bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating life expectancy and years of life lost in epidemiological studies: a review of methods using an example from multimorbidity
Authors: Chudasama Yogini V , Khunti Kamlesh , Gillies Clare L , Dhalwani Nafeesa N , Davies Melanie J , Yates Thomas , Zaccardi Francesco
Published: January 2022

Background and objective: There has been an increasing interest in using life expectancy metrics, such as years of life lost (YLL), to explore epidemiological associations. YLL is easier to understand for both healthcare professionals and the lay people and has become a common measure for evaluating public health priorities. As the literature presents a range of approaches to estimate it, this review aims to: (1) summarise the key methods; (2) show how to implement them using current software; (3) apply them in a real-world example.

Methods: We investigated simpler nonparametric as well as parametric, model-based methods to estimate of YLL, including: (1) Years of potential life lost (YPLL); (2) Global Burden of Disease (GBD) approach; (3) Chiangs life tables; (4) Epi-demographic approach; and (5) Flexible Royston-Parmar parametric survival model. We used data from the UK Biobank with baseline measures collected in 2006-2010 and linkage to mortality records. We selected 36 chronic conditions: participants with two or more conditions were categorised as having multimorbidity.

Results: For the YPLL and GBD method, the analytical procedures allow only to quantify the average YLL within each group (with and without multimorbidity) and, from them, their difference. Conversely, for the Chiangs life tables, the epi-demographic approach, and the Royston-Parmar survival model, both the remaining life expectancy within each group and the YLL could be estimated. In 499,992 UK Biobank participants (white ethnicity, 94%; women, 55%) with a median (IQR) age of 58 (50-63) years, 98,605 (20%) had multimorbidity and 11,871 deaths occurred during the follow-up. The YLLs comparing subjects with vs without multimorbidity varied significantly according to the technique and the modelling approach used: from a longer life expectancy in subjects with multimorbidity using the YPLL and the GBD method to a shorter one using the other three methods (i.e., at 65 years, the YLL were 1.8, 1.3, and 4.6 years using Chiangs, epi-demographic, and Royston-Parmar approach, respectively).

Conclusions: When comparing the burden of a disease on life expectancy across studies caution is needed as methods may estimate different quantities. While deciding among different methods to estimate YLL, researchers should consider such differences in relation to the purpose of the research and the type of available data.
Metabolic competition between lipid metabolism and histone methylation regulates sexual differentiation in human malaria parasites.
Authors: Harris Chantal T , Tong Xinran , Campelo Morillo Riward , Vanheer Leen N , Marreiros Ines M , Nahiyaan Navid , Zuzarte-Luis Vanessa A , Deitsch Kirk W , Mota Maria M , Rhee Kyu Y , Kafsack Bjorn F. C.
Published: January 2022

For Plasmodium falciparum, the most widespread and virulent human malaria parasite, persistence depends on continuous asexual replication in red blood cells, while transmission requires their differentiation into non-replicating gametocytes that can infect the mosquito vector. This decision is controlled by stochastic derepression of a heterochromatin-silenced locus encoding PfAP2-G, the master transcription factor of sexual differentiation. The frequency of pfap2-g derepression was shown to be responsive to extracellular phospholipid precursors but the mechanism linking these metabolites to epigenetic regulation of pfap2-g was unknown. Here we show that this response is mediated by metabolic competition for S-adenosylmethionine between histone methyltransferases and phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase, a critical enzyme in the parasite's pathway for de novo phosphatidylcholine synthesis. When phosphatidylcholine precursors are scarce, increased consumption of SAM for de novo phosphatidylcholine synthesis impairs maintenance of the histone methylation responsible for silencing pfap2-g, increasing the frequency of derepression and sexual differentiation.
Trypanosoma brucei: A novel system for metacyclogenesis and complete cyclical developmentin vitro
Authors: Nickel Beatrice , Fasler Monika , Brun Reto , Kaminsky Ronald , Roditi Isabel , Jenni Leo
Published: January 2022

We describe anin vitrosystem that allows metacyclogenesis ofT. bruceissp. and is not restricted to certain parasite lines. Following the work of Hirumi and co-workers we developed a modifiedin vitrosystem which allows metacyclogenesis within 7 to 20 days. The most striking changes were the addition of citrate and cis-aconitate, which triggers transformation from bloodstream to procyclic forms, and the elimination of the remaining bloodstream forms by salicylhydroxamic acid and glycerol. A positive feature of this system is thatT. b. gambiensesamples isolated from patients, and transformed to procyclic forms for transport, could give rise to infective forms that could be passaged in rodents.
Identification of differential hypothalamic DNA methylation and gene expression associated with sexual partner preferences in rams
Authors: Bhattacharya Surajit , Amodei Rebecka , Vilain Eric , Roselli Charles E.
Published: January 2022

The sheep is a valuable model to test whether hormone mechanisms that sexually differentiate the brain underlie the expression of sexual partner preferences because as many as 8% of rams prefer same-sex partners. Epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation act as mediators in the interaction between steroid hormones and the genome. Variations in the epigenome could be important in determining morphological or behavior differences among individuals of the same species. In this study, we explored DNA methylation differences in the hypothalamus of male oriented rams (MORs) and female oriented rams (FORs). We employed reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to generate a genome-wide map of DNA methylation and RNA-Seq to profile the transcriptome. We found substantial DNA methylation and gene expression differences between FORs and MORs. Although none of the differentially methylated genes yielded significant functional terms directly associated with sex development, three differentially expressed genes were identified that have been associated previously with sexual behaviors. We hypothesize that these differences are involved in the phenotypic variation in ram sexual partner preferences, whereas future studies will have to find the specific mechanisms. Our results add an intriguing new dimension to sheep behavior that should be useful for further understanding epigenetic and transcriptomic involvement.
Laboratory time-resolved X-ray diffractometry for in situ studies of crystalline materials under uniaxial compression and vibration
Authors: Akkuratov Valentin , Blagov Alexander , Eliovich Yan , Targonskii Anton , Pisarevsky Yuri , Protsenko Andrei , Shishkov Vladimir , Kovalchuk Mikhail
Published: January 2022

A novel laboratory diffractometer for time-resolved high-resolution X-ray diffraction studies of reversible and irreversible processes in crystalline materials under uniaxial compression and vibration is described. Temporal resolution up to milliseconds for double-crystal and up to tens of seconds for triple-crystal diffraction experiments was achieved with a single adaptive bending X-ray optics element. Design solutions and techniques for applying and controlling uniaxial compression and vibration for in situ time-resolved studies are described. Results are presented for various static and dynamic load experiments, controlled by a system based on the TANGO Controls framework. Rocking curves of paratellurite (TeO2) under quasi-static compression and lithium fluoride (LiF) under ultrasonic vibration were measured with temporal resolution. Reciprocal-space maps of LiF under static compression and quartz (SiO2) under ultrasonic vibration were collected.
Do individuals disclose or withhold information following the same logic: a configurational perspective of information disclosure in social media
Authors: Sun Yongqiang , Zhang Fei , Feng Yafei
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aimed to explain why individuals still tend to disclose their privacy information even when privacy risks are high and whether individuals disclose or withhold information following the same logic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a configurational decision tree model (CDTM) for precisely understanding individuals' decision-making process of privacy disclosure. A survey of location-based social network service (LBSNS) users was conducted to collect data, and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was adopted to validate the hypotheses.

Findings

This paper identified two configurations for high and low disclosure, respectively, and found that the benefits and the risks did not function independently but interdependently, and the justice would play a crucial role when both the benefits and the risks were high. Furthermore, the authors found that there were asymmetric mechanisms for high disclosure and low disclosure, and males focused more on perceived usefulness, while females concerned more about perceived enjoyment, privacy risks and perceived justice.

Originality/value

This paper further extends privacy calculus model (PCM) and deepens the understanding of the privacy calculus process from a configurational perspective. In addition, this study also provides guidance for future research on how to adopt the configurational approach with qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to revise and improve relevant theories for information systems (IS) behavioral research.
Does governance quality matter in the nexus of inclusive finance and stability?
Authors: Saha Mallika , Dutta Kumar Debasis
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Despite numerous evidence of policy trade-off in financial inclusion-stability nexus, little is known about the role of governance quality to align policy goals and maximizing the social benefits. Therefore, to fill the gap, this study focuses to investigate the moderating effect of country governance (CG) in the interplay between financial-inclusion (FI) and financial-stability (FS), using a large panel of 84 economies covering the years 2004–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

For attaining this objective, the study constructs several indexes for FI, FS and CG using principal component analysis (PCA) and examines how FI influences FS at different CG levels applying advanced econometrics.

Findings

The results show that CG plays a very crucial role in eradicating the trade-off and strengthens the synergy between FI and FS. The findings are insensitive to several robustness validations and could be constructive for policymakers to devise policies and to ensure financial stability.

Originality/value

As far as the authors are aware, this is the only paper that empirically explains CG's role in FI-FS nexus.
Shake it off and eat less: anxiety-inducing product packaging design influences food product interaction and eating
Authors: Ilicic Jasmina , Brennan Stacey M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This research aims to introduce an anxious product-shaking effect, whereby consumers regulate the emotion of anxiety (i.e. anxious, nervous and jittery) elicited through product packaging design by shaking a product, which decreases eating intentions and behavior. Shaking product interaction as a result of anxiety-inducing product packaging design is introduced as a strategy to counter emotional eating, as an effective preventive measure of obesity.

Design/methodology/approach

Three laboratory studies (Studies 1–3) and one online study (Study 4) are conducted. Study 1 examines the effect of anxiety-inducing product packaging design on product interaction (i.e. shaking vs pouring). Study 2 investigates whether product shaking is a form of emotional regulation to anxiety-inducing product packaging design. Study 3 explores the effect of emotional regulation suppression (i.e. pouring) and facilitation (i.e. shaking) on eating behavior. Study 4 examines the moderating role of phobia severity on the effect of anxiety-inducing product packaging on emotional regulation and the downstream consequences on eating intentions.

Findings

Results demonstrate that the presence of anxiety-eliciting product packaging design results in shaking of the product (Study 1) as a form of emotional regulation (Study 2). Results from Study 3 find that emotional regulation facilitation (i.e. shaking) decreases eating, while emotion regulation suppression (i.e. pouring) increases eating. Results of Study 4 show that when exposed to anxiety-inducing product packing design, those with low phobia severity are less likely to regulate their emotions, which subsequently increases their eating intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited as it focuses only on product interaction and consumption of food products.

Practical implications

This research has important implications for marketers and product managers, as well as public policymakers, in encouraging responsible consumption behaviors in consumers. Marketing, product managers and policymakers should consider packaging design to introduce anxiety-inducing imagery on the packaging itself as a way to encourage shaking emotional regulation and to reduce eating, especially of unhealthy foods such as confectionary.

Originality/value

This research introduces and provides evidence of an anxious product-shaking effect that can reduce consumption of unhealthy food products. Anxiety-inducing packaging design strategy results in the emotional regulation of product shaking, which can reduce eating intentions and behavior.
Perceptions of face threats in conflict
Authors: Donohue William A. , Druckman Daniel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative impact of positive and negative face threats in conflict scenarios on the relational quality between disputants. This study also sought to determine whether the contextual variables of relational distance and power differential mediated this relationship as predicted by politeness theory.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, a 2 × 2 × 2 design was implemented manipulating the variables face (positive and negative), relational distance (business and personal) and power differential (high and low power differential). Participants read one of the eight scenarios, then responded to the dependent variables which focused on the impact of the face threats on relational quality between the participants. Subjects were recruited using the M-Turk, Amazon platform. Manipulation checks were carefully constructed to ensure subjects understood them.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that positive face threats have significantly more impact on relational quality between disputants than negative face threats. Moreover, context did not mediate these results. Neither relational distance nor power differential impacted the extent to which positive face threats compromised the relationship between the disputants.

Research limitations/implications

This is the first study to explore the impact of face threats on relational outcomes in conflict. Prior studies focused only on the extent to which contextual variables would impact the choice of face threats that disputants might make in response to power and relational distance differences. This result suggests that face threats play a significant role in determining relational outcomes in conflict settings.

Practical implications

This study suggests that practitioners, such as mediators or group facilitators, should take steps to limit the kinds of positive face threats that disputants exchange during conflict. If positive face threats are allowed to escalate, then they can severely compromise the willingness of disputants to trust and continue to work toward an integrative solution.

Social implications

Political divisions often appear to widen in the context of positive face threats as individuals seek to belittle the identities of their opponents. As these face threats escalate, they can result in polarizing language that disempowers these individuals from wanting to work together in a trusting relationship to accomplish important social goals.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore the relative impact of positive and negative face threats on the relational quality of disputants in conflict. It is also the first to explore the extent to which context mediates the impact of face threats.
Wayfinding strategies guide mobile commerce in sharing economy development
Authors: Ku Edward C.S. , Lian Jiunn-Woei , Liu Ling-Ling
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to integrate wayfinding strategies and open innovation to examine the factors of mobile application (M-App) design.

Design/methodology/approach

The study formulated an M-App model from the wayfinding sense-making and open innovation perspective. Samples were collected from the M-Apps users of Airbnb.com in a survey based on the principle of snowball sampling, and 416 samples were returned in total. The hypothesis testing of the model was conducted using structural equation modeling with Linear Structural Relations.

Findings

The operators of the lodging industry should design the recommended route on the M-Apps for tourists to reach the accommodation on the map function conveniently.

Practical implications

The orientation of wayfinding sense-making integrates the accommodation host to mark the direction of the accommodation on the map function of M-Apps to indicate the direction of the location.

Social implications

The operators of the lodging industry should design the recommended route on the M-Apps for tourists to conveniently reach the accommodation on the map function.

Originality/value

For the M-Apps designer of the lodging industry, devising the function with an arrow point on the map would enable tourists to check their current location handily. Moreover, the M-Apps of lodging businesses can reduce marketing expenses from the high recommendations of tourists.
Reconfiguring a hierarchical supply chain model under pandemic using text mining and social media analysis
Authors: Wu Kuo Jui , Bin Yan , Ren Maomao , Tseng Ming-Lang , Wang Qing , Chiu Anthony S.F.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study is to reconfigure a hierarchical supply chain model utilizing databases and text files to understand future pathways due to COVID-19 pandemic has had a bullwhip effect, disrupting the global supply chain, and a mechanism is needed to address this disruptive event under pandemic uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this mechanism, this study employs bibliometric analysis and text mining to reconfigure a hierarchical supply chain model under pandemic conditions and associates it with social media to conduct an intuitive visual analysis.

Findings

The current academic concerns are related to an overconcentration on risk management and a data-driven approach, generating an enormous gap between the concerns of academics and those of the public. The evidence shows that for both countries with outstanding performance and those that need improvement, the efficiency in terms of preventing the spread of the pandemic should be promoted.

Originality/value

This study contributes to (1) reconfiguring a hierarchical supply chain model under pandemic uncertainties and (2) bridging theory and practice by offering comparable interrelated attributes to guide post-COVID-19 strategies in the supply chain. The findings are that the supply management approach and big data are attributes that involve the concerns of world public and academics under pandemic uncertainties.
Circumferentially rotatable inspection robot with elastic suspensions for bridge cables
Authors: Li Jie , Yin Chenyang , Shi Yunde , Dai Suya , Wang Xingsong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Periodic inspection of bridge cables is essential, and cable-climbing robots can replace human workers to perform risky tasks and improve inspection efficiency. However, cable inspection robots often fail to surmount large obstacles and cable clamps. The purpose of this paper is to develop a practical cable inspection robot with stronger obstacle-surmounting performance and circumferential rotation capability.

Design/methodology/approa/ch

A cable inspection robot with novel elastic suspension mechanisms and circumferential rotation mechanisms is designed and proposed in this study. The supporting force and spring deformation of the elastic suspension are investigated and calculated. Dynamic analysis of obstacle surmounting and circumferential rotation is performed. Experiments are conducted on vertical and inclined cables to test the obstacle-surmounting performance and cable-clamp passing of the robot. The practicality of the robot is then verified in field tests.

Findings

With its elastic suspension mechanisms, the cable inspection robot can carry a 12.4 kg payload and stably climb a vertical cable. The maximum heights of obstacles surmounted by the driving wheels and the passive wheels of the robot are 15 mm and 13 mm, respectively. Equipped with circumferential rotation mechanisms, the robot can flexibly rotate and successfully pass cable clamps.

Originality/value

The novel elastic suspension mechanism and circumferential rotation mechanism improve the performance of the cable inspection robot and solve the problem of surmounting obstacles and cable clamps. Application of the robot can promote the automation of bridge cable inspection.
Sustainable development goals (SDG) reporting: an analysis of disclosure
Authors: Erin Olayinka Adedayo , Bamigboye Omololu Adex , Oyewo Babajide
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The global agenda of sustainable development goals (SDGs) has posed a major challenge to corporate organizations by addressing sustainability issues within their business model and strategy. Based on this premise, this study provides empirical examination of SDG reporting of the top fifty (50) listed companies in Nigeria for the period of 2016–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts survey method and content analysis technique to analyze corporate SDG reporting of the selected firms. The study examines the top-50 listed firms in Nigeria based on their market capitalization. Questionnaires were distributed to financial managers of the top-50 listed firms and staffs of the big four audit firms from the governance and sustainability department. The fifty (50) firms selected are as follows: 17 firms from the financial sector, 13 firms from the consumer goods sector, 5 firms from the healthcare sector, 6 firms from the oil and gas sector, 5 firms from the industrial goods sector and 4 firms from the information technology sector. The content analysis was utilized through the PwC framework, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework and International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework to gage the extent of firms' compliance regarding corporate SDG reporting. Also, the business reporting indicators for each SDG developed by GRI was employed to determine the compliance level of the selected firms with respect to corporate SDG reporting.

Findings

The empirical evidence shows that corporate organizations in Nigeria have performed poorly in corporate SDG reporting. The result of the survey reveals that lack of regulatory framework and voluntary disclosure are the major factors that contributes to low level of SDG reporting by Nigerian firms. Also, the result of the content analysis shows poor reporting on SDG activities. The result of the research survey indicates that voluntary disclosure, lack of management commitment and lack of regulatory enforcement accounts for low SDG disclosure by the selected Nigerian firms.

Practical implications

This study's findings call for clear responsibility and a strong drive for SDG performance from corporate institutions in Nigeria. Whilst the overall responsibility rests on the government, the actualization of SDG cannot be achieved without support from corporate organizations. The empirical approach used in this study emphasizes the need for corporate organizations to embrace sustainable practices and to integrate SDG information into their reporting cycle.

Originality/value

This study contributes to growing literature in the area of corporate reporting and SDG research in Nigeria and other emerging economies.
Estimation of bearing capacity of shallow footings on layered sand using finite elements analysis
Authors: Das Pragyan Paramita , Khatri Vishwas Nandkishor , Doley Rahul , Dutta Rakesh Kumar , Yadav Jitendra Singh
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate the bearing capacity of a surface strip and circular footings lying on layered sand using numerical limit analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Lower and upper bound limit analysis, as well as finite elements and second-order conic programming (SOCP), are used in this analysis. The yield criterion of Mohr-Coulomb is used to model soil behavior. Using this technique, stringent lower and upper bounds on ultimate bearing capacity can be achieved by assuming an associated flow law.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that the exact collapse load is typically being bracketed to within 6% about a mean of both the bounds. The obtained results are compared with the existing literature wherever applicable.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has used lower and upper bound limit analysis, as well as finite elements and SOCP, to estimate the bearing capacity of a surface strip and circular footings lying on layered sand.
Comparison of life cycle assessment for laminating and glazing processes based on simapro
Authors: Cui Qingbin , Shao Fenjuan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Both glazing and laminating play a certain role in finishing and protecting the surface of printed matter. This study makes a comparative analysis of the two through life cycle assessment (LCA) and theoretically explores the difference between them.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the life cycle of laminating and glazing processes was calculated through using Simapro software, and the results were compared and analyzed.

Findings

Twelve environmental categories were used to quantitatively analyze the environmental impact of the product. The results showed that the results of the 12 environmental categories involved in the analysis of glazing was less than that of laminating, indicating that the impact of the glazing on the environment was less than that of laminating on the environment.

Research limitations/implications

In order to simplify the study, we only calculated and analyzed the laminating and glazing.

Practical implications

Green packaging is the future, 3R1D, reduce, reuse, recycle and degradable. According to the calculation results, corresponding suggestions can be put forward from production, processing, use, waste and other aspects, and make corresponding contributions to the development of green packaging.

Originality/value

The contribution and impact of each stage to the product life cycle can be studied. In addition, different waste disposal methods have different impacts on the environment, and the higher the recovery ratio, the better the environmental benefits of the product. Recycling should then be promoted as proportionately as possible in practice in order to reduce the environmental impact .
Influence of continuity of care on self‐management ability and quality of life in outpatient maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Lai Bihong , Shen Li , Ye Shuiying , Shen Xia , Zhou Dongchi , Guo Xiaocui , Zhou Huaxian , Pan Yangbin , Tong Jindong
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of continuity of care on self‐management ability and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).

Methods

One hundred patients were randomly assigned to the observation group and the control group. In the observation group, patients received a 12‐month continuity of care. In the control group, patients were given with routine nursing. Evaluate the patients' self‐management ability and QOL between two groups 1 week before discharge and 6 and 12 months outpatient MHD.

Results

Observation group had higher Hemodialysis Self‐Management Instrument (HD‐SMI) scores and Kidney Disease Quality of Life‐Short Form (KDQOL‐SF™) scores than control group at 6 and 12 months outpatient MHD. But patients in observation group had a much lower systolic blood pressure than those in control group at 12 months outpatient MHD.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that continuity of care in the form of online education, telephone visit, and outpatient visit could improve self‐management ability and QOL of patients undergoing MHD.
‘Albion's Queen by All Admir'd’: Reassessing the Public Reputation of Queen Charlotte, 1761‐1818
Authors: Garrett Natalee
Published: January 2022

This article challenges contemporary and historiographical assertions about the public reputation of Queen Charlotte. Through an examination of newspaper articles and satirical prints, it traces the evolution of Charlotte's public reputation through events such as the Regency Crisis, the Regency and ultimately her death in 1818. Charlotte's largely positive reputation centred on repeated representations of her domesticity and devotion to her family. Deeper analysis of public discourse reveals that a counter image of Charlotte circulated in the public sphere from 1786 onwards, one which portrayed her as an emotionally cold mother and an avaricious, politically ambitious queen.
The prevalence and correlates of depression in Korean adults with rheumatoid arthritis: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
Authors: Kim Hyunseuk , Lee Haeyoung , Lee Sang‐Shin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depression in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We analyzed the data of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The sociodemographic, clinical, and psychiatric variables were compared between the RA group (n = 277) and the gender‐ and age‐matched non‐RA group (n = 1068). Participants in the RA group who had a Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) score of 10 or more were sub‐categorized as the depression group (n = 52), and the prevalence of depression with RA was determined. Complex samples logistic regression analysis was performed to clarify the associated factors for depression in patients with RA.

Results

The prevalence of depression in patients with RA was 17.4%. The RA group experienced more pain, restrictions on usual activities, and stress in their daily lives. RA patients with 3 or more comorbid diseases, extreme pain, problems in usual activities, and moderate to severe perceived stress were more likely to develop depression. Female gender and low income were also associated factors to consider.

Conclusion

Depression is significantly prevalent in Korean RA patients. Along with managing pain and daily life functions, interventions to reduce perceived stress are needed for comprehensive RA management.
Time and space in the study of international organizations: An introduction
Authors: Maertens Lucile , Kimber Leah R. , Badache Fanny , Dairon Emilie
Published: January 2022

In the study of international organizations (IOs), time and space have mostly been approached as contextual, even implicit and unrelated, factors. Instead this special issue considers them as co‐constitutive of multilateralism and investigates three main questions: (i) How are IOs influenced by time and space? (ii) How are time and space experienced within IOs? (iii) How do IOs influence time and space around them? This introductory article compiles the contributions’ findings and points to a cyclical process: IOs are influenced by the spatiotemporal conditions of their enactment, leading to a diversity of practices and experiences within these organizations which in turn impact time and space, both in the way they are conceptualized and in their concrete embodiment. The special issue has proven the merit of taking time and space seriously in the study of IOs. This article concludes with a series of (non‐exhaustive) research avenues to continue this promising analytical and empirical endeavor, including discussions on the relationship between IO performance and time and space, and the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Circ_0007580 knockdown strengthens the radiosensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer via the miR‐598‐dependent regulation of THBS2
Authors: Yang Zheng , Wu Hongfang , Zhang Kai , Rao Shilei , Qi Shuran , Liu Manxiang , Chen Ying , Wang Yang
Published: January 2022

Background

Radioresistance is a common cause of treatment failure in many cancers, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to be involved in the radiosensitivity of many cancers. However, the role and mechanism of circ_0007580 in the radiosensitivity of NSCLC remain unclear.

Methods

The expression levels of circ_0007580, miR‐598 and thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) were estimated by quantitative real‐time PCR. The radiosensitivity of cells was measured using colony formation assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by performing cell counting kit 8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and by detecting caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activities. Protein expression was determined using western blot analysis.

Results

Our data showed that circ_0007580 was highly expressed and miR‐598 was lowly expressed in radioresistant NSCLC tissues. Functional experiments suggested that circ_0007580 silencing could improve the radiosensitivity of cells by suppressing cell proliferation and increasing apoptosis. MiR‐598 was confirmed to be a target of circ_0007580, and its inhibitor could reverse the regulation of circ_0007580 on the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. MiR‐598 was found to target THBS2. The suppressive effect of miR‐598 on the radiosensitivity of cells could be reversed by THBS2 overexpression. Additionally, circ_0007580 could sponge miR‐598 to regulate THBS2. In vivo experiments showed that knockdown of circ_0007580 enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC tumors.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that circ_0007580 might be a target for improving the radiosensitivity of NSCLC, which was mainly achieved by regulating the miR‐598/THBS2 axis.
Interaction of JNK and mGluR5 in the regulation of psychomotor behaviours after repeated cocaine administration
Authors: Seo Su Yeon , Yang Ju Hwan , Kim Sunghyun , Sohn Sumin , Oh Jeong Hwan , Mao Li‐Min , Wang John Q. , Choe Eun Sang
Published: January 2022

Activation of protein kinases after cocaine administration controls psychomotor behaviours by interacting with metabotropic receptors in the brain. This study identified how c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) interacts with metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in vitro and in the caudate and putamen (CPu). The potential role of this interaction in the regulation of psychomotor behaviour was also evaluated after administration of cocaine. Active JNK phosphorylates a threonine residue at position 1055 in the carboxyl terminus (CT) of mGluR5 in vitro. The binding of active JNK to the D‐motif within CT2 is necessary for that phosphorylation. Interaction of phosphorylated JNK and mGluR5 occurs in the CPu. Unilateral interference of the interaction decreases the repeated cocaine‐induced increases in locomotor activity and conditioned place preference. These findings suggest that activation of JNK has the capability to interact with mGluR5 in the CPu. Phosphorylation of mGluR5 following the JNK–mGluR5 interaction may be responsible for the potentiation of behavioural sensitisation and cocaine‐wanting behaviour in response to cocaine administration.
Acute effects of amphetamine and related psychostimulants on impulsivity: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Arkell Thomas R. , Bradshaw Kristina , Downey Luke A. , Hayley Amie C.
Published: January 2022

Evidence for acute amphetamine effects on behavioural impulsivity in healthy populations remains elusive and, at times, mixed. This review collates and reviews the clinical literature on the acute effects of amphetamines on measures of behavioural impulsivity in healthy adults. Randomised and placebo‐controlled clinical trials that assessed behavioural impulsivity following the administration of an acute dose of amphetamine or a related psychostimulant (including amphetamine analogues and methylphenidate) were eligible for inclusion. The EBSCOHost, SCOPUS, PsychNet, Web of Science and ProQuest databases were searched from inception to 26 April 2021. Study selection, data extraction and the Cochrane risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent reviewers. Reporting follows PRISMA guidelines, and the review was registered a priori on the PROSPERO database (Registration No: CRD42021249861). A total of 20 studies were included, comprising a total of 737 participants. Overall, results indicate that low‐moderate doses of amphetamine and related psychostimulants may improve (i.e., reduce) impulsive responding without compromising performance, reflecting enhanced inhibitory control of behaviour. These effects are mild and appear most pronounced in individuals with high baseline impulsivity. This review highlights the need for greater consistency in behavioural task selection and future high‐quality and well‐designed studies to address current concerns around growing prescription psychostimulant use and misuse.
What can we learn from over a decade of testing bats in New South Wales to exclude infection with Australian bat lyssaviruses?
Authors: O'Connor TW , Finlaison DS , Kirkland PD
Published: January 2022

Australian Bat lyssaviruses (ABLV) are known to be endemic in bats in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. These viruses pose a public health risk because they cause a fatal disease in humans that is indistinguishable from classical rabies infection. All potentially infectious contact between bats and humans, or between bats and domestic animals, should be investigated to assess the risk of virus transmission by submitting the bat for testing to exclude ABLV infection. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of ABLV infection in bats submitted for testing in NSW and to document any trends or changes in submission and bat details. We examined all submissions of samples for ABLV testing received by the NSW Department of Primary Industries Virology Laboratory for the 13‐year period between 1 May 2008 and 30 April 2021. Fifty‐four (4.9%) ABLV‐infected bats were detected, with some clustering of positive results. This is greater than the prevalence estimated from wild‐caught bats. All bats should be considered a potential source of ABLV. In particular, flying‐foxes with rabies‐like clinical signs, and with known or possible human interaction, pose the highest public health risk because they are more likely to return a positive result for ABLV infection. This review of ABLV cases in NSW will help veterinarians to recognise the clinical presentations of ABLV infection in bats and emphasises the importance of adequate rabies vaccination for veterinarians.
Addition of direct oral anticoagulants to the World Health Organization model list of essential medicines for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: An African perspective
Authors: Noubiap Jean Jacques , Kamtchum‐Tatuene Joseph
Published: January 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and its prevalence is fast rising in Africa. The advent of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has been a major revolution for the prevention of AF‐related stroke and systemic embolism given the significant advantage over vitamin K antagonists in terms of both efficacy, safety, and adherence. However, due to their high cost, equitable access to DOACs has been a challenge, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Therefore, the recent addition of DOACs to the 21st WHO list of essential medicines comes as good news. African governments should take this opportunity to scale up the accessibility to DOACs for African patients with AF. This could be achieved through advocacy, appropriate training of health professionals, task shifting, patient education, strategic partnership to increase availability and quality of low‐cost generic drugs, and appropriate medico‐economic studies.
Comprehensive analysis of paediatric pelvic fracture urethral injury: a reconstructive centre experience
Authors: Sreeranga Yatam Lakshmi , Joshi Pankaj Mangalkumar , Bandini Marco , Kulkarni Sanjay Balwant
Published: January 2022

Objective

To analyse our experience in pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI) in children and adolescents, with various anastomotic urethroplasties (AUs) used to accomplish tension‐free anastomosis described and their surgical outcomes evaluated.

Patients and methods

From 2008 to 2019, 192 cases including both primary and redo PFUI, which comprised 181 boys and 11 girls aged ≤18 years. The results are presented separately according to gender. Moreover, the two populations were divided in two age‐related sub‐groups for sensitivity analyses: Group 1 (children) aged ≤11 years and Group 2 (adolescent) aged 12–≤18 years.

Results

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at presentation in our series was 14 (9–17) years for boys and 9 (6–10) years for girls. Primary vs redo cases were 85 (47%) vs 96 (53%) in boys and 10/11 vs one of 11 in girls. In the primary male cases (85), the bulbo‐membranous junction was the commonest site of injury (63, 74.1%). In boys, transperineal AU (TPAU) was performed in 160 (88.4%) and transpubic urethroplasty (TPU) in 17 (9.4%). In girls, TPU was utilised in nine cases, where two received meatoplasty and vaginal episiotomy. In boys, the overall success rate for TPAU was 81.2% and in primary PFUI cases success for TPAU was 88.3%. Overall success for TPU was 64.7%. In girls, the success rate for TPU was 100%. In boys and girls, the success rates for various AUs utilised between the child and adolescent groups were comparable. The median (IQR) hospital stay was 3 (3–4) days for boys and girls. The median (IQR) follow‐up duration was 25 (16–33) months and 20 (17–27) months for boys and girls, respectively. Secondary procedures were performed in 39 boys and one girl, which comprised laser optical internal urethrotomy in 26 (14.4%) boys and redo surgery in 13 (7.2%) boys and one (9.1%) girl. Of all patients, four of the 11 girls and 74 boys (38.5%) were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Most paediatric PFUI can be addressed via a transperineal approach with reasonable long‐term outcomes. In challenging cases salvage procedures utilising vascular‐based flaps as a urethral substitute give satisfactory results. Even young children can be managed with a high success rate in expert hands and these injuries should be addressed by specialist reconstructive urologists.
A randomised trial comparing transurethral to percutaneous cystolithotripsy in boys
Authors: Shahat Ahmed A. , Kamel Ahmed A. , Taha Taha M. , Abonnoor Ahmad Elbadry I. , Reda Ahmed , Faddan Amr A. , Elderwy Ahmad A. , Safwat Ahmed S. , Kurkar Adel , Abdelkawi Islam F.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To compare the efficacy and morbidity of transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) and percutaneous CL (PCCL) in the management of bladder stones in male children.

Patients and Methods

A total of 100 boys, aged <14 years with a single bladder or urethral stone of <30 mm, were randomised into two equal groups. Initial diagnostic urethro‐cystoscopy and push back of urethral stones were done for patients in both groups. Patients in Group A had TUCL, while those in Group B had PCCL through a 20‐F sheath using a 12‐F nephroscope. The two groups were compared regarding preoperative criteria, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes.

Results

The patients in this study had a median (range) age of 36 (4–144) months and stone size of 10 (5–26) mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for preoperative criteria. The assigned procedure was successful in 48 (96%) patients in Group A and 49 (98%) in Group B (P = 1). Complications were encountered in 11 (22%) patients in Group A and five (10%) in Group B (P = 0.171). The median (range) operative time was 21.5 (4–90) min in Group A and 13 (5–70) min in Group B (P < 0.001). In all, 47 (94%) stones needed disintegration in Group A vs 22 (44%) in Group B (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both techniques have comparable success and complications rates. However, PCCL has a shorter operative time and less need for stone disintegration.
The unintended consequences of COVID‐19 public health measures on health care for children with medical complexity
Authors: Baumbusch Jennifer , Lloyd Jennifer E. V. , Lamden‐Bennett Shawna R. , Ou Christine
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of this work is to explore the unintended consequences of pandemic public health measures on health care service usage by children with medical complexity.

Background

Medical complexity is characterized by the presence of complex, chronic conditions requiring specialized care, substantial health needs, functional dependence and/or limitations, and frequent health care usage. Children with medical complexity are among the highest users of paediatric health care services.

Methods

A web‐based, cross‐sectional survey was conducted in British Columbia, Canada, between August and September 2020. Inclusion criteria were (a) parent/guardian of at least one child (age 0 to 18 years, inclusive) with medical complexity and (b) residence in British Columbia. A convenience sample of 156 parents completed the survey. Data were analysed using a series of descriptive analyses (frequencies, cross‐tabulations) and inferential analyses (binary logistic regressions).

Results

Respondents provided information for 188 children with medical complexity. Access to allied health therapies (physio, occupational, and speech and language) and medical specialists drastically declined in the initial months of the pandemic, with a shift from in‐person to virtual platforms for these aspects of care. Regression modelling indicated that age and family structure influenced decisions to use in‐patient hospital services.

Conclusions

Public health measures implemented in the initial months of the pandemic decreased access to health care services for children with medical complexity. The long‐term ramifications of these measures are unknown. Family structure was found to influence decisions to avoid accessing Emergency Department care. Given the volume of services used by these children, paediatric hospital leaders need to take their unique needs into consideration in disaster planning to ensure minimal disruptions in care.
Developmental costs associated with early maternal withdrawal
Authors: Lyons‐Ruth Karlen , Yarger Heather A.
Published: January 2022

Neglect is the most prevalent form of maltreatment, but it has been understudied relative to abuse. Additionally, developmental outcomes associated with early maternal withdrawal have been understudied relative to outcomes associated with harsh treatment. However, a large body of studies on rodents has documented the causal effect of low maternal care on altered stress responses in offspring. Other evidence from human studies links early maternal withdrawal to clinical levels of neglect. Studies of both rodents and humans suggest that, rather than the aversive responses (e.g., fight, flight, freeze) modeled in relation to threat of attack or harsh treatment, early maternal withdrawal is associated with increased calling and contact seeking to mothers. Moreover, two longitudinal studies indicate that early maternal withdrawal, but not negative‐intrusive interaction, contributes to adolescent borderline psychopathology. The field needs prospective studies with well‐operationalized constructs of maternal withdrawal to delineate the distinct developmental pathways that may be associated with neglect.