bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P144 Sleep-Related Limb Movements and Subjective Sleepiness in a Professional Rugby League Team
Authors: Teuwen P , Dalman M , Scott A
Published: October 2021

Introduction

This study aims to assess the relationship between LMs, PLMD and limb related arousals during sleep and subjective sleepiness in a group of professional athletes (National Rugby League (NRL) players).

Methods

25 type II HSAT polysomnographic (PSG) studies were performed on 23 male individuals (2 repeated studies). 2 x Piezo limb EMG sensors were applied to each HSAT. PSG data analysed as per AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated events. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) collected for each participant obtaining subjective daytime sleepiness. PSG data was checked for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. Parametric data was then subsequently analysed using Pearson correlation coefficients, whereas non-parametric data was analysed with the Spearman correlation coefficient. A line of best fit was implemented using Deming’s linear regression model to report r2.

Results

The most significant relationships were noted between daytime sleepiness and the frequency of limb-related arousals (Pearson’s r 0.273) and the relationship between PLM arousals and ESS (p-0.082). No significant relationships were noted between LMs, PLMs, limb related arousals and daytime sleepiness were found. No results were found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions

This PSG data demonstrates a mildly positive correlation with all limb movement parameters measured against the athletes’ self-reported sleepiness. This may therefore be of significance with their performance and recovery. Further research is recommended to verify these relationships.
P151 Short-term mandibular advancement splint therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea improves parasympathetic modulation
Authors: Ucak S , Dissanayake H , Sutherland K , Bin Y , de Chazal P , Cistulli P
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Altered autonomic function (specifically, sympathoexcitation and vagal withdrawal) contributes to cardiovascular risk. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with altered autonomic function. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive measure of autonomic function. We aimed to assess whether short-term OSA treatment with mandibular advancement splints (MAS) improves autonomic function measured by HRV.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of participants in MAS treatment studies (N=105, 56% male, age, 56±1 years; BMI, 30±5 kg/m2) was undertaken. Nocturnal HRV was assessed using electrocardiograms from pre and post-treatment polysomnograms. HRV was calculated across 2-minute epochs over the entire electrocardiogram and divided into each sleep stage (wake, non-rapid eye movement (NREM), and rapid eye movement (REM)). HRV measures reflecting sympathetic (normalised low frequency (LFnu)), parasympathetic (pNN50%, RMSSD (ms), normalised high frequency (HFnu)), total HRV (SDNN (ms) and HTI) and R-R interval were calculated. Changes in HRV measures following treatment were assessed (paired t-test) and compared to AHI change (linear regression, with adjustment for age, sex, BMI).

Results

Following MAS treatment, HTI increased (14.78±39.99, p=0.008), and LFnu reduced during wake (-0.43±38.18, p=0.03). Linear regression, showed AHI reduction related to increased R-R interval during wake (-0.002, 0.001), p=0.009) [unstandardised β/SE] and REM (-0.002, 0.001) [unstandardised β/SE], p=0.008), and increased pNN50% during wake (-0.24, 0.08), p=0.005) [unstandardised β/SE] suggesting MAS efficacy relates to these improvements.

Conclusion

We found evidence of reduced sympathetic and increased parasympathetic modulation, following short-term MAS therapy. This suggests MAS therapy has potential to improve cardiac autonomic function and hence reduce cardiovascular risk.
P160 A trial of a position modification device for the prevention of supine sleep during pregnancy
Authors: Wilson D , Whenn C , Walker S , Barnes M , Howard M
Published: October 2021

Self-reported supine position at sleep onset during late pregnancy is related to a 2.6x increase in stillbirth risk, possibly due to the enlarged uterus compressing major blood vessels supplying the placenta. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a pillow designed to decrease supine sleep in pregnant women.

Twelve women in the third trimester of pregnancy used their own pillows for a control week and the intervention pillow for 1 week, in randomised order. Sleep position for each night of both weeks was monitored with the Night Shift Sleep Positioner, with a sleep study (WatchPat300) on the last night of each week to measure the impact of the intervention on SDB.

During the control week, the women slept supine for a median of 19.9% (IQR = 11.6, 27.4) of total sleep time (TST), compared to a median of 20.4% (10.2, 31.0) TST using the intervention pillow (p = .64). Use of the intervention pillow did not impact sleep efficiency (control = 85.3% (80.7, 88.0) v. intervention = 85.2% (78.3, 89.0), p = .48). On the sleep study night, supine sleep was reduced in the intervention compared to control condition (12.9% vs. 17.7%, p = .04), but AHI did not differ (intervention = 2.6/hr (0.8, 6.7) vs. control = 1.5/hr (0.6, 3.6), p = .11).

We found that the adoption of a pillow designed to discourage supine sleep was not effective in late pregnancy. Considering the reasonably high amount of supine sleep in our participants, alternative devices should be investigated.
P163 Slow wave transcranial electrical stimulation during wake to investigate the consolidation of new learning
Authors: Wood J , Bland N , Brownsett S , Sale M
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Slow, oscillatory, transcranial electrical stimulation (so-tES) applies a current over the scalp that oscillates in intensity at a frequency associated with slow wave sleep (SWS; 0.75Hz). When applied during SWS, so-tES can enhance SWS EEG power compared to sham stimulation, as well as overnight declarative memory consolidation. When applied during wake, so-tES can enhance local EEG power in the slow wave frequency range (0.5–4.5Hz) compared to sham. Therefore, this study will investigate whether so-tES can enhance the early consolidation of new learning compared to sham, when applied during wake. A preliminary analysis of data will be presented.

Methods

Healthy, young, right-handed adults (18–35 years) practiced a motor sequence learning task for 30 minutes, before receiving 15 minutes of active or sham so-tES (0.75Hz) during quiet wakefulness. Task performance was assessed by recording the total number of correct sequences performed in 30 seconds before practice, after practice, and after stimulation. Performance improvements will be compared between stimulation conditions. Non-invasive, electrophysiological corticospinal excitability measurements (i.e., motor-evoked potentials) were also recorded at six timepoints throughout each session, to investigate whether active so-tES can modulate corticospinal excitability differently to sham.

Progress to date

Data collection is ongoing, and completion is expected by late 2021.

Intended outcome and impact

We expect so-tES to enhance early skill consolidation during wake, and that enhanced consolidation will be associated with less variable measurements of corticospinal excitability, when compared with sham stimulation.
Proteasomal Degradation of JAZ9 by Salt- and Drought-Induced Ring Finger 1 During Pathogen Infection
Authors: Ramu Vemanna S. , Pal Garima , Oh Sunhee , Mysore Kirankumar S.
Published: October 2021

E3 ubiquitin ligase salt- and drought-induced ring finger 1 (SDIR1) plays a novel role in modulating plant immunity against pathogens. The molecular interactors of SDIR1 during pathogen infection are not known. SDIR1-interacting jasmonate zinc-finger inflorescence meristem domain (JAZ) proteins were identified through a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen. Full-length JAZ9 interacts with SDIR1 only in the presence of coronatine (a bacteria-secreted toxin) or jasmonic acid (JA) in a Y2H assay. The bimolecular fluorescence complementation and pull-down assays confirm the in planta interaction of these proteins. JAZ9 proteins, negative regulators of JA-mediated plant defense, were degraded during the pathogen infection by SDIR1 through a proteasomal pathway causing disease susceptibility against hemibiotrophic pathogens.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2021.
Transcranial Motor-evoked Potential Alert After Supine-to-Prone Position Change During Thoracic Ossification in Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Surgery
Authors: Yoshida Go , Ushirozako Hiroki , Imagama Shiro , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Ando Kei , Ando Muneharu , Kawabata Shigenori , Yamada Kei , Kanchiku Tsukasa , Fujiwara Yasushi , Taniguchi Shinichirou , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Shigematsu Hideki , Takatani Tsunenori , Tadokoro Nobuaki , Takahashi Masahito , Wada Kanichiro , Yamamoto Naoya , Funaba Masahiro , Yasuda Akimasa , Hashimoto Jun , Morito Shinji , Tani Toshikazu , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: October 2021

Study Design.

A prospective, multicenter study.

Objective.

To evaluate the usefulness of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEPs) during supine-to-prone position change for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL).

Summary of Background Data.

Supine-to-prone position change might be a risk of spinal cord injury in posterior decompression and fusion surgeries for T-OPLL.

Methods.

The subjects were 145 patients with T-OPLL surgically treated with posterior decompression and fusion using Tc-MEPs in 14 institutes. Tc-MEPs were monitored before surgery from supine-to-prone position and intraoperatively in seven institutes and only intraoperatively in the other seven institutes because of disapproval of the anesthesia department. In cases of Tc-MEP alert after position change, we adjusted the cervicothoracic posture. When the MEP did not recover, we reverted the position to supine and monitored the Tc-MEPs in supine position.

Results.

There were 83 and 62 patients with/without Tc-MEP before position change to prone (group A and B). The true-positive rate was lower in group A than group B, but without statistical significance (8.4% vs. 16.1%, P = 0.12). In group A, five patients who had Tc-MEP alert during supine-to-prone position change were all female and had larger body mass index values and upper thoracic lesions. Among the patients, three underwent surgeries after cervicothoracic alignment adjustment, and two had postponed operations to 1 week later with halo-vest fixation because of repeated Tc-MEP alerts during position change to prone. The Tc-MEP alert at exposure was statistically more frequent in group B than in group A (P = 0.033).

Conclusion.

Tc-MEP alert during position change is an important sign of spinal cord injury due to alignment change at the upper thoracic spine. Tc-MEP monitoring before supine-to-prone position change was necessary to prevent spinal cord injury in surgeries for T-OPLL.
Definitive Diagnostic Evaluation of the Child With Arterial Ischemic Stroke and Approaches to Secondary Stroke Prevention
Authors: Lee Sarah , Muthusami Prakash , Wasserman Bruce A. , Heit Jeremy J. , Chandra Ronil V. , Hui Ferdinand , Negrotto Matias , Abruzzo Todd A.
Published: October 2021

In children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS), the definitive diagnosis of stroke subtype and confirmation of stroke etiology is necessary to mitigate stroke morbidity and prevent recurrent stroke. The common causes of AIS in children are sharply differentiated from the common causes of adult AIS. A comprehensive, structured diagnostic approach will identify the etiology of stroke in most children. Adequate diagnostic evaluation relies on advanced brain imaging and vascular imaging studies. A variety of medical and surgical secondary stroke prevention strategies directed at the underlying cause of stroke are available. This review aims to outline strategies for definitive diagnosis and secondary stroke prevention in children with AIS, emphasizing the critical role of neuroimaging.
The Second Helsinki Face Transplantation and the World Experience of Revision Surgery During the First Posttransplantation Year
Authors: Kiukas Emma-Lotta , Manninen Atte , Lindford Andrew , Lassus Patrik
Published: October 2021

Introduction

We conducted a review of all surgical interventions performed during the first postoperative year in published face transplantation (FT) cases. In addition, we herein present our second FT patient, a full-face composite FT with an emphasis on surgical revisions after transplantation.

Materials and Methods

A literature review was conducted and resulted in 376 publications of which 33 included reference to surgical interventions during the first post-FT year. For our second FT patient, a thorough review of all medical records was performed.

Results

Among the first 41 FTs, 32 FT patients had reports with reference to corrective surgery during the first year (22 composite and 10 soft-tissue FTs). Soft-tissue FTs had a median of 2 procedures (range, 1–8 procedures), and composite FTs, 3 procedures per patient (range, 1–9 procedures). Nearly all early interventions (<1 month) were performed in composite FT patients (anastomotic occlusion, hematoma, sialocele, palatinal dehiscence). The most common late interventions were scar corrections, tissue suspensions, periorbital corrections, osseal and dental procedures, and interventions for palatinal dehiscence and sialocele. Our second FT patient has recovered well and has undergone 3 surgical interventions during the first year.

Conclusions

Surgical interventions are very common during the first postoperative year after FT, and composite FTs are more prone to complications necessitating surgical intervention than soft-tissue FTs. There is a wide variety of complications reflecting the heterogeneity of FT allografts. Corrective surgery in FT patients appears safe with only a few reported complications.
Direct Neurotization
Authors: Horen Sydney R. , Hamidian Jahromi Alireza , Konofaos Petros
Published: October 2021

Direct neurotization is a method that involves direct implantation of nerve fascicles into a target tissue, that is, muscle fibers, skin, cornea, and so on, with the goal of restoring aesthetic, sensation and or functional capacity. This technique has been implemented since the early 1900s, with numerous experimental and clinical reports of success. Applications have included both sensory and motor neurotization of muscle, as well as protective sensory provision for other organs. These techniques have been used to restore corneal sensation, repair brachial plexus injuries, reestablish tongue movement and function through direct tongue neurotization, and reinnervate multiple facial muscles in patients with facial paralysis. Most recently, these methods have even been used in conjunction with acellular cadaveric nerve grafts to directly neurotize skin. Indications for direct neurotization remain limited, including those in which neural coaptation is not feasible (ie, surgical or traumatic damage to neuromuscular junction, severe avulsion injuries of the distal nerve); however, the success and wide-range application of direct neurotization shows its potential to be implemented as an adjunct treatment in contrast to views that it should solely be used as a salvage therapy. The purpose of the following review is to detail the historic and current applications of direct neurotization and describe the future areas of investigation and development of this technique.
Evaluation of the Effects of Systemic Irisin Hormone Application on Osseointegration of Titanium Implants: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bulmus Ozgur , Dundar Serkan , Bozoglan Alihan , Canpolat Sinan
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to conduct a biomechanical investigation of the effects of systemic irisin hormone application on the osseointegration of titanium implants in rat tibias. After surgical implementation of titanium implants in the metaphyseal part of the tibiae of rats, the rats were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: control group (n = 10) and irisin group (n = 10). After surgery in the control group, the rats received no further treatment during the 4-week experimental period. The rats in the irisin group were given 100 ng/kg irisin every day for the 4-week experimental period after surgery. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were euthanized. implants and surrounding bone tissues were collected for biomechanical (Newton) bone implant connection analysis. The Student t test was used for statistical analysis. There were no significant differences in the biomechanical osseointeration values (Newton) of the groups (P > 0.05, P 
= 0.59). Also, in the irisin group, there was numerically but not statistically more bone implant connection than in the controls. Within the limitations of this study, irisin did not affect the osseointegration of titanium implants.
Agilicoccus flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Dermatophilaceae isolated from the Pearl River
Authors: Yin Ling-Zi , Liu Ze-Tao , Li Jia-Ling , Wang Pan-Deng , Dong Lei , Duan Li , Luo Xiao-Qing , Fang Bao-Zhu , Li Wen-Jun
Published: October 2021

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SYSU M44304T, was isolated from freshwater samples in the Pearl River Estuary. The isolate was Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, coccus-shaped, oxidase-positive and motile. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as its diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine and seven unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C16 : 1. The G+C content based on genomic DNA was 73.2 mol %. The nearest phylogenetic neighbours to the novel strain were

Mobilicoccus pelagius

NBRC 104925T and

Mobilicoccus caccae

YIM 101593T. On the basis of chemotaxonomic and physiological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, strain SYSU M44304T should be considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family

Dermatophilaceae

, for which we propose the name Agilicoccus flavus gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of Agilicoccus flavus is SYSU M44304T (=NBRC 114808T=CGMCC 1.18608T).
Power dynamics of theta oscillations during goal-directed navigation in freely moving humans: A mobile EEG-virtual reality T-maze study
Authors: Lin Mei-Heng , Liran Omer , Bauer Neeta , Baker Travis E.
Published: October 2021

Theta oscillations (∼4–12 Hz) are dynamically modulated by speed and direction in freely moving animals. However, due to the paucity of electrophysiological recordings of freely moving humans, this mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we combined mobile-EEG with fully immersive virtual-reality to investigate theta dynamics in twenty-two healthy adults (aged 18–29 years old) freely navigating a T-maze to find rewards. Our results revealed three dynamic periods of theta modulation: 1) theta power increases coincided with the participants’ decision-making period; 2) theta power increased for fast and leftward trials as subjects approached the goal location; and 3) feedback onset evoked two phase-locked theta bursts over the right temporal and frontal-midline channels. These results suggest that recording scalp EEG in freely moving humans navigating a simple virtual T-maze can be utilized as a powerful translational model by which to map theta dynamics during “real-life” goal-directed behavior in both health and disease.
Genetic risk factors and Covid-19 severity in Brazil: results from BRACOVID Study
Authors: Pereira Alexandre C. , Bes Taniela Marli , Velho Mariliza , Marques Emanuelle , Jannes Cintia E , Valino Karina Ramos , Dinardo Carla L , Costa Silvia Figueiredo , da Silva Duarte Alberto José , dos Santos Alexandre Ricardo , Mitne-Neto Miguel , Medina-Pestana Jose , Krieger Jose E
Published: October 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the paradigms for disease surveillance and rapid deployment of scientific-based evidence for understanding disease biology, susceptibility, and treatment. We have organized a large-scale genome-wide association study in Sars-Cov-2 infected individuals in Sao Paulo, Brazil, one of the most affected areas of the pandemic in the country, itself one of the most affected in the world. Here we present the results of the initial analysis in the first 5,233 participants of the BRACOVID study.

We have conducted a GWAS for Covid-19 hospitalization enrolling 3533 cases (hospitalized Covid-19 participants) and 1700 controls (non-hospitalized Covid-19 participants). Models were adjusted by age, sex and the 4 first principal components. A meta-analysis was also conducted merging BRACOVID hospitalization data with the Human Genetic Initiative (HGI) Consortia results.

BRACOVID results validated most loci previously identified in the HGI meta-analysis. In addition, no significant heterogeneity according to ancestral group within the Brazilian population was observed for the two most important Covid-19 severity associated loci: 3p21.31 and Chr21 near IFNAR2. Using only data provided by BRACOVID a new genome-wide significant locus was identified on Chr1 near the genes DSTYK and RBBP5. The associated haplotype has also been previously associated with a number of blood cell related traits and might play a role in modulating the immune response in Covid-19 cases.
Comparative transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants Delta and Alpha in New England, USA
Authors: Earnest Rebecca , Uddin Rockib , Matluk Nicholas , Renzette Nicholas , Siddle Katherine J. , Loreth Christine , Adams Gordon , Tomkins-Tinch Christopher H. , Petrone Mary E. , Rothman Jessica E. , Breban Mallery I. , Koch Robert Tobias , Billig Kendall , Fauver Joseph R. , Vogels Chantal B.F. , Turbett Sarah , Bilguvar Kaya , De Kumar Bony , Landry Marie L. , Peaper David R. , Kelly Kevin , Omerza Greg , Grieser Heather , Meak Sim , Martha John , Dewey Hannah H. , Kales Susan , Berenzy Daniel , Carpenter-Azevedo Kristin , King Ewa , Huard Richard C. , Smole Sandra C. , Brown Catherine M. , Fink Timelia , Lang Andrew S. , Gallagher Glen R. , Sabeti Pardis C. , Gabriel Stacey , MacInnis Bronwyn L. ,   New England Variant Investigation Team, Tewhey Ryan , Adams Mark D. , Park Daniel J. , Lemieux Jacob E. , Grubaugh Nathan D.
Published: October 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant quickly rose to dominance in mid-2021, displacing other variants, including Alpha. Studies using data from the United Kingdom and India estimated that Delta was 40-80% more transmissible than Alpha, allowing Delta to become the globally dominant variant. However, it was unclear if the ostensible difference in relative transmissibility was due mostly to innate properties of Delta’s infectiousness or differences in the study populations. To investigate, we formed a partnership with SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance programs from all six New England US states. By comparing logistic growth rates, we found that Delta emerged 37-163% faster than Alpha in early 2021 (37% Massachusetts, 75% New Hampshire, 95% Maine, 98% Rhode Island, 151% Connecticut, and 163% Vermont). We next computed variant-specific effective reproductive numbers and estimated that Delta was 58-120% more transmissible than Alpha across New England (58% New Hampshire, 68% Massachusetts, 76% Connecticut, 85% Rhode Island, 98% Maine, and 120% Vermont). Finally, using RT-PCR data, we estimated that Delta infections generate on average ∼6 times more viral RNA copies per mL than Alpha infections. Overall, our evidence indicates that Delta’s enhanced transmissibility could be attributed to its innate ability to increase infectiousness, but its epidemiological dynamics may vary depending on the underlying immunity and behavior of distinct populations.
Mice with a humanized immune system are resilient to transplantation of human microbiota
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chow Kin-hoe , Geyer Rory , Peshkepija Paola , Fleming Elizabeth , Yu Chun , Palucka Karolina , Oh Julia
Published: October 2021

Human gut microbiota has co-evolved with human, and plays important roles in regulating the development and functioning of the host immune system. To study the human-specific microbiome-immunune interaction in an animal model is challenging as the animal model needs to capture both the human-specific immune functions and the human-specific microbiome composition. Here we combined two widely-used humanization procedures to generate a humanized mouse model (HMA-huCD34) with functional human leukocytes developed from engrafted huCD34+ cells and human fecal microbes introduced through fecal microbiota transplantation, and investigated how the two introduced human components interact. We found that the engrafted human leukocytes are resilient to the transplanted human microbes, while reciprocally the transplanted microbial community in the huCD34 mice was significantly different from mice without a humanized immune system. By tracking the colonization of human fecal Bacteroides strains in the mouse gut, we found that the composition of the strain population changes over time, the trajectory of which depends upon the type of mouse. On the other hand, different from Bacteroides, Akkermansia muciniphila exhibited consistent and rapid fixation of a single donor strain in all tested mice, suggesting strong purifying selection common to all mouse types. Our prospect study illustrated the complex interactions between the transplanted microbiome and different host factors, and suggested that the humanized mouse model may not faithfully reproduce the human-specific microbiome-immune interaction.
Immediate recruitment of dormant coronary collaterals can provide more than half of normal resting perfusion during coronary occlusion in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Reid Brandon J , Lindow Thomas , Warren Stafford , Persson Eva , Bhindi Ravinay , Ringborn Michael , Ugander Martin , Allahwala Usaid
Published: October 2021

Aims

Dormant coronary collaterals are highly prevalent and clinically beneficial in cases of coronary occlusion. However, the magnitude of myocardial perfusion provided by immediate coronary collateral recruitment during acute occlusion is unknown. The aim of this study was to quantify collateral myocardial perfusion during balloon occlusion in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and results

Patients without angiographically visible collaterals undergoing elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to a single epicardial vessel underwent two scans with 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). All subjects underwent at least three minutes of angiographically verified complete balloon occlusion, at which time an intravenous injection of the radiotracer was administered, followed by SPECT imaging. A second radiotracer injection followed by SPECT imaging was performed 24 hours after PTCA.

The study included 22 patients (median [interquartile range] age 68 [54-72] years, 10 (45%) female). The perfusion defect extent was 19 [11–38] % of the LV, and the collateral perfusion at rest was 64 [58-67]% of normal.

Conclusion

This is the first study to describe the magnitude of short-term changes in coronary microvascular collateral perfusion in patients with CAD. On average, despite coronary occlusion and an absence of angiographically visible collateral vessels, collaterals provided more than half of the normal perfusion.

Graphical abstract

Dormant collaterals are highly prevalent but the magnitude of myocardial perfusion provided by immediate coronary collateral recruitment during acute occlusion in humans is unknown. Patients without angiographically visible collaterals underwent intravenous injection with 99mTc-sestamibi during coronary balloon inflation followed by SPECT imaging. A control scan was performed 24 hours later..Median collateral perfusion during coronary occlusion was 64% of normal.
Torque ripples reduction in a synchronous reluctance motor by rotor parameters optimization
Authors: Naeimi Mohammad Reza , Abbaszadeh Karim , Nasiri-Zarandi Reza
Published: October 2021

Purpose

High torque ripple is the significant challenge of the synchronous reluctance machine in household electric appliances, electric vehicles and so on. This paper aims to present an optimized design of a synchronous reluctance rotor structure to reduce the torque ripple with improving the average torque by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimization of rotor geometries has been investigated. Most of the rotor parameters such as the width of iron parts, the width of barriers along d and q axes and the endpoint angle of barriers are optimized by a new method using the PSO algorithm. After optimization, the resulted optimum design along with the initial design is simulated by two-dimensional finite element method and results are compared. At the end, a prototype is constructed and tested. Results of the experiment are compared with the simulation results where acceptable adoption is yielded.

Findings

Minimizing the torque ripple without losing the average torque is an important achievement of the synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) optimization; furthermore, the finite element analysis and experimental results indicate that the torque ripple of the SynRM with the optimized rotor is reduced significantly. Also, increasing the number of optimization parameters can effectively obtain an accurate shape of the SynRM barrier.

Originality/value

Because of the high number of parameters in synchronous reluctance rotors, the majority of proposed optimizations did not use all geometric parameters of the rotor and tried to simplify the optimization by ignoring several optimization parameters or reducing the number of flux barriers. In this optimization, most of the rotor parameters have been used to achieve the precise barrier shape with the aim of reducing the torque ripple in SynRM.
Evacuation of vulnerable people during a Natech: a case study of a flood and factory explosion in Japan
Authors: Ohtsu Nobuhito , Hokugo Akihiko , Cruz Ana Maria , Sato Yukari , Araki Yuko , Park Hyejeong
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study investigated pre-evacuation times and evacuation behaviors of vulnerable people during the 2018 flooding in Shimobara, Okayama, Japan, and the flood-triggered factory explosion, a natural hazard-triggered technological accident known as a natural-hazard-triggered technological accidents (Natech). This study examined factors that affected evacuation decisions and pre-evacuation time, estimated the evacuation time in case of no explosion and identified community disaster prevention organization response efforts for vulnerable people.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with all 18 vulnerable people who experienced the event were conducted. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effect of six factors on evacuation time and reasons for delayed evacuation.

Findings

Factors affecting evacuation decisions included the sound of the explosion, followed by recommendations from relatives and the community disaster prevention organization. Explosion-related injuries delayed early evacuation, but experience of previous disasters and damage had a positive effect on early evacuation. The explosion sound accelerated evacuation of non-injured people; however, explosion-related injuries significantly delayed evacuation of injured individuals. The Shimobara community disaster prevention organization’s disaster response included a vulnerable people registry, visits to all local households and a multilayered approach that enabled monitoring of all households.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the evacuation behavior of vulnerable people and community responses during a Natech event.
Towards a European framework for community engagement in higher education – a case study analysis of European universities
Authors: O’Brien Emma , Ćulum Ilić Bojana , Veidemane Anete , Dusi Davide , Farnell Thomas , Šćukanec Schmidt Ninoslav
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the development and piloting of a novel European framework for community engagement (CE) in higher education, which has been purposefully designed to progress the CE agenda in a European context.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework was co-created through the European Union (EU)-funded project towards a European framework for community engagement in higher education (TEFCE). The TEFCE Toolbox is an institutional self-reflection framework that centres on seven thematic dimensions of CE. This paper follows the development of the TEFCE Toolbox through empirical case study analysis of four European universities and their local communities.

Findings

The findings in this paper indicate that the TEFCE Toolbox facilitates context-specific applications in different types of universities and socioeconomic environments. Incorporating insights from engagement practitioners, students and community representatives the TEFCE Toolbox was successfully applied in universities with diverse profiles and missions. The process facilitated the recognition of CE achievements and the identification of potential areas for improvement.

Originality/value

Despite a range of international initiatives, there remains an absence of initiatives within the European higher education area that focus on developing tools to comprehensively support CE. The TEFCE Toolbox and case-study analysis presented in this paper address this gap in knowledge. The broader societal contribution and social responsibility of higher education have become increasingly prominent on the European agenda. The TEFCE Toolbox represents an innovative, robust and holistic European framework with the potential to support universities in reflecting upon their pursuit of addressing grand societal challenges, whilst promoting CE.
The impact of media sentiments on IPO underpricing
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Singh Shveta , Yadav Surendra S.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In initial public offerings (IPOs), the media plays a pivotal role by disseminating the information to the investors who generally lack the expertise to understand the information through the prospectus. Thus, media coverage can impact the investment decision of the investors and the IPO performance. Media typically covers the IPO before listing, suggesting that it may play an important role in explaining the opening price rather than the closing price on the day of listing. Therefore, this study aims to disaggregate the traditional IPO underpricing into three categories: voluntary, pre-market and post-market and provides a comparative analysis of the media sentiments impact on the traditional and disaggregated IPO underpricing. The authors’ disaggregated IPO underpricing analysis will facilitate the investors in making an effective investment strategy based on media sentiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study deploys sentiment analysis using bags of n (2) grams approach to gauge the sentiments on 2,891 media articles and uses “robust-regression” technique to analyze them on a sample of 222 Indian IPOs during 2009–2018.

Findings

The study reports that the sentiment score is positively related to the traditional underpricing; the sentiment score is positively associated with the pre-market underpricing and does not have any significant relationship with the post-market underpricing; the number of media articles does not play a significant role in explaining the IPO underpricing. The findings highlight the presence of a semi-strong form of efficiency in the Indian IPO market.

Originality/value

Existing literature focuses that the role of media on IPO performance is based on the developed countries. IPO laws differ based on the countries. For instance, in India, investors can check the demand by the other categories of investors on a real-time basis. Thus, it is interesting to study whether, with such a high level of transparency, media can explain IPO performance in the Indian market. Media generally covers IPO before listing; therefore, the present study disaggregates the IPO underpricing to evaluate the role of media on the primary and secondary market separately. It will help the investors to decide when to enter and exit the market.
Effect of mandatory sustainability disclosure announcements:cross-country evidence
Authors: Li Zhongtian , Jia Jing
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether announcements of mandatory sustainability disclosure affect corporate sustainability performance (CSP).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a quasi-experiment provided by mandatory sustainability disclosure announcements that occurred in 21 countries from 2006–2016. A difference-in-differences method is adopted. The authors restrict the drawing of all candidate treatment and control firms to a pool of firms that did not disclose sustainability information one year before the announcements.

Findings

The authors find that the announcements of mandatory sustainability disclosure are positively related to CSP. The positive effect is more pronounced for firms in countries with higher anticipation effects and lower awareness effects. Specifically, the authors find that the effect of the announcements is more pronounced in a country where the rule of law is higher and stakeholders are less likely to initiate communication about sustainability with firms, and with fewer active participants in and signatories to the United Nations Global Compact initiative. The findings hold under different robustness analyses.

Originality/value

The study enriches the knowledge about the effect of the announcements of comprehensive mandatory sustainability disclosure by analysing the consequences of these announcements. In the contribution to this growing stream of research, the authors provide evidence on the consequences of the announcements based on a cross-country sample and importantly, focusses on the non-economic consequences.
Examining drivers and deterrents of individuals’ investment intentions: a qualitative multistage analysis
Authors: Misra Rupali , Goel Puneeta , Srivastava Sumita
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Even after appreciating multi-faceted merits of retail participation in stock markets and extensive efforts by policymakers and financial service industry to increase it, the present low retail participation in Indian stock markets is cause of grave concern. The purpose of this paper is to identify plausible drivers and deterrents of prospective and current household individuals through a multi-stage qualitative enquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

Two qualitative studies are conducted. In Study 1, scholarship of stakeholders is engaged through participative diamond model to propose behavioural classification of retail investors based on two-parameter framework. In Study 2, behavioural substructures of retail investors that drive or deter investment intentions and actions are identified through in-depth interviews.

Findings

Financial self-efficacy, past experience (own or peer group), financial eco-system, operational literacy, higher charges by financial experts and low liquidity in the hands of the investors are some key factors that influence investment intension and action of individual investors. Though digital platforms have helped to overcome hurdles faced by an investor but its availability, awareness and ease of use still remain a concern.

Practical implications

The inductive findings of this study uncover some important take-aways for the financial service industry – improve operational literacy, digital awareness, ease of use and incorporate risk assessments in client portfolios – and for the policymakers – improve investment eco-system through digital availability, financial literacy workshops focussed on operations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the initial attempts to adopt a multi-stage qualitative enquiry to propose behavioural classification of retail investors and uncover reasons that drive or deter individual investors’ intentions and actions in the context of Indian stock market. Moreover, this study provides necessary impetus to analyse and improve operational literacy (instead of financial literacy) and financial eco-system for higher retail participation.
What do employees want? Halting record-setting turnovers globally
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Retaining talents has been a significant issue for companies globally. Recent statistics suggest that the trend is rising at an alarming rate. This paper aims at examining these statistics, the driving factors, and how organisations can deal with this issue to retain current employees and to attract prospective employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses the drivers of these high turnover rates and the associated costs. Based on these, suggestions on how to retain and attract talents are offered.

Findings

The evidence available illustrates that employee turnover continues to hamper the growth of companies and can pose existential threats to these companies. It also suggests that listening to concerns or reasons accounting for the exit of employees can go a long way to reduce the current trends.

Practical implications

The suggestions presented in this paper highlight the possibility of curbing the high rate of turnover. By taking these suggestions, organisations can avoid the enormous costs associated with employee turnover while building a healthy organisation for their employees.

Originality/value

This work is timely given the high rate of turnover recorded worldwide, even during the pandemic.
Clinically significant findings in patients with focal incidental colorectal abnormalities on positron emission tomography‐CT scans
Authors: Dutta Amit K , Mitchell‐Hay Rosalind , Baio Gabriella , Phull Perminder S
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of focal incidentally detected colorectal abnormalities on 18F‐ Fluoro‐2‐Deoxy‐D‐Glucose (FDG) PET‐CT scans.

Methods

Retrospective audit of PET‐CT scans performed at our institution between 2009 and 2014. Demographic and clinical details were retrieved from electronic patient records. An advanced adenoma was defined as: ≥1 cm in size, tubullo‐villous histology, or displaying high grade dysplasia. A high‐risk lesion (HRL) was defined as an advanced adenoma or colorectal cancer (CRC).

Results

Of the 1911 PET‐CT eligible scans, focal incidental colorectal FDG uptake was detected in 99 (5.2%) patients. Colonoscopy was undertaken in 43 (43.4%) patients and 45 FDG‐avid sites were evaluated. The commonest site of abnormal FDG uptake was the rectosigmoid region, with 34 (75.6%) of the 45 foci being located in this area. Overall, 23 (53.5%) of these patients had clinically significant pathology. Of the 45 focal PET‐CT abnormalities evaluated, 17 (37.8%) were adenomas, of which 11 (24.4%) were advanced adenomas, and six (13.3%) were cancers, with a total of 17 (37.8%) HRLs. Five of the six patients with CRC underwent surgical resection, whilst one had endoscopic resection. The overall survival for the entire cohort was 18 months (range 1–72 months) with those that underwent colonoscopy having higher overall survival compared to those that did not (38 vs. 13.5 months).

Conclusion

Incidental colorectal abnormalities on PET‐CT scans are often clinically significant. However, careful selection for colonoscopy is important due to the poor survival in these patients related to the underlying primary malignancy.
Comparison of two annular photorefractive intrastromal cross‐linking protocols in high oxygen for low‐grade myopia through 24‐month follow‐up
Authors: Näslund Sofie , Rehnman Jeannette Beckman , Fredriksson Anneli , Behndig Anders
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To compare two annular epithelium‐on (epi‐on) high oxygen photorefractive intrastromal cross‐linking (PiXL) illuminations protocols for treatment of low‐grade myopia.

Methods

In this randomized, single‐masked, intra‐individually comparative study, healthy individuals with bilateral low‐grade myopia (manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) −0.75 diopters (D) to −2.50 D) were treated with high oxygen epi‐on PiXL. One eye was randomized to receive pulsed accelerated 365‐nm ultraviolet‐A illumination in a central annular zone of 4.0 mm (1 second on, 1 second off; 30 mW/cm2), and the fellow eye in a 3.5 mm annular zone (0.5 second on, 1 second off; 45 mW/cm2). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), MRSE, low‐contrast visual acuity (LCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), endothelial cell count (ECC) and Scheimpflug light scattering depths were assessed through 24‐month follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐seven participants (54 eyes) were included. The 3.5 mm protocol rendered less subjective ocular discomfort posttreatment and a larger improvement than the 4.0 mm protocol in UDVA: −0.52 (−0.72, −0.32) logMAR (medians and interquartile ranges, IQR) and −0.38 (−0.50, −0.22), p = 0.003 and MRSE: +1.25 D (0.75, 1.50) and +1.0 (0.75, 1.0), p = 0.037. The transient reduction in LCVA was larger with the 3.5 mm protocol (p < 0.01). No adverse events, and no reductions in ECC or BSCVA were noted.

Conclusion

Epi‐on PiXL in high oxygen reduces myopia in healthy eyes. A larger reduction of myopia and less early posttreatment subjective ocular discomfort can be seen with a smaller treatment zone, but likely at the expense of a transient decrease in low‐contrast visual acuity.
CASANOVA: Permutation inference in factorial survival designs
Authors: Ditzhaus Marc , Genuneit Jon , Janssen Arnold , Pauly Markus
Published: October 2021

We propose inference procedures for general factorial designs with time‐to‐event endpoints. Similar to additive Aalen models, null hypotheses are formulated in terms of cumulative hazards. Deviations are measured in terms of quadratic forms in Nelson–Aalen‐type integrals. Different from existing approaches, this allows to work without restrictive model assumptions as proportional hazards. In particular, crossing survival or hazard curves can be detected without a significant loss of power. For a distribution‐free application of the method, a permutation strategy is suggested. The resulting procedures' asymptotic validity is proven and small sample performances are analyzed in extensive simulations. The analysis of a data set on asthma illustrates the applicability.