bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of social media platforms by migrant and ethnic minority populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Goldsmith Lucy P , Rowland-Pomp May , Hanson Kristin , Deal Anna , Crawshaw Alison F , Hayward Sally E. , Knights Felicity , Carter Jessica , Ahmad Ayesha , Razai Mohammad , Vandrevala Tushna , Hargreaves Sally
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine the extent and nature of social media use in migrant and ethnic minority communities for COVID-19 information, and implications for preventative health measures including vaccination intent and uptake.

Design

A systematic review of published and grey literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines

Eligibility Criteria for study selection

Global research reporting the use of social media by migrants and/or ethnic minority groups in relation to COVID-19.

Data extraction

We extracted data on key outcomes, study design, country, population under study, and sample size.

Results

1849 unique records were screened, and 21 data sources included in our analysis involving migrant and ethnic minority populations in the UK, US, China, Jordan, Qatar, and Turkey. We found evidence of consistent use of a range of social media platforms for COVID-19 information in some migrant and ethnic minority populations (including WeChat, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube), which may stem from difficulty in accessing COVID-19 information in their native languages or from trusted sources. There were positive and negative associations with social media use reported, with some evidence suggesting circulating misinformation and social media use may be associated with lower participation in preventative health measures, including vaccine intent and uptake, findings of which are likely relevant to multiple population groups.

Conclusions

Social media platforms are an important source of information about COVID-19 for some migrant and ethnic minority populations. Urgent actions and further research are now needed to better understand the use of social media platforms for accessing health information by different population groups – particularly groups who are marginalised from health systems – effective approaches to tackling circulating misinformation, and to seize on opportunities to make better use of social media platforms to support public health communication and improve vaccine uptake.

Registration

This study has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021259190).
A new route to obtain fluorescence X-ray absorption spectra of compounds and to remove the self-absorption induced nonlinearity in the spectra
Authors: Ma Qing , Moffitt Stephanie L. , Keane Denis T.
Published: February 2022

A new route to obtain fluorescence X-ray absorption spectra of compounds and to remove the self-absorption induced nonlinearity in the spectra is described. The fluorescent intensity I
f is linearly proportional to the absorption coefficient μ. For studies of surface structures around an element (κ) the fluorescence detection is often the mode of choice. However, the measurement may suffer from a self-absorption (SA) effect which nonlinearly distorts the spectra. The effect is severe when κ is concentrated or the measurements are carried out in certain geometries. Here, the correlations among emission events in compounds are examined following resonance X-ray core-electron excitation within κ. Under conditions leading to SA, I
f emitted from κ apparently has a conjugated relationship with the fluorescent intensities simultaneously emitted from other elements (ξ). Normalizing the former (κ) by the latter (ξ) will largely remove SA effects and reduce this nonlinear problem to a tractable linear problem. This does result in a moderate reduction of the spectral amplitude due to the so-called secondary emission from ξ excited by the emission from κ. Nonetheless, the resulting spectra will allow one to accurately determine bond distances and disorder and, in some respects, can be superior to spectra obtained via the absorption channel. For μξ < μκ and grazing incidence geometry, the amplitude reduction can be small and simple normalization is sufficient to restore the spectral integrity with remarkable accuracy. This has been instrumental in unravelling the surface and subsurface structures around cations in amorphous Ga–In–O and Zn–Sn–O films which are otherwise inaccessible due to severe SA effects. This method has also been applied to several samples with μξ ≃ μκ to examine its applicability. For these samples, the amplitude reduction is 12 ± 4% versus their standards for the data measured with the classical 45°/45° geometry. This experimental method is easy to implement. Since I
f from κ and ξ are measured by the same detector system, it is also superior to other methods in removing systematic errors such as detector system nonlinearity, electronic noise, and some beam instabilities, and in removing spectral imperfections due to, for example, SA effects, diffraction effects and sample inhomogeneity. The distortions resulting from the latter can be severe in the spectra measured in transmission mode.
Single-crystal structure analysis of non-deuterated triglycine sulfate by neutron diffraction at 20 and 298 K: a new disorder model for the 298 K structure
Authors: Terasawa Yukana , Ohhara Takashi , Sato Sota , Yoshida Satoshi , Asahi Toru
Published: February 2022

Precise single-crystal structure analyses of the title compound, bis(glycinium) sulfate–glycine (1/1), 2C2H6NO2
+·SO4
2−·C2H5NO2 (or C6H17N3O10S), non-deuterated triglycine sulfate (HTGS) at 20 K and 298 K were undertaken using time-of-flight neutron diffraction data. At 20 K for the O—H...O hydrogen bond between the glycinium cation and the zwitterionic, unprotonated glycine molecule that is associated with the ferroelectric behaviour of HTGS, O—H = 1.070 (3), H...O = 1.408 (3) [δ = 0.338 (4)], O...O = 2.4777 (15) Å and O—H...O = 179.0 (4)°, which is in good agreement with previous studies. Two reasonable structures for the same three atoms were refined for the 298 K dataset. One is a single-minimum potential-energy model, with O—H = 1.090 (12), H...O = 1.361 (12) [δ = 0.271 (17)], O...O = 2.450 (7) Å and O—H...O = 179.2 (10)°, having the H atom with a large ellipticity along the bond path between the O atoms. The other is a double-minimum potential-energy model having two H atom sites with occupancies of 0.876 (8) and 0.124 (8): for the major occupancy component, O—H = 1.065 (12), H...O = 1.387 (12), O...O = 2.451 (7) Å and O—H...O = 178.2 (11)° and for the minor component, O—H = 1.06 (4), H...O = 1.41 (4), O...O = 2.451 (7) Å and O—H...O = 166 (2)°. These models did not show any significant differences in R factors. In addition, the unit-cell parameters and other structural parameters of HTGS did not show any major differences compared to those of partially deuterated TGS and fully deuterated TGS for both 20 K and 298 K.
Crystal structures of N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide and N-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzamide at 173 K: a study of the energetics of conformational changes due to crystal packing
Authors: Pearson Wayne H. , Urban Joseph J. , MacArthur Amy H. Roy , Lin Shirley , Cabrera Dylan W. L.
Published: February 2022

As a part of our study of the syntheses of aryl amides, the crystal structures of two benzamides were determined from single-crystal X-ray data at 173 K. Both crystal structures contain molecular units as asymmetric units with no solvent in the unit cells. Crystal structure I, TFMP, is the result of the crystallization of N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide, C14H10F3NO. Crystal structure II, MOP, is composed of N-(4-methoxyphenyl)benzamide, C14H13NO2, units. TFMP is triclinic, space group P\overline{1}, consisting of two molecules in the unit cell related by the center of symmetry. MOP is monoclinic, space group P21/c, consisting of four molecules in the unit cell. Both types of molecules contain three planar regions; a phenyl ring, an amide planar region, and a para-substituted phenyl ring. The orientations of these planar regions within the asymmetric units are compared to their predicted orientations, in isolation, from DFT calculations. The aryl rings are tilted approximately 60° with respect to each other in both experimentally determined structures, as compared to 30° in the DFT results. These conformational changes result in more favorable environments for N—H...O hydrogen bonding and aryl ring π-stacking in the crystal structures. Intermolecular interactions were examined by Hirshfeld surface analysis and quantified by calculating molecular interaction energies. The results of this study demonstrate that both hydrogen bonding and dispersion are essential to the side-by-side stacking of molecular units in these crystal structures. Weaker dispersion interactions along the axial directions of the molecules reveal insight into the melting mechanisms of these crystals.
A novel independent job rescheduling strategy for cloud resilience in the cloud environment
Authors: Xie Fei , Yan Jun , Shen Jun
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Although proactive fault handling plans are widely spread, many unexpected data center outages still occurred. To rescue the jobs from faulty data centers, the authors propose a novel independent job rescheduling strategy for cloud resilience to reschedule the task from the faulty data center to other working-proper cloud data centers, by jointly considering job nature, timeline scenario and overall cloud performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A job parsing system and a priority assignment system are developed to identify the eligible time slots for the jobs and prioritize the jobs, respectively. A dynamic job rescheduling algorithm is proposed.

Findings

The simulation results show that our proposed approach has better cloud resiliency and load balancing performance than the HEFT series approaches.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the cloud resilience by developing a novel job prioritizing, task rescheduling and timeline allocation method when facing faults.
Enhancing employee wellbeing – an employability perspective
Authors: P M Nimmi , Zakkariya K.A. , Philip Anju Varghese
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Skill obsolescence among employees can be detrimental to organizational performance and can lead to an ensuing decline in the wellbeing of employees. Today's organizations bank on the employability skills of their human capital to stay afloat in business. The current study examines the impact of developing an employability culture in the organization, the perceived internal employability developed in the employees and impact on employee wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

Research data were gathered from a sample of 421 software engineers in private IT companies in India. Structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS was conducted to examine the impact of employability culture and perceived internal employability on the three dimensions of employee wellbeing.

Findings

The study found a positive relationship between employability culture and the components of employee wellbeing. A partial mediation by perceived internal employability was reported between employability culture and the three components of employee wellbeing.

Research limitations/implications

The study is a focused attempt on discerning the effect of organizational elements in the form of employability culture on the employee perceptions and the state of wellbeing, which are considered valuable resources in the career context. The study reiterates the prominence of contextual factors in employees' resource enhancement.

Originality/value

The study is a unique approach to determine the effect of perceived internal employability and employability culture on employee wellbeing based on the social cognitive career theory and the conservation of resources theory.
Procurement process risk and performance: empirical evidence from manufacturing firms
Authors: Nyamah Edmond Yeboah , Feng Yi , Yeboah Nyamah Evelyn , Opoku Richard Kofi , Ewusi Matilda
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper employs the positivism paradigm, quantitative approach and explanatory research design. It analyses primary data obtained from manufacturing firms via structured questionnaires and uses the partial least square-structural equation modelling technique to establish the effect of individual procurement process risk on procurement performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Procurement risks are inevitable in manufacturing procurement process; a situation that could undermine the performance of manufacturing firms if not properly managed. Yet, with procurement accounting of about 14–19% of developing countries gross domestic product, the effects of procurement process risk on performance remain scarce in manufacturing firms in developing countries. Therefore, the paper aims to investigate the effect of procurement process risk on procurement performance of manufacturing firms.

Findings

In this paper, five out of the six procurement process risks studied were found to be undermining procurement performance of manufacturing firms significantly. However, the risk threshold effect on the performance differs.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research is geographically/sector bias, several insightful managerial implications can be drawn to manage procurement process risk in manufacturing settings irrespective of the area of operation. The results of this research imply that manufacturing firms' procurement process is risk prone and the effect of risk surrounding each procurement process on procurement performance differs. Hence, the need to identify and analyse the risks surrounding each procurement process before making managerial decision to spend firms limited resources in response to the individual risk to improve procurement performance in the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to provide existing and future procuring practitioners/firms with in-depth empirical evidence of the effect of the procurement process risks on procurement performance in manufacturing firms operating in developing economies.
Does increased water efficiency improve financial performance? The important role of operational efficiency
Authors: Fu Wayne , Jacobs Brian W.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between changes in water efficiency, profit and risk for firms in the global Consumer Packaged Goods industry. This study also aims to consider the moderating effect of operational efficiency on those relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 155 firms with annual corporate social performance and financial performance data from Bloomberg for the years 2010–2019, this study employs first-differencing panel regression models to obtain our results.

Findings

This study finds strong evidence that operational efficiency moderates the relationships between water efficiency, profit and risk. For operationally efficient firms, increasing water efficiency increases profit and reduces risk. But for firms that are not operationally efficient, this study finds the opposite effects. These findings suggest a threshold level of operational efficiency that firms should achieve before they can reap financial benefits from increases in water efficiency.

Originality/value

Despite the increasing importance of water efficiency as a measure of corporate social performance, its effects on financial performance are not well studied. The relationship between operational efficiency and water efficiency has also not been examined. This work provides empirical evidence to better understand these important relationships. The major implication for managers is that operational efficiency is a foundational capability that should be developed before focusing on efforts to improve water efficiency. For operationally efficient firms, improvements in water efficiency can be an important mechanism to increase profitability and reduce risk.
Cash transfer and multidimensional child poverty: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Osei Kwabena Brefo , Turkson Danny
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The impact of cash transfers on improving the living conditions of children and reducing early-life deprivations and vulnerabilities are crucial to safeguarding equality of opportunities and achieving sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth within the Sustainable Development Goals. The study aims to examine the change in deprivation rate among children aged 0–17 years between 2010 and 2012, as well as the impact of cash transfer on multidimensional child poverty in Ghana using the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the Ghana Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty Impact Evaluation Survey data, which has the baseline data collected in 2010, and the follow-up was collected in 2012. The authors used the difference-in-difference estimation technique to assess the impact of the cash transfer program on the MPI of pre-school (0–5 years) and school-aged (5–17 years) children, and compared the results with that of Propensity Score Matching.

Findings

The deprivation trend reveals that deprivation among pre-school children increased for nutrition, water and sanitation. The estimated result shows that cash transfer significantly reduces MPI of pre-school and school-aged in beneficiary households by 10.5 and 1.3% relative to non-beneficiary children, respectively.

Originality/value

For cash transfer programs to efficiently alleviate child poverty in Ghana, the paper recommends that the conditionality aspect of the program that has been neglected by managers of the program should be enforced. Also, the program should be supplemented with food nutrients for children to reduce the deprivation of nutrition.
Action learning and the ambidextrous organization
Authors: Zabiegalski Eric , Marquardt Michael John
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This article couples organizational theory with practice with the union of action learning and the ambidextrous organization. It aims to show how action learning contributes to the creation and sustainment of an ambidextrous (learning) organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A side-by-side comparison of action learning and the ambidextrous organization was used.

Findings

Action learning “teaches” and promotes the framework and processes of ambidexterity and the practical creation of learning organizations. An action learning team in action performs like an ambidextrous organization to the extent that “acting” is synonymous with exploitation and “learning” with exploration.

Research limitations/implications

Action learning is a powerful tool for the ambidextrous organization, serving as a template for the practitioner to create a learning organization.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature on organizational structure, leadership, culture and change as it relates to ambidexterity, learning organizations and action learning. It integrates learning theory through action learning with the practice of the ambidextrous organization. A synergistic theory/practice circle is created through the combination of the processes of “theory informing theory” from academia and “practice informing practice” from industry, creating a “theory informing practice and practice validating and updating better theory” circle.
How to match mentors and protégés for successful mentorship programs: a review of the evidence and recommendations for practitioners
Authors: Deng Connie , Gulseren Duygu Biricik , Turner Nick
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative review paper is to identify for practitioners ways of matching mentors and protégés to enhance the effectiveness of formal mentoring programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper qualitatively reviews the best available evidence of ways to match mentors and protégés to maximize mentorship outcomes.

Findings

Two factors to consider when making mentor–protégé matches emerged from the research literature (1) the matching process (i.e., how matches are made and facilitated by practitioners such as incorporating participant input on matches): and (2) individual characteristics (i.e., individual differences that may serve as matching criteria such as experiential, surface-level, and deep-level characteristics). This qualitative review resulted in three practical recommendations to practitioners interested in matching mentors and protégés using evidence-based methods: (1) match based on deep-level similarities, (2) consider developmental-needs of protégés during matching, and (3) seek mentors' and protégés’ input before finalizing matches.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the research reviewed are highlighted: measures of perceived similarity, relative effectiveness of matching-related factors, limited research investigating the role of dissimilarity on mentoring outcomes, and linear relationship assumptions between matching-related factors and mentoring outcomes.

Practical implications

The authors’ recommendations suggested greater use of valid psychometric assessments to facilitate matching based on actual assessed data rather than program administrators' personal knowledge of mentors and protégés.

Originality/value

The literature on mentor–protégé matching is missing practical guidance on how to apply the research. This highlights a need for a qualitative review of the literature to identify what matching processes and criteria are most effective, providing a “one-stop-shop” for practitioners seeking advice on how to construct effective mentor–protégé matches in formal mentorship programs.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: positioning in India
Authors: Kore Hemant Harishchandra , Koul Saroj
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The study identifies the challenges of developing the “electric vehicle (EV)” charging infrastructure in India, having an ambitious target of 30% EV adoption by 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a systematic literature review determined EV adoption and challenges in the EV charging infrastructure development globally and specifically in India. Secondly, a focussed group study in which 10 domain experts were consulted to identify additional challenges in India's EV adoption involving EV charging infrastructure.

Findings

Accordingly, 11 significant challenges of EV charging infrastructure development in India have been identified–seven through the comparative analysis of the literature review and four from the focussed group study. Secondary data provides insight into the situation around developed countries and in developing countries, specifically in India. Finally, the Government of India's measures and priorities to facilitate such a development are emphasised.

Research limitations/implications

The study can help policymakers/researchers understand the gaps and align measures to address the challenges. A focussed group study may have its limitations due to the perception of the experts.

Originality/value

The systematic literature review of 43 articles using comparative analysis and subsequently a focussed group study of experts to verify and add challenges has made the study unique.
“There was help for me at the time, but I didn't feel like I deserved it”: exploring the unmet needs of adolescents experiencing maternal cancer in Ireland
Authors: Rodriguez Leonor , Dolan Pat , Kerin Michael , Groarke Annmarie
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This secondary data analysis explores the unmet needs of adolescents experiencing maternal cancer in Ireland. Research has shown that one of the challenges adolescents deal with at the time of maternal cancer is having unmet needs that can impact negatively on their experience and their ability to cope through this difficult challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen adolescents completed qualitative interviews as part of a larger study that explored the experience of adolescent adjustment to maternal cancer. The transcripts of these original interviews were analysed using a secondary content analysis underpinned by the categories included in the Offspring Cancer Needs Instrument (Patterson et al., 2013).

Findings

The findings of this study suggest a necessity to individually explore the unmet needs of adolescents as these were not uniform even within a small sample of 15 adolescents. Unmet needs change and evolve over time as does maternal illness. Adolescents themselves identified the need for more education in the general public and in clinical practitioners on how to respond appropriately to their needs. It is crucial that adolescent's needs and emotions are validated at the time as part of the support provided for them.

Originality/value

This study provides important recommendations for practice and policy on how to provide tailored supports for adolescent who experience cancer in their families as currently there is a lack of effective and evidence-based targeted supports for this specific age group.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 blockade attenuates pathological cardiac remodelling in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mprah Richard , Ma Yanhong , Adzika Gabriel Komla , Ndzie Noah Marie Louise , Adekunle Adebayo O. , Duah Maxwell , Adu‐Amankwaah Joseph , Wowui Prosperl Ivette , Okwuma Jennifer Dumebi , Qiao Weili , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by cardiac remodelling. Glutaminolysis plays a crucial role in PAH‐induced remodelling. The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) may mediate this process. This study investigated whether or not the blockade of mGluR5 may attenuate PAH‐induced pathological cardiac remodelling. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was induced by intraperitoneally injecting male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats with 60 mg/kg of monocrotaline (MCT). 3‐((2‐Methyl‐4‐thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP) (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was used as a therapeutic intervention to block mGluR5. Cardiac functions were assessed with right heart catheterization and electrocardiography. Alterations in protein expressions and inflammatory markers were investigated using western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Increased right ventricular systolic pressure (RSVP), elevated protein expressions of mGluR5, collagen types I and III and cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1), enhanced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), AKT and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), increased angiopoietin 2 (Ang 2) and vascular endothelial growth factor‐α (VEGF) protein expressions and elevated serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrotic factor α (TNF‐α) were observed in MCT‐induced PAH rats. MTEP improved hemodynamics and right ventricular hypertrophy. MTEP also attenuated MCT‐induced elevations in the protein expressions of mGluR5, collagen types I and III, CILP1, Ang 2 and VEGF and decreased PI3K, AKT and P38MAPK phosphorylations and inflammatory cytokine levels. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 blockade using MTEP ameliorates PAH‐induced pathological right cardiac remodelling via inhibiting the signalling cascade involving PI3K/AKT, P38MAPK, Ang 2 and VEGF.
Risk of early birth by body mass index in a propensity score‐matched sample: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Baer Rebecca J. , Chambers Brittany D. , Coleman‐Phox Kimberly , Flowers Elena , Fuchs Jonathan D. , Oltman Scott P. , Scott Karen A. , Ryckman Kelli K. , Rand Larry , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Evaluate the risk of preterm (<37 weeks) or early term birth (37 or 38 weeks) by body mass index (BMI) in a propensity score‐matched sample.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

California, USA.

Population

Singleton live births from 2011–2017.

Methods

Propensity scores were calculated for BMI groups using maternal factors. A referent sample of women with a BMI between 18.5 and <25.0 kg/m2 was selected using exact propensity score matching. Risk ratios for preterm and early term birth were calculated.

Main outcome measures

Early birth.

Results

Women with a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were at elevated risk of birth of 28–31 weeks (relative risk [RR] 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.4), 32–36 weeks (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.3), and 37 or 38 weeks (RR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1–1.1). Women with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 were at 1.2–1.4‐times higher risk of a birth <28 weeks and were at reduced risk of a birth between 32 and 36 weeks (RR 0.8–0.9) and birth during the 37th or 38th week (RR 0.9).

Conclusion

Women with a BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were at elevated risk of a preterm or early term birth. Women with BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2 were at elevated risk of a birth <28 weeks. Propensity score‐matched women with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2 were at decreased risk of a spontaneous preterm birth with intact membranes between 32 and 36 weeks, supporting the complexity of BMI as a risk factor for preterm birth.

Tweetable abstract

Propensity score‐matched women with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 were at decreased risk of a late spontaneous preterm birth.
SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis: A retrospective analysis of 60 cases in China
Authors: Jiang Chunguo , Zhu Min , Wei Dan , Duan Hongyan , Zhang Yuhui , Feng Xiaokai
Published: February 2022

Background

Anti‐gamma aminobutyric acid B receptor (anti‐GABABR) encephalitis is a rare autoimmune neurological syndrome observed in lung cancer patients. More research on the clinical characteristics of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and anti‐GABABR encephalitis should be carried out to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination results, and treatment responses in patients with SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2010 to December 2020. The study also retrospectively analyzed cases of SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis well documented in China.

Results

A total of 60 cases of SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis were analyzed in the study, two in our hospital, and 58 previously reported in the literature. The male:female ratio was 3:1, with a median age at presentation of 61 years (range: 40–81 years). Twenty‐eight patients initially presented with seizures, four with cognitive disorder, and three with psychiatric symptoms. The major symptoms were epileptic seizures (n = 56; 96.9%), cognitive impairment (n = 47; 81.0%), psychiatric disorders (n = 45; 77.6%), and conscious disturbance (n = 32; 55.2%). Fifty‐five patients underwent immunotherapy, and 23 patients underwent oncologic treatment in the literature. After a median follow‐up duration of 8.8 (range, 0.5–37.0) months, nine patients showed good outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, mRS ≤2), eight patients showed poor prognosis (mRS > 2), and 18 patients died.

Conclusions

The clinical characteristics of SCLC and anti‐GABABR encephalitis are seizures, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disorders which affect middle‐aged to elderly men in China. The long‐term prognosis is relatively poor.
Understanding the concept of subjectivity in performance evaluation and its effects on perceived procedural justice across contexts
Authors: Tran Thuy‐Van , Järvinen Janne
Published: February 2022

This study explores the notion of subjectivity in performance evaluation as a multidimensional concept, including ex ante specified and ex post subjective evaluation, which are determined at different phases of an evaluation period. This distinction is important as these subjectivity types have different purposes and varying impacts on organisational outcomes. Based on a survey of 160 Vietnamese middle managers, we uncover their assorted impacts on perceived procedural justice across contexts of formalisation and job autonomy. As such, this study seeks to offer important insights on the literature of subjective evaluation and organisational justice.
Natural enemies emerging in cereal fields in spring may contribute to biological control
Authors: Tortosa Axelle , Duflot Rémi , Rivers‐Moore Justine , Ladet Sylvie , Esquerré Diane , Vialatte Aude
Published: February 2022

Biological pest control is known to depend on landscape heterogeneity. However, such relationship shows irregular pattern and seems influenced by local farming practices and natural enemies that overwinter within crop fields. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of emerging natural enemies in spring to biological control, and their response to the interaction between landscape heterogeneity and farming intensity.

We monitored the overwintering insect community using emergence traps and measured the local potential pest predation using prey cards in 30 cereal fields, in spring in France. Study fields were selected along a landscape heterogeneity gradient and farming practices were recorded.

None of the 10 emerging taxa influenced predation of lepidopteran eggs or weed seeds. On the ground, aphid predation was positively correlated with emerging carabid beetles. On foliage, aphid predation was negatively correlated with emerging parasitoids. Overall, the community of natural enemies that overwinters within crop fields seemed to benefit from landscape‐scale lower crop diversity and higher edge density in combination with higher local‐scale farming intensities. This suggests that they represent a subset of species adapted to intensified farming systems. This study highlights a broad taxonomic range of emerging natural enemies and their potential contribution to local pest predation.
Regulatory changes of local produced prostaglandins in corpus luteum after experimentally induced luteolysis in the cow
Authors: Berisha Bajram , Thaqi Granit , Rodler Daniela , Schams Dieter , Sinowatz Fred , Pfaffl Michael W.
Published: February 2022

The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression patterns of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE), PGF receptor (FP), PGE receptors (EP2 and EP4), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and prostaglandin synthases (PGFS and PGES) in corpora lutea (CL) during experimentally induced luteolysis in cow. The Fleckvieh cows in the mid‐luteal phase (days 8–12, control group) were injected with cloprostenol (PGF analogue), and CL were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy before (days 8–12, control group) and at 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 64 h after PGF application (n = 5 per group). The mRNA expression was determined by RT‐qPCR, the hormone concentrations by enzyme immunoassay and localization by immunohistochemistry. PTGS2 gene expression increased significantly 2 h after PGF application, followed by continuous and significant downregulation afterwards. The PGF tissue concentration increased significantly just after PGF injection and again during structural luteolysis (after 12 h), whereas PGE concentration significantly decreased during structural luteolysis. The FP receptor mRNA decreased significantly at 2 h and again at 12 h after PGF. In contrast, EP4 receptor mRNA increased significantly just after the PGF application (0.5 h). The immunostaining of PGES and PTGS2 on day 15–17 shows numerous positive luteal cells, followed by lower activity afterwards on day 18 (luteolysis). In conclusion, the changes of examined prostaglandin family members in CL tissue after PGF application may be key components of the local mechanisms regulating the cascade of actions leading to functional and subsequent structural luteolysis in the bovine ovary.
Managing advanced prostate cancer in the Asia Pacific region: “Real‐world” application of Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019 statements
Authors: Chiong Edmund , Murphy Declan G. , Buchan Nicholas C. , Chua Melvin L. K. , Hakim Lukman , Hamid Agus Rizal , Hong Sung K. , Horvath Lisa G. , Kanesvaran Ravi , Khochikar Makarand , Letran Jason , Lojanapiwat Bannakij , Malek Rohan , Ng Anthony C. F. , Vinh Nguyễn Tuấn , Pang See‐Tong , Poon Darren M. C. , Ong Teng Aik , Saad Marniza , Schubach Kathryn , Shiroki Ryoichi , Türkeri Levent , Williams Scott , Wong Alvin , Ye Dingwei ,   ANZUP Cancer Trials Group, Davis Ian D.
Published: February 2022

Aim

The second Asia‐Pacific Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APAC APCCC 2020) gathered insights into the real‐world application in the Asia‐Pacific (APAC) region of consensus statements from the 3rd Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC 2019).

Methods

The 4‐h our virtual meeting in October 2020 brought together 26 experts from 14 APAC countries to discuss APCCC 2019 recommendations. Presentations were prerecorded and viewed prior to the meeting. A postmeeting survey gathered views on current practice.

Results

The meeting and survey highlighted several developments since APAC APCCC 2018. Increased access and use in the region of PSMA PET/CT imaging is providing additional diagnostic and staging information for advanced prostate cancer and influencing local and systemic therapy choices. Awareness of oligometastatic disease, although not clearly defined, is increasing. Novel androgen receptor pathway antagonists are expanding treatment options. Cost and access to contemporary treatments and technologies continue to be a significant factor influencing therapeutic decisions in the region. With treatment options increasing, multidisciplinary treatment planning, shared decision making, and informed choice remain critical. A discussion on the COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted challenges for diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trials and new service delivery models that will continue beyond the pandemic.

Conclusion

APAC‐specific prostate cancer research and data are important to ensure that treatment guidelines and recommendations reflect local populations and resources. Facilitated approaches to collaboration across the region such as that achieved through APAC APCCC meetings continue to be a valuable mechanism to ensure the relevance of consensus guidelines within the region.
Hemodynamic assessment and risk classification for successful weaning of Impella in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Ikeda Yuki , Ishii Shunsuke , Maemura Kenji , Oki Takumi , Yazaki Mayu , Fujita Teppei , Iida Yuichiro , Kinoshita Daisuke , Sato Nobuhiro , Ako Junya
Published: February 2022

Background

Clinical predictors for successful weaning of patients from Impella heart pump have not been clarified. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) parameters at the time of Impella weaning and subsequent outcomes.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive patients who had received Impella for cardiogenic shock. PAC data were collected immediately before Impella weaning. Patients were classified as non‐survivors if they died or required any mechanical circulatory support reintroduction within 30 days of weaning.

Results

Of 81 patients enrolled, 61 underwent Impella weaning. Of these, 16 were non‐survivors. Predictive indicators of non‐survival were high pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP; hazard ratio [HR] per 5 mm Hg 1.97, 95% CI 1.35–2.80; p < 0.001), high mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP; HR per 5 mm Hg 1.90, 1.38–2.58; p < 0.001), and low cardiac power output (CPO; HR per 0.1 Watts 0.71, 0.52–0.92; p = 0.006). Cutoff values of PAWP 20 mm Hg, MPAP 22 mm Hg, and CPO 0.59 Watts showed strong associations with 30‐day non‐survival risk (low risk 8% in patients with low PAWP and high CPO or 4% in patients with low MPAP and high CPO; high risk 100% in patients with high PAWP and low CPO or 82% in patients with high MPAP and low CPO).

Conclusions

PAWP or MPAP higher than the cutoff with CPO below the cutoff at Impella weaning were associated with worse outcomes. We proposed a risk classification model for successful Impella weaning using PAC.
Impacts of the STING‐IFNAR1‐STAT1‐IRF1 pathway on the cellular immune reaction induced by fractionated irradiation
Authors: Du Junyan , Kageyama Shun‐Ichiro , Yamashita Riu , Hirata Hidenari , Hakozaki Yumi , Okumura Masayuki , Motegi Atsushi , Hojo Hidehiro , Nakamura Masaki , Hirano Yasuhiro , Sunakawa Hironori , Minamide Tatsunori , Kotani Daisuke , Tanaka Kosuke , Yano Tomonori , Kojima Takashi , Ohashi Akihiro , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Akimoto Tetsuo
Published: February 2022

Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors has recently produced outstanding results and is expected to be adaptable for various cancers. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which immune reactions are induced by fractionated RT is still controversial. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of the immune response regarding multifractionated, long‐term radiation, which is most often combined with immunotherapy. Two human esophageal cancer cell lines, KYSE‐450 and OE‐21, were irradiated by fractionated irradiation (FIR) daily at a dose of 3 Gy in 5 d/wk for 2 weeks. Western blot analysis and RNA sequencing identified type I interferon (IFN) and the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway as candidates that regulate immune response by FIR. We inhibited STING, IFNAR1, STAT1, and IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) and investigated the effects on the immune response in cancer cells and the invasion of surrounding immune cells. We herein revealed type I IFN‐dependent immune reactions and the positive feedback of STING, IRF1, and phosphorylated STAT1 induced by FIR. Knocking out STING, IFNAR1, STAT1, and IRF1 resulted in a poorer immunological response than that in WT cells. The STING‐KO KYSE‐450 cell line showed significantly less invasion of PBMCs than the WT cell line under FIR. In the analysis of STING‐KO cells and migrated PBMCs, we confirmed the occurrence of STING‐dependent immune activation under FIR. In conclusion, we identified that the STING‐IFNAR1‐STAT1‐IRF1 axis regulates immune reactions in cancer cells triggered by FIR and that the STING pathway also contributes to immune cell invasion of cancer cells.
Clinical question: How to manage symptoms of hypogonadism in patients after androgen abuse?
Authors: Botman Esmée , Smit Diederik L. , de Ronde Willem
Published: February 2022

Androgen abuse is relatively common amongst young (amateur) bodybuilders. After cessation, the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis—which has been suppressed by the androgens—needs time to recover. The endogenous testosterone production often recovers within 3 months, however, prolonged or permanent post‐androgen abuse hypogonadism (PPAAH) has been described. There is no widely accepted definition nor is its pathogenesis completely elucidated. To date it is a subject of debate whether PPAAH is a separate entity, reflecting irreversible damage to essential components of the HPG axis inflicted by long‐term exposure to high doses of androgens. Alternately, it may be the result of longer than expected suppressive effects of androgen depots, undisclosed ongoing androgen abuse or undiagnosed unrelated disorders. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, the management of PPAAH is challenging. By combining clinical experience with evidence from the recent literature, a suggested outline of the management of androgen‐abuse‐induced hypogonadism are given.
‘Because I'm a kid …’: The struggle for recognition of children and young people involved in child and family social work
Authors: Mitchell Mary
Published: February 2022

Children's participation in decision‐making remains a key focus of social work practice. Yet the protection and participation of children in our society remains a setting of tension for children, families and practitioners. Drawing on evidence from a retrospective qualitative study on Family Group Conferencing, this paper uses the lens of recognition theory to highlight the experiences of young people more broadly in the social work system. The study found social workers' attitudes affected children and young people's capacity to be ‘partners’ in decision‐making. Feelings of misrecognition can create barriers for how children and young people perceive and interact with social work professionals. While small, this study sheds light on the experiences of young people's struggles for recognition when involved in the social work system. Further research is needed on this topic to fully understand the implications of (mis)recognition in social work practice.
A multiscale cell‐based model of tumor growth for chemotherapy assessment and tumor‐targeted therapy through a 3D computational approach
Authors: Jafari Nivlouei Sahar , Soltani Madjid , Shirani Ebrahim , Salimpour Mohammad Reza , Travasso Rui , Carvalho João
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Computational modeling of biological systems is a powerful tool to clarify diverse processes contributing to cancer. The aim is to clarify the complex biochemical and mechanical interactions between cells, the relevance of intracellular signaling pathways in tumor progression and related events to the cancer treatments, which are largely ignored in previous studies.

Materials and Methods

A three‐dimensional multiscale cell‐based model is developed, covering multiple time and spatial scales, including intracellular, cellular, and extracellular processes. The model generates a realistic representation of the processes involved from an implementation of the signaling transduction network.

Results

Considering a benign tumor development, results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, which identify three different phases in tumor growth. Simulating tumor vascular growth, results predict a highly vascularized tumor morphology in a lobulated form, a consequence of cells' motile behavior. A novel systematic study of chemotherapy intervention, in combination with targeted therapy, is presented to address the capability of the model to evaluate typical clinical protocols. The model also performs a dose comparison study in order to optimize treatment efficacy and surveys the effect of chemotherapy initiation delays and different regimens.

Conclusions

Results not only provide detailed insights into tumor progression, but also support suggestions for clinical implementation. This is a major step toward the goal of predicting the effects of not only traditional chemotherapy but also tumor‐targeted therapies.
Villain or scapegoat? Elephants and academic achievement of pupils and schools in Trans Mara District, Kenya
Authors: Nyumba Tobias Ochieng , Leader‐Williams Nigel
Published: February 2022

Improving human capital through quality education remains a global and national priority, particularly for developing countries. Academic performance is the standard indicator of a successful acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for improving human capital. However, recent data, particularly in wildlife areas shows that pupils often perform poorly on academic tests in low‐income countries. This study aims to determine the impact of elephants on academic performance in Trans Mara District, Kenya. We use data from 137 schools and 749 pupils who wrote the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education between 2010 and 2014, and 15 key informants. We used descriptive statistics to analyze and interpret our data. Results show that locating a school outside the elephant range positively contributed to higher mean scores compared to ethnicity, pupil–teacher ratio and gender. Whereas day facilities only strongly contributed to lower scores compared to examination entry, age of the pupil, and ethnicity. The study places elephants on both ends of the villain‐scapegoat continuum since their presence alone does not make a major contribution to poor academic performance in the Trans Mara District. We recommend providing cheaper and accessible transport to pupils, expanding both day and boarding facilities, establishing additional schools closer to pupils within elephant range to reduce the distances to school. These initiatives must be linked to the conservation of elephants as a suit of direct incentives for coexisting with elephants.