bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lean Six Sigma for the improvement of company processes: the Schnell S.p.A. case study
Authors: Murmura Federica , Bravi Laura , Musso Fabio , Mosciszko Aleksandra 
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe aim of this study is to develop an in-depth case study on the implementation on Lean six sigma (LSS) in Schnell S.p.A., Italian company leader of an important multinational industrial group, highlighting the benefits that can be achieved from a careful application of this method, the main challenges and organizational learning from its implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe study has been developed with a qualitative approach, creating a single in-depth case study, with the participant observation of researchers in the project which lasted 4 months. Periodic weekly meetings were done with the working group to exchange feedback on the development of the project to share opinions and data.FindingsA project has been developed to stabilize the procurement process of a pull-type production cell, which experienced delays in supply lead times. The causes of the problems in their process of managing the supply of the production cell were found and some inefficiencies in the internal process of fulfillment of supply orders have been intercepted, the optimization of which has allowed the generation of an automatic system for sending supply orders, coming directly from the production line.Originality/valueThis study described the path and dynamics of the transformation process that business organizations undertake for optimizing their profitability and competitive advantage, placing emphasis on an innovative methodology for conducting business process improvement projects, which constitutes its operating philosophy on the effective and efficient use of company resources and skills, to guarantee to the company the achievement of a lasting and defensible competitive advantage over time.
Evaluation of G2013 (α‐L‐guluronic acid) efficacy on PC‐3 cells through inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors
Authors: Bagherian Zahra , Mirshafiey Abbas , Mohsenzadegan Monireh , Farajollahi Mohammad M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGiven multiple treatment strategies for prostate cancer, its mortality rate is still high; therefore, novel treatment strategies seem necessary. G2013 or α‐L‐guluronic acid is a new patented drug with immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the property of G2013 on inflammatory molecules involved in tumorigenesis of prostate cancer. MTT assay was used to assess the effect of the drug on the proliferation of PC‐3 cells. Expression of interleukin 8 (IL‐8), Nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD‐88), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), and MMP‐9 genes were studied in the PC‐3 cells treated with 25 (low dose) or 50 (high dose) µg/mL of G2013 for 24 h using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) technique. Protein expression of NF‐κB and protein activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were assayed using flow cytometry and gelatin zymography, respectively. The expression of COX‐2 (p = 0.007 at low dose), MMP‐2 (p = 0.023 at low dose, p = 0.002 at high dose), NF‐κB (p = 0.004 at low dose) and IL‐8 (p < 0.0001 in both doses) genes, NF‐κB protein (p < 0.0001 in both doses), and MMP‐2 activity (p < 0.0001 in both doses) were significantly reduced in the presence of G2013 as compared to the control group. Cancer cell proliferation was also inhibited under 10–500 µg/mL G2013 treatment. Our results revealed that G2013 has the potential to inhibit PC‐3 cell proliferation and reduce the expression of tumour‐promoting mediators, COX‐2, MMP‐2, NF‐κB, and IL‐8 involved in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer.
Evaluating the significance of cash transfers on household consumption
Authors: Muchiri Steve , Choi Sun‐Ki 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Old Age Pension (OAP) to elderly South Africans is one of the biggest programs in developing countries. It's a vital income source to many households because it puts a significant cash transfer into the hands of many poor households, and the sharp increase in its take‐up at the minimum eligibility age further demonstrates its importance. This paper estimates the OAP's impact on households’ food security, quality of water and sanitation facilities, where the last two are essential public health‐related outcomes. We find that the OAP has a significant and positive impact on food security, but not on the quality of drinking water and sanitation. We attribute the latter to the high fixed costs associated with access to quality drinking water and proper sanitation services and their nature as a form of public good. The paper further attempts to understand whether gender influences these outcomes.
Fentanyl transdermal patches: Extraction and evaluation of a novel disposal method using NarcX®
Authors: Palmer Corianna M. , Canfield Jeremy R. , Sprague Jon E. , Oechsle Crystal M. , Worst Travis J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCurrently, there is no known commercially available product for disposing of used fentanyl transdermal patches. To eliminate the potential for harm and abuse, a proper disposal method is needed–one that neutralizes the dangerous amount of residual fentanyl that remains after therapeutic use of the fentanyl patch. The patent‐pending liquid solution of activated carbon, known as NarcX®, was investigated as a potential fentanyl adsorbing agent. In order to determine the amount of fentanyl remaining after a patch is treated with NarcX®, here, we utilized hexanes to first dissolve the patch adhesive and then followed with liquid‐liquid extraction with methanol to recover the fentanyl. Using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS‐MS), the extracts obtained with this method yielded between 85% and 117% recovery of fentanyl from new and unused patches. Further optimization of this method allowed for a quantitative evaluation of NarcX®‐treated fentanyl patches. 100 µg/h Apotex brand fentanyl patches were exposed to NarcX® for 1, 24, 48, and 72 h. NarcX® was shown to adsorb fentanyl from the patches with varying degrees of success, demonstrating an average of 66.98 ± 0.75% fentanyl adsorption after 72 h. These findings suggest that more work is needed to successfully neutralize the fentanyl patches in their entirety using NarcX®; however, this work does demonstrate proof of concept.
The biogenic amine‐producing bacteria from craft beer and their kinetic analysis between growth characteristics and biogenic amine formation in beer
Authors: Yu Zhimin , Fu Wei , Fu Yang , Tang Wenzhu , Li Rong , Li Xianzhen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCraft beer because of its fresh flavor, unique taste, and rich nutrition is becoming more popular to consumers. Compared with industry beer, craft beer is often nonfiltered and nonpasteurized, for this reason, it has a short shelf life and is more susceptible to microbial spoilage, which may cause the quality deterioration of craft beer and the formation of biogenic amine as a harmful factor for consumer's health. In this study, the 23 beer‐spoilage bacteria were isolated from craft beer, which were identified as 15 Lactobacillus (L.) brevis, 3 L. plantarum, 1 L. parabuchneri, 2 L. paracasei, and 2 Pediococcus damnosus. Among 23 beer‐spoilage isolates, 20 representatives were able to form tyramine, histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and/or tryptamine in MRS broth. The nine Lactobacillus strains were incubated in beer and produced tyramine, histamine, putrescine, cadaverine, and/or tryptamine during beer storage process. Logistic and Gompertz model could be adopted to respectively describe the kinetics of microorganism growth and biogenic amine formation. The relationship between the biogenic amines and biomass was simulated by Luedeking–Piret model very well, and showed that the formation of biogenic amine was mainly bacteria growth‐associated in beer. These findings may be helpful for finding the preventive measures to control biogenic amine formation and for enhancing the safety of craft beer.Practical ApplicationThe selection of the biogenic amine‐producing spoilage bacteria from craft beer and the investigation their kinetics of the growth and biogenic amines production under beer environmental conditions was very helpful for finding preventive measures to eliminate or reduce biogenic amine formation and for appropriate increase in food safety.
In silico and in vivo analyses reveal key metabolic pathways enabling the fermentative utilization of glycerol in Escherichia coli
Authors: Clomburg James M. , Cintolesi Angela , Gonzalez Ramon 
Published: October 2021

SummaryMost microorganisms can metabolize glycerol when external electron acceptors are available (i.e. under respiratory conditions). However, few can do so under fermentative conditions owing to the unique redox constraints imposed by the high degree of reduction of glycerol. Here, we utilize in silico analysis combined with in vivo genetic and biochemical approaches to investigate the fermentative metabolism of glycerol in Escherichia coli. We found that E. coli can achieve redox balance at alkaline pH by reducing protons to H2, complementing the previously reported role of 1,2‐propanediol synthesis under acidic conditions. In this new redox balancing mode, H2 evolution is coupled to a respiratory glycerol dissimilation pathway composed of glycerol kinase (GK) and glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P) dehydrogenase (G3PDH). GK activates glycerol to G3P, which is further oxidized by G3PDH to generate reduced quinones that drive hydrogenase‐dependent H2 evolution. Despite the importance of the GK‐G3PDH route under alkaline conditions, we found that the NADH‐generating glycerol dissimilation pathway via glycerol dehydrogenase (GldA) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)‐dependent dihydroxyacetone kinase (DHAK) was essential under both alkaline and acidic conditions. We assessed system‐wide metabolic impacts of the constraints imposed by the PEP dependency of the GldA‐DHAK route. This included the identification of enzymes and pathways that were not previously known to be involved in glycerol metabolisms such as PEP carboxykinase, PEP synthetase, multiple fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatases and the fructose phosphate bypass.
Pain catastrophizing hinders Disease Activity Score 28 – erythrocyte sedimentation rate remission of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with normal C‐reactive protein levels
Authors: Yoshida Tamami , Hashimoto Motomu , Horiguchi Go , Murakami Kosaku , Murata Koichi , Nishitani Kohei , Watanabe Ryu , Yamamoto Wataru , Tanaka Masao , Morinobu Akio , Ito Hiromu , Matsuda Shuichi , Uehara Ritei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the relationship between pain catastrophizing and achievement of 28‐joint Disease Activity Score‐defined remission of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), considering the presence or absence of systemic inflammation, and to evaluate associated factors for pain catastrophizing.MethodThis cross‐sectional study included 421 RA outpatients. The relationship between pain catastrophizing and remission was analyzed by adjusting several confounding factors. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the relationship between pain catastrophizing and RA‐related factors, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits.ResultsThe prevalence of pain catastrophizing was 26%. Pain catastrophizing was negatively associated with remission (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.38‐1.00, P = .048). A multinomial logistic analysis showed that the presence of pain catastrophizing was an independent factor that was negatively correlated with the achievement of remission in the absence of systemic inflammation (odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.28‐0.93, P = .029). Factors associated with elevated ratings on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale were a history of falls within the past year, a Health Assessment Questionnaire score >0.5, and smoking habit. Further, patients' subjective symptoms, including patient global assessment minus evaluator global assessment values ≥20 and high tender joint count minus swollen joint counts, were associated with elevated pain catastrophizing.ConclusionPain catastrophizing is a major obstacle to achieving remission in RA patients with normal C‐reactive protein levels. Advanced physical disability, smoking habit, and history of falls were associated with pain catastrophizing, in addition to patients' subjective symptoms.
Diagnostic utility of transbronchial biopsy for Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case study
Authors: Hoshi Miki , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Tanaka Katsushi , Somekawa Kohei , Kaneko Ayami , Izawa Ami , Seki Kenichi , Tagami Yoichi , Aoki Ayako , Fujii Hiroaki , Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Hara Yu , Matsumura Mai , Enaka Makiko , Hagihara Maki , Kaneko Takeshi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLung lesions of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) are rare and difficult to diagnose by nonsurgical biopsy. We herein present the case of a 72‐year‐old Japanese male who presented with accumulation of lung infiltrates and masses bilaterally on the lungs for 3 years. Although transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB) and computed tomography‐guided biopsy were conducted several times, his diagnosis remained inconclusive. On further deterioration of lung lesions, the patient was transferred to our hospital. Positron emission tomography revealed increased accumulation in the bilateral lungs and right supraclavicular lymph nodes. Surgical biopsy of the lymph node was performed. He was finally diagnosed with HL and underwent chemotherapy with doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine, and brentuximab vedotin. After chemotherapy, the lung lesion showed significant regression. A literature review indicated that the diagnostic success rate of TBB was low (18.5%) in cases of lung lesions in HL.
Tracking the decline in Australian adolescent drinking into adulthood
Authors: Livingston Michael , Callinan Sarah , Vashishtha Rakhi , Yuen Wing See , Dietze Paul 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsAdolescent drinking in Australia (and many other countries) has declined substantially since the early 2000s. This study aimed to test whether these declines have been maintained into adulthood and whether they are consistent across sub‐groups defined by sex and socio‐economic status.DesignQuasi‐cohorts were constructed from seven repeated waves of cross‐sectional household survey data (2001–2019).SettingAustralia.ParticipantsA total of 20 733 respondents age between 14 and 24 (male: 9492; female: 11 241).MeasurementsParticipants were grouped into five cohorts based on their birth year (from 1979–1983 to 1999–2003). Three measures of drinking were assessed: any past‐year consumption (yes/no), past‐year regular risky drinking (12 or more drinking episodes of >40 g of pure alcohol, yes/no) and total volume of alcohol consumed in the past year (in Australian standard drinks, 10 g of alcohol). Socio‐economic status was measured based on neighbourhood of residence.FindingsDrinking declines were consistent across socio‐economic groups on all measures and trends were broadly similar for women and men. More recent birth cohorts had significantly lower levels of drinking across all three measures (odds ratios between 0.31 and 0.70 for drinking and risky drinking, coefficients between −0.28 and −0.80 for drinking volume). There were significant interactions between birth cohort and age for past‐year drinking and past‐year regular risky drinking, with cohort differences diminishing as age increased.ConclusionsLighter drinking adolescent cohorts appear to partly ‘catch up’ to previous cohorts by early adulthood, but maintain lower levels of drinking and risky drinking up to the age of 24. These ongoing reductions in drinking are spread evenly across socio‐economic groups.
Risk of somatic disease and mortality in individuals of parents with alcohol use disorder: a register‐based cohort study
Authors: Holst Charlotte , Tolstrup Janne S. , Becker Ulrik 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsTo estimate the risks of 12 types of somatic disease—alcohol‐related, blood, cancer, circulatory, digestive, endocrine and metabolic, genitourinary, infectious, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory and skin—in individuals with parental alcohol use disorder (AUD) versus a reference population, and to estimate the risks of all‐cause mortality and of death from an alcohol‐related cause.DesignMatched cohort study followed‐up through nation‐wide health registries. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).SettingDenmark.ParticipantsA total of 14 008 individuals born 1962–2003 of parents with AUD and 139 087 reference offspring randomly selected from the Danish Civil Registration System were followed from their 15th birthday and onward during 1970–2018. Follow‐up time ranged between 2 423 955 and 3 208 366 person‐years for somatic diseases and was 3 214 411 person‐years for all‐cause and alcohol‐related mortality.MeasurementsInformation on somatic disease was obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. Causes of death were obtained from the Danish Cause of Death Registry.FindingsIndividuals of parents with AUD had a higher risk of alcohol‐related diseases (HR = 2.70, 95% CI = 2.24–3.24) compared with the reference individuals. Higher HRs among individuals with parental AUD compared with reference individuals were also observed in all other somatic diseases except for cancer. All‐cause mortality (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.63–2.00) and alcohol‐related mortality (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.11–5.08) were higher among individuals of parents with AUD compared with the reference individuals. No significant differences were found in relation to the gender of either parents or offspring.ConclusionsIn Denmark, parental alcohol use disorder appears to predict alcohol‐related and non‐alcohol‐related somatic morbidity and mortality in offspring.
PD‐1 inhibitors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Aboul‐Fettouh Nader , Chen Leon , Ma Junsheng , Patel Jigar , Silapunt Sirunya , Migden Michael 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPD‐1 inhibitors are immunotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This study aimed to determine the pooled objective response and disease control rates of patients with advanced cSCC treated with PD‐1 inhibitors. Pubmed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched up to 1 January 2021 to include eligible articles. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were pooled and analysed. Subgroup analysis of the odds ratio (OR) for ORR for patients by PD‐L1 tumour proportion score (TPS) was performed. Seven articles including a total of 453 patients were identified and included. Pooled estimate of ORR was 44% (95% CI: 39‐49%, I2 = 23.7%) and of DCR was 66% (95% CI: 57‐74%, I2 = 68.2%). Pooled odds ratio of ORR for patients by PD‐L1 TPS was 2.81 (95% CI: 1.22‐6.51, I2 = 0.0%). These results were derived from single‐arm studies, some of which were retrospective. No head‐to‐head trials comparing PD‐1 inhibitors have been reported. We present aggregate estimates of ORR and DCR for patients with advanced cSCC treated with PD‐1 inhibitors, as well as subgroup analysis for ORR for patients by PD‐L1 TPS.
Holding Land, Claiming Kin: The Relation Between Race, Land, and Kinship in the Southern US and Barbados
Authors: Franzen Sarah , Bascomb Lia T. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract“Holding Land, Claiming Kin” uses a comparison between the Southern US and the Caribbean island of Barbados to explore the connection between race, property, and kinship. Focusing on the customary practices of family land and the legal category of heir property, we argue that land ownership is used by racially dispossessed populations to name and practise kinship, to assert multiple forms of belonging, and to define their own value systems within racialised, social, and legal structures. Contributing to broader understandings of Black geographies, this work adds to social understandings of land ownership as place making and has the potential to influence US policies around grants, agricultural assistance, and protection of heir property, as well as Caribbean understandings of land as a family resource. Through this comparative analysis we posit dispossession as more than the loss of monetary wealth and land ownership as more than an economic asset.
Stress and urgency urinary incontinence one year after a first birth—prevalence and risk factors. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jansson Markus H. , Franzén Karin , Tegerstedt Gunilla , Hiyoshi Ayako , Nilsson Kerstin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionFew prospective studies have examined the effect of pregnancy and childbirth on stress and urgency urinary incontinence separately. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent to which pregnancy, vaginal delivery, and vaginal delivery characteristics affect the risk of significant stress and urgency incontinence 1 year after delivery.Material and methodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of 670 nulliparous women from early pregnancy to 1 year partum. The women were recruited at maternity health care service in Region Örebro County, Sweden, between October 1, 2014 and October 1, 2017 and completed questionnaires in early and late pregnancy and at 8 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Primary outcome measures were significant stress and urgency incontinence at 1 year postpartum in women who reported being continent before pregnancy. Generalized linear models were used.ResultsStress and urgency incontinence commencing before pregnancy were reported by 4% and 3% of women, respectively, in the first questionnaire in early pregnancy, and these women were excluded from subsequent analysis. Stress and urgency incontinence were reported by 21% and 8%, respectively, at 1 year postpartum, in women not reporting incontinence before pregnancy. Stress incontinence during pregnancy increased the risk of stress incontinence postpartum (risk ratio [RR] 2.48, 95% CI 1.86–3.3). Urgency incontinence during pregnancy increased the risk of urgency incontinence postpartum (RR 4.07, 95% CI 2.1–7.89). Vaginal delivery increased the risk of stress incontinence postpartum (adjusted RR 2.63, 95% CI 1.39–5.01) but not of urgency incontinence. This effect of vaginal delivery on stress incontinence was similar irrespective of incontinence status during pregnancy. The population‐attributable fraction of stress incontinence associated with vaginal delivery was 0.58 (95% CI 0.23–0.77).ConclusionsThis study shows essentially different risk factors for stress and urgency incontinence, supporting stress incontinence as being the subtype mostly associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and urgency incontinence as being more stable over time. At a population level, vaginal delivery was the major risk factor for stress incontinence, followed by reporting stress incontinence during pregnancy.