bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In COVID-19 patients, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in serum is associated with longer viral clearance time and higher risk of intensive care unit admission
Authors: Al-Salman Jameela , Alghareeb Sarah , Alarab Eman , Jahrami Haitham , Grant William B.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between vitamin D measured in serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Bahrain. This paper hypothesized that lower serum 25(OH)D concentration in COVID 19 patients is associated with longer viral clearance time (VCT) and higher risk of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a retrospective cohort design of patients admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, from February to June 2020. This study included patients with positive, confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis made using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), World Health Organization diagnosis manual and local diagnostic guidelines. Primary outcome measures were: VCT measured as the time in days between the first positive RT-PCR test result and the first of two consecutive negative RT-PCR results on recovery and admission need to ICU.

Findings

A total of 450 patients were analyzed; mean age was 46.4 ± 12.4 years and 349 (78%) were men. Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 41.7 ± 23.7 nmol/L for the entire sample. Severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) was present in 20%, mild-to-moderate deficiency (25–50 nmol/L) in 55%, insufficiency (50 to <75 nmol/L) in 18% and sufficiency (=75 nmol/L) in 7%. The mean VCT was 12.9 ± 8.2 days. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with longer VCT, with an average of three extra days after correction for age and sex (β = 3.1; p = 0.001). Multinomial regression analysis showed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with an 83% increased risk of admission to ICU after correction for age and sex (odds ratio = 1.8; p = 0.03).

Originality/value

The results showed that severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with longer recovery time from COVID-19. Low serum 25(OH)D is associated with increased need for critical care in an ICU. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary to further investigate the complex association between vitamin D and COVID-19 infection.
The impact of belongingness and graphic-based emoticon usage motives on emoticon purchase intentions for MIM: an analysis of Korean KakaoTalk users
Authors: Jung Bohee , Kim Hanku , Lee Seung Hwan (Shawn)
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Although graphic-based emoticons in mobile instant messenger (MIM) services became an important revenue source for their service provider, empirical research investigating factors influencing graphic-based emoticon purchase from the consumer's perspective is insufficient. The authors explore how user's achieved belongingness (acceptance or rejection) affects graphic based emoticon usage motivations and its purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model is used to examine the relationship among individual's overall achieved belongingness, motivation factors of graphic-based emoticon usage in MIM such as perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, perceived enjoyment for others, social norm and emoticon purchase intentions. The authors collected and analyzed survey data of 279 Korean KakaoTalk users.

Findings

The analysis shows that perceived acceptance/inclusion positively impacts perceived usefulness, enjoyment and enjoyment of others in graphic-based emoticon usage. Meanwhile, perceived rejection/exclusion positively impacts perceived enjoyment and enjoyment of others but negatively influences perceived social norms. Moreover, social norms and perceived enjoyment directly affect graphic-based emoticon purchase intentions. The authors also find that perceived enjoyment of others and perceived social norms in a serial causal order mediate the relationship between perceived acceptance/inclusion (and rejection/exclusion) and emoticon purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Additional research including users from other demographic groups, such as other age groups, is required to generalize our findings and to increase external validity.

Originality/value

Unique implications related to the role of user's achieved belongingness and perceived enjoyment of others in graphic-based emoticon usage in purchase intentions are found.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/ 10.1108/OIR-02-2020-0036
Synthesis and comparative solvatochromic studies of novel Mono azo ureido/thioureido benzimidazole dyes
Authors: Khalifa Mohamed Ezzat , Gobouri Adil Abdullah , Mahmoud Mohamed Hesham Hassan , Almalki Abdulraheem Safar , Kabli Fahad Mustafa
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize new benzimidazole dyes aiming to study the solvent effects on their absorption in Ultraviolet-visible spectra.

Design/methodology/approach

Ureido/thioureido hydrazonamide benzimidazoles (U/THB) are prepared by condensation of N-aryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-carbohydrazonoyl bromides with ureido and/ or thioureido reagents. The target products are fully characterized for structural elucidation by means of their spectral and elemental methods. Solvatochromic behavior of U/THB dyes has been studied in different polar protic solvents at room temperature.

Findings

The absorption spectra distinguish two main bands at (350 nm–442 nm) and (308 nm–382 nm) referring to n-π* and π- π* transitions of the azo groups. Dimethyl formamide induces an extremely bathochromic transition comparing to the other protic solvents. The observed bathochromic shifts indicate strong interaction with solvents in the excited state. Most dyes show one absorbance in all solvents used, so they may exist in a single tautomeric form (hydrazo form).

Research limitations/implications

In the present paper, the synthesis of U/THB dyes was achieved by a simple and convenient pathway. In addition, the variations in substituents attached to the chromophoric moiety could also be studied.

Practical implications

The new U/THB dyes are accountable for providing good knowledge about their solvation and spectral properties of an order acceptable for industrial utilization.

Social implications

Synthesis of these new benzimidazole derivatives and study of their solvation and spectral properties provides good knowledge, which is very useful in many industrial applications (e.g. dye-sensitized solar cell, etc.).

Originality/value

The synthesized mono azo U/THB dyes are novel members in the benzimidazole family, where no details regarding the synthesis of such dyes are reported before in the literature. They are superior in terms of preparation, multiple applications and spectral properties.
Preparation and properties of polyurethane film with photothermal conversion and energy storage capability
Authors: Bao Lihong , Cao Suyi , Tu Lin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a flexible polyurethane (PU) film with visible light trapping ability, photothermal conversion and energy storage performance by covalently bonded a visible light absorbing dye into the polymer through copolymerization.

Design/methodology/approach

For this target solution copolymerization of diphenyl-methane-diisocyanate (MDI), poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA2000), polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different molecular weight, self-made dye, 1,4-butanediol (BuOH) was carried out in a flame-dried flask under an inert nitrogen (N2) atmosphere. First, an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer of dried PEG, MDI and PBA2000 was prepared in dimethylformamide and stirred for 1 h at 35°C. Then, self-made dye and 1, 4-butanediol (BuOH) were added and heated at 85°C for 3 h to get photothermal conversion polyurethane (PTPU) solution. Allowed the solution to dry at room temperature for seven days and then at 65°C for 12 h to get PTPU films.

Findings

The flexible PU films with photothermal conversion and energy storage performances were successfully synthesized and the functional films presented both excellent energy storage and mechanical property when the molecular weight of PEG was in the range of 6,000∼10,000.

Research limitations/implications

The materials that were used in this research paper had a reasonably low cost. Also, the procedures for the synthesis of dye and polymers were extremely easy because there was no need for high pressure or temperature and no dangerous solvents were used.

Practical implications

The photothermal conversion property and mechanical performance of the synthesized flexible PU films were characterized. The results have proved that these films were soft and elastic, and have certain photothermal conversion and energy storage ability, thus can be used in the surface finishing of special fabric and leather.

Originality/value

Visible light trapping photothermal conversion PU flexible film with energy storage capability was prepared for the first time.
Determination of isolator damages in electric power transmission lines with continuous wavelet transform and multitape power spectrum density
Authors: Akinci Tahir Cetin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Detection of deformation of devices in high voltage electricity transmission line systems is an important issue in terms of economy and reuse. This study is aimed to detect devices that are deformed or thought to have suffered due to environmental and electrical reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

In this experimental study, it was ensured that the sound and deformed insulators used in energy transmission lines were determined by the analysis of the sounds obtained by using the impact method. Equal intensity impact was applied to the isolator using the pendulum and the resulting sound noise signal analyses were made using power spectral density (PSD), magnitude scalogram (MS), multitape power spectrum density (MPSD) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) methods in the study. In the analysis results, the isolators that are not visible to the eye and have certain damage were successfully separated from the intact insulators. Especially, MPSD and CWT analysis results are quite satisfactory.

Findings

Damage analysis of insulators used in electricity transmission lines has been made. A total of 40 insulators were examined in two categories in their group, both damaged and not damaged. Data collection system was established. The data obtained from the data collection system were analysed and compared using four analysis methods. PSD, MS, MPSD and CWT analyses were made in the study. All the analyses carried out generally contain features that distinguish damaged and undamaged insulators from each other, the most successful results are MS and CWT results. CWT results are very successful in terms of time and amplitude, and it has been proposed as a method that can be used to separate damaged and undamaged insulators.

Originality/value

It can be suggested as a result of experimental tests that the results of CWT analysis can be used in the pulse noise method in isolators to be tested for reuse in electrical power transmission lines.
Different patterns in root and soil fungal diversity drive plant productivity of the desert truffleTerfezia claveryiin plantation
Authors: Arenas Francisco , Navarro‐Ródenas Alfonso , Marqués‐Gálvez José Eduardo , Ghignone Stefano , Mello Antonietta , Morte Asunción
Published: July 2021

The desert truffleTerfezia claveryiis one of the few mycorrhizal fungi currently in cultivation in semiarid and arid areas. Agroclimatic parameters seem to affect its annual yield, but there is no information on the influence of biotic factors. In this study, fungal diversity was analysed by high‐throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA region from soil and root samples to compare productive and non‐productive mycorrhizal plants in a 4‐years old plantation (Murcia, Spain). The fungal metaprofile was dominated by Ascomycota phylum. Desert truffle productivity was driven by different patterns of fungal species composition in soil (species replacement) and root (species richness differences). Moreover, positive associations for ectomycorrhizal and negative for arbuscular mycorrhizal guilds were found in productive roots, and positive associations for fungal parasite‐plant pathogen guild in non‐productive ones. Soil samples were dominated by pathotroph and saprotroph trophic modes, showing positive associations forAureobasidium pullulansandAlternariasp. in productive areas, and positive associations forFusariumsp. andMortierellasp. were found in non‐productive soils. Finally, some significant OTUs were identified and associated to ascocarp producing patches, which could serve as predictive and location markers of desert truffle production.
Driving is a Risky Business
Authors: Bonnett Laura
Published: July 2021

Lapses in concentration while driving can be fatal, so if a person experiences a seizure – whether behind the wheel or not – UK authorities require that person to take time off driving until the risk of another seizure falls below a set threshold. But how much time off is required? Laura Bonnett explains how statistics helped find an answer
The History of the Data Economy: Part II: Analytics Arrives
Authors: Harkness Timandra
Published: July 2021

The world has changed dramatically over the past 200 years. Data is now the fuel that drives business – identifying potential markets, shaping new products and targeting consumers. To understand where we may be heading next, Significance has partnered with Impact, the magazine of the Market Research Society, to jointly publish a series exploring the past, present and future of the data economy. This second part tells the story of the arrival of analytics and efforts to better understand consumer behaviour using new data sources. By Timandra Harkness
Winning an Election, not a Popularity Contest
Authors: Leinwand Benjamin , Ge Puyao , Kulkarni Vidyadhar , Smith Richard
Published: July 2021

Benjamin Leinwand, Puyao Ge, Vidyadhar Kulkarni and Richard Smith consider a range of scenarios – from the realistic to the implausible – for how a US presidential candidate can win an election with only a small fraction of the popular vote
How to Mislead with Statistics
Authors: Lum Kristian , Kabir Naim , Bak-Coleman Joe
Published: July 2021

Lessons from recent attempts to subvert the US election with data analysis. By Kristian Lum, Naim Kabir and Joe Bak-Coleman
In Whose Name Are You Speaking? The Marginalization of the Poor in Global Civil Society
Authors: Sénit Carole‐Anne , Biermann Frank
Published: July 2021

Global civil society is often uncritically seen as a democratic force in global governance. Civil society organizations claim to hold states and intergovernmental institutions accountable and channel the voices of the world’s poorest people in policy making. Yet to what extent do they succeed in performing that role? This article assesses the representation of the poor in global civil society, with a focus on the negotiations of the Sustainable Development Goals, a process widely hailed as one of the most democratic ever organized by the United Nations. We first analyse how the poor and their local representatives are procedurally included in global civil society (procedural representation). We then quantitatively assess the actual representation of civil society organizations from the world’s poorest countries in the civil society hearings of the SDG negotiations, where civil society was invited to speak on behalf of their constituencies (geographical representation). Finally, we evaluate the extent to which global civil society representatives who claim to speak on behalf of the poor legitimately represented the interests of these people (discursive representation). We found that global civil society fails to fully represent the poor on procedural, geographical and discursive terms, and eventually perpetuates postcolonial injustices in global sustainability governance.
A case of lung adenocarcinoma with a novel CD74‐ROS1 fusion variant identified by comprehensive genomic profiling that responded to crizotinib and entrectinib
Authors: Hashiguchi Mizuha Haraguchi , Sato Takashi , Watanabe Rinako , Kagyo Junko , Matsuzaki Tomohiko , Domoto Hideharu , Kato Terufumi , Nakahara Yoshiro , Yokose Tomoyuki , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Shiomi Tetsuya
Published: July 2021

ROS1 rearrangements are found in 1–2% of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer. The detection of the rearrangements is crucial since clinically effective molecular targeted drugs are available for them. We present a case of lung adenocarcinoma with a previously unknown ROS1‐CD74 fusion variant, CD74 exon 3 fused to ROS1 exon 34, which was not detected by a conventional RT‐PCR‐based test for ROS1 fusion gene detection but identified by hybrid capture‐based next‐generation sequencing. This tumor responded to crizotinib initially and to entrectinib after relapse with brain metastasis, indicating the oncogenic activity of this novel fusion variant.
DNA barcode identification of Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen, 1904) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and other moths affecting cacao in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Gopurenko David , Gillespie Peter S , Minana Rodney , Reynolds Olivia L
Published: July 2021

Economically important cacao (Theobroma cacao Linnaeus 1753) plantations in South East Asia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are significantly affected by the cocoa pod borer (CPB) moth. Species identity of the pest is attributed to Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen 1904), a gracillariid moth endemic to Australasian and Oriental tropic regions that has evolved a host preference for introduced cacao. Suspected presence of cryptic CPB biotypes is largely unsupported by earlier genetic work but remains a concern to organisations developing species‐specific lure and/or control tools for managing this pest. We report the use of DNA barcoding to investigate population and species genetic diversity of CPB infecting cacao plantations in PNG at the eastern periphery of the pest's distribution. DNA barcodes from 94.4% of 179 moths from three disjunct PNG provinces (East Sepik, Bougainville and East New Britain) matched to reported C. cramerella sequence accessions. Genetic diversity among C. cramerella in PNG was limited to four closely related haplotypes, two of which were common in PNG and have previously been reported in the Malay Archipelago at different frequencies. We found evidence of significant population genetic structure between mainland and eastern offshore PNG provinces marked by a reduction of genetic diversity at the offshore provinces. We suggest C. cramerella populations in these offshore island provinces likely arose recently from a genetically depauperate cohort of founders from western sources. Ten moths were genetically unmatched to C. cramerella. Of these, six incidentally captured and degraded adults had novel unmatched DNA barcodes. Four larvae infesting cacao pods were genetically matched to Thaumatotibia zophophanes (Turner 1946) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and an undefined Conopomorpha species distantly related to C. cramerella. The extent to which these two additional moth species affect the cacao industry in PNG (and potentially elsewhere) remains unknown. However, their low representation here (<2.3% of samples) indicates they may be of lesser prominence than the widespread C. cramerella. Nevertheless, organisations designing and/or implementing CPB controls tailored specifically for C. cramerella will need to ensure empirical evidence of control efficiency is monitored with respect to species identity of the captured pests.
Open‐label follow‐on study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and quality of life with extended daily oral immunotherapy in children with peanut allergy
Authors: Fernandez‐Rivas Montserrat , Vereda Andrea , Vickery Brian P. , Sharma Vibha , Nilsson Caroline , Muraro Antonella , Hourihane Jonathan O'B. , DunnGalvin Audrey , du Toit George , Blumchen Katharina , Beyer Kirsten , Smith Alex , Ryan Robert , Adelman Daniel C. , Jones Stacie M.
Published: July 2021

Background

The benefit of daily administration of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder‐dnfp (PTAH)—formerly AR101—has been established in clinical trials, but limited data past the first year of treatment are available. This longitudinal analysis aimed to explore the impact of continued PTAH therapeutic maintenance dosing (300 mg/day) on efficacy, safety/tolerability, and food allergy‐related quality of life.

Methods

We present a subset analysis of PALISADE‐ARC004 participants (aged 4–17 years) who received 300 mg PTAH daily for a total of ~1.5 (Group A, n = 110) or ~2 years (Group B, n = 32). Safety assessments included monitoring the incidence of adverse events (AEs), accidental exposures to food allergens, and adrenaline use. Efficacy was assessed by double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC); skin prick testing; peanut‐specific antibody assays; and Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (FAQLQ) and Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) scores.

Results

Continued maintenance with PTAH increased participants’ ability to tolerate peanut protein: 48.1% of completers in Group A (n = 50/104) and 80.8% in Group B (n = 21/26) tolerated 2000 mg peanut protein at exit DBPCFC without dose‐limiting symptoms. Immune biomarkers showed a pattern consistent with treatment‐induced desensitization. Among PTAH‐continuing participants, the overall and treatment‐related exposure‐adjusted AE rate decreased throughout the intervention period in both groups. Clinically meaningful improvements in FAQLQ and FAIM scores over time suggest a potential link between increased desensitization as determined by the DBPCFC and improved quality of life.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that daily PTAH treatment for peanut allergy beyond 1 year leads to an improved safety/tolerability profile and continued clinical and immunological response.
Sovesudil (locally acting rho kinase inhibitor) for the treatment of normal‐tension glaucoma: the randomized phase II study
Authors: Ha Ahnul , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Satyal Sanjeev , Kim Jaesoon , Kim Soojin , Park Ki Ho
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate ocular hypotensive efficacy and the safety of sovesudil (formally known as PHP‐201), a novel Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, in patients with normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG).

Design

Multicentre, prospective, double‐masked, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel clinical study.

Methods

Patients with NTG (unmedicated baseline IOP ≤ 21 mmHg) were randomized in 3 groups and treated with sovesudil in concentrations of 0.25% and 0.5%, or with a placebo three times daily (TID) for 4 weeks. The primary end‐point was the mean diurnal IOP change from the baseline at week 4. Safety was recorded over a 4‐week treatment period and the following 2‐week observation period.

Results

A total of 119 patients were included in the primary efficacy analysis. The mean diurnal IOP change from the baseline at week 4 was −1.56 mmHg for the high‐dose group, −1.10 mmHg for the low‐dose group and −0.65 mmHg for the placebo group. The difference between the high‐dose and the placebo groups was −0.91 mmHg (95% confidence intervals: −1.73, −0.09). 0.5% sovesudil TID met the criteria for superiority to the placebo. The most frequent ocular adverse event among sovesudil‐treated patients was conjunctival hyperaemia (24.4% for the high‐dose and 17.5% for the low‐dose group) and predominately classified as mild.

Conclusions

Sovesudil 0.25% and 0.5% TID showed statistically significant IOP‐lowering effects and 0.5% concentration’s IOP‐lowering effects met the superiority criteria in comparison with the placebo at week 4. Sovesudil was well tolerated with mild adverse events including relatively low incidence of conjunctival hyperaemia in patients with NTG.
Vitreous proteomics, a gateway to improved understanding and stratification of diverse uveitis aetiologies
Authors: Schrijver Benjamin , Kolijn P. Martijn , ten Berge Josianne C.E.M. , Nagtzaam Nicole M.A. , van Rijswijk Angelique L.C.T. , Swagemakers Sigrid M.A. , van der Spek Peter J. , Missotten Tom O.A.R. , van Velthoven Mirjam E.J. , de Hoog Joeri , van Hagen P. Martin , Langerak Anton W. , Dik Willem A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The vitreous proteome might provide an attractive gateway to discriminate between various uveitis aetiologies and gain novel insights into the underlying pathophysiological processes. Here, we investigated 180 vitreous proteins to discover novel biomarkers and broaden disease insights by comparing (1). primary vitreoretinal lymphoma ((P)VRL) versus other aetiologies, (2). sarcoid uveitis versus tuberculosis (TB)‐associated uveitis and (3). granulomatous (sarcoid and TB) uveitis versus other aetiologies.

Methods

Vitreous protein levels were determined by proximity extension assay in 47 patients with intraocular inflammation and a prestudy diagnosis (cohort 1; training) and 22 patients with a blinded diagnosis (cohort 2; validation). Differentially expressed proteins identified by t‐tests on cohort 1 were used to calculate Youden’s indices. Pathway and network analysis was performed by ingenuity pathway analysis. A random forest classifier was trained to predict the diagnosis of blinded patients.

Results

For (P)VRL stratification, the previously reported combined diagnostic value of IL‐10 and IL‐6 was confirmed. Additionally, CD70 was identified as potential novel marker for (P)VRL. However, the classifier trained on the entire cohort (cohort 1 and 2) relied primarily on the interleukin score for intraocular lymphoma diagnosis (ISOLD) or IL‐10/IL‐6 ratio and only showed a supportive role for CD70. Furthermore, sarcoid uveitis displayed increased levels of vitreous CCL17 as compared to TB‐associated uveitis.

Conclusion

We underline the previously reported value of the ISOLD and the IL‐10/IL‐6 ratio for (P)VRL identification and present CD70 as a potentially valuable target for (P)VRL stratification. Finally, we also show that increased CCL17 levels might help to distinguish sarcoid uveitis from TB‐associated uveitis.
Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty of retrocaval ureter: Single surgeon experience and review of literature
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Kesar Ashutosh , Mahajan Arti , Mehta Anjali , Masood Suhail
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Retrocaval ureter (RCU) is a rare congenital abnormality, secondary to anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) presenting as ipsilateral obstruction needing surgical intervention. The aim of this article is to present surgical techniques and outcome of transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty in patients with RCU treated by a single surgeon at a tertiary care center and with review of literature.

Material and Methods

We conducted a retrospective, institutional review board approved chart review of patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty for RCU at our unit between January 2010 and December 2020. A total of 10 patients were identified. Preoperative evaluation involved a computed tomography‐intravenous urography in addition to the conventional evaluation. All the patients underwent dismembered transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty over a Double J stent. Data analyzed included the demographic profile, operative time difficulty if any, postoperative, intraoperative complications and functional outcome.

Results

All cases were completed laparoscopically and no open conversion was required. Average operating time was 96.6 minutes ± 8.16. Average blood loss was 71 ± 14.49 mL with an analgesia requirement of 115 ± 33.74 mg. One patient developed postoperative urinary leak and responded to percutaneous nephrostomy drainage. Patients were followed up for 3 to 12 months with a serial ultrasound and a follow‐up diethylene‐triamine‐penta‐acetic acid renal scan at 3 months to rule out any anastomotic site obstruction.

Conclusion

Transperitoneal laparoscopic ureteropyeloplasty for RCU was associated with minimal morbidity and good outcomes.
“Following orders” as a critique on healthcare allocation committees: An anthropological perspective on the role of public memory in bioethical legitimacy
Authors: Assor Yael
Published: July 2021

The public perception of decision‐making procedures as fair processes is a central means for establishing their legitimacy to make difficult resource allocation decisions. According to the ethical framework of accountability for reasonableness (A4R, hereafter), which specifies conditions for fair healthcare resource allocation, disagreements about what constitutes relevant considerations are a central threat to its perceived fairness. This article considers how an ethical principle grounded in the public memory of past traumatic events may become the topic of such disagreements. I demonstrate this through an anthropological case study of a recent public de bate concerning an Israeli healthcare allocation committee (HAC, thereafter), which determines state subsidies for new medical technologies as part of Israel’s public healthcare system. Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork about the HAC, I show how the public memory of Adolf Eichmann’s trial constitutes a bioethical problem for the committee’s legitimacy. Based on Arendt’s and Bauman’s writings that Nazi bureaucrats’ manner of “following orders” was an ethical transgression, some patients contended that the committee has a historical responsibility to question its strict adherence to bureaucratic procedures. Since the committee did not have a direct link to the events of the Holocaust, other considerations seemed to them more relevant. I then present an offer that can settle this disagreement and maintain the HAC’s legitimacy according to A4R. I conclude by discussing the contribution of empirical data to models of bioethical legitimacy.
MiR‐22, a serum predictor of poor outcome and therapy response in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Rinaldi Federica , Marchesi Francesco , Palombi Francesca , Pelosi Andrea , Di Pace Anna Laura , Sacconi Andrea , Terrenato Irene , Annibali Ombretta , Tomarchio Valeria , Marino Mirella , Cantonetti Maria , Vaccarini Sara , Papa Elena , Moretta Lorenzo , Bertoni Francesco , Mengarelli Andrea , Regazzo Giulia , Rizzo Maria G.
Published: July 2021

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive, heterogeneous neoplasm where prognostication and therapeutic decision are challenging. The available prognostic tools are not able to identify all patients refractory to treatment. MicroRNAs, small RNAs frequently deregulated in cancer, stably circulate in biofluids, representing interesting candidates for non‐invasive biomarkers. Here we validated serum miR‐22, an evolutionarily conserved microRNA, as a prognostic/predictive biomarker in DLBCL. Moreover, we found that its expression and release from DLBCL cells are related to therapy response and adversely affect cell proliferation. These results suggest that miR‐22 is a promising complementary or even independent non‐invasive biomarker for DLBCL management.
Association between the home environment and development among 3‐ to 11‐month infants in Shanghai, China
Authors: Cao Zhijuan , Su Xiujuan , Ni Yu , Luo Ting , Hua Jing
Published: July 2021

Background

Literature highlighted the home environment as a major factor influencing the overall development of children. However, minimal information is available about the home environment in China and especially in small infants. This survey was conducted to find out the association between the home environment and the early development of infants.

Methods

A total of 1850 infants aged 3–11 months were randomly selected during December 2014 to September 2015. Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development‐Infant Scale (AHEMD‐IS) was used to measure the home environment considering the availability of toys, physical space and variety of stimulation. The Age and Stage Questionnaire‐Chinese (ASQ‐C) was used to measure potential developmental delays among infants. Bivariate logistic regression model was used to test the association between home environment and potential developmental delays.

Results

The percentages of infants with insufficient activity space ranged from 25.27% to 30.23%. With the increase of age, the number of toys available to infants was also increasing. However, varieties of stimulation were decreasing. Compared with infants who have sufficient physical space, the risk of problem‐solving development delay increased 26.0% (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.97). The risk of gross motor delay was 47.0% (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.99) lower in infants with sufficient variety of stimulation than infants without. Fine‐motor toys were associated with all domains in ASQ‐C except communication development, while gross motor toys mainly affected fine motor and problem‐solving development.

Conclusion

Positive associations between home environment and development among 3‐ to 11‐month infants in Shanghai, China, were revealed in the current study. The results from the study are expected to be useful for early childhood caretakers, public health practitioners and other professionals to plan interventions, especially for low‐income families living in a disadvantaged environment.
The learning curve in robotic colorectal surgery compared with laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Flynn Julie , Larach José Tomás , Kong Joseph C. H. , Waters Peadar S. , Warrier Satish K. , Heriot Alexander
Published: July 2021

Aim

The learning curve has implications for efficient surgical training. Robotic surgery is perceived to have a shorter learning curve than laparoscopy; however, detailed analysis is lacking. The aim of this work was to analyse studies comparing robotic and laparoscopic colorectal learning curves. Simulation studies comparing novices’ learning curves were analysed in order to surmise applicability to colorectal surgery.

Method

A systematic search of Medline, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library identified colorectal papers (from 1 January 2000 to 3 March 2021) comparing robotic and laparoscopic learning curves where surgeons lacked laparoscopic colorectal experience. Simulation studies comparing learning curves were also included. The learning curve was defined as the period of ongoing improvement in speed and/or accuracy.

Results

From 576 abstracts reviewed, three operative and 16 simulation studies were included. The robotic learning curve for right colectomy was significantly faster in one study (16 vs. 25 cases) and equal for anterior resection in two studies (44 vs. 41 cases and 55 vs. 55). One study showed fewer complications for robotic patients (14.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.013). Ten simulation studies reported faster times and eight recorded error rates favouring robotic surgery. Seven studies measured the learning curve. Four favoured laparoscopic surgery, but operating times were faster using the robotic platform.

Conclusion

Operating times for robotic surgery may be faster than laparoscopy when surgeons are inexperienced with both platforms. This may be related to a superior baseline performance rather than a shorter learning curve. Whether a shorter learning curve on the laparoscopic platform will persist for long enough to enable skills to overtake robotic ability needs further investigation.
Endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided hepaticogastrostomy using a novel laser‐cut type partially covered self‐expandable metal stent (with video)
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Kitano Masayuki , Okuda Atsushi , Itonaga Masahiro , Ueno Saori , Yamashita Yasunobu , Nishioka Nobu , Ashida Reiko , Miyano Akira , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: July 2021

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) is of clinical benefit in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, some endoscopists are concerned about the potential risk of adverse events. Bile peritonitis due to bile leakage through the fistula is one of the possible adverse events following EUS‐HGS. Recently, a novel laser‐cut type partially covered self‐expandable metal stent (PCSEMS), which is a dedicated stent for EUS‐HGS, has become available. This stent has an uncovered part, despite it being a laser‐cut type stent, along with a flared end. In addition, it uses a 7‐Fr stent delivery. Therefore, tract dilation might not be needed to deploy the stent, which might reduce the incidence of stent migration. In this study, the safety of EUS‐HGS using this novel laser‐cut type PCSEMS was evaluated by assessing technical success, which was defined as successful stent deployment, and clinical success, which was defined as reduction in serum total bilirubin levels by 50% and resolution of symptoms related to biliary tract obstruction within 2 weeks. Five patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction underwent EUS‐HGS using the novel stent. Stent deployment was successfully performed without tract dilation in four patients, although tract dilation using a balloon catheter was needed in one patient. Clinical success was obtained in all patients, and adverse events including abdominal pain and bile peritonitis were not observed in any of the patients. EUS‐HGS without tract dilation can be safely performed using a novel laser‐cut type PCSEMS. A prospective comparative study evaluating this stent versus conventional stents is needed to corroborate our results.
Wartime captivity and homecoming: culture, stigma, and coping strategies of formerly abducted women in post‐conflict northern Uganda
Authors: Kiconco Allen , Nthakomwa Martin
Published: July 2021

One of the three durable solutions to mass displacement preferred by leading agencies is that survivors return to their home communities. It is believed that families and communities provide the best hope for recovery and reintegration owing to familiarity, care, and shared culture. Yet, these ‘places of hope and comfort’ can also be, potentially, a hostile environment in which stigma can flourish. Women who were abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army in northern Uganda find that achieving meaningful reintegration into their communities is a distant prospect despite being the home culture they once shared. The stigmatisation of formerly abducted persons by home community members who have never been abducted renders them ‘outsiders’ upon return. Meaningful relationships with fellow community members and access to cultural, social, and economic systems are hampered by the women's traumatic past. This experience has significant implications for these women, negotiating their journey to recovery and reintegration into home communities.
Low C‐peptide together with a high glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody level predicts progression to insulin dependence in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults: The HUNT study
Authors: Sørgjerd Elin P. , Åsvold Bjørn O. , Grill Valdemar
Published: July 2021

Aim

To search for risk factors that could predict progression in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and compare them with those for type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This study included 175 participants with LADA (autoantibody positive, without insulin treatment ≥1 year after diagnosis) and 2331 participants with type 2 diabetes (autoantibody negative, without insulin treatment ≥1 year after diagnosis) from the HUNT2 and HUNT3 surveys. We used Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify predictive factors for progression to insulin dependency within 10 years.

Results

Low C‐peptide levels (<0.3 nmol/L) predicted progression to insulin dependency within 10 years in both LADA (hazard ratio [HR] 6.40 [95% CI, 2.02‐20.3]) and type 2 diabetes (HR 5.01 [95% CI, 3.53‐7.10]). In addition, a high glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GADA) level (HR 5.37 [95% CI, 1.17‐24.6]) predicted progression in LADA. Together, these two factors had a discriminatory power between non‐progressors and progressors of area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80‐0.93). In type 2 diabetes, younger age at diagnosis (<50 years: HR 2.83 [95% CI, 1.56‐5.15]; 50‐69 years: HR 2.11 [95% CI, 1.19‐3.74]), high HbA1c levels (≥53 mmol/mol, HR 2.44 [95% CI, 1.72‐3.46]), central obesity (HR 1.65 [95% CI, 1.06‐2.55]) and a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2 (HR 1.73 [95% CI, 1.23‐2.41]) were independent predictors. Together with C‐peptide they reached an AUC of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.76‐0.82).

Conclusion

Factors predicting progression to insulin dependence are partly similar and partly dissimilar between LADA and type 2 diabetes. A constellation of low C‐peptide and high GADA levels identifies LADA patients who are probable to progress to insulin dependence.
First report of the bay sucker Trioza alacris Flor (Triozidae: Hemiptera) in Tunisia
Authors: Ben Halima Kamel Monia , Zouari Sana , Adouani Rihem , Mdellel Lassaad , Ouvrard David
Published: July 2021

In June 2016, abnormal growth and rolling of young leaves of bay laurel, Laurus nobilis, were observed in private gardens and in ornamental nurseries near Sousse (Tunisia). Symptomatic plants were examined, and insects present on leaves were collected and identified as the bay sucker Trioza alacris Flor (Hemiptera: Triozidae). Information on the nature of the damage caused and a review of pest distribution are provided. The predatory bug Anthocoris nemoralis was also observed feeding on T. alacris colonies.
Association of polypharmacy with falls among older Chinese inpatients: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Ming , Jiao Jing , Guo Na , Bo Hai‐Xin , Xu Tao , Wu Xin‐Juan
Published: July 2021

Aim

Polypharmacy is prevalent among older adults and has been mainly reported to be associated with falls among community‐dwelling or nursing home residents. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between polypharmacy and falls among older Chinese hospitalized patients.

Methods

A nationwide prospective cohort study included 9062 participants in six hospitals from China aged ≥65 years, with a 1‐year follow‐up period. Baseline polypharmacy and other health‐related variables were collected when older inpatients were recruited on hospital admission. Polypharmacy was defined as patients who have taken five medications or more. Well‐trained nurses assessed falls by telephone at follow up. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the association between polypharmacy and the risk of falls based on cross‐sectional analyses and longitudinal analyses.

Results

Of 9062 participants, the mean age was 72.42 years (SD= 5.69), and 5228 (57.69%) were men. After fully adjusted for age, sex, education, depression, cognitive impairment, low handgrip strength, frailty, various hospitals, and nutritional status, the cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses showed that inpatients with polypharmacy had an increased risk of falls (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.17–1.56 for the cross‐sectional association; OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01–2.03 for the longitudinal association, respectively), compared with those without polypharmacy. In addition, subgroup analyses of the association between polypharmacy and 1‐year falls, or history of falls was unchanged.

Conclusions

Polypharmacy was prevalent among older Chinese hospitalized patients and was an independent risk factor of 1‐year falls, suggesting that clinicians should make a comprehensive assessment of medications, and deprescribing strategies should be implemented to reduce unnecessary medications for decreasing the rate of falls. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 810–817.
Common response of dominant plants in typical grassland of Inner Mongolia to long‐term overgrazing revealed by transcriptome analysis
Authors: Wan Dongli , Wan Yongqing , Ren Weibo , Yu Linqing , Ding Yong , Li Guojing , Li Fang , Hou Xiangyang
Published: July 2021

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. and Stipa grandis P. Smirn. are dominant species in grassland on the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia. Long‐term overgrazing, which is considered to represent multiple stresses, reduces the growth of L. chinensis and S. grandis. To gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of these plants to overgrazing, we explored the gene expression profiles of L. chinensis and S. grandis to discover the common features of these dominant plants in response to overgrazing. Using the Illumina RNA‐Seq platform, two sequencing libraries prepared from non‐grazed (Lc‐NG) and overgrazed samples (Lc‐OG) of L. chinensis were sequenced. Using Trinity software assembly, 129,087 unigenes with a mean length of 693 bp and an N50 of 1,093 bp were obtained by combining the Lc‐NG and Lc‐OG data. By comparing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of L. chinensis with those of S. grandis, we identified 16 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways and 15 Gene Ontology terms that were significantly enriched with DEGs in both species. Most of these DEG‐enriched pathways, for example, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis, were related to stress responses. The results suggest that stress plays an important role in plants’ responsiveness to long‐term overgrazing and associated reductions in plant growth. The DEGs shared by these two species will be valuable for further research on key genes and molecular mechanisms involved in plants’ adaptation to overgrazing and associated stresses.
Critical feminist analysis of STEM mentoring programs: A meta‐synthesis of the existing literature
Authors: Beck Makini , Cadwell Jillian , Kern Anne , Wu Ke , Dickerson Maniphone , Howard Melinda
Published: July 2021

We conducted a meta‐synthesis review of existing literature on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) mentoring programs for women. Critical feminist theory (CFT) was used to understand how mentoring programs support retention and occupational advancement of women in traditionally male‐dominated STEM fields. Four primary strands of CFT were explored: gender, oppression/patriarchy, social institutions, and systemic change. Traditional models of mentoring encompass varied approaches, including institutionally enforced programs, formal and informal programs, paired peer grouping, as well as face‐to‐face and online forums. However, low levels of retention and self‐stated lack of professional satisfaction for women in STEM fields continue to plague those professions. This study reviews the literature on mentoring programs that have been implemented to support women in STEM, thus adding to the epistemology of mentoring women in STEM through feminist discourse.