bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring impacts of social enterprises: perspectives from Brazilians entrepreneurs and investors
Authors: Siqueira Erica Hevellin da Silva , Bin Adriana , Stefanuto Rachel Cavalcanti
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to characterize output and impact evaluation initiatives from the perspective of entrepreneurs and investors of social enterprises (SE) by highlighting their relevance, implementation processes and consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative approach through a multiple case study. This study also analyzed ten SE in five areas and three investors, using semi-structured interviews, codification and content analysis.

Findings

Evaluation is still at an initial stage in these businesses, and there is a gap between what the field-specific literature proposes and what firms do. Although entrepreneurs feel that evaluation is essential to demonstrate their value and confirm their purpose and impact, it is not a priority.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the small number of Brazilian enterprises and investors, it is impossible to generalize the results.

Practical implications

The results are relevant to rethink strategies, processes and methodological tools that seek to portray, more realistically and reliably, the evaluation dimensions in SE.

Social implications

This study highlights the risk regarding the legitimacy of social impact ventures since, without the due causal inferences, it is not easy to prove the impact they claim to achieve. This situation conducts to the weakening of the ecosystem leading to the emptying of the term impact.

Originality/value

The main research contributions address the methodologies, practices and evaluation routines of some Brazilian SE and their investors, presenting the characteristics, perceptions and limitations of the studied ventures.
Impact of coexistent preserved ratio impaired spirometry on the survival of patients with lung cancer: Analysis of data from the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry
Authors: Heo I. Re , Kim Ho Cheol , Lee Seung Jun , Yoo Jung‐Wan , Ju Sunmi , Jeong Yi Yeong , Lee Jong Deog , Cho Yu Ji , Jeong Jong Hwan , Heo Manbong , Jung Seung Woo , Kim Tae Hoon
Published: August 2021

Background

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a common spirometric pattern that is associated with respiratory symptoms and higher mortality rates. However, the relationship between lung cancer and PRISm remains unclear. This study investigated the clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients with PRISm and the potential role of PRISm as a prognostic factor.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data collected from 2014 to 2015 in the Korean Association for Lung Cancer Registry. We classified all patients into three subgroups according to lung function as follows: normal lung function; PRISm (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] < 80% predicted and FEV1/forced vital capacity [FVC] ≥ 0.7); and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; FEV1/FVC < 0.7). In non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the overall survival period was compared among the three subgroups. The prognostic factors were investigated using Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of the 3763 patients, 38.6%, 40.1%, and 21.3% had normal lung function, COPD, and PRISm, respectively. Patients with PRISm had poorer overall survival than those with COPD or normal lung function in NSCLC and SCLC (Mantel–Cox log‐rank test, p < 0.05). In the risk‐adjusted analysis, overall survival was independently associated with COPD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.209, p = 0.027) and PRISm (HR 1.628, p < 0.001) in NSCLC, but was only associated with PRISm (HR 1.629, p = 0.004) in SCLC.

Conclusions

PRISm is a significant pattern of lung function in patients with lung cancer. At the time of lung cancer diagnosis, pre‐existing PRISm should be considered a predictive factor of poor prognosis.
A primer on partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs)
Authors: Chadès Iadine , Pascal Luz V. , Nicol Sam , Fletcher Cameron S. , Ferrer‐Mestres Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) are a convenient mathematical model to solve sequential decision‐making problems under imperfect observations. Most notably for ecologists, POMDPs have helped solve the trade‐offs between investing in management or surveillance and, more recently, to optimise adaptive management problems.

Despite an increasing number of applications in ecology and natural resources, POMDPs are still poorly understood. The complexity of the mathematics, the inaccessibility of POMDP solvers developed by the Artificial Intelligence (AI) community, and the lack of introductory material are likely reasons for this.

We propose to bridge this gap by providing a primer on POMDPs, a typology of case studies drawn from the literature, and a repository of POMDP problems.

We explain the steps required to define a POMDP when the state of the system is imperfectly detected (state uncertainty) and when the dynamics of the system are unknown (model uncertainty). We provide input files and solutions to a selected number of problems, reflect on lessons learned applying these models over the last 10 years and discuss future research required on interpretable AI.

Partially observable Markov decision processes are powerful decision models that allow users to make decisions under imperfect observations over time. This primer will provide a much‐needed entry point to ecologists.
Pharmaceutical opioid poisonings in Victoria, Australia: Rates and characteristics of a decade of emergency department presentations among nine pharmaceutical opioids
Authors: Lam Tina , Hayman Jane , Berecki‐Gisolf Janneke , Sanfilippo Paul , Lubman Dan I. , Nielsen Suzanne
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

Pharmaceutical opioids are a significant contributor to the global ‘opioid crisis’, yet few studies have comprehensively distinguished between opioid types. We measured whether a range of common pharmaceutical opioids varied in their contribution to the rates and characteristics of harm in a population‐wide indicator of non‐fatal overdose.

Design

Retrospective observational study of emergency department (ED) patient care records in the Victorian Emergency Minimum Data set (VEMD), July 2009 to June 2019.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Cases

ED presentations for non‐fatal overdose related to pharmaceutical opioid use (n = 5403), where the specific pharmaceutical opioid was documented.

Measurements

We compared harms across the nine individual pharmaceutical opioids most commonly sold, and considered where multiple opioids contributed to the overdose. We calculated supply‐adjusted rates of ED presentations using Poisson regression and used multinomial logistic regression to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of presentations among nine distinct pharmaceutical opioids and a 10th category where multiple opioids were documented for the presentation.

Findings

There were wide differences, up to 27‐fold, between supply‐adjusted rates of overdose. When considering presentations with sole opioids, the highest supply‐adjusted overdose rates [per 100 000 oral morphine equivalents (OME); 95% confidence interval (CI)] were for codeine (OME = 0.078, 95% CI = 0.073–0.08) and oxycodone (OME =0.029, 95% CI = 0.027–0.030) and the lowest were for tapentadol (OME = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.003–0.006) and fentanyl (OME = 0.003, 95% CI = 0.002–0.004). These rates appeared related to availability rather than opioid potency. Most (62%) poisonings involved females. Codeine, oxycodone and tramadol were associated with younger presentations (respectively, 59.5%, 41.7% and 49.8% of presentations were 12‐34 years old), and intentional self‐harm (respectively 65.2%, 50.6%, and 52.8% of presentations). Relative to morphine, fentanyl [ 0.32 relative risk ratio (RRR)] and methadone ( 0.58 RRR) presentations were less likely to be coded as self‐harm. Relative to morphine–buprenorphine, codeine, oxycodone and tramadol presentations were significantly more likely to be associated with the less urgent triage categories (respectively 2.18, 1.80, 1.52, 1.65 RRR).

Conclusions

In Victoria, Australia, rates and characteristics of emergency department presentations for pharmaceutical opioids show distinct variations by opioid type.
Mortality among people who inject drugs: a prospective cohort followed over three decades in Baltimore, MD, USA
Authors: Sun Jing , Mehta Shruti H. , Astemborski Jacquie , Piggott Damani A. , Genberg Becky L. , Woodson‐Adu Tanita , Benson Eve‐Marie , Thomas David L. , Celentano David D. , Vlahov David , Kirk Gregory D.
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

During the past decades, people who inject drugs (PWID) have been impacted by the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to combat HIV/AIDS, the prescription opioid crisis and increased use of lethal synthetic opioids. We measured how these dynamics have impacted mortality among PWID in an urban US city.

Design

Prospective cohort study using data from the AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience (ALIVE).

Setting

Baltimore, MD, USA from 1988 to 2018.

Participants

A total of 5506 adult PWIDs (median age at baseline 37 years).

Measurements

Mortality was identified by linkage to National Death Index‐Plus (NDI‐Plus) and categorized into HIV/infectious disease (HIV/ID) deaths, overdose and violence‐related (drug‐related) deaths and chronic disease deaths. Person‐time at risk accrued from baseline and ended at the earliest of death or study period. All‐cause and cause‐specific mortality were calculated annually. The Fine & Gray method was used to estimate the subdistribution hazards of cause‐specific deaths accounting for competing risks.

Findings

Among 5506 participants with 84 226 person‐years of follow‐up, 43.9% were deceased by 2018. Among all deaths, 30.5% were HIV/ID deaths, 24.4% drug‐related deaths and 33.3% chronic disease deaths. Age‐standardized all‐cause mortality increased from 23 to 45 per 1000 person‐years from 1988 to 1996, declined from 1996 to 2014, then trended upward to 2018. HIV/ID deaths peaked in 1996 coincident with the availability of cART, then continuously declined. Chronic disease deaths increased continuously as the cohort aged. Drug‐related deaths declined until 2011, but increased more than fourfold by 2018. HIV/HCV infection and active injecting were independently associated with HIV/ID and drug‐related deaths. Female and black participants had a higher risk of dying from HIV/ID deaths and a lower risk of dying from drug‐related deaths than male and non‐black participants.

Conclusions

Deaths in Baltimore, MD, USA attributable to HIV/ID appear to have declined following the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy. Increases in the rates of drug‐related deaths in Baltimore were observed prior to and continue in conjunction with national mortality rates associated with the opiate crisis.
Influence of ant–grass association on soil microbial activity through organic matter decomposition dynamics in Lamto savannah (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Ouattara Kaly , Yeo Kolo , Kouakou Lombart M. M. , Kone Mouhamadou , Dekoninck Wouter , Konate Souleymane
Published: August 2021

Ants are widely regarded as ecosystem engineers because of their effect on soil structure and on the flow of energy. However, little is known about their influence on the carbon flux in tropical humid savannah. Recent investigations in a humid savannah ecosystem in Lamto showed that ant nests’ association with perennial grasses enhances their growth and productivity. This study aimed at understanding the influence of ant nests on soil micro‐organism's activity beneath grass tufts. The kinetic of mineralisation was tested in laboratory conditions at various times (days 1, 2, 4 and 7) beneath three grass species associated and not associated with ant nests, following the CO2 amount released at 30℃ during soil respiration. The amount of CO2 released from the soil is higher beneath grass tufts associated with ant nests compared with those not associated with ant nest. The highest amount of CO2 released from the soil was found beneath Hyparrhenia diplandra tufts followed by Andropogon schirensis tufts and the lowest under Loudetia simplex tufts. This study has shown that ant nests’ association with grass tufts enhances microbial activity in this savannah ecosystem.
If the past weighs on the present, then the present also weighs on the past: Collective remembering as an open system for human science
Authors: Liu James H. , Khan Sammyh S.
Published: August 2021

The study of collective memory (CM) forms a platform for dialogue between top‐down (CM as publicly available symbols) and bottom‐up approaches (CM as aggregated across individuals), and between the idiographic (case specific) and nomothetic (universal) approaches across the social sciences and humanities. The availability of symbolic resources from history to serve as foundations for systems of belief is critical for defining human science as an open system involving synchronic and diachronic analyses that theorize about the making and breaking of political culture: including concepts, processes, and organizations coming into being, or disappearing, and as they do so, changing what phenomena can be observed and why. This Special Issue contains ten articles, one cluster of which centering around Europe, and the collective remembering of World War II. This contributed to the making of the European Union, but national structures also limit popular identification with this supranational structure. Despite the best efforts of states, the bottom‐up surveys reported here demonstrate the heterogeneity of CM, as mediated by mass communications, and age cohorts. In contexts ranging from memory of the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines, to protest movements in Hong Kong, Japanese occupation of Korea, and social representations of the histories of Singapore, Morocco, and Egypt, the papers collected here show consistently that CM is heterogeneous, and different CMs are associated with different political attitudes and behavior. History as a symbolic resource is best conceptualized as something that can be mobilized by an identity entrepreneur, not as something fixed.
“My brain feels like a browser with 100 tabs open”: A longitudinal study of teachers’ mental health and well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kim Lisa E. , Oxley Laura , Asbury Kathryn
Published: August 2021

Background

Teaching and caring for pupils during the COVID‐19 pandemic has been a challenge for many teachers, and its impact on teachers’ mental health and well‐being (MHWB) should be of great national and international concern.

Aim and participants

This study examines 24 primary and secondary school teachers’ MHWB experiences across three time points (April, July, and November 2020) using longitudinal qualitative trajectory analysis.

Method

We used a mixture of inductive and deductive coding, based on the Job Demands–Resources Model, to identify the job demands (aspects of the job that can be physically or psychologically costly) and job resources (aspects of the job that can buffer the effects of job demands and promote achievement and growth) teachers reported experiencing across the three time points.

Results

Generally, teachers’ MHWB seemed to have declined throughout the pandemic, especially for primary school leaders. Six job demands contributed negatively to teachers’ MHWB (i.e., uncertainty, workload, negative perception of the profession, concern for others’ well‐being, health struggles, and multiple roles) and three job resources contributed positively to their MHWB (i.e., social support, work autonomy, and coping strategies).

Conclusions

Policymakers and practitioners can support teachers’ MHWB by engaging in more collaborative communication and ensuring greater accessibility to sources of social support. These discussions and provisions will be crucial in supporting teachers, and thereby the educational system, both during and after the pandemic.
Current status of haemophilia inhibitor management in mainland China: a haemophilia treatment centres survey on treatment preferences and real‐world clinical practices
Authors: Liu Wei , Xue Feng , Poon Man‐Chiu , Chen Lingling , Jin Zhaona , Zhang Lei , Yang Renchi
Published: August 2021

To investigate the current experience and expertise for haemophilia inhibitor patient management in haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs) in mainland China. Questionnaires were distributed to ‘tertiary tier A’ hospital HTCs across China to collect information on treatment preferences for bleeding control, prophylaxis and inhibitor eradication, as well as their regimens in real‐world clinical practice. Of 40 questionnaires distributed, 39 were returned. In all, 38 were analysable for treatment preferences and 34 for actual clinical practice. For haemostatic treatment, 76·3% (29/38) HTCs preferred activated recombinant human Factor VII (rFVIIa). In clinical practice, the most widely used by‐pass agent was prothrombin complex concentrate (26 HTCs). Although 65·8% (25/38) of HTCs believed prophylaxis treatment was necessary, it was prescribed in only 12. Similarly, 65·8% (25/38) of HTCs believed immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy was necessary but only 14·8% (92/622) of patients in 19 HTCs received low‐dose ITI treatment. HTCs in relatively economically developed cities (with higher‐than‐average per‐capita gross domestic product) had better access to haemostatic treatment, coagulation testing and were more likely to provide prophylaxis and ITI in practice. The present survey showed there were gaps in haemophilia inhibitor care between the HTC physicians’ preferences and their actual clinical practice. More specific care guidelines, education and clinical decision support tools are needed to guide clinical practice.
Debate: Is there a true global children and young people mental health crisis? Fact or Fiction: A South African Perspective
Authors: Daniels Ingrid
Published: August 2021

The article seeks to discuss the complexities that prevail in South Africa in attempting to understand the debate about whether there is a true global children and young people mental health crisis in the country. In the absence of reliable and current epidemiological data and prevalence studies, assumptions can only be made about the extent of the crisis when considering the prevailing social determinants of mental disorders. The lack of investment, limited child and adolescent mental health resources, and inadequate access to treatment complicate this crisis as many children and young people go untreated. The author argues that the debate should be focused on the need to address the risk factors that perpetuate the ever‐increasing mental health concerns of children and youth in South Africa.
Validation of obesity‐related diagnosis codes in claims data
Authors: Suissa Karine , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Lin Kueiyu Joshua , Brill Gregory , Kim Seoyoung C. , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: August 2021

Aim

To determine whether body mass index (BMI) can be accurately identified in epidemiological studies using claims databases.

Materials and methods

Using the Mass General Brigham Research Patient Data Repository‐Medicare‐linked database, we identified a cohort of patients with a BMI measurement for the periods January 1 to June 31, 2014 or January 1 to June 31, 2016, to capture both the International Classification of Disease (ICD)‐9 and ICD‐10 eras. Patients were divided into two groups, with or without an obesity‐related ICD code in the 6 months before or after the BMI measurement date. We created two binary measures, first for composite overweight, obesity, or severe obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), and second for obesity or severe obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). We calculated accuracy measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV] and negative predictive value [NPV]) for each obesity category for the overall cohort, and stratified by type 2 diabetes and ICD‐code era.

Results

The cohort included 73 644 patients with a BMI measurement in 2014 or 2016, of whom 16 280 had an obesity‐related ICD code. The specificity of obesity‐related ICD codes (ICD‐9 and ICD‐10) was 99.7% for underweight/normal weight, 97.4% for overweight, 99.7% for obese and 98.9% for severely obese. For binary categories capturing BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2, specificity was 97.0% and 98.2%, and PPV was 86.9% and 97.3%. Sensitivity was low overall (<40%). Codes for patients with type 2 diabetes and codes in the ICD‐10 era had higher sensitivity, PPV and NPV.

Conclusion

Obesity‐related ICD codes can accurately identify patients with obesity in epidemiological studies using claims databases.
Efficacy and safety of sotagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and severe renal impairment
Authors: Cherney David Z. I. , Ferrannini Ele , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Peters Anne L. , Rosenstock Julio , Carroll Amy K. , Lapuerta Pablo , Banks Phillip , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: August 2021

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of sotagliflozin, a dual inhibitor of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐1 and ‐2, in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD4).

Materials and Methods

This 52‐week, phase 3, randomized (1:1:1), placebo‐controlled trial evaluated sotagliflozin 200 mg and sotagliflozin 400 mg once daily in 277 patients with T2D and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 15 to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. The primary endpoint was glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction with sotagliflozin 400 mg versus placebo at 26 weeks. A hierarchical statistical testing approach was used.

Results

The baseline mean HbA1c was 65 ± 12 mmol/mol (8.1% ± 1.1%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 144 ± 15 mmHg, and eGFR was 24 ± 4 mL/min/1.73m2. Placebo‐adjusted changes with sotagliflozin 400 mg were –3 mmol/mol (−0.3%; 95% confidence interval –7 to 0.6 [−0.6 to 0.05]; P = 0.096) and –8 mmol/mol (−0.7%; –13 to –3 [−1.2 to −0.2]; P = 0.003) in HbA1c at Weeks 26 and 52, respectively, −1.5 kg (−3.0 to −0.1) in body weight at Week 26, −5.4 mmHg (−9.4 to −1.3) in SBP at Week 12, and −0.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (−2.1 to 1.6; P = 0.776) in eGFR at Week 52. Over 52 weeks, 11.8%, 5.4% and 3.3% of patients receiving placebo and sotagliflozin 200 and 400 mg, respectively, required rescue therapy for hyperglycaemia. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 82.8%, 86.2% and 81.1% of patients and serious cardiovascular AEs occurred in 12.9%, 3.2% and 4.4% of patients in the placebo and sotagliflozin 200 and 400 mg groups, respectively.

Conclusions

After 26 weeks, HbA1c reductions with sotagliflozin were not statistically significant versus placebo in adults with T2D and CKD4. The 52‐week safety profile was consistent with results of the SCORED outcomes trial (NCT03242018).
Structural connectivity predicts sequential processing differences in music perception ability
Authors: Rajan Archith , Shah Apurva , Ingalhalikar Madhura , Singh Nandini Chatterjee
Published: August 2021

To relate individual differences in music perception ability with whole brain white matter connectivity, we scanned a group of 27 individuals with varying degrees of musical training and assessed musical ability in sensory and sequential music perception domains using the Profile of Music Perception Skills‐Short version (PROMS‐S). Sequential processing ability was estimated by combining performance on tasks for Melody, Standard Rhythm, Embedded Rhythm, and Accent subscores while sensory processing ability was ascertained via tasks of Tempo, Pitch, Timbre, and Tuning. Controlling for musical training, gender, and years of training, network‐based statistics revealed positive linear associations between total PROMS‐S scores and increased interhemispheric fronto‐temporal and parieto‐frontal white matter connectivity, suggesting a distinct segregated structural network for music perception. Secondary analysis revealed two subnetworks for sequential processing ability, one comprising ventral fronto‐temporal and subcortical regions and the other comprising dorsal fronto‐temporo‐parietal regions. A graph‐theoretic analysis to characterize the structural network revealed a positive association of modularity of the whole brain structural connectome with the d′ total score. In addition, the nodal degree of the right posterior cingulate cortex also showed a significant positive correlation with the total d′ score. Our results suggest that a distinct structural network of connectivity across fronto‐temporal, cerebellar, and cerebro‐subcortical regions is associated with music processing abilities and the right posterior cingulate cortex mediates the connectivity of this network.
Throwing open the doors of perception: The role of dopamine in visual processing
Authors: Woolrych Alexander , Vautrelle Nicolas , Reynolds John N. J. , Parr‐Brownlie Louise C.
Published: August 2021

Animals form associations between visual cues and behaviours. Although dopamine is known to be critical in many areas of the brain to bind sensory information with appropriate responses, dopamine's role in the visual system is less well understood. Visual signals, which indicate the likely occurrence of a rewarding or aversive stimulus or indicate the context within which such stimuli may arrive, modulate activity in the superior colliculus and alter behaviour. However, such signals primarily originate in cortical and basal ganglia circuits, and evidence of direct signalling from midbrain dopamine neurons to superior colliculus is lacking. Instead, hypothalamic A13 dopamine neurons innervate the superior colliculus, and dopamine receptors are differentially expressed in the superior colliculus, with D1 receptors in superficial layers and D2 receptors in deep layers. However, it remains unknown if A13 dopamine neurons control behaviours through their effect on afferents within the superior colliculus. We propose that A13 dopamine neurons may play a critical role in processing information in the superior colliculus, modifying behavioural responses to visual cues, and propose some testable hypotheses regarding dopamine's effect on visual perception.
Two‐trajectory laser amygdalohippocampotomy: Anatomic modeling and initial seizure outcomes
Authors: Liu David D. , Lauro Peter M. , Phillips Ronald K. , Leary Owen P. , Zheng Bryan , Roth Julie L. , Blum Andrew S. , Segar David J. , Asaad Wael F.
Published: August 2021

Objective

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is typically performed with one trajectory to target the medial temporal lobe (MTL). MTL structures such as piriform and entorhinal cortex are epileptogenic, but due to their relative geometry, they are difficult to target with one trajectory while simultaneously maintaining adequate ablation of the amygdala and hippocampus. We hypothesized that a two‐trajectory approach could improve ablation of all relevant MTL structures. First, we created large‐scale computer simulations to compare idealized one‐ vs two‐trajectory approaches. A two‐trajectory approach was then validated in an initial cohort of patients.

Methods

We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) to create subject‐specific target structures consisting of hippocampus, amygdala, and piriform/entorhinal/perirhinal cortex. An algorithm searched for safe potential trajectories along the hippocampal axis (catheter one) and along the amygdala‐piriform axis (catheter two) and compared this to a single trajectory optimized over all structures. The proportion of each structure ablated at various burn radii was evaluated. A cohort of 11 consecutive patients with mTLE received two‐trajectory LITT; demographic, operative, and outcome data were collected.

Results

The two‐trajectory approach was superior to the one‐trajectory approach at nearly all burn radii for all hippocampal subfields and amygdala nuclei (p < .05). Two‐laser trajectories achieved full ablation of MTL cortical structures at physiologically realistic burn radii, whereas one‐laser trajectories could not. Five patients with at least 1 year of follow‐up (mean = 21.8 months) experienced Engel class I outcomes; 6 patients with less than 1 year of follow‐up (mean = 6.6 months) are on track for Engel class I outcomes.

Significance

Our anatomic analyses and initial clinical results suggest that LITT amygdalohippocampotomy performed via two‐laser trajectories may promote excellent seizure outcomes. Future studies are required to validate the long‐term clinical efficacy and safety of this approach.
Interannual variations in diet of Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) juveniles in the southwestern Sea of Japan in relation to recent growth rate
Authors: Sassa Chiyuki , Kitajima Satoshi , Takahashi Motomitsu
Published: August 2021

We examined interannual variations in the diet of Trachurus japonicus juveniles in relation to prey density and recent 5‐day instantaneous growth rate (IGR) in the southwestern part of the Sea of Japan (SJ) in late spring during 2011–2013. Habitat temperature of juveniles in 2011 was lower than the other 2 years. In all 3 years, more than 97% of juveniles had food in the stomach. Small juveniles <35‐mm standard length (SL) fed mainly on adult female Paracalanus parvus s.l., the most dominant calanoid copepod in the water column, without a significant interannual difference. In 2011 and 2012, large juveniles ≥35‐mm SL predated heavily upon adult female Calanus sinicus which form a high‐energy food for the juveniles. In contrast, in 2013, the large juveniles preyed on a large number of a variety of small‐sized prey items, such as P. parvus s.l., euchaetid copepods, and ostracods. In 2011 when the feeding condition was considered to be favorable, but the habitat temperature was lowest, the IGR of large juveniles was markedly lower than in the other 2 years. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the IGR between 2012 and 2013 when the diet composition was markedly different, but habitat temperature was comparable. The present observations indicate that the between‐year difference in juvenile IGR was not explained well by variations in the diet composition. Instead, habitat temperature was concluded to be the more dominant factor causing the observed between‐year differences in the IGR in the southwestern SJ.
Effects of climate and topography on the diversity anomaly of plants disjunctly distributed in eastern Asia and eastern North America
Authors: Yin Xue , Qian Hong , Sui Xinghua , Zhang Minhua , Mao Lingfeng , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Ricklefs Robert E. , He Fangliang
Published: August 2021

Aim

Differences in physiography have been proposed to explain the diversity anomaly for vascular plants between environmentally similar regions of eastern Asia (EAS) and eastern North America (ENA). Here, we use plant species within disjunct genera to examine whether differences in topography contribute to the diversity anomaly and whether the richness–environment relationships differ between regions. Disjunct plants are used to ensure that the diversity anomaly relates to post‐disjunction evolution and diversification rather than regional differences in clade ages or immigration.

Location

EAS and ENA.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Plant taxa disjunctly distributed in EAS and ENA.

Methods

We compiled county‐level plant distribution data, and calculated species richness and variables of topography and climate within unit grid cells. We compared estimated coefficients of region effects among models, where richness was fitted with or without topography and climate. Topography and climate were also used to separately model within‐region spatial diversity patterns using spatial simultaneous autoregressive error models.

Results

The coefficients of region effects varied from −.776 for the model only including region to −.309 when topography was controlled for, but remained significant. Climate dominated the spatial diversity patterns in ENA. In contrast, the influence of climate (14.2%) on species richness was weaker than that of topography (18.3%) in the warm area of EAS. Relations to elevation and temperature varied between regions, shifting between positive and negative relationships in several cases.

Main conclusions

Our results demonstrate that variability in local topography contributes to the strong regional anomaly in plant species richness between EAS and ENA. Nevertheless, the diversity anomaly persists after controlling for local topography and climate. EAS and ENA also exhibit contrasting richness–environment relationships, providing another divergent aspect between the EAS–ENA disjunct floras. Our findings highlight that regional differences in topography or other environmental factors may underlie the diversity anomaly.
Chitosan nanoencapsulation of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. essential oil and its novel preservative effect for enhanced shelf life of stored Maize kernels during storage: Evaluation of its enhanced antifungal, antimycotoxin, antioxidant activities and possible mode of action
Authors: Roshan Akbar Basha , Dubey Nawal Kishore , Mohana Devihalli Chikkaiah
Published: August 2021

The present evaluation aimed to synthesis and characterise the Pogostemon cablin essential oil encapsulated chitosan nanoemulsion (PCEO‐CN) and evaluated its antifungal antimycotoxin and antioxidant activities. A total of twenty‐six different chemical compounds were identified from P. cablin essential oil (PCEO), among which patchoulol (34.93%), α‐bulnesene (17.76%) and α‐guaiene (15.44%) were recorded as major components. The average size of PCEO‐CN was 18.20 nm. The PCEO‐CN showed concentration‐dependent broad‐spectrum antifungal and antimycotoxin activities. The in vivo evaluation showed that PCEO‐CN significantly protected maize seeds from mould‐induced biodeterioration and aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis for up to 30 days. The PCEO‐CN significantly inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis and cellular integrities of A. flavus. Based on the present study, PCEO‐CN could be used as a food preservative to control mould and mycotoxin contamination in stored maize.
Clinical evaluation of the national hospital‐acquired complication programme
Authors: Duke Graeme J. , Loughnan Daniel , De Frietas Maria , De Bont Eliza , Braude David , Liu Rui , Hirth Steven , Roodenburg Owen , Newnham Evan , Dārziņš Peteris , McMahon Lawrence P.
Published: August 2021

Background

The national hospital‐acquired complication programme captures complications arising from patient‐related and hospital‐related factors, but the proportion of the two is unclear.

Aim

Health services are encouraged to evaluate data from the national hospital‐acquired complications (HAC) programme and identify strategies to mitigate them.

Methods

A retrospective chart review compared HAC extracted from administrative data. The setting was a 430‐bed university‐affiliated metropolitan hospital. Records from 260 participants with, and 462 without, reported HAC from 2619 multi‐day stay adults were reviewed. The main outcome measures were prevalence and positive predictive value (PPV) of HAC methodology.

Results

No errors of HAC coding or classification were identified. Four hundred and twenty‐three HAC events were reported in 260 records; most commonly delirium (n = 57; 13.4%), pneumonia (n = 46; 10.9%), blood stream infection (n = 39; 9.2%), hypoglycaemia (n = 33; 7.8%) and cardiac arrhythmias (n = 33; 7.8%). One hundred and eight (25.5%) ‘HAC’ events in 69 separations (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.05–3.33 per 100 separations) were false positive, and 43 of 462 (95% CI = 6.72–12.22 per 100 separations) were false negative. Prevalence of total (reported plus missing) HAC was 16.06 (95% CI = 14.02–19.52), reported HAC was 9.93 (95% CI = 8.76–11.21), potentially preventable HAC was 1.68 (95% CI = 1.22–2.26) and healthcare errors was 0.31 (95% CI = 0.13–1.30) per 100 separations. PPV of HAC for true clinical events was 0.74 (0.68–0.79), preventable events 0.18 (0.13–0.23) and healthcare error 0.03 (0.01–0.06).

Conclusions

Prevalence of HAC events was higher than expected, but PPV for healthcare errors was low, suggesting provision of care is a less common cause of HAC events than patient factors. HAC may be an indicator of hospital admission complexity rather than HAC.
Nursing practice environment and employee silence about patient safety: The mediating role of professional discrimination experienced by nurses
Authors: Kritsotakis George , Gkorezis Panagiotis , Andreadaki Eirini , Theodoropoulou Maria , Grigoriou Georgios , Alvizou Anastasia , Kostagiolas Petros , Ratsika Nikoleta
Published: August 2021

Aims

To examine the associations between nurse work environment with nurses’ silence about patient safety and the mediating effects of professional discrimination experienced by nurses.

Design

Multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Between January and April 2019, 607 nurses and nursing assistants from seven hospitals in Greece assessed their clinical environment using the ‘Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index Revised‐PES‐NWIR’, and the silence about patient safety. The ‘Experiences of Discrimination Index’ was adapted to specifically address experienced discrimination based on the nursing profession. The PROCESS macros for SPSS were used to examine the above associations.

Findings

Better nurse practice environment, with the exception of ‘staffing and resource adequacy’ dimension, was directly associated with less experienced professional discrimination, and directly and indirectly associated with less silence about patient safety, through the mediating role of professional discrimination experienced by nurses.

Conclusions

Silence about patient safety is dependent on the clinical work environment and may be a response of nurses to discrimination in the work context. Both an improvement in the nurse work environment and a decrease in professional discrimination would minimize silence about patient safety.

Impact

On many occasions, nurses are directly or indirectly discouraged from voicing their concerns about patient safety or are ignored when they do, leading to employee silence and decreasing the standard of care (Alingh et al.,BMJ Quality & Safety, 2019,28, 39; Pope,Journal of Change Management, 2019,19, 45). Nurses’ work‐related determinants for silence are not clearly understood in the patient safety context. A favourably evaluated nurse practice environment is associated with less experienced professional discrimination and less silence about patient safety. To minimize silence about patient safety, both the nurse work environment and the experienced professional discrimination should be taken into consideration by nurse and healthcare managers.
A systematic review of community psychosocial group interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions
Authors: Bourne Jane , Harrison Toni Leigh , Wigham Sarah , Morison Cindy‐Jo , Hackett Simon
Published: August 2021

Background

People with intellectual disabilities have a high risk of developing mental ill‐health. Treatment is often neglected and diagnosis is misattributed to a person's disability. Standard psychosocial interventions can improve a person's well‐being. This review aimed to understand what interventions are being delivered, any benefits, and future recommendations.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the review registered with PROSPERO—CRD42020160254. Databases searched included: MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO. A framework synthesis approach was used to present the findings.

Results

There are limited psychosocial interventions offered for this population. When groups are delivered having a creative element, multiple activities over a short period of time, with breaks and group rules outcomes can be improved.

Conclusions

Adaptations and reasonable adjustments should be used specifically to a person's ability. A mixed‐method design allows people to share their experiences alongside quantitative data that provides clinical information.
High compliance and effective treatment of fish endoparasitic infections with oral drug delivery nanobioparticles: Safety of intestinal tissue and blood parameters
Authors: Madrid Rafael R.M. , Mertins Omar , Tavares‐Dias Marcos , Flores‐Gonzales Anai P. , C.M.F. Patta Ana , Ramirez Carlos A.B. , Rigoni Vera L.S. , Mathews Patrick D.
Published: August 2021

Parasite infections in fish require constant surveillance and strategies for efficient treatments which guarantee the fish health, their sale value and the non‐propagation of pathogens in new environments. Fish treatments based on nanotechnology become of increasing interest since nanoparticles have been shown as efficient materials for optimizing administration of bioactives. In this study a chitosan derivative, alginate and praziquantel conjugated nanobioparticle of effective action for oral treatment of digenetic trematodes in highly infected Corydoras schwartzi was evaluated in terms of histological and hematological safety. The inherent absence of alterations in intestinal tissue and the reversible blood cells counting during a period up to 35 days showed the safety of the drug delivery nanobioparticles, which thus represent a promising strategy for effective applications in pathogens treatments by oral administration.
Hsa_circ_0016788 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma progression via miR‐506‐3p/poly‐adenosine diphosphate‐ribose polymerase
Authors: Chen Ming , Hu Guangsheng , Zhou Xin , Peng Zhong , Wen Wu
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Recent researches have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) could affect the progress of HCC, but the mechanism is still indistinct. In this work, we explored the roles of circRNA_0016788 in HCC.

Methods

The levels of hsa_circ_0016788, microRNA‐506‐3p (miR‐506‐3p), and mRNA of poly‐adenosine diphosphate‐ribose polymerase, member 14 (PARP14) were detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in HCC tissues. Meanwhile, the level of PARP14 was quantified by Western blot analysis. Besides, the cell functions were examined by commercial kit, Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, EdU assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, Western blot, and transwell assay. Furthermore, the interplay between miR‐506‐3p and hsa_circ_0016788 or PARP14 was detected by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Eventually, the in vivo experiments were applied to measure the role of hsa_circ_0016788.

Results

The levels of hsa_circ_0016788 and PARP14 were upregulated, and the miR‐506‐3p level was decreased in HCC tissues in contrast to that in normal tissues. For functional analysis, hsa_circ_0016788 deficiency inhibited cell glycolysis metabolism, cell vitality, cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion in HCC cells whereas promoted cell apoptosis. Moreover, miR‐506‐3p was confirmed to repress the progression of HCC cells by suppressing PARP14. In mechanism, hsa_circ_0016788 acted as a miR‐506‐3p sponge to regulate the level of PARP14. In addition, hsa_circ_0016788 knockdown also inhibited tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_0016788 facilitates the development of HCC through increasing PARP14 expression by regulating miR‐506‐3p, which also offered an underlying targeted therapy for HCC treatment.
Lipid profiles of patients with manifest coronary versus peripheral atherosclerosis – Is there a difference?
Authors: Leiherer Andreas , Mündlein Axel , Brandtner Eva Maria , Säly Christoph H. , Ramadani Hana , Vonbank Alexander , Mader Arthur , Dopheide Jörn F. , Jylhä Antti , Lääperi Mitja , Laaksonen Reijo , März Winfried , Fraunberger Peter , Kleber Marcus , Drexel Heinz
Published: August 2021

Aim

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both caused by atherosclerosis. Serum lipids and lipoproteins are predictive of the development of atherosclerosis but it is not clear if they differ in the two manifestations, PAD and CAD. We tested whether a more detailed characterization of the lipid and lipoprotein patterns of PAD and CAD allows a clear differentiation between the two atherosclerotic phenotypes.

Methods

A cohort of 274 statin‐naïve patients with either newly diagnosed imaging proven PAD (n = 89) or stable CAD (n = 185) was characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance‐ and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based advanced lipid and lipoprotein analysis. An independent cohort of 1239 patients with PAD and CAD was used for validation.

Results

We found a significant difference in markers of inflammation as well as ceramide and phosphatidylcholine levels between patients with PAD and CAD. In contrast, basic lipid markers including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) or detailed lipoprotein profiles did not differ significantly between patients with PAD and CAD. Applying ratios and scores derived from ceramides and phosphatidylcholines further improved the discrimination between PAD and CAD. These significant differences were independent of body composition, from the status of smoking or type 2 diabetes mellitus, and also from apolipoprotein C‐III and other inflammatory parameters which were different between CAD and PAD.

Conclusion

The present study clearly suggests that PAD and CAD differ in terms of their ceramide‐ and phosphatidylcholine‐based lipid patterns but not in lipoprotein characteristics.
Story Completion technique: A useful methodology to evaluate the risk perception of consumers from different regions of Brazil about cheeses sold at open markets
Authors: da Silva Wanessa P. , Pimentel Tatiana C. , da Silva Camila B. F. , Pagani Mônica M. , da Cruz Adriano G. , Freitas Mônica Q. , Esmerino Erick A.
Published: August 2021

Story Completion technique was used to investigate the perception of consumers (n = 326) from different regions of Brazil about cheeses sold at open markets. Consumers were divided into low‐risk (would buy the cheese) and the high‐risk (would not buy the cheese) groups based on the outcome of the story. In the low‐risk group, the consumers from North and Southeast regions would buy the products due to the quality and technology, while those from Northeast, Midwest, and South regions due to the sensory aspects. In the high‐risk group, the consumers from the South region would not buy the cheese due to the hazard, and those from the Northeast region due to its negative sensory aspects. The consumers from the Southeast and South regions would not buy due to the lack of certification and quality, while those from the North and Midwest regions for not knowing the origin of the products.

Practical applications

This was the first study to apply the Story Completion technique in a food‐related study. This methodology demonstrated to be useful to separating the consumers based on their risk perception about cheeses sold at open markets. Furthermore, it was able to reveal differences in consumer perception about the products for each region of the country.