bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of First‐Ever Stroke Severity in West Africans: Evidence From the SIREN Study
Authors: Adebayo Oladimeji , Akpa Onoja , Asowata Osahon J. , Fakunle Adekunle , Sarfo Fred S. , Akpalu Albert , Wahab Kolawole , Obiako Reginald , Komolafe Morenikeji , Owolabi Lukman , Osaigbovo Godwin O. , Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Sunmonu Taofiki , Tiwari Hemant K. , Jenkins Carolyn , Arulogun Oyedunni , Appiah Lambert , Akinyemi Joshua , Adeoye Abiodun M. , Ogbole Godwin , Yaria Joseph , Arnett Donna , Adebayo Philip , Calys‐Tagoe Benedict , Ogah Okechukwu S. , Balogun Olayemi , Ogunjimi Luqman , Mensah Yaw , Agbogu‐Ike Obiageli U. , Akinyemi Rufus , Ovbiagele Bruce , Owolabi Mayowa O. , Adebayo Oladimeji , Akpa Onoja , Asowata Osahon J. , Fakunle Adekunle , Sarfo Fred S. , Akpalu Albert , Wahab Kolawole , Obiako Reginald , Komolafe Morenikeji , Owolabi Lukman , Osaigbovo Godwin O. , Okekunle Akinkunmi Paul , Sunmonu Taofiki , Tiwari Hemant K. , Jenkins Carolyn , Arulogun Oyedunni , Appiah Lambert , Akinyemi Joshua , Adeoye Abiodun M. , Ogbole Godwin , Yaria Joseph , Arnett Donna , Adebayo Philip , Calys‐Tagoe Benedict , Ogah Okechukwu S. , Balogun Olayemi , Ogunjimi Luqman , Mensah Yaw , Agbogu‐Ike Obiageli U. , Akinyemi Rufus , Ovbiagele Bruce , Owolabi Mayowa
Published: June 2023

Background

Baseline stroke severity is probably partly responsible for poor stroke outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, there is a paucity of information on determinants of stroke severity among indigenous Africans. We sought to identify the factors associated with stroke severity among West Africans in the SIREN (Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Networks) study.

Methods and Results

Stroke was diagnosed clinically and confirmed with brain neuroimaging. Severe stroke was defined as a Stroke Levity Scale score of ≤5. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to identify factors associated with stroke severity at 95% CI and a nominal cutoff of 5% type 1 error. A total of 3660 stroke cases were included. Overall, 50.7%% had severe stroke, including 47.6% of all ischemic strokes and 56.1% of intracerebral hemorrhage. Factors independently associated with severe stroke were meat consumption (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.97 [95% CI, 1.43–2.73]), low vegetable consumption (aOR, 2.45 [95% CI, 1.93–3.12]), and lesion volume, with an aOR of 1.67 (95% CI, 1.03–2.72) for lesion volume of 10 to 30 cm
3
and aOR of 3.88 (95% CI, 1.93–7.81) for lesion volume >30 cm
3
. Severe ischemic stroke was independently associated with total anterior circulation infarction (aOR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.5–6.9]), posterior circulation infarction (aOR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.1–4.2]), and partial anterior circulation infarction (aOR, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2–3.3]) compared with lacunar stroke. Increasing age (aOR, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.3–5.2]) and lesion volume >30 cm
3
(aOR, 6.2 [95% CI, 2.0–19.3]) were independently associated with severe intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Severe stroke is common among indigenous West Africans, where modifiable dietary factors are independently associated with it. These factors could be targeted to reduce the burden of severe stroke.
Validation of “Life's Essential 8” Metrics With Cardiovascular Structural Status in Children: The PROC Study in China
Authors: Shu Wen , Li Menglong , Xiao Huidi , Amaerjiang Nubiya , Khattab Nourhan M. , Zunong Jiawulan , Guan Mengying , Vermund Sten H. , Hu Yifei
Published: June 2023

Background

Life's Essential 8 (LE8) metrics for cardiovascular health (CVH) aid primordial prevention in US populations.

Methods and Results

We conducted a child cohort study (PROC [Beijing Child Growth and Health Cohort]) with baseline (2018–2019) and follow‐up (2020–2021) assessments, enrolling disease‐free 6‐ to 10‐year‐old children from 6 elementary schools in Beijing. We collected LE8‐assessed components via questionnaire surveys and 3 cardiovascular structural parameters by 2‐dimensional M‐mode echocardiography: left ventricular mass (LVM), LVM index, and carotid intima‐media thickness. Compared with 1914 participants (mean age, 6.6 years) at baseline, we saw lower mean CVH scores at follow‐up (n=1789; 8.5 years). Among LE8 components, diet presented the lowest perfect‐score prevalence (5.1%). Only 18.6% of participants had physical activity ≥420 min/wk, 55.9% had nicotine exposure, and 25.2% had abnormal sleep duration. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was 26.8% at baseline and 38.2% at follow‐up. We noted optimal blood lipid scores in 30.7%, while 12.9% of children had abnormal fasting glucose. Normal BP was 71.6% at baseline and 60.3% at follow‐up. LVM (g), LVM index (g/m
2.7
), and carotid intima‐media thickness (mm) were significantly lower in children with high (56.8, 33.2, 0.35) or moderate CVH scores (60.6, 34.6, 0.36), compared with children with low CVH scores (67.9, 37.1, 0.37). Adjusting for age/sex, LVM (β=11.8 [95% CI, 3.5–20.0];
P
=0.005), LVM index (β=4.4 [95% CI, 0.5–8.3];
P
=0.027), and carotid intima‐media thickness (β=0.016 [95% CI, 0.002–0.030];
P
=0.028) were higher in the low‐CVH group.

Conclusions

CVH scores were suboptimal, declining with age. LE8 metrics indicated worse CVH in children with abnormal cardiovascular structural measurements, suggesting the validity of LE8 in assessing child CVH.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.html
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100044027.
Circulating Biomarkers in Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Authors: Chakrala Teja , Prakash Roshni , Valdes Carlos , Pepine Carl J. , Keeley Ellen C.
Published: June 2023

Coronary microvascular dysfunction is an underdiagnosed pathologic process that is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Biomarkers, molecules measurable in the blood, could inform the clinician by aiding in the diagnosis and management of coronary microvascular dysfunction. We present an updated review of circulating biomarkers in coronary microvascular dysfunction representing key pathologic processes, including inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, coagulation, and other mechanisms.
Hepatic Venous Stasis Index Reflects Hepatic Congestion and Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Ohara Himika , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Ishibashi Shinji , Matsuda Mitsuko , Yamadera Yukio , Sugawara Yukiko , Ichijo Yasuhiro , Sato Yu , Misaka Tomofumi , Sato Takamasa , Oikawa Masayoshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: June 2023

Background

It has been reported that the hepatic vein waveforms determined by abdominal ultrasonography can assess hepatic congestion in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the parameter that quantifies hepatic vein waveforms has not been established. We suggest the hepatic venous stasis index (HVSI) as the novel indicator to evaluate hepatic congestion quantitatively. To examine the clinical significance of HVSI in patients with HF, we aimed to clarify the associations of HVSI with the parameters of cardiac function and right heart catheterization, as well as that with prognosis, in patients with HF.

Methods and Results

We performed abdominal ultrasonography, echocardiography, and right heart catheterization in patients with HF (n=513). The patients were divided into 3 groups based on HVSI as follows: HVSI 0 (HVSI=0, n=253), low HVSI (HVSI 0.01–0.20, n=132), and high HVSI (HVSI>0.20, n=128). We examined the associations of HVSI with parameters of cardiac function and right heart catheterization and followed up for cardiac events defined as cardiac death or worsening HF. There was a significant increase in level of B‐type natriuretic peptide, inferior vena cava diameter, and mean right atrial pressure with increasing HVSI. During the follow‐up period, cardiac events occurred in 87 patients. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, cardiac event rate increased across increasing HVSI (log‐rank,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions

HVSI assessed by abdominal ultrasonography reflects hepatic congestion and right‐sided HF and is associated with adverse prognosis in patients with HF.
Clinical Outcomes in High‐Gradient, Classical Low‐Flow, Low‐Gradient, and Paradoxical Low‐Flow, Low‐Gradient Aortic Stenosis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Report From the SwissTAVI Registry
Authors: Wagener Max , Reuthebuch Oliver , Heg Dik , Tüller David , Ferrari Enrico , Grünenfelder Jürg , Huber Christoph , Moarof Igal , Muller Olivier , Nietlispach Fabian , Noble Stéphane , Roffi Marco , Taramasso Maurizio , Templin Christian , Toggweiler Stefan , Wenaweser Peter , Windecker Stephan , Stortecky Stefan , Jeger Raban
Published: June 2023

Background

In view of the rising global burden of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, its early recognition and treatment is key. Although patients with classical low‐flow, low‐gradient (C‐LFLG) aortic stenosis have higher rates of death after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when compared with patients with high‐gradient (HG) aortic stenosis, there is conflicting evidence on the death rate in patients with severe paradoxical low‐flow, low‐gradient (P‐LFLG) aortic stenosis. Therefore, we aimed to compare outcomes in real‐world patients with severe HG, C‐LFLG, and P‐LFLG aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI.

Methods and Results

Clinical outcomes up to 5 years were addressed in the 3 groups of patients enrolled in the prospective, national, multicenter SwissTAVI registry. A total of 8914 patients undergoing TAVI at 15 heart valve centers in Switzerland were analyzed for the purpose of this study. We observed a significant difference in time to death at 1 year after TAVI, with the lowest observed in HG (8.8%) aortic stenosis, followed by P‐LFLG (11.5%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16–1.56];
P
<0.001) and C‐LFLG (19.8%; HR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.64–2.26];
P
<0.001) aortic stenosis. Cardiovascular death showed similar differences between the groups. At 5 years, the all‐cause death rate was 44.4% in HG, 52.1% in P‐LFLG (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.23–1.48];
P
<0.001), and 62.8% in C‐LFLG aortic stenosis (HR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.54–1.88];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Up to 5 years after TAVI, patients with P‐LFLG have higher death rates than patients with HG aortic stenosis but lower death rates than patients with C‐LFLG aortic stenosis.
Geographic Variation in Mortality of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Association With Health Care Accessibility in Beijing, 2007 to 2018
Authors: Chang Jie , Deng Qiuju , Hu Piaopiao , Guo Moning , Lu Feng , Su Yuwei , Sun Jiayi , Qi Yue , Long Ying , Liu Jing
Published: June 2023

Background

Little is known about geographic variation in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortality within fast‐developing megacities and whether changes in health care accessibility correspond to changes in AMI mortality at the small‐area level.

Methods and Results

We included data of 94 106 AMI deaths during 2007 to 2018 from the Beijing Cardiovascular Disease Surveillance System in this ecological study. We estimated AMI mortality for 307 townships during consecutive 3‐year periods with a Bayesian spatial model. Township‐level health care accessibility was measured using an enhanced 2‐step floating catchment area method. Linear regression models were used to examine the association between health care accessibility and AMI mortality. During 2007 to 2018, median AMI mortality in townships declined from 86.3 (95% CI, 34.2–173.8) to 49.4 (95% CI, 30.5–73.7) per 100 000 population. The decrease in AMI mortality was larger in townships where health care accessibility increased more rapidly. Geographic inequality, defined as the ratio of the 90th to 10th percentile of mortality in townships, increased from 3.4 to 3.8. In total, 86.3% (265/307) of townships had an increase in health care accessibility. Each 10% increase in health care accessibility was associated with a −0.71% (95% CI, −1.08% to −0.33%) change in AMI mortality.

Conclusions

Geographic disparities in AMI mortality among Beijing townships are large and increasing. A relative increase in township‐level health care accessibility is associated with a relative decrease in AMI mortality. Targeted improvement of health care accessibility in areas with high AMI mortality may help reduce AMI burden and improve its geographic inequality in megacities.
Stimulation of the Hydroxycarboxylic Acid Receptor 2 With the Ketone Body 3‐Hydroxybutyrate and Niacin in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Hemodynamic and Metabolic Effects
Authors: Gopalasingam Nigopan , Christensen Kristian Hylleberg , Berg Hansen Kristoffer , Nielsen Roni , Johannsen Mogens , Gormsen Lars Christian , Boedtkjer Ebbe , Nørregaard Rikke , Møller Niels , Wiggers Henrik
Published: June 2023

Background

The ketone body 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB) increases cardiac output (CO) in patients with heart failure through unknown mechanisms. 3‐OHB activates the hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA
2
), which increases prostaglandins and suppresses circulating free fatty acids. We investigated whether the cardiovascular effects of 3‐OHB involved HCA
2
activation and if the potent HCA
2
‐stimulator niacin may increase CO.

Methods and Results

Twelve patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were included in a randomized crossover study and examined by right heart catheterization, echocardiography, and blood sampling on 2 separate days. On study day 1, patients received aspirin to block the HCA
2
downstream cyclooxygenase enzyme, followed by 3‐OHB and placebo infusions in random order. We compared the results with those of a previous study in which patients received no aspirin. On study day 2, patients received niacin and placebo. The primary end point was CO. 3‐OHB increased CO (2.3 L/min,
P
<0.01), stroke volume (19 mL,
P
<0.01), heart rate (10 bpm,
P
<0.01), and mixed venous saturation (5%,
P
<0.01) with preceding aspirin. 3‐OHB did not change prostaglandin levels, neither in the ketone/placebo group receiving aspirin nor the previous study cohort. Aspirin did not block 3‐OHB‐induced changes in CO (
P
=0.43). 3‐OHB decreased free fatty acids by 58% (
P
=0.01). Niacin increased prostaglandin D
2
levels by 330% (
P
<0.02) and reduced free fatty acids by 75% (
P
<0.01) but did not affect CO.

Conclusions

The acute increase in CO during 3‐OHB infusion was not modified by aspirin, and niacin had no hemodynamic effects. These findings show that HCA
2
receptor‐mediated effects were not involved in the hemodynamic response to 3‐OHB.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04703361.
Contributions of leaf morphoanatomy to the taxonomy of Bronwenia (Malpighiaceae Juss.)
Authors: PEREIRA VILARINHO MILENA , DA COSTA SANTOS JOÃO VICTOR , SOARES SANTOS-FILHO FRANCISCO , SILVA ARAÚJO JOSIANE
Published: June 2023

Bronwenia has about 11 species whose current delimitation is the result of a complicated taxonomic history marked by recent evolutionary hypotheses in Malpighiaceae. Therefore, there is a need for approaches that contribute to circumscribing the group and distinguishing the species. Thus, the aim of this work was to prove the effectiveness of leaf anatomy in this purpose and point out the characters that distinguish the species of Bronwenia. Plant anatomy techniques were used and the coded anatomical characters were plotted in a binary matrix and interpreted in a cluster analysis, using UPGMA. The relevant characters to distinguish the taxa were: petiole contour, petiole/midrib vascular system conformation, presence or absence malpighiaceous trichomes and laticifers. While the remaining characters occur widely in the group and can be used in future approaches to distinguish Bronwenia from other related genera, including Diplopterys and Banisteriopsis, which previously constituted a single genus. Therefore, leaf anatomy represents relevance in the taxonomy of Bronwenia and can direct evolutionary hypotheses for Malpighiaceae.
Revision of New World species of Roederiodes Coquillett (Diptera: Empididae: Clinocerinae)
Authors: SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: June 2023

The New World species of Roederiodes Coquillett, 1901 are revised and includes the following 13 species, of which eight are new to science: R. browni sp. nov., R. chillcotti sp. nov., R. costaricensis sp. nov., R. dedota sp. nov., R. distinctus Chillcott, 1961, R. junctus Coquillett, 1901, R. lawrencei sp. nov., R. moultoni sp. nov., R. notialis sp. nov., R. recurvatus Chillcott, 1961, R. wigginsi Wilder, 1981, R. wirthi Chillcott, 1961 and R. woodi sp. nov. The following new synonyms are proposed: Roederiodes petersoni Chillcott, 1966 and R. vockerothi Chillcott, 1961 = R. junctus Coquillett, 1901. A key to all New World species is provided and their distributions mapped. COI mitochondrial DNA barcode sequences were obtained for seven Nearctic species of Roederiodes.
Does the Participation Degree in Global Value Chains Influence Carbon Emission Transfer Through International Trade in Belt and Road Countries?
Authors: Ali Muhammad Uzair , Wang Ying
Published: June 2023

Studying the impact of global value chains’ (GVCs) participation degrees on carbon emission transfer through international trade (CTIT) in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies is of great significance because these economies are significant participants of GVCs and international trade. The current study, through the inter-regional Input-Output table, calculated the GVCs’ participation degrees (forward and backward participation) and CTIT (carbon emission transfer through export (ETET) and emission transfer through import [ETIT] trade) of 27 BRI economies from 2005 to 2018 and investigated the impact of the GVCs on CTIT. Several test results illustrated that endogenous issues did not affect the robustness of study discussions. The study articulates appropriate environmental governance policies that could realise emissions reduction goals. Significant results are (a) participation degree in GVCs increases the CTIT in BRI; (b) energy intensity, energy structure, final demand and secondary industry escalate CTIT; (c) the optimisations of participation degree in GVCs, energy intensity development, industrial structure optimisation and increased awareness of emission lessening among the BRI community could compensate for the growth in CTIT from the constant deepening of GVCs. This study delivers a comprehensive insight into understanding the driving forces that cause the changes in CTIT from the GVCs’ perspective.

JEL Codes: F02, F18, Q56
Estimating the Effects of Financial Liberalisation on Governability and Social Stability
Authors: Chavez Carlos
Published: June 2023

This article studies the effects of financial liberalisation on governability. The dependent variables measure governability in terms of control of corruption, government effectiveness, political stability, rule of law, regulatory quality and free speech for 125 countries from 1996 to 2019. As a variable measuring financial liberalisation, I use the Chinn-Ito index and Fernandez index as capital control measure. I use fixed-effects panel data, quantile regression, system GMM and event study to estimate these effects. The results I find show that the financial liberalisation has strong effects on those governability variables, especially low-income countries tend to have a higher sensitivity to changes in capital controls on governability and social stability, as well as countries in the 0.4–0.6 quantiles of the governability. Finally, I find that these effects take at least one year to become persistent over time. These findings imply that, in times of political turbulence and instability, governments may pursue liberalising policies that increase the dynamism of the economy to alleviate the climate of ungovernability.

JEL Codes: F38, D72, P16
Assessing the Risks Associated with the Canadian Railway System Using a Safety Risk Model Approach
Authors: Esmaeeli Nafiseh , Sattari Fereshteh , Lefsrud Lianne , Macciotta Renato
Published: June 2023

Canada’s national rail network plays a vital role in moving goods and people, transferring $320 billion worth of goods and over 100 million passengers annually. Severe train occurrences are rare events. But they have the potential to cause fatalities and injuries, as well as environmental and property damage. Recent severe incidents, such as Burlington in 2012 and Lac-Mégantic in 2013, have shown that there is still a need for increased awareness and enhanced risk assessment. This work focuses on risk assessment on the Canadian railway system using the Safety Risk Model (SRM). The study applied a customized Canadian SRM (C-SRM) to two groups of hazardous events: main-track derailments and collisions with fatality and injury consequences, calibrated for data between 2007 and 2017. The model used Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Event Tree Analysis (ETA) to identify the risks of hazardous events. The individual risks of the hazardous events were then evaluated for three groups of people: passengers, employees, and members of the public (MOP). Finally, the effectiveness of introducing a new control measure, Enhanced Train Control (ETC), was assessed. The results of the study showed that the collective risk of main-track derailments is higher than main-track collisions. Moreover, the risk to MOP and employees form the most significant proportion of individual risk. Finally, risk reduction analysis of the ETC revealed that developing this system reduced the risk of main-track derailments and collisions. This new control measure thus has the potential to make Canadian railways safer.
A Study of the Relationship Between Organizational Culture and Psychological Capital and Its Impact Using Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Aggarwal Saumya
Published: June 2023

The article discusses the relationship between organizational culture and psychological capital through a systematic literature review. The exploratory research methodology is adopted to identify and study the existing gap in the available literature on the relationship between organizational culture and psychological capital from year 2000 to 2021. The articles from the ‘Scopus’ and ‘Web of Science’ databases were selected for the review. The literature review mentions a positive interplaying role between organizational culture and PsyCap that influences several factors including work happiness, job performance, Organizational Citizenship Behaviour, burnout, innovation, etc. The article explores several antecedents and consequences of the two-way relationship between organizational culture and PsyCap.
COVID-19 and Rapid Response in Healthcare: Enacting Bricolage to Overcome Resource Constraints
Authors: Sarkar Soumodip , Mateus Sara
Published: June 2023

In resource-poor emerging economies, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired governments and various organisations to develop innovative solutions to help combat the pandemic. We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis of 19 cases drawn from a sample of emerging countries to understand how varied actors rapidly forged healthcare solutions. We uncover the entrepreneurial agency of bricolage as an intrinsic, unconscious and cooperative process of entrepreneurial action in crisis management. Our study contributes to the theory of bricolage as we propose the concept of ‘crisis-driven bricolage’ in healthcare. By highlighting the capacity of multiple actors to collaborate and create effective healthcare solutions within a very short timeframe, our study holds strong practical implications for regional responses. It encourages bricolage as a viable solution when resources are tight and responses need to be rapid. Our study proposes greater consideration of bricolage as a way to provide low-cost and efficacious solutions, and as a complement to society’s innovation repertoire.
Coercive Communication: Compliance with Government Policies to Reduce COVID-19 Spread in Indonesia
Authors: Mani La , Aras Muhammad , Rahyadi Irmawan
Published: June 2023

This article aims to explain the direct and indirect effects of coercive communication on the increase of public compliance with Indonesian government policies to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This study employed a quantitative method. The data were collected for 11 days (29 May–8 June 2020). This research involved 580 respondents who were aged 15 years and over and willingly answered the questionnaire. The research questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp group and Instagram. The research data were analysed using statistical path analysis with SEM WarpPLS7.0. The findings indicate that coercive communication significantly and directly affects public compliance with seeking information and performing attitudes to suppress the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia. Thus, coercive communication can be practically applied as an important alternative strategy in other public policy communications to get a fast response, encourage information seeking and trigger public compliance.
Consumer Purchase Intention and Behavior Toward Cloud Kitchen (Pandemic Opportunity) with Reference to India: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Mathur Purvi , Mathur Vidhu K
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 had an impact on the market, causing consumers’ perceptions and attitudes regarding the dine-in business to shift, and their buying intent to migrate to online food and service delivery. This phase highlights people’s business chances to demonstrate their culinary expertise and offer the local market via online meal delivery services. Cloud kitchen is the name given to this idea. The research looked at the aspects and how they influenced people’s perceptions, and attitudes, and ultimately built the purchase behavior for the cloud kitchen. The data were collected from the youth. The sampling technique was stratified sampling. Smart partial least square was used to confirm the factors influencing the perception, attitude, and purchase behavior. The data were analyzed using partial least square modeling. The factors studied and their impact assessed which is forming the consumer perception. Perception builds attitude and purchase behavior. It was discovered that there is a strong impact and modifying the consumer purchase intention toward cloud kitchen in India. The analysis also revealed that factors affecting perception and attitude toward the cloud kitchen are strong and there is a positive purchase behavior in India. The research would be useful for the cloud kitchen companies already functioning in India. The factor assessment and confirmation help the existing and upcoming cloud kitchens to work efficiently and effectively in the context of satisfaction among the future of India, that is, among youth.
Novel maternal duplication of 6p22.3-p25.3 with subtelomeric 6p25.3 deletion: new clinical findings and genotype–phenotype correlations
Authors: Zhang Liyu , Tie Xiaoling , Che Fengyu , Wang Guoxia , Ge Ying , Li Benchang , Yang Ying
Published: June 2023

Background

Copy-number variants (CNVs) drive many neurodevelopmental-related disorders. Although many neurodevelopmental-related CNVs can give rise to widespread phenotypes, it is necessary to identify the major genes contributing to phenotypic presentation. Copy-number variations in chromosome 6, such as independent 6p deletion and 6p duplication, have been reported in several live-born infants and present widespread abnormalities such as intellectual disability, growth deficiency, developmental delay, and multiple dysmorphic facial features. However, a contiguous deletion and duplication in chromosome 6p regions have been reported in only a few cases.

Case presentation

In this study, we reported the first duplication of chromosome band 6p25.3–p22.3 with deletion of 6p25.3 in a pedigree. This is the first case reported involving CNVs in these chromosomal regions. In this pedigree, we reported a 1-year-old boy with maternal 6p25-pter duplication characterized by chromosome karyotype. Further analysis using CNV-seq revealed a 20.88-Mb duplication at 6p25.3-p22.3 associated with a contiguous 0.66-Mb 6p25.3 deletion. Whole exome sequencing confirmed the deletion/duplication and identified no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants related with the patient´s phenotype. The proband presented abnormal growth, developmental delay, skeletal dysplasia, hearing loss, and dysmorphic facial features. Additionally, he presented recurrent infection after birth. CNV-seq using the proband´s parental samples showed that the deletion/duplication was inherited from the proband´s mother, who exhibited a similar phenotype to the proband. When compared with other cases, this proband and his mother presented a new clinical finding: forearm bone dysplasia. The major candidate genes contributing to recurrent infection, eye development, hearing loss features, neurodevelopmental development, and congenital bone dysplasia were further discussed.

Conclusions

Our results showed a new clinical finding of a contiguous deletion and duplication in chromosome 6p regions and suggested candidate genes associated with phenotypic features, such as FOXC1, SERPINB6, NRN1, TUBB2A, IRF4, and RIPK1.
A new AAV tool for highly preferentially targeting hippocampal CA2
Authors: Peng Siqi , Gu Wenzhen , Zhu Wenxiu , Zhuang Yan , Yang Xiuqi , Lv Yaochen , Meng Sibie , Xie Wei , Li Moyi
Published: June 2023

Mice hippocampus contains three prominent subregions, CA1, CA3 and DG and is well regarded as an essential multiple task processor for learning, memory and cognition based on tremendous studies on these three subregions. The narrow region sandwiched between CA1 and CA3 called CA2 has been neglected for a long time. But it raises great attentions recently since this region manifests the indispensable role in social memory. Its unique physical position connecting CA1 and CA3 suggests the potential novel functions besides social memory regulation. But the CA2 is too small to be accurately targeted. A flexible AAV tool capable of accurately and efficiently targeting this region is highly demanded. To fill this gap, we generate an AAV expressing Cre driven by the mini Map3k15 promoter, AAV/M1-Cre, which can be easily utilized to help tracing and manipulating CA2 pyramidal neurons. However, M1-Cre labeled a small percentage of M1+RGS14− neurons that do not colocalize with any RGS14+/STEP+/PEP4+/Amigo2+ pyramidal neurons. They are proved to be the mixture of normal CA2 pyramidal neurons, CA3-like neurons in CA2-CA3 mixed border, some CA2 interneurons and rarely few CA1-like neurons, which are probably the ones projecting to the revealed CA2 downstream targets, VMH, STHY and PMV in WT mice injecting this AAV/M1-Cre virus but not in Amigo2-Cre mice. Though it is still challenging to get a pure CA2 tracking and manipulation system, this tool provides a new, more flexible and extended strategy for in-depth CA2 functional study in the future.
Anterior interosseous nerve syndrome following infection with COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Yoshii Yuichi , Nagashima Katsuya , Takeuchi Yosuke , Tatsumura Masaki , Mammoto Takeo , Hirano Atsushi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: June 2023

Background

Various neurological manifestations associated with coronavirus disease 2019 have been increasingly reported. Herein, we report a rare case of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome, which occurred 5 days after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Asian woman with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 who developed a complete motor deficit in the left flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus without sensory deficits. The symptoms appeared as a sudden onset fatigue and severe pain of the left arm, 5 days after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019. She noticed paralysis of the left thumb at 2 weeks after the onset of coronavirus disease 2019. Electromyography assessment of the anterior interosseous nerve-dominated muscles revealed neurogenic changes such as positive sharp wave and fibrillation in flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus, confirming the diagnosis of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome. There were no other diseases that could have resulted in peripheral nerve palsy. We performed a functional reconstruction surgery of the thumb by tendon transfer from the extensor carpi radialis longus to the flexor pollicis longus. The patient reported a good patient-reported outcome (2.27 points in QuickDASH Disability/Symptom scoring and 5 points in Hand20 scoring) at final follow-up (1 year after the surgery).

Conclusion

This case highlights the need for vigilance regarding the possible development of anterior interosseous nerve syndrome in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. Tendon transfer from extensor carpi radialis longus to flexor pollicis longus can provide good functional recovery for unrecovered motor paralysis after anterior interosseous nerve syndrome.
Online listing data and their interaction with market dynamics: evidence from Singapore during COVID-19
Authors: Lee Jieun , Lee Kwan Ok
Published: June 2023

With the emergence of Property Technology, online listing data have drawn increasing interest in the field of real estate–related big data research. Scraped from the online platforms for property search and marketing, these data reflect real-time information on housing supply and potential demand before actual transaction data are released. This paper analyzes the interactions between the keywords of online home listings and actual market dynamics. To do so, we link the listing data from the major online platform in Singapore with the universal transaction data of resale public housing. We consider the COVID-19 outbreak as a natural shock that brought a significant change to work modes and mobility and, in turn, consumer preference changes for home purchases. Using the Difference-in-Difference approach, we first find that housing units with a higher floor level and more rooms have experienced a significant increase in transaction prices while close proximity to public transportation and the central business district (CBD) led to a reduction in the price premium after COVID-19. Our text analysis results, using the natural language processing, suggest that the online listing keywords have consistently captured these trends and provide qualitative insights (e.g. view becoming increasingly popular) that could not be uncovered from the conventional database. Relevant keywords reveal trends earlier than transaction-based data, or at least in a timely manner. We demonstrate that big data analytics could effectively be applied to emerging social science research such as online listing research and provide useful information to forecast future market trends and household demand.
Financial literacy, behavioral traits, and ePayment adoption and usage in Japan
Authors: Long Trinh Quang , Morgan Peter J. , Yoshino Naoyuki
Published: June 2023

This study investigates how financial literacy and behavioral traits affect the adoption of electronic payment (ePayment) services in Japan. We construct a financial literacy index using a representative sample of 25,000 individuals from the Bank of Japan’s 2019 Financial Literacy Survey. We then analyze the relationship between this index and the extensive and intensive usage of two types of payment services: electronic money (e-money) and mobile payment apps. Using an instrumental variable approach, we find that higher financial literacy is positively associated with a higher likelihood of adopting ePayment services. The empirical results suggest that individuals with higher financial literacy use payment services more frequently. We also find that risk-averse people are less likely to adopt and use ePayment services, whereas people with herd behavior tend to adopt and use ePayment services more. Our empirical results also suggest that the effects of financial literacy on the adoption and use of ePayment differ among people with different behavioral traits.
Psychometric properties of the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Uysal İsmail , Özden Fatih , Tuna Serap , Tümtürk İsmet
Published: June 2023

Background

To our knowledge, no other studies investigated the internal consistency of the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS). The aim of our study was to determine the reliability and construct validity of the EVGS in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Results

A total of fifty children with CP were enrolled in the study. Participants were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (Gillette FAQ), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and EVGS (Rater-A and Rater-B). Slow-motion video analysis was used for the visual gait analysis. The inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the EVGS were analyzed. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the EVGS total score was 0.947 (CI: 0.90–0.97). Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC>0.80). The Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.936, within the acceptable range (0.70<α<0.95). In addition, the standard error of measurement (SEM95) and minimal detectable change (MDC95) scores of EVGS were 1.72 and 4.78, respectively. The correlation values of EVGS (Rater-A) and GMFCS, TUG, GFAQ, and WGS were 0.494, 0.661, −0.663, and 0.611, respectively. On the other hand, the correlation values of EVGS (Rater-B) and GMFCS, TUG, GFAQ, and WGS were 0.492, 0.664, −0.714, and 0.757, respectively. Except for comparison with GMFC, EVGS was highly valid in all other correlational analyzes (r>0.50). EVGS had moderate validity with GMFCS for both raters.

Conclusion

The EVGS was reliable and valid. Internal consistency of the EVGS is high, indicating a consistent structure to assess gait in children with CP.
P2Y12 Inhibitors for Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fujisaki Tomohiro , Kuno Toshiki , Briasoulis Alexandros , Misumida Naoki , Takagi Hisato , Latib Azeem
Published: June 2023

Background

For patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), prasugrel was recommended over ticagrelor in a recent randomized controlled trial, although more data are needed on the rationale. Here, the effects of P2Y12 inhibitors on ischemic and bleeding events in patients with NSTE-ACS were investigated.

Methods

Clinical trials that enrolled patients with NSTE-ACS were included, relevant data were extracted, and a network meta-analysis was performed.

Results

This study included 37,268 patients with NSTE-ACS from 11 studies. There was no significant difference between prasugrel and ticagrelor for any end point, although prasugrel had a higher likelihood of event reduction than ticagrelor for all end points except cardiovascular death. Compared with clopidogrel, prasugrel was associated with decreased risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71–0.99) and myocardial infarction (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68–0.99) but not an increased risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.97–1.74). Similarly, compared with clopidogrel, ticagrelor was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular death (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66–0.94) and an increased risk of major bleeding (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.00–1.77; P = .049). For the primary efficacy end point (MACE), prasugrel showed the highest likelihood of event reduction (P = .97) and was superior to ticagrelor (P = .29) and clopidogrel (P = .24).

Conclusion

Prasugrel and ticagrelor had comparable risks for every end point, although prasugrel had the highest probability of being the best treatment for reducing the primary efficacy end point. This study highlights the need for further studies to investigate optimal P2Y12 inhibitor selection in patients with NSTE-ACS.
Expressive Law and Escalating Penalties: Accounting for the Educational Function of Punishment
Authors: Miceli Thomas J.
Published: June 2023

The pervasiveness of law enforcement schemes that prescribe harsher penalties for repeat offenders continues to challenge scholars who seek an economic explanation for criminal justice policies. The current paper formalizes an explanation suggested by Dana, D. (2001. Rethinking the puzzle of escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Yale Law J. 110: 733–783), which is based on the role of the law in educating people about wrongful behavior—the so-called “expressive function” of law. The analysis shows that an escalating structure that imposes a lenient sanction on all first-timers and a harsh sanction on repeaters represents a compromise solution that is (second best) optimal if the fraction of unknowing offenders in the population of potential offenders (as opposed to rational calculators) is sufficiently large.
“She’s Afraid of Gaining Weight and Losing Her Husband”
Authors: Koempel Annie
Published: June 2023

This study uncovers the ways rural Appalachian Kentuckians adopt disordered eating patterns in highly motivated attempts to lose weight. The author engages with affective political ecology to explore what disordered eating is, what might produce it, and what it produces in others. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach. Pre-surveys (June 2020; n = 182) and post-surveys (March 2021; n = 56) included the twenty-six-question Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to assess rates of disordered eating, along with demographic and food procurement questions. Participant observation and thirty-two (August–December 2020; n = 32) in-depth semi-structured interviews provide experiential and self-reported data about disordered eating behaviors. Twenty percent of survey respondents had a high overall score on the EAT-26. All interview participants reported engaging in and/or observing disordered eating behaviors in efforts to lose weight, which produced ripples of embodied experiences. Disordered eating slipped between bodily boundaries, altering the material and felt realities of family, friends, and coworkers of dieters. These data suggest high rates of disordered eating behaviors among participants, due primarily to dieting for weight loss. This counters the stereotype of the fat rural resident as lazy or unmotivated while offering fertile grounds for exploring affective political ecology and the sociality of disordered eating.
Bacteria inactivation using spinel cobalt ferrite catalyst
Authors: Danyliuk Nazarii , Lapchuk Ivanna , Tatarchuk Tetiana , Kutsyk Roman , Mandzyuk Volodymyr
Published: June 2023

The E. coli inactivation using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and cobalt ferrite granulated catalyst was investigated in a fixed-bed flow reactor. CoFe2O4 catalyst was synthesized by the co-precipitation method, granulated, and annealed at 1150°C. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to identify the crystal structure of the catalyst. CoFe2O4 catalyst demonstrates good catalytic activity for bacteria inactivation in the presence of H2O2. An increase in the hydrogen peroxide concentration increases the inactivation efficiency. The reactor demonstrates the E. coli inactivation of 99.94% at the H2O2 hydrogen peroxide concentration of 15 mM and initial bacterial concentration of 6·103 CFU/L. The water disinfection using a fixed-bed reactor demonstrates the broad prospects for industrial use.
Development of high-precision hardware and software tools for automated determination of the characteristics of thermoelectric devices
Authors: Dzundza B. S. , Kostyuk O.B. , Dashevsky Z.M. , Pysklynets U.M.
Published: June 2023

In this work, a high-accuracy setup was developed for the characterization of thermoelectric devices in the temperature range of 300-900 K. The output parameters of the thermoelectric devices, including the thermoelectric efficiency Z, Seebeck coefficient S, and internal resistance r, were measured. A technique, block diagram, and computer tools for automated measurement and preliminary processing of experimental data were developed for automated studies of the properties of semiconductor materials and thermoelectric power conversion modules. The developed tools were shown to have high efficiency. The complexity of the process of measuring the main electrical parameters of semiconductor materials was significantly reduced, and the accuracy of the obtained results was increased.
Análisis de sitios web de asociaciones de personas retornadas: arquitectura y navegabilidad
Authors: Korres Oihane , Velasco Erlantz , Pereda-Herrero Visitación
Published: June 2023

[Objetivo] Esta investigación tiene como objetivo profundizar en el análisis de los atributos de la arquitectura web y la navegabilidad de los sitios web destinados a proporcionar información a las personas retornadas españolas. [Metodología] Se trata de un estudio empírico de carácter exploratorio, con un diseño cualitativo que se sustenta sobre una base estadístico-descriptiva, en el cual se exponen frecuencias absolutas y frecuencias relativas. El análisis cualitativo se ha realizado a través de un examen manual apoyado por la herramienta Atlas.Ti y con base en un modelo teórico empíricamente fundado. Se examina un corpus compuesto por 16 sitios web relativos a las asociaciones y federaciones españolas activas de retornados y retornadas, durante los años 2019-2021, lo que supone la totalidad de las páginas web de las asociaciones y federaciones objeto de estudio. [Resultados] Los sitios web analizados muestran un comportamiento homogéneo en cuanto a estructura, interfaz y términos de navegabilidad. Utilizan formatos semejantes a los blogs actuales, pero con una baja actualización de su contenido. Se trata de espacios con una densa acumulación informativa dispuesta con formatos de hipervínculo o documentación adjunta. [Conclusiones] Se concluye que la arquitectura y navegabilidad de las páginas web de las asociaciones y federaciones españolas de retornados y retornadas se caracterizan mucho más por su homogeneidad que por los elementos diferenciadores. Este trabajo abre el camino a futuros estudios comparativos y relacionales que permitan el análisis de semejanzas y diferencias entre sitios web, así como de la caracterización de sus estructuras comunicativas.
Bioadsorption using compost: An alternative for removal of chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Vargas Claudia , Brandão Pedro F. B. , Ágreda Jesús , Castillo Elianna
Published: June 2023

The removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions was studied using a compost generated from carnation flowers waste. The highest percentage of removal achieved (ca. 99 %) was obtained at pH 2.0, using a 10 mg L-1 of Cr(VI) solution, a dose of 10 g L-1 of compost, and with an equilibrium time of 3 hours. Under these conditions, the kinetics and adsorption isotherm were examined varying the initial Cr(VI) concentration from 15 to 200 mg L-1. The maximum sorption capacity at equilibrium (Qm), from the Langmuir model, was found to be 6.25 mg g-1. The evaluation of Cr(VI) removal at pH 2.0 showed a second order kinetics and showed that the process mechanism can be modeled by the “adsorption-coupled reduction” hypothesis. Also, the monitoring of Cr(VI) and total Cr in aqueous solutions showed that Cr(VI) and total Cr were removed from solution, and that part of the Cr(III) was retained on the compost. According to the results, the removal of Cr(VI) with the assayed compost can be explained by the following steps: (i) adsorption of Cr(VI) species onto compost, (ii) Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III), and (iii) adsorption of part of Cr(III) on the compost. Thus, this study suggests that the carnation flower waste compost can be used as a remediation system for water contaminated with Cr(VI).