bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating radical innovation through secret technology‐oriented skunkworks projects: Implications for human resource practices
Authors: Oltra Victor , Donada Carole , Alegre Joaquin
Published: July 2021

Technology‐oriented skunkworks projects aim at facilitating radical innovation through approaches different from ‘normal’ research and development processes and have their specific organisational challenges. Joint human resource management (HRM) and innovation management research on HRM requirements for technology‐oriented skunkworks is so far scarce, revealing a timely research gap and propelling our research question: what are the human resources (HR) practices that best support secret technology‐oriented skunkworks projects (compared to HR practices in innovation contexts)? An exploratory case study of a skunkworks project at PSA Peugeot‐Citroën (currently Groupe PSA) reveals seven skunkworks‐boosting HR practices: extreme empowerment and autonomy in job design and task development, extensive team‐based training, creativity‐based performance appraisal, participative decision‐making systems, ultra‐open job descriptions, ‘undercover’ (extremely discreet) recruitment and selection processes and turbulence‐oriented employee flexibility. Managers responsible for technology‐oriented skunkworks projects are offered guidance. Overall, our investigation enriches the promising research stream on skunkworks in action and their HR‐related challenges, also opening further research opportunities on skunkworks managerial success conditions.
Protein quality of a probiotic beverage enriched with pea and rice protein
Authors: Manus Johanne , Millette Mathieu , Dridi Chaima , Salmieri Stéphane , Aguilar Uscanga Blanca R. , Lacroix Monique
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the fermentation of a probiotic beverage enriched with pea and rice proteins (PRF) on its protein quality. The protein quality was determined as the protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR), and the apparent (AD) and the true digestibility (TD) evaluated in vivo. The probiotic beverage was incorporated to a rat diet at a final concentration of 10% protein, for the evaluation of the PER, the NPR, the AD, and the TD. The protein digestibility amino acid score was also calculated. Results showed that the fermentation of beverage enriched with PRF had no effect on the TD but significantly increased the PER and the NPR (P ≤ 0.05) from 1.88 to 2.32 and from 1.66 to 2.30, respectively. Thus, the fermentation increased the protein quality of the PRF probiotic beverage. In addition, to determine if the beverage constitute in a good carrier matrix for the probiotics, the level of alive probiotics in the feces was evaluated and showed a concentration of 7.4 log CFU/g.

Practical Application

Plant proteins are often of lower quality compared to animal proteins. Lactic acid fermentation of pea and rice protein has allowed to reach the same protein quality as casein. A plant‐based fermented beverage with high protein quality and enriched with probiotics was developed.
The Kinabalu Recorder, a new passive acoustic and environmental monitoring recorder
Authors: Karlsson Eva Catharina M. , Tay Harold , Imbun Paul , Hughes Alice C.
Published: July 2021

New low‐cost options to long‐term acoustic monitoring in terrestrial ecology are becoming increasingly available. However, integration of acoustic stations with sensors for logging of additional data, such as temperature and barometric pressure is rare. Separate environmental loggers often come at a cost of >US$100 whereas the same sensors for use with microprocessors come at a cost between US$ 1–15. The cost savings integration entails as well as the crucial need for the recording of some of these variables in acoustic studies mean that this is an important development avenue.

Overcoming these issues is important to enable insights into the long‐term dynamics of ecological systems and how they respond to changes in the environment at varying temporal scales and is especially important for studies involving species that are heavily influenced by microclimate.

Here we present a hardware system for both acoustic and environmental data logging where the board design is released under a creative commons license. The system has been field tested in a tropical setting and is called the Kinabalu Recorder. The presented configuration came at a cost of <US$100 per station. This cost is for professional manufacture and assembly of the boards, temperature and barometric sensor, two batteries, waterproof housing and two 64 GB micro SD cards.

The system has been extensively tested in a tropical setting along an altitude gradient and with over 1.3 TB of data (>2,000 hr of data with over 10 months in the field) presents a robust solution to long‐term acoustic monitoring integrated with environmental data sensors.

Work on hardware and software systems is an important part of the technological development of field biology as it allows greater flexibility in terms of cost and configuration of systems whilst promoting cross‐field collaboration and information flow.
BatRack: An open‐source multi‐sensor device for wildlife research
Authors: Gottwald Jannis , Lampe Patrick , Höchst Jonas , Friess Nicolas , Maier Julia , Leister Lea , Neumann Betty , Richter Tobias , Freisleben Bernd , Nauss Thomas
Published: July 2021

Bats represent a highly diverse group of mammals and are essential for ecosystem functioning. However, knowledge about their behaviour, ecology and conservation status is limited. Direct observation of marked individuals (commonly applied to birds) is not possible for bats due to their small size, rapid movement and nocturnal lifestyle, while neither popular observation methods such as camera traps nor conventional tracking technologies sufficiently capture the behaviour of individuals. The combination and networking of different sensors in a single system can overcome these limitations, but this potential has been explored only to a limited extent.

We present BatRack, a multi‐sensor device that combines ultrasonic audio recordings, automatic radio telemetry and video camera recordings in a single modular unit. BatRack facilitates the individual or combined scheduling of sensors and includes a mutual triggering mode. It consists of off‐the‐shelf hardware and both its hardware blueprints and the required software have been published under an open license to allow scientists and practitioners to replicate the system.

We tested the suitability of radio telemetry and audio sensors as camera triggers and evaluated the detection of individuals in video recordings compared to radio telemetry signals. Specifically, BatRack was used to monitor the individual swarming behaviour of six members of a maternity colony of Bechstein's bat. Preliminary anecdotal results indicate that swarming intensity is related to reproductive state and roost switching.

BatRack allows researchers to recognize individual bats and monitor their behavioural patterns using an easily deployed and scalable system. BatRack is thus a promising approach to obtaining detailed insights into the behavioural ecology of bats.
Weeding out the truth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the transition from cannabis use to opioid use and opioid use disorders, abuse or dependence
Authors: Wilson Jack , Mills Katherine , Freeman Tom P. , Sunderland Matthew , Visontay Rachel , Marel Christina
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

The idea that cannabis is a ‘gateway drug’ to more harmful substances such as opioids is highly controversial, yet has substantially impacted policy, education and how we conceptualize substance use. Given a rise in access to cannabis products and opioid‐related harm, the current study aimed to conduct the first systematic review and meta‐analysis on the likelihood of transitioning from cannabis use to subsequent first‐time opioid use, opioid use disorders (OUD), dependence or abuse.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, pubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Informit Health Collection were searched for full‐text articles assessing the likelihood of transitioning from cannabis to subsequent opioid use, and from opioid use to OUD, abuse or dependence given prior cannabis use. Analysis of subpopulations within studies were discussed narratively, and E‐values were calculated to assess the potential influence of unmeasured confounding.

Findings

Six studies provided relevant data from the United States, Australia and New Zealand between 1977 and 2017, a total sample of 102 461 participants. Random‐effects analysis of the adjusted pooled effect size indicates that the likelihood of transitioning from cannabis to opioid use, relative to non‐cannabis users, is odds ratio (OR) = 2.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.26–3.36, whereas the likelihood of transitioning from opioid use to OUD, abuse or dependence given prior cannabis use is OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.65–3.84. While the evidence was determined to be of low quality with moderate risk of bias, E‐values suggest that these findings are robust against unmeasured confounding.

Conclusion

A systematic review and meta‐analysis found that while people who use cannabis are disproportionately more likely to initiate opioid use and engage in problematic patterns of use than people who do not use cannabis, the low quality of the evidence must be considered when interpreting these findings.
Subjective social class and life satisfaction: Role of class consistency and identity uncertainty
Authors: Tang Bek Wuay , Tan Jacinth J. X.
Published: July 2021

Drawing on a recent perspective that inconsistent class identities can negatively impact psychological outcomes, the current research explored if the relative benefit of higher subjective social class for life satisfaction would differ depending on whether it is consistent with one’s objective social class. In Study 1, across two independent samples from Singapore (n = 1,045) and the United States (n = 492), higher subjective social class predicted higher life satisfaction more strongly among those high in objective social class, but less strongly among those low in objective social class. In Study 2, these patterns were replicated in another large U.S. sample (n = 1,030), and appeared to be driven by lower status‐based identity uncertainty linked to higher subjective social class perceptions among high objective social class participants. The role of class‐identity perceptions in explaining social class disparities in subjective well‐being is discussed.
SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies started to decline just four months after COVID‐19 infection in a paediatric population
Authors: Breuer Adin , Raphael Allon , Stern Hagay , Odeh Ma'aran , Fiszlinski Judith , Algur Nurit , Magen Sophie , Megged Orli , Schlesinger Yechiel , Barak‐Corren Yuval , Heiman Eyal
Published: July 2021

Aim

We evaluated the prevalence of paediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections using antibody testing and characterised antibody titres by time from exposure.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, prospective, cross‐sectional cohort study. Patients under 18 years old were eligible to participate if they attended the paediatric emergency department at the tertiary Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel, from 18 October 2020 to 12 January 2021 and required blood tests or intravenous access. SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositivity and antibody levels were tested by a dual‐assay model.

Results

The study comprised 1138 patients (56% male) with a mean age of 4.4 years (interquartile range 1.3–11.3). Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were found in 10% of the patients. Seropositivity increased with age and 41% of seropositive patients had no known exposure. Children under 6 years of age had higher initial antibody levels than older children, followed by a steeper decline. The seropositivity rate did not vary during the study, despite schools re‐opening. The findings suggest that children's immunity may start falling 4 months after the initial infection.

Conclusion

Immunity started falling after just 4 months, and re‐opening schools did not affect infection rates. These findings could aid decisions about vaccinating paediatric populations and school closures.
Was it necessary to change the therapeutic range of topiramate?
Authors: Koristkova Blanka , Grundmann Milan , Brozmanova Hana , Kacirova Ivana
Published: July 2021

Aims

The Norwegian Association for Clinical Pharmacology in their National Guidelines decreased the therapeutic range (TR) of topiramate (TPM) from 5–20 mg/L to 2–10 mg/L. The objective of this study is to ascertain which TR produces better clinical outcomes.

Methods

The data sources were request forms for routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of TPM. Concentration dependent adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were evaluated in 1721 samples taken pre‐dose. Seizure frequency analysis was performed in 294 samples of monotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed using Prism 5.0, GraphPad Instatt: One‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction for median plasma level (PL) and χ2‐test with Bonferroni correction for seizure frequency and for distribution of PL according to TR 5–20 mg/L and intervals <2, 2–5, 5–10, 10–20, >20 mg/L.

Results

Better seizure control was found in children both in the whole cohort (without seizure 49% vs 37% adults), as well as in monotherapy (56% vs 44%), in children with PL 5–20 mg/L vs <5 mg/L (65% vs 44%) and in children with PL 5–10 mg/L vs <2 mg/L (63 vs 14%). PL in seizure‐free patients did not differ from those with seizure. Seizure control was poorer in the period 2003–2005 compared to 2006–2011. ADRs reported in 38 samples (2.8%) were not related to PL.

Conclusions

Change of TR is not recommended.
Factors leading to satisfaction with counseling for Labor after Cesarean among Latina women in the United States
Authors: Williams Alyxandra C. , Martinez Liliana I. , Garrison Andrew , Frost Caren J. , Gren Lisa H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Cesarean birth, especially repeat cesarean, is associated with significantly higher morbidity than vaginal birth. Appropriately counseling women who are candidates for labor after cesarean (LAC) has the potential to confer significant health benefits for women. Little guidance exists about optimal counseling techniques, especially for Latina women. The aim of this study was to evaluate satisfaction among Latinas about how LAC counseling is performed, specifically as it relates to shared decision making.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study of pregnant women at several clinics in a Federally Qualified Health Center system in Utah. We interviewed eleven Latina women about satisfaction with recent LAC counseling with a specific aim of obtaining rich, personal narratives rather than reaching data saturation. A codebook representing the most common themes was developed.

Results

Three major themes emerged related to LAC counseling including influences on satisfaction, influences on the birth decision process, and preferences surrounding method and timing of counseling. Women experienced greater satisfaction from providers who used jargon‐free communication, were perceived as trustworthy, cared about her experiences, and empowered her to make an informed decision. Women's decisions were influenced by prior birth experiences, desire for a safe delivery and easy recovery, and future family planning.

Conclusions

Understanding the aspects of LAC counseling that are most meaningful for Latina women can promote effective communication between patient and provider and improve patient satisfaction. Globally, our findings highlight the importance of evaluating the experiences and preferences of minority groups; majority populations cannot be assumed to speak for minority populations.
An overview of 25 years of research on digital personalised learning in primary and secondary education: A systematic review of conceptual and methodological trends
Authors: Van Schoors Rani , Elen Jan , Raes Annelies , Depaepe Fien
Published: July 2021

Due to the increasing digitisation, interest in digital personalised learning (DPL) continues to grow. Many empirical studies on the effect of adaptive tools have used a wide variety of conceptualisations and operationalisations of DPL. This systematic review aims to address the lack of consensus by presenting an analysis of empirical studies on technology for DPL in primary and secondary education. The work is guided by the following questions: (1) What are some different conceptualisations used in DPL research? (2) What types of tools are used in the studies and how are they implemented? (3) What is the current evidence on the impact of DPL with regard to student outcomes considering the nature of the current studies? A Boolean search string was used in the databases Web of Science and ERIC, resulting in a dataset containing 6,908 papers. A screening based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 53 papers. Our findings revealed a great diversity in DPL conceptualisations, with several authors not defining the concept and others providing information regarding different elements such as technology, personalisation, personalisation target, personalisation source, personalisation method and personalisation outcomes. In line with these differences in conceptualisation of DPL, several DPL tools were used across the studies. Concerning the impact of DPL, a positive trend was observed on learning outcomes, although methodological differences need to be considered. The review ends with guidelines for future research.

Practitioner notes

What is already known

There are many definitions and terms concerning DPL, resulting in a lack of consensus in conceptualisation.

There is a wide variety of DPL tools with different adaptive dimensions.

Many authors emphasise the benefits of DPL in educational practice including a possible impact on learning gains.

What this paper adds

Contribution to a thorough understanding of the conceptualisation of DPL.

Insights into the diversity in DPL tools building on a framework of adaptivity by Vandewaetere and Clarebout (2014) and adds focus on tool implementation as a context element.

Insight into the impact of DPL taking into account study design and outcome indicators.

Implications for practice and/or policy

An overview of the affordances of DPL to educational researchers, educational policy makers, and teachers is provided that can encourage them to think about its opportunities for everyday practice.

Concrete suggestions for future research are discussed.
Preparation, structure, and properties of tea polysaccharide
Authors: Fan Yumin , Zhou Xiaofeng , Huang Gangliang
Published: July 2021

Tea polysaccharide is a kind of acid glycoprotein complex extracted from tea. Tea polysaccharide has a variety of biological activities, especially the hypoglycemic effect is outstanding. It is good for human health. Tea polysaccharides have been extensively studied over the past few decades. The advantages and disadvantages of water extraction, enzyme‐assisted extraction, ultrasonic‐assisted extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction were described. At the same time, the structure and biological activity of tea polysaccharide were also summarized. The development of tea polysaccharide was prospected.
Cell‐penetrating peptide conjugates of indole‐3‐acetic acid‐based DNA primase/Gyrase inhibitors as potent anti‐tubercular agents against planktonic and biofilm culture of Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Dewangan Rikeshwer Prasad , Singh Meenakshi , Ilic Stefan , Tam Benjamin , Akabayov Barak
Published: July 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a pathogenic bacterium that caused 1.5 million fatalities globally in 2018. New strains of Mtb resistant to all known classes of antibiotics pose a global healthcare problem. In this work, we have conjugated novel indole‐3‐acetic acid‐based DNA primase/gyrase inhibitor with cell‐penetrating peptide via cleavable and non‐cleavable bonds. For non‐cleavable linkage, inhibitor was conjugated with peptide via an amide bond to the N‐terminus, whereas a cleavable linkage was obtained by conjugating the inhibitor through a disulfide bond. We performed the conjugation of the inhibitor either directly on a solid surface or by using solution‐phase chemistry. M. smegmatis (non‐pathogenic model of Mtb) was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the synthetic conjugates. Conjugates were found more active as compared to free inhibitor molecules. Strikingly, the conjugate also impairs the development of biofilm, showing a therapeutic potential against infections caused by both planktonic and sessile forms of mycobacterium species.
Hypertriglyceridemia‐induced pancreatitis treated with continuous insulin infusion—Case series
Authors: Marić Nikolina , Mačković Maja , Bakula Miro , Mucić Katarina , Udiljak Nikola , Marušić Marinko
Published: July 2021

Objective

There are no definitive treatment guidelines for hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)‐induced acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of insulin in decreasing triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with HTG‐induced AP.

Design

We included 17 cases of HTG‐induced AP treated with continuous insulin aspart for 4 days.

Patients

Fifteen patients were male, two were female. The mean TG level at admission was 56.53 ± 25.29 mmol/L. The mean APACHE II score was 10.2 ± 5.7, Ranson 4.2 ± 1.7 and Balthazar 6.5 ± 2.6, implying a severe form of the disease.

Methods

In an 8‐year period, 17 patients with a diagnosis of HTG‐induced AP were treated with a continuous infusion of 5% dextrose and insulin aspart in an attempt to lower TG levels. TG levels were assessed on admission, the second and fourth day of therapy. The patient outcome, complications and recurrence of AP were monitored.

Results

A significant reduction of TG levels was observed in all patients on Day 4. All patients survived, with one forming a giant pseudocyst as a disease complication, one needing haemodialyses treatment due to an acute kidney injury, and one developing acute respiratory distress syndrome that required mechanical ventilation for 4 days. All patients recovered completely.

Conclusion

Our study showed that continuous insulin aspart infusion decreases TG levels in HTG‐induced AP from a mean TG level of 56.53 mmol/L on Day 1 to 21.75 mmol/L on Day 2 and finally to 6.86 mmol/L on Day 4. We consider this therapy very efficient, safe, simple to administer and monitor.
An analytic BRDF for materials with spherical Lambertian scatterers
Authors: d'Eon Eugene
Published: July 2021

We present a new analytic BRDF for porous materials comprised of spherical Lambertian scatterers. The BRDF has a single parameter: the albedo of the Lambertian particles. The resulting appearance exhibits strong back scattering and saturation effects that height‐field‐based models such as Oren‐Nayar cannot reproduce.
A combined scattering and diffraction model for elliptical hair rendering
Authors: Benamira Alexis , Pattanaik Sumanta
Published: July 2021

Realistic hair rendering relies on fiber scattering models. These models are based on either ray tracing or on full wave‐propagation through the hair fiber. Ray tracing can model most of the scattering phenomenon observed but misses the important effect of diffraction. Indeed human natural hair specific dimensions and geometry demands for the wave nature of light to be taken into consideration for accurate rendering. However, current full‐wave model requires nonpratical, several days precomputation, that needs to be repeated for every change in the hair geometry or color, for appropriate results. We present in this paper a dual hair scattering model which considers the dual aspect of light: as a wave and as a ray. Our model accurately simulates both diffraction and scattering phenomena without requiring any precomputation. Furthermore, it can simulate light transport in hairs of arbitrary elliptical cross‐sections. This new dual approach enables our model to significantly improve the appearance of rendered hair and qualitatively match scattering and diffraction effects seen in photos of real hair while adding little computation overhead.
Prices for a second‐generation biofuel industry in Canada: Market linkages between Canadian wheat and US energy and agricultural commodities
Authors: McKnight Curtis , Qiu Feng , Luckert Marty , Hauer Grant
Published: July 2021

The production of biofuels is limited in Canada, but the availability of wheat straw as a second‐generation (i.e., cellulosic) feedstock is an exciting prospect for the future development of a biofuel industry. The future success of such a biofuel industry will depend on future ethanol prices and prices related to wheat straw. These prices are likely to be influenced by markets related to the existing first‐generation ethanol industry in the United States. Therefore, the motivation of this paper is to investigate relationships between Canadian wheat prices and US corn, ethanol, and gasoline prices. We employ a DCC‐MGARCH enhanced VEC model to investigate time‐varying relationships among these markets. Results indicate that there are positive relationships between wheat and corn, ethanol and corn, and wheat and ethanol markets. Our results add to a better understanding of the level of integration between select Canadian agricultural markets and US energy markets. More specifically, the price relationships identified highlight several sources of price risk that may affect the financial success of commercially producing second‐generation ethanol from wheat straw in Canada. This information will be of particular interest to prospective industry investors and policymakers.
A novel bowel rehabilitation programme after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: the BOREAL pilot study
Authors: Harji Deena , Fernandez Benjamin , Boissieras Lara , Berger Arthur , Capdepont Maylis , Zerbib Frank , Rullier Eric , Denost Quentin
Published: July 2021

Aim

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following sphincter‐preserving surgery for rectal cancer has a high prevalence, with an impact on long‐term bowel dysfunction and quality of life. We designed the bowel rehabilitation programme (BOREAL) as a proactive strategy to assess and treat patients with LARS. The BOREAL programme consists of a stepwise approach of escalating treatments: medical management (steps 0–1), pelvic floor physiotherapy, biofeedback and transanal irrigation (step 2), sacral nerve neuromodulation (step 3), percutaneous endoscopic caecostomy and anterograde enema (step 4) and definitive colostomy (step 5).

Methods

A pilot study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of collecting LARS data routinely with the parallel implementation of the BOREAL programme. All patients who underwent total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer between February 2017 and March 2019 were included. LARS was assessed using the LARS score and the Wexner Faecal Incontinence score at 30 days and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. A good functional result was considered to be a combined LARS score <20 and/or a Wexner score <4.

Results

In all, 137 patients were included. Overall compliance with the BOREAL programme was 72.9%. Major LARS decreased from 48% at 30 days postoperatively to 12% at 12 months, with a concomitant improvement in overall good function from 33% to 77%, P < 0.001. The majority of patients (n = 106, 77%) required medical management of their LARS.

Conclusion

The BOREAL programme demonstrates the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a responsive, stepwise programme for detecting and treating LARS.
Prophylactic funnel mesh to prevent parastomal hernia in permanent end colostomy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ammann Yanic , Widmann Bernhard , Sparn Moritz , Warschkow Rene , Weitzendorfer Michael , Brunner Walter
Published: July 2021

Aim

This study assessed the impact of a prophylactic, 3D funnel‐shaped intraperitoneal mesh on the rate of parastomal hernia after abdominoperineal rectum resection with permanent end colostomy.

Methods

Data from 76 patients receiving permanent end colostomy after abdominoperineal rectum resection between 2013 and 2018 were collected retrospectively. Occurrences of parastomal hernia and reoperation rate due to parastomal hernia in patients with and without a prophylactic mesh were compared by univariate, multivariate, and propensity score‐adjusted analyses.

Results

Twenty‐two (28.9%) of the 76 included patients received a prophylactic mesh. The mean follow‐up was 39.3 ± 23.8 months. Mesh implantation reduced the incidence of parastomal hernia to 9.1% (n = 2) compared to 42.6% (n = 23) in patients without a prophylactic mesh. The propensity score‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.14 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04–0.48, p = 0.001). No reoperations due to parastomal hernia were needed in patients who received a prophylactic mesh, while nine patients without mesh (16.7%) required parastomal hernia repair (HR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00–1.76, p = 0.015). Mesh implantation was not associated with increased short‐term morbidity (Clavien‐Dindo grade > 2, 31.8% vs. 40.7%, p = 0.468) or 30‐day mortality (4.5% vs. 3.8%, p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Prophylactic implantation of a 3D funnel‐shaped intraperitoneal mesh is a safe and effective method to prevent parastomal hernia in patients requiring permanent end colostomy. Mesh placement significantly reduces reoperations due to parastomal hernia.
Reclaiming immigration as a theological term with spiritual ramifications
Authors: Boursier Helen T.
Published: July 2021

Too many of my Protestant clergy colleagues avoid preaching, teaching, leading, or engaging with anything immigration‐related because it is deemed “political” and too contentious by their congregants. Their collective silence creates contributes to a spiritual malaise for clergy and their congregations who willfully dodge, ignore, or deny the church's individual and collective response to this urgent social concern. Drawing from qualitative ethnographic interviews with clergy colleagues, this article provides an overview of their excuses and calls for the church to reclaim immigration as atheologicalterm that has spiritual ramifications.
Using evaluation data to predict loan performance among poor borrowers: The case of BRAC’s asset transfer and microcredit programmes
Authors: Hossain Marup , Mullally Conner
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Anti‐poverty programmes can work as a comprehensive data source of poor households’ economic behaviour and performance, a resource that is particularly scarce in environments without formal credit scores or households that have minimal involvement in economic activities.

Purpose

This study examines the potential role of information generated by an anti‐poverty programme on self‐selection by borrowers (i.e., applying for a loan), screening applicants by lenders (i.e., loan approval), and borrower performance in the microcredit market.

Methods and approach

We apply the logistic regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), and Random Forest (RF) methods to predict self‐selection, screening, and post‐loan outcomes.

Findings

We show that the rate of accurate prediction is about 70% for self‐selection and screening. We find that the prediction accuracy rate is 68% for productive use and 91% for repayment difficulty. Objective indicators (e.g., income, assets, age of the household head, savings) stand as the most influential predictors of self‐selection, screening, and post‐loan outcomes.

Policy implications

Development programmes can improve availability of data needed to predict creditworthiness, suggesting that there could be potential to expand credit access among poor borrowers through partnerships between development agencies and financial institutions.
The effects of the COVID‐19 lockdown on adolescents with an eating disorder and identifying factors predicting disordered eating behaviour
Authors: Akgül Sinem , Akdemir Devrim , Nalbant Kevser , Derman Orhan , Ersöz Alan Burcu , Tüzün Zeynep , Kanbur Nuray
Published: July 2021

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on adolescents with eating disorders (ED) and identify factors predicting ED behaviour.

Method

This study took place during an age‐stratified lockdown for those under 20 years in Turkey. Participants completed a survey developed to evaluate the effects of the lockdown on ED behaviour, well‐being and quality of life (QoL) and additionally the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE‐Q), and scales for depression, anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive behaviour. The relationship between the EDE‐Q‐global score and other variables related to ED was examined. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the predictive power of these variables on ED behaviour.

Results

Thirty‐eight ED patients with a mean age of 15.12 ± 1.56 years were included in the study. Of participants, 42.1% reported feeling an improvement in ED symptomatology, 71.0% reported none or rare conflict with parents due to eating, 39.5% reported often or always complying with their meal plan. Of participants, 92.0% agreed to ‘understanding the value of being healthy’ and stated realizing that ‘they were in control’ due to the pandemic. Of participants 36.9% scored ‘bad’ for both overall and ED related QoL. In the stepwise regression analysis depression score had the highest predictive value for ED behaviour.

Conclusion

Almost half of the participants felt an improvement in their ED and a majority reported rare parental conflict. However, less than half reported meal plan compliance. As depression had the highest positive predictive value for ED behaviour additional screening for depression during the pandemic maybe warranted in ED patients.
Longitudinal invariance of the positive and negative syndrome scale negative dimension in antipsychotic naïve first‐episode schizophrenia
Authors: Kagan Simão , Cogo‐Moreira Hugo , Barbosa Matheus Ghossain , Cavalcante Daniel , Shinji André , Noto Mariane , Haguiara Bernardo , Cordeiro Quirino , Belangeiro Sintia , Bressan Rodrigo A. , Noto Cristiano , Gadelha Ary
Published: July 2021

Aim

Construct stability over time is required for reliable inference, but evidence regarding the longitudinal invariance of negative symptoms is still limited. Thus, we examined the longitudinal invariance of the negative dimension using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) in an antipsychotic‐naïve first‐episode schizophrenia sample at baseline and after 10 weeks.

Methods

Our study was conducted at a specialized early intervention service. PANSS ratings were analysed for 138 patients, and two different models were specified and tested: a unidimensional and a two‐correlated factor solution.

Results

The unidimensional model fulfilled criteria for longitudinal invariance, whilst the two‐correlated did not.

Conclusion

Our study provides support for the PANSS negative unidimensional model use to evaluate negative symptoms' longitudinal change following first‐episode schizophrenia.
Efficacy of long‐acting injectable versus oral antipsychotic drugs in early psychosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lian Lulu , Kim David D. , Procyshyn Ric M. , Fredrikson Diane H. , Cázares Diana , Honer William G. , Barr Alasdair M.
Published: July 2021

Aim

Long‐acting injectable antipsychotic drugs (LAIs) are often used as an alternative to oral antipsychotics (OAPs) in individuals with psychosis who demonstrate poor medication adherence. Previous meta‐analyses have found mixed results on the efficacy of LAIs, compared to OAPs, in patients with psychotic disorders. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effectiveness of using LAIs versus OAPs in the early stages of psychosis.

Methods

Major electronic databases were used to search for any studies examining the comparative effectiveness (i.e., relapse, adherence, hospitalization, and all‐cause discontinuation) of any LAIs versus OAPs in early stages of psychosis. Studies published up to 6 June, 2019 were included and no language restriction was applied. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related disorder, where patients were in their first episode or had a duration of illness ≤5 years. Data were analysed using a random‐effects model.

Results

Fifteen studies (n = 10 584) were included, of which were 7 RCTs, 7 observational studies, and 1 post‐hoc analysis. We found that LAIs provided advantages over OAPs in terms of relapse rates. No significant differences were found between LAI and OAP groups in terms of all‐cause discontinuation, hospitalization, and adherence rates. However, considering only RCTs revealed advantages of LAIs over OAPs in terms of hospitalization rates.

Conclusions

LAIs may provide benefits over OAPs with respect to reducing relapse and hospitalization rates in early psychosis patients. There is a need for larger and better‐designed studies comparing OAPs and LAIs specifically in early psychosis patients.
Effects of maternal age and stress on offspring quality in a viviparous fly
Authors: Lord Jennifer S. , Leyland Robert , Haines Lee R. , Barreaux Antoine M. G. , Bonsall Michael B. , Torr Stephen J. , English Sinead
Published: July 2021

Many organisms show signs of deterioration with age in terms of survival and reproduction. We tested whether intraspecific variation in such senescence patterns can be driven by resource availability or reproductive history. We did this by manipulating nutritional stress and age at first reproduction and measuring age‐dependent reproductive output in tsetse (Glossina morsitans morsitans), a viviparous fly with high maternal allocation. Across all treatments, offspring weight followed a bell‐shaped curve with maternal age. Nutritionally stressed females had a higher probability of abortion and produced offspring with lower starvation tolerance. There was no evidence of an increased rate of reproductive senescence in nutritionally stressed females, or a reduced rate due to delayed mating, as measured by patterns of abortion, offspring weight or offspring starvation tolerance. Therefore, although we found evidence of reproductive senescence in tsetse, our results did not indicate that resource allocation trade‐offs or costs of reproduction increase the rate of senescence.
Time to onset of cannabidiol treatment effects in Dravet syndrome: Analysis from two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Madan Cohen Jennifer , Checketts Daniel , Dunayevich Eduardo , Gunning Boudewijn , Hyslop Ann , Madhavan Deepak , Villanueva Vicente , Zolnowska Marta , Zuberi Sameer M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

We conducted a post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials, GWPCARE1 (NCT02091375) and GWPCARE2 (NCT02224703), to estimate the time to onset of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment effects (seizure reduction and adverse events [AEs]) in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS).

Methods

Patients received either plant‐derived highly purified CBD (Epidiolex in the United States; 100 mg/ml oral solution) 10 mg/kg/day (CBD10; GWPCARE2) or 20 mg/kg/day (CBD20; GWPCARE1&2), or matching placebo for 14 weeks. Treatment started at 2.5 mg/kg/day, reached 10 mg/kg/day on Day 7, and went up to 20 mg/kg/day on Day 11 during the 14‐day titration period. Percentage change from baseline in convulsive seizure frequency was calculated by cumulative day (i.e., including all previous days). Time to onset and resolution of AEs were also evaluated.

Results

Overall, 124 patients received placebo and 194 received CBD (CBD10,n = 64; CBD20,n = 130). Mean age was 9.5 years (range = 2.2–18.9). Patients had discontinued a median of four antiepileptic drugs (range = 0–26) and were currently taking a median of three (range = 1–5). Differences in convulsive seizure reduction between placebo and CBD emerged during titration and became nominally significant by Day 12 for CBD20 (p = .02) and Day 13 for CBD10 (p = .03). Additionally, differences in the 50% responder rate between placebo and CBD became apparent during titration. Onset of the first reported AE occurred during the titration period in 48.4% of placebo patients and 54.1% of CBD patients. The three most common AEs of somnolence, decreased appetite, and diarrhea resolved within 4 weeks of onset in the majority of CBD‐treated patients (56.3%–72.9%).

Significance

The therapeutic effect of CBD in DS may start within 2 weeks of treatment in some patients. Although AEs lasted longer for CBD than placebo, most resolved within the 14‐week study period.
Snow melt timing acts independently and in conjunction with temperature accumulation to drive subalpine plant phenology
Authors: Jerome Diana K. , Petry William K. , Mooney Kailen A. , Iler Amy M.
Published: July 2021

Organisms use environmental cues to align their phenology—the timing of life events—with sets of abiotic and biotic conditions that favor the successful completion of their life cycle. Climate change has altered the environmental cues organisms use to track climate, leading to shifts in phenology with the potential to affect a variety of ecological processes. Understanding the drivers of phenological shifts is critical to predicting future responses, but disentangling the effects of temperature from precipitation on phenology is often challenging because they tend to covary. We addressed this knowledge gap in a high‐elevation environment where phenological shifts are associated with both the timing of spring snow melt and temperature. We factorially crossed early snow melt and passive warming treatments to (1) disentangle the effects of snow melt timing and warming on the phenology of flowering and fruiting and reproductive success in three subalpine plant species (Delphinium nuttallianum, Valeriana edulis, and Potentilla pulcherrima); and (2) assess whether snow melt acts via temperature accumulation or some other aspect of the environment (e.g., soil moisture) to affect phenological events. Both the timing and duration of flowering and fruiting responded to the climate treatments, but the effect of snow melt timing and warming varied among species and phenological stages. The combined effects of the treatments on phenology were always additive, and the snow melt treatment often affected phenology even when the warming treatment did not. Despite marked responses of phenology to climate manipulations, the species showed little change in reproductive success, with only one species producing fewer seeds in response to warming (Delphinium, −56%). We also found that snow melt timing can act both through temperature accumulation and as a distinct cue for phenology, and these effects are not mutually exclusive. Our results show that one environmental cue, here snow melt timing, may act through multiple mechanisms to shift phenology.
Preoperative bleeding risk assessment with ISTH‐BAT and laboratory tests in patients undergoing elective surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ambaglio Chiara , Zane Federica , Russo Maria Concetta , Preti Paola Stefania , Scudeller Luigia , Klersy Catherine , Gamba Gabriella , Squizzato Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients with inherited haemorrhagic disorders may bleed during surgery. No questionnaire on bleeding diathesis has been yet validated for the preoperative period and current guidelines provide conflicting recommendations.

Aim

We aimed to assess if preoperative assessment with ISTH‐BAT (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Bleeding Assesment Tool) and laboratory screening tests is useful to identify mild previously undiagnosed bleeding disorders (BDs) and to predict bleeding complications in selected patients undergoing elective surgery.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery received ISTH‐BAT evaluation and laboratory screening for platelet count, Prothrombin Time (PT) and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT). Subjects with an abnormal ISTH‐BAT and/or laboratory results underwent further testing, and they were compared with a 1:1 random gender‐, age‐ and type of surgery‐ matched control group.

Results

Overall, 1502 consecutive surgical patients (1186 adults, 316 children) were enrolled. Of these, 83 (5.5%, 95% confidence interval 4.4‐6.8) patients (37 adults and 46 children) had an abnormal ISTH‐BAT, and/or prolonged PT and/or prolonged aPTT and/or low platelet count; of them, one subject had low von Willebrand factor level, three Factor XII deficiency and four anticardiolipin and/or antiB2GPI antibodies. No major bleeding was reported in these 83 patients and their controls.

Conclusion

ISTH‐BAT and laboratory screening tests do not accurately detect mild BDs in selected patients undergoing elective surgery.
An exploration of why men with severe haemophilia might not want gene therapy: The exigency study
Authors: Fletcher Simon , Jenner Kathryn , Holland Michael , Chaplin Steve , Khair Kate
Published: July 2021

Introduction

For many people with haemophilia (PwH) gene therapy offers a potential functional cure. However, some have stated that they do not wish to have gene therapy either now or in the future.

Aim

This sub‐study, part of the larger Exigency programme, assesses the attitudes, views and understanding of those who do not wish to undergo gene therapy.

Methods

Participants were approached via social media and word of mouth referral and invited to participate in a focus group or individual interview to discuss their views. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

Ten adult men with severe haemophilia (eight haemophilia A and two haemophilia B), mean age 34.3 years, participated in a 1‐h focus group (n = 9) or interview (n = 1). All were on prophylaxis. None reported significant treatment burden, and all had annual bleeding rates of less than five in the previous 12 months. Four major themes emerged: self‐identity and its loss, lack of long‐term safety and efficacy data, ongoing concerns about past viral infection, and lack of current treatment burden.

Conclusion

There are many concerns about gene therapy, including eligibility, effectiveness and safety, which may result in individuals declining it as a therapy. These concerns may recede as more data are published. This study reveals a psychological dynamic around self‐identity and belonging for PwH. The nature of this dynamic is poorly understood and needs exploration to facilitate support for those making decisions about gene therapy.