bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of anti-money laundering legislation in Islamic banking of Pakistan: experts’ opinion
Authors: Hassan Syed Saqlain Ul , Hussain Mohammad Azam , Sajid Saima
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The efficient and strong financial system is considered as the backbone of the economy to function properly along with to attract international capital flow, investment and employment. But, on the other hand, weakness in the financial system will create negative impacts on the economy by sabotaging society’s trust in the financial system. In Pakistan, the key component of the financial sector is the banking sector including conventional and Islamic banking. Pakistan is among the pioneer of the Islamic banking sector, its share of 15.6% deposits in the total banking sector. This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of anti-money laundering (AML) legislation in the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is doctrinal legal research. The semi-structured interview approach for analysis have been adopted to analyze the materials used in the study to attain the objective. The survey approach was used in critically analyzing the effectiveness of AML laws in conjunction with Islamic banking of Pakistan by incorporating the expert’s views and perceptions. The interviews conducted through electronic media including email, WhatsApp and LinkedIn.

Findings

The findings revealed that the State Bank of Pakistan is playing an active role and bringing stringent updates and regulations from time to time for the enforcement of these legislations. The irony is that these laws are not implemented in a proper way due to a lack of coordination among legislative authorities and the banking sector.

Research limitations/implications

As money laundering is an international recognized offense, the study is based on only the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan. This is a very extensive and contentious matter, and this study is impeding money laundering operations and their analysis to the Islamic banks only.

Practical implications

It is recommended that more efficient laws and regulatory environments are a needed in the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan accompanied by proper and timely implementations of these laws with the joint collaboration of national and international agencies.

Originality/value

This is the first study that incorporated the expert’s opinion from diverse background to analyze the effectiveness of AML legislation with special reference to the Islamic banking sector of Pakistan and contribute significantly in providing greater insight in improving AML legislations in Pakistan.
Redefining brand hijacking from a non-collaborative brand co-creation perspective
Authors: Siano Alfonso , Confetto Maria Giovanna , Vollero Agostino , Covucci Claudia
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In the democratic digital environment, brand managers frequently deal with the unauthorized use of the brand by third parties. The phenomenon, known as brand hijacking, has been treated in different and sometimes conflicting ways in the academic and professional literature. The aim of this paper is to clarify the meaning of brand hijacking and to shed light on the various motivations and intentions underpinning the phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi-based survey among both academic and professional experts was conducted to explore the key features of brand hijacking and expand existing theories.

Findings

The results of the Delphi survey enable the main brand hijacking actions to be mapped, based on two motivational axes (utilitarian–idealistic and destructive–constructive) and on the various intentions that guide the hijackers. The results help re-define the key elements of brand hijacking, through the lens of non-collaborative brand co-creation.

Practical implications

Managerial implications are presented in terms of the corporate response to the two main effects of hijacking, namely, brand reputational damage and brand repositioning.

Originality/value

The paper helps to shed light on the main components of brand hijacking, thus gaining expert consensus in refining the existent conceptualization in relation to a rapidly changing brand management scenario because of the gradual loss by brand managers of their traditional control.
The impact of digital technologies on business models. Insights from the space industry
Authors: Aloini Davide , Latronico Loretta , Pellegrini Luisa
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In the past decade, in the space industry, many initiatives intended at offering open access to big data from space multiplied. Therefore, firms started adopting business models (BMs) which lever on digital technologies (e.g. cloud computing, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence), to seize these opportunities. Within this scenario, this article aims at answering the following research question: which digital technologies do impact which components the BM is made of?

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multiple case study approach was used. Three cases operating in the space industry that lever on digital technologies to implement their business were analyzed. Despite concerns regarding reliability and validity, multiple case studies allow greater understanding of causality, and show superiority respect to quantitative studies for theory building.

Findings

Big data, system integration (artificial intelligence, high-performance computing) and cloud computing seem to be pivotal in the space industry. It emerges that digital technologies involve all the different areas and components of the BM.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the impact that digital technologies have on the different BM components. It is only understanding which technologies can support the value proposition, which technologies make the infrastructural part able to support this proposition, which technologies may be helpful for delivering and communicating this value to customers and which technologies may help firms to appropriate the value that it is possible to seize the impact of digital technologies on BM.
Increased prevalence of doxycycline low‐susceptible Cutibacterium acnes isolated from acne patients in Japan caused by antimicrobial use and diversification of tetracycline resistance factors
Authors: Aoki Sae , Nakase Keisuke , Hayashi Nobukazu , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Noguchi Norihisa
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of antimicrobial‐resistant Cutibacterium acnes is an important concern for the antimicrobial treatment of acne vulgaris. We hypothesized that antimicrobial treatment regimens for acne vulgaris would change following the revisions in the Japanese acne treatment guidelines, which added a statement regarding appropriate antimicrobial usage. Here, we studied the changes in antimicrobial use and antimicrobial‐resistant C. acnes isolated from acne patients. A total of 127 C. acnes isolates collected from 212 patients with acne between 2013 and 2018 were used. Roxithromycin and clindamycin resistance rates were approximately 50% and 40%, respectively. In contrast, the prevalence of low doxycycline‐susceptible strains (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≥8 μg/mL) in 2018 (17.4%) was 5.6‐fold higher than that in 2013 (3.1%). Although the number of patients with severe and moderate acne did not change, the number of patients with a history of oral tetracycline use increased. The incidence of low doxycycline‐susceptible strains was high in patients with a history of oral tetracycline use. The prevalence of strains with a 16S rRNA mutation, which confers reduced susceptibility to tetracyclines, increased by 8.6‐fold (12.1%) from 2016 to 2018 in comparison with the previously revised guidelines (1.4%). Furthermore, the prevalence of low susceptibility strains with two resistance factors, 16S rRNA mutation and ribosomal S10 protein substitution, also increased. Approximately 10% of strains had the exogenous resistance gene, tet(W) (2013 to 2015, 10.1%; 2016 to 2018, 8.6%), and these strains showed different susceptibility to doxycycline dependent on the expression of tet(W) (MIC range 0.5–8 μg/mL). Our data show that the antimicrobial resistance pattern in C. acnes changes according to the trend of antimicrobial usage for acne treatment. Therefore, we should pay heed to the rapid dissemination of tetracycline resistance in C. acnes owing to acquisition of 16S rRNA mutation and tet(W).
Assessing the camera trap methodologies used to estimate density of unmarked populations
Authors: Palencia Pablo , Rowcliffe J. Marcus , Vicente Joaquín , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: May 2021

Population density estimations are essential for wildlife management and conservation. Camera traps have become a promising cost‐effective tool, for which several methods have been described to estimate population density when individuals are unrecognizable (i.e. unmarked populations). However, comparative tests of their applicability and performance are scarce.

Here, we have compared three methods based on camera traps to estimate population density without individual recognition: Random Encounter Model (REM), Random Encounter and Staying Time (REST) and Distance Sampling with camera traps (CT‐DS). Comparisons were carried out in terms of consistency with one another, precision and cost‐effectiveness. We considered six natural populations with a wide range of densities, and three species with different behavioural traits (red deerCervus elaphus, wild boarSus scrofaand red foxVulpes vulpes). In three of these populations, we obtained independent density estimates as a reference.

The densities estimated ranged from 0.23 individuals/km2(fox) to 34.87 individuals/km2(red deer). We did not find significant differences in terms of density values estimated by the three methods in five out of six populations, but REM has a tendency to generate higher average density values than REST and CT‐DS. Regarding the independents’ densities, REM results were not significantly different in any population, and REST and CT‐DS were significantly different in one population. The precision obtained was not significantly different between methods, with average coefficients of variation of 0.28 (REST), 0.36 (REM) and 0.42 (CT‐DS). The REST method required the lowest human effort.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that all of the methods examined can work well, with each having particular strengths and weaknesses. Broadly, Random Encounter and Staying Time (REST) could be recommended in scenarios of high abundance, Distance Sampling with camera traps (CT‐DS) in those of low abundance while Random Encounter Model (REM) can be recommended when camera trap performance is not optimal, as it can be applied with less risk of bias. This broadens the applicability of camera trapping for estimating densities of unmarked populations using information exclusively obtained from camera traps. This strengthens the case for scientifically based camera trapping as a cost‐effective method to provide reference estimates for wildlife managers, including within multi‐species monitoring programmes.
Direct and insect‐mediated effects of pathogens on plant growth and fitness
Authors: van Dijk Laura J. A. , Ehrlén Johan , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: May 2021

Plants are attacked by a large diversity of pathogens. These pathogens can affect plant growth and fitness directly but also indirectly by inducing changes in the host plant that affect interactions with beneficial and antagonistic insects. Yet, we lack insights into the relative importance of direct and indirect effects of pathogens on their host plants, and how these effects differ among pathogen species.

In this study, we examined four fungal pathogens on the wood anemone Anemone nemorosa. We used field observations to record the impacts of each pathogen species on plant growth and fitness throughout the season, and experimental hand pollination and insect feeding trials to assess whether fitness impacts were mediated by pathogen‐induced changes in plant–pollinator and plant–herbivore interactions.

Three out of four pathogens negatively affected plant size, and pathogens differed strongly in their effect on plant architecture. Infected plants had lower fitness, but this effect was not mediated by pollinators or herbivores. Even so, two out of four pathogens reduced herbivory on anemones in the field, and we found negative effects of pathogen infection on herbivore preference and performance in feeding trials.

Synthesis. Our results are of broader significance in two main respects. First, we demonstrated that pathogens negatively affected plant growth and fitness, and that the magnitude of these effects varied among pathogen species, suggesting that pathogens constitute important selective agents that differ in strength. Second, direct effects on plant fitness were more important than effects mediated by beneficial and antagonistic insects. In addition, although we did not detect insect‐mediated effects on plant fitness, the negative effects of some pathogens on herbivore preference and performance indicate that pathogen communities influence the distribution and abundance of herbivores.
Super‐sizing Renewable Energy Investment: Examining the Portfolio Preferences of Superannuation Fund Members*
Authors: Hammerle Mara , Crosby Paul , Best Rohan
Published: May 2021

We use a discrete choice experiment to quantify whether superannuation fund members value higher allocations of funds to renewable energy investments in their portfolios. Mixed logit modelling provides evidence that this valuation is driven by a fund member's environmental sentiment. Latent class modelling suggests that two classes of superannuation fund members exist: those whose preferences align with a renewable energy transition and those who are focused on financial returns. Our results suggest that the understanding of fiduciary duties, to act in the best interests of members, should be broader than a singular focus on financial returns.
Do nonpharmacological services offset opioids in pain treatment for soldiers?
Authors: Hodgkin Dominic , Adams Rachel Sayko , Ritter Grant , Lee Sue , Highland Krista Beth , Larson Mary Jo
Published: May 2021

Objective

To examine the relationships between nonpharmacological treatment (NPT) utilization and opioid prescriptions and doses and whether these relationships vary according to the type of NPT service received.

Data Source

Secondary data from the US Military Health System, nationwide.

Study Design

Patterns of NPT utilization and opioid prescriptions were analyzed over the 23 months after initial pain treatment (index visit). Regression models were used to examine the relationship between opioid prescription use in a given month and NPT service utilization in the three preceding months, using person fixed effects to control for time‐invariant patient characteristics, as well as time fixed effects. Analyses were stratified by whether the patient filled an opioid prescription in the first 30 days post index visit.

Data Extraction Methods

Administrative data on health care utilization were extracted from the US Military Health System Data Repository for Army service members who returned from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq that ended in fiscal years 2008 to 2014 and had at least one outpatient visit with a primary diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain in the subsequent year.

Principal Findings

Utilization of any NPT service in the past 3 months was positively associated with filling an opioid prescription in the given month, regardless of whether the patient was initially prescribed opioids (percentage point difference [PP] =2.87, P < 0.01) or not (PP = 0.83, P < 0.01). However, for those not initially prescribed opioids, use of any NPT service in the past 3 months was negatively associated with mean daily opioid dose in the given month (morphine milligram equivalent dose = −0.4017, P < 0.01). For those initially prescribed opioids, NPT was not associated with opioid dose.

Conclusions

NPT only reduced the prescription opioid daily dose for some patients, whereas the probability of receiving an opioid prescription was positively associated with NPT. Future research should assess whether recent system‐level policies and program changes influence referral and opioid prescribing patterns.
Quantitative input restriction and farmers’ economic performance: Evidence from Denmark's yellow card initiative on antibiotics
Authors: Belay Dagim G. , Jensen Jørgen D.
Published: May 2021

In response to growing concerns about public health risks of antibiotic resistance from food production, a range of regulations have been implemented on agricultural antibiotic use worldwide. Although the Danish yellow card initiative, antibiotic quantitative restriction, is considered as the most sophisticated latest addition, no rigorous empirical research has been conducted yet. This article provides the first empirical estimates of the effect of the yellow card initiative on the economic performance of farmers. The results show that the initiative has reduced gross profit and increased operating expenses of farmers. As such, farmers have spent more labour hours and costs performing biosecurity, increased spending on veterinary medical services and feed, which might have driven the reduction in profit.
Technological properties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum): Production of snacks and health benefits related to type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Acevedo Martinez Karla A. , Yang Mary M. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: May 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the most consumed pulses worldwide (over 2.3 million tons enter the world market annually). Some chickpea components have shown, in preclinical and clinical studies, several health benefits, including antioxidant capacity, and antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, anticancer, antiinflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties, as well as angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibition. In the United States, chickpea is consumed mostly in the form of hummus. However, the development of new products with value‐added bioactivity is creating new opportunities for research and food applications. Information about bioactive compounds and functional properties of chickpea ingredients in the development of new products is needed. The objective of this review was to summarize available scientific information, from the last 15 years, on chickpea production, consumption trends, applications in the food industry in the elaboration of plant‐based snacks, and on its bioactive compounds related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Areas of opportunity for future research and new applications of specific bioactive compounds as novel food ingredients are highlighted. Research is key to overcome the main processing obstacles and sensory challenges for the application of chickpea as ingredient in snack preparations. The use of chickpea bioactive compounds as ingredient in food products is also a promising area for accessibility of their health benefits, such as the management of T2D.
Knockin of the G275E mutation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 confers high levels of resistance to spinosyns in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Zuo Ya‐Yun , Xue Yu‐Xin , Wang Ze‐Yu , Ren Xuan , Aioub Ahmed A. A. , Wu Yi‐Dong , Yang Yi‐Hua , Hu Zhao‐Nong
Published: May 2021

Spinosyns, including spinosad and spinetoram, act on the insect central nervous system, gradually paralyzing or destroying the target insect. Spinosad resistance is associated with loss‐of‐function mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit in a number of agricultural pests. Using gene editing, nAChR α6 has been verified as a target for spinosyns in five insect species. Recently, a point mutation (G275E) in exon 9 of nAChR α6 was identified in spinosad‐resistant strains of Thrips palmi and Tuta absoluta. To date, no in vivo functional evidence has been obtained to support that this mutation is involved in spinosyn resistance in lepidopteran pests. In this study, the G275E mutation was introduced into the nAChR of Spodoptera exigua using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene‐editing technology. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and sequencing confirmed that this mutation was present in exon 9 of the nAChR transcripts in the edited 275E strain. The results of bioassays showed that the 275E strain was highly resistant to spinosad (230‐fold) and spinetoram (792‐fold) compared to the unedited background strain, directly confirming that the G275E mutation of the nAChR α6 subunit confers high levels of spinosyn resistance in S. exigua. Inheritance analysis showed that the resistance trait is autosomal and incompletely recessive. This study employs a reverse genetics approach to validate the functional role played by the G275E mutation in nAChR α6 of S. exigua in spinosyns resistance and provides another example of the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing technology to confirm the role played by candidate target site mutations in insecticide resistance.
Pneumoperitoneum needle vs. introducer needle: Comparison of complications and short‐term outcomes in percutaneously inserted peritoneal dialysis catheters in naïve abdomens
Authors: Dogra Pavitra Manu , Nair Ranjith K. , Sood Vivek , Datt Bhaskar , Katyal Amit , Jairam Ananthram , Hooda Ashok , Mendonca Satish , Mukherjee Debabrata , Chauhan Parikshit , Murari Tomala
Published: May 2021

Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) insertion for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) entails a higher risk of complications such as bowel injury, vascular injury, and catheter migration compared to the surgical insertions. We conducted a comparative analysis of two techniques of peritoneal entry for PDC insertion by Seldinger technique. We performed a retrospective review of 426 percutaneously inserted PDCs in nonobese naïve abdomens for CAPD at two tertiary care teaching hospitals in India over 6 years. Comparison of various mechanical complications, and short‐term catheter survival was done between use of introducer needle (Group “I”) and spring‐loaded pneumoperitoneum (Veress) needle (Group “V”). Group “I” to “V” patient ratio was 277:149. Group “I” had heavier patients (p = 0.03) whereas “V” group had a dominance of diabetes (p = 0.009) and prior hemodialysis patients (p = 0.03). At 3 months, the odds of mechanical complications (OR = 0.27,p = 0.004), PDC migration (OR = 0.18,p = 0.02), and omental wrapping (OR = 0.13,p = 0.04) were less in “V” group. No bowel injury occurred with Veress needle use. At 6 months, “V” group had higher odds of event‐free sustained PDC tip position (OR = 0.39,p = 0.003), and catheter survival (p = 0.03), and the cumulative events were lesser too (p = 0.002). Refractory peritonitis and deaths with functioning catheter were comparable between both the groups. In this first‐of‐its‐kind study, spring‐loaded Veress pneumoperitoneum needle use was safer, entrusted sustained PDC tip position in pelvis, and had a better catheter survival compared to use of introducer needle for peritoneal entry in percutaneously inserted PDCs. These findings should be confirmed by a randomized controlled study.
Role of phenazine‐enzyme physiology for current generation in a bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Chukwubuikem Anthony , Berger Carola , Mady Ahmed , Rosenbaum Miriam A.
Published: May 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (PCA) and pyocyanin (PYO), which aid its anaerobic survival by mediating electron transfer to distant oxygen. These natural secondary metabolites are being explored in biotechnology to mediate electron transfer to the anode of bioelectrochemical systems. A major challenge is that only a small fraction of electrons from microbial substrate conversion is recovered. It remained unclear whether phenazines can re‐enter the cell and thus, if the electrons accessed by the phenazines arise mainly from cytoplasmic or periplasmic pathways. Here, we prove that the periplasmic glucose dehydrogenase (Gcd) of P. aeruginosa and P. putida is involved in the reduction of natural phenazines. PYO displayed a 60‐fold faster enzymatic reduction than PCA; PCA was, however, more stable for long‐term electron shuttling to the anode. Evaluation of a Gcd knockout and overexpression strain showed that up to 9% of the anodic current can be designated to this enzymatic reaction. We further assessed phenazine uptake with the aid of two molecular biosensors, which experimentally confirm the phenazines’ ability to re‐enter the cytoplasm. These findings significantly advance the understanding of the (electro) physiology of phenazines for future tailoring of phenazine electron discharge in biotechnological applications.
Monitoring for myocarditis during treatment initiation with clozapine
Authors: Sandarsh Surya , Bishnoi Ram J. , Shashank Reddy Beesam , Miller Brian J. , Freudenreich Oliver , McEvoy Joseph P.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Clozapine use is associated with myocarditis. In this study, we investigated what clinical signs and symptoms, and/or laboratory test(s), alert clinicians to presumptive myocarditis (PrMy) most accurately and at the earliest time point. We also investigated the incidence of PrMy during the initial exposure to clozapine versus in patients restarted on clozapine after extended interruption of prior prolonged treatment.

Methods

100 patients admitted to state psychiatric hospital started on clozapine were recruited into the study. 76 patients were treated with clozapine for the first time and 24 patients were restarts. Creatine kinase (CK), troponin I (TROP), eosinophil count (EOS), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were obtained at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic and clinical variables. Student's t test and chi‐squared test were used to compare means and proportions between initial exposure and restart groups.

Results

Clinical features and laboratory tests suggestive of PrMy were seen in 4 patients (5.3%) in initial exposure group and none in restart group. 3.5% of TROP levels were abnormal in initial exposure group and no abnormal levels were found in the restart group. 30% and 46% of CK, 23% and 39% of CRP, and 14% and 23% of EOS were abnormal in initial exposure group and restart groups, respectively.

Conclusions

PrMy was common (5.3%) during clozapine initiation. Prospective management through serial laboratory monitoring with weekly TROP levels was sensitive enough to allow for timely clozapine discontinuation.
Illegal drug market responses to state recreational cannabis laws
Authors: Meinhofer Angélica , Rubli Adrian
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

In the United States, 15 states and the District of Columbia have implemented recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) legalizing recreational cannabis use. We aimed to estimate the association between RCLs and street prices, potency, quality and law enforcement seizures of illegal cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, amphetamine and alprazolam.

Design

We pooled crowdsourced data from 2010–19 Price of Weed and 2010–19 StreetRx, and administrative data from the 2006–19 System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) and the 2007–19 National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS). We employed a difference‐in‐differences design that exploited the staggered implementation of RCLs to compare changes in outcomes between RCL and non‐RCL states.

Setting and cases

Eleven RCL and 40 non‐RCL US states.

Measures

The primary outcome was the natural log of prices per gram, overall and by self‐reported quality. The primary policy was an indicator of RCL implementation, defined using effective dates.

Findings

The street price of cannabis decreased by 9.2% [β = −0.092; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.15–, –0.03] in RCL states after RCL implementation, with largest declines among low‐quality purchases (β = −0.195; 95% CI = –0.282, –0.108). Price declines were accompanied by a 93% (β = −0.93; 95% CI = –1.51, –0.36) reduction in law enforcement seizures of cannabis in RCL states. Among illegal opioids, including heroin, oxycodone and hydrocodone, street prices increased and law enforcement seizures decreased in RCL states.

Conclusions

Recreational cannabis laws in US states appear to be associated with illegal drug market responses in those states, including reductions in the street price of cannabis. Changes in the street prices of illegal opioids analyzed may suggest that in states with recreational cannabis laws the markets for other illegal drugs are not independent of legal cannabis market regulation.
Causal mechanisms proposed for the alcohol harm paradox—a systematic review
Authors: Boyd Jennifer , Sexton Olivia , Angus Colin , Meier Petra , Purshouse Robin C. , Holmes John
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

The alcohol harm paradox (AHP) posits that disadvantaged groups suffer from higher rates of alcohol‐related harm compared with advantaged groups, despite reporting similar or lower levels of consumption on average. The causes of this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to identify explanations proposed for the AHP. Secondary aims were to review the existing evidence for those explanations and investigate whether authors linked explanations to one another.

Methods

This was a systematic review. We searched MEDLINE (1946–January 2021), EMBASE (1974–January 2021) and PsycINFO (1967–January 2021), supplemented with manual searching of grey literature. Included papers either explored the causes of the AHP or investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption, alcohol‐related harm and socio‐economic position. Papers were set in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development high‐income countries. Explanations extracted for analysis could be evidenced in the empirical results or suggested by researchers in their narrative. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to group explanations.

Results

Seventy‐nine papers met the inclusion criteria and initial coding revealed that these papers contained 41 distinct explanations for the AHP. Following inductive thematic analysis, these explanations were grouped into 16 themes within six broad domains: individual, life‐style, contextual, disadvantage, upstream and artefactual. Explanations related to risk behaviours, which fitted within the life‐style domain, were the most frequently proposed (n = 51) and analysed (n = 21).

Conclusions

While there are many potential explanations for the alcohol harm paradox, most research focuses on risk behaviours while other explanations lack empirical testing.
The role of allergen‐specific IgE, IgG and IgA in allergic disease
Authors: Shamji Mohamed H. , Valenta Rudolf , Jardetzky Theodore , Verhasselt Valerie , Durham Stephen R. , Würtzen Peter A. , van Neerven R.J. Joost
Published: May 2021

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergy is the most common hypersensitivity disease affecting more than 30% of the population. Exposure to even minute quantities of allergens can lead to the production of IgE antibodies in atopic individuals. This is termed allergic sensitization, which occurs mainly in early childhood. Allergen‐specific IgE then binds to the high (FcεRI) and low‐affinity receptors (FcεRII, also called CD23) for IgE on effector cells and antigen‐presenting cells. Subsequent and repeated allergen exposure increases allergen‐specific IgE levels and, by receptor cross‐linking, triggers immediate release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils whereas IgE‐facilitated allergen presentation perpetuates T cell–mediated allergic inflammation. Due to engagement of receptors which are highly selective for IgE, even tiny amounts of allergens can induce massive inflammation. Naturally occurring allergen‐specific IgG and IgA antibodies usually recognize different epitopes on allergens compared with IgE and do not efficiently interfere with allergen‐induced inflammation. However, IgG and IgA antibodies to these important IgE epitopes can be induced by allergen‐specific immunotherapy or by passive immunization. These will lead to competition with IgE for binding with the allergen and prevent allergic responses. Similarly, anti‐IgE treatment does the same by preventing IgE from binding to its receptor on mast cells and basophils. Here, we review the complex interplay of allergen‐specific IgE, IgG and IgA and the corresponding cell receptors in allergic diseases and its relevance for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergy.
Factors affecting intracellular calcium influx in response to calcium ionophore A23187 in equine sperm
Authors: Sampaio Breno , Ortiz Isabel , Resende Hélène , Felix Matheus , Varner Dickson , Hinrichs Katrin
Published: May 2021

Background

Exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187 may present a “universal” sperm treatment for IVF, as it bypasses capacitation pathways. However, success in utilizing A23187 is variable, especially in equine spermatozoa. Notably, albumin is used during A23187 treatment but paradoxically is thought to suppress A23187 action. Essentially no critical data are available on the effects of A23187 and albumin concentrations, ratios, or addition protocols on changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca]i) in any cell type.

Objective

To determine factors that affect the action of A23187 on [Ca]iin equine and murine spermatozoa.

Methods

Spermatozoa were loaded with Fluo‐4 and changes in fluorescence after A23187 treatment were measured under various conditions using a microplate reader.

Results

Concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and A23187, type of BSA, makeup of A23187 stock solutions (i.e., 1° stock (DMSO) or 2° stock made with medium, water or DMSO), order of addition of spermatozoa and A23187, incubation of media before sperm addition, species of spermatozoa, and time of addition of BSA all affected [Ca]iin response to A23187 treatment. In equine spermatozoa already exposed to 10 µM A23187, addition of BSA to 33 mg/ml to “quench” the A23187 did not affect [Ca]i. When this concentration of BSA was added to spermatozoa exposed to 1 µM A23187, [Ca]iin murine spermatozoa returned to baseline, however, equine spermatozoa continued to exhibit increased [Ca]i. Addition of BSA to 33 mg/ml to media containing 1 µM A23187, prior to addition of spermatozoa, completely inhibited change in [Ca]iin both murine and equine spermatozoa.

Conclusion

These results represent some of the first critical data on the effects of albumin and other procedural factors on A23187‐induced changes in [Ca]iin any cell type. Our findings help to explain the variability in reported response of spermatozoa to A23187 among species and among laboratories.
Current status of the COVID‐19 and male reproduction: A review of the literature
Authors: Borges Edson , Setti Amanda Souza , Iaconelli Assumpto , Braga Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira
Published: May 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), which causes serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and lung failure, was first reported in mid‐December 2019 in China and has spread around the world. In addition to causing serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and lung failure, there have been conflicting reports about the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the semen of patients who were previously diagnosed with COVID‐19 and possible implications for the male reproductive tract.

Objective

The goal for the present study was to review the current status of the literature concerning COVID‐19 and male reproduction.

Material and methods

An electronic literature search was done by using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Relevant papers, concerning SARS‐COV‐2 and COVID‐19 and male reproduction, published between January 2020 and December 2020 were selected, analyzed and eventually included in the present literature review.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 may infect any cell type expressing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), including reproductive cells. Besides the presence of the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor, the expression of host proteases, such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), is needed to cleave the viral S protein, allowing permanent fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Here, we aimed to review the current status of the literature concerning COVID‐19 and male reproduction. The lack of co‐expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the testis suggests that sperm cells may not be at increased risk of viral entry and spread. However, the presence of orchitis in COVID‐19‐confirmed patients and compromised sex‐related hormonal balance among these patients intrigues reproductive medicine.

Discussion

SARS‐CoV‐2 may use alternate receptors to enter certain cell types, or the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 may not be detected in healthy individuals.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 challenges all medical areas, including reproductive medicine. It is not yet clear what effects, if any, the COVID‐19 pandemic will have on male reproduction. Further research is needed to understand the long‐term impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproductive function.
Differential impact of four sperm preparation techniques on sperm motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, acrosome status, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial activity: A prospective study
Authors: Raad Georges , Bakos Hassan W. , Bazzi Marwa , Mourad Youmna , Fakih Fadi , Shayya Salman , Mchantaf Lama , Fakih Chadi
Published: May 2021

Background

Suboptimal human semen handling in vitro may induce sperm damage. However, the effects of semen swim‐up, pellet swim‐up, density gradient, and density gradient followed by SU on sperm motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, acrosome reaction, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial activity were not fully understood.

Objectives

To study the impact of four sperm preparation techniques on sperm functional parameters.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted on 60 infertile men with a minimum sperm concentration of 20 × 106/ml and total sperm motility of ≥30%. Each raw semen sample was divided into four aliquots. Each aliquot was prepared by one of the tested techniques. Various sperm characteristics were assessed before and after sperm preparation.

Results

Density gradient and density gradient followed by SU resulted in significantly higher DNA fragmentation percentages compared with semen swim‐up (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Significantly higher percentages of spermatozoa with intact acrosome were detected in semen swim‐up (p < 0.001) and pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001) compared with raw semen. The percentage of reactive oxygen species‐positive spermatozoa was significantly higher after pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001), density gradient (p < 0.001), and density gradient followed by SU (p < 0.001) than raw semen. In addition, the percentages of 100% stained midpiece (active mitochondria) were significantly higher in semen swim‐up (p < 0.001) and pellet swim‐up (p < 0.001) compared with raw semen.

Discussion and conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report comparing the impact of these techniques on various sperm functional parameters. Semen swim‐up was more effective than density gradient in selecting better spermatozoa in terms of DNA integrity, reactive oxygen species levels, acrosome status, and mitochondrial activity. Randomized clinical trials comparing these four techniques are required to test their impact on embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.
Different surgical modalities for management of uveitic glaucoma: 2 year comparative study
Authors: El‐Saied Heba Magdy Ahmed , Abdelhakim Mohamad Amr Salah Eddin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare outcome of 3 different surgical modalities for management of uveitic glaucoma (UG).

Methods

This is a prospective comparative study, carried out on a cohort of 105 eyes (105 patients) with UG of different aetiologies. Patients were randomly allocated to group A (trabeculectomy), group B (Ahmed glaucoma valve; AGV) or group C (Trans‐scleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation, TDLC). Postoperatively, all patients were followed up for 2 years. Humphrey SITA standard perimetry was done 6, 12 and 24 months. Complete success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and relative decrease of ≥20%, without additional glaucoma surgery or antiglaucoma medication, qualified success as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and additional reduction of ≥20% in IOP, without additional glaucoma surgery, but with topical medications, while failure was considered when IOP was not controlled with topical medications and the patient needed additional surgery, or hypotony for ≥2 months.

Results

At first, IOP was significantly lower with AGV and significantly higher with TDLC, with significant drop and percentage drop between the three groups. Starting from the 6th month postoperatively till the end of the 2‐year period, there was no statistically significant difference between the 3 groups. There was no significant difference between the three groups, with complete success achieved in 60% with trabeculectomy, 68.6% with AGV and 62.9% with TDLC. There was significant difference for inflammatory cells grading; 65.7% of eyes with trabeculectomy had 2+ cells, 57% with AGV had 0 cells while 45.7% with TDLC had 1+ cells.

Conclusion

The three surgical modalities had the same IOP‐lowering effect on the long run, with complete success rate that is close enough between them, with AGV revealing the least inflammation, which might be the cause of more stable VF with Ahmed’s valve proving its superiority to the other 2 techniques for inflammatory glaucoma.
Microcomputed tomography for discriminating between different forming techniques in ancient pottery: New segmentation method and pore distribution recognition
Authors: Coli V.L. , Gomart L. , Pisani D.F. , Cohen S. , Blanc‐Féraud L. , Leblond J. , Binder D.
Published: May 2021

Microcomputed tomography is a valuable tool for studying ancient ceramics technology. Analysing pottery 3‐D images is a challenging issue, the data being extremely noisy and heterogeneous. Quantitative criteria are introduced for the characterisation of a previously unrecognised pottery building method, the Spiralled Patchwork Technology (SPT). An analytical protocol has been implemented that applies to 3‐D reconstructions of ceramic sherds and integrates automatic segmentation of porous systems and shape recognition using Hough transform. It enables discriminating between SPT and other techniques for vessels manufacture, and opens up many perspectives for independent characterisation of ancient technical gestures in ceramic technology.
Dried blood spot metabolomics reveals a metabolic fingerprint with diagnostic potential for Diamond Blackfan Anaemia
Authors: van Dooijeweert Birgit , Broeks Melissa H. , van Beers Eduard J. , Verhoeven‐Duif Nanda M. , van Solinge Wouter W. , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Jans Judith J. , van Wijk Richard , Bartels Marije
Published: May 2021

The diagnostic evaluation of Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterised by erythroid hypoplasia, is challenging because of a broad phenotypic variability and the lack of functional screening tests. In this study, we explored the potential of untargeted metabolomics to diagnose DBA. In dried blood spot samples from 18 DBA patients and 40 healthy controls, a total of 1752 unique metabolite features were identified. This metabolic fingerprint was incorporated into a machine‐learning algorithm, and a binary classification model was constructed using a training set. The model showed high performance characteristics (average accuracy 91·9%), and correct prediction of class was observed for all controls (n = 12) and all but one patient (n = 4/5) from the validation or ‘test’ set (accuracy 94%). Importantly, in patients with congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA) – an erythroid disorder with overlapping features – we observed a distinct metabolic profile, indicating the disease specificity of the DBA fingerprint and underlining its diagnostic potential. Furthermore, when exploring phenotypic heterogeneity, DBA treatment subgroups yielded discrete differences in metabolic profiles, which could hold future potential in understanding therapy responses. Our data demonstrate that untargeted metabolomics in dried blood spots is a promising new diagnostic tool for DBA.
Using behavioural theory to understand adherence to behaviours that reduce transmission of COVID‐19; evidence from the CHARIS representative national study
Authors: Dixon Diane , Den Daas Chantal , Hubbard Gill , Johnston Marie
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To examine the ability of four models of behaviour, namely, Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), the Common Sense Self‐Regulation Model (CS‐SRM), and Social Cognitive Theory and the Reasoned Action Approach (SCT and RAA) to understand adherence to transmission‐reducing behaviours (TRBs) advised by national governments for suppression of SARS‐CoV2.

Design

A series of six cross‐sectional telephone surveys of a random representative sample of adults living in Scotland.

Methods

Self‐reported adherence to three TRBs (physical distancing, wearing a face covering and handwashing), PMT, CS‐SRM, and SCT/RAA constructs, and sociodemographic variables were measured each week for 6 weeks (n = ~500 p/w; third June–15th July) via a 15 min telephone survey.

Results

Adherence was high (‘Always’ or ‘Most times’) throughout for physical distancing and handwashing, and, when mandated, for wearing a face covering. Older people were more adherent to all TRBs. Constructs from all three models predicted all three TRBs. Intention and self‐efficacy (SCT/RAA) were the only beliefs to predict to all three TRBs each week and for all groups equally; intention was the strongest predictor. The predictive utility of PMT and CS‐SRM varied by TRB and by group. Of note was the observation that several illness beliefs were associated with adherence only for those who believed they had not had COVID‐19.

Conclusions

The CHARIS project has identified beliefs about specific behaviours, the illness and the risks associated with lower adherence rates that might be addressed in national interventions. It confirms previous findings that some groups show lower levels of adherence and might be specially targeted.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers as a potential source of transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 into native wildlife of Latin America
Authors: Chaves Andrea , Montecino‐Latorre Diego , Alcázar Paloma , Suzán Gerardo
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted the entire world, causing a great number of mortality of humans and affecting the economy, while conservation efforts are finally recognized to prevent further pandemics. The wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRCs) play a relevant role in animal welfare; nevertheless, they also represent an imminent risk of pathogen transmission between humans‐to‐animals and between animals. Moreover, WRCs could spread pathogens into natural habitats through the reintroduction of infectious individuals. These biosafety concerns at WRCs may increase as the economic and social impact of the COVID‐19 extends. We explored the current situation of Latin American WRCs under the COVID‐19 pandemic to determine the feasibility of SARS‐CoV‐2 introduction, amplification, and spread within these institutions. We surveyed WRCs from eight Latin American countries. We found that pandemic is affecting these institutions in many aspects: workers with symptoms compatible with COVID‐19, reduced economic resources, and lack of information and support from governmental authorities. These have forced WRCs to reduce the workforce, veterinary visits, and animal food rations and to increase the number of animals released. This scenario generates a risky environment for the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2, especially for felids, mustelids, and non‐human primates. Therefore, it is imperative to respect quarantine periods, monitor incoming patients, increase biosecurity measures, develop and apply guidelines and recommendations for the protection of personnel and biosafety of enclosures and instruments. It is of utmost importance the proper and safer reintroduction of recovered wildlife.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.