bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis, staging of non-functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Gamal Gihan Hassan
Published: September 2021

Background

The non-functional PNETs are often discovered incidentally, they are commonly malignant and commonly present at a late stage with large size. We evaluate in this study the usefulness of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection and staging of non-functioning PNETs.

Results

Thirty patients with non-functioning PNETs were involved in this prospective study over a period starting from September 2016 to March 2021. Age ranged from 33 to 79 years. 18F-FDG PET/CT detected 26 patients had SUV max ≥ 2.5 of primary lesions and 4 lesions had SUV max < 2.5. There was no statistical significant between the site of the lesions and the type of grading of the tumors. 32 distant metastatic lesions were detected which show SUVmax ≥ 2.5 and only 9%where below 2.5. Of 30 patients, 4 patients (13.3%) of well differentiated tumor had altered their clinical strategies according to the results of PET/CT examinations. 18F-FDG PET/CT upstaged 1 patient with stage IB and 3 patients with IIA and B to stage IV.

Conclusion

The increased use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the investigation of patient with PNETs allows for more accurate staging and therefore more appropriate management decision.
Sustainment of proactive physical therapy for individuals with early-stage Parkinson’s disease: a quality improvement study over 4 years
Authors: MacDonald Jillian , Doyle Laura , Moore Jennifer L. , Rafferty Miriam R.
Published: September 2021

Background

Implementation science frameworks aided the development of a new, evidence-based clinical physical therapy program. The purpose of this report is to describe the process of sustaining a clinical program in practice for over 4 years. We present a framework for integrating tools for sustainability with the Knowledge-to-Action model in the context of a proactive physical therapy (PAPT) program for individuals with early-stage Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

Sustainability of implementation strategies was addressed using the Dynamic Sustainability Framework and sustainability assessment tools. Repeated retrospective medical record reviews and phone interviews were used to evaluate the reach and adoption of the PAPT over 4 years. Characteristics of those who engaged with PAPT, implementation fidelity, and clinical effectiveness were assessed for year 1 and year 3. Sustainability was measured using RE-AIM, NHS Sustainability Model, and Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool.

Results

Reach increased from 28 to 110 total patients per year and spread occurred from one to three sites. PAPT user age, sex, Hoehn and Yahr rating, time since diagnosis, and type of insurance were similar in year 1 and year 3 (p > 0.05). The program sustained its effect to help participants increase or maintain self-reported exercise (Y1, 95%; Y3, 100%). However, upon evaluation PAPT users in year 3 had longer time since symptom onset and worse UPDRS motor scores compared to the PAPT users in year 1 (p < 0.05). All sites sustained the core intervention components, with sustainability scores of 71/100 (± 9.9) on the NHS Sustainability Model and 6.1/7 (± 0.9) on the Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool.

Conclusions

Integrating multiple sustainability models and assessments supported continued effectiveness, spread, and sustainment of PAPT for 4 years. Effective planning, anticipating common healthcare changes, and addressing sustainability determinants early in program implementation were essential aspects of long-term success.
Adenoid hypertrophy is a common finding in children with antrochoanal polyp
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Mosaad , Nassar Ahmed , Sabry Omar
Published: September 2021

Background

Many nasal pathological findings have been described with antrochoanal polyp (ACP). We aimed in this study to assess the prevalence of adenoid hypertrophy among children presented with ACP and to evaluate the efficacy of concomitant adenoidectomy on the outcome of endoscopic removal of the lesion.

Results

Forty-three children with ACP were included in this study. Preoperative nasal endoscopy and computed tomography were performed for all patients. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with widening the maxillary ostium was used for removal of ACP in all patients. Associated nasal pathology was recorded and managed accordingly. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years postoperatively. Coexistent nasal pathology with ACP was detected in 39 patients (90.7%); adenoid hypertrophy was found to be the commonest concomitant lesion (83.7%). Adenoidectomy was performed during ESS for those who had adenoid hypertrophy. Postoperatively, no patients developed adenoid regrowth; however, recurrence of ACP was detected in five patients (11.6%).

Conclusion

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common pathological finding in children presented with ACP. Endoscopic removal of ACP with concomitant adenoidectomy is an effective procedure and has a favorable outcome.
Controlling the causative agents of coccidiosis in domestic chickens; an eye on the past and considerations for the future
Authors: Attree Elizabeth , Sanchez-Arsuaga Gonzalo , Jones Michelle , Xia Dong , Marugan-Hernandez Virginia , Blake Damer , Tomley Fiona
Published: September 2021

Coccidiosis is a potentially severe enteritis caused by species of obligate intracellular parasites of the genus Eimeria. These parasites cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry, predominantly due to compromised efficiency of production as well as the cost of control. These losses were recently estimated to cost chicken producers approximately £10.4 billion worldwide annually. High levels of Eimeria infection cause clinical coccidiosis which is a significant threat to poultry welfare, and a pre-disposing contributory factor for necrotic enteritis. Control of Eimeria parasites and coccidiosis is therefore an important endeavour; multiple approaches have been developed and these are often deployed together. This review summarises current trends in strategies for control of Eimeria, focusing on three main areas: good husbandry, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. There is currently no “perfect solution” and there are advantages and limitations to all existing methods. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present current control strategies and suggest how these may develop in the future.
Investigation of the periodic solution of the time-space fractional Sasa-Satsuma equation arising in the monomode optical fibers
Authors: Wang Kang-Jia , Zhang Pei-Ling
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the time-space fractional Sasa-Satsuma equation is considered. A novel and interesting method called as He's frequency formulation, which is derived from the ancient Chinese algorithm (ACG) Ying Bu Zu Shu, is employed to construct its periodic solution. This ancient algorithm originated from an ancient Chinese mathematics monograph —The Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art— compiled in the Han Dynasty about the second century AD. As anticipated, the obtained solution is consistent with that of the variational method. It strongly verifies the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method. Finally, the performances of the solution with different fractional orders are presented through the 2D and 3D surfaces. The discovery of this work is expected to contribute to the study of periodic solutions in physics.
Resting Energy Expenditure and Cold-induced Thermogenesis in Patients With Overt Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Maushart Claudia I , Senn Jaël R , Loeliger Rahel C , Siegenthaler Judith , Bur Fabienne , Fischer Jonas G W , Betz Matthias J
Published: September 2021

Context

Thyroid hormone (TH) is crucial for the adaptation to cold.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of hyperthyroidism on resting energy expenditure (REE), cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) and changes in body composition and weight.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study at the endocrine outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center. Eighteen patients with overt hyperthyroidism were included. We measured REE during hyperthyroidism, after restoring euthyroid TH levels and after 3 months of normal thyroid function. In 14 of the 18 patients, energy expenditure (EE) was measured before and after a mild cold exposure of 2 hours and CIT was the difference between EEcold and EEwarm. Skin temperatures at 8 positions were recorded during the study visits. Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorption.

Results

Free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) decreased significantly over time (fT4, P = .0003; fT3, P = .0001). REE corrected for lean body mass (LBM) decreased from 42 ± 6.7 kcal/24 hour/kg LBM in the hyperthyroid to 33 ± 4.4 kcal/24 hour/kg LBM (–21%, P < .0001 vs hyperthyroid) in the euthyroid state and 3 months later to 33 ± 5.2 kcal/24 hour/kg LBM (–21%, P = .0022 vs hyperthyroid, overall P < .0001). fT4 (P = .0001) and fT3 (P < 0.0001) were predictors of REE. CIT did not change from the hyperthyroid to the euthyroid state (P = .96). Hyperthyroidism led to increased skin temperature at warm ambient conditions but did not alter core body temperature, nor skin temperature after cold exposure. Weight regain and body composition were not influenced by REE and CIT during the hyperthyroid state.

Conclusion

CIT is not increased in patients with overt hyperthyroidism.
Colocalization of Wnt/β-Catenin and ACTH Signaling Pathways and Paracrine Regulation in Aldosterone-producing Adenoma
Authors: De Sousa Kelly , Abdellatif Alaa B , Giscos-Douriez Isabelle , Meatchi Tchao , Amar Laurence , Fernandes-Rosa Fabio L , Boulkroun Sheerazed , Zennaro Maria-Christina
Published: September 2021

Context

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are a common cause of primary aldosteronism (PA). Despite the discovery of somatic mutations in APA and the characterization of multiple factors regulating adrenal differentiation and function, the sequence of events leading to APA formation remains to be determined.

Objective

We investigated the role of Wnt/β-catenin and adrenocorticotropin signaling, as well as elements of paracrine regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis in adrenals with APA and their relationship to intratumoral heterogeneity and mutational status.

Methods

We analyzed the expression of aldosterone-synthase (CYP11B2), CYP17A1, β-catenin, melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R), phosphorlyated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB), tryptase, S100, CD34 by multiplex immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry-guided reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Eleven adrenals with APA and 1 with micronodular hyperplasia from patients with PA were analyzed. Main outcome measures included localization of CYP11B2, CYP17A1, β-catenin, MC2R, pCREB, tryptase, S100, CD34 in APA and aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs).

Results

Immunofluorescence revealed abundant mast cells and a dense vascular network in APA, independent of mutational status. Within APA, mast cells were localized in areas expressing CYP11B2 and were rarely colocalized with nerve fibers, suggesting that their degranulation is not controlled by innervation. In these same areas, ß-catenin was activated, suggesting a zona glomerulosa cell identity. In heterogeneous APA with KCNJ5 mutations, MC2R and vascular endothelial growth factor A expression was higher in areas expressing CYP11B2. A similar pattern was observed in APCC, with high expression of CYP11B2, activated β-catenin, and numerous mast cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that aldosterone-producing structures in adrenals with APA share common molecular characteristics and cellular environment, despite different mutation status, suggesting common developmental mechanisms.
Circulating Conjugated and Unconjugated Vitamin D Metabolite Measurements by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Jenkinson Carl , Desai Reena , McLeod Malcolm D , Wolf Mueller Jonathan , Hewison Martin , Handelsman David J
Published: September 2021

Context

Vitamin D status is conventionally defined by measurement of unconjugated circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), but it remains uncertain whether this isolated analysis gives sufficient weight to vitamin D’s diverse metabolic pathways and bioactivity. Emerging evidence has shown that phase II endocrine metabolites are important excretory or storage forms; however, the clinical significance of circulating phase II vitamin D metabolites remains uncertain.

Objective

In this study we analyzed the contribution of sulfate and glucuronide vitamin D metabolites relative to unconjugated levels in human serum.

Methods

An optimized enzyme hydrolysis method using recombinant arylsulfatase (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and beta-glucuronidase (Escherichia coli) was combined with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis to measure conjugated and unconjugated vitamin D metabolites 25OHD3, 25OHD2, 3-epi-25OHD3, and 24,25(OH)2D3. The method was applied to the analysis of 170 human serum samples from community-dwelling men aged over 70 years, categorized by vitamin D supplementation status, to evaluate the proportions of each conjugated and unconjugated fraction.

Results

As a proportion of total circulating vitamin D metabolites, sulfate conjugates (ranging between 18% and 53%) were a higher proportion than glucuronide conjugates (ranging between 2.7% and 11%). The proportion of conjugated 25OHD3 (48 ± 9%) was higher than 25OHD2 conjugates (29.1 ± 10%) across all supplementation groups. Conjugated metabolites correlated with their unconjugated forms for all 4 vitamin D metabolites (r = 0.85 to 0.97).

Conclusion

Sulfated conjugates form a high proportion of circulating vitamin D metabolites, whereas glucuronide conjugates constitute a smaller fraction. Our findings principally in older men highlight the differences in abundance between metabolites and suggest a combination of both conjugated and unconjugated measurements may provide a more accurate assessment of vitamin D status.
Emerging Roles of Epigenetics in the Control of Reproductive Function: Focus on Central Neuroendocrine Mechanisms
Authors: Vazquez Maria Jesus , Daza-Dueñas Silvia , Tena-Sempere Manuel
Published: September 2021

Reproduction is an essential function for perpetuation of the species. As such, it is controlled by sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that allow a perfect match between environmental conditions and internal cues to ensure adequate pubertal maturation and achievement of reproductive capacity. Besides classical genetic regulatory events, mounting evidence has documented that different epigenetic mechanisms operate at different levels of the reproductive axis to finely tune the development and function of this complex neuroendocrine system along the lifespan. In this mini-review, we summarize recent evidence on the role of epigenetics in the control of reproduction, with special focus on the modulation of the central components of this axis. Particular attention will be paid to the epigenetic control of puberty and Kiss1 neurons because major developments have taken place in this domain recently. In addition, the putative role of central epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the influence of nutritional and environmental cues on reproductive function will be discussed.
Characterization of the Testis-specific LINC01016 Gene Reveals Isoform-specific Roles in Controlling Biological Processes
Authors: Ramos Enrique I , Yang Barbara , Vasquez Yasmin M , Lin Ken Y , Choudhari Ramesh , Gadad Shrikanth S
Published: September 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of biological processes. However, the aberrant expression of an isoform from the same lncRNA gene could lead to RNA with altered functions due to changes in their conformations, leading to diseases. Here, we describe a detailed characterization of the gene that encodes long intergenic non–protein-coding RNA 01016 (LINC01016, also known as LncRNA1195) with a focus on its structure, exon usage, and expression in human and macaque tissues. In this study we show that it is among the highly expressed lncRNAs in the testis, exclusively conserved among nonhuman primates, suggesting its recent evolution and is processed into 12 distinct RNAs in testis, cervix, and uterus tissues. Further, we integrate de novo annotation of expressed LINC01016 transcripts and isoform-dependent gene expression analyses to show that human LINC01016 is a multiexon gene, processed through differential exon usage with isoform-specific roles. Furthermore, in cervical, testicular, and uterine cancers, LINC01016 isoforms are differentially expressed, and their expression is predictive of survival in these cancers. This study has revealed an essential aspect of lncRNA biology, rarely associated with coding RNAs, that lncRNA genes are precisely processed to generate isoforms with distinct biological roles in specific tissues.
Cross-State Differences in the Processes Generating Black–White Disparities in Neonatal Mortality
Authors: Sosnaud Benjamin
Published: September 2021

The U.S. Black neonatal mortality rate is more than twice the White rate. This dramatic disparity can be decomposed into two components: (1) disparities due to differences in the distribution of birth weights, and (2) disparities due to differences in birth weight–specific mortality. I utilize this distinction to explore how the social context into which infants are born contributes to gaps in mortality between Black and White neonates. I analyze variation in Black–White differences in neonatal mortality across 33 states using 1995–2010 data. For each state, I calculate the contribution of differences in birth weight distribution versus differences in birth weight–specific mortality to the total disparity in mortality between White and Black neonates. Disparities are largely a product of different birth weight distributions between Black and White newborns (mirroring the pattern for the United States as a whole). However, in at least nine states, differences in birth weight–specific mortality make a notable contribution. This pattern is observed even among those from advantaged sociodemographic backgrounds and is driven by differences in mortality among very low birth weight neonates. This calls attention to inequality in medical care at birth as an importantcontributor to racial disparities in neonatal mortality.
The Economics of Speed: The Electrification of the Streetcar System and the Decline of Mom-and-Pop Stores in Boston, 1885–1905
Authors: You Wei
Published: September 2021

Small firms dominated the American economy in the nineteenth century, and they still dominate in many developing economies today. This paper tests whether geographic market segmentation due to underdeveloped intracity transportation technology precludes the emergence of large retail/wholesale stores. I exploit the natural experiment of Boston’s rapid electrification from its previous horse-drawn streetcar system, which occurred between 1889 and 1896. Analyzing newly digitized data, I find that rail-connected locations experienced a sharp decline in the share of sole proprietorships among food retail/wholesale establishments after the electrification relative to off-rail locations. Changes in market access due to streetcar electrification can explain this effect. (JEL L25, L81, L92, N71, N91, R41)
“Too Young to Die”: Deprivation Measures Combining Poverty and Premature Mortality
Authors: Baland Jean-Marie , Cassan Guilhem , Decerf Benoit
Published: September 2021

Most measures of deprivation concentrate on deprivation among the living population and, thus, ignore premature mortality. This omission leads to a severe bias in the evaluation of deprivation. We propose two different measures that combine information on poverty and premature mortality of a population. These measures are consistent and satisfy a number of desirable properties unmet by all other measures combining early mortality and poverty. Moreover, one measure is readily computable with available data and easily interpretable. We show that omitting premature mortality leads to an underestimation of total deprivation in 2015 of at least 36 percent at the world level. (JEL C43, I12, I32, N33, N34, O15)
Εκπαιδευτικές στρατηγικές σε χαρισματικά παιδιά: Mια συγκριτική μελέτη σε Αυστραλία, Ουγγαρία, Ρωσία και Ελλάδα
Authors: Παππά Μάνια , Αντωνίου Αλέξανδρος-Σταμάτιος
Published: September 2021

Οι ειδικοί επιστήμονες, οι εκπαιδευτικοί και οι γονείς των χαρισματικών παιδιών στην Ελλάδα προβληματίζονται έντονα σχετικά με τις μεθόδους εκπαίδευσης των χαρισματικών μαθητών. Στόχος του παρόντος κεφαλαίου είναι να παρουσιαστούν συγκριτικά οι εκπαιδευτικές στρατηγικές που ακολουθούνται σε Αυστραλία, Ρωσία, Ουγγαρία και Ελλάδα. Με αυτόν τον τρόπο, θα διερευνηθούν τρόποι εκπαίδευσης των χαρισματικών παιδιών σε χώρες με μεγάλη παράδοση στο συγκεκριμένο ζήτημα, με απώτερο σκοπό να εξεταστούν οι προοπτικές ανάπτυξης αυτών των στρατηγικών στην χώρα μας. Η Ουγγαρία ήδη από το 1980 έχει μεριμνήσει για τους χαρισματικούς μαθητές, μέσω του δημόσιου εκπαιδευτικού της συστήματος. Η Ρωσία είναι μια χώρα που πάνω από μισό αιώνα υποστηρίζει προγράμματα ενίσχυσης των χαρισματικών μαθητών, ειδικότερα στις θετικές επιστήμες, ενώ η Αυστραλία είναι πρωτοπόρος χώρα στις εκπαιδευτικές στρατηγικές των χαρισματικών παιδιών. Τέλος, στην Ελλάδα γίνονται διάφορες προσπάθειες τόσο για την αξιολόγηση όσο και για την εκπαίδευση των χαρισματικών παιδιών, οι οποίες όμως είναι ακόμα σε πρώιμο στάδιο και στηρίζονται κατά κύριο λόγο σε ιδιωτικές πρωτοβουλίες.
Επίδραση του Βαθμού Τελειοθηρίας στα Ψυχοσυναισθηματικά και Γνωστικά Χαρακτηριστικά των Παιδιών με Υψηλές Ακαδημαϊκές Επιδόσεις
Authors: Αντωνίου Αλέξανδρος-Σταμάτιος , Ξυπολιτά Ειρήνη
Published: September 2021

Ένας αυξανόμενος αριθμός ερευνητικών ευρημάτων έχει συνδέσει την ύπαρξη τελειοθηρίας σε παιδιά και εφήβους, τόσο με δυσκολίες στη σχολική και κοινωνική προσαρμογή όσο και με συνοδά προβλήματα, συμπεριλαμβανομένων έντονης ψυχικής δυσφορίας και αυξημένων επιπέδων άγχους. Συγκεκριμένα, τα παιδιά με υψηλές ακαδημαϊκές επιδόσεις έχουν την τάση να προσπαθούν έχοντας ως στόχο την τελειότητα και ασκώντας αυστηρή κριτική στους εαυτούς τους με το να αντιλαμβάνονται και το ελάχιστο λάθος τους ως απόδειξη αποτυχίας. Η τελειοθηρία συνήθως αναφέρεται σε δύο βασικές κατηγορίες: την αυτοπροσανατολιζόμενη και την κοινωνικά οριζόμενη τελειοθηρία. Και οι δυο αυτές εκφάνσεις της τελειοθηρίας έχουν επίδραση στην ακαδημαϊκή επίδοση των παιδιών. Όσον αφορά στις συναισθηματικές συνέπειες της τελειοθηρίας έχουν παρατηρηθεί αυξημένα επίπεδα φόβου και μελαγχολίας καθώς και συσχέτιση με άγχος, κατάθλιψη και ψυχοσωματικά συμπτώματα. Ακόμη, τα παιδιά με υψηλά επίπεδα τελειοθηρίας χαρακτηρίζονται από μία συνεχή ανησυχία ως προς τη σχολική τους επίδοση και βαθμολογία αλλά και από έντονο βαθμό ανταγωνιστικότητας έναντι των συμμαθητών τους. Η ανταγωνιστικότητα δε αυτή ενισχύεται από τη σύνδεσή της με έντονη και συστηματική διάθεση αυτοκριτικής ως αποτέλεσμα της εικόνας που τα άτομα αυτά επιθυμούν να εμφανίσουν στους άλλους. Χαρακτηριστικό ερευνητικό εύρημα θεωρείται η υψηλή θετική συσχέτιση μεταξύ τελειοθηρίας, κατάθλιψης και του κοινωνικού άγχους, του βαθμού κοινωνικής υποστήριξης από το περιβάλλον αναφοράς και των στρατηγικών αντιμετώπισης των στρεσογόνων καταστάσεων και επίλυσης των κοινωνικών προβλημάτων.
Comparison of the EQ-5D-5L and the EQ-5D-3L using individual patient data from the REFORM trial
Authors: Corbacho Belen , Keding Ada , Chuang Ling-Hsiang , Ramos-Goni Juan Manuel , Joshi Kalpita , Cockayne Sarah , Torgerson David
Published: September 2021

Background: This study compares the 5-level version of the EQ-5D (5L) with the 3-level version EQ-5D (3L) in older adults using individual patient data from the REFORM (REducing Falls with Orthoses and a Multifaceted podiatry intervention) trial.

Methods: EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L were administered to men and women (n=151) over the age of 65 years alongside the REFORM trial. The two versions of the EQ-5D were assessed in terms of feasibility, level of consistency, ceiling effect and discriminatory power. We also undertook a comparison of the performance of different EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L value sets.

Results: The proportion of participants that returned a complete questionnaire was higher for the 5L (96.7%) than for the 3L (92.7%). Missing values among dimensions were on average 1.59% (5L) and 1.45% (3L). The ceiling effect was reduced from 18.2% (3L) to 6% (5L). On average the proportion of inconsistent responses between both descriptive systems was 3.25%. Redistribution from 3L to 5L showed valid results for the majority of consistent level combinations, with slight inconsistency in the case of Anxiety/Depression. For the 5L, 67 unique health states were observed for the 5L compared to 27 for the 3L. The absolute informatively improved with the new classification system (5.48 for 5L versus 3.91 for 3L) and relative discriminatory power improved slightly on average (0.90 for 5L versus 0.84 for 3L). The mean difference between the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-3L values was 0.091 (range -0.345 to 0.505); whilst the mean difference between the EQ-5D-5L and the crosswalk values was 0.082 (range -0.035 to 0.293).

Conclusion: In the REFORM clinical trial involving an elderly population, our study supported the feasibility and convergent validity of both EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L. Results suggest that the 5L improves the ceiling effect and discriminatory power. The EQ-5D-5L scores were significantly higher than both EQ-5D-3L and crosswalk.
Online food delivery services: cross-sectional study of consumers’ attitude in Malaysia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tan Sin Yin , Lim Su Yin , Yeo Sook Fern
Published: September 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysian consumers were more likely to purchase food online and have it delivered to their doorstep. To stay afloat, many restaurants were pushed to provide online food delivery services (OFDS), and this sector has grown tremendously. However, will the trend persist after the pandemic? This study aims to look into how consumers’ perceptions of OFDS affect their attitude towards them. It investigates the relationship between convenience motivation, perceived ease of use, time-saving orientation and price-saving orientation in terms of future intent to use OFDS.

Method: Primary data was collected from 307 respondents in Malaysia using convenience sampling method through an online survey. Respondents’ demographic background was presented statistically in cross tabulation tables to study the ratio comparison implicitly. Consistent Partial Least Square approach and bootstrapping techniques with 5,000 subsamples was employed, with the aid of SmartPLS.V3 software, to identify the significant factors influencing consumers’ continuance intention after the pandemic.

Result: Perceived ease of use does not contribute significantly to continuance intention as most consumers have prior online purchase experience.  Nevertheless, time-saving orientation has a positive correlation with perceived ease of use due to the simplicity of placing an order with just a click.  It is also found that price-saving orientation is related to convenience motivation, particularly when prices can be compared on the websites or online ordering platforms. Consumers’ intention to continue using OFDS even after the COVID-19 pandemic is positively influenced by all the parameters studied, except for perceived ease of use.

Conclusion: Limited work has been done on the continuance intention to use OFDS beyond the pandemic. This study provides insight for food retailers on how to enhance their business and retain their customers with the support of technology, even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study protocol for the cardiac effects of a single dose of either oxytocin 2.5 IU or carbetocin 100 µg after caesarean delivery: a prospective randomized controlled multi-centre trial in Norway
Authors: Bekkenes Maria , Jørgensen Marte Morin , Flem Jacobsen Anne , Wang Fagerland Morten , Rakstad-Larsen Helene , Solberg Ole Geir , Aaberge Lars , Klingenberg Olav , Steinsvik Trude , Rosseland Leiv Arne
Published: September 2021

Background: Both oxytocin and carbetocin are used to prevent uterine atony and post-partum haemorrhage after caesarean delivery in many countries, including Norway. Oxytocin causes dose-dependent ST-depression, troponin release, prolongation of QT-time and arrythmia, but little is known about myocardial effects of carbetocin. We have previously demonstrated comparable vasodilatory effects of oxytocin and carbetocin and are now undertaking a Phase 4 trial to investigate whether carbetocin causes similar changes to myocardial markers compared with oxytocin.

Methods: Our randomized controlled trial will be conducted at three obstetrics units at Oslo University Hospital and Akershus University Hospital, Norway. Planned enrolment will be of 240 healthy, singleton pregnant women aged 18 to 50 years undergoing planned caesarean delivery. Based on pilot study data, each participant will receive a one-minute intravenous injection of either oxytocin 2.5 IU or carbetocin 100 µg during caesarean delivery. The prespecified primary outcome is the change from baseline in high-sensitive troponin I plasma concentrations at 6–10 hours after study drug administration. Secondary outcomes include uterine tone grade at 2.5 and five minutes after study drug administration, adverse events for up to 48 hours after study drug administration, estimated blood loss within eight hours of delivery, need for rescue treatment and direct/indirect costs. Enrolment and primary analysis are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Discussion: Women undergoing caesarean delivery should be assessed for cardiovascular risk particularly as women with an obstetric history of pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, placental abruption, and stillbirth are at increased risk of future cardiovascular disease. Any additional ischaemic myocardial risk from uterotonic agents will need to be balanced with the benefit of reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Any potential cardiotoxicity difference between oxytocin and carbetocin will help inform treatment decisions for pregnant women.

Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03899961 (02/04/2019).
Efficacy and safety of moxidectin and albendazole compared to ivermectin and albendazole co-administration in adolescents infected with Trichuris trichiura: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Welsche Sophie , Mrimi Emmanuel C. , Keller Ladina , Hürlimann Eveline , Hofmann Daniela , Hattendorf Jan , Ali Said M. , Keiser Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Background: Infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) predominantly affect impoverished populations in tropical environments. The periodic administration of single dose benzimidazoles (i.e., albendazole, mebendazole) to at-risk individuals in endemic regions is at the center of STH control strategies. Given the low efficacy of these drugs against trichuriasis, investigation of drug combinations including moxidectin and ivermectin has recently been initiated, yet the identification of the best treatment option requires more research. We present the protocol for a trial investigating the efficacy and safety of co-administered moxidectin and albendazole compared to co-administered ivermectin and albendazole against Trichuris trichiura.

Methods: We will conduct a randomized controlled trial enrolling 540 T. trichiura-infected adolescents aged 12-19 years on Pemba Island (Tanzania). The trial will be open-label with blinded outcome assessors. The primary objective is to demonstrate non-inferiority of orally co-administered single-dose moxidectin (8 mg)/albendazole (400 mg) compared to orally co-administered single-dose ivermectin (200 µg/kg)/albendazole (400 mg) in terms of egg reduction rates (ERRs) against T. trichiura infections assessed by Kato-Katz at 14-21 days post-treatment. Secondary objectives include the assessment of the drug combinations’ superiority compared to their respective monotherapies, of the cure rates (CRs) against T. trichiura, and the safety and tolerability of all treatments, as well as CRs and ERRs against concomitant STH infections ( Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm). Potential effects of the treatment regimens on follow-up prevalences of STH at 5-6 weeks and 3 months post-treatment and pharmacokinetic/  pharmacodynamic parameters will also be assessed.

Conclusions: Results from this trial will help to inform decision- and policymakers on which anthelminthic combination therapy might improve existing deworming programs and provide a valuable adjunct tool for interrupting STH transmission.

Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT04700423 (07/01/2021)
Towards an integrated automatic design process for robot swarms
Authors: Bozhinoski Darko , Birattari Mauro
Published: September 2021

Background:The specification of missions to be accomplished by a robot swarm has been rarely discussed in the literature: designers do not follow any standardized processes or use any tool to precisely define a mission that must be accomplished.

Methods:In this paper, we introduce a fully integrated design process that starts with the specification of a mission to be accomplished and terminates with the deployment of the robots in the target environment. We introduce Swarm Mission Language (SML), a textual language that allows swarm designers to specify missions. Using model-driven engineering techniques, we define a process that automatically transforms a mission specified in SML into a configuration setup for an optimization-based design method.  Upon completion, the output of the optimization-based design method is an instance of control software that is eventually deployed on real robots.

Results:We demonstrate the fully integrated process we propose on three different missions.

Conclusions:We aim to show that in order to create reliable, maintainable and verifiable robot swarms,  swarm designers need to follow standardised automatic design processes that will facilitate the design of control software in all stages of the development.
Who has a problem with chemsex? Identity as a missing link in support services for men who engage in problematic use of psychoactive substances for sexual purposes.
Authors: Dora Marta , Dobroczyński Bartłomiej
Published: September 2021

Wraz ze zwiększającym się społecznym przyzwoleniem na szukanie pomocy w zakresie zdrowia psychoseksualnego, w gabinetach specjalistycznych można zaobserwować bieżące przemiany społeczno-kulturowe oraz zrodzone z nich zjawiska. Jednym z takich relatywnie nowych fenomenów jest chemsex. To szczególna i stosowana niemal wyłącznie przez mężczyzn forma łączenia ściśle określonych substancji psychoaktywnych z aktywnością seksualną. Ze względu na podwyższone ryzyko zdrowotne, zarówno związane z używanymi środkami jak i częstym brakiem zabezpieczeń w kontaktach seksualnych, chemsex uznawany jest przez międzynarodowe instytucje zdrowia publicznego za problem zdrowotny mężczyzn mających kontakty seksualne z mężczyznami (MSM). Choć wprowadzenie w latach 90-tych kategorii MSM – głównie w kontekście HIV – miało istotne przesłanki epidemiologiczne (ważne w kontekście ryzyka jest zachowanie, a nie identyfikacja), to właśnie pomijanie tożsamości seksualnej może być jednym z brakujących ogniw w intersekcjonalnym rozumieniu i adekwatnym adresowaniu problematycznego chemsexu. Artykuł adresowany jest szczególnie do lekarzy psychiatrów, psychologów, psychoterapeutów, terapeutów uzależnień oraz seksuologów pracujących z tą grupą pacjentów.
Two new species of Omyomymar Schauff (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) from the Indian Himalayan Region with a key to Indian species
Authors: Anwar Prince Tarique , Zeya Shahid Bin , Usman Syeda Uzma
Published: September 2021

Two new species of the genus Omyomymar Schauff (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), Omyomymar sudhiri sp. nov. Anwar & Zeya and Omyomymar supremus sp. nov. Anwar & Zeya are described from the Indian Himalayan regions. An identification key to Indian species is provided. All the previously recorded and described species of the genus are analyzed and discussed.
STOCK PRICES: EFFECT OF BEHAVIORAL BIASES ON INVESTOR’S MINDSET IN GUJARAT STATE, INDIA
Authors: Soni Krunal , Desai Maulik
Published: September 2021

Stock market performances has been observed through a good deal of literature out of which it has been found out that the behavior of investors is affected through many parameters exist in the market like occurrence of any sudden event or influenceof Individual advice apart from the past behavior of the stock which is called rational information regarding stock performances as per the traditional finance theory. The main aim of this paper is to identify the mediating effect among various types of informationavailable in the market for investors to invest their money into the stock market as a part of different behavioral biases in the Gujarat State, India. Three types of constructs have been derived as a part of exploratory research design for this study byapplying exploratory factor analysis (EFA) which are Company History, IPO issues and Location benefit of the company out of the different variable taken for the study. Structural Equation modelling (SEM) techniques have been applied to check the mediatingeffect among these three constructs. The study has been concluded that Company information is an indirect construct, IPO issue is a dependent construct and Location of the company is a mediating construct which is revealing that there is a significant impact of Company information on the IPO issue done by any corporate in the market. IPO issue can also be affected by the Location of the company which has the mediating effect on it.
PERSPECTIVE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON THE INTERACTIONS OF INTERNAL AUDIT WITH MANAGMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE INTERNAL - EXTERNAL AUDIT LINKAGES
Authors: Tiruneh Dawit Tadesse
Published: September 2021

Literatures based on developed countries suggest an interaction of internal audit with management has impact on the internal-external audit linkages and the interactions and linkages have their own contribution toward the realization of good corporate governance. Nevertheless, these interactions have not been sufficiently explored in developing countries such as Ethiopia. This quantitative research examines in the form of explanatory study the interaction of internal audit with management and its impact on the internal- external audit linkages in Ethiopia. By doing so, it explained the causal relationship between variables through hypothesis testing. The research method of this study was a constructed questionnaire, which was sent to companies and to the 100 top management, internal auditors, and external auditors in Ethiopia. As it has been examined, existing findings suggest that organizations can enhance corporate governance’s effectiveness by strengthening the interactions of internal audit with management and in the meantime as the result of this impact by upgrading the internal-external audit linkages. In line with this, the results indicate interactions of internal audit with management depend on the level of the result of internal audits’ effectiveness, as the result, it positively moderates the internal-external audit linkages.
Resources and dynamics of halophytes in agricultural and industrial landscapes of the western part of Kujawy, Central Poland
Authors: Karasińska Wiesława , Nienartowicz Andrzej , Kunz Mieczysław , Kamiński Dariusz , Piernik Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

This article is dedicated to the memoryof tireless researcher of saline vegetation in KujawyProfessor Jadwiga Wilkoń-Michalska (1921–2005)
This paper presents the status and comparison of the halophytic flora on two research plots in the Upper Noteć catchment, distinguished by the intensity of human activity and the type of landscape: 1 – Lake Gopło (G) and 2 – the area located by the Noteć Canal (N) in the western part of the Kujawy region. Fishery on the twelfth largest lake in Poland and agriculture are the main forms of economy in the former plot. A significant part of this plot is a Natura 2000 site, legally protected in compliance with the EU directives. The development of halophytes, mainly facultative ones, in the G plot is conditioned by natural factors, i.e. the inflow of saline groundwater. In the N plot, the agricultural landscape was transformed into the industrial and urbanised landscape following the years of development of two soda factories and the municipal and housing infrastructure of the nearby town of Inowrocław. Strong human impact led to the fact that already several decades ago this plot was classified as one of the most ecologically endangered areas in Poland. The abundance of halophytes in the N plot, including many obligatory ones, is related to the geomorphology of the area and the associated pattern of salt deposit leaching, as well as brine exploitation and soda industry. The species composition and population resources of individual halophyte species at 65 sites on the G plot and 90 sites on the N plot were compared using numerical classification methods. The distribution of the sites and their species richness are presented on the maps of the study area. The results of our analysis were compared with the results of observations made by other authors in the same area at different times. Based on the comparative analysis, we have arrived at conclusions regarding the protection of halophytes and the anticipated effects of technological changes in agriculture, salt and soda industry, as well as spatial management. We believe that the data provided in the tables and the resulting maps will constitute reference points for assessing the effectiveness of undertaken conservation recommendations and the correctness of scenarios formulated by different authors for the development of natural systems in the study area.
¿La comunicabilidad operativa de la persona requiere su comunicabilidad ontológica? Discusión sobre un dogma filosófico de nuestro tiempo
Authors: Roldán Juan Pablo
Published: September 2021

La idea de que una filosofía de la persona substancialista e individualista ha atravesado toda la metafísica occidental y ha constituido un obstáculo para pensar la comunión y la intersubjetividad, se ha convertido en un lugar común del pensamiento contemporáneo. Se problematiza aquí esta perspectiva. Se sugiere que sus distintas formulaciones, muy variadas, obedecieron a un argumento similar, dependiente también de fundamentos teóricos muy cercanos entre sí. Se compara este planteo con el del personalismo ontológico y se evalúan los resultados del intento llamado “postmetafísico” de alcanzar una filosofía de la comunión superando el humanismo. Asimismo, se sugieren algunas influencias de esta problemática en psicoanálisis, filosofía analítica, y fenomenología. Autores variados como Heidegger, Foucault, Vattimo, Esposito, Scheler, Freud, Fromm, Kohut, Lacan, Deleuze, Madell, Stump, Ricoeur y Butler, entre otros, son referidos para ilustrar el debate.
Second-person Perspective in Interdisciplinary Research: A Cognitive Approach for Understanding and Improving the Dynamics of Collaborative Research Teams
Authors: Vanney Claudia E. , Aguinalde Sáenz J. Ignacio
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we argue that to reverse the excess of specialization and to create room for interdisciplinary cross-fertilization, it seems necessary to move the existing epistemic plurality towards a collaborative process of social cognition. In order to achieve this, we propose to extend the psychological notion of joint attention towards what we call joint intellectual attention. This special kind of joint attention involves a shared awareness of sharing the cognitive process of knowledge. We claim that if an interdisciplinary research team aspires to work collaboratively, it is essential for the researchers to jointly focus their attention towards a common object and establish a second-person relatedness among them. We consider some of the intellectual dispositions or virtues fostered by joint intellectual attention that facilitate interdisciplinary exchange, and explore some of the practical consequences of this cognitive approach to interdisciplinarity for education and research.
Divine Universal Causality and the Particular Problem of Hell: A Quiescence Solution
Authors: Wood Adam
Published: September 2021

I call the Particular Problem of Hell (PPH) the problem of explaining why God allows a certain set of created persons to populate hell, as opposed to allowing some other set of created persons to do so. This paper proposes a solution to PPH on behalf of proponents of Divine Universal Causality (DUC) — the view, roughly, that God causes everything distinct from himself to exist at any time it exists. Despite initial appearances, I argue, proponents of DUC can adopt a version of the popular approach to the Problem of Hell sometimes called the Choice Model. My proposal is based upon Eleonore Stump's Thomistically-inspired notion that our wills can enter a state of "quiescence" with respect to a given option. While proponents of DUC will, I argue, most likely find Stump's own quiescence-based solution to PPH unacceptable, there is a way of modifying her approach that renders it compatible with God's causing everything distinct from himself, including the free choices of his creatures.
Political Theology as Theodicy: The Holy Spirit’s Performance in the Economy of Redemption
Authors: Grassi Martin
Published: September 2021

Although Political Theology examined mainly the political dimension of the relationship between God-Father and God-Son, it is paramount to consider the political performance of the Holy Spirit in the Economy of Redemption. The Holy Spirit has been characterized as the binding cause and the principle of relationality both referring to God’s inner life and to God’s relationship with His creatures. As the personalization of relationality, the Holy Spirit performs a unique task: to bring together what is apart by means of organisation. This power of the Spirit to turn a plurality into a unity is manifested in the Latin translation of oikonomía as disposition, that is, giving a special order to the multiple elements within a certain totality. Within this activity of the Spirit, Theodicy can be regarded as the way to depict God’s arrangement of the world and of history, bringing everything together towards the eschatological Kingdom of God. The paper aims at showing this fundamental activity of the Holy Spirit in Christian Theology, and intends to pose the question on how to think on a theology beyond theodicy, that is, how to think on a Trinitarian God beyond the categories of sovereignty and totalization.
Anti-Obesity and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Desalted Salicornia europaea L. Fermented by Bacillus velezensis K26
Authors: Lee Hyunjin , Kim Wooki , Jang Sungho , Seo Myung-Ji
Published: September 2021

Salicornia europaea L. (SE) as a halophyte has been widely used as a seasoned vegetable with various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities. In particular, the desalted SE (DSE) has been considered an attractive alternative compared to SE for its anti-obesity effect. 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ) is one of the known α-glucosidase inhibitors and has been reported to have similar biological activities with SE. This study reports the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory activities of DSE fermented by Bacillus velezensis K26 (BVDSE) previously isolated from Korean fermented soybean paste and elucidated to produce 1-DNJ in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 cells. BVDSE (5%) did not show cytotoxicity in 3T3-L1 cells and inhibited lipid accumulation, which was decreased to 23% in the differentiated cells. BVDSE did not inhibit the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, while it remarkedly inhibited IL-6 on lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the fermentation of DSE with B. velezensis K26 as a 1-DNJ producer has more significant anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects than even non-fermented DSE, assuming the synergistic effects by 1-DNJ production from B. velezensis K26, by which it could be highlighted that BVDSE may be considered for use as a functional food supplement.