bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits and challenges for hospital nurses engaged in formal mentoring programs: A systematic integrated review
Authors: Kakyo Tracy Alexis , Xiao Lily Dongxia , Chamberlain Diane
Published: November 2021

Aims

To explore the overall benefits and challenges for the mentee, the mentor, and the hospital (stakeholders) in hospital‐sponsored mentoring programs.

Background

Formal mentoring programs are widely used to assist nurses to adapt to clinical practice, facilitate their career development, and improve workforce retention. However, the overall benefits and challenges for stakeholders involved in formal mentoring programs remain largely unknown due to a lack of systematic reviews to synthesize relevant studies in this important area.

Design

A systematic integrated review.

Data sources

A systematic search of six databases including CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest was undertaken.

Review methods

Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Findings from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‐methods studies were extracted and synthesized thematically using a convergent synthesis method.

Results

Twenty‐two original studies were included in the review. Findings are presented under five themes: the benefits for mentees, the benefits for mentors, the benefits for the hospital, challenges perceived by mentees and mentors, and mismatched mentor–mentee pairs.

Conclusion

Mentoring programs that build on reciprocal relationships among mentees and mentors generate substantial benefits for all if mentees are able to navigate the challenges of the complex and dynamic nature of the clinical practice environment. Organizational support is important in overcoming these challenges.
Distinct influenza surveillance networks and their agreement in recording regional influenza circulation: Experience from Southeast Michigan
Authors: DeJonge Peter M. , Monto Arnold S. , Malosh Ryan E. , Petrie Joshua G. , Segaloff Hannah E. , McSpadden Erin , Cheng Caroline , Bazzi Latifa , Callear Amy , Johnson Emileigh , Truscon Rachel , Martin Emily T.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

In Southeast Michigan, active surveillance studies monitor influenza activity in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and community households. Across five respiratory seasons, we assessed the contribution of data from each of the three networks towards improving our overall understanding of regional influenza circulation.

Methods

All three networks used case definitions for acute respiratory illness (ARI) and molecularly tested for influenza from research‐collected respiratory specimens. Age‐ and network‐stratified epidemic curves were created for influenza A and B. We compared stratified epidemic curves visually and by centering at seasonal midpoints.

Results

Across all seasons (from 2014/2015 through 2018/2019), epidemic curves from each of the three networks were comparable in terms of both timing and magnitude. Small discrepancies in epidemics recorded by each network support previous conclusions about broader characteristics of particular influenza seasons.

Conclusion

Influenza surveillance systems based in hospital, ambulatory clinic, and community household settings appear to provide largely similar information regarding regional epidemic activity. Together, multiple levels of influenza surveillance provide a detailed view of regional influenza epidemics, but a single surveillance system—regardless of population subgroup monitored—appears to be sufficient in providing vital information regarding community influenza epidemics.
Smartphone‐based exercise intervention for chronic pain: PainReApp randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Moral‐Munoz Jose A. , Salazar Alejandro , Dueñas María , De Sola Helena , Failde Inmaculada
Published: November 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of PainReApp, an mHealth system, based on physical exercise recommendations for patients with chronic pain (low back pain, fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathic pain) based on pain intensity, quality of life, anxiety and/or depression, and sleep quality.

Design

Single‐blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred patients from three different chronic conditions (low back pain, fibromyalgia and neuropathic diabetic pain) will be recruited and randomized into two groups to receive the intervention with a physical activity program guided by the PainReApp system (experimental group) or with the program information in paper format (control group). All patients will attend a first face‐to‐face session in which the smartphone application usage (experimental group) and exercise execution will be explained (both groups). Data will be collected at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks. Nevertheless, the users of the application will have a daily registry of the exercise performed and the self‐perceived difficulty. The primary outcomes of the trial will be the intensity of pain and quality of life. Anxiety and/or depression and sleep quality will be also assessed to evaluate the influence of the physical activity at multiple levels.

Discussion

Physical exercise is becoming one of the leading evidence‐based interventions to treat chronic pain. It needs to be adapted to the necessities of each pain condition. One of the major problems is the low adherence to the proposed program. New strategies that empower the patients, such as the m‐Health, are reliable and useful tools to ease this end.

Impact

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first long‐term randomized controlled trial researching the impact of an m‐health system on chronic pain from different origin. The intervention is based on international physical exercise recommendations and can be performed without specific material, allowing the home‐based practice.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000783820).
Exploring behavioural patterns of virtual manipulatives supported collaborative inquiry learning: Effect of device‐student ratios and external scripts
Authors: Wang Cixiao , Xu Lingling , Liu Hui
Published: November 2021

Background

Virtual manipulatives (VMs) are increasingly adopted in inquiry activities. However, the effects of the ratio of mobile device‐based VMs to students and external scripts (a guiding structure for prompting group process) provision on group interaction has not been detailed.

Objectives

This study proposed four different technology affordance conditions for collaborative inquiry learning: 1:1 device‐student ratio (one tablet per student) with external scripts, 1:m ratio (one tablet per group) with external scripts, 1:1 ratio without external scripts, and 1:m ratio without external scripts. The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of technology affordances on group behavioural patterns during collaborative inquiry learning.

Methods

The research participants were 21 fifth‐grade students from 4 classes (totalling 130 students) in a public elementary school. Students' collaborative inquiry behavioural patterns were video‐recorded during three themed inquiry activities. To identify the behavioural patterns of groups, this study developed an action‐oriented coding scheme for collaborative inquiry learning emphasizing and coded student actions during cooperation. Through lag sequential analysis and dialog content analysis, the behavioural transition modes of groups were obtained.

Results

The results show that device‐student ratios and external scripts affect behavioural patterns through resource coordination, information interaction, collaborative atmosphere, and task awareness.

Implications

In mobile device‐support collaborative inquiry learning, the 1:m device‐student ratio yielded more exchanges to test and apply new constructions than that of the 1:1 ratio. External scripts were more applicable to the 1:m condition than to the 1:1 condition.
Heterogeneous expression of ACE2 and TMPRRS2 in mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Generali Melanie , Kehl Debora , Wanner Debora , Okoniewski Michal J. , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Cinelli Paolo
Published: November 2021

The outbreak of COVID‐19 has become a serious public health emergency. The virus targets cells by binding the ACE2 receptor. After infection, the virus triggers in some humans an immune storm containing the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines followed by multiple organ failure. Several vaccines are enrolled, but an effective treatment is still missing. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to secrete immunomodulatory factors that suppress this cytokine storm. Therefore, MSCs have been suggested as a potential treatment option for COVID‐19. We report here that the ACE2 expression is minimal or nonexistent in MSC derived from three different human tissue sources (adipose tissue, umbilical cord Wharton`s jelly and bone marrow). In contrast, TMPRSS2 that is implicated in SARS‐CoV‐2 entry has been detected in all MSC samples. These results are of particular importance for future MSC‐based cell therapies to treat severe cases after COVID‐19 infection.
Relationship between the early initiation of insulin treatment and diabetic complications in patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korea: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jeon Ha‐Lim , Kim Won , Kim Bongseong , Shin Ju‐Young
Published: November 2021

Aims/Introduction

To evaluate the relationship between early insulin initiation within a year after type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis and the risk of diabetic complications.

Materials and methods

We carried out a cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The study participants were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus between 2009 and 2013. After applying propensity score matching (1:1) to the cohort of patients who received two or more oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) or insulin as the first prescription within 1 year after type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis, we computed hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a Cox proportional hazards regression to compare the risk of diabetes‐related microvascular and macrovascular complications and all‐cause mortality in insulin versus OAD initiators.

Results

Within the cohort, 52,188 and 1,804 patients received OAD and insulin, respectively. After matching, each group contained 534 patients. Compared with the OAD group, the risk of overall microvascular complications was significantly higher for insulin (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.28–1.71). No increased risks of overall macrovascular complications (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.62–1.30) and all‐cause mortality were observed (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.67–1.68).

Conclusions

In the present study, early insulin treatment was not associated with the risk of macrovascular complications and all‐cause mortality compared with OAD treatment; however, the risk of microvascular complications was higher in the insulin group.
Association of a geriatric emergency department program with healthcare outcomes among veterans
Authors: Huded Jill M. , Lee Albert , Song Sunah , McQuown Colleen M. , Wilson Brigid M. , Smith Todd I. , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: November 2021

Background

We aim to describe the outcomes of Geriatric Emergency Room Innovations for Veterans (GERI‐VET), the first comprehensive Veterans Affairs Geriatric ED program.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study at an urban Veterans Affairs Medical Center ED, participants included Veterans aged 65 years and older treated in the ED from January 7, 2017 to February 29, 2020. Veterans with an Identification of Seniors At Risk (ISAR) score >2 were considered eligible for GERI‐VET, receiving geriatric screens and care coordination in addition to standard ED treatment. The control group included GERI‐VET eligible Veterans who did not receive GERI‐VET care. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes in the GERI‐VET group (N = 725) and a matched control group (n = 725). Key measures included ED resource utilization, outpatient referrals, ED admission, and 30‐day admission.

Results

In the ED, the GERI‐VET group received more consults to pharmacy (315 [43.4%] vs. 195 [26.9%], p < 0.001) and social work (399 [55.0%] vs. 132 [18.2%], p < 0.001). The GERI‐VET group had higher referral rates to Geriatrics (64 [17.7%] vs. 18 [5.8%], p < 0.001) and Home Based Primary Care (110 [30.4%] vs. 24 [7.8%], p < 0.001). Key outcome measures included lower rates of ED admission (363 [50.1%] vs. 417 [n = 57.5%], p = 0.003) and 30‐day hospital admission (412 [56.8%] vs. 464 [64.0%], p = 0.004) without increasing ED length of stay (5.4 ± 2.2 vs. 5.4 ± 2.6 h, p = 0.85) or 72‐h ED revisits (23 [3.2%] vs. 16 [2.2%], p = 0.25) in the GERI‐VET group.

Conclusions

A program designed to screen for geriatric syndromes and coordinate care among at‐risk older Veterans was associated with increased multidisciplinary resource utilization and reduced ED and 30‐day admissions without increasing ED length of stay or re‐visitation.
Use of antipsychotic and sedative medications in older patients in the emergency department
Authors: Kennedy Maura , Koehl Jennifer , Gao Jingya , Ciampa Katherine A. , Hayes Bryan D. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Antipsychotics and sedatives are used to treat agitation in the emergency department (ED) but carry significant risk in older adults. Our objective was to determine factors associated with their administration to older ED patients.

Methods

This was an observational study using data from the 2014–2017 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We identified ED visits for patients aged ≥65 years and determined whether an antipsychotic or sedative was administered. Visits related to substance use/withdrawal, other psychiatric complaints, and intubation were excluded. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for antipsychotic or sedative administration.

Results

Of the 78.7 million ED visits that met inclusion criteria, 3.5% involved at least one dose of antipsychotic or sedative medication; 13% involved an antipsychotic and 92% a sedative. Factors associated with antipsychotic administration included nursing home residence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.05–6.80), dementia (aOR: 5.62; 95% CI: 2.44–12.94), and delirium (aOR: 7.33; 95% CI: 2.21–24.32). Sedative administration was positively associated with CT or MR imaging (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.42–2.43), urbanicity of ED (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02–2.08), and female gender (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.08–1.99) and negatively associated with older age (age: 75–84; aOR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.91; age: 85+; aOR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.45–0.88; reference age: 65–74 years). Antipsychotic and sedative administration were associated with prolonged ED lengths of stay and hospital admission.

Conclusion

We identified patient‐ and facility‐level factors associated with sedative and antipsychotic administration in older ED patients. Antipsychotic and sedative administration were associated with prolonged ED lengths of stay and hospital admission.
A G‐type lectin receptor‐like kinase regulates the perception of oomycete apoplastic expansin‐like proteins
Authors: Pi Lei , Yin Zhiyuan , Duan Weiwei , Wang Nan , Zhang Yifan , Wang Jinghao , Dou Daolong
Published: November 2021

Phytophthora capsici is one of the most harmful pathogens in agriculture, which threatens the safe production of multiple crops and causes serious economic losses worldwide. Here, we identified a P. capsici expansin‐like protein, PcEXLX1, by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry from Nicotiana benthamiana apoplastic fluid infected with P. capsici. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/crispr associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)‐mediated PcEXLX1 knockout mutants exhibited significantly enhanced virulence, while the overexpression of PcEXLX1 impaired the virulence. Prokaryotically expressed PcEXLX1 activated multiple plant immune responses, which were BRI1‐associated kinase 1 (BAK1)‐ and suppressor of BIR1‐1 (SOBIR1)‐dependent. Furthermore, overexpression of PcEXLX1 homologs in N. benthamiana could also increase plant resistance to P. capsici. A G‐type lectin receptor‐like kinase from N. benthamiana, expansin‐regulating kinase 1 (ERK1), was shown to regulate the perception of PcEXLX1 and positively mediate the plant resistance to P. capsici. These results reveal that the expansin‐like protein, PcEXLX1, is a novel apoplastic effector with plant immunity‐inducing activity of oomycetes, perception of which is regulated by the receptor‐like kinase, ERK1.
Of the necessary interplay of therapy and pedagogy in psychiatric hospitals for children with intellectual disability
Authors: Kuhn K. , Albertowski K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Mentally ill children with intellectual disabilities do not always receive the services they need for effective change at psychiatric hospitals, as their verbal limitations render standard procedures in diagnostics and therapy difficult or impossible, as their ability to transfer insights acquired in one setting to another is impaired and as their families and caretakers are often overwhelmed by their needs. This is why an integral vision for children with intellectual disabilities is presented. Drawing on three case reports, it is highlighted how an interdisciplinary approach, a changed hospital set‐up and constant interplay between therapy and pedagogy, between services to the child and to its caregivers can help overcome these difficulties.

Method

Case reports.

Conclusions

Some children risk being mistakenly treated as intellectually disabled. If testing reveals, for example, autism with a mild learning disability, psychoeducation and the pedagogical training for (special school) personnel can help prevent underachievement and bring about a setting that can help the child flourish. Both sensitive care and pedagogical intervention that fit the developmental age of severely intellectually disabled children can prevent their receiving sedatives to treat aggressive behaviour. Substantial and lasting shifts in mood, even happiness can result if parents and caregivers get the pedagogical training and the assistance they need to take care of their children. Reliable and well‐structured pedagogical training and environments can enhance and often substitute for unavailable therapeutic interventions for this specific group. With some profound intellectually and multiply disabled children, beginning medical treatment at home may not be safe. The (in)effectiveness of specific psychiatric medications needs to be monitored by observations however. For reliable results with intellectually disabled children, a clinical setting that resembles their everyday life is needed.
Efficacy and safety testing of dissolving microarray patches in Chinese subjects
Authors: Ma Yonghao , Li Chengguo , Mai Zhuoxian , Yang Jian , Tai Meiling , Leng Gang
Published: November 2021

Objectives

There is a lack of clinical research in the Chinese market concerning dissolving microarray (DMA) patches in cosmetic applications. In this study, the clinical efficacy and safety tests of DMA patch technology were performed on Chinese consumers.

Methods

A 4‐week clinical efficacy and safety evaluation was conducted on 30 Chinese female subjects with crow's feet and eye bags. DMA patches loaded with hyaluronic acid (HA‐DMA) were applied under the eyes and corners of the eyes of the subjects three times a week over four consecutive weeks. Skin firmness and dermal layer strength were measured using ultrasound, and changes in skin wrinkles were detected using VISIA‐CR and Primos Lite. Eye bag ratings were evaluated by professional dermatologists based on the 0–6 grades of eye bags in the “Skin Aging Atlas Volume 2: Asian Type.”

Results

HA‐DMA patches produced good clinical improvements on both crow's feet and eye bags in the study participants. HA‐DMA effectively increased skin firmness while reducing the number, area, and volume of crow's feet, along with reducing eye bag ratings. The reductions in all metrics were statistically significant with positive effects evident in as little as 1 week of treatment. There were no adverse effects related to the treatments observed during the test period.

Conclusions

In a clinical efficacy trial of 30 Chinese female subjects, HA‐DMA showed excellent therapeutic benefits without adverse effects while reducing crow's feet and eye bags. HA‐DMA is expected to be a safe, effective, and novel cosmetic for improving the appearance of aging skin.
Virtual Reality versus Real–World Space: Comparing Perceptions of Brightness, Glare, Spaciousness, and Visual Acuity
Authors: Jin Xu , Meneely Jason , Park Nam–Kyu
Published: November 2021

Virtual reality (VR) headsets exhibit great potential for conducting interior design research in immersive digital settings; however, additional studies are needed to map out limitations for their use to simulate real–world settings. We investigated how participant perceptions of a single interior environment varied among a real–world space (R) and two surrogate VR spaces (one made with 360° spherical photography and one made with 360° spherical digital rendering). A total of 42 undergraduate, interior design students were randomly assigned to one of two experiments, resulting in two groups of 21 students. Each participant completed a visual acuity task and evaluated perceived brightness, glare, and spaciousness within the real–world space and one of the two surrogate VR environments. Participants reported acceptable baseline levels of perceived realism in both VR environments. There was no significant difference between the rendered–VR simulation and real–world space for brightness, glare, and spaciousness, while the photographed–VR simulation was seen as significantly brighter and glaring. Performance on the visual acuity task was significantly lower in both VR simulations than in the real–world–approximating the difference between 20/20 and 20/60 vision. Implications and strategies for effective deployment of VR simulations in interior design research are discussed.
“[E]ven Though We Don’t Have Everything…We Build Our Own Thing”: Exploring Black Girl Space
Authors: Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Butler‐Barnes Sheretta T.
Published: November 2021

In a racially stratified and oppressive society, Black youth must figure out who they are and what they can achieve while navigating dehumanizing stereotypes that devalue and disregard Black lives. In the current paper, we analyze focus group interviews with Black students at a predominately Black, all‐girls high school to understand the meaning, significance, and potential of Black girl space through an intersectional and developmental lens. Results revealed the challenges and opportunities particularly with regard to the relational space (peers, sexuality, identity) and the structural space (extracurriculars, policies, and building structure). We discuss the potential of Black girl space and the broader implications for educational spaces to support Black girls’ development to create a more equitable and impactful developmental science.
A National Review of State Laws for Stock Epinephrine in Schools
Authors: Volerman Anna , Brindley Claire , Amerson Nancy , Pressley Tiffanie , Woolverton Nikki
Published: November 2021

Background

Anaphylaxis is a life‐threatening allergic reaction with significant risk for children with allergies. Access to potentially life‐saving medication is critical for these children. This review aims to describe state laws and policies guiding stock epinephrine in schools for allergic or anaphylactic events and detail recommendations for best practices.

Methods

This paper is a comprehensive review of the 50 states and the District of Columbia's (DC) laws and policies for stock epinephrine at schools for children in pre‐kindergarten through 12th grade.

Results

All 50 states and DC allow undesignated epinephrine in schools to use for allergic or anaphylactic reactions. A key difference arises in whether states allow (N = 37) or mandate (N = 14) that schools stock epinephrine. States exhibit differences in the body responsible for developing stock epinephrine policy (N = 48), along with stakeholders responsible for developing procedures (N = 30) and implementing them (N = 19). Differences also exist in state epinephrine procurement, administration, training, and liability.

Conclusions

This review of stock epinephrine laws and policies highlights the significant variation in state legislation despite widespread adoption. Only one‐quarter of states mandate that schools have stock epinephrine available for emergency use, underscoring need for a more unified approach with consistent guidelines, comprehensive training, and possible funding for implementation.
Stance in narration: Finding structure in complex sociolinguistic variation
Authors: Bohmann Axel , Ahlers Wiebke
Published: November 2021

Stancetaking is a complex linguistic practice at the levels of both function and form, and as such is difficult to analyze in a narrow variable context. Instead of treating stance as a linguistic variable in the variationist sense, we analyze how participants use different types and forms of stancetaking in a specific speech event, the re‐narration of a story. A combined view of the range of different options used by speakers allows us to describe similarities and differences among them as well as to identify two groups with distinct stance styles. At the methodological level, the contribution demonstrates the utility of cluster analysis for research on linguistic style.
Comparing the magnitude of oral health inequality over time in Canada and the United States
Authors: Chari Malini , Ravaghi Vahid , Sabbah Wael , Gomaa Noha , Singhal Sonica , Quiñonez Carlos
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To assess the magnitude of, and changes in, absolute and relative oral health inequality in Canada and the United States, from the 1970s till the first decade of the new millennium.

Methods

Data were obtained from four national surveys; two Canadian (NCNS 1970–1972 and CHMS 2007–2009) and two American (HANES 1971–1974 and NHANES 2007–2008). The slope and relative index of inequality were used to measure absolute and relative inequality, respectively. Percentage change in inequality was also calculated.

Results

Relative inequality for untreated decay increased by 91% in Canada and 189% in the United States, while for filled teeth it declined by 63% in Canada and 16% in the United States. Relative inequality in edentulism rose by 200% and 78% in Canada and United States, respectively. Absolute inequality declined in both countries.

Conclusions

There was persistent absolute and relative inequality in Canada and the United States. An increase in relative inequality for adverse outcomes suggests that improvements in oral health were occurring primarily among the rich, while reductions in relative inequality for filled teeth indicate higher utilization of restorative services among the poor. These results point to the necessity of tackling the sociopolitical determinants of health to mitigate oral health inequality in Canada and the United States.
Toxicity, outcome, and management of anthracycline overdoses in 16 dogs
Authors: Lawson Haylie C. , Musser Margaret L. , Regan Rebecca , Moore Antony S. , Hohenhaus Ann , Flesner Brian , Johannes Chad M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite multiple reports of chemotherapy overdoses (ODs) in human and veterinary medicine, anthracycline ODs have been described infrequently.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Describe toxicities, treatments, and overall outcome after anthracycline OD in dogs.

Animals

Twelve mitoxantrone (MTX) and 4 doxorubicin (DOX) ODs were evaluated.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective analysis. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine oncology and internal medicine listservs were solicited for cases in which a chemotherapy OD occurred.

Results

Sixteen anthracycline cases were collected. Anthracycline ODs occurred because of an error in chemotherapy preparation (n = 9), or dose miscalculation (n = 7). The overall median OD was 1.9× (range, 1.4‐10×) the prescribed amount. Most ODs were identified immediately after drug administration (n = 11), and the majority of patients were hospitalized on supportive care (n = 11) for an average of 8 days (range, 3‐34 days). Adverse events after the OD included neutropenia (94%), thrombocytopenia (88%), anemia (63%), diarrhea (63%), anorexia (56%), vomiting (38%), lethargy (31%), and nausea (25%). Two patients did not survive the OD. High grade neutropenia was common and did not appear to be mitigated by the administration of filgrastim.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

All patients received supportive care after identifying the OD and death was uncommon. Further evaluation is needed to determine ideal therapeutic guidelines anthracycline OD.
Promoting self‐employment: Does it create more employment and business activity?
Authors: Cette Gilbert , Lopez Jimmy
Published: November 2021

We assess the economic impact of reforms promoting self‐employment in the countries that have implemented such reforms since the early 2000s: the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France. To that end, we use a difference‐in‐differences approach on a cross‐country–industry panel database. Our results suggest that the reforms have raised the number of self‐employed workers, but mostly through a substitution effect between the self‐employed and employees, and not through a supply effect or a substitution effect with informal activities. This means that these reforms could have failed to achieve their main objectives.
Pattern of progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Implications for second‐line clinical trials
Authors: Tovoli Francesco , Garajová Ingrid , Gelsomino Fabio , Iavarone Massimo , Federico Piera , Salati Massimiliano , Corianò Matilde , Caputo Francesco , De Lorenzo Stefania , Granito Alessandro , Renzulli Matteo , Daniele Bruno , Piscaglia Fabio
Published: November 2021

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most frequent liver cancer. The overall survival of iCCA and other biliary tract cancers (BTC) remains poor. Recently, the ABC‐06 trial reported the superiority of FOLFOX vs clinical observation as a second‐line treatment. Still, the survival benefit was less than expected. We hypothesized that the pattern of progression of iCCA can drive post‐progression survival (PPS), similar to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Multicentre retrospective evaluation of consecutive iCCA patients who progressed after frontline systemic treatment with gemcitabine as monotherapy or in combination with platinum. Radiological assessment of progression was evaluated according to RECIST 1.1. The progression pattern was divided according to the presence/absence of new extrahepatic lesions (NEH).

Results

We included 206 patients from 5 centres. The median OS was 14.1 months and its independent predictors (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) were previous surgery 0.699 [0.509‐0.961], performance status >2.445 [1.788‐3.344], permanent first‐line discontinuation 16.072 [5.102‐50.633], registration of ascites 2.226 [1.448‐3.420] or bilirubin >3 mg/dl 3.004 [1.935‐4.664] during the follow‐up, and disease progression 2.523 [1.261‐5.050]. The appearance of NEH independently predicted OS 2.18 [1.55‐3.06] in patients with radiological progression. Amongst 138 patients eligible for second‐line treatment, PPS was 16.8 and 5.9 months in cases without and with NEH, respectively (P = .001). Progression owing to NEH lesions was an independent predictor of PPS 1.873 [1.333‐2.662], together with performance status, time to progression to the frontline treatment, bilirubin >3 mg/dl and ascites.

Conclusions

PPS of iCCA is influenced by progression pattern, with important implications for second‐line trial design and analysis.
Extraterrestrial dust as a source of bioavailable iron contributing to the ocean for driving primary productivity
Authors: Rudraswami N. G. , Pandey M. , Genge M. J. , Fernandes D.
Published: November 2021

Bioavailable Fe is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton that enables the organisms to flourish and draw down atmospheric CO2 thus affecting global climatic conditions. In marine locales, remote from the continents, extraterrestrial dust provides an important source of Fe and thus moderates primary productivity. Here, we provide constraints on partitioning of extraterrestrial Fe between seawater and sediments from the observations of dissolution and the alteration of cosmic spherules recovered from deep‐sea sediments and Antarctica. Of the ∼3000–14,000 t a−1 extraterrestrial dust that reaches Earth's surface, ∼2–5% material falling in the oceans survives in marine sediments while the remainder is liberated into seawater. Both processes contribute ∼(3–10) × 10−8 mol Fe m−2 yr−1. The Fe contribution of surviving particles due to etching is estimated to be ∼10% of Fe contribution of meteoric smoke. Changes in extraterrestrial dust flux over geological time scales not only vary Fe delivery to the oceans by up to three orders of magnitude but also the partitioning of Fe between surface and abyssal waters depending on entry velocity and evaporation.
Artificial resting sites: An alternative sampling method for adult mosquitoes
Authors: Jaworski Linda , Sauer Felix , Jansen Stephanie , Tannich Egbert , Schmidt‐Chanasit Jonas , Kiel Ellen , Lühken Renke
Published: November 2021

Mosquito collections are commonly conducted with baited traps predominantly attracting host‐seeking females. In contrast, resting sites are generally colonized by a broader range of the mosquito population, including a higher proportion of males and blood‐engorged females. This study evaluates the sampling success of different artificial resting sites, attached to a deciduous or coniferous tree at different heights. As standard sampling method, carbon dioxide‐baited Biogents Sentinel traps (BG traps) were operated in parallel. BG traps caught a higher number of specimens compared to the resting sites. However, the proportion of blood‐engorged females and males was higher in resting sites. MoreCulisetaspp. specimens were collected in resting sites compared to BG traps, but lessAedesspp. specimens. In general, fewer specimens and species were recorded in small resting sites and at top height level compared to medium or large resting sites at medium or ground level. The proportion of males was highest at the ground, while the proportion of engorged females was highest at medium and top level. Due to the higher proportion of blood‐engorged females, artificial resting sites are especially useful for studies of host‐feeding patterns or xenosurveillance. Low costs and efforts allow a cost‐effective increase of the number of resting sites per sampling site to collect more mosquitoes.
“All the nightmare images of ethnic conflict in the twentieth century are here”: Erroneous statistical proofs and the search for ethnic violence in revolutionary Ireland, 1917–1923
Authors: Regan John M.
Published: November 2021

In the 1990s, Canadian historian Peter Hart claimed tens of thousands of native southern Irish Protestants experienced something akin to “ethnic cleansing” at the hands of the IRA in the early 1920s. Hart's research revised the “Irish nationalist revolution” (ca. 1917–1923) as an essentially ethnic conflict, and this article re‐examines his evidence and methodology. Exaggerating the number of forced migrations, Hart's analysis rests on erroneous statistical proofs which he supported with a gross evidence selection bias. To better understand Hart's revision, his work is compared with Michael A. Bellesiles' Arming America: The Origins of a National Gun Culture (2000), which also exhibited similar but also very different statistical errors. A central argument in this article is that erroneous statistical proofs are best understood as social constructs, where they articulate the prejudices of their host academies. Greater awareness of this problem is needed if it is to be avoided in the future.
A new Vincetoxicum (Apocynaceae) species from Eastern Anatolia and its relationship based on biosystematic properties
Authors: Güven Seher , Coşkunçelebi Kamil , Makbul Serdar
Published: November 2021

Vincetoxicum anatolicum (Apocynaceae), a new species from eastern Turkey, is described and illustrated. Additionally, a revised key for Turkish Vincetoxicum is provided and the seed micromorphology and palynological properties of the new species is described for the first time. The new species is morphologically similar to V. fuscatum and V. parviflorum, but it can be distinguished by its 8–12 mm long peduncles, yellow to light brown corolla with crisped hairs on the inner surface, and ovate corona segments partly fused with intermediate teeth, as well as by palynological properties like obovate pollinia and rugulate exine sculpture. However, phylogenetic analyses showed that the new species, attributed to the ‘Vincetoxicum s.str. clade', is clustered in the same subclade as V. funebre, V. rehmannii and V. scandens rather than with the species morphologically most similar to it.
Influence of abstinence on automatic detection bias to gaming cues in individuals with Internet gaming disorder: Evidence from visual mismatch negativity
Authors: Zheng Yang , He Jinbo , Nie Yufeng , Fan Liyan , Zhang Jintao
Published: November 2021

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been classified by the DSM‐5 as a condition for further study, and many studies have shown that the occurrence and maintenance of IGD and the automatic detection bias to gaming cues of individuals with IGD may be significantly related. However, whether abstinence, a common intervention method in behavioral addiction, can adjust the automatic detection bias in individuals with IGD and its underlying neural mechanisms is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of 7 days of abstinence from gaming on automatic detection bias, negative affect and craving in individuals with IGD with event‐related potential technology. A total of 50 IGD subjects were recruited in this study and randomly divided into abstinence and control groups. Visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) was induced using a standard‐deviant reversed oddball paradigm, and differences in automatic detection bias, negative affect, and craving between the two groups were recorded and compared at baseline, day 3, and day 7. The results showed that compared with baseline, vMMN, negative affect and craving were significantly enhanced on day 3 and significantly diminished on day 7 in the abstinence group but not in the control group, and the changes in vMMN were significantly correlated with changes in negative affect and craving in both groups. This study demonstrates that abstinence can restore automatic detection bias in individuals with IGD and that abstinence has to last for 7 days to have a significant effect, while recovery may be related to the negative affect and craving.
Comparison of the immunogenicity of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac COVID‐19 vaccines in Hong Kong
Authors: Mok Chris Ka Pun , Cohen Carolyn A. , Cheng Samuel M. S. , Chen Chunke , Kwok Kin‐On , Yiu Karen , Chan Tat‐On , Bull Maireid , Ling Kwun Cheung , Dai Zixi , Ng Susanna S. , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Wu Chao , Amarasinghe Gaya K. , Leung Daisy W. , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan , Valkenburg Sophie A. , Peiris Malik , Hui David S.
Published: November 2021

Background and objective

Few head‐to‐head evaluations of immune responses to different vaccines have been reported.

Methods

Surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) antibody levels of adults receiving either two doses of BNT162b2 (n = 366) or CoronaVac (n = 360) vaccines in Hong Kong were determined. An age‐matched subgroup (BNT162b2 [n = 49] vs. CoronaVac [n = 49]) was tested for plaque reduction neutralization (PRNT) and spike‐binding antibody and T‐cell reactivity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

One month after the second dose of vaccine, BNT162b2 elicited significantly higher PRNT50, PRNT90, sVNT, spike receptor binding, spike N‐terminal domain binding, spike S2 domain binding, spike FcR binding and antibody avidity levels than CoronaVac. The geometric mean PRNT50 titres in those vaccinated with BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines were 251.6 and 69.45, while PRNT90 titres were 98.91 and 16.57, respectively. All of those vaccinated with BNT162b2 and 45 (91.8%) of 49 vaccinated with CoronaVac achieved the 50% protection threshold for PRNT90. Allowing for an expected seven‐fold waning of antibody titres over 6 months for those receiving CoronaVac, only 16.3% would meet the 50% protection threshold versus 79.6% of BNT162b2 vaccinees. Age was negatively correlated with PRNT90 antibody titres. Both vaccines induced SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses at 1 month post‐vaccination but CoronaVac elicited significantly higher structural protein‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses.

Conclusion

Vaccination with BNT162b2 induces stronger humoral responses than CoronaVac. CoronaVac induces higher CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses to the structural protein than BNT162b2.
A replication study of moral hazard in bodily injury liability auto insurance claims filing decisions
Authors: Kerr Dana A.
Published: November 2021

Cummins and Tennyson identified the presence of moral hazard in bodily injury liability auto insurance claims by adding to their model a survey response variable indicating attitudes towards dishonest behavior. The attitudinal variable was a proxy for the psychic costs a claimant considers when deciding whether to file a fraudulent insurance claim. Cummins and Tennyson found a significant relationship between the acceptance of fraudulent behaviors and the frequency of bodily injury liability auto insurance claims. This paper is a conceptual replication of the Cummins and Tennyson study utilizing a different set of data that allows for a more direct measure of the decision to file a claim and a different research methodology more appropriate for the new data. The results largely support the original results found by Cummins and Tennyson except the variable used to account for the psychic costs of initiating a fraudulent claim is not significant across all versions of the variable as indicated by the original research.
Unexpected Partitive Articles in Francoprovençal*
Authors: Stark Elisabeth , Davatz Jan Pavel
Published: November 2021

This contribution seeks to add to our knowledge on ‘partitive articles’ (like the French elementduinJe bois du vin, ‘I drink (some) wine’) in a highly endangered language spoken in France, Switzerland and Italy, namely Francoprovençal. Based on recent fieldwork data (2017) from the Aosta Valley and data from the ALAVAL atlas project, we will discuss outliers in a geographical and syntactic perspective, i.e. occurrences of ‘partitive articles’ where they should not appear. This either because the regions and their respective varieties do not feature them according to the existing literature or because syntactic regularities known from Standard French do not admit them (under the scope of negation and after quantifying expressions). We will try to propose some explanations for the existence of these unexpected elements, both internal and external, i.e. via language contact, and argue more generally in favour of a more systematic consideration of rare elements in fieldwork data, which should not too readily be “explained away”.
On What Ground Do Thin Objects Exist? In Search of the Cognitive Foundation of Number Concepts
Authors: Pantsar Markus
Published: November 2021

Linnebo in 2018 argues that abstract objects like numbers are “thin” because they are only required to be referents of singular terms in abstraction principles, such as Hume's principle. As the specification of existence claims made by analytic truths (the abstraction principles), their existence does not make any substantial demands of the world; however, as Linnebo notes, there is a potential counter‐argument concerning infinite regress against introducing objects this way. Against this, he argues that vicious regress is avoided in the account of arithmetic based on Hume's principle because we are specifying numbers in terms of the concept of equinumerosity, or its ordinal equivalent. But far from being only a matter for philosophy, this implies a distinct empirical prediction: in cognitive development, the principle of equinumerosity is primary to number concepts. However, by analysing and expanding on the bootstrapping theory of Carey in 2009, I argue in this paper that there are good reasons to think that the development could be the other way around: possessing numerosity concepts may precede grasping the principle of equinumerosity. I propose that this analysis of early numerical cognition can also help us understand what numbers as thin objects are like, moving away from Platonist interpretations.
Ectopic cilia in 112 dogs: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Dulaurent Thomas , Dulaurent Anne‐Maïmiti , Mathieson Iona , Michel Julien , Medan Sylvain , Barbry Jean‐Baptiste , Poinsard Anne‐Sophie , Balland Olivier , Mias Guillaume‐Pierre , Charron Julien , Barbe Charlotte , Goulle Frédéric , Cazalot Guillaume , Crémoux Matthieu , Cassagnes Charles , Isard Pierre‐François , Douet Jean‐Yves
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of this retrospective study was to review the clinical data and outcomes of patients that suffered ectopic cilium (EC).

Animals studied

One hundred and twelve dogs from multiple private practices in France, with a clinical diagnosis of EC were included in the study.

Results

The mean age of affected dogs was 2.3 years. There were 64 females and 48 males. The most represented breeds were the Shi Tzu, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog and the Chihuahua. Eleven dogs were affected bilaterally. The upper eyelid was implicated in 93.5% of the cases, with the median portion being the most affected. No statistical difference was observed between the right and the left eye. EC were associated with distichiasis in 50% of the cases. Pigmentation of the conjunctiva at the point of exit of the EC was present in 58% of the cases. EC were short in 75% and long in 25% of the cases. Corneal complications were statistically associated with short EC. The corneal lesions associated with EC were keratitis (94%), corneal granuloma (0.8%), corneal fibrosis (2.7%), corneal degeneration (0.8%), superficial corneal ulcer (68.7%), deep corneal ulcer (8%) and perforating corneal ulcer (0.8%). The surgeries which consisted of the removal of the hair follicle was successful in 88.4% of the cases.

Conclusion

EC is a rare condition which can be treated successfully by the removal of the hair follicles. It must be suspected in cases of corneal lesions unresponsive to medical treatment.