bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of health outcome on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: a system generalized method of moment approach
Authors: Akinbode Sakiru Oladele , Dipeolu Adewale Oladapo , Bolarinwa Tobi Michael , Olukowi Oladayo Babaseun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Some progress have been made over time in improving health conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There are, however, contradicting reports on the relationship between health outcomes and economic growth in the region. The paper aimed at assessing the effect of health outcome on economic growth in SSA.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for 41 countries from 2000 to 2018 were obtained from WDI and WGI and analyzed using system generalized method of moment (sGMM) which is appropriate for the present scenario. AR(1) and AR(2) tests were used to assess the validity of the model while Sargan and Hansen tests were adopted to examine the validity of the instrumental variables. The robustness of the estimation was confirmed using the pooled OLS and fixed effect regression.

Findings

Health outcome (proxied by life expectancy), lagged GDP per capita, capital formation, labor force (LF), health expenditure (HE), foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness (TOP) significantly affected economic growth emphasizing the importance of health in the process of economic growth in the region. AR(1) and AR(2) tests for serial correlation and Sargan/Hansen tests confirmed the validity of the estimated model and the instrumental variables respectively. Robustness of the GMM results was established from the pooled OLS and the fixed effect model results.

Social implications

Improvement in the national health system possibly through the widespread adoption of National Health Insurance, increase government spending on healthcare alongside increased beneficial trade and ease of doing business to facilitate investment were recommended to enhance.

Originality/value

The study used up-to-date data with appropriate methodology.
Corrosion behaviour of twin-roll cast 8006 aluminium alloy foil with different thicknesses for the food packaging industry
Authors: Eken Taha Yasin , Sarioglu Cevat , Kucuk Israfil
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and find out the surface and electrochemical behaviours of twin roll cast (TRC) 8006 aluminium alloy with different thicknesses due to the cold rolling rates after the TRC process.

Design/methodology/approach

The 8006 aluminium alloys are mostly used for the food packaging industry, as they are corrosion resistant, lightweight and shapable materials. The present work investigates the surface and corrosion behaviours of 8006 aluminium alloys at different thicknesses. TRC aluminium alloys were cold-rolled at two different reduction rates before investigation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) tests were used to examine the phase and elemental analyses. FE-SEM and 3D profilometry also used to observe surface morphology. Open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests (EIS) were carried out to find out corrosion behaviours. The results show that the more cold rolling reduction (CRR), the more corrosion rate and surface affection of the TRC 8006 aluminium alloys.

Findings

According to the electrochemical tests (OCP, potentiodynamic polarization test and EIS) and surface morphology results (such as SEM, 3D profilometry and XRD) the more the rolling rate the less the corrosion resistance.

Originality/value

First corrosion behaviour investigation of twin-rolled 8006 Al alloys using electrochemical techniques. First investigation of CRR effects on electrochemical corrosion behaviour of 8006 Al alloys with 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution using EIS. First investigation of 8006 Al alloys as a food packaging material with electrochemical ways.
Barriers to accessing TB clinics among Myanmar TB patients attending a Thailand‐Myanmar border hospital: a qualitative approach
Authors: Lwin Theint Theint , Apidechkul Tawatchai , Saising Jongkon , Upala Panupong , Tamornpark Ratipark
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This qualitative approach study aimed to understand the barriers to accessing a tuberculosis (TB) clinic in a Thai hospital as experienced by TB patients from Myanmar living on the Thailand-Myanmar border.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-two participants were asked to provide information. In-depth interviews were used to gather the information. Each interview lasted 40 min.

Findings

TB patients from Myanmar experience several barriers to accessing TB treatment and care at Mae Sai Hospital, such as language and economic problems, although they are very satisfied with the quality of service and positive attitude of the health care providers. A long waiting time and lack of explanation of the pathogenesis of TB were noted as negative aspects by the patients and their relatives. The medical staff at the TB clinic were negatively affected by the excessive workload and unsuitability of some methods or technologies. Using budgetary subsidies from agencies to fund TB care and treatment was not sustainable. Foreign TB patients are not subsidized by the national universal insurance scheme of Thailand, and sending TB patients back to their home country is sometimes unavoidable.

Originality/value

Thailand and Myanmar should strengthen their collaboration and develop a system to improve the quality of TB patient care and management for those who are living in poverty and lack education, by focusing on reducing language and economic barriers to accessing health care services including support for medicines and laboratory materials related to TB case management among these populations.
Development and validation of a scale for measuring hospital service quality: a dyadic approach
Authors: Upadhyai Raghav , Upadhyai Neha , Jain Arvind Kumar , Chopra Gaurav , Roy Hiranmoy , Pant Vimal
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study integrates the providers' perspective as well as the patient's perspective in developing and validating a scale to measure hospital service quality in multispecialty hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed-method approach was used in this study. The strategies used included a thematic literature review, semi-structured interviews, modified Delphi and confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The reliability coefficient of 41 item scale was 0.963 with each attribute, that is, pivotal, core and peripheral, having a Cronbach's alpha of 0.907, 0.91 and 0.891, with scale content validity (S-CVI Ave) of 0.9151. The composite reliability scores of all constructs were greater than 0.7, with an Average Variance Explained (AVE) of all items greater than 0.5.

Originality/value

The instrument can be used to measure the difference between what service providers believe customers expect and customers’ actual needs and expectations. The scale can be used to measure the difference between what is delivered (as perceived by the provider) and what customers perceive they have received (because they are unable to accurately evaluate service quality). The dyadic approach of administering this questionnaire in measuring hospital service quality will lead to the identification of a knowledge gap and a perception gap in delivering hospital service quality.
Customer incivility and employee work engagement in the hospitality industry: roles of supervisor positive gossip and workplace friendship prevalence
Authors: Ugwu Fabian Onyekachi , Onyishi Ernest Ike , Anozie Okechukwu O. , Ugwu Lawrence Ejike
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the impact of customer incivility on work engagement was investigated. The authors also explored whether supervisor positive gossip and workplace friendship prevalence moderated the impact of customer incivility on work engagement in the Nigerian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a time-lagged design to collect data from 258 frontline casual dining restaurant employees across city centers in South-eastern Nigeria who completed Time 1 and Time 2 paper surveys after a one-month interval.

Findings

Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that while customer incivility was negatively lx`inked to work engagement, supervisor positive gossip and workplace friendship prevalence were positively linked to work engagement. It was also found that both supervisor positive gossip and workplace friendship prevalence moderated the negative connection between customer incivility and work engagement.

Practical implications

One proactive way to forestall the negative impact of customer incivility on work engagement is for managers to devise approaches to decrease the impact of uncivil customer behaviors, such as developing an atmosphere that engenders friendship and speaking positively to subordinates about other employees' work behaviors.

Originality/value

Although increased scholarly attention has been paid to workplace incivility, customer incivility has not been sufficiently addressed. Earlier research on workplace gossip is influenced by the widely-held belief that gossip is often negative, with far less attention given to the sunny side of gossip. This study is one of the earliest efforts to examine the moderating roles of supervisor positive gossip and workplace friendship prevalence in the negative link between customer incivility and work engagement in the hospitality industry.
Measuring integrated care at the interface between primary care and secondary care: a scoping review
Authors: O'Farrell Aimee , McCombe Geoff , Broughan John , Carroll Áine , Casey Mary , Fawsitt Ronan , Cullen Walter
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In many healthcare systems, health policy has committed to delivering an integrated model of care to address the increasing burden of disease. The interface between primary and secondary care has been identified as a problem area. This paper aims to undertake a scoping review to gain a deeper understanding of the markers of integration across the primary–secondary interface.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was conducted of PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library and the grey literature for papers published in English using the framework described by Arksey and O'Malley. The search process was guided by the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA).

Findings

The initial database search identified 112 articles, which were screened by title and abstract. A total of 26 articles were selected for full-text review, after which nine articles were excluded as they were not relevant to the research question or the full text was not available. In total, 17 studies were included in the review. A range of study designs were identified including a systematic review (n = 3), mixed methods study (n = 5), qualitative (n = 6) and quantitative (n = 3). The included studies documented integration across the primary–secondary interface; integration measurement and factors affecting care coordination.

Originality/value

Many studies examine individual aspects of integration. However, this study is unique as it provides a comprehensive overview of the many perspectives and methodological approaches involved with evaluating integration within the primary–secondary care interface and primary care itself. Further research is required to establish valid reliable tools for measurement and implementation.
Digital transformation of organizations: what do we know and where to go next?
Authors: Jedynak Monika , Czakon Wojciech , Kuźniarska Aneta , Mania Karolina
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the development of the digital transformation literature and to the systematic literature review methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors run a systematic literature review, followed by a rigorous thematic analysis of both academic and grey literature dataset, in order to develop a conceptual map of organizations' digital transformation. The authors aggregate the concepts and topics identified across the literature to find that they overwhelmingly tackle digital business models. At the same time, the authors identify a major blind spot resulting from ignoring the organization itself as a unit of analysis.

Findings

The findings show that developing a digital theory of the organization or the theory of digitally transformed organization is a major challenge to management researchers. The analysis exposed numerous research gaps that can be helpful for future research directions.

Originality/value

Digital transformation research enjoys an increasingly rapid rise to recognition across many academic disciplines and strongly impacts the management domain. adopt the view that published documents reflect the collective understanding of a phenomenon. This paper contributes to filtering the digital transformation literature, clarify complex relation between digital transformations of organizations and identify the key blind points.
Information system for epidemic control: a computational solution addressing successful experiences and main challenges
Authors: Rocha Guilherme Conceição , Paiva Henrique Mohallem , Sanches Davi Gonçalves , Fiks Daniel , Castro Rafael Martins , Silva Lucas Fernando Alvarenga e
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused a major impact on worldwide public health and economics. The lessons learned from the successful attempts to contain the pandemic escalation revealed that the wise usage of contact tracing and information systems can widely help the containment work of any contagious disease. In this context, this paper investigates other researches on this domain, as well as the main issues related to the practical implementation of such systems and specifies a technical solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed solution is based on the automatic identification of relevant contacts between infected or suspected people with susceptible people; inference of contamination risk based on symptoms history, user navigation records and contact information; real-time georeferenced information of population density of infected or suspect people; and automatic individual social distancing recommendation calculated through the individual contamination risk and the worsening of clinical condition risk.

Findings

The solution was specified, prototyped and evaluated by potential users and health authorities. The proposed solution has the potential of becoming a reference on how to coordinate the efforts of health authorities and the population on epidemic control.

Originality/value

This paper proposed an original information system for epidemic control which was applied for the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and could be easily extended to other epidemics.
Microseismic waveform and shear‐wave splitting analysis with model data
Authors: White Isabel , Bray Matthew , Simmons James
Published: March 2021

Accurate and precise estimation of microseismic event location in anisotropic reservoirs is challenging with borehole acquisition, due to limited azimuthal and inclination coverage. Inclusion of shear‐wave splitting information from microseismic data can improve estimates of event directivity, source location and the degree of reservoir anisotropy compared with using P‐waves alone. Additionally, S‐waves typically have a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio than P‐waves, due to higher amplitudes, decreasing the overall azimuthal and depth uncertainty in comparison with P‐wave only location methodologies. We present a joint P‐ and S‐wave hodogram workflow to reduce azimuthal uncertainty and estimate shear‐wave splitting. In this paper, finite‐difference waveform synthetics verify the workflow and illustrate interference effects associated with reflections and head‐waves. Multiple shear‐wave splitting techniques are applied to the synthetic data set in order to understand the limitations between splitting methodologies. Combining the P‐wave hodogram calculation of azimuth and inclination with the shear‐wave splitting analysis lowers the azimuthal uncertainty and improves waveform rotation results. From the comparison of three splitting methods, the minimum second eigenvalue is the most optimum for the data set. Post‐splitting analysis was key as the results are affected by the complexities in the waveforms and arrivals. Using receiver‐by‐receiver splitting quality analysis with shot and receiver clustering improves the identification of quality splitting results.
Low host specificity and broad geographical ranges in a community of parasitic non‐pollinating fig wasps (Sycoryctinae; Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Deng Xiaoxia , Chen Lianfu , Tian Enwei , Zhang Dayong , Wattana Tanming , Yu Hui , Kjellberg Finn , Segar Simon T.
Published: March 2021

Plants, phytophagous insects and their parasitoids form the most diverse assemblages of macroscopic organisms on earth. Enclosed assemblages in particular represent a tractable system for studying community assembly and diversification. Communities associated with widespread plant species are especially suitable as they facilitate a comparative approach. Pantropical fig‐wasp communities represent a remarkably well‐replicated system, ideal for studying these historical processes.

We expect high dispersal ability in non‐pollinating fig wasps to result in lower geographical turnover in comparison to pollinating fig wasps. The ability of non‐pollinating wasps to utilise a number of hosts (low host specificity) is a key determinant of overall geographical range, with intraspecific competition becoming a constraining factor should diet breadth overlap among species. Finally, we expect conserved community structure throughout the host range. We aim to test these expectations, derived from population genetic and community studies, using the multi‐trophic insect community associated with Ficus hirta throughout its 3,500 km range across continental and insular Asia.

We collect molecular evidence from one coding mitochondrial gene, one non‐coding nuclear gene and multiple microsatellites across 25 geographical sites. Using these data, we establish species boundaries, determine levels of host specificity among non‐pollinating fig wasps and quantify geographical variation in community composition.

We find low host specificity in two genera of non‐pollinating fig wasps. Functional community structure is largely conserved across the range of the host fig, despite limited correspondence between the ranges of non‐pollinator and pollinator species. While nine pollinators are associated with Ficus hirta, the two non‐pollinator tribes developing in its figs each contained only four species.

Contrary to predictions, we find stronger isolation by distance in non‐pollinators than pollinators. Long‐lived non‐pollinators may disperse more gradually and be less reliant on infrequent long‐distance dispersal by wind currents. Segregation among non‐pollinating species across their range is suggestive of competitive exclusion and we propose that this may be a result of increased levels of local adaptation and moderate, but regular, rates of dispersal. Our findings provide one more example of lack of strict codiversification in the geographical diversification of plant‐associated insect communities.
Everything lies in a space: cultural data and spatial reality
Authors: Seaver Nick
Published: March 2021

This essay examines the use of spatializing techniques for analysing cultural data, drawing on fieldwork with developers of music recommender systems in the United States. Comparing these practices with related analytic techniques developed by post‐war cognitive anthropologists, it explores three broad topics: how such techniques engender a sense of continuous, enveloping milieu from discrete and often sparse data; how spatialization is used to grant culture a kind of reality rooted in pragmatic action and scientific quantification; and how spatial representations of culture are essentially anticipatory for the people who make them, transforming the near future into the nearby.
The role of environmental temperature on movement patterns of giant anteaters
Authors: GIROUX Aline , ORTEGA Zaida , BERTASSONI Alessandra , DESBIEZ Arnaud Léonard Jean , KLUYBER Danilo , MASSOCATO Gabriel Favero , DE MIRANDA Guilherme , MOURÃO Guilherme , SURITA Luciana , ATTIAS Nina , BIANCHI Rita de Cassia , GASPAROTTO Vinícius Peron de Oliveira , OLIVEIRA‐SANTOS Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

Mammals can show conspicuous behavioral responses to thermal variation, including changes in movement patterns. We used an integrative approach to understand how environmental temperature can drive the movement behavior of a mammal with low capacity for physiological thermoregulation, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). We tracked 52 giant anteaters in 7 areas throughout the Brazilian savannah. We estimated the distance moved, area used, use of forest areas, and mean environmental temperature for each monitoring day of each individual. We modeled these data with Mixed Structural Equations — considering the possible interactions between our variables and controlling for sex and body mass. Giant anteaters reduced displacement and increased forest use with decreasing environmental temperature, probably because of their low body heat production. It is possible that they reduce distance moved and area used by reducing the duration of activity. With decreasing temperature, forest habitats become warmer than open ones, besides buffer rain and chilly winds. Reducing displacement and using forests are important strategies to reduce body heat loss and the energetic costs of thermoregulation. However, decreasing movement can limit food access and, consequently, fitness. Therefore, we highlight the importance of forests as thermal shelters. With increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, we showed the need to preserve forest patches to offer suitable conditions for tropical mammals’ behavioral thermoregulation. In this context, policies favoring deforestation on Brazilian territory are especially worrisome. Finally, we emphasize the need of integrative approaches to understand the complex interactions between organisms and the environment.
Regulation and accreditation of addictive behaviour applications—navigating the landscape
Authors: Khadjesari Zarnie , Brown Tracey , Naughton Felix
Published: March 2021

Background

mHealth applications (apps) for addictive behaviours offer widespread provision of digital support, with particular benefits for stigmatized groups and those with poor access to treatment services. Regulation and accreditation may encourage the uptake and use of evidence‐based addictive behaviour apps, yet this is a complex and confusing landscape. We navigate international regulatory and accreditation guidance, explore some of the implementation challenges and provide implications for app developers, health‐care professionals and app users.

Analysis

We explore the classification of health and wellbeing, blended support and clinical therapy apps as medical devices by country to help readers navigate the complexity of the guidance. We describe an addictive behaviour app classified as a medical device and explore the innovative approaches to regulation that are currently emerging. We discuss the use of curated on‐line app libraries that adhere to thresholds for characteristics such as quality, user satisfaction or effectiveness, which we hope will become the starting‐point in the search for suitable apps, rather than commercial app stores. We also explore the ethical concerns associated with apps and how curated libraries address these.

Conclusions

International regulation of applications as medical devices varies across countries and would benefit from standardization in a simple, usable and transparent format. Efforts to provide accreditation of non‐medical device applications are also variable, and public bodies provide mixed messages concerning endorsement. Health‐care professionals and users are encouraged to use accredited applications for addictive behaviours where they exist, or explore other forms of digital intervention with a stronger evidence base.
Trends in MDMA‐related mortality across four countries
Authors: Roxburgh Amanda , Sam Bulent , Kriikku Pirkko , Mounteney Jane , Castanera Antonio , Dias Mario , Giraudon Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Aims

To determine trends in 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐related death rates across Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey and to analyse the toxicology and causes of death across countries.

Design

Analysis of MDMA‐related deaths extracted from a national coronial database in Australia (2001–19) and national forensic toxicology databases in Finland (2001–17), Portugal (2008–19) and Turkey (2007–17). Presentation of MDMA use and seizure data (market indicators).

Setting

Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey.

Cases

All deaths in which MDMA was considered by the forensic pathologist to be contributory to death.

Measurements

Information collected on cause and circumstances of death, demographics and toxicology.

Findings

A total of 1400 MDMA‐related deaths were identified in Turkey, 507 in Australia, 100 in Finland and 45 in Portugal. The median age ranged from 24 to 27.5 years, and males represented between 81 and 94% of the deaths across countries. Standardized mortality rates significantly increased across all four countries from 2011 to 2017 during a period of increased purity and availability of MDMA. The underlying cause of death was predominantly due to drug toxicity in Australia (n = 309, 61%), Finland (n = 70, 70%) and Turkey (n = 840, 60%) and other causes in Portugal (n = 25, 56%). Minorities of all deaths across the countries were due to MDMA toxicity alone (13–25%). These deaths had a significantly higher blood MDMA concentration than multiple drug toxicity deaths in Australia, Finland and Turkey. Drugs other than MDMA commonly detected were stimulants (including cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine) (Australia 52% and Finland 61%) and alcohol (Australia 46% and Portugal 49%). In addition to MDMA toxicity, benzodiazepines (81%) and opioids (64%) were commonly identified in these deaths in Finland. In comparison, synthetic cannabinoids (15%) and cannabis (33%) were present in a minority of deaths in Turkey.

Conclusions

Deaths related to 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) increased in Australia, Finland, Portugal and Turkey between 2011 and 2017. Findings show MDMA toxicity alone can be fatal, but multiple drug toxicity remains more prevalent.
All‐male production by marker‐assisted selection for sex determining loci of admixed Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis aureus stocks
Authors: Curzon A. Y. , Shirak A. , Zak T. , Dor L. , Benet‐Perlberg A. , Naor A. , Low‐Tanne S. I. , Sharkawi H. , Ron M. , Seroussi E.
Published: March 2021

Crossing Oreochromis niloticus (On) females with Oreochromis aureus (Oa) males results in all‐male progeny that are essential for effective tilapia farming. However, a reproductive barrier between these species limits mating and mass‐fry production. One approach to overcoming this barrier is to select parental stocks of mixed genetic backgrounds, which allow interspecific reproductive recognition, while closely maintaining the genetic profiles for sex‐determination (SD) of the respective purebred species. Here, we test this approach in a data set of 160 On × Oa spawns of 109 male and 100 female parents randomly collected from admixed stocks, and genotyped for microsatellite markers representing the known SD loci on linkage groups (LGs) 1, 3, and 23. Following crossbreeding, the most significant paternal effects on male proportions in progeny were found for LG1‐BYL018 (P < 2 × 10−32) and for LG3‐UNH168 × LG23‐UNH898 interaction (P < 1 × 10−17; R2 = 0.98). Furthermore, a maternal effect for LG3‐UNH168 (P < 9 × 10−7) was associated with low female proportions in progeny (<7%), indicating a non‐Mendelian effect on SD. Eighty‐four males (77%) and 30 females (30%) were selected as parents, based on their genetic profiles for the SD loci that were associated with male production. Of these, 51 of 53 crosses produced all‐male progeny, while two crosses had low female proportions in their progeny (<4%). This suggests that selection could be improved using the causative sequence variation underlying SD on LG3, since the large non‐recombining block of the SD region in purebred Oa readily breaks down in hybrids. Nevertheless, marker‐assisted selection for sex determining loci of admixed parental stocks may be used for all‐male production.
Brief Report: The Impact of COVID‐19 on Emergency Department Overdose Diagnoses and County Overdose Deaths
Authors: Shreffler Jacob , Shoff Hugh , Thomas J. Jeremy , Huecker Martin
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

We sought to understand the impact of COVID‐19 on emergency department (ED) overdoses and county coroner verified overdose deaths.

Methods

Electronic medical health record and county coroner data were gathered and comparisons were made between three 16‐week time periods. In the three time periods, 873 individuals had an overdose diagnosis in the ED and 440 individuals in the county died of drug overdose.

Results

While total ED patient volume decreased substantially, the number of ED overdose patients increased between March 6 and June 25, 2020. Furthermore, during this same period, coroner data revealed an increase in overdose deaths.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

This preliminary evidence provides a key insight into the impact of COVID‐19 on both overdose presentations to the ED and county overdose deaths. These results emphasize the critical need for increasing vigilance to prevent overdose by continuously developing and optimizing both accessible and quality treatment as we navigate through this pandemic and its ongoing effects on persons with substance use disorder. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00–00)
Blood transfusion following major orthopaedic surgery in cerebral palsy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Lu Matthias Z. H. , Reid Susan M. , Lundine Kristopher , Crighton Gemma
Published: March 2021

Background

Progressive musculoskeletal pathology is ubiquitous among children with cerebral palsy (CP). Corrective surgery places them at risk of major blood loss and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Significant variability exists in uptake of perioperative patient blood management (PBM) strategies. This study aimed to examine factors contributing to RBC transfusion and assist in future development of care pathways.

Methods

A retrospective review at a tertiary paediatric hospital was undertaken to identify patients with CP undergoing either primary spinal fusion or single event, multilevel surgery (SEMLS) between 2010 and 2015. Solely soft tissue procedures were excluded. Data collected included demographics, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, surgical details, perioperative PBM and transfusion rates. Univariable analysis was performed to assess contributing factors to RBC transfusion.

Results

A total of 36 spinal fusion and 98 SEMLS patients were included. Preoperatively, 12% were anaemic, but only 19% had a ferritin checked. Overall, 49 patients (37%) received RBC transfusions. Intraoperative usage of tranexamic acid and cell salvage was 89% and 81%, respectively, for the spine cohort, and 22% and 3% for the SEMLS cohort. Successively higher Gross Motor Function Classification System levels, sodium valproate usage, longer surgical times, spinal fusion, pelvis instrumentation and more osteotomies were associated with RBC transfusion.

Conclusion

More than one‐third of CP patients who underwent major orthopaedic surgery received RBC transfusion. As expected, the more severely affected patients undergoing longer procedures were at highest risk. Significant improvements can be made in PBM to help optimize patients for surgery and minimize the need for transfusion.
Sparse linear discriminant analysis for multiview structured data
Authors: Safo Sandra E. , Min Eun Jeong , Haine Lillian
Published: March 2021

Classification methods that leverage the strengths of data from multiple sources (multiview data) simultaneously have enormous potential to yield more powerful findings than two‐step methods: association followed by classification. We propose two methods, sparse integrative discriminant analysis (SIDA), and SIDA with incorporation of network information (SIDANet), for joint association and classification studies. The methods consider the overall association between multiview data, and the separation within each view in choosing discriminant vectors that are associated and optimally separate subjects into different classes. SIDANet is among the first methods to incorporate prior structural information in joint association and classification studies. It uses the normalized Laplacian of a graph to smooth coefficients of predictor variables, thus encouraging selection of predictors that are connected. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods on a set of synthetic datasets and explore their use in identifying potential nontraditional risk factors that discriminate healthy patients at low versus high risk for developing atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease in 10 years. Our findings underscore the benefit of joint association and classification methods if the goal is to correlate multiview data and to perform classification.
Parents’ experiences of care offered after stillbirth: An international online survey of high and middle‐income countries
Authors: Horey Dell , Boyle Frances M. , Cassidy Jillian , Cassidy Paul Richard , Erwich Jan Jaap H. M. , Gold Katherine J. , Gross Mechthild M. , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Leisher Susannah Hopkins , Murphy Margaret , Ravaldi Claudia , Siassakos Dimitrios , Storey Claire , Vannacci Alfredo , Wojcieszek Aleena , Flenady Vicki
Published: March 2021

Background

Stillbirth, the death of a baby before birth, is associated with significant psychological and social consequences that can be mitigated by respectful and supportive bereavement care. The absence of high‐level evidence to support the broad scope of perinatal bereavement practices means that offering a range of options identified as valued by parents has become an important indicator of care quality. This study aimed to describe bereavement care practices offered to parents across different high‐income and middle‐income countries.

Methods

An online survey of parents of stillborn babies was conducted between December 2014 and February 2015. Frequencies of nine practices were compared between high‐income and middle‐income countries. Differences in proportions of reported practices and their associated odds ratios were calculated to compare high‐income and middle‐income countries.

Results

Over three thousand parents (3041) with a self‐reported stillbirth in the preceding five years from 40 countries responded. Fifteen countries had atleast 40 responses. Significant differences in the prevalence of offering nine bereavement care practices were reported by women in high‐income countries (HICs) compared with women in middle‐income countries (MICs). All nine practices were reported to occur significantly more frequently by women in HICs, including opportunity to see and hold their baby (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 4.0‐5.9). The widespread occurrence of all nine practices was reported only for The Netherlands.

Conclusions

Bereavement care after stillbirth varies between countries. Future research should look at why these differences occur, their impact on parents, and whether differences should be addressed, particularly how to support effective communication, decision‐making, and follow‐up care.
Psychoanalysis and CBT: From Rivalry to Hospitality in Psychotherapy Integration
Authors: Peri Herzovich Yael , Govrin Aner
Published: March 2021

Despite the many efforts to integrate psychoanalysis with CBT, many loyal therapists of each school have consistently refused to ‘open their gate’ to the other's influence. We explain this resistance as a way to preserve a strong professional identity through the Us–Them distinction. Any attempt to encourage loyal therapists to be influenced by the other school must guarantee that the other will not threaten their identity. We use Derrida's notion of hospitality to facilitate mutual influence between the schools while overcoming the other's threatening encounter. According to Derrida, hospitality, in response to the law of ethics, opens the home's threshold to the foreigner; in this law, the other is always welcome. At the same time, hospitality prevents a hostile takeover – by the law of politics, which ensures the owner's ongoing control over his house. By thus keeping the tension between openness and control over who enters, hospitality makes listening and learning between the psychotherapeutic schools possible. We discuss practical ways to put the concept of hospitality to work between the two schools, offer illustrations, and argue for this model's advantages.
The hers and his of prosociality across 10 countries
Authors: Olsson Maria I. T. , Froehlich Laura , Dorrough Angela R. , Martiny Sarah E.
Published: March 2021

Is there a ‘more helpful’ gender? The present research assessed gender differences in prosocial self‐perceptions, prosocial behavioural intentions, and prosocial (transfer) behaviour in same‐ and other‐gender interactions in 10 countries (N = 1,915). The present results showed negligible differences in the degree to which women and men saw themselves as prosocial. However, larger gender differences emerged in regard to prosocial behavioural intentions and prosocial (transfer) behaviours across different help contexts (i.e., same‐ vs. other‐gender interactions). In a hypothetical work scenario, women reported greater prosocial behavioural intentions than men when the recipient of the help was of the same gender. In contrast, when the recipient of the help was of the other gender, men reported greater prosocial behavioural intentions than women. In addition, men transferred more than women to both same‐ and other‐gender interaction partners in a prisoner’s dilemma game. Taken together, the present findings suggest that there is no ‘more helpful’ gender. Instead, gender differences in prosociality are dynamic and contextual. Different theoretical perspectives are taken into consideration in discussing gender differences in the present research.
Recent trend of androgen deprivation therapy in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients: Comparing between high‐ and middle‐income Asian countries
Authors: Lim Jasmine , Onozawa Mizuki , Saad Marniza , Ong Teng Aik ,   The A‐CaP (Asian Prostate Cancer) Study,   J‐CaP (Japan Prostate Cancer Study Group),   M‐CaP (Malaysia Prostate Cancer Study Group), Malek Rohan , Akaza Hideyuki
Published: March 2021

The number of newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases varies across Asia, with higher mortality‐to‐incidence ratio reported in developing nations. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), alone or in combination, remains the mainstay of first‐line treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Key findings of extensive research and randomized controlled trials have shaped current clinical practice and influenced clinical guideline recommendations. We describe here the recent trend of ADT in newly diagnosed prostate cancer for Asia focusing on Japan (high‐income country) and Malaysia (middle‐income country) based on the Asian Prostate Cancer (A‐CaP) Study. The combination of radiotherapy and ADT or ADT alone was common in patients with intermediate‐to‐high risk localized and locally advanced disease. For metastatic prostate cancer, maximum androgen blockade (gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone [GnRH] agonist/antagonist plus antiandrogen) was prevalent among the Japanese patients while primary ADT alone with GnRH agonist/antagonist was widely practiced in the Malaysian cohort. Upfront combined therapy (ADT plus docetaxel or androgen receptor pathway inhibitor) has significantly improved the outcomes of patients with metastatic castration‐naïve prostate cancer. Its application, however, remains low in our cohorts due to patients’ financial capacity and national health insurance coverage. Early detection remains the cornerstone in prostate cancer control to improve treatment outcome and patient survival.
Differentiation of Hodgkin lymphoma cells by reactive oxygen species and regulation by heme oxygenase‐1 through HIF‐1α
Authors: Nakashima Makoto , Watanabe Mariko , Nakano Kazumi , Uchimaru Kaoru , Horie Ryouichi
Published: March 2021

We previously indicated that Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cells contain a small side population (SP) that differentiate into a large major population (MP) with giant Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (H and RS)‐like cells. However, its molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we found that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) are low in the SP compared to the MP. Hydrogen peroxide induces large H‐ and RS‐like cells in HL cell lines, but induces cell death in unrelated lymphoid cell lines. Microarray analyses revealed the enrichment of upregulated genes under hypoxic conditions in the SP compared to the MP, and we verified that the SP cells are hypoxic. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1α was preferentially expressed in the SP. CoCl2, a HIF‐1α stabilizer, blunted the effect of hydrogen peroxide. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), a scavenger of ROS, was triggered by HIF‐1α. The effect of hydrogen peroxide was inhibited by HO‐1 induction, whereas it was promoted by HO‐1 knockdown. HO‐1 inhibition by zinc protoporphyrin promoted the differentiation and increased ROS. These results stress the unique roles of ROS in the differentiation of HL cells. Immature HL cells are inhibited from differentiation by a reduction of ROS through the induction of HO‐1 via HIF‐1α. The breakdown of this might cause the accumulation of intracellular ROS, resulting in the promotion of HL cell differentiation.
Bone structure assessed with pQCT in prepubertal males with delayed puberty or congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Varimo Tero , Miettinen Päivi J. , Laine Tiina , Salonen Pia , Tenhola Sirpa , Voutilainen Raimo , Huopio Hanna , Hero Matti , Raivio Taneli
Published: March 2021

Objective

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is associated with impaired bone mineral density in adulthood, whereas the estimates on bone structure in adolescents with CHH has not been previously evaluated. This study describes bone structure in CHH patients and compares it to that in boys with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP).

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) of non‐dominant arm and left leg were performed. Volumetric bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content, and area in trabecular and cortical bone compartments were evaluated, and bone age‐adjusted Z‐scores for the bone parameters were determined.

Results

The participants with CHH had more advanced bone age and were older, taller and heavier than the CDGP boys, yet they had lower trabecular BMD in distal radius (147.7 mg/mm3[95% CI, 128–168 mg/mm3] vs. 181.2 mg/mm3[172–192 mg/mm3],p = .002) and distal tibia (167.6 mg/mm3[145–190 mg/mm3] vs. 207.2 mg/mm3[187–227 mg/mm3],p = .012), respectively. CHH males had lower cortical thickness at diaphyseal tibia than the participants with CDGP (p = .001). These between‐group differences remained significant in correspondingZ‐scores adjusted for bone age and height (p = .001). In CDGP group, serum testosterone correlated positively with trabecular BMD (r = 0.51,p = .013) at distal radius, and estradiol levels correlated positively with trabecular BMD at the distal site of tibia (r = 0.58,p = .004).

Conclusions

Five treatment‐naïve male patients with CHH exhibited poorer trabecular BMD than untreated males with CDGP. We speculate that timely low‐dose sex steroid replacement in CHH males may benefit skeletal health in adulthood.
Anthropogenic and environmental drivers shape diversity of naturalized plants across the Pacific
Authors: Wohlwend Michael R. , Craven Dylan , Weigelt Patrick , Seebens Hanno , Winter Marten , Kreft Holger , Zurell Damaris , Sarmento Cabral Juliano , Essl Franz , van Kleunen Mark , Pergl Jan , Pyšek Petr , Knight Tiffany M.
Published: March 2021

Aim

The Pacific exhibits an exceptional number of naturalized plant species, but the drivers of this high diversity and the associated compositional patterns remain largely unknown. Here, we aim to (a) improve our understanding of introduction and establishment processes and (b) evaluate whether this information is sufficient to create scientific conservation tools, such as watchlists.

Location

Islands in the Pacific Ocean, excluding larger islands such as New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Methods

We combined information from the most up‐to‐date data sources to quantify naturalized plant species richness and turnover across island groups and investigate the effects of anthropogenic, biogeographic and climate drivers on these patterns. In total, we found 2,672 naturalized plant species across 481 islands and 50 island groups, with a total of 11,074 records.

Results

Most naturalized species were restricted to few island groups, and most island groups have a low number of naturalized species. Island groups with few naturalized species were characterized by a set of widespread naturalized species. Several plant families that contributed many naturalized species globally also did so in the Pacific, particularly Fabaceae and Poaceae. However, many families were significantly over‐ or under‐represented in the Pacific naturalized flora compared to other regions of the world. Naturalized species richness increased primarily with increased human activity and island altitude/area, whereas similarity between island groups in temperature along with richness differences was most important for beta diversity.

Main conclusions

The distribution and richness of naturalized species can be explained by a small set of drivers. The Pacific region contains many naturalized plant species also naturalized in other regions in the world, but our results highlight key differences such as a stronger role of anthropogenic drivers in shaping diversity patterns. Our results establish a basis for predicting and preventing future naturalizations in a threatened biodiversity hotspot.
Acute changes of left ventricular function during surgical revascularization by 3D speckle tracking
Authors: Chen Wanwen , Ortiz‐Leon Xochitl A. , Posada‐Martinez Edith Liliana , Pereira Jason , Dewar Michael L. , Darr Umer , Geirsson Arnar , Sugeng Lissa , Zhu Qingbing
Published: March 2021

Background

Detecting early impact of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on left ventricular (LV) function is important because such measures may contribute to meaningful improvement in clinical outcomes. We aimed to gain knowledge about acute changes of LV performance during surgical revascularization using three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D STE).

Methods

Thirty‐five patients scheduled for CABG surgery who underwent intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were enrolled (mean age 68.9 ± 7.3 years). TEE was performed before and after surgery, as well as before and after grafting. 3D LV ejection fraction (LVEF), tissue motion annular displacement (TMAD) of the mitral valves, 3D global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), twist, and torsion were quantified. Regional longitudinal strain (LS) was calculated based on coronary perfusion territories in a 16‐segment LV model.

Results

Despite the absence of change in TMAD and 3D LVEF, 3D GLS (−18.6 ± 4.3% at baseline vs −16.0 ± 4.0% after surgery, P = .01) was significantly decreased, followed with no significant effect on GCS, twist, and torsion during surgery. 3D GLS correlated significantly with 3D LVEF (r between −0.34 and −0.51, P < .05 for all) under the whole operation. Territorial LS did not increase immediately after surgery.

Conclusion

3D speckle tracking imaging allows for detailed and direct evaluation of myocardial deformation, though impaired LV longitudinal function is still apparent immediately after surgery. GLS is more sensitive to an acute reduction in LV function than conventional parameters, which can be potentially useful for serial monitoring of functional recovery.