bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boundary work at the margins of politics and auditing: rationalising advertising probity in Ontario
Authors: Andon Paul , Free Clinton , Radcliffe Vaughan , Stein Mitchell
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The authors examine how political players attempt to rationalise arguments for and against the expansion of auditing into governmental affairs, and how state audit authorities respond to politically motivated boundary work. This study is motivated by growing evidence of political involvement in attempts to both expand and undermine state audit oversight of government affairs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present an interpreted history (covering relevant events from 1995 to 2016) of political rationales and associated boundary work that led to the expansion of the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario's (OAGO) mandate to audit government advertising campaigns for partisanship as well as attempts to modify this new audit remit over time.

Findings

The authors reveal substantive, formal and practical ways in which political players sought to rationalise/counter-rationalise expanding the OAGO's authority to the unfamiliar territory of advertising probity. The authors show how such justification claims ebb and flow in accordance with changeable political interests, and how state auditors react to the fraught nature of politically motivated boundary work.

Originality/value

The authors conceptualise important forms of rationalising rhetoric (which cannot be reduced to expressions of neoliberal government) that can be mobilised to deem state auditor authority legitimate in overseeing otherwise novel, unfamiliar and controversial government affairs. The authors also reveal a hitherto unrecognised resolve in state auditor responses to political intervention and shed further light on generalised forms of rationale that can underpin boundary work at the margins of accounting.
Information needs and seeking behaviors of Israeli citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Yavetz Gal , Aharony Noa , Sofer Yaen Yaacov
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the information needs and information seeking behaviors of Israeli citizens during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2020, with an emphasis on the dissemination of digital information by government agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach underlying this investigation is of the “case study” type, employing semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with 24 Israeli citizens regarding their perceptions and experiences with government information and government services during the first months of the coronavirus.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that most participants indicated feelings of media fatigue as a result of increased exposure to news media and social media, to the point of experiencing information overload. Second, participants described feeling a lack of clear information and poor access to accurate health and official information at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis in Israel. Third, participants in the authors’ study noted that most of the information to which they were exposed about the virus came to them through communal connections such as friends and family, via social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp. In general, the participants expressed satisfaction with the quality and availability of the data and extensive information of government ministries on social networks, together with a lack of satisfaction due to difficulties in usage and a lack of clear information on traditional government websites.

Originality/value

The findings present the information acquisition and the experience of citizens in situations of national emergencies and crises, in a new light, through a focus on the dissemination of government, health and news information.
Effect of high-pressure processing enzymatic hydrolysates of soy protein isolate on the quality characteristics and oxidation stability of emulsion sausage
Authors: Guan Haining , Feng Chunmei , Xu Xiaojun , Sun Weiting , Han Jianchun , Liu Dengyong , Diao Xiaoqin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of soy protein isolate hydrolysates (SPIH) obtained using 4 h hydrolysis under 200 MPa on proximate composition, cooking loss, textural properties, color, water distribution, microstructure, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value and carbonyl and sulfhydryl contents of emulsion sausages.

Design/methodology/approach

Sausages with SPIHs at four concentrations (0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0%) were prepared, and the sausage with 0.01% butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was used as a positive control. Some sausages were selected for the analyses of quality characteristics and microcosmic properties. Other sausages were stored under 4 °C for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days to investigate the oxidative stability.

Findings

The addition of SPIHs at various levels (0–3.0%) or 0.01% BHA did not affect the proximate composition (protein, fat and ash) of emulsion sausages. The addition of 2.0% SPIH decreased cooking loss and increased moisture content, hardness, springiness, chewiness, resilience and L* value, compared to the sausages without SPIH and with 0.01% BHA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance results suggested that sausages with 2.0% SPIH had the shortest T2 relaxation time. In addition, 2.0% SPIH and 0.01% BHA could inhibit the oxidation of emulsion sausages when compared with the sample without SPIH (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no differences between sausages with 2.0% SPIH and 0.01% BHA (p > 0.05).

Originality/value

These findings confirmed that the 2.0% SPIH obtained under 200 MPa can be used as a natural additive to improve quality properties and antioxidant potential of emulsion sausages during storage.
Artificial intelligence as an enabler for entrepreneurs: a systematic literature review and an agenda for future research
Authors: Giuggioli Guglielmo , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo
Published: March 2022

Purpose

While the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence (AI) has been receiving growing consensus with regards to its positive influence on entrepreneurship, there is a clear lack of systematization in academic literature pertaining to this correlation. The current research seeks to explore the impact of AI on entrepreneurship as an enabler for entrepreneurs, taking into account the crucial application of AI within all Industry 4.0 technological paradigms, such as smart factory, the Internet of things (IoT), augmented reality (AR) and blockchain.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was used to analyze all relevant studies forging connections between AI and entrepreneurship. The cluster interpretation follows a structure that we called the “AI-enabled entrepreneurial process.”

Findings

This study proves that AI has profound implications when it comes to entrepreneurship and, in particular, positively impacts entrepreneurs in four ways: through opportunity, decision-making, performance, and education and research.

Practical implications

The framework's practical value is linked to its applications for researchers, entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs (as well as those acting entrepreneurially within established organizations) who want to unleash the power of AI in an entrepreneurial setting.

Originality/value

This research offers a model through which to interpret the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, systematizing disconnected studies on the topic and arranging contributions into paradigms of entrepreneurial and managerial literature.
An analysis of research published in the International Journal of Managing Projects in Business from 2008 to 2019
Authors: Ayat Muhammad , Malikah  , Ullah Azmat , Kang Changwook
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examines scholarly communications in the International Journal of Managing Projects in Business (IJMPB) and identifies the journal's leading trends from 2008 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed a sample of 522 articles published in the IJMPB since its inception in 2008 until 2019. A set of bibliometric measures was used in the study to identify publication trends, citation structures, leading authors, institutions and countries. Additionally, analysis of research methodologies, industrial sectors and research themes of the articles was carried out through a rigorous content analysis. To examine the changes in journal expansion over time, the duration of publications (from 2008 to 2019) was divided into three subperiods.

Findings

The study findings show that 793 authors from 370 institutions and 58 countries contributed to the journal during this period. In terms of contributions, Australia and the Scandinavian countries are at the top, while Asian and African countries occupy a lower position. Moreover, among authors, Derek H.T. Walker was found to be the most prolific, with the highest weighting score and number of articles. Similarly, RMIT University of Australia emerged as the most productive institution. The articles were predominantly case studies followed by mixed methods (i.e. both surveys and interviews are used for data collection). Most of the articles in the sample were related to project management in general. However, several articles reported on construction, information technology (IT) and manufacturing projects.

Practical implications

This study is useful for the researcher community to understand the journal's scientific productivity. Further, it will also help identify dominant topics in the field of project management.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive review article presenting a general overview of the journal's leading trends and researchers since its inception in 2008.
When fashion meets crowdfunding: exploring sustainable and innovative features of online campaigns
Authors: Dalla Chiesa Carolina , Pavlova Alina , Lavanga Mariangela , Pysana Nadiya
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper analyses the factors that make fashion-product crowdfunding campaigns successful. The authors argue that crowdfunding is an innovative and functional way of bringing new fashion items to the market. The purpose of this paper is to answer the question whether product innovation, lifecycle and sustainability have a positive effect on the success of fashion crowdfunding campaigns. The findings highlight that the success of the fashion crowdfunding campaigns depends on creators' adherence to the values of the platform which they use to raise capital.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 300 fashion crowdfunding projects running between the 17th of October and the 15th of December 2017 were collected from Kickstarter – the world's largest crowdfunding platform based on reward-based all-or-nothing model. Two-step binomial logistic regression was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The model predicted a significant increase in the odds of success for the fashion items crowdfunded during the first-time production, and innovative and environmentally sustainable products with a higher price range of rewards. In line with previous literature, regression analyses predicted a significant effect of the control variables of goal amount (negative) and the number of rewards (positive). Contrary to previous studies, neither the presence of a video nor the campaign length predicted success.

Originality/value

The novel findings of this study contribute to the literature by providing an analysis of success factors of fashion items on crowdfunding platforms. The results show that innovative, environmentally sustainable and higher-priced products produced by early-stage ventures are better welcomed by the audiences.
Blockchain and the transformation of customer co-creation
Authors: Erevelles Sunil , Bordia Kriti , Whelan Brian , Canter Julia R. , Guimont-Blackburn Elise
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The blockchain represents a seminal paradigm shift, likely to radically transform business in the future. While the paradigm associated with the World Wide Web and Big Data is focused on the “sharing of information,” the paradigm associated with blockchain is focused on the “sharing of assets.” Intellectual assets are among the most valuable of assets, and customer co-creation is a key approach for creating new value for firms. This paper aims to draw on blockchain-centric logic to develop an initial theoretical framework, with managerial recommendations, for the use of blockchain in customer co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon established indigenous theory development and inductive realist approaches, the authors develop an original two-step methodology to create the initial theoretical framework. This methodology, involving foundational premises and propositions, is ideal for relatively new areas of research and is well suited to serve as a relatively faster catalyst for future research.

Findings

Despite the substantial potential impact of blockchain in innovation, no theoretical foundation for blockchain in customer co-creation exists. To fill this gap, the authors present an initial theoretical framework, using blockchain-centric logic in customer co-creation. The proposed theoretical framework highlights how key prerequisites in customer co-creation, including trust, security, transparency, identity and immutability, can be enhanced with blockchain-centric logic.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the initial theoretical framework, based on blockchain-centric logic, can contribute to future academic research on blockchain in customer co-creation and help practitioners better exploit the blockchain in co-creation. Directions for future research, the larger agenda for this paper, are presented in the conclusion.
The implementation of Lean Six Sigma framework in the Indian context: a review and suggestions for future research
Authors: Citybabu G. , Yamini S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to gain insights about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the Indian context by reviewing the related literature for one decade based on various perspectives, such as author profile, year of publication, type of firm, type of methodology used, type of industry for which the research work is carried out and the key findings from the research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews the research related to LSS from the articles published in the reputed journals. The literature used for reviewing is derived from the sources, including Science direct, Google scholar, IEEE, Taylor and Francis Group, Emerald Insight, Springer, Inderscience and Elsevier during the period between 2010 and 2021. Totally, the authors have included 141 LSS-related research articles that are published in the Indian context. The keywords used are Lean Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma in the Indian context, Lean Sigma and LSS to identify and consolidate the research papers published during this timeframe.

Findings

The research papers collected from various reputed journals, including Scopus and non- Scopus enlisted, are classified and grouped under various categories to identify the class of author who publishes more in this field, research trend over the years, the type of firm which implements LSS, the research methodology which is commonly used in LSS and related research and also the key takeaway from these articles are highlighted. Further, the authors have also identified the major contributions of researchers in various sectors during this period in India.

Originality/value

This classification framework and the systematic review help in identifying the research gap and in giving directions for future researchers. It will be useful for researchers and practitioners working on the area of LSS, rural and urban entrepreneurs, start-up managers, professionals working in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and executives of the Make in India Project to make India as Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Further, the clear direction of progress over the current decade in manufacturing industries, service sectors and processing industries can help the professionals working in these sectors.
Anaerobic single‐cell dispensing facilitates the cultivation of human gut bacteria
Authors: Afrizal Afrizal , Hitch Thomas C. A. , Viehof Alina , Treichel Nicole , Riedel Thomas , Abt Birte , Buhl Eva M. , Kohlheyer Dietrich , Overmann Jörg , Clavel Thomas
Published: March 2022

Cultivation via classical agar plate (CAP) approaches is widely used to study microbial communities, but they are time‐consuming. An alternative approach is the application of single‐cell dispensing (SCD), which allows high‐throughput, label‐free sorting of microscopic particles. We aimed to develop a new anaerobic SCD workflow to cultivate human gut bacteria and compared it with CAP using faecal communities on three rich culture media. We found that the SCD approach significantly decreased the experimental time to obtain pure cultures from 17 ± 4 to 5 ± 0 days, while the isolate diversity and relative abundance coverage were comparable for both approaches. We further tested the total captured fraction by sequencing the sorted bacteria directly after growth as bulk biomass from 2400 dispensed single cells without downstream identification of individual strains. In this approach, the cultured fraction increased from 35.2% to 52.2% for SCD, highlighting the potential for deeper cultivation projects from single samples. SCD‐based cultivation also captured species not detected by sequencing (16 ± 5 per sample, including seven novel taxa). From this work, 82 human gut bacterial species across five phyla (Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria) and 24 families were obtained, including the first cultured member of 11 novel genera and 10 novel species that were fully characterized taxonomically.
Impact of a statewide Emergency Department Information Exchange on health care use and expenditures
Authors: Sabbatini Amber K. , McConnell K. John , Parrish Canada , Frogner Bianca K. , Reddy Ashok , Zatzick Douglas F. , Kreuter William , Basu Anirban
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess the effects of a program mandating the statewide adoption of an Emergency Department Information Exchange (EDIE) on health care utilization and spending among Medicaid enrollees in Washington state.

Data Source

Medicaid claims and managed care encounters from the Washington Health Care Authority.

Study Design

A difference‐in‐differences analysis with trends was used to compare changes in ED visits, inpatient admissions, primary care visits, and expenditures among frequent ED users (≥5 ED visits in past year) to those of infrequent users through the second year Washington's program.

Data Extraction

The study population included adult Medicaid enrollees with ED visits between January 2010 and October 2014.

Principal Findings

There were 505,667 ED visits among 153,543 unique enrollees included in the analysis. Washington's program was associated with a small, but statistically significant differential change of −0.70 ED visits per enrollee per year (95% CI: −1.24, −0.16) in the first year after EDIE was mandated, or 8.2% of the baseline ED visit rate among frequent users. However, by the second year of implementation, these effects on ED use were no longer significant, nor were there any measurable effects on inpatient admissions, primary care use, or expenditures in any period.

Conclusions

Statewide implementation of EDIE was associated with a small reduction in ED use among frequent users in the first year of the program but did not change overall spending or other utilization outcomes.
Iodine from brown algae in human nutrition, with an emphasis on bioaccessibility, bioavailability, chemistry, and effects of processing: A systematic review
Authors: Blikra Marthe Jordbrekk , Henjum Sigrun , Aakre Inger
Published: March 2022

Brown algae are becoming increasingly popular as a food source and dietary supplement in Europe and other Western countries. As they are highly rich in iodine, they represent a potential new dietary iodine source. Iodine deficiency has been re‐emerging in Europe, and it is important to ensure adequate intake through one's diet. However, macroalgae, and especially brown algae, may contain very high amounts of iodine, and both iodine deficiency and excessive iodine may increase the risk of negative health effects. The iodine content of algae or foods containing algae is currently not regulated in the European Union. The aim of this paper is to review the literature to determine the chemical species of iodine in brown algae, the loss of iodine during processing, and the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of iodine. A systematic search of the literature was performed in April 2021, via the databases Web of Science and PubMed. The review includes studies of iodine in brown macroalgae in relation to bioavailability, bioaccessibility, processing and speciation. A meta‐analysis was conducted in relation to the following topics: (i) the correlation between total iodine and iodide (I–) content in brown algae; (ii) the correlation between the loss of iodine during processing and the I– content; and (iii) the correlation between bioavailability and the I– content. The bioavailability of iodine from brown algae was generally high, with in vivo bioavailability ranging from 31% to 90%. The in vitro bioavailability of iodine (2%–28%) was systematically lower than in vivo bioavailability (31%–90%), indicating an inadequate in vitro methodology. Processing may reduce the iodine content of brown algae, and a higher I– content was positively correlated with increased iodine loss during processing. Although processing strategies may reduce the iodine content of brown algae significantly, the iodine content may still be high after processing. These findings may be used in food safety evaluations of brown algae as well as in the development of macroalgae‐containing foods with iodine contents suitable for human consumption. Further research on processing techniques to reduce the iodine content in brown macroalgae are warranted.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Pseudomonas fluorescens and their antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium udum
Authors: Sodimalla Triveni , Yalavarthi Nagaraju
Published: March 2022

Emerging plant diseases have posed a significant danger to global economies in recent years. Fungicide resistance and climate change are the two primary sources of pathogen outbreaks. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been demonstrated to restrain pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses with minimal risk of developing resistance and phytotoxicity. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles via chemical and physical methods raises concerns about environmental safety and production costs. The microbial bio‐fabrication of silver nanoparticles is simple, cost‐effective and ready‐to‐use technology. We used Pseudomonas fluorescens cell filtrates to synthesise silver nanoparticles in the current investigation. The silver nanoparticles were characterised using Dynamic Light Scattering, zeta potential (ζ), UV‐Vis spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both silver nanoparticles and AgNO3 were tested for their ability to inhibit two phytopathogenic fungi, that is, Fusarium udum and Aspergillus niger. Potent inhibition of mycelial growth was observed when silver nanoparticles were used at a concentration of 150 ppm. However, further research is needed to assess the toxicity of AgNPs before they are mass‐produced and used in agricultural applications.
Long‐term impact of implant‐supported oral rehabilitation on quality of life: a 5 years prospective study
Authors: Coltro MPL , Villarinho EA , Ozkomur A , Shinkai RS
Published: March 2022

Background

This study analysed the impact of oral rehabilitation with implant‐supported fixed complete dentures (IFCDs) on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its relationship with self‐esteem and gratitude.

Methods

66 patients were interviewed to collect data on OHRQoL (OHIP‐14), gratitude and self‐esteem, after denture delivery. OHIP‐14 scores were analysed over time and contrasted between groups with IFCD complication or not.

Results

OHIP‐14 changed from 22.1 ± 13.8 at baseline to 1.8 ± 2.3 after rehabilitation. Gratitude and self‐esteem mean scores were 38.6 ± 3.0 and 36.9 ± 3.8, respectively. OHIP‐14 was statistically different from baseline (22.1 ± 13.8) and 1, 3 and 5 years after rehabilitation (2.3 ± 3.7, 1.9 ± 3.1 and 1.8 ± 2.3). No difference was found between the follow‐up times and among OHIP‐14 domains. Thirteen out of 66 patients (19.7%) had repairable prosthetic complications, but OHIP‐14 did not differ between patients with or without complications. Gratitude and self‐esteem showed a moderate association (rs = 0.36; P = 0.003), but no association with OHIP‐14.

Conclusions

IFCD treatment has a long‐term positive impact on patient's OHRQoL, even among patients who had prosthetic complications. The long‐term stability in improved OHRQoL is not associated with self‐esteem and gratitude. © 2022 Australian Dental Association
Psychosocial modification of general self‐efficacy in older adults: A restricted review
Authors: FitzGerald Jarrah , Wells Yvonne D. , Ellis Julie M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

In recent years, the concept of general self‐efficacy has increased in popularity. General self‐efficacy is positively associated with quality of life and has the potential to act as a psychological buffer against adverse events and circumstances. However, due to the long‐term influences that are said to shape general self‐efficacy beliefs, they may be resistant to intervention, particularly within the older population. This restricted review aimed to explore whether psychosocial interventions could improve the general self‐efficacy of older adults. Aspects of intervention design associated with improvements were also investigated.

Methods

A restricted review was undertaken. This included a keyword search of four major health databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and AgeLine). Search terms focused on general self‐efficacy and the commonly used measures of this concept and were limited to the older adult population.

Results

In total, 848 articles were screened, with 20 studies proceeding to data extraction. The modification of general self‐efficacy in older adults appears possible, with 7 out of the 20 included studies reporting improvements postintervention. Despite issues relating to the quality of included studies and the generalisability of their results, several aspects of intervention design coincided with intervention success, including intervention duration, and employing sufficiently‐qualified staff.

Conclusions

Future research must address the generalisability issues identified in this review. Studies comparing the effectiveness of individual‐ and group‐based interventions, the efficacy of remote delivery platforms and the possibility for long‐term transfer of any improvements are needed to contribute the high‐quality data required for policy and practice decisions in this area.
Daily surveillance of falls is feasible and reveals a high incidence of falls among older adults
Authors: Antcliff Susan R. , Witchalls Jeremy B. , Wallwork Sarah B. , Welvaert Marijke , Waddington Gordon S.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To ensure accurate data capture for a fall study through a system of daily contact with participants.

Methods

Fifty‐eight adults older than 60 years of age and living independently in the community in Canberra, Australia, were recruited for a prospective fall study. We adopted a system of daily contact with study participants for at least 12 months, either by email or by text, asking whether they had suffered a fall in the previous 24 h. At the final testing session, we asked participants whether they had experienced a fall during the previous twelve months.

Results

We found no evidence that the daily reporting regime led to excess participant attrition. Only three participants withdrew over the course of the study, and the burden of responding was not cited as a factor in any of these cases. Of the 55 participants who completed the full twelve‐month study period, 38 (69%) experienced at least one fall. We also identified inconsistencies between recall of falls occurring during the last twelve months of the study and the contemporaneously recorded data.

Conclusions

Previous studies have found that increasing the reporting demands on fall study participants will lead to higher attrition. This study demonstrates that it is possible to maintain participant engagement and minimise attrition with appropriate design of reporting procedures. We confirm existing evidence regarding the unreliability of retrospective recall of falls. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive and accurate data capture and points to the possibility of under‐reporting of fall incidence.
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nicotine, and associations with sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Axelsson Jonatan , Lindh Christian H. , Giwercman Aleksander
Published: March 2022

Background

Tobacco smoking has been reported to cause DNA fragmentation and has been suggested to cause mutations in spermatozoa. These effects have been ascribed to the action of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in the smoke. Simultaneously, DNA fragmentation has been associated with mutagenesis.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of urinary biomarkers of PAH and nicotine exposure were associated with sperm DNA fragmentation.

Methods

In the urine of 381 men recruited from two cohorts of young men (17–21 years old) from the general Swedish population, the PAH metabolites 1‐hydroxypyrene and 2‐hydroxyphenanthrene, as well as the nicotine metabolite cotinine, were measured. The sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was analysed using the sperm chromatin structure assay. Associations between the DFI, and PAH metabolite levels as continuous variables as well as in quartiles, were studied by general linear models adjusted for abstinence time. A similar analysis was carried out for cotinine levels, according to which the men were categorised as “non‐smoking” (n = 216) and “smoking” (n = 165).

Results

No association was found between levels of any of the three biomarkers and DFI, either as a continuous variable (p = 0.87–0.99), or when comparing the lowest and the highest quartiles (p = 0.11–0.61). The same was true for comparison of men categorised as non‐smoking or smoking (DFI 11.1% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.31).

Discussion

We found no evidence of PAH or nicotine exposure to be associated with DFI, which does not exclude that these exposures may have other effects on sperm DNA.

Conclusion

In these young men, levels of biomarkers of nicotine and PAH exposure were not associated with DFI.
Dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate erectile function in a rat model of nonorganic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Chen Guotao , Yu Deshui , Wu Yunhong , Dong Jian , Hu Lei , Feng Ninghan
Published: March 2022

Background

The central molecular mechanisms of nonorganic erectile dysfunction remains unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens of male rats with nonorganic erectile dysfunction.

Materials/methods

Nonorganic erectile dysfunction was induced by chronic mild stress. The sucrose consumption test, sexual behavior test, and apomorphine test were carried out to select depression‐like rats with erectile dysfunction. These rats were considered as nonorganic erectile dysfunction model rats. Dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist/antagonist was infused into the nucleus accumbens to observe the effect on sexual behavior. Dopaminergic projections to the nucleus accumbens were labeled with both the retrograde tracer FluoroGold injected into the nucleus accumbens and tyrosine hydroxylase. The expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase in dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens in the ventral tegmental area was measured. The expression levels of dopamine D1/D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens were also measured.

Results

Nonorganic erectile dysfunction was proved by the sucrose consumption test, sexual behavior test, and apomorphine test in model rats. After central infusion of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist into the nucleus accumbens, the recovery of erectile function, sexual arousal, and motivation were indicated by increased intromission ratio and decreased mount latency. Decreased expression levels of dopamine D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens and decreased expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase in the dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens were observed in model rats.

Discussion

These results suggest the impairment of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens and dopamine D2 signaling in the nucleus accumbens, causing the suppression of erectile function, sexual arousal, and motivation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the impaired dopamine D2 receptor pathway in the nucleus accumbens may be one of the main pathway involved in the development of nonorganic erectile dysfunction in the present model.
Outcome of subsequent pregnancies in women with complete uterine rupture: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Thisted Dorthe Louise Ahrenkiel , Rasmussen Steen Christian , Krebs Lone
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In the attempt of a trial of labor after a cesarean section approximately one in 200 women experience a complete uterine rupture. As a complete uterine rupture is associated with an adverse perinatal outcome, data regarding subsequent pregnancies are needed to provide proper care and guidance to women with a complete uterine rupture when informing them of future possibilities. The objective of this study was to investigate the fetal and maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies after a complete uterine rupture.

Material and Methods

Retrospective population‐based case–control study. Denmark 1997–2017. A total of 175 women with complete uterine rupture during an attempted trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) at term (cases) and a corresponding group of 272 women with no uterine rupture during an attempted TOLAC at term (controls) were labeled as index deliveries. Index deliveries were included from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2008. From the date of the index delivery to December 31, 2017 the information on subsequent pregnancies and deliveries, and on referral to hospital with any obstetric or gynecological diagnosis were retrieved from the Danish Medical Birth Registry and National Patient Registry. Main outcome measures were miscarriage, perinatal death, neonatal morbidity, preterm birth, and recurrence of uterine rupture. Outcome measures were compared between cases and controls.

Results

After the index deliveries; there were 109 pregnancies and 70 deliveries after gestational age 22+0 weeks in the population of cases. In the population of controls, there were 183 pregnancies and 126 deliveries after 22+0 weeks. Cases had a significantly higher risk of miscarriage (odds ratio [OR] 3.99; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–13.17). The incidence of uterine rupture was 8.6% among cases and 0.8% among controls (OR 11.7; 95% CI 1.36–543.1). Among cases, 98.6% had live‐born infants, and none of these had severe neonatal morbidity. No significant association was found between previous complete uterine rupture and preterm delivery, placenta previa, hysterectomy in relation to subsequent births, diagnosis such as meno/metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, or procedures such as hysteroscopy or hysterectomy.

Conclusions

In pregnancies following complete uterine rupture continuing after 22+0 weeks, maternal and fetal outcomes are good when managed promptly with cesarean delivery.
Changes in ocular blood flow and retinal oxygen metabolism during immunosuppressive therapy for initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , AlBloushi Abdulrahman F. , Gikandi Priscilla W. , Alzubaidi Abdullah , Stefánsson Einar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between visual acuity, blood flow velocity in the choroid and optic nerve head (ONH) and oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal vessels during immunosuppressive therapy in patients with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease.

Methods

In this prospective study, 20 patients were studied. Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and retinal oximetry measurements were performed at baseline and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment.

Results

After immunosuppressive therapy, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly at each post‐treatment time‐point compared with baseline value. Mean blur rate (MBR), representing blood flow velocity, in the choroid and ONH (overall and vessel areas) significantly increased. On the contrary, oxygen saturation of retinal arterioles and venules and calibre of retinal venules significantly decreased. There were significant negative correlations between ONH MBR vessel and arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference at baseline and at 4 weeks after treatment and between MBR tissue of the ONH and arteriovenous oxygen saturation difference at week 12 after treatment.

Conclusions

Immunosuppressive therapy in patients with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease is associated with improved blood flow velocity in choroid and ONH and normalization of retinal oxygen metabolism and calibre of retinal venules. These correspond with improved visual acuity. These findings help explain the pathophysiology of VKH disease and its treatment and may provide biomarkers for choroiditis activity and response to treatment.
Mast cells in goldfish (Carassius auratus) gut: Immunohistochemical characterization
Authors: Alesci Alessio , Pergolizzi Simona , Fumia Angelo , Calabrò Concetta , Lo Cascio Patrizia , Lauriano Eugenia Rita
Published: March 2022

The common goldfish is the most widespread teleosts in the world. Due to its peculiar characteristics, such as the high resistance, easy availability and stabulation, and for its evolutionary characteristics, this fish lends itself to be one of the most used experimental models. This study aimed to characterize the mast cells in the intestine of Carassius auratus using anti‐TLR‐2, anti‐S100, anti‐VIP, anti‐serotonin (5‐HT) and anti‐Piscidin antibodies. The intestine of goldfish, like that of all vertebrates, plays an important role in the immunology of the animal. The gut‐associated lymphoid tissue GALT is an immune component containing several specific cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages and mast cells. In addition, the presence of goblet cells in the intestinal epithelium strengthens the defence system, secreting many cytokines and chemokines and displaying antibacterial properties. Our results show mast cells labelled with antibodies that are highly conserved between fish and mammals, demonstrating an active role of these cells in the immune response.
A Time-Heterogeneous D-Vine Copula Model for Unbalanced and Unequally Spaced Longitudinal Data
Authors: Hoque Md Erfanul , Acar Elif F. , Torabi Mahmoud
Published: March 2022

In many longitudinal studies, the number and timing of measurements differ across study subjects. Statistical analysis of such data requires accounting for both the unbalanced study design and the unequal spacing of repeated measurements. This paper proposes a time-heterogeneous D-vine copula model that allows for time adjustment in the dependence structure of unequally spaced and potentially unbalanced longitudinal data. The proposed approach not only offers flexibility over its time-homogeneous counterparts but also allows for parsimonious model specifications at the tree or vine level for a given D-vine structure. It further provides a robust strategy to specify the joint distribution of non-Gaussian longitudinal data. The performance of the time-heterogeneous D-vine copula models are evaluated through simulation studies and by a real data application. Our findings suggest improved predictive performance of the proposed approach over the linear mixed-effects model and time-homogeneous D-vine copula model.
Mother Nature and Father Time: Oedipal Imbalance and the Premature Structuring of Reality in Compulsive Sexual Behaviour
Authors: Blumenthal Stephen
Published: March 2022

The author proposes that particular oedipal dynamics in individuals suffering with compulsive sexual behaviours tend to be characterized by imbalance between maternal and paternal functions. The maternal object is experienced as overwhelming and potentially annihilating. The paternal object is relatively weak and incapable of moderating fear of symbiosis. There is failure to develop a triangular space within the mind to enable the capacity to apprehend psychic reality and to relate. Compulsive sexual behaviours are defined as a series of compelling sexualized enactments, which function as a ‘curative device’ to prevent psychic collapse. Due to a lack of adequate internalized paternal function, perverse enactments signify premature attempts to structure reality. Enactment mitigates emotional contact and manifests within the here‐and‐now of treatment. The psychotherapist has to contend with enticements and pressures to act, sometimes in a retaliatory way. The setting or frame, representing the paternal function, is an arena for these dynamics to be manifest. There is an inducement to be drawn towards ‘management’ rather than the ‘being with’ of the maternal function.
US Fiscal policy during and after the coronavirus
Authors: Gomme Paul
Published: March 2022

COVID‐related government outlays will increase the level of government debt. A macroeconomic model, calibrated to the US, quantitatively assesses potential responses to this higher debt. In terms of economic welfare, reducing debt through capital incomes tax hikes is the least desirable option considered: the associated tax base is small, and anticipating such a tax increase reduces capital accumulation. There is little to choose between fiscal austerity through government spending cuts versus raising labour income tax rates. Accommodating higher government debt is welfare‐improving but still requires substantial fiscal austerity owing to higher debt servicing costs.
Dysphagia screening and pneumonia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: Findings from the Chinese stroke center alliance
Authors: Wu Mei‐Ru , Chen Yi‐Tong , Li Zi‐Xiao , Gu Hong‐Qiu , Yang Kai‐Xuan , Xiong Yun‐Yun , Wang Yong‐Jun , Wang Chun‐Juan
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

Dysphagia is common and is associated with aspiration pneumonia. However, little is known about the prevalence of and factors influencing dysphagia screening (DS) and pneumonia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

We used data on SAH patients admitted to 1476 hospitals from the China Stroke Center Alliance (CSCA) from August 2015 to July 2019 to analyze the rates of DS and pneumonia. We then conducted univariate and multivariable analyses to examine the relationship between DS and pneumonia.

Results

Among 4877 SAH patients who were eligible for DS and had complete data on pneumonia status, 3527 (72.3%) underwent DS, and 1006 (20.6%) developed pneumonia. Compared with patients without pneumonia, patients with pneumonia were older (mean: 63.4 vs. 57.8 years of age), had lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores at admission (mean: 13.5 vs. 14.3), were more likely to have dysphagia (15.2% vs. 3.3%), and were more likely to have undergone aneurysm isolation (19.1% vs. 10.0%). In multivariable analyses, factors independently associated with a higher risk of pneumonia were dysphagia [odds ratio (OR), 3.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.85–4.98], age (OR, 1.50 per 10‐year increase; 95% CI, 1.40–1.60), male sex (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.02–1.49), arrival at the hospital by emergency medical services (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16–1.58), nimodipine treatment (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.11–1.81), endovascular embolization of aneurysms (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.03–1.47), cerebral ventricular shunt placement (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.41–3.54), and treatment at a higher grade hospital (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.21–1.71).

Conclusion

More than a quarter of patients with SAH did not have documented DS, while one‐fifth developed pneumonia. DS performance was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia. Randomized controlled trials may be needed to determine the effectiveness of DS.
Living with wolves: Lessons learned from Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Alambeigi Amir , López‐Bao José Vicente , Taghavi Lobat , Kaboli Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Given the complex and dynamic interrelationships of the underlying factors contributing to conflicts associated with wolf presence and persistence in human‐dominated landscapes, it is often difficult to clearly identify the ultimate causes of these conflicts. In this study, a system dynamics modeling approach was adopted to simulate human–wolf conflicts in an area with the greatest number of recently fatal wolf attacks on humans in Iran. Data used to build the model were obtained from questionnaire surveys and satellite tracking of wolves. We simulated changes in ecological and social factors that may influence conflicts under different assumptions. Our findings indicate that, in this context, the proximity of wolves to human settlements is one of the determining factors leading to increased wolf attacks on humans and livestock. When the distance between wolf territories and human settlements increases, the likelihood of both wolf incidents and retaliatory killings are expected to decrease. Effective communication of information regarding wolves across local communities is expected to result in a positive shift in attitudes toward the species, as well as a decrease in fear, which in turn will affect the rate of conflicts. Improper disposal of carcasses of domestic animals by the locals, dumping of waste in open dumpsites close to villages, and leaving children unattended on agricultural fields are expected to increase the recurrence of conflicts. We strongly urge Hamadan provincial office of environment and nongovernmental organizations to initiate communication programs to raise awareness on the human–wolf conflict and its mitigation. This includes how to properly handle livestock carcasses at safe distances from human settlements. Furthermore, design and construction of sanitary landfills in the vicinity of each village, as well as providing education on how to properly use these sites could help reduce risky conflicts.