bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of UEFA Financial Fair Play: evidence from England and France, 2008–2018
Authors: Francois Aurélien , Dermit-Richard Nadine , Plumley Daniel , Wilson Rob , Heutte Natacha
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses the effectiveness of UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) under the break-even requirement.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from English and French football clubs competing in the English Premier League (EPL) and in Ligue 1 (L1) for the financial years 2008–2018. Our sample includes 395 club-year observations. Relevant statistical tests have been conducted with the aim of analysing the effects of pre (2008–2012) and post (2012–2018) FFP enforcement under both profitability and cost-efficiency assumptions.

Findings

In the EPL, an increase is observed in clubs' profitability through both operating and break-even results. In L1, this improvement is only significant for break-even results of clubs not participating regularly in European competitions (non Euro-oriented clubs). Player expenditures, measured through two wage-to-revenue ratios excluding trading activity for one and including it for the other, have significantly decreased in the EPL except for the Euro-oriented clubs for this latter. Conversely, in L1, this decrease is only significant in both wage-to-revenue ratios for non Euro-oriented clubs and for the whole sample when trading is included.

Practical implications

In addition to evidencing contrasting results in FFP effectiveness across countries, our results suggest it is not the sole cause of such an improvement in clubs' finances. We suggest that UEFA should pursue its efforts to scrutinise the level of clubs' player expenditures and that there is a need for a wider look at the FFP regulations.

Originality/value

This article provides further contribution to empirical studies on FFP effectiveness that have often been focused on a single country.
Disaster risk creation and cascading disasters within large technological systems: COVID‐19 and the 2021 Texas blackouts
Authors: Clark‐Ginsberg Aaron , DeSmet David , Rueda Ismael A. , Hagen Ryan , Hayduk Brian
Published: October 2021

Given the right organisational attributes and sets of incentives, power grids, water systems and other large technological systems can function reliably, even as high‐reliability networks. However, high reliability remains ‘unlikely, demanding and at risk’ as organisational sociologist Todd La Porte stated 25 years ago. What is much more common is risk creation—the creation or exacerbation of hazard, increase in exposure and propagation of vulnerability—that can interact and cascade across these systems when realized as a disaster. Here we describe the 2021 Texas blackouts during the COVID‐19 pandemic through this lens of disaster risk creation and cascading disaster, showing how risk emerges and propagates across large technological systems. Given their ubiquity and criticality, we argue that more research is desperately needed to understand how to support high‐reliability networks and that more efforts should be made to invest in their resilience.
Patterns of team adaptation: The effects of behavioural interaction patterns on team adaptation and the antecedent effect of empowering versus directive leadership
Authors: Rico Ramón , Uitdewilligen Sjir G. , Dorta Daniel
Published: October 2021

In this study, we analysed the effects of team leadership style and magnitude of change on team behavioural interaction patterns (TBIPs) and performance in teams coping with unexpected task changes. Sixty‐seven 3‐person teams took part in a computer‐based fire‐fighting simulation task and were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions resulting from our 2 (leadership style: directive vs. empowering) × 2 (magnitude of change: high vs. low) longitudinal factorial design. Our results showed that empowering‐led teams tend to display more TBIPs than directive‐led teams. Through discontinuous random coefficient growth modelling, we observed that prechange TBIPs negatively affect teams' transition adaptation. However, postchange TBIPs were beneficial for teams' reacquisition adaptation. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Predicting avoidable hospital events in Maryland
Authors: Henderson Morgan , Han Fei , Perman Chad , Haft Howard , Stockwell Ian
Published: October 2021

Objective

To develop and validate a prediction model of avoidable hospital events among Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) beneficiaries in Maryland.

Data sources

Medicare FFS claims from Maryland from 2017 to 2020 and other publicly available ZIP code‐level data sets.

Study design

Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between a variety of risk factors and future avoidable hospital events. The predictive power of the resulting risk scores was gauged using a concentration curve.

Data collection/extraction methods

One hundred and ninety‐eight individual‐ and ZIP code‐level risk factors were used to create an analytic person‐month data set of over 11.6 million person‐month observations.

Principal findings

We included 198 risk factors for the model based on the results of a targeted literature review, both at the individual and neighborhood levels. These risk factors span six domains as follows: diagnoses, pharmacy utilization, procedure history, prior utilization, social determinants of health, and demographic information. Feature selection retained 73 highly statistically significant risk factors (p < 0.0012) in the primary model. Risk scores were estimated for each individual in the cohort, and, for scores released in April 2020, the top 10% riskiest individuals in the cohort account for 48.7% of avoidable hospital events in the following month. These scores significantly outperform the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hierarchical condition category risk scores in terms of predictive power.

Conclusions

A risk prediction model based on standard administrative claims data can identify individuals at risk of incurring a future avoidable hospital event with good accuracy.
Nudging primary care providers to expand the opioid use disorder workforce
Authors: Domino Marisa Elena , Sylvia Sean , Green Sherri
Published: October 2021

Objective

To examine the responsiveness of primary care providers to pro‐social and financial incentives to participate in a learning collaborative for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).

Study setting

We conducted a statewide experiment in North Carolina from January 2019 to November 2019 to expand access to support for providers learning to treat opioid use disorder using different types of messaging and incentives.

Study design

We randomly assigned 15,835 primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) in North Carolina (NC) to receive one of four letters recruiting providers to participate in an online learning collaborative for providers learning to treat opioid use disorder. The four versions of the recruitment letters contained either pro‐social messaging, mention of financial reimbursement for time spent in the learning collaborative, both, or neither.

Data collection

We created a primary data source, tracking provider responses to the recruitment letters and emails.

Principal findings

We found a 47.5% greater (p < 0.05) response rate using pro‐social recruitment messaging that provided a greater description of the local conditions in each provider's region compared to the control group; this effect increased with higher overdose opioid death rates. Mention of financial reimbursement only modestly increased provider response rates. Some heterogeneity was observed by provider type, with NPs having the largest response to pro‐social messaging.

Conclusions

Prosocial nudges had strong effects on efforts to enhance the behavioral health workforce in NC through participation in an ECHO for medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) learning collaborative. The prosocial approach can and should be employed by states and professional societies in their efforts to create training programs for medication for OUD (MOUD), in order to expand access to lifesaving treatments for opioid use disorder.
Intradialytic BP variability is associated with cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization in HD patients
Authors: Zhang Xuelei , Xu Ling , Zhou Peiyi , Song Dongqi , Wu Jian , Jia Lifang
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Studies showed that pre‐dialysis BP variability (BPV) was an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among HD patients, but which is limited on how intradialytic BPV affects prognosis.

Methods

In this study, we designed a retrospective cohort study to examine the association between intradialytic BPV and CVD outcomes in HD patients. A total of 202 patients who underwent HD in our center were included, and all intradialytic BP measurements of November 2017 were obtained from the database. Patients were divided into four groups according to variability independent of the mean (VIM) interquartile.

Results

The mean age was 62.1 ± 14.3 years, 60.9% were male, and median VIM was 14.75 (12.60–18.59). Multiple‐regression analyses showed patients age, dialysis vintage, serum albumin, and the percentage of intradialytic weight gain as significant predictors of VIM (all p values were <0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that CVD mortality was greater in patients with higher VIM (p = 0.05), whereas all‐cause mortality had no significant difference between the four groups overall (p = 0.149). Furthermore, multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that VIM (HR = 1.091, p < 0.004) and age (HR = 1.059, p = 0.003) were significant independent predictors for CVD death. Logistic‐regression models revealed that higher VIM groups were more likely to have CVD‐related hospitalization (OR = 1.085, p = 0.030), whereas the association between VIM and all‐cause hospitalization was not statistically significant (OR = 1.015, p = 0.669).

Conclusions

This retrospective study suggested that higher intradialytic BPV was associated with increasing age, longer dialysis vintage, lower albumin, and greater ultrafiltration; intradialytic BPV could be an effective predictor for CVD mortality and hospitalization in the HD population.
Bigels—oleocolloid matrices—as probiotic protective systems in yogurt
Authors: Zhuang Xiaoqing , Clark Stephanie , Acevedo Nuria
Published: October 2021

The probiotic yogurt market is strong because of the potential benefits that probiotics provide to the host, such as relieving lactose intolerance symptoms, easing diarrhea, and improving the immune system. However, probiotics are sensitive to processing conditions and the high acidity of yogurt can reduce survival of probiotics and limit yogurt shelf life. Here, oleocolloid technology (bigels) was used to improve the survival of probiotics during yogurt shelf life. Bigels are semisolid systems containing a polar and a non‐polar phase mixed forming a material with improved properties. Probiotic bigels were prepared by mixing a soy lecithin‐stearic acid oleogel emulsion and a whey protein hydrogel, followed by the incorporation of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis suspended in milk. Yogurt was prepared with 18% wt/wt probiotic bigels with (Swiss‐style) and without (sundae‐style) agitation. Probiotic viability was monitored for 6 weeks. The total counts of L. acidophilus and B. lactis entrapped in bigels were significantly higher than free bacteria in yogurt after 3 and 5 weeks, respectively, indicating that probiotics could be entrapped and their survival enhanced. Both yogurt styles showed a meant total count of 3.3 and 4.5 log CFU/g for L. acidophilus and B. lactis, respectively at the end of storage time suggesting that despite agitation of yogurt, bigel structure played a key role in protecting probiotic viability.
Accuracy and power analysis of social networks built from count data
Authors: Hart Jordan D. A. , Franks Daniel W. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Weiss Michael N.
Published: October 2021

Power analysis is used to estimate the probability of correctly rejecting a null hypothesis for a given statistical model and dataset. Conventional power analyses assume complete information, but the stochastic nature of behavioural sampling can mean that true and estimated networks are poorly correlated. Power analyses do not currently take the effect of sampling into account. This could lead to inaccurate estimates of statistical power, potentially yielding misleading results.

Here we develop a method for computing network correlation: the correlation between an estimated social network and its true network, using a Gamma–Poisson model of social event rates for networks constructed from count data. We use simulations to assess how the level of network correlation affects the power of nodal regression analyses. We also develop a generic method of power analysis applicable to any statistical test, based on the concept of diminishing returns.

We demonstrate that our network correlation estimator is both accurate and moderately robust to its assumptions being broken. We show that social differentiation, mean social event rate and the harmonic mean of sampling times positively impacts the strength of network correlation. We also show that the required level of network correlation to achieve a given power level depends on many factors, but that 0.80 network correlation usually corresponds to around 80% power for nodal regression in ideal circumstances.

We provide guidelines for using our network correlation estimator to verify the accuracy of networks built from count data, and to conduct power analysis. This can be used prior to data collection, in post hoc analyses or even for subsetting networks in dynamic network analysis. The network correlation estimator and custom power analysis methods have been made available as an r package.
A model selection approach to structural equation modelling: A critical evaluation and a road map for ecologists
Authors: Garrido Mario , Hansen Scott K. , Yaari Rami , Hawlena Hadas
Published: October 2021

Structural equation modelling (SEM) can illuminate complex interaction networks of the sort found in ecology. However, selecting optimally complex, data‐supported SEM models and quantifying their uncertainty are difficult processes. To this end, we recommend a formal model selection approach (MSA) that uses information criteria.

Using a suite of numerical simulations, we compare MSA‐SEM against two traditional methods.

We find that MSA‐SEM exhibits superior, unbiased results under the suboptimal realistic conditions characteristic of ecological studies. We then provide a road map for MSA‐SEM and demonstrate its use via a case study.

We illustrate the unique abilities of SEM to confirm a network structure within the realm of known causal pathways and delineate the boundaries within which MSA‐SEM should be applied.
Breaking the general practice‐hospital divide: Engaging primary care practitioners in multidisciplinary cancer care
Authors: Fairweather Luke , Tham Nicole , Pitcher Meron
Published: October 2021

Aims

To integrate primary care into multidisciplinary cancer meetings and improve communication between hospital‐ and community‐based care providers.

Methods

A 12‐week pilot study was conducted at Western Health, implementing a model of care, where two general practitioners (GPs) were recruited from the local community to attend weekly breast and lung multidisciplinary meetings in a liaison role as a primary care representative (PCR). Community GPs and hospital specialists were surveyed at the end of the study to assess the impact of this model of care.

Results

All stakeholders agreed that two‐way communication between hospital‐ and community‐based care was improved. The role of the PCR enabled better engagement of GPs in cancer care, allowing them to manage their patients with more confidence. Patient information contributed by GPs provided a wider context for hospital specialist treatment planning and decision making.

Conclusion

This project has demonstrated an effective model to integrate primary care practitioners in multidisciplinary cancer care, as it enables timely and relevant two‐way communication between the community and hospital care.
Short‐term outcomes of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer compared with video‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Morimoto Yosuke , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Ishikawa Aiko , Matsuda Satoru , Hijikata Nanako , Ando Makiko , Mayanagi Shuhei , Irino Tomoyuki , Nakamura Rieko , Wada Norihito , Tsuji Tetsuya , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: October 2021

Background

The safety and feasibility of robot‐assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term outcomes of RAMIE with extended lymphadenectomy and conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in order to investigate the safety and feasibility of RAMIE.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 87 patients who underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy at our institution between April 2018 and March 2020 was made, assigning 22 in the RAMIE group and 65 in the MIE group. Short‐term clinical outcomes and clinical baseline data were compared.

Results

The baseline characteristics were comparable. No significant difference in median thoracic phase blood loss and median number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes were observed. The median operative time of thoracic approach was significantly longer in the RAMIE group than the MIE group (305 minutes [221–397] vs 227 minutes [133–365], P < .0001). With respect to postoperative complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (Clavien–Dindo ≥ grade II) (RAMIE 4.6% vs MIE 17%, P = .11) and postoperative pneumonia (Clavien–Dindo ≥ grade III) (RAMIE 9% vs MIE 23%, P = .13), no significant difference was observed. The patients in the RAMIE group had a better postoperative swallowing function (P = .023) and were able to start oral food intake significantly earlier (P = .007). The median hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RAMIE group than in the MIE (23 days vs 35 days, P = .009).

Conclusions

RAMIE with extended lymphadenectomy was safe and feasible for esophageal cancer and resulted in improved postoperative swallowing function and shorter postoperative hospital stay.
Production time, effectiveness and costs of additive and subtractive computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) of implant prostheses: A systematic review
Authors: Mühlemann Sven , Hjerppe Jenni , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To systematically review the dental literature for clinical studies reporting on production time, effectiveness and/or costs of additive and subtractive computer‐aided manufacturing (CAM) of implant prostheses.

Materials and methods

A systematic electronic search for clinical studies from 1990 until June 2020 was performed using the online databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane. Time required for the computer‐aided design (CAD) process, the CAM process, and the delivery of the CAD‐CAM prostheses were extracted. In addition, articles reporting on the effectiveness and the costs of both manufacturing technologies were included.

Results

Nine clinical studies were included reporting on subtractive CAM (s‐CAM; 8 studies) and additive CAM (a‐CAM; 1 study). Eight studies reported on the s‐CAM of prosthetic and auxiliary components for single implant crowns. One study applied a‐CAM for the fabrication of an implant bar prototype. Time was provided for the CAD process of implant models (range 4.9–11.8 min), abutments (range 19.7–32.7 min) and crowns (range 11.1–37.6 min). The time for s‐CAM of single implant crown components (abutment/crown) ranged between 8.2 and 25 min. Post‐processing (e.g. sintering) was a time‐consuming process (up to 530 min). At delivery, monolithic/veneered CAD‐CAM implant crowns resulted in additional adjustments chairside (51%/93%) or labside (11%/19%).

Conclusions

No scientific evidence exists on production time, effectiveness and costs of digital workflows comparing s‐CAM and a‐CAM. For both technologies, post‐processing may substantially contribute to the production time. Considering effectiveness, monolithic CAD‐CAM implant crowns may be preferred compared to veneered CAD‐CAM crowns.
Influence of soft tissue augmentation procedures around dental implants on marginal bone level changes—A systematic review
Authors: Fickl Stefan , Therese Kröger Annika , Dietrich Thomas , Kebschull Moritz
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This systematic review assessed the influence of soft tissue augmentation procedures on marginal bone level changes in partial or fully edentulous patients.

Material and Methods

We identified three relevant PICO questions related to soft tissue augmentation procedures and conducted a systematic search of four major electronic databases for clinical studies in systemically healthy patients receiving at least one dental implant and a minimum follow‐up of one year after implant placement. The primary outcome was mean difference in marginal bone levels, and secondary outcomes were clinical and patient‐related outcomes such as thickness of peri‐implant mucosa, bleeding indices, and Pink Esthetic Score.

Results

We identified 20 publications reporting on 16 relevant comparisons. Studies varied considerably and thus only two meta‐analyses could be performed. This systematic review showed that:

Soft tissue augmentation either for augmentation of keratinized mucosa or soft tissue volume inconsistently had an effect on marginal bone level changes when compared to no soft tissue augmentation, but consistently improved secondary outcomes.

The combination soft and hard tissue augmentation showed no statistically significant difference in terms of marginal bone level changes when compared to hard tissue augmentation alone, but resulted in less marginal soft tissue recession as shown by a meta‐analysis.

Soft or hard tissue augmentation performed as contour augmentations resulted in comparable marginal bone level changes.

Conclusions

Peri‐implant soft and hard tissues seem to have a bidirectional relationship: “Bone stands hard, but soft tissue is the guard”.
What is the influence of implant surface characteristics and/or implant material on the incidence and progression of peri‐implantitis? A systematic literature review
Authors: Stavropoulos Andreas , Bertl Kristina , Winning Lewis , Polyzois Ioannis
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To answer the focused question, ‘In animals or patients with dental implants, does implant surface characteristics and/or implant material have an effect on incidence and progression of peri‐implantitis?’

Material and Methods

Pre‐clinical in vivo experiments on experimental peri‐implantitis and clinical trials with any aim and design, and ≥5 years follow‐up, where the effect of ≥2 different type of implant material and/or surface characteristics on peri‐implantitis incidence or severity, and/or progression, implant survival or losses due to peri‐implantitis, and/or marginal bone levels/loss was assessed.

Results

Meta‐analyses based on data of pre‐clinical experiments, using the ligature induced peri‐implantitis model in the dog, indicated that after the spontaneous progression phase implants with a modified surface showed significantly greater radiographic bone loss (effect size 0.44 mm; 95%CI 0.10–0.79; p = .012; 8 publications) and area of infiltrated connective tissue (effect size 0.75 mm2; 95%CI 0.15–1.34; p = .014; 5 publications) compared to non‐modified surfaces. However, in 9 out of the 18 included experiments, reported in 25 publications, no significant differences were shown among the different implant surface types assessed. Clinical and/or radiographic data from 7605 patients with 26,188 implants, reported in 31 publications (20 RCTs, 3 CTs, 4 prospective cohort, and 4 retrospective studies; 12 with follow‐up ≥10 years), overall did not show significant differences in the incidence of peri‐implantitis, when this was reported or could be inferred, among the various implant surfaces. In general, high survival rates (90–100%) up to 30 years and no clinically relevant differences in marginal bone loss/levels, merely compatible with crestal remodelling, were presented for the various implant types.

Conclusion

Pre‐clinical in vivo experiments indicate that surface characteristics of modified implants may have a significant negative impact on peri‐implantitis progression, while clinical studies do not support the notion that there is a difference in peri‐implantitis incidence among the various types of implant surfaces. No assumptions can be made regarding the possible impact of implant material on incidence and/or peri‐implantitis progression due to limited information.
Patient’s perception of timing concepts in implant dentistry: A systematic review
Authors: Gotfredsen Klaus , Hosseini Mandana , Rimborg Susie , Özhayat Esben
Published: October 2021

Protocols for implant dentistry, most frequently include periods until healing of the extraction sockets and osseointegration of the implant. Deductional thinking imply that patients would prefer if treatment time in implant dentistry were reduced.

Aim

What is the patient perception of immediate or early implant placement or loading in comparison with traditional, delayed placement, and/or loading assessed by patient‐reported outcome measures, as evidenced in randomized controlled clinical trials or prospective controlled studies?

Material and methods

A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines with a literature search up to June 30. All hits were imported into Rayyan online software and analyzed by two authors for eligibility. Cochrane RoB2.0 and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale were used to evaluate risk of bias in the individual studies.

Results

Of the initially 1439 articles, 76 underwent full‐text analysis and finally 40 articles, representing 35 cohort studies, were included. The quality evaluation demonstrated some concerns among most of the studies.

Conclusion

a) There is no strong evidence to support that the time for implant placement or loading of implant‐supported single or short‐span reconstructions or overdentures influence patients´ discomfort, satisfaction with function or esthetics or overall satisfaction with the implant treatment. b) There is some evidence that studies including edentulous patients rehabilitated with implant‐supported full‐arch FDPs demonstrate more satisfied patients with immediate than for the early or delayed loaded implant reconstructions after short time, but the difference is not clear one year after treatment.
Time and costs related to computer‐assisted versus non‐computer‐assisted implant planning and surgery. A systematic review
Authors: Graf Tobias , Keul Christine , Wismeijer Daniel , Güth Jan Frederik
Published: October 2021

Aim

To study the time and costs involved with computer‐assisted versus non‐computer‐assisted implant planning and placement.

Material and methods

Based on the PICO question, “In patients receiving dental implants, is computer‐assisted implant planning and surgery (CAIPS) compared to non‐computer‐assisted implant planning and surgery (non‐CAIPS) beneficial in terms of treatment related costs and time involved?”, a search path was created to perform an electronic search in the databases PubMed, PubMed Central, EMBASE, and Cochrane. The publication period of eligible publications extended from 01.01.2005 to 04.05.2020. Four independent reviewers reviewed the literature to identify studies that met the eligibility inclusion criteria. A further manual search of articles was performed, and gray literature was excluded. Corresponding authors of potentially eligible manuscripts were contacted for further information.

Results

Of the 1354 retrieved titles after the search were screened. Thirty‐one articles have been identified to read the full text, resulting in four articles to be analyzed for the present review all of which were RCTs. In total, 182 partially and completely edentulous patients were treated with 416 implants following either non‐computer‐assisted or computer‐assisted implant planning and surgery to determine the duration of the single working steps and the financial aspects of the different procedures.

Conclusions

When evaluating the time and costs involved with the diagnostic and planning procedures in computer‐assisted implant planning and surgery workflow protocols, one can summarize that these are higher than in the non‐computer‐assisted workflow protocols. The time involved with the procedures appears to be the driving factor when it comes to economic considerations. On the basis of the conclusions, also the time for the prosthetic restoration should be taken into account.
BLK polymorphisms and expression level in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Yin Bo‐Wen , Li Bin , Mehmood Arshad , Yuan Congcong , Song Shuang , Guo Ruo‐Yi , Zhang Lu , Ma Tianzhao , Guo Li
Published: October 2021

Aim

This study aimed to determine the correlation between B‐lymphoid tyrosine kinase (BLK) polymorphism, mRNA gene expression of BLK, and NMOSD in a Chinese Han population.

Background

B‐lymphoid tyrosine kinase gene expressed mainly in B cells plays a key role in various autoimmune disorders. However, no studies have investigated the association of BLK polymorphisms with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Methods

Han Chinese population of 310 subjects were recruited to analyze three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs13277113, rs4840568, and rs2248932) under allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies, followed by clinical characteristics stratified analysis. Real‐time PCR was used to analyze mRNA expression levels of BLK in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 64 subjects.

Results

Patients with NMOSD showed lower frequencies of the minor allele G of rs2248932 than healthy controls (odds ratio (OR) =0.57, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.39–0.83, p = 0.003). The association between minor allele G of rs2248932 and reduced NMOSD susceptibility was found by applying genetic models of inheritance (codominant, dominant, and recessive) and haplotypes analysis. Subsequently, by stratification analysis for AQP4‐positivity, the minor allele G frequencies of rs2248932 in AQP4‐positive subgroup were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (OR =0.46, 95% CI 0.30–0.72, p = 0.001). Notably, the genotype GG of rs2248932 was more frequent in AQP4‐negative subgroup (n = 14) than in AQP4‐positive subgroup (n = 93) (p = 0.003, OR =0.05, 95% CI =0.01–0.57). BLK mRNA expression levels in the NMOSD patients (n = 36) were lower than in healthy controls (n = 28) (p < 0.05). However, the acute non‐treatment (n = 7), who were untreated patients in the acute phase from the NMOSD group, showed BLK mRNA expression levels 1.8‐fold higher than healthy controls (n = 8) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study evaluated that the minor allele G of rs2248932 in BLK is associated with reduced susceptibility to NMOSD and protected the risk of AQP4‐positive. BLK mRNA expression in NMOSD was lower as compared to healthy controls while significantly increased in acute‐untreated patients.
Effect of deep brain stimulation on brain network and white matter integrity in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Huang Li‐Chuan , Chen Li‐Guo , Wu Ping‐An , Pang Cheng‐Yoong , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Tsai Sheng‐Tzung , Chen Shin‐Yuan
Published: October 2021

Aims

The effects of subthalamic nucleus (STN)‐deep brain stimulation (DBS) on brain topological metrics, functional connectivity (FC), and white matter integrity were studied in levodopa‐treated Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients before and after DBS.

Methods

Clinical assessment, resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were performed pre‐ and post‐DBS in 15 PD patients, using a within‐subject design. The rs‐fMRI identified brain network topological metric and FC changes using graph‐theory‐ and seed‐based methods. White matter integrity was determined by DTI and tract‐based spatial statistics.

Results

Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS‐ III) scores were significantly improved by 35.3% (p < 0.01) after DBS in PD patients, compared with pre‐DBS patients without medication. Post‐DBS PD patients showed a significant decrease in the graph‐theory‐based degree and cost in the middle temporal gyrus and temporo‐occipital part‐Right. Changes in FC were seen in four brain regions, and a decrease in white matter integrity was seen in the left anterior corona radiata. The topological metrics changes were correlated with Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI‐II) and the FC changes with UPDRS‐III scores.

Conclusion

STN‐DBS modulated graph‐theoretical metrics, FC, and white matter integrity. Brain connectivity changes observed with multi‐modal imaging were also associated with postoperative clinical improvement. These findings suggest that the effects of STN‐DBS are caused by brain network alterations.
The impact of cuff width on perceptual responses during and following blood flow restricted walking exercise
Authors: Fallon Nicole E. , Urbina Emely , Whitener Dominic V. , Patel Mana H. , Exner Ryan J. , Dankel Scott J.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

An appropriate comparison of different cuff widths during blood flow restricted exercise requires that the cuffs are inflated to the same relative pressures. Narrow cuffs tend to be preferred and may reduce discomfort when applied during resistance exercise, but whether this is also true during walking exercise remains unknown.

Methods

Individuals completed two identical walking trials, once with 12‐cm wide cuffs and once with 17‐cm wide cuffs. Five 2‐min walking bouts were completed at a speed of 50 m/min, with a 1‐min rest period between sets. The restriction cuffs were inflated to 40% of the individuals’ arterial occlusion pressure taken with each respective cuff. Individuals were asked to rate their discomfort, perceived exertion (RPE), and cuff preference.

Results

Twenty‐seven individuals completed the study. The 12‐cm cuff required a higher occlusion pressure which resulted in a higher absolute pressure applied (58 vs. 52 mm Hg; BF10 = 19 331.897). Whilst there was no difference in RPE values between cuffs (BF10 = 0.474), individuals reported greater discomfort when using the wider cuffs (2.3 vs. 1.7; BF10 = 252.786). The majority of individuals (63%) preferred to use the narrower cuff, whereas fewer preferred the wider cuff (26%) and even fewer did not have a preference (11%).

Discussion

Blood flow restricted walking exercise performed with narrower restriction cuffs appeared to reduce participant discomfort whilst also being preferred over that of wider cuffs. Future studies may wish to test the influence of different restrictive cuff widths on alterations in gait patterns during blood flow restricted walking exercise.
RNF20 affects porcine adipocyte differentiation via regulation of mitotic clonal expansion
Authors: Zhao Ying , Pan Jianfei , Cao Chunwei , Liang Xiaojuan , Yang Shulin , Liu Lulu , Tao Cong , Zhao Jianguo , Wang Yanfang
Published: October 2021

Objectives

RNF20 is recognized as a main E3 ligase for monoubiquitination of histone H2B at lysine 120 (H2Bub). The critical role of RNF20 and H2Bub in various molecular events, such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, and DNA damage response, has been widely investigated and documented. However, its role in porcine adipogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the effect of RNF20 on porcine preadipocyte differentiation.

Materials and Methods

Backfat tissues from fat‐type pigs (Bama and Meishan) and lean‐type pigs (Yorkshire and Landrace) were collected to detect the expression level of RNF20. Preadipocytes were isolated from Bama piglets and induced to differentiation. Small interfering RNAs were applied to deplete RNF20. Oil Red O staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, RNA‐seq, Western blot analysis, and EdU assays were performed to study the regulatory mechanism of RNF20 during adipogenesis.

Results

We found that the expression levels of RNF20 and H2Bub were significantly higher in backfat tissues from fat‐type pigs than in those from lean‐type pigs. Consistently, the significantly induced expression of RNF20 and H2Bub was also observed in porcine differentiated adipocytes. In addition, knockdown of RNF20 greatly inhibited porcine adipogenesis, as evidenced by dramatically decreased lipid droplet formation and lower expression levels of adipogenic transcription masters in RNF20 knockdown cells. Mechanistically, the depletion of RNF20 decreases the cell proliferation and the level of p‐C/EBPβ via the Ras‐Raf‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2 cascade pathway at the mitotic clonal expansion phase and therefore suppresses cell differentiation.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that RNF20 is required for porcine preadipocyte differentiation.
Hospitalized children with intellectual disability: quality and safety challenges
Authors: Tenenbaum Ariel
Published: October 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Mimmo et al. on pages 314–322 of this issue.
Female participation and financial performance of microfinance institutions: Evidence from transition economies
Authors: Mia Md Aslam , Dalla Pellegrina Lucia , Wong Wai‐Yan
Published: October 2021

Motivation

Although female clients are the main target of most Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), male–female workforce ratio in microfinance operations is not proportionate. There is a consensus that a greater female presence in the workforce at all hierarchical levels could enhance the financial performance of MFIs thanks to women’s tougher commitments and better managing capacity.

Purpose

There is scarce research investigating which hierarchical levels of female workforce contribute to MFIs’ financial performance. This study aims at filling this gap by jointly analysing the effect of female participation at all hierarchical levels of MFIs, which is relatively rare in the existing literature, especially in microfinance.

Methods and approach

We use data from 172 MFIs in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries (EECA) for the period 1996–2014. The data were then analysed by ordinary least squares, fixed, and random effects models, along with several diagnostic tests.

Findings

We find that female board members and female clients contribute positively to the financial performance of MFIs. The literature presents these outcomes as being due to women’s’ better organizational and monitoring techniques, and more responsible use of loans, respectively. However, our analysis shows that female managers and loan officers may impair financial performance to some extent, possibly because they face cultural limitations and safety obstacles, resulting in their being less persuasive and effective than men, especially in the process of collecting arrears payments.

Policy implications

Our study suggests that MFIs in the EECA context may improve their financial sustainability by reconsidering their organizational choices, such as operational recruitment, placing women at the top of the decision‐making process. At the lower levels of the hierarchy, particularly loan officers, it would be advisable to support them in the interaction with male customers, so that they can adopt more effective techniques in the loan collection phases. MFIs can also scale up their loan activities to more women since their representation in the client base is relatively low in the EECA region.
Integrating structural control, health monitoring, and energy harvesting for smart cities
Authors: Javadinasab Hormozabad Sajad , Gutierrez Soto Mariantonieta , Adeli Hojjat
Published: October 2021

Cities that are adopting innovative and technology‐driven solutions to improve the city's efficiency are consideredsmart cities. With the increased attention on smart cities with self‐driving vehicles, drones, and robots, designing smart infrastructure is only a natural extension. Smart infrastructures aim to self‐diagnose, self‐power, self‐adapt, and self‐heal during normal and extreme operating conditions. Structural vibration control (SVC) and structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies, in particular, are expected to play pivotal roles in the development of modern smart and resilient structures. SVC methodologies intend to provide supplemental damping and reduce the structural dynamic responses during normal and extreme events. SHM methodologies offer valuable information about the structure's condition that is useful for maintenance purposes and rapid damage detection in post‐hazard events. The collapse of the 12‐story Champlain Towers South, a beachfront condominium in the Miami suburb of Surfside, Florida, could have been known in advance with an embedded SHM technology. More recently, the integrated structural control and health monitoring (ISCHM) systems have shown promise in the development of smart cities of the future. The integrated architecture incorporates the control and health monitoring components as complementary technologies and simultaneously takes advantage of both technologies. This article provides a state‐of‐the‐art review of ISCHM ideas and systems. It presents recent significant developments in structural control, SHM, and energy harvesting that are paving the way towards the advent of integrated ISCHM systems, including damage‐tolerant control systems. This article also identifies future promising research areas for designing the next generation of autonomous ISCHM systems for smart cities.
Social networks and advice for new mothers: The importance of grandmothers' embeddedness
Authors: Cornwell Benjamin , Yan Xuewen , Carlin Rebecca F. , Fu Linda , Wang Jichuan , Moon Rachel Y.
Published: October 2021

Objective

We examine whom, among her social network members, a new mother ranks as her most important source of advice for infant care practices and how the ranking of a network member depends on their connectedness to a mother's other network members.

Background

Previous research points to the influence of personal networks members' advice on parental practices. However, to design effective interventions that facilitate safe and healthy infant and childcare practices, it is important to understand who, in parents' social circles, they turn to most for advice.

Method

We recruited 402 Black and White new mothers in Washington, DC. We analyze the importance rank they assign to their 1,791 network members using nested, dyad‐level rank‐ordered logit models.

Results

Connectivity to a mother's other network members and being the mother's mother (i.e., the baby's maternal grandmother) emerged as positive and significant predictors of being ranked as the most important sources of advice. Additionally, the effect of being a grandmother is stronger among grandmothers who are well connected to mothers' other network members.

Conclusion

Network members who are well embedded in mothers' own networks are usually viewed by mothers as key sources of advice. Embeddedness is an especially significant condition for new mothers when ranking babies' maternal grandmothers as main advisors.

Implications

We encourage future research on mothers' network members as potential targets for infant and childrearing‐related interventions.
Impact of anesthetics on oncogenic signaling network: a review on propofol and isoflurane
Authors: Saha Priyanka , Das Ananya , Chatterjee Nabanita , Chakrabarti Deepa , Sinha Dona
Published: October 2021

Propofol as an intravenous anesthetic and isoflurane as an inhalational/volatile anesthetic continue to be an important part of surgical anesthetic interventions worldwide. The impact of these anesthetics on tumor progression, immune modulation, and survival rates of cancer patients has been widely investigated. Although most of the preclinical studies have provided a beneficial effect of propofol over isoflurane or other volatile anesthetics, several investigations have shown contradictory results, which warrant more preclinical and clinical studies. Propofol mostly exhibits antitumor properties, whereas isoflurane being a cost‐effective anesthetic is frequently used. However, isoflurane has been also reported with protumorigenic activity. This review provides an overall perspective on the network of signaling pathways that may modulate several steps of tumor progression from inflammation, immunomodulation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) to invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and cancer stemness and extracellular vesicles along with chemotherapeutic applications and clinical status of these anesthetics. A clear understanding of the mechanistic viewpoints of these anesthetics may pave the way for more prospective clinical trials with the ultimate goal of obtaining a safe and optimal anesthetic intervention that would prevent cancer recurrence and may influence better postoperative survival.
The role of credit default swaps in determining corporate payout policy
Authors: Lee Hwang Hee , Oh Frederick Dongchuhl
Published: October 2021

We examine how the introduction of credit default swap (CDS) trading on the debt of individual firms affects corporate payout policy. We find that firms increase payouts to shareholders after the introduction of CDS trading on their debt. This suggests that CDS‐referenced firms are more likely to be affected by decreased creditor monitoring than by tougher CDS‐insured creditors when determining total payout amount. Moreover, the increase in payouts after CDS introduction is more pronounced in firms with smaller institutional ownership and greater bank debt dependency. Finally, we show that CDS‐referenced firms tend to prefer stock repurchases that have a financial flexibility advantage over dividends to protect against the potential threat of tougher CDS‐insured creditors.
Time is of the essence when it comes to forest bioenergy
Authors: Norton Michael , Walloe Lars , Brack Duncan , Booth Mary , Jones Michael B.
Published: October 2021

Debate continues in this journal on the climate impacts of burning woody biomass from forests. A recent review by Cowie et al. (2021, GCB Bioenergy, 13(8), 1210–1231) addressed what it called ‘misconceptions’ in papers by us and other authors that examined issues of carbon debt and when burning forest biomass for energy could have a net climate benefit. This letter re‐emphasizes the critical importance of the time dimension in assessing impacts, and takes particular issue with Cowie et al's lack of concern over substantial delays in reducing emissions and increasing the risks of crossing climate tipping points.