bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug-resistant focal epilepsy in children is associated with increased modal controllability of the whole brain and epileptogenic regions
Authors: Chari Aswin , Seunarine Kiran , He Xiaosong , Tisdall Martin , Clark Christopher A , Bassett Danielle S , Scott Rodney C , Rosch Richard E
Published: August 2021

Network control theory provides a framework by which neurophysiological dynamics of the brain can be modelled as a function of the structural connectome constructed from diffusion MRI. Average controllability describes the ability of a region to drive the brain to easy-to-reach neurophysiological states whilst modal controllability describes the ability of a region to drive the brain to difficult-to-reach states.

In this study, we identify increases in mean average and modal controllability in children with drug-resistant epilepsy compared to healthy controls. Using simulations, we purport that these changes may be a result of increased thalamocortical connectivity. At the node level, we demonstrate decreased modal controllability in the thalamus and posterior cingulate regions. In those undergoing resective surgery, we also demonstrate increased modal controllability of the resected parcels, a finding specific to patients who were rendered seizure free following surgery.

Changes in controllability are a manifestation of brain network dysfunction in epilepsy and may be a useful construct to understand the pathophysiology of this archetypical network disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these controllability changes may also facilitate the design of network-focussed interventions that seek to normalise network structure and function.
COVID-19 Outcomes Among Users of CD20 Inhibitors for Immune-Mediated Diseases: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Patel Naomi J. , D’Silva Kristin M. , Hsu Tiffany Y-T. , DiIorio Michael , Fu Xiaoqing , Cook Claire , Prisco Lauren , Martin Lily , Vanni Kathleen M.M. , Zaccardelli Alessandra , Zhang Yuqing , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Wallace Zachary S.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Patients with immune-mediated diseases treated with CD20 inhibitors may have worse COVID-19 outcomes due to impaired humoral immunity, but differences versus the general population are unknown.

Methods

We identified patients with immune-mediated diseases who received CD20 inhibitors within one year prior to the index date of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between January 31, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Comparators with COVID-19 were matched up to 5:1 by age, sex, and PCR date. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death in CD20 inhibitor users versus comparators were estimated using Cox regression.

Results

We identified 114 cases with COVID-19 who had received CD20 inhibitors for immune-mediated diseases (mean age 55 years, 70% female) and 559 matched comparators with COVID-19 (mean age 54 years, 70% female). CD20 inhibitor-treated cases had higher mortality (aHR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.03 to 4.54) than matched comparators. Risks of hospitalization (aHR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.26) and mechanical ventilation (aHR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.87) were similar. Similar trends were seen in analyses according to type of indication (e.g., rheumatic or neurologic disease) and duration of CD20 inhibitor use (<1 or ≥1 year), and after excluding patients with interstitial lung disease, cancer, and those on glucocorticoids prior to COVID-19 diagnosis.

Conclusions

Patients who received CD20 inhibitors for immune-mediated diseases prior to COVID-19 had higher mortality following COVID-19 than matched comparators, highlighting the urgent need to mitigate excess risks in CD20 inhibitor users during the ongoing pandemic.

Key Messages

What is already known about this subject?

Patients with immune-mediated diseases treated with CD20 inhibitors may have worse COVID-19 outcomes than those treated with other immunomodulatory medications, but differences compared to the general population are unknown.

What does this study add?

CD20 inhibitor-treated cases had over two-fold higher risk of mortality than matched general population comparators, although risks of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation were similar.

How might this impact on clinical practice or future developments?

There is an urgent need for risk mitigation strategies, such as SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or booster vaccinations, for patients with immune-mediated diseases treated with CD20 inhibitors during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Internet Use impact on Physical Health during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: A Web-based Cross-sectional study
Authors: Abir Tanvir , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Nur–A Yazdani Dewan Muhammad , Mamun Abdullah Al , Kakon Kaniz , Salamah Anas A. , Zainol Noor Raihani , Khanam Mansura , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: August 2021

Background

Bangladesh ranked fifth largest internet user in Asia. Past studies on internet use have focused on its impact on mental health, with little known about its impact on the physical health of individuals during COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, this study examines the impact of Internet use frequency on physical health during the Covid-19 lockdown in Bangladesh.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study on 3242 individuals aged 18 and above was conducted from 2ndAugust – 1stOctober 1, 2020, during the lockdown in Bangladesh. The survey covers demographics, Internet use frequency and physical health questions. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the impact of internet use frequency on physical health.

Results

The result indicated that 72.5%, 69.9%, 65.1% and 55.3% reported headache, back pain, numbness of the fingers and neck pain, respectively. The multivariable analyses showed increased physical health impact among regular (coefficient β =0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.85,P=0.003), frequent (β = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.88–1.54,P< .001) and intense (β = 2.24, 95%CI: 1.91–2.57,P< .001) internet users. Other factors associated with physical health scores were gender, income (in Taka), occupation, regions, and working status.

Conclusion

Frequent, intensive, and extensive use of the internet were strong predictors of increased physical health problems, and the study suggests the need for raising awareness of physical health problems triggered by high internet users among the high socioeconomic group in Bangladesh.
Clinical pneumonia in the hospitalised child in Malawi in the post-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era: a prospective hospital-based observational study
Authors: Iroh Tam Pui-Ying , Chirombo James , Henrion Marc Y. R. , Newberry Laura , Mambule Ivan , Everett Dean , Mwansambo Charles , Cunliffe Nigel A. , French Neil , Heyderman Robert S. , Bar-Zeev Naor ,   the VacSurv Consortium
Published: August 2021

Objective

Assess characteristics of clinical pneumonia after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), by HIV exposure status, in children hospitalized in a governmental hospital in Malawi.

Methods and findings

We evaluated 1,139 children ≤5 years old hospitalised with clinical pneumonia: 101 HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and 1038 HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU). Median age was 11 months (IQR 6-20), 59% were male, median mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was 14 cm (IQR 13-15) and mean weight-for-height z score was -0.7 (±2.5). The highest Respiratory Index of Severity in Children (RISC) scores were allocated to 10.4% of the overall cohort, respectively. Only 45.7% had fever, and 37.2% had at least one danger sign at presentation. The most common clinical features were crackles (54.7%), nasal flaring (53.5%), and lower chest wall indrawing (53.2%). Compared to HUU, HEU children were significantly younger (9 months v. 11 months), with lower mean birth weight (2.8 kg v. 3.0 kg) and MUAC (13.6 cm v. 14.0 cm), had higher prevalence of vomiting (32.7% v. 22.0%), tachypnoea (68.4% v. 49.8%), and highest RISC scores (20.0% v. 9.4%). Five children died (0.4%). However, clinical outcomes were similar for both groups.

Conclusions

In this post-PCV setting where prevalence of HIV and malnutrition is high, children hospitalised fulfilling the WHO Integrated Management of Childhood Illness criteria for clinical pneumonia present with heterogeneous features. These vary by HIV exposure status but this does not influence either the frequency of danger signs or mortality. The poor performance of available severity scores in this population and the absence of more specific diagnostics hinder appropriate antimicrobial stewardship and the rational application of other interventions.

Strengths and limitations of the study

We evaluated over 1,100 children hospitalized with pneumonia in a low-income country setting after introduction of PCV.

This observational cohort was nested within a prospective hospital-based study of PCV13 effectiveness

We assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of clinical pneumonia patients and compared HEU vs. HUU children, and computed RISC scores for severe pneumonia
A Machine Learning Model Incorporating Laboratory Blood Tests Discriminates Between SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Infections at Emergency Department Visit
Authors: Liu Junyi , Westblade Lars F. , Chadburn Amy , Fideli Richard , Craney Arryn , Rand Sophie , Cushing Melissa , Zhao Zhen , Meng Jingjing , Yang He S.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus are contagious respiratory pathogens with similar symptoms but require different treatment and management strategies. This study investigated whether laboratory blood tests can discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections at emergency department (ED) presentation.

Methods

723 influenza A/B positive (2018/1/1 to 2020/3/15) and 1,281 SARS-CoV-2 positive (2020/3/11 to 2020/6/30) ED patients were retrospectively analyzed. Laboratory test results completed within 48 hours prior to reporting of virus RT-PCR results, as well as patient demographics were included to train and validate a random forest (RF) model. The dataset was randomly divided into training (2/3) and testing (1/3) sets with the same SARS-CoV-2/influenza ratio. The Shapley Additive Explanations technique was employed to visualize the impact of each laboratory test on the differentiation.

Results

The RF model incorporating results from 15 laboratory tests and demographic characteristics discriminated SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections, with an area under the ROC curve value 0.90 in the independent testing set. The overall agreement with the RT-PCR results was 83% (95% CI: 80-86%). The test with the greatest impact on the differentiation was serum total calcium level. Further, the model achieved an AUC of 0.82 in a new dataset including 519 SARS-CoV-2 ED patients (2020/12/1 to 2021/2/28) and the previous 723 influenza positive patients. Serum calcium level remained the most impactful feature on the differentiation.

Conclusion

We identified characteristic laboratory test profiles differentiating SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infections, which may be useful for the preparedness of overlapping COVID-19 resurgence and future seasonal influenza.
Elamipretide (SS-31) Treatment Attenuates Age-Associated Post-Translational Modifications of Heart Proteins
Authors: Whitson Jeremy A. , Martín-Pérez Miguel , Zhang Tong , Gaffrey Matthew J. , Merrihew Gennifer E. , Huang Eric , White Collin C. , Kavanagh Terrance J. , Qian Wei-Jun , Campbell Matthew D. , MacCoss Michael J. , Marcinek David J. , Villén Judit , Rabinovitch Peter S.
Published: August 2021

It has been demonstrated that elamipretide (SS-31) rescues age-related functional deficits in the heart but the full set of mechanisms behind this have yet to be determined. We investigated the hypothesis that elamipretide influences post-translational modifications to heart proteins. The S-glutathionylation and phosphorylation proteomes of mouse hearts were analyzed using shotgun proteomics to assess the effects of aging on these post-translational modifications and the ability of the mitochondria-targeted drug elamipretide to reverse age-related changes. Aging led to an increase in oxidation of protein thiols demonstrated by increased S-glutathionylation of cysteine residues on proteins from Old (24 months old at the start of the study) mouse hearts compared to Young (5-6 months old). This shift in the oxidation state of the proteome was almost completely reversed by 8-weeks of treatment with elamipretide. Many of the significant changes that occurred were in proteins involved in mitochondrial or cardiac function. We also found changes in the mouse heart phosphoproteome that were associated with age, some of which were partially restored with elamipretide treatment. Parallel reaction monitoring of a subset of phosphorylation sites revealed that the unmodified peptide reporting for Myot S231 increased with age, but not its phosphorylated form and that both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of the peptide covering cMyBP-C S307 increased, but that elamipretide treatment did not affect these changes. These results suggest that changes to thiol redox state and phosphorylation status are two ways in which age may affect mouse heart function, which can be restored by treatment with elamipretide.
A LINCS microenvironment perturbation resource for integrative assessment of ligand-mediated molecular and phenotypic responses
Authors: Gross Sean M. , Dane Mark A. , Smith Rebecca L. , Devlin Kaylyn , McLean Ian , Derrick Daniel , Mills Caitlin , Subramanian Kartik , London Alexandra B. , Torre Denis , Erdem Cemal , Lyons Nicholas , Natoli Ted , Pessa Sarah , Lu Xiaodong , Mullahoo James , Li Jonathan , Adam Miriam , Wassie Brook , Liu Moqing , Kilburn David , Liby Tiera A. , Bucher Elmar , Sanchez-Aguila Crystal , Daily Kenneth , Omberg Larsson , Wang Yunguan , Jacobson Connor , Yapp Clarence , Chung Mirra , Vidovic Dusica , Lu Yiling , Schurer Stephan , Lee Albert , Pillai Ajay , Subramanian Aravind , Papanastasiou Malvina , Fraenkel Ernest , Feiler Heidi S. , Mills Gordon B. , Jaffe Jake , Ma’ayan Avi , Birtwistle Marc R. , Sorger Peter K. , Korkola James E. , Gray Joe W. , Heiser Laura M.
Published: August 2021

The phenotype of a cell and its underlying molecular state is strongly influenced by extracellular signals, including growth factors, hormones, and extracellular matrix. While these signals are normally tightly controlled, their dysregulation leads to phenotypic and molecular states associated with diverse diseases. To develop a detailed understanding of the linkage between molecular and phenotypic changes, we generated a comprehensive dataset that catalogs the transcriptional, proteomic, epigenomic and phenotypic responses of MCF10A mammary epithelial cells after exposure to the ligands EGF, HGF, OSM, IFNG, TGFB and BMP2. Systematic assessment of the molecular and cellular phenotypes induced by these ligands comprise the LINCS Microenvironment (ME) perturbation dataset, which has been curated and made publicly available for community-wide analysis and development of novel computational methods (synapse.org/LINCS_MCF10A). In illustrative analyses, we demonstrate how this dataset can be used to discover functionally related molecular features linked to specific cellular phenotypes.
Rapid Lifestyle Prototyping: Assessment of Infrared Spectroscopic Blood Responses for Short-term Lifestyle Interventions
Authors: Rouholiman Dara , Andries Erik , Dobrota Sylvie D , Macaulay Hershel , Messerschmidt Robert G. , Quertermous Thomas
Published: August 2021

Background

At the present time, optimization of dietary and fitness practices are inadequately addressed in the clinical setting, and poorly documented through research studies investigating response to surrogate disease markers. Identifying and quantifying the personal response to lifestyle interventions requires a new tool and a new measurement metric.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, COR.RELATE study, we investigated the effect of four lifestyle interventions, each spanning 21 days and consisting of seven validated practices, in a healthy population. We used a novel at-home near-infrared spectrometer (wavelength 1600-2450 nm), COR console, to measure the spectral blood changes in a cohort of 178 healthy males and females who participated in four 21-day cycles of lifestyle programs. In the first round, study participants also completed dried blood spot cards, provided by omega quant, at the start and end of their program.

Results

We analyzed 1,870 infrared spectroscopy samples from 178 participants (131 males and 47 females) who participated in the first four programs of COR.RELATE. We found on average 79.75% of the participants are responsive to one or more of the COR programs. We describe an algorithmic approach, ranking personal responses to different nutrition and fitness interventions.

Conclusion

The COR console and data analytics enables the use of a novel near-infrared based metric--which we call the COR Blood Response Pattern (BRP)--to measure individual response to lifestyle change, and has the sensitivity to discern, classify, and rank the success of rapid lifestyle interventions in terms of the correlated spectroscopic response they produce. Rapid Lifestyle Prototyping is a new concept in consumer life optimization and improvement - the ability to know in no more than 21 days whether a particular single, or set of, lifestyle practices is going to evoke a strong response for an individual and therefore if it is worth continuing that practice in their quest for deep optimization and life improvement.
Anti-CD38 therapy impairs SARS-CoV-2 vaccine response in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Henriquez S. , Zerbit J. , Bruel T. , Ouedrani A. , Planas D. , Deschamps P. , Staropoli I. , Hadjadj J. , Varet B. , Suarez F. , Ermark N. , Bouscary D. , Willems L. , Fouquet G. , Decroocq J. , Franchi P. , Deau-Fischer B. , Terrier B. , Tamburini J. , Chatenoud L. , Schwartz O. , Vignon M.
Published: August 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients are at risk of fatal outcome after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preliminary data suggest that MM patients have an impaired response to vaccination. This prospective study analyzed the humoral and cellular immune responses to two doses of BNT162b2 in 72 MM patients, including 48 receiving anti-CD38 immunotherapy. Results evidenced that MM patients display lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgA antibodies and decreased neutralization of alpha and delta variants when compared to healthy controls. They also showed decreased numbers of circulating IFNγ-producing Spike SARS-CoV-2 specific T lymphocytes. This defective immune response was particularly marked in patients receiving anti-CD38 immunotherapy. Furthermore, a retrospective investigation of MM patients among COVID-19-related death in the Paris area suggested a limited efficacy of BNT162b2 in patients treated with anti-CD38. Overall, these results show a decreased immunogenicity of BNT162b2 in MM patients and stress the need for novel strategies to improve SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis in immunocompromised individuals.
Multi-UAV cooperative target tracking via consensus-based guidance vector fields and fuzzy MRAC
Authors: Muslimov Tagir Z. , Munasypov Rustem A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a multi-agent approach to adaptive control of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) tracking a moving ground target. The approach implies that the UAVs in a single group must maintain preset phase shift angles while rotating around the target so as to evaluate the target’s movement more accurately. Thus, the controls should ensure that the UAV swarm follows a moving circular path whose center is the target while also attaining and maintaining a circular formation of a specific geometric shape; and the formation control system is capable of self-tuning because the UAV dynamics is uncertain.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers two interaction architectures: an open-chain where each UAV only interacts with its neighbors; and a cooperative leader, where the leading UAV is involved in attaining the formation. The cooperative controllers are self-tuned by fuzzy model reference adaptive control (MRAC).

Findings

Using open-chain decentralized architecture allows to have an unlimited number of aircraft in a formation, which is in line with the swarm behavior concept. The approach was tested for efficiency and performance in various scenarios using complete nonlinear flying-wing UAV models equipped with configured standard autopilot models.

Research limitations/implications

Assume the target follows a rectilinear trajectory at a constant speed. The speed is supposed to be known in advance. Another assumption is that the weather is windless.

Originality/value

In contrast to known studies, this one uses Lyapunov guidance vector fields that are direction- and magnitude-nonuniform. The overall cooperative controller structure is based on a decentralized and centralized consensus.
Potential measures towards the reduction of cooling loads of office buildings in Ghana
Authors: Koranteng Christian , Simons Barbara , Gyimah Kwabena Abrokwa
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Given the climatic context and economic challenge of Ghana in its developmental strides, energy use of office buildings continues to be a task on the economy. Therefore, the study was about finding measures that could reduce cooling loads in 10 office buildings. The paper presents the outcome of a long-term study of the thermal conditions in a selected number of office buildings in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Through long-term monitoring of environmental data, the buildings were consequently modelled in a simulation application. Thereafter, a validation of the simulation models (using regression coefficients, r2 of 0.53–0.90) was undertaken towards finding measures to reduce cooling loads.

Findings

The results showed various potentials of efficient lighting, thermal mass, night ventilation, insulation to attic floors, efficient glazing, blind deployments, etc. in reducing cooling loads in the range of 2–17.5%. By combining the potential measures to study their synergistic effects on the loads, 35, 39 and 38% improvements were achieved for the low-rise, multi-storey and fully glazed office buildings.

Originality/value

These potential measures ought to be incorporated in the design, specification, construction and operation of Ghanaian office buildings to reduce the burden on the economy and the environment. Now more than ever, there is the need for climatic regions to come up with empirical data that could help relieve the world's economies from the post-pandemic stress.
Making more research count: a blockchain enabled one-stop shop for immutable behavioral research
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Hugo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a panoramic view at the credibility issues that exist within social sciences research.

Design/methodology/approach

The central argument of this paper is that a joint effort between blockchain and other technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning and how they can prevent scientific data manipulation or data forgery as a way to make science more decentralized and anti-fragile, without losing data integrity or reputation as a trade-off. The authors address it by proposing an online research platform for use in social and behavioral science that guarantees data integrity through a combination of modern institutional economics and blockchain technology.

Findings

The benefits are mainly twofold: On the one hand, social science scholars get paired with the right target audience for their studies. On the other hand, a snapshot of the gathered data at the time of creation is taken so that researchers can prove that they used the original data set to peers in the future while maintaining full control of their data.

Originality/value

The proposed combination of behavioral economics with new technologies such as blockchain and AI is novel and translated into a cutting-edge tool to be implemented.
Legal syncretism or the theory of unity in diversity as an alternative to legal pluralism in Indonesia
Authors: Isra Saldi , Tegnan Hilaire
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Legal syncretism seeks to provide a rather different account of how laws interact with one another as the people deal with them. The purpose of this study is to provide a rather different account of how laws interact with one another as the people deal with them in the society.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the current concept of legal pluralism as to whether it really holds as the right theory for building a harmonious and trustworthy legal system in a multi-cultural country such as Indonesia. This study involves socio-legal research drawing on empirical data. It discusses the practice of legal pluralism in Indonesia by analyzing the characteristics of her legal system, especially the roles of customs and religion in it.

Findings

The research, conducted in five Indonesian cities, reveals that the current proposal of legal pluralism is not really helping to solve the difficulties faced by the Indonesian legal system. Therefore, this paper proposes legal syncretism or the theory of unity in diversity (bhineka tunggal ika) as an alternative to help cope with some of the difficulties faced by many legal systems in developing countries, especially Indonesia.

Originality/value

Although legal pluralism sounds promising, wrong and misleading interpretations have been provided by many of its proponents. Legal pluralism has been touted by many socio-legal scholars as a key concept in the analysis of law. Yet, after almost 20 years of such claims, there has been little progress in the development of the concept. Despite these confident pronouncements and the apparent unanimity that underlie them, however, the concept gives rise to complex unresolved problems. Legal syncretism seeks to provide a rather different account of how laws interact with one another as the people deal with them.
Consumer collecting identity and behaviors: underlying motivations and impact on life satisfaction
Authors: Spaid Brian , Matthes Joseph
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role that collector identity salience and collecting behaviors have on life satisfaction. The authors also investigate the role that dispositional motivations play in strengthening an individual’s collector identity salience.

Design/methodology/approach

An online panel management system was used to recruit and compensate a diverse sample of 215 US consumer collectors. The structural model was tested with partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

A partial least squares structural equation model of data collected from a survey of US consumer collectors reveals that creative choice counter conformity and mortality legacy positively enhance collector identity salience, whereas materialism has no effect. Despite not affecting collector identity salience, materialism is found to negatively affect life satisfaction. Crucially, collector identity salience is found to positively affect collector engagement, which, in turn, enhances life satisfaction.

Originality/value

This research contributes to consumer behavior literature in three distinct ways. First, the authors build upon extant literature which has revealed creative choice counter conformity and mortality legacy as underlying dispositional motivations that contribute to collector identity salience. Second, while materialism has been tied to collecting behaviors via conceptual studies, the authors also examine the broader impact of materialism on an individual’s life satisfaction. Finally, the authors explore how collector identity salience and collector engagement contribute to satisfaction with life.
Determinants of online shopping attitudes of households in Turkey
Authors: Çebi Karaaslan Kübranur
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Online shopping is expected to continue without slowing down because of the advantages that it presents to consumers in the digitalising world. This study aims to determine the factors regarding the social and environmental indicators and the demographical and economical factors that affect the online shopping tendencies of households in Turkey. The results of this research can be used to review the online shopping strategies by the decision-makers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the cross-sectional data acquired from the Household Budget Research survey, which has been conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute between 2015 and 2018, is used. In this data set consisting of 11,491 in 2015, 12,096 in 2016, 12,166 in 2017 and 11,828 in 2018, a total of 47,581 data from the households that are 15-year-old and older are used. To determine the factors affecting the online shopping behaviour of households, binary logistic regression and binary probit regression analyses are applied. As a result of these analyses, it has been decided that the most suitable model is the binary probit regression model.

Findings

According to the analysis results, it has been detected that factors such as educational status, age, marital status, employment status, income, life assurance ownership, credit card usage, automobile ownership and the year of the survey affect the online shopping behaviour of households.

Practical implications

In this study, factors affecting the tendency to do online shopping, which has gained big importance particularly with the COVID-19 pandemic, are determined. In Turkey, households’ tendency to do online shopping is affected by the demographical and economical factors and by the factors related to the social and environmental indicators. Determination of the effects of these factors has been a guide for the decision-makers and policymakers in explaining the tendency to shop online and creating a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

In this study, data consisting of a total of 47,581 observations, which has acquired from the Household Budget Research survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute between 2015 and 2018, are used by applying a weighting process, and no study that is as comprehensive and inclusive as this study has been found in the literature, e-commerce that has become prevalent with the help of technological progress and changing habits in the past years is continuing to become prevalent more increasingly particularly after COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the value of this study underlies its contribution to e-commerce awareness.
Modeling collaborative consumption by extending self-determination theory: an emerging economy perspective
Authors: Garg Aashish , Sachdeva Muskan , Singh Simarjeet , Goel Pooja
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to cognizance consumers' intention to participate in collaborative consumption (CC). Also, the gender difference regarding the above is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

To quantify the consumers’ intention to participate in CC cross-sectional survey method has been used. In total, 333 potential consumers selected through convenience sampling participated in the survey. The study used the capabilities of the structured equation modelling technique to validate the proposed research model.

Findings

Except for hedonic motives, all other drivers such as reputation, economic benefits, sustainable motives and trust have a significant influence on the intention to participate in CC. The effect of gender was found on the relationship between Trust and Intentions only.

Practical implications

This study can be used as a guiding path in the domain of CC for practitioners, marketers, startups and policymakers as the opinion of potential users has been reported. The results of the study highlight that the consumers’ interest in CC participation and social reputation are the most influential drivers of intention to participate in CC. Marketers should design their strategies in such a way that the individual should feel like a social hero rather than just a responsible consumer while participating in CC.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the literature by examining the intention to participate in CC through the lens of self-determination theory (SDT), specifically in the Indian context. The authors have also extended the SDT by adding a trust factor that is best to their knowledge not integrated till now. The present study integrated cognitive, economic, psychological and relational aspects to understand CC behavior.
Clinical characteristics and treatment status of pustulotic arthro‐osteitis: A single‐center study involving 51 cases
Authors: Kondo Naoki , Sakai Yohei , Kakutani Rika , Netsu Takahiro , Kijima Yasufumi , Kudo Naoko , Endo Naoto , Kawashima Hiroyuki
Published: August 2021

Pustulotic arthro‐osteitis (PAO) is a major complication of palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). In orthopedic surgery outpatient clinics, PPP patients with osteoarticular symptoms are seen frequently, but PAO's clinical features remain not well known. To determine Japanese patients’ clinical features and treatment status with PAO, we conducted a single‐center retrospective epidemiologic survey. Clinical features, including gender, age, smoking habit, the onset pattern, interval between skin manifestation and osteoarticular symptoms, and the incidence of sternoclavicular joint lesions, axial and peripheral joint lesions, were examined. The association between physical status and image findings by X‐ray, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy with Technetium99, or magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated. The distribution pattern of peripheral joint lesions and the treatment status were evaluated.

We identified 51 patients, 10 men and 41 women, with PAO. The average age was 48 years and 59% were smokers. The frequency of onset patterns was skin‐leading type (63%), simultaneous onset (18%), and osteoarticular leading type (16%). The average interval between skin involvement and osteoarticular involvement in skin‐leading type was significantly longer than that in osteoarticular leading type (7.1 years vs. 2.0 years).

A sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) lesion was detected in 65% cases, and the physical findings of SCJ were significantly related to the image findings. Axial and peripheral joint lesions were detected in the same ratio (23 cases, 45%). In the peripheral joints, the finger joint was the most common (26%), followed by the shoulder joint (21%). Patients were treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (76%), followed by conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (29%) and biological DMARDs (9.8%). Tonsillectomy was performed in 11 cases. In conclusion, PAO more frequently involves SCJ in middle‐aged women who smoke. Given that osteoarticular leading type was detected in 16% cases, seronegative oligoarthritis patients should be monitored for PPP, leading to a diagnosis of PAO.
Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis for pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Higashi Yuko , Ibusuki Atsuko , Baba Naoko , Hatanaka Miho , Tada Ko‐Ichi , Kanekura Takuro
Published: August 2021

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), a chronic aseptic inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin ulcers with elevated and undermined borders, is resistant to conventional therapies. PG is elicited by activated neutrophils and macrophages and is often associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, aortitis syndrome, and hematopoietic disorders. This single‐center study assessed the efficacy and safety of selectively depleting myeloid‐lineage leukocytes in patients with PG. Patients with PG, aged 20 or over, received 5 or 10 treatment sessions of granulocyte and monocyte adsorption apheresis (GMA), once or twice a week. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on the rate of skin ulcer reduction, the visual analog scale of pain, and the physician's global assessment of the skin lesions. A complete response (CR) was obtained in eight patients, a nearly complete response (nCR) in three patients, and a partial response (PR) in two patients. In four of the other six, the disease remained stable (SD) and in two we observed disease progression (PD). No severe adverse events were recorded. Our results suggest that GMA is a useful and safe treatment modality for PG.
Dietary supplementation with mung bean coat alleviates the disorders in serum glucose and lipid profile and modulates gut microbiota in high‐fat diet and streptozotocin‐induced prediabetic mice
Authors: Hou Dianzhi , Zhao Qingyu , Chen Borui , Ren Xin , Yousaf Laraib , Shen Qun
Published: August 2021

As amajor by‐product of mung bean processing, mung bean coat (MBC), which is rich in polyphenols and dietary fiber, is deemed to be mainly responsible for the health benefits of mung bean. However, its beneficial effects on the hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and gut microbiota composition in prediabetic mice is not fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of MBC in alleviating high‐fat diet and streptozotocin‐induced prediabetes. Herein, compared with the model control, dietary supplementation with MBC (3%, w/w) for 12 weeks significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose (24.60%), total cholesterol (15.72%), triglyceride (14.41%), and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (22.45%). Furthermore, the improvements in glucose tolerance were reflected in the reduction of the area under the curve (AUC) and incremental AUC by approximately 23.08% and 51.18%, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal microbiota suggested that MBC promoted the enrichment of beneficial bacteria (Roseburia and Bifidobacterium) and the production of short‐chain fatty acids. All of the results from this study provided a scientific reference for avoiding the functional ingredients waste of MBC and expanding its application value.
Image‐guided spinal injection for pain management
Authors: Wong Osanna , Zhang George , Matthews Hayden , Skalski Mathew , Asadi Hamed , Lalloo Shivendra , Kurda Dylan
Published: August 2021

Radiculopathy and spinal pain are debilitating conditions affecting millions of people worldwide each year. While most cases can be managed conservatively with physiotherapy and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory medications, minimally invasive corticosteroid injections are the mainstay intervention for those not responsive to conservative treatment. Historically, spinal injections were performed in the absence of imaging guidance; however, imaging modalities, in particular fluoroscopy and computer tomography (CT), have become the standard of care in performing most of these procedures. Under imaging guidance, operators can accurately confirm needle placement and safely target localised pathologies.
Dating the pendant burials of north‐west Arabia: First radiometric results from the Khaybar Oasis, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kennedy Melissa A. , McMahon Jane , Thomas Hugh , Boyer David D. , Repper Rebecca , Dalton Matthew , AlKhaldi Khalid
Published: August 2021

The monumental stone structures of the Arabian Peninsula have been notoriously difficult to date. Due to their visibility in the landscape, they have suffered from extensive robbing and later reuse, which has compromised dating methodologies. In particular, our understanding of when the elaborate “pendants” (also known as “tailed cairns” or “tailed tower tombs”) of north‐west Arabia were first constructed has remained incomplete. Recent work undertaken by the Aerial Archaeology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Khaybar project provides some of the first radiometric dates for the pendants of Saudi Arabia. These structures can now be dated as far back as the third millennium BCE, revealing for the first time a hitherto undocumented, large‐scale, monumental funerary landscape dating to the Early Bronze Age. These radiocarbon dates bring the advent of the pendant building tradition in line with funerary developments across the wider Arabian Peninsula, and may mark a profound reconfiguring of the wider Harrat Khaybar landscape during the third millennium BCE.
Combination treatment with monoclonal antibodies: Secukinumab, benralizumab and dupilumab for the combined management of psoriasis and severe asthma
Authors: Mahar Patrick D , Zubrinich Celia M , Manuelpillai Nick , Foley Peter
Published: August 2021

Biological disease‐modifying agents have increasingly become available for the effective treatment of both cutaneous and non‐cutaneous inflammatory conditions. We report a case of a woman treated successfully for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with the IL‐17 inhibitor secukinumab whilst simultaneously being treated for severe asthma and nasal polyps, initially with the IL‐5 inhibitor benralizumab, followed by dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the IL‐4 receptor alpha subunit which blocks signalling from both IL‐4 and IL‐13.
A camera trap appraisal of species richness and community composition of medium and large mammals in a Miombo woodland reserve
Authors: Reece Sally J. , Radloff Frans G. T. , Leslie Alison J. , Amin Rajan , Tambling Craig J.
Published: August 2021

Biological monitoring in protected areas is essential for making management decisions, especially in small (<1000 km2), fenced reserves which require intensive intervention to maintain core habitat characteristics. Estimates of species richness and community structure provide important information for planning and evaluating conservation strategies. Majete Wildlife Reserve (MWR) is a small (691 km2), isolated reserve in southern Malawi in the Miombo Woodland Ecoregion. We investigated species richness and community structure of the terrestrial medium and large mammals at MWR through a standardised camera trap survey. During the 2018 dry season, 140 camera locations were sampled for 40 days each. Thirty‐five mammal species were detected and Chao 2, ICE and Jackknife 1 and 2 richness estimators indicated between 36–41 species present which aligns closely with historic accounts. Non‐detection of some species is attributed to species specialised habitat requirements not catered for in the systematic camera trap survey design. Mammal community structure, calculated from the camera detected species’ relative abundance indices (RAI), was atypical for Miombo woodland, with an underrepresentation of elephants. Camera trap‐derived RAI was positively related with 2018 aerial census species encounter data. These results can assist management in refining survey techniques and act as a baseline to monitor conservation efforts.
Differences in biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction in cord blood between normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes
Authors: Lee‐Tannock Alison , Hay Karen , Kumar Sailesh
Published: August 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction in cord blood in women with uncomplicated pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by maternal pre‐gestational and gestational diabetes and to correlate these findings with fetal echocardiography parameters of cardiac function.

Material and methods

Fetal echocardiographic assessment was performed longitudinally on 78 fetuses in the normal cohort and 32 in the diabetic cohort by measuring tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, myocardial performance index, interventricular septum (IVS) thickness and left fractional shortening between July 2015 and December 2017. Cord blood samples were obtained at birth and levels of troponin I (TnI), B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the amnio terminal segment of its prohormone measured.

Results

Women with diabetes had significantly higher median body mass index and mean z‐scores for BNP. Significant associations were observed between maternal diabetes and obesity and cord‐blood BNP z‐scores. The effect of diabetes on TnI levels were similar, with mean values higher in women with gestational diabetes compared to normal pregnancies; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. These biomarker findings correlated with an increased IVS thickness in the diabetic group. No difference was demonstrated in the other cardiac function parameters measured.

Conclusion

Biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction are elevated in infants of diabetic and obese mothers and correlated with increased IVS thickness.
Fracture toughness examination of dual‐phase and interstitial free steel using essential work of fracture method
Authors: M. R. Sunilkumar , Schmidova Eva , Konopík Pavel , Melzer Daniel
Published: August 2021

Fracture toughness of automotive‐grade dual‐phase steel (DP450) and interstitial free (IF) steel is determined using essential work of fracture (EWF) methodology. Geometrical constraints of standard fracture toughness tests made the EWF method an alternative for thin sheets. Double edge notched tension (DENT) specimens are used for the EWF tests. The two steels have different mechanical and microstructural properties, which helps test the applicability of the EWF methodology to different materials. The effect of notch‐tip radius on the EWF test results is analyzed for both the steels. The sensitivity of fracture toughness to notch‐tip radius is not the same for both steels. During the EWF test, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique is used to determine the local strain variation of DENT specimens. The hole expansion ratio is determined for the two steels to compare against the EWF test results. The IF steel, despite lower strength, has better fracture toughness and hole expansion capability against the DP450 steel.
Squamous and basal cell carcinoma with perineural invasion: pathophysiology and presentations
Authors: Sherwani Yousuf , Aldana Paola C. , Khachemoune Amor
Published: August 2021

Squamous and basal cell carcinomas with perineural invasion are typically difficult to treat because of their propensity to metastasize, their aggressive nature, and the concept of skip lesions. Perineural invasion is an under‐recognized and underdiagnosed condition even though the literature points to its high rate of incidence in squamous cell carcinoma and a nonnegligible incidence rate in basal cell carcinoma. Perineural invasion has been linked to higher recurrence rates and poorer prognosis. This review has been written to aid clinicians in identifying and managing the condition as early as possible by describing the clinical and microscopic manifestations of perineural invasion.
The special unfolded protein response in plasma cells
Authors: Ricci Daniela , Gidalevitz Tali , Argon Yair
Published: August 2021

The high rate of antibody production places considerable metabolic and folding stress on plasma cells (PC). Not surprisingly, they rely on the unfolded protein response (UPR), a universal signaling, and transcriptional network that monitors the health of the secretory pathway and mounts cellular responses to stress. Typically, the UPR utilizes three distinct stress sensors in the ER membrane, each regulating a subset of targets to re‐establish homeostasis. PC use a specialized UPR scheme—they preemptively trigger the UPR via developmental signals and suppress two of the sensors, PERK and ATF6, relying on IRE1 alone. The specialized PC UPR program is tuned to the specific needs at every stage of development—from early biogenesis of secretory apparatus, to massive immunoglobulin expression later. Furthermore, the UPR in PC integrates with other pathways essential in a highly secretory cell—mTOR pathway that ensures efficient synthesis, autophagosomes that recycle components of the synthetic machinery, and apoptotic signaling that controls cell fate in the face of excessive folding stress. This specialized PC program is not shared with other secretory cells, for reasons yet to be defined. In this review, we give a perspective into how and why PC need such a unique UPR program.