bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance of impact in real estate research publications
Authors: Newell Graeme , Marzuki Muhammad Jufri , Worzala Elaine , Adair Alastair , Hoesli Martin , Rodriguez Mauricio
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Research impact has taken on increased importance at both a micro- and macro-level and is a key factor today in shaping the careers of real estate researchers. This has seen a range of research impact metrics become global benchmarks when assessing research impact at the individual academic level and journal level. Whilst recognising the limitations of research impact metrics, this paper uses these research impact metrics to identify the leading research impact researchers in real estate, as well as the leading real estate journals in the real estate impact space. The nexus between research quality and research impact is also articulated. As well as focusing on research quality, strategies are identified for the effective incorporation of research impact into a real estate researcher's agenda to assist their research careers; particularly for Early Career Researchers in real estate.

Design/methodology/approach

The research impact profile of over 150 real estate researchers and 22 real estate journals was assessed using Google Scholar and Publish or Perish. Using the research impact metrics of the h-index, total citations and i10, the leading high impact real estate researchers as well as the high impact real estate journals are identified.

Findings

Based in these research impact metrics, the leading real estate researchers in impactful real estate research are identified. Whilst being US focused, there is clear evidence of increasing roles by ERES, AsRES and PRRES players. The leading real estate journals in the impact space are identified, including both real estate-specific journals and the broader planning/urban policy journals, as well as being beyond just the standard US real estate journals. Researcher career strategies are also identified to see both research quality and research impact included as balanced elements in a real estate researcher's career strategy.

Practical implications

With research impact playing an increased role in all real estate researchers' careers, the insights from this paper provide strong empirical evidence for effective strategies to expand the focus on the impact of their real estate research agendas. This sees a balanced strategy around both research quality and research impact as the most effective strategy for real estate researchers to achieve their research career goals.

Originality/value

Research impact has taken on increased importance globally and is an important factor in shaping real estate researchers' careers. Using research impact metrics, this is the first paper to rigorously and empirically identify the leading research impact players and journals in real estate, as well as identifying strategies for the more effective inclusion of impact in real estate researchers' agendas.
Silence and proactivity in managing supervisor ostracism: implications for creativity
Authors: Jahanzeb Sadia , Bouckenooghe Dave , Mushtaq Rabia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Anchored in a social control theory framework, this study aims to investigate the mediating effect of defensive silence in the relationship between employees' perception of supervisor ostracism and their creative performance, as well as the buffering role of proactivity in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested using three-wave survey data collected from employees in North American organizations.

Findings

The authors found that an important reason for supervisor ostracism adversely affecting employee creativity is their observance of defensive silence. This mechanism, in turn, is less prominent among employees who show agency and change-oriented behavior (i.e. proactivity).

Practical implications

For practitioners, this study identifies defensive silence as a key mechanism through which supervisor ostracism hinders employee creativity. Further, this process is less likely to escalate when their proactivity makes them less vulnerable to experience such social exclusion.

Originality/value

This study establishes a more complete understanding of the connection between supervisor ostracism and employee creativity, with particular attention to mediating mechanism of defensive silence and the moderating role of proactivity in this relationship.
The carbon dioxide emissions effect of income growth, electricity consumption and electricity power crisis
Authors: Kwakwa Paul Adjei
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Attaining higher economic growth and development is among the topmost agenda for many countries. However, the process to attain such growth and development involves higher level of energy consumption and that may not spare the quality of the environment. A similar concern has been raised for Ghana as it aims to attain an upper middle-income status in the near future. The country's energy sector has however not been robust in meeting the electricity demand, leading to a recurrent power crisis. The study seeks to analyze the effect of income growth, electricity consumption and power crisis on Ghana's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on annual time series data from the World Bank (2020) and employs the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) estimation techniques for regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is valid for Ghana in the case of carbon emissions. Also, while electricity consumption has an insignificant effect on carbon emissions, electricity power crisis exerts a positive effect on emission of CO2. It was also noted that industrialization and financial development increase CO2 emissions.

Research limitations/implications

Policy implications from the study include the EKC hypothesis can be a sound basis for environmental policy in Ghana. Other recommendations and areas for future research have been provided.

Originality/value

The study empirically estimates the effect of electricity crisis on CO2 emissions.
The inter-relationships among liquidity creation, bank capital and credit risk: evidence from emerging Asia–Pacific economies
Authors: Le Tu D.Q. , Pham Xuan T.T.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the inter-relationships among liquidity creation, bank capital and credit risk in selected emerging economies between 2012 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step procedure as proposed by Berger and Bouwman (2009) is used to measure liquidity creation. Thereafter, a simultaneous equations model with the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator is used to examine the links between liquidity creation, bank capital and credit risk.

Findings

The findings indicate that bank capital and credit risk affect each other positively after controlling for liquidity creation. Also, the findings show a negative impact of credit risk on liquidity creation while our findings do not find any evidence to confirm the reverse relationship between them. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate a two-way negative relationship between liquidity creation and bank capital in these emerging economies. Finally, the results indicate a positive relationship between capital and credit risk, especially in the case of small banks in the sample.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the trade-off between the benefits of financial stability induced by tightening capital requirements and those of improved liquidity creation has crucial implications for policymakers and bank regulators in making the banking system more resilient. A positive impact of capital on credit risk emphasizes that the authorities in selected emerging economies should put more attention on small banks to ensure their exposures under target control.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines the dynamic interrelationships among liquidity creation, bank capital and credit risk in the Asia–Pacific region.
Prosopis juliflora management and grassland restoration in Baringo County, Kenya: Opportunities for soil carbon sequestration and local livelihoods
Authors: Eschen René , Bekele Ketema , Mbaabu Purity Rima , Kilawe Charles Joseph , Eckert Sandra
Published: March 2021

Climate change, land degradation and invasive alien species (IAS) threaten grassland ecosystems worldwide. IAS clearing and grassland restoration would help to reduce the negative effects of IAS, restore the original vegetation cover and sustain livelihoods while contributing to climate change mitigation, but uncertain financial benefits to local stakeholders hamper such efforts. This study assessed where and when net financial benefit could be realized from Prosopis juliflora management and subsequent grassland restoration by combining ecological, social and financial information.

Impacts of Prosopis invasion and grassland degradation on soil organic carbon (SOC) in nine sublocations in Baringo County, Kenya, were evaluated. Then the financial impacts of Prosopis removal and grassland restoration in the area were calculated and spatially explicit management scenarios for each sublocation modelled, combining geographical information derived from satellite images taken in different years of the invasion with SOC data and socio‐economic data collected in the sublocations.

The expanding Prosopis distribution and density since 1995 have increased cumulated SOC storage on former bare land or degraded grasslands. On former pristine or restored grasslands, however, Prosopis invasion has reduced total SOC storage.

Prosopis removal and grassland restoration are predicted to yield financial benefits through charcoal made from removed trees, increased cattle numbers and carbon credits. However, a trade‐off between increased SOC and net financial benefit was found. The predicted net SOC increase would contribute around one‐tenth, at most, to the net financial benefit.

The available budget, based on Baringo households’ average willingness to pay, would enable removal, on average, of one‐fifth of Prosopis per sublocation in a single year. A larger area can be cleared if Prosopis is sparse than if it is dense. The analyses show that in some sublocations, households’ annual investments could result in restoration of all former grassland areas.

Synthesis and applications. This study shows how integrating and linking detailed ecological, social and financial geodata to develop accurate and realistic invasive alien species management scenarios can illustrate costs and benefits of management interventions in a spatial context. Such scenarios should be used more extensively to support land management decisions.
Armeniaspirol A: a novel anti‐Helicobacter pylori agent
Authors: Jia Jia , Zhang Chongwen , Liu Yaqi , Huang Yanqiang , Bai Yuefan , Hang Xudong , Zeng Liping , Zhu Dongqing , Bi Hongkai
Published: March 2021

Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori has been growing worldwide with current treatment regimens. Development of new compounds for treatment of H. pylori infections is urgently required to achieve a successful eradication therapy in the future. Armeniaspirols, a novel class of natural products isolated from Streptomyces armeniacus, have been previously identified as antibacterial agents against Gram‐positive pathogens. In this study, we found that armeniaspirol A (ARM1) exhibited potent antibacterial activity against H. pylori, including multidrug‐resistant strains, with MIC range values of 4–16 μg ml‐1. The underlying mechanism of action of ARM1 against H. pylori involved the disruption of bacterial cell membranes. Also, ARM1 inhibited biofilm formation, eliminated preformed biofilms and killed biofilm‐encased H. pylori in a dose‐dependent manner. In a mouse model of multidrug‐resistant H. pylori infection, dual therapy with ARM1 and omeprazole showed efficient in vivo killing efficacy comparable to the standard triple therapy, and induced negligible toxicity against normal tissues. Moreover, at acidic pH 2.5, ARM1 exhibited a much more potent anti‐H. pylori activity than metronidazole. Thus, these findings demonstrated that ARM1 is a novel potent anti‐H. pylori agent, which can be developed as a promising drug lead for treatment of H. pylori infections.
Factors predicting positive CT mesenteric angiography results in lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage prior to consideration of intra‐arterial angio‐embolisation
Authors: Smith Rohan Stuart , Tan Stephanie Wei Jia , Heath‐Kalgutkar Genevieve Ann , Tran Vu Hoang , Rajagopalan Ashray , Buckenham Tim
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage (LGIH) is a challenging phenomenon in a comorbid, elderly population. CT mesenteric angiography (CTMA) allows localisation of the site of haemorrhage, and provides a target for interventional techniques, but the intermittent nature of LGIH makes it challenging to reliably demonstrate extravasation. This study aimed to identify objective factors that may predict scan outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, all patients undergoing CTMA for LGIH at Monash Health from January 2011 to December 2019 (n = 854) were included. Baseline patient characteristics included age, bowel resection/endoscopic intervention within the past 14 days, known bowel malignancy, anticoagulant/antiplatelet use, duration of symptoms, vital signs, transfusion requirements in the past 24 h and investigation results (recent haemoglobin levels, platelet count, international normalised ratio and creatinine levels). Univariate analysis was performed, and significant factors were entered into a multivariate model.

Results

The final multivariate model was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and consisted of bowel resection/endoscopic intervention within the past 14 days (OR = 2.15), use of antiplatelet agents (OR = 2.03), blood transfusion requirement greater than 3 units per 24 h (OR = 1.79), systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg (OR = 1.56) and heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (OR = 1.52).

Conclusion

The factors identified above are objective, independently associated with positive scan outcomes, readily available to radiologists and are useful for more judicious patient selection.
Polymorphism of genes involved in methotrexate pathway: Predictors of response to methotrexate therapy in Indian rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Singh Ankita , Gangadharan Harikrishnan , Gupta Vikas , Patro Pradeepta S. , Misra Ramnath , Aggarwal Amita
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The adenosine pathway is one of the ways through which methotrexate (MTX) ameliorates inflammation. We therefore explored an association of polymorphism of genes involved in adenosine and MTX metabolic pathways with response to MTX.

Methods

Association of polymorphism in 7 genes (rs2236225 [MTHFD1 1958G>A], rs17602729 [AMPD1 G>A], rs1127354 [ITPA C>A], rs1431131 [TGFBR2 A>T], rs2372536 [ATIC C>G], rs11188513 [ENTPD1 C>T] and rs5751876 [ADORA2A T>C]) with efficacy of MTX was studied in Indian rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The patients, classified by European League Against Rheumatology (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria, were DMARD (disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug)‐naïve, with Disease Activity Score (DAS28) >3.2. After 4 months of MTX monotherapy, patients were classified as responders (R) or non‐responders (NR) based on EULAR response criteria. Genotyping was done by TaqMan 5' nuclease assay and association of gene polymorphisms with response to MTX was determined by Chi‐squared test.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐six patients (86% female, median age 40 [interquartile range, IQR = 17.25] years), with disease duration of 24 (IQR = 38.25) months and DAS28‐C‐reactive protein score of 4.61 (IQR = 1.34) were enrolled. After therapy, 186 patients were classified as R and 40 as NR. GG genotype of ATIC (P = .01, odds ratio [OR] 2.56, 95% CI, 1.04‐6.30) and CC genotype of ITPA (P = .009, OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02‐1.76) genes were found to be associated with the response. On binary logistic regression analysis, GG genotype of ATIC and CC of ITPA genes were independent predictors of the response.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms of ATIC and ITPA genes alone or with clinical variables were associated with response to MTX therapy in Indian RA patients.
The Middle and Late Bronze Age in Central Oman: New Insights from Tawi Said, Al‐Mudhairib and the Wilayat al‐Mudhaybi
Authors: Döpper Stephanie
Published: March 2021

Significant changes in the material culture, subsistence and mode of life are associated with the Middle (c. 2000–1600 BCE) and Late Bronze Ages (c. 1600–1300 BCE) in Eastern Arabia. Since first excavations in the 1970s, research has focused on the United Arab Emirates, where all major sites of this period known to date are situated. This birthed the idea of two different lines of development in the second millennium BC. While a more gradual change is assumed for the United Arab Emirates, Central Oman was regarded as having completely abandoned settled agricultural life, returning to a less complex social organisation. This article presents new evidence from Tawi Said, Al‐Mudhairib and the Wilayat al‐Mudhaybi that shows that the developments in both regions were more akin to each other than previously assumed. This encourages us to reconsider our assumptions about Central Oman’s social complexity during this pivotal period of Oman’s history.
An Assessment of Abenomics from the Labor Market Perspective
Authors: Kawaguchi Daiji , Kawata Keisuke , Toriyabe Takahiro
Published: March 2021

The present paper documents the change in employment and wages between 2012 and 2020 when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe implemented his economic policy popularly known as Abenomics. Despite population aging that by itself would have decreased the employment rate by 2.8 percentage points, the aggregate employment rate increased from 56.5% in 2012 to 60.7% in 2019, largely because of a substantial increase in the 25–64‐year‐old female employment rate, which was especially profound in the health and welfare industry. The real wage declined by 1.8% from 2012 to 2017, of which 1.4% is explained by changes in worker composition, particularly the increase in female workers. We also assess the impact of COVID‐19 on the labor market in 2020 and discuss its impact on the long term labor market trend.
De novo assembly and annotation of the North American bison (Bison bison) reference genome and subsequent variant identification
Authors: Dobson L. K. , Zimin A. , Bayles D. , Fritz‐Waters E. , Alt D. , Olsen S. , Blanchong J. , Reecy J. , Smith T. P. L. , Derr J. N.
Published: March 2021

Genomic tools have improved the ability to manage bison populations and enhanced efforts to conserve this iconic species. These tools have been particularly useful for detecting introgression of cattle genome within bison herds but are limited by the need to use the cattle genome as a surrogate for mapping reads. This complicates efforts to distinguish the species of origin of chromosomal segments in individual bison at the genomic level. An assembly (Bison_UMD1.0) based on 75X genome coverage by Illumina and 454 reads was generated using the MaSuRCA assembler, generating a 2.81 Gigbases de novo reference genome from American bison. Comparison of bison and domestic cattle references identified 28 443 364 single nucleotide variants and 2 627 645 insertions/deletions distinguishing the species. Sequence alignment of an additional 12 modern bison samples and two historic bison samples to domestic cattle and bison references provides a dataset of genomic variants defining the different species and within‐species variation. This first annotated draft assembly represents a resource for the management and conservation of bison, as well as a means to study the effects on the genome of interspecies hybridization. The comparisons of historical bison sequences with the new bison reference identified genomic differences between modern and pre‐population bottleneck bison. The results support the application of genomics to enhance future research on disease, the establishment of satellite conservation herds and insight into bison and cattle speciation. The first genome assembly for bison and dataset provides a foundation that can be built upon as genetic technologies improve over the years.
The impact of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of young patients with vasculogenic mild erectile dysfunction: A prospective randomized single‐blind, sham controlled study
Authors: Ortac Mazhar , Özmez Abdulkadir , Cilesiz Nusret Can , Demirelli Erhan , Kadıoğlu Ateş
Published: March 2021

Background

Low‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) has emerged as a promising method directly targeting the underlying pathophysiology of the disease.

Objectives

To compare outcomes in ED patients after ESWT and placebo treatment.

Materials and methods

Prospective randomized placebo‐controlled single‐blinded trial on 66 patients with mild ED. The study comprised a 4‐week washout phase, a 4‐week treatment phase, and a 48‐week follow‐up. Inclusion criteria included age between 18 and 75 years and diagnosis of mild ED (IIEF‐EF score = 17–25) being made at least six months prior to study inclusion and being confirmed by Penile Doppler ultrasonography (US) at baseline examination. Efficacy endpoints were changes from baseline in patient‐reported outcomes of erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function domain scores [IIEF‐EF]), as well as erection hardness and duration (Sexual Encounter Profile diary [SEP] and Global Assessment Questions [GAQ]). Safety was assessed throughout the study.

Results

A total of 66 enrolled patients were allocated to ESWT (n = 44) or placebo (n = 22). Mean age of ESWT and placebo group was 42.32 ± 9.88 and 39.86 ± 11.64 (p = 0.374), respectively. Mean baseline IIEF‐EF scores of ESWT group and placebo were 20.32 ± 2.32 and 19.68 ± 1.55 respectively (p = 0.34). At 3‐months follow‐up, mean IIEF‐EF scores were significantly higher in ESWT patients than in placebo patients (23.10 ± 2.82 vs. 20.95 ± 2.19, p = 0.003), and IIEF‐EF scores of ESWT patients remained high during the 6 months (22.67 ± 3.35 vs. 19.82 ± 1.56) follow‐up. The percentage of patients reporting both successful penetration (SEP2) and intercourse (SEP3) in more than 50% of attempts was significantly higher in ESWT‐treated patients than in placebo patients (p = 0.001). A minimal clinically important difference between the IIEF = EF baseline and 3‐months follow‐up was found in 74% of ESWT and 36% of placebo. No serious adverse events were reported.

Discussion and Conclusion

ESWT significantly improved the erectile function of relatively young patients with vasculogenic mild ED when compared to placebo and the beneficial effect of this treatment up to 6 months. These findings suggest that ESWT could be a useful treatment option in vasculogenic ED.
The severity of footrot lesions induced by aprV2‐positive strains of Dichelobacter nodosus varies between strains
Authors: Smith KJ , Rosser MJ , McPherson AS , Whittington RJ , Dhand NK , Dhungyel OP
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical virulence of aprV2‐positive lesser virulent field isolates of footrot bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus in comparison with an aprV2‐positive clinically virulent reference strain. Correlations between the clinical expression of the disease and the presence of aprV2 (detected using PCR tests) have been inconsistent. A second objective was to evaluate the elimination of D. nodosus following treatment of sheep as some strains of D. nodosus have been reported to be difficult to eliminate.

Methods

The virulence of three aprV2‐positive field isolates of D. nodosus which had lesser virulent phenotypes, and an aprV2‐positive virulent reference strain was evaluated in a sheep trial using a pasture‐based experimental infection model. In the second phase of the study, treatments including footbathing and a long‐acting antibiotic were administered and their efficacy in elimination of these strains was evaluated.

Results

Severe underrun (score 4) lesions developed in sheep infected with the aprV2‐positive virulent reference strain but not in sheep infected with the field isolates; they had mild lesions (score 2 or 3). The three field isolates and the virulent reference strain of D. nodosus were eliminated by intensive foot bathing and antibiotic therapy in combination with housing the animals in dry conditions post‐treatment.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the presence of aprV2 gene in isolates of D. nodosus may not be a reliable indicator of virulence and that further investigation of the factors that determine clinical virulence is required. While the treatment regime was successful, based on a range of considerations, the use of such an intensive treatment involving antibiotics should be limited to small groups of high‐value animals, such as rams.
Debate: Inpatient units must enhance the system of care
Authors: Hazell Philip
Published: March 2021

Child or adolescent psychiatric inpatient units are expensive; therefore, a lot is expected of them. Short stay units are best used for diagnostic clarification, the initiation and supervision of complex treatment, and acute containment of risk. Longer stay units provide a recovery‐focused programme to address mental health problems that have not responded to intensive treatment in other settings. Both types of unit form part of the wider system of care that supports young people with mental health problems. The operational characteristics of such units will ensure timely, safe and effective interventions to young people who will likely go on to receive most of their clinical care in the community.
Children's humour and the grotesque pleasures in school mealtime socialisation
Authors: Stone Samantha , Murakami Kyoko
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we argue for two propositions: children are socialised and guided to become competent members of school mealtime community, and children have the capacity to modify and challenge existing practices. We draw on Bakhtin's concepts of the carnivalesque laughter and grotesque realism to illustrate how children use humour to test the boundaries of what is permitted. Children's mealtime interactions foster the development of social skills to subvert and negotiate adult authority and manage unfolding interactions between children and adults. We present findings from a child‐centred perspective in a primary school in the United Kingdom.
Two irreducible classes of emotional experiences: Affective imaginings and affective perceptions
Authors: Mitchell Jonathan
Published: March 2021

A view of prominence in the philosophy of emotion is that emotional experiences are not self‐standing intentional experiences. Instead, they inherit the intentional content they have from their cognitive bases. One implication is that emotions, whose intentional contents differ in terms of the modal and temporal properties of the relevant particular object—because the intentional contents on which they are based differ in these respects—nonetheless need not differ qua emotion‐type. This leads to the same‐emotional attitude, different content claim: It is possible to have the same emotional attitude toward a range of (different) contents, as provided by different cognitive bases. This paper argues that this claim is mistaken. By appealing to the specific case of imagination, the same emotional‐attitude, different content claim is challenged. Drawing on phenomenological observations made by Jean‐Paul Sartre, supplemented with independently plausible considerations, I argue that we should recognize a distinct class of emotion types, which I call affective imaginings. Affective imaginings contrast with emotional experiences whose cognitive bases are sense‐perceptual experiences (affective perceptions). The contrast turns on the way the different contents across these cases modify the attitudinal character of the emotional experience, motivating the positing of two irreducible classes of emotional experiences.
Drivers of local extinction risk in alpine plants under warming climate
Authors: Nomoto Hanna A. , Alexander Jake M.
Published: March 2021

The scarcity of local plant extinctions following recent climate change has been explained by demographic inertia and lags in the displacement of resident species by novel species, generating an ‘extinction debt’. We established a transplant experiment to disentangle the contribution of these processes to the local extinction risk of four alpine plants in the Swiss Alps. Projected population growth (λ) derived from integral projection models was reduced by 0.07/°C of warming on average, whereas novel species additionally decreased λ by 0.15 across warming levels. Effects of novel species on predicted extinction time were greatest at warming < 2 °C for two species. Projected population declines under both warming and with novel species were primarily driven by increased mortality. Our results suggest that extinction debt can be explained by a combination of demographic inertia and lags in novel species establishment, with the latter being particularly important for some species under low levels of warming.
Delayed recurrent enhancing white matter lesions complicating coiling of intracranial aneurysm
Authors: Bakola Eleni , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Palaiodimou Lina , Theodorou Aikaterini , Stefanou Maria‐Ioanna , Chondrogianni Maria , Andreadou Elisabeth , Papadopoulou Marianna , Konstantakos Vasileios , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Lachanis Stefanos , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

In recent years, the use of coiling has gained increased popularity for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, and stroke physicians are confronted with rare pathologies associated with this relatively new and evolving treatment method, such as embolization of pieces of the polymeric filaments from the coils and a subsequent inflammatory response. In particular, white matter enhancing lesions are a rare complication after aneurysm endovascular therapy (EVT), suggesting a foreign body reaction to shedding of hydrophilic coating from the endovascular devices into the blood stream. The description of such a case aims to raise the clinicians' awareness of the symptomatic delayed and recurring inflammatory changes that may occur after endovascular aneurysmal treatment with the use of coiling devices.

Case description

A 64‐year‐old woman underwent coiling of a ruptured right posterior communicating artery aneurysm. She was asymptomatic after EVT. One year later, she presented with headache, acoustic hallucinations, paresthesias and left arm weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple enhancing white matter lesions in the right hemisphere. She was treated with pulse intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by oral prednisolone; all clinical symptoms resolved and imaging findings improved substantially. Two years after tapering the steroids, follow‐up symptoms recurred and repeat brain MRI revealed new enhancing white matter lesions.

Discussion and conclusions

There is an increasing number of similar reports of enhancing white matter lesions after coiling of intracranial aneurysms, with the incidence estimated to be between 0.5% and 2.3% in different cohort studies. Close monitoring for the appearance of new neurologic symptoms that could suggest delayed brain reactivity should be recommended.
Early epileptiform EEG activity in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex predicts epilepsy and neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: De Ridder Jessie , Verhelle Birgit , Vervisch Jan , Lemmens Katrien , Kotulska Katarzyna , Moavero Romina , Curatolo Paolo , Weschke Bernhard , Riney Kate , Feucht Martha , Krsek Pavel , Nabbout Rima , Jansen Anna C. , Wojdan Konrad , Domanska‐Pakieła Dorota , Kaczorowska‐Frontczak Magdalena , Hertzberg Christoph , Ferrier Cyrille H. , Samueli Sharon , Benova Barbora , Aronica Eleonora , Kwiatkowski David J. , Jansen Floor E. , Jóźwiak Sergiusz , Lagae Lieven ,   the EPISTOP consortium
Published: March 2021

Objective

To study the association between timing and characteristics of the first electroencephalography (EEG) with epileptiform discharges (ED‐EEG) and epilepsy and neurodevelopment at 24 months in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Methods

Patients enrolled in the prospective Epileptogenesis in a genetic model of epilepsy – Tuberous sclerosis complex (EPISTOP) trial, had serial EEG monitoring until the age of 24 months. The timing and characteristics of the first ED‐EEG were studied in relation to clinical outcome. Epilepsy‐related outcomes were analyzed separately in a conventionally followed group (initiation of vigabatrin after seizure onset) and a preventive group (initiation of vigabatrin before seizures, but after appearance of interictal epileptiform discharges [IEDs]).

Results

Eighty‐three infants with TSC were enrolled at a median age of 28 days (interquartile range [IQR] 14–54). Seventy‐nine of 83 patients (95%) developed epileptiform discharges at a median age of 77 days (IQR 23–111). Patients with a pathogenic TSC2 variant were significantly younger (P‐value .009) at first ED‐EEG and more frequently had multifocal IED (P‐value .042) than patients with a pathogenic TSC1 variant. A younger age at first ED‐EEG was significantly associated with lower cognitive (P‐value .010), language (P‐value .001), and motor (P‐value .013) developmental quotients at 24 months.

In the conventional group, 48 of 60 developed seizures. In this group, the presence of focal slowing on the first ED‐EEG was predictive of earlier seizure onset (P‐value .030). Earlier recording of epileptiform discharges (P‐value .019), especially when multifocal (P‐value .026) was associated with higher risk of drug‐resistant epilepsy.

In the preventive group, timing, distribution of IED, or focal slowing, was not associated with the epilepsy outcomes. However, when multifocal IEDs were present on the first ED‐EEG, preventive treatment delayed the onset of seizures significantly (P‐value <.001).

Significance

Early EEG findings help to identify TSC infants at risk of severe epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delay and those who may benefit from preventive treatment with vigabatrin.
Senso‐immunology: crosstalk between nociceptive and immune systems
Authors: Maruyama Kenta
Published: March 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of nociception has recently grown impressively. Nociception is mediated by mechanical, chemical, or microbial stimuli that evoke unpleasant feelings, alerting the host of the risk of tissue damage. Such diverse arrays of noxious stimuli trigger various escape reactions, usually altering immune homeostasis. Notably, nociceptors can recognize cytokines or pathogens via sensory molecules or innate immune receptors, participating in immune responses. Accumulating evidence suggests that activated nociceptors produce various humoral factors that affect the immune system and act like endocrine/paracrine signals. Thus, understanding the interplay between the nociceptive and immune systems may open new avenues for the development of an interdisciplinary research field, hereinafter referred to as ‘senso‐immunology’. This review will discuss the physiological relevance of the senso‐immune system in the host defense context, focusing on how senso‐immune research might yield novel treatments to cure pain and inflammation.
Reducing bycatch impacts in recreational fisheries: Case study examining terminal tackle in the multispecies Gulf of Maine groundfish fishery
Authors: Capizzano Connor W. , Zemeckis Douglas R. , Jones Emily A. , Hoffman William S. , Dean Micah J. , Ayer Matthew H. , Ribblett Nate , Mandelman John W.
Published: March 2021

Terminal tackle regulations can be a valuable tool for fisheries management, especially in multispecies fisheries where bycatch and discards are common issues. In the Gulf of Maine, recreational anglers frequently discard critically depleted Atlantic codGadus morhuaL. as bycatch when targeting the abundant haddockMelanogrammus aeglefinus(L.) stock. The present study investigated species catch composition, catch rates and animal welfare across various terminal tackle setups, and aspects of capture and handling with the goal of reducing bycatch and discard mortality. Overall, 2558 cod and 4266 haddock were captured with six terminal tackle setups in the western Gulf of Maine from April to October 2018. Along with angler experience and capture depth, lure type primarily influenced species catch composition and catch‐per‐unit‐effort; hook types additionally influenced hook‐removal times and physical injuries to fish. Results indicate that using baited hooks can both promote haddock catch and reduce cod bycatch, with specific hook types promoting increased survival.
Leisure activity moderates the relationship between living alone and mental health among Japanese older adults
Authors: Yoshida Yuko , Iwasa Hajime , Ishioka Yoshiko , Suzukamo Yoshimi
Published: March 2021

Aim

As living alone is associated with poor mental health, seeking a moderating factor in this relationship may help enhance quality of life of older people living alone. Therefore, this study examined the moderating effect of leisure activity on the relationship between living alone and mental health in older people.

Methods

This study employed a cross‐sectional analysis of questionnaire data. Research was conducted in a metropolitan Tokyo ward from September to October 2017. Participants were 314 community‐dwelling Japanese individuals (158 women, 156 men) aged 70–84 years (mean ± SD, 77.7 ± 4.4). We analyzed mental health using the Japanese version of the World Health Organization‐Five Well‐Being Index as the outcome variable, and the 11 items of the Leisure Activity Scale and living arrangements as explanatory variables. Multivariate analyses were used to examine effects of leisure activity on living arrangements and mental health.

Results

The proportion of people living alone was 22.9% (N = 72), and the mental health score was mean ± SD, 14.2 ± 7.2. Multiple regression analysis showed that subjective economic status (β = −0.177), instrumental activities of daily living (β = 0.167), living arrangements (β = −0.142) and leisure activity (β = 0.481) were associated with mental health. The interaction effect between living arrangements and leisure activity on mental health was significant (β = 0.112).

Conclusions

Our findings show that leisure activity moderates poor mental health in older adults living alone. Accordingly, interventions should encourage older adults living alone to engage in leisure activity to improve their mental health. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 421–425.
Occurrence rates of von Willebrand disease among people receiving care in specialized treatment centres in the United States
Authors: Soucie John Michael , Miller Connie H. , Byams Vanessa R. , Payne Amanda B. , Abe Karon , Sidonio Robert F. , Kouides Peter A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

In the network of U.S. comprehensive haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs), von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common bleeding disorder other than haemophilia. Estimates of the size and characteristics of the VWD population receiving treatment are useful for healthcare planning.

Aim

Estimate the prevalence and incidence of VWD among males and females receiving care at U.S. HTCs (HTC‐treated prevalence and incidence).

Methods

During the period 2012–2019, de‐identified surveillance data were collected on all VWD patients who visited an HTC including year of birth, sex, race, Hispanic ethnicity, VWD type, and laboratory findings and used to calculate period HTC‐treated prevalence by VWD type and sex. Data from patients born 1995–1999 were used to estimate HTC‐treated incidence rates.

Results

During the period, 24,238 patients with a diagnosis of VWD attended HTCs; for 23,479 (96.9%), VWD type was reported or could be assigned. Age‐adjusted HTC‐treated prevalence was 8.6 cases/100,000 (7.2/100,000 for Type 1, 1.2/100,000 for Type 2 and 1.7/million for Type 3) and was twice as high in women as men (4.8 vs. 2.4 cases/100,000) for Type 1 and similar by sex for Type 2 and Type 3. HTC‐treated Type 1 incidence increased over the period, averaging nearly threefold higher for women than men (26.2 vs. 9.9/100,000 live births). Sex differences were less for Type 2 (2.2 vs. 1.4 cases/100,000 births) and slight in Type 3.

Conclusion

Prevalence and incidence of HTC‐treated VWD differ by sex and type and are likely strongly influenced by differences in rates of diagnosis.
The Function of extravascular coagulation factor IX in haemostasis
Authors: Mann David M. , Stafford Katherine A. , Poon Man‐Chiu , Matino Davide , Stafford Darrel W.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The majority of clotting factor IX (FIX) resides extravascularly, in the subendothelial basement membrane, where it is important for haemostasis.

Aim

We summarize preclinical studies demonstrating extravascular FIX and its role in haemostasis and discuss clinical observations supporting this. We compare the in vivo binding of BeneFIX® and the extended half‐life FIX, Alprolix®, to extravascular type IV collagen (Col4).

Methods

Three mouse models of haemophilia were used: the FIX knockout as the CRM− model and two knock‐in mice, representing a CRM+ model of a commonly occurring patient mutation (FIXR333Q) or a mutation that binds poorly to Col4 (FIXK5A). The murine saphenous vein bleeding model was used to assess haemostatic competency. Clinical publications were reviewed for relevance to extravascular FIX.

Results

CRM status affects recovery and prophylactic efficacy. Prophylactic protection decreases ~5X faster in CRM+ animals. Extravascular haemostasis can explain unexpected breakthrough bleeding in patients treated with some EHL‐FIX therapeutics. In mice, both Alprolix® and BeneFIX® bind Col4 with similar affinities (Kd~20–40 nM) and show dose‐dependent recoveries. As expected, the concentration of binding sites in the mouse calculated for Alprolix® (574 nM) was greater than for BeneFIX® (405 nM), due to Alprolix® binding to both Col4 and the endothelial cell neonatal Fc receptor.

Conclusion

Preclinical and clinical results support the interpretation that FIX plays a role in haemostasis from its extravascular location. We believe that knowing the CRM status of haemophilia B patients is important for optimizing prophylactic dosing with less trial and error, thereby decreasing clinical morbidity.
Addition of waxy, low‐ or high‐amylose rice starch differentially affects microstructure, water migration, texture and cooking quality of dried potato starch noodles
Authors: Liu Yi , Chen Xiaojing , Xu Zekun , Zhou Ruizong , Huang Wuyang , Sui Zhongquan , Corke Harold
Published: March 2021

Potassium alum (PA) is commonly used as an improver for quality of potato starch noodles (PSN). However, PA poses health risks to consumers, thus making it imperative to seek substitutes for Al3+. In this study, effects of rice starch addition on quality of PSN were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that addition of low‐amylose rice starch (LARS) or 40% waxy rice starch (WRS) enhanced structural development of PSN. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the presence of LARS increased water retention in PSN. Addition of rice starch enhanced cooking quality of PSN by extending cooking time and significantly decreasing cooking loss (P < 0.05). Moreover, addition of LARS significantly (P < 0.05) increased tensile strength and hardness of PSN, whereas addition of WRS had the reverse effect. Mixing waxy potato starch with LARS at ratios of 4:1 or 3:2 is optimal for production of PSN.
Management for delayed diagnosis in cesarean scar pregnancy with hemorrhage intra‐ or postuterine dilation and curettage
Authors: Mo Xuetang , Tang Shiyan , Li Cuilan
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study aimed to examine the characteristics, management, and outcomes of delayed diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with hemorrhage intra‐ or postuterine curettage for early pregnancy termination.

Methods

The retrospective study, cases were identified from the interrogation of the hospital database and clinical data including the success rate of different treatments, vaginal bleeding time, abnormal beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) time, and menstrual recovery time, preservation of uterus were analyzed.

Results

Medical records of 80 confirmed CSP cases with dilation and curettage (D&C) as primary treatment were analyzed; among them, 22 were treated with uterine arterial embolization (UAE) + methotrexate (MTX); 32 with UAE + surgery; 26 with only surgery or resection and repair. Treatment with UAE had less intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.05). UAE + surgery treatment had the highest success rate (96.8%,p < 0.05), the least vaginal bleeding duration after treatment (11.9 ± 9.6 days,p < 0.05), and least β‐hCG normalization time (17.4 ±  7.8 days,p < 0.05).

Conclusion

UAE + surgery treatment is a favorable and effective option to control massive hemorrhage intra‐ or post‐uterine curettage for early CSP termination.
Cesarean delivery rates for overall and multiple pregnancies in Japan: A descriptive study using nationwide health insurance claims data
Authors: Maeda Eri , Ishihara Osamu , Tomio Jun , Miura Hiroshi , Kobayashi Yasuki , Terada Yukihiro , Murata Katsuyuki , Nomura Kyoko
Published: March 2021

Aim

Due to the lack of national perinatal registries, population‐wide descriptive statistics on cesarean deliveries in Japan are unknown. We aim to describe cesarean deliveries for overall and multiple pregnancies using the Japan National Database of health insurance claims.

Methods

We calculated the national and prefectural cesarean delivery rates for overall and multiple pregnancies in 2014. We described maternal morbidities (e.g., blood transfusion) and the place and type of the institutions providing prenatal and perinatal care.

Results

The national cesarean delivery rates were 18.6% overall and 82.7% for women with multiple pregnancies. Prefectural cesarean delivery rates for overall and multiple pregnancies varied from 12.5% to 24.2% and from 49.2% to 100%, respectively, showing a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). Overall, 1.4% of cesarean patients received an allogeneic blood transfusion, compared to 3.2% for those with multiple pregnancies. In addition, 65.9% of overall cesarean deliveries occurred at hospitals with ≥20 beds, whereas 94.6% of cesarean patients with multiple pregnancies delivered at hospitals. Older patients were more likely to receive their cesarean section at a different institution than their first visit within the same prefecture, but trans‐prefectural movement during pregnancy covered by health insurance was most frequent among those in their early thirties: 7.0% overall and 10.7% for multiple pregnancies.

Conclusions

The overall cesarean delivery rate in Japan was optimal, but the rate was high for multiple pregnancies, with large regional differences. Data on patient movement across institutions and areas would help to improve the perinatal care system.