bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business Model Disclosures, Market Values, and Earnings Persistence: Evidence From the UK
Authors: Simoni Lorenzo , Schaper Stefan , Nielsen Christian
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the consequences of business model (BM) disclosures. Content analysis is used to assess the mandatory disclosure of BM in in 75 publicly listed companies' annual reports across a three‐year period (2014–2016). The research applies a novel content analysis methodology that considers the way in which the relevance of BM disclosures is dependent on which particular BM a given company adopts. The empirical results show notably low levels of BM disclosure and no significant association between BM disclosures and market value. However, we find that BM disclosure provides insights into earnings quality by means of enhanced earnings persistence. These findings reveal that information about the BM itself does not make a difference to investors when it is not linked to financial outcomes. Instead, BM acts as a framework for organizing other disclosures, and provides complementary information about value generation, helping users understand how earnings are generated. These results are important for informing the policy‐making process around extra‐financial disclosures (e.g., EU Directive 2014/95/EU) and answer calls for research to inform future improvements to corporate and integrated reporting.
Increased C‐reactive protein concentration and suicidal behavior in people with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Miola Alessandro , Dal Porto Veronica , Tadmor Tal , Croatto Giovanni , Scocco Paolo , Manchia Mirko , Carvalho Andre F. , Maes Michael , Vieta Eduard , Sambataro Fabio , Solmi Marco
Published: July 2021

Objective

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. Identifying factors associated with suicidality (suicidal ideation [SI]/suicidal behavior) could increase our understanding of the pathophysiological underpinnings of suicide and improve its prevention.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review (PubMed/PsycInfo/Cochrane databases, up to September 2020) and random‐effect meta‐analysis including observational studies comparing peripheral C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in suicidal versus non‐suicidal patients affected by any psychiatric disorder and healthy controls (HC). Primary outcome was the CRP standardized mean difference (SMD) between patients with high suicidality versus those with absent or low suicidality. Secondary outcomes were SMD of CRP levels between those with suicide attempt versus no suicide attempt, as well as between those with (high) versus low or absent SI. Quality of included studies was measured with Newcastle‐Ottawa scale.

Results

Out of initial 550 references, 21 observational studies involving 7682 subjects (7445 with mood disorders or first‐episode psychosis, 237 HC) were included. A significant association of CRP levels with suicidality (SMD 0.688, 95% CI 0.476–0.9, p < 0.001) emerged. CRP levels were higher in individuals with high SI (SMD 1.145, 95% CI 0.273–2.018, p = 0.010) and in those with suicide attempt (SMD 0.549, 95%CI 0.363–0.735, p < 0.001) than non‐suicidal individuals (either patients or HC). Main analyses were confirmed in sensitivity analysis (removing HC), and after adjusting for publication bias. The cross‐sectional design of included studies, and the high heterogeneity of diagnosis and treatment limit the generalizability of these results. Median quality of included studies was high.

Conclusion

CRP is associated with higher suicidality in patients with mental disorders. Large cohort studies longitudinally monitoring CRP levels are needed to explore its longitudinal association with suicidality.
Genome‐wide epistatic interactions of litter size at birth in Chinese indigenous pigs
Authors: Chen Z. , Li Y. , Zhang Z. , Zhao W. , Zhang Z. , Xiang Y. , Wang Q. , Pan Y. , Guo X. , Wang Z.
Published: July 2021

Improving litter size at birth (TNB) and the number of piglets born alive (NBA) are the main breeding goals related to litter traits, which are economically important. A better understanding of genetic architecture underlying TNB and NBA traits could increase pig production efficiency. However, most previous studies on these traits focus on additive genetic effects, while epistatic interactions underlying TNB and NBA traits has not yet been well investigated, which are essential to understand how traits‐related genes interact. Herein, we conducted genome scans of epistatic interactions underlying TNB and NBA traits in a total of 150 Chinese indigenous pigs (75 Jinhua and 75 Shengxian Spotted pigs) with high throughput genomic data. Based on SNPs with high interaction values and connectivity scores, we identified eight promising candidate genes (AKT2, TSC1, MTOR, PIK3R5, TIAM1, FGF14, RALB and ROR2) potentially associated with litter traits in pigs. Moreover, the underlying pathways, e.g., calcium ion transport, pointed out their roles in litter size‐related traits. Our findings provide new insight into genetic architecture of litter traits in pigs and will benefit economic profits in pig production.
Anna Karenina and the two envelopes problem
Authors: Gill R. D.
Published: July 2021

The Anna Karenina principle is named after the opening sentence in the eponymous novel: Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. The two envelopes problem (TEP) is a much‐studied paradox in probability theory, mathematical economics, logic and philosophy. Time and again a new analysis is published in which an author claims finally to explain what actually goes wrong in this paradox. Each author (the present author included) emphasises what is new in their approach and concludes that earlier approaches did not get to the root of the matter. We observe that though a logical argument is only correct if every step is correct, an apparently logical argument which goes astray can be thought of as going astray at different places. This leads to a comparison between the literature on TEP and a successful movie franchise: it generates a succession of sequels, and even prequels, each with a different director who approaches the same basic premise in a personal way. We survey resolutions in the literature with a view to synthesis, correct common errors, and give a new theorem on order properties of an exchangeable pair of random variables, at the heart of most TEP variants and interpretations. A theorem on asymptotic independence between the amount in your envelope and the question whether it is smaller or larger shows that the pathological situation of improper priors or infinite expectation values has consequences as we merely approach such a situation.
What is the effective sample size of a spatial point process?
Authors: Renner Ian W. , Warton David I. , Hui Francis K.C.
Published: July 2021

Point process models are a natural approach for modelling data that arise as point events. In the case of Poisson counts, these may be fitted easily as a weighted Poisson regression. Point processes lack the notion of sample size. This is problematic for model selection, because various classical criteria such as the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) are a function of the sample size,n, and are derived in an asymptotic framework wherentends to infinity. In this paper, we develop an asymptotic result for Poisson point process models in which the observed number of point events,m, plays the role that sample size does in the classical regression context. Following from this result, we derive a version of BIC for point process models, and when fitted via penalised likelihood, conditions for the LASSO penalty that ensure consistency in estimation and the oracle property. We discuss challenges extending these results to the wider class of Gibbs models, of which the Poisson point process model is a special case.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: effects of implementing a nutrition support team for in‐hospital parenteral nutrition
Authors: Eriksen Marcel Kjærsgaard , Crooks Benjamin , Baunwall Simon Mark Dahl , Rud Charlotte Lock , Lal Simon , Hvas Christian Lodberg
Published: July 2021

Background

Nutrition support teams (NST) may improve parenteral nutrition (PN) outcomes. No previous systematic review has provided conclusive data on catheter‐related infection (CRI) occurrence after NST introduction, nor have previous studies performed meta‐analysis or graded the evidence.

Aims

To systematically evaluate the effects of implementing an NST for hospitalised adults on PN and compare these with standard care.

Methods

This was a systematic review and meta‐analysis, pre‐registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020218094). On November 24, 2020, PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Key were searched. Clinical trials and observational studies with a standard care comparator were included. Primary outcome was relative reduction in CRI rate. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate effects, and evidence was rated using Cochrane and GRADE methodologies.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies with 8166 patients were included. Across 10 studies, NST introduction reduced the CRI rate (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19‐0.53) with −8 (95% CI: −12 to −5) episodes per 1000 catheter days compared with standard care. Hypophosphataemia occurred less frequently (IRD = −12%, 95% CI: −24% to −1%) and 30‐day mortality decreased (IRD = −6%, 95% CI: −11% to −1%). Inappropriate PN use decreased, both judged by indication (IRD = −18%, 95% CI: −28% to −9%) and duration (IRD = −21%, 95% CI: −33% to −9%). Evidence was rated very low to moderate.

Conclusions

This study documents the clinical impact of introducing an NST, with moderate‐grade evidence for the reduction of CRI occurrence compared with standard care. Further, NST introduction significantly reduced metabolic complications, mortality, and inappropriate PN use.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: neoplasia detection rate and post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia in Barrett's oesophagus
Authors: Hamade Nour , Kamboj Amrit K. , Krishnamoorthi Rajesh , Singh Siddharth , Hassett Leslie C. , Katzka David A. , Kahi Charles J. , Fatima Hala , Iyer Prasad G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Neoplasia detection rate, the proportion of Barrett's oesophagus patients with high‐grade dysplasia or oesophageal adenocarcinoma detected at index surveillance endoscopy has been proposed as a quality metric. However, the correlation between neoplasia detection rate and a clinically relevant outcome like post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia remains unknown. Post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia refers to the rate of high‐grade dysplasia or oesophageal adenocarcinoma on repeat endoscopy within one year of an index screening examination revealing non‐dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus or low‐grade dysplasia.

Aim

To assess correlation between neoplasia detection rate and post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of multiple databases from date of inception to June 2021 to identify cohort studies reporting both neoplasia detection rate and post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia. Data from each study were pooled using a random effects model, and their correlation assessed using meta‐regression. Heterogeneity was assessed and a priori planned subgroup analyses were conducted.

Results

Ten studies with 27 894 patients with Barrett's oesophagus were included. The pooled neoplasia detection rate and post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia were 5.0% (95% CI: 3.4%‐7.1%, I2 = 97%) and 19.6% (95% CI: 10.1%‐34.7%, I2 = 96%), respectively. Meta‐regression revealed a statistically significant inverse relationship between the two variables (coefficient −3.50, 95% CI: −4.63 to −2.37, P < 0.01). With every 1% increase of neoplasia detection rate, post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia decreased by 3.50%. Heterogeneity was high despite adjusting for study quality and performing several subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

We observed a statistically significant inverse correlation between neoplasia detection rate and post‐endoscopy Barrett's neoplasia. Additional studies are needed to further validate this correlation.
Intradermal lipopolysaccharide challenge as an acute in vivo inflammatory model in healthy volunteers
Authors: Buters Thomas P. , Hameeteman Pieter W. , Jansen Iris M. E. , van Hindevoort Floris C. , ten Voorde Wouter , Florencia Edwin , Osse Michelle , de Kam Marieke L. , Grievink Hendrika W. , Schoonakker Mascha , Patel Amit A. , Yona Simon , Gilroy Derek W. , Lubberts Erik , Damman Jeffrey , Feiss Gary , Rissmann Robert , Jansen Manon A. A. , Burggraaf Jacobus , Moerland Matthijs
Published: July 2021

Aims

Whereas intravenous administration of Toll‐like receptor 4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to human volunteers is frequently used in clinical pharmacology studies, systemic use of LPS has practical limitations. We aimed to characterize the intradermal LPS response in healthy volunteers, and as such qualify the method as local inflammation model for clinical pharmacology studies.

Methods

Eighteen healthy male volunteers received 2 or 4 intradermal 5 ng LPS injections and 1 saline injection on the forearms. The LPS response was evaluated by noninvasive (perfusion, skin temperature and erythema) and invasive assessments (cellular and cytokine responses) in skin biopsy and blister exudate.

Results

LPS elicited a visible response and returned to baseline at 48 hours. Erythema, perfusion and temperature were statistically significant (P < .0001) over a 24‐hour time course compared to saline. The protein response was dominated by an acute interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor response followed by IL‐1β, IL‐10 and interferon‐γ. The cellular response consisted of an acute neutrophil influx followed by different monocyte subsets and dendritic cells.

Discussion

Intradermal LPS administration in humans causes an acute, localized and transient inflammatory reaction that is well‐tolerated by healthy volunteers. This may be a valuable inflammation model for evaluating the pharmacological activity of anti‐inflammatory investigational compounds in proof of pharmacology studies.
A meta‐analysis of the effects of social‐cognitive training in schizophrenia: The role of treatment characteristics and study quality
Authors: Yeo Hyewon , Yoon Seowon , Lee Joohee , Kurtz Matthew M. , Choi Keehong
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This meta‐analysis was designed to assess the effects of social‐cognitive training (SCT) and whether study quality, treatment approach, treatment context, and sample characteristics influence these effects.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched up to 5 August 2020 using variants of keywords: ‘social cognition’, ‘training’, ‘rehabilitation’, ‘remediation’, and ‘schizophrenia’. Methodological moderators were extracted through the Clinical Trials Assessment Measure and verified by authors. This study was pre‐registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020154026).

Results

Forty‐two controlled trials with 1,868 participants were identified. The meta‐analysis revealed moderate effects on emotion recognition, mental state attribution, and social perception. No significant effects were evident on psychiatric symptoms or social functioning. A small signal was evident for the generalization of treatment gains to executive function. Moderator analyses revealed that studies of lower methodological quality reported larger effects, and samples with lower mean years of education were associated with larger effects of SCT on mental state attribution. Treatment effects did not differ by other moderator variables such as treatment context and intervention types.

Conclusions

SCT benefits people with schizophrenia on a variety of social‐cognitive outcomes. Differences in baseline symptoms, gender distribution, antipsychotic medication dose, IQ, and other sample features did not create barriers to treatment benefits. Future studies should aim to enhance the generalization of training effects on broader clinical outcomes.
Global union federations on affiliates’ websites: Forces shaping unions’ global organisational identity
Authors: Frangi Lorenzo , Zhang Tingting
Published: July 2021

Affiliates’ sense of oneness in a Global Union Federation (GUF) is pivotal for that GUF to be able to counter the forces of globalisation. We argue that GUF saliency in affiliates’ identity is the microfoundation of this sense of oneness. We examine this facet of identity by analysing the contents of the websites of 2314 affiliates of four major GUFs. Our three‐step study explores the extent to which and why GUFs’ saliency varies across affiliates. First, we compute a GUF saliency index score for each affiliate based on its website contents. Second, we examine the impact of macro‐institutional characteristics (national employment relations and socioeconomic characteristics) on the GUF saliency score. Finally, focusing on one GUF, Public Service International and drawing on 19 semi‐structured interviews in 16 countries across six world regions, we highlight appeal and relationships, and especially their joint effect, as fundamental forces to explain the variations between affiliates. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for GUF debate and policies.
Effects of latitude and plant relative abundance on predispersal granivory
Authors: Boyer Brady W. , Morán‐López Teresa , Amico Guillermo , Arana César , Espíndola Walter D. , Caraballo‐Ortiz Marcos A. , Morales Juan M. , Carlo Tomás A.
Published: July 2021

We examined predispersal granivory in common and rare bird‐dispersed plants in two tropical and two temperate communities. Our results show that the prevalence and intensity of predispersal granivory are higher in tropical communities and for smaller seeds. Results also show no effect of plant species’ relative abundance on granivory.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Proximity to forest mediates trade‐offs between yields and biodiversity of birds in oil palm smallholdings
Authors: Hamer Keith C. , Sasu Michael A. , Ofosuhene Linda , Asare Rebecca , Ossom Benjamin , Parr Catherine L. , Scriven Sarah A. , Asante Winston , Addico Rosemary , Hill Jane K.
Published: July 2021

There is much debate about how best to mitigate the effects of agricultural expansion on biodiversity, especially in the tropics. Recent studies have emphasized that proximity to natural habitats can enhance farmland biodiversity, yet few studies have examined whether or not such proximity mediates local trade‐offs between yields and biodiversity, and hence alters conclusions about the ecological benefits of alternative farming strategies. Here we examine yield‐biodiversity trade‐offs, focusing on birds in oil palm smallholdings at different distances from remaining areas of forest, including a large forest reserve, in Ghana. We found significantly fewer birds on higher‐yielding than lower‐yielding farms, in terms of both species richness and abundance. For forest specialist birds (likely to be highly vulnerable to conversion of land to agriculture) we also found a greater trade‐off (i.e., lower richness and abundance for a given yield) at farms further from forest, to the extent that increasing distance to the nearest forest from 1 to 10 km had a similar effect as a 3‐ to 5‐fold increase in fruit yield brought about by increased intensification. Our study highlights the importance of accounting for the effects of natural forest in the landscape when considering agricultural policies for biodiversity protection, underlining the importance of a landscape‐scale approach to conservation.
Tracing colophonium in consumer products
Authors: Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Albadr Mhd‐Hussam , Nilsson Ulrika
Published: July 2021

Background

Colophonium (rosin) can cause allergic contact dermatitis, mainly due to autoxidation of abietic acid (AbA). Products containing ≥0.1% colophonium should be labeled with EUH208 — “Contains rosin; colophony. May produce an allergic reaction.” How should this be measured?

Objective

To compare the results from different strategies for estimating colophonium levels in consumer products: (a) from AbA, and (b) the sum of all major resin acids. To investigate the ratio of 7‐oxodehydroabietic acid (7‐O‐DeA)/AbA as indication of autoxidation.

Methods

Resin acids were extracted from consumer products, derivatized, and then separated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Results

Resin acids were detected in 9 of 15 products. No product contained colophonium ≥0.1%. Estimation based on AbA resulted in underestimation of the colophonium levels in four of nine products. For three products, the obtained levels from this strategy were only one of two compared to when estimating from the sum of all resin acids. The ratio 7‐O‐DeA/AbA varied from 74% to 1.4%.

Conclusions

We propose to measure colophonium based on the sum of all detectable major resin acids, including 7‐O‐DeA. The ratio of 7‐O‐DeA/AbA should be used as a marker of autoxidation, indicating an increased risk of sensitization. The presented analytical method is simple to use and suitable for further screening studies.
Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (GPOEM) for severe gastroparesis after lung transplantation: A promising minimally invasive option
Authors: Vitton Véronique , Benoît D'Journo Xavier , Reynaud‐Gaubert Martine , Barthet Marc , Gonzalez Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2021

Background

After lung transplantation (LT), gastroparesis is frequent, occurring in 25–63% of cases and leading to pulmonary infections. In refractory disease, classical management has demonstrated limited efficacy. Gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G‐POEM) is a recently developed safe and effective procedure that has been performed here on five patients with severe post‐LT gastroparesis.

Methods

In all patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by disturbed gastric emptying scintigraphy and GCSI calculation showing severe disease. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopies confirmed the absence of organic lesions. All patients were informed about the procedure and signed informed consent forms. The procedure consisted of performing an endoscopic pyloromyotomy under general anesthesia.

Results

The patients were between 35 and 64 years of age. Four had chronic disease, starting approximately 1 year following LT, and one had acute, severe gastroparesis requiring intubation in the intensive care unit. All patients underwent G‐POEM after failure of medical treatment, without any complications. Three of the patients with chronic disease improved; they resumed a normal diet and gained weight. The patient with acute disease was discharged within a few days following the procedure and resumed oral intake.

Conclusion

G‐POEM is promising for managing post‐LT refractory gastroparesis and should be further evaluated.
Transplant kidney biopsy for proteinuria with stable creatinine: Findings and outcomes
Authors: Parajuli Sandesh , Swanson Kurtis J. , Alstott James , Aziz Fahad , Garg Neetika , Zhong Weixiong , Djamali Arjang , Mandelbrot Didier
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Little is known aboutbiopsy findings and outcomes when kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) undergo biopsy for isolated proteinuria with stable serum creatinine (SCr).

Methods

We analyzed all KTRs who underwent biopsy for isolated proteinuria with stable SCr between January 2016 and June 2020. Patients were divided into three groups based on the biopsy findings: Active Rejection (AR), Glomerulonephritis (GN), and Other.

Results

A total of 130 KTRs fulfilled our selection criteria; 38 (29%) in the AR group, 26 (20%) in the GN group, and 66 (51%) in the Other group. Most baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. In multivariate analysis, higher HLA mismatch (HR per mismatch: 1.30; 95% CI:1.06–1.59; P = .01) and male gender (HR: .45; 95% CI .23–.89; P = .02) were associated with AR. There was no significant correlation between the degree of proteinuria and rejection (r = .05, P = .58) or GN (r = .07, P = .53). Graft survival was also similar between the groups. Likely due to the early diagnosis without a significant rise in SCr, outcomes were similar among all three groups.

Conclusion

Routine monitoring for proteinuria followed by a biopsy and appropriate management may help to identify early acute graft injury and prevent graft failure.
Current status of endoscopic management of cholecystitis
Authors: Park Se Woo , Lee Sang Soo
Published: July 2021

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis (AC) although it is always not suitable for patients who are poor candidates for surgery. Recently, endoscopic gallbladder (GB) drainage was found to be a potentially revolutionary alternative for cholecystectomy for the control of symptoms, definitive treatment, or bridging therapy until surgery is possible. Two endoscopic methods have been established using either the trans‐mural or trans‐papillary drainage approach. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided GB drainage (EUS‐GBD; trans‐mural approach) is a novel technique that allows stent placement between the GB and duodenum or stomach via fistula track, effectively enabling GB drainage. For endoscopic trans‐papillary GB drainage (ETGBD; trans‐papillary approach), attempts of selective cannulation to the cystic duct should be made to place the stent in the same manner as an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In comparison, EUS‐GBD has higher clinical success and lower recurrence rates than ETGBD due to the use of larger‐caliber stents, which allow for effective drainage when performed by skilled practitioners at high‐volume centers. Advantages of ETGBD over EUS‐GBD include more affordable costs and physiologic drainage, which preserves naive anatomy for possible future cholecystectomy. Although the field of endoscopic treatment for AC is rapidly advancing, important questions regarding which method improves clinical outcomes and safety more effectively remain unaddressed. Herein, the current status of endoscopic treatment for AC, including a technical review on clinical outcomes, adverse events, and advantages and disadvantages of each technique are reviewed, as well as other future prospects.
Phenotype of heterozygous variants of dehydrodolichol diphosphate synthase
Authors: Jiao Xianru , Xue Yinan , Yang Sai , Gong Pan , Niu Yue , Wang Qi , Yang Hui , Xiong Hui , Zhang Yuehua , Yang Zhixian
Published: July 2021

Aim

To further identify and broaden the phenotypic characteristics and genotype spectrum of the dehydrodolichol diphosphate synthase (DHDDS) gene.

Method

Pathogenic variants of DHDDS were identified by whole‐exome sequencing; clinical data of 10 patients (six males, four females; age range 2–14y; mean age 5y 9mo, SD 3y 3mo) were collected and analysed.

Results

All patients had seizures, and myoclonic seizures could be seen in eight patients, with myoclonic status epilepticus in three. The interictal electroencephalogram (EEG) in four patients at seizure onset showed generalized slow waves, slow wave mixed spikes, and spike and waves. Tremor, ataxia, and hypertonia was observed in six, five, and three patients respectively. The results of short‐latency somatosensory evoked potential in two patients were normal, and the symptom of tremor was captured on EEG without time‐locked discharges in one patient, suggesting that the tremor in both patients was a motor impairment rather than myoclonic seizures. Global developmental delay occurred in all patients, among whom nine showed severe intellectual disability and one moderate. Five DHDDS variants were identified, three of which have not been reported previously.

Interpretation

Myoclonic seizure is the most common seizure type in heterozygous DHDDS variants, while myoclonic status epilepticus can also occur. The pattern of interictal EEG discharges is characterized by slow waves rather than spike and waves, and generalized discharges was prominent.
Right ventricle dysfunction assessment for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair: A matter of debate
Authors: Preda Alberto , Melillo Francesco , Liberale Luca , Montecucco Fabrizio , Agricola Eustachio
Published: July 2021

Newer approaches in transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) have recently showed optimistic data of efficacy and safety in patients at high risk for surgery. However, the absence of residual regurgitation (and subsequently higher likelihood for developing afterload mismatch) with TTVR compared with transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention may become a critical concern if RV dysfunction is misdiagnosed. Indeed, such sudden increase in afterload on the right ventricle (RV) may not be tolerable, resulting in higher risk of acute right heart failure in the early postoperative period. In this context, strain imaging may find a further application to provide a more comprehensive stratification of the severity of RV dysfunction and thus help to better define the eligibility criteria and timing for TTVR. Meanwhile, it is of paramount importance to underline the contribution given by the Trivalve study on the understanding of the role of RV function in TTVI, that so far was largely undefined, being evaluated only in small noncontrolled cohorts.
Comparison between periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography for the diagnosis of anterior maxillary trauma in children and adolescents
Authors: Sha Xiaoyan , Jin Ling , Han Jianhui , Li Ying , Zhang Lili , Qi Senrong
Published: July 2021

Background/Aims

Under‐estimating the damage caused by trauma to the dental structures may delay treatment. Timely and accurate diagnosis remains challenging in clinical practice. Radiography is an important modality for the diagnosis of traumatic injuries. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography for the diagnosis of trauma to the anterior maxillary dentoalveolar region in children and adolescents.

Material and methods

Images of patients who underwent both periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography simultaneously because of trauma to the anterior maxillary region between January 2016 and January 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Pairwise comparison between the receiver operating characteristic curves was performed to statistically compare the two methods for the diagnosis of crown fractures, root fractures, alveolar bone fractures and luxations, tooth resorption, and periapical radiolucencies.

Results

A total of 190 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 120 (63.2%) males and 70 (36.8%) females, with a mean age of 11.1 years (range: 6–17 years). A crown fracture was observed in 144 teeth, while a root fracture was observed in 71 teeth. Alveolar fracture and luxation were observed in 44 incisors. During follow‐up, tooth resorption and periapical radiolucencies were observed in 25 and 33 teeth, respectively. Pairwise receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that cone beam computed tomography was significantly superior to periapical radiography for the diagnosis of root fractures, alveolar fractures and luxations, and tooth resorption (p < .05). However, no significant differences were found for the diagnosis of crown fractures and periapical radiolucencies (p > .05).

Conclusions

Cone beam computed tomography in the low‐dose mode was better for diagnosing root and bone fractures and resorption, but no different to periapical radiographs for crown fractures and periapical radiolucencies in pediatric patients.
Species associations in arthropod ectoparasite infracommunities are spatially and temporally variable and affected by environmental factors
Authors: Krasnov Boris R. , Vinarski Maxim V. , Korallo‐Vinarskaya Natalia P. , Shenbrot Georgy I. , Khokhlova Irina S.
Published: July 2021

1. We applied a Markov random fields/conditional random fields (MRF/CRF) modelling to understand whether and how species associations in ectoparasite infracommunities of small mammals vary along environmental gradients across space and time.

2. We analysed the variation in species associations in flea and mite infracommunities of seven host species across localities (spatial scale) and time periods (in the same locality; temporal scale).

3. The performance of the CRF models differed between ectoparasite taxa, scales, and host species. The model performance for flea and mite infracommunities in the majority of host species was satisfying although the proportions of correctly predicted positive occurrences and model sensitivity were moderate.

4. The probability of occurrence of many flea and mite species depended mostly on the occurrence of another flea and mite species (respectively), with many negative interspecific interactions, although occurrences of some species were mainly affected by environmental factors. The patterns of pairwise associations between some ectoparasite species were affected by environmental factors.

5. Although many ectoparasite pairs demonstrated stability in the strength or sign of association across space or time, interactions between other species pairs were spatially or temporally variable, with the association between the same pair of species being stable in one host species and variable in another host species.

6. We conclude that ectoparasite associations are mediated by the off‐host environment and may depend on the life histories of both host and ectoparasite species.
Do stigma and level of social anxiety predict adolescents' help‐seeking intentions for social anxiety disorder?
Authors: McDonagh Cal , Lynch Hannah , Hennessy Eilis
Published: July 2021

Background

Many adolescents meeting diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder (SAD) do not seek help or access timely professional supports. The current study investigated two hypothesized barriers to adolescents' seeking help for SAD: stigma and SAD symptoms.

Method

Three hundred fifteen adolescents (52% female; mean age = 14.85 years) read a vignette describing a hypothetical peer with symptoms of SAD and completed measures of their own help‐seeking intentions, SAD symptoms, stigma awareness and agreement.

Results

The majority of adolescents reported that the vignette character needed help. Adolescents with more SAD symptoms, and those with greater stigma awareness, were less likely to indicate they would seek help from an adult they know (e.g., parent or teacher) for similar symptoms.

Conclusions

Both SAD symptoms and perceptions of societal stigma may act as barriers to help‐seeking for young people indicating the importance of intervention with young people, and the adults with whom they interact regularly.
Post‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: an analysis of cases notified to the European Medicines Agency
Authors: Krzywicka Katarzyna , Heldner Mirjam R. , Sánchez van Kammen Mayte , van Haaps Thijs , Hiltunen Sini , Silvis Suzanne M. , Levi Marcel , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Jood Katarina , Lindgren Erik , Tatlisumak Turgut , Putaala Jukka , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Middeldorp Saskia , Arnold Marcel , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Ferro José M.
Published: July 2021

Background and purpose

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) has been described after vaccination against SARS‐CoV‐2. The clinical characteristics of 213 post‐vaccination CVST cases notified to the European Medicines Agency are reported.

Methods

Data on adverse drug reactions after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination notified until 8 April 2021 under the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Term ‘Central nervous system vascular disorders’ were obtained from the EudraVigilance database. Post‐vaccination CVST was compared with 100 European patients with CVST from before the COVID‐19 pandemic derived from the International CVST Consortium.

Results

In all, 213 CVST cases were identified: 187 after AstraZeneca/Oxford (ChAdOx1 nCov‐19) vaccination and 26 after a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination (25 with Pfizer/BioNTech, BNT162b2, and one with Moderna, mRNA‐1273). Thrombocytopenia was reported in 107/187 CVST cases (57%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 50%–64%) in the ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 group, in none in the mRNA vaccine group (0%, 95% CI 0%–13%) and in 7/100 (7%, 95% CI 3%–14%) in the pre‐COVID‐19 group. In the ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 group, 39 (21%) reported COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction tests were performed within 30 days of CVST symptom onset, and all were negative. Of the 117 patients with a reported outcome in the ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 group, 44 (38%, 95% CI 29%–47%) had died, compared to 2/10 (20%, 95% CI 6%–51%) in the mRNA vaccine group and 3/100 (3%, 95% CI 1%–8%) in the pre‐COVID‐19 group. Mortality amongst patients with thrombocytopenia in the ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 group was 49% (95% CI 39%–60%).

Conclusions

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis occurring after ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 vaccination has a clinical profile distinct from CVST unrelated to vaccination. Only CVST after ChAdOx1 nCov‐19 vaccination was associated with thrombocytopenia.
Self‐esteem mediates mental health outcomes in young people with epilepsy
Authors: Cahill Peter T. , Ferro Mark A. , Campbell Wenonah N. , Ronen Gabriel M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the extent to which self‐esteem mediates the impacts of epilepsy‐specific and environmental factors on mental health outcomes in young people with epilepsy.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 480 young people with epilepsy and their families participated in five visits over 28 months. We collected data on clinical seizure burden, cognitive comorbidity, peer and parental support, self‐esteem, and self‐reported mental health symptoms. We used structural equation modeling to specify and test relationships among these constructs simultaneously. Direct, indirect, and total effects were estimated with confidence intervals constructed through bias‐corrected bootstrapping.

Results

Self‐esteem mediated the effects of clinical seizure burden ( = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [0.05, 0.42]) and peer support ( = −0.15, 95% CI [−0.28, −0.03]) on mental health. There were no mediating effects of parental support ( = −0.07, 95% CI [−0.14, 0.00]) or cognitive comorbidity ( = −0.01, 95% CI [−0.02, 0.01]) on mental health.

Significance

We found evidence that self‐esteem mediates the impact that both clinical seizure burden and peer support have on mental health outcomes, indicating that assessment of and interventions targeting self‐esteem may be appropriate for young people with epilepsy. Supporting self‐esteem could mitigate negative influences on mental health, whether from resistant epilepsy or low peer support.
Soft computing for abuse detection using cyber‐physical and social big data in cognitive smart cities
Authors: Sangwan Saurabh Raj , Bhatia Mohinder Pal Singh
Published: July 2021

The internet of things (IoT) and the smart city crusade has seen an exponential increase in the number of data points we collect. Cities can use this data for an exceedingly heterogeneous range of purposes such as traffic, parking and public safety. Quite evidently, public safety is an essential pillar of these interconnected, instrumented and intelligent cities. The big data from cyber‐physical systems and social media platforms can be used for predictive policing to identify potential criminal activities, abuse, offenders, and victims of abuse. This study offers a systematic literature review on the use of soft computing techniques for abuse detection in the complex cyber–physical–social big data systems in cognitive smart cities. The objective is to define and identify the diverse concept of abuse and systematize techniques for automatic abuse detection for cyber abuse detection on social media and real‐time abuse detection using IoT. The cyber abuse studies on social media platforms have further been categorized as cyber‐hate and cyberbullying whereas the real‐time abuse includes studies using Internet of cyber‐physical systems. As in a cognitive smart city, citizens expect more from their urban environments with minimal intervention, this study helps to establish the need to capture situational context and awareness in real‐time and foster the need to develop a proactive as well as reactive safety mechanism to mitigate the risks of online abuse. The need of the hour is to entrench self‐learning, thinking and understanding capabilities into the physical and social world for reinforcing intelligent mechanisms which can detect assaults and disorderly conduct.
Translation and preliminary validation of a French version of an ageism scale for dental students
Authors: Piaton Sophie , Barlow Patrick , Kossioni Anastassia , Tubert‐Jeannin Stephanie , Marchini Leonardo
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim

The World Health Organization considers ageism an important barrier to age‐appropriate care for older adults. A new ageism scale for dental students (ASDS) has been validated in the United States, Brazil, Greece and Romania. The aim of this study was to validate a French version (ASDS‐Fr).

Method and materials

The 27‐item ageism scale was translated from English into French, and its content validity was investigated using the content validity index. The translated version was completed by 180 dental students in the Dental School of Clermont‐Ferrand in France. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed and internal consistency reliability was calculated.

Results

The final PCA model resulted in 10 items and three components that together accounted for 57.2% of the overall variance. The first component contained four items that point to a negative view of older adults; the second contained three items that appeared to reflect an absolving of responsibility for providing care to older adults; and the third contained three items that deal with gerodontology education.

Conclusions

This preliminary validation of the ASDS‐Fr produced a new 10‐item scale with three components with acceptable validity and reliability.
Identity tensions of women with two leadership positions in India
Authors: Banerjee Dina , Memon Nazia Zabin
Published: July 2021

Identity narratives enhance the understanding of women’s leadership, but there exist very few in‐depth analyses of negative identity tensions that influence agency. In this study, we examine the negative identity tensions of well‐to‐do women from small towns in India, who hold two leadership positions: organizational and social movement. We borrow from the discourse on well‐to‐do women’s participation in social movements in India to draw on the notions of identity, perceptions of feminism, and patriarchal challenge. Our data are derived from 49 in‐depth interviews with women leaders. Findings from qualitative analysis and creation of a composite narrative show that negative identity tensions arising from two leadership positions are gendered in nature. Furthermore, agency is (i) contingent on one’s reflection on challenges, (ii) rooted in an underlying principle, and (iii) practiced through the mechanisms of “managing femininity,” a concept that is widely discussed in the Western paradigms of postfeminism and neoliberalism. This paper contributes to the feminist dialog on the global South in the context of gender, class, and geographical location intersection by revealing certain non‐Western ways of managing femininity. However, in the process, the hegemony of Indian men remains intact.
Clinical evaluation of air polishing with erythritol powder followed by ultrasonic calculus removal versus conventional ultrasonic debridement and rubber cup polishing for the treatment of gingivitis: A split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mensi Magda , Scotti Eleonora , Sordillo Annamaria , Dalè Matteo , Calza Stefano
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy in the short‐term resolution of gingivitis of a novel protocol involving full‐mouth erythritol powder air polishing followed by ultrasonic calculus removal.

Methods

Forty‐one healthy patients completed the study. Following a split‐mouth design, quadrants 1–4 and 2–3 were randomly allocated to receive air polishing followed by ultrasonic calculus removal (A+US) or traditional full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement followed by polishing with a rubber cup and prophylactic paste (US+P). Bleeding on probing (BoP) and plaque index (PI) were collected at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks. Moreover, the residual plaque area (RPA), treatment time and patient comfort/satisfaction were evaluated at the end of the treatment.

Results

Both treatments showed a significant reduction in BoP and PI. At 4 weeks, A+US seems to reach a statistically significant lower BoP (8.7% [6.9; 10.9] vs. 11.6%[9.3; 14.4], p < 0.0001) and PI (10.7% [8.9; 13.0] vs. 12.3% [10.2; 14.9], p = 0.033). Moreover, A+US treatment time lasted on average 9.2% less than US+P (p < 0.0001) and was the preferred treatment for a significantly higher number of patients (73.2% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The A+US protocol is suitable for the short‐term resolution of plaque‐induced gingivitis.
Electrochemical studies of heat‐treated NiCrMoFeCoAl and NiCrMoFeCoAl‐30%Cr3C2 HVOF coatings on T22 boiler steel
Authors: Patil Viresh G. , Kandaiah Sakthivel , Somasundaram Balaraman
Published: July 2021

Herein, we present the corrosion behavior of NiCrMoFeCoAl and NiCrMoFeCoAl‐30%Cr3C2 high‐velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) coatings on the ASTM‐SAE213‐T22 boiler tube steel alloy. The samples exposed to molten salt (Na2SO4–60%V2O5) environment at 700℃ under thermocyclic conditions were investigated in conjunction with electrochemical techniques. The surface structures and morphologies of heat‐treated samples suggest the extent of corrosion is least for the NiCrMoFeCoAl‐30%Cr3C2‐coated steel. Room‐temperature electrochemical analysis of heat‐treated samples demonstrate the good stability with NiCrMoFeCoAl‐30%Cr3C2 layers on T22 steel at solid/liquid interface under neutral pH conditions. The potentiodynamic and impedance analyses reveal that the higher charge transfer resistance was observed for NiCrMoFeCoAl‐30%Cr3C2‐coated steel, followed by NiCrMoFeCoAl‐coated steel and bare T22 steel. The chromium carbide containing the HVOF coating exhibit a highly dense layer and the metal chromites/chromates on the post‐heat‐treated coatings provide poor access for the electrolyte to base alloy and subsequently improve corrosion stability.
Antioxidative and antimicrobial effects of low molecular weight shrimp chitosan and its derivatives on seasoned‐dried Pangasius fillets
Authors: Binh Nguyen Thi Thanh , Bao Huynh Nguyen Duy , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Trung Trang Si
Published: July 2021

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and applicability of low molecular weight shrimp chitosan (LMWC) and its derivatives (chitosan nanoparticles, CN; chitosan hydrochloride salt, CHS) as a preservative against lipid oxidation and microbial growth in seasoned‐dried Pangasius hypophthalmus fillets during storage. All chitosans exhibited antioxidant activity in vitro (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, total reducing power ability and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity). The lipid oxidation in dried pangasius fillets that were seasoned by immersing in a solution containing 1.5% chitosan was suppressed during the 8‐week storage; such effect was more effective than immersing in a solution containing 0.05% vitamin C. Likewise, LMWC and its derivatives were more effective in inhibiting microbial growth (lower total viable count and yeast/mould counts) than the control. These results clearly show that LMWC and its derivatives could be a potent antioxidant and antimicrobial preservative in seasoned‐dried pangasius fillets during 8‐week storage at 20 °C.