bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade procedures for managing bile duct stones in patients with surgically altered anatomy: Comparison with double‐balloon enteroscopy‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (with video)
Authors: Takasaki Yusuke , Ishii Shigeto , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Fujisawa Toshio , Ushio Mako , Takahashi Sho , Ito Koichi , Yamagata Wataru , Suzuki Akinori , Okahara Koki , Okawa Yoshihiro , Ochiai Kazushige , Tomishima Ko , Nomura Osamu , Haga Kenichi , Saito Hiroaki , Nagahara Akihito , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Background and Study Aim

Management of bile duct stones (BDSs) in patients with surgically altered anatomies (SAAs) remains challenging. An endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade (EUS‐AG) procedure and double‐balloon enteroscopy‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DB‐ERC) have been used to remove BDSs from patients with SAAs. However, few comparative data have been reported. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of the techniques.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study. Patients with SAA who underwent the EUS‐AG procedure or DB‐ERC to remove intra‐ or extra‐BDSs between November 2010 and March 2020 were included. The primary outcome was the technical success rate, defined as stent insertion or stone removal during the initial session. The secondary outcomes were the procedure time, incidence of adverse events (AEs), and complete stone removal rate.

Results

Of the 54 patients enrolled, 23 underwent the EUS‐AG procedure and 31 DB‐ERC. The technical success rates of EUS‐AG and DB‐ERC were 87.0% and 64.5%, respectively (P = 0.11). The procedure time was significantly shorter in the EUS‐AG group than in the DB‐ERC group (51.9 ± 15.4 vs 72.6 ± 32.2 min; P = 0.01), and the early AE rates were 26.1% and 12.9%, respectively (P = 0.71). The complete stone removal rates in patients who underwent previous stone removal were 94.1% in the EUS‐AG group and 85.7% in the DB‐ERC group (P = 0.61).

Conclusion

The EUS‐AG afforded technical success and complete stone removal rates comparable with those of DB‐ERC, but the former procedure was shorter. The AE rate was acceptable.
The scientific productions in Iranian biomedical ethics: A combined study of bibliometrics and social network analysis
Authors: Mardani Amirhossein , Parsapoor Alireza , Asghari Fariba , Shamsi Gooshki Ehsan
Published: January 2021

This study aims at increasing our understanding of the research activities of Iranian researchers and institutions in the field of biomedical ethics from 1995 to 2015. A combination of bibliometrics and social network analysis was used to examine the bibliographic data of 580 documents published on Iranian biomedical ethics in Web of Science and Scopus databases to investigate the publication trend, scientific impact, subject keywords network, and social network analysis indicators for international and cross‐institutional co‐authorship networks. The results showed that the publication of documents has had a consistent and increasing growth and that the citation trend has grown along with it. The analysis of thematic clusters by keyword co‐occurrence network shows that Iranian biomedical ethics research has dealt with various topics and that has introduced different research directions. Researchers from 28 countries were identified in the international collaboration network. The main partners of Iranian researchers were from the US (17.8%) and the UK (9.2%). However, there is a tendency to develop and complete cooperation with researchers from different countries. The cross‐institutional collaboration network comprises of 63 institutes, of which Tehran University of Medical Sciences (38%), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (11%) and Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (7%) have the largest share in publishing documents. The superiority of the first two universities based on centralization indicators in the cross‐institutional collaboration network has caused the exchange of cross‐network knowledge between and via these players. The network density indicator shows that almost half of the co‐authorship links within the international collaboration network and 8% of the co‐authorship links within the cross‐institutional collaboration network have been implemented and that these networks are not very coherent.
Multi‐scalar and multi‐dimensional conceptions of social capital and mental health impacts after disaster: the case of Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Smiley Kevin T. , Clay Lauren A. , Ross Ashley D. , Chen Yu‐An
Published: January 2021

While much research investigates how social capital relates to mental health after disasters, less work employs a multi‐scalar, multi‐dimensional social capital framework. This study applies such a construct to an analysis of novel survey data of approximately 1,000 rural and urban Texans after Hurricane Harvey struck the United States in August 2017. On the individual level, it finds that greater social support is linked to fewer mental health impacts, but that greater civic and organisational engagement is connected to greater mental health impacts. At the community level, it finds that neither a density of bridging social capital organisations nor of bonding social capital organisations is associated with poorer mental health, although a greater number of bonding organisations is related to negative mental health impacts on rural residents. The paper concludes by focusing on how individual and community social capital relationships with mental health are contingent on measurement, scale, and rural or urban location.
Factors associated with autism spectrum disorder in children with tuberous sclerosis complex: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca A , Barton Sarah M , Harvey A Simon , Ure Alexandra M , Williams Katrina
Published: January 2021

Aim

To investigate associations between clinical factors and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), specifically seizures, electroencephalogram abnormalities, tubers and other neurostructural abnormalities, and genetic factors.

Method

MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched until January 2019. Studies that considered the predefined factors for development of ASD in children with TSC were included, following PRISMA‐P guidelines. Two authors independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias.

Results

Forty‐two studies with 3542 children with TSC were included. ASD was associated with a history of seizures (odds ratio [OR] 3.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77–8.14), infantile spasms compared with other seizure types (OR 3.04, 95% CI 2.17–4.27), onset of any seizure type during infancy (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.08–6.54), and male sex (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.23–2.14). There was no association with tuber number, tuber location, or genotype.

Interpretation

While a causal link between seizures and ASD in children with TSC cannot be inferred, a strong association between seizures and ASD in children with TSC, particularly with seizure onset during infancy and specifically infantile spasms, is present. Children with TSC and infant‐onset seizures should be monitored for emerging features of ASD.

What this paper adds

Seizures and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) strongly associate in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Infant‐onset seizures and infantile spasms are particularly strongly associated with ASD in TSC.
Congenital anomalies in children with postneonatally acquired cerebral palsy: an international data linkage study
Authors: Goldsmith Shona , McIntyre Sarah , Scott Heather , Himmelmann Kate , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Andersen Guro L , Blair Eve , Badawi Nadia , Garne Ester ,   The Comprehensive CA‐CP Study Group
Published: January 2021

Aim

To describe the major congenital anomalies present in children with postneonatally acquired cerebral palsy (CP), and to compare clinical outcomes and cause of postneonatally acquired CP between children with and without anomalies.

Method

Data were linked between total population CP and congenital anomaly registers in five European and three Australian regions for children born 1991 to 2009 (n=468 children with postneonatally acquired CP; 255 males, 213 females). Data were pooled and children classified into mutually exclusive categories based on type of congenital anomaly. The proportion of children with congenital anomalies was calculated. Clinical outcomes and cause of postneonatally acquired CP were compared between children with and without anomalies.

Results

Major congenital anomalies were reported in 25.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21.7–29.9) of children with postneonatally acquired CP. Cardiac anomalies, often severe, were common and present in 14.5% of children with postneonatally acquired CP. Clinical outcomes were not more severe in children with congenital anomalies than those without anomalies. Cause of postneonatally acquired CP differed with the presence of congenital anomalies, with cerebrovascular accidents predominating in the anomaly group. Congenital anomalies were likely associated with cause of postneonatally acquired CP in 77% of children with anomalies.

Interpretation

In this large, international study of children with postneonatally acquired CP, congenital anomalies (particularly cardiac anomalies) were common. Future research should determine specific causal pathways to postneonatally acquired CP that include congenital anomalies to identify opportunities for prevention.

What this paper adds

One‐quarter of children with postneonatally acquired cerebral palsy (CP) have a major congenital anomaly.

Cardiac anomalies, often severe, are the most common anomalies.

Causes of postneonatally acquired CP differ between children with and without congenital anomalies.
Non‐invasive assessment of temporal changes in myocardial microvascular function in persons with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls
Authors: Rasmussen Ida K. B. , Hasbak Philip , von Scholten Bernt J. , Laursen Jens C. , Zobel Emilie H. , Jorge Diaz Lars , Holmvang Lene , Ripa Rasmus S. , Rossing Peter , Kjaer Andreas , Hansen Tine W.
Published: January 2021

Background

Cardiac Rubidium‐82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) provides a measure of the myocardial blood flow and the myocardial flow reserve, which reflects the function of both large epicardial arteries and the myocardial microcirculation. Knowledge on changes in the myocardial microvascular function over time is lacking.

Methods

In this cohort study, we recruited 60 persons with type 2 diabetes and 30 non‐diabetic controls, in 2013; all free of overt cardiovascular disease. All underwent a cardiac 82Rb PET/CT scan. In 2019, all survivors (n = 82) were invited for a repeated cardiac 82Rb PET/CT scan using the same protocol, and 29 with type 2 diabetes and 19 controls participated.

Results

Median duration between visits was 6.2 years (IQR: 6.1–6.3). In the total cohort, the mean age was 66.4 years (SD: 9.3) and 33% were females.

The myocardial flow reserve was lower in persons with type 2 diabetes compared to controls (p = 0.002) but there was no temporal change in the myocardial flow reserve in participants with type 2 diabetes: mean change: −0.22 (95% CI: −0.47 to 0.02) nor in controls: −0.12 (−0.49 to 0.25) or when comparing type 2 diabetes to controls: mean difference: −0.10 (95% CI: −0.52 to 0.31). The temporal reduction in stress‐induced myocardial blood flow did not differ within the groups but was more pronounced in type 2 diabetes compared to controls: mean difference: −0.30 (95% CI: −0.55 to −0.04).

Conclusion

The myocardial microvascular function was impaired in persons with type 2 diabetes compared to controls but did not change significantly in either of the groups when evaluated over 6 years.
Gender Gaps in the Labour Market and Economic Growth
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard , Ozdemir Kamer K. , Pinto Moreira Emmanuel
Published: January 2021

This paper studies the effects of policies aimed at mitigating discrimination against women in the marketplace on gender gaps in the labour market, unemployment and long‐run growth. The analysis uses a gender‐based overlapping generations model with labour market rigidities. Gender bias in the workplace varies inversely with the presence of skilled women (who operate as agents of change) in employment and has a direct impact on their bargaining power in the family. The model is calibrated for Morocco. Experiments show that although the growth effects of policies aimed at mitigating gender bias in the workplace are significant and are magnified through a stronger presence of skilled women in the labour market, a trade‐off may emerge with respect to female unemployment when they are combined with subsidies to women’s training. To mitigate this trade‐off, anti‐discrimination policies in the marketplace may need to be complemented by across‐the‐board measures aimed at reducing labour costs and raising productivity.
The Iliofemoral tortuosity score predicts access and bleeding complications during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Data from the VIenna Cardio Thoracic aOrtic valve registrY (VICTORY)
Authors: Mach Markus , Poschner Thomas , Hasan Waseem , Szalkiewicz Philipp , Andreas Martin , Winkler Bernhard , Geisler Stephanie , Geisler Daniela , Rudziński Piotr N. , Watzal Victoria , Strouhal Andreas , Adlbrecht Christopher , Delle‐Karth Georg , Grabenwöger Martin
Published: January 2021

Background

Arterial tortuosity is linked to a higher risk of adverse clinical events after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF‐TAVR). Currently, there are no assessment tools that can quantify this variable in three‐dimensional space. This study investigated the impact of novel scoring methods of iliofemoral tortuosity on access and bleeding complications after TF‐TAVR.

Methods

The main access vessel was assessed between the aortoiliacal and femoral bifurcation in preoperative multislice computed tomography scans of 240 consecutive patients undergoing TF‐TAVR. Tortuosity was assessed by three methods: largest single angle, sum of all angles, and iliofemoral tortuosity (IFT) score [((true vessel length/ideal vessel length)‐1)*100]. The primary study endpoint was a composite of access and bleeding complications. The secondary study endpoints were 30‐day mortality and long‐term survival.

Results

Among 240 patients, only the IFT score demonstrated a good positive correlation with the composite primary endpoint of access and bleeding complications (P = 0.031). A higher incidence of access and bleeding complications was found in patients with a higher IFT score (56 [36.8%] vs 17 [19.3%]; P = 0.003). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the IFT score was a significant predictor of the primary endpoint (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.09‐4.05; P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Vascular tortuosity is an underestimated risk factor during TF‐TAVR. The IFT score is a valuable tool in risk stratification before TF‐TAVR, predicting periprocedural access and bleeding complications.
How does the financial market evaluate business models? Evidence from European banks
Authors: Venturelli Valeria , Landi Andrea , Ferretti Riccardo , Cosma Stefano , Gualandri Elisabetta
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates the way in which the financial market defines and evaluates different business models, using a sample of listed European banking groups from 2006 to 2015. The main findings suggest that the financial market seems to associate a better risk‐return trade‐off to non‐banking fees than to banking ones and that the performance of different business models varies depending on context conditions. In particular, in the current economic context, characterised by the combination of slow economic growth with historically low levels of interest rates, the market‐oriented business model tends to over‐perform. These findings have strategic implications for bank managers, regulators, and supervisors, due to the impact of the crises on banking business, profitability and risk and the new challenges they entail.
Role of ants as dispersers of native and exotic seeds in an understudied dryland
Authors: Ortiz Daniela P. , Elizalde Luciana , Pirk Gabriela I.
Published: January 2021

1. Seed dispersal by ants, i.e. myrmecochory, is important in drylands because ants may contribute to overcoming the typical resource limitation imposed on plants in these environments. Dispersal distance and directed dispersal of seeds to nutrient‐enriched ant nests benefit plants by reducing parent or sibling competition and improving growth, survival, and reproduction.

2. This study investigated the role of ants as seed dispersers in the semi‐arid Patagonian steppe. In particular, this study surveyed native and exotic plants potentially dispersed by ants (i.e. those with nutritive tissues attached to seeds that could attract ants), identified seed disperser ants, and compared their effectiveness as dispersers (i.e. number of removed seeds, transport distance, and seed fate).

3. It was found that 9% of plant species could be potentially dispersed by ants, and field experiments were carried out with five of them (three natives and two exotics). Six ant species dispersed seeds, with Dorymyrmex tener being the most effective seed disperser, interacting preferably with an exotic seed. Finally, the types of nutritive tissues of the seeds are important in determining the attractiveness towards different ant foraging groups.

4. This study's results highlight that ant foraging group and seed's nutritive tissues are relevant traits that could help in understanding ant–seed interactions. Furthermore, in the Patagonian steppe, there are effective seed disperser ants that could play an important role in the distribution of native plants, as well as the spread of invasive species, being especially relevant in nutrient‐poor drylands due to the benefits provided by myrmecochory.
Fearful face scrambles increase early visual sensory processing in the absence of face information
Authors: Schindler Sebastian , Wolf Maren‐Isabel , Bruchmann Maximilian , Straube Thomas
Published: January 2021

Emotional facial expressions elicit distinct increased early electrophysiological responses. Many studies report even emotional modulations of very early sensory processing at about 80 and 100 ms after stimulus presentation, indexed by the P1. These early effects are often interpreted to index differential responses to biologically relevant expressions. Since specific spatial frequencies differ between fearful and neutral expressions, it has recently been suggested that these early modulations are substantially driven by such low‐level visual differences. However, it remains unclear whether similar P1 effects are also observed in experiments in which no recognizable face information is presented at all. This study investigated this question and explored also whether any effects depend on colour information and attentional conditions. Participants (N = 20) performed a continuous perceptual task of low or high difficultly and were presented with task‐irrelevant black/white and colour images of fearful and neutral faces, rendered unrecognizable by doing Fourier phase transformation. ERP findings revealed increased P1 amplitudes for fearful scrambles regardless of experimental conditions. Taken together, our findings show early emotional effects in the absence of any facial expression. Specific low‐level frequency information seems to increase P1 amplitudes which thus might have implications for the interpretation of very early sensory emotional expression effects.
Inter‐Firm Knowledge Transfer between Strategic Alliance Partners: A Way Forward
Authors: He Qile , Ghobadian Abby , Gallear David
Published: January 2021

Strategic alliance (SA) is pursued by a diverse array of firms motivated by a range of factors. Among the SA themes, knowledge transfer (KT) has gained significant popularity over the past fifteen years. The developing literature is ontologically, epistemologically, and methodologically diverse. In spite of helpful reviews, the intellectual structure (up‐stream decisions) of SA–KT research remains unclear, arguably resulting in the accidental rather than deliberate diversity potentially slowing the advancement of knowledge, its efficacy, its interpretation, and utility. By systematically analysing the intellectual structure of the empirical SA–KT studies published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1990 and 2017 we address these shortcomings. The aim is to identify the preponderance of particular methods, and/or analytical procedures, developing the essence of the established research conventions. By reviewing the up‐stream rather than the more conventional down‐stream decisions, we offer an alternative approach to conducting systematic management literature reviews helpful to future researchers.
Cerebral venous thrombosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Baldini Tommaso , Asioli Gian Maria , Romoli Michele , Carvalho Dias Mariana , Schulte Eva C. , Hauer Larissa , Aguiar De Sousa Diana , Sellner Johann , Zini Andrea
Published: January 2021

Background and purpose

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection predisposes patients to arterial and venous thrombosis. This study aimed to systematically review the available evidence in the literature for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in association with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases to identify cases of COVID‐19–associated CVT. The search period spanned 1 January 2020 to 1 December 2020, and the review protocol (PROSPERO‐CRD42020214327) followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Identified studies were evaluated for bias using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. A proportion meta‐analysis was performed to estimate the frequency of CVT among hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.

Results

We identified 57 cases from 28 reports. Study quality was mostly classified as low. CVT symptoms developed after respiratory disease in 90%, and the mean interval was 13 days. CVT involved multiple sites in 67% of individuals, the deep venous system was affected in 37%, and parenchymal hemorrhage was found in 42%. Predisposing factors for CVT beyond SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were present in 31%. In‐hospital mortality was 40%. Using data from 34,331 patients, the estimated frequency of CVT among patients hospitalized for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was 0.08% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–0.5). In an inpatient setting, CVT accounted for 4.2% of cerebrovascular disorders in individuals with COVID‐19 (cohort of 406 patients, 95% CI: 1.47–11.39).

Conclusions

Cerebral venous thrombosis in the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is a rare, although there seems to be an increased relative risk. High suspicion is necessary, because the diagnosis of this potentially life‐threatening condition in COVID‐19 patients can be challenging. Evidence is still scarce on the pathophysiology and potential prevention of COVID‐19–associated CVT.
Bioequivalence and switchability of generic antiseizure medications (ASMs): A re‐appraisal based on analysis of generic ASM products approved in Europe
Authors: Odi Reem , Franco Valentina , Perucca Emilio , Bialer Meir
Published: January 2021

The safety of switching between generic products of antiseizure medications (ASMs) continues to be a hot topic in epilepsy management. The main reason for concern relates to the uncertainty on whether, and when, two generics found to be bioequivalent to the same brand (reference) product are bioequivalent to each other, and the risk of a switch between generics resulting in clinically significant changes in plasma ASM concentrations. This article addresses these concerns by discussing the distinction between bioequivalence and statistical testing for significant difference, the importance of intra‐subject variability in interpreting bioequivalence studies, the stricter regulatory bioequivalence requirements applicable to narrow‐therapeutic‐index (NTI) drugs, and the extent by which currently available generic products of ASMs comply with such criteria. Data for 117 oral generic products of second‐generation ASMs approved in Europe by the centralized, mutual recognition or decentralized procedure were analyzed based on a review of publicly accessible regulatory assessment reports. The analysis showed that for 99% of generic products assessed (after exclusion of gabapentin products), the 90% confidence intervals (90% CIs) of geometric mean ratios (test/reference) for AUC (area under the drug concentration vs time curve) were narrow and wholly contained within the acceptance interval (90%–111%) applied to NTI drugs. Intra‐subject variability for AUC was <10% for 53 (88%) of the 60 products for which this measure was reported. Many gabapentin generics showed broader, 90% CIs for bioequivalence estimates, and greater intra‐subject variability, compared with generics of other ASMs. When interpreted within the context of other available data, these results suggest that any risk of non‐bioequivalence between these individual generic products is small, and that switches across these products are not likely to result in clinically relevant changes in plasma drug exposure. The potential for variability in exposure when switching across generics is likely to be greatest for gabapentin.
Mortality and morbidity in equine anaesthesia
Authors: Deutsch J. , Taylor P. M.
Published: January 2021

Equine peri‐anaesthetic mortality and morbidity are of interest to anaesthetists, practitioners, horse owners and insurance companies. The largest prospective study, ‘The Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities’ (CEPEF) was conducted more than 20 years ago. It included over 40,000 horses from multiple centres and reported mortality to be 1.9% that decreased to 0.9% when only elective cases were considered. This is in stark contrast to mortality rates in small animal (dogs: 0.17%, cats: 0.24%) and human anaesthesia (0.04–7/10,000). In spite of developments in understanding the pathophysiology of equine anaesthesia mortality has not decreased in the intervening years. The main contributors to peri‐anaesthetic equine mortality are cardiac arrest, fractures and myopathy or neuropathy. Spinal cord myelopathy and cerebral necrosis are less common. Malignant hyperthermia and hyperkalaemic periodic paralysis are diseases associated with genetic mutations that can be triggered during general anaesthesia and may be fatal if not recognised and treated immediately. Morbidities are reported less frequently, presumably because often they do not cause permanent harm and may resolve within a short period of time. Complications in equine anaesthesia are numerous and include injuries at induction and recovery, damage to the airway associated with orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation, post‐anaesthetic myopathy or neuropathy, regurgitation and aspiration of stomach contents, ocular injuries and complications associated with intravascular cannulation. Hypotension, hypoventilation, hypoxaemia, hypothermia and dysrhythmias may occur both during the maintenance phase of anaesthesia but also in recovery. Airway obstruction during recovery has repeatedly been reported over the years as causing pulmonary oedema, which is often fatal if the airway is not restored extremely quickly. This review summarises the literature on the risk of mortality and morbidity. Information has been gathered from single case reports as well as larger research studies.
Anti‐acne vulgaris effects of chlorogenic acid by anti‐inflammatory activity and lipogenesis inhibition
Authors: Luo Jiao , He Weiyi , Li Xuan , Ji Xunmin , Liu Jiabang
Published: January 2021

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) exhibits substantial biological function in antioxidant, antibacterial, anti‐lipogenesis and anti‐inflammatory activities. Increased sebum production and inflammation are considered important for the development of acne. However, the therapeutic effects of CGA on acne vulgaris remain unexplored. In this study, to assess the effects and underlying mechanisms of CGA on acne, a model of skin inflammation in ears of ICR mouse induced by living Propionibacterium acnes was used. 24 hours after 1.0 × 107 CFU, P. acnes were intradermally injected into the ears of the ICR mouse. 1, 5 and 10 mg of CGA mixed with vaseline were applied to the surface of the skin every 12 hours for 3 days. Then, skin inflammation in the ears was assessed and the change of SREBP1 and TNF‐α expression was analysed after CGA treatment. The mechanisms of CGA in anti‐inflammatory activity and lipogenesis were also studied in primary sebocytes and HaCaT cells. We found that CGA treatment effectively rescued ear swelling, redness and erythema skin in ears of ICR mouse induced by P. acnes and significantly downregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines by reducing the activity of the NF‐κB signalling pathway. Furthermore, CGA could inhibit lipogenesis at the protein secretion and transcription level by decreasing the AKT/mTOR/SREBP signalling pathway. Our findings suggest that CGA could become a potential alternative drug for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Medical managers’ financial accountability: The effects of feedback on work outcome and managerial performance
Authors: Macinati Manuela S. , Rizzo Marco Giovanni , Hoque Zahirul
Published: January 2021

This paper contributes to the limited empirical enquiries into the role of accounting in affecting medical professionals’ financial accountability perceptions and related outcomes and performance. It examines the associations among formal and informal feedback processes, managers’ financial accountability, work attitudes, and performance. Results of our survey to a sample of 115 senior medical managers in an Italian hospital reveal that the association between performance feedback sources and managerial performance depends on managers’ felt accountability and commitment. Further, we find that commitment bridges the link between accountability and managerial performance. Our findings provide two useful insights for healthcare management. First, healthcare managers should improve the technical features of the formal performance feedback practices to update medical managers on their goals in a timely and useful manner. Second, healthcare managers should encourage unplanned, spontaneous, and voluntary social interactions to enhance the positive effects of informal feedback. To sum up, our research adds to the limited knowledge of the accountability and performance literature using data from the actual setting and subjects of concern.
Exploring the beneficial role of ROCK inhibitors in sepsis‐induced cerebral and cognitive injury in rats
Authors: Jianjun Zhu , Baochun Zhou , Limei Ma , Lijun Liu
Published: January 2021

Sepsis‐induced cerebral injury is a systemic inflammatory response associated with high mortality rate and cognitive impairment. Rho/ROCK pathway activation is involved in initiating the inflammatory response and promoting cerebral dysfunction. The present study explored the beneficial effects of ROCK inhibitors in sepsis‐induced cerebral injury and cognitive impairment in rats. The model of sepsis was established by employing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). CLP significantly augmented cerebral injury assessed in terms of intensified activity of caspases‐3 and decrease in BCL‐2 in the brain along with the release of S100β and NSE, and assessed on day 7. Significant increase in inflammatory biomarkers IL‐1β and TNF‐α as well as increase in the protein levels of ROCK1 and ROCK2 was observed in the brain. A significant decrease in learning and memory ability was observed because of increased escape latency time on day 4 and significant decrease in time spent in the target quadrant on day 7 in CLP‐subjected rats. Administration of nonselective ROCK inhibitor, fasudil (10 and 30 mg/kg), and selective ROCK1 inhibitor, Y27632 (10 and 30 mg/kg), attenuated the sepsis‐induced increase in the S100β and NSE, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, BCL‐2, caspase‐3, ROCK1 and ROCK2 in septic rats and significantly memory and learning.The beneficial effects of Y27632 and fasudil were comparable suggesting the key role of ROCK1 in sepsis‐induced deleterious effects. It may be concluded that sepsis may increase cerebral and cognitive injury through Rho‐kinase/ROCK pathway in septic rats, and ROCK inhibitors may be potentially employed to overcome sepsis‐induced deleterious effects in the brain.
Acoustic emission entropy: An innovative approach for structural health monitoring of fracture‐critical metallic components subjected to fatigue loading
Authors: D'Angela Danilo , Ercolino Marianna
Published: January 2021

The paper presents an innovative approach for structural health monitoring of metallic components under fatigue crack phenomena. The methodology is based on the evaluation of the information entropy of the acoustic emission (AE) data. AE testing of fatigue crack growth (FCG) is performed on metallic components is performed within an extremely noisy testing environment. Basic AE data analysis is demonstrated to be inefficient with regard to the specific testing conditions. AE entropy is proven to be a reliable damage‐sensitive feature for real‐time assessment despite both significant noise disturbance and complexity/randomness of the acoustic phenomena. This was also confirmed for (time‐)discontinuous monitoring processes over random‐based data detections. An innovative monitoring protocol is finally developed according to the experimental evidence also considering the recommendations of the current monitoring. The protocol is found to be promising for structural health monitoring of metallic fracture‐critical components of structures under fatigue.
Ocean acidification locks algal communities in a species‐poor early successional stage
Authors: Harvey Ben P. , Kon Koetsu , Agostini Sylvain , Wada Shigeki , Hall‐Spencer Jason M.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Long‐term exposure to CO2‐enriched waters can considerably alter marine biological community development, often resulting in simplified systems dominated by turf algae that possess reduced biodiversity and low ecological complexity. Current understanding of the underlying processes by which ocean acidification alters biological community development and stability remains limited, making the management of such shifts problematic. Here, we deployed recruitment tiles in reference (pHT 8.137 ± 0.056 SD) and CO2‐enriched conditions (pHT 7.788 ± 0.105 SD) at a volcanic CO2 seep in Japan to assess the underlying processes and patterns of algal community development. We assessed (i) algal community succession in two different seasons (Cooler months: January–July, and warmer months: July–January), (ii) the effects of initial community composition on subsequent community succession (by reciprocally transplanting preestablished communities for a further 6 months), and (iii) the community production of resulting communities, to assess how their functioning was altered (following 12 months recruitment). Settlement tiles became dominated by turf algae under CO2‐enrichment and had lower biomass, diversity and complexity, a pattern consistent across seasons. This locked the community in a species‐poor early successional stage. In terms of community functioning, the elevated pCO2 community had greater net community production, but this did not result in increased algal community cover, biomass, biodiversity or structural complexity. Taken together, this shows that both new and established communities become simplified by rising CO2 levels. Our transplant of preestablished communities from enriched CO2 to reference conditions demonstrated their high resilience, since they became indistinguishable from communities maintained entirely in reference conditions. This shows that meaningful reductions in pCO2 can enable the recovery of algal communities. By understanding the ecological processes responsible for driving shifts in community composition, we can better assess how communities are likely to be altered by ocean acidification.
Microclimates hold the key to spatial forest planning under climate change: Cyanolichens in temperate rainforest
Authors: Ellis Christopher J. , Eaton Sally
Published: January 2021

There is deepening interest in how microclimatic refugia can reduce species threat, if suitable climatic conditions are maintained locally, despite global climate change. Microclimates are a particularly important consideration in topographically heterogeneous landscapes, while in some habitats, such as forests and woodlands, microclimates are also extremely labile and affected by management practices that could consequently be used to offset climate change impact. This study explored a conservation priority guild—cyanolichen epiphytes in temperate rainforest—quantifying the niche response to macroclimate, and landscape or woodland stand structures that determine the microclimate. Based on epiphyte survey in a core region of European temperate rainforest (western Scotland), a ‘random forest’ machine‐learning model confirmed a strong cyanolichen response to summer dryness, as well as the effects of distance to running water, topographic heatload and tree species identity, which modify the local moisture regime and/or lichen growth rates. By quantifying this response to macroclimate, landscape and stand structures, it was possible to estimate an extent to which woodland may be expanded in the future, to offset a negative effect of increasing summer dryness projected through to the 2080s. Using current policy as a yardstick, sufficient woodland expansion could be delivered relatively quickly for median impacted sites, but with times to woodland delivery extending over 10, 20 and 25 years for sites at the 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles of cyanolichen decline. Furthermore, the extent of new woodland required, and delivery times, increase almost threefold on average, as new woodland becomes distributed over wider riparian zones. These contrasting implications emphasize an urgent need for afforestation that achieves targeted spatial planning responsive to microclimates as refugia.
Spartina alterniflora invasion controls organic carbon stocks in coastal marsh and mangrove soils across tropics and subtropics
Authors: Xia Shaopan , Wang Weiqi , Song Zhaoliang , Kuzyakov Yakov , Guo Laodong , Van Zwieten Lukas , Li Qiang , Hartley Iain P. , Yang Yuanhe , Wang Yidong , Andrew Quine Timothy , Liu Congqiang , Wang Hailong
Published: January 2021

Coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and store large amounts of organic carbon (C)—the so termed “blue carbon.” However, wetlands in the tropics and subtropics have been invaded by smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) affecting storage of blue C. To understand how S. alterniflora affects soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, sources, stability, and their spatial distribution, we sampled soils along a 2500 km coastal transect encompassing tropical to subtropical climate zones. This included 216 samplings within three coastal wetland types: a marsh (Phragmites australis) and two mangroves (Kandelia candel and Avicennia marina). Using δ13C, C:nitrogen (N) ratios, and lignin biomarker composition, we traced changes in the sources, stability, and storage of SOC in response to S. alterniflora invasion. The contribution of S. alterniflora‐derived C up to 40 cm accounts for 5.6%, 23%, and 12% in the P. australis, K. candel, and A. marina communities, respectively, with a corresponding change in SOC storage of +3.5, −14, and −3.9 t C ha−1. SOC storage did not follow the trend in aboveground biomass from the native to invasive species, or with vegetation types and invasion duration (7–15 years). SOC storage decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation (1000–1900 mm) and temperature (15.3–23.4℃). Edaphic variables in P. australis marshes remained stable after S. alterniflora invasion, and hence, their effects on SOC content were absent. In mangrove wetlands, however, electrical conductivity, total N and phosphorus, pH, and active silicon were the main factors controlling SOC stocks. Mangrove wetlands were most strongly impacted by S. alterniflora invasion and efforts are needed to focus on restoring native vegetation. By understanding the mechanisms and consequences of invasion by S. alterniflora, changes in blue C sequestration can be predicted to optimize storage can be developed.
Spatial Models or Random Forest? Evaluating the Use of Spatially Explicit Machine Learning Methods to Predict Employment Density around New Transit Stations in Los Angeles
Authors: Credit Kevin
Published: January 2021

The increasing use of “new” machine learning techniques, such as random forest, provides an impetus to researchers to better understand the role of space in these models. Thus, this article develops an approach for constructing spatially explicit random forest models by including spatially lagged variables to mirror various spatial econometric specifications in order to test their comparative performance against traditional spatial and nonspatial regression models for predicting block‐level employment density around new transit stations in Los Angeles. This article employs a “post hoc” testing approach to isolate the impact of a particular variable (transit proximity)—and supplemental diagnostics (such as partial dependence plots and permutation importances)—to help inform explanatory relationships. The results indicate that random forest models slightly outperform spatial econometric models, and the inclusion of spatial lag parameters modestly improves random forest model accuracy—the best‐fit spatial random forest model demonstrates 84.61% accuracy in predicting post‐construction employment density around newly built transit stations, compared to 81.88% for the best‐fit spatial econometric model and 84.37% for the nonspatial random forest model. However, given these somewhat small differences, it is not possible to conclude that the random forest approach is clearly superior to traditional spatial econometric models from these results alone.
Biogeography and phenology of the jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) in southern European seas
Authors: Leoni Valentina , Bonnet Delphine , Ramírez‐Romero Eduardo , Molinero Juan Carlos
Published: January 2021

Aim

Global anthropogenic changes have altered biogeography and phenology of marine populations, thereby promoting a spatial reconfiguration in the functioning of marine ecosystems. Among these changes, massive proliferations of jellyfish in temperate latitudes warn of potential alterations in biogeochemical fluxes, ecosystems’ structure and assets, and the services they provide to human welfare. Understanding driving factors shaping large‐scale patterns of jellyfish proliferations is a pressing need in global ecology and sustainability science. Using a comprehensive dataset of the largest blooming scyphomedusae in southern European seas we test, over broad space–time scales, current hypotheses relating jellyfish dynamics to warming and eutrophication.

Location

Southern European seas.

Time period

1875–2019.

Major taxa studied

Rhizostoma pulmo.

Methods

We have gathered historical and contemporaneous records of R. pulmo from the Mediterranean and Black Seas over the last two centuries (7,359 records). Generalized statistical models were used to assess the influence of thermal (latitudinal) and productivity (longitudinal) gradients on the biogeographical patterns, and the species’ phenology at large and regional scales.

Results

Rhizostoma pulmo abundance exhibited an enhanced magnitude and frequency in recent decades, concurrently with positive temperature anomalies. We found that the latitudinal temperature gradient, but not productivity, shaped long‐term bloom intensity and biogeographical patterns of the species. Our analysis further uncovered a significant effect of the interannual variability of spring temperature on the species’ phenology over the period 2008–2018, with warmer springs favouring an earlier start (c. 3 months) and a longer duration (from 5 to 7 months) of jellyfish season.

Main conclusions

Among the current hypotheses linking jellyfish changes with anthropogenic disturbances, only the warming‐based hypothesis gained support over wide space–time scales, while the eutrophication‐based hypothesis mainly applied at local scales. Hence, biogeographical patterns of R. pulmo are shaped by the latitudinal temperature gradient, while the species bloom dynamics echo variations in ecoregion thermal regimes.
Nitrogen fertilizer replacement value of dairy soiled water in grass swards as affected by timing and rate of application
Authors: Minogue Denis , French Padraig , Bolger Tom , Murphy Paul N.C.
Published: January 2021

Dairy soiled water (DSW) is a dilute mixture of cow faeces, urine, milk and detergents produced from the washing of milking plant and holding areas, and contains nutrients. Its N fertilizer replacement value (NFRV), compared to inorganic fertilizer (IF), was determined in a plot experiment on two grassland soils (well‐drained and poorly drained) in SW Ireland over a year with 4 N rates (0, 15, 22 and 30 kg N/ha), nine application timings and four replicates. Herbage was harvested at 4 and 8 weeks after each application to determine the total 8‐week DM yield. While caution is required, as results are based on only two sites and one year, DSW increased herbage production and showed potential to substitute for inorganic fertilizer N with surprisingly high NFRVs of 72 to 90%, potentially offering cost savings to farmers, improved N use efficiencies and reduced risk of nutrient loss to the environment. High NFRV may be due to factors such as the even spread and infiltration of DSW, low rates of ammonia emission or a stimulatory effect on the release of soil N. Yield increased significantly (p < .001) with N rate from approximately 1,200 kg DM ha−1 at 0 kg N/ha to approximately 1,700 kg DM ha−1 at 20–30 kg N/ha but application beyond approximately 20 kg N/ha was associated with increasingly diminished yield response. Yield response was greatest from March to July and poor response in winter suggests a greater risk of N loss during this period.
Monetary policy and regional economic performance in Mexico: A structural panel VAR approach
Authors: Torres‐Preciado Víctor Hugo
Published: January 2021

The aim of this article is to investigate the dynamic effects of monetary policy shocks on economic activity and aggregate price levels across Mexican states. To do this, a recursive structural panel VAR model is implemented as proposed by Pedroni which allows for regional heterogeneity and structural identifying restrictions of common monetary policy shocks. Empirical evidence suggests a common monetary policy shock to short‐term interest rates induces significant cross‐state variation in prices and output level responses. Additional analysis indicates that structural features, such as the industry mix and the small versus large firm mix, are possible sources of the observed cross‐state variation influenced by interest rates and credit channels. We conclude that the observed differentiated regional impacts are sufficiently important to justify rethinking Mexico's current monetary policy framework in order to explicitly consider a regional view.