bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Entrepreneurship and Mass Innovation in China
Authors: Gao Jian , Mu Rui
Published: November 2021

This chapter intends to provide a comprehensive understanding on the mass entrepreneurship and mass innovation initiative in China from its formation, to its implementation, to its implication. It identifies that the institutional mechanism, finance, intellectual capital, and services and supports for the entrepreneurship and innovation are the most significant aspects in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in China. Although the policies of the initiative are comprehensive and effective, the majority of them are supply oriented. More policies should be considered based on the constraints and difficulties faced by the entrepreneurs and startup companies, as well as the other participants in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. On the whole, the mass entrepreneurship and innovation initiative has made tangible progress in the improvement of the business environment and in the vitality and diversity of entrepreneurship and innovation activities. Moreover, it is an innovative reform on the institutions and mechanisms of entrepreneurship and innovation, significantly improving the systems and capabilities of governance in China.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Death Associated With Severe Maternal Morbidity in the United States: Failure to Rescue
Authors: Guglielminotti J. , Wong C.A. , Friedman A.M. , Li G.
Published: November 2021

(Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137:791–800)

Where women deliver has significant consequences due to racial and ethnic disparities in maternal morbidity within the United States. Rates of severe maternal morbidity and failure to rescue are strong indicators for hospital performance, which have been reportedly higher in Black and Hispanic women than in White women. This study aims to identify historical trends and enumerate failure-to-rescue racial and ethnic disparities during delivery in association with severe maternal morbidity.
An Economic Evaluation of Tranexamic Acid to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage in Women With Vaginal Delivery: The Randomized Controlled TRAAP Trial
Authors: Durand-Zaleski  , Deneux-Tharaux C. , Seco A. , Malki M. , Frenkiel J. , Sentilhes L.
Published: November 2021

(BJOG. 2021;128:114–120)

Prophylactic uterotonics have been the only method of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) prevention. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that may prevent blood loss after delivery. Results from the Tranexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Vaginal Delivery (TRAAP) trial found that TXA use did not lower the rate of PPH (defined as blood loss >500 mL) but was associated with lower rates of the secondary outcome provider-assessed clinically significant PPH. These results suggested that using TXA with uterotonic may be a cost-effect way to prevent significant PPH. This study aimed to assess the increase in cost of vaginal delivery in women with PPH and investigate the effect of tranexamic acid on the cost of vaginal delivery.
The Association of Shock Index and Haemoglobin Variation With Postpartum Hemorrhage After Vaginal Delivery: A Prospective Cohort Pilot Study
Authors: Drew T. , Carvalho J.C.A. , Subramanian C. , Yoon E.W. , Downey K. , Thorneloe B. , Balki M.
Published: November 2021

(Int J Obstet Anesth. 2021;45:67–73)

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is often underrecognized due to difficulty estimating blood loss and delayed intervention due to underestimation of blood loss can lead to poor outcomes. An alternative tool to diagnose PPH is shock index, defined as heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure. Another option, continuous non-invasive hemoglobin monitoring (SpHb), may be useful in detecting PPH but this has not yet been studied. This study aimed to determine the association between postpartum quantified blood loss (QBL) and SpHb, and between QBL and shock index in vaginal deliveries.
A Comparative Study Between Preoperative Rectal Misoprostol and Intraoperative Intrauterine Administration in the Reduction of Blood Loss During and After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: El-Sherbini M.M. , Maged A.M. , Helal O.M. , Awad M.O. , El-Attar S.A. , Sadek J.A. , ElKomy R. , Dawoud M.A.
Published: November 2021

(Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2021;153:113–118. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13426)

Cesarean delivery (CD) rates are on the rise worldwide, increasing the risk for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH; blood loss over 1000 mL). Though oxytocin is the recommended drug of choice to combat PPH, there are potential adverse side effects to using it. A combination of misoprostol and oxytocin has been shown to reduce operative and postoperative blood loss compared with oxytocin alone, and misoprostol has other beneficial factors such as low cost, availability, and thermal stability. This study aims to determine the safety and efficacy of rectal misoprostol before CD compared with intrauterine misoprostol during CD in reducing intraoperative and postoperative blood loss.
Anesthesiology Airway-related Medicolegal Cases From the Canadian Medical Protection Association
Authors: Crosby E.T. , Duggan L.V. , Finestone P.J. , Liu R. , De Gorter R. , Calder L.A.
Published: November 2021

(Can J Anesth. 2021;68:183–195)

The practice of anesthesiology has changed dramatically over the years, with new technology and updated strategies to manage and improve patient safety. The continual evaluation of patient outcomes and the development of protocols and guidelines help to further evolve the practice. One area worth reviewing is airway management. Anesthesiologists can learn from critical incidences described in malpractice cases to inform initiatives that drive patient safety. The aim of this paper was to describe closed claims legal cases involving anesthesiologists and airway-related management in Canada.
Innate and adaptive immunity in allergic airway disease
Authors: Scadding Glenis K. , Scadding Guy W.
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

This article explores recent findings on the involvement of innate immunity in allergic airways disease, concentrating on allergic rhinitis.

Recent findings

We speculate on the ways in which environmental influences act to initiate inflammation and on how these may have altered in recent decades. Improved understanding of the mechanisms involved may reveal future possibilities for therapy.

The complex nature of immunity – both innate and acquired – in airways disease has implications for prevention and for therapy and requires further elucidation.
Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Vascular Function: Does Locally Synthesized Angiotensinogen Play a Role?
Authors: Cruz-López Edwyn O. , Uijl Estrellita , Danser A. H. Jan
Published: November 2021

In recent years, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) research has gained special attention in an effort to understand its involvement in vascular function. PVAT is recognized as an important endocrine organ that secretes procontractile and anticontractile factors, including components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, particularly angiotensinogen (AGT). This review critically addresses the occurrence of AGT in PVAT, its release into the blood stream, and its contribution to the generation and effects of angiotensins (notably angiotensin-(1–7) and angiotensin II) in the vascular wall. It describes that the introduction of transgenic animals, expressing AGT at 0, 1, or more specific location(s), combined with the careful measurement of angiotensins, has revealed that the assumption that PVAT independently generates angiotensins from locally synthesized AGT is incorrect. Indeed, selective deletion of AGT from adipocytes did not lower circulating AGT, neither under a control diet nor under a high-fat diet, and only liver-specific AGT deletion resulted in the disappearance of AGT from blood plasma and adipose tissue. An entirely novel scenario therefore develops, supporting local angiotensin generation in PVAT that depends on the uptake of both AGT and renin from blood, in addition to the possibility that circulating angiotensins exert vascular effects. The review ends with a summary of where we stand now and recommendations for future research.
Refractive Shifts and Changes in Corneal Curvature Associated With Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Authors: Canestraro Julia , Hultcrantz Malin , Modi Shanu , Hamlin Paul A. , Shoushtari Alexander N. , Konner Jason A. , Tew William P. , Iyengar Neil M. , Heinemann Murk , Abramson David H. , Francis Jasmine H.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are a class of cancer drug wherein some are associated with corneal abnormalities, but there is a dearth of published information on refractive shifts in patients receiving ADCs. Here, we evaluated the dynamics of refractive error and keratometry readings in patients with ADC-related keratopathy and microcyst-like epithelial changes (MECs).

Methods:

This study is a retrospective case series including 58 eyes of 29 patients with ADC-related keratopathy from a single tertiary care cancer referral center (MSKCC). One eye (29 total) was randomly assigned for statistical analysis. In addition, a subset analysis of MEC location–refractive error correlation was performed on 20 eyes. Clinical records including slitlamp examination, indirect ophthalmoscopy, calculated spherical equivalence (SE), keratometry, and visual acuity were recorded at baseline, during, and off treatment.

Results:

A subset analysis of MEC location–refractive error correlation of 20 eyes revealed the following: Peripheral MECs were significantly associated with hyperopic shifts (P value < 0.001) and paracentral/central associated with myopic shifts (P value < 0.001). In the full cohort and on drug, the greatest change in SE from baseline was myopic (68%, as high as −4.75 D) and hyperopic (32%, as much as +3.75 D). Eighty-nine percent had a change in vision from baseline while on drug, but at the 3-month follow-up off drug, SE and vision returned to baseline in 33% and 82% of eyes.

Conclusions:

Peripheral MECs were significantly associated with hyperopic shifts, and paracentral/central MECs were associated with myopic shifts. While on drug, most eyes had a myopic refractive shift, which corresponded with corneal steepening.
Fatal Staphylococcus Aureus Endocarditis Misdiagnosed as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Peña-Moreno Ana , Torres-Soblechero Laura , López-Blázquez María , Butragueño-Laiseca Laura
Published: November 2021

We present a case of a 10-year-old male with Staphylococcus aureus mitral endocarditis who was initially misdiagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with coronavirus disease 2019, with eventual fatal outcome due to brain hemorrhage after cardiac intervention. Our case differs from recent studies, in which microbleeds did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke or global mortality risk.
In vitro optical performance of multifocal and extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses in spherical aberration conditions
Authors: Park Soohyun , Kim Myoung Joon , Kim Ki Hean
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate and compare the optical performances of 4 different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs) in various spherical aberration (SA) conditions.

Setting:

POSTECH, Pohang, South Korea.

Design:

In vitro laboratory study.

Methods:

A custom optical bench system with adaptive optics was used. A monofocal IOL, a bifocal IOL, a trifocal IOL, and an extended depth-of-focus (EDoF) IOL from Zeiss were evaluated by measuring through-focus modulation transfer function (MTF) as a function of vergence. MTF changes with SA from −0.1 to +0.1 with 0.05 μm step size were analyzed and compared.

Results:

In aberration-free conditions, the 4 IOLs showed different MTF curves consistent with their designs. In SA conditions, all the IOLs showed MTF value decreases and the decrease rates at the far focus varied from 28% to 38% per 0.1 μm SAs. The trifocal IOL had low MTF values at the intermediate focus in the noise level with ±0.1 μm SAs.

Conclusions:

All tested IOLs showed MTF decreases with SA in different levels. The trifocal and EDoF IOLs were the most and least sensitive to SA among the evaluated IOLs. The study results might be useful in the selection of IOLs for cataract patients with SA.
Moving the needle on health inequities: principles and tactics for effective cross-sector population health networks
Authors: Gertel-Rosenberg Allison , Viveiros Janet , Koster Alexander , Thompson Georgia , Taylor Bilal , Blackburn Kate Burke , Bo Cindy
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

To summarize elements of cross-sector population health networks to support systems and policy change to achieve equitable access to health services and healthy development opportunities for young children and families, allowing everyone to have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Recent findings

The principles and tactics of Equity and Inclusion, Readiness, Joint Planning, Governance, and Data can guide cross-sector networks in effectively supporting communities in addressing health inequities. These principles are not linear or siloed, but rather, they overlap and reinforce each other. The principles require equity and the participation of community members to be central in all aspects of cross-sector network work.

By building strong relationships among community partners, cross-sector population health networks can ensure the network is not a short-term, transactional one-time project, but rather, a sustained collaboration through enduring processes and infrastructure. Networks can gain a fuller understanding of the needs and assets of a community through engagement and leadership by community members than they could gather from data and surveys alone. This approach to serving a community by making members equal partners in the effort helps to place equity at the center of a network's focus, as does embedding equity-related decision-making tools and processes into daily operations of the network. If cross-sector networks build resilient, inclusive structures and procedures, they can utilize them to quickly pivot and adjust to emerging needs or respond to crisis.
Chylomicron Retention Disease: Failure to Thrive and Abdominal Distention in an Infant
Authors: Nayak Krisha , Fuentebella Judy
Published: November 2021

This case report describes an infant with failure to thrive and progressive abdominal distention that ultimately led to a rare diagnosis of chylomicron retention disease at 1 year of life. Laboratory abnormalities included increased qualitative stool fat, along with low apolipoprotein B, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol in blood. In chylomicron retention disease, diarrhea has been reported as the most common presenting symptom followed by failure to thrive and vomiting. Diarrhea and vomiting before 6 months of life have been described in cases of chylomicron retention disease reported in the literature; however, this patient did not present with either of those symptoms. This case report uniquely demonstrates that lack of early or persistent digestive symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting does not exclude a diagnosis of chylomicron retention disease.
Health Systems Factors Associated With Adverse Events Among Hospitalized Obstetric Clients in a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Ghana
Authors: Otchi Elom Hillary , Esena Reuben Kwasi , Srofenyoh Emmanuel , Ameh Emmanuel Ogbada , Asah-Opoku Kwaku , Beyuo Titus , Ken-Amoah Sebastian , Oduro Frederick , Agbeno Evans Kofi , Marfo Kissinger
Published: November 2021

Objectives

The risk of an adverse event (AE) in obstetric clients receiving care in hospitals is greater than the risk of dying in aviation, road traffic accidents, and breast cancer. There is little understanding of AEs with respect to their causes at hospitals. The study aimed at assessing factors that are associated with the occurrence of AEs among hospitalized obstetric clients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Method

This was a case-control study of 650 obstetric clients (equal number in both arms) who were admitted between January 1 and December 31, 2015, at the study site. A retrospective review of the clients’ medical records was randomly allocated into both arms of the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics including confirmatory factor analysis were performed. Models were evaluated for goodness-of-fit measures. The reliability and validity of the scale were also tested using Cronbach α coefficient.

Results

The mean gestational age of the clients was 37.4 ± 4.9 weeks. Leadership and governance (inadequate use of protocol and adherence) accounted for the most cause of AEs among obstetric clients. The overall Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin score was also 0.87. The scale also demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach α = 0.995; composite reliability > 0.7) and validity (average variance extraction > 0.50). There was a marginal model fit (root mean square error of approximation, 0.067), and the χ2 test was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Inadequate use of protocol and adherence is a major cause of preventable AEs identified in this study. There is an urgent need to address this to ensure a reduction in the prevalence of AEs among obstetric clients.
Adverse Event Reporting Priorities: An Integrative Review
Authors: Falcone Maureen L. , Van Stee Stephanie K. , Tokac Umit , Fish Anne F.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Adverse events remain the third leading cause of death in hospitals today, after heart disease and cancer. However, adverse events remain underreported. The purpose of this integrative review is to synthesize adverse event reporting priorities in acute care hospitals from quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research articles.

Methods

A comprehensive review of articles was conducted using nursing, medicine, and communication databases between January 1, 1999, and May 3, 2021. The literature was described using standard reporting criteria.

Results

Twenty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria. Four key priorities emerged: understanding and reducing barriers, improving perceptions of adverse event reporting within healthcare hierarchies, improving organizational culture, and improving outcomes measurement.

Conclusions

A paucity of literature on adverse event reporting within acute care hospital settings was found. Perceptions of fear of blaming and retaliation, lack of feedback, and comfort level of challenging someone more powerful present the greatest barriers to adverse event reporting. Based on qualitative studies, obtaining trusting relationships and sustaining that trust, especially in hierarchical healthcare systems, are difficult to achieve. Given that patient safety training is a common strategy clinically to improve organizational culture, only 4 published articles examined its effectiveness. Further research in acute care hospitals is needed on all 4 key priorities. The findings of this review may ultimately be used by clinicians and researchers to reduce adverse events and develop future research questions.
Moderate effect of ankle foot orthosis versus ground reaction ankle foot orthosis on balance in children with diplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: Sanad Doaa Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Background:

The children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) commonly have abnormal alignment of lower extremities affecting their abilities of keeping balance. Orthoses are one of the many approaches that can be prescribed to improve balance and walking in diplegic children.

Objective:

This study was conducted to assess the moderate effect of solid ankle foot orthosis (AFO) vs. the ground reaction ankle foot orthosis (GRAFO) on balance in children with diplegic CP.

Study design:

A randomized controlled trial.

Methods:

Thirty children with spastic diplegic CP from both genders participated in this study; their ages were between 6 and 9 years. They were divided randomly into two study groups of equal numbers; the first study group A received the regular physical therapy program besides wearing the AFO for successive three months. The second study group B received the regular physical therapy program besides wearing the GRAFO for successive 3 months. All childrens' balance was evaluated before starting the treatment program and after 3 months by using the Biodex balance system (anteroposterior and mediolateral stability indices).

Results:

There were significant improvement of all stability indices in both groups (P < 0.05), with significant difference between groups when comparing post-treatment mean values of the measured indices in favor to study group B (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The GRAFO achieved more balance control in children with spastic diplegic CP compared with solid AFO.
Motion sickness: current concepts and management
Authors: Keshavarz Behrang , Golding John F.
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review

Motion sickness is an ancient phenomenon that affects many people. Nausea, vomiting, disorientation, sweating, fatigue, and headache are just few of the many signs and symptoms that are commonly experienced during an episode of motion sickness. In the present review, we will provide an overview of the current research trends and topics in the domain of motion sickness, including theoretical considerations, physiological and neural mechanisms, individual risk factors, and treatment options, as well as recommendations for future research directions.

Recent findings

More recently, motion sickness has been in the focus of attention in the context of two global technological trends, namely automated vehicles and virtual reality. Both technologies bear the potential to revolutionize our daily lives in many ways; however, motion sickness is considered a serious concern that threatens their success and acceptance. The majority of recent research on motion sickness focuses on one of these two areas.

Aside from medication (e.g. antimuscarinics, antihistamines), habituation remains the most effective nonpharmacological method to reduce motion sickness. A variety of novel techniques has been investigated with promising results, but an efficient method to reliably prevent or minimize motion sickness has yet to emerge.
Oculomotor stimulation without visual input has no impact on postural control
Authors: Wang Yi Ran , Bacon Benoit-Antoine , Maheu Maxime , Champoux François
Published: November 2021

It has been well established that eye movements have an impact on balance, and it has been hypothesized that extraocular oculomotor signals could play a significant role in this effect. Unfortunately, this hypothesis could not be confirmed as the previous methodology did not allow for the independent assessment of the differential effects of visual and oculomotor stimulation. The objective of the present study is to examine the impact of motor movements of the eyes without visual stimulation on balance. Static postural control, a prerequisite for balance, was assessed using a force platform in 20 participants. They were asked either to remain still without moving or to make movements of the tongue or eyes at a rate of two cycles per second. Movements were monitored using electrophysiological recordings. Each of the conditions was performed with eyes open and with eyes closed. Significant changes in postural control were observed due to eye movements when the eyes were open, but no significant differences were found between the conditions when the eyes were closed. The results confirm that the visual system provides important spatial cues for balance, allowing the body to be better positioned in space, and reject the possibility that extraocular signals are directly involved in postural stability.
The functional role of episodic memory in spatial learning
Authors: Zeng Xiangshuai , Wiskott Laurenz , Cheng Sen
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Episodic memory has been studied extensively in the past few decades, but so far little is understood about how it drives behavior. Here we propose that episodic memory can facilitate learning in two fundamentally different modes: retrieval and replay. We study their properties by comparing three learning paradigms using computational modeling based on visually-driven reinforcement learning. Firstly, episodic memory is retrieved to learn from single experiences (one-shot learning); secondly, episodic memory is replayed to facilitate learning of statistical regularities (replay learning); and, thirdly, learning occurs online as experiences arise with no access to past experiences (online learning). We found that episodic memory benefits spatial learning in a broad range of conditions, but the performance difference is meaningful only when the task is sufficiently complex and the number of learning trials is limited. Furthermore, the two modes of accessing episodic memory affect spatial learning distinctly. One-shot learning is initially faster than replay learning, but the latter reaches a better asymptotic performance. Our model accounts for experimental results where replay is inhibited, but the hippocampus, and hence episodic memory, is intact during learning. Understanding how episodic memory drives behavior will be an important step towards elucidating the nature of episodic memory.
Evaluating the impact of a pulse oximetry remote monitoring programme on mortality and healthcare utilisation in patients with covid-19 assessed in Accident and Emergency departments in England: a retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Beaney T , Clarke J , Alboksmaty A , Flott K , Fowler A , Benger JR , Aylin P , Elkin S , Darzi A , Neves AL
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To identify the impact of a national pulse oximetry remote monitoring programme for covid-19 (COVID Oximetry @home; CO@h) on health service use and mortality in patients attending Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments.

Design

Retrospective matched cohort study of patients enrolled onto the CO@h pathway from A&E.

Setting

National Health Service (NHS) A&E departments in England.

Participants

All patients with a positive covid-19 test from 1stOctober 2020 to 3rdMay 2021 who attended A&E from three days before to ten days after the date of the test. All patients who were admitted or died on the same or following day to the first A&E attendance within the time window were excluded.

Interventions

Participants enrolled onto CO@h were matched using demographic and clinical criteria to participants who were not enrolled.

Main outcome measures

Five outcome measures were examined within 28 days of first A&E attendance: i) death from any cause; ii) any subsequent A&E attendance; iii) any emergency hospital admission; iv) critical care admission; and v) length of stay.

Results

15,621 participants were included in the primary analysis, of whom 639 were enrolled onto CO@h and 14,982 were controls. Odds of death were 52% lower in those enrolled (95% CI: 7%-75% lower) compared to those not enrolled on CO@h. Odds of any A&E attendance or admission were 37% (95% CI: 16-63%) and 59% (95% CI: 16-63%) higher, respectively, in those enrolled. Of those admitted, those enrolled had 53% (95% CI: 7%-76%) lower odds of critical care admission. There was no significant impact on length of stay.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that for patients assessed in A&E, pulse oximetry remote monitoring may be a clinically effective and safe model for early detection of hypoxia and escalation, leading to increased subsequent A&E attendance and admissions, and reduced critical care requirement and mortality.
Premorbid frailty predicts short and long term outcomes of reperfusion treatment in acute stroke
Authors: Pilotto Andrea , Brass Cora , Fassbender Klaus , Merzou Fatma , Morotti Andrea , Kämpfer Niklas , Antonio Siniscalchi A , Alessandro Padovani A , Lochner Piergiorgio
Published: November 2021

Background

Frailty is the most important short and long term predictor of disability in the elderly and thus might influence the clinical outcome of acute treatment of stroke.

Objective

to evaluate whether frailty predicts short- and long term all-cause mortality and neurological recovery in elderly patients who underwent reperfusion acute treatment of stroke.

Methods

the study included consecutive patients older than 65 years who underwent reperfusion treatment in a single stroke Unit from 2015 to 2016. Predictors of stroke outcomes were assessed including demographics, baseline NIHSS, time to needle, treatment and medical complications. Premorbid Frailty was assessed with a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) including functional, nutritional, cognitive, social and comorbidities status. At three and twelve months, all-cause death and clinical recovery (using modified Ranking scale, mRS) were evaluated.

Results

One-hundred and two patients who underwent acute reperfusion treatment for stroke entered the study (mean age 77.5, 65-94 years). Frailty was diagnosed in 32 out of 70 patients and associated with older age (p=0.001) but no differences in baseline NIHSS score, vascular risk profile or treatment management strategy. Frailty status was associated with worse improvement at 24 hours and higher in-hospital mortality. At follow-up, frail patients showed poorer survival at 3 (25% vs 3%, p=0.008) and 12 (38% vs 7%, p=0.001) months. Frailty was the best predictor of neurological recovery at one year follow-up (mRS 3.2 ± 1.9 vs 1.9 ± 1.9).

Discussion

frailty is an important predictor of efficacy of acute treatment of stroke beyond classical predictors of stroke outcomes. Larger longitudinal studies are thus warranted in order to evaluate the risk-benefit of reperfusion treatment in the growing elderly frail population.
What does the mean mean? A simple test for neuroscience
Authors: Tlaie A. , Shapcott K. A. , van der Plas T. , Rowland J. , Lees R. , Keeling J. , Packer A. , Tiesinga P. , Schölvinck M. L. , Havenith M. N.
Published: November 2021

Trial-averaged metrics, e.g. tuning curves or population response vectors, are a ubiquitous way of characterizing neuronal activity. But how relevant are such trial-averaged responses to neuronal computation itself? Here we present a simple test to estimate whether average responses reflect aspects of neuronal activity that contribute to neuronal processing. The test probes two assumptions implicitly made whenever average metrics are treated as meaningful representations of neuronal activity:

Reliability: Neuronal responses repeat consistently enough across trials that they convey a recognizable reflection of the average response to downstream regions.

Behavioural relevance: If a single-trial response is more similar to the average template, it is more likely to evoke correct behavioural responses.

We apply this test to two data sets: (1) Two-photon recordings in primary somatosensory cortices (S1 and S2) of mice trained to detect optogenetic stimulation in S1; and (2) Electrophysiological recordings from 71 brain areas in mice performing a contrast discrimination task. Under the highly controlled settings of data set 1, both assumptions were largely fulfilled. Moreover, better-matched single-trial responses predicted correct behaviour. In contrast, the less restrictive paradigm of data set 2 met neither assumption, with the match between single-trial and average responses being neither reliable nor predictive of behaviour. Simulations confirmed these results. We conclude that when behaviour is less tightly restricted, average responses do not seem particularly relevant to neuronal computation, potentially because information is encoded more dynamically. Most importantly, we encourage researchers to apply this simple test of computational relevance whenever using trial-averaged neuronal metrics, in order to gauge how representative cross-trial averages are in a given context.
Pseudotime analysis reveals exponential trends in DNA methylation aging with mortality associated timescales
Authors: Lapborisuth Kalsuda , Farrell Colin , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: November 2021

The epigenetic trajectory of DNA methylation profiles has a nonlinear relationship with time, reflecting rapid changes in DNA methylation early in life that progressively slow. In this study, we use pseudotime analysis to determine these trajectories. Unlike epigenetic clocks that constrain the functional form of methylation changes with time, pseudotime analysis orders samples along a path based on similarities in a latent dimension to provide an unbiased trajectory. We show that pseudotime analysis can be applied to DNA methylation in human blood and brain tissue and find that it is highly correlated with the epigenetic states described by the Epigenetic Pacemaker. Moreover, we show that the pseudotime nonlinear trajectory can be modeled using a sum of two exponentials with coefficients that are close to the timescales of human age-associated mortality. Thus, for the first time, we can identify age-associated molecular changes that appear to track the exponential dynamics of mortality risk.
Unequal impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on excess deaths, life expectancy, and premature mortality across Spanish regions in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Islam Nazrul , García López Fernando J. , Jdanov Dmitri A. , Royo- Bordonada Miguel Ángel , Khunti Kamlesh , Lewington Sarah , Lacey Ben , White Martin , Morris Eva JA , Zunzunegui María Victoria
Published: November 2021

Spain is one of the most heavily affected countries by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this study, we estimated the regional inequalities in excess deaths and premature mortality in Spain. Between January 2020 and June 2021, an estimated 89,200 (men: 48,000; women: 41,200) excess deaths occurred in the 17 Spanish regions with a substantial variability (highest in Madrid: 22,000, lowest in Canary Islands: -210). Highest reductions in life expectancy at birth (e0) in 2020 were observed in Madrid (men: -3.48 years, women: -2.15), Castile La Mancha (men: -2.67, women: -2.30), and Castile and León (men: -2.00, women: -1.32). In the first six months of 2021, the highest reduction ine0was observed in Valencian Community (men: -2.04, women: -1.63), Madrid (men: - 2.37), and Andalusia (men: -1.75; women: -1.43). In some Spanish regions, life expectancy at age 65 during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 was comparable to that observed as far back as 20 years ago.
Correlative cryo-imaging of the cellular universe with soft X-rays and laser light used to track F-actin structures in mammalian cells
Authors: Koronfel Mohamed , Kounatidis Ilias , Mwangangi Dennis M. , Vyas Nina , Okolo Chidinma , Jadhav Archana , Fish Tom , Chotchuang Phatcharin , Schulte Albert , Robinson Robert C. , Harkiolaki Maria
Published: November 2021

Imaging of actin filaments is crucial due to the integral role that they play in many cellular functions such as intracellular transport, membrane remodelling and cell motility. Visualizing actin filaments has so far relied on fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy/tomography. The former lacks the capacity to capture the overall local ultrastructure, while the latter requires rigorous sample preparation that can lead to potential artefacts, and only delivers relatively small volumes of imaging data at the thinnest areas of a cell. In this work, a correlative approach utilizing in situ super-resolution fluorescence imaging and cryo X-ray tomography was used to image bundles of actin filaments deep inside cells under near-native conditions. In this case, fluorescence 3D imaging localized the actin bundles within the intracellular space, while X-ray tomograms of the same areas provided detailed views of the local ultrastructure. Using this new approach, actin trails connecting vesicles in the perinuclear area and hotspots of actin presence within and around multivesicular bodies were observed. The characteristic prevalence of filamentous actin in cytoplasmic extensions was also documented.
The diffusion of mobile QR-code payment: an empirical evaluation for a pandemic
Authors: Le Xuan Cu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The research purpose is to explore the diffusion of mobile QR-code payment (MQP) in a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) context by formulating a behavioral response model based on an integration between protection motivation theory (PMT) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). This study also investigates the importance of physical distancing norm for behavioral intention toward MQP.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based survey was designed and data were accumulated from 411 validated respondents who have used MQP or tend to utilize it in Vietnam. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS to verify the hypotheses.

Findings

Results illustrated that behavioral intention is motivated by key antecedents of PMT (including perceived severity, perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy) and important factors of UTAUT (including performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence), and physical distancing norm. Moreover, perceived severity promotes performance expectancy, whereas self-efficacy boosts effort expectancy in MQP. Lastly, behavioral intention and recommendation were indicators of the diffusion of MQP under COVID-19.

Practical implications

MQP is just in its infant stage in Vietnam; thus, the findings provide managerial implications, which will aid service providers and firms to adopt marketing strategies that enhance consumers' acceptability and recommendation of MQP to the public.

Originality/value

Little is empirically considered the effects of perceived threat-related factors in PMT and physical distancing norm on behavioral intention toward MQP in a salient pandemic setting. Furthermore, the antecedents in UTAUT contribute greatly to behavioral intention. This study enlightens the diffusion of MQP based on behavioral intention and recommendation.
Consumers' purchase intention of wild freshwater fish in China from the perspective of ecological protection
Authors: Chen Tinggui , Wang Hui
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers' purchase intention of wild freshwater fish. Facing the endangering ecology in the Yangtze River Basin, the Chinese government has implemented a ten-year fishing ban policy to protect the wild freshwater fishery resources from 2020. In this context, such questions are raised as how do consumers react to this and are they willing to reduce or even refuse to purchase wild freshwater fish to protect the aquatic biological resources in the Yangtze River Basin?

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,235 consumers from eight provinces (including two province-level municipalities) in the Yangtze River Basin filled out the online questionnaires. The data (n = 1,096) are analyzed by structural equation model (SEM) to verify the relationships between the variables.

Findings

The results show that subjective norm is the strongest direct determinant of purchase intention, followed by personal norm, attitude, environmental concern and perceived behavioral control. It is also found that attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and environmental concern have significant effects on personal norm which plays a significant mediating role in forming purchase intention. On this basis, specific policy recommendations are proposed.

Originality/value

This paper investigates consumers' purchase intention from the perspective of ecological protection and obtains a more comprehensive explanation of the purchase intention by combining the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and theory of norm activation.
Adoption of mobile food ordering apps for O2O food delivery services during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Shah Adnan Muhammad , Yan Xiangbin , Qayyum Abdul
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to examine how different technological and cognitive cues related to mobile food ordering applications (MFOAs) impact diners' intentions to use MFOAs continuously. The moderating role of national household demographics was also assessed in the online-to-offline (O2O) food delivery services (FDS) context.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing insights from the uses and gratification (U&G) theory, an online sample survey of 968 valid respondents who had ordered or purchased food through delivery apps during the COVID-19 outbreak in China was used for the analysis. The proposed model was empirically tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results revealed that cues in MFOAs (i.e. ease of use, convenience, price saving orientation, the listing of various food choices, exploring restaurant patterns, and compatibility) directly influenced diners' e-satisfaction and that intention to use continuously is triggered by e-satisfaction during the COVID-19 crisis. Moreover, this study found that collectivist household diners emphasized ease of use, convenience, and compatibility. Comparatively, individualistic household diners placed more importance upon price saving orientation and listing of various food choices during the pandemic.

Originality/value

The authors offer a new insight into customers' dining choices by extending the scope of O2O services in the food industry. The findings contribute to understanding diners' purchase decision-making processes regarding MFOAs' O2O-FDS during the COVID-19 crisis. The multi-group comparison via national household demographics also provides a new perspective regarding different dining preferences toward O2O-FDS.
Similar or different? When Cross-Strait employees face psychological contract violations
Authors: Lee Chao-Hsing , Chen Chien-Wen
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Though there are still political turbulences, the economic cooperation between mainland China and Taiwan is inseparable. Cooperation between enterprises on both sides has become more frequent. Studying the similarities and differences between employees in Cross-Strait enterprises can contribute to human resource management. This paper aims to study the cultural difference between employees of mainland China and in Taiwan when facing psychological contract violations.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 811 valid sample questionnaires were taken from Cross-Strait private enterprise employees. This research adopted partial least squares-structural equation model statistical analysis as an empirical research evaluation.

Findings

This study finds that psychological contract violation has a significant positive impact on turnover intention and a significant negative impact on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in the Chinese context. There exist cultural differences between the employees of mainland China and Taiwan. When facing psychological contract violation, it is found that employees from Taiwan are more likely to have a strong turnover intention but still keep higher job performance. Employees from mainland China are found to be more likely to have higher OCB.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in establishing a stronger theoretical model to understand employee behavior. This paper verifies the validity of this model under the Chinese context. Moreover, this paper verifies the cultural difference between Cross-Strait employees.
Guest editorial: the entrepreneurship challenges in Latin America
Authors: Amorós José Ernesto , Leiva Juan Carlos , Bonomo Adriana , Sosa Varela Juan Carlos
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue “The Entrepreneurship Challenges in Latin America”.

Design/methodology/approach

Latin America and the Caribbean is a region with many potentialities. Like one of the largest markets in the world, entrepreneurship activities can constitute a key element to enhance regional competitiveness.

Findings

This study makes a general overview of entrepreneurship dynamics in Latin America and its contexts. This study presents the eight manuscripts that constitute the special issue.

Originality/value

This study contributes to current academic conversations and highlights the relevance of continuing inquiring about the entrepreneurship phenomena at the regional level.

Contribution to impact

This study expects that this special issue will help the region’s scholarly entrepreneurship community and others interested in Latin America. This study also believes that this special issue manuscript makes a relevant contribution to policy and practice.
Leader knowledge hiding, feedback avoidance and hotel employee outcomes: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Waheed , Karatepe Osman M. , Syed Fauzia , Husnain Mudassir
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a research model that investigates feedback avoidance behavior (FAB) as a mediator of the impact of leader knowledge hiding (LKH) behavior on creativity and job performance. The model also examines whether leader-follower value congruence (LFVC) moderates the aforementioned mediating linkages.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from hotel managerial employees in two waves and their superiors in Pakistan. The hypotheses were gauged via macro PROCESS.

Findings

The findings reveal that LKH behavior intensifies employees’ FAB, which, in turn, impedes their creativity and job performance. The findings further demonstrate that the positive impact of LKH behavior on FAB is stronger among employees high on LFVC.

Practical implications

Management should arrange workshops that highlight the critical role of leader’s knowledge sharing with the relevant individuals. This is so important because knowledge hiding behavior heightens FAB and erodes creativity. These workshops can be followed by training programs, which focus on the importance of knowledge exchange and feedback-seeking behavior. Top managers’ and/hotel owners’ participation in these programs can be a force for mutual trust and cultivate LFVC.

Originality/value

The hospitality and tourism literature is devoid of evidence about the underlying process through which LKH behavior influences employee outcomes. The paper enhances current knowledge by proposing FAB as a mediator of the influence of LKH behavior on creativity and job performance. The paper is the first of its kind by assessing whether LFVC moderates the indirect influence of LKH behavior on creativity and job performance via FAB.
Interconnections between the cultural and creative industries and tourism: challenges in four Ibero-American capital cities
Authors: Henriques Claudia Helena , Elias Silvina Renee
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the European and Latin America urban cultural policies that could enhance cultural and creative sustainable tourism products development.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological framework is based on a comparative case study regarding the importance, dynamics and policies associated to cultural and creative tourism in four Ibero-American cities, namely, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Lisbon and Madrid.

Findings

This exploratory analysis underlines the growing importance of cultural and creative tourism in the four capital cities. On one hand, cities reveal different tourism impacts and, on the other hand, they are associated to different cultural and creative sector structures. Cities cultural and creative performance put in evidence that sustainable cities index, global talent competitiveness index and cultural and creative cities monitor, tend to position Madrid in the first place followed by, Lisbon, Buenos Aires and Brasilia.

Research limitations/implications

In general, and despite the importance of space in the creative process, there is little research on the geography of the creative industries and there is a lack of cross-country comparative studies so that it is difficult to assess the particularities of each model of creativity.

Practical implications

Cities could enhance more efforts in investing, not only in the traditional cultural infrastructures but also on the new forms of culture, new technologies, new makers, new audiences based on their attributes, activities and labels, in a framework of urban sustainable policies based on “innovation,” “inclusiveness” and “interconnectivity.”

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the comparative analysis of four cities based on cultural and creative sector and tourism interconnections. Simultaneously, it lies in an exploratory model application.