bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting dual roles of MyoD during lineage conversion to mature myocytes and myogenic stem cells
Authors: Yagi Masaki , Ji Fei , Charlton Jocelyn , Cristea Simona , Messemer Kathleen , Horwitz Naftali , Di Stefano Bruno , Tsopoulidis Nikolaos , Hoetker Michael S. , Huebner Aaron J. , Bar-Nur Ori , Almada Albert E. , Yamamoto Masakazu , Patelunas Anthony , Goldhamer David J. , Wagers Amy J. , Michor Franziska , Meissner Alexander , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Hochedlinger Konrad
Published: August 2021

The generation of myotubes from fibroblasts upon forced MyoD expression is a classic example of transcription factor-induced reprogramming. We recently discovered that additional modulation of signaling pathways with small molecules facilitates reprogramming to more primitive induced myogenic progenitor cells (iMPCs). Here, we dissected the transcriptional and epigenetic dynamics of mouse fibroblasts undergoing reprogramming to either myotubes or iMPCs using a MyoD-inducible transgenic model. Induction of MyoD in fibroblasts combined with small molecules generated Pax7+ iMPCs with high similarity to primary muscle stem cells. Analysis of intermediate stages of iMPC induction revealed that extinction of the fibroblast program preceded induction of the stem cell program. Moreover, key stem cell genes gained chromatin accessibility prior to their transcriptional activation, and these regions exhibited a marked loss of DNA methylation dependent on the Tet enzymes. In contrast, myotube generation was associated with few methylation changes, incomplete and unstable reprogramming, and an insensitivity to Tet depletion. Finally, we showed that MyoD's ability to bind to unique bHLH targets was crucial for generating iMPCs but dispensable for generating myotubes. Collectively, our analyses elucidate the role of MyoD in myogenic reprogramming and derive general principles by which transcription factors and signaling pathways cooperate to rewire cell identity.
Ultrafast dynamics and scattering of protic ionic liquids induced by XFEL pulses
Authors: Patra Kajwal Kumar , Eliah Dawod Ibrahim , Martin Andrew V. , Greaves Tamar L. , Persson Daniel , Caleman Carl , Timneanu Nicusor
Published: August 2021

X-rays are routinely used for structural studies through scattering, and femtosecond X-ray lasers can probe ultrafast dynamics. We aim to capture the femtosecond dynamics of liquid samples using simulations and deconstruct the interplay of ionization and atomic motion within the X-ray laser pulse. This deconstruction is resolution dependent, as ionization influences the low momentum transfers through changes in scattering form factors, while atomic motion has a greater effect at high momentum transfers through loss of coherence. Our methodology uses a combination of classical molecular dynamics and plasma simulation on a protic ionic liquid to quantify the contributions to the scattering signal and how these evolve with time during the X-ray laser pulse. Our method is relevant for studies of organic liquids, biomolecules in solution or any low-Z materials at liquid densities that quickly turn into a plasma while probed with X-rays.
Using digital social stories to improve social skills in children with autism: a pilot experimental single-subject study
Authors: Safi Mohammed F. , Alnuaimi Maitha , Sartawi Abdelaziz
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face difficulty with educational attainment because of to their inability to interact with others. One intervention that is used to increase social skills in individuals with ASD is social stories. This study aimed at exploring the impact of digital social stories in improving social skills of two students with ASD in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental AB single-subject study was conducted to investigate the impact of digital social stories on nonverbal communication, targeting two specific behaviors: raising hands before leaving one’s seat (TB1) and playing and sharing toys with peers (TB2). Two digital social stories (DSS1 and DSS2) were developed for the purpose of this study and transformed using a digital platform to be displayed on an iPad (tablet).

Findings

This study involved two male participants with ASD (10 and 11 years old). Participant one demonstrated improvement in TB1 (mean of 1.11) because of DSS1 in the intervention phase. Participant two demonstrated improvement of 18% in TB2 ( mean of 0.18) as a result of DSS2 in the intervention phase.

Practical implications

Both students that participated in the study showed a positive change in their target behaviors during the intervention phase intervention at different levels. Using an ABA study design would have been stronger in establishing a more valid causal relation in this single-subject design study. However, due the COVID-19 closures and curfews, the researchers had to switch to the AB design.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated how social stories had a positive impact on ASD social skills. Further, it indicated the potential effectiveness of using digital social stories to reduce undesirable behaviors or increase a desirable behaviors in children who have ASD.
Successful collaboration between smart city consortium and Hong Kong Government in Covid-19 dashboard: the case of leadership in practice
Authors: Chun Daniel Jung Yue , Nabsiah Wahid Abdul , Tan Cheng Ling
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to discover why such a public partnership project had been successful with a non-profit third-party alliance such as a smart city consortium (SCC) promoting smart city development.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive case study is primarily based on analysing data collected from various texts, public statements, media interviews and three semi-structured interviews with key members involved in the Covid-19 dashboard project.

Findings

The data and analysis reviews that both interpersonal and interorganisational trust, dedication and proactiveness of the leaders at SCC were major contributing factors to why SCC was able to partner with the Hong Kong Government in the Covid-19 dashboard in the first place and that the success was also a direct outcome of effective mass collaborative knowledge management activities.

Research limitations/implications

The research in leadership attributes and activities in the non-profit alliance has been few and this collaborative partnership between the alliance and the government is an example of the importance of further research in smart city leadership.

Practical implications

In deploying projects for mass collaboration and knowledge sharing in smart city development (which is multi-disciplinary in nature). there are still many new and evolving organisational practices and leadership matters that many business leaders and city managers can learn from.

Social implications

Smart city development projects involve the notion of sharing data in an open environment enabled by software and mediating tools. Successful projects such as this Hong Kong Covid-19 dashboard which serves a diverse audience can further promote the importance of an open data policy regime for the benefit of the public.

Originality/value

This case study covers a highly original and unique case study with the leaders at the SCC and representatives from the Hong Kong Government.
The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on drug service provision in European prisons
Authors: Montanari Linda , Teltzrow Robert , Van Malderen Sara , Ranieri Roberto , Martín Peláez José Antonio , Vandam Liesbeth , Mounteney Jane , Pirona Alessandro , Meroueh Fadi , Giraudon Isabelle , Matias João , Skarupova Katerina , Royuela Luis , Morel d’Arleux Julien
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 containment measures on the provision of drug treatment and harm reduction services in European prisons in15 countries during the early phase of the pandemic (March –June 2020).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a mixed method research approach that triangulates different data sources, including the results of an on-line survey, the outcome of a focus group and four national case studies.

Findings

The emergence of COVID-19 led to a disruption in prison drug markets and resulted in a number of challenges for the drug services provision inside prison. Challenges for health services included the need to maintain the provision of drug-related interventions inside prison, while introducing a range of COVID-19 containment measures. To reduce contacts between people, many countries introduced measures for early release, resulted in around a 10% reduction of the prison population in Europe. Concerns were expressed around reduction of drug-related interventions, including group activities, services by external agencies, interventions in preparation for release and continuity of care.

Practical implications

Innovations aimed at improving drug service provision included telemedicine, better partnership between security and health staff and an approach to drug treatment more individualised. Future developments must be closely monitored.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique and timely overview of the main issues, challenges and initial adaptations implemented for drug services in European prisons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sense of security when new at work: a thematic analysis of interviews with young adult retail workers in Sweden
Authors: Wall Erika , Svensson Sven , Berg Jansson Anna
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Positive examples of situations in which young adults new at work experience feeling secure in the role as novice in the work force are here focused. The aim is to analyze how young adults who are new to the labor market express having a sense of security in the workplace. The long-term goal is to strengthen the conditions for the health and wellbeing of workers entering the retail labor market.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirteen individual in-depth telephone/video-interviews were conducted with young adults (aged 18–28) working within the retail sector in Sweden. Using a thematic interview schedule, the interviews focused how the interviewees contextualizing stories on being novice at the labor market. The study is based on those parts of the material in which stories on feeling secure was expressed.

Findings

The analysis resulted in two themes: A sense of security is related to carrying out work safely and a sense of security is related to receiving support. The first theme illuminates how work is structured and safety training respectively contributes to a sense of security and the latter reveal how social support from a variety of sources (managers, colleagues and others outside the work environment) contributes to a sense of security when new at work.

Originality/value

Using a health promoting perspective, the study complements the existing perspectives of challenges faced by novices as they enter working life. Also, the study highlights the importance of including relations outside the workplace when searching for the understanding of the experiences of being new at work. The study indicates that focusing on the sense of security by well-structured work, safety training and social support might contribute to the strive for a sustainable working life for young adults.
The influence of the importance of cost information, product diversity and accountants’ participation on the activity-based costing adoption
Authors: Mazbayeva Kuralay , Barysheva Salima , Saparbayeva Saule Saulebaevna
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. The first objective is to examine the impact of the importance of cost information and product diversity on the adoption of activity-based costing (ABC) by Kazakhstani poultry organizations. The second goal is to establish the moderating impact of accountants’ involvement in the design for the costing system on the relationship between product diversity and the adoption of the ABC system.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire was sent to all 58 poultry organizations in Kazakhstan and eventually, 43 completed questionnaires were collected, which is 74% of all Kazakhstani poultry organizations.

Findings

The results show that there is indeed a positive relationship between product diversity and ABC adoption when the level of diversity is used concurrently with accountants’ involvement in the design of product costing. In addition, product diversity was identified as a significant negative predictor of ABC adoption.

Originality/value

This study updates the literature on the rate of ABC adoption in a developing country like Kazakhstan, more specifically, in the poultry industry. It complements the understanding of the factors that influence the ABC adoption by taking a synergistic approach to factors such as product diversity and accountant involvement. At the same time, this study is one of the first empirical attempts to test the moderative role of the participation of accountants in the development of calculation systems in the ABC adoption.
Emotional labour, emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction in the hospitality industry
Authors: Amissah Eunice Fay , Blankson-Stiles-Ocran Sarah , Mensah Ishmael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of emotional labour on frontline employees' emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction within the hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research approach was employed by administering questionnaires to 205 frontline employees from 16 luxury hotels in the Accra Metropolis, out of which 194 questionnaires were retrieved and analysed.

Findings

The results showed that surface acting was positively associated with emotional exhaustion, while deep and genuine acting were negatively associated with emotional exhaustion. In addition, both deep and genuine acting related positively with job satisfaction, while surface acting was negatively associated with job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

A lackadaisical attitude from hotel management and employees towards data collection was encountered. Also, the study area had very few upscale hotels, making the sample for the study relatively small. Further, since this study was taken from the African perspective, readers should be mindful of generalisation of the results.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the pioneers to have assessed the relationships between emotional labour, job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion in the African hospitality context. The study contributes to hospitality management literature by explaining how the acting strategies of emotional labour affect frontline employees in the hotel industry. A better understanding of emotional labour will help both management and frontline employees to employ the appropriate acting strategy in any given situation they encounter in the course of their service delivery, to reduce the emotional drain they face in handling especially difficult customers and to increase frontline employees' job satisfaction.
Optimal pricing decisions for multichannel healthcare service with differing consemers’ knowledge levels
Authors: Yang Feng , Wang Wei , Zheng Xiabing
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a stylized model to solve the pricing strategy, resource allocation and consumer surplus problems of multichannel healthcare services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers a two-stage decision model with different levels of consumers’ knowledge. Faced with physical problems, knowledgeable consumers can solve their problems by seeking online healthcare channels, while unknowledgeable consumers need to make a two-stage decision to try to solve their problems.

Findings

The effective diagnosis rate and the proportion of knowledgeable consumers positively impact the optimal pricing in online and offline channels. In addition, a higher proportion of knowledgeable consumers does not result in higher demand in the online and offline channels. Moreover, if service providers lower their prices a small amount, they will lose some profit, but the consumer surplus will be higher, which will encourage more consumers to access healthcare services.

Research limitations/implications

Knowledge levels are simplified into two categories. Also, the authors assume the resources of online and offline healthcare services are comparable.

Originality/value

This paper incorporates the knowledge level and misdiagnosis rate into the model framework to study the most effective pricing strategy for multichannel healthcare services.
Transformational leadership style: a boost or hindrance to team performance in IT sector
Authors: Jaroliya Deepak , Gyanchandani Rajni
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A leader plays an important role in the growth of an organization. The leader is a person who influences the standards, structure, culture and behaviour of the individuals employed in the organization. A leader also has effects on the result and productivity of teams. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of transformational leadership style on team performance. This paper will also analyze the existence of a relationship between transformational leadership style and team performance.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the researcher collected the data from 354 individuals employed in IT organizations in Pune. The team members answered questions asked about the transformational leadership style, and the team leaders answered questions related to team performance. The data has been analyzed using the latest available version of Statistical Product and Service Solutions.

Findings

The results of this examination suggest that there is strong and positive relationship between the transformational leadership style and team performance. Further, it was also found that transformational leader helps in a great way in improving team performance which in turn increases the organization’s productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Few limitations of this research work are that the data collected for this research work is non-cognitive in nature and simultaneously respondents may incline to evaluate the positive facets of opinion poll more propitiously than negative facets. Secondly, the data have been collected only from companies located in Pune.

Practical implications

This research study provides empirical data that will be helpful for human resources department of an organization, as it can help them in the development of policies and practices. It will also provide help leaders to support employees who are seeking effective ways to support struggling employees in context to their team performance.

Originality/value

The present study can be differentiated from past studies, as it thinks over an ensemble of transformational leadership style as an essential antecedent of team performance and also enhances the knowledge of the researchers and practitioners about the leadership style that upshot to the team performance. This will also help the managers, researchers, organizational development specialist and employees who are seeking effective ways to support struggling employees in context to their team performance.
Clinical background of patients with psoriasiform skin lesions due to tumor necrosis factor antagonist administration at a single center
Authors: Mori Miho , Tobita Rie , Egusa Chizu , Maeda Tatsuo , Abe Namiko , Kawakami Hiroshi , Mae Kenichiro , Matsumoto Yuka , Kawachi Yasuhiro , Okubo Yukari
Published: August 2021

Paradoxical reaction (PR) occurs when a drug elicits a reaction contrary to what was expected. To clarify the clinical features and genetic background of individuals susceptible to PR, we analyzed the clinical course of patients in whom psoriatic eruptions worsened or newly developed during tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist administration and the role of focal infections and genetic variations. Of 125 patients who received TNF antagonist therapy for psoriasis, acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH), generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPP), eight patients with PR were surveyed at our hospital Dermatology Department between 2010 and 2021. A survey was also done on six patients who received TNF antagonist therapy for Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa and were referred to our department due to PR. Additionally, Sanger sequencing analysis was performed for all exons and flanking introns of IL36RN (interleukin 36 receptor antagonist), CARD14 (caspase recruitment domain‐containing protein 14), and AP1S3 (adaptor‐related protein complex 1 subunit sigma 3). The clinical assessment of the 14 patients demonstrated an average age at PR onset of 48.4 years, a male : female ratio of 5:9, and a mean administration period until onset of 9.2 months. The clinical types of PR were plaque psoriasis, PPP, GPP, pustulosis, acne, ACH, hair loss, and exacerbation of arthralgia. Histopathology revealed psoriasiform dermatitis in three patients. One patient continued TNF antagonist therapy. All of the patients with psoriasis and GPP had dental infections, suggesting that focal infection may be a risk factor of the development of PR following TNF antagonist therapy. Gene analysis demonstrated CARD14 gene variants associated with RA, CD, AS, or PPP in four patients. In addition, all of the patients with ACH and PPP experienced PR, suggesting that these diseases may predispose patients to PR to TNF antagonist therapy.
Seed size–number trade‐offs are absent in the introduced range for three congeneric plant invaders
Authors: Bufford Jennifer L. , Hulme Philip E.
Published: August 2021

Seed size and seed number are key functional traits that can affect invasion success and evolve in the introduced range. With finite resources, seed size and number are expected to trade off. If trade‐offs are relaxed in the introduced range, this could promote invasion. Few studies have compared life‐history trade‐offs between ranges, so these dynamics are still poorly understood.

Using three Rumex spp. we asked: (a) Is there evidence for differences in seed size, number or trade‐offs in response to climate in the native and introduced ranges? (b) Do trade‐offs differ between provenances when grown in common gardens? and (c) What is the relative contribution of environment and maternal line to seed size variation?

We quantified seed size and fecundity of ~160 individual plants across 16 populations per species in each range and grew around 100 maternal lines per species across common gardens in New Zealand. We modelled seed size, seed number and their trade‐off, accounting for climate, range and plant height. We also examined seed size in common gardens as a function of maternal seed size to assess the relative contribution of environment and maternal line.

Two widespread invasive alien species, R. crispus and R. obtusifolius, had greater seed production in the introduced range. Although R. conglomeratus and R. crispus showed seed size–number trade‐offs in the native range, none of the three species showed trade‐offs in the introduced range. Maternal seed size explained ≥35% of the variation in seed size in common gardens for R. conglomeratus and R. crispus. In R. obtusifolius climate was more important, where seed size increased in response to precipitation in the introduced range.

Synthesis. For the first time, we document changes in seed size–number trade‐offs between the native and introduced ranges for two alien plant species. Greater seed production in the introduced range for plants from both ranges suggests that abundant resources, rather than evolution, allowed these species to avoid trade‐offs in the introduced range. Heritable variation in seed size and different climate responses between ranges suggest that seed size may evolve as plants adapt to their introduced range.
Private Equity Exit Strategies and Profitability During the Global Pandemic: Evidence from Around the World
Authors: Uddin Moshfique , Chowdhury Anup
Published: August 2021

Private equity (PE) exit strategy is important for investors as a planned and effective exit strategy improves the chance of realizing higher profit. In this paper, we examine how PE exit strategies are being affected by the on‐going global pandemic. The current COVID‐19 pandemic has created unprecedented exogenous shocks to nearly every economy and it is important to see how this uncertainty affects economic activities such as the PE exit decision. Using 20 years of PE fund data from across 79 countries, we find that the current COVID‐19 global pandemic has significantly affected the PE exit decision and the effect is stronger than that of the recent financial crisis. Out of all the exit strategies, acquisition is the most popular, and COVID‐19 exerts a significant negative impact on the others. We also find that COVID‐19 has negatively affected deal values across all the exit strategies, limiting the profit potential for investors. Moreover, the paper provides evidence that PE investors tend to wait for a good time to exit rather than rushing to exit during an uncertain time such as this global pandemic. Our results are robust for various alternative econometric specifications.
Fetal exome sequencing for isolated increased nuchal translucency: should we be doing it?
Authors: Mellis R , Eberhardt RY , Hamilton SJ ,   The PAGE Consortium, McMullan DJ , Kilby MD , Maher ER , Hurles ME , Giordano JL , Aggarwal V , Goldstein DB , Wapner RJ , Chitty LS
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the utility of prenatal exome sequencing (ES) for isolated increased nuchal translucency (NT) and to investigate factors that increase diagnostic yield.

Design

Retrospective analysis of data from two prospective cohort studies.

Setting

Fetal medicine centres in the UK and USA.

Population

Fetuses with increased NT ≥3.5 mm at 11–14 weeks of gestation recruited to the Prenatal Assessment of Genomes and Exomes (PAGE) and Columbia fetal whole exome sequencing studies (n = 213).

Methods

We grouped cases based on (1) the presence of additional structural abnormalities at presentation in the first trimester or later in pregnancy, and (2) NT measurement at presentation. We compared diagnostic rates between groups using Fisher exact test.

Main outcome measures

Detection of diagnostic genetic variants considered to have caused the observed fetal structural anomaly.

Results

Diagnostic variants were detected in 12 (22.2%) of 54 fetuses presenting with non‐isolated increased NT, 12 (32.4%) of 37 fetuses with isolated increased NT in the first trimester and additional abnormalities later in pregnancy, and 2 (1.8%) of 111 fetuses with isolated increased NT in the first trimester and no other abnormalities on subsequent scans. Diagnostic rate also increased with increasing size of NT.

Conclusions

The diagnostic yield of prenatal ES is low for fetuses with isolated increased NT but significantly higher where there are additional structural anomalies. Prenatal ES may not be appropriate for truly isolated increased NT but timely, careful ultrasound scanning to identify other anomalies emerging later can direct testing to focus where there is a higher likelihood of diagnosis.
Evaluation of dual‐energy and perfusion CT parameters for diagnosing solitary pulmonary nodules
Authors: Zhu Beilin , Zheng Shuo , Jiang Tao , Hu Bin
Published: August 2021

Background

To evaluate the correlation and accuracy of dual‐energy CT (DECT) (70/Sn150) and low‐dose volume perfusion CT (VPCT) parameters for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN).

Methods

A total of 15 patients with benign SPN (mean age 56 ± 7 years) and 34 patients with malignant SPN and clinical indication for surgery (mean age 58 ± 6 years) were enrolled from July 2017 to September 2019 at a single institution. All the patients underwent low‐dose VPCT with a scan volume of 114 mm on the z‐axis and a venous phase enhancement DECT (70/150 Sn) scan just before surgery on the same day. All CT findings were studied in comparison with the pathological results after surgery. Perfusion and dual‐energy CT parameters such as blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), flow extraction product (FED), pulmonary nodule enhancement peak (PPnod) and iodine concentration (IC) were evaluated as well as t‐test, chi‐square test, Pearson correlation analysis, and ROC curve analysis to determine the significance of study parameters.

Results

The effective radiation dosage of the VPCT and DECT scans were 4.67 ± 0.26 mSv and 0.32 ± 0.10 mSv, respectively. Significant correlations were found between iodine concentration from DECT and VPCT parameters (r = 0.376–0.533, p < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of IC to differentiate the SPN were 86.67% and 72.73%, which was slightly lower than that of BV (94.44%, 73.33%), FED (88.89%, 80.00%) and PPnod (94.44%, 80.00%).

Conclusions

VPCT scans have low radiation dosage achieved by shortening the z‐axis scan range for assessment of SPN. IC from DECT is significantly correlated with VPCT parameters, and VPCT parameters have better diagnostic performance for SPN than DECT parameters.
Cognitive improvement among abstinent methamphetamine users: A 2‐year prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Wang Tong‐Yu , Fan Teng‐Teng , Lappin Julia M. , Li Xiao‐Dong , Zhao Yi‐Miao , Wu Ping , Shi Jie , Bao Yan‐Ping , Lu Lin
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives

The adverse impact of chronic methamphetamine (MA) use on cognitive function has been described in previous studies, but limited evidence is available for abstinent users from prospective longitudinal studies. The aim of the present study was to assess cognitive function of varying abstinent duration.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study was conducted with baseline and four follow‐up interviews every 6 months over 2 years in 358 MA users in Guangdong province, China. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to measure cognitive function. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analysis was used to examine within‐subjects relationships between abstinence and cognitive consequences over time.

Results

The repeated measure analysis of variance showed significant differences in the total MoCA score and all subscale scores (except Orientation) in the 24 months follow‐up. The GEE model showed that abstinence from MA in the past 6 months predicted an increase of 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29 to 1.05, p = .002) in MoCA score changes compared with the nonabstinence MA users. Abstinence in the past 12, 18, and 24 months predicted an increase in MoCA total score changes of 1.25 (95% CI = −0.23 to 2.74), 2.15 (95% CI = −0.79 to 5.09), and 5.28 (95% CI = −2.01 to 12.58), respectively, but none of these was statistically significant.

Discussion and Conclusions

Cognitive function was potentially improved following 6 months of MA abstinence.

Scientific Significance

This study extends prior research by long‐term follow‐up in big sample MA abstinence users. Findings from study support the need for a comprehensive measure to decrease MA use and promote the recovery of cognitive impairment.
Nonparametric segmentation methods: Applications of unsupervised machine learning and revealed preference
Authors: Blumberg Joey , Thompson Gary
Published: August 2021

Many recent efforts by econometricians have focused on supervised machine learning techniques to aid in empirical studies using experimental data. By contrast, this article explores the merits of unsupervised machine learning algorithms for informing ex ante policy design using observational data. We examine the extent to which groups of consumers with differing responses to economic incentives can be identified in a context of fruit and vegetable demand. Two classes of nonparametric algorithms—revealed preference and unsupervised machine learning—are compared for segmenting households in the National Consumer Panel. Nonlinear almost‐ideal demand models are estimated for all segments to determine which methods group households into segments with different expenditure and price elasticities. In‐sample comparisons and out‐of‐sample prediction results indicate methods using price‐quantity data alone—without demographic, geographic, or other variables—perform better at segmenting households into groups with sizeable differences in price and expenditure responsiveness. These segmentation results suggest considerable heterogeneity in household purchasing behavior of fruits and vegetables.
Testosterone in males with COVID‐19: A 7‐month cohort study
Authors: Salonia Andrea , Pontillo Marina , Capogrosso Paolo , Gregori Silvia , Carenzi Cristina , Ferrara Anna Maria , Rowe Isaline , Boeri Luca , Larcher Alessandro , Ramirez Giuseppe A. , Tresoldi Cristina , Locatelli Massimo , Cavalli Giulio , Dagna Lorenzo , Castagna Antonella , Zangrillo Alberto , Tresoldi Moreno , Landoni Giovanni , Rovere‐Querini Patrizia , Ciceri Fabio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: August 2021

Background

Circulating testosterone levels have been found to be reduced in men with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, COVID‐19, with lower levels being associated with more severe clinical outcomes.

Objectives

We aimed to assess total testosterone levels and the prevalence of total testosterone still suggesting for hypogonadism at 7‐month follow‐up in a cohort of 121 men who recovered from laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19.

Materials and methods

Demographic, clinical, and hormonal values were collected for all patients. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone ≤9.2 nmol/L. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to score health‐significant comorbidities. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical and laboratory variables and total testosterone levels at follow‐up assessment.

Results

Circulating total testosterone levels increased at 7‐month follow‐up compared to hospital admittance (p < 0.0001), while luteinizing hormone and 17β‐estradiol levels significantly decreased (all p ≤ 0.02). Overall, total testosterone levels increased in 106 (87.6%) patients, but further decreased in 12 (9.9%) patients at follow‐up, where a total testosterone level suggestive for hypogonadism was still observed in 66 (55%) patients. Baseline Charlson Comorbidity Index score (OR 0.36; p = 0.03 [0.14, 0.89]) was independently associated with total testosterone levels at 7‐month follow‐up, after adjusting for age, BMI, and IL‐6 at hospital admittance.

Conclusions

Although total testosterone levels increased over time after COVID‐19, more than 50% of men who recovered from the disease still had circulating testosterone levels suggestive for a condition of hypogonadism at 7‐month follow‐up. In as many as 10% of cases, testosterone levels even further decreased. Of clinical relevance, the higher the burden of comorbid conditions at presentation, the lower the probability of testosterone levels recovery over time.
Accelerated loss of crystalline lens power initiating from emmetropia among young school children: a 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Xiong Shuyu , He Xiangui , Sankaridurg Padmaja , Zhu Jianfeng , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Bo , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To determine the characteristics of crystalline lens with varying refractive errors and relationship with axial elongation in young school children.

Methods

A total of 1465 children aged 6–8 years were examined annually for 2 years. Each participant underwent a series of ophthalmic examinations, including cycloplegic autorefraction, crystalline lens and axial length measurement. Crystalline lens power was determined, and factors associated with different refractive statuses were investigated.

Results

Crystalline lens power decreased with time; reduction in lens power in Year 1 was greater in children with emmetropia (−0.69 ± 0.59 dioptre [D]) than in those with hyperopia (−0.49 ± 0.56 D) or myopia (−0.45 ± 0.55 D) (p < 0.001). Among the emmetropes, there were no differences in loss of crystalline lens power between those who remained emmetropic (−0.63 ± 0.59 D) and those who became myopic at Year 1 (−0.74 ± 0.61 D) and Year 2 (−0.77 ± 0.57 D, p > 0.05) visits. Among myopes at Year 1 visit, there was a greater reduction at Year 2 in those who had baseline emmetropia (−0.61 ± 0.51 D) than those who had baseline myopia (−0.26 ± 0.49 D, p < 0.001). The trend was similar among children of the same age. There was a significant correlation between changes in lens power and axial elongation in non‐myopia (β = −0.954, p < 0.001) and new myopia (β = −1.178, p < 0.001), but not in established myopia (β = −0.001, p = 0.539).

Conclusions

There is accelerated loss of lens power in emmetropia and early stage of myopia. However, this loss is retarded when myopia persists and is accompanied by disappearance of the compensatory effect of lens power against axial elongation. These findings provide new insights into human refractive development.
Ex‐ante socio‐economic impact assessment for a social science research infrastructure: The case of EuroCohort
Authors: Ecchia Giulio , O'Leary Chris , Messori Luciano
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to present the ex ante Socio‐Economic Impact Assessment of a European Social Science Research Infrastructure (RI) named EuroCohort that will provide, over the next 34 years, a longitudinal study of the well‐being of children and young people across Europe.
Effect of chlorogenic acid on intestinal inflammation, antioxidant status, and microbial community of young hens challenged with acute heat stress
Authors: Chen Fang , Zhang Hao , Zhao Na , Yang Xuehai , Du Encun , Huang Shaowen , Guo Wanzheng , Zhang Wei , Wei Jintao
Published: August 2021

Heat stress in poultry is deleterious to productive performance. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) exerts antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplemental CGA on the intestinal health and cecal microbiota composition of young hens challenged with acute heat stress. 100‐day‐old Hy‐line brown pullets were randomly divided into four groups. The control group (C) and heat stress group (HS) received a basal diet. HS + CGA300 group and HS + CGA600 group received a basal diet supplemented with 300‐ and 600‐mg/kg CGA, respectively, for 2 weeks before heat stress exposure. Pullets of HS, HS + CGA300, and HS + CGA600 group were exposed to 38°C for 4 h while the control group was maintained at 25°C. In this study, dietary CGA supplementation had effect on mitigate the decreased T‐AOC and T‐SOD activities and the increasing of IL‐1β and TNFα induced by acute heat stress. Dietary supplementation with 600 mg/kg CGA had better effect on increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial genera, such as Rikenellaceae RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae UCG‐005, and Christensenellaceae R‐7_group, and deceasing bacteria genera involved in inflammation, such as Sutterella species. Therefore, CGA can ameliorate acute heat stress damage through suppressing inflammation and improved antioxidant capacity and cecal microbiota composition.
Efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bytyçi Ibadete , Bajraktari Gani , Penson Peter E. , Henein Michael Y. , Banach Maciej ,   the Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta‐Analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group,   the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP)
Published: August 2021

Aims

Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. Randomized controlled trials have investigated the potential benefit of colchicine in reducing cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) but produced conflicting results. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with CAD.

Methods

We systematically searched selected electronic databases from inception until 10 December 2020. Primary clinical endpoints were: major adverse cardiac events; all‐cause mortality; CV mortality; recurrent myocardial infarction; stroke; hospitalization; and adverse medication effects. Secondary endpoints were short‐term effect of colchicine on inflammatory markers.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled trials with a total of 13 073 patients with CAD (colchicine n = 6351 and placebo n = 6722) were included in the meta‐analysis. At mean follow‐up of 22.5 months, the colchicine group had lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (6.20 vs. 8.87%; P < .001), recurrent myocardial infarction (3.41 vs. 4.41%; P = .005), stroke (0.40 vs. 0.90%; P = .002) and hospitalization due to CV events (0.90 vs. 2.87%; P = .02) compared to the control group. The 2 patient groups had similar risk for all‐cause mortality (2.08 vs. 1.88%; P = .82) and CV mortality (0.71 vs. 1.01%; P = .38). Colchicine significantly reduced high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (−4.25, P = .001) compared to controls but did not significantly affect interleukin (IL)‐β1 and IL‐18 levels.

Conclusion

Colchicine reduced CV events and inflammatory markers, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and IL‐6, in patients with coronary disease compared to controls. Its impact on cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality requires further investigation.
Increase in anticholinergic burden from 1990 to 2015: Age‐period‐cohort analysis in UK biobank
Authors: Mur Jure , Cox Simon R. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela , Russ Tom C.
Published: August 2021

Background

The use of prescription drugs with anticholinergic properties has been associated with multiple negative health outcomes in older people. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that associated adverse effects may occur even decades after stopping anticholinergic use. Despite the implicated importance of examining longitudinal patterns of anticholinergic prescribing for different age groups, few such data are available.

Methods

We performed an age‐period‐cohort (APC) analysis to study trends in an aggregate measure of anticholinergic burden between the years 1990 and 2015, utilising data from >220 000 UK Biobank participants with linked prescription data from primary care.

Results

Anticholinergic burden in the sample increased up to 9‐fold over 25 years and was observed for both period and age effects across most classes of drugs. The greatest increase was seen in the prescribing of antidepressants. Female sex, lower education and greater deprivation were associated with greater anticholinergic burden.

Conclusions

The increase in anticholinergic prescribing is mostly due to an increase in polypharmacy and is attributable to both ageing of participants and period‐related changes in prescribing practices. Research is needed to clarify the implications of rising anticholinergic use for public health and to contextualise this rise in light of other relevant prescribing practices.
Autonomy rights and abortion after the point of viability
Authors: Hine Kristen
Published: August 2021

It has been argued that Thomson's defense of abortion, if successful, implies that abortion is permissible only until the point of viability. After that point, if one wanted to end a pregnancy, one must do so by birthing the fetus through induction or cesarean. In this paper, I argue that Thomson's defense of abortion does, in fact, imply that abortion after the point of viability is sometimes permissible. To show this, I point out that the process of birthing a fetus makes use of the body of the pregnant person in significant ways. Indeed, the body of the pregnant person is as much a part of this process as it is a part of the process of carrying a fetus during pregnancy. Thus, just as it is sometimes morally permissible to choose to have an abortion rather than continue a pregnancy, it is sometimes morally permissible to choose to have an abortion rather than undergo an induction or cesarean. Those who support Thomson's defense of abortion, then, have reason not to support the view that induction or cesarean are the only permissible procedures for ending an unwanted pregnancy with a viable fetus. I then use this discussion to suggest that autonomy rights are more complicated than initially thought. Given the extent to which the body is involved in detaching the fetus, it is not merely that one has a right to detach a fetus, but also a right to actualize one's reasonable preferences over the method of detachment.
Human disease clinical treatment network for the elderly: analysis of the medicare inpatient length of stay and readmission data
Authors: Mei Hao , Jia Ruofan , Qiao Guanzhong , Lin Zhenqiu , Ma Shuangge
Published: August 2021

Clinical treatment outcomes are the quality and cost targets that health‐care providers aim to improve. Most existing outcome analysis focuses on a single disease or all diseases combined. Motivated by the success of molecular and phenotypic human disease networks (HDNs), this article develops a clinical treatment network that describes the interconnections among diseases in terms of inpatient length of stay (LOS) and readmission. Here one node represents one disease, and two nodes are linked with an edge if their LOS and number of readmissions are conditionally dependent. This is the very first HDN that jointly analyzes multiple clinical treatment outcomes at the pan‐disease level. To accommodate the unique data characteristics, we propose a modeling approach based on two‐part generalized linear models and estimation based on penalized integrative analysis. Analysis is conducted on the Medicare inpatient data of 100,000 randomly selected subjects for the period of January 2010 to December 2018. The resulted network has 1008 edges for 106 nodes. We analyze key network properties including connectivity, module/hub, and temporal variation. The findings are biomedically sensible. For example, high connectivity and hub conditions, such as disorders of lipid metabolism and essential hypertension, are identified. There are also findings that are less/not investigated in the literature. Overall, this study can provide additional insight into diseases' properties and their interconnections and assist more efficient disease management and health‐care resources allocation.
Biological and small molecule strategies in migraine therapy with relation to the calcitonin gene‐related peptide family of peptides
Authors: Edvinsson Lars , Edvinsson Jacob C. A. , Haanes Kristian A.
Published: August 2021

Migraine is one of the most common of neurological disorders with a global prevalence of up to 15%. One in five migraineurs have frequent episodic or chronic migraine requiring prophylactic treatment. In recent years, specific pharmacological treatments targeting calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) signalling molecules have provided safe and effective treatments, monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis and gepants for acute therapy. Albeit beneficial, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of these new drugs to better understand migraine pathophysiology and improve therapy. Here, we describe current views on the role of the CGRP family of peptides ‐ CGRP, calcitonin, adrenomedullin, amylin ‐ and their receptors in the trigeminovascular system. All these molecules are present within the trigeminovascular system but differ in expression and localization. It is likely that they have different roles, which can be utilized in providing additional drug targets.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Migraine and Headache Therapy (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.3/issuetoc