bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A-40 The Neurocognitive and Behavioral Profile of an Adolescent with in-Utero Exposure to Alcohol
Authors: Smith Alphonso , Norris Courtney
Published: August 2021

Objective

Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in altered brain development that has detrimental effects on children and put them at increased risk for cognitive impairment, sensorimotor deficits, attention problems, behavioral issues, and social–emotional difficulties. Further, adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with in-utero exposure to alcohol require targeted academic and psychosocial support as they transition into adulthood which emphasizes the need for neuropsychological assessment.

Method

This case study presents on the neuropsychological profile of a 17-year-old male in the 11th grade who was exposed to alcohol in-utero and was diagnosed with fetal alcohol effects as a young child by his primary care physician.

Results

Neuropsychological testing revealed a broad range of impairments which included deficits in intellectual functioning (mild disability), adaptive functioning, language, academic achievement, attention, executive functioning, memory, fine/visuomotor skills, and social–emotional functioning.

Conclusions

Recommendations were made to modify his special education goals by targeting his functional academic skills, adaptive functioning, communication skills, and post-high school transition planning. Recommendations for behavioral interventions were given to his referring psychotherapist to aid in treatment planning. Information on vocational counseling and financial support for individuals with developmental disabilities were provided to the patient’s guardian as well. This case study illustrates the long-lasting neurocognitive and behavioral effects associated with in-utero alcohol exposure and the need for neuropsychological assessment during adolescence in order to reduce secondary issues (e.g., school problems, lack of mental health support, unemployment, and financial hardship) that can occur as these individuals move into adulthood.
A-43 Pediatric Infratentorial Anaplastic Ependymoma: A Case Study
Authors: Mason Sara , Harley Aikisha , Liu Kevin , Markiv Yelena
Published: August 2021

Objective

Ependymoma is the third most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and often presents posteriorly. Understanding of long-term outcomes of pediatric posterior fossa tumor and treatment is required to maximize developmental trajectory. This case illustrates cognitive correlates of pediatric posterior fossa tumor and treatment in an adolescent without cerebellar mutism or psychiatric co-morbidities. Repeated post-treatment assessments allowed for characterization of initial effects of treatment over time.

Method

The patient, diagnosed with an infratentorial anaplastic ependymoma at age 15, presented for initial neuropsychological evaluation status-post craniotomy, ventricular drain placement, posterior fossa tumor resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recovery was complicated by cranial nerve palsies, dysphasia, and dysarthria. Repeat assessment was conducted 13 months later. Interim treatment included three cycles of maintenance chemotherapy. Aside from moderate dysarthria, the patient denied cognitive concerns each evaluation.

Results

Attention, working memory, planning, problem solving, language, reasoning, and motor speed/dexterity were within expectations at initial evaluation without deficits in academic or socioemotional functioning. Visual encoding/organization and processing speed were below expectations. Findings at follow-up revealed marked declines in bilateral motor speed and dexterity.

Conclusion

Weaknesses in visual organization and motor functioning are consistent with expected neurocognitive correlates of pediatric posterior fossa tumor and resection, particularly with cerebellar involvement. Additional motoric slowing is associated with white matter changes and often observed after cancer treatment. Longitudinal follow-up illustrated the potential for neurocognitive resilience in pediatric posterior fossa tumor treatment in the face of significant motor dysfunction. Nevertheless, late-effects of radiation and chemotherapy may manifest in early adulthood and must be monitored in pediatric patients.
A-44 Implications of the Heart Rate Variability Power Spectrum on the Relationship between Prenatal Anxiety Exposure and Child Anxiety in 5-Year-Olds
Authors: Ginalis Christine L , Zaki Jeenia , Bedoya Ana Cristina , Nomura Yoko
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the role of the heart rate variability (HRV) in the relationship between prenatal anxiety exposure and subsequent child anxiety levels.

Methods

A longitudinal study of mother–child dyads (subsample of 89) measured maternal anxiety during the second trimester of pregnancy (self-reported via STAI-S) and subsequent child anxiety (maternal-reported via BASC-3) and baseline autonomic physiological measures (high and low frequency band of HRV power spectrum) at 5-years-old. Mediation analysis was conducted to test whether child high and/or low frequency HRV mediates the relationship between prenatal anxiety and child anxiety.

Results

Prenatal anxiety predicted child anxiety (β = 0.137, p = 0.004) and high frequency HRV (β = −0.009, p < 0.001), but not low frequency HRV (β = −0.002, p = 0.231). Mediation analysis using bootstrapping procedure revealed that high frequency HRV (β = 0.044, 95% CI [0.007, 0.085]), but not low frequency HRV (β = 0.0117, 95% CI [−0.007, 0.047]), mediated the relationship between prenatal anxiety and child anxiety. After controlling for high frequency HRV, prenatal anxiety was no longer associated with child anxiety (β = 0.0753, p = 0.148).

Conclusion

Results indicate that in-utero exposure to maternal anxiety influences the child’s high frequency but not low frequency HRV. Importantly, changes in only high frequency HRV from prenatal anxiety is driving the relationship between prenatal anxiety and child anxiety levels, indicating that maternal anxiety during pregnancy affects the development of the autonomic nervous system with long term effects on child emotional regulation. The results suggest that the high frequency portion of the HRV power spectrum should be assessed in a multidimensional model of fetal programming and subsequent mental health risk of the child.
A-48 Examining the Relationship between Ethnicity, Perceived Workload, and Acculturation on Cordoba Naming Test Performance
Authors: Munoz Isabel , Lopez-Hernandez Daniel W , Baez Abril J , Cervantes Raymundo , Munoz Raelynn B , Edry Loren , Schierholz Laura , Hernandez Juan P , Wright Matthew , Hardy David J , Fernandez Alberto L
Published: August 2021

Objective

Confrontation naming tests are used to examine an individual’s lexical retrieval. We examined the relationship of perceived workload and acculturation in three ethnic groups’ Cordoba Naming Test (CNT) performance.

Methods

The sample consisted of 32 Latinx, 11 Caucasians, and 10 Asian; all neurologically and psychologically healthy residents. All participants completed the CNT and subscales of the Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale (AMAS) in English. AMAS was used to measure acculturation and the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA TLX) measured perceived workload.

Results

The CNT showed that the Caucasian group outperformed the Latinx group, p = 0.024, ηp2 = 0.14. However, the Latinx group reported better CNT performance compared to the Caucasian group, p = 0.023, ηp2 = 0.14. No differences were found between groups on the AMAS. Finally, we found a significant relationship between CNT and NASA-TLX subscales (i.e., performance, mental demand, effort, frustration, & overall perceived workload) in the Latinx group, r = −0.562 to −0.398, p < 0.05.

Discussion

Results showed the Latinx group demonstrated worse CNT performance compared to the Caucasian group. To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate confrontation naming performance in an ethnically diverse sample. Furthermore, we found the Latinx group reported a higher perceived performance on the CNT compared to Caucasians. Our results indicated a relationship between CNT performance and perceived workload in our Latinx sample as opposed to the Caucasian and Asian groups. Future research is needed with a larger sample size; moreover, additional research should investigate interactions between perceived workload, acculturation, and other cultural variables (e.g., bilingualism) in the interpretation of test performance in diverse ethnic groups.
A-54 The Relationship between Age and MMSE Performance Amongst Individuals with Heart Failure
Authors: Nemanim Natasha , Lackey Nicholas , Connors Eric J , Hauson Alexander O , Pollard Anna , Barlet Brianna , Walker Alyssa , Sarkissians Sharis , Stelmach Nicholas , Flora-Tostado Christopher
Published: August 2021

Objective

A previous meta-analysis assessing the impact of heart failure (HF) on cognition found the HF group performed more poorly than the healthy control (HC) on global cognition measures. The study observed a medium effect and moderate heterogeneity when using the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) to measure HF’s impact on global cognition. The current meta-regression explores whether the mean age of the HF group moderates performance on the MMSE when comparing HF patients to HC.

Data Selection

Two researchers independently searched eight databases, extracted data, and calculated effect sizes as part of a larger study. Inclusion criteria were: (a) adults with a diagnosis of HF, (b) comparison of HF patients to HC, and (c) adequate data to calculate effect sizes. Articles were excluded if patients had other types of organ failure, the article was not available in English, or there was a risk of sample overlap with another included study. Twelve articles (HF n = 1166 and HC n = 1948) were included. The unrestricted maximum likelihood computational model was used for the meta-regression.

Data Synthesis

Studies included in the meta-regression evidenced a statistically significant medium effect size estimate with moderate heterogeneity (k = 12, g = 0.671, p < 0.001, I2 = 80.91%). The meta-regression was statistically significant (slope = −0.023, p = 0.0022, Qmodel = 5.26, df = 1, p = 0.022).

Conclusions

Individuals with HF performed more poorly on the MMSE than HC. Larger effect sizes on the MMSE were observed in studies with participants who were younger compared to studies with participants who were older. Future research should continue to delineate the impact of age on global cognition in individuals with HF.
A-66 Neuropsychological Sequalae of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Rivera Rita M , Carballea Denise
Published: August 2021

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to identify neuropsychological sequelae following infection of SARS-CoV-2.

Data Selection

A systematic search of the literature was conducted in 2021 using the keywords: neuropsychological symptoms, neuropsychological sequelae, neuropsychological manifestations, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and coronavirus. The search conducted included a total of 6 databases: PsychNet, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis Online, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and PubMed Central. A total number of 25 articles were considered, and 8 of those articles were retained. Inclusion criteria consisted of peer-reviewed articles published in English between the years 2020 and 2021. Exclusion criteria consisted of articles not published in English and those that did not examine the neuropsychological symptoms following COVID-19 infection.

Data Synthesis

Literature examined reported that clinical observations of severe cases of COVID-19 infection were associated with the presence of neuropsychological symptoms. Post-infection of SARS-CoV-2, the following symptoms have been noted: severe executive dysfunction, fluctuations in attention and concentration, and instances of disorientation and confusion. Although etiological hypotheses have been made, there is still no consensus or treatment for the neuropsychological sequelae of COVID-19. Studies also reported that a significant risk factor for these individuals was the presence of premorbid psychological/psychiatric illnesses.

Conclusions

Patients who recover from severe COVID-19 can experience a multitude of neuropsychological manifestations. In some cases, these effects have been reported to be long-standing. Due to limited understanding regarding the nature and mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause, duration, treatment, and prognosis of neuropsychological symptoms of post-recovery patients.
A-77 Nonverbal Memory Dysfunction and Migraine-Related Disability Predict Subjective Cognitive Symptoms in Adults with Migraine
Authors: Sutton Leah C , Klepper Jaclyn , Rosen Noah , Reeder Annie Kate , Schwartz Alexandra , Seng Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between subjective cognitive symptom reporting and objective cognitive functioning in adults with migraine.

Method

88 participants (Mdn age = 46.0 [35.25–56.75]; Mdn years of education = 16.0 [13.0–19.0]; 88.6% female) completed neuropsychological testing and questionnaires assessing migraine disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale) and subjective cognition (Sickness Impact Profile-Alertness Behavior Subscale). Participants had primary headache disorder diagnosis of migraine. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical linear regression were performed.

Results

83% of participants had episodic migraine (< 15 headache days/month) and 58% reported low or moderate disability (MIDAS ≤21). Subjective cognitive dysfunction was associated with lower education (ρ = −0.254; p = 0.018), higher disability (t(84) = −3.00, p = 0.004); and lower scores on coding (r = −0.224, p = 0.023) TMT-A (r = −0.238, p = 0.029), RCFT- Immediate Recall (r = −0.028, p = 0.010), RCFT- Delayed Recall (r = −0.38, p < 0.001), RCFT-recognition (r = −0.40, p < 0.001), and animal fluency (r = −0.27, p = 0.013). Migraine-related disability and RCFT- Delayed Recall (ß = −0.368, SE = 0.006).) accounted for 45.9% of variance in subjective cognitive symptom reporting. The addition of RCFT-recognition (ß = −0.050, SE = 0.025) increased explanation of variance by 4.1%.

Conclusion

Nonverbal memory dysfunction and higher disability may predict subjective cognitive complaints. This study contributes to the limited knowledge of objective and subjective cognitive functioning in adults with migraine.
A-78 Interdisciplinary Consultation in a Case of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis with Unique Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Authors: Kaplan Danielle , O'Hara John B , Posada Carolina , Slyne Kristin E
Published: August 2021

Objective

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare neurological condition (~2–4 per million) marked by brain inflammation caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSE is associated with both cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly memory and executive dysfunction. We present the case of a 63-year-old, right-handed, St. Lucian female who completed serial neuropsychological evaluations (NPE).

Method

The patient presented with a six-day history (per collateral) of fever, confusion, and nausea. The patient denied cognitive changes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed leptomeningeal enhancement in the right sylvian fissure, multiple right temporal sulci, and inferior right frontal lobe (Figure 1). There was no indication of seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was positive for HSV-1. A two-week course of intravenous acyclovir was initiated on hospital day three.

Results

(Table 1). Initial NPE results (day five) revealed global cognitive impairment with sparing of auditory attention; exam was limited secondary to significant fatigue. Following completion of antivirals, subsequent NPE (day 17) revealed similar findings, despite improved alertness; left neglect (Figure 2) and significant anosagnosia (i.e., lack of disease awareness) and anosodiaphoria (i.e., indifference reaction to neurological deficits) were noted. Two-month outpatient follow-up NPE revealed marginal improvement in aspects of language and learning, but continued memory impairment, dense anosagnosia, and anosodiaphoria.

Conclusion

In this case, the patient presented with salient neuropsychiatric sequelae of HSE that have not been commonly associated with this condition in the extant literature. Her denial of cognitive symptoms may have initially confounded the differential diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of multi-specialty collaboration. Limitations of available normative data also complicated examination.
A-79 Case Series Evaluating Quantitative Electroencephalograph and Neuropsychological Function in Neurological Lyme Disease
Authors: Rudd-Barnard Alexandra , Jarvandi Sarah , Rapoport Roxanne , Smith Sue , Witkowska Natalia
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of physician diagnosed Neurological Lyme disease (NLD) using Quantitative EEG and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). We hypothesize that findings would include more slow wave (Delta/Theta) activity that is consistent with the severity reported dysfunction.

Methods

Subjects consisted of four adult females with a physician provided diagnosis of NLD. EEG was recorded from 21 sites during an eyes open and eyes-closed resting conditions. Raw EEG data was made quantifiable (qEEG) through Fourier transformation to determine z-score derived cortical and subcortical slow wave activity. The RBANS was used to assess each subject’s functioning.

Results

(See Imaging).

Subject 1.

Theta: 3.7.

Alpha: 2.3.

Theta: 3.2.

Alpha: 2.5.

RBANS - 96.

Subject 2.

Theta: 1.9.

Alpha: 3.1.

Theta: 2.3.

Alpha: 4.4.

RBANS - 76.

Subject 3.

Theta: 3.4.

Alpha: 2.8.

Theta: 3.5.

Alpha: 2.1.

RBANS - 110.

Subject 4.

Theta: 3.6.

Alpha: 3.0.

Theta: 3.3.

Alpha: 2.8.

RBANS - 100.

Conclusions

NLD subjects within this study all demonstrated elevated subcortical frontal and frontotemporal theta and alpha. Elevation in cortical slow wave activity was found for subjects with greater reported symptomatology and may suggest either less severe course of disease or serve as a recovery marker. RBANS assessment variables were not completely sensitive in detection of subject reported challenges. Implications for conceptualization, treatment, and disease monitoring are highlighted. Directions for future research will also be discussed.
A-80 Psychosocial Functioning in Pediatric Anti-MOG Associated Disease
Authors: Kennedy Erin E , Hernandez Ana , Greenberg Benjamin , Plumb Patricia , Wang Cynthia , Harder Lana
Published: August 2021

Objective

Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein associated disease (MOGAD) is a newly recognized demyelinating disorder, most commonly associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), optic neuritis and/or transverse myelitis. Given that psychosocial problems have previously been noted in individuals with demyelinating disorders, including ADEM, the primary aims of this study were to examine psychosocial functioning in patients with MOGAD and explore differences between subjects with a history of ADEM and those without.

Method

Thirty-two subjects with MOGAD (M age = 10.57; ADEM = 59.4%) and their caregivers completed questionnaires (Behavior Assessment Scales for Children, Pediatric Quality of Life, Educational History Form) to assess psychosocial functioning including externalizing (EXT) and internalizing behaviors (INT), quality of life (QOL), and academic performance.

Results

Overall, caregiver-ratings of internalizing and externalizing behaviors were not significantly different from the normative mean (EXT: p = 0.307; INT: p = 0.775). Caregiver and self-rated QOL was significantly below the normative mean for school and social functioning (p = < 0.05), as was self-rated emotional functioning (p = 0.026). Further analysis did not reveal significant differences between subjects who had ADEM vs. those who did not across caregiver ratings or academic performance. Self-ratings revealed significantly more social problems for subjects with a history of ADEM (p = 0.018).

Conclusions

MOGAD may be associated with few caregiver-reported behavioral or emotional problems. While pediatric patients with MOGAD are noted to have academic and social problems per caregiver report, self-report further indicates problems with emotional QOL and greater risk of social problems for those with a history of ADEM. Additional research is needed to further understand the psychosocial features associated with MOGAD.
C4 species utilize fluctuating light less efficiently than C3 species
Authors: Li Yu-Ting , Luo Jiao , Liu Peng , Zhang Zi-Shan
Published: August 2021

Reactivation of photosynthetic carbon assimilation during high light after a low light interval is slower in C4 than in C3 leaves.
COVID-19 OUTCOMES IN PREGNANCY: A REVIEW OF 275 SCREENED STUDIES
Authors: Vijayan Rupalakshmi , Moon Hanna , Joseph Jasmine , Zaidi Madiha , Kamwal Chhaya , Senatus Andrelle , Nagpal Shavy , Diaz Miguel
Published: August 2021

In December 2019, a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), was declared as a cause of respiratory illness, called coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), characterized by fever and cough. In diagnostic imaging, the afflicted population showed pathognomonic findings of pneumonia. What started out as an epidemic in China, rapidly spread across geographical locations with a significant daily increase in the number of affected cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the range of worldwide mortality is 3 to 4%. Maternal adaptations and immunological changes predispose pregnant women to a prolonged and severe form of pneumonia, which results in higher rates of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is limited data about the consequences of COVID-19 in pregnancy, thereby limiting the prevention, counseling, and management of these patients. The objective of this literature review is to explore pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19, complications, morbidity, and mortality in this sub-population. We conducted a literature review pertaining to COVID-19 and pregnancy in databases such as: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The studies we chose to focus on were systematic reviews, meta-analysis, case series, and case reports. Twenty four articles were reviewed regarding COVID-19 and pregnancy, complications and their outcomes. Due to immunological changes during pregnancy as evidenced by the flaring of auto-immune diseases; pregnant women may be at an increased risk for infection. Women (19.7%) who had underlying comorbidities such as gestational DM, HTN, hypothyroidism, and autoimmune disease, COPD, or HBV infection were considered high risk. The most common maternal outcomes were premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and pre-eclampsia. Asthma was the most common comorbidity associated with maternal mortality. The most common neonatal complications were fetal distress leading to NICU admissions and preterm birth <37 weeks. The most common laboratory changes were elevated CRP and lymphocytopenia. Most patients underwent C-section due to their underlying comorbidities. Pregnant and lactating women did not shed viral particles through their vaginal mucus and milk, as evidenced by negative nucleic-acid tests of these secretions. Neonatal infections as demonstrated by positive RT-PCR were rare, but direct evidence supporting intrauterine transmission was not confirmed. Direct evidence indicating vertical transmission of COVID-19 is not available, but risk for transmission cannot be ruled out. Pregnant women should be closely monitored due to increased risk of adverse outcomes.
The relationship among corporate social responsibility, sustainability and organizational performance in pharmaceutical sector: a literature review
Authors: Saxena Kanika , Balani Sunita , Srivastava Pallavi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to review the extant literature in pharmaceutical sector on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and organizational performance to explore if a relationship exists among these three elements.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 301 research articles were collected from online databases. A new ECG framework representing environment, community and growth was used to classify the collected literature under the three elements: CSR, sustainability and organizational performance.

Findings

Key findings under the identified categories are: A) Environment: Strict legislation and green chemistry have revolutionized the pharmaceutical sector by decreasing manufacturing costs, minimizing the environmental footprint and improving compliance with regulations. B) Community: Community goodwill and organization’s image have gained importance under the influence of external and internal stakeholders. C) Growth: A weak relationship exists between CSR and organizational performance but increases engagement in sustainability practices which has led to increased market performance. Effective integration of social and environmental goals with strategic business processes could result in long-term profits.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the extant literature to identify the significance of CSR and sustainability on the organizational performance of the pharmaceutical sector. The propositions developed in this study will help in identifying the interdependency of the aforementioned three elements opening further possibilities of in-depth sector specific studies.
Investigating beta anomaly: comparison of Shariah-compliant and conventional stocks
Authors: Qamar Muhammad Ali Jibran , Hassan Asma , Nazir Mian Sajid , Haque Abdul
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of dividend announcements on the stock return of Shariah-compliant and conventional stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

An event study methodology is applied to study the beta anomaly. Market-adjusted return model, mean-adjusted return model and market model have been applied to calculate excess returns. Estimation period used in this study is 130 days, and event period consists of 21 days in total, i.e. starting from the day –10 “before the cash dividend announcement” to day +10 “after the cash dividend announcements.

Findings

It has been concluded from the results that dividend plays an informational role in the Pakistan Stock Exchange. As the investors in Pakistan react favorably to the dividend increase announcements and unfavorably to the dividend decrease announcements, they consider dividend increase announcement as good news and dividend decrease announcement as bad news.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have several implications for different participants of the stock market, such as investors, academicians, researchers, fund managers and policymakers. They can use this information to make decisions while making efficient portfolios. Investors may get abnormal returns by focusing on the dividend announcement patterns. This can influence the attitude of investors toward efficient investments in the stock market and ultimately contribute to the betterment of society. This study is also beneficial for academicians and researchers, as it provides a comparative analysis of Shariah-compliant and conventional stocks and the anomalous effect of dividend announcements on stock return.

Originality/value

Limited research in the world’s context and null is available in Pakistani context on the subject matter. The comparative analysis of “Shariah-compliant” and “conventional” stocks provides insight into the asset pricing of Shariah-compliant stocks that have not been explored earlier. This study also uses three different methods (mean model, market model and market-adjusted return models) to compare Shariah-compliant and conventional stocks
Life cycle analysis of Brazilian startups: characteristics, intellectual capital, agents and associated risks
Authors: Couto Marcelo Henrique Gomes , Oliva Fábio Lotti , Del Giudice Manlio , Kotabe Masaaki , Chin Tachia , Kelle Peter
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to present the stages of the Brazilian startups' organizational life cycle (OLC), identifying and describing the main factors related to the entrepreneurial and organizational perspectives, as well as the factors related to external relationship agents and the associated risks at each OLC stage. In addition, the variables that comprised the three perspectives above were used for a descriptive reading of the evolutionary process from the perspective of intellectual capital during the stages.

Design/methodology/approach

The type of research used was quantitative with a descriptive character. For data collection, the authors have used the survey method and two complementary questionnaires were used as research tools. The measurement scale used in these instruments was the 11-point Likert scale. In total, 100 Brazilian startups registered in the STARTUPBASE and residents in São Paulo comprised the sample of this research. For the data processing, it was used the exploratory factor analysis techniques, to identify the analysis factors, and the cluster analysis, to identify the OLC stages.

Findings

Based on the results obtained, four stages were identified and described to build the OLC model of this research: Stage I – conception and development; Stage II – organization and traction; Stage III – growth and scale; and Stage IV – consolidation and transition. In addition, the authors described the main lines of evidence found at each stage.

Practical implications

This research contributes to academic studies of the OLC in startups and the evolution of risks that originate from the relationship between external agents in the business environment and startups. Thus, a management map is built, which helps entrepreneurs and managers construct these businesses since such a management map allows identifying the risks and challenges that a startup needs to overcome to grow and develop.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in the adaptation of the OLC approach, which is widely used in studies analyzing the growth and development of mature organizations. The authors used this adaptation to analyze the growth and development of startups in Brazil. In addition, the identification and analysis of external agents that make up the business environment, as well as the analysis of the risks, originated from the relationships between the startup and these agents, brought original and essential results and discussions, both for OLC studies and for risk analysis studies in startups.
The connection between freedom of the press and environmental quality: An investigation on emerging market countries
Authors: Uzar Umut
Published: August 2021

Although there have been many attempts in the literature to identify the main factors of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the influence of freedom of the press on CO2 emissions has not yet been studied. This gap reveals a substantial question: can freedom of the press reduce CO2 emissions? This article is an initial study to reply to this question. In this study, the effects of freedom of the press and other control variables on CO2 emissions in Emerging‐7 (E‐, Turkey, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, India, China, Brazil) countries for 1993–2016 are examined by panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model (method. The main finding is that freedom of the press can perform a substantial role in diminishing CO2 emissions in E‐7 countries. In addition, the evidence confirms that the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is valid. Primary energy consumption and trade are also determined to be important factors that increase CO2 emissions. Within the framework of these results, policymakers must expand the freedom of the press to lower CO2 emissions.
Forced moves and home maintenance: The amplifying effects of mortgage payment burden on underwater homeowners
Authors: Harding John P. , Li Jing , Rosenthal Stuart S. , Zhang Xirui
Published: August 2021

Although well‐known that high current loan‐to‐value ratio (CLTV) is necessary for mortgage default, the amplifying effect of high payment‐to‐income ratios (PTI) that can force families to move has received limited attention. Using the 1985–2013 American Housing Survey panel, we show that high CLTV by itself has little effect on mobility, but high PTI prompts families to move and especially so when CLTV is high. Evidence also indicates that high PTI and CLTV discourage home maintenance. Our estimates suggest that loan modifications that lower PTI will likely be more effective at helping underwater families to remain in their homes and avoid mortgage default as compared to policies that lower CLTV.
What we can learn from the dynamics of the 1889 ‘Russian flu’ pandemic for the future trajectory of COVID‐19
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: August 2021

A study of the contemporary medical literature for patient symptoms from the so‐called ‘Russian flu’ pandemic from 1889 revealed clinical observations that resemble COVID‐19 (Brüssow and Brüssow, 2021, Microb Biotechnol). If one accepts the hypothesis that this pandemic was a prior coronavirus epidemic, the dynamics of the ‘Russian flu’ from 1889 might give us some ideas about the future trajectory of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The present report compiles and reviews the contemporary data published on the temporal and geographical spread of the ‘Russian flu’, its epidemic wave structure and possible later resurgence. The historical record of past pandemics might thus provide us not with predictions, but ‘retrodictions’ on possible future scenarios for the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Pembrolizumab associated Stevens–Johnson syndrome with porokeratosis in a patient in the setting of primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Peng , Xu Qiu‐Yun , Zhu Yan‐Ting , Chen Wen , Ji Chao
Published: August 2021

Pembrolizumab is a humanised therapeutic antibody against the PD‐1 receptor. It has been used in various advanced cancer immunotherapies. Here, we report an extremely rare case of a 32‐year‐old man who developed Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) with porokeratosis simultaneously during pembrolizumab treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (T3N1M1).
Computerized adaptive testing for testlet‐based innovative items
Authors: Kang Hyeon‐Ah , Han Suhwa , Betts Joe , Muntean William
Published: August 2021

Increasing use of innovative items in operational assessments has shedded new light on the polytomous testlet models. In this study, we examine performance of several scoring models when polytomous items exhibit random testlet effects. Four models are considered for investigation: the partial credit model (PCM), testlet‐as‐a‐polytomous‐item model (TPIM), random‐effect testlet model (RTM), and fixed‐effect testlet model (FTM). The performance of the models was evaluated in two adaptive testings where testlets have nonzero random effects. The outcomes of the study suggest that, despite the manifest random testlet effects, PCM, FTM, and RTM perform comparably in trait recovery and examinee classification. The overall accuracy of PCM and FTM in trait inference was comparable to that of RTM. TPIM consistently underestimated population variance and led to significant overestimation of measurement precision, showing limited utility for operational use. The results of the study provide practical implications for using the polytomous testlet scoring models.
Intra‐arterial combination therapy for experimental acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Maniskas Michael E. , Roberts Jill M. , Gorman Amanda , Bix Gregory J. , Fraser Justin F.
Published: August 2021

Acute ischemic stroke continues to devastate millions of individuals worldwide. Current treatments work to restore blood flow but not rescue affected tissue. Our goal was to develop a combination of neuroprotective agents administered intra‐arterially following recanalization to target ischemic tissue. Using C57Bl/6J male mice, we performed tandem transient ipsilateral middle cerebral/common carotid artery occlusion, followed by immediate intra‐arterial pharmacotherapy administration through a standardized protocol. Two pharmacotherapy agents, verapamil and lubeluzole, were selected based on their potential to modulate different aspects of the ischemic cascade; verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, works in an acute fashion blocking L‐type calcium channels, whereas lubeluzole, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate modulator, works in a delayed fashion blocking intracellular glutamate trafficking. We hypothesized that combination therapy would provide complimentary and potentially synergistic benefit treating brain tissue undergoing various stages of injury. Physiological measurements for heart rate and pulse distention (blood pressure) demonstrated no detrimental effects between groups, suggesting that the combination drug administration is safe. Tissue analysis demonstrated a significant difference between combination and control (saline) groups in infarct volume, neuronal health, and astrogliosis. Although a significant difference in functional outcome was not observed, we did note that the combination treatment group had a greater percent change from baseline in forced motor movement as compared with controls. This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of intra‐arterial combination therapy following successful recanalization and warrants further study.
A matter of perspective: The convergent and incremental validity of informant‐reported drinking motives
Authors: Kim Andy J. , Sherry Simon B. , Shannon Trevor , Kehayes Ivy‐Lee , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Drinkers have social and affective reasons for using alcohol (‘drinking motives’). Historically, drinking motives are self‐reported. Informant‐reports of drinking motives may be useful in corroborating self‐report data. Thus, we investigated the correspondence between self‐ and informant‐reports of drinking motives and the incremental validity of informant‐reported motives in predicting targets' future alcohol problems.

Methods

Measures were completed by 174 university‐aged, same‐sex drinking buddy dyads (66% women) across two waves separated by 30 days. Dyad members who contacted study organisers were treated as targets, and their buddies as informants. Targets self‐reported their own drinking motives at baseline, as well as their own alcohol problems at baseline and 30 days later. Informants reported on targets' drinking motives at baseline.

Results

Self‐ and informant‐reports of targets' internal drinking motives (coping‐depression and enhancement) showed significant, small positive correlations. Informants‐reports of these same internal drinking motives (as well as coping‐anxiety) predicted change in targets' alcohol problems over time, thereby providing additional predictive validity beyond that provided by targets' self‐reports.

Discussion and Conclusions

We encourage incorporating informant‐reported internal drinking motives when assessing risk for escalating problem drinking in emerging adult drinkers.
Online interventions for cannabis use among adolescents and young adults: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Beneria Anna , Santesteban‐Echarri Olga , Daigre Constanza , Tremain Hailey , Ramos‐Quiroga Josep Antoni , McGorry Patrick D. , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario
Published: August 2021

Background

Young people present high rates of cannabis use, abuse, and dependence. The United Nations estimates that roughly 3.8% of the global population aged 15–64 years used cannabis at least once in 2017. Cannabis use in young people may impair cognitive skills, interfere with learning, impact relationships, and lead to long term behavioural and psychological consequences. Online cannabis interventions (OCI) are increasingly popular, but their dissemination is not often supported by empirical evidence.

Aim

To systematically compile and analyse the effectiveness of OCI for the reduction of cannabis use among adolescents and young adults (AYA).

Methods

Pooled effect sizes of cannabis use between treatment and control groups were estimated. For each comparison, Hedge's g was calculated using a random effects model.

Results

The search strategy yielded 4531 articles. Of those, a total of 411 articles were retrieved for detailed evaluation resulting in 17 eligible studies (n = 3525). Analyses revealed that online interventions did not significantly reduce cannabis consumption (Hedge's g = −0.061, 95% CI [−0.363] to [−0.242], p = .695) and high heterogeneity was noted (Q = 191.290). More recent studies using structured interventions, daily feedback, AYA centred designs, and peer support, specifically targeting CU seemed to have positive effects to address CU in this population.

Conclusions

The lack of positive outcomes suggests that more specific and targeted interventions may be necessary to promote cannabis‐related behavioural change among young people. These targeted interventions may include structured CU modules, daily feedback, peer support for increased adherence, user‐centred design procedures, and input from key stakeholders such as families and service providers.
No evidence for somatosensory attenuation during action observation of self‐touch
Authors: Kilteni Konstantina , Engeler Patrick , Boberg Ida , Maurex Linnea , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: August 2021

The discovery of mirror neurons in the macaque brain in the 1990s triggered investigations on putative human mirror neurons and their potential functionality. The leading proposed function has been action understanding: Accordingly, we understand the actions of others by ‘simulating’ them in our own motor system through a direct matching of the visual information to our own motor programmes. Furthermore, it has been proposed that this simulation involves the prediction of the sensory consequences of the observed action, similar to the prediction of the sensory consequences of our executed actions. Here, we tested this proposal by quantifying somatosensory attenuation behaviourally during action observation. Somatosensory attenuation manifests during voluntary action and refers to the perception of self‐generated touches as less intense than identical externally generated touches because the self‐generated touches are predicted from the motor command. Therefore, we reasoned that if an observer simulates the observed action and, thus, he/she predicts its somatosensory consequences, then he/she should attenuate tactile stimuli simultaneously delivered to his/her corresponding body part. In three separate experiments, we found a systematic attenuation of touches during executed self‐touch actions, but we found no evidence for attenuation when such actions were observed. Failure to observe somatosensory attenuation during observation of self‐touch is not compatible with the hypothesis that the putative human mirror neuron system automatically predicts the sensory consequences of the observed action. In contrast, our findings emphasize a sharp distinction between the motor representations of self and others.
Longitudinal changes of human milk oligosaccharides, breastmilk microbiome and infant gut microbiome are associated with maternal characteristics
Authors: Liu Feitong , He Shiting , Yan Jingyu , Yan Shuyuan , Chen Juchun , Lu Zerong , Zhang Bin , Lane Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) play an important role in infant health. This study aimed to investigate the association of maternal characteristics with HMOs, human breastmilk (HBM) microbiome and infant gut microbiome over the first three months of lactation. Chinese mothers and infant pairs (n = 110) were included in this prospective cohort. Secretor status linked with α1,2‐fucosyltransferase expression was determined by the presence of total α1,2‐fucosylated HMOs in HBM for 75.8% of the mothers. The concentration of dominant HMOs significantly decreased over three months except for 3’‐fucosyllactose. In addition to the elevated levels of α1,2‐fucosylated HMOs, other neutral HMOs significantly reduced in secretors milk. Alpha‐diversity of HBM and infant gut microbiome significantly increased over time, and an elevated abundance of Bifidobacterium and decreased levels of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and Clostridium in the infant gut microbiota were noted. Multi‐association analysis indicated maternal age and body mass index significantly correlated with specific HMOs and infant growth. Our study provides pivotal data on Chinese HMOs distribution profile, and their association with maternal characteristics and the infant gut microbiome.
Dehydration in the nursing home: Recognition and interventions taken by Dutch nursing staff
Authors: Paulis Simone J. C. , Everink Irma H. J. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Lohrmann Christa , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: August 2021

Aims

To examine which signs/symptoms registered nurses (RNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs) (nursing staff) in Dutch nursing homes associate with dehydration, if they observe these signs/symptoms themselves and what they do after observing them.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

In February 2020, using an online questionnaire based on a diagnostic strategy to diagnose dehydration, nursing staff was asked: (1) which signs/symptoms they associate with dehydration; (2) if they observe these signs/symptoms themselves; and (3) which actions they take after observing these signs/symptoms in a resident. Descriptive statistics and Chi‐square statistics were used to describe the answers and explore significant differences between groups.

Results

In total, 250 RNs and 226 CNAs participated. Among RNs, 67%–99% associated the signs/symptoms of the strategy to dehydration compared with 45%–98% of the CNAs. RNs and CNAs often indicated to observe signs/symptoms from the strategy themselves (80.1% and 92.6%), but they also often relied on information given by other care professionals and the informal caregiver. Interventions taken were mainly focused on communicating findings to colleagues.

Conclusion

Many signs/symptoms from the diagnostic strategy trigger nursing staff to think of dehydration. Results also show that a variety of formal and informal caregivers are involved in dehydration care. As RNs and CNAs did often not receive dehydration training after entering workforce, this could have limited their ability to recognize signs/symptoms related to dehydration. To ensure timely recognition of dehydration, a clear description of roles and responsibilities about dehydration care in, and between, formal and informal caregivers is essential with structurally embedded dehydration training in the nursing home.

Impact

Tackling dehydration in the nursing home requires interdisciplinary collaboration and communication with family members. Without clear roles and responsibilities, a risk of dehydration can be left unattended.
FAF1 downregulation by Toxoplasma gondii enables host IRF3 mobilization and promotes parasite growth
Authors: Gao Fei‐Fei , Quan Juan‐Hua , Choi In‐Wook , Lee Yeon‐Jae , Jang Seul‐Gi , Yuk Jae‐Min , Lee Young‐Ha , Cha Guang‐Ho
Published: August 2021

Fas‐associated factor 1 (FAF1) has gained a reputation as a member of the FAS death‐inducing signalling complex. However, the role of FAF1 in the immunity response is not fully understood. Here, we report that, in the human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line ARPE‐19 cells, FAF1 expression level was downregulated by Toxoplasma gondii infection, and PI3K/AKT inhibitors reversed T. gondii‐induced FAF1 downregulation. In silico analysis for the FAF1 promoter sequence showed the presence of a FOXO response element (FRE), which is a conserved binding site for FOXO1 transcription factor. In accordance with the finding, FOXO1 overexpression potentiated, whereas FOXO1 depletion inhibited intracellular FAF1 expression level. We also found that FAF1 downregulation by T. gondii is correlated with enhanced IRF3 transcription activity. Inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathway with specific inhibitors had no effect on the level of T. gondii‐induced IRF3 phosphorylation but blocked IRF3 nuclear import and ISGs transcription. These results suggest that T. gondii can downregulate host FAF1 in PI3K/AKT/FOXO1‐dependent manner, and the event is essential for IRF3 nuclear translocation to active the transcription of ISGs and thereby T. gondii proliferation.