bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of donor characteristics, post‐mortem time and preservation time for use and efficacy of donated corneas for posterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Shehab Anders , Gram Niels , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine whether donor age, death‐to‐retrieval time (DRT) and death‐to‐preservation time (DPT) as well as total preservation time affect donor cornea suitability for endothelial keratoplasty (EK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Methods

A registry‐based study was performed identifying 3248 corneas donated between 2011 and 2017. Data regarding donated corneas were extracted from The Danish Cornea Bank and donor medical records and evaluated for missing information. The primary outcome was whether ECD at preservation (ECD‐P) or at release (ECD‐R) was >2000 cells/mm2.

Results

Logistic regression for ECD‐P showed a significant negative effect of increasing age (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05;1.08, p < 0.001) on donor suitability. Higher ECD‐P had a significant positive effect on graft eligibility (OR: 1.007 95%CI: 1.003;1.010, p < 0.001).

No significant effect of donor sex (p = 0.547), DRT (p = 0.289) or DPT (p = 0.102) on donor suitability for EK or PK (Chi‐squared test).

Conclusion

High donor age and low ECD‐P negatively affect the suitability of donor corneas for EK/PK whereas DRT and DPT did not affect graft suitability.
When ‘uncertainty’ becomes ‘unknown’: Influences of economic uncertainty on the shadow economy
Authors: Nguyen Canh Phuc , Su Thanh Dinh
Published: June 2021

The literature has documented the negative impacts of economic uncertainty on output, investment and employment; however, no current study considers the influence of economic uncertainty on the informal sectors. This study investigates the effects of both the level and volatility of economic uncertainty on the shadow economy, through a global sample. Various econometrical techniques and estimation strategies are applied to panel data of 116 countries from 2002 to 2015, and show three interesting findings. First, increases in both the level and volatility of economic uncertainty are found to increase the size of the shadow economy. These effects are documented consistently over the long‐term. Second, the impact of volatility is dominant over the impact of the level of economic uncertainty in increasing the size of the shadow economy. Third, the effects of economic uncertainty in increasing the size of the shadow economy are strong in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income economies, but less so in upper‐middle‐income economies, particularly in high‐income economies.
Production, chemical composition, and fatty acid profile of milk from buffaloes fed with cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) cake and murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru) cake in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: e Silva André Guimarães Maciel , de Lima Suely Cristina Gomes , de Oliveira Pedro Danilo , Moraes Michel dos Santos , Guimarães Célia Maria Costa , da Silva Jamile Andréa Rodrigues , Garcia Alexandre Rossetto , Nahúm Benjamim de Souza , Neres Lilaine de Sousa , Noronha Gerlane Nunes , Lourenço Júnior José de Brito
Published: June 2021

The objective was to evaluate the effect of concentrate supplementation using by‐products of the Amazonian industry on milk production, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of dairy buffaloes. Twelve lactating buffaloes (544.5 ± 35.6 kg, 6.4 ± 2.2 years old, 59 ± 6 days in milk) were allotted in a pasture of Mombaça grass and managed under rotational grazing (4 days occupancy/28 days rest). A 3 × 3 Latin square was adopted, and each animal alternately received three supplementary treatments based on corn bran + soybean meal or cupuaçu cake or murumuru cake for 21 days per treatment. Murumuru cake increased the levels of lauric acid and myristic acid in the milk (p < 0.05). Murumuru cake reduced the unsaturated fatty acid contents in the milk compared with animals fed control diet or cupuaçu cake (24.27% vs. 25.24% vs. 25.08%). The n‐6/n‐3 ratio was 2.6, 1.97, and 2.0 in the control, cupuaçu, and murumuru groups, respectively. Based on this parameter, cakes made from cupuaçu as well as murumuru could be considered to be adequate for inclusion in dairy water buffalo feed. However, the murumuru cake addition requires some caution because its use induces the secretion of higher levels of lauric and myristic fatty acids that are related to human cardiovascular disease.
Potential protective effects of thiamine supplementation on the ruminal epithelium damage during subacute ruminal acidosis
Authors: Ma Jian , Shah Ali Mujtaba , Wang Zhisheng , Fan Xue
Published: June 2021

In ruminants, the ruminal epithelium not only has the function of absorbing nutrients but also is an important tissue to prevent harmful substances in the rumen from entering the blood circulation. Thus, the normal function of ruminal epithelium is critical for ruminants. However, subacute ruminal acidosis induced by high‐concentrate diets often damages the barrier function of ruminal epithelium in ruminants. Recently, many studies have shown that dietary supplementation with thiamine is an effective method to alleviate subacute ruminal acidosis. In order to provide theoretical reference for the in‐depth study of subacute ruminal acidosis and the application of thiamine in the future, this review introduces the effects of subacute ruminal acidosis on morphological structure, inflammatory response, and tight junction of ruminal epithelium. In addition, this paper summarizes the role of thiamine in maintaining ruminal epithelial function of ruminants during subacute ruminal acidosis challenge.
Are fragments fruitful? A comparison of plant–seed disperser communities between fragments and contiguous forest in north‐east India
Authors: Jain Abir , Page Navendu V. , Rawat Gopal S. , Naniwadekar Rohit
Published: June 2021

Plant–seed disperser interactions are critical for maintaining tropical plant diversity. However, these interactions are altered by habitat fragmentation, a pervasive threat to the tropics globally. We compared vegetation structure, richness and composition of plant–avian seed disperser interactions across two forest fragments (area: ~25 km2), and one contiguous forest site in the last remaining lowland tropical forests in north‐east India. We used network‐level indices (nestedness, generality, and vulnerability) and species‐level indices (degree and species strength) to identify key plant and bird groups across the three sites. We found that the three sites varied in habitat structure and were more similar in the composition of avian seed dispersers than plants. The low similarity in plant‐seed disperser interactions between the three sites was likely influenced by low similarity in fruiting plants. The fragmented sites exhibited fewer pairwise interactions and were characterized by a higher representation of small‐seeded plants, climbers, and open‐forest birds. Small‐bodied birds (bulbuls and barbets) played a central role in all the seed dispersal networks, while large‐bodied birds (hornbills) performed persistent interactions with large‐seeded plants at all sites. This is one of the first studies from the Asian tropics to investigate the differences in the plant–avian seed disperser communities between forest fragments and contiguous forest. Our findings highlight the conservation value of fragments given their potential to hold a distinct set of plant–seed disperser interactions, thereby maintaining functional diversity in fragmented tropical landscapes.

Abstract in Hindi is available with online material.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis on complications of transanal total mesorectal excision
Authors: An Yongbo , Roodbeen Sapho X. , Talboom Kevin , Tanis Pieter J. , Bemelman Willem A. , Hompes Roel
Published: June 2021

Aim

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a surgical approach for treating mid to low rectal cancer as well as other colorectal diseases. Since the procedure is difficult to master, perioperative complications of TaTME should be examined precisely, especially during the early implementation phase of this procedure. The primary aim of this review was to determine a pooled morbidity and anastomotic leakage (AL) rate after TaTME surgery, and the secondary aim was to show the completeness of reporting of complications among the included studies, as well as the correlation between completeness and reported incidence of complications.

Method

A systematic review of literature was conducted using Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, searching for observational studies reporting on complications after TaTME. Studies published between 1 January 2010 and 15 October 2019 were included. Meta‐analysis on the proportion of morbidity, AL and intraoperative complications was performed.

Results

Forty‐one studies (2446 TaTME cases), consisting of 27 noncomparative studies and 14 comparative studies, were included, after screening 1711 possible studies. The pooled rates of overall morbidity and AL were 30.0% (95% CI 26.4%–34.0%) and 6.8% (95% CI 5.2%–8.9%), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the morbidity rate in studies that reported 30‐day results (35.5%; 95% CI 31.8%–39.4%) was significantly higher than the rate in studies that did not define the follow‐up length for complications (23.4%; 95% CI 17.8%–30.1%; p = 0.003). The rates of intraoperative urethral injury, rectal injury, vaginal injury and bladder injury were 0.3% (95% CI 0.1%–1.7%), 0.4% (95% CI 0.1%–2.2%), 0.3% (95% CI 0.1%–0.8%) and 0.3% (95% CI 0.1%–1.7%), respectively.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis shows that pooled perioperative complication rates were within acceptable ranges. However, the significant difference in overall morbidity rate between the studies with 30‐day results and the studies without a specified follow‐up time, indicates a large under‐reporting of complications in many studies.
Increased long‐term mortality after open colorectal cancer surgery: A multicentre population‐based study
Authors: Fahim Milad , Dijksman Lea M. , Burghgraef Thijs A. , van der Nat Paul B. , Derksen Wouter J. M. , van Santvoort Hjalmar C. , Pultrum Bareld B. , Consten Esther C. J. , Biesma Douwe H. , Smits Anke B.
Published: June 2021

Aim

Unlike meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials, population‐based studies in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have shown a significant association between open surgery and increased 30‐ and 90‐day mortality compared with laparoscopic surgery. Long‐term mortality, however, is scarcely reported. This retrospective population‐based study aimed to compare long‐term mortality after open and laparoscopic surgery for CRC.

Method

The Dutch Colorectal Audit and the Dutch Cancer Centre registry were used to identify patients from three large nonacademic teaching hospitals who underwent curative resection for CRC between 2009 and 2018. Patients with relative contraindications for laparoscopic surgery (cT4 or pT4 tumours, distant metastasis requiring additional resection and emergency surgery) were excluded. Multivariable regression was used to assess the effect of laparoscopic surgery on long‐term mortality with adjustment for gender, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, TNM stage, chemoradiation therapy and other confounders.

Results

We included 4531 patients, of whom 1298 (29%) underwent open surgery. The median follow‐up was 43 months (interquartile range 23–71 months). Open surgery was associated with an increased risk of long‐term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.45, p = 0.001). Mixed‐effects Cox regression with year of surgery as a random effect also showed an increased risk after open surgery (adjusted hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.52, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Open surgery seems to be associated with increased long‐term mortality in the elective setting for CRC patients. A minimally invasive approach might improve long‐term outcomes.
Using phylogenetics to explore interspecies genetic rescue options for a critically endangered parrot
Authors: Hogg Carolyn J. , Morrison Caitlin , Dudley Jessica S. , Alquezar‐Planas David E. , Beasley‐Hall Perry G. , Magrath Michael J. L. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Lo Nathan , Johnson Rebecca N. , Grueber Catherine E.
Published: June 2021

As the global biodiversity crisis deepens, with increasing habitat fragmentation and a changing climate, innovative options for conserving species are being explored. One such conservation action is genetic rescue: introduction of new alleles to promote population fitness. However, for critically endangered species where only one viable population remains, options for introducing new alleles are limited. Interspecies hybridization offers a potential solution but requires resolution of evolutionary relationships, a sound understanding of species biology, social license, and permissive legislative frameworks. Here, we show how phylogenetics and species biology can inform genetic rescue options for the orange‐bellied parrot (OBP;Neophema chrysogaster), a critically endangered Australian bird with one small remaining wild population. Our phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes and nuclear loci for all congeneric species provided strong support for OBPs being the sister species to a group comprising elegant, rock, and blue‐winged parrots. Accounting for species distribution, behavior, and ecology, a captive trial of interspecific hybridization with the blue‐winged parrot is recommended, including assessment of the fitness of hybrid individuals. Introduction of new alleles into the OBP genome would achieve the conservation goal of improving genetic diversity in a critically endangered species. Concurrently, legislative issues will need to be resolved.
NSAID prescriptions in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Jeong Rachel , Lentine Krista L. , Quinn Robert R. , Ravani Pietro , Wiebe Natasha , Davison Sara N. , Barr Bryce , Lam Ngan N.
Published: June 2021

Background

Guidelines recommend that non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) be avoided in kidney transplant recipients due to potential nephrotoxicity. It is unclear whether physicians are following these recommendations.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult kidney transplant recipients from 2008 to 2017 in Alberta, Canada. We determined the frequency and prescriber of NSAID prescriptions, the proportion with serum creatinine and potassium testing post‐fill, and the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI, serum creatinine increase of 50% or 26.5 μmol/L from baseline) and hyperkalemia (potassium 5.5 mmol/L) within 14 and 30 days.

Results

Of the 1730 kidney transplant recipients, 189 (11%) had at least one NSAID prescription over a median follow‐up of 5 years (IQR 2–9) (280 unique prescriptions). The majority were prescribed by family physicians (67%). Approximately 25% and 50% of prescriptions had serum creatinine and potassium testing within 14 and 30 days, respectively. Of those with lab measurements within 14 days, 13% of prescriptions were associated with AKI and 5% had hyperkalemia.

Conclusions

Contrary to guidelines, one in 10 kidney transplant recipients are prescribed an NSAID, and most do not get follow‐up testing of graft function and hyperkalemia. These findings call for improved education of patients and primary care providers.
Blood transfusion of the donor is associated with stage 3 primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation
Authors: Elmaleh Yoann , De Tymowski Christian , Zappella Nathalie , Jean‐Baptiste Sylvain , Tran‐Dinh Alexy , Tanaka Sébastien , Yung Sonia , Lortat‐Jacob Brice , Mal Hervé , Castier Yves , Atchade Enora , Montravers Philippe
Published: June 2021

Background

The first aim of this study was to assess the association between stage 3 PGD and pre‐donation blood transfusion of the donor. The secondary objectives were to assess the epidemiology of donor transfusion and the outcome of LT recipients according to donor transfusion status and massive donor transfusion status.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective, single‐center study. The results are expressed as absolute numbers, percentages, medians, and interquartile ranges. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi squared, Fischer's exact tests, and Mann‐Whitney U tests (P < .05 was considered significant). A multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Between January 2016 and February 2019, 147 patients were included in the analysis. PGD was observed in 79 (54%) patients, 45 (31%) of whom had stage 3 PGD. Pre‐donation blood transfusion was administered in 48 (33%) donors (median of 3[1–9] packed red cells (PRCs)). On multivariate analysis, stage 3 PGD was significantly associated with donor blood transfusion (OR 2.69, IC (1.14–6.38), P = .024). Mortality at days 28 and 90 was not significantly different according to the pre‐donation transfusion status of the donor.

Conclusion

Pre‐donation blood transfusion is associated with stage 3 PGD occurrence after LT. Transfusion data of the donor should be included in donor lung assessment.
Climate predicts both visible and near‐infrared reflectance in butterflies
Authors: Kang Changku , Im Sehyeok , Lee Won Young , Choi Yunji , Stuart‐Fox Devi , Huertas Blanca
Published: June 2021

Climatic gradients frequently predict large‐scale ecogeographical patterns in animal coloration, but the underlying causes are often difficult to disentangle. We examined ecogeographical patterns of reflectance among 343 European butterfly species and isolated the role of selection for thermal benefits by comparing animal‐visible and near‐infrared (NIR) wavebands. NIR light accounts for ~50% of solar energy but cannot be seen by animals so functions primarily in thermal control. We found that reflectance of both dorsal and ventral surfaces shows thermally adaptive correlations with climatic factors including temperature and precipitation. This adaptive variation was more prominent in NIR than animal‐visible wavebands and for body regions (thorax‐abdomen and basal wings) that are most important for thermoregulation. Thermal environments also predicted the reflectance difference between dorsal and ventral surfaces, which may be due to modulation between requirements for heating and cooling. These results highlight the importance of climatic gradients in shaping the reflectance properties of butterflies at a continent‐wide scale.
Mammalian herbivores restrict the altitudinal range limits of alpine plants
Authors: Lynn Joshua S. , Miller Tom E. X. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: June 2021

Although rarely experimentally tested, biotic interactions have long been hypothesised to limit low‐elevation range boundaries of species. We tested the effects of herbivory on three alpine‐restricted plant species by transplanting plants below (novel), at the edge (limit), or in the centre (core) of their current elevational range and factorially fencing‐out above‐ and belowground mammals. Herbivore damage was greater in range limit and novel habitats than in range cores. Exclosures increased plant biomass and reproduction more in novel habitats than in range cores, suggesting demographic costs of novel interactions with herbivores. We then used demographic models to project population growth rates, which increased 5–20% more under herbivore exclosure at range limit and novel sites than in core habitats. Our results identify mammalian herbivores as key drivers of the low‐elevation range limits of alpine plants and indicate that upward encroachment of herbivores could trigger local extinctions by depressing plant population growth.
Family challenges experienced by women with serious mental illness
Authors: Mizock Lauren , Salmonsen Jessica , Smith Shaneika
Published: June 2021

Objective

The present qualitative, grounded theory study was conducted with 20 women with serious mental illness (SMI) to better understand these familial relationships and experiences from their gender and mental health identities.

Background

Research suggests that women with SMI face unique challenges in their relationships with family. However, much of the literature in this area has focused on the experiences of family caregivers or the motherhood role rather than their general experiences with family.

Methods

Twenty women with SMI took part in this qualitative study, which utilized grounded theory methodology to develop theory from the data collected.

Results

Several themes were identified, including disacknowledge (family members' avoidance or denial of mental health symptoms of women with SMI), under‐expectations (family members' underestimations of the abilities of women with SMI), over‐expectations (family members' overestimations of the abilities of women with SMI), and role shift (changes in the family role of a woman who develops SMI).

Conclusion

Women with SMI face a number of challenges in the family setting that can be uniquely gendered.

Implications

Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.
A guide to genetically encoded tools for the study of H2O2
Authors: Smolyarova Daria D. , Podgorny Oleg V. , Bilan Dmitry S. , Belousov Vsevolod V.
Published: June 2021

Cell metabolism heavily relies on the redox reactions that inevitably generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is now well established that ROS fluctuations near basal levels coordinate numerous physiological processes in living organisms, thus exhibiting regulatory functions. Hydrogen peroxide, the most long‐lived ROS, is a key contributor to ROS‐dependent signal transduction in the cell. H2O2is known to impact various targets in the cell; therefore, the question of how H2O2modulates physiological processes in a highly specific manner is central in redox biology. To resolve this question, novel genetic tools have recently been created for detecting H2O2and emulating its generation in living organisms with unmatched spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we review H2O2‐sensitive genetically encoded fluorescent sensors and opto‐ and chemogenetic tools for controlled H2O2generation.
Phytoplankton mortality in a changing thermal seascape
Authors: Baker Kirralee G. , Geider Richard J.
Published: June 2021

Predicting spatiotemporal distributions of phytoplankton biomass and community composition heavily relies on experimental studies that document how environmental conditions influence population growth rates. In unicellular phytoplankton, the net population growth rate is the difference between the cell division rate and the death rate. Along with predation and disease, phytoplankton mortality arises from abiotic stress. Although the effect of temperature on the net population growth rate is well understood, studies examining thermally induced death rates in phytoplankton are scarce. We investigated how cell division and death rates of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum varied within its thermal tolerance limits (thermal niche), and at temperatures just above its upper thermal tolerance limit. We show that death rates were largely independent of temperature when P. tricornutum was grown within its thermal niche, but increased significantly at temperatures that approached or exceeded its upper thermal tolerance limit. Furthermore, the sensitivity of mortality increased with the duration of exposure to heat stress and was affected by the pre‐acclimation temperature. Heat waves can be expected to significantly affect phytoplankton mortality episodically. The increasing frequency of heat waves accompanying global warming can be expected to drive changes in phytoplankton community structure due to interspecific variability of thermal niches with potential implications for food web dynamics and biogeochemical cycles.
Body size variation in polyplacophoran molluscs: Geographical clines and community structure along the south‐eastern Pacific
Authors: Ibáñez Christian M. , Carter Mauricio J. , Aguilera Moisés A. , Pardo‐Gandarillas M. Cecilia , Rezende Enrico L.
Published: June 2021

Aim

To evaluate the latitudinal pattern of body size within and among chiton species employing phylogenetically structured analyses and examine the role ofgeographical variation in temperature, productivity and oxygen availability as potential environmental drivers.

Location

Coastal habitats of the south‐eastern Pacific along a latitudinal range of nearly 6,000 km, from the equator to Patagonia (c. 2° to 56° S).

Time period

Present (2011–2017).

Major taxa studied

Thirty‐one species of polyplacophoran molluscs.

Methods

We measured the body length of 6,162 individuals collected in 62 sites, and reconstructed the phylogeny of this group based on two mitochondrial and one nuclear gene regions. We combined this information with data of sea surface temperature, chlorophyll‐a concentration—as a proxy of primary productivity—and dissolved oxygen, and assessed which variables best explain the variation in size both within and among species employing phylogenetic generalized least squares (PGLS) and a model comparison approach.

Main conclusions

Our analyses show that body size increases consistently with latitude, both within and among species, following Bergmann’s rule. Variation in sea surface temperature along the latitudinal gradient provided a substantially better fit than chlorophyll‐a and dissolved oxygen. Our results support the temperature–size rule for this lineage and suggest that similar processes could underlie the emergence of intra‐ and interspecific gradients in body size of polyplacophorans. At the community level, chiton species richness was higher at intermediate latitudes and positively correlated with body size variation, suggesting that heterogeneity in size may reduce interspecific competition and contribute to species coexistence in this group. Overall, our study demonstrates that historical events, macroecological adaptive trends and local processes at the community level contribute to the distribution and size variation of polyplacophoran species throughout the south‐eastern Pacific.
Stromal composition predicts recurrence of early rectal cancer after local excision
Authors: Jones Helen J S , Cunningham Chris , Askautrud Hanne A , Danielsen Håvard E , Kerr David J , Domingo Enric , Maughan Tim , Leedham Simon J , Koelzer Viktor H
Published: June 2021

Aims

After local excision of early rectal cancer, definitive lymph node status is not available. An alternative means for accurate assessment of recurrence risk is required to determine the most appropriate subsequent management. Currently used measures are suboptimal. We assess three measures of tumour stromal content to determine their predictive value after local excision in a well‐characterised cohort of rectal cancer patients without prior radiotherapy.

Methods and results

A total of 143 patients were included. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections were scanned for (i) deep neural network (DNN, a machine‐learning algorithm) tumour segmentation into compartments including desmoplastic stroma and inflamed stroma; and (ii) digital assessment of tumour stromal fraction (TSR) and optical DNA ploidy analysis. 3′ mRNA sequencing was performed to obtain gene expression data from which stromal and immune scores were calculated using the ESTIMATE method. Full results were available for 139 samples and compared with disease‐free survival. All three methods were prognostic. Most strongly predictive was a DNN‐determined ratio of desmoplastic to inflamed stroma >5.41 (P < 0.0001). A ratio of ESTIMATE stromal to immune score <1.19 was also predictive of disease‐free survival (P = 0.00051), as was stromal fraction >36.5% (P = 0.037).

Conclusions

The DNN‐determined ratio of desmoplastic to inflamed ratio is a novel and powerful predictor of disease recurrence in locally excised early rectal cancer. It can be assessed on a single H&E section, so could be applied in routine clinical practice to improve the prognostic information available to patients and clinicians to inform the decision concerning further management.
Forty‐five years of International Journal of Consumer Studies: A bibliometric review and directions for future research
Authors: Paul Justin , Bhukya Ramulu
Published: June 2021

The International Journal of Consumer Studies (IJCS) is a distinguished 45‐year‐old peer‐reviewed international journal in the field of multidisciplinary consumer research. This paper takes stock of the work published since 1977 (n = 2088) and examines the impact of published research by applying network analysis technique using VOSviewer. In particular, it examines the overall citations received, the most cited papers and authors and their contributions to the field of consumer research. The advancement of research in the field of consumer research is discussed and directions for future research is provided to undertake novel research.
Social media and luxury: A systematic literature review
Authors: Creevey Dean , Coughlan Joseph , O'Connor Christina
Published: June 2021

Luxury, historically an exclusive, rare and elitist phenomenon, is changing. This is predominantly driven by technological developments, particularly social media, and the rising level of consumer empowerment in the marketplace. A maturing stream of research has emerged assessing the effects of social media platforms on luxury brands, offerings and consumers. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of this extant literature synthesizing the current state of knowledge and postulating future research directions. This paper addresses this gap by utilizing a systematic literature review approach. A total of 115 articles were collected and analysed and five core themes were identified, examining (1) luxury brand strategy, (2) luxury brand social media communications, (3) luxury consumer attitudes and perceptions, (4) engagement and (5) social media's influence on brand performance‐related outcomes. These themes are comprehensively explored to understand the myriad impacts of social media on luxury businesses before conceptualizing the themes as a holistic framework explaining social media's role within luxury. The framework developed highlights the fragmented yet progressive nature of research on the confluence of social media and luxury, and signals fruitful avenues for further inquiry. It is proposed that scholarly attention is directed towards multiple lines of inquiry, including social media's role in luxury brand construction online, social media's role in facilitating ‘moments of luxury’, younger consumers’ luxury consumption, as well as the integration of both future innovative technological developments and novel social media platforms within luxury branding.
Pour une plus large diffusion de la négociation collective: le rôle de l'extension
Authors: HAYTER Susan , VISSER Jelle
Published: June 2021

Les auteurs utilisent des données sur la couverture conventionnelle dans 80 pays pour évaluer l'apport des mécanismes d'extension des conventions collectives en tant que moyen d'instaurer des normes sociales et des conditions d'emploi minimales. Ce mode de réglementation, qui dépend des autorités publiques, a pour spécificité de reposer sur des compromis négociés par des organisations indépendantes, autonomes et représentatives. Il présente de ce fait certains avantages du contrat, en plus des caractéristiques des textes de loi. Particulièrement souple et adaptable, il permet de couvrir des travailleurs vulnérables, qui seraient privés de protection autrement.
Le bien‐être des travailleuses issues des migrations internes dans les ateliers de confection au Myanmar: perceptions et expériences
Authors: NGUYEN Hanh
Published: June 2021

L'autrice s'intéresse au bien‐être matériel et non matériel, réel et perçu, des travailleuses issues des migrations internes employées dans des secteurs peu qualifiés, à forte intensité de main‐d'œuvre. Elle reprend l'approche par les capabilités d'Amartya Sen et affirme que l'absence d'autonomie individuelle et collective nuit au bien‐être sous ses différentes dimensions, en s'appuyant sur les données d'une enquête menée au Myanmar auprès de 249 travailleuses de la confection. Dans ce pays en transition sur le plan socio‐économique, au marché du travail asymétrique et au système de protection sociale embryonnaire, l'autrice plaide pour des politiques de l'emploi axées sur l'autonomisation des travailleurs les plus vulnérables.
La flexibilidad laboral en las manufacturas de la India. Un análisis bibliográfico crítico
Authors: BHATTACHARJEA Aditya
Published: June 2021

El autor analiza las principales conclusiones de la profusa bibliografía sobre la relación entre la reglamentación laboral supuestamente «restrictiva» de la India y los malos resultados industriales y laborales, revelando múltiples errores de concepción e interpretación de los índices elaborados para medir el efecto de las diferencias entre estados en cuanto a reglamentación laboral. Detecta también problemas econométricos y deficiencias en los análisis con índices corregidos y actualizados. En conclusión, la bibliografía relativa a la relación entre reglamentación laboral y resultados económicos en la India no ofrece garantías suficientes como para ser tenida en cuenta en la elaboración de políticas.
Libertad en el trabajo, a través del trabajo y frente al trabajo. Un replanteamiento de los derechos laborales
Authors: BUENO Nicolas
Published: June 2021

¿En qué medida los derechos laborales promueven las libertades en relación con el trabajo? El autor define metodológicamente tres: libertad en el trabajo, a través del trabajo y frente al trabajo. No obstante enfoques de derecho laboral como el de no explotación, no dominación o de las capacidades, los derechos laborales fundamentales siguen pensados para proteger a trabajadores y trabajadoras en el mercado laboral, no para ampliar sus libertades, y aún menos la libertad frente al trabajo. El autor concluye que para ampliar las libertades en, a través y frente al trabajo no se necesitan menos derechos laborales fundamentales, sino añadir otros nuevos, cuya formulación propone.
ROSES‐S: Statement from the World Health Organization on the reporting of seroepidemiologic studies for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors:   World Health Organization Seroepidemiology Technical Working Group
Published: June 2021

Well‐designed population‐based seroepidemiologic studies can be used to refine estimates of infection severity and transmission, and are therefore an important component of epidemic surveillance. However, the interpretation of the results of seroepidemiologic studies for SARS‐CoV‐2 has been hampered to date principally by heterogeneity in the quality of the reporting of the results of the study and a lack of standardized methods and reporting. We provide here the ROSES‐S: Reporting of Seroepidemiologic studies—SARS‐CoV‐2. This is an updated checklist of 22 items that should be included in the reporting of all SARS‐CoV‐2 seroepidemiologic studies, irrespective of study design.
Hybrid effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and basalt fibers on microwave absorption of cement composites with fly ash
Authors: Xu Shilang , Shen Yinong , Li Qinghua , Liu Xin
Published: June 2021

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and basalt fibers have been overlooked in the microwave absorption enhancement due to their low electromagnetic parameters. In this study, we examined the hybrid effects of PVA and basalt fibers on the microwave absorption of cement composites with high‐volume fly ash. The mechanisms of the enhanced absorption were explored by investigating microstructures, phase compositions, and chemical bonds. It was found that reflection loss is significantly enhanced with variation in fiber proportion. Also, the fibers affect the dielectric properties using the Debye relaxation. In addition, in this paper, the relationship between the microstructure and electromagnetic parameters is established. It was also found that, in cement composites with high‐volume fly ash, the hybrid effects of PVA and basalt fibers can improve the polymerization of the C–A–S–H gel, which influences these cement composites’ microstructures, and in turn, their Debye relaxation.
Increasing referrals to emergency department for psychiatric consultation and treatment among 50,056 adolescents and young adults: Predictors and implications
Authors: Solmi Marco , Della Rocca Foscarina , Granziol Umberto , Favaro Angela , Zoleo Miranda , Cremonese Carla
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To identify predictors and time trends over 10 years of psychiatric consultation or treatment in adolescents and young adults referring to Emergency Department (ED).

Methods

Real‐world cohort data from 50,056 adolescents and young adults referring 105,596 times to ED between 2007 and 2016. We tested whether gender, age, triage code (red, yellow, green, white with decreasing severity), and referral modality predicted primary (psychiatric consultation) or secondary outcomes (anxiolytic treatment, sedative treatment, psychiatric admission), and whether these outcomes increased over the last 10 years.

Results

Mean age was 19.57(SD = 2.52), female percentage was 48.77%. Overall, 6.93% underwent psychiatric consultation, treatment, or admission. Among 2,547 adolescents and young adults undergoing a psychiatric consultation, 58.07% had either yellow or red triage code, and 47.2% were brought by ambulance. Female gender predicted psychiatric consultation and anxiolytic treatment, male gender predicted sedative treatment, suggesting gender differences in help‐seeking behaviors. Older age predicted all outcomes. Severe triage presentation and being brought by ambulance increased the risk of primary and secondary outcomes. Psychiatric consultation (1.77% to 3.64%), anxiolytic (3.04% to 6.15%), or admission (0.40% to 0.98%) roughly doubled, and sedative (0.27% to 1.23%) treatment had a four‐fold increase from 2007 to 2016.

Conclusions

Among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 years old ED appears to be necessary for young help‐seeking subjects given the severe presentations and the increasing number of adolescents referring to ED. More studies should assess whether ED might be helpful in detecting subjects with sub‐threshold or early psychiatric symptoms, or at risk for severe mental illness.
Changes in emotional problems, hyperactivity and conduct problems in moderate to late preterm children and adolescents born between 1958 and 2002 in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bilgin Ayten , Wolke Dieter , Baumann Nicole , Trower Hayley , Brylka Asteria , Räikkönen Katri , Heinonen Kati , Kajantie Eero , Schnitzlein Daniel , Lemola Sakari
Published: June 2021

Background

Preterm birth is a risk factor for the development of emotional and behavioural problems in childhood and adolescence. Given the substantial improvements in neonatal care across decades, it has been expected that the difference in emotional problems, hyperactivity, and conduct problems between moderate to late preterm (MLPT) and full term (FT) children and adolescents have declined in recent years.

Methods

Data from four UK population‐based studies were used: The National Child Development Study (NCDS; 1958), the British Cohort Study (BCS70; 1970), the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, 1991–1992) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; 2000–2002). Emotional problems, hyperactivity and conduct problems were assessed with mother‐reports in early childhood (5–7 years), late childhood (10–11 years) and adolescence (14–16 years). Furthermore, emotional problems were self‐reported in adolescence in BCS70, ALSPAC and MCS.

Results

In the most recent cohort, the MLPT group had higher mother‐reported emotional problems than those born FT in late childhood and adolescence, whereas there were no differences in self‐reported emotional problems in adolescence. Regarding mother‐reported hyperactivity symptoms, the MLPT group had higher scores than the FT group in the two most recent cohorts in late childhood and in the most recent cohort in adolescence. Regarding mother‐reported conduct problems, MLPT children had significantly higher scores than the FT children in the oldest and in the most recent cohort in late childhood. On the other hand, in adolescence, MLPT children had significantly lower scores in conduct problems in comparison to FT children in the cohort born in 1991–1992.

Conclusions

Mother‐reported emotional problems and hyperactivity symptoms of those born MLPT have increased from the birth years 1958 to 2000–2002 during late childhood and adolescence, whereas self‐reported emotional problems were similar in MLPT and FT groups during adolescence from 1970 to 2000–2002. Findings are less consistent regarding conduct problems. The current findings highlight the importance of raising the awareness of teachers about the association between MLPT birth and behavioural and emotional problems in late childhood and adolescence to prevent the long‐term negative outcomes associated with the sequalae of MLPT birth.
Effect of depression on progression to end‐stage renal disease or pre‐end‐stage renal disease death in advanced diabetic nephropathy: A prospective cohort study of the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women’s Medical University
Authors: Horiba Yu , Ishizawa Kaya , Takasaki Keiko , Miura Junnosuke , Babazono Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to determine the effect of depression on the progression to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and pre‐ESRD death in patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy.

Materials and Methods

This single‐center prospective cohort study enrolled Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and advanced diabetic nephropathy. The total Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 score was used to evaluate depression at baseline and classified patients into: no, mild and severe depression groups. The outcomes were ESRD, defined as initiation of renal replacement therapy, and pre‐ESRD death. The relationship between the severity of depression and these outcomes was analyzed using a competing risks model, defining each outcome as the competing risk of the other outcome.

Results

Of the 486 patients with a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate of 37.1 ± 21.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, 345 were men. During the median follow up of 4.4 years, 164 patients progressed to ESRD and 50 died. The cumulative incidence function of ESRD was significantly higher in the severe depression group (Gray’s test, P = 0.003). The ESRD risk increased by 12.4% and 45.1% in patients with mild and severe depression, respectively, compared with those without depression, although these differences did not reach statistical significance in the multivariate subdistribution hazard model (P = 0.450 and 0.161, respectively). The cumulative incidence of death was similar for the study groups.

Conclusion

Depression potentially has a weak impact on progression to ESRD, however, the presence of comorbidities might have the possibility to reduce the effect of depression on the renal outcome in patients with advanced diabetic nephropathy.
Outcomes of post‐acute care in skilled nursing facilities in Medicare beneficiaries with and without a diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Burke Robert E. , Xu Yao , Ritter Ashley Z.
Published: June 2021

Background

More than 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia are discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) after hospitalization annually. However, it is unclear how their risks and benefits of a SNF stay compare to beneficiaries without a diagnosis of dementia.

Design

Retrospective analysis comparing SNF outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries with and without a diagnosis of dementia.

Setting

One hundred percent sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2015 to 2016.

Participants

Dementia was identified using validated diagnosis codes. In beneficiaries who had an acute hospitalization followed by SNF stay, we used propensity score matching to balance demographics, comorbidities, characteristics of the index hospital stay, prior hospital and SNF utilization, and cognitive status on SNF admission.

Measurements

Outcomes included unplanned hospital readmission, community discharge rate, and mortality during the SNF stay. Multivariate models were adjusted for hospital and SNF characteristics.

Results

Our sample included 2,418,853 Medicare beneficiaries discharged from hospital to SNF; 830,524 (34.3%) carried a diagnosis of dementia. Overall, 14.7% of the sample had a hospital readmission, 5.0% died, and 61.5% were successfully discharged to the community. In the propensity‐matched cohort, beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia had a lower odds ratio of mortality (OR 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86–0.89), similar odds of hospital readmission (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98–1.00), and reduced odds of discharge to the community (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.91–0.93). However, these findings varied by the severity of cognitive impairment on SNF admission: in beneficiaries with no impairment, those with a diagnosis of dementia had higher odds of adverse outcomes. In beneficiaries with severe impairment, beneficiaries with a diagnosis of dementia had lower odds of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

Cognitive dysfunction on SNF admission is a stronger predictor of outcomes than a diagnosis of dementia, suggesting the need to individualize decisions about the benefits and risks of SNF care in populations with cognitive impairment.
The distributive cycle: Evidence and current debates
Authors: Barrales‐Ruiz Jose , Mendieta‐Muñoz Ivan , Rada Codrina , Tavani Daniele , von Arnim Rudiger
Published: June 2021

This paper surveys current debates on the distributive cycle. The literature builds on Goodwin's seminal 1967 chapter titled “A growth cycle.” We review theoretical motivations for the distributive cycle, which, despite significant differences, all imply that macroeconomic activity leads the labor share in a counterclockwise cycle in the activity‐labor share plane. Subsequently, we summarize and update evidence on the existence of a distributive cycle, with a focus on the post‐war U.S. macroeconomy. We analyze activity and labor share series and their interaction in the frequency domain, and also employ standard vector autoregressions. Results confirm the distributive cycle for the U.S. post‐war period. We contextualize results vis‐à‐vis current debates: (1) we consider a financial cycle, to rebut the theoretical possibility of “pseudo‐Goodwin” cycles, (2) demonstrate that a suppressed labor share and stagnation are compatible with short‐run Goodwin cycles, and argue that this link presents the way forward for research on secular stagnation.
Smelling speech sounds: Association of odors with texture‐related ideophones
Authors: Uchida Marin , Pathak Abhishek , Motoki Kosuke
Published: June 2021

Odors are often difficult to describe verbally, and little is known about the association of odors with the words that describe them. Following the literature on crossmodal correspondences between odors and sounds/haptics, this study aimed to reveal how odors are associated with the words describing textures and haptics in the Japanese language. Fifty participants smelled 17 food‐related odors (e.g., lemon, pepper) and matched the odors with words related to texture (e.g., sakusaku), haptics (e.g., soft, dry), and emotion (e.g., positive). The experiment was conducted with and without the verbal description of odor names. The results demonstrated that each odor was mainly categorized into words related to the concepts of (a) juicy/cool/jiggly/positive, (b) smooth/moist/soft, or (c) hard/rough/dry, regardless of whether participants smelled the odors with or without the verbal description. Our findings reveal novel odor‐sound/haptic associations and demonstrate how odors can be described verbally.

Practical applications

People find it difficult to verbalize or communicate various odors. This study contributes to the literature on odor‐sound/haptic correspondences by showing that the odors are associated with texture‐related ideophones and haptic words. Specifically, the results demonstrated that each odor was mainly categorized into words related to the concepts of (a) juicy/cool/jiggly/positive, (b) smooth/moist/soft, or (c) hard/rough/dry. These findings are relevant to marketing communications involving odors and emphasize the potential importance of the texture‐related ideophones and haptic words when marketers want to effectively communicate odors with consumers.