bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders and risk of COVID-19
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Zeng Yu , Suo Chen , Yang Huazhen , Chen Yilong , Hou Can , Hu Yao , Ying Zhiye , Sun Yajing , Qu Yuanyuan , Lu Donghao , Fang Fang , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Song Huan
Published: February 2021

Background

Pre-pandemic psychiatric disorders have been associated with an increased risk of COVID-19. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, e.g. to what extent genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders contributes to the observed association.

Methods

The analytic sample consisted of white British participants of UK Biobank registered in England, with available genetic data, and alive on Jan 31, 2020 (i.e., the start of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK) (n=346,554). We assessed individuals’ genetic predisposition to different psychiatric disorders, including substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorder, using polygenic risk score (PRS). Diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were identified through the UK Biobank hospital inpatient data. We performed a GWAS analysis for each psychiatric disorder in a randomly selected half of the study population who were free of COVID-19 (i.e., the base dataset). For the other half (i.e., the target dataset), PRS was calculated for each psychiatric disorder using the discovered genetic variants from the base dataset. We then examined the association between PRS of each psychiatric disorder and risk of COVID-19, or severe COVID-19 (i.e., hospitalization and death), using logistic regression models. The ascertainment of COVID-19 was through the Public Health England dataset, the UK Biobank hospital inpatient data and death registers, updated until July 26, 2020. For validation, we repeated the PRS analyses based on publicly available GWAS summary statistics.

Results

155,988 participants (including 1,451 COVID-19 cases), with a mean age of 68.50 years at COVID-19 outbreak, were included for PRS analysis. Higher genetic liability forwards psychiatric disorders was associated with increased risk of both any COVID-19 and severe COVID-19, especially genetic risk for substance misuse and depression. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for any COVID-19 were 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.31) and 1.26 (1.11-1.42) among individuals with a high genetic risk (above the upper tertile of PRS) for substance misuse and depression, respectively, compared with individuals with a low genetic risk (below the lower tertile). Largely similar ORs were noted for severe COVID-19 and similar albeit slightly lower estimates using PRSs generated from GWAS summary statistics from independent samples.

Conclusion

In the UK Biobank, genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, including severe course of the disease. These findings suggest the potential role of genetic factors in the observed phenotypic association between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19, underscoring the need of increased medical surveillance of for this vulnerable population during the pandemic.
Scalable Epidemiological Workflows to Support COVID-19 Planning and Response
Authors: Machi Dustin , Bhattacharya Parantapa , Hoops Stefan , Chen Jiangzhuo , Mortveit Henning , Venkatramanan Srinivasan , Lewis Bryan , Wilson Mandy , Fadikar Arindam , Maiden Tom , Barrett Christopher L. , Marathe Madhav V.
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 global outbreak represents the most significant epidemic event since the 1918 influenza pandemic. Simulations have played a crucial role in supporting COVID-19 planning and response efforts. Developing scalable workflows to provide policymakers quick responses to important questions pertaining to logistics, resource allocation, epidemic forecasts and intervention analysis remains a challenging computational problem. In this work, we present scalable high performance computing-enabled workflows for COVID-19 pandemic planning and response. The scalability of our methodology allows us to run fine-grained simulations daily, and to generate county-level forecasts and other counter-factual analysis for each of the 50 states (and DC), 3140 counties across the USA. Our workflows use a hybrid cloud/cluster system utilizing a combination of local and remote cluster computing facilities, and using over 20,000 CPU cores running for 6–9 hours every day to meet this objective. Our state (Virginia), state hospital network, our university, the DOD and the CDC use our models to guide their COVID-19 planning and response efforts. We began executing these pipelines March 25, 2020, and have delivered and briefed weekly updates to these stakeholders for over 30 weeks without interruption.
Modulating the voltage sensor of a cardiac potassium channel shows antiarrhythmic effects
Authors: Lin Yangyang , Grinter Sam Z. , Lu Zhongju , Xu Xianjin , Wang Hong Zhan , Liang Hongwu , Hou Panpan , Gao Junyuan , Clausen Chris , Shi Jingyi , Zhao Wenshan , Ma Zhiwei , Liu Yongfeng , White Kelli McFarland , Zhao Lu , Kang Po Wei , Zhang Guohui , Cohen Ira S. , Zou Xiaoqin , Cui Jianmin
Published: February 2021

Cardiac arrhythmias are the most common cause of sudden cardiac death worldwide. Lengthening the ventricular action potential duration (APD) either congenitally or via pathologic or pharmacologic means, predisposes to a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, Torsade de Pointes. IKs, a slowly activating K+current plays a role in action potential repolarization. In this study, we screened a chemical libraryin silicoby docking compounds to the voltage sensing domain (VSD) of the IKschannel. Here we show that C28 specifically shifted IKsVSD activation in ventricle to more negative voltages and reversed drug-induced lengthening of APD. At the same dosage, C28 did not cause significant changes of the normal APD in either ventricle or atrium. This study provides evidence in support of a computational prediction of IKsVSD activation as a potential therapeutic approach for all forms of APD prolongation. This outcome could expand the therapeutic efficacy of a myriad of currently approved drugs that may trigger arrhythmias.

Significance statement

C28, identified byin silicoscreening, specifically facilitated voltage dependent activation of a cardiac potassium ion channel, IKs. C28 reversed drug-induced prolongation of action potentials, but minimally affected the normal action potential at the same dosage. This outcome supports a computational prediction of modulating IKsactivation as a potential therapy for all forms of action potential prolongation, and could expand therapeutic efficacy of many currently approved drugs that may trigger arrhythmias.
Impact of COVID-19 social media news on employee behavior: the mediating role of psychological well-being and depression
Authors: Anwar Aizza , Kee Daisy Mui Hung , Salman Ahmad , Jabeen Gul
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The study's objective is to examine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social media news (SMN) on work boredom (WB) and task performance (TP). The study proposes that psychological well-being (PWB) and depression mediate the relationship between COVID-19 SMN, WB and TP.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this research was collected from white-collar employees of two Asian countries, Pakistan (study 1, n = 167) and Malaysia (study 2, n = 118), was collected using an online survey during strict movement control order (MCO), work from home, at the beginning of the year 2020.

Findings

In both studies, the PWB of employees mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and their WB. On the other hand, depression only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and WB in Pakistan. PWB only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and TP in study 2. Depression only mediated the relationship between COVID-19 SMN and TP in study 1.

Research limitations/implications

A couple of limitations worth noting are that the study adopted a cross-sectional approach. Thus, the sample size is not large in both counties. Because of the outbreak, limited employees agree to be part of an online survey. The scope of the study also restricts the authors to collect data during MCO, when employees were forced to work from home. In Pakistan, MCO began on 20th March and ended on 30th April, while in Malaysia, MCO started on 18th March and ended on 12th May. This also limits the study's claim of generalizability.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the study is to guide practitioners of both Pakistan and Malaysia in developing strategies that help them understand that employees having PWB look for growth and challenging opportunities even during pandemic situations; employers can leverage it to deal with external threats like COVID-19 because improving the PWB can improve TP and reduce WB. The interesting results highlighted the fact that high TP not necessarily means everything is fine with employees, when the uncertainty level is high, employees may be performing well due to fear and depression instead of work motivation. Thus, employers should be more vigilant during a pandemic situation. This study also helps policymakers understand that the overall economic situation affects the individual employee’s state of mind and work behavior.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to scare literature on COVID-19 and SMN and illustrates employees' work behavior when forced to work from home during the MCO.
Banks’ liquidity management dynamics: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Ariefianto Moch. Doddy , Trinugroho Irwan , Lau Evan , Sergi Bruno S.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to cover an important yet largely under-explored topic: the dynamic process of bank liquidity management in a vast developing economy by considering pool of funds hypothesis, signaling hypothesis and risk management hypothesis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the dynamic common correlated effect (DCCE) method with an error correction model format to a long panel datasets of 84 Indonesian banks from January 2003 to August 2019, resulting in 16,800 observations.

Findings

The authors obtain convincing evidence of dynamic liquidity management with an error correction mechanism. The time needed to adjust to a liquidity shock ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 months. The empirical results strongly support the pool of funds and signaling hypotheses, whereas risk management motive appears to have secondary importance.

Practical implications

The regulator should also encourage banks to diversify liquidity management to include interbank money market and off-balance-sheet instruments. The current condition shows that bank liquidity management is strongly correlated with intermediation dynamics and thus is contracyclical. Banks could end up with tight liquidity in a booming economy, which would pose a severe risk to their financial standing.

Originality/value

To authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyze bank liquidity management behavior empirically using a panel error correction mechanism. Here, the authors also try to combine a practitioner perspective with a scientific one.
Are consumption patterns linked to life satisfaction? An exploratory study in Brazil
Authors: Carvalho de Mesquita José Marcos , Kivenzor Gregory J. , Corradi Franco Natália
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an integrated approach to diverse and convoluted types of consumption. The new theoretical framework represents composite types of tangible and intangible consumption contributing to consumer life satisfaction (LS) in EMs.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study conducted in Brazil surveyed real-world consumers belonging to various social and income groups. Data reflecting LS derived from consumption were analyzed using PLS methodology.

Findings

Empirical tests indicated that experiential-utilitarian, experiential-hedonic and material-utilitarian consumption types positively affect EM consumer LS. An interesting and somewhat surprising outcome is an insignificant effect of material-hedonic consumption. The strength of LS correlation with each type of consumption differs and partial effects also depend on household income of EM consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Although reasons exist to expect the general validity of the suggested theoretical framework across many markets, its scope of empirical testing needs to be expanded beyond a single emerging market, even so large as Brazil.

Practical implications

The new taxonomy can help marketing practitioners better understand the main sources of LS stemming from each type of consumption to customize marketing mix and more effectively communicate to EM consumers.

Social implications

In spite of the scope limited to Brazil, this study shall help policy-makers and NGOs design public goods and services, thereby significantly increasing consumer LS and improve living conditions in EMs.

Originality/value

A systemic approach contributes to the body of marketing theory by replacing the dichotomic classifications of consumer LS with a clear conceptualization of all types of consumption that are integrated into a holistic framework.
The Pransky interview: Charlie Duncheon, robotics serial entrepreneur, CEO and cofounder of Celltrio
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry engineer-turned entrepreneur regarding his pioneering efforts in the industrial robot industry and the commercialization and challenges of bringing robotic inventions to market. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The interviewee is Charlie Duncheon, CEO, Cofounder and Chairman of the Board at Celltrio, Inc, a manufacturer of automation-based solutions for the life sciences industry. Duncheon shares his nearly 40-year journey as a robotics industry executive and entrepreneur, including his achievements and challenges.

Findings

Charlie Duncheon received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. At Monsanto, the first company he worked for after college, he worked his way up to be the Chairman of the Corporate Robotics Task Force. Duncheon then chose to work for the startup Fared Robot Systems, Inc., where he became the VP of Sales. In 1984, he joined Adept Technology at its inception and became Senior VP. About 20 years later, Duncheon founded his own consulting company, Duncheon Associates, and from the multiple consulting contracts he executed in automation, he was asked four different times to serve as the company CEO of the new companies: Artificial Muscle, Inc., EIG America, Grabit, Inc. and Celltrio, Inc., the last three which he also cofounded.

Originality/value

Charlie Duncheon, with a passion for robotic engineering and love for new challenges, led seven different robot companies to successful growth. His major accomplishments include establishing an unprecedented worldwide channel of 100+ integrators while at Adept Technology, growing Adept to $100m+ revenues and an initial public offering; being promoted to CEO of Artificial Muscle, Inc., later acquired by Bayer Material Science LLC; founding EIG America and transferring lithium battery technology from EIG Korea to the US market; and cofounding Grabit, Inc., raising two venture backed rounds of several million dollars. Duncheon is the recipient of the Joseph Engelberger Award for Leadership in Robotics. He is currently an Executive in Residence at Purdue University and a mentor for Plug and Play Tech Center. He was elected President of the Robotics Industries Association (RIA) and served a total of eight years on the RIA Board. He holds patents for automated material handling and electroadhesion grippers. His proudest accomplishment was the successful publication of his book, Reflections of a 5th Grade Girls Basketball Coach.
Competition and financial institutions and markets development: a dynamic panel data analysis
Authors: Abdmoulah Walid
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to shed new light on the nexus between market competition and financial development (FD), using the new FD index developed by the IMF, covering financial institutions and markets access, depth and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses panel data from 140 countries over 2000–2014 period and a dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) model, along with a sensitivity analysis over 2008 financial crisis.

Findings

Strong evidence of the positive impact of market competition, as measured by Boone index, on financial institutions and markets development is found, whereas banks concentration has a damaging effect on FD. Commonly used Lerner index is found to be irrelevant. Interestingly, none of the competition indexes in this study affects financial institutions returns, which hold even over 2008 financial crisis, likely at the expense of depth and access in developing countries. Institutions, as proxied by control of corruption, have broader positive impact on FD, particularly on financial markets. These findings have important implications for developing countries keen to foster the development of their financial system.

Practical implications

Policymakers should take into consideration that FI are unlikely to undertake deep improvements in terms of credit allocation depth and inclusion on a volunteer basis, unless constrained by regulations. When promoting bank competition, it is recommended to diversify methods targeting market competition, notably by promoting financial business diversification and intermediary efficiency, and tackling collusion arrangements or interest groups influence. Second, it is important to support households and small and medium enterprises’ access to finance. Third, it is highly recommended to promote good institutions given their overall beneficial role in promoting the financial system as a whole, notably financial markets.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to fully use the new IMF Financial Development index. It covers financial institutions and markets access, depth and efficiency, whereas most of previous findings focus on access to credit or cost of credit. Besides, the study uses a larger panel data from 140 countries over 2000–2014 period and a dynamic GMM estimator, along with a sensitivity analysis over (2007–2009) crisis. By exploring the impact of three different competition indicators, namely, Boone, Lerner and banks concentration indexes, the study responds to the concerns regarding the limitations of each of them.
Rethinking long‐term condition management: An actor‐level framework
Authors: Vaagan André , Sandvin Olsson Ann Britt , Arntzen Cathrine , By Rise Marit , Grue Jan , Haugland Trude , Langeland Eva , Stenberg Una , Koren Solvang Per
Published: February 2021

To understand the complexities of managing long‐term conditions and develop appropriate responses, micro‐, meso‐ and macrolevels must be considered. However, these levels have not been combined in a single analytical framework of long‐term condition management (LTCM). This article aims to describe a framework of LTCM practice and research that combines societal levels and key agents. The actor‐level framework, based on the works of Abram De Swaan and Randall Collins, provides a broader understanding of LTCM as an interdisciplinary research field compared to previous contributions. The framework has three main advantages. First, it encourages knowledge production across levels and actors that address the complexity of long‐term illness management. Second, it broadens the scope of LTCM as an interdisciplinary research field and practice field. Finally, it facilitates the integration of knowledge production from different disciplines and research traditions. The framework could stimulate interdisciplinary research collaboration to enhance knowledge of processes and interactions influencing the lives of individuals with long‐term conditions.
‘We Don't Want You to Diet’: Bariatric professionals' boundary work and negotiation of pleasure and control
Authors: Nehushtan Hilla
Published: February 2021

Although patients who undergo weight‐loss surgery (WLS/bariatric surgery) must follow severe eating restrictions in a manner similar to that of dieting, professionals strive to demarcate distinctions between the approaches and methods of WLS and diet. Drawing from ethnographic research, this study focuses on the content and interpretative dimensions of professionals' boundary work as well as its meaning and implications for patients. The post‐surgical body is revealed as a site of dispute. Professionals portray the logic of diet as one that assumes individuals ought to discipline themselves – and not ‘give in’ to pleasure – in order to achieve an ideal body. In contrast, WLS is depicted as a more advanced and balanced method that negotiates pleasure and control. Professionals construct boundaries by shifting the causes for obesity from the individual to the context, by expanding the meaning of success and by portraying food as healing. These findings join recent critical literature that shows that the lived experiences of care practices contest the prevailing framing of obesity care as solely about exerting disciplinary power and control. WLS professionals negotiate fat stigma and question dominant discourses regarding body size, thin ideals and responsibility.
The influence of caregiver's migration status on child's use of healthcare services: evidence from Ireland
Authors: Mohan Gretta
Published: February 2021

Large‐scale international migration continues apace. From a health‐care services perspective, it is important to understand the influence of migrant heritage on utilization, to allocate resources appropriately and facilitate equity. However, the differences in utilization across different migrant groups remain poorly understood, particularly so for paediatric populations. This paper contributes to filling this gap in knowledge, examining the health‐care contact of children for whom their primary caregiver is foreign‐born, using longitudinal data from two nationally representative surveys. The study setting is Ireland, which provides an interesting case as a small, open European country, which for the first‐time experienced net inward migration in the past two decades. For both cohorts, panel regression models, adjusting for socioeconomic and health indicators, demonstrated lower utilization of general practitioner (GP) services for children of caregivers from ‘less‐advanced, non‐Anglosphere, non‐European Union (EU)’ nations, relative to native‐born counterparts. Relatively lower attendances at Emergency Departments and hospital nights were also observed for this group, as well as for children born to EU (non‐UK) caregivers. The insights provided are instructive for policymakers for which immigration is a substantial phenomenon in current and future population demographics.
Understanding adolescent health risk behaviour and socioeconomic position: A grounded theory study of UK young adults
Authors: Tinner Laura , Caldwell Deborah , Hickman Matthew , Campbell Rona
Published: February 2021

Health risk behaviours such as tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, unhealthy diet and unprotected sexual intercourse contribute to the global burden of non‐communicable diseases and are often initiated in adolescence. An individualistic focus on ‘health risk behaviours’ has resulted in behaviour change strategies that are potentially ineffective and increase inequalities. We conducted a grounded theory study of 25 young adults to increase the limited qualitative evidence base surrounding young people, health risk behaviours and socioeconomic inequalities. We found that health risk behaviours were perceived as class markers, manifesting as class stigma, leading some participants from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to employ strategies to avoid such behaviours. Peers and family were core constructs for understanding the relationship between health risk behaviours and socioeconomic life trajectories. However, individualism and choice were consistently expressed as the overriding narrative for understanding health risk behaviour and socioeconomic position during the transition to adulthood. The use of ‘personal responsibility’ discourse by young adults, we argue, highlights the need for a public health focus on achieving structural changes as opposed to individualised approaches to avoid reinforcing neoliberal ideologies that serve to marginalise and maintain social inequalities.
Returning to work or working on one’s rehabilitation: Social identities invoked by impaired workers and professionals in health care and employment services
Authors: Andreassen Tone Alm , Solvang Per Koren
Published: February 2021

For persons with a long‐term illness or impairment, return‐to‐work decisions involve considerations about work capacity, opportunities in the labour market, the impact of injuries, further treatment requirements, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and mental health recovery. These considerations are undertaken by the affected individuals as well as by professionals in health care and employment services. Drawing upon institutional theories of organisations, especially the understanding that institutional logics provide different social identities to injured individuals, we study rehabilitation processes following multi‐trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the Scandinavian welfare model. We identify which social identities are activated in professionals’ considerations and in the stories of the injured individuals. The aim is to understand how professionals’ reasoning about the clients’ problems influences return‐to‐work processes. Our primary finding is that the wageworker identity, invoked by the injured individuals themselves, is subordinated by the professionals to the logic of profession and the associated patient identity. Consequently, not only is impaired people’s anti‐discrimination right to reasonably adjusted work ignored, ignored is also a possible resource in the rehabilitation process. Additionally, individuals who view themselves as wageworkers tend to be left unserved.
Variable oxygen administration in surgical and medical wards evaluated by 30‐day mortality—An observational study
Authors: Troensegaard Hannibal , Petersen Cecilie , Pedersen Niels E. , Petersen Tonny S. , Meyhoff Christian S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Several studies in surgery and initial management of critical illness have indicated harmful effects of short‐term exposure to hyperoxia. Exposure to and consequences of excessive oxygen administration in hospital wards are sparsely investigated.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between excessive oxygen administration in patients admitted to surgical or medical wards and 30‐day mortality.

Methods

We included patients in the Capital Region of Denmark who were admitted to hospital in 2014 for either myocardial infarction, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hip fracture or open abdominal surgery. We defined groups of inadequate, adequate or excessive oxygen administration based on peripheral oxygen saturation and oxygen administration values in the first 48 hours after admission. The primary outcome was mortality within 30 days, and data were analysed with multivariable logistic regression for age, gender and comorbidities.

Results

We retrieved data from 11 196 patients, of which 81% had adequate, 18% had excessive and 1.8% inadequate oxygen administration. Mortality at 30 days was 4.2%, 7.6% and 27%, respectively, OR 1.46 (95%CI 1.16‐1.84), P = .001 for patients with excessive compared to adequate oxygen administration. The association was significant in subgroups of patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD (OR 1.67, 95%CI 1.19‐2.34) and myocardial infarction (OR 3.50, 95%CI 1.55‐7.89).

Conclusion

Patients who received excessive oxygen administration in surgical and medical wards during the first 48 hours of admission had a higher mortality risk within 30 days compared to patients with adequate oxygen administration. However, inadequate oxygen therapy still renders highest mortality and should be avoided.
Establishment of deformable three‐dimensional printed models for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in transverse colon cancer
Authors: Hojo Daisuke , Kawai Kazushige , Murono Koji , Nozawa Hiroaki , Hata Keisuke , Tanaka Toshiaki , Nishikawa Takeshi , Shuno Yasutaka , Kaneko Manabu , Sasaki Kazuhito , Emoto Shigenobu , Ishii Hiroaki , Sonoda Hirofumi , Ishihara Soichiro
Published: February 2021

Background

Applications of three‐dimensional (3‐D) printed solid organ models for navigation and simulation were previously reported for abdominal surgeries, and their usefulness was shown by subjective evaluation. However, thus far, no study has examined the effect of intraoperative movements for tissue handling. Novel, deformable 3‐D printed models of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) were created to optimize laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The aim of this study was to establish a method using these individualized models for use in surgical practice.

Methods

Deformable 3‐D models for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy were created using a 3‐D printing flexible filamentous material (thermoplastic polyurethane). Five patients with transverse colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy between April 2017 and September 2019 were enrolled in this study. Then, the created patient‐specific models were compared with the previously recorded intraoperative video views.

Results

Transverse colon mobilization changed the spatial arrangement of the branches of the SMA and SMV. The 3‐D models reproduced the intraoperative view, although approaches to the dominant vessels to complete D3 lymphadenectomy may vary.

Conclusions

Deformable 3‐D models of the SMA and SMV with added branches may aid in optimizing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy operations.
The impact of indirect tax on income distribution and poverty in Tanzania
Authors: Maskaeva Asiya , Bochkaeva Zanda , Mmasa Joel , Msafiri Mgeni
Published: February 2021

This paper analyzes the impacts of indirect tax benefits policy reforms on income distribution and poverty in Tanzania by applying a standard static microsimulation model TAZMOD v1.8. The simulations model two indirect tax reforms involving changes to the excise duty and value‐added tax rates on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, and changes to employers’ and employees’ contributions to the National Health Insurance Fund. The results of the first reform find a positive effect on government tax revenue and a neutral effect on income distribution and poverty. The results of the second reform find a positive effect on household income distribution and consumption. The findings show that, despite increasing unequal income distribution, poverty indicators fell.
Ecological responses to variation in seasonal snow cover
Authors: Slatyer Rachel A. , Umbers Kate D. L. , Arnold Pieter A.
Published: February 2021

Seasonal snow is among the most important factors governing the ecology of many terrestrial ecosystems, but rising global temperatures are changing snow regimes and driving widespread declines in the depth and duration of snow cover. Loss of the insulating snow layer will fundamentally change the environment. Understanding how individuals, populations, and communities respond to different snow conditions is thus essential for predicting and managing future ecosystem change. We synthesized 365 studies that examined ecological responses to variation in winter snow conditions. This research encompasses a broad range of methods (experimental manipulations, measurement of natural snow gradients, and long‐term monitoring), locations (35 countries), study organisms (plants, mammals, arthropods, birds, fish, lichen, and fungi), and response measures. Earlier snowmelt was consistently associated with advanced spring phenology in plants, mammals, and arthropods. Reduced snow depth often increased mortality or physical injury in plants, although there were few clear effects on animals. Neither snow depth nor snowmelt timing had clear or consistent directional effects on body size of animals or biomass of plants. However, because 96% of studies were from the northern hemisphere, the generality of these trends across ecosystems and localities is also unclear. We identified substantial research gaps for several taxonomic groups and response types; research on wintertime responses was notably scarce. Future research should prioritize examination of the mechanisms underlying responses to changing snow conditions and the consequences of those responses for seasonally snow‐covered ecosystems.
Enriched Au nanoclusters with mesoporous silica nanoparticles for improved fluorescence/computed tomography dual‐modal imaging
Authors: Yuan Yifang , Zhou Ronghui , Li Ting , Qu Shuang , Bai Hua , Liang Jiawu , Cai Xiaoxiao , Guo Bin
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been used widely in fluorescence bio‐imaging because of their good fluorescence, small particle size and non‐cytotoxicity. AuNCs are also efficient in computed tomography (CT) imaging. Hence, a dual‐modal imaging probe can be constructed without any complicated modification processes by exploiting the excellent performance of AuNCs. In the present study, AuNCs were enriched with mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to obtain enhanced fluorescence/CT dual‐modal imaging, which was capable of acquiring more imaging information for diseases compared with single‐mode imaging.

Materials and methods

Biocompatible bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐capped AuNCs were prepared and loaded into amine‐functionalized MSNs to form MSN@AuNCs. BSA‐AuNCs, MSNs, and MSN@AuNCs were characterized by ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence spectra, and zeta potential. CT imaging was recorded using micro‐CT scanning. Fluorescence imaging was measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry.

Results

The prepared AuNCs and MSNs possessed good properties as previously reported. The fluorescence intensity and CT value of the AuNCs were enhanced after being enriched with MSNs. The nanoparticles were both non‐cytotoxic. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry indicated that MSN@AuNCs in CAL‐27 cells showed improved fluorescence imaging compared with simple AuNCs at the same concentration.

Conclusions

The results revealed that the strategy of enriching AuNCs with MSNs can obtain highly sensitive fluorescence/CT dual‐modal imaging, which indicated the potential of this nanoparticle in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Political affiliation predicts public attitudes toward gray wolf (Canis lupus) conservation and management
Authors: van Eeden Lily M. , S. Rabotyagov Sergey , Kather Morgan , Bogezi Carol , Wirsing Aaron J. , Marzluff John
Published: February 2021

Controversial wildlife conservation and management, such as that involving gray wolves (Canis lupus), can be symbolic of broader social conflicts. We conducted an online survey (N = 420) to determine factors shaping public attitudes toward wolf management among residents of Washington state, United States. We used 12 Likert‐type statements to form a single latent construct that represented attitudes toward wolf management in a multi‐use landscape and fit a simple structural equation model to identify demographic predictor variables. The strongest predictors were that voters self‐identifying as Democrats were more likely to hold positive attitudes toward wolves and management to conserve them than those identifying with other political parties (standardized latent variable coefficient = 0.585) and women were more likely than men to hold negative attitudes (−0.459). Older respondents were also more likely to hold negative attitudes (−0.015) and respondents who tried to stay informed about wolf issues were more likely to hold positive attitudes (0.172). Perceived links between wildlife management issues and political ideology may exacerbate community disagreements, hindering coexistence between rural livelihoods and wolves. We recommend appropriate framing and messengers to account for this linkage and improve communication of policy and promote science‐based decision‐making.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and Tourette syndrome: new findings and future directions
Authors: Dyke Katherine
Published: February 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Kahl et al. on pages 808–815 of this issue.
Retrieving Heidegger's temporal realism
Authors: Rousse B. Scot
Published: February 2021

Early Heidegger argues that a “homogenous space of nature” can be revealed by stripping away the intelligibility of Dasein's everyday world, a process he calls “deworlding.” Given this, some interpreters have suggested that Heidegger, despite not having worked out the details himself, is also committed to a notion of deworlded time. Such a “natural time” would amount to an endogenous sequentiality in which events are ordered independently of Dasein and the stand it takes on its being. I show that Heidegger was indeed committed to such a temporal realism even though his treatment of these issues is somewhat scattered and pulled in different directions. In the course of my reconstruction, I renew an interpretation of Heidegger that stresses Dasein's thrownness into nature and I answer William Blattner's powerful interpretation of Heidegger as a failed temporal idealist who was unable to derive the sequentiality of ordinary time from Dasein's non‐sequential originary temporality. Heidegger did not attempt to derive sequentiality; instead, he understood it as a built‐in feature of the natural universe by which Dasein's activities are constrained. World‐time turns out to be a co‐production of Dasein's non‐sequential originary temporality and the endogenous sequentiality of events in nature.
Immunosuppression as a risk factor for COVID‐19: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tassone Daniel , Thompson Alexander , Connell William , Lee Tanya , Ungaro Ryan , An Ping , Ding Yijuan , Ding Nik S.
Published: February 2021

Background

While immunosuppression poses a theoretical increase in the risk of COVID‐19, the nature of this relationship is yet to be ascertained.

Aims

To determine whether immunosuppressed patients are at higher risk of COVID‐19 to help inform the management of patients receiving immunosuppressant therapies during the pandemic.

Methods

We performed a random‐effects meta‐analysis of data from studies that reported on the prevalence of immunosuppression among patient cohorts with COVID‐19.

Results

Sixty full‐text publications were identified. In total, six individual studies were included in the final analysis, contributing a total of 10 049 patients with COVID‐19 disease. The prevalence of immunosuppressed patients among the study cohorts with COVID‐19 ranged from 0.126% to 1.357%. In the pooled cohort a total of 64/10 049 (0.637%) patients with COVID‐19 disease was immunosuppressed. Observed to expected ratios were used to compare the prevalence of immunosuppression in cohorts with confirmed COVID‐19 disease to the background prevalence of immunosuppression in the general community. The observed to expected ratio of immunosuppression among patients with COVID‐19 illness, relative to the general community, was 0.12 (95% confidence interval: 0.05–0.27).

Conclusions

Compared to the general population, immunosuppressed patients were not at significantly increased risk of COVID‐19 infection. This finding provides support for current expert consensus statements, which have recommended the continuation of immunosuppressant therapy in the absence of COVID‐19.
Association between height and sleep duration in Korean adults
Authors: Seo Min‐Seok , Hwang In Cheol
Published: February 2021

The relationship between height and sleep duration is poorly understood in adults. We analysed the data from 32 698 adults collected by the 2007–2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 44.4% and 9.1% participants reported short (≤6 h) and long (≥9 h) sleep duration, respectively. A shorter height was significantly associated with increased likelihood of both short and long sleep. A sex‐stratified analysis revealed that the relationship between height and sleep duration was only significant in males. In conclusion, height was independently related to sleep duration in Korean men.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in elderly multiple myeloma patients aged ≥65 years: a two‐centre Australian experience
Authors: Er Jeremy , Routledge David , Hempton Jennifer , Wood Colin , Joyce Trish , Harrison Simon , Campbell Philip
Published: February 2021

There are currently limited Australian data on the outcomes of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients. We present the largest cohort of elderly MM patients aged ≥65 years undergoing ASCT in Australia and report their outcomes based on our two‐centre experience. Our study affirms that ASCT is well tolerated, safe and effective in elderly MM patients aged ≥65 years and should be considered an important component of treatment in patients who are fit enough for the procedure.
Mainstreaming genomics: training experience of hospital medical officers at the Royal Melbourne Hospital
Authors: Huq Aamira J. , Healy Lachlan , Gorelik Alexandra , Forrest Laura E. , Winship Ingrid M.
Published: February 2021

The rapid evolution and wide applicability of genomic testing means that medical practitioners outside the field are not appropriately skilled to understand the utility of genomics for their patients. Rotating junior doctors through genomic medicine provides them with the hands‐on experience necessary to understand the complexities in this field. In this study, we analysed the training experience of 12 hospital medical officers who rotated through genomic medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Here, we demonstrate that immersion in clinical genomics aids in mainstreaming genomics knowledge.
Dormant conduction in the right ventricular outflow tract unmasked by adenosine in a patient with Brugada syndrome
Authors: Kamakura Tsukasa , Duchateau Josselin , Sacher Frédéric , Jais Pierre , Haïssaguerre Michel , Hocini Mélèze
Published: February 2021

Recent data of electrophysiological mapping in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) suggest that the presence of an abnormal arrhythmogenic substrate in the epicardial right ventricular outflow tract is responsible for ST‐segment elevation and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Complete elimination of the epicardial abnormal potentials normalizes Brugada‐pattern electrocardiogram and suppresses VF recurrence. We herein report the first case of BrS in which an injection of adenosine unmasked dormant conduction in the epicardial RVOT after the disappearance of the epicardial potentials.
Primary care continuity and potentially avoidable hospitalization in persons with dementia
Authors: Godard‐Sebillotte Claire , Strumpf Erin , Sourial Nadia , Rochette Louis , Pelletier Eric , Vedel Isabelle
Published: February 2021

Background/Objective

To measure the association between high primary care continuity and potentially avoidable hospitalization in community‐dwelling persons with dementia. Our hypothesis was that high primary care continuity is associated with fewer potentially avoidable hospitalizations.

Design

Population‐based retrospective cohort (2012–2016), with inverse probability of treatment weighting using the propensity score.

Setting

Quebec (Canada) health administrative database, recording most primary, secondary and tertiary care services provided via the public universal health insurance system.

Participants

Population‐based sample of 22,060 community‐dwelling 65 + persons with dementia on March 31st, 2015, with at least two primary care visits in the preceding year (mean age 81 years, 60% female). Participants were followed for 1 year, or until death or long‐term care admission.

Exposure

High primary care continuity on March 31st, 2015, i.e., having had every primary care visit with the same primary care physician, during the preceding year.

Main outcome measures

Primary: Potentially avoidable hospitalization in the follow‐up period as defined by ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) hospitalization (general and older population definitions), 30‐day hospital readmission; Secondary: Hospitalization and emergency department visit.

Results

Among the 22,060 persons, compared with the persons with low primary care continuity, the 14,515 (65.8%) persons with high primary care continuity had a lower risk of ACSC hospitalization (general population definition) (relative risk reduction 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.94), ACSC hospitalization (older population definition) (0.87, 0.79–0.95), 30‐day hospital readmission (0.81, 0.72–0.92), hospitalization (0.90, 0.86–0.94), and emergency department visit (0.92, 0.90–0.95). The number needed to treat to prevent one event were, respectively, 118 (69–356), 87 (52–252), 97 (60–247), 23 (17–34), and 29 (21–47).

Conclusion

Increasing continuity with a primary care physician might be an avenue to reduce potentially avoidable hospitalizations in community‐dwelling persons with dementia on a population‐wide level.
COVID‐19 impact on psychological outcomes of parents, siblings and children with intellectual disability: longitudinal before and during lockdown design
Authors: Bailey T. , Hastings R. P. , Totsika V.
Published: February 2021

Background

Parents of children with intellectual disability (ID) report comparatively lower levels of well‐being than parents of children without ID. Similarly, children with ID, and to a lesser extent their siblings, are reported to show comparatively higher levels of behaviour and emotional problems. Psychological problems may be accentuated by restrictions associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic, due to increased social, caring and economic stressors and reduced social support. However, existing studies have not been able to examine the impact of COVID‐19 restrictions accounting for pre‐COVID levels of well‐being in these families. In a naturalistic design, we examined outcomes for parents, siblings and children with ID in a two‐wave longitudinal study where Wave 2 data were gathered for some families before and some during COVID‐19 restrictions.

Methods

Parents of children with ID who took part in a Wave 2 survey pre‐lockdown (n = 294) and during/post‐lockdown (n = 103) completed a number of measures about their well‐being and the behaviour and emotional problems of both their child with ID and their nearest‐in‐age sibling. These same measures had also been completed for all families 2–3 years previously in Wave 1 of the study.

Results

After accounting for covariates including family socio‐economic circumstances, pre‐lockdown and post‐lockdown groups did not differ on Waves 1 to 2 change for measures of parental psychological distress, life satisfaction, the impact of caregiving on their lives or perceived positive gains; nor child or sibling internalising or externalising behaviour problems.

Conclusions

Findings of the current study indicate that during and shortly after the COVID‐19 lockdown in the United Kingdom, well‐being in families of children with an ID (as reported by parents) was at similar levels compared with prior to the lockdown period.