bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimulating knowledge-sharing behaviours through ethical leadership and employee trust in leadership: the moderating role of distributive justice
Authors: Le Phong Ba , Nguyen Dung Thi Nguyet
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory, this paper aims to clarify the influences of ethical leadership (EL) on knowledge-sharing (KS) behaviours of employees through the mediating roles of affective- and cognitive-based trust in leadership. This work further offers deeper insight into the moderating mechanism of distributive justice in the EL–KS relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to investigate the influential degree of EL, aspects of employee trust in leadership and distributive justice on employee behaviours towards tacit and explicit knowledge via data collected from 339 participants in 75 Vietnamese firms.

Findings

The empirical findings reveal that employee trust in leadership positively mediates the relationship between EL and KS behaviours. In particular, distributive justice significantly fosters the impacts of EL on tacit and explicit KS behaviours.

Practical implications

Managers and practitioners should strengthen EL practices to build and maintain employee trust in them for promoting KS behaviours. In addition, research highlights the necessity of establishing distributive justice in organisations to enhance the effect of EL on KS behaviours of employees.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in its attempts to advance the insights on the theory of leadership and knowledge management by investigating the different moderated-mediation mechanisms in the relationship between EL and specific aspects of KS behaviours.
What does it look like? A window into classroom-based critical service learning
Authors: Riley Kathleen , Soslau Elizabeth Gayle
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate Mitchell’s (2008) theory of critical service-learning within elementary and middle school classrooms, looking specifically at classroom events, in which community partners visit classrooms to discuss student-selected social issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from teacher interviews, classroom observations, teacher-recorded classroom videos and photos of student artifacts were collected and analyzed. Using deductive analysis, key observable events were identified, in which a teacher and their students navigated opportunities to take a social change orientation, redistribute power, or engage in authentic relationships. Classroom discourse analysis was used to examine these specific events to illustrate what critical service learning looks like in action.

Findings

Analysis revealed how core principles of critical service-learning play out in the classrooms. Two major themes that emerged were students engaging in systemic thinking and students taking on new roles as they operated in classrooms where traditional relationships among teacher, student and content were shifted from a banking model to a problem-posing model.

Originality/value

Much of the research on service learning has been conducted in university, high school or out-of-school settings or analyzes classroom practices based on traditional, individual civic actions. Very little empirical work explores practices in classrooms where teachers facilitate critical service-learning over the course of an entire school year. This study offers an image of the kinds of student thinking that becomes possible in elementary and middle school classrooms enacting critical service learning.
Buyer-supplier dyad on performance and sustainability
Authors: Hao Zirong , Goh Mark , Jiao Jinxia , Liu ChenGuang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates how the configuration of a supplier’s sustainable operations practices (SOPs) with a high sustainable performance affects a buyer’s organizational performance in the buyer-supplier dyad.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first identifies the key SOPs using bibliometric and content analyses. Then, the research hypotheses are proposed using complexity theory and the resource-based view. This study applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on a sample of 74 buyer-supplier dyads in China to explore the configurations of a supplier’s SOPs that may attain a high sustainable performance. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to test the effects of these configurations on a buyer’s financial and operational performance.

Findings

The empirical findings inform that six configurations of a supplier’s key SOPs lead to a high sustainable performance, and are linked to a buyer’s operational and financial performance. A buyer’s financial performance is highest when its supplier adopts a combination of SOPs corresponding to the defensive, accommodative, and proactive sustainability strategies. A buyer’s operational performance is relatively high when its supplier adopts a combination of SOPs corresponding to the defensive and accommodative sustainability strategies.

Originality/value

This study is the first to draw on complexity theory and the resource-based view as complementary frameworks to analyze how the configuration of a supplier’s SOPs with a high sustainable performance affects a buyer’s organizational performance in the buyer-supplier dyad.
Public procurement during the pandemic: experience of India and China
Authors: Goyal Yugank
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The paper examines the public procurement experiences of India and China during the Covid-19 pandemic and locates them in a framework it proposes. The paper aims to enrich the knowledge of how public procurement could be strategically used in emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

For the two countries, the paper sieved through government orders and notifications promulgated during and for the pandemic, examined the prevailing laws and statutes that were invoked and comprehensively scanned online news portals to gather evidence. In addition, the author also engaged with select, relevant people in the sector who offered useful information about ground-level scenario.

Findings

It is found that as compared to China, in India (a) despite the presence of significant flexibilities, (b) there was a little divergence from standard procurement practices, perhaps explained by (c) weaker governance capacity and legitimacy, (c) more allocative (rather than structural) goals of procurement and (d) higher levels of centralization.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper are based entirely on secondary evidence limited to health care as a category of spend. This paper looks at two large countries and not their internal variations in procurement quality. The framework can also be enriched further by drawing additional categories to make the theoretical framework more promising.

Practical implications

The underlying design and motivation of public procurement policies in India need significant changes to make procurement policies responsive to disasters. Also, one can learn decentralization during emergency from the otherwise centralized politics in China.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to compare pandemic procurement-related policies of the two large countries across the Himalayan border. It also attempts to develop a scale/framework on which emergency procurement in countries can be assessed.
Identifying patients with deteriorating generalized pustular psoriasis: Development of a prediction model
Authors: Ohn Jungyoon , Choi Young‐Geun , Yun Jieun , Jo Seong Jin
Published: May 2022

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a life‐threatening condition; however, little is known about the factors that can predict GPP patients manifesting a deteriorating course. To investigate the demographics and clinical features of adult inpatient GPP and propose a prediction model for detecting fatal GPP (fGPP) and GPP requiring intensive care unit admission (iGPP) patients, a nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study was conducted. The adult inpatients with GPP from January 2007 to December 2020 were assessed. The 800 cases were aged 51.0 years (median [interquartile range, 37.0–64.0]). Overall, 21 iGPP (64.0 years [54.0–77.0]) and 17 fGPP (75.0 years [68.0–77.0]) cases were identified as deteriorating GPP. Renal disease (odds ratio [OR], 7.31), myocardial infarction history (OR, 4.29), liver disease (OR, 2.82), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.34) were identified as predictors for iGPP. For fGPP, myocardial infarction history (OR, 5.10) and psoriasis history (OR, 3.13) were established as predictors. A prediction model with scores ranging 0–11 points showed a reliable diagnostic value in detecting deteriorating GPP (area under the curve = 0.75 for iGPP and 0.83 for fGPP). In conclusion, this study provides the clinical features of deteriorating GPP. A prediction model may help physicians to identify patients with deteriorating GPP.
Investissement en santé et état de santé dans les pays de l'UEMOA: entre contribution publique et privée?
Authors: Tsomdzo Kossi Atsutsè Dziédzom , Sanoussi Yacobou , Evlo Kodjo
Published: May 2022

L'objectif de ce papier est d'analyser l'effet des investissements en santé sur l'état de santé dans l'UEMOA. A cet effet, un modèle de panel dynamique a été utilisé pour un échantillon de 8 pays couvrant la période 2000 à 2014. L'estimateur LSDV‐Corrigé a été utilisé pour obtenir les résultats sans biais. Les résultats montrent que les dépenses de santé influencent considérablement l'état de santé en améliorant l'espérance de vie à la naissance et en réduisant le taux de mortalité infanto‐juvénile. En outre, les dépenses de santé publiques et privées ont montré une forte association positive avec l'état de santé. Cependant l'influence des dépenses privées de santé est plus importante. Ces résultats impliquent que les dépenses de santé sont indispensables à l'amélioration de l'état de santé dans l'UEMOA. Ainsi, les décideurs publics doivent augmenter les dépenses publiques de santé pour réaliser les objectifs de santé et améliorer le partenariat public‐privé pour la répartition des dépenses de santé.
Gender, socioeconomic status, and COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in the US: An intersectionality approach
Authors: Morales Danielle Xiaodan , Beltran Tyler Fox , Morales Stephanie Alexandra
Published: May 2022

Previous research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine hesitancy lacks a gender perspective, and it is unclear whether gender intersects with socioeconomic status to co‐produce inequalities in people's intent to take vaccines. The current study draws on intersectionality theory and uses data from the 2021 US Household Pulse Survey (n = 50,359). Both bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted. The results suggest that American women had a higher vaccine hesitancy rate than men. Gender interacts with socioeconomic status to shape people's vaccine hesitancy in a complex way. Specifically, women living in poverty or currently working were more vaccine‐hesitant, while poverty and employment status did not affect men's vaccine hesitancy. However, not having a college education contributed to both women's and men's COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, women were more worried about the safety of the vaccine, but men's hesitancy tended to be driven by lower perceptions of COVID‐19 dangers and belief in conspiratorial claims.
Is home proteinuria testing pragmatic?
Authors: Ganzevoort Wessel
Published: May 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Bethany Ellen Jakubowski et al., pp. 2142–2148. in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17180
Multilevel factors associated with inequities in multidisciplinary cancer consultation
Authors: Sanchez Janeth I. , Doose Michelle , Zeruto Chris , Chollette Veronica , Gasca Natalie , Verhoeven Dana , Weaver Sallie J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To assess changes in the prevalence of multidisciplinary cancer consultations (MDCc) over the last decade and examine patient, surgeon, hospital, and neighborhood factors associated with receipt of MDCc among individuals diagnosed with cancer.

Data Source

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)–Medicare data from 2006 to 2016.

Study Design

We used time‐series analysis to assess change in MDCc prevalence from 2007 to 2015. We also conducted multilevel logistic regression with random surgeon‐ and hospital‐level effects to assess associations between patient, surgeon, neighborhood, and health care organization‐level factors and receipt of MDCc during the cancer treatment planning phase, defined as the 2 months following cancer diagnosis.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified Medicare beneficiaries >65 years of age with surgically resected breast, colorectal (CRC), or non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stages I–III (n = 103,250).

Principal Findings

From 2007 to 2015, the prevalence of MDCc increased from 35.0% to 61.2%. Overall, MDCc was most common among patients with breast cancer compared to CRC and NSCLC. Cancer patients who were Black, had comorbidities, had dual Medicare‐Medicaid coverage, were residing in rural areas or in areas with higher Black and Hispanic neighborhood composition were significantly less likely to have received MDCc. Patients receiving surgery at disproportionate payment‐sharing or rural‐designated hospitals had 2% (95% CI: −3.55, 0.58) and 17.6% (95% CI: −21.45, 13.70), respectively, less probability of receiving MDCc. Surgeon‐ and hospital‐level effects accounted for 15% of the variance in receipt of MDCc.

Conclusions

The practice of MDCc has increased over the last decade, but significant geographical and health care organizational barriers continue to impede equitable access to and delivery of quality care across cancer patient populations. Multilevel and multicomponent interventions that target care coordination, health system, and policy changes may enhance equitable access to and receipt of MDCc.
Transcriptome sequencing of black and white hair follicles in the giant panda
Authors: ZHENG Yi , ZHOU Yingmin , HUANG Yijie , WANG Haoqi , GUO Haixiang , YUAN Bao , ZHANG Jiabao
Published: May 2022

With the completion of the draft assembly of the giant panda genome sequence, RNA sequencing technology has been widely used in genetic research on giant pandas. We used RNA‐seq to examine black and white hair follicle samples from adult pandas. By comparison with the giant panda genome, 75 963 SNP loci were labeled, 2426 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and 2029 new genes were discovered, among which 631 were functionally annotated. A cluster analysis of the DEGs showed that they were mainly related to the Wnt signaling pathway, ECM–receptor interaction, the p53 signaling pathway, and ribosome processing. The enrichment results showed that there were significant differences in the regulatory networks of hair follicles with different colors during the transitional stage of hair follicle resting growth, which may play a regulatory role in melanin synthesis during growth. In conclusion, our results provide new insights and more data support for research on the color formation in giant pandas.
Fur glowing under ultraviolet: in situ analysis of porphyrin accumulation in the skin appendages of mammals
Authors: TOUSSAINT Séverine L. D. , PONSTEIN Jasper , THOURY Mathieu , MÉTIVIER Rémi , KALTHOFF Daniela C. , HABERMEYER Benoît , GUILARD Roger , BOCK Steffen , MORTENSEN Peter , SANDBERG Sverre , GUERIAU Pierre , AMSON Eli
Published: May 2022

Examples of photoluminescence (PL) are being reported with increasing frequency in a wide range of organisms from diverse ecosystems. However, the chemical basis of this PL remains poorly defined, and our understanding of its potential ecological function is still superficial. Among mammals, recent analyses have identified free‐base porphyrins as the compounds responsible for the reddish ultraviolet‐induced photoluminescence (UV‐PL) observed in the pelage of springhares and hedgehogs. However, the localization of the pigments within the hair largely remains to be determined. Here, we use photoluminescence multispectral imaging emission and excitation spectroscopy to detect, map, and characterize porphyrinic compounds in skin appendages in situ. We also document new cases of mammalian UV‐PL caused by free‐base porphyrins in distantly related species. Spatial distribution of the UV‐PL is strongly suggestive of an endogenous origin of the porphyrinic compounds. We argue that reddish UV‐PL is predominantly observed in crepuscular and nocturnal mammals because porphyrins are photodegradable. Consequently, this phenomenon may not have a specific function in intra‐ or interspecific communication but rather represents a byproduct of potentially widespread physiological processes.
Kinetics of 5% and 20% albumin: A controlled crossover trial in volunteers
Authors: Zdolsek Markus , Hahn Robert G.
Published: May 2022

Background

Albumin for intravenous infusion is marketed in two concentrations, 20% and 5%, but how they compare with regard to plasma volume expansion over time is unclear.

Methods

In a prospective crossover study, 12 volunteers received 3 ml kg−1 of 20% albumin and, on another occasion, 12 ml kg−1 of 5% albumin over 30 min. Hence, equivalent amounts of albumin were given. Blood was collected on 15 occasions over 6 h. Mass balance and volume kinetics were used to estimate the plasma volume expansion and the capillary leakage of albumin and fluid based on measurements of blood hemoglobin, plasma albumin, and the colloid osmotic pressure.

Results

The greatest plasma volume expansion was 16.0 ± 6.4% (mean ± SD) with 20% albumin and 19.0 ± 5.2% with 5% albumin (p < .03). The volume expansion with 20% albumin corresponded to twice the infused volume. One third of the 5% albumin volume quickly leaked out of the plasma, probably because of the higher colloid osmotic pressure of the volunteer plasma (mean, 24.5 mmHg) than the albumin solution (19.1 mmHg). At 6 h, the capillary leakage amounted to 42 ± 15% and 47 ± 11% of the administered albumin with the 20% and 5% preparations, respectively (p = .28). The corresponding urine outputs were 547 (316–780) ml and 687 (626–1080) ml (median and interquartile range; p = .24).

Conclusion

The most important difference between the fluids was a dehydrating effect of 20% albumin when the same albumin mass was administered.
Chronic ethanol consumption plus an atherogenic diet cause metabolic steatohepatitis with advanced liver fibrosis in apolipoprotein E/low‐density lipoprotein receptor double‐knockout mice
Authors: Liu Jinyao , Oba Yumiko , Yamano Seiko
Published: May 2022

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is the inflammatory subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with a high risk of progression to liver fibrosis. We investigated metabolic steatohepatitis with advanced liver fibrosis in apolipoprotein E/low‐density lipoprotein receptor double‐knockout (AL) mice fed a co‐diet of ethanol with a low‐carbohydrate–high‐protein‐high‐fat atherogenic diet (AD) for 16 weeks. We also examined the underlying mechanisms, especially hepatic sympathetic activation, involved in the effects.

Methods

We maintained 12‐week‐old male AL mice on AD and a standard chow diet (SCD) with or without ethanol treatment for 16 weeks. Age‐matched male C57BL/6J mice on SCD without ethanol treatment served as controls. We conducted blood biochemical, histopathological, and fluorescence immunohistochemical, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction studies.

Results

AL mice showed significant hyperlipidemia. AD induced increased body weight, hepatic steatosis, and hepatic damage; ethanol and the AD co‐diet resulted in hepatic sympathetic activation accompanied by hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation, bridging fibrosis, and hepatic damage. Hepatic Kupffer cells (KCs) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which showed sympathetic activation, produced 4.4‐ to 9.4‐fold more inflammatory factors (KC and KC‐derived tumor necrosis factor‐α, and chemokine [C‐C motif] ligand 2) and 2.0‐ to 32.0‐fold more fibrosis factors (HSC and HSC‐derived transforming growth factor β1 and collagen 1a1); all p < 0.05 vs. controls.

Conclusions

We created a model of metabolic steatohepatitis with advanced liver fibrosis from coexisting hyperlipidemia and hepatic sympathetic activation in AL mice on a co‐diet of ethanol and AD. KCs and HSCs became the cellular targets of hepatic sympathetic activation, which could play a role in the initiation and progression of metabolic steatohepatitis with advanced liver fibrosis.
Common and distinguishing genetic factors for substance use behavior and disorder: an integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic studies from both human and animal studies
Authors: Chang Xiang‐Wen , Sun Yan , Muhai Jia‐Na , Li Yang‐Yang , Chen Yun , Lu Lin , Chang Su‐Hua , Shi Jie
Published: May 2022

Background and aims

Genomic and transcriptomic findings greatly broaden the biological knowledge regarding substance use. However, systematic convergence and comparison evidence of genome‐wide findings is lacking for substance use. Here, we combined all the genome‐wide findings from both substance use behavior and disorder (SUBD) and identified common and distinguishing genetic factors for different SUBDs.

Methods

Systemic literature search for genome‐wide association (GWAS) and RNA‐seq studies of alcohol/nicotine/drug use behavior (partially meets or not reported diagnostic criteria) and alcohol use behavior and disorder (AUBD), nicotine use behavior and disorder (NUBD) and drug use behavior and disorder (DUBD) was performed using PubMed and the GWAS catalog. Drug use was focused upon cannabis, opioid, cocaine and methamphetamine use. GWAS studies required case–control or case/cohort samples. RNA‐seq studies were based on brain tissues. The genes which contained significant single nucleotide polymorphism (P ≤ 1 × 10−6) in GWAS and reported as significant in RNA‐seq studies were extracted. Pathway enrichment was performed by using Metascape. Gene interaction networks were identified by using the Protein Interaction Network Analysis database.

Results

Total SUBD‐related 2910 genes were extracted from 75 GWAS studies (2 773 889 participants) and 17 RNA‐seq studies. By overlapping the genes and pathways of AUBD, NUBD and DUBD, four shared genes (CACNB2, GRIN2B, PLXDC2 and PKNOX2), four shared pathways [two Gene Ontology (GO) terms of ‘modulation of chemical synaptic transmission’, ‘regulation of trans‐synaptic signaling’, two Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of ‘dopaminergic synapse’, ‘cocaine addiction’] were identified (significantly higher than random, P < 1 × 10−5). The top shared KEGG pathways (Benjamini–Hochberg‐corrected P‐value < 0.05) in the pairwise comparison of AUBD versus DUBD, NUBD versus DUBD, AUBD versus NUBD were ‘Epstein–Barr virus infection’, ‘protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum’ and ‘neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction’, respectively. We also identified substance‐specific genetic factors: i.e. ADH1B and ALDH2 were unique for AUBD, while CHRNA3 and CHRNA4 were unique for NUBD.

Conclusions

This systematic review identifies the shared and unique genes and pathways for alcohol, nicotine and drug use behaviors and disorders at the genome‐wide level and highlights critical biological processes for the common and distinguishing vulnerability of substance use behaviors and disorders.
Importance of histopathological analysis and molecular genetics in a rare neonatal case of rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Gramp Prudence , Zappala Tania , Von Schuckmann Lena , Payton Diane , Wheller Laura
Published: May 2022

We present a case of a neonate who presented with multiple cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules, which was found to be metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue malignancy that usually occurs in children aged one to five but is rare in neonates. The histopathological analysis and molecular genetics are important in the classification of subtype and in guiding treatment options and informing prognosis.
Microbial DNA enrichment promotes liver steatosis and fibrosis in the course of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Luo Zhenlong , Ji Yudong , Zhang Dinghong , Gao Hong , Jin Zhongmou , Yang Meixiang , Ying Wei
Published: May 2022

Aim

Low‐grade inflammation is the hallmark of non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The leakage of microbiota‐derived products can contribute to liver inflammation during NAFLD/NASH development. Here, we assessed the roles of gut microbial DNA‐containing extracellular vesicles (mEVs) in regulating liver cellular abnormalities in the course of NAFLD/NASH.

Methods

We performed studies with Vsig4−/−, C3−/−, cGAS−/−, and their wild‐type littermate mice. Vsig4+ macrophage population and bacterial DNA abundance were examined in both mouse and human liver by either flow cytometric or immunohistochemistry analysis. Gut mEVs were adoptively transferred into Vsig4−/−, C3−/−, cGAS−/−, or littermate WT mice, and hepatocyte inflammation and HSC fibrogenic activation were measured in these mice.

Results

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver diseases and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis development was concomitant with a diminished liver Vsig4+ macrophage population and a marked bacterial DNA enrichment in both hepatocytes and HSCs. In the absence of Vsig4+ macrophages, gut mEVs translocation led to microbial DNA accumulation in hepatocytes and HSCs, resulting elevated hepatocyte inflammation and HSC fibrogenic activation. In contrast, in lean WT mice, Vsig4+ macrophages remove gut mEVs from bloodstream through a C3‐dependent opsonization mechanism and prevent the infiltration of gut mEVs into hepatic cells. Additionally, Vsig4−/− mice more quickly developed significant liver steatosis and fibrosis than WT mice after Western diet feeding. In vitro treatment with NASH mEVs triggered hepatocyte inflammation and HSC fibrogenic activation. Microbial DNAs are key cargo for the effects of gut mEVs by activating cGAS/STING.

Conclusion

Accumulation of microbial DNAs fuels the development of NAFLD/NASH‐associated liver abnormalities.
Direct healthcare costs of Rome IV or Rome III‐defined irritable bowel syndrome in the United Kingdom
Authors: Goodoory Vivek C. , Ng Cho Ee , Black Christopher J. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated a substantial economic impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aims

To provide contemporaneous estimates of direct healthcare costs of IBS in the United Kingdom.

Methods

We collected demographic, gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, quality of life and healthcare usage data from adults with Rome IV or Rome III IBS in the United Kingdom. We calculated the mean annual direct healthcare costs of IBS per person and used contemporaneous IBS prevalence data, together with census data, to estimate annual direct costs of IBS. We also examined predictors of higher costs.

Results

The mean annual direct cost of IBS per person among 752 individuals with Rome IV IBS was £556.65 (SD £1023.92) and £474.16 (SD £897.86) for 995 individuals with Rome III IBS. We estimate the annual direct healthcare cost of IBS in the United Kingdom is £1.27 billion if the Rome IV criteria are used to define IBS, and £2.07 billion using Rome III. Among individuals with Rome IV IBS, mean annual costs were higher in those with opiate use (£907.90 vs £470.58, p < 0.001), more severe symptoms (p < 0.001 for trend), a shorter duration of IBS (1 year, £1227.14 vs >5 years £501.60, p = 0.002), lower quality of life (p < 0.001 for trend), and higher depression, somatisation and gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety scores (P < 0.001 for trend for all).

Conclusion

We estimate annual direct healthcare costs of IBS of between £1.3 and £2 billion in the United Kingdom.
Inter‐ and intra‐racial/ethnic disparities in walking accessibility to grocery stores
Authors: Liu Dong , Kwan Mei‐Po , Kan Zihan , Song Yimeng , Li Xuefeng
Published: May 2022

Inequalities in accessibility to grocery stores can lead to disparate health outcomes among the population. Although existing studies have examined grocery accessibility inequality across income and racial/ethnic groups, little research has been dedicated to revealing the intra‐racial disparities of grocery accessibility and comparing inter‐racial and intra‐racial inequalities in grocery accessibility. This study adopts a modified two‐step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, which accounts for the supply/demand inflation effect, and an alternative distribution inequality metric called the Palma ratio to measure the inequalities in grocery access between the richest 10% and poorest 40% of the census tracts within the same racial/ethnic group in Chicago (USA). The results indicate that in Chicago, inter‐racial inequality in grocery accessibility is more serious than intra‐racial inequality, especially because the Hispanic‐majority census tracts generally suffer from low grocery accessibility regardless of their income levels.
Methodological considerations on estimating medication adherence from self‐report, electronic monitoring and electronic healthcare databases using the TEOS framework
Authors: Dima Alexandra L. , Allemann Samuel S. , Dunbar‐Jacob Jacqueline , Hughes Dyfrig A. , Vrijens Bernard , Wilson Ira B.
Published: May 2022

Aims

Measuring adherence to medication is complex due to the diversity of contexts in which medications are prescribed, dispensed and used. The Timelines‐Events‐Objectives‐Sources (TEOS) framework outlined a process to operationalize adherence. We aimed to develop practical recommendations for quantification of medication adherence using self‐report (SR), electronic monitoring (EM) and electronic healthcare databases (EHD) consistent with the TEOS framework for adherence operationalization.

Methods

An adherence methodology working group of the International Society for Medication Adherence (ESPACOMP) analysed implications of the process of medication adherence for all data sources and discussed considerations specific to SR, EM and EHD regarding the information available on the prescribing, dispensing, recommended and actual use timelines, the four events relevant for distinguishing the adherence phases, the study objectives commonly addressed with each type of data, and the potential sources of measurement error and quality criteria applicable.

Results

Four key implications for medication adherence measurement are common to all data sources: adherence is a comparison between two series of events (recommended and actual use); it refers to one or more specific medication(s); it applies to regular repeated events coinciding with known recommended dosing; and it requires separate measurement of the three adherence phases for a complete picture of patients' adherence. We propose recommendations deriving from these statements, and aspects to be considered in study design when measuring adherence with SR, EM and EHD using the TEOS framework.

Conclusion

The quality of medication adherence estimates is the result of several design choices that may optimize the data available.
Tapering of the thrombopoietin receptor agonist in paediatric patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Is it possible?
Authors: Solsona María , Berrueco Rubén , Sebastián Elena , Cervera Áurea , Sastre Ana , Astigarraga Itziar , Argilés Bienvenida , Dasí María Ángeles , Dapena José Luís , Monteagudo Emilio
Published: May 2022

It is not clear if platelet responses are sustained after thrombopoietin receptor agonist (ar‐TPO) withdrawal in paediatric patients. A multicentre retrospective observational study was performed in children with chronic immune thrombopenia (cITP) to describe ar‐TPO tapering and withdrawal in patients who had achieved a sustained complete response to ar‐TPOs. Ten patients (eltrombopag n = 6, romiplostim n = 4) were included. Treatment withdrawal was performed after a mean tapering time of 7.6 months. Two patients relapsed (median follow‐up time of 24 months). Slow tapering and withdrawal of ar‐TPOs can be safely performed in cITP paediatric patients after achieving a sustained complete response.
Bendamustine in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: A phase II trial
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Sharma Atul , Malik Prabhat Singh , Gogia Ajay , Pathak Neha , Sahoo Ranjit Kumar , Gupta Ritu , Prasad Chandra Prakash , Kumar Lalit
Published: May 2022

Treatment of patients with resistant/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) is an unmet need. In this phase II study, we evaluated the role of bendamustine, pomalidomide and dexamethasone combination in this setting. Between February 2020 and December 2021, 28 patients were recruited. Patients received bendamustine 120 mg/m2day 1, pomalidomide 3 mg days 1–21, and dexamethasone 40 mg days 1, 8, 11, 22, regimen given for a maximum of six cycles. The median (range) age of the patients was 54 (30–76) years and 15 (53.6%) were males. Patients had received a median (range) of three (two–six) prior lines and 85.7% were refractory to both lenalidomide and bortezomib. The primary end‐point was the overall response rate (ORR) defined as ≥partial response after at least three cycles. Secondary objectives were toxicity, progression‐free survival (PFS), time to progression and overall survival (OS). An intent‐to‐treat analysis was done. An ORR of 57.6% was achieved. Patients with extramedullary myeloma had a better response rate. At a median follow‐up of 8.6 months, the median PFS and OS were 6.2 and 9.7 months respectively. Toxicity was manageable; mainly haematological (neutropenia, 46.4%; anaemia, 42.8%; and thrombocytopenia, 7.1%). Bendamustine, pomalidomide and dexamethasone could be a novel combination for the heavily pretreated, lenalidomide‐refractory myeloma population.
Digital platform for social innovation: Insights from volunteering
Authors: Caridà Angela , Colurcio Maria , Melia Monia
Published: May 2022

Academics, policymakers and society at large are calling for solutions to societal problems. Digital platforms are a promising means to this end, as they can drive social innovation at a scale and pace previously unimaginable. To date, little attention has been paid to how technologies facilitate social change and lead actors to solve social problems over time. This study explores how digital platforms foster the development of successful social innovation practices to improve the process of social change and well‐being. It adopts a qualitative, in‐depth case study approach and focuses on RomAltruista, a so‐called social mission platform that promotes flexible volunteering. The study contributes to the literature by providing a framework for understanding the opportunities and role of platforms as cornerstones of successful social innovation practices.
A comparative evaluation of neurophysiological activity, active tactile sensibility and stereognostic ability of complete denture prosthesis, and implant‐supported prosthesis wearer—A pilot study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Bappaditya , Saneja Ritu , Bhatnagar Atul , Verma Ashish , Soni Romesh , Singh Ankita , Dubey Pavan
Published: May 2022

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of implant‐supported prosthesis in completely edentulous participants in terms of osseoperception ability, neural activity, and stereognostic ability in comparison to removable prosthetic options.

Materials and Methods

A total sample of 18 patients, irrespective of gender and age were allocated into three groups according to the three‐treatment protocol (upper and lower complete denture, upper complete denture opposing lower implant‐retained overdenture, implant‐supported fixed prosthesis in both arches). Four weeks after completion of the treatment procedure active tactile sensibility (ATS) was checked by using varying thicknesses (12, 40, 80, 100, 200 μ) of articulating foils and papers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed to record neurophysiological activity in cerebral cortex in all the participants. Various forms of test pieces (heat cure acrylic resin) were used to evaluate stereognostic ability. Data regarding the neurophysiological activity were analyzed by using Krushkal–Wallis test and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data from stereognostic ability test procedure and ATS were compared by using chi‐squared test and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Statistically significant difference was found in between the articulating foils in terms of true negative responses as the foil thickness increased in participants wearing complete denture in both the arches (p = 0.004) and implant‐supported fixed prosthesis in both the arches (p = 0.010). Participants in implant‐supported fixed prosthesis group showed significantly more activation in primary motor cortex (right side), somatosensory cortex (left side), angular gyrus (both sides), temporal lobe (left) compared to other groups. No significant difference found in thalamus and premotor cortex region in between the participants of different groups. No statistically significant difference found in between the groups in terms of true responses identifying correct shapes. Mean number of correct responses in stereognostic ability test were 4.16 (83.33%), 3.5 (70%), 3.83 (76.66%) for participants of complete denture group, upper complete denture opposing lower implant retained overdenture group, and implant‐supported fixed prosthesis group, respectively.

Conclusion

Primary motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and other regions of brain were diffusely activated in participants wearing implant‐supported fixed prosthesis in both the arches. Less number of false responses were recorded in participants of implant‐supported fixed prosthesis group and upper complete denture opposing lower implant‐retained overdenture group in ATS test compared to participants wearing complete denture in both the arches.
Impact of the heart transplant allocation policy change on inpatient cost of index hospitalization
Authors: Abramov Dmitry , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Fudim Marat , Chung Josh S. , Patel Jay N. , Rabkin David G.
Published: May 2022

Background

We sought to determine the financial impact of the United Network for Organ Sharing heart transplant (HT) allocation policy change of October 2018.

Methods

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample we retrospectively analyzed hospital discharge data between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. ICD‐10‐CM procedure codes were used to identify hospitalizations of patients undergoing HT as well as the use of temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) during the HT hospitalization. Patients < 18 years old and those with missing data on costs were excluded. The primary outcome was inflation‐adjusted costs. Total costs were inflated to 2019 US dollars.

Results

During the course of the study, temporary MCS increased significantly among 11 380 weighted patients transplanted while mean length of stay (LOS) did not. Mean inflation‐adjusted costs rose about $40k per HT. On univariate analysis, transplantation year, use of temporary MCS and LOS were all significantly associated with increased cost while on multivariate analysis only temporary MCS and LOS were.

Conclusions

The 2018 allocation change has resulted in more expensive inpatient costs for HT correlating with an increase in temporary MCS.
Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the effect of canagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria in the Japanese population: The CANPIONE study
Authors: Miyamoto Satoshi , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , de Zeeuw Dick , Toyoda Masao , Suzuki Daisuke , Hatanaka Takashi , Nakamura Tohru , Kamei Shinji , Murao Satoshi , Hida Kazuyuki , Ando Shinichiro , Akai Hiroaki , Takahashi Yasushi , Koya Daisuke , Kitada Munehiro , Sugano Hisashi , Nunoue Tomokazu , Nakamura Akihiko , Sasaki Motofumi , Nakatou Tatsuaki , Fujimoto Kei , Kawanami Daiji , Wada Takashi , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Yoshida Michihiro , Shikata Kenichi ,   the CANPIONE study Investigators
Published: May 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effect of canagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on albuminuria and the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in participants with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.

Methods

The CANPIONE study is a multicentre, randomized, parallel‐group and open‐labelled study consisting of a unique 24‐week preintervention period, during which the rate of eGFR decline before intervention is estimated, followed by a 52‐week intervention and a 4‐week washout period. Participants with a geometric mean urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) of 50 and higher and less than 300 mg/g in two consecutive first‐morning voids at two different time points, and an eGFR of 45 ml/min/1.73m2 or higher, are randomly assigned to receive canagliflozin 100 mg daily or to continue guideline‐recommended treatment, except for SGLT2 inhibitors. The first primary outcome is the change in UACR, and the second primary outcome is the change in eGFR slope.

Results

A total of 258 participants were screened and 98 were randomized at 21 sites in Japan from August 2018 to May 2021. The mean baseline age was 61.4 years and 25.8% were female. The mean HbA1c was 7.9%, mean eGFR was 74.1 ml/min/1.73m2 and median UACR was 104.2 mg/g.

Conclusions

The CANPIONE study will determine whether the SGLT2 inhibitor canagliflozin can reduce albuminuria and slow eGFR decline in participants with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria.
Metformin‐induced vitamin B12 deficiency can cause or worsen distal symmetrical, autonomic and cardiac neuropathy in the patient with diabetes
Authors: Bell David S. H.
Published: May 2022

Metformin blocks the absorption of vitamin B12 through a mechanism that has not been established but could be because of interference with the calcium‐dependent binding of the intrinsic factor vitamin B12 complex to the cubam receptor in the terminal ileum. The subsequent deficiency of vitamin B12 may cause or accelerate distal symmetrical and autonomic neuropathy in the patient with diabetes. Several observational studies and meta‐analyses have reported a significant association between metformin utilization and vitamin B12 deficiency. Prospective studies have shown that not only do metformin utilizers have lower vitamin B12 levels but they also have higher frequencies of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy and autonomic neuropathy (including cardiac denervation, which is associated with increased incidences of cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac events and mortality). Therefore, periodic monitoring of vitamin B12 is recommended in all patients who utilize metformin, particularly if metformin has been used for over 5 years at which stage hepatic stores of vitamin B12 would probably be depleted. Factors that accelerate the loss of hepatic vitamin B12 stores are proton pump inhibitors, bariatric surgery, being elderly and having an increased turnover of red blood cells. If serum vitamin B12 levels are borderline, measurement of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels can detect vitamin B12 deficiency at its earliest stage. Therapies include prophylactic calcium and vitamin B12 supplements, metformin withdrawal, replenishing vitamin B12 stores with intramuscular or oral vitamin B12 therapy and regular monitoring of vitamin B12 levels and vitamin B12 supplements if metformin continues to be utilized. With adequate vitamin B12 replacement, while symptoms of neuropathy may or may not improve, objective findings of neuropathy stabilize but do not improve.
Beyond Labs: The Future of Civic Design
Authors: Bason Christian
Published: May 2022

The next era must challenge what we mean by design in the context of public organizations, and it must challenge how we use design to enable better government in ways that are simultaneously more fundamental and more ambitious.

In the past two decades, civic design has led to substantial improvements in how societal issues are addressed. Where might it go from here?
Optimum timing and size at release of chum salmon: Improving survival by modifying hatchery practices
Authors: Saito Toshihiko
Published: May 2022

An existing conceptual model that assessed the timing of and size at release of juvenile Japanese chum salmon in Japanese waters is modified using data obtained from young salmon collected in coastal waters off Kombumori, eastern Hokkaido, Japan. The early life histories of Tokachi River late‐migrating chum salmon are estimated based on microstructural analysis of thermally marked otoliths from recaptured fish. A revised model is presented that reveals the optimal timing of and size at release of chum salmon juveniles to be dependent upon their size at sea entry and sea surface temperature (SST) near Tokachi River mouth. Juvenile salmon are assumed to grow at a fixed rate after sea entry and to reach a target fork length upon arrival in Kombumori waters when SST conditions are within a specific optimal range. However, because of annual variation in SST, the size at and timing of juvenile chum salmon sea entry following their release from hatcheries represents a moving target, which flexible hatchery release practices are required to meet. Return rates of adult chum salmon to Tokachi River correlate positively with the number of days elapsed between the period when SST is suitable near the river mouth where they enter the sea, and SST conditions in Kombumori waters, which suggests that in years when SST increases rapidly the survival of salmon tends to decline. Windows of optimal times of and sizes at release are proposed for juvenile chum salmon to improve their survival and hatchery success.
Urban wetlands, their dynamics and management strategies from the perspective of Environmental Geography
Authors: Schön Feline , Domínguez Ana , Achkar Marcel
Published: May 2022

The environment is a central axis of academic discussion, but even so, there are theoretical difficulties in understanding environmental problems. Environmental Geography provides arguments to articulate the relationships between society and nature and the possibility of focusing on the environmental system as an object of study. The aim of this article is to provide theoretical, methodological and operational elements for the evaluation of the interrelationship between wetland ecosystems and urban localities in Uruguay based on three case studies and analysing them from the theoretical and conceptual context of Environmental Geography. The methodological strategy is based on a multi‐scale analysis: at the national scale, studying the situation of the interrelationship between wetlands and urban areas, and at the basin scale, case studies are selected to address the specific conditions of the relationship. In Uruguay, 50% of urban localities are located in wetland territories, but no national strategy can be identified to solve the problem of flooding events in urban areas. Environmental Geography offers the possibility of making the interrelationships between urban spaces and the environments where they develop visible as it makes it possible to analyse the causes of the problem at the basin level in order to achieve sustainable management.