bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical study of housing recovery and property abandonment following valley fire in California: insights from neighborhood characteristics and building attributes
Authors: Rezakhani Pejman
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how neighborhood characteristics (income, population composition) and individual building attributes (ownership) affect the recovery period of single-family housing and determine their correlations with property abandonment and changes in residential land use after natural disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study focuses on Valley Fire, one of the California’s most destructive wildfires in 2015, and uses assessor, community, demographic and sales data to measure recovery of a panel of single-family houses located in Lake County in California between 2012 and 2020. Several regression and correlation models will be developed to test different hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that: Recovery period is longer than what expected in most existing literature; ownership status significantly affects recovery period; income level is not a significant factor for shortening the recovery period; and minorities may need more assistance for constant recovery. Findings of this research will help identify at risk communities to avoid uneven housing recovery and lower the rate of property abandonment.

Originality/value

Housing recovery is key to revitalizing communities following major natural disasters. The sociodemographic characteristics of each neighborhood have significant impact on the duration of recovery and possible property abandonment. Understanding how home and neighborhood characteristics affect recovery will help planners prevent long-lasting adverse effects of natural disasters.
Understanding compliance intention of SNS users during the COVID-19 pandemic: a theory of appraisal and coping
Authors: Li Ping , Chang Younghoon , Wang Shan , Wong Siew Fan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors affecting the intention of social networking sites (SNS) users to comply with government policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of appraisal and coping, the research model is tested using survey data collected from 326 SNS users. Structural equation modeling is used to test the research model.

Findings

The results show that social support has a positive effect on outbreak self-efficacy but has no significant effect on perceived avoidability. Government information transparency positively affects outbreak self-efficacy and perceived avoidability. Outbreak self-efficacy and perceived avoidability have a strong positive impact on policy compliance intention through problem-focused coping.

Practical implications

The results suggest that both government and policymakers could deliver reliable pandemic information to the citizens via social media.

Originality/value

This study brings novel insights into citizen coping behavior, showing that policy compliance intention is driven by the ability to cope with problems. Moreover, this study enhances the theoretical understanding of the role of social support, outbreak self-efficacy and problem-focused coping.
A global, continuous calibration curvature strategy for bending sensors of soft fingers
Authors: Gai Ling-Jie , Zong Xiaofeng , Huang Jie
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to propose a global, automated and continuous curvature calibration strategy for bending sensors, which is used for the angle feedback control of soft fingers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the proposed curvature calibration strategy for bending sensors is based on the constant curvature bending properties of soft fingers. The strategy is to install the bending sensor on the soft finger and use the laser distance sensor to assist calibration, then calculate the relationship between the curvature and the voltage of the bending sensor through geometric conversion. In addition, this work also develops a full set of standard calibration systems and collection procedures for the bending sensor curvature calibration and uses machine learning algorithms to fit the collected data.

Findings

First, compared with the traditional calibration methods, the proposed curvature calibration strategy can achieve constant curvature measurement with the advantages of better continuity. Second, using the sensor data obtained by the proposed calibration method as the feedback signal for the soft finger bending angle control, the control effect is better than that of the traditional method.

Originality/value

This work proposes and verifies a global, automated and continuous curvature calibration strategy for bending sensors and is used for the angle feedback control of soft fingers. In addition, this work also develops a full set of standard calibration systems and collection procedures, which can be applied to a variety of flexible bending sensors with a good adaptability.
Blockchain technology acceptance by investment professionals: a decomposed TPB model
Authors: Kumari Anitha , Devi N. Chitra
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The rapid emergence and acceptance of blockchain applications by investment professionals has made this study significant. The study aims to examine the degree of trust and acceptance of blockchain technology in the Indian financial services industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB) model is investigated using responses from 200 investment professionals to an online survey on blockchain technology adoption, and partial least squares structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 3.0 is used to analyse the results.

Findings

In general, the results support a DTPB and offer the best fit to the data. This study may have significant drawbacks in predicting blockchain technology’s acceptance by investment professionals. Furthermore, the findings suggest that the research instruments used in this study, which engage users in business settings, are equally successful in the context of investment professionals.

Research limitations/implications

In predicting blockchain acceptance by investing experts, this study may have significant drawbacks.

Practical implications

As a result of TAM studies, it has been determined that perceived usefulness is more essential than perceived ease of use. Therefore, investment professionals may have discovered significant subjective normative impacts on behavioural intention. Management must devise techniques for implementing blockchain technology in digital financial services that are compatible with users’ workplaces.

Originality/value

Users may benefit from this research by concentrating on blockchain acceptance to improve digital banking services.
Evolution of modified TAM associated with e-banking services adoption: a systematic PRISMA review from 1975 to 2021
Authors: Naeem Mahpara , Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Mustafa Sadaf
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to review and highlight the gaps in the research streams of the technological acceptance model (TAM) associated with e-banking services. The introduction of TAM as a decision-making process from individual and organizational perspectives is the core purpose of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on concept-centric reviews and synthesizing of previous research. Data are extracted from a systematic literature review published from 1975 to 2021 under the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses statement.

Findings

This review explored that theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behavior are the basic theories proceeding to TAM evolution. TAM has been extended to its three versions, which are designed and modified for different contexts and cultures. Previously, the risk-return approach, theory of trust and perceived value were the major constructs or modifications in TAM. Now, TAM has been designed for measuring customers’ perception of any technological advancement.

Research limitations/implications

This review is limited to major additive constructs in modified TAM concerning e-banking services, which can be expanded to different cultures and contexts. This study sketched TAM as a decision-making model associated with the factors influencing any technological advancement. So, the proposed conceptual framework is applicable for the behavioral analysis of technological adoption from individual and organizational perspectives in any field.

Originality/value

This review designed a bi-dimensional conceptual model of TAM as a decision-making process for e-services that has not been identified yet in any study from organizations’ and customers’ perspectives.
Going beyond anti-racist pedagogical practices: co-constructing a pro-Black classroom
Authors: Parks Siettah , Bell Jordan , Ellwood Sydoni , Deckman Sherry L.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the means, rationale, challenges and opportunities of shifting focus from anti-racist to pro-Black educational practice. The authors argue that while anti-racism is necessary, it is insufficient in addressing the deeply entrenched anti-Blackness in US society. The instructor and three student members of a graduate course on Black girlhoods reflect on their time together to better understand the process of developing a classroom specifically for Black students.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a process of collaborative autoethnography, the authors used their reflections as data to identify the practices that served to establish their space as pro-Black and consider how these practices may apply to other contexts.

Findings

The data presented indicate that co-construction, intentionality and care and love are integral to developing a pro-Black classroom. The implementation of these practices in the authors’ graduate course allowed the students to feel seen and affirmed, which contrasts with their previous experiences in higher education.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the concept of the pro-Black classroom space as a pedagogical transformation aimed at preserving Black lives. The authors’ insights demonstrate how concrete practices that not only constitute anti-racist practice, but further challenge anti-Black bias, help to dismantle structural and systemic inequities in academia.
Conceptualizing mental health among diverse Americans
Authors: Haymovitz Ethan , Barrett Kelly , Torres-Conley Brianda , Schaefer Allison , Zimmerman Rebecca , Zisman-Ilani Yaara , Ortega Debora M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

A single conceptualization of mental health based on empirical research has yet to be adopted by researchers and practitioners. This paper aims to explore how diverse Americans define mental health. The aim of the study was to build a conceptualization of the term “mental health”, using qualitative and quantitative methods, on the basis of definitions provided by an ethnically diverse sample of lay-people and professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

Concept mapping methods, including multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis, were applied to 146 statements generated by 125 participants of diverse American racial and ethnic groups. The resulting concept map was inspected visually, quantitatively and qualitatively.

Findings

Out of the 146 statements, 8 overarching themes emerged from multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. Themes include Well-being, balance, coping, adaptability, relational, self, lack of mental illness and physical. T-tests revealed statistically significant differences on ratings of importance for statements within the theme “Lack of Mental Illness” from those included in “Well-Being”, “Balance” and “Coping.” Statements included in the theme “Lack of Mental Illness” were rated least essential to the construct of mental health. The “Self” cluster appeared at the center of the data visualization, suggesting that Americans believe that self is essential to the construct in question.

Practical implications

This mixed-method study is consistent with prior evidence that mental health and mental illness might best be considered separate constructs (Westerhof and Keyes, 2010). A logical follow-up might examine why the concept of “Self” emerges centrally as it would help mental health practitioners and policymakers to focus their understanding of mental health to improve mental health interventions.

Originality/value

Understanding that the concept of “Self” is central to Americans’ conceptualizing of mental health may help mental health practitioners and policymakers to focus their efforts in delivering targeted mental health interventions.
Development of portable colorimeter for on-site determination of water quality in aquaculture
Authors: Devarayan Kesavan , Kathavarayan Madhan , Theivasigamani Anand , Sukumaran Monikandon , Kandasamy Sabariswaran
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe the development of a battery-operated portable colorimeter for on-site determination of water quality in aquaculture.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple and economical colorimeter is built using light sources of different wavelength and a light-dependent resistor combined with an electrical circuit. The whole system was fabricated as to fit into the pocket or palm for easy handling. The developed portable colorimeter was calibrated for estimation of nitrite. Further, the performance of developed portable colorimeters was compared with the commercially available colorimeter.

Findings

Three colorimeters with different light sources were developed and calibrated for determination of nitrite in water. Among them, colorimeter with yellow light source exhibited higher potential for determination of nitrite in the range of 0.5–3.5 ppm. Further, the results of the developed colorimeter are comparable with the commercial colorimeter.

Originality/value

The portable colorimeter developed in this study exhibits potential for determination of nitrite in aquaculture. Determination of nitrite at low concentrations is important for assessing the quality of culture as well as wastewater in aquaculture industry. The accuracy, portable nature, economy and simple operation of these portable colorimeters offer opportunity for on-site determination of water quality parameters in aquaculture.
Analysis of factors affecting environmental audit (EA) implementation with DEMATEL method
Authors: Shamsadini Kazem , Askari Shahamabad Mahdi , Askari Shahamabad Fateme
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Increasing environmental pollution and destruction have damaged sustainability in polluting societies and organizations. For this reason, various environmental management programs have recently been developed by governments and the environmental protection agencies (EPAs) to control and reduce environmental pollution. One of these programs is environmental audit (EA), which has not been fully implemented yet in developing countries and it has many disadvantages. It seems that one of the reasons for the lack of perfect implementation of EA in these countries is the lack of adequate review of the factors affecting its implementation. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting EA implementation and then analysis of causal relationships between them.

Design/methodology/approach

Decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) technique was used to identify causal relationships of factors affecting EA implementation. Based on the literature review and interviewing nine experts in EA, 17 factors were identified to influence EA implementation. Six experts were selected for the evaluation using snowball sampling method. Using the DEMATEL approach, a cause and effect relationship diagram was generated through which the effect of factors was analyzed.

Findings

Seventeen factors were categorized in terms of cause and effect, and the interrelationships of factors were also analyzed. “Reducing environmental impacts and improving environmental performance,” “obtaining environmental management system certificates” and “contributing to the environmental goals of investment projects” are the most prominent factors on the basis of their prominent score.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis in the research is highly dependent on expert judgments and opinions may be biased. However, the initial matrix obtained from the experts is hindered by the ambiguity about some relationships. But this can be improved by using fuzzy and gray set theories. The factors used for the analysis may not be comprehensive and other researchers may find other factors.

Practical implications

Identifying the factors affecting EA implementation and analyzing causal relationships between them can be a guide and help governments to improve the implementation of EA or even develop this policy by being aware of the effect of the factors analyzed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no comprehensive study of factors affecting EA implementation has been undertaken; this study is the first to identify these factors and analyze them using DEMATEL. Therefore, it is suggested that governments and EPAs in the policies focus on the significant factors.
Developing the concept of leaveism: From presenteeism/absence to an emergent and expanding domain of employment?
Authors: Richards James , Ellis Vaughan , Canduela Jesus , Pustelnikovaite Toma , Saxena Siddhartha
Published: May 2022

The changing nature of employment has led to increased awareness of leaveism, a practice involving employees using allocated time off when unwell, taking work home, and picking up work when on annual leave. However, there are theoretical, methodological, and policy/practice‐related weaknesses, apparent in current understandings. The main article aim is to develop, theoretically, the emergent notion of leaveism, drawing on concepts related to work intensification (WI) and ideal worker norms (IWNs), concepts underpinned by reference to information communication technologies (ICTs), then exploring such ideas via an electronic questionnaire (n = 959), aimed at UK‐based employees performing leaveism. The main argument is leaveism is more than a lacuna between presenteeism and sickness absence; it is an unsustainable employer‐driven social phenomenon sitting at the intersection of WI, IWNs and ICTs. The findings have policy/practice implications for human resource management (HRM) professionals, trade unions and governments. Recommendations for future research including exploring leaveism in an international context, and in a Covid‐19 pandemic‐defined era.
Right ventricular dysfunction in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonitis whose lungs are mechanically ventilated: a multicentre prospective cohort study
Authors: McCall P. J. , Willder J. M. , Stanley B. L. , Messow C‐M. , Allan J. , Gemmell L. , Puxty A. , Strachan D. , Berry C. , Shelley B.G. ,   COVID‐RV co‐investigators
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular complications due to COVID‐19, such as right ventricular dysfunction, are common. The combination of acute respiratory distress syndrome, invasive mechanical ventilation, thromboembolic disease and direct myocardial injury creates conditions where right ventricular dysfunction is likely to occur. We undertook a prospective, multicentre cohort study in 10 Scottish intensive care units of patients with COVID‐19 pneumonitis whose lungs were mechanically ventilated. Right ventricular dysfunction was defined as the presence of severe right ventricular dilation and interventricular septal flattening. To explore the role of myocardial injury, high‐sensitivity troponin and N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide plasma levels were measured in all patients. We recruited 121 patients and 118 (98%) underwent imaging. It was possible to determine the primary outcome in 112 (91%). Severe right ventricular dilation was present in 31 (28%), with interventricular septal flattening present in nine (8%). Right ventricular dysfunction (the combination of these two parameters) was present in seven (6%, 95%CI 3–13%). Thirty‐day mortality was 86% in those with right ventricular dysfunction as compared with 45% in those without (p = 0.051). Patients with right ventricular dysfunction were more likely to have: pulmonary thromboembolism (p < 0.001); higher plateau airway pressure (p = 0.048); lower dynamic compliance (p = 0.031); higher plasma N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide levels (p = 0.006); and raised plasma troponin levels (p = 0.048). Our results demonstrate a prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction of 6%, which was associated with increased mortality (86%). Associations were also observed between right ventricular dysfunction and aetiological domains of: acute respiratory distress syndrome; ventilation; thromboembolic disease; and direct myocardial injury, implying a complex multifactorial pathophysiology.
The Ash Split Cath(TM): The best inventions are simple
Authors: Ash Stephen R.
Published: May 2022

Dual‐lumen “acute” central venous catheters (CVC) for dialysis were developed in the 1970s and tunneled “chronic” CVC in the 1980s. Fibrous sheathing of these catheters diminished the patency after weeks to months of use. Double catheters like Canaud/Tesio worked better and longer than single body catheters but were tedious to place. I decided that the optimal CVC design would be a single body that split into two tips within the vena cava. The “Ash Split Cath(TM)” was developed in cooperation with a company focused on dialysis access catheters, and quickly became widely used around the world. However, the patent did not prevent other companies from marketing split‐tip catheters. A disagreement on the terms of a royalty agreement further weakened the relationship between the marketing company and our R&D company.
Detection of Brucella spp. during a serosurvey of pig‐hunting and regional pet dogs in eastern Australia
Authors: Orr B , Westman ME , Norris JM , Repousis S , Ma G , Malik R
Published: May 2022

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. Brucella suis serotype 1 is thought to be maintained in the Australian feral pig population, with disease prevalence higher in Queensland (Qld) than New South Wales (NSW). Pig hunting is a popular recreational activity in rural Qld and NSW, with feral pigs in these states thought to carry B. suis. Brucellosis associated with B. suis has been diagnosed in dogs engaged in pig hunting in some of these areas. A total of 431 dogs from northern Qld and north‐west NSW were recruited. Two distinct cohorts of clinically healthy dogs were tested – (1) 96 dogs from central, north and far north Queensland actively engaged in pig‐hunting and (2) 335 dogs from rural and remote north‐west NSW that were primarily companion (non‐pig hunting) animals. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to Brucella spp. using the Rose Bengal test (RBT) test followed by complement fixation testing (CFT) for RBT‐positive samples. A subset of samples was retested using RBT and CFT. Seven dogs were considered seropositive for B. suis from Qld and remote NSW, including 4/96 (4.2%; 95% CI 3.5% to 4.3%) from the pig‐hunting cohort and 3/335 (0.9%) from the regional pet dog cohort. The use of RBT and CFT in dogs to detect anti‐Brucella antibodies requires validation. Veterinarians treating pig‐hunting dogs and physicians treating pig hunters in central, north and far north Qld need to be aware of the zoonotic risk posed by B. suis to these groups.
Subgroup analysis based on cytogenetic risk in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the CANDOR study
Authors: Landgren Ola , Weisel Katja , Rosinol Laura , Touzeau Cyrille , Turgut Mehmet , Hajek Roman , Mollee Peter , Kim Jin Seok , Shu Natalie , Hu Xuguang , Li Chuang , Usmani Saad Z.
Published: May 2022

CANDOR compared the safety/efficacy of carfilzomib with dexamethasone and daratumumab (KdD) to carfilzomib with dexamethasone (Kd) in adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This CANDOR subgroup analysis evaluated outcomes based on cytogenetic risk. Overall response rates (KdD vs. Kd) were 81% versus 56% in high‐risk and 87% versus 79% in standard‐risk groups. Median progression‐free survival was 11.2 versus 7.4 months in high‐risk (hazard ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.34, 0.93]) and not reached versus 16.6 months in standard‐risk groups (0.56 [95% CI, 0.39, 0.80]). These data support the efficacy of KdD in RRMM treatment, including in patients with high‐risk cytogenetics.
Casual Violence: Mis‐understanding, Misogyny, Adolescence
Authors: Kaul Nilofer
Published: May 2022

This paper was born out of a very specific emotional experience I had with a patient that alerted me to a phenomenon of casual violence which, owing to its everydayness, may remain incipient. The experience described with Mr X is specific, but he is also a placeholder for patients who seemed to come together in my mind. The nature of this seemed both elusive and pervasive in many patients. What they seemed to have in common was a certain violence by which they were expelled from spaces – official and/or intimate. Post #MeToo, some of them were accused of being predatory. For a long time, I could not identify it in the transference. The paper traces this violence to a quotidian misogyny and furthermore to the introjection of a ‘mis‐understanding link’. There appears to be a correspondence between ‘banal’ absence of thinking (Arendt, 2000) and a relationship of ‘mis‐understanding’ (Bion, 1962). Such mis‐understanding finds expression in forms of violent masculinity (Rose, 2021). Finally, it is suggested that contemporary masculinity is not of the older macho sort, but seems to have an affinity towards ‘adolescent states of mind’ (Meltzer, 1973). It is speculated that cultural practices seem to encourage a perpetual adolescence.
On price stability with a job guarantee
Authors: Mejia Jackson , Albrecht Brian C.
Published: May 2022

Modern Money Theory (MMT) has risen to prominence in popular policy debates within macroeconomics. MMT economists argue for creating a job guarantee program, which they argue would generate price stability. Using a benchmark model of time consistency supplemented with a job guarantee, we conclude that once policymakers' incentives are considered, the job guarantee does nothing to help stabilize prices. We compare this program to a competing proposal to maintain price stability and full employment, NGDP targeting.
Mitral valve prolapse in patients with atrial septal defect: A quantitative three‐dimensional echocardiographic analysis
Authors: Ortiz‐Leon Xochitl A. , Fritche‐Salazar Juan F. , Posada‐Martinez Edith L. , Rodriguez‐Zanella Hugo , Venegas‐Roman Alejandra G. , Ruiz Esparza‐Dueñas Maria E. , Sugeng Lissa , Arias‐Godinez Jose A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction and objectives

Mitral valve (MV) prolapse is highly prevalent in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD). Abnormal left ventricular geometry has been proposed as the main mechanism of MV prolapse in ASD, however, the changes in the morphology of the MV apparatus remain to be clarified. Our aim was to assess the MV geometry in patients with ASD and MV prolapse.

Methods

We evaluated 99 patients (73% female, median age 40 years) with ASD who underwent a three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram. Three‐dimensional analysis of the MV was done using dedicated automated software. Transthoracic echocardiographic parameters were assessed post ASD closure in 28 patients.

Results

MV prolapse was found in 39% of patients. Although smaller left ventricular dimensions and greater interatrial shunt were found in patients with MV prolapse compared with those without prolapse, there was no difference in the subvalvular parameters. MV prolapse was associated with larger mitral anterior‐posterior diameter, anterolateral‐posteromedial diameter, anterior perimeter, posterior perimeter, total perimeter, and anterior leaflet area (all p < 0.05). Mitral regurgitation was more frequent in patients with MV prolapse (80 vs. 48%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

In patients with ASD, the main mechanism of MV prolapse is the presence of an organic primary process of the MV apparatus (excessive anterior mitral leaflet tissue and mitral annular enlargement).
Early social experience, rather than kinship affecting aggression in an egg parasitoid wasp, Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), that exhibits extreme male–male combat behaviour
Authors: Wang Zi‐Yin , Tao Yu‐Mei , Yin Si‐Yu , Zhang Wen‐Jing , Ding Yu‐Die , Hu Hao‐Yuan , Liu Peng‐Cheng
Published: May 2022

Fighting behaviour is important for acquiring crucial resources and is widely observed in the animal kingdom. Based on the conflict consequence, fighting behaviour is usually classified into non‐extreme and extreme fighting patterns. Numerous factors that influence aggression, such as resource value, resource‐holding potential, kinship, and prior experience, have been extensively studied, resulting in the emergence of many important theories.

To secure mating opportunities, males of the quasi‐gregarious parasitoid, Anastatus disparis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), exhibit extreme fighting behaviour. Inconsistent with the general kin selection theory prediction, there is no evidence that male A. disparis competitors alter their fighting behaviour in response to relatedness with resource presence or interacted with altering resource value.

The results of our current study do not clearly indicate whether unchanged kin‐based aggression is caused by a lack of kin recognition ability or overriding by competition for resources, which A. disparis males rarely exhibit fighting behaviour under condition of resource female absence in the environment.

However, significant decreases in the fighting frequency and intensity in A. disparis were shown in males with early social experience, which was also not influenced by the kinship between the contestants.

Our result suggests that in A. disparis, male aggression was likely mediated by early social experience rather than kinship.
Penetrance of Parkinson disease LRRK2 G2385R‐associated variant in the Chinese population
Authors: Wang Pei , Cui Peijing , Luo Qi , Chen Jie , Tang Huidong , Zhang Lina , Chen Shengdi , Ma Jianfang
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Penetrance estimates of the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) variants for Parkinson disease (PD) vary widely. G2385R is one of the most common LRRK2 variants in Asian populations, and its penetrance is currently unknown. We aimed to estimate the penetrance of G2385R in the Chinese population.

Methods

The G2385R variant was tested by Sanger sequencing in 6386 participants older than 50 years, all from the community cohort established by Shanghai Ruijin Hospital in 2009–2011. G2385R carriers and matched noncarriers underwent a brief questionnaire survey (including sex, current age, PD diagnosis, and age at onset) and face‐to‐face PD assessment during 2020–2021. The penetrance of PD was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 396 G2385R carriers and 415 noncarriers were included, after excluding those with a baseline diagnosis of PD or unwilling to participate. In G2385R carriers, the penetrance of PD was 1.64% at 70 years, 10.26% at 80 years, and 18.49% at 90 years, and reached 25.90% at 95 years. The penetrance of PD in G2385R carriers was higher than in noncarriers (p = 0.0071). In noncarriers, only 0%, 3.72%, and 9.66% developed parkinsonism by 70, 80, and 90 years of age. Among carriers and noncarriers, there were no statistically significant differences in penetrance comparisons between males and females, or between urban and rural.

Conclusions

The lifetime penetrance of LRRK2 G2385R in the Chinese population was 25.9%. The penetrance modifier of G2385R in our study was age‐related. Further investigation of genetic and environmental modifiers affecting G2385R penetrance is warranted.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in stroke patients
Authors: Li Jianle , Chen Yicong , Ou Zilin , Zhang Yusheng , Liang Zhijian , Deng Weisheng , Chen Hao , Huang Weixian , He Yingxin , Xing Shihui , Yu Jian , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of stroke in Asian countries. Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a hereditary enzyme defect prevalent in Asian countries, has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and worse poststroke outcomes. However, the impact of G6PD deficiency on ICAS remains unclear. We aimed to compare the risk of ICAS in stroke patients with and without G6PD deficiency in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

We prospectively and consecutively recruited stroke patients from four centers in China. All patients received intracranial artery assessment by magnetic resonance/computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography, as well as G6PD enzyme evaluation. The prevalence, burden, and characteristics of ICAS were compared between patients with and without G6PD deficiency using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Among 1593 patients, 116 (63.7%) of 182 patients with G6PD deficiency and 714 (50.6%) of 1411 patients with normal G6PD levels were identified as ICAS. Age, hypertension, diabetes, and G6PD deficiency were independent predictors of ICAS. Among patients with ICAS, G6PD‐deficient individuals were more likely to have multiple (≥2 segments) intracranial stenosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25–2.81, p = 0.002). G6PD deficiency increased the risk of ICAS in patients who were male (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.24–2.66, p = 0.002), aged ≥70 years (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.33–4.31, p = 0.004), or hypertensive (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.28–2.77, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Stroke patients with G6PD deficiency have a higher prevalence and ICAS burden than those with normal G6PD, particularly those who are male, older, and hypertensive.
Evolution and developmental expression of the sodium–iodide symporter (NIS, slc5a5) gene family: Implications for perchlorate toxicology
Authors: Petersen Ann M. , Small Clayton M. , Yan Yi‐Lin , Wilson Catherine , Batzel Peter , Bremiller Ruth A. , Buck C. Loren , von Hippel Frank A. , Cresko William A. , Postlethwait John H.
Published: May 2022

The vertebrate sodium–iodide symporter (NIS or SLC5A5) transports iodide into the thyroid follicular cells that synthesize thyroid hormone. The SLC5A protein family includes transporters of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Disruption of SLC5A5 function by perchlorate, a pervasive environmental contaminant, leads to human pathologies, especially hypothyroidism. Perchlorate also disrupts the sexual development of model animals, including threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), but the mechanism of action is unknown. To test the hypothesis that SLC5A5 paralogs are expressed in tissues necessary for the development of reproductive organs, and therefore are plausible candidates to mediate the effects of perchlorate on sexual development, we first investigated the evolutionary history of Slc5a paralogs to better understand potential functional trajectories of the gene family. We identified two clades of slc5a paralogs with respect to an outgroup of sodium/choline cotransporters (slc5a7); these clades are the NIS clade of sodium/iodide and lactate cotransporters (slc5a5, slc5a6, slc5a8, slc5a8, and slc5a12) and the SGLT clade of sodium/glucose cotransporters (slc5a1, slc5a2, slc5a3, slc5a4, slc5a10, and slc5a11). We also characterized expression patterns of slc5a genes during development. Stickleback embryos and early larvae expressed NIS clade genes in connective tissue, cartilage, teeth, and thyroid. Stickleback males and females expressed slc5a5 and its paralogs in gonads. Single‐cell transcriptomics (scRNA‐seq) on zebrafish sex‐genotyped gonads revealed that NIS clade‐expressing cells included germ cells (slc5a5, slc5a6a, and slc5a6b) and gonadal soma cells (slc5a8l). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that perchlorate exerts its effects on sexual development by interacting with slc5a5 or its paralogs in reproductive tissues. These findings show novel expression domains of slc5 genes in stickleback and zebrafish, which suggest similar functions across vertebrates including humans, and provide candidates to mediate the effects of perchlorate on sexual development.
“I feel erased:” A qualitative analysis of grandparent experiences of parental alienation
Authors: Avieli Hila , Levy Inna
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study employs the life course perspective to explore the lived experience of grandparents who have no contact with their grandchildren due to parental alienation (PA).

Background

PA represents situations in which a child becomes estranged from one parent because of the manipulation of the other parent. The estrangement from the alienated parent leads to and manifests inter alia in denial of contact with the grandparents from the alienated side of the family. It is critical to examine the experiences of grandparents who were denied contact with their grandchildren due to PA to identify these grandparents’ unique needs and facilitate assistance and support.

Method

Thirteen grandparents aged 63 to 83 years (M = 72 years, SD = 6.52) were interviewed using an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach to analyze their narratives.

Findings

Participant interviews revealed four superordinate themes: (a) the race against time, (b) disregard of grandparents’ victim status, (c) health and functioning implications of alienation from grandchildren, and (d) reflections on being a grandparent suffering from PA and insights at this stage of life.

Conclusions

PA‐related estrangement from grandchildren leads to negative outcomes regarding grandparents’ daily functioning, perception, and well‐being. Aging characteristics collide with these outcomes to form an experience unique to grandparents in these vulnerable situations.

Implications

Practitioners treating older adults require awareness of parental alienation's adverse impact on grandparents to address their specific needs and hardships. Additionally, it is incumbent on the legal system and practitioners involved in PA cases to consider grandparent victimization, allow them to voice their pain, and take their interests into account.
Mammalian puberty: a fly perspective
Authors: Guirado Juan , Carranza‐Valencia Juan , Morante Javier
Published: May 2022

Mammalian puberty and Drosophila metamorphosis, despite their evolutionary distance, exhibit similar design principles and conservation of molecular components. In this Viewpoint, we review recent advances in this area and the similarities between both processes in terms of the signaling pathways and neuroendocrine circuits involved. We argue that the detection and uptake of peripheral fat by Drosophila prothoracic endocrine cells induces endomembrane remodeling and ribosomal maturation, leading to the acquisition of high biosynthetic and secretory capacity. The absence of this fat–neuroendocrine interorgan communication leads to giant, obese, non‐pupating larvae. Importantly, human leptin is capable of signaling the pupariation process in Drosophila, and its expression prevents obesity and triggers maturation in mutants that do not pupate. This implies that insect metamorphosis can be used to address issues related to the biology of leptin and puberty.
Drought legacies and ecosystem responses to subsequent drought
Authors: Müller Lena M. , Bahn Michael
Published: May 2022

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of droughts. These events, which can cause significant perturbations of terrestrial ecosystems and potentially long‐term impacts on ecosystem structure and functioning after the drought has subsided are often called ‘drought legacies’. While the immediate effects of drought on ecosystems have been comparatively well characterized, our broader understanding of drought legacies is just emerging. Drought legacies can relate to all aspects of ecosystem structure and functioning, involving changes at the species and the community scale as well as alterations of soil properties. This has consequences for ecosystem responses to subsequent drought. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on drought legacies and the underlying mechanisms. We highlight the relevance of legacy duration to different ecosystem processes using examples of carbon cycling and community composition. We present hypotheses characterizing how intrinsic (i.e. biotic and abiotic properties and processes) and extrinsic (i.e. drought timing, severity, and frequency) factors could alter resilience trajectories under scenarios of recurrent drought events. We propose ways for improving our understanding of drought legacies and their implications for subsequent drought events, needed to assess the longer‐term consequences of droughts on ecosystem structure and functioning.
Continental‐scale parameterization and prediction of leaf phenology for the North American forests
Authors: Fang Jing , Lutz James A. , Shugart Herman H. , Wang Leibin , Liu Feng , Yan Xiaodong
Published: May 2022

Aim

Leaf phenology regulates multiple aspects of plant vital activities and provides feedback to climate change. Despite its importance, an effective parameterization method to predict continental‐scale leaf phenology has been elusive. Here, we aimed to develop a new parameterization method using local climatic conditions instead of species or plant functional types to calibrate the phenology parameters of forests.

Location

North America.

Time period

1985–2016.

Major taxa studied

Forests.

Methods

We used the average temperature and photoperiod from the first day to the phenological date in a given year to express the climatic conditions. Using this parameterization method and the typical phenology models, we examined the predictions of start (SOS), end (EOS) and length (GSL) of the growing season with observations from 114 phenology cameras in North American forests. We extrapolated to the continental scale using satellite‐derived leaf area index product as a basis to predict the distribution and changes of forest leaf phenology.

Results

We found that the optimum parameters could explain the 81%, 84% and 88% variation in SOS, EOS and GSL of the plot‐scale phenology, respectively. Continental‐scale results over the past decades showed that EOS was delayed by 1.6 days/decade and that GSL increased by 2.2 days/decade, but that there was no significant trend for SOS.

Main conclusions

Our study provides strong empirical evidence that the phenology parameters vary with local climatic conditions, and this new parameterization method has potential application for predicting and evaluating future changes in continental‐scale phenology.
Assessment of functioning in Dutch primary care: Development study of a consultation tool for patients with chronic conditions and multimorbidity
Authors: Postma Simone , Schers Henk , van de Belt Tom , van Boven Kees , ten Napel Huib , Stappers Hugo , Gerritsen Debby , Olde Hartman Tim
Published: May 2022

Background

In primary care, a shift from a disease‐oriented approach for patients with multimorbidity towards a more person‐centred approach is needed.

Aim

To transform a self‐report questionnaire for patients with chronic conditions in primary care, the Primary Care Functioning Scale (PCFS), into an understandable, visually attractive and feasible consultation tool for patients and health care providers. The consultation tool consists of a web‐based version of the PCFS, which is filled in by the patient and is processed to a feedback report that summarizes and visualizes the main findings. The feedback report can be discussed with the patient to facilitate a more person‐centred conversation for patients with chronic conditions and multimorbidity in general practice.

Design and Setting

In this qualitative study, we developed the consultation tool by using design thinking in a participatory developmental process.

Methods

In the first phase, we constructed five different feedback report templates to summarize and display the results of a completed PCFS questionnaire in a series of two expert meetings with patients and general practitioners (GPs). In the second phase, we performed an exploratory qualitative interview study involving dyads of patients with chronic conditions and their practice nurses. In an iterative process, we explored their experiences with the consultation tool.

Results

Patients, as well as GPs, preferred a clear manner of presenting the results of the questionnaire in a feedback report. In 18 interviews with patients and practice nurses during three different interview rounds, we adjusted the feedback report and consultation tool based on the input from patients and practice nurses. After the final interview round, patients and practice nurses consented that the consultation tool was useful for having a more in‐depth consultation about functioning and patients' preferences when integrated into the regularly scheduled consultations.

Conclusion

We were able to develop an understandable and feasible consultation tool that is applicable in already existing chronic disease management programmes in general practice in the Netherlands.

Patient or Public Contribution

To increase the understandability and feasibility of the consultation tool, we collaborated with end‐users and actively involved patients, GPs and practice nurses in a participatory development process.
Efficacy of the opened legs position for protecting against postoperative rhabdomyolysis after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: A propensity score‐matched analysis of perioperative outcomes
Authors: Tsubouchi Kazuna , Gunge Naotaka , Tominaga Kosuke , Matsuzaki Hiroshi , Fujikawa Aiko , Emoto Taiki , Miyazaki Takeshi , Okabe Yu , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Kataoka Masao , Ogawa Soichiro , Akaihata Hidenori , Sato Yuichi , Hata Junya , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Haga Nobuhiro
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationships of intraoperative surgical position with the incidence of postoperative rhabdomyolysis and with postoperative renal function to safely perform robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Methods

The participants in the present study were 276 consecutive patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy at our institutions between 2013 and 2020; 130 cases were performed in the opened legs position and 146 cases in the lithotomy position with a steep 23°–25° head‐down position. Rhabdomyolysis was defined as creatine kinase values greater than 1000 IU/L. Propensity score matching including age, body mass index, the presence of comorbidities, preoperative creatine kinase, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, and prostate‐specific antigen was performed, resulting in a matched cohort of 146 patients (opened legs position group n = 73; lithotomy position group n = 73).

Results

After propensity score matching, creatine kinase values on the first day after surgery were significantly lower in the opened legs position group than in the lithotomy position group (opened legs position group: lithotomy position group = 246.9 ± 114.9 IU/L: 558.2 ± 114.9 IU/L, P = 0.034). There were significantly fewer patients diagnosed with postoperative rhabdomyolysis in the opened legs position group (opened legs position group: lithotomy position group = 0% (0/73): 9.6% (7/73), P < 0.001). In addition, fluid replacement volume was significantly less in the opened legs position group (opened legs position group: lithotomy position group = 5747 ± 180 mL: 6349 ± 0176 mL, P = 0.018).

Conclusions

To prevent rhabdomyolysis after surgery, robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy should be performed in the opened legs position.
Appropriate prescribing of azithromycin for community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Qian Sue , Siu Johnny , Hussein Abbas , Zheng Yizhong
Published: May 2022

Azithromycin is prescribed for atypical antimicrobial cover in severe community‐acquired pneumonia. Inappropriate azithromycin administration incurs unnecessary financial costs, exacerbates antimicrobial resistance and risks QTc interval prolongation leading to cardiac arrhythmias. The present study demonstrated that a majority of patients were prescribed azithromycin without having electrocardiograms to assess the QTc interval and without meeting criteria for severe community‐acquired pneumonia based on CURB‐65 score.