bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroconvulsive Therapy for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms due to Major Neurocognitive Disorder
Authors: Chan Peter , Waxman Robyn E. , Woo Simon , Docherty Claire , Rayani Kaveh , Fischler Ilan , Ghaffar Omar , Elmi Sarah
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in those with major neurocognitive disorder (MNCD) include the responsive behaviors of agitation and aggression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has shown some effectiveness based on retrospective studies and one open label prospective study. We hypothesized that ECT will reduce NPSs between baseline and after treatment in those with medication-refractory behaviors.

Method/Design

This Canadian prospective multicenter study included MNCD patients admitted to geriatric psychiatry units for the management of refractory NPSs. All treatment-refractory participants suffered from advanced MNCD. We conducted the Neuropsychiatric Inventory—Clinician version and the Pittsburgh Agitation Scale at baseline, and during and after the ECT course. A bitemporal or bifrontal ECT series based on dose titration to 1.5 to 2.5 times seizure threshold was administered.

Results

Data were collected for 33 patients with a mean age of 73 and categorized with severe MNCD using the Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer's Disease scale (stages 6 and 7). The data showed a drop in mean Neuropsychiatric Inventory—Clinician version from 58.36 to 24.58 (P < 0.0001). Mean Neuropsychiatric Inventory agitation subscale dropped from 7.12 to 3.09 (P = 0.007). Mean Neuropsychiatric Inventory aggression subscale dropped from 6.94 to 0.97 (P < 0.0001). There was a concomitant significant decline in Pittsburgh Agitation Scale scores. No participants dropped out because of intolerance of ECT. One participant died from pneumonia, which did not appear related to ECT.

Conclusions

In this naturalistic study, ECT was found to be a safe and effective treatment for certain NPSs in people with MNCD. This can translate into improving quality of life.
An algorithm and application to efficiently analyze DNA fiber data
Authors: Kirilov Teodor , Gospodinov Anastas , Kirilov Kiril
Published: December 2021

The duplication of genetic information (DNA replication) is central to life. Numerous control mechanisms ensure the exact course of the process during each cell division. Disturbances of DNA replication have severe consequences for the affected cell, and current models link them to cancer development. One of the most accurate methods for studying DNA replication is labeling newly synthesized DNA molecules with halogenated nucleotides, followed by immunofluorescence and microscopy detection, known as DNA fiber labeling. The method allows the registration of the activity of single replication complexes by measuring the length of the “trace” left by each of them. The major difficulty of the method is the labor-intensive analysis, which requires measuring the lengths of a large number of labeled fragments. Recently, the interest in this kind of image analysis has grown rapidly. In this manuscript, we provide a detailed description of an algorithm and a lightweight Java application to automatically analyze single DNA molecule images we call “DNA size finder”. DNA size finder significantly simplified the analysis of the experimental data while increasing reliability by the standardized measurement of a greater number of DNA molecules. It is freely available and does not require any paid platforms or services to be used. We hope that the application will facilitate both the study of DNA replication control and the effects of various compounds used in human activity on the process of DNA replication.
Identification of critical genes and biological signaling for metformin treated liver cancer
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Guo Hongmei , Wang Letian , Wang Mengyao , Gu Hanming
Published: December 2021

Liver cancer is a leading source of cancer-related mortality in the world. A number of studies have shown the correlation of metformin treatment with a decrease in cancer risk. However, the relevant molecules and mechanisms are not clear during the treatment. In this study, our aim is to identify the significant molecules and signaling pathways in the treatment of metformin in liver cancer cells by analyzing the RNA sequence. The GSE190076 dataset was created by performing the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (Homo sapiens). The KEGG and GO analyses indicated that DNA synthesis and cell cycle are the main processes during the treatment of metformin. Moreover, we determined numerous genes including RRM2, CDC6, CDC45, UHRF1, ASF1B, ZWINT, PCNA, ASPM, MYC, and TK1 by using the PPI network. Therefore, our study may guide the clinical work on the treatment of liver cancer by using metformin.
The transcription factor activity gradient (TAG) model: contemplating a contact-independent mechanism for enhancer–promoter communication
Authors: Karr Jonathan P. , Ferrie John J. , Tjian Robert , Darzacq Xavier
Published: December 2021

How distalcis-regulatory elements (e.g., enhancers) communicate with promoters remains an unresolved question of fundamental importance. Although transcription factors and cofactors are known to mediate this communication, the mechanism by which diffusible molecules relay regulatory information from one position to another along the chromosome is a biophysical puzzle—one that needs to be revisited in light of recent data that cannot easily fit into previous solutions. Here we propose a new model that diverges from the textbook enhancer–promoter looping paradigm and offer a synthesis of the literature to make a case for its plausibility, focusing on the coactivator p300.
Relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Cuesta Vargas Antonio , Perez Cruzado David , Rodriguez Moya Alejandro
Published: December 2021

Purpose

People with intellectual disabilities have lower levels of physical fitness compared with peers without intellectual disability, because of the high levels of sedentary behaviour in this population. This study aims to know the relationship between quality of life and physical fitness in adults with intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

Ninety-six adults with intellectual disability were assessed with quality of life questionnaire and physical fitness tests, which involve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and aerobic condition.

Findings

Adults with higher self-reported levels of quality of life reported higher levels of physical fitness in balance, muscular strength and flexibility. In contrast, in aerobic condition were not found significant correlations with self-reported quality of life.

Originality/value

These findings support the hypothesis that people with intellectual disability with lower levels of physical fitness could influence in their levels of quality of life. This insight is useful for improving treatments to improve physical fitness in this population.
Front-of-pack nutrition labels: perceptions and preferences of Brazilian adult consumers
Authors: Mazzonetto Ana Claudia , Fernandes Ana Carolina , de Souza Aretusa Dias , Rodrigues Vanessa Mello , Scapin Tailane , Uggioni Paula Lazzarin , Veiros Marcela Boro , Bernardo Greyce Luci , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the perceptions and preferences of Brazilian adult consumers about four different front-of-pack (FOP) food labeling systems proposed by the Brazilian National Health Regulatory Agency.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study conducted with 33 participants allocated in six focus groups. Four different types of FOP labels were displayed on processed and packaged bread: three interpretive warning labels (black triangle, black octagon and red ellipse) and a hybrid model (nutritional traffic light). Thematic analysis was used to identify the key topics addressed by participants.

Findings

Three topics were identified: label design, clarity and precision of information. The results demonstrated an influence of labels on product development and consumers' food choices. Most participants expressed a preference for black warning labels and reported the importance of statements endorsed by the Ministry of Health, which provide credibility and could influence food choices. Furthermore, participants agreed that the traffic light system provides more information but is difficult to interpret when comparing products. Warning labels were reported to have the greatest influence on purchase decisions. However, participants were concerned about how to understand the lack of warning labels on some products.

Practical implications

The results may help and support the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency to identify and recommend the most effective FOP labeling system to be adopted in Brazil.

Originality/value

Few studies investigating adult consumers' perceptions of different FOP label formats have been conducted in the Brazilian context. Our study contributes to the small pool of evidence on the topic by demonstrating that FOP labels can be helpful for consumers when they are presented in an intuitive, interpretative and trustworthy format.
Market-oriented product development of novel sustainably sourced seafood product concepts: consumers' preferences for a different kettle of fish cake
Authors: McKenzie Elizabeth , Bogue Joe , Repar Lana
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to utilise market-oriented methodologies to determine key attributes driving consumers' preferences for novel sustainably sourced seafood concepts, derived from a species of wild-caught fish unfamiliar to consumers and to explore new product concepts for various consumer clusters.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a mixed-method approach including five focus groups with 40 consumers and a single conjoint-based questionnaire administered to 300 seafood consumers in Ireland. The focus groups explored in-depth consumers' expectations, requirements and preferences and identified the key attributes that would influence acceptance of new seafood products. Full-profile conjoint analysis was used to model consumers' preferences for novel seafood product concepts that utilised a sustainably sourced species unfamiliar to the consumer.

Findings

Focus groups revealed that the most important attributes were brand, price, format, packaging, supplementary information and accompaniment. The conjoint simulation identified three consumer clusters. Product concepts containing a sustainably sourced fish species were identified according to the preferences of each consumer cluster.

Originality/value

This research highlighted a sustainability angle in new product development and identified a competitive advantage and market potential for boarfish (Capros aper), which is an underutilised Irish fish species. It used a market-oriented approach to explore the development of novel sustainably sourced value-added seafood product concepts. The study results provide small and medium seafood companies with original and unique insights for developing novel sustainably sourced fish products that increase consumer acceptance.
How does discrimination occur in hospitality and tourism services, and what shall we do? A critical literature review
Authors: Zhou Lingxu , Liu Jingyu , Liu Deguang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to critically review the research on the phenomenon of discrimination in hospitality and tourism services to identify the key thematic areas, scenarios, antecedents and consequences; to provide theoretical propositions for future research; and to propose practical strategies to reduce discrimination and to improve equality in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to collect relevant academic work on discrimination in hospitality and tourism services from 1985 to 2020 and critically reviews and analyses the studies through bibliometric analysis, content analysis and critical analysis.

Findings

The findings show that the main sources of discrimination in hospitality and tourism services include sexism, racism, ethnocentrism, lookism and ego-altruism. Discrimination-related research has temporal and geographical variations. A research map is proposed to present existing knowledge of discrimination in hospitality and tourism services, which indicates that while the impacts (at the individual, organizational and institutional levels) of discrimination in hospitality and tourism services have been thoroughly researched, the nature and characteristics of the phenomenon remain context-based and poorly conceptualized.

Practical implications

An anti-discrimination guideline for hospitality and tourism practitioners is designed to cope with and eliminate discriminatory situations. This evidence-based guideline provides useful coping strategies based on the prevent–monitor–manage principle.

Originality/value

This paper is comprehensive in its scope, methodology and wide coverage of discrimination-related research in hospitality and tourism services. It is the first attempt to review this phenomenon in the existing literature and identifies the research gaps and future research agendas.
Relational contracts and value chain governance: exporter approaches to overcoming transaction costs in Rwanda's coffee sector
Authors: Gerard Andrew , Lopez Maria Claudia , Kerr John , Bizoza Alfred R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In developing countries, local buyers often rely on relational contracting based on reciprocity and trust. This paper analyzes relational contracting and global value chain (GVC) governance by focusing on how domestic and foreign coffee exporters in Rwanda confront challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 representatives of Rwandan private, Rwandan cooperative-owned and foreign exporters, and four coffee sector stakeholders.

Findings

Foreign firms export most Rwandan coffee, and local exporters express concerns about their ability to compete. Rwandan exporters face challenges accessing capital, competing with foreign firms and managing high transaction costs. They use relational contracts to reduce transaction costs, and they benefit from a monopsony zoning regulation that reduces competition. Foreign exporters face regulatory challenges: a government-set coffee price and the zoning regulation. They vertically integrate to reduce costs and lock in suppliers through prefinancing.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should analyze differences between local and foreign exporters in other contexts to advance understanding of the different challenges faced and contracting approaches used.

Originality/value

Few GVC governance studies address the role of relational contracts in contexts where enforcement is costly. Considering relational contracts within GVCs can improve value chain analysis, specifically in the developing countries where many GVCs start.
A validity of environmental Kuznets curve under the role of urbanization, financial development index and foreign direct investment in Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Abdul , Anwar Ahsan , Ahad Muhammad , Shabbir Ghulam , Imran Zulfiqar Ali
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This research aims to inspect the existence of the “environmental Kuznets curve” (EKC) in the presence of foreign direct investment (FDI), financial development (FD) and urbanization throughout 1972–2018 for Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

For time series analysis, Phillips and Perron (PP) and Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) unit root tests are used to confirm the level of integration. For robustness, Kim and Perron (2009)’s structural break unit root test is employed, which identifies the order of integration in the presence of structural break years. Further, combined cointegration analysis is performed to confirm the existence of a long-run association between underlying variables. Furthermore, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) analysis is employed for the robustness of the cointegration approach.

Findings

The cointegration analysis confirms the existence of a long-run association among variables. The authors find a positive and significant impact of urbanization, FD and foreign development on environmental degradation in the long run. Similarly, only FDI increases environmental degradation in the short run. In addition, the authors find an inverted U-shape relationship between economic growth and environmental quality which, further, confirms the presence of EKC in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This research contributes to applied economics in many ways: the combined effect of urbanization, FD, FDI and economic growth on carbon dioxide (CO2) emission is checked simultaneously. To avoid ambiguity, this study constructs the FD index through the principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, the role of structural breaks has been considered through the analysis. Novel Bayer-Hanck combined cointegration analysis is employed to detect the existence of long-run relationships among underlying variables.
The technology acceptance model revisited: empirical evidence from the tourism industry in Pakistan
Authors: Hasni Muhammad Junaid Shahid , Farah Maya F. , Adeel Ifraaz
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the adoption of social media platforms by tourists in Pakistan. Based on an adaptation of the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study assesses the factors that lead users to adopt these platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was administered to a convenience sample of 399 travelers who use social media in Pakistan. A Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using AMOS to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity as well as composite reliability. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the causal relationship among all proposed constructs.

Findings

The findings reveal that the perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEoU) of a social media platform positively impact the behavioral intention of its users. The proposed constructs of compatibility, enjoyment, user expertise and e-trust all demonstrated their crucial roles in the adoption of a social media platform for tourism-related activities by enhancing the platform's PEoU and usefulness.

Originality/value

This research validates the relationship between PEoU and PU of a social media platform in the hospitality industry. Interestingly, this study has expanded TAM by validating the addition of four more constructs, (1) compatibility, (2) enjoyment, (3) e-trust, and (4) expertise, to add worth to this model regarding the understanding of social media usage in this specific industry. The findings are valuable both for managers and policymakers in the tourism sector in Pakistan, as the latter can utilize the results to entice a larger segment of social media users to the tourism industry.
Working role of women in a pandemic world: a poetic inquiry
Authors: de Gennaro Davide , Loia Francesca , Piscopo Gabriella
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people globally, and it has exacerbated the existing gender inequalities that have affected women. The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptions of women concerning gender inequality in the workplace during the current pandemic. The goal is to give women a voice so they can explain their feelings regarding the problems they face in a pandemic world.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, four poetic inquiries were developed to investigate how the lives of working women were changed during the pandemic in Italy. Poetic methodology is a creative and aesthetic representation of qualitative research that is capable of reporting data with more fluidity and freedom.

Findings

The results suggest that the gender gap is increasing and is embodied in a series of relational and economic problems related to remote work, in difficulty in reconciling private and work life and in a series of new telematic violence against women.

Practical implications

This study offers practical implications for policymakers by suggesting the application of diversity management initiatives to remove barriers to gender equality.

Originality/value

This study, through a poetic approach, is the first to investigate women's perceptions during the pandemic related to difficulties experienced in the work sphere.
Benzene food exposure and their prevent methods: a review
Authors: Sadighara Parisa , Pirhadi Mohadeseh , Sadighara Melina , Shavaly-Gilani Parisa , Zirak Mohammad Reza , Zeinali Tayebeh
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Benzene contamination has been reported in some food groups. This study aims to identify high-risk foods groups to assess exposure to benzene.

Design/methodology/approach

Benzene is a hazardous volatile organic compound commonly used in the production of chemicals, detergents, paints and plastics. In addition, benzene is present in food and beverages.

Findings

Citrus juice-based beverages are usually more contaminated with benzene than other beverages. Benzene was also detected in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, pickles, lime juices, mayonnaise and salad dressing. Smoked and canned products have higher content of benzene. Aromas that are used in food contained benzene. Food packaging is one of the sources of benzene contamination of food. One of the reasons for its formation in food staff is due to the reaction of vitamin C (or similar acid) with benzoate, which is mainly used as a preservative in various foods.

Practical implications

Foods contaminated with benzene were determined. Moreover, mechanisms of its formation and some preventive measures were discussed.

Originality/value

This review determined the amount of benzene in foods, mechanism of formation and suggestion for prevention of benzene contamination in food.
Meeting technologies and recordkeeping: a preliminary study
Authors: Foscarini Fiorella , Krucker Madeleine , Golick Danyse
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to raise awareness of the benefits and drawbacks involved in using digital technologies for business meetings, and identify key concerns. The shift from in-person to virtual meetings has multiple consequences, some of which impact recordkeeping.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on research from records management, anthropology, organizational theory and computer science, this study establishes the norms of physical meeting spaces and recordkeeping and explores how these norms are challenged as meetings become virtual.

Findings

Virtual meetings allow for collaboration to work across time and space and offer multiple affordances that do not exist in on-site meetings; however, they also involve the additional barrier of technical access and reduction in user attention. Virtual meetings also enable the creation, capture and sharing of increased contextual data, and this increased documentation challenges traditional recordkeeping models. Meeting technologies are also worryingly invasive. This study shows that concerns over privacy have been dismissed in the design of virtual meeting spaces, and therefore the authors recommend their more thorough consideration.

Originality/value

Meetings are a pervasive feature of organizational life whose significance has been overlooked in the recordkeeping literature. By bringing together research about in-person and virtual meetings in a novel and necessary way, the authors started to fill a gap and hope to inspire further studies.
Towards a tourism industry turnaround: the need for a new metric of social success
Authors: Vargas-Sanchez Alfonso
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This review highlights the need for a tourism industry turnaround combining changes in its governance and in its social success metric.

Design/methodology/approach

Although debate was ongoing before the pandemic with the sustainability approach as the main reference, the crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has multiplied and amplified the voices calling for change in order to counteract the inertia of a return to the pre-pandemic “business as usual” scenario.

Findings

This review led to a proposal that combines a tourism governance framework and its principles, with a conceptualisation of social success and guidelines for building a metric for its measurement.

Originality/value

This resides mainly in a transition from a public–private partnerships (3Ps) model to a new scheme of public–private–people partnership (4Ps). The P for “people” represents the need for an alliance with society to contribute to the recovery and transformation that the tourism industry is currently experiencing. In this process, local communities should be empowered to play an active role in it. In the proposal elaborated, host communities are the focus of its conceptual architecture. To-date, analysis of the application of the 4Ps model to tourism is almost unexplored, despite the significant practical implications of a power re-balancing in decisions related to tourism planning and development. In addition, a social success-driven metric supported at the institutional level will contribute to redefining priorities in tourism destinations'/companies' strategies.
Societal preferences for the conservation of traditional pig breeds and their agroecosystems: Addressing preference heterogeneity and protest responses through deterministic allocation and scale‐extended models
Authors: Varela Elsa , Kallas Zein
Published: December 2021

We assess preferences of inhabitants of the island of Majorca (Spain) for the conservation of traditional, extensively reared Majorcan Black Pigs and the linked agroecosystem, using a choice experiment. Up to 35% of our respondents registered protest responses. We examine alternative methods of dealing with and accounting for these protests. We find that free allocated models report better information criteria estimates but may give rise to interpretation difficulties. Our preferred model in terms of performance and interpretability is a 3‐class model where protest responses are deterministically allocated to one class and random parameters are included to account for heterogeneity. Among the non‐protesting classes, we find heterogeneous preferences where 40% of the respondents are mostly concerned with management and product innovation and 24% more breed‐concerned respondents favour price increases in breed‐based products to fund improvement of the agroecosystem.
Frederick Banting's observations leading to the potential for islet neogenesis without transplantation
Authors: Levetan Claresa
Published: December 2021

On 31 October 1920, Sir Frederick Banting, while preparing for a medical student lecture on diabetes, a topic that he knew little about, learned how pancreatic stones resulted in the formation of new islets of Langerhans. He then scribbled down a potential research study of tying off the ducts of the pancreas and collecting the secretions to improve diabetes. These secretions became known as insulin. A century later, 60 different oral medications and 20 different insulins are available for the treatment of diabetes, yet none stimulate new islet formation. One hundred years later, after the discovery of insulin, more than a dozen research teams from around the world have demonstrated that similar studies to Banting's pancreatic ligation studies have resulted in upregulation of the REG gene. There are now more than 200 publications on the role of Reg gene proteins and shorter Reg peptides in initiating new islet formation islet from exocrine pancreatic ducts and protecting against inflammation to islets resulting in islet death. Human data through Phase 2b in both type 1 and 2 diabetes patients with diabetes for an average of 20 years have demonstrated that the use of a shorter bioactive Reg peptide can generate new endogenous insulin production, resulting in significant reductions in hemoglobin A1C and increases in stimulated C‐peptide. The observations of Frederick Banting, one century ago, may now lead to the generation of therapeutics that form new islets without the need for transplantation.
Repeat two‐stage revision for knee prosthetic joint infection results in very high failure rates
Authors: Christiner Thomas , Yates Piers , Prosser Gareth
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Two stage revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the gold standard for treatment and eradication of knee prosthetic joint infections (PJI), but the literature is limited on the outcomes of repeat two‐stage TKA after PJI recurrence. This study presents the outcomes of repeat two‐stage revision TKA and investigates potential factors contributing to success or failure, aiming to assist counselling and decision‐making.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken investigating all two‐stage revision TKA performed at one institution between 2005 and 2020. Twenty cases underwent repeat two‐stage revision TKA. Patient outcomes and factors contributing to treatment success or failure were investigated. PJI was diagnosed according to MSIS criteria.

Results

Of the 20 cases, 14 were classified as failed treatment (70%) due to a failure to eradicate infection, further surgical intervention or death. In this cohort, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding factors contributing to treatment success or failure. In the success group, patient reported functional outcomes were variable.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that patients undergoing a repeat two‐stage TKA have very poor outcomes. This study did not identify any factors that predicted failure. Patients need to be counselled regarding poor outcomes with repeat two‐stage TKA, and other treatment options such as early amputation or lifelong suppression should be considered.
High occurrence of perinatal risk factors and more severe impairments in children with postneonatal cerebral palsy in Norway
Authors: Tharaldsen Guro , Hollung Sandra J. , Vik Torstein , Andersen Guro L.
Published: December 2021

Aim

To describe causal events, perinatal risk factors and clinical characteristics in children with postneonatal cerebral palsy (PNCP).

Methods

Population‐based registry study of Norwegian children born 1999–2013. Prevalence, causal events and clinical characteristics of PNCP were described. The occurrence of perinatal risk factors for CP was compared with the general population.

Results

Among 1710 children with CP, 67 had PNCP (3.9%; 0.75 per 10,000 livebirths [95%CI: 0.59–0.96]). The prevalence of PNCP decreased during the study period. Leading causal events were cerebrovascular events (32.8%), head injuries/other accidents (22.4%), infections (19.4%) and hypoxic events (14.9%). Spastic hemiplegic (53.7%) or spastic quadriplegic/dyskinetic CP (31.3%) was more common in children with PNCP than non‐PNCP (42.3% and 20.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). Children with PNCP had more severe motor and associated impairments. Perinatal risk factors for CP were more common in children with PNCP than in the general population.

Conclusion

The prevalence of PNCP among Norwegian children was low and decreasing. The main causes were cerebrovascular events and head injuries/other accidents. Although spastic hemiplegic CP was the dominating subtype, children with PNCP had more severe motor and associated impairments than children with non‐PNCP, as well as a higher occurrence of perinatal risk factors than in the general population.
In defence of the bioethics scoping review: Largely systematic literature reviewing with broad utility
Authors: Parsons Jordan A. , Johal Harleen Kaur
Published: December 2021

There is growing interest in the possible role of systematic methods of reviewing literature in bioethics. This has arisen alongside the growth of empirical bioethics and a general push towards introducing some level of rigour and reproducibility into scholarship in the field. However, there remain a range of approaches to reviewing literature utilized in bioethics, which vary significantly in their ‘systematicness’ and suitability for different purposes. In this article, we first detail a taxonomy of various existing reviews used in bioethics and how scholars have defended and critiqued them, presenting them relationally along axes of ‘systematic’ and ‘critical’. Considering the suitability of these reviews, we then explore the inherent differences between normative and empirical literature in relation to how they can be reviewed. In particular, we highlight the challenges in reviewing both normative and empirical literature in a single review. As something of an answer to these challenges, we introduce and defend the scoping review as, in many ways, a method of reviewing literature with wide‐ranging utility in bioethics. Demonstrating the many benefits of the scoping review, we then position it within the existing taxonomy of reviews, ultimately arguing that its combination of systematic and critical, inclusive of a reasonable degree of flexibility, makes it deserving of increased attention and use in bioethics.
Antitrypanosomal activity of new semi‐synthetic bergenin derivatives
Authors: El‐Hawary Seham S. , Mohammed Rabab , AbouZid Sameh , Zaki Mohamed A. , Ali Zeinab Y. , Elwekeel Ahlam , Elshemy Heba A. H.
Published: December 2021

Bergenin and 11‐O‐(4'‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐bergenin, previously isolated from Crassula capitella extract, were used as starting materials for the synthesis of eight derivatives; four derivatives 2a–2d were synthesized from bergenin through the formation of ester derivatives and four alkyl derivatives 4a–4d were synthesized from 11‐O‐(4′‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐bergenin. The structures of the synthesized analogues were confirmed upon 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic elucidation. Antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of the synthesized derivatives were evaluated, compounds 11‐O‐(3′,5′ di‐benzyl, 4′‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐8,10‐di‐O‐benzyl‐bergenin (4c) and 11‐O‐(3′,5′di‐4‐chlorobenzyl,4′‐O‐methyl galloyl)‐8,10di‐O‐4‐chlorobenzyl bergenin (4d) showed potent antitrypanosomal activity with IC50 values of 0.52 and 0.5 μM, respectively and IC90 values of 0.66 μM against T. brucei compared with IC50 and IC90 values of 21.7 and 50.3 μM for the positive control difluoromethylornithine.
Inhibitory control, dyadic social behavior, and mental health difficulties in preschoolers
Authors: Hassan Raha , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: December 2021

Although inhibitory control is typically associated with positive outcomes, several theoretical frameworks suggest that too little and too much inhibitory control may be problematic. Using a longitudinal, latent variable approach, we examined whether a multi‐method index of inhibitory control at Time 1 (N = 105, 52 girls, Mage = 3.50 years, 87% White) predicted observed social behavior with an unfamiliar peer and maternal report of preschoolers’ mental health difficulties at Time 2 (Mage = 4.76 years). Data collection occurred between 2017 and 2019. Inhibitory control displayed a U‐shaped relation with prospective outcomes, where high and low levels of inhibitory control were associated with higher levels of avoidant social behaviors and mental health difficulties. The results are discussed in the context of under‐ and over‐regulation in understanding individual differences in children's social behavior and mental health difficulties.
A prospective trial of the THD SphinKeeper® for faecal incontinence
Authors: Colbran Rachel , Gillespie Christopher , Warwick Andrea
Published: December 2021

Aim

THD SphinKeeper® is an emerging surgical technique for faecal incontinence (FI). The safety, indications and efficacy of the procedure are still being investigated. The aim of this study is to present the first experience of SphinKeeper® in Australia.

Method

This was a prospective single‐centre observational study of patients undergoing SphinKeeper® implantation between February 2018 and September 2019. Baseline demographics, intraoperative and postoperative complications, Cleveland Clinic Faecal Incontinence Score, St Mark's Incontinence Score, Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life score (FIQOL), anorectal manometry and endo‐anal ultrasound were assessed preoperatively and 3 and 12 months after implantation.

Results

Thirteen patients (2 male, 11 female) underwent implantation during the study period. Anal sphincter defects were present in 13 (76.9%) patients [external anal sphincter (EAS) defect, 2 (15.4%); internal anal sphincter (IAS) defect 4 (30.8%); EAS + IAS defect, 4 (30.8%)]. Median follow‐up was 32 months (range 18–37 months). There were four complications: one intraoperative (rectal perforation) and three postoperative (one implant extrusion, two implants that required removal due to malposition). At 12 months, an average of 9/10 implants remained ideally placed in each patient. THD SphinKeeper® insertion was associated with an improvement in coping/behaviour as measured using FIQOL (p = 0.047). However, the procedure did not improve FI scores or anorectal manometry parameters.

Conclusion

In this study, SphinKeeper® marginally improved symptoms of FI but there was no significant impact on anorectal manometric measurements. Larger‐scale studies are needed to determine the patient cohort most likely to benefit from this procedure.
COVID‐19 lockdown and traffic accidents: Lessons from the pandemic
Authors: Barnes Stephen R. , Beland Louis‐Philippe , Huh Jason , Kim Dongwoo
Published: December 2021

We use a regression discontinuity design to study the effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on traffic accidents. Based on administrative data from Louisiana, we find that the lockdown order led to a significant decrease in traffic accidents (−47%), including accidents involving injury (−46%) and ambulance (−41%). We also find evidence of heterogeneous changes in the decline of drivers involved in accidents, with a smaller decline among individuals aged 25 to 64, male, and nonwhite drivers.
Hospitalization and death after recovery from acute COVID‐19 among renal transplant recipients
Authors: Basic‐Jukic Nikolina , Racki Sanjin , Tolj Ivana , Aleckovic Mirna , Babovic Batric , Juric Ivana , Furic‐Cunko Vesna , Katalinic Lea , Mihaljevic Dubravka , Vujic Sofija , Mesic Enisa , Jelakovic Bojan , Kastelan Zeljko
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Data on post‐COVID‐19 in renal transplant recipients (RTR) is scarce. We investigated the rate of hospitalizations, reasons for hospital admission, and mortality rate among RTR who survived acute COVID‐19.

Methods

A multi‐center retrospective observational cohort study measured hospital admission and death to 180 days after acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in 308 adult patients.

Results

The median age was 57 years, 64.9% were male. All patients had at least one comorbidity, and 26.3% had diabetes. Data on post‐COVID‐19 course was available for 267 patients, and 49 of them (15.9%) required hospital treatment after recovery from the acute infection. The most common indications included pneumonia (24.5%) and renal allograft dysfunction (22.4%), 7 (14.3%) had sepsis and 5 (10.2%) had thrombotic events. A median duration of the hospital stay was 12 days. Six patients (2.2%) died due to multiorgan failure, respiratory insufficiency or urosepsis. The strongest predictor for hospitalization after acute COVID‐19 was hospitalization for acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, while better allograft function decreased the probability of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Delayed consequences of acute COVID‐19 are highly prevalent and the health care systems should be prepared to respond to the needs of RTR suffering from post‐COVID‐19 complications.
Urinary neopterin: A novel biomarker of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shepheard Stephanie R. , Karnaros Vassilios , Benyamin Beben , Schultz David W. , Dubowsky Megan , Wuu Joanne , Chataway Tim , Malaspina Andrea , Benatar Michael , Rogers Mary‐Louise
Published: December 2021

Background and purpose

The aim was to evaluate urinary neopterin, a marker of pro‐inflammatory state, as a potential biomarker of disease prognosis and progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); and to compare its utility to urinary neurotrophin receptor p75 extracellular domain (p75ECD).

Methods

This was an observational study including 21 healthy controls and 46 people with ALS, 29 of whom were sampled longitudinally. Neopterin and p75ECD were measured using enzyme‐linked immunoassays. Baseline and longitudinal changes in clinical measures, neopterin and urinary p75ECD were examined, and prognostic utility was explored by survival analysis.

Results

At baseline, urinary neopterin was higher in ALS compared to controls (181.7 ± 78.9 μmol/mol creatinine vs. 120.4 ± 60.8 μmol/mol creatinine, p = 0.002, Welch's t test) and correlated with the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (r = −0.36, p = 0.01). Combining previously published urinary p75ECD results from 22 ALS patients with a further 24 ALS patients, baseline urinary p75ECD was also higher compared to healthy controls (6.0 ± 2.7 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0 ng/mg creatinine, p < 0.0001) and correlated with the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (r = −0.36, p = 0.01). Urinary neopterin and p75ECD correlated with each other at baseline (r = 0.38, p = 0.009). In longitudinal analysis, urinary neopterin increased on average (±SE) by 6.8 ± 1.1 µmol/mol creatinine per month (p < 0.0001) and p75ECD by 0.19 ± 0.02 ng/mg creatinine per month (p < 0.0001) from diagnosis in 29 ALS patients.

Conclusion

Urinary neopterin holds promise as marker of disease progression in ALS and is worthy of future evaluation for its potential to predict response to anti‐inflammatory therapies.
Economic evaluation of deep brain stimulation compared with vagus nerve stimulation and usual care for patients with refractory epilepsy: A lifetime decision analytic model
Authors: Chan Hoi Yau , Wijnen Ben F. M. , Majoie Marian H. J. M. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , Hiligsmann Mickaël
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study was undertaken to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) compared with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and care as usual (CAU) for adult patients with refractory epilepsy from a health care perspective using a lifetime decision analytic model.

Methods

A Markov decision analytic model was constructed to estimate the lifetime cost‐effectiveness of DBS compared with VNS and CAU. Transition probabilities were estimated from a randomized controlled trial, and assumptions were made in consensus with an expert panel. Primary outcomes were expressed as incremental costs per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) and per responder. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to characterize parameter uncertainty.

Results

In DBS, 28.4% of the patients were responders, with an average of 21.38 QALYs per patient and expected lifetime health care costs of €187 791. VNS had fewer responders (22.3%), fewer QALYs (20.70), and lower lifetime costs (€156 871). CAU had the fewest responders (6.2%), fewest QALYs (18.74), and lowest total health care costs (€64 670). When comparing with CAU, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) showed that costs per QALY gained were slightly lower for DBS (€46 640) than for VNS (€47 155). When comparing DBS with VNS, an incremental cost per additional QALY gained of €45 170 was found for DBS. Sensitivity analyses showed that ICERs were heavily dependent on assumptions regarding loss to follow‐up in the respective clinical trial.

Significance

This study suggests that, given current limited evidence, VNS and DBS are potentially cost‐effective treatment strategies compared to CAU for patients with refractory epilepsy. However, results for DBS were heavily impacted by assumptions made to extrapolate nonresponse from the original trial. More stringent assumptions regarding nonresponse resulted in an ICER just above an acceptable willingness to pay threshold. Given the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of DBS and the large impact of assumptions related to nonresponse, further empirical research is needed to reduce uncertainty.
Does corruption distance affect cross‐border acquisitions? Different tales from developed and emerging markets
Authors: Ghosh Chinmoy , Narayan P. C. , Prasadh R. Shyaam , Thenmozhi Muthuveerappan
Published: December 2021

Using a large sample of cross‐border deals, we find an inverted U‐shaped relationship between corruption distance and cross‐border acquisition (CBA) volume. CBAs involving higher corruption distance show negative post‐acquisition performance. However, multinational enterprises (MNEs) with larger equity stakes deliver superior gains. We find that the ownership strategy varies with levels of corruption distance. MNEs mitigate adverse selection and moral hazard problems by acquiring targets from a related industry and targets with a foothold. We demonstrate that CBA activity and ownership strategy vary between developed and emerging economies and both ‘level’ and ‘direction’ of corruption distance are important in its effect on CBAs.
Identification and widespread environmental distribution of a gene cassette implicated in anaerobic dichloromethane degradation
Authors: Murdoch Robert W. , Chen Gao , Kara Murdoch Fadime , Mack E. Erin , Villalobos Solis Manuel I. , Hettich Robert L. , Löffler Frank E.
Published: December 2021

Anthropogenic activities and natural processes release dichloromethane (DCM, methylene chloride), a toxic chemical with substantial ozone‐depleting capacity. Specialized anaerobic bacteria metabolize DCM; however, the genetic basis for this process has remained elusive. Comparative genomics of the three known anaerobic DCM‐degrading bacterial species revealed a homologous gene cluster, designated the methylene chloride catabolism (mec) gene cassette, comprising 8–10 genes encoding proteins with 79.6%–99.7% amino acid identities. Functional annotation identified genes encoding a corrinoid‐dependent methyltransferase system, and shotgun proteomics applied to two DCM‐catabolizing cultures revealed high expression of proteins encoded on the mec gene cluster during anaerobic growth with DCM. In a DCM‐contaminated groundwater plume, the abundance of mec genes strongly correlated with DCM concentrations (R2 = 0.71–0.85) indicating their potential value as process‐specific bioremediation biomarkers. mec gene clusters were identified in metagenomes representing peat bogs, the deep subsurface, and marine ecosystems including oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), suggesting a capacity for DCM degradation in diverse habitats. The broad distribution of anaerobic DCM catabolic potential infers a role for DCM as an energy source in various environmental systems, and implies that the global DCM flux (i.e., the rate of formation minus the rate of consumption) might be greater than emission measurements suggest.
Vocal responses of Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) males to territorial playback of conspecific song
Authors: DeMerchant Kendra , Roach Sean P.
Published: December 2021

To better understand the use of birdsong in territorial defence, vocal responses to conspecific song playback were assessed in Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus males. Subjects avoided both overlapping and frequency matching the playback songs. In addition, during playback, males performed abridged versions of their songs that lacked introductory notes. Overlapping and matching avoidance, as well as the use of abridged songs, may reflect subjects’ efforts to maximize signal efficiency and avoid acoustic interference, even while actively engaged in territorial defence. Future work will explore that possibility, especially with respect to the use and function of abridged songs.