bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Selegiline Hydrochlorate in Treating Neurosensory Disorders of the Lower Alveolar Nerve Resulting From Mandibular Sagittal Osteotomy
Authors: da Silva Mesquita Bruno , do Egito Vasconcelos Belmiro Cavalcanti , Amorim Gomes Ana Cláudia , de Souza Andrade Emanuel Sávio
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Peripheral nerves transmit nerve signals between periphery and the spinal cord or brain stem. Its function can be compromised by trauma to the nerve, such as those that occur in surgical procedures such as orthognathic surgery. Depending on the type of injury, treatment may be proposed, but this is still a controversial point in literature. Alternative methods that assist in the treatment of paresthesia should be studied, and in this context, selegiline hydrochloride seems to be a promising drug.

Aim

Based on the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selegiline hydrochloride in the treatment of facial sensory changes resulting from nerve injuries in patients undergoing maxillary orthognathic surgery.

Methods

This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial with the voluntary participation of individuals who underwent orthognathic surgery. The facial sensitivity of these patients was evaluated by 2-point discrimination tests and directional perception in the region related to the lower alveolar nerve. Tests were comparatively applied at times T0 (before surgery), T8 (8 days after surgery), T15 (15 days after surgery), T30 (30 days after surgery), T60 (60 days after surgery), and T90 (90 days after surgery).

Results

The mean age of patients was 31.14 years. With the comparative analysis of the 2-point static test on the chin, difference was observed between groups at times T15 (P = 0.007), T30 (P = 0.010), and T90 (P = 0.027) in the intergroup evaluation. Regarding results of the comparative analysis of the 2-point static test on the lip, difference was observed between groups at times T30 (P = 0.023), T60 (P < 0.001), and T90 (P = 0.005) in the intergroup evaluation. In the direction test on the chin, difference was observed between groups at times T30 (P = 0.015), T60 (P = 0.001), and T90 (P < 0.001) in the intergroup evaluation.

Conclusions

Selegiline hydrochloride has shown promising results in the treatment of neurosensory disorders resulting from maxillary orthognathic surgery.
Congenital Ossification Defects of the Frontal Bone: Description of a Novel Clinical Entity and the Management of Four Patients
Authors: Roumeliotis Grayson , Inciarte Maria , Thomas Gregory , Wall Steven , Mathijssen Irene , Johnson David
Published: November 2020

Embryologic development of the frontoorbital region is complex and is affected by a series of pathologies. These primarily represent failures of fusion at the interface between the frontal bones and the skull base or between the frontal bones themselves, or frontal bone defects in association with atypical craniofacial clefts or cutis aplasia. Isolated ossification defects in the frontal bones themselves are rare, with only 1 case having been previously reported. In that report, the defect was effectively managed with an alloplastic cranioplasty. However, long term results were not presented. Here, we describe 4 cases of isolated frontal bone aplasia their management using autologous bone.
Early Patient Discharge in Selected Patients is Not Associated With Higher Readmission After Major Abdominal Operations
Authors: Turrentine Florence E. , McMurry Timothy L. , Adams Reid B. , Jones R. Scott , Zaydfudim Victor M.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Our objective was to examine the associations between early discharge and readmission after major abdominal operations.

Background:

Advances in patient care resulted in earlier patient discharge after complex abdominal operations. Whether early discharge is associated with patient readmissions remains controversial.

Methods:

Patients who had colorectal, liver, and pancreas operations abstracted in 2011-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data Files were included. Patient readmission was stratified by 6 operative groups. Patients who were discharged before median discharge date within each operative group were categorized as an early discharge. Analyses tested associations between early discharge and likelihood of 30-day postoperative unplanned readmission.

Results:

A total of 364,609 patients with major abdominal operations were included. Individual patient groups and corresponding median day of discharge were: laparoscopic colectomy (n = 152,575; median = 4), open colectomy (n =137,462; median = 7), laparoscopic proctectomy (n = 12,238; median = 5), open proctectomy (n = 24,925; median = 6), major hepatectomy (n = 9,805; median = 6), pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 27,604; median = 8). Early discharge was not associated with an increase in proportion of readmissions in any operative group. Early discharge was associated with a decrease in average proportion of patient readmissions compared to patients discharged on median date in each of the operative groups: laparoscopic colectomy 6% versus 8%, open colectomy 11% versus 14%, laparoscopic proctectomy 13% versus 16%, open proctectomy 13% vs 17%, major hepatectomy 8% versus 12%, pancreatoduodenectomy 16% versus 20% (all P ≤ 0.02). Serious morbidity composite was significantly lower in patients who were discharged early than those who were not in each operative group (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Early discharge in selected patients after major abdominal operations is associated with lower, and not higher, rate of 30-day unplanned readmission.
Sensorimotor Mapping With MEG: An Update on the Current State of Clinical Research and Practice With Considerations for Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: De Tiège Xavier , Bourguignon Mathieu , Piitulainen Harri , Jousmäki Veikko
Published: November 2020

In this article, we present the clinical indications and advances in the use of magnetoencephalography to map the primary sensorimotor (SM1) cortex in neurosurgical patients noninvasively. We emphasize the advantages of magnetoencephalography over sensorimotor mapping using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Recommendations to the referring physicians and the clinical magnetoencephalographers to achieve appropriate sensorimotor cortex mapping using magnetoencephalography are proposed. We finally provide some practical advice for the use of corticomuscular coherence, cortico-kinematic coherence, and mu rhythm suppression in this indication. Magnetoencephalography should now be considered as a method of reference for presurgical functional mapping of the sensorimotor cortex.
The Wisdom and Vision From the ACMEGS Inaugural Decade
Authors: Bagić Anto I. , Funke Michael E. , Burgess Richard C.
Published: November 2020

Concise history of fascinating magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology and catalog of very selected milestone preclinical and clinical MEG studies are provided as the background. The focus is the societal context defining a journey of MEG to and through clinical practice and formation of the American Clinical MEG Society (ACMEGS). We aspired to provide an objective historic perspective and document contributions of many professionals while focusing on the role of ACMEGS in the growth and maturation of clinical MEG field. The ACMEGS was born (2006) out of inevitability to address two vital issues—fair reimbursement and proper clinical acceptance. A beacon of accountable MEG practice and utilization is now an expanding professional organization with the highest level of competence in practice of clinical MEG and clinical credibility. The ACMEGS facilitated a favorable disposition of insurances toward MEG in the United States by combining the national replication of the grassroots efforts and teaming up with the strategic partners—particularly the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), published two Position Statements (2009 and 2017), the world's only set of MEG Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs; 2011) and surveys of clinical MEG practice (2011 and 2020) and use (2020). In addition to the annual ACMEGS Course (2012), we directly engaged MEG practitioners through an Invitational Summit (2019). The Society remains focused on the improvements and expansion of clinical practice, education, clinical training, and constructive engagement of vendors in these issues and pivotal studies toward additional MEG indications. The ACMEGS not only had the critical role in the progress of Clinical MEG in the United States and beyond since 2006 but positioned itself as the field leader in the future.
Community-level women’s education and hemoglobin level among Indian adolescents: A multilevel analysis of a national survey
Authors: Shah Ankita R. , Subramanyam Malavika A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Little research has explored the influence of social context on hemoglobin levels among Indian adolescents. We conceptualized community-level women’s education (proxy for value placed on women’s wellbeing) as exerting contextual influence on adolescent hemoglobin level.

Methods

We used the Indian National Family Health Survey 2015-16 data (62,648 adolescents aged 15-17 years). We fit multilevel random intercepts linear regression models to test the association of village- and urban-ward-level-women’s education with hemoglobin of adolescents, accounting for own and their mother’s education; plus relevant covariates.

Findings

Our fully adjusted model estimated that if the 45% of communities with fewer than ten percent of women having a tenth-grade education in our sample were to achieve 100% high school completion in women, the average hemoglobin of all adolescents in such communities would be 0·22 g/dl higher (p<0·01). Unexplained variance at the contextual level remained statistically significant, indicating the importance of context on adolescent hemoglobin.

Interpretations

Adolescents are deeply embedded in their context, influenced by contextual factors affecting health. Promoting adolescent health therefore implies altering social norms related to adolescent health and health behaviors; along with structural changes creating a health-promoting environment. Integrating our empirical findings with theoretically plausible understanding of the pathways connecting community-level women’s education with adolescent hemoglobin, we suggest that enhancing community-level women’s education beyond high school is necessary to facilitate these processes.

Implications

Addressing contextual determinants of adolescent hemoglobin might be the missing link in India’s adolescent anemia prevention efforts, which are focused heavily on individual-level biomedical determinants of the problem.
Bayesian network modelling for early diagnosis and prediction of Endometriosis
Authors: Collins Rachel , Fenton Norman
Published: November 2020

Bayesian networks (BNs) are graphical models that can combine knowledge with data to represent the causal probabilistic relationships between a set of variables and provide insight into the processes underlying disease progression, closely resembling clinical decision-making. This paper describes a BN causal model for the early diagnosis and prediction of endometriosis. The causal structure of the BN model is developed using an idioms-based approach and the model parameters are derived from the data reported in multiple medical observational studies and trials. The BN incorporates the impact of errors and omissions in reporting endometriosis, and the distinction between assumed and actual cases. Hence, it is also able to explain both flawed and counterintuitive results of observational studies.
Longitudinal proteomic profiling of dialysis patients with COVID-19 reveals markers of severity and predictors of death
Authors: Gisby Jack , Clarke Candice L. , Medjeral-Thomas Nicholas , Malik Talat H. , Papadaki Artemis , Mortimer Paige M. , Buang Norzawani B. , Lewis Shanice , Pereira Marie , Toulza Frederic , Fagnano Ester , Mawhin Marie-Anne , Dutton Emma E. , Tapeng Lunnathaya , Richard Arianne C. , Kirk Paul D. W. , Behmoaras Jacques , Sandhu Eleanor , McAdoo Stephen P. , Prendecki Maria F. , Pickering Matthew C. , Botto Marina , Willicombe Michelle , Thomas David C. , Peters James E.
Published: November 2020

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19. We measured 436 circulating proteins in serial blood samples from hospitalised and non-hospitalised ESKD patients with COVID-19 (n=256 samples from 55 patients). Comparison to 51 non-infected patients revealed 221 differentially expressed proteins, with consistent results in a separate subcohort of 46 COVID-19 patients. 203 proteins were associated with clinical severity, including IL6, markers of monocyte recruitment (e.g. CCL2, CCL7), neutrophil activation (e.g. proteinase-3) and epithelial injury (e.g. KRT19). Machine learning identified predictors of severity including IL18BP, CTSD, GDF15, and KRT19. Survival analysis with joint models revealed 69 predictors of death. Longitudinal modelling with linear mixed models uncovered 32 proteins displaying different temporal profiles in severe versus non-severe disease, including integrins and adhesion molecules. These data implicate epithelial damage, innate immune activation, and leucocyte-endothelial interactions in the pathology of severe COVID-19 and provide a resource for identifying drug targets.
Children hospitalized for COVID-19 during the first winter of the pandemic in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Raiden Silvina , Cairoli Hector , Potasnik Javier , Di Lalla Sandra , Chiolo María José , Torres Fernando , Dominguez Paula , Ferrero Fernando
Published: November 2020

Background

Although there are reports on COVID-19 in pediatrics, it is possible that the characteristics of each population, their health systems and how they faced the pandemic made the disease show distinctive features in different countries.

Objective

We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary pediatric hospital in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Methods

Descriptive study, including all patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary pediatric hospital, from 04/26/2020 to 10/31/2020. Demographic, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients are described.

Results

In the studied period 578 patients were hospitalized for COVID-19. The median age was 4.2 years and 83% had a history of close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. Regarding severity, 30.8% were asymptomatic, 60.4% mild, 7.4% moderate, and 1.4% severe. Among those with symptoms, the most frequent was fever, followed by sore throat and cough.

Conclusion

We reported 578 cases of children and adolescents hospitalized for COVID-19, most of them showed a mild or asymptomatic condition.
Severity of Respiratory Infections due to SARS-CoV-2 in Working Population: Age and Body Mass Index Outweigh ABO Blood Group
Authors: Schetelig Johannes , Baldauf Henning , Wendler Sarah , Heidenreich Falk , Real Ruben , Kolditz Martin , Rosner Andrea , Dalpke Alexander , de With Katja , Lange Vinzenz , Markert Jan , Barth Ralf , Bunzel Carolin , Endert Dennis , Hofmann Jan A , Sauter Jürgen , Bernas Stefanie N , Schmidt Alexander H
Published: November 2020

Background

With increasing rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections and the intention to avoid a lock-down, the risks for the working population are of great interest. No large studies have been conducted which allow risk assessment for this population.

Methods

DKMS is a non-profit donor center for stem cell donation and reaches out to registered volunteers between 18 and 61 years of age. To identify risk factors for severe COVID-19 courses in this population we performed a cross-sectional study. Self-reported data on oro- or nasopharyngeal swabs, risk factors, symptoms and treatment were collected with a health questionnaire and linked to existing genetic data. We fitted multivariable logistic regression models for the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, risk of severe respiratory infection and risk of hospitalization.

Findings

Of 4,440,895 contacted volunteers 924,660 (20.8%) participated in the study. Among 157,544 participants tested, 7,948 reported SARS-CoV-2 detection. Of those, 947 participants (11.9%) reported an asymptomatic course, 5,014 (63.1%) mild/moderate respiratory infections, and 1,987 (25%) severe respiratory tract infections. In total, 286 participants (3.6%) were hospitalized for respiratory tract infections. The risk of hospitalization in comparison to a 20-year old person of normal weight was 2.1-fold higher (95%-CI, 1.2-3.69, p=0.01) for a person of same age with a BMI between 35-40 kg/m2, it was 5.33-fold higher (95%-CI, 2.92-9.70, p<0.001) for a 55-year old person with normal weight and 11.2-fold higher (95%-CI, 10.1-14.6, p<0.001) for a 55-year old person with a BMI between 35-40 kg/m2. Blood group A was associated with a 1.15-fold higher risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 (95%-CI 1.08-1.22, p<0.001) than blood group O but did not impact COVID-19 severity.

Interpretation

In this relatively healthy population, the risk for hospitalizations due to SARS-CoV-2 infections was moderate. Age and BMI were major risk factors. These data may help to tailor risk-stratified preventive measures.

Funding

DKMS initiated and conducted this study. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supported the study by a research grant (COVID-19 call (202), reference number 01KI20177).
Commercial lender judgments and fair-value recognition: an investigation into the impact of future accounting standards
Authors: Warne Rick C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the impact that fair-value recognition of non-financial assets has on the judgments of commercial lenders.

Design/methodology/approach

Commercial lenders, who were attending a national banking conference, participated in a controlled experiment.

Findings

The experimental results show that commercial lenders incorporate fair values into their judgments but only when this information is recognized (vs disclosed) on the financial statements. Additionally, lenders assigned the highest loan interest rates when recognized fair values increased net income, and they assign the lowest loan amounts when recognized fair values decreased net income.

Research limitations/implications

Typical limitations regarding behavioral experiments are acknowledged in the paper. For example, the commercial lenders in this study could not request additional information. In addition, because of the difficulty in obtaining these participants, the sample size is relatively small.

Practical implications

US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) does not allow the fair-market valuation for most non-current assets while International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) require such valuations. The article adds to our understanding about how a significant user group of financial statements, commercial lenders, view GAAP and IFRS accounting.

Social implications

This article provides insights regarding how commercial lenders' decisions may change based on accounting principles related to asset valuation. Obtaining credit through loans has significant implications for society.

Originality/value

This article is unique because it examines commercial lenders' judgments using different asset valuations on the financial statements.
Peebuddy: ladies, it’s time to stand-up!
Authors: Neena Sondhi , Rituparna Basu
Published: November 2020

Supplementary materials

Teaching Note and Exhibits.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows. The case offers a rare opportunity to understand the unique market dynamics of feminine health and hygiene products in an emerging market. The discussion would enable learners to comprehend different stages of “new product development process”; understand “diffusion of innovation” and consumer adoption process; conduct a comprehensive situation analysis to assess segment attractiveness; and plan market-driven “product commercialization” strategies to increase adoption and sales for long-term performance.

Case overview/synopsis

Peebuddy – “India’s first portable female urination device” that gave women the freedom to stand and pee in unfriendly toilets was launched in 2015. Over two million units were sold by December 2019. Riding on this success, Deep Bajaj – the creator of Peebuddy built a 20-product company from a small bootstrapped start-up, over a four-year period. After receiving two rounds of funding, Bajaj knew that for the next phase of expansion, he needed to showcase Peebuddy as the star product. Facing the challenge of getting over the chasm of limited adoption of an unconventional product in the intimate feminine hygiene and almost taboo space in an emerging market such as India, Bajaj was determined to retain the first mover advantage and emerge as the leader in the category. For this, he had to define his lead user distinctly and design appropriate strategies to increase consumer reach and sales that could overcome the challenges of cultural stereotypes.

Complexity academic level

MBA-level courses in marketing management (core), consumer behavior and product management.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Learning huddles: absorptive capacity and sustainable growth of Chinese incubatees
Authors: Kennett Geraldine , Hu Ling , Maritz Alex , Sun He
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study explores the different learning practices of Chinese incubators in Chongqing and Chengdu and delves into how these “learning huddles” influence incubatees' absorptive capacity (the ability to apply knowledge) to improve their chance of success (sustainable growth).

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative study uses a qualitative case study approach by means of semi-structured interviews with business incubation managers and incubatees across three business incubators in Chengdu and Chongqing. The data are transcribed, coded and analyzed using an analytic map for the explanation of building and reflecting on the theoretical propositions, leading to a further understanding of the “learning huddle” mechanism.

Findings

The study finds that incubatees perceive that their absorptive capacity is increased through vicarious informal learning practices that promote access to networks and thereby builds social capital to improve their likelihood of success.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations in sample size and design. The explorative case study approach uses a nonrandom case selection of three incubators in Chongqing and Chengdu and has a limited number of interviewees, which may lack representation of the general Chinese business incubation population and may not sufficiently be generalized beyond the sample itself.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications for business incubation programs. Business incubators that build learning huddles (networks) create a nurturing shared learning environment, which is suitable for incubatees to collectively absorb knowledge at the early stage of their life cycle and improve their likelihood of sustainable growth.

Social implications

Since this study is limited to a Chinese context, it is also hoped that future researchers use the typology of business incubator learning practices to explore cross-culture variables, as these may influence the business incubation operations and performance.

Originality/value

This study adds to the discussion on how collective learning practices facilitate absorptive capacity and build social capital, which in turn improves incubatees' chance of sustainable growth and as such the authors hope that the learning practice's typology and how incubatees determine their success stimulates further research for measuring the likelihood of incubatees sustainable growth.
The influence of institutional pressures on the implementation of a performance measurement system in an Egyptian social enterprise
Authors: Alsaid Loai Ali Zeenalabden Ali , Ambilichu Charles Anyeng
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of field-level funding pressure and resource dependency on conflicting institutional logics in implementing a new performance measurement system (PMS) within a privatised social enterprise (SE) in a developing country. It answers the research question: how accounting-based key performance indicators (KPIs) were chosen within a privatised SE to maintain co-existence between two different institutional logics, the social and commercial logics, to gain legitimacy in the government funding scheme.

Design/methodology/approach

This study expands the application and contribution of the Besharov and Smith’s (2014) logics multiplicity framework to previous management accounting literature on PMS and institutional logics. It adds a new dimension to previous literature to theorise the cognitive dynamics of institutional logics at three distinct but interrelated institutional levels, namely, field, organisational and individual. Data come from an interpretive case study of an Egyptian SE, involved in implementing a social project (drinking water refining) in rural communities.

Findings

PMS acts as a political tool through which the privatised case company has gained societal acceptance and legitimacy in the government funding scheme. Its non-political KPIs have turned into political tools to meet the institutional demands of the funding scheme. This government involvement represents field-level institutional logics, which influenced the organisational-level interplay of commercial and social logics and then the individual-level choice of internal KPIs. This contributes to the fact that institutional logics and their interplay between these three levels are “in a state of flux” within SEs’ internal PMS.

Originality/value

This study deals with a real-life practical case that proves the prevalence of one institutional logic over another at both the organisational and individual levels may be occasioned by organisational field pressures and opportunities rather than by other intra-organisational conflicts as discussed in most previous literature on PMS and institutional logics.
Two cases of severe congenital hypotrichosis caused by compound heterozygous mutations in the LSS gene
Authors: Murata Mami , Hayashi Ryota , Kawakami Yoshio , Morizane Shin , Shimomura Yutaka
Published: November 2020

It has recently been shown that bi‐allelic mutations in the lanosterol synthase (LSS) gene, which was originally reported as a causative gene for congenital cataracts, underlie a non‐syndromic form of hypotrichosis. Furthermore, it has also been revealed that mutations in the LSS gene can cause syndromic forms of hypotrichosis. To date, however, clear genotype–phenotype correlations have not completely been characterized. In this study, we identified two Japanese patients who had severe congenital hypotrichosis without any other associated findings. Their scalp hairs were extremely short and thin, and were able to be plucked easily. Observation of the plucked hairs showed aberrantly‐miniaturized anagen hair follicles. Genetic analysis demonstrated that both patients carried bi‐allelic mutations in the LSS gene in a compound heterozygote state. Our findings further underscore the crucial roles of the LSS gene in hair follicle development and hair growth in humans.
Sex differences in alternative reproductive tactics in response to predation risk in tree crickets
Authors: Torsekar Viraj R. , Balakrishnan Rohini
Published: November 2020

Alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) are variable, often discontinuous, behaviours that allow a particular sex to achieve enhanced mating success. Predation risk has been hypothesised to drive the evolution of ARTs, but few empirical studies have examined this. It is unclear whether predators affect fitness of the two sexes directly, by reducing survival, or indirectly, by altering mate searching.

In crickets, mate search typically involves acoustic signalling by males and acoustic‐mediated movement towards males by silent females. Males and females may however employ ARTs, which includes silent searching by males, and mating without performing phonotaxis in females.

We empirically examined effects of increased predation risk on mate searching behaviour and survival of male and female tree crickets, and their effects on mating success, using field‐enclosure experiments with tree crickets Oecanthus henryi and their primary predator, green lynx spiders Peucetia viridans. Crickets were allocated into three treatments with different levels of predation risk.

Increased predation risk strongly reduced survival, and thereby mating success, for both sexes. With increasing predation risk, males reduced calling and increased movement towards neighbouring callers, with negative effects on mating success. By comparing with simulated random movement, we found that male movement was significantly directed towards other calling males, implying a switch to satellite strategies. Female movement behaviour, however, remained unaltered.

Males and females thus differed in their response to comparable levels of predation risk, implying that the role of predation as a driver of alternative mate search strategies is sex‐specific.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Understorey removal effects on tree regeneration in temperate forests: A meta‐analysis
Authors: De Lombaerde Emiel , Baeten Lander , Verheyen Kris , Perring Michael P. , Ma Shiyu , Landuyt Dries
Published: November 2020

The unwanted development of dense understorey vegetation composed of resource‐acquisitive, tall plant species competing strongly with tree regeneration can pose formidable problems for managers attempting to regenerate temperate forests. Despite many studies on the effects of understorey removal, no comprehensive review has summarised and quantified its effects on subsequent life stages of tree regeneration in temperate forests.

We synthesised data from 32 experimental studies from temperate forest regions. We used meta‐analytic techniques to find general patterns in terms of the characteristics of the understorey, overstorey and characteristics of the regenerating tree species, which are most responsible for possible positive understorey removal effects on early life stages of tree regeneration, i.e. emergence, survival and growth.

Both seedling survival and growth increased in response to understorey removal; emergence did not show a clear pattern. Seedlings growing free from competition mainly increased their biomass growth (total and above‐ground), whereas diameter and height growth responded less. These positive effects were largest when removing denser understorey vegetation and under more open overstorey conditions. Multiple management options influenced the regeneration responses to understorey removal. For instance, growth of older, planted seedlings responded less to removal, whereas protection against large browsers increased growth responses.

Tree species with differing strategies responded differently to understorey removal. Growth and survival responses of early‐successional species responded more strongly to understorey removal than mid‐ or late‐successional tree species.

Synthesis and applications. Our study showed that understorey removal can have strong positive effects on tree regeneration across temperate forest contexts. The magnitude of these effects depended on overstorey and understorey conditions, but also on the type of tree species that is regenerated. Our results can support forest managers in their decision‐making and help assess under what conditions understorey removal will be most justified.
Coronavirus (COVID‐19), pandemic psychology and the fractured society: a sociological case for critique, foresight and action
Authors: Monaghan Lee F.
Published: November 2020

In the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic and mass lockdowns that continue to shake the world, sociologists of health and illness have been advised to undertake research only when the time feels right and to avoid premature evaluation. Such advice makes sense, especially amidst an epidemic of interpretation that has resulted in substandard work. However, this contribution argues that when trying to understand and perhaps analyse early societal responses to COVID‐19, medical sociology comprises a toolbox of ideas that are ‘good to think with’ and should not be ignored. Indeed, our community is well placed to make its presence felt sooner rather than later as we collectively live through a deepening critical situation. Divided into two sections, this piece first offers a critical appreciation of Philip Strong’s classic essay on ‘epidemic psychology’, noting some insights and posing research questions for pandemic times. Second, going from micro‐ to macro‐sociological concerns, it builds on Graham Scambler’s calls for not only critique but also foresight and action within a ‘fractured society’ comprising class‐generated fissures and tensions. Early interventions from other leading medical sociologists and publicly engaged intellectuals are also cited when asking ‘what sort of society are we heading towards and what sort of world do we want to share?’
Situating human resource management in the political economy: Multilevel theorising and opportunities for kaleidoscopic imagination
Authors: Vincent Steve , Bamber Greg J. , Delbridge Rick , Doellgast Virginia , Grady Jo , Grugulis Irena
Published: November 2020

This article introduces a special issue on Situating Human Resource Management (HRM) Practices in their Political and Economic Contexts. We develop a novel multilevel framework for exploring the political economy of HRM and use this to position the articles in this special issue. We argue that the study of HRM is often too narrowly constructed within a psychological, positivistic paradigm and at an organisation‐level, and that situating HRM in its political and economic context requires a more inclusive, interdisciplinary approach that includes the use of kaleidoscopic imagination and meta‐theoretical bricolage. By embracing a theoretically pluralist approach to studying HRM, researchers are better able to analyse how different levels of the political economy interact with specific HRM practices to impact value creation. We conclude by discussing the contribution of this article and the special issue, as well as highlighting avenues for future research.
Behavioral effects of four novel synthetic cathinone analogs in rodents
Authors: Gatch Michael B. , Shetty Ritu A. , Sumien Nathalie , Forster Michael J.
Published: November 2020

A new generation of novel cathinone compounds has been developed as stimulant substitutes to avoid drug control laws and detection of use by blood tests. Dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, 4‐chloroethcathinone (4‐CEC), and 4′‐methyl‐α‐pyrrolidinohexiophenone (MPHP) were tested for in vivo psychostimulant‐like effects to assess their abuse liability. Locomotor activity was assessed in an open‐field assay using Swiss–Webster mice to screen for locomotor stimulant effects and to identify behaviorally‐active dose ranges, times of peak effect, and durations of action. Discriminative stimulus effects were assessed in separate groups of Sprague–Dawley rats trained to discriminate cocaine or methamphetamine from vehicle. Dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, 4‐CEC, and MPHP dose‐dependently increased locomotor activity. Dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, and MPHP produced maximal stimulant effects similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. 4‐CEC was less efficacious, producing peak stimulant effects of about 74% of that of methamphetamine. The compounds were less potent than methamphetamine and approximately equipotent with cocaine. The doses of cocaine, methamphetamine, dipentylone, and 4‐CEC that produced peak effects lasted 2 to 3 h, the peak dose of N‐ethylhexedrone lasted 4 h, and the peak dose of MPHP lasted 6 h. All four compounds fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine and cocaine, although full substitution by 4‐CEC occurred at doses that substantially decreased response rate. Only 4‐CEC fully substituted for MDMA. These data provide evidence that the novel cathinone compounds dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, 4‐CEC, and MPHP demonstrate potential for abuse as psychostimulants, given their ability to stimulate locomotor activity and their substitution for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Hospital characteristics associated with better ‘quality of surgery’ and survival following oesophagogastric cancer surgery in Queensland: a population‐level study
Authors: Narendra Aaditya , Baade Peter D. , Aitken Joanne F. , Fawcett Jonathan , Leggett Brandon , Leggett Callum , Tian Kevin , Sklavos Theodore , Smithers B. Mark
Published: November 2020

Background

The impact of hospital characteristics on the quality of surgery and survival following oesophagogastric cancer surgery has not been well established in Australia. We assessed the interaction between hospital volume, service capability and surgical outcomes, with the hypothesis that both the quality of surgery and survival are better following treatment in high‐volume, high service capability hospitals.

Methods

All patients undergoing oesophagectomy and gastrectomy for cancer in Queensland, between 2001 and 2015, were included. Demographic, pathology and outcome data were collected. Hospitals were categorized into high (HV) (≥5 gastrectomies; ≥6 oesophagectomies) and low volume (LV). Hospital service capability was defined as high (HS) and low (LS), and then linked to hospital volume: HVHS, LVHS and LVLS. Higher quality surgery was defined using six perioperative parameters. Univariable comparisons of quality of surgery between hospital groups used chi‐squared tests. The 5‐year overall survival was compared using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

For both gastrectomy and oesophagectomy, higher quality surgery occurred more frequently in HVHS hospitals (gastrectomy: HVHS = 44.2%, LVHS = 23.1%, LVLS = 29.1% (P < 0.01); oesophagectomy: HVHS = 34.5%, LVHS = 24.4%, LVLS = 21.7% (P = 0.01)). Following oesophagectomy, the 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival was better following treatment in HVHS (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups following gastrectomy.

Conclusion

In Queensland, the quality of surgery was higher in HVHS hospitals performing gastrectomy and oesophagectomy; however, the impact on cancer survival was only seen following oesophagectomy.
Serum metabolomic profiling reveals important difference between infants with and without subsequent recurrent wheezing in later childhood after RSV bronchiolitis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Peng Dan , Zhang Xiang , Wang Xinglan , Chen Ning , Zhao Shunying , He Qiushui
Published: November 2020

We aimed to use serum metabolomics to discriminate infants with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis who later developed subsequent recurrent wheezing from those who did not and to investigate the relationship between serum metabolome and host immune responses with regard to the subsequent development of recurrent wheezing. Fifty‐one infants who were hospitalized during an initial episode of severe RSV bronchiolitis at 6 months of age or less were included and followed for up to the age of 3 years. Of them, 24 developed subsequent recurrent wheezing and 27 did not. Untargeted serum metabolomics was performed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). Cytokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Difference in serum metabolomic profiles was observed between infants who developed recurrent wheezing and those who did not. L‐lactic acid level was significantly higher in infants with recurrent wheezing than those without. Pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis were identified as the most significant changed pathways between the two groups. Moreover, L‐lactic acid level was positively associated with serum CXCL8 level. This exploratory study showed that differential serum metabolic signatures during severe RSV bronchiolitis in early infancy were associated with the development of subsequent recurrent wheezing in later childhood.
The importance of relationships for people with learning disabilities ‐ in life and in research
Authors: Nind Melanie
Published: November 2020

Accessible Summary

Many of the papers this time are all about the relationships of people with learning disabilities. This may be loving or sexual relationships, relationships with staff, research, sport or friends.

This issue has the first In Response article. Here people with learning disabilities share their response to one of the papers in the issue. Everyone involved learned greatly from the process.

Some of the papers are based on inclusive research – where people with learning disabilities were also researchers – and many include the experiences of people with learning disabilities.

The papers highlight how loneliness can be a problem. Two papers show the challenges for people forming relationships in their new settings if they have come out from institutional care.

Papers in this issue show the importance of open honest communication such as when talking about planning for the end of life. The final paper shows how staff need to be compassionate in their care roles.
Voice and Listening in Social Media Facilitated Activist Collectives
Authors: Dumitrica Delia
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the articulation of Canadian civic culture from below. Focusing on digitally mediated grassroots mobilizations, it asks how citizens construct and discursively deploy voice and listening as civic values. The paper draws from three empirical cases: the 2014 mobilization of parents during the teachers’ strike in British Columbia; the 2015 citizen mobilizations in support of Syrian refugees; and the 2016 sit‐in protest outside the Toronto Police headquarters. Citizens participating in these initiatives were keen to “speak up,” establishing voice as a civic value. Yet, this is not accompanied by equal attention to the role of listening. This invites simplistic takes to citizen participation, leaving it vulnerable to populist hijackings.
Long‐term outcome of the Surgisis® (Biodesign®) anal fistula plug for complex cryptoglandular and Crohn’s fistulas
Authors: Aho Fält Ursula , Zawadzki Antoni , Starck Marianne , Bohe Måns , Johnson Louis B.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term success rate of treatment with the Surgisis® (Biodesign®) anal fistula plug for complex anal fistulas, assess fistula plug failure over time and compare success rates for fistula plug between a group of patients with cryptoglandular fistula and another group with Crohn's fistula.

Method

This is a single‐centre study of consecutive patients treated with the Surgisis® (Biodesign®) anal fistula plug between May 2006 and October 2009. All patients had complex anal fistulas in need of surgical treatment. The patients were assessed preoperatively by physical examination and three‐dimensional (3D) endoanal ultrasound, and treated with a loose seton. Postoperative assessment by clinical examination and 3D endoanal ultrasound was performed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6–12 months. Long‐term follow‐up was carried out in 2017 using a questionnaire, and clinical examination combined with 3D endoanal ultrasound was performed if the questionnaire indicated any signs of fistula recurrence.

Results

A total of 95 patients were included; 30 had quiescent Crohn's disease. Overall, 151 plug procedures were performed. Long‐term follow‐up was undertaken in 90 (95%) patients; the results showed that after a median period of 110 months, the overall healing rate after one to five plug procedures was 38%. No statistically significant difference in success rate was found between the cryptoglandular fistula group and the Crohn's fistula group (P = 0.37). No further healing was observed after the use of three plugs.

Conclusion

Considering its low morbidity in a complex disease with high recurrence rates over time, the anal fistula plug may still be considered as one of the first‐line treatments for patients with complex anal fistulas.
Routine outcome measurement in specialist non‐government alcohol and other drug treatment services: Establishing effectiveness indicators for the NADAbase
Authors: Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Davis Esther L. , Hudson Suzie , Robinson Laura D. , Keane Carol A. , Hatton Emma L. , Larance Briony
Published: November 2020

Introduction and Aims

The collection of routine outcome measurement (ROM) data provides an opportunity for service providers to conduct benchmarking to inform quality assurance practices. To conduct comparative benchmarking, it is important that services have access to comparative data. This paper aims to establish effectiveness indicators for ROM data collected within the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector.

Design and Methods

ROM data were collected by specialist non‐government AOD treatment services within the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies online database (i.e. NADAbase). All participants were attending treatment within New South Wales, Australia (N = 21 572). Effectiveness indicators were calculated by using effect sizes, standard error of measurement, and rates of reliable and clinically significant change. The study focused on quality of life (EUROHIS Quality of Life Scale), psychological distress (Kessler‐10) and substance dependence (Substance Dependence Scale).

Results

Since 2010, 21 572 unique people have completed at least one NADAbase Client Outcome Measure. Amphetamines (36%) and alcohol (32%) were the most commonly reported primary substances of concern. Effectiveness indicators were established for the total sample, as well as for people attending residential rehabilitation (n = 8161) and community‐based (n = 10 306) treatment services. Standard error of measurement was the least stringent effectiveness indicator (i.e. a higher proportion of people demonstrated improvement), while the clinically significant change was the most stringent approach.

Discussion and Conclusions

The study demonstrated the utility of the NADAbase to establish effectiveness indicators for benchmarking purposes. Recommendations are provided for the use of benchmarking to inform quality assurance activities in the sector.