bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inclusive leadership, ambidextrous innovation and organizational performance: the moderating role of environment uncertainty
Authors: Gong Lei , Liu Zhiying , Rong Yanzhen , Fu Lihua
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how inclusive leadership promotes organizational performance through ambidextrous innovation (i.e. exploratory and exploitative innovation). Moreover, the authors examine the moderating role of environmental uncertainty in the relationship between inclusive leadership and ambidextrous innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a questionnaire survey of high-tech enterprises in China and obtained 325 useable samples. The hypotheses were tested using latent path analysis and ordinary least squares regression.

Findings

The results indicate that exploratory and exploitative innovations mediate the relationship between inclusive leadership and organizational performance. Moreover, environmental uncertainty positively moderated the relationship between inclusive leadership and exploitative innovation.

Practical implications

Managers should value the critical role of inclusive leadership in promoting exploratory and exploitative innovation, which in turn improves organizational performance. Meanwhile, managers need to pay attention to the risk caused by environmental uncertainty.

Originality/value

This paper extends the influence of inclusive leadership on innovation from the individual level to the organizational level and reveals the influence mechanism of inclusive leadership on organizational performance. In addition, this study supplements the knowledge regarding the boundary conditions under which the influence of inclusive leadership is strengthened or weakened.
Perceived violations of reward delivery obligations in reward-based crowdfunding: an integrated theoretical framework
Authors: Macari Anthony , Chun Guo Grace
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This conceptual paper focuses on a common observation in the implementation stage of reward-based crowdfunding (RBC) – entrepreneurs' failures and delays in delivery of rewards to investors, which, in turn, may be perceived as violations of reward delivery obligations.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on entrepreneurial personality theory and psychological contract theory, this paper develops propositions and identifies factors related to both entrepreneurs (overconfidence and narcissism) and factors related to investors (types of motivators and psychological contracts) that may explain the perceived violations of reward delivery obligations. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.

Findings

The theoretical analysis, by wielding two independently developed literatures, has demonstrated that it is important to investigate factors that are related to both investors and entrepreneurs in understanding issues and challenges at different stages of the RBC model. The authors believe that the current analysis provides an integrated understanding and a solid foundation for researchers to further examine these issues by empirically testing these propositions.

Originality/value

The authors examined two previously understudied psychological factors in the context of RBC – entrepreneurial traits, mainly overconfidence and narcissism, and the type of psychological contracts formed between investors and entrepreneurs, both of which, according to McKenny et al. (2017), need greater attention from researchers studying crowdfunding.
How victim credibility and cooperation influence investigative decision-making: examining DOJ's gender bias principles for investigating domestic and sexual violence
Authors: Growette Bostaph Lisa , King Laura L. , Brady Patrick Q.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine if and how victim credibility affects investigative decision-making and case outcomes in domestic violence and sexual assault reports through the use of the US Department of Justice's Gender Bias Principles (GBPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a content analysis of 370 DVSA police reports from one agency in the western US. Multivariate regression models were estimated to examine the relationships among victim credibility and investigative activities, victim cooperation and case clearance.

Findings

Victim credibility significantly predicts specific investigative actions and case clearance, but not victim cooperation. Multiple aspects of DVSA investigations significantly impact victim cooperation as well as case clearance, regardless of victim credibility issues. The GBPs are an effective framework for disaggregating investigative activities and identifying specific areas for improvement in policing response to DVSA.

Research limitations/implications

Further study is needed to determine the temporal ordering of officer assessment of victim credibility and investigative activities, the stability of such assessments during investigations, and if credibility problems noted in police reports are valid indicators of myth acceptance among officers or represent a downstream orientation of information requested by prosecutors. Victim service referral as a part of policing response is vastly under-researched given referral's strong effects on victim cooperation and case clearance. Crime-specific differences exist in many cases, yet not in others, suggesting separate and combined DVSA analyses are warranted.

Practical implications

A more complex analysis of investigative actions offers a targeted approach to officer training and administrative rule-making that may be more efficient and effective than current generalized approaches.

Originality/value

The study is the first to empirically test the utility of the GBP framework, as well as individual aspects of DVSA investigations, and from a gender-based crime rather than crime-specific approach.
Policing in a pandemic: how law enforcement communicates with the public
Authors: Farmer Ashley K. , Copenhaver Allen
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study, a content analysis, aims to analyze general communications from law enforcement via agency websites about the COVID-19 pandemic and how this affected police roles. The authors study the extent to which police departments used their websites to inform the public about COVID-19, changes to their policies and additional information they felt necessary to give members of the public. This is important for understanding how the police inform the public during a pandemic and how the pandemic affected their police role.

Design/methodology/approach

The data gathered for this project came from a content analysis of the official websites of the largest municipal police departments in the USA. The researchers collected quantitative data from the official websites of law enforcement agencies who serve the 200 largest cities in the USA in March 2020 and coded the information from the websites to determine what themes were most prevalent.

Findings

The messages most often provided on department websites included information about COVID-19 (52% of websites included this information), modifications to services (33%) and informing users that services such as fingerprinting would be altered (42%). Websites also reminded the public of restrictions on public gatherings (25%) and stay-at-home orders (38%). Further logistic regression analyses explored significant associations among these variables to understand how police/public communications influenced the role of law enforcement during the pandemic.

Originality/value

Little is known about how law enforcement communicates online with the public during a global pandemic like COVID-19 or how this might affect the police role. Police departments can use their websites to communicate important information to citizens and keep communities updated. Policy implications suggest that agencies continue to update websites with important information and be direct about expectations from the public regarding compliance while also being transparent about how police roles might change.
Prospects, determinants and challenges of implementing food banking: evidence from Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Mensah Nicholas Oppong , Asare Jeffery Kofi , Amrago Ernest Christlieb , Anang Samuel Afotey , Nakuja Tekuni
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the prospects and constraints of implementing food banking in the in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Multistage sampling technique was used to select 385 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to present prospects of food banking. The probit regression model was used to analyse factors influencing food banking implementation whereas Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used to analyse constraints in implementing food banking.

Findings

Addressing food poverty, helping to provide food aid to respondents in times of pandemics (such as Covid 19) and also helping in reducing food wastage were the most notable prospects of food banking. Age, household size, food bank awareness and food poverty had a significant positive influence on food banking implementation, whereas residential status and employment status had a significant negative influence on food banking implementation. The most pressing constraint in implementing food banking is funding and support with the mean rank of 3.03 whiles the least pressing constraint is improper documentation of potential beneficiaries with the mean rank of 6.72.

Social implications

This study provides empirical contributions and practical implications for implementing food banks in Ghana. Thus, the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) can enact policies that can help prevent food losses and wastage. In this vain, food which could have been wasted would be redirected to food banks. This can serve as a tool for social intervention, poverty alleviation and prevention of hunger among the vulnerable in Ghana.

Originality/value

Despite several studies on food banking in affluent countries, food banking research in developing countries such as Ghana remains scanty. Thus, this paper makes significant contributions to the literature on prospects and constraints in implementing food banking and the factors influencing food banking implementation.
Inequality in Mortality: Updated Estimates for the United States, Canada and France*
Authors: Baker Michael , Currie Janet , Miloucheva Boriana , Schwandt Hannes , Thuilliez Josselin
Published: April 2021

This study provides comparisons of inequalities in mortality between the United States, Canada and France using the most recent available data. The period between 2010 and 2018 saw increases in mortality and in inequality in mortality for most age and gender groups in the United States. The main exceptions were children under 5 and adults over 65. In contrast, Canada saw a further flattening of mortality gradients in most groups, as well as further declines in overall mortality. The sole exception was Canadian women over 80 years old, who saw small increases in mortality rates. France saw continuing improvements in mortality rates in all groups. Both Canada and France have distributions of mortality that are much more equal than those in the United States, demonstrating the importance of public policy in the achievement of equality in health.
Gender and Age Differences in Socio‐economic Inequalities in Total and Avoidable Mortality in Portugal: A Trend Analysis*
Authors: Costa Cláudia , Santana Paula
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyse how socio‐economic inequalities in mortality (total and avoidable) evolved in Portugal from the 1990s onwards by looking at differences by gender, age group, poverty and cause of death. Results show that mortality in younger age groups is decreasing faster in the most deprived municipalities. Yet, avoidable deaths do not follow this pattern, particularly with respect to treatable mortality amenable to the health care services. Although total and avoidable mortality are decreasing across all age groups and both genders, decreases in treatable deaths during and after the 2011–14 economic crisis slowed down among the young, with a sharpening of socio‐economic inequalities in avoidable mortality among adults and the elderly. This provides evidence that, in some respects, focusing programmes on those living in poor circumstances has been successful over time. However, the impact of the Great Recession on health care services might have contributed to a significant increase in some treatable causes of death associated with these services.
Accrual Accounting and Resource Allocation: A General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: CHOI JUNG HO
Published: April 2021

This paper evaluates the role of accrual accounting in improving firms' production decisions and resource allocation across firms. I introduce two imperfect firm‐performance measures, cash flows and accounting earnings, into a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous firms under imperfect information. The model demonstrates that improvements in measurement systems lead to more informed decisions on the part of firms and ultimately to allocation of greater resources to high‐productivity firms via the product and input markets. Estimated parameter values are consistent with accrual accounting improving managers' information about current productivity by providing a better measure of historical firm performance. Quantitative analysis suggests that introducing accrual‐accounting information on top of cash‐accounting information leads to a 0.5% increase in aggregate U.S. productivity and a 0.7% increase in aggregate U.S. output via improved resource allocation. The corresponding estimates for China and India, as benchmarks for developing countries, are larger: a 1.5% to 2.3% increase in aggregate productivity and a 2.3% to 3.4% increase in aggregate output. I conclude that accrual accounting plays a significant role in determining aggregate productivity via improved resource allocation.
Discrimination of conspecifics from heterospecifics in a hybrid zone: Behavioral and chemical cues in ants
Authors: Cordonnier Marion , Kaufmann Bernard , Simon Laurent , Escarguel Gilles , Mondy Nathalie
Published: April 2021

Species and nestmate recognition in social insects occurs mostly through cuticular hydrocarbons acting as chemical cues. These compounds generate a colony‐specific odor profile depending on genetic and environmental factors. Species and nestmate recognition results in specific behavioral responses, regulating the level of aggression toward other individuals during an interaction. Although species discrimination and recognition cues have been poorly studied in the context of interspecific hybridization, such systems offer an opportunity to further investigate the influence of heritable and environmental factors on recognition. We explored the strength of discrimination in a hybrid zone between two ant species—Tetramorium immigrans and T. caespitum—by comparing cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and measuring intra‐ and interspecific worker aggression in both areas of sympatry and areas of allopatry among species. Species cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were well‐differentiated and interspecific aggression was high, revealing highly discriminating species recognition cues. Hybrids’ cuticular hydrocarbon profiles consisted of a mixture of the parental bouquets, but also exhibited hybrid‐specific patterns. Behavioral assays showed that T. immigrans is as aggressive toward hybrids as toward heterospecifics. Finally, aggression between heterospecific workers was lower when interacting individuals came from areas of sympatry among species than from areas of allopatry. Taken as a whole, these findings paint a particularly complex picture of the recognition system in T. immigrans, T. caespitum, and their hybrids, and highlight that hybrid zones afford a still underexplored opportunity for investigating recognition mechanisms and discrimination between species.
Time to Resurrect Buffer Stocks?
Authors: McClintock John
Published: April 2021

Volatile food prices create problems for consumers and farmers the world over. Buffer stocks offer a way out. A buffer stock is a quantity of grain owned by the government which sets a price band via a maximum price and a minimum price for grain. By buying and selling grain from the buffer stock on the open market, the government can keep the domestic price within its desired price band and thus avoid unstable prices. A buffer stock does not require the government to forecast the future price of grain and is entirely compatible with a market economy; the government is effectively exploiting the forces of supply and demand to influence the market price. A buffer stock is also compatible with free international trade. In using a buffer stock to stabilise its domestic price of grain, a government helps to stabilise the world price. In contrast, a government which resorts to trade measures to stabilise its domestic price can cause the world price to become less stable. In this article it is argued that all countries – rich and poor alike – would do their consumers, their farmers and the world as a whole a favour if they were to set up buffer stocks.
Stakeholder Preferences and Priorities for the Next WTO Director General
Authors: Fiorini Matteo , Hoekman Bernard , Mavroidis Petros C. , Nelson Douglas , Wolfe Robert
Published: April 2021

This paper reports on the results of an expert survey to solicit views on what WTO members and the international trade community consider the most important attributes of the Director‐General of the WTO and the substantive policy and institutional reform priorities confronting the WTO. The results suggest strong support for a leader with managerial and political experience, and a professional network that spans international organizations, major capitals, and international business. Competence, political experience, a network that spans major capitals, international business and international organizations, knowledge of the WTO negotiating process and a background in economics are all characteristics that are ranked highly. Resolving the dispute settlement crisis is the highest priority for most respondents. There is broad agreement on the importance of addressing a range of negotiating topics and institutional reforms, but substantial variation in the rankings assigned by different groups of respondents to specific issues.
The Effect of Public Infrastructure on Cost Structure and Performance of Chinese Provinces*
Authors: Yu Chen , Mamuneas Theofanis P.
Published: April 2021

This paper estimates a translog cost function for 29 Chinese provinces between 1979 and 2018. The results imply that investment in public infrastructure reduces costs in all provinces. Comparing the estimated rate of return to infrastructure with the rate of return to private capital, our results indicate underinvestment for the initial period after the economic reforms; however, after 2010 our results show overinvestment in infrastructure. Infrastructure capital is a substitute input to labor, private capital and intermediate inputs. Finally, public infrastructure growth contributes positively to labor and total factor productivity growth, but the effect is small. The growth of private capital and intermediate inputs are the most important factors that boost the growth of labor productivity.
Assessment and selection of the recipient cows' corpus luteum at the time of embryo transfer, and its influence on conception rate
Authors: Thomson SP , Holmes RJ , Landes PT , Allworth MB
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To describe the influence of physical traits of the corpus luteum (CL), as described by transrectal ultrasonography on day 6 post‐oestrus, on the conception rate following embryo transfer (ET) in recipient beef cows. To investigate if higher recipient utilisation rates were achievable, without compromising conception rates to ET.

Design/Results

Data were analysed from Holstein Friesian embryos (n = 1075) frozen in ethylene glycol thawed for direct transfer into one herd of Angus recipient cows. For pregnancies achieved in the program (n = 693), no statistically significant effect was found for the physical traits of the recipients' CL on conception rate (CL volume (P = 0.20), CL side (P = 0.14). Conception rates were similar for recipients with a central lacuna (62%, n = 245) and recipients with no central lacuna (66%, n = 448) (P = 0.10). Of the pregnant recipients with a central lacuna (n = 245), 98.3% had no remaining luteal cavity by the 30‐day pregnancy ultrasound. No effect on conception rate was found with either the small (<50% of CL diameter) or large (>50% of CL diameter) central lacunae (P = 0.18). For recipients with CLs that did not meet previous industry selection guidelines (n = 172, 16% of study population), the conception rate (63%) was not significantly different to the routinely selected recipient CLs (n = 903, conception rate 65%) (P = 0.83).

Conclusions

The suitability of a potential ET recipient is determined by observing an appropriately timed oestrus and a detectable CL, regardless of size or quality.
Which optical traits enable an estimation of tree species diversity based on the Spectral Variation Hypothesis?
Authors: Torresani Michele , Feilhauer Hannes , Rocchini Duccio , Féret Jean‐Baptiste , Zebisch Marc , Tonon Giustino
Published: April 2021

Question

Which optical traits, retrieved from biophysical models applied to Sentinel‐2 images, enable an estimation of tree species diversity based on the Spectral Variation Hypothesis?

Location

Coniferous mountain forest in the eastern Italian Alps.

Methods

We analyzed the PROSPECT‐5 and Invertible Forest Reflectance Model (INFORM) biophysical parameters as retrieved from canopy reflectance data of different forest plots (using Sentinel‐2 images for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019) as optical trait indicators (OTIs). We successively tested the Spectral Variation Hypothesis (SVH) for each retrieved OTI using the Rao's Q as heterogeneity index, validating them against Shannon's H values calculated as a tree species diversity index derived from in‐situ collected data.

Results

We demonstrated differences among OTIs in terms of how well their variations can be linked to species diversity. In particular the variations of brown pigments (Cbrown), carotenoids (Car) and chlorophyll content (Cab) can be considered the most relevant OTIs for the application of the SVH when using the Rao's Q as a proxy for tree species diversity in our study site.

Conclusions

This research underlined that the OTIs contribute differently in the SVH to estimate tree species diversity, highlighting significant positive correlations between tree species diversity and the spatial heterogeneity of the estimated pigment content (Cab, Car, Cbrown).
Academic Trajectories of Children in Formal and Informal Kinship Care
Authors: Washington Tyreasa , Stewart C. Joy , Rose Roderick A.
Published: April 2021

The academic achievement places children on a positive trajectory for their lifespan. The aim of this study was to examine the academic trajectories of children in out‐of‐home care (OOCH) and whether kinship care has a protective effect relative to nonkin foster care. The sample analyzed for this study consists of 519,306 racially diverse youth in North Carolina schools 8 to 11 years old in the school year 2009–2010 (e.g., 27% African American, 12% Latinx, 53% White). Four longitudinal administrative data sources were merged to create this unique sample. Multilevel modeling revealed no difference between formal and non‐OOHC, but showed differences between nonkin foster, informal, and non‐OOHC. Children’s academic performance who reside in formal kinship care is similar to children in non‐OOHC.
The Clinical Frailty Scale is a useful tool for predicting postoperative complications following elective colon cancer surgery at the age of 80 years and above: A prospective, multicentre observational study
Authors: Niemeläinen Susanna , Huhtala Heini , Andersen Jan , Ehrlich Anu , Haukijärvi Eija , Koikkalainen Suvi , Koskensalo Selja , Kössi Jyrki , Mattila Anne , Pinta Tarja , Uotila‐Nieminen Mirjami , Vihervaara Hanna , Hyöty Marja , Jämsen Esa
Published: April 2021

Aim

Identification of the risks of postoperative complications may be challenging in older patients with heterogeneous physical and cognitive status. The aim of this multicentre, observational study was to identify variables that affect the outcomes of colon cancer surgery and, especially, to find tools to quantify the risks related to surgery.

Method

Patients aged ≥80 years with electively operated Stage I–III colon cancer were recruited. The prospectively collected data included comorbidities, results of the onco‐geriatric screening tool (G8), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA‐SF), and operative and postoperative outcomes.

Results

A total of 161 patients (mean 84.5 years, range 80–97, 60% female) were included. History of cerebral stroke (64% vs. 37%, p = 0.02), albumin level 31–34 g/l compared with ≥35 g/l (57% vs. 32%, p = 0.007), CFS 3–4 and 5–9 compared with CFS 1–2 (49% and 47% vs. 16%, respectively) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3 (77% vs. 28%, P = 0.006) were related to a higher risk of complications. In multivariate logistic regression analysis CFS ≥3 (OR 6.06, 95% CI 1.88–19.5, p = 0.003) and albumin level 31–34 g/l (OR 3.88, 1.61–9.38, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Severe complications were more common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43% vs. 13%, p = 0.047), renal failure (25% vs. 12%, p = 0.021), albumin level 31–34 g/l (26% vs. 8%, p = 0.014) and CCI >6 (23% vs. 10%, p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Surgery on physically and cognitively fit aged colon cancer patients with CFS 1–2 can lead to excellent operative outcomes similar to those of younger patients. The CFS could be a useful screening tool for predicting postoperative complications.
Diverticulitis Management, a Snapshot Collaborative Audit Study (DAMASCUS): Protocol for an international, multicentre, prospective observational study
Authors:   DAMASCUS Study Management Group
Published: April 2021

Aim

Diverticular disease is an increasingly common problem in Western society with a variety of treatment options for those presenting with acute diverticulitis, dependent on clinical presentation. Additionally, there is significant international variability in the index management, and few published data on real‐world clinical practice. The aim of DAMASCUS is to identify areas of practice variability and their potential association with differences in short‐ and medium‐term clinical outcomes.

Methods and analysis

DAMASCUS is an international, collaborative, prospective observational study, recruiting patients from over 200 sites across six continents. The study opened in October 2020, with a rolling start. Identification of new sites ceased in February 2021 and data collection will cease in August 2021. All adult patients diagnosed with acute diverticulitis (radiologically or intra‐operatively) at each participating centre will be included. The primary objective of DAMASCUS is to assess for national and international variability in the presentation and index management of acute diverticulitis (medical, interventional radiology and surgical). Secondary objectives include assessing 30‐day and 6‐month clinical outcome data (readmission, re‐intervention, morbidity and mortality) and variations in surgical procedures for those undergoing surgery. All data will be recorded and managed using a secure REDCap electronic data capture tool and analysed using Stata (SE) version 16.1. The results will be reported in accordance with the STROBE statement.

Conclusion

By analysing variations in the management of acute diverticulitis and the subsequent outcomes, DAMASCUS will be an important step towards identifying optimal care for patients with diverticulitis.
Selective screening imaging of the aortoiliac arterial system in kidney transplant candidates with non‐contrast pelvic computed tomography
Authors: Onaca Nicholas , Martinez Eric , Bayer Johanna , Wall Anji , Fernandez Hoylan , Ruiz Richard , Ma Tsung‐wei , Gupta Amar , McKenna Gregory , Testa Giuliano
Published: April 2021

Non‐contrast pelvic computed tomography (CT) can detect severe iliac artery calcifications that present technical contraindications to kidney transplantation (TCT). We screened 454 asymptomatic patients with a history of any of the following: hemodialysis >10 years, diabetes mellitus >20 years, coronary artery disease (CAD) with percutaneous or surgical interventions, carotid disease, diabetes with below‐/above‐knee amputations, and heart‐kidney transplantation candidacy. Patients with normal dorsalis pedis and/or tibialis posterior pulses were not screened. A total of 8.4% had severe calcifications with TCT; CT determined laterality for implantation in 13.9%. No patients with the following characteristics were classified as TCT: age <40 years, hemodialysis >10 years, carotid arterial disease, prior lower extremity amputation, or heart‐kidney transplantation candidacy. CAD was associated with TCT in univariate though not multivariate analysis. Limiting screening to patients >40 years, with DM >20 years, or with CAD, 9.8% had a TCT and CT determined transplant laterality in 14.2%. Screening for severe iliac artery calcifications is useful for selected kidney transplantation candidates over age 40. It can assist with laterality choice or surgeon determination of TCT. Cost and radiation exposure risks should be weighed against the morbidity risks from unnecessary surgery.
Detection of HIV mRNA in routine liquid‐based cytology specimens of HIV‐infected women
Authors: Brito Maria José , Quintas Ana , Sequeira Pedro , Alves Ana Teresa , Martins Catarina , Félix Ana
Published: April 2021

Objective

Human immunodeficiency virus‐infected women have a high incidence of HPV infection, and HIV and HPV coinfection is associated with high incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. This study investigated the ability to detect HIV mRNA in routine screening cervical liquid‐based cytology (LBC) samples and its correlation with HPV coinfection and cervical intraepithelial lesions.

Methods

Liquid‐based cytology samples from 80 HIV‐infected women under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) were studied for detection of HIV and HPV mRNA using Aptima® tests and for cytology diagnosis according to the 2014 Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology. Peripheral blood (PB) HIV mRNAs were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Statistical analysis used Fisher's exact or Chi‐square test to compare frequencies among groups and the Mann‐Whitney U test to compare continuous variables.

Results

Human immunodeficiency virus mRNA was present in 21.3% of routine LBC samples in HIV‐infected women, 12.5% of which had no detectable PB viral load. Among 10 patients diagnosed with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 50% had detectable HIV viral load. The occurrence of HSIL vs low‐grade intraepithelial lesion/negative intraepithelial lesion or malignancy in LBC samples was significantly higher in women with detectable HIV viral load (P = .029).

Conclusions

Human immunodeficiency virus mRNA was present in routine LBC samples in HIV‐positive women under cART. Detection of HIV viral load in LBC is significantly associated with cervical HSIL. This suggests the relevance of HIV mRNA viral load assessment in routine LBC, to evaluate patients' infectious potential and monitor efficacy of the cART scheme.
Treatment approaches and outcome trajectories for youth with high‐risk opioid use: A narrative review
Authors: Westenberg Jean Nicolas , Tai Andy M. Y. , Elsner Julie , Kamel Mostafa M. , Wong James S. H. , Azar Pouya , Vo Dzung X. , Moore Eva , Mathew Nickie , Seethapathy Vijay , Choi Fiona , Vogel Marc , Krausz Reinhard M.
Published: April 2021

Aim

First use of opioids often happens in adolescence and an increasing number of opioid overdoses are being reported among youth. The purpose of this narrative review was to present the treatment approaches for youth with high‐risk opioid use, determine whether the literature supports the use of opioid agonist treatment among youth and identify evidence for better treatment outcomes in the younger population.

Methods

A search of the literature on PubMed using MeSH terms specific to youth, opioid use and treatment approaches generated 1436 references. Following a screening process, 137 papers were found to be relevant to the treatment of high‐risk opioid use among youth. After full‐text review, 19 eligible studies were included: four randomized controlled trials, nine observational studies and six reviews.

Results

Research for the different treatment options among youth is limited. The available evidence shows better outcomes in terms of retention in care and cost‐effectiveness for opioid agonist treatment than abstinence‐based comparisons. Integrating psychosocial interventions into the continuum of care for youth can be an effective way of addressing comorbid psychiatric conditions and emotional drivers of substance use, leading to improved treatment trajectories.

Conclusions

From the limited findings, there is no evidence to deny youth with high‐risk opioid use the same treatment options available to adults. A combination of pharmacological and youth‐specific psychosocial interventions is required to maximize retention and survival. There is an urgent need for more research to inform clinical strategies toward appropriate treatment goals for such vulnerable individuals.
More laws, less law: The European Union's New Pact on Migration and Asylum and the fragmentation of “asylum seeker” status
Authors: Mouzourakis Minos
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the implications of elements of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum from the perspective of fragmentation of “asylum seeker” status. Different parts of the legislative package tabled by the European Commission in September 2020 call into question the EU law view of asylum seekers as a single, indivisible category of protected persons. The retreat of EU law at external borders, on the one hand, leads to the creation of a “hollow asylum seeker” status, while the multidimensional expansion of border procedures and corollary deprivation of liberty risks defeating hard‐fought safeguards on procedural presumptions and detention. Conversely, the enactment of a “privileged asylum seeker” status through the newly introduced “immediate protection” regime appears to be a measure with pragmatic potential for needed solutions and decisive EU steps towards group refugee status determination, albeit formulated in such a way as to exacerbate fragmentation and complexity.
Changes in digoxin pharmacokinetics associated with hepatic P‐glycoprotein upregulation in rats with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jeong Hee Jin , Lee Song Hee , Kang Hee Eun
Published: April 2021

Background & Objectives: Upregulation of hepatic P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) expression has been reported in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and rodent models thereof. Here, we explored the changes hepatic P‐gp expression and activity in a NAFLD rat model and the effects thereof on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin (a probe substrate of P‐gp).

Methods: Rats were fed a 1% (w/w) orotic acid‐containing diet for 20 days to induce NAFLD; control rats received a normal diet. P‐gp expression and biliary digoxin excretion were examined. The pharmacokinetics of digoxin were evaluated after it had been administered intravenously (10 μg·kg−1) and orally (200 μg·kg−1) to control and NAFLD rats.

Results: The total areas under the plasma concentration‐time curves (AUCs) of digoxin after intravenous and oral administration were significantly smaller (by 39.1% and 73.0%, respectively) in NAFLD rats because of faster biliary digoxin excretion, reflecting elevations of hepatic P‐gp expression and activity. Notably, the steady‐state volume of distribution rose by 98.2%, while extent of oral bioavailability fell by 55.5% in NAFLD rats.

Conclusion: This is the first study to report digoxin pharmacokinetic changes caused by hepatic P‐gp upregulation in NAFLD. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical impact of enhanced P‐gp‐mediated biliary excretion on pharmacotherapies using P‐gp substrates in patients with NAFLD.
Beneficial and Ethical ODR for Family Issues†
Authors: Schmitz Amy J. , Wing Leah
Published: April 2021

Technology is revolutionizing the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) field. Despite the long‐held assumptions that increasing understanding, building empathy, and crafting resolution are only possible in‐person, effective ways have emerged for assisting the resolution of the exploding number of disputes that have burgeoned online. Technology has become the “fourth party” in dispute resolution through the growing field of online dispute resolution (ODR), which includes use of technology and computer‐mediated‐communication (CMC) in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution processes. ODR is infiltrating family law, and even courts are starting to employ ODR in family cases. Expediated divorces and tracking parenting plans with little court involvement garner appeal amidst growing expectations that everything should be available with a few “clicks” or “swipes” on our technological devices. These expectations and opportunities place new responsibilities on the field and its practitioners. How can we best integrate technology into ADR—both online and off? How can we prevent the rush to digitization from ignoring due process and transparency in the name of efficiency? Accordingly, this Article will discuss the value of ODR for family disputes and highlight key concepts and ODR standards to consider for ethical design and employment of technology in family dispute resolution.
Reduction of host cell mitochondrial activity as Mycobacterium leprae’s strategy to evade host innate immunity
Authors: Oliveira Marcus Fernandes , Medeiros Rychelle Clayde Affonso , Mietto Bruno Siqueira , Calvo Thyago Leal , Mendonça Ana Paula Miranda , Rosa Thabatta Leal Silveira Andrezo , Silva Débora Santos da , Vasconcelos Karina Girardi do Carmo de , Pereira Antonio Marcos Rodrigues , de Macedo Cristiana Santos , Pereira Geraldo Moura Batista , Moreira Marcia de Berrêdo Pinho , Pessolani Maria Cristina Vidal , Moraes Milton Ozório , Lara Flavio Alves
Published: April 2021

Leprosy is a much‐feared incapacitating infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or M lepromatosis, annually affecting roughly 200,000 people worldwide. During host‐pathogen interaction, M leprae subverts the immune response, leading to development of disease. Throughout the last few decades, the impact of energy metabolism on the control of intracellular pathogens and leukocytic differentiation has become more evident. Mitochondria play a key role in regulating newly‐discovered immune signaling pathways by controlling redox metabolism and the flow of energy besides activating inflammasome, xenophagy, and apoptosis. Likewise, this organelle, whose origin is probably an alphaproteobacterium, directly controls the intracellular pathogens attempting to invade its niche, a feature conquered at the expense of billions of years of coevolution. In the present review, we discuss the role of reduced host cell mitochondrial activity during M leprae infection and the consequential fates of M leprae and host innate immunity. Conceivably, inhibition of mitochondrial energy metabolism emerges as an overlooked and novel mechanism developed by M leprae to evade xenophagy and the host immune response.
Construction of NiPx/MoS2/NiS/CdS composite to promote photocatalytic H2 production from glucose solution
Authors: Zheng Xiuzhen , Wang Xulin , Liu Jiafang , Fu Xianliang , Yang Yang , Han Huijuan , Fan You , Zhang Sujuan , Meng Sugang , Chen Shifu
Published: April 2021

Constructing multi‐component photocatalyst is an efficient method to achieve high photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, CdS nanorods modified with NiS nanoparticles are first prepared to improve the photocatalytic performance, as no H2 generates on single NiS or CdS catalyst from glucose solution. MoS2 and NiPx, as the cocatalysts for H2 production, are loaded on the surface of NiS/CdS composite. With step‐by‐step solvothermal synthesis, four components (CdS, NiS, Mo2S, and NiPx) are fully combined in the NiPx/MoS2/NiS/CdS nanorods, generating many intimate contact interfaces. Moreover the optimized NiPx/MoS2/NiS/CdS performs a significantly increased photocatalytic activity, with H2 production rate at 297 µmol h–1 g–1. The synergistic effects of heterostructure (NiS/CdS) and cocatalysts (MoS2 and NiPx) are the main reasons in enhancing photocatalytic performance, which facilitate the separation of charge carriers and prolong their lifetimes. This work provides an effective strategy to design photocatalysts with multiple components and fast charge separation for highly efficient H2 production.
The effect of investor attention on fraud discovery and value loss in securities class action litigation
Authors: Abdulmanova Anna , Ferris Stephen P. , Jayaraman Narayanan , Kothari Pratik
Published: April 2021

We examine the effect of investor attention on value loss due to securities class action lawsuits and litigation‐based fraud discovery. We find that investor attention is positively associated with damage to corporate reputation and the magnitude of the value losses suffered by defendant firms. The reputational damage to defendant firms with higher investor attention is evident from poor operational performance and lower institutional ownership after filing. Investor attention is positively associated with the diffusion of information regarding fraud and it accelerates lawsuit filing. The effects of investor attention, however, are not subsumed by the severity of the fraud. Our results are robust to a battery of tests that addresses selection and endogeneity concerns.
Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection treatment of multiple gastrointestinal submucosal tumors
Authors: Liu Jingzheng , Wang Yun , Liu Zuqiang , Lv Li , Ren Zhong , Hu Jianwei , Qin Wenzheng , Zhong Yunshi , Zhou Pinghong , Li Quanlin
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim

Gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs) can be removed by submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER). However, limited studies have evaluated STER for the removal of multiple upper gastrointestinal SMTs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of STER in the treatment of multiple upper gastrointestinal SMTs.

Methods

From January 2011 to April 2020, the cases of patients with multiple upper gastrointestinal SMTs undergoing STER were retrospectively analyzed. Variables of clinicopathological characteristics, major adverse events (mAEs), and follow up were collected and analyzed.

Results

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection was performed in 54 patients (48 male and 6 female patients) with 120 SMTs. Forty‐four patients had two tumors, eight patients had three tumors, and two patients had four tumors. The median size of each patient was 1.8 cm (range 0.7 to 3.5 cm). Forty‐five patients had tumors removed by one tunnel, and nine patients by two tunnels. The median procedure time was 50 min (range 14 to 120 min), and the mAE rate was 16.7% (9/54). No significant differences were found between patients with two tumors and those with > 2 tumors in terms of tunnel length, hospital stay, procedure time, and mAEs (all P > 0.05). In addition, patients with two tunnels had procedure time, hospital stay, and mAE rates comparable with those with one tunnel (all P > 0.05). No local recurrence or distant metastasis occurred during a median follow up of 64 months.

Conclusions

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection is a safe and effective technique for the resection of multiple upper gastrointestinal SMTs.
AgRP signalling negatively regulates bone mass
Authors: Enriquez Ronaldo F. , Lee Nicola J. , Herzog Herbert
Published: April 2021

The central nervous system is an active and major regulator of bone structure and remodelling. Specifically, signalling within the hypothalamus has been shown to be critical to ensuring that skeletal functions align with whole body metabolic supply and demand. Here, we identify agouti‐related peptide (AgRP), an orexigenic peptide exclusively co‐expressed with neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus, as another critical player in the central control of bone homeostasis. Using novel mouse models, we show that AgRP deletion leads to an increase in cortical and trabecular bone mass as a result of an increase in bone thickness despite a lean phenotype, particularly in male mice. Interestingly, male AgRP deficient mice display a significant decrease in pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) expression in the ARC, but no change in NPY or CART expression, suggesting that the increase in bone mass in AgRP‐deficient mice is unlikely to be a result of altered NPY signalling. This is consistent with the observation that bone mass is unchanged in response to the specific deletion of NPY from AgRP expressing neurones. By contrast, POMC expression in the ARC is significantly increased in female AgRP deficient mice, although AgRP deletion results in altered respiratory exchange ratio regulation in response to re‐feeding after a fast in both sexes. Taken together, the present study identifies AgRP as being directly involved in the regulation of bone mass and highlights the complexity intrinsic to the neuropeptide regulation of the skeleton.
Isolated fallopian tubal torsion: Reproductive age case series
Authors: Elçi Erkan , Sayan Sena , Elçi Gülhan , Koç Güneş
Published: April 2021

Aim

To present our experiences in isolated fallopian tubal torsion (IFTT) case series, which are difficult to diagnose, in light of the literature.

Methods

The data of the patients diagnosed with IFTT surgically in our tertiary hospital between 2018 and 2019 were evaluated.

Results

Abdominal lower quadrant pain was present in all nine cases. Abdominal pain was accompanied by nausea in five of the nine cases with vomiting in four of the nine cases. Seven of the patients had pain radiating to the vagina. Only one case of IFTT was diagnosed with transvaginal ultrasonography where left tubal dilation and free fluid in the abdomen was found. Two of the nine cases were operated on with a preoperative diagnosis of IFTT. Seven cases were approached laparoscopically and two cases underwent a laparotomy. During the treatment, two of the nine cases underwent detorsion, while seven of the patients underwent a salpingectomy.

Conclusion

IFTT is a very rare condition. Therefore, it is difficult to diagnose as it does not come to mind at first glance. Delay of the operation reduces the chance of preserving the tube.