bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of the Brazilian semiarid: dynamic interactions with biotic and abiotic factors
Authors: Silva‐Inacio Cássio L. , Freire de Melo Ximenes Maria de Fátima
Published: February 2023

Mosquitoes are found worldwide; in Brazil, 530 species are distributed across all its biomes. Understanding of the biodiversity of the Caatinga biome remains incomplete, especially for Culicidae. We carried out a sampling of immature and adult mosquitoes in aquatic habitats and using Shannon traps in a seasonally dry tropical forest, in the semiarid of Rio Grande do Norte. A total of 1747 immatures of 13 species were collected during the study period (2017–2020) in groundwater sites, rock depressions, with and without vegetation, and tree holes. The maintenance of temporary breeding sites is related to the dry and rainy seasons. We collected 2132 adult mosquitoes of 12 species between 5 and 8 PM. Correlation analyses showed the effect of meteorological variables on Culicidae populations. Both immature and adult mosquitoes' abundance were significantly influenced by temperature and wind. The abundance of adult mosquitoes of the genera Aedes demonstrated a positive correlation with temperature, and a negative one with Mansonia and Uranotaenia. Our study adds information on the population dynamics of mosquitoes in the Brazilian semiarid, highlighting the bioecological relationships and breeding sites of species relevant to public health.
Managers' experiences of providing end‐of‐life care under the Home Care Package Program
Authors: Simonetti Simone , Parker Deborah , Mack Holly A. , Wise Sarah
Published: February 2023

Objective

The study explored the experiences of Australian aged care providers in supporting clients on a home care package to die at home.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 aged care managers responsible for delivering services under the Home Care Package Program. Interviews were analysed thematically.

Results

Four themes emerged that illuminated managers' experiences: struggling to meet a preference to die at home; lack of opportunities to build workforce capacity in end‐of‐life care; challenges in negotiating fragmented funding arrangements between health and aged care providers; and mixed success in collaborating across sectors.

Conclusions

Aged care providers want to support older Australians who prefer to stay at home at the end of life. However, most clients are admitted to a residential facility when their care needs exceed a home care budget long before a specialist palliative care team will intervene. Budgets for health and aged care providers must be sufficient and flexible to support timely access to end‐of‐life care, to reward collaboration across sectors and to invest in building palliative care skills in the nursing and personal care workforce.
Identifying the antecedents of opportunism in agri‐food cooperatives: a comparative analysis between first‐ and second‐tier cooperatives
Authors: Sánchez‐Navarro Jorge Luis , Arcas‐Lario Narciso , Hernández‐Espallardo Miguel
Published: February 2023

Agri‐food cooperatives allow farmers to improve their competitiveness and bargaining power. However, the specificities of their organizational form, in which owners are decision makers, suppliers, and clients, open the door to conflicts of interest. Members’ opportunism comes in the aftermath of this and adversely affects cooperatives’ performance. Hence, knowing the antecedents of these undesirable opportunistic behaviors is an important management concern. This study analyzes the factors that promote cooperative members opportunism by exploring the differences between memberships of first‐tier cooperatives and second‐tier cooperatives. To this end, an ordinary least squares linear regression model with interaction terms was estimated. The results show that in the case of first‐tier cooperatives, environmental uncertainty, members’ heterogeneity, and the cooperative's market orientation increase members’ opportunism, while members’ dependence on the cooperative, long‐term orientation of the relationship, and members’ market orientation reduce it. For second‐tier cooperatives, our results reveal that cooperative market orientation increases members’ opportunism, while members’ market orientation reduces it. Moreover, we find that members’ dependence on cooperatives, long‐term orientation, and environmental uncertainty have different effects on opportunism in each type of membership.
The massifying consumption of embodied goods in an advanced capitalist state: Capital, economic anxieties and social networks
Authors: Au Anson
Published: February 2023

Embodied goods like cosmetic surgery comprise a unique and growing consumer industry, most of all in the Asia‐Pacific, yet the rationalisation processes motivating their purchase are less understood. Addressing this lacuna, this article builds upon open‐ended surveys and semi‐structured interviews of consumers in Seoul, South Korea to articulate a relational approach to examine the rationalisation of purchases of cosmetic surgery as an embodied good. Theorised through the conceptual lens of Bourdieusian capital, participant accounts point to macro‐level economic anxieties that inform a micro‐level cognitive logic of competition through which consumers rationalise the purchase of embodied goods as a form of aesthetic capital. When performed, this capital is believed to offer actors social distinction that provides workplace and social networking advantages by impressing gatekeepers and alters. Participants are shown to reconceptualise their bodies in a means‐end orientation for upward mobility but stress their resignation and powerlessness in being forced to adopt this instrumental reconceptualisation as a response to intensifying economic hardships in contemporary capitalist South Korea.
Social anxiety and accumulation of status loss events: The role of adulthood experiences
Authors: Azoulay Roy , Avigadol Liat , Gilboa‐Schechtman Eva
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The association between social anxiety (SA) and early‐life status loss events (SLEs) is well documented. However, such an association in adulthood is yet to be examined.

Methods

Two studies (N = 166 and N = 431) were conducted to address this question. Adult participants filled out questionnaires regarding SLEs accumulation during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, along with depression and SA severity measures.

Results

SA was associated with SLEs in adulthood over and above SLEs in childhood and adolescence, and depression.

Conclusion

The adaptive role of SA in adulthood in the face of concrete and relevant status threats is discussed.
How I manage mantle cell lymphoma: indolent versus aggressive disease
Authors: Wilson Matthew R. , Barrett Aisling , Cheah Chan Yoon , Eyre Toby A.
Published: February 2023

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B‐cell lymphoma with a variable clinical course and historically poor prognosis. Management is challenging in part due to the heterogeneity of the disease course, with indolent and aggressive subtypes now well recognised. Indolent MCL is often characterised by a leukaemic presentation, SOX11 negativity and low proliferation index (Ki‐67). Aggressive MCL is characterised by rapid onset widespread lymphadenopathy, extra‐nodal involvement, blastoid or pleomorphic histology and high Ki‐67. Tumour protein p53 (TP53) aberrations in aggressive MCL are recognised with clear negative impact on survival. Until recently, trials have not addressed these specific subtypes separately. With the increasing availability of targeted novel agents and cellular therapies, the treatment landscape is constantly evolving. In this review, we describe the clinical presentation, biological factors, and specific management considerations of both indolent and aggressive MCL and discuss current and potential future evidence which may help move to a more personalised approach.
Economic evaluation of next‐generation sequencing techniques in diagnosis of genetic disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Rezapour Aziz , Souresrafil Aghdas , Barzegar Mohammad , Sheikhy‐Chaman Mohammadreza , Tatarpour Parvin
Published: February 2023

In recent years, massively parallel sequencing or next generation sequencing (NGS) has considerably changed both the research and diagnostic fields, and rapid developments have led to the combination of NGS techniques in clinical practice, ease of analysis, and detection of genetic mutations. This article aimed at reviewing the economic evaluation studies of the NGS techniques in the diagnosis of genetic diseases. In this systematic review, scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, and CEA registry) were searched from 2005 to 2022 to identify the related literature on the economic evaluation of NGS techniques in the diagnosis of genetic diseases. Full‐text reviews and data extraction were all performed by two independent researchers. The quality of all the articles included in this study was evaluated using the Checklist of Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES). Out of 20 521 screened abstracts, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean score of the QHES checklist for the studies was 0.78 (high quality). Seventeen studies were conducted based on modeling. Cost‐effectiveness analysis, cost‐utility analysis, and cost‐minimization analysis were done in 26 studies, 13 studies, and 1 study, respectively. Based on the available evidence and findings, exome sequencing, which is one of the NGS techniques, could have the potential to be used as a cost‐effective genomic test to diagnose children with suspected genetic diseases. The results of the present study support the cost‐effectiveness of exome sequencing in diagnosing suspected genetic disorders. However, the use of exome sequencing as a first‐ or second‐line diagnostic test is still controversial. Most studies have been conducted in high‐income countries, and research on the cost‐effectiveness of NGS methods is recommended in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Which is more deleterious to cognitive performance? Interictal epileptiform discharges vs anti‐seizure medication
Authors: Warsi Nebras M. , Wong Simeon M. , Gorodetsky Carolina , Suresh Hrishikesh , Arski Olivia N. , Ebden Mark , Kerr Elizabeth N. , Smith Mary Lou , Yau Ivanna , Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi , Sharma Rohit , Jain Puneet , Weiss Shelly , Donner Elizabeth J. , Snead O. Carter , Ibrahim George M.
Published: February 2023

Children with epilepsy commonly have comorbid neurocognitive impairments that severely affect their psychosocial well‐being, education, and future career prospects. Although the provenance of these deficits is multifactorial, the effects of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) and anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) are thought to be particularly severe. Although certain ASMs can be leveraged to inhibit IED occurrence, it remains unclear whether epileptiform discharges or the medications themselves are most deleterious to cognition. To examine this question, 25 children undergoing invasive monitoring for refractory focal epilepsy performed one or more sessions of a cognitive flexibility task. Electrophysiological data were recorded to detect IEDs. Between repeated sessions, prescribed ASMs were either continued or titrated to <50% of the baseline dose. Hierarchical mixed‐effects modeling assessed the relationship between task reaction time (RT), IED occurrence, ASM type, and dose while controlling for seizure frequency. Both presence (β ± SE = 49.91 ± 16.55 ms, p = .003) and number of IEDs (β ± SE = 49.84 ± 12.51 ms, p < .001) were associated with slowed task RT. Higher dose oxcarbazepine significantly reduced IED frequency (p = .009) and improved task performance (β ± SE = −107.43 ± 39.54 ms, p = .007). These results emphasize the neurocognitive consequences of IEDs independent of seizure effects. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inhibition of IEDs following treatment with select ASMs is associated with improved neurocognitive function.
Effective population size in a partially clonal plant is not predicted by the number of genetic individuals
Authors: Gargiulo Roberta , Waples Robin S. , Grow Adri K. , Shefferson Richard P. , Viruel Juan , Fay Michael F. , Kull Tiiu
Published: February 2023

Estimating effective population size (Ne) is important for theoretical and practical applications in evolutionary biology and conservation. Nevertheless, estimates of Ne in organisms with complex life‐history traits remain scarce because of the challenges associated with estimation methods. Partially clonal plants capable of both vegetative (clonal) growth and sexual reproduction are a common group of organisms for which the discrepancy between the apparent number of individuals (ramets) and the number of genetic individuals (genets) can be striking, and it is unclear how this discrepancy relates to Ne. In this study, we analysed two populations of the orchid Cypripedium calceolus to understand how the rate of clonal versus sexual reproduction affected Ne. We genotyped >1000 ramets at microsatellite and SNP loci, and estimated contemporary Ne with the linkage disequilibrium method, starting from the theoretical expectation that variance in reproductive success among individuals caused by clonal reproduction and by constraints on sexual reproduction would lower Ne. We considered factors potentially affecting our estimates, including different marker types and sampling strategies, and the influence of pseudoreplication in genomic data sets on Ne confidence intervals. The magnitude of Ne/Nramets and Ne/Ngenets ratios we provide may be used as reference points for other species with similar life‐history traits. Our findings demonstrate that Ne in partially clonal plants cannot be predicted based on the number of genets generated by sexual reproduction, because demographic changes over time can strongly influence Ne. This is especially relevant in species of conservation concern in which population declines may not be detected by only ascertaining the number of genets.
Where land meets sea: Intertidal areas as key‐habitats for sharks and rays
Authors: Leurs Guido , Nieuwenhuis Brian O. , Zuidewind Thije J. , Hijner Nadia , Olff Han , Govers Laura L.
Published: February 2023

Intertidal habitats (i.e. marine habitats that are (partially) exposed during low tide) have traditionally been studied from a shorebird‐centred perspective. We show that these habitats are accessible and important to marine predators such as elasmobranchs (i.e. sharks and rays). Our synthesis shows that at least 43 shark and 45 ray species, of which 54.5% are currently threatened, use intertidal habitats. Elasmobranchs use intertidal habitats mostly for feeding and as refugia, but also for parturition and thermoregulation. However, the motivation of intertidal habitat use remains unclear due to limitations to observe elasmobranch behaviour in these dynamic habitats. We argue that elasmobranch predators can play an important role in intertidal food webs by feeding on shared resources during high tide (i.e. ‘high‐tide predators’), which are accessible and also consumed by terrestrial or avian predators during low tide (i.e. ‘low‐tide predators’). In addition, elasmobranchs are able to change the bio‐geomorphology of intertidal habitats by increasing habitat heterogeneity due to feeding activities and may also alter resource availability for other consumers. We discuss how the ecological role of elasmobranchs in intertidal habitats is being affected by the continued overexploitation of these species, and conversely, how the global loss of intertidal areas poses an additional threat to an already vulnerable taxonomic group. We conclude that studies on intertidal ecology should include both low‐tide (e.g. shorebirds) and high‐tide (e.g. elasmobranchs) predatory guilds and their ecological interactions. The global loss of elasmobranch predatory species and intertidal habitat provides additional compelling arguments for the conservation of these areas.
Enzymology of reactive intermediate protection: kinetic analysis and temperature dependence of the mesophilic membrane protein catalyst MGST1
Authors: Cebula Marcus , Morgenstern Ralf
Published: February 2023

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a class of phase II detoxifying enzymes catalysing the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to endogenous and exogenous electrophilic molecules, with microsomal glutathione transferase 1 (MGST1) being one of its key members. MGST1 forms a homotrimer displaying third‐of‐the‐sites‐reactivity and up to 30‐fold activation through modification of its Cys‐49 residue. It has been shown that the steady‐state behaviour of the enzyme at 5 °C can be accounted for by its pre‐steady‐state behaviour if the presence of a natively activated subpopulation (~ 10%) is assumed. Low temperature was used as the ligand‐free enzyme is unstable at higher temperatures. Here, we overcame enzyme lability through stop‐flow limited turnover analysis, whereby kinetic parameters at 30 °C were obtained. The acquired data are more physiologically relevant and enable confirmation of the previously established enzyme mechanism (at 5 °C), yielding parameters relevant for in vivo modelling. Interestingly, the kinetic parameter defining toxicant metabolism, kcat/KM, is strongly dependent on substrate reactivity (Hammett value 4.2), underscoring that glutathione transferases function as efficient and responsive interception catalysts. The temperature behaviour of the enzyme was also analysed. Both the KM and KD values decreased with increasing temperature, while the chemical step k3 displayed modest temperature dependence (Q10: 1.1–1.2), mirrored in that of the nonenzymatic reaction (Q10: 1.1–1.7). Unusually high Q10 values for GSH thiolate anion formation (k2: 3.9), kcat (2.7–5.6) and kcat/KM (3.4–5.9) support that large structural transitions govern GSH binding and deprotonation, which limits steady‐state catalysis.
Perceived risks and rewards of foraging sites strongly affect density and condition of non‐breeding Hudsonian Godwits
Authors: Swift Rose J. , Rodewald Amanda D. , MacDonald Garrett J. , Senner Nathan R.
Published: February 2023

Patchily distributed resources require individuals to balance risks and rewards associated with foraging sites that vary widely in quality, as determined by factors such as food availability, disturbance rates and predation risk. These trade‐offs may be especially acute for migratory species during the non‐breeding season when they must access high‐quality resources to recover from and prepare for migration. We assessed how density and body condition of non‐breeding Hudsonian Godwits Limosa haemastica, acting as proxies for foraging site quality, were related to foraging success, availability of intertidal foraging habitat, landscape and bay characteristics, human disturbances and predation risk at 42 intertidal mudflats in southern Chile. Godwit density and body condition increased with availability of foraging habitat and foraging success, except on mudflats where individuals were more alert and agitated (i.e. higher scanning rates and more displacement flights). In contrast, body condition and density of foraging Godwits were lower at sites with high levels of perceived disturbance. Our findings suggest that the non‐lethal effects of disturbances (i.e. perceived risks) may affect behaviour (e.g. scanning rates and displacement flights) in ways that can compromise refuelling rates, body condition and performance across seasons. Thus, efforts to reduce disturbances to individuals foraging on tidal mudflats may be important to conserve migratory shorebirds, a guild undergoing severe population declines.
Dynamic changes and correlation analysis of protease activities, texture and flavour compounds during fish fermentation (suanyu) using mixed culture (Enterococcus rivorum and Enterococcus lactis)
Authors: Yuan Li , Zhang Qianqian , Zhao Feng , Jin Wengang , Shi Tong , Xiong Zhiyu , Gao Ruichang
Published: February 2023

This research investigated the dynamic changes and correlations of protease activity, material texture and flavour compounds during the fermentation (13 days) of crucian (Carassius auratus). Mixed starter fermentation (Enterococcus rivorum and Enterococcus lactis) and natural fermentation were used for the study. Results showed that the protease activity, TCA‐soluble protein and flavour substances were increased with fermentation time and were higher in the mixed fermentation group. The results of relative odour activity value showed that some aldehydes played a major role in the flavour of the product, such as octanal, nonanal and (E)‐2‐nonenal. The correlation analysis showed that protease activity and material texture (hardness and chewiness) had a significantly positive correlation with many flavour compounds (octanal, nonanal, glutamic acid, etc.). This work will provide a theoretical reference for the application of mixed starter cultures and for improving the quality of suanyu by increasing protease activity and changing the texture of the material.
Development of synbiotic vegan beverages: probiotic viability, sensory profile, consumers' acceptance and functional stability
Authors: Valero‐Cases Estefanía , Frutos María José , Pérez‐Llamas Francisca
Published: February 2023

The development of synbiotic vegan drinks expands the probiotic food options on the market as an alternative to dairy products and with no added sugars. This study aimed to investigate the impact of fermentation and inulin addition in mixed carrot‐orange juice with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) on the sensory profile, consumer acceptance and functional stability. The results demonstrated that all fermented juices had high antioxidant capacity (AOC) and were a rich source of bioactive compounds such as β‐carotene and phenolics. However, only the β‐carotene showed a high correlation with the AOC. Inulin could improve LP survival, remaining at high concentration during the 21 days of storage. Only fermented juices with 2% inulin showed a positive correlation with sweet taste and had the best impact on sensorial properties. Fermentation with LP and inulin addition could contribute to the improvement of orange flavour and taste. Penalty analysis showed that the control‐unfermented juices were the samples with a clear need for improvement with respect to the fermented ones. Therefore, carrot‐orange juices represent a promising vegan food matrix for probiotic delivery.
Effects of pomelo peel sponge layer insoluble dietary fibre addition on the properties of the dough and bread
Authors: Sang Jiaqi , Wen Jing , Li Lu , Xu Yujuan , Gu Qingqing , Yu Yuanshan , Peng Jian
Published: February 2023

In this study, the influences of different proportions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% w/w) of pomelo peel sponge layer insoluble dietary fibre (PP‐IDF) on the technological quality, structural character and sensory evaluation of wheat dough and bread were studied. Results showed that the addition of PP‐IDF improved the viscoelasticity of dough and reduced its enthalpy of freezing–thawing. Meanwhile, PP‐IDF significantly improved the quality of bread during storage. Compared with the control, the 7‐day moisture rate of bread containing PP‐IDF increased by 3.50–6.80%, indicating that PP‐IDF retarded the staling process of bread. Moreover, SEM images showed that the bread prepared using PP‐IDF had a more heterogeneous crumb microstructure, and the higher the addition level of PP‐IDF, the larger the void structure. The results of the texture profile analysis indicated that the hardness and chewiness of bread increased with the incorporation of PP‐IDF, suggesting that the addition of PP‐IDF had a negative effect on the texture property of bread. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation of bread was performed, and the taste of the bread was better when PP‐IDF addition content was 5–10%. The results of this study revealed that PP‐IDF had great potential for the development of innovative bread recipes.
Factors contributing to nurse resignation during COVID‐19: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J. , Scott Suzanne , Rickard Nonie , Long Karrie , Burke Shirley , Morrison Morag , Mills Leanne , Barker Emma , Sharma Karan , Twomey Bernadette
Published: February 2023

Aims

To explore and describe registered nurses' perceptions and experiences of work well‐being extending from what inspired them to join the healthcare organization, what created a great day at work for them, through to what may have supported them to stay.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Thirty‐nine Australian nurses who resigned in 2021 from two metropolitan healthcare organizations in Victoria were interviewed in 2022, each for 30–60 min. The semi‐structured interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively and thematically.

Results

Four themes were constructed for each of the key research questions. Inspiration to join the organizations transpired through organizational reputation, recruitment experiences, right position and right time, fit and feel. A great day at work was created through relationships with colleagues, experiences with managers, adequate resourcing and delivering quality care. Factors contributing to nurses resigning included COVID‐19, uncertainty of role, workload and rostering, and finally, not feeling supported, respected and valued. Factors that may have supported the nurses to stay included flexible work patterns and opportunities, improved workplace relationships, workload management and support, and supportive systems and environments. Cutting across these themes were five threads: (1) relationships, (2) communication, (3) a desire to learn and develop, (4) work–life balance and (5) providing quality patient care.

Conclusions

Novel ways of working and supporting individuals, teams and organizations are needed to maintain and sustain nurses. The nurses' inspiration, what created a great day at work, and support needed to stay highlighted the importance of workplace initiatives to build nursing career pathways, provide equitable opportunities for professional development, workload and roster flexibility and implement professional relationship‐enhancing actions to foster authentic civility.

Impact

This study contributes an in‐depth exploration of the perceptions and experiences of nurses who resigned from two healthcare organizations and provides a description of (1) what inspired these nurses to initially join the organization, (2) what they perceived created a great day at work for them, (3) the factors contributing to their resignation and (4) what may have supported them to stay.

The reasons nurses resign from an organization were identified as complex and multi‐factorial, with opportunities for promoting nursing career pathways, addressing equity in opportunities and implementing professional relationship‐enhancing actions.

These contributions add both context and opportunity to strengthen organizational initiatives to attract, sustain and retain nurses.
Embedding nurse‐led supportive care in an outpatient service for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ora Linda , Wilkes Lesley , Mannix Judy , Gregory Linda , Luck Lauretta
Published: February 2023

Aim

To describe a small multidisciplinary team's experience of the process of embedding nurse‐led supportive care into an existing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease outpatient service.

Design

Case study methodology

Methods

Data were collected from multiple sources including key documents and semi‐structured interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 6) conducted between June and July 2021. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Content analysis was applied to key documents. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive approach.

Results

Subcategories under the four‐stage process were identified from the data. Assessment: evidence of needs of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; gaps in care and evidence of other models of supportive care. Planning: setting the supportive care service structure and intention; resources and funding; leadership, specialization and respiratory/palliative care roles. Implementation: relationships and trust; embedding supportive care and communication. Evaluation: benefits and positive outcomes for staff and patients, and, improvements and future considerations for supportive care in the COPD service.

Conclusion

A collaboration between respiratory and palliative care services resulted in successfully embedding nurse‐led supportive care in a small outpatient service for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Nurses are well placed to lead new models of care that aim to address unmet biopsychosocial‐spiritual needs of patients. More research is needed to evaluate nurse‐led supportive care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other chronic illness settings; the effectiveness of nurse‐led supportive care from the perspective of patients and caregivers and the impact of nurse‐led supportive care on health service usage.

Patient or Public Contribution

The development of the model of care is informed by ongoing discussions with patients with COPD and their caregivers.

Data availability statement: Research data are not shared (due to ethical restrictions).

Impact

Embedding nurse‐led supportive care in an existing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease outpatient service is achievable.

Nurses with clinical expertise can lead innovative models of care that address the unmet biopsychosocial‐spiritual needs of patients with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Nurse‐led supportive care may have utility and relevance in other chronic disease contexts.
Proteomic profiling of epicardial fat in heart failure with preserved versus reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Gao Qian , He Shan , Peng Yuanshu , Su Pixiong , Zhao Lei
Published: February 2023

In order to explore the proteomic signatures of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) related to the mechanism of heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFmrEF) and heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a comprehensive proteomic analysis of EAT was made in HFrEF/HFmrEF (n = 5) and HFpEF (n = 5) patients with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry experiments. The selected differential proteins were verified between HFrEF/HFmrEF (n = 20) and HFpEF (n = 40) by ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). A total of 599 EAT proteins were significantly different in expression between HFrEF/HFmrEF and HFpEF. Among the 599 proteins, 58 proteins increased in HFrEF/HFmrEF compared to HFpEF, whereas 541 proteins decreased in HFrEF/HFmrEF. Of these proteins, TGM2 in EAT was down‐regulated in HFrEF/HFmrEF patients and was confirmed to decrease in circulating plasma of the HFrEF/HFmrEF group (p = 0.019). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed plasma TGM2 could be an independent predictor of HFrEF/HFmrEF (p = 0.033). Receiver operating curve analysis indicated that the combination of TGM2 and Gensini score improved the diagnostic value of HFrEF/HFmrEF (p = 0.002). In summary, for the first time, we described the proteome in EAT in both HFpEF and HFrEF/HFmrEF and identified a comprehensive dimension of potential targets for the mechanism behind the EF spectrum. Exploring the role of EAT may offer potential targets for preventive intervention of HF.
Design consideration and optimization of process parameters in fiber extraction unit via modelling studies
Authors: Vishnu V. , Harikrishnan M. P. , Warrier Aswin S. , Mahanti Naveen Kumar , Basil M. , Venkatesh T. , Pandiselvam R. , Kothakota Anjineyulu
Published: February 2023

Demand for natural fibers as an alternative to synthetic fibers is on the rise. Constraints of current fiber extraction units are limited to single raw material and has low energy efficiency. Hence, this study was taken up for the design and development of a multiple fiber extractor, modelling and optimization of the machine operating parameters, and economic analysis of the developed prototype. The designed machine operates based on the raspador principle. Box Behnken design (BBD) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to evaluate the performance and optimize the variables of the designed multiple fiber extractor. The input variables included roller speed (550, 735, and 920 rpm), gap/clearance of the roller (2, 3, and 4 mm) and the pitch/distance between the spline slots (0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mm), while the output variables were yield (kg), capacity (kg/h), energy consumption (kJ), and efficiency (%).The prediction accuracy of quadratic models (R2 = 0.962–0.985) developed in BBD were better than the ANN models (R2 = 0.831–0.946). The optimized combination was found to be 714.23 rpm roller speed, 3.12 mm gap, and 1.49 mm pitch of the blade, which yielded (1.48 kg) a desirability value of 0.95. The XRD results indicated the highest crystallinity index was recorded for Pineapple leaf fiber compared to banana fiber. SEM results revealed that extracted BF having typical network structure (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and waxes) compared to smooth PLF (lignin and hemicellulose). The fibers extracted using the developed machine was utilized for making biodegradable cutlery.

Practical Applications

This study was taken up to design a multifiber extractor, to extract fibers from agricultural residues after their useful parts are taken for consumption or processing. Thus, a single machine capable of handling multiple byproducts can utilize those residues, which were previously discarded as waste. Moreover, the extracted fibers are used for the manufacture of biodegradable cutlery. With a small investment, this machine can provide an additional income to the farmers, along with taking away the concern regarding waste disposal.
The effect of specimen preparation on the nanostructure of SLES aqueous solutions observed by cryo‐TEM
Authors: Lifshiz‐Simon Sapir , Talmon Yeshayahu
Published: February 2023

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) is a detergent widely used in cosmetics and personal‐care industries; hence, it is of particular interest to study the self‐assembled nanostructure it forms at different conditions. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) is the most suitable technique for the direct‐imaging of such systems. However, since SLES is sensitive to flow and shear, specimen preparation artefacts may misrepresent the native state of the solution. In this paper, we present different cryo‐TEM specimen preparation methods, and show how they affect the nanostructure of the system. In fact, for this system, we were able to record the native state of the solution only after sufficient time of on‐the‐grid relaxation (OGR) after blotting. Here, we also intend to point out the importance of considering the nature of the solution when preparing cryo‐TEM specimens.
Post‐traumatic consumption: Does emotion regulation moderate the relationship between military life stressors, mental health outcomes, and compulsive buying?
Authors: Russell Cristel A. , Russell Dale W. , Harris Christine
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Consumers may cope with stressful events and their resulting negative mental health outcomes through maladaptive behaviors. One such behavior is compulsive buying, an uncontrolled urge to purchase things. This can have devastating financial consequences, especially among vulnerable members of the population. Emotion regulation research suggests that differences in individuals' ability to manage and cope with stressors may attenuate their negative consequences. Thus, this research investigates whether expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal, two types of emotion regulation, moderate whether and how stressors related to a military deployment and its mental health outcomes relate to compulsive consumption.

Approach

This prospective naturalistic multiphase study followed a US Army unit during a combat deployment cycle and analyzed survey data collected before, during, and after its members' deployment to Afghanistan.

Findings

The findings identify the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies on the relationship between mental health symptoms and compulsive buying. Servicemembers with high mental health symptoms were less likely to engage in compulsive buying if they had high expressive suppression. Although the emotion regulatory profile of high suppression and low reappraisal is usually considered the least beneficial, it emerges as a buffer against engaging in compulsive buying behavior.

Originality

This field study explored the rarely researched topic of compulsive buying within a military population that routinely faces stressful situations. The research also contributes to the growing body of evidence of the role of strategies for emotion regulation in the context of potentially maladaptive behaviors in the marketplace.
One Man's Death is Another Man's Bread: The Effect of a CEO's Sudden Death on Competitors' Strategic Investments
Authors: Cho Sam Yul , Choi Yohan , Park Haemin Dennis , Kwon Jung Hyun
Published: February 2023

We examine how a CEO's sudden death influences competitors' strategic investments. Consistent with the literature on death awareness and the expectancy‐valence model, we suggest that a CEO's unexpected death can trigger competitors' competitive moves. Using a difference‐in‐differences methodology, we show that a competitor increases strategic investments after its peer firm experiences a CEO's sudden death. This effect becomes stronger when the competitor and its peer firm share similar resource allocation profiles or the competitor possesses greater organizational slack. Our supplementary analysis shows that a competitor increases its strategic action intensity following a CEO's sudden demise at a peer firm. This study contributes to the competitive dynamics literature by highlighting how critical events affecting the cognitive base and values of strategic leaders expose strategic vulnerability and in turn evoke competitive moves by competitors in response to the events.
Evaluation of the efficacy of the hypocretin/orexin receptor agonists TAK‐925 and ARN‐776 in narcoleptic orexin/tTA; TetO‐DTA mice
Authors: Sun Yu , Ranjan Alok , Tisdale Ryan , Ma Shun‐Chieh , Park Sunmee , Haire Meghan , Heu Jasmine , Morairty Stephen R. , Wang Xiaoyu , Rosenbaum Daniel M. , Williams Noelle S. , De Brabander Jef K. , Kilduff Thomas S.
Published: February 2023

The sleep disorder narcolepsy, a hypocretin deficiency disorder thought to be due to degeneration of hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin neurons, is currently treated symptomatically. We evaluated the efficacy of two small molecule hypocretin/orexin receptor‐2 (HCRTR2) agonists in narcoleptic male orexin/tTA; TetO‐DTA mice. TAK‐925 (1–10 mg/kg, s.c.) and ARN‐776 (1–10 mg/kg, i.p.) were injected 15 min before dark onset in a repeated measures design. EEG, EMG, subcutaneous temperature (Tsc) and activity were recorded by telemetry; recordings for the first 6 h of the dark period were scored for sleep/wake and cataplexy. At all doses tested, TAK‐925 and ARN‐776 caused continuous wakefulness and eliminated sleep for the first hour. Both TAK‐925 and ARN‐776 caused dose‐related delays in NREM sleep onset. All doses of TAK‐925 and all but the lowest dose of ARN‐776 eliminated cataplexy during the first hour after treatment; the anti‐cataplectic effect of TAK‐925 persisted into the second hour for the highest dose. TAK‐925 and ARN‐776 also reduced the cumulative amount of cataplexy during the 6 h post‐dosing period. The acute increase in wakefulness produced by both HCRTR2 agonists was characterised by increased spectral power in the gamma EEG band. Although neither compound provoked a NREM sleep rebound, both compounds affected NREM EEG during the second hour post‐dosing. TAK‐925 and ARN‐776 also increased gross motor activity, running wheel activity, and Tsc, suggesting that the wake‐promoting and sleep‐suppressing activities of these compounds could be a consequence of hyperactivity. Nonetheless, the anti‐cataplectic activity of TAK‐925 and ARN‐776 is encouraging for the development of HCRTR2 agonists.
Comparison of sleep deprivation and a low dose of ketamine on sleep and the electroencephalogram in Brown Norway rats
Authors: Wang Yumeng , Melgers Marije , Meijer Johanna H. , Deboer Tom
Published: February 2023

Ketamine is known for its antidepressant effects, but the mechanism underlying this effect remains largely unclear. In contrast to most antidepressant drugs, the action of ketamine is rapid, suggesting a different mode of action. A rapid antidepressant effect is also observed following sleep deprivation (SD). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a 6‐h SD and acute ketamine treatment on vigilance states, locomotor activity, and electroencephalogram (EEG) power density spectra in Brown Norway rats under constant condition over 2 recording days. After SD and after the initial waking period induced by ketamine, both treatments induced a similar increase in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and EEG slow‐wave activity (SWA) in NREM sleep. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was reduced immediately after both treatments but was recovered later only after the SD. The effects on the waking EEG differed between the treatments, with a faster theta peak during and after SD, and no change in the waking spectrum after ketamine. In conclusion, SD and ketamine both lead to an acute increment in NREM sleep SWA as well as in a reduction in REM sleep. The results suggest that selective suppression of REM sleep, combined with enhancement of SWA during NREM may be effective in the treatment of depression.
How plant variety protection fails to benefit breeders to the detriment of plant innovation in Kenya's maize seed sector
Authors: Van Dycke Lodewijk
Published: February 2023

The adoption by African countries of plant variety protection via the adherence to the union internationale pour la protection des obtentions végétales (UPOV) convention has received criticism because it may dispossess African farmers of their seeds. Little is known about the empirical workings of UPOV's plant breeders' rights (PBRs) regarding African food crops. I interviewed plant breeders and right holders in Kenya's maize seed sector. I found that few actors register maize PBRs because maize varieties are often hybrid and especially because alternative, more powerful forms of pseudo‐intellectual property are available in Kenya. Accordingly, almost all of the few protected varieties have been developed by the same breeding team within the parastatal maize seed company. In short, the main problem I discovered with PBRs in the Kenyan maize seed sector is not that they dispossess farmers. It is rather that, although PBRs sometimes accrue to individual breeders, conservative employers like the parastatal do not regard breeders as creative innovators. They do not incentivise their employees and do not use PBRs to this effect. This is problematic in circumstances like Kenya's, where selected breeding teams and individuals are much more productive than others and where a quickly changing climate may require a higher varietal turnover of adapted, formally bred varieties.
Shadow competition: its definition, prevalence, causes and measurement
Authors: Scharf Inon , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: February 2023

Competition is a fundamental ecological process and an important mediating mechanism to natural selection and evolution. One form of competition, shadow competition, is evident when an approaching moving prey item is captured by a competing predator, earlier in the prey's trajectory, preventing it from reaching the attack range of a focal predator. The necessary definitional involvements of space and movement direction differentiate shadow competition from the more classical competition types of interference and exploitation, even though competition, in general, intensifies with spatial proximity. Compared to the latter two, shadow competition is understudied. Differentiating distinct competition types is important, because they may distinctively affect animal behaviour and higher levels of organisation. Although shadow competition is probably common in nature, there are only sporadic reports applying this terminology in systems of ambush predators, such as web‐building spiders, pit‐building antlions and sit‐and‐wait predatory fish, and their moving prey. Here, we summarise clear cases of shadow competition in the published literature, cases in which we believe it to be present but not explicitly described as such, and potential scenarios in which shadow competition seems likely to be present but is currently unreported. We end with potential research directions for enhancing our still‐fledgling understanding of shadow competition.
A replication of “Contracting out: For What? With Whom?”
Authors: Anguelov Lachezar G. , Brunjes Benjamin M.
Published: February 2023

In the 1980s, governments around the world adopted New Public Management ideas about inserting competition into government as a way to improve the performance of public organizations. In many nations, contracting out was one method of making governments more businesslike. Yet, there have been few studies of how government contracting behaviors have changed since the early 1980s. We replicate Ferris and Graddy's classic 1986 study of local government production and sector choice to assess how public procurement has changed over the past 35 years. Our findings show that today, contracting out is more commonly used across 25 local government service areas. In contrast to the original study, much of the growth has been in government‐to‐government contracts. For profit firms are also winning more contracts for high transaction cost work, while nonprofits are receiving fewer government contracts in nearly every service area. Our analysis suggests that contracting out remains of the highest importance in 21st‐century governance and that additional research is needed on how to manage contracts to achieve the best value.
Prospects for invoking the law of self‐determination in international climate litigation
Authors: Jones Natalie
Published: February 2023

The question of the substantive law that international courts and tribunals can apply in adjudicating climate change cases has been widely debated. This article focuses on the potential of self‐determination, a cornerstone of international law, to shed light on the duties held by States in the face of climate change. The applicability of the law of self‐determination is broad, not limited to the classic decolonization setting. Focusing on the situation of low‐lying island States that face the prospect of large‐scale loss of their entire territory, or its effective use, the article constructs an argument by analogy regarding the content of the right to self‐determination. Low‐lying States have the right to free determination of political status in the face of inundation, although this is limited by the territorial integrity of other States. Correlative obligations may be attributed to all States erga omnes, to current administering powers and potentially to high‐emitting States.