bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of international work experience, functional background and career concerns on CEO investment decisions
Authors: Peng Chih-Wei , Chiu She-Chih
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of chief executive officer (CEO) international work experience, functional background and career concerns on managerially-distorted investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on S&P 500 publicly held US manufacturing companies during the period from 2009 to 2012. The data related to the CEOs’ international experience and their functional background experience are manually collected from Business Week’s Corporate Elite. Financial data is retrieved from COMPUSTAT database. The data for CEO tenure and age are retrieved from the ExecuComp database. Besides ordinary least squares regression, this paper conducts two-stage least squares regression analysis. Endogeneity and additional tests are also considered in this paper.

Findings

The findings show that CEO international work experience may not reduce under-investment, but it may exacerbate over-investment. CEO throughput functional background may exacerbate under-investment, but it may not reduce over-investment. Furthermore, CEO career concerns are useful in reducing the inefficient investments caused by international work experience and throughput functional background. These results remain similar when potential self-selection bias, as well as alternative measures of career concerns and investment efficiency, are considered.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature in the following ways: first, while a significant amount of attention has been paid to how investment decisions are affected by financial reporting quality and material internal control weaknesses, there has been little evidence accumulated related to how managers’ international experience, professional background and career concerns affect investment inefficiency. The authors attempt to fill this gap. Second, the authors manually collect the international experience and functional backgrounds of CEOs working for S&P 500 US manufacturing companies. This unique data set makes it possible to complement previous studies by investigating the effects of managerial international experience and functional background on investment behavior. Finally, previous theoretical studies have long recognized that managers’ career concerns affect their corporate investment decisions. These studies suggest that young CEOs have a greater incentive to signal their abilities by adopting more active and possibly riskier investment strategies, thus raising the moral hazard problem with regard to firm investments. The authors enrich these studies by showing that work experience alleviates the moral hazard problem with respect to young CEOs’ investment decisions.
A case study on implementing Lean Six Sigma: DMAIC methodology in aluminum profiles extrusion process
Authors: Araman Hassan , Saleh Yahya
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the sources of variation in aluminum profiles hot extrusion process for the purpose of process capability improvement at National Aluminum and Profiles Company (NAPCO) in Palestine. The critical-to-quality characteristics (CTQ) have been determined as base variables to measure the process capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) Lean Six Sigma (LSS) approach has been adopted to conduct this study. More specifically, historical data analysis and PARETO charts have been employed. The defects' root causes have been determined using the cause-and-effect diagram and decision matrix. A course of suggested actions has been established to help in improving extrusion process capability. Minitab-18 software was used for conducting inferential statistical analysis. A case study considering a geometry CTQ of D3 dimension of bottom sash aluminum profiles 4,332 was selected for analysis.

Findings

The results indicated a reduction in DPMO from 89,649 to 15,659, sigma level was improved from 2.84 to 3.65, process yield was improved from 91.04% to 98.43% and cost was reduced from U$75,972 to U$13,250.9 (i.e. a saving of U$62,721). Studying and improving the sigma level of the extrusion process would yield fewer defective products and consequently fewer customer complaints. A validation process which has been conducted during the year 2019 showed a consistent improvement that aligns with the first stage of improvement made on October 1, 2018.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on only one critical quality characteristic (CTQ), namely, a geometry CTQ of D3 dimension of bottom sash aluminum profiles 4,332 produced by NAPCO was selected for analysis.

Practical implications

This study would be useful for researchers and practitioners to improve the process capability in aluminum profiles manufacturing industries in general and hot extrusion processes in particular.

Originality/value

Many previous studies on applying LSS-DMAIC methodology have been conducted in aluminum industries in developed countries. According to the literature, it is highly recommended to have more case studies of applying LSS-DMAIC in different industries in developing countries. NAPCO is the only aluminum manufacturing plant in Palestine that hotly extrudes and coats aluminum profiles. Hence, the present study is the first of its kind in NAPCO and in Palestine. Projecting the assessment of the impact of process improvement opportunities and capability analyses into monetary measures are also innovative.
Dynamics modeling of a 2-DoFs cable-driven continuum robot
Authors: Bousbia Leila , Amouri Ammar , Cherfia Abdelhakim
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Continuum robots modeling, be it from a hard or soft class, is giving rise to several challenges compared with rigid robots. These challenges are mainly due to kinematic redundancy, dynamic nonlinearity and high flexibility. This paper aims initially at designing a hard class of continuum robots, namely, cable-driven continuum robot (CDCR) and equally at developing their kinematic and dynamic models.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the CDCR prototype is constructed, and its description is made. Second, kinematic models are established based on the constant curvature assumption and inextensible bending section. Third, by using the Lagrange method, the dynamic model is derived under some simplifications and based on the kinematic equations, in which the flexible backbone’s elasticity modulus was identified experimentally. Finally, the static model of the CDCR is also derived based on the dynamic model.

Findings

Numerical examples are carried out using Matlab software to verify the static and dynamic models. Moreover, the static model is validated by comparing the simulation’s results to the real measurements that have been provided with satisfactory results.

Originality/value

To reduce the complexity of the dynamic model’s expressions and avoid the numerical singularity when the bending angle is close to zero, some simplifications have been taken, especially for the kinetic energy terms, by using the nonlinear functions approximation. Hence, the main advantage of this analytical-approximate solution is that it can be applied in the bending angle that ranges up to 2p with reasonable errors, unlike the previously proposed techniques. Furthermore, the resulting dynamic model has, to some extent, the proprieties of simplicity, accuracy and fast computation time. Ultimately, the obtained results from the simulations and real measurements demonstrate that the considered CDCR’s static and dynamic models are feasible.
The pandemic and the question of national belonging: Exposure to covid‐19 threat and conceptions of nationhood
Authors: WAMSLER STEFFEN , FREITAG MARKUS , ERHARDT JULIAN , FILSINGER MAXIMILIAN
Published: February 2022

Drawing on the behavioural immune system hypothesis, we argue that the prevalence of the Covid‐19 pandemic threat in an individual's respective environment relates to exclusive, ethnic conceptions of nationhood. Referring to the affective intelligence theory, we maintain that specific negative emotions are prompted by the perception of being exposed to a pandemic threat, and these emotional states in turn structure political preferences regarding national belonging. Using an original survey in six European countries during the first peak of the pandemic in late April and early May 2020, we analyze both the impact of individual Covid‐19 experiences and the contextual exposure to a pandemic threat through hierarchical analyses of 105 European regions. Our empirical analysis shows that exposure to the pandemic is linked to stronger ethnic national identities for both levels of analysis. We also find that anger substantially mediates this relationship and has primacy over feelings of fear. Taken together, our results indicate that the behavioural immune system appears as a pervasive obstacle to inclusive orientations.
Difference‐in‐differences for categorical outcomes
Authors: Graves John A. , Fry Carrie , McWilliams J. Michael , Hatfield Laura A.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To discuss and develop difference‐in‐difference estimators for categorical outcomes and apply them to estimate the effect of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion on insurance coverage.

Data Sources

Secondary analysis of Survey on Income and Program Participation (SIPP) data on health insurance coverage types before (January 2013) and after (December 2015) Medicaid expansion in 39 US states (19 expansion and 20 non‐expansion).

Study Design

We develop difference‐in‐difference methods for repeated measures (panel data) of categorical outcomes. We discuss scale‐dependence of DID assumptions for marginal and transition effect estimates and specify a new target estimand: the difference between outcome category transitions under treatment versus no treatment. We establish causal assumptions about transitions that are sufficient to identify this and a marginal target estimand. We contrast the marginal estimands identified by the transition approach versus an additive assumption only about marginal evolution. We apply both the marginal and transition approaches to estimate the effects of Medicaid expansion on health insurance coverage types (employer‐sponsored; other private, non‐group; public; and uninsured).

Data Extraction

We analyzed 16,027 individual survey responses from people aged 18–62 years in the 2014 SIPP panel.

Principal Findings

We show that the two identifying assumptions are equivalent (on the scale of the marginals) if either the baseline marginal distributions are identical or the marginals are constant in both groups. Applying our transitions approach to the SIPP data, we estimate a differential increase in transitions from uninsured to public coverage and differential decreases in transitions from uninsured to private, non‐group coverage and in remaining uninsured.

Conclusions

By comparing the assumption that marginals are evolving in parallel to an assumption about transitions across outcome values, we illustrate the scale‐dependence of difference‐in‐differences. Our application shows that studying transitions can illuminate nuances obscured by changes in the marginals.
Lung cancer risk prediction models based on pulmonary nodules: A systematic review
Authors: Wu Zheng , Wang Fei , Cao Wei , Qin Chao , Dong Xuesi , Yang Zhuoyu , Zheng Yadi , Luo Zilin , Zhao Liang , Yu Yiwen , Xu Yongjie , Li Jiang , Tang Wei , Shen Sipeng , Wu Ning , Tan Fengwei , Li Ni , He Jie
Published: February 2022

Background

Screening with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) is an efficient way to detect lung cancer at an earlier stage, but has a high false‐positive rate. Several pulmonary nodules risk prediction models were developed to solve the problem. This systematic review aimed to compare the quality and accuracy of these models.

Methods

The keywords “lung cancer,” “lung neoplasms,” “lung tumor,” “risk,” “lung carcinoma” “risk,” “predict,” “assessment,” and “nodule” were used to identify relevant articles published before February 2021. All studies with multivariate risk models developed and validated on human LDCT data were included. Informal publications or studies with incomplete procedures were excluded. Information was extracted from each publication and assessed.

Results

A total of 41 articles and 43 models were included. External validation was performed for 23.2% (10/43) models. Deep learning algorithms were applied in 62.8% (27/43) models; 60.0% (15/25) deep learning based researches compared their algorithms with traditional methods, and received better discrimination. Models based on Asian and Chinese populations were usually built on single‐center or small sample retrospective studies, and the majority of the Asian models (12/15, 80.0%) were not validated using external datasets.

Conclusion

The existing models showed good discrimination for identifying high‐risk pulmonary nodules, but lacked external validation. Deep learning algorithms are increasingly being used with good performance. More researches are required to improve the quality of deep learning models, particularly for the Asian population.
The use of weighted averages of Hedges' d in meta‐analysis: Is it worth it?
Authors: Buck Robert J. , Fieberg John , Larkin Daniel J.
Published: February 2022

Hedges' d is a measure of effect size widely used to standardize results across different studies in ecological and evolutionary meta‐analyses. When summarizing Hedges' d or other effect sizes across multiple studies, it is considered a best practice to use weighted averages, with weights inversely proportional to the variances of the estimated effect sizes.

Importantly, the within‐study variance of Hedges' , , is a function of sample size, , and , the effect size itself. Since true effect sizes are unknown, is also unknown and needs to be estimated, for which numerous approaches have been proposed.

We examined the behaviour of inverse‐variance weights, specifically the performance of 14 different weighted and unweighted variants of the Hedges' estimator, to test the conditions under which weighting improved performance. We found that when sample sizes (per group) were >10, there was little difference between the estimators and weighting did not notably improve performance; bias was <5% and differences in root mean squared error were <10% for all estimators, except when the between‐study variance for effect size, , was relatively small compared to the within‐study variance (). We also propose a new estimator that was found to be (a) the most efficient of a subset of minimally biased estimators and (b) had the least bias when estimating τ2.

Contrary to current guidance, we contend that the simpler unweighted Hedges' d estimator is generally acceptable. Exceptions are when the between‐study variance is small relative to within‐study variance () and there is a large disparity (>3X) in sample sizes for a large proportion of effect sizes in the meta‐analysis. Using unweighted averages may enable more robust inferences by allowing studies for which variance cannot be extracted (a common practical limitation) to be included. That said, weighted averaging is necessary where estimation of is itself of interest.
Predictive accuracy of adding shock index to the American College of Surgeons’ minimum criteria for full trauma team activation
Authors: McCormick Taylor , Haukoos Jason , Hopkins Emily , Trent Stacy , Adelgais Kathleen , Platnick Barry , Cohen Mitchell
Published: February 2022

Background

The American College of Surgeons requires trauma centers to use six minimum criteria (ACS‐6) for full trauma team activation: hypotension, gunshot wound to the neck or torso, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score < 9, respiratory compromise, transfers receiving blood transfusion, or physician discretion. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of adding varying shock index (SI) thresholds to the ACS‐6 in an adult trauma population with the hypothesis that SI would significantly improve sensitivity at the expense of an acceptable decrease in specificity.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of EMS and trauma registry data from an urban Level I trauma center. Consecutive patients > 15 years of age were included from 1993 through 2006. SI at thresholds of ≥0.8, ≥0.85, ≥0.9, and ≥1 were evaluated. Primary outcome was emergency operative (within 1 h of arrival) or procedural (cricothyrotomy or thoracotomy) intervention (EOPI); secondary outcomes were Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15, ISS > 24, a composite of EOPI or ISS > 15, and urgent operative intervention (within 4 h).

Results

A total of 20,872 patients were included, 27% with an ISS > 15 and 5% who underwent EOPI. Sensitivity and specificity of the ACS‐6 alone for EOPI were 86% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84% to 88%) and 81% (95% CI = 80% to 81%), respectively. Inclusion of SI thresholds of 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, and 1 resulted in sensitivities of 95% (95% CI = 93% to 96%), 93% (CI = 91% to 94%), 92% (95% CI = 90% to 93%), and 90% (95% CI = 88% to 92%), respectively, and specificities of 52% (95% CI = 51% to 52%), 59% (95% CI = 58% to 59%), 64% (95% CI = 64% to 65%), and 72% (95% CI = 71% to 73%), respectively. Similar trends were found for each secondary outcome.

Conclusion

The addition of SI to the ACS‐6 for trauma team activation increased sensitivity for EOPI with a larger decrease in specificity across all thresholds. Inclusion of a SI threshold of ≥0.9 closely aligns with under‐ and overtriage benchmarks in this trauma registry cohort using a strict definition of trauma team activation need.
Quality of performance metrics, informal peer monitoring and goal commitment
Authors: Gomez‐Conde Jacobo , Lopez‐Valeiras Ernesto , Malagueño Ricardo , Oyadomari José Carlos Tiomatsu
Published: February 2022

We examine whether the quality of performance metrics affects informal peer monitoring and, in turn, goal commitment. By fostering performance‐oriented behaviours, performance metrics drive managers to involve themselves in learning and improvement efforts, building a fertile atmosphere for informal peer monitoring. We argue that the quality of performance metrics is positively associated with direct peer monitoring and negatively linked to indirect peer monitoring. Subsequently, we postulate that direct (indirect) peer monitoring is positively (negatively) associated with goal commitment. We use partial least squares (PLS) to analyse survey data from store managers in a large retail firm. Results provide overall support for our hypotheses.
Notre‐Dame‐des‐Landesor Redefining the Relationship to Space through the Territorial Embeddedness of a Struggle
Authors: Florez Marion , Baudelle Guy , Hardouin Magali
Published: February 2022

By using an empirical method to investigate the occupied site of a renowned airport mega‐project near Nantes (so‐called Notre‐Dame‐des‐Landes, France), the paper examines the socio‐spatial effects of territorial mobilisation. We consider how the territorial embeddedness of a struggle helps reshape the relationship to space for the occupants of the contested zone. Starting from an analysis of the forms of “inhabiting” and “cohabitation” of the heterogeneous “occupying‐inhabitants” in the disputed zone, we stress how the relationship with others and to space operates over the long term. More attention is paid to describing the plural representations of the territory, which clash, converge and are unified alternately, ultimately creating a “territory of struggle(s)”, which has become iconic in France.
Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate versus entecavir in the United States
Authors: Kim W. Ray , Telep Laura E. , Jump Belinda , Lu Mei , Ramroth Heribert , Flaherty John , Gaggar Anuj , Chokkalingam Anand P. , Gordon Stuart C.
Published: February 2022

Background

Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) are the first‐line treatment agents for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). Recently, whether the degree to which the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be reduced by ETV vs TDF has been debated. We compared the incidence of HCC among treatment‐naïve patients receiving TDF vs ETV in the United States.

Methods

From a large administrative medical claims database of commercially insured patients, we identified 166,933 adults with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B and a minimum of 12 months of prior enrolment, of whom 3934 and 6127 initiated ETV and TDF respectively. Fine‐Gray hazard regression models incorporating treatment propensity scores (PS) were used to estimate the risk of HCC incidence associated with TDF vs ETV; variables considered for adjustment included demographic characteristics, concomitant medication use and baseline comorbidities, as well as competing events including liver transplantation and medication changes.

Results

After PS weighting, the TDF and ETV groups were well‐matched. During the follow‐up, 90 patients developed HCC, including 50 receiving ETV and 40 receiving TDF, giving rise to crude incidence rates of 0.62 per 100 person‐years (PY) and 0.30 per 100 PY respectively. In PS‐weighted, multivariable analysis, TDF was associated with a subdistribution hazard ratio for HCC of 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–0.89) compared to ETV. Results were similar when patients ≥40 years and men and women were analysed separately.

Conclusion

Among commercially insured, treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B in the United States, treatment with TDF was associated with significantly lower risk of HCC than ETV.
Deferasirox in the management of iron overload in patients with myelofibrosis treated with ruxolitinib: The multicentre retrospective RUX‐IOL study
Authors: Elli Elena Maria , Di Veroli Ambra , Bartoletti Daniela , Iurlo Alessandra , Carmosino Ida , Benevolo Giulia , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Bergamaschi Micaela , Polverelli Nicola , Caramella Marianna , Cilloni Daniela , Tiribelli Mario , Pugliese Novella , Caocci Giovanni , Crisà Elena , Porrini Raffaele , Markovic Uros , Renso Rossella , Auteri Giuseppe , Cattaneo Daniele , Trawinska Malgorzata Monika , Scaffidi Luigi , Biale Lucia , Bucelli Cristina , Breccia Massimo , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Palumbo Giuseppe Alberto , Latagliata Roberto , Palandri Francesca
Published: February 2022

Deferasirox (DFX) is used for the management of iron overload (IOL) in many haematological malignancies including myelofibrosis (MF). The ‘RUX‐IOL’ study retrospectively collected 69 MF patients treated with ruxolitinib (RUX) and DFX for IOL to assess: safety, efficacy in term of iron chelation response (ICR) and erythroid response (ER), and impact on overall survival of the combination therapy. The RUX–DFX therapy was administered for a median time of 12.4 months (interquartile range 3.1–71.2). During treatment, 36 (52.2%) and 34 (49.3%) patients required RUX and DFX dose reductions, while eight (11.6%) and nine (13.1%) patients discontinued due to RUX‐ or DFX‐related adverse events; no unexpected toxicity was reported. ICR and ER were achieved by 33 (47.8%) and 32 patients (46.4%) respectively. Thirteen (18.9%) patients became transfusion‐independent. Median time to ICR and ER was 6.2 and 2 months respectively. Patients achieving an ER were more likely to obtain an ICR also (p = 0.04). In multivariable analysis, the absence of leukocytosis at baseline (p = 0.02) and achievement of an ICR at any time (p = 0.02) predicted improved survival. In many MF patients, the RUX–DFX combination provided ICR and ER responses that correlated with improved outcome in the absence of unexpected toxicities. This strategy deserves further clinical investigation.
Rage donations and mobilization: Understanding the effects of advocacy on collective giving responses
Authors: Chapman Cassandra M. , Lizzio‐Wilson Morgana , Mirnajafi Zahra , Masser Barbara M. , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: February 2022

Advocacy is intended to change people's attitudes and behavior. Yet the psychological and behavioral consequences of advocacy have rarely been considered. Across 3 experiments (combined N = 934) in the contexts of debates around racial discrimination and abortion, we investigated if and how exposure to advocacy can influence collective giving responses: self‐reported willingness to make donations congruent with one's beliefs on the issue and actual giving behavior. Reading tweets from one's own side of a contentious debate sometimes indirectly mobilized collective giving responses by enhancing perceptions of efficacy and ensuring people empathized and identified with highlighted victim groups. Simultaneously, however, supporting advocacy sometimes inadvertently suppressed action by reducing anger and perceived injustice. Results therefore show that advocacy can simultaneously mobilize and demobilize support. However, effects were not found consistently across contexts and donation measures. Overall, mobilization pathways were stronger, especially on donation behavior and in the context of the abortion debate. Results suggest advocacy can work broadly as intended: by influencing the attitudes and behaviors of audience members. Online advocacy exposure in social media echo chambers may therefore be contributing to political polarization. Finally, results also demonstrate that charitable giving can be a form of collective action.
CXCL12 promotes CCR7 ligand–mediated breast cancer cell invasion and migration toward lymphatic vessels
Authors: Hayasaka Haruko , Yoshida Junichi , Kuroda Yasutaka , Nishiguchi Akihiro , Matsusaki Michiya , Kishimoto Kei , Nishimura Hitoshi , Okada Mari , Shimomura Yuki , Kobayashi Daichi , Shimazu Yoshihito , Taya Yuji , Akashi Mitsuru , Miyasaka Masayuki
Published: February 2022

Chemokines are a family of cytokines that mediate leukocyte trafficking and are involved in tumor cell migration, growth, and progression. Although there is emerging evidence that multiple chemokines are expressed in tumor tissues and that each chemokine induces receptor‐mediated signaling, their collaboration to regulate tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the effect of CXCL12 on the CCR7‐dependent signaling in MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells to determine the role of CXCL12 and CCR7 ligand chemokines in breast cancer metastasis to lymph nodes. CXCL12 enhanced the CCR7‐dependent in vitro chemotaxis and cell invasion into collagen gels at suboptimal concentrations of CCL21. CXCL12 promoted CCR7 homodimer formation, ligand binding, CCR7 accumulation into membrane ruffles, and cell response at lower concentrations of CCL19. Immunohistochemistry of MDA‐MB‐231–derived xenograft tumors revealed that CXCL12 is primarily located in the pericellular matrix surrounding tumor cells, whereas the CCR7 ligand, CCL21, mainly associates with LYVE‐1+ intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessels. In the three‐dimensional tumor invasion model with lymph networks, CXCL12 stimulation facilitates breast cancer cell migration to CCL21‐reconstituted lymphatic networks. These results indicate that CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling promotes breast cancer cell migration and invasion toward CCR7 ligand–expressing intratumoral lymphatic vessels and supports CCR7 signaling associated with lymph node metastasis.
Ulcerating nodules on a background of lower leg lymphoedema
Authors: Steyn Mia , Nardini Nastassia , Attard Natalie Rachel
Published: February 2022

A patient presented with a 3-month history of a rapidly enlarging ulcerated tumour on his lower leg, occurring on a background of chronic idiopathic lymphoedema of approximately 10 years' duration. Histology revealed extensive infiltration of the dermis by a vascular tumour with pleomorphic and hyperchromatic endothelial cells, which stained positive for vascular markers CD31, CD34 and ERG. A diagnosis of lymphoedema-associated angiosarcoma was reached and our patient was treated with isolated limb perfusion with high-dose melphalan and tumour necrosis factor-alfa.
Peri‐zygomatic infection associated with zygomatic implants: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Vrielinck Luc , Moreno‐Rabie Catalina , Schepers Serge , Van Eyken Peter , Coucke Wim , Politis Constantinus
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The main objective of this retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study was to describe the occurrence of peri‐zygomatic infection (PZI) as a complication associated with zygomatic implant (ZI) placement in a period of 22 years.

Materials and methods

A retrospective search was carried out in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery of Saint John's hospital in Genk, Belgium. Patients that had a severely atrophic fully or partially edentulous maxilla, and at least one ZI placed, were included.

Results

A total of 302 eligible patients, underwent ZI surgery between 1998 and 2020. From a total of 940 ZI, 45 were associated with the development of PZI. PZI was located in the upper portion of the cheek in relation to the external corner of the eye, one or two centimeters under the lower lid. The total number of affected patients was 25 (8.3%), who had a mean age of 58.1 years. In this subset, PZI occurred in 15 cases on the right side, in eight cases on the left side, and in two cases bilaterally. Ultimately, 16 ZI were lost in the PZI site. The mean time since the implant placement to the diagnosis of PZI was 1.9 years (SD ±2.4) and to the ZI removal of 3.8 years (SD ±3.7). After implant removal, the PZI symptomatology dissipated in all patients.

Conclusion

Peri‐zygomatic infection should be informed to the patients as a possible complication after ZI placement. Once identified, it should be acknowledged as a risk factor for ZI failure.
Antibody‐mediated rejection after kidney transplantation in children; therapy challenges and future potential treatments
Authors: Bertacchi Massimiliano , Parvex Paloma , Villard Jean
Published: February 2022

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) remains one of the most critical problems in renal transplantation, with a significant impact on patient and graft survival. In the United States, no treatment has received FDA approval jet. Studies about treatments of AMR remain controversial, limited by the absence of a gold standard and the difficulty in creating large, multi‐center studies. These limitations emerge even more in pediatric transplantation because of the limited number of pediatric studies and the occasional use of some therapies with unknown and poorly documented side effects. The lack of recommendations and the unsharp definition of different forms of AMR contribute to the challenging management of the therapy by pediatric nephrologists. In an attempt to help clinicians involved in the care of renal transplanted children affected by an AMR, we rely on the latest recommendations of the Transplantation Society (TTS) for the classification and treatment of AMR to describe treatments available today and potential new treatments with a particular focus on the pediatric population.
Visually sensitive seizures: An updated review by the Epilepsy Foundation
Authors: Fisher Robert S. , Acharya Jayant N. , Baumer Fiona Mitchell , French Jacqueline A. , Parisi Pasquale , Solodar Jessica H. , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Thio Liu Lin , Tolchin Benjamin , Wilkins Arnold J. , Kasteleijn‐Nolst Trenité Dorothée
Published: February 2022

Light flashes, patterns, or color changes can provoke seizures in up to 1 in 4000 persons. Prevalence may be higher because of selection bias. The Epilepsy Foundation reviewed light‐induced seizures in 2005. Since then, images on social media, virtual reality, three‐dimensional (3D) movies, and the Internet have proliferated. Hundreds of studies have explored the mechanisms and presentations of photosensitive seizures, justifying an updated review. This literature summary derives from a nonsystematic literature review via PubMed using the terms “photosensitive” and “epilepsy.” The photoparoxysmal response (PPR) is an electroencephalography (EEG) phenomenon, and photosensitive seizures (PS) are seizures provoked by visual stimulation. Photosensitivity is more common in the young and in specific forms of generalized epilepsy. PS can coexist with spontaneous seizures. PS are hereditable and linked to recently identified genes. Brain imaging usually is normal, but special studies imaging white matter tracts demonstrate abnormal connectivity. Occipital cortex and connected regions are hyperexcitable in subjects with light‐provoked seizures. Mechanisms remain unclear. Video games, social media clips, occasional movies, and natural stimuli can provoke PS. Virtual reality and 3D images so far appear benign unless they contain specific provocative content, for example, flashes. Images with flashes brighter than 20 candelas/m2at 3‐60 (particularly 15‐20) Hz occupying at least 10 to 25% of the visual field are a risk, as are red color flashes or oscillating stripes. Equipment to assay for these characteristics is probably underutilized. Prevention of seizures includes avoiding provocative stimuli, covering one eye, wearing dark glasses, sitting at least two meters from screens, reducing contrast, and taking certain antiseizure drugs. Measurement of PPR suppression in a photosensitivity model can screen putative antiseizure drugs. Some countries regulate media to reduce risk. Visually‐induced seizures remain significant public health hazards so they warrant ongoing scientific and regulatory efforts and public education.
Teaching Pentecostalism in World Christianity
Authors: Asamoah‐Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: February 2022

The major heartlands of Christianity have, since the middle of the 20th century, shifted gradually from the West to the global South and East. This shift has resulted not only in Christianity becoming the dominant religion of Africa, but also in its transformation into a primarily non‐Western faith. This article contends that in line with that development, Africa has become one of Christianity’s most dynamic and vibrant hubs, with independent indigenous and Pentecostal/charismatic churches, movements, and ministries leading the way in this dominance. In their spirituality, these are waves and streams of Christianity that emphasize the importance of the biblical Pentecost, the deployment of spiritual gifts in worship, and a general experience of the Holy Spirit as normative to the expression of Christianity. Thus, we can no longer talk about World Christianity, either in practice or in relation to the ecumenical movements of the 21st century, without accounting for the presence of Pentecostal/charismatic believers.
Effects of high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin on the gel properties and water‐holding capacity of pork batter
Authors: Xie Jing‐jie , Zou Xiao‐Li , Li Yan‐ping , Kang Zhuang‐Li , Ma Han‐jun
Published: February 2022

The effects of high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin (0.1, 200, and 400 MPa) on the gel properties, water‐holding capacity, and water mobility of pork batter were investigated. The high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin significantly increased (P < 0.05) the emulsion stability, cooking yield, hardness, springiness, chewiness, resilience, cohesiveness, the a* and b* values, and the G′ and G′′ values of pork batter at 80 °C, compared with those of 0.1 MPa‐modified globulin. In contrast, the centrifugal loss and initial relaxation time of T2b, T21, and T22 significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the microstructure was denser, and the voids were smaller and more uniform compared with those of 0.1 MPa‐modified globulin. In addition, the sample with 11S globulin modified at 400 MPa had the best water‐holding capacity, gel structure, and gel properties among the samples. Overall, the use of high‐pressure‐modified soy 11S globulin improved the gel properties and water‐holding capacity of pork batter, especially under 400 MPa.
Effects of shot peening on microstructure, thermal performance, and failure mechanism of thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Liu Guanxi , Shen Zaoyu , Huang Guanghong , He Limin , Mu Rende , Zhao Wenjun
Published: February 2022

Shot peening might be a potential technology to optimize the interface microstructure, plays a critical role on failure behaviors, of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). It remains a significant challenge to understand the influence of shot peening on microstructure, oxidation resistance, and thermal shock life. In this work, the Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 TBCs have been deposited by EB‐PVD. The phase, microstructure, thermal performance, and failure mechanism of TBCs have been systemically investigated after shot peening. The shot peening process can improve the planeness of interface and reduce the formation of the cauliflower‐liked microstructure in TBCs. After shot peening, the TBC coatings exhibit relatively good isothermal oxidation resistance and high thermal shock life due to the optimization of TGO growth and the thermal stability. The phase transformation, TGO growth, and cracks extension might give rise to the failure of TBCs. This work might guide the investigation of the improvement of interface microstructure and failure behaviors.
Sonic application of one‐step self‐etch adhesive in composite restorations of non‐carious cervical lesions: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hass Viviane , Cartagena Andres F. , Matos Thalita P. , de Souza Jullian J. , Toyotani Patricia E. , Reis Alessandra , Calixto Abraham L. , Loguercio Alessandro D.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of the sonic device on the clinical performance of one‐step self‐etch adhesive systems in non‐carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) after 18 months.

Materials and methods

Forty patients participated in this study. Eighty restorations were assigned to two groups (n = 40): Sonic application and Manual application. After the adhesive application (iBond Self‐Etch, Kulzer, Hanau, Germany), NCCLs were restored using composite resin (Charisma, Kulzer, Hanau, Germany). The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after 18 months both according to the Word Dental Federation (FDI) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Friedman repeated measures analysis of variance by rank and Wilcoxon test for significance in each pair were applied (α = 0.05).

Results

After 18 months, 38 patients were evaluated. Twenty‐three restorations were lost (19 for manual vs. 4 for sonic application). The retention rates (95% confidence interval) were 50% (CI 34.8%–65.1%) for manual application and 84.2% (CI 69.6%–92.6%) for sonic application (p < 0.05). Twelve restorations showed marginal staining (nine for manual vs. three for sonic application; FDI, p < 0.05) and nine some marginal discrepancy (seven for manual vs. two for sonic application; FDI, p < 0.05). No restorations showed postoperative sensitivity and caries recurrence at the time.

Conclusion

The sonic application increases the retention rate of iBond Self‐Etch after 18 months of clinical evaluation in NCCLs.

Clinical relevance

The application of a simplified self‐etch adhesive (iBond Self‐Etch) associated to a sonic device seems to be an alternative to improve the clinical behavior in NCCLs.
Time to benefit for stroke reduction after blood pressure treatment in older adults: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ho Vanessa S. , Cenzer Irena S. , Nguyen Brian T. , Lee Sei J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Hypertension treatment in older adults can decrease mortality, cardiovascular events, including heart failure, cognitive impairment, and stroke risk, but may also lead to harms such as syncope and falls. Guidelines recommend targeting preventive interventions with immediate harms and delayed benefits to patients whose life expectancy exceeds the intervention's time to benefit (TTB). Our objective was to estimate a meta‐analyzed TTB for stroke prevention after initiation of more intensive hypertension treatment in adults aged ≥65 years.

Methods

Studies were identified from two Cochrane systematic reviews and a search of MEDLINE and Google Scholar for subsequent publications until August 31, 2021. We abstracted data from randomized controlled trials comparing standard (untreated, placebo, or less intensive treatment) to more intensive treatment groups in older adults (mean age ≥ 65 years). We fit Weibull survival curves and used a random‐effects model to estimate the pooled annual absolute risk reduction (ARR) between control and intervention groups. We applied Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to determine the time to ARR thresholds (0.002, 0.005, and 0.01) for a first stroke.

Results

Nine trials (n = 38,779) were identified. The mean age ranged from 66 to 84 years and study follow‐up times ranged from 2.0 to 5.8 years. We determined that 1.7 (95%CI: 1.0–2.9) years were required to prevent 1 stroke for 200 persons (ARR = 0.005) receiving more intensive hypertensive treatment. Heterogeneity was found across studies, with those focusing on tighter systolic blood pressure control (SBP < 150 mmHg) showing longer TTB. For example, in the SPRINT study (baseline SBP = 140 mmHg, achieved SBP = 121 mmHg), the TTB to avoid 1 stroke for 200 patients treated was 5.9 years (95%CI: 2.2–13.0).

Conclusions

More intensive hypertension treatment in 200 older adults prevents 1 stroke after 1.7 years. Given the heterogeneity across studies, the TTB estimates from individual studies may be more relevant for clinical decision‐making than our summary estimate.
Estimating a Nonlinear New Keynesian Model with the Zero Lower Bound for Japan
Authors: IIBOSHI HIROKUNI , SHINTANI MOTOTSUGU , UEDA KOZO
Published: February 2022

Which type of monetary policy rule best describes the policy conducted by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) during the period when the nominal interest rate is constrained at the zero lower bound (ZLB)? What are the economic fundamentals that explain Japan's prolonged stagnation? How important is incorporating nonlinearities in the analysis? We answer these questions by estimating a small‐scale nonlinear dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model. We find that: the BOJ conducted a threshold‐based forward guidance policy; adverse demand shocks explain Japan's experience; and nonlinear models are very useful in the analysis of the Japanese economy during the ZLB period.
COVID‐19 and the peripheral nervous system. A 2‐year review from the pandemic to the vaccine era
Authors: Taga Arens , Lauria Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Increasing literature has linked COVID‐19 to peripheral nervous system (PNS) diseases. In addition, as we move from the pandemic to the vaccination era, literature interest is shifting towards the potential association between COVID‐19 vaccines and PNS manifestations. We reviewed published literature on COVID‐19, COVID‐19 vaccines and PNS manifestations between 1 January 2020 and 1 December 2021. For Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), isolated cranial neuropathy (ICN) and myositis associated with COVID‐19, the demographic, clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological and imaging features were included in a narrative synthesis. We identified 169 studies on COVID‐19‐associated complications, including 63 papers (92 patients) on GBS, 29 papers (37 patients) on ICN and 11 papers (18 patients) on myositis. Additional clinical phenotypes included chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, vasculitic neuropathies, neuralgic amyotrophy, critical care‐related complications, and myasthenia gravis. PNS complications secondary to COVID‐19 vaccines have been reported during randomized clinical trials, in real‐world case reports, and during large‐scale surveillance programs. These mainly include cases of GBS, Bell's palsy, and cases of neuralgic amyotrophy. Based on our extensive review of the literature, any conclusion about a pathophysiological correlation between COVID‐19 and PNS disorders remains premature, and solely supported by their temporal association, while epidemiological and pathological data are insufficient. The occurrence of PNS complications after COVID‐19 vaccines seems limited to a possible higher risk of facial nerve palsy and GBS, to a degree that widespread access to the ongoing vaccination campaign should not be discouraged, while awaiting for more definitive data from large‐scale surveillance studies.
SARM1 knockout does not rescue neuromuscular phenotypes in a Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease Type 1A mouse model
Authors: Moss Kathryn R. , Johnson Anna E. , Bopp Taylor S. , Yu Andrew T. , Perry Ken , Chung Tae , Höke Ahmet
Published: February 2022

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease Type 1A (CMT1A) is caused by duplication of the PMP22 gene and is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy. Although CMT1A is a dysmyelinating peripheral neuropathy, secondary axon degeneration has been suggested to drive functional deficits in patients. Given that SARM1 knockout is a potent inhibitor of the programmed axon degeneration pathway, we asked whether SARM1 knockout rescues neuromuscular phenotypes in CMT1A model (C3‐PMP) mice. CMT1A mice were bred with SARM1 knockout mice to generate CMT1A/SARM1−/− mice. A series of behavioral assays were employed to evaluate motor and sensorimotor function. Electrophysiological and histological studies of the tibial branch of the sciatic nerve were performed. Additionally, gastrocnemius and soleus muscle morphology were evaluated histologically. Although clear behavioral and electrophysiological deficits were observed in CMT1A model mice, genetic deletion of SARM1 conferred no significant improvement. Nerve morphometry revealed predominantly myelin deficits in CMT1A model mice and SARM1 knockout yielded no improvement in all nerve morphometry measures. Similarly, muscle morphometry deficits in CMT1A model mice were not improved by SARM1 knockout. Our findings demonstrate that programmed axon degeneration pathway inhibition does not provide therapeutic benefit in C3‐PMP CMT1A model mice. Our results indicate that the clinical phenotypes observed in CMT1A mice are likely caused primarily by prolonged dysmyelination, motivate further investigation into mechanisms of dysmyelination in these mice and necessitate the development of improved CMT1A rodent models that recapitulate the secondary axon degeneration observed in patients.
Management of proximal metaphyseal curvilinear tibial fractures in 25 skeletally immature dogs (2009 to 2020)
Authors: Winter J. , Meeson R. L. , Egan P. , Langley‐Hobbs S. , Belch A.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To describe the occurrence, management and outcome of proximal metaphyseal curvilinear tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs.

Materials and Methods

A multi‐centre retrospective review was conducted, searching for skeletally immature dogs presenting with proximal metaphyseal curvilinear tibial fractures between January 2009 and September 2020. Signalment, fracture description and case management data were retrieved. Outcome was assessed by retrospectively evaluating follow‐up radiographs, hospital records and an owner questionnaire.

Results

Twenty‐five dogs met the inclusion criteria. All but one fracture was a result of minimal trauma. Twenty fractures were managed with internal fixation, two with external fixation and three conservatively. All 25 fractures healed. Eight major complications occurred in seven of 25 (28%) dogs. Twelve minor complications occurred in 10 of 25 (40%) dogs. Owner questionnaire data were available for 12 of 25 dogs; 11 of 12 were reported as having full function and one of 12 as having acceptable function at the time of questioning (median 34.5 months following presentation). At final follow‐up, either by clinical examination or owner questionnaire, full function was achieved in 22 of 25 patients and acceptable function in three of 25.

Clinical Significance

This study reported a series of proximal metaphyseal tibial fractures in skeletally immature dogs. The most common fixation method was internal fixation, which frequently resulted in full limb function at final follow‐up. Owners reported outcome as fully functional in all dogs that underwent surgery at first presentation and had owner follow‐up available, though positive outcomes may have been affected by participation bias.