bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The socio-economic difference in the prevalence and treatment of diarrheal disease in children under five years across the geo-political zones in Nigeria
Authors: Awoniyi Fatima Badmus , Neupane Subas
Published: November 2021

Background

Diarrhoeal disease is one of the leading causes of mortality among under-5 children globally and affects the low socio-economic population.

Objectives

This study aimed at evaluating the socioeconomic differences in the prevalence and its effect on the treatment of diarrheal disease in children in the different geopolitical zone in Nigeria.

Methods

Data of children under-5 from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) was used. A total of 30,068 women, that had at least a child under-5 years of age and answered diarrhoea specific questions were analysed for the prevalence, while data on 3885 children that reported symptoms of diarrhoea during the 2 weeks preceding the NDHS survey interview were analysed for treatment intervention offered during diarrhoea episodes. Logistic regression models adjusted for socio-demographic factors were used to study the association.

Results

The overall prevalence of diarrhoea was 12.9% with the highest prevalence in the North East (24.7%), among the poor (17.1%) and the children of uneducated mothers (16.4%). Compared to South-West region, children in North-East (AOR 4.64, 95% CI 3.90, 5.51), North-West (AOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.97, 2.78) and North Central (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.69, 2.42) had a high likelihood of having diarrhoea. Children from a poor household (AOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.31, 1.70) had more chance of having diarrhoea. Children in North-East (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.49, 3.01) and North-West (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.77, 3.60) were more likely to receive treatment in a health care facility and also had less likely to receive more amount of drink and food during diarrhoea compared to South-West region.

Conclusions

Diarrhoea prevalence is high in Nigeria with significant regional difference both in the prevalence and treatment of diarrheal disease which is also associated with household socio-economic status.
Quantifying the effects of non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 epidemic in the Republic of Korea: Mathematical model-based approach considering age groups and the Delta variant
Authors: Ko Youngsuk , Mendoza Victoria May P. , Seo Yubin , Lee Jacob , Kim Yeonju , Kwon Donghyok , Jung Eunok
Published: November 2021

Background

Early vaccination efforts and non-pharmaceutical interventions were insufficient to prevent a surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases triggered by the Delta variant. This study aims to understand how vaccination and variants contribute to the spread of COVID-19 so that appropriate measures are implemented.

Methods

A compartment model that includes age, vaccination, and infection with the Delta or non-Delta variants was developed. We estimated the transmission rates using maximum likelihood estimation and phase-dependent reduction effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) according to government policies from 26 February to 8 October 2021. We extended our model simulation until 31 December considering the initiation of eased NPIs. Furthermore, we also performed simulations to examine the effect of NPIs, arrival timing of Delta variant, and speed of vaccine administration.

Results

The estimated transmission rate matrices show distinct pattern, with the transmission rates of younger age groups (0 39 years) much larger than non-Delta. Social distancing (SD) level 2 and SD4 in Korea were associated with transmission reduction factors of 0.64 to 0.69 and 0.70 to 0.78, respectively. The easing of NPIs to a level comparable to SD2 should be initiated not earlier than 16 October to keep the number of severe cases below the capacity of Korea’s healthcare system. Simulation results also showed that a surge prompted by the spread of the Delta variant can be prevented if the number of people vaccinated daily was larger.

Conclusions

Simulations showed that the timing of easing and intensity of NPIs, vaccination speed, and screening measures are key factors in preventing another epidemic wave.

2

Key Messages

Maximum likelihood estimation can be utilized to determine the transmission rates of the Delta and non-Delta variants.

The phase-dependent NPIs implemented by the Korean government were effectively quantified in the modelling study.

Even with fast vaccination, resurgence of cases is still possible if NPIs are eased too early or screening measures are relaxed.

The model can be used as a guide for policy makers on deciding appropriate SD level that considers not only disease control, but also the socio-economic impact of maintaining strict measures.
Unraveling the complexity of thermogenic remodeling of white fat reveals potential antiobesity therapies
Authors: Rabhi Nabil , Farmer Stephen R.
Published: November 2021

Adipose tissue is a complex organ consisting of a mixture of mature adipocytes and stromal vascular cells. It displays a remarkable ability to adapt to environmental and dietary cues by changing its morphology and metabolic capacity. This plasticity is demonstrated by the emergence of interspersed thermogenic beige adipocytes within white depots in response to catecholamines secretion. Coordinated cellular interaction between different cell types within the tissue and a fine-tuned transcriptional program synergistically take place to promote beige remodeling. However, both cell–cell interactions and molecular mechanisms governing beige adipocyte appearance and maintenance are poorly understood. In this and the previous issue of Genes & Development, Shao and colleagues (pp. 1461–1474) and Shan and colleagues (pp. 1333–1338) advance our understanding of these issues and, in doing so, highlight potential therapeutic strategies to combat obesity-associated diseases.
Opening the window for endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition
Authors: Samarakkody Ann Sanoji , Cantor Alan B.
Published: November 2021

Definitive long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) arise during embryogenesis in a process termed endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT), in which specialized hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) transform into hematopoietic cells. The transcription factor RUNX1 marks HECs and is essential for EHT. Ectopic RUNX1 expression in non-HECs is sufficient to convert them into HECs. However, the conversion efficiency depends on the developmental timing of expression. In this issue of Genes & Development, Howell and colleagues (pp. 1475–1489) leverage this observation to further understand how RUNX1 mediates EHT. They engineered mice that ectopically express RUNX1 in endothelial cells at different developmental time points and doses. They then performed chromatin accessibility and other analyses and correlate this with hemogenic potential. They found that RUNX1 collaborates with TGFβ signaling transcription factors to drive chromatin accessibility changes that specify HECs. They also highlight interesting parallels between EHT and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), which occurs during cardiac development. The results of Howell and colleagues provide new mechanistic insights into EHT and take us one step closer to generating patient-specific LT-HSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells.
Alkaline Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: November 2021

Alkaline agarose gels are run at high pH, which causes each thymine and guanine residue to lose a proton and thus prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds with their adenine and cytosine partners. The denatured DNA is maintained in a single-stranded state and migrates through an alkaline agarose gel as a function of its size. Other denaturants such as formamide and urea do not work well because they cause the agarose to become rubbery.
The effect of consumer-based brand authenticity on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty
Authors: Uysal Adem , Okumuş Abdullah
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of consumer-based brand authenticity (CBBA) on customer satisfaction (CS) and brand loyalty (BL). The moderating effect of the variable “alternative attractiveness” in the relationship between CS and BL was further investigated. The study compared and analyzed the difference between global sportswear brands and domestic ones and the difference between global chocolate brands and domestic ones in terms of CBBA, CS, BL and attractiveness of alternatives (AA).

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis were conducted in order to analyze the data collected from 600 consumers via face-to-face survey.

Findings

The results showed that quality commitment and heritage-sincerity, which are subdimensions of CBBA, had a significant positive effect on CS. Additionally, both of them affected CS differently in the comparison of the global brands with the domestic ones. Furthermore, CS had a significant positive effect on BL, and AA had a negative effect on BL.

Originality/value

This study deepens the insights into the effects of antecedents of CBBA on CS and BL, enhancing the research with quantitative analysis through two different product groups. The study provides important cues on which antecedents of CBBA help to strengthen the authenticity of brands of Turkish and global origin, and also differs in that it examines to what extent the effect of CBBA on CS and BL varies across global and domestic brands.
Exploring the reasons for bank-switching behavior in retail banking
Authors: Zhao Cong , Noman Abu Hanifa Md. , Asiaei Kaveh
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The development and maintenance of a long-term relationship with customers are essential for banks to bolster their profits and thrive in a competitive environment. This study aims to explore the key factors that influence individuals' bank-switching behavior in the Malaysian retail banking industry to provide insights to bank managers to develop effective customer retention strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenient sampling technique was used to distribute questionnaires to bank customers in Malaysia. A total of 312 utilizable questionnaires were obtained for further analysis. For the data analysis, the authors used explanatory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and logit and probit models to identify the determinants of bank-switching behavior of bank customers in Malaysia.

Findings

This study revealed that switching costs, effective advertising from competitors, inconvenience, price factor and service failures significantly influence customers' retail bank-switching behavior in the Malaysian context. The findings bring some significant policy implications for bank management decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The non-probability, convenience online sampling method may not be generalized to the population. However, the descriptive demographic statistics show that the findings provide a reasonable representation of the Malaysian population.

Originality/value

This study empirically investigates the determinants of individual customers' retail bank-switching behavior in the Malaysian context. This study is the first of its kind to observe the unique feature of price factor as a determinant of individual customers' switching behavior in the Malaysian retail banking industry, contrasting previous similar studies in different countries.
Entrepreneurial sensing capabilities: the stimulating role of cross-cultural experience
Authors: Pidduck Robert J. , Zhang Yejun
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Drawing on image theory, the authors investigate how and when cross-cultural experience cultivates two core entrepreneurial sensing capabilities: opportunity recognition and creative behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop and test a second-stage moderated mediation model across two studies. Study 1 consists of a sample of prospective entrepreneurs from the UK using perceptual scale measures (n = 153). Building on this, core findings are replicated using task-based measures on a sample of US participants (n = 342).

Findings

Results show that cross-cultural experience is positively related to both entrepreneurial sensing capabilities through the mediating role of self-image fluidity. No support is found for the moderating role of regulatory focus orientations.

Research limitations/implications

These findings contribute to the burgeoning literature on multicultural experience and initiating skills in nascent venturing by providing insight on the mechanisms and boundary conditions relevant for entrepreneurial capabilities to emerge.

Practical implications

The results reinforce the need for educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to facilitate and encourage opportunities for cross-cultural and overseas experiences as they are influential for stimulating entrepreneurial skills.

Originality/value

Positive linkages between international mobility and entrepreneurial activity are of continued interest, yet individual-level mechanisms that explain this have been limited. The authors find that exposure to foreign cultures is potent for entrepreneurship as it can stimulate flexibility and exploration of the self-image and break frames of reference. This fosters greater tendencies for opportunity recognition and creative behaviors.
Impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 and the post-pandemic construction sector (Pakistan)
Authors: Ayat Muhammad , Ullah Azmat , Kang Chang Wook
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively affected project management organisations especially those conducting large construction projects that involve a large number of people, complex supply chains, and lack of experience and preliminary arrangements in managing remote work. This study aims to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector and how to minimise the effect of pandemic disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the reviews of relevant reports, articles and semi-structured interviews of the construction experts working in the Pakistan construction industry during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The primary data for this study were collected through semi-structured interviews with the construction experts and analysed them using thematic analysis. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted in this study.

Findings

Through thematic analysis, this study identified approximately 55 initial raw data themes, 15 first-order themes, 11 second-order themes and 4 general dimensions of the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector. The authors identified working style and behavioural changes, challenges and risks, stakeholders and new directions for the construction sector in the post-pandemic world as the four main dimensions of the effect of the pandemic on the construction sector. Further, least digitalisation, complex cash flow, abundance of labour-intensive methods, diverse stakeholders, and dependencies on foreign expertise, imported material and machineries were identified as the most important reasons for poor resiliency of the construction sector during COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This study major contributions are: (1) analysing the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector in relation to Pakistan, (2) discussing new directions for the construction sector and (3) putting in place a set of mitigation measures that will help minimise disruptions in construction-related projects to ensure that set objectives are achieved.
Re-positioning workplace aggression interventions: a violence framework
Authors: Sanderson Kathy
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the socio-psychological systems in organizations that structurally support workplace aggression.

Design/methodology/approach

Using both a structural and contextual model of intimate partner violence (IPV), the factors supporting workplace aggression were analyzed. The narratives were provided from the participants’ lived experiences of workplace aggression, producing clear indications of where formal and informal power reside.

Findings

The methods of power and control used by workplace perpetrators parallel those illustrated in IPV. The inaction of management and the lack of social support enabled informal power asymmetries and the organizational norm of silence. The findings have implications for how workplaces view and intervene in relationship-based violence.

Originality/value

Workplace aggression has been studied from a conflict management perspective, without exploring the components that enable and support organizational abuse. As a result, organizational responses to workplace aggression have failed to address the complex relationship-based components and consequences. The primary contribution of this study is the disruption of the conflict-based perspective of workplace aggression into a more appropriate framework of violence, power and control.
Knowledge has no value until it is shared: an empowering leadership perceptive
Authors: Hayat Bhatti Misbah , Akram Umair , Hasnat Bhatti Muhammad , Riaz Tabassum , Syed Nausheen
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The effect of empowering leadership on knowledge sharing is well defined, but factors that stimulate employees for knowledge sharing are still limited. Therefore, this study aims to address to what extent empowering leadership is desirable to create a trustful and fair environment that is conducive for an employee’s knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

Through integration of social exchange, equity and uncertainty management theories develop a moderating mediating model that links empowering leadership to knowledge sharing. Three-wave data collection from the sample of 375 managers–subordinates’ dyads was done in Pakistan textile industries.

Findings

Hierarchal regression analysis and bootstrapping method were applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that affective trust partially mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and knowledge sharing. More especially, the findings demonstrate that the relationship between empowering leadership and knowledge sharing becomes strong with high level of distributive and procedural justices.

Practical implications

This research study uses empowering leadership as a proposed motivational pathway for stimulating employee’s knowledge sharing through development of affective trust and buffering effect of distributive and procedural justices.

Originality/value

Most of previous research in knowledge sharing just cynosure organizational-level elements like leadership and organizational justices but deteriorate individual factors like trust. Therefore, this study will combine both organizational- and individual-level factors for urging employees for knowledge sharing.
Paying a premium for an accounting crime
Authors: Dharmayuni Lita – , Dharmayuni Lita –
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to look at how the intention of a person when facing a dilemma to choose a good outcome (utilitarian) or a good and ethical process regardless of the outcome (deontological) by raising the case of PT. Asuransi Jiwasraya (Jiwasraya).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a literature study method where researchers will analyze through previous research and news related to ethics, psychology and Jiwasraya cases.

Findings

In the Jiwasraya case, it can be said that the deontology principle has been violated, but the utilitarian principle also cannot provide benefits to the parties who should benefit, namely, the premium payers and the owners of third parties funds. In terms of intentions, at first, Jiwasraya’s management may intend to save and provide benefits to customers and the public who deposit funds at Jiwasraya (utilitarian principle). However, over time, managers choose to “allow” conditions to occur and even begin to engage in activities to take advantage of certain parties and groups by taking policies that are not by the rules (violating deontological principles) for personal gain.

Research limitations/implications

This study only discusses the Jiwasraya case through financial and accounting reports. Future studies can continue this research by looking at the Jiwasraya case through the law and legislation to obtain a complete picture.

Practical implications

With this research, it is hoped that the authors can better understand that the dilemma the author faces is rooted in the limitations of the abilities as humans; the ethics will influence all intentions for the choices the authors make.

Originality/value

This research uses case studies that occurred in Indonesia, the discussion is carried out using a utilitarian and deontological approach that has never been discussed regarding the Jiwasraya case before.
Does restoration of plant diversity trigger concomitant soil microbiome changes in dryland ecosystems?
Authors: Yang Ben , Balazs Kathleen R. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Laushman Katherine M. , Munson Seth M. , Gornish Elise S. , Barberán Albert
Published: November 2021

Drylands are highly vulnerable to land degradation, and despite increasing efforts, restoration success remains low. Although often ignored in the design and deployment of management strategies, soil microbial communities might be critical for dryland restoration due to their central role in promoting soil stability, nutrient cycling and plant establishment.

We collected soil samples from eight dryland restoration sites within RestoreNet, a restoration field trial network, and determined their soil microbiome using 16S rRNA (bacteria and archaea) and ITS (fungi) amplicon sequencing. Each previously degraded site was treated with monoculture (single species) and polyculture (multiple species) seedling plantings.

Contrary to our initial expectations, we found that these different revegetation interventions did not trigger changes in microbial diversity, composition or relative abundance of functional groups across sites after 1 year of revegetation.

﻿Synthesis and applications. Considering the crucial role of soil micro‐organisms in dryland ecosystem functions, our results suggest that site‐specific targeted microbiome restoration should be considered to accelerate the establishment of desired microbial communities. Plant community‐based restoration practices such as revegetation have a limited impact on soil micro‐organisms in the short term.
Building people up: Growth‐oriented leadership in the public sector
Authors: Franken Esme , Plimmer Geoff , Malinen Sanna K. , Bryson Jane , Berman Evan M.
Published: November 2021

Public services face increasing and more varied demands, but public service managers often lack the resources to develop their staff to effectively deal with them. This paper identifies how public sector line managers can support their subordinates to not just cope with challenges, but also to grow and develop in the midst of them. It primarily draws on employee attributions of leader effectiveness, to identify growth‐oriented leadership behaviours. The framework is based on empirical data from two sequential phases of interviews, focus groups, and one‐on‐one discussions with employees and managers in the public sector. Five categories of growth‐oriented leadership behaviours were identified: managing the whole team, enabling self‐management, managing safe failures, supporting both career and personal growth, and recognising individual needs and contributions. Causation coding identified a set of processes through which these leadership behaviours supported staff to use networks, learn, and adapt. The developed framework can be used to enhance growth and development of public sector employees.
The Degree of Internationalization and Firm Productivity: Empirical Evidence from Large Multinationals
Authors: Tsionas Mike G. , Tzeremes Nickolaos G.
Published: November 2021

This paper examines whether the S‐shaped and M‐shaped hypotheses explain the internalization firm's productivity relationship. The internationalization–performance (I–P) literature uses accounting‐based performance indicators in order to examine such a relationship. In contrast to the mainstream literature, productivity and its components (efficiency and technical change) are used as a firm's performance measures. Utilizing a semi‐parametric model based on artificial neural network techniques, accounting for potential heterogeneity, firms’ productivity, efficiency and technical change levels are estimated. The innovative methodological framework is applied in a sample of large, experienced non‐financial firms over the period 1992–2019. The empirical evidence suggests that firms’ internationalization in relation to their productivity and efficiency levels exhibits an inverted U‐shaped relationship. This finding corresponds to the last two stages of the S‐shaped and M‐shaped hypotheses. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that internationalization has a positive nonlinear effect on firms’ innovation capacity (technical change). Overall, the empirical findings from data‐driven techniques applied, support the view that the effect of internationalization on firms’ productivity levels is asymmetric.
The Governance of Economic Unionism after the United Kingdom Internal Market Act
Authors: Armstrong Kenneth A.
Published: November 2021

With the United Kingdom having finally withdrawn from the European Union, and with a new Trade and Cooperation Agreement in place to begin to manage their economic relationship, it might be thought that the constitutional drama of ‘Brexit’ was finally at an end. Yet the longer‐term constitutional implications of Brexit and its repatriation of the European regulatory state are becoming apparent. This is particularly evident in the decision of the UK Government to legislate for a United Kingdom Internal Market (UKIM). The analysis here advances two claims: first, the creation of a statutory internal market represents a strategy to ‘de‐constitutionalise’ the governance of the internal market; and second, as an instrument of ‘economic unionism’, the United Kingdom Internal Market Act is disruptive of, and for, ‘collaborative unionism’ within the political and territorial constitution of the UK.
Comparing 911 and emergency hotline calls for domestic violence in seven cities: What happened when people started staying home due to COVID‐19?
Authors: Richards Tara N. , Nix Justin , Mourtgos Scott M. , Adams Ian T.
Published: November 2021

Research Summary: We examine changes in help‐seeking for domestic violence (DV) in seven U.S. cities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using Bayesian structural time‐series modeling with daily data to construct a synthetic counterfactual, we test whether calls to police and/or emergency hotlines varied in 2020 as people stayed home due to COVID‐19. Across this sample, we estimate there were approximately 1030 more calls to police and 1671 more calls to emergency hotlines than would have occurred absent the pandemic.

Policy Implications: Interagency data sharing and analysis holds great promise for better understanding localized trends in DV in real time. Research‐practitioner partnerships can help DV coordinated community response teams (CCRTs) develop accessible and sustainable dashboards to visualize data and advance community transparency. As calls for drastic changes in policing are realized, prioritization of finite resources will become critical. Data‐driven decision‐making by CCRTs provides an opportunity to work within resource constraints without compromising the safety of DV victims.
Biotechnological production optimization of argyrins – a potent immunomodulatory natural product class
Authors: Pogorevc Domen , Müller Rolf
Published: November 2021

Argyrins represent a family of cyclic octapeptides exhibiting promising immunomodulatory activity via inhibiting mitochondrial protein synthesis, which leads to reduced IL‐17 production by the T‐helper 17 cells. Argyrins are formed by a non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), originating from the myxobacterial producer strains Archangium gephyra Ar8082 and Cystobacter sp. SBCb004. In this work, a previously established heterologous production platform was employed to provide evidence of direct D‐configured amino acid incorporation by the argyrin assembly line. An adenylation domain of the argyrin NRPS was characterized and shown to have a high preference for D‐configured amino acids. Eight novel argyrin derivatives were generated via biosynthetic engineering of the heterologous production system. The system was also optimized to enable formation of methylated argyrin C and D derivatives with improved immunosuppressive activity compared with their unmethylated counterparts. Furthermore, the optimization of cultivation conditions allowed exclusive production of one major derivative at a time, drastically improving the purification process. Importantly, engineering of transcription and translation initiation resulted in a substantially improved production titre reaching 350–400 mg l−1. The optimized system presented herein thus provides a versatile platform for production of this promising class of immunosuppressants at a scale that should provide sufficient supply for upcoming pre‐clinical development.
Evaluating California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: The First Five Years of Governance and Planning
Authors: Leach William D. , An Brian Y. , Tang Shui‐Yan
Published: November 2021

California’s landmark 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires local officials to form new Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) and to write new groundwater sustainability plans capable of eliminating overdraft within 20 years. To assess progress achieved during SGMA’s first five years of implementation, we surveyed officials who manage or participate in GSA governance. The most common obstacles to GSA formation have involved horizontal and network governance issues such as too many diverse interests or lack of trust among stakeholders. The most common obstacles to groundwater planning include a lack of financial resources and the requirement to coordinate plans among GSAs in the same basin. Respondents usually report that their own GSA performs well on seven measures of good governance, such as representing all major stakeholders, granting members sufficient power, and generating trusted data for decision making. On the other hand, many GSA managers acknowledge that some types of stakeholders remain underrepresented in the governing structure despite SGMA’s mandate to “consider the interests of all beneficial uses and users of groundwater.” Overall, most respondents are optimistic that SGMA will enhance groundwater sustainability locally and statewide. If successfully implemented and fully funded, SGMA could become a model worldwide for sustainable resource governance that combines top‐down mandates and local incentives.
Are sperm parameters able to predict the success of assisted reproductive technology? A retrospective analysis of over 22,000 assisted reproductive technology cycles
Authors: Villani Maria Teresa , Morini Daria , Spaggiari Giorgia , Falbo Angela Immacolata , Melli Beatrice , La Sala Giovanni Battista , Romeo Marilina , Simoni Manuela , Aguzzoli Lorenzo , Santi Daniele
Published: November 2021

Background

An explosive increase in couples attending assisted reproductive technology has been recently observed, despite an overall success rate of about 20%–30%. Considering the assisted reproductive technology‐related economic and psycho‐social costs, the improvement of these percentages is extremely relevant. However, in the identification of predictive markers of assisted reproductive technology success, male parameters are largely underestimated so far.

Study design

Retrospective, observational study.

Objectives

To evaluate whether conventional semen parameters could predict assisted reproductive technology success.

Materials and methods

All couples attending a single third‐level fertility center from 1992 to 2020 were retrospectively enrolled, collecting all semen and assisted reproductive technology parameters of fresh cycles. Fertilization rate was the primary end‐point, representing a parameter immediately dependent on male contribution. Pregnancy and live birth rates were considered in relation to semen variables. Statistical analyses were performed using the parameters obtained according to the World Health Organization manual editions used for semen analysis.

Results

Note that, 22,013 in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were considered. Overall, fertilization rate was significantly lower in patients with abnormal semen parameters compared to normozoospermic men, irrespective of the World Health Organization manual edition. In the in vitro fertilization setting, both progressive motility (p = 0.012) and motility after capacitation (p = 0.002) significantly predicted the fertilization rate (statistical accuracy = 71.1%). Sperm motilities also predicted pregnancy (p < 0.001) and live birth (p = 0.001) rates. In intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, sperm morphology predicted fertilization rate (p = 0.001, statistical accuracy = 90.3%). Sperm morphology significantly predicted both pregnancy (p < 0.001) and live birth (p < 0.001) rates and a cut‐off of 5.5% was identified as a threshold to predict clinical pregnancy (area under the curve = 0.811, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Interestingly, sperm motility plays a role in predicting in vitro fertilization success, while sperm morphology is the relevant parameter in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. These parameters may be considered reliable tools to measure the male role on ART outcomes, potentially impacting the clinical management of infertile couples.
Adult versus paediatric undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver: a SEER database analysis
Authors: Pan Lu , Yin Lu , Liu Xin‐Chun , Ying Rong‐Chao , Kong Wen‐Cheng
Published: November 2021

Background

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is a rare liver tumour that occurs mainly in children. Herein, we aimed to identify any differences in clinical characteristics and survival between adult and paediatric patients with UESL.

Methods

From 1975 to 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, patients diagnosed with UESL were identified and divided into paediatric (<18 years) and adult (≥18 years) groups. We then compared the clinical characteristics, management, and overall survival (OS) of adults and children diagnosed with UESL.

Results

We analysed 113 patients with UESL (81 children and 32 adults). UESL was significantly more common in adult male than paediatric male patients (71.9% vs. 48.2%; P = 0.022). When compared to adult patients, paediatric patients were more likely to receive chemotherapy (93.8% vs. 65.6%; P < 0.001). Adults had a significantly worse OS than paediatric patients (5‐year OS, 30.0% vs. 81.2%; P < 0.001). Univariate analysis found that adult age, surgical therapy and chemotherapy were associated with OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that adult age, SEER summary stage and surgical therapy were independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusions

UESL had a male predominance among adult patients. Moreover, the prognosis of adult patients with UESL was significantly worse than that of paediatric patients. Surgery and chemotherapy should be considered in the treatment of patients with UESL.
Multi‐holed biplane drill guide‐assisted percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation
Authors: Xin Xin , Li Guoqing , Yue Chen , Liu Xinxin
Published: November 2021

Background

The use of percutaneous anterior screw fixation for odontoid fractures has been widely reported. Because the anatomical characteristics of the odontoid and the screw occupy three‐dimensional space, it is challenging to establish the screw trajectory quickly and correctly during the operation.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to introduce a multi‐holed biplane drill guide that can be used to optimize the guide needle trajectory in percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with type II or rostral type III odontoid fractures were treated with percutaneous anterior single screw fixation. Of these, 12 patients had an unsatisfactory initial guide needle position. A drill guide was used to provide a variety of guide needle tracks.

Result

All 12 patients successfully underwent guided screw placement without vascular or neurological complications. Postoperative X‐ray and/or CT scans showed that the internal fixation position was satisfactory. At the end of the follow‐up period, all patients exhibited bony union without loosening or fractures of the internal fixation.

Conclusion

With the imperfect initial position of the guide needle as a reference, the multi‐holed biplane drill guide can provide a variety of needle trajectory options in the sagittal and coronal planes for percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation. The operator can quickly obtain the ideal guide needle trajectory.
Cognitive fatigue in young, middle‐aged, and older: Breaks as a way to recover
Authors: Gilsoul Jessica , Libertiaux Vincent , Collette Fabienne
Published: November 2021

Maintaining productivity is of primary importance in organizational settings. Nowadays, the pressure for work efficacy is required until advanced age given the increased longevity in western societies. Worryingly, performing a work for a long‐lasting duration may induce cognitive fatigue, which can alter job performance or cause work accidents. Regarding laboratory studies, cognitive fatigue, as induced in Time‐on‐Task designs, has been shown to increase reaction times (RTs). According to the Effort‐Recovery Model (ERM), work breaks are able to relieve cognitive fatigue and to maintain performance. However, few studies have investigated age‐related effects in such a context. In this study, young, middle‐aged, and older people performed a 160‐min Stroop task in a “NoBreak” or a “Breaks” condition. To assess changes in RTs with Time‐on‐Task, the task duration was divided into four 40‐min blocks in which the ex‐Gaussian τ parameter (i.e., an index of longer RTs) was extracted from individual RT data. Our main results showed that young and middle‐aged people increased their τ with Time‐on‐Task while older people did not. Importantly, participants in the NoBreak condition increased their τ with Time‐on‐Task while those in the Breaks condition kept this parameter constant, suggesting a beneficial effect of breaks independently of age.
Conflicted or close: Which relationships to the deceased are associated with loss‐related psychopathology?
Authors: Sekowski Marcin , Prigerson Holly G.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Prior studies have shown that pre‐loss closeness and conflict with a deceased person are associated with the severity of symptoms of prolonged grief and/or depression. Nevertheless, mechanisms underlying these relationships are not well understood. We propose a theoretical model in which past closeness and conflict are related to prolonged grief and depression via concrete and symbolic continuing bonds (CB). The aim of our study was to test this model in a sample of bereaved family members.

Methods

Individuals (N = 244) who had lost a family member from 0.5 to 8.0 years before the survey completed the Quality of Relationships Inventory‐Bereavement Version, the Continuing Bonds Scale, the Prolonged Grief Disorder‐13 scale, and the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9.

Results

The findings partially confirmed our model. Closeness was positively and moderately associated with symptoms of prolonged grief but not with symptoms of depression. Conflict was positively and weakly associated with symptoms of depression and prolonged grief. All of these relationships were only partially mediated by concrete/maladaptive and symbolic/adaptive CB.

Conclusions

The differences in the relationship of past closeness and conflict to prolonged grief and depression symptoms suggest that inter‐ and intrapersonal mechanisms of prolonged grief and depressive symptoms may be distinct. If future, especially longitudinal studies, confirm our model, CB would be a possible target for interventions for bereaved persons who had a close and/or conflicted relationship with a deceased family member and experience loss‐related psychopathology.

Practitioner points

Continuing bonds (CB) are a potential target of interventions for bereaved persons who had a close and/or conflicted relationship with a deceased family member and experience symptoms of prolonged grief and/or depression.

Internalization of the capacity to care for yourself and feel autonomous in a safe and stable therapeutic relationship may lead to increased self‐confidence, promote working through past experiences in the relationship with the deceased, and gradual reduction of concrete forms of CB.

Increasing awareness and acceptance of emotional experiences may contribute to the appreciation of past relationship with a deceased person and the growth of symbolic forms of CB.

Future research should focus on verifying the effectiveness of the attachment‐informed therapeutic approach to working with CB.
When and why does political trust predict well‐being in authoritarian contexts? Examining the role of political efficacy and collective action among opposition voters
Authors: Acar Yasemin Gülsüm , Uluğ Özden Melis
Published: November 2021

Previous research indicates that trust in the political system increases well‐being. Drawing from prior collective action research, we posit that a) the relationship between political trust and well‐being would be mediated by collective action participation (mediation hypothesis) and b) political efficacy would moderate the indirect effect of political trust on well‐being through collective action participation (moderated mediation hypothesis). In two studies (N = 704), we tested these relationships among opposition voters in Turkey before two highly contested elections. The findings of Study 1 showed a significant indirect effect of political trust on well‐being through collective action participation and supported our mediation hypothesis. However, unlike democratic contexts, the relationship between collective action and well‐being was negative. In addition, we did not find support for our moderated mediation hypothesis. In Study 2, we used more nuanced measures of political efficacy (voting efficacy and online/offline protest efficacy) and collective action (both offline and online collective action). In addition to replicating the findings of Study 1 with respect to the mediatory role of collective action participation (but only for online collective action participation), Study 2 again did not support our moderated mediation hypotheses with respect to the four moderators. Results highlight the importance of online and offline collective action among ideologically marginalized people with low trust in the political system in maintaining well‐being.
Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating safety, exposure and pharmacodynamics of BTK inhibitor tolebrutinib (PRN2246, SAR442168)
Authors: Owens Timothy D. , Smith Patrick F. , Redfern Andrew , Xing Yan , Shu Jin , Karr Dane E. , Hartmann Sonja , Francesco Michelle R. , Langrish Claire L. , Nunn Philip A. , Gourlay Steven G.
Published: November 2021

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), expressed in B cells and cells of innate immunity, including microglia, is an essential signaling element downstream of the B‐cell receptor and Fc‐receptors. Tolebrutinib (PRN2246, SAR442168) is a potent BTK inhibitor that covalently binds the kinase, resulting in durable inhibition with the potential to target inflammation in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). Tolebrutinib crosses the blood‐brain barrier and potently inhibits BTK in microglial cells isolated from the CNS. A first‐in‐human randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of tolebrutinib was conducted. The trial design consisted of five single ascending dose arms with oral administration of a single dose of 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg (n = 6 per arm, n = 2 placebo), five multiple ascending dose arms with oral administration of 7.5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 mg (n = 8 per arm, n = 2 placebo) over 10 days, and one arm (n = 4) in which cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) exposure was measured 2 h after a single 120 mg dose. Tolebrutinib was well‐tolerated in the study and all treatment‐related treatment emergent adverse events were mild. Tolebrutinib was rapidly absorbed following oral administration with a rapid half‐life of ~ 2 h. Peripheral BTK occupancy was assessed at various timepoints by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based readout using an irreversible probe. Assessments demonstrated extensive and prolonged peripheral BTK occupancy at steady‐state with once daily doses as low as 7.5 mg. Further, CSF exposure was demonstrated 2 h after administration at 120 mg.
Characterisation of motor cortex organisation in patients with different presentations of persistent low back pain
Authors: Elgueta‐Cancino Edith , Sheeran Liba , Salomoni Sauro , Hall Leanne , Hodges Paul W.
Published: November 2021

Persistence of low back pain is thought to be associated with different underlying pain mechanisms, including ongoing nociceptive input and central sensitisation. We hypothesised that primary motor cortex (M1) representations of back muscles (a measure of motor system adaptation) would differ between pain mechanisms, with more consistent observations in individuals presumed to have an ongoing contribution of nociceptive input consistently related to movement/posture. We tested 28 participants with low back pain sub‐grouped by the presumed underlying pain mechanisms: nociceptive pain, nociplastic pain and a mixed group with features consistent with both. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to study M1 organisation of back muscles. M1 maps of multifidus (deep and superficial) and longissimus erector spinae were recorded with fine‐wire electromyography and thoracic erector spinae with surface electromyography. The nociplastic pain group had greater variability in M1 map location (centre of gravity) than other groups (p < .01), which may suggest less consistency, and perhaps relevance, of motor cortex adaptation for that group. The mixed group had greater overlap of M1 representations between deep/superficial muscles than nociceptive pain (deep multifidus/longissimus: p = .001, deep multifidus/thoracic erector spinae: p = .008) and nociplastic pain (deep multifidus/longissimus: p = .02, deep multifidus/thoracic erector spinae: p = .02) groups. This study provides preliminary evidence of differences in M1 organisation in subgroups of low back pain classified by likely underlying pain mechanisms. Despite the sample size, differences in cortical re‐organisation between subgroups were detected. Differences in M1 organisation in subgroups of low back pain supports tailoring of treatment based on pain mechanism and motor adaptation.
Re‐writing race in early modern European medicine
Authors: Murphy Hannah
Published: November 2021

This short article explores the role of medical practitioners from across Europe in the practice of slavery and in the making of early modern race. Medical practitioners were present from the earliest moments of European encounters with African slavery. As the slave trade developed, their participation developed and became more formal. From their role on board ship, to their bureaucratic role in the process of inspecting enslaved peoples, to their practices within colonial administration, the nascent arena of the slave trade depended on a transnational network of medical practitioners. The politics of their expertise linked the practice of slavery with the production of scientific ideas about race. Drawing together the current literature along two lines of theory and practice, I suggest that the construction of the slave trade relied on thousands of such medical encounters. Examining this process reveals a history of enslavement and race as intimate practices, defined in a case‐by‐case manner, by people, rather than systems. Ultimately, I suggest that thinking about medicine and slavery through categories of knowledge and practice provides insight into the intimate and embodied way in which racial categories of difference were constructed.