emergence of sequence‐based genotyping methods with individual and marker tags now enables confident allele dosage, overcoming the main obstacle to the democratization of the population genetic approaches when studying ecology and evolution of autopolyploid populations and species. Reproductive modes, including clonality, selfing and allogamy, have deep consequences on the ecology and evolution of population and species. Analysing genetic diversity and its dynamics over generations is one efficient way to infer the relative importance of clonality, selfing and allogamy in populations. GenAPoPop is a user‐friendly solution to compute the specific corpus of population genetic indices, including indices about genotypic diversity, needed to analyse partially clonal, selfed and allogamous polysomic populations genotyped with confident allele dosage. It also easily provides the posterior probabilities of quantitative reproductive modes in autopolyploid populations genotyped at two‐time steps and a graphical representation of the minimum spanning trees of the genetic distances between polyploid individuals, facilitating the interpretation of the genetic coancestry between individuals in hierarchically structured populations. GenAPoPop complements the previously existing solutions, including SPAGEDI and POLYGENE, to use genotypings to study the ecology and evolution of autopolyploid populations. It was specially developed with a simple graphical interface and workflow, and comes with a simulator to facilitate practical courses and teaching of population genetics for autopolyploid populations.
Evaluation of sequential filtration and centrifugation to capture environmental DNA and survey microbial eukaryotic communities in aquatic environments
Authors: Atteia Ariane , Bec Béatrice , Gianaroli Camille , Serais Ophélie , Quétel Isaure , Lagarde Franck , Gobet Angélique
Published: October 2023

Sequential membrane filtration of water samples is commonly used to monitor the diversity of aquatic microbial eukaryotes. This capture method is efficient to focus on specific taxonomic groups within a size fraction, but it is time‐consuming. Centrifugation, often used to collect microorganisms from pure culture, could be seen as an alternative to capture microbial eukaryotic communities from environmental samples. Here, we compared the two capture methods to assess diversity and ecological patterns of eukaryotic communities in the Thau lagoon, France. Water samples were taken twice a month over a full year and sequential filtration targeting the picoplankton (0.2–3 μm) and larger organisms (>3 μm) was used in parallel to centrifugation. The microbial eukaryotic community in the samples was described using an environmental DNA approach targeting the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene. The most abundant divisions in the filtration fractions and the centrifugation pellet were Dinoflagellata, Metazoa, Ochrophyta, Cryptophyta. Chlorophyta were dominant in the centrifugation pellet and the picoplankton fraction but not in the larger fraction. Diversity indices and structuring patterns of the community in the two size fractions and the centrifugation pellet were comparable. Twenty amplicon sequence variants were significantly differentially abundant between the two size fractions and the centrifugation pellet, and their temporal patterns of abundance in the two fractions combined were similar to those obtained with centrifugation. Overall, centrifugation led to similar ecological conclusions as the two filtrated fractions combined, thus making it an attractive time‐efficient alternative to sequential filtration.
School‐based multidisciplinary student‐led clinics in health and Australian accreditation standards: A scoping review
Authors: Maple Myfanwy , O'Neill Kristy , Gartshore Scott , Clark Jane , White James , Pearce Tania
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Student‐led clinics can provide health services to marginalised groups where service offerings are sparse or difficult to access, such as rural areas. Offering these services to children and young people can promote health and well‐being by addressing the individual challenges and the social determinants of health. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether student‐led clinics can meet Australian accreditation standards for health professionals completing degree programs.

Objective

This study aims to determine the capacity for health student placements in school‐based student‐led clinics to meet accreditation standards.

Design

A systematic scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the PRISMA‐ScR statement.

Setting

Several databases were examined, including Ebsco (Academic Source and CINAHL), ProQuest (PsycINFO, ERIC) and grey literature sources along with a desktop review of accreditation standards across seven health disciplines. Two independent reviewers screened eligible studies.

Findings

The search retrieved 1037 records with 65 full‐text papers assessed for eligibility. Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria. Based on the evidence, both nursing and exercise and sports science accreditation standards were best suited to student‐led clinics.

Discussion

Although broad categories of work‐integrated learning activities were applied, it appears feasible to expect accreditation standards for health disciplines at an Australian university to be a good fit for health student‐led school‐based clinics.

Conclusion

Increasing health student placement opportunities within student‐led clinics can improve the health and well‐being of children and young people in regional, rural and remote (RRR) areas of Australia who may otherwise have limited access to allied health services.
Stereotypes of adolescence: Cultural differences, consequences, and intervention
Authors: Qu Yang
Published: October 2023

Adolescence is often viewed in Western cultures as a time of rebellion and irresponsibility. In this article, I synthesize recent research on stereotypes of adolescence that uses an interdisciplinary approach, integrating developmental psychology, cultural psychology, and neuroscience. I first discuss empirical evidence on cultural differences in stereotypes of adolescence, highlighting the importance of avoiding a one‐size‐fits‐all assumption about such stereotypes across cultures. Then I summarize the impact of teen stereotypes on youth's academic, behavioral, emotional, and neural development. Finally, I present an experimental intervention that can change youth's teen stereotypes and promote positive youth development. Taken together, this body of work suggests that how individuals navigate the adolescent years is driven in part by social constructions of this phase of development. The work also calls for more attention to changing negative stereotypes of adolescence at the policy and societal levels.
Rigorous evaluation of genetic and epigenetic effects on clinical laboratory measurements using Japanese monozygotic twins
Authors: Taniguchi Jumpei , Masuda Tatsuo , Iwatani Yoshinori , Yamamoto Kenichi ,   Osaka Twin Research Group, Sakai Norio , Okada Yukinori , Watanabe Mikio
Published: October 2023

The investigation of environmental effects on clinical measurements using individual samples is challenging because their genetic and environmental factors are different. However, using monozygotic twins (MZ) makes it possible to investigate the influence of environmental factors as they have the same genetic factors within pairs because the difference in the clinical traits within the MZ mostly reflect the influence of environmental factors. We hypothesized that the within‐pair differences in the traits that are strongly affected by genetic factors become larger after genetic risk score (GRS) correction. Using 278 Japanese MZ pairs, we compared the change in within‐pair differences in each of the 45 normalized clinical measurements before and after GRS correction, and we also attempted to correct for the effects of genetic factors to identify Cytosine‐phosphodiester‐Guanine (CpG) sites in DNA sequences with epigenetic effects that are regulated by genetic factors. Five traits were classified into the high heritability group, which was strongly affected by genetic factors. CpG sites could be classified into three groups: regulated only by environmental factors, regulated by environmental factors masked by genetic factors, and regulated only by genetic factors. Our method has the potential to identify trait‐related methylation sites that have not yet been discovered.
Clinical findings in individuals with duplication of genes associated with X‐linked intellectual disability
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil , Ziats Catherine , Chaubey Alka , DuPont Barbara R. , Abidi Fatima , Schwartz Charles E. , Stevenson Roger E.
Published: October 2023

Duplication of all genes associated with X‐linked intellectual disability (XLID) have been reported but the majority of the duplications include more than one XLID gene. It is exceptional for whole XLID gene duplications to cause the same phenotype as sequence variants or deletions of the same gene. Duplication of PLP1, the gene associated with Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher syndrome, is the most notable duplication of this type. More commonly, duplication of XLID genes results in very different phenotypes than sequence alterations or deletions. Duplication of MECP2 is widely recognized as a duplication of this type, but a number of others exist. The phenotypes associated with gene duplications are often milder than those caused by deletions and sequence variants. Among some duplications that are clinically significant, marked skewing of X‐inactivation in female carriers has been observed. This report describes the phenotypic consequences of duplication of 22 individual XLID genes, of which 10 are described for the first time.
Impact of ‘‘high in” front‐of‐package nutrition labeling on food choices: Evidence from a grocery shopping experiment
Authors: Lee Yu Na , Stortz Laura , von Massow Mike , Kimmerer Christopher
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the ex‐ante effects of the front‐of‐package (FoP) nutrition labeling for food products high in saturated fat, sugar, and/or sodium, which is a new regulation recently announced by Health Canada to combat obesity. The Canadian food industry has until January 1, 2026, to comply with the new regulations. To examine the ex‐ante effects of this policy, an incentivized experiment is conducted in a lab that replicates a grocery store. The results at the product level indicate a significant decrease in the probability of choosing a product with a “high in” label compared to those without “high in” labels. Basket‐level results demonstrate that FoP labeling is significantly associated with a lower quantity share and dollar value share of products high in one of the mentioned nutrients selected in a grocery basket, as well as fewer grams of sugar and sodium in a grocery basket. Furthermore, the study reveals that individuals with higher educational attainment, a risk‐averse nature, and a lower level of self‐reported nutrition knowledge tend to react more to the labeling. The insights from eye‐tracking data further support these results, revealing that product choices are deterred by a fixation on “high in” labels. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the pathway in which labeling schemes influence food choices.
Tax incentives and corporate innovation: Evidence from China's value‐added tax reform
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Congcong , Xie Zhuan , Shen Guangjun
Published: October 2023

Innovation is crucial for technological progress and economic development. Using the value‐added tax (VAT) reform in China as a policy shock, this study explores whether tax incentives are beneficial in promoting corporate innovation. We find that the VAT reform has a significant positive impact on corporate innovation, and the finding holds under a series of robustness checks. Mechanism analysis suggests that the VAT reform promotes firms' innovation activities mainly by alleviating financing constraints and amplifying research and development intensity. This study offers policy implications for using tax policies to stimulate corporate innovation.
Enhanced reactive inhibition in adolescents with non‐suicidal self‐injury disorder
Authors: Mirabella Giovanni , Mancini Christian , Pacifici Susanna , Guerrini Daiana , Terrinoni Arianna
Published: October 2023

Aim

To investigate whether the core of the pathophysiology underlying non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) relates to poor impulse control due to impaired motor inhibition (i.e. the ability to inhibit a preplanned motor response).

Method

We conducted a case–control study to compare the proficiency of two domains of motor inhibition, that is, reactive and proactive inhibition, by giving the reaching arm version of the stop‐signal task and a go‐only task to 28 drug‐naive adolescents with NSSI disorder (NSSID) (mean age [SD] 15 years 8 months [1 year 4 months]; three males and 25 females) and 28 typically developing adolescents (mean age 15 years 8 months [1 year 5 months]; three males and 25 females).

Results

Reactive inhibition, as determined by the duration of the stop‐signal reaction time, was enhanced in adolescents with NSSID compared to typically developing controls (194.2 [22.5 ms] vs 217.5 [17.3 ms], p < 0.001). By contrast, proactive inhibition was similar in both groups. Lastly, the level of impulsivity, assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11, did not differ between typically developing adolescents and adolescents with NSSID. However, adolescents with NSSID were more impulsive than controls in a subscale of the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale.

Interpretation

NSSID is not driven by heightened motor impulsivity. Instead, adolescents with NSSID exhibited greater proficiency in reactive inhibition, a proxy for motor impulsivity. We suggest that the enhancement of reactive inhibition strengthens action control, allowing adolescents to suppress their self‐protection instinct and perform NSSI behaviours.
Diversity in the United Kingdom: Quantification for higher education in comparison to the general population
Authors: Di Miceli Mathieu
Published: October 2023

Diversity in the United Kingdom is regularly quantified through Census data. The latest figures (2021) for England and Wales indicate that 82% of the population identifies as white, 51% are females, 17.7%–22.3% are disabled, 18.2% hold no qualifications and 51.7% of households are deprived in at least one dimension. Furthermore, the median age in England and Wales is 40. All of these figures vary significantly across local geographical areas. Diversity in Higher Education (HE) is also monitored yearly by the Office for Students. The latest figures (2020/2021) indicate that 68.4% of entrants are under 21 years old, 56.5% are females, 14.8% report a disability and 21.8% are categorized as severely deprived. Some differences were observed between these figures and those from previous years. The current study aims to highlight how diversity in HE has evolved since 2010 and how the current landscape can illustrate significant differences between courses. Furthermore, comparisons with the general population are also measured in an attempt to describe potential bias in HE, together with new avenues that should be explored to level the HE field in regard to diversity. Our results indicate that access to HE needs to be improved for males, while strong discrepancies were observed between disciplines. Ethnic diversity remains high throughout the HE sector, although subject‐specific biases were noted. An increase in students from the most deprived areas has been found, although it was not the case for all subjects within the sector. Finally, reported disabilities are on the rise, especially regarding mental health, warranting additional support for affected students. These findings are discussed and put into context. To conclude, HE providers might need to collegially address subject‐specific discrepancies.
Association between substantia nigra degeneration and functional outcome in patients with basal ganglia infarction
Authors: Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Kijeong , Kim Young Dae , Nam Hyo Suk , Lee Hye Sun , Cho Sunghee , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

Cerebral infarction in the basal ganglia may cause secondary and delayed neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra (SN). However, the clinical significance of SN degeneration remains poorly understood.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients with acute ischemic stroke in the basal ganglia on initial diffusion‐weighted imaging who underwent follow‐up diffusion‐weighted imaging between 4 and 30 days after symptom onset. SN degeneration was defined as a hyperintensity lesion in the SN observed on diffusion‐weighted imaging. We compared functional outcomes at 3 months between patients with and without SN degeneration. A poor outcome was defined as a score of 3–6 (functional dependence or death) on the modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Of 350 patients with basal ganglia infarction (median age = 74.0 years, 53.7% male), 125 (35.7%) had SN degeneration. The proportion of functional dependence or death was 79.2% (99/125 patients) in patients with SN degeneration, which was significantly higher than that in those without SN degeneration (56.4%, 127/225 patients, p < 0.001). SN degeneration was more frequent in patients with functional dependence or death (99/226 patients, 43.8%) than in those with functional independence (26/124 patients, 21.0%, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between SN degeneration and functional dependence or death (odds ratio = 2.91, 95% confidence interval = 1.17–7.21, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

The study showed that patients with degeneration of SN were associated with functional dependence or death at 3 months, suggesting that secondary degeneration is a predictor of poor stroke outcomes and a potential therapeutic target.
Soil organic carbon stocks in European croplands and grasslands: How much have we lost in the past decade?
Authors: De Rosa Daniele , Ballabio Cristiano , Lugato Emanuele , Fasiolo Matteo , Jones Arwyn , Panagos Panos
Published: October 2023

The EU Soil Strategy 2030 aims to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) in agricultural land to enhance soil health and support biodiversity as well as to offset greenhouse gas emissions through soil carbon sequestration. Therefore, the quantification of current SOC stocks and the spatial identification of the main drivers of SOC changes is paramount in the preparation of agricultural policies aimed at enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems in the EU. In this context, changes of SOC stocks (Δ SOCs) for the EU + UK between 2009 and 2018 were estimated by fitting a quantile generalized additive model (qGAM) on data obtained from the revisited points of the Land Use/Land Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) performed in 2009, 2015 and 2018. The analysis of the partial effects derived from the fitted qGAM model shows that land use and land use change observed in the 2009, 2015 and 2018 LUCAS campaigns (i.e. continuous grassland [GGG] or cropland [CCC], conversion grassland to cropland (GGC or GCC) and vice versa [CGG or CCG]) was one of the main drivers of SOC changes. The CCC was the factor that contributed to the lowest negative change on Δ SOC with an estimated partial effect of −0.04 ± 0.01 g C kg−1 year−1, while the GGG the highest positive change with an estimated partial effect of 0.49 ± 0.02 g C kg−1 year−1. This confirms the C sequestration potential of converting cropland to grassland. However, it is important to consider that local soil and environmental conditions may either diminish or enhance the grassland's positive effect on soil C storage. In the EU + UK, the estimated current (2018) topsoil (0–20 cm) SOC stock in agricultural land below 1000 m a.s.l was 9.3 Gt, with a Δ SOC of −0.75% in the period 2009–2018. The highest estimated SOC losses were concentrated in central‐northern countries, while marginal losses were observed in the southeast.
Effects of cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure on physical frailty development among community‐dwelling older adults in Japan: Evidence from a 10‐year population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chu Wei‐Min , Nishita Yukiko , Tange Chikako , Zhang Shu , Furuya Kanae , Shimokata Hiroshi , Lee Meng‐Chih , Arai Hidenori , Otsuka Rei
Published: October 2023

Aim

This study explored longitudinally the relationship between smoking and secondhand smoke and the incidence of physical frailty in community‐dwelling Japanese older people.

Methods

Data collected from the National Institute for Longevity Sciences‐Longitudinal Study of Aging database from 2002 to 2012 (third to seventh wave) among older adults aged ≥65 years were analyzed. Participants with physical frailty at baseline, as determined by the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria, missing data or who failed to attend follow ups were excluded. Data on current cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure were collected from the third wave results. The generalized estimating equation model was used to examine the longitudinal relationships between smoking, secondhand smoke and subsequent frailty.

Results

The final analysis included 540 participants with a mean age of 71.4 years (standard deviation 4.6). The generalized estimating equation analysis showed that, compared with non‐smokers, smokers were at significant risk of physical frailty (odds ratio [OR] 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–4.74) after adjustment for multiple covariates; especially men (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.76–8.00) and older adults aged ≥75 years (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.43–11.87). Participants exposed to both smoking and secondhand smoke had a higher risk of physical frailty (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.56–7.73) than non‐smokers without secondhand smoke exposure. Smokers exposed to secondhand smoke were associated with more risk of physical frailty (OR 9.03, 95% CI 2.42–33.77) compared with smokers without secondhand smoke exposure.

Conclusions

Smoking, especially when combined with secondhand smoke exposure, is associated with future physical frailty among older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 142–149.
Edentulism among diabetic patients compared to non‐diabetic controls: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Žiūkaitė Laura , Weijdijk Lotte P. M. , Tang Jennifer , Slot Dagmar Else , van der Weijden G. A. (Fridus)
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to systematically and critically appraise the available scientific evidence concerning the prevalence of edentulism among diabetic patients compared to non‐diabetic people.

Methods

MEDLINE‐PubMed and Cochrane‐CENTRAL databases were comprehensively searched up to April 2023 to identify appropriate studies. The inclusion criteria were observational studies conducted in human subjects ≥18 years of age with the primary aim of investigating the prevalence of edentulism among diabetic patients. Based on the extracted data, a meta‐analysis was performed. Recommendations based on the body of evidence were formulated using the GRADE approach.

Results

Independent screening of 2085 unique titles and abstracts revealed seven publications that met the eligibility criteria. Study size ranged from 293 to 15,943 participants. Data from all seven studies were suitable for meta‐analysis. Overall, 8.3% of the studied population was edentulous. The weighted mean prevalence of edentulism among diabetic and non‐diabetics was 14.0% and 7.1%, respectively. The overall odds ratio for diabetic patients to be edentulous as compared to non‐diabetics was 2.39 (95% CI [1.73, 3.28], p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

There appears to be moderate certainty that the risk of being edentulous for diabetic patients compared to non‐diabetic people is significant, but the odds ratio is estimated to be small.
Notoginsenoside R1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via ERα/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Lu Wei , Shi Yuanxin , Qian Minglei
Published: October 2023

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) are attractive therapeutic agents for bone tissue regeneration owing to their osteogenic differentiation potential. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a novel phytoestrogen with diverse pharmacological activities. Here, we probed whether NGR1 has an effect on the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. EdU, CCK‐8 and Transwell assays were used to measure proliferation and migration of hBMSCs after treatment with different doses of NGR1. hBMSCs were treated with osteogenic differentiation induction medium for osteogenesis. Alizarin red S (ARS) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining were used to measure mineralized nodule formation and ALP activity in hBMSCs, respectively. ICI 182780, an antagonist of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) was used to inhibit ERα expression. The results showed that NGR1 enhanced hBMSC proliferation and migration. NGR1 increased ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation as well as promoting ALP, RUNX2 and OCN expression in hBMSCs. NGR1 enhanced ERα expression and promoted GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signal transduction in hBMSCs. ICI 182780 reversed NGR1‐mediated activation of the GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling and promoted an effect on hBMSC behaviour. Thus NGR1 promotes proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs via the ERα/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
High‐risk adverse drug reactions: consideration of limited dialysis therapy for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
Authors: Xie Guozhen , Pincelli Thais , Hickson LaTonya J. , el‐Azhary Rokea , Sokumbi Olayemi
Published: October 2023

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but often lethal drug reaction involving the skin. Treatment is often centered around suppurative care, and the mortality rate remains unacceptably high, although the clinical and epidemiological features of TEN have been well documented for decades. Recent studies have placed an emphasis on certain medications in the pathophysiology of severe TEN, and our colleagues previously reported several cases of clinical improvement in TEN patients following hemodialysis. Here, we discuss the major considerations for initiating dialysis in TEN patients. By doing so, we hope to encourage others to explore this potential avenue for treating TEN, one of the most serious medical emergencies in the field of dermatology.
In vitro comparison of simulated intrapelvic pressure in an artificial kidney model during retrograde intrarenal surgery among various single‐use ureteroscopes
Authors: Yamashita Shimpei , Tanioku Tadashi , Deguchi Ryusuke , Iwahashi Yuya , Higuchi Masatoshi , Maruyama Yohei , Inoue Takaaki , Kikkawa Kazuro , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Kawamata Tomoyuki , Hara Isao
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study compares intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during retrograde intrarenal surgery with various single‐use flexible ureteroscopes (f‐URS) in an artificial kidney model.

Methods

We created an artificial kidney model with a pressure sensor using a bladder evacuation device. The model was completely closed and the only backflow was on the side of the ureteroscope inside the ureteral access sheath (UAS). We tested five single‐use f‐URSs (LithoVue, Wiscope, PU3022A, PU3033A, and AXIS) with six different types of UAS (9.5/11.5–14/16 Fr). Using the automatic irrigation system, 30 s of irrigation was performed at various pressures (40–180 mmHg) and steady‐state IPP was recorded. IPP was compared between the five single‐use f‐URSs. IPP cutoff value was determined at 30 mmHg. The diameter of the endoscope tip and the curved and shaft parts were also measured and recorded.

Results

The diameters of all parts were significantly different between single‐use f‐URSs. The maximum IPP tended to be higher in ureteroscopes with larger diameters of the proximal parts (curved part/shaft part). In LithoVue and Uscope PU3022A f‐URSs, the maximum IPP did not exceed 30 mmHg when UAS ≥12/14 Fr was used. In AXIS and Wiscope f‐URSs, it did not exceed the cutoff value when the UAS ≥11/13 Fr was used. In Uscope PU3033A f‐URS, it did not exceed 30 mmHg when the UAS ≥10/12 Fr was used.

Conclusions

Maximum IPP tended to be higher in f‐URSs with larger diameters of the proximal part and the appropriate size of the UAS differed between various single‐use f‐URSs.
Impact of cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary virtual clinics on patient experience, time commitments and costs
Authors: Bell Jody M. , Dwyer Tiffany J. , Cunich Michelle , Dentice Ruth L. , Hutchings Owen , Jo Helen E. , Lau Edmund M. , Lee Wai Y. , Nolan Samantha A. , Munoz Phillip , Raffan Freya , Shah Karishma , Shaw Miranda , Taylor Nicole A. , Visser Simone K. , Yozghatlian Veronica A. , Wong Keith K. H. , Sivam Sheila
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

The experience of outpatient care may differ for select patient groups. This prospective study evaluates the adult patient experience of multidisciplinary outpatient cystic fibrosis (CF) care with videoconferencing through telehealth compared with face‐to‐face care the year prior.

Methods

People with CF without a lung transplant were recruited. Patient‐reported outcomes were obtained at commencement and 12 months into the study, reflecting both their face‐to‐face and telehealth through videoconferencing experience, respectively. Three patient cohorts were analysed: (i) participants with a regional residence, (ii) participants with a nonregional including metropolitan residence and (iii) participants with colonised multiresistant microbiota.

Results

Seventy‐four patients were enrolled in the study (mean age, 37 ± 11 years; 50% male; mean forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration, 60% [standard deviation, 23]) between February 2020 and May 2021. No differences between models were observed in the participants' rating of the health care team, general and mental health rating, and their confidence in handling treatment plans at home. No between‐group differences in the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire – Revised (CFQ‐R) were observed. Travel duration and the cost of attending a clinic was significantly reduced, particularly for the regional group (4 h, AU$108 per clinic; P < 0.05). A total of 93% respondents preferred to continue with a hybrid approach.

Conclusion

In this pilot study, participants' experience of care and quality of life were no different with face‐to‐face and virtual care between the groups. Time and cost‐savings, particularly for patients living in regional areas, were observed. Most participants preferred to continue with a hybrid model for outpatient care.
No association between inactivated influenza vaccination and influenza viral load at diagnosis among young Japanese children: An observational study of the 2013/2014 through 2017/2018 influenza seasons
Authors: Mukai Emiko , Fukushima Wakaba , Morikawa Saeko , Nakata Keiko , Hiroi Satoshi , Fujioka Masashi , Matsushita Tohru , Kubota Megumi , Yagi Yoshina , Takechi Tetsuhisa , Takasaki Yoshio , Shindo Shizuo , Yamashita Yuji , Yokoyama Takato , Kiyomatsu Yumi , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Maeda Akiko , Kondo Kyoko , Ito Kazuya , Kase Tetsuo , Ohfuji Satoko , Hirota Yoshio
Published: October 2023

Background

The association between inactivated influenza vaccination and viral load in young children remains unclear.

Methods

During the 2013/2014 to 2017/2018 influenza seasons in Japan, children under 6 years of age with pre‐defined influenza‐like illness and influenza‐positive status by real‐time RT‐PCR were recruited at pediatric clinics for this observational study. Influenza viral load was measured for the most predominant subtype/lineage in each season. Using median dichotomized viral load as an outcome, a multilevel logistic regression model was applied to estimate the multivariable adjusted odds ratio (MOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for higher viral load.

Results

A total of 1,185 influenza‐positive children were analyzed. The median log10 viral load copy number (copies per milliliter) was 5.5 (interquartile range, 4.6 to 6.1) and did not differ by vaccination status: 5.5 for unvaccinated, 5.7 for one dose, and 5.5 for two doses (p = 0.67). The MOR of vaccinated (one or two doses) versus unvaccinated children was 1.19 (95% CI: 0.86–1.64). Other factors showing significant associations with higher viral load were positive results for A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) in comparison with B/Yamagata. The respective MORs were 3.25 (95% CI: 2.28–4.64) and 1.81 (95% CI: 1.32–2.49). Significantly elevated MORs against higher viral load were also observed for higher body temperature at influenza diagnosis and shorter duration from fever onset to specimen collection.

Conclusion

No association was observed between inactivated‐influenza vaccination and viral load at influenza‐positive diagnosis. Influenza subtype/lineage, body temperature, and time elapsed since fever onset were significantly associated with viral load.
Advertising in Asia: Localize or Regionalize?
Authors: Tai Susan H.C.
Published: October 2023

The transfer of international advertising strategies to the Asian market is becoming popu‐lardue to rising living standards and the growing similarity of consumer tastes in the region. The main objectives of this article are to investigate whether the multinationals standardize their advertising strategy in the Asian market, to what extent they stan‐dardize, and whether they are moving towards a regional advertising approach. The samples chosen for this study are the four Chinese markets: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the People's Republic of China, which are all adopting a similar account of advertising standardization and neither a fully standardized nor differentiated strategy is common. The international advertising strategy is only partially standardized on those strategic decisions (such as determination of target segment, positioning, advertising objective and main theme) but not on tactical ones (such as execution style and media buying). Most multinationals are using an adaptation strategy in these markets. How‐ever, a significant relationship is found between the party who makes the decisions and the standardization of advertising decisions. Strategic decisions are more likely to be determined jointly by the headquarters and the subsidiary, while the tactical ones are more likely to be determined by the subsidiary alone. There is also an increasing trend for the advertising executives of multinational firms and their advertising agencies to adopt a regional approach in the Asian market.
Comparative studies of recombinant human albumin and human serum albumin derived by blood fractionation
Authors: Dodsworth N. , Harris R. , Denton K. , Woodrow J. , PC Wood , Quirk A.
Published: October 2023

Recombinant human albumin produced in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisial and human serum albumin derived from blood fractionation were compared by a series of analytical techniques. These demonstrated that the two proteins were equivalent structurally. However, differences observed in some of the assays indicated that the recombinant product had lower levels of structural heterogeneity than the blood‐derived protein.
Quantitative conversion of glucose into glucose 6‐phosphate by intact Escherichia coli cells
Authors: JR Van Der Zee , PW Postma , KJ Hellingwerf
Published: October 2023

The use of intact Escherichia coli cells for the conversion of glucose into glucose 6‐phosphate using the Uhp system for transport of the phosphorylated sugar out of the cell was investigated. The strain E. coli DF214, which is not capable of glucose 6‐phosphate catabolism via glycolysis or the Entner‐Douderoff pathway, was used. The efflux of glucose 6‐phosphate was dependent on the presence of UhpT, the hexose‐phosphate transporter, plus the presence of the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenylhydrazone or the ionophore valinomycin. At low glucose concentrations (e.g. 2.5 mM), near‐quantitative conversion (> or = 80%) of glucose into extracellular glucose 6‐phosphate can be achieved. When cells are incubated for a shorter period of time, complete conversion can occur.