bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic responses of chain hotels to COVID-19 from a situational crisis communication theory perspective
Authors: Atasoy Burak , Türkay Oğuz , Şengül Serkan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This research examines how chain hotels respond to the crisis in the context of situational crisis communication, focusing on the first emergence of the COVID-19 crisis and the second period of the pandemic, during which the pandemic was relatively weak.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were obtained from the digital announcements shared by the world's 50 most valuable hotel chains. The announcements, declared in the two phases of March–April and July–September 2020, were analyzed. The data were collected through document analysis and transferred to the MAXQDA program for qualitative content analysis. Interviews were held with the managers of chain companies to compare and confirm the results obtained.

Findings

Chain hotels announced regulations on existing reservations, potential customers, intermediary businesses, suppliers and employees by focusing on maintaining business reputation in the first phase of the pandemic. The hotel units seem to be more open to referrals on emergency measures from chain centers in this phase. In the second stage, announcements to increase sales were shared. The content of the crisis communication is in line with the predictions advocated under the situational crisis communication theory. In addition, some applications that do not comply with the theory are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

The effects of the crisis communication on hotels were addressed; the responses of other stakeholders to the communication were not taken into account.

Practical implications

Successful response strategies must be considered when developing future crisis preparedness measures. Actors in the hospitality industry can adopt a situational crisis communication approach as an effective strategy to cope with the losses caused by a crisis and possibly speed recovery. Hotels can turn the crisis into an opportunity with the strategies they put forward during the pandemic and gain stronger reputations after the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both the crisis management literature and the literature on COVID-19 by exemplifying the crisis communication measures and strategies of chain hotels. Focusing on different sub-processes in the analysis of crisis communication, revealing the background about the production and transfer of the information shared during the crisis, and interpreting the content of the messages by considering the benefit of the stakeholders and benefits of the hotel reveals the originality of this study.
Social marketing at 50: towards an epistemological expansion of the discipline to embrace diversity. A Viewpoint
Authors: Cateriano-Arévalo Erik , Alrakhayes Saud , Foote Liz , Hussain Tamanna , Lai Krystle , Nyundo Lucy
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to mark the 50th anniversary of social marketing as an innovative social change discipline; this viewpoint reviews “epistemological diversity” within social marketing and calls for its incorporation in the expansion of the discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

Cognisant of the visible (e.g., gender, age, race) and invisible (e.g., epistemology, experience, socioeconomic status) dimensions of diversity, this viewpoint focuses on one invisible dimension of diversity – epistemology. Using secondary data, an epistemological review of social marketing is undertaken by selecting five aspects that serve as potential indicators: professional associations, global conferences, education and training, research and publication and practice. Several recommendations are made to expand epistemological diversity in social marketing.

Findings

The epistemological review of diversity within social marketing reveals disparities between the Global North and South. These disparities are due to varying opportunities for participation in associations, conferences, education and training, and research and publication. In addition, there exist “hidden” social change practitioners who implement programmes in the Global South that are consistent with social marketing practice, but continue to be unchronicled and unheralded.

Originality/value

For many years, social marketing scholars and practitioners have been working to expand the boundaries of the discipline, with a focus on theory and application. Although the authors acknowledge that diversity and equity are inherently central to this discipline, epistemological diversity, specifically as linked to the geographies of the Global South, has been largely overlooked. Our viewpoint nudges the social marketing community into including epistemological diversity in the ongoing discourse around broadening and deepening the discipline of social marketing.
Exploring the relationship between integrated marketing communications and decentralised organisational structure: a heuristics perspective
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Howell Kerry , Lancaster Geoff
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The concept of integrated marketing communications (IMC) was developed in the 1990s and has gained significant interest from academics and practitioners, yet it is seldom achieved in practice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons behind this assertion.

Design/methodology/approach

Knowledge needed for this study was generated from a case study of a global company, operating a decentralized organizational structure in the health-care industry.

Findings

Thirty semi-structured interviews were performed with marketing employees and management. This paper contributes to facilitating marketing communications by developing a conceptual model using strategic guiding principles to align marketing communication activities.

Research limitations/implications

Thematic analysis generated three integration areas: efficiency, consistency and relationship.

Practical implications

The information generated from this research paper should assist managers when attempting to implement an integrated approach to marketing communications.

Social implications

As IMC is intertwined with the concept of strategy, if it is implemented as a strategic process; similar social influences are relevant for strategic IMC implementation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to facilitating marketing communications by developing a conceptual model using strategic guiding principles to align marketing communication activities.
Effect of picking sequence on thermo-physiological comfort of bilayer woven fabrics
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Umar , Javaid Muhammad Usman , Shaker Khubab , Nawab Yasir , Hussain Tanveer , Umair Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop bilayer woven fabrics with different picking sequences with enhanced comfort without any change in the constituent materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Six bilayer woven fabrics were produced on Dobby loom with 3/1 twill weave using micro-polyester yarn. Three different picking sequences, i.e. single pick insertion (SPI), double pick insertion (DPI) and three pick insertion (3PI), were used in both face and back layers. The effect of picking sequence on air permeability (AP), volume porosity, thermal resistance and overall moisture management capability (OMMC) of the samples were analyzed.

Findings

The results showed that 3PI–3PI picking sequence gives the highest OMMC, AP and thermal resistance in bilayer woven fabrics and the least results exhibited by SPI–SPI picking sequence.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses a bilayer woven system that develops channels and trapes the air causing higher thermal resistance; therefore, applicable for winter sports clothing rather than for summer wear. Developed bilayer woven fabrics can be used in winter sportswear to improve the comfort of the wearer and reduce fatigue during activity.

Originality/value

Authors have developed bilayer fabrics by changing the picking sequences, i.e. SPI, DPI and 3PI of weft yarns in both layers and compared their thermo-physiological comfort properties.
Characterization of power demand and energy consumption for fused filament fabrication using CFR-PEEK
Authors: Kim Kyudong , Noh Heena , Park Kijung , Jeon Hyun Woo , Lim Sunghoon
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to model power demand and energy consumption of fused filament fabrication (FFF) for carbon fiber-reinforced polyether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) based on a material addition rate (MAR), which is affected by process parameter changes in an FFF machine. Moreover, a virtual additive manufacturing (AM) plant handling multiple FFF machines and part designs is simulated to compare the energy and production dynamics of operational strategies that treat part orders differently based on their inherent MAR.

Design/methodology/approach

A full-factorial design of experiments considering major FFF parameters (i.e., layer thickness and printing speed) is planned to fabricate CFR-PEEK samples for each process parameter combination. Then, the MAR of each process parameter combination is calculated to derive regression models for average power demand and total energy consumption. Furthermore, a discrete-event simulation model for a virtual AM system of aircraft parts is built to analyze changes in power demand and energy consumption along with order lead time and production volume under three operational strategies (i.e., higher MAR first-out, first-in-first-out, and lower MAR first-out).

Findings

The MAR of FFF for CFR-PEEK plays a key role in energy dynamics in which a decrease in energy consumption dominates over an increase in power demand as the MAR increases. Furthermore, preferentially processing parts with a higher MAR in the AM system is the most beneficial strategy in both energy consumption and productivity.

Originality/value

The findings from this study show that the energy performance of CFR-PEEK applications in FFF should be understood with the MAR of an AM system because the impact of AM complexity on energy performance can be operationally controlled by managing the MAR of part orders for the entire AM system.
The effect of changing mortgage payments on default and prepayment: Evidence from HAMP resets
Authors: Scharlemann Therese C. , Shore Stephen H.
Published: February 2022

After 5 years of subsidy, interest rates for mortgages modified under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) reset, increasing annually in increments of up to 1 percentage point until they reach a predetermined rate. We identify the causal effect of increasing interest rates on default, delinquency, and prepayment using an event study design and confirm the effects using a regression kink design. New delinquency and default spike at time of reset among those whose rates increase, with smaller persistent effects continuing. These delinquency and default effects are smaller for lower balance loans in the second reset, for which additional subsidies at the time of second reset are relatively more valuable. We find that a 1 percentage point increase in the mortgage rate led to a roughly 20% increase in the default hazard. This implies that the reset rate increase is cost‐effective for lenders given the default environment at the time of reset: increased revenue from higher rates exceeds estimated losses from additional defaults.
New genus and species of stilt bug (Hemiptera: Berytidae) from Western Australia
Authors: Tatarnic Nikolai J
Published: February 2022

A new genus and new species of stilt bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Berytidae) are described from Western Australia. Arideneides cocosdiaspora gen. et sp. nov., of the subfamily Berytinae, tribe Berytini, is based on two male and two female specimens. Habitus photographs, scanning electron micrographs and X‐ray microtomography (micro‐CT) are used to document the morphology of this species. DNA sequence data for COI and 16S gene regions are provided.
Delayed intrinsicoid deflection: Electrocardiographic harbinger of heart disease
Authors: Aiken Achilles V. , Goldhaber Joshua I. , Chugh Sumeet S.
Published: February 2022

Delayed intrinsicoid deflection (DID) is an emerging electrocardiogram (ECG) marker of major clinical significance that is increasingly getting attention. Intrinsicoid deflection measures ventricular depolarization in the initial portion of the QRS complex, and DID is defined as an R wave peak time of ≥50 ms in leads V5 and V6. Prior studies have identified an independent association between DID and cardiovascular conditions such as left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The exact mechanism that results in DID remains unknown. Animal models indicate that DID may result from abnormal calcium and potassium conductance as well as extracellular matrix remodeling. DID remains an ECG marker of interest given its potential predictive value of underlying cardiovascular pathology and adverse events. This review provides an update on the proposed mechanisms and associations, as well as the clinical and research implications of DID.
Selecting educational apps for preschool children: How useful are website app rating systems?
Authors: Taylor Gemma , Kolak Joanna , Bent Eve M. , Monaghan Padraic
Published: February 2022

In the present paper, we assess whether website rating systems are useful for selecting educational apps for preschool age children. We selected the 10 highest scoring and 10 lowest scoring apps for 2–4‐year‐olds from two widely used websites (Good App Guide; Common Sense Media). Apps rated highly by the two websites had a higher educational potential as assessed by a validated questionnaire for evaluating the educational potential of apps and were more likely to include a learning goal and feedback compared to low scoring apps. However, high scoring apps scored on average just 9/20 for indicators of educational potential, and both high and low scoring apps had poor language quality as determined by psycholinguistic and construction type analyses. We argue that website rating systems should also include quality of feedback, adjustable content, social interactions, storyline and a more fine‐grained analysis of language in their assessments.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Appropriately designed apps for preschool age children have the potential to teach early school readiness skills.

Selecting high quality educational apps for preschool age children is challenging.

The children's app marketplace is currently unregulated.

What this paper adds

We assess whether two leading app rating websites are useful for selecting educational apps for preschool age children.

Children's apps rated highly by two app website rating systems had a higher educational potential than low rated apps as measured by a research informed app evaluation tool.

In‐depth analysis of the language in apps shows that highly rated children's apps on app rating websites may not enrich a child's early language environment.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Children's app rating website assessments should include potential for feedback, language, adjustable content, storyline and social interactions.

Policy should be implemented for app ratings in the app stores or on website app rating systems.
Diverse MicroRNAs‐mRNA networks regulate the priming phase of mouse liver regeneration and of direct hyperplasia
Authors: Pal Rajesh , Kowalik Marta Anna , Serra Marina , Migliore Cristina , Giordano Silvia , Columbano Amedeo , Perra Andrea
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Adult hepatocytes are quiescent cells that can be induced to proliferate in response to a reduction in liver mass (liver regeneration) or by agents endowed with mitogenic potency (primary hyperplasia). The latter condition is characterized by a more rapid entry of hepatocytes into the cell cycle, but the mechanisms responsible for the accelerated entry into the S phase are unknown.

Materials and methods

Next generation sequencing and Illumina microarray were used to profile microRNA and mRNA expression in CD‐1 mice livers 1, 3 and 6 h after 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) or a single dose of TCPOBOP, a ligand of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Ingenuity pathway and DAVID analyses were performed to identify deregulated pathways. MultiMiR analysis was used to construct microRNA‐mRNA networks.

Results

Following PH or TCPOBOP we identified 810 and 527 genes, and 102 and 10 miRNAs, respectively, differentially expressed. Only 20 genes and 8 microRNAs were shared by the two conditions. Many miRNAs targeting negative regulators of cell cycle were downregulated early after PH, concomitantly with increased expression of their target genes. On the contrary, negative regulators were not modified after TCPOBOP, but Ccnd1 targeting miRNAs, such as miR‐106b‐5p, were downregulated.

Conclusions

While miRNAs targeting negative regulators of the cell cycle are downregulated after PH, TCPOBOP caused downregulation of miRNAs targeting genes required for cell cycle entry. The enhanced Ccnd1 expression may explain the more rapid entry into the S phase of mouse hepatocytes following TCPOBOP.
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and simulated efficacy of an influenza treatment, baloxavir marboxil, in Chinese individuals
Authors: Liu Yanmei , Retout Sylvie , Duval Vincent , Jia Jingying , Zou Yang , Wang Yijun , Cosson Valérie , Jolivet Sébastien , De Buck Stefan
Published: February 2022

Baloxavir marboxil is an endonuclease inhibitor indicated for the treatment of influenza in patients ≥12 years. No data exist for Chinese patients in global studies. This randomized, open‐label, phase I study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety of baloxavir marboxil in healthy Chinese volunteers and was used to anticipate efficacy in Chinese patients. Patients received a single oral dose of baloxavir marboxil (40 or 80 mg [1:1]). Serial blood samples were collected predose and at various timepoints up to 14 days postdose. Baloxavir marboxil and acid plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. PK parameters of baloxavir acid were estimated by noncompartmental analysis. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Time to alleviation of symptoms (TTAS) was simulated for otherwise healthy (OwH) and high‐risk (HR) Chinese and Asian patients. Thirty‐two male patients received baloxavir marboxil. Baloxavir acid plasma concentration peaked 4 h postdose. Mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 107.6 and 206.9 ng/ml, and mean area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0–inf) was 6955 and 9643 ng·h/ml in the 40 and 80 mg cohorts, respectively. AEs were mild and transient; no new safety signals were identified. Simulated median TTAS for OwH and HR Chinese patients agreed with simulated values in Asian patients. PK parameters were similar to Asian populations in other studies. The globally adopted baloxavir marboxil dosing strategy was consistent with the established safety profile of baloxavir marboxil in this population. Simulated efficacy indicated Chinese patients could benefit from similar efficacy to Asian patients.
Garlic burn trauma of the oral mucosa in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia: A case report
Authors: Tomo Saygo , Santos Ingrid da Silva , Cruz Thiago Moreira da , Miyahara Glauco Issamu , Simonato Luciana Estevam
Published: February 2022

Garlic is one of the most common medicinal plants used since ancient times to treat diverse diseases within several cultures worldwide. Nevertheless, this plant has the potential to cause chemical burns of the skin and mucosa. This report presents a case of a garlic burn in the palate of a 57‐year‐old woman who applied garlic to the palate to relieve the pain of trigeminal neuralgia. This case demonstrates the potential of garlic to cause chemical burns to the oral mucosa and raises an alert to oral health professionals regarding inappropriate self‐treatment methods.
The association between intimate partner violence and multiple partner fertility among Colombian women
Authors: Cardenas Iris , Cuesta Laura
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study assessed the relationship between multiple partner fertility (MPF) and intimate partner violence (IPV) and whether such relationship differed by children's age.

Background

IPV negatively impacts the well‐being of women and children. Some risk factors for IPV, such as financial insecurity and young age, have been identified. Much less is known about the extent to which MPF, an increasingly common experience for women in a wide range of countries, is associated with an increased risk of IPV.

Method

We used data of mothers with at least two children from the Colombian 2015 Demographic and Health Surveys (N = 16,621). We estimated a series of logistic regression models to examine the association between MPF and IPV; our models controlled for various measures of mothers' and households' characteristics.

Results

The prevalence of IPV was higher among mothers with MPF than mothers with single partner fertility (SPF). MPF was associated with an increased risk of IPV, but this relationship was only significant for younger mothers (aged 25–29 years). The association between MPF and IPV did not differ by the age of the youngest child.

Conclusion

Younger mothers with MPF are at a higher risk of experiencing IPV than younger mothers with SPF.

Implications

IPV programming would benefit from targeted interventions aimed at young mothers with MPF and their children. More research exploring the dynamics of family complexity and IPV is needed.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and direct oral anticoagulants: In vitro evaluation of drug–drug interaction mediated by P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Lafaie Ludovic , Hodin Sophie , Saïb Sonia , Bin Valérie , Bertoletti Laurent , Delavenne Xavier
Published: February 2022

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now an option in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients with active cancer. Pharmacokinetics of DOACs are largely influenced by efflux transporters derived from ABC transporters, notably by P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). The aim of this study was to assess the potential P‐gp‐mediated drug–drug interactions between 11 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with apixaban and rivaroxaban. Bidirectional permeabilities of apixaban and rivaroxaban were investigated across MDCK‐MDR1 models, to determine half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Several categories of interaction risks based on IC50 values can be distinguished depending on the TKI and DOAC used. IC50 values of less than 10 μM were observed with the combination of erlotinib, nilotinib with both DOACs, and with dabrafenib and apixaban. IC50 values between 10 and 100 μM were seen for axitinib, crizotinib, dasatinib, imatinib, and lapatinib with apixaban, and for axitinib, crizotinib, dabrafenib, idelalisib, imatinib, and vemurafenib with rivaroxaban. A risk of drug–drug interaction was found in vitro between TKIs and DOACs. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies are needed to ensure the safety of prescribing DOACs in cancer patients on TKI therapy, in order to avoid major, potentially preventable bleeding events.
ERK1/2‐RSK regulation of oestrogen homeostasis
Authors: Wright Eric B. , Lannigan Deborah A.
Published: February 2022

The molecular mechanisms regulating oestrogen homeostasis have been primarily studied in the mammary gland, which is the focus of this review. In the non‐pregnant adult, the mammary gland undergoes repeated cycles of proliferation and apoptosis in response to the fluctuating levels of oestrogen that occur during the reproductive stage. Oestrogen actions are mediated through the steroid hormone receptors, oestrogen receptor α and β and through a G‐protein coupled receptor. In the mammary gland, ERα is of particular importance and thus will be highlighted. Mechanisms regulating oestrogen‐induced responses through ERα are necessary to maintain homeostasis given that the signalling pathways that are activated in response to ERα‐mediated transcription can also induce transformation. ERK1/2 and its downstream effector, p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), control homeostasis in the mammary gland by limiting oestrogen‐mediated ERα responsiveness. ERK1/2 drives degradation coupled ERα‐mediated transcription, whereas RSK2 acts as a negative regulator of ERK1/2 activity to limit oestrogen responsiveness. Moreover, RSK2 acts as a positive regulator of translation. Thus, RSK2 provides both positive and negative signals to maintain oestrogen responsiveness. In addition to transmitting signals through tyrosine kinase receptors, ERK1/2‐RSK engages with hedgehog signalling to maintain oestrogen levels and with the HIPPO pathway to regulate ERα‐mediated transcription. Additionally, ERK1/2‐RSK controls the progenitor populations within the mammary gland to maintain the ERα‐positive population. RSK2 is involved in increased breast cancer risk in individuals taking oral contraceptives and in parity‐induced protection against breast cancer. RSK2 and ERα may also co‐operate in diseases in tissues outside of the mammary gland.
Amplatzer Amulet™ left atrial appendage occluder: A step‐by‐step guide to device implantation
Authors: Ellis Christopher R.
Published: February 2022

Recently receiving Food and Drug Administration approval, the Amplatzer Amulet™ left atrial appendage occluder device (Abbott Medical Inc.) provides a dual seal mechanism alternative to the commercially available Watchman FLX or Watchman 2.5 device for embolic stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. This step‐by‐step review will cover patient selection, preprocedure imaging assessment, device sizing, device preparation, implant target position assessment, implant technique and troubleshooting, and immediate postimplant follow‐up.
Severe inpatient hypertension prevalence and blood pressure response to antihypertensive treatment
Authors: Ghazi Lama , Li Fan , Chen Xinyuan , Simonov Michael , Yamamoto Yu , Biswas Aditya , Hanna Jonathan , Shah Tayyab , Townsend Raymond , Peixoto Aldo , Wilson F. Perry
Published: February 2022

Severe hypertension (HTN) that develops during hospitalization is more common than admission for HTN; however, it is poorly studied, and treatment guidelines are lacking. Our goal is to characterize hospitalized patients who develop severe HTN and assess blood pressure (BP) response to treatment. This is a multi‐hospital retrospective cohort study of adults admitted for reasons other than HTN who developed severe HTN. The authors defined severe inpatient HTN as the first documented BP elevation (systolic BP > 180 or diastolic BP > 110) at least 1 hour after admission. Treatment was defined as receiving antihypertensives (intravenous [IV] or oral) within 6h of BP elevation. As a measure of possible overtreatment, the authors studied the association between treatment and time to mean arterial pressure (MAP) drop ≥ 30% using the Cox proportional hazards model. Among 224 265 hospitalized adults, 10% developed severe HTN of which 40% were treated. Compared to patients who did not develop severe HTN, those who did were older, more commonly women and black, and had more comorbidities. Incident MAP drop ≥ 30% among treated and untreated patients with severe HTN was 2.2 versus 5.7/1000 person‐hours. After adjustment, treated versus. untreated patients had lower rates of MAP drop ≥ 30% (hazard rate [HR]: 0.9 [0.8, 0.99]). However, those receiving only IV treatment versus untreated had greater rates of MAP drop ≥ 30% (1.4 [1.2, 1.7]). Overall, the authors found that clinically significant MAP drop is observed among inpatients with severe HTN irrespective of treatment, with greater rates observed among patients treated only with IV antihypertensives. Further research is needed to phenotype inpatients with severe HTN.
Mental health and social difficulties of late‐diagnosed autistic children, across childhood and adolescence
Authors: Mandy Will , Midouhas Emily , Hosozawa Mariko , Cable Noriko , Sacker Amanda , Flouri Eirini
Published: February 2022

Background

Autism can be diagnosed from 2 years of age, although most autistic people receive their diagnosis later than this after they have started education. Research is required to understand why some autistic children are diagnosed late, and the level and nature of unmet need prior to diagnosis for late‐diagnosed children.

Methods

We examined trajectories of emotional, behavioural and social difficulties (EBSDs) across childhood and adolescence, comparing ‘earlier‐diagnosed’ (diagnosed 7 years or younger) with ‘late‐diagnosed’ (diagnosed between 8 and 14 years) autistic children. Data were from the Millennium Cohort Study, a population‐based UK birth cohort. EBSDs were measured using the parent‐report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, at 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14 years. We used Growth Curve Modelling to investigate levels and rates of change in these difficulties, and to compare earlier‐ (n = 146) and late‐diagnosed (n = 284) autistic children.

Results

Aged 5, earlier‐diagnosed autistic children had more emotional (i.e., internalising), conduct, hyperactivity and social difficulties; although clinical difficulties in these areas were nevertheless common in late‐diagnosed children. There was a faster annual increase in scores for all domains for late‐diagnosed children, and by age 14 years, they had higher levels of EBSDs. These results persisted when we ran adjusted models, to account for the late‐diagnosed group having higher rates of late‐diagnosed attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, higher IQ, a higher proportion of females and older and more educated mothers.

Conclusions

Emotional, behavioural and social difficulties are associated with, and may influence, the timing of autism diagnosis. Late‐diagnosed autistic children often have high levels of mental health and social difficulties prior to their autism diagnosis, and tend to develop even more severe problems as they enter adolescence.
Validation of five hepatic steatosis algorithms in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease: A population based study
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Liu Shiying , Huang Jiaofeng , Zhu Yueyong , Lin Su
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Non‐invasive hepatic steatosis algorithms are recommended in detecting metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in epidemiological studies. However, the diagnostic accuracy of these models is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of five common models in a national survey population.

Methods

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) datasets were used in this study. The fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), non‐alcoholic liver disease‐liver fat score (NAFLD‐LFS), the steato text (ST), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of MAFLD in the general population was 31.2%. The proportion of MAFLD estimated using the NAFLD‐LFS (30.8%) was the closest to the real number, whereas the ST model (66.1%) significantly overestimated the prevalence of MAFLD in this cohort. The FLI (36.9%) and HSI models (38.5%) also slightly overestimated the prevalence of MAFLD in the study population. The FLI had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) value (0.793) among all models, with a sensitivity of 57.0%, a specificity of 83.8%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 67.3%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.0%. The combination of the original algorithm with additional metabolic dysfunction criteria did not improve the diagnostic efficiency. The discriminative ability for MAFLD in all models was lower in participants with a normal body mass index (BMI).

Conclusions

Non‐invasive models, especially the FLI, have satisfactory diagnostic performance in detecting MAFLD. However, models in people with normal BMIs require further development.
Bilateral ovarian vein thrombosis without underlying conditions: A case report
Authors: Takazawa Ippei , Matsubara Daisuke , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Matsubara Shigeki
Published: February 2022

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) usually occurs on the right side in women with underlying conditions such as pelvic diseases and thrombophilia or during the postpartum period. Here, we present a patient with bilateral OVTs without underlying conditions. A 63‐year‐old woman without remarkable past or family histories complained of mild lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed bilateral OVTs, with the right‐sided thrombus nearly progressing into the inferior vena cava. The presence of symptoms and risk of thrombus extension/pulmonary embolism (PE) led us to administer an oral anticoagulant (rivaroxaban) promptly. Her symptom improved gradually and bilateral OVTs disappeared by 3 months without any evidence of PE. The present case suggests that OVT can occur in a woman without underlying conditions, and the use of an anticoagulant may be a treatment option in such a case.
Complete Digital Workflow for Prosthesis Prototype Fabrication with Double Digital Scanning: Accuracy of Fit Assessment
Authors: Papaspyridakos Panos , AlFulaij Fahad , Bokhary Abdullah , Sallustio Anthony , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of a complete digital workflow protocol for fabrication of printed prosthesis prototypes for maxillary immediate loading treatment.

Materials and methods

A maxillary stone cast with 4 abutment‐level implant analogs with adequate antero‐posterior spread was fabricated. This stone cast served as a reference cast and a zirconia prosthesis was also fabricated to serve as an interim prosthesis. Double digital scanning was used for digital scans of the reference cast and the interim prosthesis, respectively. An intraoral scanner (TRIOS® 3) was used to capture the standard tessellation language (STL) files. These STL files were then imported to computer‐aided design (CAD) software (Exocad DentalCAD) and superimposed into a final design STL file that was exported to 3 different (Form 3b+, Carbon M2, Sprintray Pro95) three‐dimensional (3D) printers to produce a total of 90 printed prototypes (n = 30 from each 3D printer). Two blinded clinicians assessed the accuracy of fit of each digitally fabricated prosthesis prototype on the reference cast, utilizing the screw‐resistance test and radiographs. The Fisher's exact test was used to test the difference between the groups.

Results

Out of the 90 digitally fabricated prototypes, 86 (95.6%) presented with accurate fit. The accuracy of fit ranged from 87% (26/30) for Sprintray Pro95 to 100% (30/30) for the Form 3b+ and M2 Carbon groups.

Conclusions

Digitally fabricated prosthesis prototypes can be generated with a complete digital workflow leading to clinically acceptable fit, while reducing the number of appointments and treatment time. The 3D printer had an effect on the accuracy of prosthesis prototype fit.
Controlled inhalation improves central and peripheral deposition in cystic fibrosis patients with moderate lung disease
Authors: Bourke Crystal , Devadason Sunalene , Ditcham William , Depiazzi Julie , Everard Mark L
Published: February 2022

Aim

With progressive impairment of lung function, deposition of inhaled drug in the lungs becomes progressively more central, limiting its effectiveness. This pilot study explored the possibility that long slow inhalations might improve delivery of aerosol to the lung periphery in cystic fibrosis patients with moderate lung disease.

Methods

Five subjects aged 12–18 years (mean FEV1 72%; range 63–80%) inhaled a radiolabelled aerosol from a jet nebuliser on two occasions. Two inhalation techniques were compared: breathing tidally from a standard continuous output nebuliser and using long slow inhalations from the AKITA® JET system.

Results

Long slow breaths resulted in much lower oropharyngeal deposition with higher lung doses. Importantly, the peripheral lung increased proportionately. The increased lung dose is attributable to more of the larger inhaled droplets passing into the lower airways. This would be expected to increase the central deposition unless significantly more of the smaller droplets were able to penetrate deeper into the lungs. The data support improved delivery of drug to the distal lung when compared with tidal breathing.

Conclusion

These pilot data suggest that this approach may prove to be clinically relevant in improving the efficacy of inhaled medication in those with moderate‐severe lung disease.
Assessment of Handicapping Labio‐Lingual Deviation index scoring methods and their effect on orthodontic treatment coverage by Medicaid
Authors: Makki Ayas , Elnagar Mohammed H. , Sanchez Flavio , Caplin Jennifer , Viana Grace , Hasan Zahraa , Obrez Ales , Kusnoto Budi
Published: February 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of Handicapping Labio‐Lingual Deviation index (HLDI) scoring methods as calculated by digital models (DM) and visual inspection (VI) and their agreement to either meet or fail to meet the Medicaid coverage threshold. An additional objective was to assess the agreement with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCO) coverage decisions.

Methods

The study included the orthodontic records of 401 patients who applied for Medicaid coverage. Two methods were used to calculate HLDI scores: (1) Measurements derived from DMs using OrthoCAD software; and (2) VI of intraoral photographs. The levels of agreement between the two methods and the Medicaid coverage decision by a MCO were evaluated.

Results

The study results show a high level of agreement between the two HLDI calculation methods, DM and VI evaluation methods(Cramer's V = 0.812). The agreement on coverage decisions (eligible/not eligible) between VI methods and the official MCO decision was Cramer's V = 0.318. The agreement on coverage decisions between the DM method and the official MCO decision was Cramer's V = 0.318.

Conclusions

MCO assessment results of the patients using HLDI showed low agreement with the results obtained by DM and VI scoring methods used in this study. The Illinois Medicaid system is apparently using unknown factors other than the HLDI score when determining when approving or disapproving orthodontic coverage.

Practical Implications

MCO decisions on eligibility for orthodontic treatment coverage were not consistent with patients' treatment needs.
Clinician perspectives of pregnant women's participation in antiemetic decision‐making: A qualitative study
Authors: Blake Gornall Annette , Hutchinson Alison M. , Redley Bernice
Published: February 2022

This study explored clinician perceptions of women's participation in decision‐making about antiemetic treatments during pregnancy, and the suitability of the five Choosing Wisely questions to increase women's involvement. The qualitative interpretive descriptive design used semi‐structured interviews to capture data. Participants were six obstetricians and six midwives experienced in providing care for pregnant women seeking support for nausea and vomiting at a single private, obstetrician‐led maternity health service in Australia. Thematic analysis revealed four themes that captured clinician perspectives about women's participation in decision‐making about antiemetic treatments: (i) information gathering; (ii) developing an understanding; (iii) using knowledge; and (iv) making decisions. Clinician attitudes and perspectives, as well as their self‐reported styles of communication and negotiation, influenced how they engaged with women during decision‐making. While unfamiliar with the five Choosing Wisely questions, almost all participants considered them potentially useful, but for other clinicians. Strategies to actively involve women in decision‐making about antiemetics were inconsistently used. The five Choosing Wisely questions may provide a useful tool for clinicians, but further research is needed to better understand women's perspectives and clinician‐related barriers to shared decision‐making.
Modified Medial Collateral Ligament Indentation Technique in Total Knee Arthroplasty with Severe Type II Valgus Deformity
Authors: Li Feng , Wang Cheng , Zhao Min‐wei , Geng Xiao , Li Jun‐yang , Zhou Ge , Sun Dong , Tian Hua
Published: February 2022

Objective

To explore the feasibility and clinical efficacy of a modified medial collateral ligament indentation technique in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with severe type II valgus deformity.

Methods

Consecutive patients with Krackow type II valgus deformity >20° who underwent a primary unilateral TKA between May 2008 and June 2017 were studied retrospectively. A medial collateral ligament indentation technique was performed in 20 patients (MCLI group), and 23 patients received the routine lateral structures release technique (LSR group). Radiological parameters, such as the valgus angle (VA), and functional outcomes including the use of constraint implants, Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Society Function score (KSF), and thickness of the polyethylene insert were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 43 consecutive patients had a minimum 2‐year follow‐up. The preoperative VA was comparable between the MCLI (23.5° ± 5.8°) and LSR groups (21.3° ± 3.2°, P = 0.134), as was the postoperative VA (1.1° ± 2.1° and 2.5° ± 3.0°, respectively, P = 0.084). The mean KSS and KSF scores in the MCLI group were 30.2 ± 4.8 and 38.8 ± 4.8, respectively, before surgery, and they increased to 91.3 ± 2.6 and 86.5 ± 2.4 at the last follow‐up. The scores in the LSR group were 31.5 ± 7.5 and 36.5 ± 7.8 before surgery and 92.4 ± 3.5 and 88.5 ± 3.6 at the last follow‐up. While no statistically significant differences in pre‐ or postoperative functional scores were found between the two groups, the MCLI group had thinner polyethylene inserts (9.5 ± 1.1 mm vs 12.9 ± 1.5 mm) and less use of constrained condylar inserts (15% vs 69.6%). During follow‐up, the MCLI group had fewer complications.

Conclusion

A modified MCLI technique can achieve good outcomes in TKA with type II valgus deformity of >20°. It can maintain a normal joint line level, reduce the use of constrained condylar knee prostheses, and is a reliable choice for severe genu valgum.
Willingness to Have Total Knee Arthroplasty in Rural Areas of Northern China
Authors: Li Zhichang , Long Huibin , Liu Qiang , Lin Jianhao
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate willingness and its potential predictors to have total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among residents in rural areas of northern China.

Methods

Data were collected from two population‐based studies on osteoarthritis (OA) in northern China. Residents aged ≥ 50 years in randomly selected rural communities were recruited using a cluster survey method. Participants completed a home interview (including social‐demographic characteristics, clinical information, 12‐Item Short Form Health Surveys [SF‐12], and Visual Analog Scale [VAS] of knee pain), a physical examination, and bilateral weight‐bearing posteroanterior semi‐flexed view of radiographs of knees. Willingness to have TKA was queried by asking: “If you need to undergo total knee arthroplasty as judged by orthopaedic surgeons, are you willing to accept this operation?” Two trained investigators read all radiographs independently and reached an acceptable intra‐reader agreement. We fitted univariate and multivariate regressions adjusting for potential confounders to examine predictors of willingness to have TKA stratified by sex.

Results

A total of 2172 participants were included. The overall rate of willingness to have TKA was 33.8%. Men were more likely to be willing to have TKA than women with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60–0.89, P = 0.002). A higher household income (OR: 2.34 for men and 1.77 for women, both P < 0.001), higher SF‐12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score (OR: 1.02 for both gender, P = 0.04 for men and P = 0.01 for women), and being aware of TKA (OR: 2.55 for men and 2.65 for women, both P < 0.001) were associated with a higher willingness to have TKA. Other predictors of higher willingness to have TKA were younger age (OR: 0.66 for 60–70 years, P = 0.01; and 0.48 for >70 years, P = 0.003, respectively) and lower level of physical activity (OR: 0.57 for moderate, p = 0.04; and 0.62 for heavy, p = 0.04, respectively) among men and a higher education (OR: 1.45 for Junior school, P = 0.04; and 1.66 for high school and above, P = 0.02, respectively) and being overweight among women (OR: 1.38, P = 0.008), respectively. No significant difference was observed between willingness to have TKA and frequent knee pain, VAS of knee pain and Kellgren and Lawrence grades in both men and women.

Conclusions

The willingness to have TKA among rural residents of northern China was relatively low. Younger age, women, educational level, household income, physical function, and awareness of TKA were positively associated with willingness to have TKA.
Physiological evaluation of newly invasive jorō spiders (Trichonephila clavata) in the southeastern USA compared to their naturalized cousin, Trichonephila clavipes
Authors: Davis Andrew K. , Frick Benjamin L.
Published: February 2022

A newly‐invasive spider from east Asia, Trichonephila clavata, or “jorō spider”, is spreading in the southeastern United States. Little is known about the biology or physiology of this species in this new range. Interestingly, a closely‐related species in the same genus, the “golden silk spider,” Trichonephila clavipes, is already successfully established in this same region over the last 160 years. The golden silk spider, which is native to the tropics, has not expanded its range beyond the southeast, likely because of thermal limitations. This investigation is to determine how the biology and physiology of T. clavata compare to T. clavipes. We reason that if their physiologies are similar, then T. clavata would be similarly confined to the southeast. We examine online records submitted to iNaturalist.org to compare seasonal distributions and timing, and we collect females to measure physiological traits that help predict environmental tolerance, including metabolic rates, cardiac functioning (heart rate) during cold‐exposure, and survival during brief (2 min) below‐freezing temperature. Results show the jorō spider has a shorter season than its cousin, indicating it can complete its lifecycle within a narrow period of suitable weather. It has an inherently higher metabolism (twice as high), and has a 77% higher heart rate when exposed to low temperature. Finally, jorō spiders survive better (74% compared to 50%) in a brief freeze. These findings suggest the jorō spider can exist in a colder climatic region than the southeastern USA, which can be useful information for management or planning purposes.
Effect of postharvest hydrogen sulphide on lignification and biochemical markers of pointed gourd
Authors: Lata D. , Homa F. , Nayyer M. A. , Kumar A. , Aftab M. A. , Siddiqui M. W.
Published: February 2022

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has emerged as a gasotransmitter molecule that modulates several physiological functions in plants, specially, different biotic and abiotic stresses. Pointed gourd (PG) fruits start losing their soft texture and appealing colour within 2–3 days of harvest, resulting in poor marketability and shelf life.

Here, the effect of exogenous H2S (1 and 2 mm) application on lignification and other biochemical markers linked to ripening, shelf‐life and edible quality of PG was assessed during cold (12 °C, 85–90% RH) and ambient (27 ± 2 °C, 55 ± 5% RH) storage.

The synergistic effect of H2S was recorded during simulated storage at ambient conditions. Postharvest H2S treatment (1 mm) effectively delayed yellowing and chlorophyll loss (four‐fold reduction) and maintained the phenolic content and higher antioxidant activity (36%).

The H2S‐treated PG fruits had significantly lower lignification and membrane permeability i.e. 15% and 13%, respectively, than control samples. H2S‐treated fruit also maintained higher PAL and lower PPO activity. Therefore, postharvest application of H2S (2 mm) could be effective in maintaining postharvest quality of PG fruits and extending the marketing period.