bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 pandemic and sovereign credit risk
Authors: Pan Wei-Fong , Wang Xinjie , Wu Ge , Xu Weike
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sovereign credit default swap (CDS) spreads using a large sample of countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors use a wide set of the sovereign CDS data of 78 countries. To measure the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors use the daily change of confirmed cases collected from Our World in Data. They use panel regressions to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sovereign credit risk.

Findings

The authors show how sovereign CDS spreads have widened significantly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the most conservative estimate, a 1% increase in COVID-19 infections leads to a 0.17% increase in sovereign CDS spreads. Furthermore, this effect is stronger for developing countries and countries with worse healthcare systems. Government policies partially offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, although these same policies also lead to widening sovereign CDS spreads. Sovereign CDS spreads narrow dramatically several months after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the results suggest that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a massive shock to the global financial stability.

Originality/value

This paper provides new evidence that COVID-19 widens sovereign CDS spreads. The authors further show that this widening effect is felt most strongly in developing economies.
The use of fitness centre apps and its relation to customer satisfaction: a UTAUT2 perspective
Authors: Ferreira Barbosa Helena , García-Fernández Jerónimo , Pedragosa Vera , Cepeda-Carrion Gabriel
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the intention of using fitness app made available by the fitness centre to its members and their relationship with overall customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) as the base model. All the hypothesised relationships were tested through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), in a quantitative study with data from 1,676 fitness consumers from Portugal.

Findings

The results support the ability of UTAUT2 in predicting the customer´s intention to use the fitness app. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and habit have a positive impact on behavioural intentions to use the fitness app. Performance expectancy and habit have the strongest relationships. Behavioural intentions are positively related both to the usage behaviour of the fitness app and to overall customer satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results of this study present a strong contribution for fitness centre managers, since it highlights the importance of using these apps as a way to increase customer satisfaction, increasing retention levels.

Originality/value

This study is paramount as regards to examine the behavioural intention to use the fitness apps that the fitness centres make available to their members using UTAUT2 model.
Diminishing traditional methods and inaccessible modern healthcare: the dilemma of tribal health in India
Authors: Negi Dandub Palzor , Abdul Azeez E.P.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper critically examines the state of tribal health in India by analyzing the accessibility and availability of traditional medicine and modern healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay is the product of an extensive review of the literature and authors' personal experience in working with the tribal communities.

Findings

The traditional medicinal practices once very prevalent among the tribal communities are diminishing due to various socio-economic, environmental and political factors. Modern healthcare in India's tribal region is characterized by a lack of availability, accessibility and affordability. As a result of the diminishing traditional practices and inaccessible modern healthcare provisions, tribal communities depend on quacks and magico-religious practices.

Originality/value

This essay advocates for urgent policy interventions to integrate traditional medicine and modern healthcare practices to address critical tribal health issues. Preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge-base and improving research in the field have the potential to address the health of tribal communities and of others. The accessibility and availability of modern healthcare facilities in tribal regions should be improved to ensure better health outcomes.
Optimal pricing model for non-instantaneous deterioration items with price and freshness sensitive demand under the e-commerce environment in China
Authors: Xu Weihua , Zhou Shujun , Zhao Ketong , Shi Yixuan , Bingzhen Sun
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on determining the optimal sales price for non-instantaneous deterioration items according to consideration of freshness and demand.

Design/methodology/approach

In this model, the authors have described the demand function which is dependent on price as well time. The products that the deterioration is considered as non-instantaneous have a determinate shelf life, and their demand rate will decrease over time after the beginning of the selling period. This paper depicts that the total profit of non-instantaneous deterioration items using the dynamic pricing strategy is higher than that using fixed pricing strategy.

Findings

Finally, to illustrate and validate the model, the authors have used some numerical examples. A new freshness function and the model to study pricing policy are developed as well applied to solve managerial decision problems.

Originality/value

This paper complements the lack of the existing theoretical research of pricing for non-instantaneous deterioration items under an e-commerce environment. A new freshness function and the model to study pricing policy are developed as well applied to solve managerial decision problems.
Cross-border and sedentary workers' job satisfaction
Authors: Wodociag Sophie , Dolce Valentina , Molino Monica
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore cross-border and sedentary workers' job satisfaction, analyzing the role played by employability dimensions (occupational expertise, anticipation/optimization and personal flexibility), a job resource (autonomy) and job demands (job insecurity and toxic leadership), using the job demands–resources (JD-R) model as a theoretical framework. Moreover, this study tried to detect possible discrepancies between the two subsamples.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a sample of 250 employees, 40% of whom were frontier workers. Data were collected with a self-report questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS 25. A hierarchical regression analysis andt-test for independent samples were performed.

Findings

The findings evidenced differences between the two subsamples concerning the job satisfaction predictors. Specifically, for cross-border workers, optimization/anticipation appeared significantly positively related to job satisfaction. For sedentary workers, toxic leadership and job insecurity were significantly negatively related to job satisfaction. Autonomy was positively related to the outcome for both samples. Furthermore, cross-border workers reported a higher level of optimization/anticipation, personal flexibility and job satisfaction than sedentary workers.

Originality/value

This paper contributed to fill a gap currently present in the literature on the cross-border population, with a specific focus on job satisfaction. This study confirmed the existence of peculiar working dynamics for cross-border workers.
Sarcoid‐like reaction of the extrathoracic lymph node in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma treated with pembrolizumab
Authors: Takamori Shinkichi , Furubayashi Nobuki , Taguchi Kenichi , Matsubara Taichi , Fujishita Takatoshi , Ito Kensaku , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Toyozawa Ryo , Seto Takashi , Negishi Takahito , Nakamura Motonobu , Okamoto Tatsuro
Published: May 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard of care for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). With the increasing use of ICIs, clinicians should be familiar with their immune‐related adverse events, including sarcoid‐like reactions, which have been associated with the use of ICIs in patients with cancer. Sarcoid‐like reactions are caused by uncontrolled T helper 1‐mediated immune responses resulting from ICIs, but their pathophysiology is not fully understood. Sarcoid‐like reactions are often clinically important because they mimic metastases from treated cancer. According to previous reports, sarcoid‐like reactions are typically observed in intrathoracic locations (lung and/or mediastinal lymph nodes) and the skin. In this study, we report an extremely rare case of extrathoracic sarcoid‐like reaction in the right external iliac lymph node following two cycles of pembrolizumab therapy in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma. The laboratory data and computed tomography images suggested that infectious and autoimmune diseases were not considered to be the causative agents. Residual bone metastasis might have caused T helper 1‐mediated immune responses by pembrolizumab, and contributed to sarcoid‐like reactions in the right external iliac lymph node. Sarcoid‐like reactions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with lung cancer treated with ICIs who exhibit worsening extrathoracic lymph node swelling. Clinicians should be cautious not to mistake extrathoracic sarcoid‐like reactions of the lymph nodes for progression of the treated disease.
Extractive Sector Stakeholders' Perspectives of the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)*
Authors: Brown Kareen , Kenno Staci , Lau Michelle , Sainty Barbara
Published: May 2021

This commentary considers stakeholder perspectives of Canada's Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA). In 2015, ESTMA was enacted under Canada's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy as a mandatory CSR reporting initiative requiring the financial disclosure of all payments relating to the commercial development of oil, gas, or minerals around the globe. Despite ESTMA's intended purpose to improve transparency and deter corruption within the global extractive sector, little remains known about the acceptance of this mandatory CSR initiative by extractive sector stakeholders. Success of this government initiative likely hinges upon stakeholder acceptance of ESTMA. This study reports the results of a survey of industry stakeholders, including managers, practitioners, and academics, on whether ESTMA positively or negatively affects transparency, financial performance, reputation, decision making, and the ability of firms to do business abroad. Findings indicate stakeholders in Canada believe ESTMA has improved transparency and has had a positive effect on the reputation of Canadian firms in the extractive sector with minimal costs to financial performance, changes to decision making, or effect on ability to conduct business abroad. Using a Canadian context, the findings provide important insights for regulators and practitioners, among other stakeholders, to better understand the effects of mandatory CSR initiatives, as well as the use of legislated financial disclosures as a CSR mechanism.
Application of the Euro Clonality next‐generation sequencing‐based marker screening approach to detect immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements in mantle cell lymphoma patients: first data from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi MCL0208 trial
Authors: Genuardi Elisa , Romano Greta , Beccuti Marco , Alessandria Beatrice , Mannina Donato , Califano Catello , Rota Scalabrini Delia , Cortelazzo Sergio , Ladetto Marco , Ferrero Simone , Calogero Raffaele A. , Cordero Francesca
Published: May 2021

Minimal residual disease (MRD) determined by classic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods is a powerful outcome predictor in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Nevertheless, some technical pitfalls can reduce the rate of of molecular markers. Therefore, we applied the EuroClonality‐NGS IGH (next‐generation sequencing immunoglobulin heavy chain) method (previously published in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) to 20 MCL patients enrolled in an Italian phase III trial sponsored by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi. Results from this preliminary investigation show that EuroClonality‐NGS IGH method is feasible in the MCL context, detecting a molecular IGH target in 19/20 investigated cases, allowing MRD monitoring also in those patients lacking a molecular marker for classical screening approaches.
Decision making in the management of adults with malignant colorectal polyps: An exploration of the experiences of patients and clinicians
Authors: Westwood Clare , Lee Tom , McSherry Robert , Bettany‐Saltikov Josette , Catlow Jamie
Published: May 2021

Aim

A diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer presents a treatment dilemma. The decision between segmental resection versus endoscopic surveillance is difficult due to a lack of good quality clinical evidence for either option. The aim of this study was to understand the decision making experiences of both clinicians and patients when faced with such a diagnosis.

Methods

Qualitative, semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 10 clinicians involved in the care of patients diagnosed with polyp cancer and five patients who had experience of a diagnosis of polyp cancer. All clinicians and patients were from four hospital trusts across the north of England. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Analysis of the interview transcripts evidenced that clinicians and patients were supportive of a shared approach to treatment decision making in the context of a diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer. Uncertainty, influences and information were among the themes identified to be preventing this happening at present. This study identified themes which were common to both groups. These were complexity of the risk information, lack of patient information resources, and system factors and time.

Conclusion

This research study has evidenced several factors such as uncertainty, complexity of risk information and influences on decisions which are preventing patients being involved in treatment decisions following a diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer. Recommendations for improvements in practice, including a framework to assist treatment decision making in the future, are highlighted.
An increase in detection rates of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbor porpoise in Swedish waters in recent years
Authors: Owen Kylie , Sköld Martin , Carlström Julia
Published: May 2021

The Baltic Proper harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is currently listed as critically endangered (CR), with the Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbor Porpoise (SAMBAH) project concluding that only ~500 individuals remain. This population has a distribution that spans the waters of nine countries, making regular abundance estimates and management action challenging. Given the continued decline of other depleted porpoises, namely the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the question is often raised about whether management action would even have a positive impact, or whether it is too late for population recovery. When abundance estimates are sparse over time, monitoring programs at key sites are likely to serve as the best indication of population trends, and may provide an early indication of changes at the population level. We compared passive acoustic monitoring data from 12 stations that were utilized both in the SAMBAH project (2011–2013) and as a part of the Swedish National Monitoring Program (2017–2020) to determine trends in detection rates. There was a 29% increase in mean daily detection rate during May–October (over the breeding season) between the two study periods. At the three stations with the highest number of detections, log linear regression revealed a yearly increase of 2.4% between 2011 and 2019 (−4.4–9.6, 95% CI). This may be indicative of the beginnings of population recovery, or simply an indication that the decline has stalled. The rate of increase is still well below what is likely to be possible for porpoise populations, and unlikely to buffer against any potential increase in pressures in the future. We therefore call for urgent management action to remove threats and protect this CR population, the only resident cetacean in the Baltic region, in order to give it the best chance of recovery.
Effects of phosphodiesterase‐1 inhibitor on pulmonary vein electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Yugo Dony , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Liu Chih Min , Huang Jen Hung , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoform inhibitors have mechanical and electrical effects on the heart. Inhibition of PDE‐1 enzymes is a novel strategy for treating heart failure. However, the electrophysiological effects of PDE‐1 inhibition on the heart remain unclear. This study explored the effects of PDE‐1 inhibition using ITI‐214 on electrical activity in the pulmonary vein (PV), the most common trigger of atrial fibrillation, and investigated the underlying ionic mechanisms.

Methods

Conventional microelectrodes or whole‐cell patch clamps were employed to study the effects of ITI‐214 (0.1‐10 μM) on PV electrical activity, mechanical responses and ionic currents in isolated rabbit PV tissue specimens and isolated single PV cardiomyocytes.

Results

ITI‐214 at 1 μM and 10 μM (but not 0.1 μM) significantly reduced PV spontaneous beating rate (10 ± 2% and 10 ± 3%, respectively) and PV diastolic tension (11 ± 3% and 17 ± 3%, respectively). ITI‐24 (1 μM) significantly reduced late sodium current (INa‐Late), L‐type calcium current (ICa‐L) and the reverse mode of the sodium‐calcium exchanger (NCX), but it did not affect peak sodium currents.

Conclusions

ITI‐214 reduces PV spontaneous activity and PV diastolic tension by reducing INa‐Late, ICa‐L and NCX current. Considering its therapeutic potential in heart failure, targeting PDE‐1 inhibition may provide a novel strategy for managing atrial arrhythmogenesis.
Predictors of English as second language learners’ oral proficiency development in a classroom context
Authors: Mostafa Tamanna , Crossley Scott A. , Kim YouJin
Published: May 2021

The study investigates whether the relationships between complexity and fluency of English as second language (ESL) learners’ in‐class oral presentations as well as their individual differences (ID) and L2 oral proficiency change over time. Individual oral presentations completed by 76 ESL learners were audio‐recorded both at the beginning and end of a 15‐week semester. Each speech‐sample was rated for proficiency by two expert raters using the TOEFL speaking rubric. Linguistic variables included syntactic complexity indices, lexical sophistication indices, and breakdown and speed fluency measures. Learners’ first language background, age, gender, previous L2 learning experiences, and class‐levels were the ID variables. The results show that articulation rate was predictive of development in oral proficiency over time, and intermediate learners were more successful in developing their proficiency.
Sublingual tofacitinib for alopecia areata: a roll‐over pilot clinical trial and analysis of pharmacokinetics
Authors: Lai Vivien Wai Yun , Bokhari Laita , Sinclair Rodney
Published: May 2021

Tofacitinib is a JAK1/3 inhibitor used off‐label to treat alopecia areata (AA). Oral tofacitinib undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism and has numerous drug interactions and a half‐life of 3 hours necessitating twice daily dosing. Sublingual delivery bypasses hepatic first‐pass metabolism, which may provide pharmacokinetic benefits and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. We investigate sublingual tofacitinib as a novel form of administration in a cohort of treatment‐resistant patients. The objective of this work is to assess the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of sublingual tofacitinib in moderate‐to‐severe AA patients. An open‐label, roll‐over pilot clinical trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from a preceding trial. All responders (≥50% reduction in Severity of Alopecia Tool [SALT] score, SALT50) in the preceding trial continued on the same treatment (cyclosporine/placebo), whereas nonresponders rolled over to receive open‐label sublingual tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Treatment response as reduction in SALT score after 12 weeks (low: 15–29%, medium: 30–49%, good: 50–75%, and high grade: 75–100%) was measured. Pharmacokinetics was analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Eighteen participants completed the trial. Total treatment response to tofacitinib was 37.5%. SALT50 was achieved in 12.5%. The mean improvement in SALT score was 15.57%. Mean maximum plasma concentration was 43.18 ng/ml occurring after 1 hour. Elimination half‐life is estimated to be up to 11 hours. An estimated half‐life of up to 11 hours may be achieved with sublingual tofacitinib, which is significantly longer than the oral form and may facilitate daily dosing. Larger clinical trials are required to further characterize its pharmacokinetics and efficacy.
Regulation of murine B lymphopoiesis by stromal cells
Authors: Kwang Diannita , Tjin Gavin , Purton Louise E.
Published: May 2021

B lymphocytes are crucial for the body's humoral immune response, secreting antibodies generated against foreign antigens to fight infection. Adult murine B lymphopoiesis is initiated in the bone marrow and additional maturation occurs in the spleen. In both these organs, B lymphopoiesis involves interactions with numerous different non‐hematopoietic cells, also known as stromal or microenvironment cells, which provide migratory, maturation, and survival signals. A variety of conditional knockout and transgenic mouse models have been used to identify the roles of distinct microenvironment cell types in the regulation of B lymphopoiesis. These studies have revealed that mesenchymal lineage cells and endothelial cells comprise the non‐hematopoietic microenvironment cell types that support B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow. In the spleen, various types of stromal cells and endothelial cells contribute to B lymphocyte maturation. More recently, comprehensive single cell RNA‐seq studies have also been used to identify clusters of stromal cell types in the bone marrow and spleen, which will aid in further identifying key regulators of B lymphopoiesis. Here, we review the different types of microenvironment cells and key extrinsic regulators that are known to be involved in the regulation of murine B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow and spleen.
Staff member's views and attitudes to supporting people with an Intellectual Disability: A multi‐method investigation of intimate relationships and sexuality
Authors: Deffew Andrew , Coughlan Barry , Burke Tom , Rogers Elaine
Published: May 2021

Background

Staff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland.

Methods

Staff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5) completed the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire‐Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ASQ‐ID) and open‐ended questions.

Results

Multidirectional significant differences were noted on staff attitudes to sexuality based on demographic factors, that is, age, education, as well as non‐demographics, for example, attendance at training, and active practising of religion. Qualitatively, three themes emerged: “Unsupported and Frustration”; “Taboo Subject Matter” and “Vulnerability and Access to Education”. Staff reported a lack of service supports, dominant conservative cultures and people with an intellectual disability's vulnerability.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need for improved service practices and enhanced provisions for staff and the people with an intellectual disability that they support.
Effects of music participation for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dorris Jennie L. , Neely Stephen , Terhorst Lauren , VonVille Helena M. , Rodakowski Juleen
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To examine randomized controlled trials with active music‐making interventions, in which older adults with probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia physically participate in music, and their effects on cognitive functioning, emotional well‐being, and social engagement. Participating in music‐making is engaging and has shown diverse benefits. Additionally, this review categorized the music activities of each intervention.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Setting

Long‐term care facilities, day centers, specialty outpatient units, and community.

Methods

Published randomized controlled trials of active music‐making interventions to support older adults with probable MCI or dementia were identified (to March 15, 2021) using searches on Medline (Ovid), APA PsycInfo (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco), and Embase (Elsevier). The outcomes were cognitive functioning, emotional well‐being, and social engagement, including self‐ and clinician‐reported measures such as the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Studies were critically appraised and studies with similar methodology were meta‐analyzed.

Participants

Older adults with probable MCI and mild or moderate dementia.

Results

A total of 21 studies with 1472 participants were analyzed for potential effect sizes and intervention activities. Of the 21 studies, nine studies recruiting a total of 495 participants were used to produce a random‐effects meta‐analytic model for cognitive functioning. Music showed a small, positive effect on cognitive functioning; the combined standard mean difference for the experimental and control group was 0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 0.51). There was low study heterogeneity, with an I2 of 24% (p = 0.004). Individual studies for emotional well‐being in terms of quality of life and mood showed positive effect sizes, d = 1.08 and d = 1.74, respectively. [Corrections added on July 8, 2021, after first online publication: The preceding sentences were revised from: “… control group was 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10,0.52). There was low study heterogeneity, with an I2 of 25% (p = 0.004).”]

Conclusion

This review shows that music‐making has a small but statistically significant effect on cognitive functioning for older adults with probable MCI or dementia. Future music interventions can benefit from rigorous intervention protocols that isolate specific activities.
Geographic disparities in mortality from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy P. , Yashin Anatoliy I. , Kravchenko Julia
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The regions with highest and lowest Alzheimer's disease (AD) mortality across the United States at state/county levels were identified and their contribution to the differences in total mortality rates between these regions was evaluated. The disease, disease group, sex, race/ethnicity, and place‐of‐death‐related inter‐region differences that engender the disparity in mortality were quantitatively described. The hypothesis that inter‐regional differences in filling out death certificates are a major contributor to differences in AD mortality was tested.

Design

Retrospective evaluation of death certificate data.

Setting

The United States.

Participants

Deceased US residents, 1999–2018.

Methods

Region‐specific age‐adjusted mortality rates and group‐specific rate decomposition.

Results

The county clusters with the highest and lowest AD mortality rates were in Washington (WA) and New York (NY), respectively, with other notable high‐mortality clusters on the border of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama as well as in North Dakota and South Dakota. These patterns were stable over the 1999–2018 period. AD had the highest contribution to total mortality difference between WA and NY (156%, higher in WA), in contrast circulatory diseases had a contribution of comparable magnitude (154%) but were higher in NY. Differences in cause‐of‐death certificate coding, either through coding of non‐AD dementias, or other conditions accompanying a potential AD death could not account for differences in AD mortality between NY and WA.

Conclusions

Inter‐regional differences in filling out death certificates were not a major contributor to variation in AD mortality between the regions with the highest and lowest rates. The respective mitigation of the effects of neural and circulatory diseases and several other high‐impact conditions would not negate the disparity in mortality between NY and WA.
Incomplete Price Adjustment and Inflation Persistence
Authors: CHAUVET MARCELLE , KIM INSU
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a sticky inflation model in which inflation persistence is endogenously generated from the optimizing behavior of forward‐looking firms. Although firms change prices periodically, their ability to fully adjust them in response to changes in economic conditions is assumed to be constrained due to the presence of managerial and customer costs of price adjustment. Our findings strongly support both sources of price stickiness in the U.S. data. The model performs well in matching microeconomic evidence on price setting, particularly regarding the size and frequency of price changes. The paper also shows how incomplete price adjustments in a staggered price contracts model limit the contribution of expectations to inflation dynamics: it generates the delayed response of inflation to demand and monetary shocks.
Effect of applying cold gel pack on reduction of postoperative pain in cesarean section, low midline skin incision: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suwannalert Pawitra , Chanthasenanont Athita , Pongrojpaw Densak
Published: May 2021

Aim

The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of cryotherapy in pain reduction following low midline cesarean section.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand from December 2019 to February 2020. Participants were term pregnant women who were indicated for low midline cesarean section. The control group received standard postoperative care while cold pack was applied to the intervention group for 6 h after the operation. The primary outcome was the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score in both the control and intervention groups. The secondary outcomes consisted of the amount of intravenous pain reliever each participant required and the length of hospital stay.

Results

All 100 pregnant women were recruited into the study. They were equally allocated into intervention or control groups. Both groups underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable. VAS of intervention and control group were 3.2 ± 2.4 versus 5.3 ± 2.2, 3.0 ± 2.4 versus 5.6 ± 2.0, 2.0 ± 2.3 versus 5.3 ± 2.2, and 1.1 ± 1.7 versus 4.8 ± 2.4 at 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively (p‐value <0.05), respectively. Moreover, the intervention group showed a statistically significantly lower number of participants who needed intravenous meperidine or tramadol (14% vs. 24%, p‐value <0.05) and lower intravenous meperidine or tramadol usage than in control group (13.2 ± 0.9 vs. 19.9 ± 4.0 mg, p‐value <0.05).

Conclusions

Cryotherapy could reduce postoperative pain from 6 h to within 24 h of the postoperative period, as well as lower overall opioid requirement.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in Indigenous populations – A Global Picture
Authors: Sethi Sneha , Ali Anna , Ju Xiangqun , Antonsson Annika , Logan Richard , Canfell Karen , Smith Megan , Garvey Gail , Hedges Joanne , Jamieson Lisa
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim

Recent trends have shown a decline in the rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cervical cancer in the vaccinated population but there has been a spike in the HPV‐associated oropharyngeal, anal and penile cancers in the majority of the unvaccinated population which are young and middle‐aged males. Indigenous populations at an international level carry a disproportionate burden of most diseases. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to ascertain the worldwide prevalence of HPV infection in Indigenous populations stratified by sex and site and to document the most commonly reported HPV types.

Methods

Published articles on HPV infection in Indigenous populations from PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Science were systematically searched from inception until 23 December 2019.

Results

A total of 41 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled worldwide prevalence of HPV infection (for both oral and genital sites, both males and females) in Indigenous populations was 34.2% (95% CI: 28.9%–39.8%). Subgroup analysis (geographical) showed that the pooled prevalence for African Indigenous, American Indigenous and Asian‐Oceanic Indigenous populations were 33.0% (95% CI: 12.8%–57.1%), 33.0% (95% CI: 27.4%–38.9%) and 33.3% (95% CI: 0.17.5%–51.3%), respectively.

Conclusion

There are not enough data on the burden of the infection carried by males especially with respect to highly suspicious sites like oropharynx. Also, we conclude an overall high prevalence of HPV infection in the Indigenous populations and increasing their susceptibility to benign and malignant manifestations of HPV.
Genetic variants associated with serum alanine aminotransferase levels among patients with hepatitis C virus infection: A genome‐wide association study
Authors: Liu Po‐Chun , Chan Chi , Huang Yu‐Han , Chen Yen‐Ju , Liao Shu‐Fen , Lin Yu‐Ju , Huang Claire , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Jen Chin‐Lan , Wang Li‐Yu , Yang Hwai‐I , Shen Chen‐Yang , Chen Chien‐Jen , Lee Mei‐Hsuan
Published: May 2021

Information on genetic variants associated with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels remains limited. A genome‐wide association study was performed to identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ALT levels. The ALT‐associated SNP was further evaluated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. A cohort of 892 anti‐HCV seropositive patients was used for genome‐wide SNP array to examine the associations with baseline ALT levels. SNPs <10−5 were further tested for associations with serial ALT levels then validated in 486 anti‐HCV seropositives. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals of SNPs associated with ALT. The SNP was evaluated for HCC risk by using Cox's proportional hazards models. After quality control, 803 participants with 564,464 SNPs were included in the analysis. Of these, 12 SNPs were associated with ALT (p < 10−5). Among the participants, 158 (19.7%) had ALT persistently ≤15 U/L, 327 (40.7%) ever >15 U/L but never >45 U/L, and 318 (39.6%) ever >45 U/L during follow‐up. The rs568800 was associated with serial ALT levels, and this was replicated in the external population significantly (p < .05). The A allele (vs C) of rs568800 was associated with ALT >15 U/L but ≤45 U/L and ALT >45 U/L, with the adjusted ORs of 1.41 (1.11–1.78) and 1.86 (1.34–2.60), respectively. The adjusted HRs for HCC were 2.09 (0.90–4.89) for AC and 2.64 (1.13–6.17) for AA (CC as a reference). In conclusion, the rs568800 was associated with serum ALT levels and HCC risk. Clinical utility should be evaluated among patients who have received antivirals.
Deep learning for noninvasive liver fibrosis classification: A systematic review
Authors: Anteby Roi , Klang Eyal , Horesh Nir , Nachmany Ido , Shimon Orit , Barash Yiftach , Kopylov Uri , Soffer Shelly
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

While biopsy is the gold standard for liver fibrosis staging, it poses significant risks. Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis is a growing field. Recently, deep learning (DL) technology has revolutionized medical image analysis. This technology has the potential to enhance noninvasive fibrosis assessment. We systematically examined the application of DL in noninvasive liver fibrosis imaging.

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases were used to identify studies that reported on the accuracy of DL for classification of liver fibrosis on noninvasive imaging. The search keywords were “liver or hepatic,” “fibrosis or cirrhosis,” and “neural or DL networks.” Risk of bias and applicability were evaluated using the QUADAS‐2 tool.

Results

Sixteen studies were retrieved. Imaging modalities included ultrasound (n = 10), computed tomography (n = 3), and magnetic resonance imaging (n = 3). The studies analyzed a total of 40 405 radiological images from 15 853 patients. All but two of the studies were retrospective. In most studies the “ground truth” reference was the METAVIR score for pathological staging (n = 9.56%). The majority of the studies reported an accuracy >85% when compared to histopathology. Fourteen studies (87.5%) had a high risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability.

Conclusions

Deep learning has the potential to play an emerging role in liver fibrosis classification. Yet, it is still limited by a relatively small number of retrospective studies. Clinicians should facilitate the use of this technology by sharing databases and standardized reports. This may optimize the noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis on a large scale.
Dam Wars: Are Ethiopia, Turkey, and Iran Leading to Water Armageddon?
Authors: Bani Salameh Mohammed
Published: May 2021

Water shortages are a global problem; the world is moving fast toward a fresh‐water crisis. Water resources are unevenly and irregularly distributed, and the Middle East is one of the driest regions in the world. Three‐quarters of its land mass is arid, and most water resources originate outside the region. Continuing current practices will plunge the region deeper into crisis, creating conditions where conflicts and wars over scarce resources at local or national levels become inevitable.
Self‐assessed foot health in older people with rheumatoid arthritis—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Stolt Minna , Kilkki Mia , Katajisto Jouko , Suhonen Riitta
Published: May 2021

Background

Foot and ankle problems are especially common in patients with RA, causing significant disability and limitation in daily activities. Previous studies have mainly focussed on foot problems in the adult population whilst the evidence of foot health in the older population is scarce.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyse self‐assessed foot health and associated factors in older people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The study applied a descriptive cross‐sectional survey design and recruited older people with RA from the member register of one patient association. We collected the data in January 2019 with the Self‐administered Foot Health Assessment Instrument, and sociodemographic and foot‐related background questions and analysed the data with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

Older people with RA had many self‐reported foot problems. The most common problems were foot pain, dry skin and thickened toenails. In addition, structural deformities of the foot were prevalent. The level of foot health associated with the amount of daily walking or standing, and using walking or running shoes outdoors. Individuals who had consulted a physician due to their foot problems had more structural deformities in the foot. Foot problems limited their ability to perform daily activities.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that older people with RA not only live with a long‐term health condition, but they also live with complex foot problems. Older people with RA need healthcare services due to their foot problems. There is a need to develop and implement care practices to alleviate foot pain and support and promote foot health and functional ability in older people with RA.

Implication for practice

Understanding the nature and consequences of foot problems in older people with RA allows healthcare professionals to perform more accurate clinical foot evaluations and develop effective interventions to prevent further foot problems.
Does the effect of adrenaline on intraoral 2% lidocaine contribute to haemodynamic instability?: A prospective, randomized double blinded study
Authors: Soman Harshad , Senthil Kumar M. S. , Nanda Kumar T. R. , Radhakrishnan Kannan , Loganathan Deepanandan , Nazir Kaul Ronak
Published: May 2021

Aim

Evaluation of the cardiac status and cardiovascular changes in hypertensive patients during minor oral surgical procedures injected with 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 and 1:200,000 adrenaline.

Materials and methods

A prospective, randomized, double‐blinded study compares and analyses the cardiovascular changes by monitoring vital signs, electrocardiogram and oxygen saturation, and the pain gradient of known cardiac patients treated with one or more hypertensive drugs. The efficacy and safety of two concentrations of adrenaline in 2% lidocaine in minor oral surgical procedures are evaluated.

Results

Two percent of lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline causes more haemodynamic changes than local anaesthetic (LA) with 1:200,000 adrenaline in patients with controlled hypertension.

Conclusion

Two percent lignocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline has no significant advantage over 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline for minor oral surgical procedures within the 30‐min duration. LA with 1:200,000 concentration of adrenaline provides similar quality of anaesthesia to 1:80,000 adrenaline concentration of the LA drug.
Global Systemic Risk and Resilience for Novel Coronavirus and COVID‐19
Authors: Wu Desheng Dash , Mitchell Jade , Lambert James H.
Published: May 2021

This Special Issue is dedicated to issues and challenges related to pandemic risk and resilience, with a focus on policy and operations of global systems in the COVID‐19 pandemic. The cascading effects of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases to the global economy are a critical interest. Measures to confront the ongoing pandemic are an urgent need. Data analysis at regional and global scales is helping to prioritize response and resilience across locations of high risks. The risk sciences are available for addressing human health and infection risks; the evaluation of risk management strategies and tradeoffs; risk perception as it relates to information processing and receiving risk communication; and tracking system resilience as it relates to various imposed measures.
AMF: Aggregated Mondrian Forests for Online Learning
Authors: Mourtada Jaouad , Gaïffas Stéphane , Scornet Erwan
Published: May 2021

Random forest (RF) is one of the algorithms of choice in many supervised learning applications, be it classification or regression. The appeal of such tree-ensemble methods comes from a combination of several characteristics: a remarkable accuracy in a variety of tasks, a small number of parameters to tune, robustness with respect to features scaling, a reasonable computational cost for training and prediction, and their suitability in high-dimensional settings. The most commonly used RF variants, however, are ‘offline’ algorithms, which require the availability of the whole dataset at once. In this paper, we introduce AMF, an online RF algorithm based on Mondrian Forests. Using a variant of the context tree weighting algorithm, we show that it is possible to efficiently perform an exact aggregation over all prunings of the trees; in particular, this enables to obtain a truly online parameter-free algorithm which is competitive with the optimal pruning of the Mondrian tree, and thus adaptive to the unknown regularity of the regression function. Numerical experiments show that AMF is competitive with respect to several strong baselines on a large number of datasets for multi-class classification.
In vitro activity of lactoferricin solution against Malassezia pachydermatis from otitis externa in dogs and cats
Authors: Corona Antonio , Vercelli Antonella , Bruni Natascia , Guidi Eleonora , Cornegliani Luisa
Published: May 2021

Background

Malassezia pachydermatis is a commensal organism of the skin, yet it may induce dermatitis and/or otitis. Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is an antimicrobial peptide obtained by the pepsin‐mediated digestion of lactoferrin, a multifunctional innate‐defence milk protein. The antibacterial activity of Lfcin is thought to cause alteration of bacterial membrane permeability, thus inducing cell death.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antifungal activity of different dilutions of Lfcin solution against M. pachydermatis strains isolated from ears of dogs and cats with otitis externa.

Methods and materials

Fifty clinical Malassezia isolates from 40 dogs and 10 cats were tested. A dilution method in microtitre plates was used starting with a 20% Lfcin water solution. The different dilutions were 2:1 (13.3%), 1:1 (10%), 1:2 (6.7%), 1:5 (3.3%) and 1:10 (1.8%). Results were expressed as the value at which the growth of 50% (minimal fungicidal concentration MFC50) and 90% (MFC90) of yeast cells was inhibited.

Results

All strains showed susceptibility to 20% Lfcin solution (100%). With 1:5 and 1:10 dilutions corresponding to 3.3% and 1.8% Lfcin solutions, all strains showed resistance. The MFC50 and MFC90 values were observed at 13.3% and 20% Lfcin solutions.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The results indicated that Lfcin solution exhibits the antimicrobial activity specific to antimicrobial peptides. In particular, the 20% solution can be effective in killing M. pachydermatis isolated strains. Some susceptibilities also are evident at lower concentrations of ≤6.7% for four strains.
Exchange transfusion in the management of critical pertussis in young infants: a case series
Authors: Son Pham Thai , Reda Abdullah , Viet Do Chau , Quynh Nguyen Xuan Thuy , Hung Dang The , Tung Tring Huu , Huy Nguyen Tien
Published: May 2021

Background and objectives

It is proposed that severe leucocytosis mainly contributes to pulmonary hypertension by blocking pulmonary capillaries and restricting blood flow. Exchange transfusion (ET) in pertussis has been demonstrated as a safe and useful technique for depleting the leucocyte mass. We aim to discuss four cases of pertussis‐induced respiratory distress and the effectiveness of ET in such a setting.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective case series at the Infectious Disease Department of Children’s Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and included four pertussis patients that were confirmed by PCR tests on respiratory secretions, presented with severe leucocytosis and respiratory distress and required mechanical ventilation.

Results

Among the included patients, three underwent a double volume ET for leucodepletion, two of whom were discharged after the procedure with proper vitals and laboratory test results. On the other hand, one patient died despite ET, performed late in the course of the disease. Exchange transfusion was not performed in the last patient who died as well.

Conclusion

Early ET may be a useful and rapid life‐saving treatment in children with critical pertussis and severe leucocytosis before cardiopulmonary complications appear.