bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of UV ZnO NRS photodetector based on seeded silicon substrate via the drop-casting technique
Authors: Abed Shireen Mohammed , Mohammad Sabah M. , Hassan Zainuriah , Muhammad Aminu , Rajamanickam Suvindraj
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to fabricate an ultraviolet (UV) metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector based on zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) grown on seeded silicon (Si) substrate that was prepared by a low-cost method (drop-casting technique).

Design/methodology/approach

The drop-casting method was used for the seed layer deposition, the hydrothermal method was used for the growth of ZnO NRs and subsequent fabrication of UV MSM photodetector was done using the direct current sputtering technique. The performance of the fabricated MSM devices was investigated by current–voltage (I–V) measurements. The photodetection mechanism of the fabricated device was discussed.

Findings

Semi-vertically high-density ZnO (NRs) were effectively produced with a preferential orientation along the (002) direction, and increased crystallinity is confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Photoluminescence results show a high UV region. The fabricated MSM UV photodetector showed that the ZnO (NRs) MSM device has great stability over time, high photocurrent, good sensitivity and high responsivity under 365 nm wavelength illumination and 0 V, 1 V, 2 V and 3 V applied bias. The responsivity and sensitivity for the fabricated ZnO NRs UV photodetector are 0.015 A W-1, 0.383 A W-1, 1.290 A W-1 and 1.982 A W-1 and 15,030, 42.639, 100.173 and 334.029, respectively, under UV light (365 nm) illumination at (0 V, 1 V, 2 V and 3 V).

Originality/value

This paper uses the drop-casting technique and the hydrothermal method as simple and low-cost methods to fabricate and improve the ZnO NRs photodetector.
The pattern of international trade between Bangladesh and USA: Heckscher–Ohlin and Rybczynski analysis
Authors: Akther Tanjina , Voumik Liton Chandra , Rahman Md. Hasanur
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Research based on Bangladesh–US trade data examines the Heckscher–Ohlin model and the Rybczynski hypothesis in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary least square (OLS) techniques are used in this study, which relies on data from the NBER International Trade and Geography Data and the UN Comtrade Database for the years 2018 and 2008.

Findings

The research shows that trade between the United States and Bangladesh follows Heckscher–Ohlin and Rybcyzinski's trade predictions. According to the study, since labor is in plentiful supply in Bangladesh, Bangladesh's labor-based sectors have a higher US labor-to-capital import shares than US capital-based industries. As Bangladesh has not changed significantly from a labor-based country since 2008, it retains the same pattern even though the share of US unskilled labor-based sectors imported from Bangladesh decreased in 2018.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have a wide range of implications for both trade theory and policy debates between Bangladesh and the United States.
How creativity is oppressed through traditional education
Authors: Morris Thomas Howard
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Creativity has been positioned as a critical workplace competence, especially in societies in which conditions are rapidly changing. The fact that traditional educational processes oppress creativity is theoretically important. The purpose of the present paper is to theoretically map the process of teacher-directed learning and how the process oppresses creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical paper in which a conclusion is drawn that there is a primary and secondary process of creativity oppression with traditional teacher-directed learning.

Findings

It is proposed in the present paper that the primary process of creativity oppression is that the pathway to a “high achieving pass” is for learners to make knowledge constructions that mirror that of the educator (rewarding non-creative learning outcomes). A secondary, silent and powerful mechanism of creativity oppression is where the learner does not “buy in” with the educator to accept their knowledge inculcation. The student here may indeed produce a creative learning outcome from the process, but they are likely to be judged for that work as a “low achieving pass” or a fail.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to identify the mechanism in which creativity oppression may accumulate over time until learner creativity is quashed.
Digital accessibility of smart cities - tourism for all and reducing inequalities: Tourism Agenda 2030
Authors: Fernández-Díaz Elena , Jambrino-Maldonado Carmen , Iglesias-Sánchez Patricia P. , de las Heras-Pedrosa Carlos
Published: August 2022

Purpose

There is widespread agreement that the tourism sector should address the issue of sustainability. The purpose of this study is to analyze the digital accessibility of the cities awarded as European Capitals of Smart Tourism for their innovative, accessible and sustainable practices by the European Commission.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the digital level of accessibility of 50 uniform resource locator (URL) of European cities was undertaken. The analysis followed the international evaluation requirements of the World Wide Web (W3C).

Findings

The results show that none of the official Web pages analyzed obtained 100% in relation to the digital accessibility requirements. The main factors that pose barriers to communication and interaction were identified.

Practical implications

The paper encourages smart tourism destinations to overcome the challenge of matching both dimensions of accessibility to obtain barrier-free information to ensure cities are inclusive and sustainable in line with Agenda 2030 (sustainable development goal [SDG] 11).

Originality/value

The concept of tourism for all receives special attention in the sector, and this notion is reflected in the UN SDGs. However, accessibility has not been extensively analyzed in relation to the cohesion between the digital and the physical dimension. Tourism research tends to focus on accessible experiences within destinations. This paper introduces a new insight into the key issue of digital accessibility, which can promote destination choice and influence the tourism experience.
Determination of etomidate and etomidate acid in hair using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Park Young J. , Cho Eunsu , Kim So H. , Lee Heesang , Jegal Hyeon , Park Meejung , Choe Sanggil , Sim Yeong E. , Baek Seung‐Hoon , Kim Kang M. , Pyo Jaesung
Published: August 2022

Etomidate, with efficacy similar to that of propofol, has been used as a propofol substitute because propofol is a designated narcotic drug, and an increase in the frequency of illegal distribution and misuse has been reported in Korea. Previous analytical studies on etomidate used blood and urine. For long‐term use and timing estimation, a method for etomidate analysis using hair should be developed. Therefore, in this study, an analytical method using LC–MS/MS was developed to determine etomidate and its major metabolite in hair. Human hair samples were segmented after washing to eliminate possible contaminants on the hair and stirred with methanol. The LC–MS/MS conditions were optimized, and the chromatographic separation time was 10 min. Selectivity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, recovery, process efficiency, matrix effect, and stability were evaluated to validate the analytical method. The calibration curves ranged from 0.25 to 50 pg/mg for etomidate and 2–250 pg/mg for etomidate acid; the coefficients of determination were higher than 0.997. The intra‐ and inter‐assay precision results for all the compounds were <15% and satisfied at recovery, process efficiency, matrix effect, and stability. In addition, this method was applied to the hair of 4 rats which are administered with etomidate to evaluate. The etomidate concentrations in the rat hair ranged from 2.60 to 8.50 pg/mg, and the etomidate acid concentrations were 2.06–7.13 pg/mg. Thus, this method can be used as basic data for monitoring etomidate in hair.
Prothrombinex®‐VF in chronic liver disease: Friend or foe?
Authors: Latona Akmez , Hill Kate , Connelly Aurelia , Stuart Katherine , Wood Peter
Published: August 2022

Objective

Management of coagulopathy in chronic liver disease (CLD) poses a challenge for critical care physicians. Prothrombinex®‐VF is a low‐volume product with rapid onset of action. Evidence for its efficacy and safety in CLD is limited and cases of acute intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (AICF) and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) have been reported. Our objective was to evaluate the role of Prothrombinex®‐VF in reversal of coagulopathy and the incidence AICF/DIC, thromboembolic events and mortality.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multi‐centre study of Prothrombinex®‐VF use in CLD across 11 hospitals over a 2‐year period, excluding those on therapeutic anticoagulation. Patients were subclassified into acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), acute decompensation (ADC) and compensated cirrhosis. Reversal of coagulopathy was defined as international normalised ratio (INR) <1.5× upper limit normal (ULN), prothrombin time <1.5× ULN, activated partial thromboplastin time <1.5× ULN and fibrinogen >1 g/L. Markers of AICF/DIC were recorded.

Results

Thirty CLD patients were included, and the median model for end‐stage liver disease score was 23.5. Acute bleeding was the most common indication for Prothrombinex®‐VF (60%). All had baseline coagulopathy and the majority did not achieve reversal. Key indicators of AICF/DIC were mainly observed in those with ACLF; bleeding from mucosa or lines (53%), worsening hypofibrinogenaemia (60%), worsening thrombocytopaenia (60%). The ADC and compensated cirrhosis groups were relatively unaffected. Incidence of venous thromboembolism was 6%. Overall mortality was 43% and 70% in ACLF.

Conclusion

Prothrombinex®‐VF did not lead to meaningful reversal of coagulopathy and should be used with caution in CLD. Patients with ACLF were more likely to develop AICF/DIC following Prothrombinex®‐VF, although the association is uncertain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Prothrombinex®‐VF use in CLD.
Retrospective analysis of independent predictors of progression‐free survival in patients with EGFR mutation‐positive advanced non‐small cell lung cancer receiving first‐line osimertinib
Authors: Teranishi Shuhei , Sugimoto Chihiro , Nagaoka Satoshi , Nagayama Hirokazu , Segawa Wataru , Miyasaka Atsushi , Hiro Shuntaro , Kajita Yukihito , Maeda Chihiro , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Kudo Makoto , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: August 2022

Background

Clinically measurable factors affecting the progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients receiving osimertinib as first‐line therapy for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation‐positive advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not yet been established.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 61 patients treated with osimertinib as primary therapy for EGFR mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC at Yokohama City University Medical Center between August 2018 and March 2022. Our objective was to identify the independent predictors of PFS.

Results

The median age of participants was 74 years. Overall, 73.8% had good (0–1) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (PS), and 98.4% had histology of adenocarcinoma. The EGFR mutation was exon19 deletion in 52.5% and exon21 L858R in 44.3% of patients. Programmed death‐ligand 1 tumor proportion score >50% was observed in 21.3% and liver metastasis in 9.9% of patients. Median PFS was 19.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.6–31.6), and overall survival was not reached. The objective response rate was 68.9%, and disease control rate was 93.4%. Multivariate analysis showed that poor PS (2–4) negatively impacted PFS (hazard ratio, 3.79; 95% CI: 1.46–9.87; p = 0.006). Median PFS in the good PS and poor PS groups was 20.4 months (95% CI: 12.4‐not evaluable) and 7.2 months (95% CI: 7.2–19.5), respectively. Interstitial lung disease of all grades and grade 3 was observed as an adverse event in 6.6 and 4.9% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Poor PS was associated with poor prognosis in patients with EGFR mutation‐positive advanced NSCLC treated with osimertinib as first‐line therapy.
The relationship between Nephrocheck® test values, outcomes, and urinary output in critically ill patients at risk of acute kidney injury
Authors: Naorungroj Thummaporn , Yanase Fumitaka , Bittar Intissar , Eastwood Glenn , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: August 2022

Background

Nephrocheck® was approved for acute kidney injury (AKI) risk assessment in critically illness. However, new studies suggest that urinary concentration affects Nephrocheck® and previous studies did not provide data on urinary output (UO) at the time of measurement.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study of the Nephrocheck® in intensive care unit patients fulfilling standard inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was Stage 2 or 3 AKI defined by both UO and creatinine Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria in the subsequent 12 h. The secondary outcome was the relationship of UO with Nephrocheck® measurement.

Results

Among 98 patients, the primary outcome occurred in 53 (54.1%) overall, but in 23 (23.5%) by creatinine criteria alone. The median (interquartile range) Nephrocheck® in patients with subsequent Stage 2 or 3 AKI was greater than in Stage 1 or no‐AKI patients (0.97 [0.48–1.99] vs. 0.46 [0.22–1.17]; p = .005). However, its area under the receiver characteristic curve was 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56–0.77). Moreover, Nephrocheck® was significantly and inversely correlated with UO (ρ = −.46, p < .001) at the time of measurement and, on a multivariable logistic regression, Nephrocheck® was not associated with subsequent Stage 2 or 3 AKI (OR 1.06 [95% CI, 0.74–1.53], p = .73). In contrast, the UO had an OR of 0.98 for each ml/h increase (95% CI, 0.97–1.00, p = .007).

Conclusion

Nephrocheck®'s predictive performance was limited and its value was inversely correlated with UO. Nephrocheck® had no independent relationship with outcome once UO at measurement was considered.
Determining a threshold measurement of endometrial thickness for asymptomatic postmenopausal women: A tertiary centre case series
Authors: Stewart Amy , Gill Gurjot , Readman Emma , Grover Sonia R. , Mooney Samantha S.
Published: August 2022

Background

An incidental finding of a thickened endometrium on ultrasound in the postmenopausal patient without bleeding is a common presentation to gynaecological services; however there is limited evidence to guide clinical practice as to when hysteroscopic evaluation and endometrial sampling is required.

Aims

To determine the endometrial thickness at which endometrial sampling is indicated in asymptomatic postmenopausal women referred with thickened endometrium on ultrasound.

Materials and Methods

A single‐centre retrospective case series of postmenopausal women without bleeding undergoing hysteroscopy was conducted. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between a range of variables and pre‐malignant or malignant pathology and endometrial thickness. The optimal endometrial thickness threshold was identified to maximise model sensitivity.

Results

A total of 404 postmenopausal women were included in this study, having undergone a hysteroscopy at the study site between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2018. The mean (SD) age of patients at presentation was 65 (9.09) years and the mean body mass index was 29.86 kg/m2 (6.52). Of these women, nine (2.2%) were diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma and seven (1.7%) had endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. The most common histopathological finding was of a benign endometrial polyp (153: 37.9%). When including hyperplasia with or without atypia in histopathology of interest, a cut‐off of ≥9 mm provides the greatest sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (63.8%) for a diagnosis of pre‐malignant or malignant pathology (classification accuracy of 64.8%; area under the receiver operating characteristic: 0.7358, 95% CI: 0.6439, 0.8278) in this cohort.

Conclusions

Using an endometrial thickness of ≥9 mm can be used as a cut‐off for endometrial sampling in postmenopausal women without bleeding.
Examining the patient profile and variance of management and in‐hospital outcomes for Australian adult burns patients
Authors: Tracy Lincoln M. , Darton Anne , Gabbe Belinda J. , Heath Kathryn , Kurmis Rochelle , Lisec Carl , Lo Cheng , Singer Yvonne , Wood Fiona M. , Cleland Heather J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Burn injuries are a common subtype of trauma. Variation in models of care impacts clinical measures of interest, but a nation‐wide examination of these measures has not been undertaken. Using data from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ), we explored variation between Australian adult burn services with respect to treatment and clinical measures of interest.

Methods

Data for admissions July 2016 to June 2020 were extracted. Clinical measures of interest included intensive care admission, skin grafting, in‐hospital death, unplanned readmissions, and length of stay (LOS). Estimated probabilities, means, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each service.

Results

The BRANZ recorded 8365 admissions during the study period. Variation between specialist burn services in admissions, demographics, management, and clinical measures of interest were observed. This variation remained after accounting for covariates. Specifically, the adjusted proportion (95% CI) of in‐hospital mortality ranged from 0.15% (0.10–0.21%) to 1.22% (0.9–1.5%). The adjusted mean LOS ranged from 3.8 (3.3–4.3) to 8.2 (6.7–9.7) days.

Conclusions

A decade after its launch, BRANZ data displays variation between Australian specialist burn services. We suspect differences in models of care between services contributes to this variation. Ongoing research has begun to explore reasons underlying how this variation influences clinical measures of interest. Further engagement with services about models of care will enhance understanding of this variation and develop evidence‐based guidelines for burn care in Australia.
The diversity and distribution of poroid wood‐inhabiting fungi of Chile is influenced by climate and host species
Authors: Acevedo Brandon M. , Naulin Paulette I.
Published: August 2022

The diversity and distribution of poroid wood‐inhabiting fungi in South America are relatively well known. However, the information from Chile is scarce and scattered. The host preference differs among fungi in this group, as some species depend on a specific host, whereas others are associated with multiple hosts. At the same time, their occurrence is influenced by climatic conditions. Thus, information about the host‐fungi relationship and climatic conditions of this group is needed to understand their distribution. Chile has 83 poroid wood‐inhabiting fungal species in six orders and 21 families, mainly Polyporales and Hymenochaetales, distributed from 30°S in Fray Jorge National Park to 56°S in Cape Horn, but Polyporales grow predominantly in forests with a higher precipitation range than Hymenochaetales. The biggest diversity resides in deciduous forests and sclerophyll forests in warm climates. Many species are specialist and mostly associated with angiosperms rather than gymnosperms. Poroid Gloeophyllales, Agaricales and Russulales are narrowly distributed.
Functional brain‐wide network mapping during acute stress exposure in rats: Interaction between the lateral habenula and cortical, amygdalar, hypothalamic and monoaminergic regions
Authors: Durieux Laura , Herbeaux Karine , Borcuk Christopher , Hildenbrand Cécile , Andry Virginie , Goumon Yannick , Barbelivien Alexandra , Mathis Chantal , Bataglia Demian , Majchrzak Monique , Lecourtier Lucas
Published: August 2022

Upon stress exposure, a broad network of structures comes into play in order to provide adequate responses and restore homeostasis. It has been known for decades that the main structures engaged during the stress response are the medial prefrontal cortex, the amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, the monoaminergic systems (noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin) and the periaqueductal gray. The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic structure directly connected to prefrontal cortical areas and to the amygdala, whereas it functionally interacts with the hippocampus. Also, it is a main modulator of monoaminergic systems. The LHb is activated upon exposure to basically all types of stressors, suggesting it is also involved in the stress response. However, it remains unknown if and how the LHb functionally interacts with the broad stress response network. In the current study we performed in rats a restraint stress procedure followed by immunohistochemical staining of the c‐Fos protein throughout the brain. Using graph theory‐based functional connectivity analyses, we confirm the principal hubs of the stress network (e.g., prefrontal cortex, amygdala and periventricular hypothalamus) and show that the LHb is engaged during stress exposure in close interaction with the medial prefrontal cortex, the lateral septum and the medial habenula. In addition, we performed DREADD‐induced LHb inactivation during the same restraint paradigm in order to explore its consequences on the stress response network. This last experiment gave contrasting results as the DREADD ligand alone, clozapine‐N‐oxide, was able to modify the network.
Species dynamics in natural bacterial communities over multiple rounds of propagation
Authors: Groenenboom Anneloes E. , van den Heuvel Joost , Zwaan Bas J. , Smid Eddy J. , Schoustra Sijmen E.
Published: August 2022

Our experimental work illustrates how microbial ecosystems can be shaped by selective pressures over long‐term ecological time scales. Natural microbial ecosystems generally consist of various co‐existing species, where community composition describes the frequency at which species or types are present. Overall functionality of the system is achieved by interacting species. Upon short‐term selection, for instance by transfer to a novel environment, community composition and functionality may change in a process referred to as species sorting. Various factors, such as initial community composition and selective pressures from the environment, may influence this change. Mabisi is a traditional fermented food from Zambia that naturally contains a bacterial community of around twenty unique bacterial types. We used six comparable but different natural bacterial Mabisi communities, each split into five identical replicates, for 16 propagation cycles in a novel, common laboratory environment. Composition of the bacterial communities changed upon propagation. The influence of four main factors on community composition, i.e. initial composition (history), impact of the environment (adaptation), changes due to interaction between species and random processes (chance) in species dynamics, was tested using maximum likelihood ratios. Initial community composition seemed to determine the change in community composition, followed by random processes. Interestingly, we observed convergence at the level of ecosystem functionality, which was measured as profiles of metabolic output. This suggests different combinations of species or types can achieve similar eco‐system functionality.
TIME GARDENS, TIME FIGURES, AND TIME REGIMES
Authors: Jansen Harry
Published: August 2022

In Zeitgärten: Zeitfiguren in der Geschichte der Neuzeit, Lucian Hölscher distinguishes between an embodied time and an empty time. Simply put, an embodied time includes histories, while its counterpart includes only dates and chronologies. He prefers the latter, for it offers an alternative to Reinhart Koselleck's idea of different layers of time. According to Hölscher, historians can achieve more unity in history through his empty temporality than through Koselleck's time of various speeds. Hölscher connects time with space to form a framework that, in addition to eras, chronologies, years, dates, and so on, especially includes time patterns, which he calls Zeitfiguren. These time figures form the infrastructure of all kinds of historiography, as Hölscher shows through his analysis of the studies of twenty German and four non‐German authors. He exposes patterns such as progress, acceleration, and discontinuity, which form the building blocks of a philosophy of history based on the aforementioned empty time. Despite his criticism of Koselleck's ideas about time layers, Hölscher continues to follow in his footsteps, especially concerning his time of two levels, his future‐oriented time, and his analytical, nonlinguistic method, which neglects absolute presuppositions. That's a pity, but what is positive is Hölscher's invention and thorough explanation of time figures.
Home as a risk environment: Negotiating the boundaries of homes and social relationships in services for people using illicit drugs
Authors: Ranta Johanna , Räsänen Jenni‐Mari , Raitakari Suvi , Juhila Kirsi
Published: August 2022

This study focuses on how clients using illicit drugs are supported in managing the boundaries of their homes to avoid the risks that social relationships may have on their daily lives at home. The data consist of 14 client–worker encounters audio‐recorded in 2017 in a Finnish home‐based service for people using drugs. Discursive interaction analysis and geographies of home were applied to examine how boundaries of homes are negotiated in relation to social relationships and how the home is constructed as a risk environment in the interactions of the service. The results highlight that the tensions between home and social relationships can be complex in the context of illicit drug use. Managing the boundaries of the home and social relationships deserves special attention among welfare services to promote their client's right to privacy and attachment to a home environment. This is also important for preventing the risk of homelessness.
Portfolio selection: should investors include crypto‐assets? A multiobjective approach
Authors: Youssef Meriem , Naoua Bouthaina Ben , Abdelaziz Fouad Ben , Chibane Messaoud
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the diversification benefits of adding alternative crypto‐assets in a traditional portfolio, from the perspective of an investor who seeks to achieve multiple objectives. Our analysis is based on daily and weekly return data for eight different assets including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, for the crypto‐assets and NASDAQ, S&P500, Dow‐Jones, Crude‐Oil, and Gold, for traditional assets. We use both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample estimation procedures to analyze these data sets. We apply the weighted sum of deviations goal programming method to solve a bi‐objective optimization problem where investors optimize simultaneously portfolio risk and return. For a variety of investor characteristics, ranging from risk‐seeking to risk‐averse, we show that augmenting portfolios with alternative crypto‐currencies improves portfolio performance and the efficiency frontier, compared to standard portfolios. This improvement is even more observable for risk‐seeking investors, for both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample estimation procedures.
How exposure to real conspiracy theories motivates collective action and political engagement? Τhe moderating role of primed victimhood and underlying emotional mechanisms in the case of 2018 bushfire in Attica
Authors: Gkinopoulos Theofilos , Mari Silvia
Published: August 2022

Conspiracy theories concern milestone events, mobilizing various explanations. However, there is still emerging research on how conspiracy beliefs mobilize normative and nonnormative collective action, as well as political engagement and what the emotional underpinnings of such effects are. We conducted two experimental studies (Study 1, N = 301 and Study 2, N = 328) on exploring the relationship between exposure to conspiracy theories and normative, nonnormative collective action and political engagement, moderated by primed victimhood and mediated by fear/anxiety and anger emotional indices. Results in Study 1 showed that exposure to conspiracy theories decreases normative collective action, but increases nonnormative collective action, negative emotions of anger and fear/anxiety and political engagement. In Study 2 we confirmed findings of Study 1, but these effects were moderated by primed victimhood. Study 2 also showed that anger index, but not fear/anxiety index, significantly mediated the moderating interaction effect between exposure to conspiracy theories and primed victimhood on the (non)normative collective action and political engagement. Results are discussed in light of the broader impact of circulation of conspiracy theories and their effective tackle amidst societal traumas.
Causes and predictors of immediate and short‐term readmissions following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure procedure
Authors: Murthi Mukunthan , Vardar Ufuk , Sana Muhammad Khawar , Shaka Hafeez
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Percutaneous left atrial appendage device closure has been offered as an alternative to anticoagulation for high‐risk patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Given the relative novelty of the procedure, we aimed to analyze the rates and causes of immediate (30 days) and short‐term (90 days) readmission after the procedure.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2018. We studied 29 449 hospitalizations for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) device closure.

Results

In both the 30‐ and 90‐day cohorts, the most common causes of readmissions were gastrointestinal bleeding (16.1% and 14.8%), heart failure exacerbation (11.1% and 11.6%), and atrial fibrillation (6.2% and 7.2%). Female sex, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic pulmonary disease, presence of heart failure, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome status, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with higher odds of readmission in both cohorts.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the need for further deliberation on the choice and duration of anticoagulation periprocedurally after percutaneous LAA closure, especially among those with high bleeding risk. It also highlights the need for optimization of heart failure status periprocedurally to avoid readmissions for exacerbations.
Factors associated with emergency readmissions after acute stroke: A retrospective audit of two hospitals
Authors: Gordon Clare , Davidson Hannah , Dharmasiri Michelle , Davies Tanya
Published: August 2022

Rationale, Aims and Objectives

Emergency hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge from hospital are considered a marker for the quality of hospital care, patient experience, the discharge process and integration with community services. This paper describes the frequency and variations in cause of emergency readmissions at 30 and 90 days following discharge after acute stroke from two stroke units.

Methods

Retrospective data collection of Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) and Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP) of consecutive acute stroke hospital discharges over 24 months from 2017 to 2019 from two specialist stroke units in England. HES data were used to calculate the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Covariates were analysed for their association with readmission rate, including: age; gender; CCI; length of stay for first stroke admission; living alone; discharge to a care home; discharge receiving stroke specialist early supported discharge (ESD) rehabilitation and stroke severity as determined by National Institute for Health Stroke Scale on stroke admission.

Results

From 2017 to 2019 there were 1999 live discharges with a primary diagnosis of stroke. Both hospitals had a trend of increasing readmission rates with increasing stroke severity and comorbidity. Longer length of stroke admission, especially for patients with increasing stroke severity, and patients receiving ESD rehabilitation after discharge reduced 90‐day readmissions. This association was stronger at 90 days than at 30 days. Different readmission event rates were found at 30 and 90 days and when events were compared between the two hospitals.

Conclusion

Understanding differences in readmission event rates between hospitals at 30 and 90 days can support local planning of patient needs in the first weeks after stroke discharge and to investigate ways for hospital to reduce the impact of readmission. It is recommended that stroke services use both 30 and 90‐day readmissions to inform service evaluation and improvement.
Evaluation of Edwardsiella piscicida basS and basR mutants as vaccine candidates in catfish against edwardsiellosis
Authors: Sayed Mohamed , Griffin Matt , Ware Cynthia , Ozdemir Ozan , Tekedar Hasan C. , Essa Manal , Karsi Attila , Lawrence Mark L. , Abdelhamed Hossam
Published: August 2022

Catfish farming is the largest aquaculture industry in the United States and an important economic driver in several southeastern states. Edwardsiella piscicida is a Gram‐negative pathogen associated with significant losses in catfish aquaculture. Several Gram‐negative bacteria use the BasS/BasR two‐component system (TCS) to adapt to environmental changes and the host immune system. Currently, the role of BasS/BasR system in E. piscicida virulence has not been characterized. In the present study, two mutants were constructed by deleting the basS and basR genes in E. piscicida strain C07‐087. Both mutant strains were characterized for virulence and immune protection in catfish hosts. The EpΔbasS and EpΔbasR mutants were more sensitive to acidic environments and produced significantly less biofilm than the wild‐type. In vivo studies in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) revealed that both EpΔbasS and EpΔbasR were significantly attenuated compared with the parental wild‐type (3.57% and 4.17% vs. 49.16% mortalities). Moreover, there was significant protection, 95.2% and 92.3% relative percent survival (RPS), in channel catfish vaccinated with EpΔbasS and EpΔbasR against E. piscicida infection. Protection in channel catfish was associated with a significantly higher level of antibodies and upregulation of immune‐related genes (IgM, IL‐8 and CD8‐α) in channel catfish vaccinated with EpΔbasS and EpΔbasR strains compared with non‐vaccinated fish. Hybrid catfish (channel catfish ♀ × blue catfish ♂) challenges demonstrated long‐term protection against subsequent challenges with E. piscicida and E. ictaluri. Our findings demonstrate BasS and BasR contribute to acid tolerance and biofilm formation, which may facilitate E. piscicida survival in harsh environments. Further, our results show that EpΔbasS and EpΔbasR mutants were safe and protective in channel catfish fingerlings, although their virulence and efficacy in hybrid catfish warrant further investigation. These data provide information regarding an important mechanism of E. piscicida virulence, and it suggests EpΔbasS and EpΔbasR strains have potential as vaccines against this emergent catfish pathogen.
Hydrological model preselection with a filter sequence for the national flood forecasting system in Kenya
Authors: Wanzala Maureen A. , Stephens Elisabeth M. , Cloke Hannah L. , Ficchi Andrea
Published: August 2022

The choice of model for operational flood forecasting is not simple because of different process representations, data scarcity issues, and propagation of errors and uncertainty down the modeling chain. An objective decision needs to be made for the choice of the modeling tools. However, this decision is complex because all parts of the process have inherent uncertainty. This paper provides a model selection with a filter sequence for flood forecasting applications in data scarce regions, using Kenya as an example building on the existing literature, concentrating on six aspects: (i) process representation, (ii) model applicability to different climatic and physiographic settings, (iii) data requirements and model resolution, (iv) ability to be downscaled to smaller scales, (v) availability of model code, and (vi) possibility of adoption of the model into an operation flood forecasting system. In addition, we review potential models based on the proposed criteria and apply a decision tree as a filter sequence to provide insights on the possibility of model applicability. We summarize and tabulate an evaluation of the reviewed models based on the proposed criteria and propose the potential model candidates for flood applications in Kenya. This evaluation serves as an objective model preselection criterion to propose a modeling tool that can be adopted in development and operational flood forecasting to the end‐users of an early warning system that can help mitigate the effects of floods in data scarce regions such as Kenya.
Preliminary serum and fecal metabolomics study of spontaneously diabetic cynomolgus monkeys based on LC–MS/MS
Authors: Tian Chaoyang , Qiu Mingyin , Lv Haizhou , Yue Feng , Zhou Feifan
Published: August 2022

Background

Using untargeted metabolomics techniques, the goal of the study is to differentially screen serum and feces metabolite profiles of spontaneously diabetic and healthy cynomolgus monkeys, to explore potential serum and fecal biomarkers and analyze affected metabolic pathways.

Methods

We adopted the diagnostic criteria for T2DM recommended by ADA for humans: FSG ≥7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dl) and HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. The serum and feces samples from three diagnosed spontaneously T2DM cynomolgus monkeys and 11 age‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. We employed LC–MS/MS‐based untargeted metabolomic methods to reveal the differential metabolite profiles of serum and feces samples between the two groups and to analyze the affected metabolic pathways in MetaboAnalyst 5.0 based on KEGG library.

Results

Six and 44 differential metabolites were identified in serum and feces samples, respectively, and the corresponding affected commonly metabolic pathways involved several metabolic ways, such as arginine biosynthesis, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and histidine metabolism.

Conclusion

The differential potential serum and feces biomarkers obtained from the LC–MS/MS based untargeted metabolomic may help to explain the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of T2DM and offer pivotal information for the early diagnosis and treatment of DM.
Student and School Characteristics Associated With COVID‐19‐Related Learning Decline Among Middle and High School Students in K‐12 Schools*
Authors: Fisher Holly H. , Hawkins Georgianne T. , Hertz Marci , Sliwa Sarah , Beresovsky Vladislav
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

COVID‐19‐disrupted schools, including shifts to virtual learning which may have impacted academic progress. This study assessed characteristics associated with changes in academic grades (before and during the pandemic) for different learning modalities for US students ages 13‐19.

METHODS

Students (N = 2152) completed a web survey on school‐related experiences during the 2020‐2021 school year. County social vulnerability and SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission data were merged with survey data. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for grade change was conducted with student and school characteristics for each learning modality, controlling for community characteristics.

RESULTS

Greater proportions of remote/virtual (34.4%) and hybrid (30.1%) learning students reported grade decline compared to in‐person students (19.9%). Among in‐person students, odds of reporting same/improved grades were 65% lower among non‐Hispanic black students and 66% lower among non‐Hispanic students from other races, compared to non‐Hispanic white students. Among hybrid students, odds of reporting same/improved grades for students reporting anxiety were 47% lower than students without anxiety, and odds of reporting same/improved grades among students reporting substance use were 40% lower than students not reporting substance use. Among remote/virtual students, odds of reporting same/improved grades among students with depression were 62% lower than odds of students not reporting depression symptoms. Remote/virtual students who received school‐provided educational services also had 1.55 times the odds of reporting same/improved grades, compared to remote/virtual students not receiving these services.

CONCLUSIONS

Academic grades were negatively impacted during COVID‐19 and learning mode may have contributed. Understanding these impacts is critical to student health and academic achievement.
Macrobenthic diversity and its bioindicator potential in urban reservoirs: A Sri Lanka case study
Authors: Perera Gardi Arachchige Chamini Dineshika , Chandrasekara Withanage Upali
Published: August 2022

Studies addressing the macrobenthic diversity and their potential as bioindicators in water quality assessment programs are sparse for Sri Lanka. The present study investigated the macrobenthic diversity in relation to water quality parameters in some urban reservoirs in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, assessing their potential as bio‐indicators in water quality assessment programs. The six study reservoirs included the Ihalagama Tank, Peralanda Tank, Kesbewa Tank, Boralesgamuwa Tank, Bolgoda Lake and Beira Lake. The microbenthic fauna abundance at randomly selected locations (n = 9) in each reservoir and selected water quality parameters (temperature; pH; electrical conductivity; total dissolved solids; BOD5; dissolved nitrates; total dissolved phosphate and alkalinity of the overlying water at each location were measured between July 2020 and January 2021, using standard data collection methods). The species richness (SR), species heterogeneity (H′) and species evenness (J) of the macrobenthic fauna in each reservoir were calculated, and the abundance and water quality data analysed using ANOVA and PCA as appropriate. A total of 13 macrobenthic taxa (Glyphidrilus sp., Limnodrilus socialis, Dero sp., Stratiomyd larva, Chironomid larva, Bellamya sp., Melanoides tuberculata, Gyraulus sp., Lymnaea sp., Paludomus sp., Thiara sp., Ancylus sp. and Mesostoma sp.) were observed from the six study reservoirs. The oligochaete tubificid worm L. socialis dominated the sediment samples, accounting for more than 94.7% of the total macrobenthic abundance, with the highest relative abundance of this species observed in Beira Lake (99.3%). The species richness of the macrobenthic community was highest in the Ihalagama and Kesbewa tanks (SR = 5), while it was the lowest in the Peralanda Tank (SR = 2). Since the benthic community was mainly dominated by L. socialis, the lowest species heterogeneity and species evenness values were observed in Beira Lake (H′ = 0.05; J = 0.03). The values of the water quality parameters among the study reservoirs varied, with Beira Lake exhibiting significantly high BOD5, dissolved nitrate, and total dissolved phosphate values (p < .05) than the other reservoirs, indicating a higher degree of eutrophication. Furthermore, the SR, J and H′ values for the study reservoirs decreased with increasing BOD5, dissolved nitrate and total dissolved phosphate levels. Thus, it was concluded that the abundance and diversity of macrobenthic fauna are primarily governed by water quality parameters. Furthermore, L. socialis can be used as a potential bioindicator organism in water quality assessment programs in urban reservoirs.
Bonomythy and the Goodward Life: Sacred‐Ethical Invitations to Pause, Prayer, and Politics in Plotinus and Levinas
Authors: Pessin Sarah
Published: August 2022

Drawing on a constellation of insights in Plotinus (third century) and Emmanuel Levinas (1905‐1995), I explore an ethically inflected spiritual‐political alternative to theology which I call “bonomythy.” Unlike “theology” which offers us a reasoned God‐Account, “bonomythy” offers us a lived experience at the intersection of goodness (bonum) and transformational narrative (muthos). An alternative to the calculated confines of theology, its ethical framing also avoids the cacophony and coldness of atheisms and the sorts of atheologies which variously draw strength from nothingness, chaos, matter, and the “death of god.” Moreover, prioritizing phenomenological frames over epistemological ones, it is far warmer than the kinds of cool, spiritually‐reductive ethics one can find in Kantian frames or in the at times nihilistic logics of deconstruction at play in some postmodern approaches. In its cultivation of ethical desire as a passionate quest for the sacred bound up with doing good in the world, bonomythy emerges as a more ethically‐driven alternative not only to theology but to a variety of deconstructive, mystical, and theopoetic atheologies.
Isolated tracheobronchial mucormycosis: Report of a case and systematic review of literature
Authors: Damaraju Vikram , Agarwal Ritesh , Dhooria Sahajal , Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Prasad Kuruswamy Thurai , Gupta Kirti , Prabhakar Nidhi , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Muthu Valliappan
Published: August 2022

Background

Isolated tracheobronchial mucormycosis (ITBM) is an uncommonly reported entity. Herein, we report a case of ITBM following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and perform a systematic review of the literature.

Case description and systematic review

A 45‐year‐old gentleman with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus presented with cough, streaky haemoptysis, and hoarseness of voice 2 weeks after mild COVID‐19 illness. Computed tomography and flexible bronchoscopy suggested the presence of a tracheal mass, which was spontaneously expectorated. Histopathological examination of the mass confirmed invasive ITBM. The patient had complete clinical and radiological resolution with glycaemic control, posaconazole, and inhaled amphotericin B (8 weeks). Our systematic review of the literature identified 25 additional cases of isolated airway invasive mucormycosis. The median age of the 26 subjects (58.3% men) was 46 years. Diabetes mellitus (79.2%) was the most common risk factor. Uncommon conditions such as anastomosis site mucormycosis (in two lung transplant recipients), post‐viral illness (post‐COVID‐19 [n = 3], and influenza [n = 1]), and post‐intubation mucormycosis (n = 1) were noted in a few. Three patients died before treatment initiation. Systemic antifungals were used in most patients (commonly amphotericin B). Inhalation (5/26; 19.2%) or bronchoscopic instillation (1/26; 3.8%) of amphotericin B and surgery (6/26; 23.1%) were performed in some patients. The case‐fatality rate was 50%, primarily attributed to massive haemoptysis.

Conclusion

Isolated tracheobronchial mucormycosis is a rare disease. Bronchoscopy helps in early diagnosis. Management with antifungals and control of risk factors is required since surgery may not be feasible.