bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School leaders' adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence
Authors: Tyson Matthew Mark , Sauers Nicholas J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine school leaders' experiences with adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence systems in their schools. It examined the factors that led educational administrators to adopt one artificial intelligence program (ALEKS) and their perceptions around the implementation process.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a qualitative case study that included structured interviews with seven individuals who have adopted artificial intelligence programs in their schools. Participants were identified through purposive and snowball sampling. Interview transcripts were analyzed and put through a two-step coding process involving in vivo coding as well as pattern coding.

Findings

Two major themes emerged from this study pertaining to the state of the diffusion of artificial intelligence through the adoption and implementation process. The findings indicated that school leaders were actively engaged in conversations related to AI adoption and implementation. They also created structures (organizational) to ensure the successful adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence.

Originality/value

This is an original study that examined the experiences of school leaders who have adopted and implemented artificial intelligence in their schools. The body of literature related to artificial intelligence and school leadership is extremely limited.
Did Brexit change asset co-movements?
Authors: Saha Shrabani , Sen Anindya , Smith-Han Christine , Wesselbaum Dennis
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of the Brexit referendum on the risk structure of financial asset prices. Co-movements are analysed using daily price returns of major stock and bond indices as well as commodities and exchange rates from June 2014 to June 2018. The authors used a multivariate GARCH model to study the dynamics of the conditional correlation matrix of asset returns. It was found that the conditional variances and correlations of assets spike on and after the Brexit referendum and then quickly revert to normal levels, suggesting that the effect of the referendum was transient rather than structural. The findings are of interest to investors as co-movements of financial assets can significantly impact financial portfolios and hedging strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a multivariate GARCH model to study the dynamics of the conditional correlation matrix of asset returns.

Findings

It was found that the conditional variances and correlations of assets spike on and after the Brexit referendum and then quickly revert to normal levels, suggesting that the effect of the referendum was transient rather than structural.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are of interest to investors as co-movements of financial assets can significantly impact financial portfolios and hedging strategies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, research studying the underlying asset co-movements around Brexit does not exist.
Multi-response optimization while machining of stainless steel 316L using intelligent approach of grey theory and grey-TLBO
Authors: Sharma Rakesh Chandmal , Dabra Vishal , Singh Gurpreet , Kumar Rajender , Singh Ravi Pratap , Sharma Sameer
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Stainless steel is widely used in different manufacturing sectors. The purpose of this study is to optimize the process parameters of machining while processing SS316L alloy. The optimization of machining characteristics in the case of SS316L alloy greatly improves the quality and productivity economically.

Design/methodology/approach

The machining variables in current research are depth of cut, spindle speed and feed rate. The optimization of response characteristics was carried out using the intelligent approach of grey, regression and teaching learning-based optimization (TLBO) and Taguchi-Grey approach. Planning of experiments was made using Taguchi’s based L27 orthogonal array. With the implementation of grey, the response characteristics were normalized and converted into a single response. The regression analysis was used for empirical modeling of the single response induced from the grey application. TLBO is further used to investigate the combinations of machining variables and compared with grey theory.

Findings

The grey-TLBO based multi-criteria decision-making approach suggests that the optimized setting for material removal rate, mean roughness depth (Rz) and cutting force (Fz) is spindle speed (N): 720 rpm; feed rate (F): 0.3 mm/rev; depth of cut (DoC): 1.7 mm. The grey theory suggests an optimized setting as N: 720 rpm; F: 0.2 mm/rev and DoC: 1.7 mm.

Originality/value

The parametric optimization during the turning of SS316L using grey-TLBO based intelligent approach is not performed till now. Thus, this intelligent approach will give a path to the researchers working in this direction. However, the grey theory performs better as compared to the grey-TLBO approach.
Identification of the genes encoding the catalytic steps corresponding to LRA4 (l‐2‐keto‐3‐deoxyrhamnonate aldolase) and l‐lactaldehyde dehydrogenase in Aspergillus nidulans: evidence for involvement of the loci AN9425/lraD and AN0544/aldA in the l‐rhamnose catabolic pathway
Authors: MacCabe Andrew , Sanmartín Gemma , Orejas Margarita
Published: February 2021

l‐rhamnose is found in nature mainly as a component of structural plant polysaccharides and can be used as a carbon source by certain microorganisms. Catabolism of this sugar in bacteria, archaea and fungi occurs by two routes involving either phosphorylated or non‐phosphorylated intermediates. Unlike the corresponding pathway in yeasts, the metabolic details of the non‐phosphorylated pathway in filamentous fungi are not fully defined. The first three genes (lraA, lraB and lraC) of the non‐phosphorylated pathway in Aspergillus nidulans have recently been studied revealing dependence on lraA function for growth on l‐rhamnose and α‐l‐rhamnosidase production. In the present work, two genes encoding the subsequent steps catalysed by l‐2‐keto‐3‐deoxyrhamnonate (l‐KDR) aldolase (AN9425) and l‐lactaldehyde dehydrogenase (AN0554) are identified. Loss‐of‐function mutations cause adverse growth effects on l‐rhamnose. Akin to genes lraA‐C and those encoding rhamnosidases (rhaA, rhaE), their expression is induced on l‐rhamnose via the transcriptional activator RhaR. Interestingly, the aldolase belongs to the ftablamily of bacterial l‐KDR aldolases (PF03328/COG3836) and not that of yeasts (PF00701/COG0329). In addition, AN0554 corresponds to the previously characterized aldA gene (encodes aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in ethanol utilization) thus revealing a previously unknown role for this gene in the catabolism of l‐rhamnose.
It is changed beyond all recognition: exploring the evolving habitus of assistants in special schools
Authors: O’Connor Una , Hasson Felicity , McKeever Christine , Finlay Jayne
Published: February 2021

The assistant workforce is a constituent presence in all schools. Progressive reconfiguration of the role has resulted in a hybrid position, with assistants customarily navigating power relationships in the hierarchy of the school. This paper employs Bourdieu’s theory of social fields, in particular, his system of relations, as a means to consider the intersection of habitus and capital amongst assistants in special schools in Northern Ireland. Using this analytic approach, focus group interviews with Classroom Assistants and Health Assistants explored their current deployment, their interaction with each other and with teachers. Data was collected from 47 participants across 7 special schools, with interviews transcribed and thematically analysed. Findings revealed assistants as a workforce in transition, whose conventional habitus has been steadily disrupted by a supply and demand culture often at variance with the origins of the post. Whilst such divergence has the potential to create a site of struggle, the burgeoning social and cultural capital held by assistants has, instead, re‐configured their perceived position within the special school environment, creating more porous professional boundaries and an increasingly fluid professional identity. These explanatory insights offer a fresh perspective for further research into this pivotal yet under‐researched group in Northern Ireland.
Delayed sarcoidosis onset mimicking mediastinal lymphoma recurrence after complete remission of diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Ahn June Hong , Jang Min Hye
Published: February 2021

Sarcoidosis‐lymphoma syndrome describes a pathological state wherein both sarcoidosis and lymphoma are present. Sarcoidosis and lymphoma may occur concurrently, or sarcoidosis may precede lymphoma. There are few reports which have previously described the temporal progression from lymphoma to sarcoidosis. Here, we present a patient with stage II diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the right breast. The patient achieved complete remission after chemotherapy. Five years after remission, the patient visited our clinic with newly developed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes; lymphoma recurrence was suspected. However, mediastinal lymph node biopsy showed numerous noncaseating granulomas with no evidence of malignancy in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Consequently, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made. This case report highlights the need for pathological confirmation following biopsy when recurrence of lymphoma is suspected.
Audit Committee Financial Expertise, Litigation Risk, and Auditor‐Provided Tax Services*
Authors: Bédard Jean , Paquette Suzanne M.
Published: February 2021

The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) greatly expanded audit committees' oversight responsibilities by requiring that they preapprove all non‐prohibited non‐audit services (NAS). Using data from 2003 to 2011, we find that tax NAS are significantly lower when accounting financial experts (ACT‐FEs) serve on the audit committee, suggesting that ACT‐FEs consider auditor independence risk, perceived and/or real, more than other members, including supervisory experts, to the point of not accepting any tax NAS, not even compliance. However, in firms with higher ex ante litigation risk, ACT‐FEs approve relatively more tax NAS than other members, suggesting that they accept the costs of a perceived lack of auditor independence from tax NAS in return for the potential benefits of increased financial reporting quality arising from tax NAS. Our analysis by subperiod (2003–2006 vs. 2007–2011) shows that this result is significant only in the second period. ACT‐FEs' differential evaluation of the trade‐off between the benefits and costs of joint audit and tax NAS provision between the two periods suggests the need for additional research in later post‐SOX years.
Direct‐access physiotherapy to help manage patients with musculoskeletal disorders in an emergency department: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gagnon Rose , Perreault Kadija , Berthelot Simon , Matifat Eveline , Desmeules François , Achou Bertrand , Laroche Marie‐Christine , Van Neste Catherine , Tremblay Stéphane , Leblond Jean , Hébert Luc J.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the effects of direct‐access physiotherapy on patients presenting with a musculoskeletal disorder (MSKD) to the emergency department (ED) on clinical outcomes and use of health care resources.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in an academic ED in Québec City, Canada. We included patients aged 18 to 80 years with minor MSKD. The intervention group had direct access to a physiotherapist (PT) in the ED immediately after triage and prior to physician assessment, and the control group received usual care by the emergency physician without PT intervention. The key variables included clinical outcomes (pain, interference of pain on function) and resources use (ED return visit, medications, diagnostic tests, additional consultations). They were analyzed using descriptive statistics and compared between groups using two‐way analyses of variance, log‐linear analysis, and chi‐square tests.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients suffering from MSKDs were included (40.2 ± 17.6 years old; 44% women). For the primary clinical outcome, participants in the PT group (n = 40) had statistically lower levels of pain and pain interference at 1 and 3 months. In terms of resource use, participants in the PT group returned significantly less often to the ED. At baseline and 1 month, less prescription medication was used, including opioids, but there were no differences at 3 months. Although over‐the‐counter medication was recommended more at baseline in the PT group, there were no differences in use at 1 month, and the PT group had used them less at 3 months. There were no differences between groups at follow‐up for imaging tests, other professionals consulted, and hospitalization rates.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with a MSKD to the ED with direct access to a PT had better clinical outcomes and used less services and resources than those in the usual care group after ED discharge and up to 3 months after discharge.
Carbon Kuznets curve: a dynamic empirical approach for a panel data
Authors: Pincheira Roxana , Zuniga Felipe , Neudorfer Pablo
Published: February 2021

The Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) relationship is defined as an inverted‐U association between income and pollution. However, it remains a hypothesis since the empirical evidence is mixed. A key limitation in previous studies is that they ignore the endogenous relationship between income and pollution. To address this issue, a dynamic system generalised method of moments (GMM) was utilised with a large sample of countries and a long time series. After controlling for country‐specific fixed effects, the dynamic feedback between income and environmental damage, and several controls, we find support for the EKC hypothesis in our sample.
Older workers in the alcohol and other drug sector: Predictors of workforce retention
Authors: Roche Ann , McEntee Alice , Kostadinov Victoria , Hodge Sianne , Chapman Janine
Published: February 2021

Objective

Older workers are increasingly prevalent in health and human services, including the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector. Their turnover intentions have important implications for service system stability and retention.

Methods

Descriptive and regression analyses of survey data examined age‐related differences (<50, ≥50 years old) in non‐government workers’ demographic, health and professional profiles and predictors of turnover intention.

Results

Older workers (≥50 years, n = 86) comprised one‐third of this workforce. Compared to younger workers (n = 164), they experienced greater discrimination but higher work‐life balance and work engagement. Turnover intention was predicted by job satisfaction, discrimination and work engagement.

Conclusion

Older workers’ well‐being and workforce retention are essential for effective leadership, succession planning and service continuity. Their needs and retention motivations are identified. Age‐specific support mechanisms, proactive retention and anti‐discrimination strategies are identified priorities.
Effects of physical activity and sleep quality on well‐being: A wrist actigraphy study during the pandemic
Authors: Wang Haien , He Ling , Gao Yuan , Gao Xiao , Lei Xu
Published: February 2021

Previous studies identified the effects of daytime activity, sleep quality and ambient light exposure on individual well‐being. These factors have been greatly changed as people are required to stay home during the COVID‐19 pandemic; thus, it is necessary to verify whether these factors effect well‐being during the pandemic. We recruited 70 adults (females: 46; age range: 31−60) during a high incidence of COVID‐19 in China (17–27 February 2020). Both subjective measurements based on self‐report scales and objective measurements collected using wrist actigraphy were employed to investigate the effects of night‐time sleep and daytime activity on subjective well‐being. The actigraphy data show that participants’ total sleep time (>8 hr) is sufficient. Self‐reported sleep quality was significantly worse than pre‐pandemic, and self‐reported daytime activity levels significantly decreased during the pandemic. Physical activity was positively related to well‐being, both for self‐reported daytime activity (r = .346, p = .003) and for objective measurements (r = .234, p = .051). Our study found that sleep and daytime activity levels were negatively affected by the pandemic. However, increased daytime physical activity could potentially reduce these negative effects.
An unintended consequence of social distance regulations: COVID‐19 social distancing promotes the desire for money
Authors: Lee Chun‐Chia , Chen Yen‐Jung , Wu Pai‐Lu , Chiou Wen‐Bin
Published: February 2021

Social distance regulations have been widely adopted during the global COVID‐19 pandemic. From an evolutionary perspective, social connection and money are interchangeable subsistence resources for human survival. The substitutability principle of human motivation posits that scarcity in one domain (e.g., social connection) could motivate people to acquire or maintain resources in another domain (e.g., money). Two experiments were conducted to test the possibility that COVID‐19 social distancing enhances the desire for money. Results showed that compared with controls, participants receiving social distancing primes (via recollection of experiences of social distancing or a Chinese glossary‐search task) offered less money in the dictator game, showed lower willingness towards charitable donation (Experiment 1; N = 102), donated less money to a student fund, and rated money as having more importance (Experiment 2; N = 140). Our findings have far‐reaching implications for financial decisions, charitable donations, and prosociality during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Para‐sacral approach followed by laparoscopic low anterior resection of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour at the anterior wall of the lower rectum
Authors: Matsumi Yuki , Hamada Madoka , Sakaguchi Tatsuma , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Kurokawa Hiroaki , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: February 2021

Aim

We present a para‐sacral approach followed by a laparoscopic low anterior resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumours located between the urethra and the low rectum.

Method

Case 1 is a 56‐year‐old male patient whose tumour (37 × 28 mm) was located 3.0 cm above the anal verge between the anterior wall of the rectum and the urethra; he underwent surgery after 14 months’ administration of imatinib mesylate (400 mg/day). Case 2 is a 68‐year‐old male patient who presented with dysuria; a tumour (89 × 84 mm) was detected between the urethra and the anterior wall of the low rectum by MRI. He underwent surgery after 5 months’ administration of imatinib mesylate (400 mg/day). In order to perform sphincter‐preserving surgery and avoid injury not only to the tumour capsule but also to the urethra, a para‐sacral approach followed by laparoscopic low anterior resection was adopted in these patients. Restoration of bowel continuity was done by coloanal anastomosis in case 1 and the double stapling technique in case 2. The postoperative course of the patients was uneventful. In case 2, tumour dissection from the urethra caused injury to the posterior wall of the urethra, which could be repaired easily under direct vision. The urethral catheter was removed after 117 postoperative days, and the diverting stoma was closed after 143 postoperative days.

Conclusion

The para‐sacral approach followed by a laparoscopic low anterior resection of an extraluminal gastrointestinal stromal tumour located between the urethra and anterior wall of the low rectum enables R0 resection of the tumour and an appropriate reconstruction of the rectum.
The Role of Executive Function and Theory of Mind in Pragmatic Computations
Authors: Fairchild Sarah , Papafragou Anna
Published: February 2021

In sentences such as “Some dogs are mammals,” the literal semantic meaning (“Some and possibly all dogs are mammals”) conflicts with the pragmatic meaning (“Not all dogs are mammals,” known as a scalar implicature). Prior work has shown that adults vary widely in the extent to which they adopt the semantic or pragmatic meaning of such utterances, yet the underlying reason for this variation is unknown. Drawing on theoretical models of scalar implicature derivation, we explore the hypothesis that the cognitive abilities of executive function (EF) and theory of mind (ToM) contribute to this observed variation. In Experiment 1, we show that individuals with better ToM are more likely to compute a scalar implicature and adopt the pragmatic meaning of an utterance; however, EF makes no unique contribution to scalar implicature comprehension after accounting for ToM. In Experiment 2, we replicate this finding and assess whether it generalizes to the comprehension of other pragmatic phenomena such as indirect requests (e.g., “It's hot in here” uttered to ask for something to be done) and metaphor (e.g., “to harvest courage”). This is the first evidence that differences in ToM are associated with pragmatic competence in neurotypical adults across distinct pragmatic phenomena.
Cell‐extracellular matrix interactions in the fluidic phase direct the topology and polarity of self‐organized epithelial structures
Authors: Ouyang Mingxing , Yu Jiun‐Yann , Chen Yenyu , Deng Linhong , Guo Chin‐Lin
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In vivo, cells are surrounded by extracellular matrix (ECM). To build organs from single cells, it is generally believed that ECM serves as scaffolds to coordinate cell positioning and differentiation. Nevertheless, how cells utilize cell‐ECM interactions for the spatiotemporal coordination to different ECM at the tissue scale is not fully understood.

Methods

Here, using in vitro assay with engineered MDCK cells expressing H2B‐mCherry (nucleus) and gp135/Podocalyxin‐GFP (apical marker), we show in multi‐dimensions that such coordination for epithelial morphogenesis can be determined by cell‐soluble ECM interaction in the fluidic phase.

Results

The coordination depends on the native topology of ECM components such as sheet‐like basement membrane (BM) and type I collagen (COL) fibres: scaffold formed by BM (COL) facilitates a close‐ended (open‐ended) coordination that leads to the formation of lobular (tubular) epithelium. Further, cells form apicobasal polarity throughout the entire lobule/tubule without a complete coverage of ECM at the basal side, and time‐lapse two‐photon scanning imaging reveals the polarization occurring early and maintained through the lobular expansion. During polarization, gp135‐GFP was converged to the apical surface collectively in the lobular/tubular structures, suggesting possible intercellular communications. Under suspension culture, the polarization was impaired with multi‐lumen formation in the tubules, implying the importance of ECM biomechanical microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a biophysical mechanism for cells to form polarity and coordinate positioning at tissue scale, and in engineering epithelium through cell‐soluble ECM interaction and self‐assembly.
Psychosocial considerations in the assessment of hand transplant candidates: A single‐center experience and brief literature review
Authors: Smith Patrick J. , Potter Guy , Manson Maria , Martin Michael , Cendales Linda C.
Published: February 2021

Vascularized composite allograft, including hand transplantation (HT), has gained wider usage as a reconstructive treatment over the past 30 years. HT recipients face unique psychosocial challenges compared to their solid organ and/or bone marrow transplant counterparts. Accordingly, the psychosocial evaluation among HT candidates continues to evolve, leaving a lack of consensus as to the critical psychosocial domains and psychometric testing instruments to help evaluate individuals considering HT. The present manuscript describes the psychosocial evaluation process within the Duke HT program, which been contacted by 80 potential candidates since 2014. The Duke HT evaluation process incorporates a comprehensive psychosocial assessment within domains including personality, cognitive function, mood, behavioral adherence, social support, and substance use history, among others. Our experience underscores the potential utility of collecting thorough psychosocial evaluations, supplemented by psychometric test data, to comprehensively assess potential HT candidates.
962. GLOBBA WARDII
Authors: Tanaka Nobuyuki
Published: February 2021

Globba wardii (B.L. Burtt & R.M. Sm.) K.J. Williams is described and illustrated. A habitat of this species on Mt. Victoria, Chin Hills in Myanmar is introduced. Globba wardii had been known as endemic to Myanmar; however, it was recently recorded from Assam, India.
965. AGAPETES PENTASTIGMA
Authors: Murata Jin , Murata Hiroko
Published: February 2021

A recently‐described species of Agapetes, A. pentastigma J. Murata, Nob. Tanaka and H. Murata from Myanmar is illustrated. The genus Agapetes in the Myanmar region is reviewed and its morphology discussed.
Effects of anti‐thrombotic drugs on all‐cause mortality after upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Japan: A multicenter study with 2205 cases
Authors: Matsuhashi Tamotsu , Fukuda Sho , Mikami Tatsuya , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Hikichi Takuto , Nakamura Jun , Abe Yasuhiko , Onozato Yusuke , Hatta Waku , Masamune Atsushi , Ohyauchi Motoki , Ito Hirotaka , Hanabata Norihiro , Araki Yasumitsu , Yanagita Takumi , Imamura Hidemichi , Tsuji Tsuyotoshi , Sugawara Kae , Horikawa Youhei , Ohara Shuichi , Kondo Yutaka , Dohmen Takahiro , Iijima Katsunori
Published: February 2021

Objects

Although anti‐thrombotic use is recognized as a risk factor for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), there has been no clear evidence that it worsens the outcomes after the bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of anti‐thrombotic agents on in‐hospital mortality following UGIB.

Methods

Information on clinical parameters, including usage of anti‐thrombotic agents, was retrospectively collected from consecutive patients with UGIB at 12 high‐volume centers in Japan between 2011 and 2018. The all‐cause in‐hospital mortality rate was evaluated according to the usage of anti‐thrombotic agents.

Results

Clinical data were collected from 2205 patients with endoscopically confirmed UGIB. Six hundred and forty‐five (29.3%) patients used anti‐thrombotic agents. The all‐cause in‐hospital mortality rate was 5.7% (125 deaths). After excluding 29 cases in which death occurred due to end‐stage malignancy, 96 deaths (bleeding‐related, n = 22 ; non‐bleeding‐related, n = 74) were considered “preventable.” Overall, the “preventable” mortality rate in anti‐thrombotic users was significantly higher than that in non‐users (6.0% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.05). However, the “preventable” mortality of anti‐thrombotic users showed a marked improvement over time; although the rate in users remained significantly higher than that in non‐users until 2015 (7.3% vs. 4.2%, P < 0.05), after 2016, the difference was no longer statistically significant (4.8% vs. 3.5%).

Conclusions

Although the usage of anti‐thrombotic agents worsened the outcomes after UGIB, the situation has recently been improving. We speculate that the recent revision of the Japanese guidelines on the management of anti‐thrombotic treatment after UGIB may have partly contributed to improving the survival of users of anti‐thrombotic agents.
The burden of early life stress on the nociceptive system development and pain responses
Authors: Melchior Meggane , Kuhn Pierre , Poisbeau Pierrick
Published: February 2021

For a long time, the capacity of the newborn infant to feel pain was denied. Today it is clear that the nociceptive system, even if still immature, is functional enough in the newborn infant to elicit pain responses. Unfortunately, pain is often present in the neonatal period, in particular in the case of premature infants which are subjected to a high number of painful procedures during care. These are accompanied by a variety of environmental stressors, which could impact the maturation of the nociceptive system. Therefore, the question of the long‐term consequences of early life stress is a critical question. Early stressful experience, both painful and non‐painful, can imprint the nociceptive system and induce long‐term alteration in brain function and nociceptive behavior, often leading to an increase sensitivity and higher susceptibility to chronic pain. Different animal models have been developed to understand the mechanisms underlying the long‐term effects of different early life stressful procedures, including pain and maternal separation. This review will focus on the clinical and preclinical data about early life stress and its consequence on the nociceptive system.
Is habitat selection in the wild shaped by individual‐level cognitive biases in orientation strategy?
Authors: Beardsworth Christine E. , Whiteside Mark A. , Laker Philippa R. , Nathan Ran , Orchan Yotam , Toledo Sivan , van Horik Jayden O. , Madden Joah R.
Published: February 2021

Cognitive biases for encoding spatial information (orientation strategies) in relation to self (egocentric) or landmarks (allocentric) differ between species or populations according to the habitats they occupy. Whether biases in orientation strategy determine early habitat selection or if individuals adapt their biases following experience is unknown. We determined orientation strategies of pheasants, Phasianus colchicus, using a dual‐strategy maze with an allocentric probe trial, before releasing them (n = 20) into a novel landscape, where we monitored their movement and habitat selection. In general, pheasants selected for woodland over non‐woodland habitat, but allocentric‐biased individuals exhibited weaker avoidance of non‐woodland habitat, where we expected allocentric navigation to be more effective. Sex did not influence selection but was associated with speed and directional persistence in non‐woodland habitat. Our results suggest that an individual's habitat selection is associated with inherent cognitive bias in early life, but it is not yet clear what advantages this may offer.
Overcoming the challenges of developing an intranasal diazepam rescue therapy for the treatment of seizure clusters
Authors: Cloyd James , Haut Sheryl , Carrazana Enrique , Rabinowicz Adrian L.
Published: February 2021

Seizure clusters must be treated quickly and effectively to prevent progression to prolonged seizures and status epilepticus. Rescue therapy for seizure clusters has focused on the use of benzodiazepines. Although intravenous benzodiazepine administration is the primary route in hospitals and emergency departments, seizure clusters typically occur in out‐of‐hospital settings, where a more portable product that can be easily administered by nonmedical caregivers is needed. Thus, other methods of administration have been examined, including rectal, intranasal, intramuscular, and buccal routes. Following US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1997, rectal diazepam became the mainstay of out‐of‐hospital treatment for seizure clusters in the United States. However, social acceptability and consistent bioavailability present limitations. Intranasal formulations have potential advantages for rescue therapies, including ease of administration and faster onset of action. A midazolam nasal spray was approved by the FDA in 2019 for patients aged 12 years or older. In early 2020, the FDA approved a diazepam nasal spray for patients aged 6 years or older, which has a different formulation than the midazolam nasal product and enhances aspects of bioavailability. Benzodiazepines, including diazepam, present significant challenges in developing a suitable intranasal formulation. Diazepam nasal spray contains dodecyl maltoside (DDM) as an absorption enhancer and vitamin E to increase solubility in an easy‐to‐use portable device. In a Phase 1 study, absolute bioavailability of the diazepam nasal spray was 97% compared with intravenous diazepam. Subsequently, the nasal spray demonstrated less variability in bioavailability than rectal gel (percentage of geometric coefficient of variation of area under the curve = 42%–66% for diazepam nasal spray compared with 87%–172% for rectal gel). The diazepam nasal spray safety profile is consistent with that expected for rectal diazepam, with low rates of nasal discomfort (≤6%). To further improve the efficacy of rescue therapy, investigation of novel intranasal benzodiazepine formulations is underway.
Near SUDEP during bilateral stereo‐EEG monitoring characterized by diffuse postictal EEG suppression
Authors: Johnson Michael , Samudra Niyatee , Gallagher Martin J. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel , Nobis William P.
Published: February 2021

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in patients with refractory epilepsy. The pathophysiology of SUDEP is unknown. Postictal phenomena such as postconvulsive immobility (PI), postictal generalized electroencephalography (EEG) suppression (PGES), arousal deficits, cardiac arrhythmias, central apneas, and obstructive apneas due to laryngospasms have been suggested to contribute to SUDEP. We present, to our knowledge, the first case of a near‐SUDEP event in a patient undergoing intracranial, stereotactic EEG (sEEG) monitoring. This case spotlights potential mediators of SUDEP, most notably the striking PGES and postictal apnea. The nature of the sEEG investigation illustrates the extent of cortical and subcortical postictal EEG suppression and showcases a transient return of cerebral activity likely to be missed on scalp‐EEG recording. Critically, this case emphasizes the importance of continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring and underscores the importance of postictal arousal as a pathophysiological mechanism in SUDEP.
‘We've all got a big story’: Experiences of a Trauma‐Informed Intervention in Prison
Authors: PETRILLO MADELINE
Published: February 2021

This article examines women's experiences of participating in ‘Healing Trauma’; a gender‐responsive, trauma‐informed intervention delivered in women's prisons in England. Victimisation and trauma are prevalent among women in the justice system but are not perceived to be amenable to criminal justice intervention, and there are compelling arguments that correctional environments are inappropriate settings for trauma‐informed programmes. This article analyses focus group discussions with women who completed Healing Trauma to examine the legitimacy of developing trauma‐informed practice in prisons. The women's testimonies indicate that Healing Trauma offers a meaningful opportunity to begin to explore past victimisation that has contributed to their criminalisation.
The potential hepatoprotective effect of metformin in hepatitis C virus‐infected adolescent patients with beta thalassemia major: Randomised clinical trial
Authors: Abdel Monem Mona S. , Farid Samar F. , Abbassi Maggie M. , Youssry Ilham , Andraues Nevine G. , Hassany Mohamed , Selim Yasmeen M. M. , El‐Sayed Manal H.
Published: February 2021

Background

Iron overload‐induced oxidative stress and transfusion‐acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are the main reasons of liver damage in beta thalassemia major (β‐TM).

Objectives

Based on metformin’s hepatic benefits in nondiabetic populations, the study aims to investigate the safety and the potential hepatoprotective effect of metformin in HCV‐infected β‐TM adolescent patients.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomised, parallel, controlled, open‐label study in which 60 HCV‐infected β‐TM adolescent patients aged 11 to 18 years and receiving no antiviral therapy were selected and randomly assigned to treatment or control group in 1:1 allocation. Both groups were receiving β‐TM standard‐of‐care regimen, whereas metformin (500 mg, twice daily) was added to the treatment group's regimen only. Patients were prospectively followed up for 6 months with assessment of liver biochemical profile, oxidative stress markers, liver fibrosis, clinical symptom improvement and metformin's adverse effects.

Results

Aspartate aminotransferase serum level decreased significantly over time in the treatment group only (P = .013). However, improvement was not clinically significant and did not attain normality. Change in total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde serum levels indicated significantly improved oxidative stress status in the treatment group versus significant deterioration in the control group (P < .001). Fibrosis grade improvement was observed in 14 patients in the treatment group versus one improved case in the control group.

Conclusion

The use of metformin in HCV‐infected β‐TM adolescent patients as an adjuvant antioxidant hepatoprotective agent is promising and can improve liver damage.
Resource utilisation among patients with syncope presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Lombardi Kevin , Ong Justin , Kane Erin , Aljohani Bandar , Frasure Sarah E. , Almulhim Khalid , Pourmand Ali
Published: February 2021

Background

Syncope is a common problem encountered in the emergency department (ED) and a significant source of ED resource utilisation, including advanced imaging modalities. Current guidelines do not recommend routine Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the head for patients seen in the ED due to syncope.

Objective

In this study, we investigate resource allocation in the ED for syncope‐related visits, including advanced imaging modalities using a large national database.

Outcomes analysis

Data from the CDC's National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) for years 2008‐2017 were compiled and analysed. Intrinsic survey and constructed variables were utilised to identify and investigate all syncope‐related ED visits in the United States during the study period that met study criteria. Appropriate bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied in order to identify and compare the resource utilisation, demographics, and ED visit dynamics of syncope and non‐syncope‐related ED visits.

Results

During the study period, there were over 15 million ED visits for syncope. A high percentage of syncope visits received head CT compared with non‐syncope visits (34% vs. 4.5%, P > .001). When investigated by age‐grouping utilisation of head CT ranged from 26.5 (95% CI 18.9‐27.5) for ages 18‐40 to as high as 40.2% (95% CI 33.8‐47.1) for ages 80 and higher. Compared with non‐syncope ED visits, syncope‐related ED visits were older and more likely to have Medicare or private insurance.

Conclusion

Syncope continues to be a large and growing share of visits to US EDs. Despite well‐supported, evidence‐based recommendations that do not recommend routine utilisation of head CT in syncope‐related ED visits, these data suggest that emergency physicians routinely over‐utilise this modality. More specific guidelines may be required to help reduce the use of imaging studies for patients who present to the ED with syncope.
A recipe for thriving in nursing homes: A meta‐ethnography
Authors: Baxter Rebecca , Corneliusson Laura , Björk Sabine , Kloos Noortje , Edvardsson David
Published: February 2021

Aim

To explore contributors for thriving in nursing homes by evaluating, analysing and synthesizing peer‐reviewed qualitative literature on the topic.

Background

Thriving is a positive life‐world concept that has been explored by several qualitative studies; however, descriptions of thriving and contributors to thriving have not been compared or contrasted among different studies and contexts, nor have they been reviewed and synthesized.

Design

Qualitative meta‐ethnography.

Data sources

Four electronic databases were searched in October 2019, with sources published between 2000 and 2019 included.

Review methods

Sources of peer‐reviewed literature that employed qualitative methods to explore thriving in nursing homes were evaluated. In total, 1,017 sources were screened at title‐level, 95 advanced to abstract‐level review and 11 were assessed at full‐text level. Each source was evaluated by two researchers independently in relation to methodological quality and relevance to the study aim. Themes pertaining to thriving in nursing homes were extracted, interpreted and synthesized.

Results

In total, seven sources of peer‐reviewed literature were included. Two main themes illustrating the contributors to thriving were identified: ingredients for thriving (subthemes: personal contributors and social contributors) and environment for thriving (subthemes: spacial contributors and societal contributors).

Conclusion

Contributors to thriving in nursing homes include personal attributes, relationships with others, the lived environment and societal structures. Thriving for older people could thereby be defined as a holistic concept denoting lived experiences of situated contentment. Future studies should explore different temporal facets of thriving in the nursing home setting.

Impact

This meta‐synthesis proposes a ‘recipe’ for thriving as comprising the right ingredients and the right environment, determined by the preferred ‘taste’ of the individual person. The proposed definition and contributors illuminate thriving as a positive life‐world concept that is based on one's lived experiences and context.
Relative importance of ecological versus biological traits in driving range sizes of African dragonflies
Authors: Deacon Charl , Samways Michael J. , Pryke James S.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Ecological traits (e.g. biotope specialisation and habitat preference) and biological traits (e.g. mobility and life history) are highly variable among species. In insect conservation, considerable focus has been on ecological generalisation, with species occupying many biotope types (generalists) often assumed to be widely distributed, whereas species occupying few biotope types (specialists) are assumed as rare and localised. Although this may be valid in most cases, there is an increasing recognition that functional traits, such as insect mobility and life history, have similar importance as drivers of range size among species. Here, we investigate ecological and biological traits simultaneously to determine their relative importance as drivers of range size variation. We hypothesise that ecological traits are primary drivers, whereas biological traits related to mobility and life history are less important drivers of range size.

Location

Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Taxon

115 sub‐Saharan dragonfly species.

Methods

Five measures of species range size were obtained from the Odonata Database of Africa. Number of biotope types occupied by adults and larvae, larval habitat preference and adult biological trait information were collated from published sources. We explore the relationships between ecological and biological traits. Using linear mixed models and model averaging, we determine the relative importance of number of biotope types occupied, overall habitat preference and traits related to mobility and life history that drive dragonfly range size while accounting for phylogenetic relationships among focal species.

Results

Dragonflies occupying more biotope types had wider ranges, although these relationships were overall weak. Dragonflies with longer and later breeding seasons had wider ranges. Overall habitat preference and mobility traits had low importance in our models.

Main conclusions

Ecological versus biological traits are interactive in shaping the geographical ranges of dragonfly species across Africa. Single traits are weak predictors of species range sizes and we recommend investigating multiple traits simultaneously to improve the accuracy of predictions. In doing so, more informed decisions can be made to ensure effective large‐scale conservation of dragonflies.
Repellent activity of essential oils on adults of Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in different physiological‐behavioural phases
Authors: Bulgarini Giacomo , Bortolini Sara , Maistrello Lara
Published: February 2021

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys is an invasive agricultural pest in North America and Europe, and also a dwelling nuisance in autumn, due to the overwintering adults aggregating inside buildings. The repellent potential of ginger, clove, vetiver and turmeric essential oils (EOs) was tested on H. halys adults of three different physiological‐behavioural phases: exiting overwintering (EXOV), active during summer (SUMM) and entering overwintering (ENOV). In a two‐choice apparatus, fresh food was used as an attractant in both sides, together with three males when testing ENOV individuals. A filter paper with different concentrations of the EOs was the treatment side, and a filter paper with ethanol acted as control. The position of the individually tested bugs was recorded after 1, 6 and 24 hr. All tested EOs were repellent at concentrations higher than 3%, independent of sex or length of exposure. Turmeric and clove were the most repellent EOs, whereas ginger and vetiver showed on average a medium‐to‐low repellency. Significant differences emerged among the physiological‐behavioural phases, with SUMM individuals showing a greater repellency to many of the tested concentrations, and EXOV individuals being overall the least susceptible to these substances. The response to vetiver oil was ambiguous, as at 25%, it elicited both a strong repellency in SUMM and a strong attraction in EXOV. Turmeric and clove EOs are promising candidates in integrated pest management strategies to reduce attacks by H. halys to susceptible crops especially during summer, as well as to prevent the entrance of overwintering bugs in buildings in autumn.
Integration of teaming therapy and mixed‐reality simulation as remote learning modality for couple and family therapy graduate training programs
Authors: Sampson Jennifer M. , Hughes Rachel L. , Wallace Laura B. , Finley Michelle A.
Published: February 2021

In response to COVID‐19, a couple and family therapy (CFT) graduate training program integrated a teaming therapy model with virtual technology using mixed‐reality simulation software. By utilizing teaming therapy‐‐a model with strong roots in systemic theory and practice‐‐ combined with cutting‐edge simulation technology, this distance learning modality provides distinctly relational therapy supervision and training for students at a time when their internships sites are struggling to offer remote clinical services due to the pandemic. This integrative framework offers a high degree of both realism and safety, allowing experiential learning to be appropriately scaffolded for optimum creativity and engagement in an online setting. This paper describes the conceptual, systemic basis for the learning modality, steps for implementation, benefits of the model, and the authors plan for further evaluation.
Personalized Risk Prediction for 30‐Day Readmissions With Venous Thromboembolism Using Machine Learning
Authors: Park Jung In , Kim Doyub , Lee Jung‐Ah , Zheng Kai , Amin Alpesh
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop and validate machine learning models to predict the personalized risk for 30‐day readmission with venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Design

This study was a retrospective, observational study.

Methods

We extracted and preprocessed the structured electronic health records (EHRs) from a single academic hospital. Then we developed and evaluated three prediction models using logistic regression, the balanced random forest model, and the multilayer perceptron.

Results

The study sample included 158,804 total admissions; VTE‐positive cases accounted for 2,080 admissions from among 1,695 patients (1.31%). Based on the evaluation results, the balanced random forest model outperformed the other two risk prediction models.

Conclusions

This study delivered a high‐performing, validated risk prediction tool using machine learning and EHRs to identify patients at high risk for VTE after discharge.

Clinical Relevance

The risk prediction model developed in this study can potentially guide treatment decisions for discharged patients for better patient outcomes.