bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect on Quality of Care of a Delirium Prevention Campaign for Surgical Intensive Care Nurses
Authors: Kim Heejeong , Lee Sun-Mi
Published: December 2020

Background:

Delirium is an important issue related to mortality in patients treated in intensive care units.

Local problem:

Although there are guidelines for preventing delirium, its importance may be overlooked compared with the treatment of physical illness.

Methods:

A 2-step delirium prevention campaign (DPC) was implemented and its effects compared (before and after the DPC).

Interventions:

The DPC comprised the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit and a checklist for delirium prevention.

Results:

Hospital mortality declined after the DPC, but there were no significant changes in the incidence and duration of delirium.

Conclusions:

Nurses led the delirium preventive care intervention. Delirium prevention care may be more effective with policy approaches to progress the DPC.
True Restriction in Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in a Mistreated Patient With Phenylketonuria
Authors: Palaiodimou Lina , Zompola Christina , Lachanis Stefanos , Mylona Varvara , Theodorou Aikaterini , Papagiannopoulou Georgia , Kotsali-Peteinelli Vasiliki , Foska Aikaterini , Kasti Arezina , Skouma Anastasia , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism and causes neurological manifestations because of excessive accumulation of phenylalanine (PHE). It can also affect adult patients who discontinue their treatment, even if they had been under adequate metabolic control during childhood. For that reason, it is recommended that PKU treatment should be continued throughout life and target PHE levels for adult patients should range between 120 and 600 μmol/L.

Case Report:

The authors present an adult patient with PKU who discontinued treatment and developed cognitive dysfunction because of high blood levels of PHE. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patient was characteristic for PKU, presenting periventricular and callosal white matter hyperintensities in T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences, which were additionally associated with true restriction in diffusion-weighted imaging sequence, a far less recognized PKU neuroimaging feature.

Discussion:

Cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric disorders can be present in adult patients with PKU who discontinue treatment and have poor PHE metabolic control. The presence of white matter hyperintensities in T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI-sequences is a well-described neuroimaging feature of PKU, but diffusion-weighted imaging sequence may also be reliable in detecting brain lesions in patients with PKU. PKU lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of true diffusion restriction in brain MRI of patients with PKU history or those who might have escaped newborn screening diagnosis but present neurocognitive dysfunction. Appropriate treatment for the management of PKU should be initiated for the reversal of the clinical and neuroimaging findings.
Evaluation of Drug Abuse by Hair Analysis and Self-Reported Use Among MSM Under PrEP: Results From a French Substudy of the ANRS-IPERGAY Trial
Authors: Chas Julie , Bauer Rebecca , Larabi Islam Amine , Peytavin Gilles , Roux Perrine , Cua Eric , Cotte Laurent , Pasquet Armelle , Capitant Catherine , Meyer Laurence , Raffi Francois , Spire Bruno , Pialoux Gilles , Molina Jean-Michel , Alvarez Jean-Claude
Published: December 2020

Background:

We used the Agence nationale de Recherches sur le sida et les hépatites virales (ANRS)-IPERGAY trial to qualitatively and quantitatively measure drug use among men who have sex with men under preexposure prophylaxis using 2 different methods, to better understand and collectively respond to risky practices.

Method:

We included 69 volunteers of the ANRS-IPERGAY trial. We measured drug use by 2 methods: (1) drug detection by hair analysis and (2) reported drug use by self-reported drug consumption.

Results:

New psychoactive substances (NPS) and conventional drugs were detected in 53 of the 69 (77%) volunteers by hair analysis and in 39 of the 69 (57%) volunteers by questionnaires. On the 219 hair segments analyzed, the most commonly used drugs were cocaine in 47 of the 69 (68%), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine/ecstasy in 31 of the 69 (45%), and NPS in 27 of the 69 (39%). On the 1061 collected questionnaires, the most commonly used drugs were cocaine in 31 of the 69 (45%), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine/ecstasy in 29 of the 69 (42%), and NPS in 16 of the 69 (23%). Hair analysis detects more conventional drugs and/or NPS use (P < 0.05). Drug use identified by hair was significantly associated with a higher number of sexual partners in the past 2 months (P ≤ 0.001), more often casual partners (P ≤ 0.001), condomless anal sex (P ≤ 0.005), hardcore sexual practices (P ≤ 0.001), a higher number of sexually transmitted infections, and chemsex (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions:

Self-report drug use by questionnaires remains the reference tool for harm reduction at the individual level because of its feasibility and low cost. However, hair analysis is more sensitive, objectively assessing consumption, and interesting to understand uses and to be able to collectively respond to risky practices with adapted messages.
Expansion of Phenotypic and Genotypic Spectrum in Yao Syndrome
Authors: Yao Qingping , Kontzias Apostolos
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Yao syndrome (YAOS; OMIM 617321) was formerly termed nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2)–associated autoinflammatory disease. This study sought to report novel findings related to this disease.

Methods

A medical records review analysis of a case series was conducted, and all patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for YAOS and underwent comprehensive diagnostic workups, including molecular genotyping of blood specimens for periodic fever syndromes and NOD2-associated disease.

Results

A total of 11 patients with YAOS were analyzed, and all were Whites with a median age of 25.9 years at disease onset. All patients shared the similar autoinflammatory phenotype of YAOS. Among the 11 patients, we identified 7 patients who had the known phenotype of YAOS, as well as recurring and brief eyelid swelling with or without eyelid discoloration or conjunctivitis. Molecular analysis of blood cells using periodic fever gene panel has identified the presence of NOD2 variants in all 11 patients. Apart from the known YAOS-associated common NOD2 genotype, 5 novel and unknown significance NOD2 variants were identified in patients who presented with typical phenotype of YAOS.

Conclusions

This study provides novel clinical and molecular data for YAOS and supports the expansion of the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of the disease.
Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases
Authors: Jones Robert T. , Ant Thomas H. , Cameron Mary M. , Logan James G.
Published: December 2020

Mosquito-borne diseases are an increasing global health challenge, threatening over 40% of the world's population. Despite major advances in malaria control since 2000, recent progress has stalled. Additionally, the risk of
Aedes
-borne arboviruses is rapidly growing, with the unprecedented spread of dengue and chikungunya viruses, outbreaks of yellow fever and the 2015 epidemic of Zika virus in Latin America. To counteract this growing problem, diverse and innovative mosquito control technologies are currently under development. Conceptually, these span an impressive spectrum of approaches, from invasive transgene cassettes with the potential to crash mosquito populations or reduce the vectorial capacity of a population, to low-cost alterations in housing design that restrict mosquito entry. This themed issue will present articles providing insight into the breadth of mosquito control research, while demonstrating the requirement for an interdisciplinary approach. The issue will highlight mosquito control technologies at varying stages of development and includes both opinion pieces and research articles with laboratory and field-based data on control strategy development.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases'.
The use of islands and cluster-randomized trials to investigate vector control interventions: a case study on the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Jones Robert T. , Pretorius Elizabeth , Ant Thomas H. , Bradley John , Last Anna , Logan James G.
Published: December 2020

Vector-borne diseases threaten the health of populations around the world. While key interventions continue to provide protection from vectors, there remains a need to develop and test new vector control tools. Cluster-randomized trials, in which the intervention or control is randomly allocated to clusters, are commonly selected for such evaluations, but their design must carefully consider cluster size and cluster separation, as well as the movement of people and vectors, to ensure sufficient statistical power and avoid contamination of results. Island settings present an opportunity to conduct these studies. Here, we explore the benefits and challenges of conducting intervention studies on islands and introduce the Bijagós archipelago of Guinea-Bissau as a potential study site for interventions intended to control vector-borne diseases.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases'.
Recommendations for building out mosquito-transmitted diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: the DELIVER mnemonic
Authors: Lindsay Steven W. , Davies Michael , Alabaster Graham , Altamirano Hector , Jatta Ebrima , Jawara Musa , Carrasco-Tenezaca Majo , von Seidlein Lorenz , Shenton Fiona C. , Tusting Lucy S. , Wilson Anne L. , Knudsen Jakob
Published: December 2020

In sub-Saharan Africa, most transmission of mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as malaria or dengue, occurs within or around houses. Preventing mosquito house entry and reducing mosquito production around the home would help reduce the transmission of these diseases. Based on recent research, we make key recommendations for reducing the threat of mosquito-transmitted diseases through changes to the built environment. The mnemonic,
DELIVER
, recommends the following best practices: (i)
D
oors should be screened, self-closing and without surrounding gaps; (ii)
E
aves, the space between the wall and roof, should be closed or screened; (iii) houses should be
L
ifted above the ground; (iv)
I
nsecticide-treated nets should be used when sleeping in houses at night; (v) houses should be
V
entilated, with at least two large-screened windows to facilitate airflow; (vi)
E
nvironmental management should be conducted regularly inside and around the home; and (vii)
R
oofs should be solid, rather than thatch.
DELIVER
is a package of interventions to be used in combination for maximum impact. Simple changes to the built environment will reduce exposure to mosquito-transmitted diseases and help keep regions free from these diseases after elimination.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Novel control strategies for mosquito-borne diseases'.
A multi-innovation with forgetting factor based EKF-SLAM method for mobile robots
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Wang Dongqing , Xu Boyang
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore a multi-innovation with forgetting factor-based EKF-SLAM (FMI-EKF-SLAM) algorithm to solve the error increasing problem, caused by the Extended Kalman filtering (EKF) violating the local linear assumption in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) for mobile robots because of strong nonlinearity.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-innovation with forgetting factor-based EKF-SLAM (FMI-EKF-SLAM) algorithm is investigated. At each filtering step, the FMI-EKF-SLAM algorithm expands the single innovation at current step to an extended multi-innovation containing current and previous steps and introduces the forgetting factor to reduce the effect of old innovations.

Findings

The simulation results show that the explored FMI-EKF-SLAM method reduces the state estimation errors, obtains the ideal filtering effect and achieves higher accuracy in positioning and mapping.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this paper improves the positioning accuracy of SLAM and improves the EKF, so that the EKF has higher accuracy and wider application range.
How does entrepreneurial leadership affect innovation work behavior? The mediating role of individual and team creativity self-efficacy
Authors: Bagheri Afsaneh , Akbari Morteza , Artang Armin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper explored the ways through which entrepreneurial leadership practices of chief executive officers (CEOs) enhance their employees' innovation at workplace in knowledge-based firms. Building on social cognitive theory and resource-based view of firms, this paper argues that entrepreneurial leadership fosters employees' innovation work behavior by enhancing their individual and team creativity self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample was selected from knowledge-based firms in Iran using the simple random sampling method. Two mediation models were tested using data from 41 CEOs and 207 employees in two separate phases.

Findings

The analysis supported that CEOs' entrepreneurial leadership improves their employees' innovation work behavior through enhancing their individual and team creativity self-efficacy.

Originality/value

The research contributes motivational and enabling mechanisms at both individual and team levels that entrepreneurial leaders use to improve employees' innovation work behavior in the context of knowledge-based firms. The findings may assist managers and business leaders in effectively leading innovation process.
Narcissistic leadership and behavioral cynicism in the hotel industry: the role of employee silence and negative workplace gossiping
Authors: Aboramadan Mohammed , Turkmenoglu Mehmet Ali , Dahleez Khalid Abed , Cicek Berat
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Building on leader-member exchange and social cognitive theories, this paper aims to propose a model of the influence of narcissistic leadership on hotel employees’ behavioral cynicism through the mediating roles of employee silence and negative work-related gossiping on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was examined using covariance-based structural equation modeling using data collected from 468 employees working in several different departments in Italian hotels.

Findings

The findings illustrate that narcissistic leadership positively affects behavioral cynicism. Furthermore, employee silence and negative work-related gossiping are shown to have a significant mediating effect on this relationship.

Practical implications

The study may be of use for hotel managers as it demonstrates how narcissism can be very damaging to their organizations and employees.

Originality/value

To date, this study is the first to examine negative work-related gossiping and employee silence as mediator variables in the relationship between narcissistic leadership and behavioral cynicism in the hotel industry. Further, this research makes a significant contribution to the hospitality literature as the topic of narcissistic leadership has not, to date, been adequately investigated in the sector.
The decision tree for longer-stay hotel guest: the relationship between hotel booking determinants and geographical distance
Authors: Lee Yejin , Kim Dae-Young
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Using the decision tree model, this study aims to understand the online travelers booking behaviors on Expedia.com, by examining influential determinants of online hotel booking, especially for longer-stay travelers. The geographical distance is also considered in understanding the booking behaviors trisecting travel destinations (i.e. Americas, Europe and Asia).

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained from American Statistical Association DataFest and Expedia.com. Based on the US travelers who made hotel reservation on the website, the study used a machine learning algorithm, decision tree, to analyze the influential determinants on hotel booking considering the geographical distance between origin and destination.

Findings

The results of the findings demonstrate that the choice of package product is the prioritized determinant for longer-stay hotel guests. Several similarities and differences were found from the significant determinants of the decision tree, in accordance with the geographic distance among the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents the extension to an existing machine learning environment, and especially to the decision tree model. The findings are anticipated to expand the understanding of online hotel booking and apprehend the influential determinants toward consumers’ decision-making process regarding the relationship between geographical distance and traveler’s hotel staying duration.

Originality/value

This research brings a meaningful understanding of the hospitality and tourism industry, especially to the realm of machine learning adapted to an online booking website. It provides a unique approach to comprehend and forecast consumer behavior with data mining.
Power distribution operational risk model driven by FMEA and ISM approach
Authors: Sangode Pallawi Baldeo , Metre Sujit G.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify various risks in the power distribution supply chain and further to prioritize the risk variables and propose a model to the power distribution industry for managing the interruptions in its supply chain. To accomplish this objective, a case of a major power distribution company has been considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) analysis has been done to identify the potential failure modes, their severity, and occurrence and detection scores. Then an interpretive structural model (ISM) has been developed to identify and understand the interrelationships among these enablers followed by MICMAC analysis, to classify the risk variables in four quadrants based on their driving and dependency powers.

Findings

The results of this study exhibit that technical failure in the information and technology system, the use of improper equipment, poor maintenance and housekeeping in the internal operations are the major risk drivers. Exposure to live wires and commercial loss in power supply has strong dependence power.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a single power distribution company and not the whole power distribution sector.

Practical implications

This study suggests the managers of the power distribution company develop an initial understanding of the drivers and the dependent powers on the supply chain risks.

Social implications

Through prioritization, identification of drivers and the dependent risks, the losses in the power distribution supply chain can be minimized.

Originality/value

Various failures in the power distribution have been studied in the past, but they have not investigated the supply chain risks in the power distribution of a power distribution company.
Does female labour force participation contribute to better financial inclusion? Evidence from cross-country analysis
Authors: Balasubramanian Senthil Arasu , Kuppusamy Thenmozhi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of female labour force participation (FLFP) in the access and usage of formal financial services by women.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses cross-country data from 107 countries. The study uses multivariate regression (OLS) to explain the impact of FLFP on the financial inclusion variables. The study also accounted for different groups of country-level control variables. Instrumental variables regression is also used in the study to consider for endogeneity issues.

Findings

The results show that FLFP has significant influence on all of the financial inclusion variables used in the study. The role of financial literacy is prominent in determining women's access to sophisticated financial services such as debit card and credit card. Improving financial infrastructure of an economy facilitates greater access to formal account by women

Practical implications

From policymakers’ perspective, women should be motivated to enter labour market for better financial inclusion.

Social implications

More opportunities for women to enter formal employment encourages female participation in labour market and benefits women and the economy.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to study the influence of FLFP on indicators of financial inclusion of women. The study extended the scope of access to financial services by considering access to bank account, debit card and credit card. The study also analysed use of financial services through digital platforms by women.
Using Fintech in scaling up Islamic microfinance
Authors: Shaikh Salman Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose a hybrid microfinance model that integrates various Islamic commercial and social finance institutions through Fintech for efficient and impactful results. The microfinance model caters to the financial and social intermediation needs through a set of financial services and non-financial support.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses both a mathematical model and an empirical estimation using micro panel data to establish the core problem in microfinance operations. Conclusions from the mathematical model and estimated results in the empirical analysis are used to suggest an institutional design which embeds technology in the delivery of Islamic microfinance in an integrated structure. For screening and incentive conditions, the study gives illustration through numerical examples.

Findings

The mathematical model highlights the need for financial sustainability, outreach, scale and complementariness of non-financial factors such as commitment, repayment incentives and skills enhancement multiplier. In light of this, the proposed Islamic microfinance model is outlined to create synergies by integrating a diversity of funding sources through social savings and impact investments. The programme also blends financial services with non-financial support to ensure engagement and commitment on a long-term basis. It uses Fintech in various demand and supply-side operations to show how technology embeddedness can help in achieving cost efficiencies and extend outreach.

Originality/value

It is the first study in integrated institutional design in Islamic microfinance literature that embeds Fintech in both demand side and supply side operations comprehensively. The proposed model is conducive for enhancing outreach, scale and impact in the Islamic microfinancial services.
The integration of risk and performance management: the role of boundary objects
Authors: Bracci Enrico , Gobbo Giorgia , Papi Luca
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the role of boundary objects and boundary work in the integration of risk management (RM) and performance management (PM) systems. In particular, the paper combines theoretical insights with an empirical focus to examine how shared contexts are created through the boundary work performed by key actors across knowledge boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops an exploratory qualitative case study from a local government context. The methodology is based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Boundary objects can act as knowledge integration mechanisms, allowing key actors to understand the meanings and uses of RM and PM practices. The paper shows how collaborative versus competitive boundary work exerted by key actors can explain the creation of shared contexts leading to integration between RM and PM.

Originality/value

The results contribute to the debate about the integration of RM with other managerial systems. Differently from previous research, the integration theme is addressed in the present work by looking specifically to the integration between RM and PM. In doing so, the role of both boundary objects and the boundary work performed by relevant actors to demarcate their legitimacy and autonomy over preferred practices is portrayed.
The technological impact on real estate investing: robots vs humans: new applications for organisational and portfolio strategies
Authors: Souza Lawrence A , Koroleva Olga , Worzala Elaine , Martin China , Becker Alicia , Derrick Nathaniel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to present a roadmap for real estate operating companies (REOCs) to transform themselves into tech-centric enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative approach is based on the impact of technology on physical real estate assets and organisational structures as reviewed in industry and academic literature, professional experience and current property technology (PropTech) applications.

Findings

New technologies are rapidly changing how investors, tenants and managers use, invest and finance property. The revolutionary change for the industry will be in its organisational and industry structure, away from the traditional hierarchical-mechanistic form to a virtual open-agile-innovative organisational form.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations come from the lack of real estate companies utilising the hybrid flipped form of organisational structures.

Practical implications

Due to the current state of the economy, effects of the pandemic and rapid adoption of new technologies, real estate companies are likely to radically change the way they are organised, how they add value, innovate and their leadership/management style.

Social implications

The revolution in real estate technologisation will not come from the application of these technologies but the rapid change in ideological thought and management leadership style and culture.

Originality/value

The introduction of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), blockchain, virtual reality, tablets, cell phones, applications, 5G, etc. is putting pressure on real estate organisations to change. These changes are long overdue and the future, modern real estate company will take a hybrid PropTech form – a company focussed on delivering high-quality products and services to its clients in real time.
Repairing legitimacy through discourses: insights from the Volkswagen’s 2015 diesel scandal
Authors: Florio Cristina , Sproviero Alice Francesca
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore how corporate discourses enact legitimation strategies aimed at repairing pragmatic, moral and cognitive legitimacy types (Suchman, 1995) after a scandal involving sustainability, namely, the Volkswagen’s 2015 diesel scandal.

Design/methodology/approach

By drawing on the discursive nature of legitimacy, this study conducts a critical discourse analysis to identify how the scandal is depicted and which semantic, grammatical and lexical features characterise discourses. It then relates discourses and their features to legitimation strategies that help repair diverse types of legitimacy.

Findings

To repair pragmatic legitimacy, discourses on a few actors and processes enact strategies of creating monitors and avoiding panic. Such discourses include grammatical features only. Discourses on the event, actors, processes and topics of apology, trust and integrity aim to repair moral legitimacy. Enriched with grammatical and lexical features, they mobilise disassociation, excuse, justify and restructure strategies. Discourses on the event, actors, processes and topics of corporate qualities, history and future strategy help repair cognitive legitimacy by enacting an avoiding panic strategy. Grammatical, lexical and semantic features characterise such discourses.

Research limitations/implications

The study reveals the potentials of critical discourse analysis to bring out from texts practical modes of communicating, and specifically those discourses and features of discourses that serve legitimacy purposes.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the connection among discourses, relegitimation strategies and legitimacy types by combining the discursive nature of legitimacy with critical discourse analysis. It also contributes to the growing literature on how organisations face the legitimacy challenges raised by scandals involving sustainability.
Broad spectrum in vitro microbicidal activity of benzoyl peroxide against microorganisms related to cutaneous diseases
Authors: Okamoto Kazuaki , Kanayama Shoji , Ikeda Fumiaki , Fujikawa Koki , Fujiwara Shiori , Nozawa Naoki , Mori Sachi , Matsumoto Tatsumi , Hayashi Naoki , Oda Masataka
Published: December 2020

The in vitro microbicidal activity of benzoyl peroxide against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta, and Malassezia globosa was investigated. These strains were incubated for 1 h in the presence of 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mmol/L benzoyl peroxide in phosphate buffered saline supplemented with 0.1% glycerol and 2% Tween 80. After exposure to benzoyl peroxide, counts of viable Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi were markedly decreased, whereas counts of Gram‐negative bacteria were unchanged. Transmission electron microscopy images showed a decrease in electron density and the destruction of C. acnes and M. restricta cell walls after exposure to 2 mmol/L benzoyl peroxide. In conclusion, this study showed that benzoyl peroxide has a potent and rapid microbicidal activity against Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi that are associated with various cutaneous diseases. This suggests that the direct destruction of bacterial cell walls by benzoyl peroxide is an essential mechanism of its rapid and potent microbicidal activity against microorganisms.
Resilience impacts of a secondary disturbance: Meta‐analysis of salvage logging effects on tree regeneration
Authors: Leverkus Alexandro B. , Polo Inés , Baudoux Claire , Thorn Simon , Gustafsson Lena , Rubio de Casas Rafael
Published: December 2020

Intense controversy surrounds the compounded disturbance of salvage logging, which superimposes an anthropogenic disturbance on already disturbed ecosystems and thereby provides a litmus test of forest regeneration and resilience.

We conducted meta‐analysis to assess whether salvage logging affects tree regeneration, and whether potential effect moderators (disturbance type and severity, logging intensity, time elapsed between disturbance and logging or since logging, forest type and age, regeneration syndrome and aridity) modify this overall effect. Thirty‐seven publications yielded 305 effect sizes for tree density and 135 for height.

We found no significant effect of salvage logging on tree density or height. Also, most effect moderators were not significant. The effect size of salvage logging on tree density increased over time after logging, potentially indicating resilience to initial salvage logging impacts. Tree density in old (>100 years) disturbed forests was less negatively affected by salvage logging than in young (<50 years) and intermediate‐aged forests. Study site and phylogenetic relatedness improved model fit, indicating modulation by local ecological factors and tree species characteristics.

Synthesis. Salvage logging does not produce generalised detrimental effects on tree regeneration. Potential impacts and their mitigation should be assessed upon knowledge of local conditions and species.
Role of carnitine in regulation of blood pressure (MAP/SBP) and gene expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers (α/β‐MHC) during insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia: Role of oxidative stress
Authors: Alanazi Wael A. , Al‐Harbi Naif O. , Imam Faisal , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Alhoshani Ali , Alasmari Abdullah F. , Alasmari Fawaz , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Ali Nemat
Published: December 2020

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Hyperglycaemia and iatrogenic hypoglycaemia exacerbate several pathogenic mechanisms underlying hypertension and heart diseases. Carnitine is a potent endogenous antioxidant and cellular fatty acid transporter for antioxidative stress and energy production in the cardiovascular system. The current study aimed to find the role of carnitine in the regulation of hypoglycaemia‐induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Male rats received insulin glargine (InG) to induce hypoglycaemia followed by D‐carnitine or acetyl‐L‐carnitine for carnitine depletion or carnitine supplementation, respectively. The obtained results showed that carnitine deficiency provoked hypoglycaemia‐induced hypertension. Mean arterial pressure was elevated from 78.16 ± 11.4 to 100 ± 5.11 mm Hg in InG treated group, and from 78.2 ± 8.5 to 123.4 ± 28.2 mm Hg in InG + D‐carnitine treated group. Acetyl‐L‐carnitine resisted the elevation in blood pressure in all hypoglycaemic animals and kept it within the normal values (68.33 ± 6.7 mm Hg). Acetyl‐L‐carnitine increased myocardial carnitine content leading to the attenuation of hypoglycaemia‐induced oxidative stress, which was evaluated through measurement of the oxidative stress biomarkers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase‐1, heme oxygenase‐I, and glutathione S‐transferase. Moreover, acetyl‐L‐carnitine prevented induction of gene expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers during hypoglycaemic conditions, which was assessed via the evaluation of mRNA expression of α‐myosin heavy chain and β‐myosin heavy chain. These findings demonstrate that carnitine might play an essential role in prevention of hypoglycaemia‐induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy through providing energy and antioxidants to the cardiovascular system.
Autologous graft from portal vein for reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein after hepatectomy
Authors: Fan Sheung Tat
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of right or left portal vein retrieved from patient's own hepatectomy specimen as a graft for reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein.

Methodology

Three patients had resection of cranial half of the middle hepatic vein with the adjacent tumor. The right or left portal vein was removed from the hepatectomy specimen and used as a graft for reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein.

Results

After a follow up period of 2 months to 13 years, the vein graft remained patent. Tumor recurrence was not seen.

Conclusion

Autologous graft from portal vein in hepatectomy specimen is an effective source for reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein after hepatectomy.
Peripheral inflammation preceeding ischemia impairs neuronal survival through mechanisms involving miR‐127 in aged animals
Authors: Loppi Sanna , Korhonen Paula , Bouvy‐Liivrand Maria , Caligola Simone , Turunen Tiia A. , Turunen Mikko P. , Hernandez de Sande Ana , Kołosowska Natalia , Scoyni Flavia , Rosell Anna , García‐Berrocoso Teresa , Lemarchant Sighild , Dhungana Hiramani , Montaner Joan , Koistinaho Jari , Kanninen Katja M. , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Giugno Rosalba , Heinäniemi Merja , Malm Tarja
Published: December 2020

Ischemic stroke, the third leading cause of death in the Western world, affects mainly the elderly and is strongly associated with comorbid conditions such as atherosclerosis or diabetes, which are pathologically characterized by increased inflammation and are known to influence the outcome of stroke. Stroke incidence peaks during influenza seasons, and patients suffering from infections such as pneumonia prior to stroke exhibit a worse stroke outcome. Earlier studies have shown that comorbidities aggravate the outcome of stroke, yet the mediators of this phenomenon remain obscure. Here, we show that acute peripheral inflammation aggravates stroke‐induced neuronal damage and motor deficits specifically in aged mice. This is associated with increased levels of plasma proinflammatory cytokines, rather than with an increase of inflammatory mediators in the affected brain parenchyma. Nascent transcriptomics data with mature microRNA sequencing were used to identify the neuron‐specific miRNome, in order to decipher dysregulated miRNAs in the brains of aged animals with stroke and co‐existing inflammation. We pinpoint a previously uninvestigated miRNA in the brain, miR‐127, that is highly neuronal, to be associated with increased cell death in the aged, LPS‐injected ischemic mice. Target prediction tools indicate that miR‐127 interacts with several basally expressed neuronal genes, and of these we verify miR‐127 binding to Psmd3. Finally, we report reduced expression of miR‐127 in human stroke brains. Our results underline the impact of peripheral inflammation on the outcome of stroke in aged subjects and pinpoint molecular targets for restoring endogenous neuronal capacity to combat ischemic stroke.
Short‐term outcomes of endometriosis surgery in Ontario: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Bougie Olga , McClintock Chad , Pudwell Jessica , Brogly Susan B. , Velez Maria P.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Our objective was to compare the short‐term outcomes by type of surgical management of endometriosis in Ontario, Canada and to characterize the population of women undergoing surgical management of endometriosis.

Material and methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study including women aged 18‐50 years undergoing same‐day or inpatient surgery for endometriosis from 1 April 2002 through 31 March 2018. Surgery was classified as minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH), total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) or minor or major conservative (uterus‐preserving) surgery. Outcomes examined included length of stay, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, emergency department visits, ambulatory care visits, and readmission. We estimated the relative risk of these outcomes in minor, major conservative surgery and TAH vs MIH adjusted for age, income quintile, parity, and comorbidities.

Results

A total of 85 605 patients underwent surgery, 12.9% MIH, 22.1% TAH, 36.3% major conservative, and 28.6% minor conservative. The mean age at index surgery was 37.6 ± 7.7 years. Before surgery, 70.6% of patients had visited a physician for pain at least once (64.7% MIH, 69.5% TAH, 71.1% major conservative and 73.4% minor conservative) and 23.5% of patients had sought infertility consultation (5.7% MIH, 6.6% TAH, 29.3% major conservative and 37.1% minor conservative). The overall risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was 1.5% and 4.7%, respectively. In adjusted models, compared with those undergoing minor conservative surgery, those having major conservative surgery were 1.77 (95% CI 1.49‐2.11) times as likely to experience an intraoperative complication, those having MIH and TAH were 2.55 (95% CI 2.08‐3.13) and 2.34 (95% CI 1.93‐2.82) times as likely to do so, respectively. Similarly, compared with those undergoing minor conservative surgery, those having major conservative surgery were 2.60 (95% CI 2.30, 2.93) times as likely to experience any postoperative complication, and those having MIH and TAH were 4.69 (95% CI 4.11‐5.36) and 5.38 (95% CI 4.76‐6.09) times as likely to do so, respectively.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐third of patients undergoing surgical management for endometriosis in Ontario between 2002 and 2018 had a hysterectomy. Overall, complications following surgery were low, and dependent on extent of surgery. These results should help to inform preoperative counseling for patients and health policy development for providers.
Isolation in Times of Epidemic: Reflections for our Present from a Smallpox Epidemic in Concepción (Chile)
Authors: Caffarena Paula
Published: December 2020

This article seeks to put in historical perspective the implementation of isolation measures such as quarantines, widely used today to tackle COVID‐19. Based on an epidemic that affected the city of Concepción (Chile) in 1789, I analyse the isolation measures adopted by the authorities, the difficulties they had to face in their implementation, and their reception by the local population. It is concluded that lessons from history should take into consideration the dynamic interaction of the public and the private spheres that characterise the experience of the disease in any given epidemic.
Miscommunication in the COVID‐19 Era
Authors: García Gerardo M. , Haboud Marleen , Howard Rosaleen , Manresa Antonia , Zurita Julieta
Published: December 2020

This article discusses issues around the communication of preventive health messages related to COVID‐19 to indigenous language‐speaking communities in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Official communication is primarily in Spanish, and the many translation initiatives that have arisen do not always succeed in getting the message across due to the lack of cultural interpretation that needs to accompany the linguistic message. This situation compounds the vulnerability of indigenous peoples in the face of the crisis.
The Worst Is Not over Yet: The Lives and Deaths of the ‘Self’ and ‘Others’ in Brazil's Response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Hatzikidi Katerina
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on the politics of life and death in Bolsonaro's Brazil during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is argued that while this administration, and the president himself, have long supported violence against individuals and social groups they did not see as fully human, their response to the pandemic marked a public transition from valuing certain kinds of lives as opposed to others, to a general contempt for human lives. The paper explores this transition by discussing the reification of the economy to the detriment of the people who produce and consume.
The Role of Local Government in the Prevention of Violence against Women and Girls during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Lima Valesca
Published: December 2020

This article discusses aspects of the emerging evidence around the impact of COVID‐19 on violence against women as well as local government interventions relating to the prevention of domestic violence in Latin American countries. I show how, during the coronavirus outbreak, local governments are vital in the prevention of violence against women and girls, and I present examples of some local actions that seek to guarantee access to the appropriate support and services during the pandemic.
COVID‐19 Pandemic and Social Unrest: The Social Protest by Other Means. Reflections on the Argentinian Case
Authors: Ferrero Juan Pablo , Natalucci Ana
Published: December 2020

In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, governments around the world have implemented exceptional measures aimed at restricting people's mobility or banning public spaces used, among other things, for protest, thus causing the expected regressive effects in the socioeconomic sphere. What happens with social protest when the public space is banned? Does it stop, is it displaced, does it occur in any other form? In this article we present a map of protest in Argentina since the beginning of the pandemic. We conclude that the levels of participation remain high and that, given the features of the protest itself, its claims may be channelled into the institutions.
Personalized cancer vaccination in head and neck cancer
Authors: Shibata Hirofumi , Zhou Liye , Xu Na , Egloff Ann Marie , Uppaluri Ravindra
Published: December 2020

Cancer is characterized by an accumulation of somatic mutations that represent a source of neoantigens for targeting by antigen‐specific T cells. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a relatively high mutation burden across all cancer types, and cellular immunity to neoantigens likely plays a key role in HNSCC clinical outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) have brought new treatment options and hopes to patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC. However, many patients do not benefit from CPI therapies, highlighting the need for novel immunotherapy or combinatorial strategies. One such approach is personalized cancer vaccination targeting tumor‐associated antigens and tumor‐specific antigens, either as single agents or in combination with other therapies. Recent advances in next‐generation genomic sequencing technologies and computational algorithms have enabled efficient identification of somatic mutation‐derived neoantigens and are anticipated to facilitate the development of cancer vaccine strategies. Here, we review cancer vaccine approaches against HNSCC, including fundamental mechanisms of a cancer vaccine, considerations for selecting appropriate antigens, and combination therapies.
Pupillary and Attentional Responses to Infant Facial Expressions in Mothers Across Socioeconomic Variations
Authors: Yrttiaho Santeri , Bruwer Belinda , Zar Heather J. , Donald Kirsten A , Malcolm‐Smith Susan , Ginton Lee , Hoffman Nadia , Vuong Eileen , Niehaus Dana , Leppänen Jukka M. , Stein Dan J.
Published: December 2020

Maternal responses to infant facial expressions were examined in two socioeconomically diverse samples of South African mothers (Study I, N = 111; and Study II, N = 214; age: 17–44 years) using pupil and gaze tracking. Study I showed increased pupil response to infant distress expressions in groups recruited from private as compared to public maternity clinics, possibly reflecting underlying differences in socioeconomic status (SES) across the groups. Study II, sampling uniformly low‐SES neighborhoods, found increased pupil dilation and faster orientation to expressions of infant distress, but only in the highest income group. These results are consistent with maternal physiological and attentional sensitivity to infant distress cues but challenge the universality of this sensitivity across socioeconomic diversity.
EMU: Efficient Muscle Simulation in Deformation Space
Authors: Modi V. , Fulton L. , Jacobson A. , Sueda S. , Levin D.I.W.
Published: December 2020

EMU is an efficient and scalable model to simulate bulk musculoskeletal motion with heterogenous materials. First, EMU requires no model reductions, or geometric coarsening, thereby producing results visually accurate when compared to an FEM simulation. Second, EMU is efficient and scales much better than state‐of‐the‐art FEM with the number of elements in the mesh, and is more easily parallelizable. Third, EMU can handle heterogeneously stiff meshes with an arbitrary constitutive model, thus allowing it to simulate soft muscles, stiff tendons and even stiffer bones all within one unified system. These three key characteristics of EMU enable us to efficiently orchestrate muscle activated skeletal movements. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach via a number of examples with tendons, muscles, bones and joints.