bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis defines a broader FMRFamide-gated sodium channel family and determinants of neuropeptide sensitivity
Authors: Dandamudi Mowgli , Hausen Harald , Lynagh Timothy
Published: March 2022

FMRFamide and similar neuropeptides are important physiological modulators in most invertebrates, but the molecular basis of FMRFamide activity at its receptors is unknown. We therefore sought to identify the molecular determinants of FMRFamide potency in one of its native targets, the excitatory FMRFamide-gated sodium channel (FaNaC) from gastropod mollusks. Using molecular phylogenetics and electrophysiological measurement of function, we identified a broad FaNaC family that includes mollusk and annelid channels gated by FMRFamide, FVRIamides, and/or Wamides (or myoinhibitory peptides). A comparative analysis of this broader FaNaC family and other channels from the overarching DEG/ENaC superfamily, incorporating mutagenesis and experimental dissection of function, identified a pocket of amino acid residues that determines activation of FaNaCs by neuropeptides. Although this pocket has diverged in distantly related DEG/ENaC channels that are activated by other ligands, such as mammalian acid-sensing ion channels, we show that it nonetheless contains residues that determine enhancement of those channels by similar peptides. This study thus identifies amino acid residues that determine FMRFamide activity at FaNaCs and illuminates evolution of ligand recognition in one branch of the DEG/ENaC superfamily of ion channels.
In silico analysis predicts a limited impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on CD8 T cell recognition
Authors: Isaeva Olga I. , Ketelaars Steven L.C. , Kvistborg Pia
Published: March 2022

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, mutations have led to the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, and some of these have become prominent or dominant variants of concern. This natural course of development can have an impact on how protective the previously naturally or vaccine induced immunity is. Therefore, it is crucial to understand whether and how variant specific mutations influence host immunity. To address this, we have investigated how mutations in the recent SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and concern influence epitope sequence similarity, predicted binding affinity to HLA, and immunogenicity of previously reported SARS-CoV-2 CD8 T cell epitopes. Our data suggests that the vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 CD8 T cell recognized epitopes are not altered by variant specific mutations. Interestingly, for the CD8 T cell epitopes that are altered due to variant specific mutations, our analyses show there is a high degree of sequence similarity between mutated and reference SARS-CoV-2 CD8 T cell epitopes. However, mutated epitopes, primarily derived from the spike protein, in SARS-CoV-2 variants Delta, AY.4.2 and Mu display reduced predicted binding affinity to their restriction element. These findings indicate that the recent SARS-CoV-2 variants of interest and concern have limited ability to escape memory CD8 T cell responses raised by vaccination or prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 early in the pandemic. The overall low impact of the mutations on CD8 T cell cross-recognition is in accordance with the notion that mutations in SARS-CoV-2 are primarily the result of receptor binding affinity and antibody selection pressures exerted on the spike protein, unrelated to T cell immunity.
A fractional-order equivalent model for characterizing the interelectrode capacitance of MOSFETs
Authors: Huang Yi , Chen Xi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to characterize the relationship between the interelectrode capacitance (C) of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and the applied bias voltage (V) by a fractional-order equivalent model.

Design/methodology/approach

A Riemann–Liouville-type fractional-order equivalent model is proposed for the C–V characteristic of MOSFETs, which is based on the mathematical relationship between fractional calculus and the semiconductor physical model for the interelectrode capacitance of metal oxide semiconductor structure. The C–V characteristic data of an N-channel MOSFET are obtained by Silvaco TCAD simulation. A differential evolution-based offline scheme is exploited for the parameter identification of the proposed model.

Findings

According to the results of theoretical analysis, mathematical derivation, simulation and comparison, this paper illustrates that, along with the variation of bias voltage applied, the interelectrode capacitance (C) of MOSFETs performs a fractional-order characteristic.

Originality/value

This work uncovers the fractional-order characteristic of MOSFETs’ interelectrode capacitance. By the proposed model, the influence of doping concentration on the gate leakage parasitic capacitance of MOSFETs can be revealed. In the pre-defined doping concentration range, the relative error of the proposed model is less than 5% for the description of C–V characteristics of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Compared to some existing models, the proposed model has advantages in both model accuracy and model complexity, and the variation of model parameters can directly reflect the relationship between the characteristics of MOSFETs and the doping concentration of materials. Accordingly, the proposed model can be used for the microcosmic mechanism analysis of MOSFETs. The results of the analysis produce evidence for the widespread existence of fractional-order characteristics in the physical world.
Vibrations of complex composite double-column system by extended Laplace transform method
Authors: Zhao X.Z. , Chang Peter
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Double-beam/column systems have drawn much attention in many engineering fields. This work aims to present the free and forced vibrations of a novel and complex double-column system with concentrated masses, axial loads and discrete viscoelastic supports subjected to the excitation of ground acceleration are solved by the extended Laplace transform method (ELTM).

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the authors proposed an extended Laplace transform method (ELTM), which is an exact and explicit analytical method. Firstly, the mathematical model simulating the vibrations of the double-column system is reformulated with Dirac's delta function. Secondly, the exact and explicit mode shape solutions are obtained, based on which the natural frequencies and dynamic responses are obtained. An illustrating example is presented to show the validity of the proposed method. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the influences of the non-dimensional column stiffness ratio and the support stiffness ratio on the peak dynamic displacement and velocity.

Findings

It is shown that the proposed method can give exact and explicit solutions of the mode shapes and natural frequencies. It is found that the asynchronous vibrations of the proposed double-column systems can be implemented to efficiently dissipate seismic energy, as shown in the time-histories of displacement and velocity.

Practical implications

This research systematically studied the free and forced vibrations of the complex double-column system. The proposed extended ELTM is a general method. Its application to studying the energy dissipation capability implicates that the double-column system can be utilized to reduce responses in structures under earthquake attacks.

Originality/value

The proposed extended ELTM is original and powerful. Its application to study the complex double-columns system with discrete supports, concentrated masses and axial loads is novel.
Detection of communicable and non-communicable diseases using hyperparameter optimization with Bi-LSTM model in pathology images
Authors: Reddy Shiva Sumanth , Nandini C.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The present research work is carried out for determining haemoprotozoan diseases in cattle and breast cancer diseases in humans at early stage. The combination of LeNet and bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) model is used for the classification of heamoprotazoan samples into three classes such as theileriosis, babesiosis and anaplasmosis. Also, BreaKHis dataset image samples are classified into two major classes as malignant and benign. The hyperparameter optimization is used for selecting the prominent features. The main objective of this approach is to overcome the manual identification and classification of samples into different haemoprotozoan diseases in cattle. The traditional laboratory approach of identification is time-consuming and requires human expertise. The proposed methodology will help to identify and classify the heamoprotozoan disease in early stage without much of human involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

LeNet-based Bi-LSTM model is used for the classification of pathology images into babesiosis, anaplasmosis, theileriosis and breast images classified into malignant or benign. An optimization-based super pixel clustering algorithm is used for segmentation once the normalization of histopathology images is conducted. The edge information in the normalized images is considered for identifying the irregular shape regions of images, which are structurally meaningful. Also, it is compared with another segmentation approach circular Hough Transform (CHT). The CHT is used to separate the nuclei from non-nuclei. The Canny edge detection and gaussian filter is used for extracting the edges before sending to CHT.

Findings

The existing methods such as artificial neural network (ANN), convolution neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), LSTM and Bi-LSTM model have been compared with the proposed hyperparameter optimization approach with LeNET and Bi-LSTM. The results obtained by the proposed hyperparameter optimization-Bi-LSTM model showed the accuracy of 98.99% when compared to existing models like Ensemble of Deep Learning Models of 95.29% and Modified ReliefF Algorithm of 95.94%.

Originality/value

In contrast to earlier research done using Modified ReliefF, the suggested LeNet with Bi-LSTM model, there is an improvement in accuracy, precision and F-score significantly. The real time data set is used for the heamoprotozoan disease samples. Also, for anaplasmosis and babesiosis, the second set of datasets were used which are coloured datasets obtained by adding a chemical acetone and stain.
Using old theories to find novel solutions in organizational design of large established firms
Authors: Obel Børge , Gurkov Igor
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe how large corporations, facing digitalization and sustainability, can use established models and theories to find appropriate organizations design for these “new” challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The information processing perspective presented by Jay Galbraith (Galbraith, 1974) can be an appropriate platform to analyze organizational requirements, also in new complex and uncertain situation. The authors use the Miles and Snow (1978) typology to explain how traditional design can be appropriate in the new world of sustainability and digitalization.

Findings

With the new types of business models, the design should have a holistic view. The design should be split into three levels: the corporation as a whole, the large business units and the operating units. Each of these units can follow traditional organizational forms with an internal market-based coordination combined with digital platform systems.

Originality/value

Both large and small corporations now face big challenges related to adapting their business models, managerial processes and organizational structures for digitalization and sustainability. Digitalization and sustainability combine the various pieces of the corporation into a tightly coupled network with a real time coordination of activities making it difficult to obtain local adjustments without disturbing the whole. At the same time, there is a strong need for both being locally agile with a focus on effectiveness and at the same time being very efficient. The literature calls for new organizational forms to handle this situation. The authors show that “old” designs properly coordinated can be an appropriate design as well.
Future research avenues at the nexus of circular economy and digitalization
Authors: Burmaoglu Serhat , Ozdemir Gungor Dilek , Kirbac Aynur , Saritas Ozcan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The authors posit that one of the key enablers of the circular economy will be the digital transformation – in other words, “digitalization.” In this study, the authors examine and visualize the interaction of the circular economy and digitalization by using scientific publications. They explore possible synergies and future research avenues at this junction.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first apply bibliometrics to explore and visualize the relationships between the circular economy and digitalization in the academic literature. Following the clustering of topics, they define key emerging factors for each cluster. Based on this analysis, they suggest future research avenues.

Findings

The authors find that there are four main clusters at the junction of circular economy and digitalization, including (1) sharing economy, (2) additive manufacturing, (3) business models and (4) industrial ecology and remanufacturing. They then dig deeper into these topics to better understand what factors would shape the future of the clusters. They conclude that sharing economy perspective and additive manufacturing may be enhanced by regulation-based and behavioral change-based approaches. Circular business models should be developed to maintain circularity in industry. Finally, digital manufacturing should be implemented within the framework of industrial ecology and remanufacturing principles to increase efficiency, productivity and traceability in the circular economy.

Originality/value

Digitalization offers significant potentials toward breakthrough sustainability by creating a circular economy. Hence, understanding the relationship between circular economy and digitalization is important to achieve sustainable development goals.
The role of trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in sales manager B2B relationships
Authors: Ferro-Soto Carlos , Padin Carmen , Svensson Goran , Høgevold Nils
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to validate a research model testing trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in sales manager business to business (B2B) relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a broad range of 242 small-, medium- and large-sized Spanish companies, the data analysis used structural equation modeling by means of the SPSS/AMOS 26.0 software.

Findings

The findings confirm that trust and commitment serve as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in business channel relationships, when adopting a sales perspective.

Practical implications

This study provides managerial support and guidance for assessing satisfaction, trust and commitment from a sales manager perspective in business channel relationships, to create and maintain long-term exchange relationships, with mutual benefits extending to other partners.

Originality/value

The findings shed light on the confusion regarding the nomological framework in models related to the quality of B2B relationships, thus confirming the mediating role of trust and commitment between economic and non-economic satisfaction in business channel relationships, following a sales perspective and considering the dual nature of satisfaction, distinguishing between economic and non-economic satisfaction.
Psychological effects of COVID-19 phobia on industrial consumers: a case study in Turkey
Authors: Değirmenci Bekir , Durmaz Yakup , Fidanoğlu Ahmet , Değirmenci Sibel
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to discover whether COVID-19 phobia has a positive and significant effect on the stress, depression and anxiety levels of industrial consumers in addition to reveal whether environmental awareness plays a mediating role between COVID-19 phobia and stress, depression and anxiety.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a quantitative method was used to reveal the role of anxiety, depression and stress (psychological effects) and environmental awareness caused by covid-19 phobia on industrial consumers. The universe of the study is small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the province of Sanliurfa, which is located in the southeast region of Turkey and the second largest city in the region, and are industrial customers. Questionnaire method was used in the study. In addition, data were collected from 406 people who agreed to participate in the study. In the study, in which intermediary and regulatory analyzes were made, the process macro program was used.

Findings

The results show that there is a medium relationship between COVID-19 phobia and environmental awareness; and COVID-19 phobia and stress, depression and anxiety. No relationship was found between environmental awareness and stress, depression and anxiety. COVID-19 phobia was found to have a positive and significant effect on environmental awareness and stress, depression and anxiety, while environmental awareness was found to have no effect on stress, depression and anxiety. Finally, environmental awareness was found to play a mediating role between COVID-19 phobia and stress, depression and anxiety.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, four hypotheses were developed. Of these hypotheses, three are for the simple effect and one for the mediation effect. Out of four hypotheses, three were supported. The most important inference obtained from the study was finding the mediation effect of environmental awareness between COVID-19 phobia and anxiety, depression and stress.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no studies in the literature were made on the relationship among COVID-19 phobia, environmental awareness, stress, depression and anxiety. This study also examines the mediating effect of environmental awareness in the relationship between COVID-19 phobia and stress, depression and anxiety. The fact that the study is on the negative effects of the pandemic on one of the most affected occupational group also increases its original value.
Nexus between inflation and fiscal deficit: a comparative study of India and China
Authors: Kaur Gurleen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the deficit–inflation nexus in the two fastest growing economies, India and China, which happen to be crucial affiliates of the global growth generator countries apart from their association in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the prism of the vector auto regression framework, for the period 1985–1986 to 2016–2017 for both India and China. For this purpose, gross fiscal deficit, money supply, exchange rate, crude oil prices and output gap are examined as the key elements in the determination of inflation. The econometric framework used chiefly comprises of cointegration analysis, vector error correction model, Granger causality and impulse response functions.

Findings

The findings of this paper support the hypothesis that fiscal deficits are inflationary only in the Indian context and that the Ricardian equivalence cannot be negated for China at least in the short run. The results presented in the paper are a little agnostic about whether New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) explains the inflation dynamics in India, given that both inflation inertia and output gap are not robust. However, for the Chinese economy, NKPC along with structural theory is instrumental in describing trends pertaining to inflation during the period of the study.

Practical Implications

The paper warrants broader policy framework to aim at addressing structural bottlenecks to ensure non-inflationary growth keeping in mind the structural views on inflation. Furthermore, the paper fosters greater synthesis between monetary and fiscal policies, especially considering the global economic disruptions the world economy is subject to.

Originality/value

Considering there are only a limited number of studies on fiscal deficit of China, the present paper is of paramount significance in terms of growing concern over the sustainability of the growth process in China. Additionally, the paper is first-of-its-kind attempt to account the effectiveness of a healthy monetary–fiscal interface in achieving macroeconomic stability in India and China.
Social Fröhlich condensation: preserving societal order through sufficiently intensive information pumping
Authors: Khrennikov Andrei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present the basic assumptions for creation of social Fröhlich condensate and attract attention of other researchers (both from physics and socio-political science) to the problem of modeling of stability and order preservation in highly energetic society coupled with social energy bath of high temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The model of social Fröhlich condensation and its analysis are based on the mathematical formalism of quantum thermodynamics and field theory (applied outside of physics).

Findings

The presented quantum-like model provides the consistent operational model of such complex socio-political phenomenon as Fröhlich condensation.

Research limitations/implications

The model of social Fröhlich condensation is heavily based on theory of open quantum systems. Its consistent elaboration needs additional efforts.

Practical implications

Evidence of such phenomenon as social Fröhlich condensation is demonstrated by stability of modern informationally open societies.

Social implications

Approaching the state of Fröhlich condensation is the powerful source of social stability. Understanding its informational structure and origin may help to stabilize the modern society.

Originality/value

Application of the quantum-like model of Fröhlich condensation in social and political sciences is really the novel and original approach to mathematical modeling of social stability in society exposed to powerful information radiation from mass-media and Internet-based sources.
Perception of international students on the role of university library during COVID-19 lockdown in Hungary
Authors: Otike Fredrick , Bouaamri Asmaa , Hajdu Barát Ágnes
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This research study investigated the perception of the international students on the role of the university libraries in Hungary during the COVID-19 online learning period, the research study sought to establish the level of fulfillment the university libraries had on international students’ information needs. This study was necessitated by the fact that most of the international students came from different backgrounds and cultures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative research approach; the study used the online survey tool Google Forms, data were collected from three universities in Hungary that hosts most international students, Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest University of Technology, and Economics (BME) and Budapest Business School Faculty of Finance and Accountancy (BGE). The targeted sampling population was 60 international students comprising 30 postgraduate and 30 undergraduate international students; a simple stratified random sampling method was used to collect the data. The findings were analyzed using the descriptive statistics method.

Findings

The study established that most international students never relied on their university library electronic resources, when accessing electronic resources they mainly accessed using Google search engine, this feedback can be associated with the fact that most students never attended library orientation and neither did they have information literacy training during the lockdown. Students experienced the following challenges, lack of adequate study literature, the language barrier in accessing some information, digital information illiteracy, etc. The recommendation of this study is that there is a need to offer frequent literacy studies, provide more digital resources and enhance more and easy accessibility of information resources.

Research limitations/implications

The research was confined to strictly using online survey tools due to the fact that students were isolated everywhere in Budapest, and the COVID-19 guidelines of 1.5-meter rule and social distance were still in force during the time these data were collected.

Originality/value

The study brings new limelight on the struggles international students in Hungary endured during the COVID-19 lockdown, and their perception of the role of university libraries, it equally establishes significant roles of the universities library in supporting international students.
Caregivers’ experiences of therapeutic support for children exposed to developmental trauma
Authors: Middlemiss Megan , Caygill Lisa , Craven-Staines Sarah , Powell Joyce
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Exposure to trauma in childhood can have lasting impacts upon development and psychological well-being. Services can be sought to help young people heal from their experiences; however, literature suggests that their care may not always be trauma-informed. This paper aims to generate a theory to explain caregivers’ experiences of accessing mental health and therapeutic services for young people exposed to developmental trauma.

Design/methodology/approach

A constructivist grounded theory approach was used, using an iterative process of data collection and analysis. Nine individuals including foster carers, adoptive parents and a special guardian were interviewed following purposive and theoretical sampling. Techniques of initial, focused and theoretical coding, alongside constant comparative analysis were used to develop the end theory.

Findings

The theory demonstrates that multiple factors can impact upon caregivers’ experiences when accessing support for young people exposed to trauma. Six themes emerged documenting caregivers’ journeys from the decision to seek support to the ending of service involvement. Barriers, challenges and positive experiences are described. Results are contextualised through consideration of wider organisations and systems.

Originality/value

The theory highlights challenges caregivers face when accessing mental health and therapeutic support for young people exposed to developmental trauma. It provides new insights into what caregivers consider to be trauma-informed experiences of care in these settings. Tentative recommendations are provided in the hope of improving future care.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on biologic treatment in psoriasis patients: A single‐center retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Uchida Hideaki , Kamata Masahiro , Egawa Shota , Nagata Mayumi , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Ohnishi Takamitsu , Tada Yayoi
Published: March 2022

The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on biologic treatment for psoriasis in Japan remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate changes in biologic treatment and patients' behavior of visiting our department, especially in psoriasis patients treated with biologics before and during the pandemic. Data were collected from medical records retrospectively. The numbers of new psoriasis patients before (2019) and during (2020) the pandemic were compared. Patients' behavior of visiting our department was evaluated. The number of new psoriasis patients who visited our department in 2020 decreased by 35.7% compared with that in 2019. The reduction rate of new patients with psoriasis vulgaris was 49.3%, whereas the numbers of new patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) were almost the same in 2019 and 2020. The number of patients who newly initiated biologics did not decrease in 2020 compared with that in 2019. As of January 1, 2020, 215 psoriasis patients were treated with biologics. Six patients (2.8%) discontinued biologics treatment possibly due to COVID‐19 in 2020. Among 212 patients with good adherence to visiting our department in the previous year, 24 patients (11.3%) refrained from their visits for at least 1 month. In most cases, refrainment was observed in April and May when the first state of emergency was in effect in Japan. In conclusion, the COVID‐19 pandemic hindered patients from visiting our department. However, its impact on patients who needed intensive care, such as patients with PsA and GPP, and psoriasis patients treated with biologics, was limited.
Respectful stillbirth care is a human right
Authors: Leisher Susannah H.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Bethany Atkins et al., pp. 1731–1739 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17138
Alcohol use, behavioral and mental health help‐seeking, and treatment satisfaction among sexual minority women
Authors: Scheer Jillian R. , Batchelder Abigail W. , Bochicchio Lauren A. , Kidd Jeremy D. , Hughes Tonda L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Sexual minority women (SMW) report higher rates of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and adverse alcohol‐related outcomes, including poor mental health, than heterosexual women. These disparities indicate a greater need for behavioral and mental health treatment for SMW. This study examined associations among alcohol outcomes, behavioral and mental health help‐seeking, and treatment satisfaction among SMW by age, sexual identity, race/ethnicity, and income.

Methods

Participants included a community sample of 695 SMW (Mage = 40.0, SD = 14.1; 74.1% lesbian, 25.9% bisexual; 37.6% White, 35.8% Black, 23.2% Latinx; 26.3% annual income $14,999 or less). We used bivariate analyses to characterize the sample's demographic characteristics and multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine associations among variables.

Results

SMW subgroups based on age, race/ethnicity, and annual income differed in alcohol outcomes (i.e., HED,DSM‐IValcohol dependence, alcohol‐related problem consequences, alcohol problem recognition, and motivation to reduce drinking); help‐seeking; and treatment satisfaction. SMW who engaged in help‐seeking for alcohol‐related concerns were more likely than those who did not to meet criteria forDSM‐IValcohol dependence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.13; 95% CI = 2.77; 18.36), endorse alcohol‐related problem consequences (aOR = 11.44; 95% CI = 3.88; 33.71), recognize problematic drinking (aOR = 14.56; 95% CI = 3.37; 62.97), and report motivation to reduce drinking (aOR = 5.26; 95% CI = 1.74; 15.88). SMW’s alcohol outcomes did not differ based on their satisfaction with treatment or with providers.

Conclusions

This study's findings confirm SMW’s elevated risk for HED and other alcohol‐related outcomes and underscore the importance of identity‐affirmative and accessible behavioral and mental health treatment for young, Black, and low‐income SMW. Clinicians and intervention scientists should develop or enhance existing brief behavioral and mental health treatments for SMW engaging in HED who may not recognize that their drinking is problematic or who are not motivated to reduce drinking.
Efficiency and equity of input subsidies: Experimental evidence from Tanzania†
Authors: Giné Xavier , Patel Shreena , Ribeiro Bernardo , Valley Ildrim
Published: March 2022

Input subsidy programs (ISP) often have two conflicting targeting goals: selecting individuals with the highest marginal return to inputs on efficiency grounds, or the poorest individuals on equity grounds, allowing for a secondary market to restore efficiency gains. To study this targeting dilemma, we implement a field experiment where beneficiaries of an ISP were selected via a lottery or a local committee. In lottery villages, we find evidence of displacement of private fertilizer and of a secondary market as beneficiaries are more likely to sell inputs to non‐beneficiaries. In contrast, in non‐lottery villages we find no evidence of displacement nor of elite capture. The impacts of the ISP on agricultural productivity and welfare are limited, suggesting that resources should be directed at complementary investments, such as improving soil quality and irrigation.
Democracy, Legitimacy, and Mega‐Project Politics: The Evolution of Lahore’s First BRT Corridor
Authors: Sajjad Fizzah , Javed Umair
Published: March 2022

This paper studies the politics surrounding the implementation of Pakistan’s first mass transit project, the Lahore Bus Rapid Transit corridor completed in 2013, to interrogate the role that infrastructure mega‐projects hold in highly factional and democratising polities of the global South. Drawing on the Lahore BRT as a case study, this paper posits that infrastructure development is increasingly interwoven with conceptions of political legitimacy and “modernising” governance, especially under conditions of nascent democratic competition. We argue that democratisation‐led transformations in the political‐institutional context of state power has helped fashion new roles for mega‐projects, which partly explains why state power is mobilised for projects that had been ignored for several decades. Finally, this paper cautions that this new role for infrastructure, while marking a departure from previous patterns, can simultaneously constrain the possibilities for sustainable interventions going forward.
Cross‐lagged analyses between gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological distress, and disability in emerging adults
Authors: Ross Emily Jayne , Cassisi Jeffrey E. , Joseph Dana , Dunn Michael E. , Jex Steve
Published: March 2022

The gut–brain connection refers to communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system. Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) are characterized by GI symptoms that accompany distress and disability. Epidemiological research has suggested DGBI rates in emerging adults are increasing. This study investigated the relationship between GI health, distress, and disability in emerging adults across time. Emerging adults were recruited. A repeated‐measure design with a 1‐month time lag was used to collect data via an online survey (N = 861) across five academic semesters (Spring 2019 to Summer 2020). Measurement equivalence across time was established and a cross‐lagged panel model (CLPM) was specified. Distress at Time 1 predicted GI symptoms at Time 2 (β = .206, SE = .084, p < .05). GI symptoms at Time 1 predicted disability at Time 2 (β = .117, SE = .039, p < .01). Higher disability at Time 1 predicted distress at Time 2 (β = .092, SE = .027, p < .01). The cross‐lagged design offers stronger causal inferences than cross‐sectional studies used to study the effects of GI symptoms. Findings provide initial evidence of a directional pathway between brain and gut rather than a bidirectional network. Findings highlight the importance of psychogastroenterology.
Increase of high‐risk tramadol use and harmful consequences in France from 2013 to 2018: Evidence from the triangulation of addictovigilance data
Authors: Roussin Anne , Soeiro Thomas , Fouque Charlotte , Jouanjus Emilie , Frauger Elisabeth , Fouilhé Nathalie , Mallaret Michel , Micallef Joëlle , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse ,   the French Addictovigilance Network (FAN)
Published: March 2022

Aims

The aim of this paper is to assess recent developments in non‐medical tramadol use, tramadol use disorder, illegal procurement and deaths.

Methods

This study used repeated cross‐sectional analysis of data collected nationwide from 2013 to 2018. Analysis was conducted through multisource monitoring of the French Addictovigilance Network of: (1) validated reports of high‐risk tramadol use, (2) record systems collecting information from toxicology experts investigating analgesic‐related deaths (DTA) and deaths related to substance abuse (DRAMES), and pharmacists for forged prescriptions (OSIAP), and (3) survey of drug users, with investigation of patterns of use while visiting addiction‐specialised institutions (OPPIDUM).

Results

Despite a plateauing level of tramadol exposure in the French population, the proportion of tramadol reports increased 1.7‐fold (187 cases in 2018, 3.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.74–3.63%), versus 1.9% (95% CI: 1.49–2.42% in 2013). Trends were similar in OSIAP: 11.9% of forged prescriptions in 2018 (95% CI: 10.56–13.45%); 1.7‐fold increase; in OPPIDUM: 0.76% (95% CI: 0.55–1.02); 2.2‐fold increase; and DRAMES: 3.2% of drug abuse‐related deaths in 2018 (95% CI: 1.89–5.16) versus 1.7% in 2013 (95% CI: 0.65–3.84). Tramadol was the primary opioid in analgesic‐related deaths in DTA (45% in 2018). Two profiles of high‐risk tramadol users were identified: (1) patients treated for pain or with tramadol persistence when pain disappeared (mainly women; mean age 44 years), and (2) individuals with non‐medical use for psychoactive effects (mainly men; mean age 36 years).

Conclusion

The triangulation of the data obtained through addictovigilance monitoring evidenced a recent increase in high‐risk tramadol use. These findings have a practical impact on the limitation of the maximal duration of tramadol prescriptions.
Disruption and adaptation in response to the coronavirus pandemic – Assets as contextual moderators of enactment of health behaviours
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Belderson Pippa , Hanson Sarah , Ward Emma , Brown Tracey J. , Naughton Felix ,   the COVID‐19 health behaviour, wellbeing tracker study group
Published: March 2022

Purpose

During the COVID‐19 UK first national lockdown (March–July 2020) enactment of healthy behaviours was fundamentally changed due to social restrictions. This study sought to understand perspectives on health behaviour change, as part of a wider study tracking reported health behaviour change over time.

Methods

A purposive sample was selected.N = 40 qualitative interviews were conducted remotely (phone/video) from participants across England and Wales, and transcribed verbatim. Descriptive case studies were shared at regular analysis meetings. Inductive reflexive thematic coding was undertaken and coding was discussed using a team approach to agreeing analytical codes. A multiple lens theoretical perspective was adopted to illuminate the perceived influences and restrictions on participants' reports of health behaviour change.

Results

There was a clear progressive narrative for all participants, through initial responses and reactions to the pandemic, framed as ‘disruption’, then, as lockdown was acclimatized to, evidence of ‘adaptation’. Adaptation was seen in terms of modification, substitution, adoption, discontinuation/cessation, stultification, maintenance and recalibration of health behaviours. An illustrative case study exemplifies the narrative encompassing these features and demonstrating the complex non‐linear interactions between context and enacted health behaviours.

Conclusions

Individuals responded to pandemic‐related social restrictions in complex ways. Those in contexts with existing social assets, community links and established patterns of healthy behaviours were able to respond positively, adapting by modifying behaviour and using technology to engage in healthy behaviours in new and innovative ways. For those in more vulnerable contexts, enacting (negative) health behaviour change was an expression of frustration at the limitations imposed by social restrictions.
Unusual skin manifestations in an elderly man
Authors: Azad Afshaun , Naidoo Khimara , Jassal-Prior Pooja , Ershadi Madiha , Svec Alexandr , Azad Jaskiran
Published: March 2022

A 77-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of a widespread scaly erythematous patches affecting his trunk and limbs. This case report discusses the differential diagnosis in a patient with unusual lumps. It explores the common pitfalls in examining such cases and provides key learning points.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone concentration is associated with central adiposity and reproductive hormones in expectant fathers
Authors: Hadlow Narelle C. , Brown Suzanne J. , Lim Ee Mun , Prentice David , Pettigrew Simone , Cronin Sophie L. , Prescott Susan L. , Silva Desiree , Yeap Bu B.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The role of the anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) as an indicator of physical and reproductive health in men is unclear. We assessed the relationships between AMH and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and metabolic parameters, in a cohort of expectant fathers.

Design

ORIGINS Project prospective cohort study.

Setting

Community‐dwelling men.

Participants

Partners of pregnant women attending antenatal appointments.

Main Outcome Measures

Serum AMH, FSH, LH, testosterone, and metabolic parameters.

Results

In 485 expectant fathers, median age 33 years, median AMH was 40 pmol/L (quartiles 29, 56). AMH was inversely correlated with FSH, age, and body mass index (BMI) (correlation coefficients: −.32, −.24, and −.17 respectively). The age association was nonlinear, with peak AMH between 20 and 30 years, a decline thereafter, and somewhat steady levels after 45 years. The inverse association of AMH with FSH was log‐linear and independent of age and BMI (β: −.07, SE: 0.01, p < .001). AMH was inversely correlated with waist circumference and directly associated with sex hormone‐binding globulin. Testosterone was moderately correlated with AMH (correlation coefficient: .09, β: .011, SE: 0.004, p = .014): this association was mediated by an inverse relationship with BMI (mediated proportion 0.49, p < .001).

Conclusions

In reproductively active men, lower AMH is a biomarker for advancing age, and for poorer metabolic and reproductive health. The inverse association between AMH and FSH is independent of age and BMI, whereas the association of AMH and testosterone is mediated via BMI. The utility of AMH to predict reproductive and cardiometabolic outcomes in men warrants further investigation.
Prognostic factors associated with implant loss, disease progression or favorable outcomes after peri‐implantitis surgical therapy
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Siqueira Rafael , Di Gianfilippo Riccardo , Kaur Gurpreet , Giannobile Anthony , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Wang Chin‐Wei , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: March 2022

Background

The treatment of the peri‐implantitis remains complex and challenging with no consensus on which is the best treatment approach.

Purpose

To examine the key local and systemic factors associated with implant loss, disease progression, or favorable outcomes after surgical peri‐implantitis therapy.

Materials and Methods

Records of patients treated for peri‐implantitis were screened. Patient‐, implant‐ and surgery‐related variables on and prior to the day of the surgery were collected (T0: time of peri‐implantitis treatment). If the treated implant was still in function when the data was collected, the patient invited to participate for a recall study visit (T1, longest follow‐up after treatment). Impacts of the variables on the implant survival, success, and peri‐implant bone change after treatment were investigated.

Results

Eighty patients with 121 implants with a mean follow‐up of 42.6 ± 26.3 months were included. A total of 22 implants (18.2%) were removed during the follow‐up period. When relative bone loss (%) was in range 25%–50%, risk for implant removal increased 15 times compared to lower bone loss <25% (OR = 15.2; CI: 2.06–112.7; p = 0.008). Similarly, relative bone loss of >50% increased 20 times the risk of implant failure compared to the <25% (OR = 20.2; CI: 2.42–169.6; p = 0.006). For post‐treatment success rate, history of periodontitis significantly increased the risk of unsuccess treatment (OR = 3.07; p = 0.04) after resective surgery).

Conclusion

Severe bone loss (>50%) poses significantly higher risk of treatment failure.
Early crestal bone loss around implants placed at previously failed sites compared with initially integrated implants: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Oh Se‐Lim , Shiau Harlan J. , Ashour Izoh , Chen Hegang , Cruz Christopher
Published: March 2022

Background

There is minimal information on early crestal bone loss (CBL) associated with implants placed at failed sites.

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate CBL of surviving and restored implants placed at previously failed sites (replaced implants [RIs]) compared to that of implants initially integrated and restored (pristine implants [PIs]), within the same subjects from implant placement to 17 months post‐delivery of restoration.

Methods

Subjects who had both PI(s) and RI(s) were recruited. The following data were retrieved: patient demographics, implant locations, types of implant failure, use of bone graft procedure(s), and intraoral radiographs at implant placement (T0), restoration delivery (T1), and the post‐restoration follow‐up (T2). A blinded evaluator measured crestal bone levels at T0, T1, and T2.

Results

Forty‐four implants (22 in the RI and 22 in the PI group) from the 22 subjects were reviewed. The 22 implants in the RI group were placed either at early failure (17) or late failure (5) sites. There was a 4.6 times higher likelihood of bone graft procedures performed in association with RIs compared to PIs when using a generalized linear mixed model. Differences in crestal bone levels were compared between the two groups at each time point. There were no significant differences in the mesial and mean crestal bone levels between the PI and RI groups. The RI group exhibited lower crestal bone levels on the distal side compared to the PI group at all time points. However, this difference was due to crestal bone level at T0 (p = 0.039) not due to implant replacement (p = 0.413) or bone graft procedure (p = 0.302) when using mixed regression modeling.

Conclusion

The effect of replacements of implants at failed sites on CBL was not significant. RIs, once integrated, exhibited the same pattern of CBL as pristine implants.
The impact of deproteinized bovine bone particle size on histological and clinical bone healing outcomes in the augmented sinus: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kamolratanakul Paksinee , Mattheos Nikos , Yodsanga Somchai , Jansisyanont Pornchai
Published: March 2022

Objective

The effect of different deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particle sizes on bone healing in maxillary sinus floor augmentation remains unclear. This study compared the newly formed tissue and angiogenesis‐related bone healing after sinus floor augmentation using large or small DBBM particles.

Materials and Methods

Overall 32 patients were randomly divided into two groups using either large (1–2 mm) or small (0.25–1 mm) DBBM particles for sinus floor augmentation. After 6 months, the mineralized tissue volume was calculated using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analysis. The newly formed tissue composition was histomorphometrically analyzed. Angiogenesis was also examined by means of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Implant failure and marginal bone loss were measured at a 1‐year follow‐up. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t‐test.

Results

Micro‐CT analysis demonstrated that grafting with large particles resulted in higher bone volume (6.99 ± 2.72 mm3, p = 0.002) and Bone Volume/Tissue Volume (0.25 ± 0.1, p = 0.03) compared with small particles (3.76 ± 1.83 mm3 and 0.14 ± 0.13, respectively). Small particles showed higher non‐mineralized tissue volume (26.31 mm3) compared with large particle group (17.4 ± 5.34 mm3) with p = 0.001. The histological data revealed significantly higher area of newly formed bone (32.15% ± 14.04% for the large particle and 15.99% ± 14.12% for the small particle groups, p = 0.004). Likewise, non‐mineralized tissue was significantly greater in the small particle group (66.48% ± 20.97%) compared with the large particle group (44.36%, p = 0.016). Moreover, use of large particles resulted in a significantly higher VEGF staining intensity score and VEFG positive cells. No implant failure was recorded in both groups, while no difference was found in terms of marginal bone loss at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

Sinus floor augmentation using large DBBM particles resulted in more angiogenesis expression, higher bone volume, and new bone formation at 6 months after sinus augmentation. However, clinical outcomes with regards to implant placement were similar in both groups.