bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of perceived brand localness and perceived brand globalness on consumer behavioral intentions in emerging markets
Authors: Safeer Asif Ali , Abrar Muhammad , Liu Hancheng , Yuanqiong He
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study examined the effects of perceived brand localness (PBL) and perceived brand globalness (PBG) on consumer behavioral intentions (CBIs) (PI – purchase intentions, PP – price premium and WOM – word of mouth) via brand authenticity (BA). Additionally, this study considered the moderating impact of uncertainty avoidance (UA) and the control variable brand familiarity (BF) in emerging markets (EMs), specifically from China and Pakistan contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study scrutinized 1,638 responses (China, n = 804 and Pakistan, n = 834) from consumers who used discussed local and global brands. The proposed hypotheses were evaluated using the PLS-SEM technique.

Findings

The findings indicated that the PBL and PBG favorably impacted BA, which significantly affected CBIs in both EMs. Specifically, PBL strongly influenced BA in China, whereas PBG strongly affected BA in Pakistan. The direct effects of PBL and PBG supported CBIs (PI, PP and WOM) in Pakistan. Likewise, PBL was significant on PP and WOM, whereas PBG was significant on PP in China. In Pakistan, UA had a significant moderating impact on PBL and BA. Similarly, UA acted as a positive moderator between BA and CBIs (PI and WOM) in Pakistan but was not supported in China.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined only two EMs. Future studies may examine emerging vs developed markets. Theoretically, PBL and PBG are important brand signals associated with brand authenticity that communicate to mitigate information asymmetry in EMs. Likewise, brand authenticity was recognized as a positive signal that effectively corresponds to CBIs (in terms of their PI, PP, WOM) by fulfilling brand promises in both EMs. Additionally, UA was proved an effective moderator, improving consumer perceptions of brand authenticity about local brands and increasing PI and WOM toward perceived authentic brands in Pakistan.

Practical implications

This research revealed important recommendations to help local and global managers in developing and executing several branding strategies in EMs (China and Pakistan). Practically, by improving the brand's localness and globalness, local and global managers may successfully position their brands to influence consumers' perceptions in EMs. Similarly, brand authenticity is a vital positioning tool for managers that favorably influence consumer behavior. Additionally, managers can segment and target their markets by classifying high and low UA consumers, particularly in Pakistan.

Originality/value

Following signaling theory, this is the first study that contributes toward CBIs in EMs via brand authenticity and considering cultural factors (uncertainty avoidance) from the domestic and international branding perspectives.
How to assess the effectiveness of accounting education interventions: evidence from the assessment of a bridging course before introductory accounting
Authors: Joynt Corlia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide a thick description of a four-day bridging course in introductory accounting presented before the start of a student’s first year. The course aims to address the lack of prior accounting knowledge. The study also evaluates the effectiveness of the course using econometric techniques. Treatment effects are considered when interpreting the results.

Design/methodology/approach

This voluntary intervention used a quasi-experimental research design and quantitative techniques, including the application of propensity score matching (PSM), to isolate the treatment effect on the treated and untreated groups.

Findings

A positive and significant association is reported between attending the bridging course and performance in the first assessment.

Research limitations/implications

A bridging course in accounting offers higher educators an opportunity to ensure that students are academically better prepared when entering university. This course provides adequate prior knowledge from which a student will benefit during the first assessments, which may contribute to increased self-efficacy and retention. This intervention has social implications for students as they can interact, participate and easily transition from school to university. Social implications include learning communities that are formed at the onset of their studies.

Originality/value

Bridging courses have been presented in other disciplines with positive results but not yet in accounting. Bridging courses in accounting are viable interventions to address gaps in prior knowledge and assist with the transition from school to university. This study expands literature by demonstrating the application and interpretation of PSM in quasi-experimental designs.
The initial design and programme theory for a new work-focused psychotherapeutic intervention to treat moderate-severe recurrent depression and enhance job retention
Authors: Walker Nicola , Hall Sally
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Here, this study aims to report a case study of the initial design and programme theory of an interdisciplinary work-focused relational group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) treatment programme for moderate-severe depression using realist methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study shows how the authors designed the intervention using component analysis of existing literature and focus groups of frontline practitioners and former service users and mind-mapping analysis to establish its operational logic and evaluated the theory underpinning the intervention using realist synthesis and evaluation to establish its conceptual logic.

Findings

An iterative hybrid approach of literature review, component analysis, focus group discussion and realist methods established the initial design and programme theory for the new intervention. The intervention focused on three areas of therapy, three inter-dependent outcomes, in a group format, with opportunities created for peer interaction. The main theoretical principles most likely to promote efficacy were to accelerate and optimise activation of one or more of six hypothesised mechanisms: realise, reflect, regulate, resolve, relate and retain/resume in the context of skilfully facilitated group psychotherapy.

Social implications

This study outlines a methodological approach based on the layered ontology of critical realist philosophy, applied to a successful example, which will be useful during the early stages of the design and development of new group-based psychotherapeutic interventions.

Originality/value

By adopting the critical realist approach, the authors identified underlying mechanisms of change in relational group CBT. The theoretically integrated approach involving service users and practitioners from different professional backgrounds was unique and meant that the treatment programme was multi-modal rather than informed by a single therapeutic or theoretical approach.
Reference price research in marketing: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Srivastava Mukta , Pandey Neeraj , Saini Gordhan K.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Reference price is a key input in deciding product/service prices by organizations and has a significant influence on consumer purchase decisions. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of reference pricing literature using bibliometric analysis and offers specific research questions for future research in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 309 articles published between 1977 and 2021, the study conducts bibliographic coupling, citation analysis, cluster analysis, content analysis, keyword analysis and a three-field plot to map the intellectual structure of reference price.

Findings

The content analysis gave seven research clusters: (1) modeling reference price, (2) consumer perceptions of price (un)fairness, (3) price framing, (4) comparative price-based promotion, (5) reference price formulation, (6) pay-what-you-want (PWYW) pricing and (7) range theory and price perceptions. The study also delineates reference price literature across several parameters like authorship, highest cited paper, most popular journal, institutions, region-wise publication trend and author-networks. The emerging research themes for future scholars working in this domain have also been highlighted.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive study to explore reference price from a bibliometric lens. The study highlights and discusses the recent themes on reference price, from both academic and managerial perspectives.
Trade facilitation, institutions, and sustainable economic growth: Empirical evidence from Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Jiahao Shen , Ibrahim Ridwan Lanre , Bello Kazeem Ajide , Oke David Mautin
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the direct and interactive impacts of trade facilitation and institutions on sustainable economic growth (SEG) for 41 Sub‐Saharan African economies from 2005 to 2019. The study explores the components of trade facilitation focusing on costs, documents and days (exports and imports) with the aggregated index (TFindex) and institutions, including voice and accountability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, political stability and violence, and control of corruption, used on GDP per capita growth. The empirical evidence relies on the two‐step dynamic‐system generalized method of moments estimator, accounting for endogeneity, simultaneity, measurement error and reverse causality concerns. The study finds that facilitating trade procedures is a viable option for achieving SEG in the Sub‐Saharan Africa region. In addition, institutions driven by government effectiveness, political stability, and regulatory quality are boosters to SEG in the region. Lastly, the interactive impacts of trade facilitation and institutions positively predict the SEG. The study suggests that achieving efficient trading procedures and a sturdy institutional framework will enhance full exploration of the growth potential in SEG.
Non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis of single gene disorders by paternal mutation exclusion: 3 years of clinical experience
Authors: Pacault Mathilde , Verebi Camille , Lopez Maureen , Vaucouleur Nicolas , Orhant Lucie , Deburgrave Nathalie , Leturcq France , Vidaud Dominique , Girodon Emmanuelle , Bienvenu Thierry , Nectoux Juliette
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) analysis is performed routinely for aneuploidy screening, RhD genotyping or sex determination. Although applications to single gene disorders (SGD) are being rapidly developed worldwide, only a few laboratories offer cffDNA testing routinely as a diagnosis service for this indication. In a previous report, we described a standardised protocol for non‐invasive exclusion of paternal variant in SGD. Three years later, we now report our clinical experience with the protocol.

Design

Descriptive study.

Setting

Multi‐centre French.

Population

Indications for referral included pregnancies at risk of 25% or 50% of paternally inherited SGD, and pregnancies associated with an increased risk of SGD due to a de novo variant, either from strongly suggestive ultrasound findings or from a possible parental germinal mosaicism in the context of a previously affected child.

Methods

Non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis was performed using custom assays for droplet digital PCR. Feasibility, diagnostic performance and turn‐around time were evaluated.

Results

Mean time for a new assay design and validation was evaluated at 14 days, and mean result reporting time was 6 days. All referred pathogenic variants could be targeted except one located in a complex genomic region. A result was obtained for every 198 referrals except two.

Conclusion

This service was successfully implemented as a routine laboratory practice. It has been widely adopted by French clinicians and patients for paternal variant exclusion in various disorders.

Tweetable abstract:

A robust approach to non‐invasive prenatal exclusion of paternal pathogenic variant in a diagnosis setting.
Genome sequencing provides new insights on the distribution of Erwinia amylovora lineages in northern Italy
Authors: Albanese Davide , Cainelli Christian , Gualandri Valeria , Larger Simone , Pindo Massimo , Donati Claudio
Published: April 2022

Erwinia amylovora is a Gram‐negative bacterium that colonizes a wide variety of plant species causing recurrent local outbreaks of fire blight in crops of the Rosaceae family. Recent genomic surveys have documented the limited genomic diversity of this species, possibly related to a recent evolutionary bottleneck and a strong correlation between geography and phylogenetic structure of the species. Despite its economic importance, little is known about the genetic variability of co‐circulating strains during local outbreaks. Here, we report the genome sequences of 82 isolates of E. amylovora, collected from different host plants in a period of 16 years in Trentino, a small region in the Northeastern Italian Alps that has been characterized by recurrent outbreaks of fire blight in apple orchards. While the genome isolated before 2018 are closely related to other strains already present in Europe, we found a novel subclade composed only by isolates that were sampled starting from 2018 and demonstrate that the endemic population of this pathogen can be composed by mixture of strains.
Movement of Goods under the TCA
Authors: Barnard Catherine , Leinarte Emilija
Published: April 2022

For many people, trade is about goods and so the most momentous aspect of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is the provisions on goods. This article looks at the provisions on the trade in goods under the TCA and compares them with those on the Customs Union and the Single Market for goods under EU law (which still apply to Northern Ireland under the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol). It argues that the approach to the movement of goods in the TCA has much more in common with the World Trade Organization's (WTO) provisions on goods, on which the TCA draws heavily, than EU law. This shift to a ‘WTO plus’ approach (as opposed to an ‘EU law minus’) is because the UK government considered that the Brexit vote gave a green light for a total break with the EU’s rules. Using four examples (the principle of non‐discrimination; the significance of a ‘0, 0’ agreement; regulatory barriers to trade; and mutual recognition), this article shows just how close the TCA Title on Trade in Goods is to WTO law – and how far it is from EU law.
The Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland: Past, Present, and Future Precariousness
Authors: Hayward Katy , Komarova Milena
Published: April 2022

This article considers the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement as a ‘flexible and imaginative’ response to the problems that Brexit has created for the island of Ireland. It looks at the purpose of the Protocol and its origins, noting the reasons why flexibility was required from both sides. It then considers the ways in which precariousness from its conception has been demonstrated in its first year of operation. This focuses upon four main areas: implementation, dynamic alignment, the democratic consent vote, and the UK–EU relationship. Its core argument is the ‘flexibility’ that the Protocol requires also means a certain degree of ambiguity. In the absence of a stable UK–EU relationship, this precariousness could exacerbate the difficulties of meeting the policy challenges that surround the Protocol for Northern Ireland, the UK, Ireland and the EU.
Physical exercise, immune response, and susceptibility to infections—current knowledge and growing research areas
Authors: Kurowski Marcin , Seys Sven , Bonini Matteo , Del Giacco Stefano , Delgado Luis , Diamant Zuzana , Kowalski Marek L. , Moreira André , Rukhadze Maia , Couto Mariana
Published: April 2022

This review presents state‐of‐the‐art knowledge and identifies knowledge gaps for future research in the area of exercise‐associated modifications of infection susceptibility. Regular moderate‐intensity exercise is believed to have beneficial effects on immune health through lowering inflammation intensity and reducing susceptibility to respiratory infections. However, strenuous exercise, as performed by professional athletes, may promote infection: in about half of athletes presenting respiratory symptoms, no causative pathogen can be identified. Acute bouts of exercise enhance the release of pro‐inflammatory mediators, which may induce infection‐like respiratory symptoms. Relatively few studies have assessed the influence of regularly repeated exercise on the immune response and systemic inflammation compared to the effects of acute exercise. Additionally, ambient and environmental conditions may modify the systemic inflammatory response and infection susceptibility, particularly in outdoor athletes. Both acute and chronic regular exercise influence humoral and cellular immune response mechanisms, resulting in decreased specific and non‐specific response in competitive athletes. The most promising areas of further research in exercise immunology include detailed immunological characterization of infection‐prone and infection‐resistant athletes, examining the efficacy of nutritional and pharmaceutical interventions as countermeasures to infection symptoms, and determining the influence of various exercise loads on susceptibility to infections with respiratory viruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. By establishing a uniform definition of an “elite athlete,” it will be possible to make a comparable and straightforward interpretation of data from different studies and settings.
Short‐term results of robot‐assisted colorectal cancer surgery using Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System
Authors: Sasaki Megumi , Hirano Yasumitsu , Yonezawa Hiroki , Shimamura Satoshi , Kataoka Atsuko , Fujii Takatsugu , Okazaki Naoto , Ishikawa Shintaro , Ishii Toshimasa , Deguchi Katsuya , Sato Hiroshi , Sakuramoto Shinichi , Okamoto Kojun , Koyama Isamu
Published: April 2022

Background

The Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System (Asensus Surgical Inc, Morrisville, NC, United States), which was introduced for the first time in Japan by our hospital, is a new surgical assistive robot following the da Vinci Surgical System. We herein report the short‐term outcomes of 55 colorectal cancer surgery cases using this system at our hospital to assess the feasibility and safety of our procedures.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the patient backgrounds and surgical outcomes of 55 patients who underwent Senhance‐assisted laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Results

The median age was 71 years. There were 31 males and 24 females, and the median body mass index was 23.1 kg/m2. Fifteen patients had a history of abdominal surgery. The most common surgical technique was ileocecal resection (18 cases, 32.7%), followed by high anterior resection (11 cases, 20.0%). D2 or D3 dissection was performed in each operation, and D3 dissection was performed in 41 cases (74.5%). The median operative time was 240 minutes, the median blood loss was 5 mL, there were no intraoperative complications, and there were no cases of intraoperative blood transfusion. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days, which was comparable to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative complications of grade 2 or higher in the Clavien–Dindo classification were observed in two cases.

Conclusion

The short‐term results of 55 colorectal cancer surgery cases using the Senhance Digital Laparoscopy System were excellent and the system was introduced and surgery was safely performed.
Parametric population pharmacokinetics of linezolid: A systematic review
Authors: Qin Yan , Zhang Li‐Li , Ye Yan‐Rong , Chen Yue‐Ting , Jiao Zheng
Published: April 2022

Aims

Linezolid is often used for the infections caused by drug‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria. Recent studies suggest that large between‐subject variability (BSV) and within‐subject variability could alter drug pharmacokinetics (PK) during linezolid therapy due to pathophysiological changes. This review synthesized information on linezolid population PK studies and summarized the significant covariates that influence linezolid PK.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Embase from their inception to 30 September 2021. Published studies were included if they contained data analysing linezolid PK parameters in humans using a population approach with a nonlinear mixed‐effects model.

Results

Twenty‐five studies conducted in adults and five in paediatrics were included. One‐ and two‐compartment models were the commonly used structural models for linezolid. Body size (weight, lean body weight and body surface area), creatinine clearance (CLcr) and age significantly influenced linezolid PK. The median clearance (CL) values (ranges) in infants (0.128 L/h/kg [0.121–0.135]] and children (0.107 L/h/kg [0.088–0.151]] were higher than in adults (0.098 L/h/kg [0.044–0.237]]. For patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr ≤ 30 mL/min), the CL was 37.2% (15.2–55.3%) lower than in patients with normal renal function.

Conclusion

The optimal linezolid dosage should be adjusted based on the patient's body size, renal function and age. More studies are needed to explore the exact mechanism of linezolid elimination and evaluate the PK characteristics in paediatric patients.
Evaluation and understanding of automated urinary stone recognition methods
Authors: El Beze Jonathan , Mazeaud Charles , Daul Christian , Ochoa‐Ruiz Gilberto , Daudon Michel , Eschwège Pascal , Hubert Jacques
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess the potential of automated machine‐learning methods for recognizing urinary stones in endoscopy.

Materials and Methods

Surface and section images of 123 urinary calculi (109ex vivoand 14in vivostones) were acquired using ureteroscopes. The stones were more than 85% ‘pure’. Six classes of urolithiasis were represented: Groups I (calcium oxalate monohydrate, whewellite), II (calcium oxalate dihydrate, weddellite), III (uric acid), IV (brushite and struvite stones), and V (cystine). The automated stone recognition methods that were developed for this study followed two types of approach: shallow classification methods and deep‐learning‐based methods. Their sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were evaluated by simultaneously using stone surface and section images to classify them into one of the main morphological groups (subgroups were not considered in this study).

Results

Using shallow methods (based on texture and colour criteria), relatively high sensitivity, specificity and PPV for the six classes were attained: 91%, 90% and 89%, respectively, for whewellite; 99%, 98% and 99% for weddellite; 88%, 89% and 88% for uric acid; 91%, 89% and 90% for struvite; 99%, 99% and 99% for cystine; and 94%, 98% and 99% for brushite. Using deep‐learning methods, the sensitivity, specificity and PPV for each of the classes were as follows: 99%, 98% and 97% for whewellite; 98%, 98% and 98% for weddellite; 97%, 98% and 98% for uric acid; 97%, 97% and 96% for struvite; 99%, 99% and 99% for cystine; and 94%, 97% and 98% for brushite.

Conclusion

Endoscopic stone recognition is challenging, and few urologists have sufficient expertise to achieve a diagnosis performance comparable to morpho‐constitutional analysis. This work is a proof of concept that artificial intelligence could be a solution, with promising results achieved for pure stones. Further studies on a larger panel of stones (pure and mixed) are needed to further develop these methods.
The British journal of learning disabilities: A history
Authors: Jarrett Simon
Published: April 2022

This article examines the 50 year history of theBritish Journal of Learning Disabilities, which was launched as Apex, theJournal of the Institute of Mental Subnormality, in 1973. Changes in language and terminology are tracked and the journal is placed in the context of wider policy and social developments. Three general phases are identified in the trajectory of the journal: the hospital period, the shift to community care, and the post‐institutional period. The journal was not entirely anti‐institution in its earliest days, and each transition through its different phases is gradual rather than abrupt. The enduring continuity of the journal's commitment to interdisciplinarity, eclecticism and practice‐based research is evident throughout, and some of the controversies that have arisen from this approach are examined. The conflict between the desire to include people with learning disabilities in the journal and the academic demands of journal production is described.
The HOXC‐AS2/miR‐876‐5p/HKDC1 axis regulates endometrial cancer progression in a high glucose‐related tumor microenvironment
Authors: Guo Jing , Ye Feng , Xie Wenli , Zhang Xinxin , Zeng Ru , Sheng Wang , Mi Yanjun , Sheng Xiugui
Published: April 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is related to chronic inflammation and is currently identified as a risk factor for the occurrence and development of endometrial cancer (EC). Pyroptosis is a new proinflammatory form of programmed cell death that plays a critical role in the progression of multiple diseases. However, the important role of pyroptosis in high‐glucose (HG)‐related EC and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, transcriptome high‐throughput sequencing revealed significantly higher hexokinase domain‐containing 1 (HKDC1) expression in EC patients with diabetes than in EC patients with normal glucose. Mechanistically, HKDC1 regulates HG‐induced cell pyroptosis by modulating the production of reactive oxygen species and pyroptosis‐induced cytokine release in EC. In addition, HKDC1 regulates TME formation by enhancing glycolysis, promoting a metabolic advantage in lactate‐rich environments to further accelerate EC progression. Subsequently, miR‐876‐5p was predicted to target the HKDC1 mRNA, and HOXC‐AS2 was identified to potentially inhibit the miR‐876‐5p/HKDC1 axis in regulating cell pyroptosis in HG‐related EC. Collectively, we elucidated the regulatory role of the HOXC‐AS2/miR‐876‐5p/HKDC1 signal transduction axis in EC cell pyroptosis at the molecular level, which may provide an effective therapeutic target for patients with diabetes who are diagnosed with EC.
Principles for the production of evidence‐based guidance for conservation actions
Authors: Downey Harriet , Bretagnolle Vincent , Brick Cameron , Bulman Caroline R. , Cooke Steven J. , Dean Mike , Edmonds Bob , Frick Winifred F. , Friedman Kim , McNicol Catherine , Nichols Christopher , Herbert Saul , O'Brien David , Ockendon Nancy , Petrovan Silviu , Stroud David , White Thomas B. , Worthington Thomas A. , Sutherland William J.
Published: April 2022

Many types of guidance documents inform conservation by providing practical recommendations for the management of species and habitats. To ensure effective decisions are made, such guidance should be based upon relevant and up‐to‐date evidence. We reviewed conservation guidance for mitigation and management of species and habitats in the United Kingdom and Ireland, identifying 301 examples produced by over 50 organizations. Of these, only 29% provided a reference list, of which only 32% provided reference(s) relevant to justify the recommended actions (9% of the total). Furthermore, even this guidance was often outdated, lacked a methodology for production, or did not highlight uncertainty in the key evidence that supported the recommendations. These deficiencies can lead to misguided and ineffective conservation practices, policies, and decisions, and a waste of resources. Based on this review and co‐design by experts from 14 organizations, we present a set of principles for ensuring sufficient and relevant evidence is transparently incorporated into future conservation guidance. Producing evidence‐based guidance in line with these principles would enable more effective conservation outcomes.
Mental health conditions and risk of first‐ever ischaemic stroke and death in patients with incident atrial fibrillation: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Teppo Konsta , Jaakkola Jussi , Biancari Fausto , Halminen Olli , Putaala Jukka , Mustonen Pirjo , Haukka Jari , Linna Miika , Kinnunen Janne , Tiili Paula , Kouki Elis , Penttilä Tero , Hartikainen Juha , Aro Aapo L. , Airaksinen K. E. Juhani , Lehto Mika
Published: April 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with mental health conditions (MHCs) have higher incidence of ischaemic stroke (IS) than patients without MHC, but whether this results from direct impact of MHCs or relates to higher prevalence of comorbidities and differences in the use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy is unclear. We assessed the hypothesis that MHCs independently increase the risk of IS in patients with incident AF.

Methods

The nationwide FinACAF cohort covered all 203,154 patients diagnosed with incident AF without previous IS or transient ischaemic attack in Finland during 2007–2018. MHCs of interest were depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and any MHC. The outcomes were first‐ever IS and all‐cause death.

Results

The patients' (mean age 73.0 ± 13.5 years, 49.0% female) mean follow‐up time was 4.3 (SD 3.3) years and 16,272 (8.0%) experienced first‐ever IS and 63,420 (31.2%) died during follow‐up. After propensity score matching and adjusting for OAC use, no MHC group was associated with increased IS risk (adjusted SHRs (95% CI): depression 0.961 (0.857–1.077), bipolar disorder 1.398 (0.947–2.006), anxiety disorder 0.878 (0.718–1.034), schizophrenia 0.803 (0.594–1.085) and any MHC 1.033 (0.985–1.085)). Lower rate of OAC use partly explained the observed higher crude IS incidence in patients with any MHC. Depression, schizophrenia and any MHC were associated with higher all‐cause mortality (adjusted HRs [95% CI]: 1.208 [1.136–1.283], 1.543 [1.352–1.761] and 1.149 [1.116–1.175], respectively).

Conclusions

In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, MHCs were not associated with the incidence of first‐ever IS in patients with AF.
Biogeography of bird and mammal trophic structures
Authors: Mendoza Manuel , Araujo Miguel B.
Published: April 2022

Does climate determine the trophic organization of communities around the world? A recent study showed that a limited number of community trophic structures emerge when co‐occurrence of trophic guilds among large mammals is examined globally. We ask whether the pattern is general across all terrestrial mammals (n = 5272) and birds (n = 9993). We found that the six community‐trophic structures previously identified with large mammals are largely maintained when all mammals and birds are examined, both together and separately, and that bioclimatic variables, including net primary productivity (NPP), are strongly related to variation in the geographical boundaries of community trophic structures. We argue that results are consistent with the view that trophic communities are self‐organized structures optimizing energy flows, and that climate likely acts as the main control parameter by modulating the amount of solar energy available for conversion by plants and percolated through food webs across trophic communities. Gradual changes in climate parameters would thus be expected to trigger abrupt changes in energy flows resulting from phase transitions (tipping points) between different dynamical stable states. We expect future research to examine if our results are general across organisms, ecosystems, scales and methodologies, and whether inferences rooted in complex systems theory are supported. The emergence of general patterns in the functional properties of animal communities at broad scales supports the emergence of food‐web biogeography as a sub‐discipline of biogeography focused on the analysis of the geographical distributions of trophic relationships among organisms.
Entrustable professional activities in undergraduate dental education: A practical model for development and validation
Authors: Arunachalam Sivakumar , Pau Allan , Nadarajah Vishna Devi , Babar Muneer Gohar , Samarasekera Dujeepa D.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are tasks that a person who is qualified or is in the process to be credentialed are allowed to engage. There are several levels of entrustment based on degrees of supervision assigned to each EPA. This paper aims to describe the process and outcome of creating EPAs; validate EPAs relevant to undergraduate dental training.

Methods

A draft set of EPA statements was developed based on the consensus of an expert panel. These were then mapped to the nationally determined minimum experience thresholds (clinical and procedural experiences/competencies) and aligned to task‐based instructional strategy. The EPAs were validated to improve the relevance by using a criterion‐based rubric.

Results

An end‐to‐end process workflow led to the development of an EPA‐based educational framework to bridge the gaps in the curriculum. The process identified a total of 41 EPAs and out of which, 10 EPAs were notated as core EPAs and will be subjected to structured workplace‐based assessment complying to the national standards. The validation exercise rated core EPAs with an overall score matching close to the cut‐off of 4.07 (Equal rubric).

Conclusion

The end‐to‐end process workflow provided the opportunity to elaborate a structured process for the development of EPAs for undergraduate dental education. As validation is a continuous process, feedback from implementation will inform the next steps.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among resettled refugees presenting to a family medicine clinic in the United States
Authors: Saif Nadia , Jensen Nicole , Farrar Elizabeth , Blackstone Sarah , Hauck Fern R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Although endemic to much of the global population, few studies have examined Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in US refugee populations. This study investigates the prevalence of H. pylori infection and barriers to treatment in the International Family Medicine Clinic (IFMC), a primary care refugee clinic, in central Virginia.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a chart review of 188 refugee patients of the IFMC who were referred for an H. pylori test between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Recorded measures included patient demographics, H. pylori test result, treatment of initial infection, completion of test of cure (TOC), TOC results, salvage therapy, and barriers to treatment. Binary logistic regression was performed to examine the association between demographic factors and H. pylori test results.

Results

Of the 171 patients who completed an H. pylori test, 94 tested positive (54.9%). Of the 93 patients that were subsequently treated, 76 were treated with clarithromycin triple therapy (82%). Forty‐eight patients (52%) completed a TOC after completing treatment, and 21 (43%) of these patients remained positive, indicating persistent infection. Eighteen patients (90%) who remained positive for H. pylori were subsequently treated with quadruple therapy. Patients under 18 (OR = 0.25, p < 0.01) and patients with a history of previous H. pylori (OR = 0.44, p < 0.05) were less likely to have positive results on initial H. pylori testing. Common barriers to treatment included pregnancy, religious observance (e.g., fasting), and health system complications (e.g., prior authorization for medications, cost of treatment).

Conclusions

The prevalence of H. pylori among refugees at the IFMC was higher than the overall prevalence estimate for the United States, which is consistent with previous studies. This work represents an updated picture of H. pylori prevalence among refugees in the United States and contributes to the identification of treatment barriers.
Identification of filigree pattern increases the diagnostic accuracy of micropapillary pattern on frozen section for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Shengnan , Xie Huikang , Su Hang , Xu Long , Hu Xuefei , Zhao Deping , Zhu Erjia , Xie Xiaofeng , Zhang Liping , Hou Likun , Zhang Wei , Wu Chunyan , Chen Chang ,   Surgical Thoracic Alliance of Rising Star Group
Published: April 2022

Aims

The presence of micropapillary (MIP) in early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma is associated with a poorer prognosis, especially in patients undergoing sublobectomy. However, data on the sensitivity of frozen section (FS) evaluation of MIP is still limited. We included the concept of a filigree pattern on FS to assess its effect on the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MIP, and to verify its prognostic value in stage T1 lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A panel of five pathologists evaluated 125 patients with T1 lung adenocarcinoma from January to February 2014 as a study cohort, and 151 patients from January to February 2020 as a validation cohort. The diagnostic accuracy of the filigree and classical micropapillary (cMIP) pattern on FS was investigated.

Results

The diagnostic sensitivity of the MIP pattern on FS increased from 43.2% to 65.3% and 56.8% to 81.1% in the study cohort and validation cohort, respectively, and both with good specificity. Filigree not only increased the sensitivity of identifying MIP when there was an absence of cMIP, but also increased the sensitivity when the presence of a minor amount of cMIP. The almost perfect agreement among five pathologists was reached on cMIP and substantial agreement was reached on the filigree in the two cohorts. Moreover, the cMIP and filigree were both correlated with poorer recurrence‐free survival (pcMIP = 0.003; pfiligree = 0.032) and overall survival (pcMIP = 0.004; pfiligree = 0.005).

Conclusions

The identification of a filigree may improve the diagnostic sensitivity of the MIP pattern on FS. FS was feasible for the detection of filigree and cMIP patterns in stage T1 lung adenocarcinomas.
Longevity of stainless steel crowns as interim restorations on young permanent first molars that have undergone vital pulp therapy treatment in children and factors associated with their treatment failure: A retrospective study of up to 8.5 years
Authors: Chaipattanawan Nattakan , Chompu‐inwai Papimon , Nirunsittirat Areerat , Phinyo Phichayut , Manmontri Chanika
Published: April 2022

Background

Although stainless steel crowns (SSCs) on permanent molars are a common interim full‐coverage restoration, there are few clinical studies on longevity.

Aim

To evaluate the longevity of SSCs as restorations on young permanent first molars (PFMs) that have undergone vital pulp therapy (VPT) treatment and to identify factors associated with SSC treatment failure.

Design

This study conducted a retrospective chart review of children who had PFMs that have undergone VPT treatment and been restored with SSCs. Data from treatment and follow‐up visits were collected. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to analyse the longevity of SSCs. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify factors associated with SSC treatment failure.

Results

Data from 140 SSCs were included, with an average follow‐up period of 33.5 ± 21.6 (range, 6–104) months. Although none of the teeth had pulpal failure, 35.7% had SSC treatment failure. The survival probabilities of SSCs declined over time, reaching 39.6% (95% CI 27.0–51.9) after 60 months. The immediate post‐operative condition of SSCs and the loss of proximal wall on the abutment tooth were significant factors associated with SSC treatment failure.

Conclusion

Stainless steel crowns are suitable for use as interim restorations in PFMs that have undergone VPT treatment in children, but their longevity is limited, necessitating replacement over time.
Determination of respiratory syncytial virus epidemic seasons by using 95% confidence interval of positivity rates, 2011–2021, Germany
Authors: Cai Wei , Dürrwald Ralf , Biere Barbara , Schweiger Brunhilde , Haas Walter , Wolff Thorsten , Buda Silke , Reiche Janine
Published: April 2022

Based on our national outpatient sentinel surveillance, we have developed a novel approach to determine respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemic seasons in Germany by using RSV positivity rate and its lower limit of 95% confidence interval. This method was evaluated retrospectively on nine RSV seasons, and it is also well‐suited to describe off‐season circulation of RSV in near real time as observed for seasons 2020/21 and 2021/22 during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Prospective application is of crucial importance to enable timely actions for health service delivery and prevention.
Discrimination of Euglena gracilis strains Z and bacillaris by MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Lukáčová Alexandra , Beck Terézia , Trnková Katarína , Trniková Miriam , Krajčovič Juraj , Vesteg Matej
Published: April 2022

Aims

Euglena gracilis is used as model organism for various microbiological, molecular biological and biotechnological studies. Its most studied wild-type strains are Z and bacillaris, but their discrimination by standard molecular methods is difficult. Therefore, we decided to test the suitability of MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry) for identification of E. gracilis and for discrimination of these two strains possessing functional chloroplasts. MALDI-TOF MS profiling was also tested for two white (non-photosynthetic) stable E. gracilis mutant strains WgmZOflL and W10BSmL.

Methods and results

We have successfully obtained main spectrum profiles (MSPs) of E. gracilis strains Z, SAG 1224–5/25 and bacillaris, SAG 1224–5/15 using protein extraction procedure. Subsequent MALDI-TOF MS profiling of a number of tested samples and the comparison of the obtained protein profiles with our in-house database including MSPs of both strains have revealed that these two strains can be easily distinguished by MALDI-TOF MS based on score values over two in most cases. This method has also confirmed the ancestry of white mutant strains WgmZOflL and W10BSmL, originally derived from strains Z and bacillaris, respectively.

Conclusions

MALDI-TOF MS is suitable, accurate and rapid method for discrimination of E. gracilis strains.

Significance and Impact of the Study

These results can have broad practical implications for laboratories cultivating various strains of euglenids, and they can be applied for their discrimination by MALDI-TOF MS.
Integrated Pulmonary Index during nurse‐administered procedural sedation: Study protocol for a cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Conway Aaron , Chang Kristina , Goudarzi Rad Mohammad , Mafeld Sebastian , Parotto Matteo
Published: April 2022

Aim

To determine if smart alarm‐guided treatment of respiratory depression using the Integrated Pulmonary Index is an effective way to implement capnography during nurse‐administered sedation.

Design

Parallel cluster‐randomized trial.

Methods

Nurses will be randomized to use capnography with or without the Integrated Pulmonary Index enabled. Capnography alarm performance will be compared between nurses using capnography alone or with the Integrated Pulmonary Index enabled. The target sample size is 400 adult patients scheduled for elective procedures with nurse‐administered sedation. The primary outcome is the number of seconds in an alert condition state without an intervention being applied. Secondary outcomes are alarm burden, number of appropriate alarms, number of inappropriate alarms, total duration of alert conditions, choice of alarm settings and adverse sedation events. This study has been funded since April 2021.

Discussion

Implementing capnography into practice for respiratory monitoring during nurse‐administered sedation is considered a high priority. The Integrated Pulmonary Index shows promise as a strategy to optimize the implementation of capnography for respiratory monitoring during nurse‐administered sedation. If it is found in this study that using the Integrated Pulmonary Index improves the nursing management of physiologically abnormal states during nurse‐administered sedation, it would provide the high‐level evidence needed to support broader use of this ‘smart alarm’ strategy for respiratory monitoring in practice.

Impact

With advances in medical technology continuing to expand the indications for minimally invasive surgical techniques, the use of nurse‐administered sedation during medical procedures is likely to expand in the future. The findings may be applied to other populations receiving nurse‐administered sedation during medical procedures. Results from this study will help translate the usage of smart alarm‐guided treatment of respiratory depression during procedural sedation.

Trial registration

NCT05068700.
Social capital and managerial opportunism: Evidence from option backdating
Authors: Gupta Atul , Minnick Kristina
Published: April 2022

Social capital potentially influences corporate outcomes by reducing the likelihood of managerial self‐serving behavior. This expectation follows from the likelihood that the consequences of self‐serving behavior are severe for firms in high‐social‐capital areas. Thus, we employ a sample of firms that backdated option grants to examine these propositions. Accordingly, we find a negative and significant relation between social capital and the probability and magnitude of backdating. Furthermore, we find a positive and significant relation between social capital and likelihood, as well as between the speed of the termination of senior executives and board members following option backdating. Notably, we find evidence for the notion that community norms can influence corporate behavior by creating an environment where self‐serving or bad behavior has severe consequences.
Anti‐spike IgG antibody kinetics following the second and third doses of BNT162b2 vaccine in nursing home residents
Authors: Jeulin Helene , Labat Carlos , Duarte Kevin , Toupance Simon , Nadin Gregoire , Craus Denis , Georgiopoulos Ioannis , Gantois Isabelle , Goehringer François , Benetos Athanase
Published: April 2022

Background

Duration of post‐vaccination protection against COVID‐19 in nursing home (NH) residents is a critical issue. The objective of this study was to estimate the duration of the IgG(S) response to the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine in NH residents with (COV‐Yes) or without (COV‐No) history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

A 574 COV‐Yes and COV‐No NH residents were included in 2 cohorts: Main (n = 115, median age 87 years) or Confirmatory (n = 459, median age 89 years). IgG(S) quantification was carried out at three different time points following the BNT162b2 vaccine: three (1st) and seven (2nd) months after the 2nd dose, and 1 month after the 3rd dose (3rd quantification) in the Main cohort, and twice (2nd and 3rd) in the Confirmatory cohort. The seroneutralization capacity according to COVID‐19 history was also measured in a subgroup of patients.

Results

Neutralization capacity was strongly correlated with IgG(S) levels (R2:76%) without any difference between COV‐Yes and COV‐No groups for the same levels of IgG(S). After the 2nd dose, duration of the assumed robust protection (IgG(S) >264 BAU/ml) was two‐fold higher in the COV‐Yes vs. COV‐No group: 12.60 (10.69–14.44) versus 5.76 (3.91–8.64) months, with this advantage mainly due to the higher IgG(S) titers after the 2nd dose and secondary to a slower decay over time. After the 3rd dose, duration of robust protection was estimated at 11.87 (9.88–14.87) (COV‐Yes) and 8.95 (6.85–11.04) (COV‐No) months. These results were similar in both cohorts.

Conclusions and Relevance

In old subjects living in NH, history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection provides a clear advantage in the magnitude and duration of high IgG(S) titers following the 2nd dose. Importantly, the 3rd dose induces a much more pronounced IgG(S) response than the 2nd dose in COV‐No subjects, the effect of which should be able to ensure a prolonged protection against severe forms of COVID‐19 in these subjects.