bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific length and structure rather than high thermodynamic stability enable regulatory mRNA stem-loops to pause translation
Authors: Bao Chen , Zhu Mingyi , Nykonchuk Inna , Wakabayashi Hironao , Mathews David H. , Ermolenko Dmitri N.
Published: August 2021

Translating ribosomes unwind mRNA secondary structures by three basepairs each elongation cycle. Despite the ribosome helicase, certain mRNA stem-loops stimulate programmed ribosomal frameshift by inhibiting translation elongation. Here, using mutagenesis, biochemical and single-molecule experiments, we examine whether high stability of three basepairs, which are unwound by the translating ribosome, is critical for inducing ribosome pauses. We find that encountering frameshift-inducing mRNA stem-loops from the E. coli dnaX mRNA and the gag-pol transcript of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) hinders A-site tRNA binding and slows down ribosome translocation by 15-20 folds. By contrast, unwinding of first three basepairs adjacent to the mRNA entry channel slows down the translating ribosome by only 2-3 folds. Rather than high thermodynamic stability, specific length and structure enable regulatory mRNA stem-loops to stall translation by forming inhibitory interactions with the ribosome. Our data provide the basis for rationalizing transcriptome-wide studies of translation and searching for novel regulatory mRNA stem-loops.
Value relevance of accounting information during IFRS convergence period: comparative evidence between India and Indonesia
Authors: Srivastava Anubha , Muharam Harjum
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the financial reporting quality during the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) enforcement period in the emerging markets of India and Indonesia by using Ohlson’s (1995) valuation model. The study further endeavors to compare the quality of the reporting environment and its impact on stock prices for both these emerging economies by using a price model during the IFRS conversion period.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aspires to obtain insights about the value relevance of accounting information during the IFRS enforcement period for India and its Southeast Asian neighbor, Indonesia which is identical in terms of inclusive growth and development. In that context, 3,325 Indian (National Stock Exchange indexed) and 815 Indonesian (Indonesian stock exchange indexed) firm-year observations were examined by using Ohlson’s price valuation model for five years, representing the IFRS adherence period.

Findings

The findings of the paper insinuated that the value relevance of book values and earnings, both, have increased throughout the IFRS enforcement period for both economies. However, the investigation revealed that the incremental interpretive power of earnings is more substantial and evident during the IFRS adherence phase than book values which indicates investor’s inclination toward earnings management over book values.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may assist the regulators, investors, firms and standard setters of both economies in examining the effectiveness of financial reporting curriculums as it brings forth informational improvement in the financial market. This study also outstretches the discussion on the subject in other emerging nations where the market is imperfect with insufficient information, poor enforcement and limited regulations. This investigation has few limitations such as limited data and period, only two emerging economies and two control variables, thus provide scope for future research.

Social implications

This paper endeavors to investigate and compare the value relevance of accounting information during IFRS convergence period between India and Indonesia with an aim to assist in improved decision making for both, regulatory bodies and market participants in both the countries.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the study is to examine whether the accounting information is value relevant during the IFRS convergence period for the two fastest-growing economies in Asia, India and Indonesia and it is the first such empirical research to the best of the author’s knowledge. The study is an extended contribution to the modest research administered in developing nations.
Regulatory dilemma: a changing dynamics of the Cochin international airport
Authors: Damodaran Akhil , Dhingra Tarun , Dwivedi Prasoom
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

The case study helps students to understand how public-private partnership (PPP) airports runs their business, how regulatory policies impact their business. The case also explains why the Cochin International Airport business model is so unique compared to any airport in India.

Case overview/synopsis

In 2016, Airport Economic Regulatory Authority released a new tariff regime for Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).CIAL has undergone challenges because of the tariff changes (changes every five years), which were implemented in 2017. This has impacted their business model. The CFO of CIAL was under pressure to share the impacts with the shareholders and to provide a way forward for the business. Cochin International was known to be one of the cheapest aeronautical tariff charging airports. The case discusses the issues of a public utility when it is under a regulatory price regime. The case explains different regulatory mechanisms (single till: the whole commercial revenue is cross-subsidized). The case discusses issues regarding Cochin International Airport, which is a public utility under PPP mode. Since 2016, regulator has changed the price regulatory regime from light touch (no price regulation only monitoring) to hybrid till regulation (a percentage of commercial revenue is cross-subsidized). The case explains what made Cochin International Airport so unique. It explores the challenges because of the regulatory regime, how it affects Cochin airport’s strategy for business. How should the management of CIAL to act on the above issue? What will be the impact? Will they need to change their business models?

Complexity academic level

The case is basically focused on MBA level students who are in their final year. There are various MBA courses in which this can be taught, which can be infrastructure management, infrastructure regulation, domain courses such as airport management. The student should have basic knowledge of economics, public utility and business strategy. The case helps them understand the impact of regulation, the role of the regulator and its impact on business strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 10 Public Sector Management.
Anglo American platinum South Africa: strategic renewal in a declining industry
Authors: Sichone Mbanza , Lew Charlene
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to demonstrate the phenomenon of strategic inertia in organizations and the impact this has on the type of renewal process that is undertaken; to differentiate between environmental and organizational adaptation strategies and synergies; to apply practical steps of renewal by outlining the influential forces and distinct stages of the process; and to create a practical framework that organizations can use as a guideline for sensing and reacting to changes in the business environment.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study examines the strategic renewal processes of Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) for the period 2012–2019. Amplats is the world’s largest producer of platinum group metals (PGMs). Despite the adversarial business environment of the South African PGM mining industry, six years into its new strategy, the organization had emerged debt-free and was poised to be sustainable. This posed a unique dilemma in strategic decision-making, namely, how to maintain a strategic renewal process. Chris Griffith, CEO of Amplats, was about to retire, but realized that the organization had yet to fulfil its potential. The ambition of the organization was to redefine the industry benchmark for performance across multiple pillars of value for different stakeholders, and to become the most valued mining company by 2023. Set in 2019, the case invites students to look back at the symptoms of strategic inertia at the time of Griffith’s appointment as CEO, and to define the nature and stages of the renewal that the organization underwent. This will provide insights that will enable an examination of the application of a framework for continual strategic renewal.

Complexity academic level

Postgraduate business students

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy
“Good-looking step” in “bad direction” – RBI Internal Working Group proposal
Authors: Saldanha Avil , Aranha Rekha
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

After discussing this case, the authors expect that the students will have the following learnings: critically analyse the latest Reserve Bank of India (RBI) banking proposal, which was proposed by the Internal Working Group (IWG) in November 2020. Understand concepts such as connected lending, crony capitalism and financial crisis. Have a basic idea about the Banking Regulations Act, 1949 and regulatory framework in the Indian banking sector.

Case overview/synopsis

This case is an analysis of the recent RBI proposal on banking regulations in India. The authors have referred secondary data in terms of published papers by stalwarts and experts in the banking and economics field. This case analyses the pros and cons of the IWG proposal to RBI governing body. The case also touches upon interesting banking and macroeconomics concepts. What makes this case interesting is that RBI is open to receive comments from all the stakeholders till January 2021.

Complexity academic level

Applicable to undergraduate and postgraduate students studying banking and finance specialisation in commerce and business management streams.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Releasing prisoners during COVID-19: the impact of the support for the early release, perceived insecurity and political orientation on attitudes towards released prisoners in Portugal
Authors: Lopes Paula Cristina , Pinto Isabel Rocha , Marques José Mendes , Bobowik Magdalena
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how prisoners’ early release affects other citizens’ perceived insecurity and their attitudes towards those released prisoners, and how citizens’ political orientation influences these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 383 Portuguese participants were presented with a recommendation from the United Nations for the release of prisoners because of COVID-19 and then asked to fill in a questionnaire measuring their political orientation, support for the early release of prisoners, perceived insecurity regarding such measure and their attitudes towards the released prisoners.

Findings

Results showed that support for the release of prisoners during COVID-19 is associated with perceived insecurity and both, in turn, predicts inclusive attitudes regarding these prisoners, while only perceived insecurity is associated with an agreement with an intensification of social control measures. Right-wing participants were found to express the negative side. The more participants felt insecure, the more they believed released prisoners should not have the same rights as common citizens and the more they should be left out of the community.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study concerns the sample: the authors collected answers from Portuguese participants exclusively, most of which held a university degree.

Practical implications

At least two major implications can be drawn from this study’s results. These implications deal with prisoners’ entrance in what can be considered a cycle of exclusion and the promotion of their social reintegration once they are released from prison.

Social implications

The findings point out the necessity to firstly put an effort in deconstructing the insecurity perception that results from the prospective of having prisoners back into society – that is to understand why it happens and how it can be reduced – promoting efficacy in the inclusion of these prisoners and preventing the emergence of controlling or protective approaches directed to these individuals in their return to society by enhancing people’s awareness that the social reintegration of ex-prisoners will benefit the whole community.

Originality/value

The authors present a different perspective of the impact that managing COVID-19 in prisons has on society.
Epistemic beliefs and internet reliance – is algorithmic authority part of the picture?
Authors: Ståhl Tore , Sormunen Eero , Mäkinen Marita
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The internet and search engines dominate within people’s information acquisition, especially among the younger generations. Given this trend, this study aims to explore if information and communication technology (ICT) practices, internet reliance and views of knowledge and knowing, i.e. epistemic beliefs, interact with each other. Everyday practices and conceptions among beginning undergraduate students are studied as a challenge for higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds upon survey-based quantitative data operationalising students’ epistemic beliefs, their internet reliance and their ICT practices. The survey items were used to compute subscales describing these traits, and the connections were explored using correlations analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that the more beginning undergraduate students rely on internet-based information, the more they are inclined to epistemic beliefs where knowledge is regarded as certain, unchanging, unambiguous and as being handed down by some authority.

Research limitations/implications

The approach used in the study applies to the sample used, and further research is required to test the applicability of the approach on larger samples.

Practical implications

The study highlights the risk of everyday information practices being transferred into the educational context.

Social implications

Ignorance of these changes may pose a risk for knowledge building on different educational levels and in a longer perspective, a threat to democracy.

Originality/value

While there is some research on epistemic beliefs in relation to internet-based information, studies approaching the problem over a possible connection between epistemic beliefs and internet reliance are scarce. In addition, this study implies a conceptual bridge between epistemic beliefs and internet reliance over the concept of algorithmic authority.
Effect of digital banking-related customer experience on banks’ financial performance during Covid-19: a perspective from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Nhung Thi Hong , Kim-Duc Nguyen , Freiburghaus Teresa Lien
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate customer experience (CE) and its relationship with intermediate variables to analyze the impact of digital banking (DB) on banks’ financial performance (FP) before Covid-19 and during the lockdown in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

These research data are from a survey of Vietnamese customers. The survey was deployed to a sample of 238 and 218 customers of 20 Vietnamese commercial banks via email in 2018Q4 and 2020Q2, respectively. FP is measured using banks’ quarterly financial statements before Covid-19 and during the lockdown.

Findings

CE with DB had a significant and positive impact on FP via customer satisfaction before Covid-19, while the other two intermediate variables (word-of-mouth [WoM] and trust) had no considerable impact. During the lockdown, only WoM had a positive impact on FP. These findings indicate that before Covid-19, when customers could easily interact with their bank through many touchpoints, customer satisfaction with DB services created higher FP for the bank. However, during the lockdown, DB became the customer’s main touchpoint and WoM mediated the CE–FP relationship.

Originality/value

During the national lockdown from the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020, customers in Vietnam may have had different experiences with DB when no alternate modes of payment were available. The study uses Covid-19 as a moderator variable to offer different viewpoints and findings related to CE with DB and its impact on FP.
Mapping the intellectual structure of business-to-business loyalty literature: a bibliometric analysis approach
Authors: Kittur Prathamesh , Chatterjee Swagato , Upadhyay Amit
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify evolution and advancement in the field of business-to-business (B2B) loyalty knowledge area by analyzing its intellectual structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use bibliometric analysis for quantitative evaluation of scholarly studies published on B2B loyalty area over a period of 27 years (1993–2020). The authors analyze intellectual knowledge base of B2B loyalty area by looking into 263 studies with 14,028 references authored by 693 researchers.

Findings

The results provide a comprehensive review of B2B loyalty area by identifying its foundations, influential works and intellectual communication linkage between these works. Notably, the analysis reveals most cited studies, key authors, important keywords, intellectual turning points and emerging trends of research in the discipline.

Research limitations/implications

This study creates a baseline for presenting precise and comprehensive insights into research themes in B2B loyalty area, and identifies progressive trends over a period. This study is also helpful for researchers in identifying future directions of research in the discipline.

Originality/value

This study reveals the intellectual structure of B2B loyalty area.
How core, technical and social components of business relationship value drive customer satisfaction and loyalty in high tech B2B market
Authors: Sharma Neeru
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate to what extent core, technical and social components of relationship value influence customer satisfaction and loyalty in the high technology business to business (B2B) markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven attributes of a high-technology buyer-seller relationship are identified representing the core, technical and social nature of relationship value. A conceptual model is proposed in which customer satisfaction mediates between the relationship value components and the two aspects of customer loyalty – attitudinal and behavioural. The empirical study is conducted in India employing 127 high technology customers. Structural equation modelling and path analysis is used to test the hypothesized linkages and examine the impact of different components.

Findings

Technical and social components of value influence customer satisfaction to a greater extent than the core components. Whilst behavioural loyalty is more driven by core components, attitudinal loyalty is more influenced by the social component. Satisfaction mediates the links between relationship value components and the two aspects of loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could test the modelled linkages in different countries and using larger samples and investigate the supplier perspective.

Practical implications

The paper provides useful implications for high tech product suppliers to improve their relationship with their customers. Suppliers must develop collaborative product/technology development projects and explore opportunities for personal relationships/rapport building with their customers, whilst delivering a quality product at a competitive price.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the paper is the first in B2B literature to provide an insight of how the different components of relationship value vary in influencing satisfaction and loyalty in a high technology B2B buyer-seller relationship.
The role of entrepreneurial families in entrepreneurial ecosystems: the family social capital approach
Authors: Benavides-Salazar Claudia , Iturrioz-Landart Cristina , Aragón-Amonarriz Cristina , Ibañez-Romero Asunción
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how entrepreneurial families (EFs) influence the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) by using the family social capital (FSC) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

For this paper, the authors analyzed the Manizales EE as a case study. The authors used a variety of data collection procedures, including in-depth interviews with 26 entrepreneurs and mentors.

Findings

The authors established how EFs affect EE development, identifying how the FSC bridging mechanisms impact the EE’s social and cultural attributes, boosting entrepreneurial dynamics.

Originality/value

The results indicated the relevance of EFs’ embeddedness and the degree of the FSC institutionalization in promoting of entrepreneurship within the EEs.
How auditor locality affects audit report timeliness
Authors: Bazrafshan Ameneh , Dehghani Madise Simin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite extensive research on the determinates of audit report timeliness, there is limited empirical evidence on the effect of auditor locality on audit report timeliness. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between auditor locality and audit report timeliness. Furthermore, this study investigates the moderating roles of audit committee, corporate governance and auditor quality in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the information of 157 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange during the period 2013–2019 has been collected. Moreover, multivariate linear regressions were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Findings show that in general, there is no significant relationship between auditor locality and audit report timeliness. However, empirical evidence suggests that in companies with specialized audit committees, strong corporate governance and high-quality auditors, auditor locality improves audit report timeliness.

Originality/value

Overall, the results indicate that there are some circumstances in which auditor locality affects the audit report timeliness. Specifically, the association of auditor locality and audit report timeliness is conditional to audit committee, corporate governance and auditor quality.
The “hard, relentless, never-ending” work of focusing on discharge: a qualitative study of managers' perspectives
Authors: Kreindler Sara A. , Hastings Stephanie , Mallinson Sara , Brierley Meaghan , Birney Arden , Tarraf Rima , Winters Shannon , Johnson Keir , Nicholson Leah , Anwar Mohammed Rashidul , Aboud Zaid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Interventions to hasten patient discharge continue to proliferate despite evidence that they may be achieving diminishing returns. To better understand what such interventions can be expected to accomplish, the authors aim to critically examine their underlying program theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a broader study on patient flow, spanning 10 jurisdictions across Western Canada, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with 300 senior, middle and frontline managers; 174 discussed discharge initiatives. Using thematic analysis informed by a Realistic Evaluation lens, the authors identified the mechanisms by which discharge activities were believed to produce their impacts and the strategies and context factors necessary to trigger the intended mechanisms.

Findings

Managers' accounts suggested a common program theory that applied to a wide variety of discharge initiatives. The chief mechanism was inculcation of a sharp focus on discharge; reinforcing mechanisms included development of shared understanding and a sense of accountability. Participants reported that these mechanisms were difficult to produce and sustain, requiring continual active management and repeated (re)introduction of interventions. This reflected a context in which providers, already overwhelmed with competing demands, were unlikely to be able (or perhaps even willing) to sustain a focus on this particular aspect of care.

Originality/value

The finding that “discharge focus” emerged as the core mechanism of discharge interventions helps to explain why such initiatives may be achieving limited benefit. There is a need for interventions that promote timely discharge without relying on this highly problematic mechanism.
Non-linear relationship of board size and board independence with firm performance – evidence from India
Authors: Potharla Srikanth , Amirishetty Balachandram
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the significance of the non-linear relationship of board size and board independence on the financial performance of listed non-financial firms in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws the sample of the listed non-financial firm in the Indian market from the year 2011–2018 and applied panel least squares regression with and without industry fixed effects on the model with quadratic equation. Quantile regression is also used to test the robustness of the results. The financial performance is measured through one accounting measure (i.e. return on assets [ROA]) and one market-based measure (i.e. Tobin’s Q). The empirical model also controls firm-specific variables which are expected to have an impact on financial performance.

Findings

The study found that the relationship of board size and board independence with the financial performance of a firm is in a non-linear inverted U-shape. The results are qualitatively similar for both ROA and Tobin’s Q after controlling industry fixed effects.

Originality/value

This is the first study in India which tests the non-linear relationship of board size and board independence with the financial performance of the firm. The study contributes to the limited literature on the implications of board characteristics on the performance of the firms in India.
Technology, market change and the privatisation of communications in Britain
Authors: Smith Edward A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

What are the trade-offs between public and private ownership in the business and how does this impact industries responsible for providing and offering services on critical national infrastructure? The privatisation of British Telecom (BT), the UK telecommunications provider that was initially part of the British Post Office, is used to explore this question. By broadening the business perspective beyond the political goals and economic consequences of privatisation; this study aims to approach management history provides new perspectives of the benefits and challenges offered by both public and private ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

To fulfil its purpose, this paper examines how the UK telecommunications incumbent proactively adapted from being an organisation shaped by its unique position within the public sector, to one embracing the challenges offered by the private sector. The analysis is synthesised by linking an understanding of the customer’s requirements, services and technology with surveys of the secondary literature, supported where applicable by archival material, combining perspectives from authors both within the organisation and external to it. Sources include specialist and more general academic material and contemporary and reflective publications from practising engineers and managers; supplemented by material held at the BT Archives and the Guildhall Library in London. It links the debate on ownership to the evolution of the market under study and provides a balanced view across the business, its market, competition and technology.

Findings

The arguments surrounding public or private ownership, are complex, in particular, it is difficult to separate effects due to liberalisation and privatisation. Whilst the former provided the impetus for beneficial change, the latter reduced the level of detrimental entanglement with government policy and enabled the technology and structural changes that took the market forward.

Originality/value

A new and balanced view of the privatisation of BT is taken, with an emphasis on how the company needed to change to thrive in a liberalised market, noting how technological change both required organisational change and enabled it. In contrast to many studies, the emphasis is on what was driving the organisation rather than the policy of privatisation and its effectiveness.
Multiple reproductive strategies of a spring ephemeral plant, Fritillaria maximowiczii, enable its adaptation to harsh environments
Authors: Tong Ling , Lei Feng‐Wei , Wu Yuan‐Mi , Shen Xue‐Li , Xia Xiao‐Fei , Zhang De‐Huai , Mu Xian‐Yun , Zhang Zhi‐Xiang
Published: August 2021

Spring ephemeral plants that experience harsh environments have developed specific reproductive characteristics. These characteristics are of great importance to the survival and reproduction of these species, particularly for rare and endangered plants. Fritillaria is a genus consisting of spring ephemeral plants with significant medicinal and ornamental value whose wild resources are highly threatened and whose reproductive characteristics and adaptative evolutionary mechanisms are still not well understood. Fritillaria maximowiczii is positioned at the most basal clade on the Fritillaria phylogenetic tree, whose reproductive characteristics remain obscure. In this study, we report the flowering dynamics, pollination biology and breeding system of F. maximowiczii. The flowering process of F. maximowiczii can be divided into seven stages. Based on the pollen/ovule ratio, the outcrossing index and a field pollination experiment on a natural population, F. maximowiczii showed high levels of outcrossing and self‐compatibility. Three types of pollinators were observed: two kinds of bumblebees, and spiders. Diverse herkogamy and dichogamy may have considerably improved its reproductive success rate. Furthermore, a special reproductive mode not previously reported in wild populations of Fritillaria, apomixis, was strongly suspected based on a high fruit setting rate (36.84%). Our study suggests F. maximowiczii has developed multiple reproductive strategies to adapt to harsh environments and ensure population reproduction, and the diverse reproductive mechanisms may be related to its primitive phylogenetic position in the genus. This study not only broadens our understanding of mechanisms of ecological adaptation in spring ephemeral plants but also provides key data for the conservation of Fritillaria.
How postharvest variables in the pulse value chain affect nutrient digestibility and bioaccessibility
Authors: Duijsens Dorine , Gwala Shannon , Pallares Andrea Pallares , Pälchen Katharina , Hendrickx Marc , Grauwet Tara
Published: August 2021

Pulses are increasingly being put forward as part of healthy diets because they are rich in protein, (slowly digestible) starch, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. In pulses, nutrients are bioencapsulated by a cell wall, which mostly survives cooking followed by mechanical disintegration (e.g., mastication). In this review, we describe how different steps in the postharvest pulse value chain affect starch and protein digestion and the mineral bioaccessibility of pulses by influencing both their nutritional composition and structural integrity. Processing conditions that influence structural characteristics, and thus potentially the starch and protein digestive properties of (fresh and hard‐to‐cook [HTC]) pulses, have been reported in literature and are summarized in this review. The effect of thermal treatment on the pulse microstructure seems highly dependent on pulse type‐specific cell wall properties and postharvest storage, which requires further investigation. In contrast to starch and protein digestion, the bioaccessibility of minerals is not dependent on the integrity of the pulse (cellular) tissue, but is affected by the presence of mineral antinutrients (chelators). Although pulses have a high overall mineral content, the presence of mineral antinutrients makes them rather poorly accessible for absorption. The negative effect of HTC on mineral bioaccessibility cannot be counteracted by thermal processing. This review also summarizes lessons learned on the use of pulses for the preparation of foods, from the traditional use of raw‐milled pulse flours, to purified pulse ingredients (e.g., protein), to more innovative pulse ingredients in which cellular arrangement and bioencapsulation of macronutrients are (partially) preserved.
Results from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover, multimodal‐MRI pilot study of gabapentin for co‐occurring bipolar and cannabis use disorders
Authors: Prisciandaro James J. , Mellick William , Squeglia Lindsay M. , Hix Sara , Arnold Lauren , Tolliver Bryan K.
Published: August 2021

Disrupted brain gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)/glutamate homeostasis is a promising target for pharmacological intervention in co‐occurring bipolar disorder (BD) and cannabis use disorder (CUD). Gabapentin is a safe and well‐tolerated medication, FDA‐approved to treat other neurological diseases, that restores GABA/glutamate homeostasis, with treatment studies supporting efficacy in treating CUD, as well as anxiety and sleep disorders that are common to both BD and CUD. The present manuscript represents the primary report of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover (1‐week/condition), multimodal‐MRI (proton‐MR spectroscopy, functional MRI) pilot study of gabapentin (1200 mg/day) in BD + CUD (n = 22). Primary analyses revealed that (1) gabapentin was well tolerated and adherence and retention were high, (2) gabapentin increased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and right basal ganglia (rBG) glutamate levels and (3) gabapentin increased activation to visual cannabis cues in the posterior midcingulate cortex (pMCC, a region involved in response inhibition to rewarding stimuli). Exploratory evaluation of clinical outcomes further found that in participants taking gabapentin versus placebo, (1) elevations of dACC GABA levels were associated with lower manic/mixed and depressive symptoms and (2) elevations of rBG glutamate levels and pMCC activation to cannabis cues were associated with lower cannabis use. Though promising, the findings from this study should be interpreted with caution due to observed randomization order effects on dACC glutamate levels and identification of statistical moderators that differed by randomization order (i.e. cigarette‐smoking status on rBG glutamate levels and pMCC cue activation). Nonetheless, they provide the necessary foundation for a more robustly designed (urn‐randomized, parallel‐group) future study of adjuvant gabapentin for BD + CUD.
Increase in recreational drug use between 2008 and 2018: results from a prospective cohort study among HIV‐negative men who have sex with men
Authors: Coyer Liza , Boyd Anders , Davidovich Udi , van Bilsen Ward P. H. , Prins Maria , Matser Amy
Published: August 2021

Aims

To test whether recreational drug use (RDU) and sexualized drug use (SDU) changed in the Amsterdam area between 2008 and 2018 and quantify associations of SDU with condomless anal sex (CAS), recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infections (STI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative men who have sex with men (MSM).

Design

Open prospective cohort study.

Setting

Public Health Service of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Participants

A total of 976 HIV‐negative MSM, aged ≥ 18 years.

Measurements

Self‐reported RDU and sexual behaviour in the past 6 months. Laboratory‐confirmed HIV and STI (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis). We studied: any RDU; any SDU (i.e. any RDU during sex); specific SDU (i.e. use of mephedrone, methamphetamine, gamma‐hydroxybutyric acid/gamma‐butyrolactone, ketamine, amphetamine, cocaine and/or ecstasy during sex); use of individual drugs; and use of individual drugs during sex. We evaluated changes over calendar years in the proportion of individuals with these end‐points [using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE)] and number of drugs (using negative binomial regression with GEE), adjusted for current age, country of birth and education level.

Findings

Median age of participants in 2008 was 33.2 years (interquartile range = 27.8–40.1); 83.1% were born in the Netherlands. The proportion of any RDU increased from 67.2% in 2008 to 69.5% in 2018 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.51]. Any SDU increased from 53.8% in 2008 to 59.8% in 2013 (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.07–1.42) and remained stable afterwards. Specific SDU increased from 25.0% in 2008 to 36.1% in 2018 (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.71–2.58). The average number of drugs used increased for those reporting any RDU, any SDU and specific SDU (all P < 0.05. Among those engaging in sex, any SDU was associated with CAS (aOR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.19–1.55), HIV (aOR = 5.86; 95% CI = 2.39–14.4) and STI (aOR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.95–2.73). Specific SDU was associated with CAS (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.37–1.81), HIV (aOR = 6.30; 95% CI = 3.28–12.1) and STI (aOR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.81–2.55).

Conclusions

Among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐negative men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, recreational drug use, including sexualized drug use, increased between 2008 and 2018. Sexualized drug use was strongly associated with condomless anal sex, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Citizen‐Suspect: Navigating Surveillance and Policing in Urban Kenya
Authors: Al‐Bulushi Samar
Published: August 2021

This article privileges the grounded geographies of the war on terror, focusing on those who grapple with its everyday policing powers. Informed by ethnographic research in the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa, I explore how Kenyan Muslim activists experience and make sense of the networked assemblages of police power that transform urban spaces into “gray zones” that fall within the ambiguous spectrum between war and peace. As US‐trained Kenyan police employ military tactics of tracking and targeting potential terror suspects in quotidian urban spaces, they rely on “pop‐up” interventions such as abductions, house raids, and makeshift checkpoints—flexible maneuvers designed to match the amorphousness of the so‐called enemy. I introduce the term citizen‐suspect to shed light on actually existing citizenship in the urban gray zone. Citizen‐suspects contend not simply with the fear and paranoia that come with subjection to surveillance and suspicion but with the knowledge that is needed to navigate the shape‐shifting geographies of transnational policing.
Quality of care was not compromised during the COVID‐19 pandemic at a level 1 trauma centre
Authors: Saxon Leanne , Fazio Timothy N. , Gumm Kellie , Tong Steven Y. C. , Read David J.
Published: August 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the presentation and management of trauma at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, a level 1 adult major trauma service and a designated COVID‐19 hospital. This study compares the changes in epidemiology and trauma patient access to emergency imaging and surgery during the pandemic response.

Methods

The population of interest was all trauma patients captured in the hospital's trauma registry from 16 March 2016 to 10 September 2020. Regression modelling assessed changes in mechanism and severity of the injury, and mortality during two lockdowns compared with the proceeding 4 years. Cases were matched with hospital administrative databases to assess mean time from admission to emergency computed tomography (CT) scan, operating theatre, length of stay (LOS) and immediate surgery (OPSTAT).

Results

Throughout 2020, the hospital treated 525 COVID‐19 patients. Compared with previous years, there was up to 34% reduction in major trauma and a 28% reduction in minor trauma admissions during the pandemic (p < 0.05). Intensive care unit admissions were almost half of predicted. Some of the largest reductions were seen in motor vehicle crashes (49%) and falls (28%) (p < 0.05). Time to CT, surgery and immediate surgery (OPSTAT) showed no change and having a suspected COVID‐19 diagnosis did not prolong any of these times except for the LOS. Mortality was similar to previous years.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had widespread societal changes, resulting in a substantial decrease in trauma presentations. Despite COVID's immense impact on the hospital's trauma service, the quality of care was not impaired.
Role of Ultra‐widefield Imaging in the evaluation of Long‐term change of highly myopic fundus
Authors: Oh Baek‐Lok , Park Un Chul , Kim Bo Hee , Lee Eun Kyoung , Yoon Chang Ki , Choe Hye Rim , Yeon Dong Yun , Yu Hyeong Gon
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of posterior staphyloma identified using ultra‐widefield fundus imaging on the long‐term progression of myopic maculopathy in highly myopic patients.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, highly myopic patients who were followed up for at least 5 years using ultra‐widefield fundus imaging were analysed for fundus abnormalities and the progression of myopic maculopathy based on the International Meta‐analysis of Pathologic Myopia classification.

Results

This study included 390 eyes (210 patients) with the mean follow‐up period of 69.2 ± 7.5 months (range, 60–88). Posterior staphyloma was identified in 198 eyes (50.8%) in the baseline ultra‐widefield fundus images. The border of staphyloma was not identified within 50° view circle corresponding to conventional fundus photography in 42 eyes (21.2%) with staphyloma, most of that were wide macular type. Progression of myopic maculopathy during follow‐up was observed in 202 eyes (51.8%), and eyes with staphyloma were more likely to show progression compared to those without (142/198 [71.7%] versus 60/192 [31.3%]; p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, the presence of posterior staphyloma was an independent risk factor for the progression of myopic maculopathy (p = 0.005). One or more peripheral retinal lesions were observed in 302 eyes (77.4%) and 321 eyes (82.3%) in the baseline and final ultra‐widefield fundus images, respectively.

Conclusion

Posterior staphyloma was associated with the long‐term progression of myopic maculopathy. With a wider field of view, ultra‐widefield fundus imaging is useful for identifying the posterior staphyloma and monitoring the progression of myopic maculopathy in highly myopic patients.
Non‐invasive monitoring of saliva can be used to identify oxidative stress biomarkers in preterm and term newborn infants
Authors: Solaz‐García Alvaro , Lara‐Cantón Inmaculada , Peña‐Bautista Carmen , Cháfer‐Pericás Consuelo , Cañada‐Martínez Antonio José , Pinilla‐González Alejandro , Vento Máximo , Sáenz‐González Pilar
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to appraise the feasibility and reproducibility of applying a validated analytical method to determine salivary oxidative stress biomarkers in newborn infants.

Methods

Prospective observational single‐centre study was carried out in level III neonatal intensive care unit. Eligible patients were preterm infants and healthy full‐term newborn infants. Salivary samples were analysed in the chromatographic system.

Results

A total of 23 premature newborn infants and 13 full‐term newborns were included. We analysed salivary levels of oxidative stress biomarkers for 5‐F2t isoprostane, 15‐E2t isoprostane, prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α. The multivariate predictive model showed a positive association between female and 5‐F2t isoprostonae, and between female sex and prostglandin F2α. In addition, we found a positive association between gestational age and levels of prostaglandin E2. Furthermore, in the premature group, we found a positive association between the inspired fraction of oxygen and levels of prostaglandin G2.

Conclusion

We identified and determined lipid peroxidation biomarkers in term and preterm newborn infants' saliva using specific and validated mass spectrometry technology.
Piceatannol ameliorates behavioural, biochemical and histological aspects in cisplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy in rats
Authors: Wahdan Sara A. , Elsherbiny Doaa A. , Azab Samar S. , El‐Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: August 2021

Peripheral neurotoxicity is a dose‐limiting and a potentially lifelong persistent toxicity of cisplatin. This study investigated the possible protective effect of piceatannol (PIC) in a model of cisplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy in rats. PIC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was given for 7 days, starting 2 days before cisplatin single injection (7 mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioural, biochemical and histological examinations were conducted. Cisplatin administration resulted in thermal hypoalgesia evidenced by increased paw and tail withdrawal latency times in the hotplate and tail flick tests, respectively, and reduced the abdominal constrictions in response to the acetic acid injection. Moreover, cisplatin treatment decreased rat locomotor activity and grip strength. These behavioural alterations were reversed by PIC coadministration. In addition, PIC decreased cisplatin‐induced elevation in serum neurotensin and platinum accumulation in sciatic nerve. Also, PIC reversed, to a large extent, cisplatin‐induced microscopical alterations in nerve axons and restored normal myelin thickness. Therefore, PIC may protect against cisplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy.
Impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus on male reproductive health
Authors: Nassau Daniel E. , Best Jordan C. , Kresch Eliyahu , Gonzalez Daniel C. , Khodamoradi Kajal , Ramasamy Ranjith
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has led to more than 160 million infections and 3.5 million deaths globally. Men are disproportionately affected by COVID‐19, having more severe disease with higher mortality rates than women. Androgens have been implicated as the underlying cause for more severe disease, as the androgen receptor has been noted to upregulate the cell surface receptors that mediate viral cell entry and infection. Unfortunately, despite testosterone’s potential role in COVID‐19 prognosis, androgen deprivation therapy is neither protective nor a treatment for COVID‐19. Interestingly, the male reproductive organs have been found to be vulnerable in moderate to severe illness, leading to reports of erectile dysfunction and orchitis. COVID‐19 viral particles have been identified in penile and testis tissue, both in live patients who recovered from COVID‐19 and post mortem in men who succumbed to the disease. Although sexual transmission remains unlikely in recovered men, moderate to severe COVID‐19 infection can lead to germ cell and Leydig cell depletion, leading to decreased spermatogenesis and male hypogonadism. The objective of this review is to describe the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproductive health. There are still many unanswered questions as to the specific underlying mechanisms by which COVID‐19 impacts male reproductive organs and the long‐term sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproductive health.