bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta-cell Metabolic Activity Rather than Gap Junction Structure Dictates Subpopulations in the Islet Functional Network
Authors: Briggs Jennifer K. , Kravets Vira , Dwulet JaeAnn M. , Albers David J. , Benninger Richard K. P.
Published: February 2022

Diabetes is caused by dysfunction of electrically coupled heterogeneous β-cells within the pancreatic islet. Functional networks have been used to represent cellular synchronization and study β-cells subpopulations, which play an important role in driving dynamics. The mechanism by which highly synchronized β-cell subpopulations drive islet function is not clear. We used experimental and computational techniques to investigate the relationship between functional networks, structural (gap-junction) networks, and underlying β-cell dynamics. Highly synchronized subpopulations in the functional network were differentiated by metabolic dynamics rather than structural coupling. Consistent with this, metabolic similarities were more predictive of edges in the islet functional network. Finally, removal of gap junctions, as occurs in diabetes, caused decreases in the efficiency and clustering of the functional network. These results indicate that metabolism rather than structure drives connections in the function network, deepening our interpretation of functional networks and the formation of functional sub-populations in dynamic tissues such as the islet.
Individual and community-level determinants of intention to use contraceptive among married women in Ethiopia: A multi-level analysis of National Survey
Authors: Shitu Kegnie , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Alemneh Tesfa Sewunet , Terefe Bewuketu
Published: February 2022

Background

Contraceptives are the most effective strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancies and their consequences. Realizing intention to use contraceptives is a crucial stage to draft and implement a successful family planning program.

Objective

This study aimed to identify individual and community level of factors affecting women’s intention to use contraceptives in Ethiopia.

Method

This study was based on a large national survey, Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 6,555 married/in union reproductive-age women were included. Because of the hierarchical nature of the DHS data, a multilevel logistic regression model was used to study individual and community-level factors that may influence intention to contraceptive use. A 95% confidence interval and a p value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.

Result

The overall intention to use contraceptives was 48.63% (95% CI 47.42, 49.84). Participants’ age range of 25-34 years (AOR = 0.42, 95 CI% (0.22, 0.79)) and 35-49 years (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: (0.05, 0.28)), husband with primary education (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: (1.02, 2.50)), heard of contraceptives from their community (AOR = 1.91. 95% CI: (1.29, 2.83)), ever used contraceptives (AOR = 4.48, 95% CI: (2.91, 6.88)) and having six or more children (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI: (0.23, 0.9)) were individual factors significantly associated with interceptive intention. From community level factors, high community family planning utilization rate (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: (1.36,3.86)) was associated with intention to use contraceptive.

Conclusion

More than half of married women were not intended to use contraceptives. Intention to use contraceptive was affected by individual and community level attributes. Thus, public health interventions particularly that could increase information dissemination regarding contraceptives among the communities and enhance community level contraceptive utilization rate are required at the national level to improve contraceptive utilization.
Anti-spike antibody trajectories in individuals previously immunised with BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 following a BNT162b2 booster dose
Authors: Yavlinsky Alexei , Beale Sarah , Nguyen Vincent , Shrotri Madhumita , Byrne Thomas , Geismar Cyril , Fragaszy Ellen , Hoskins Susan , Fong Wing Lam Erica , Navaratnam Annalan M D , Braithwaite Isobel , Patel Parth , Kovar Jana , Hayward Andrew , Aldridge Robert W
Published: February 2022

The two most commonly-used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the UK, BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford-AstraZeneca), employ different immunogenic mechanisms. Compared to BNT162b2, two-dose immunisation with ChAdOx1 induces substantially lower peak anti-spike antibody (anti-S) levels and is associated with a higher risk of breakthrough infections. To provide preliminary indication of how a third booster BNT162b2 dose impacts anti-S levels, we performed a cross-sectional analysis using capillary blood samples from vaccinated adults (aged ≥18 years) participating in Virus Watch, a prospective community cohort study in England and Wales. Blood samples were analysed using Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay. We analysed anti-S levels by week since the third dose for vaccines administered on or after September 1, 2021 and stratified the results by second dose vaccine type (ChAdOx1 or BNT162b2), age, sex and clinical vulnerability. Anti-S levels peaked at two weeks post-booster for BNT162b2 (22,185 U/mL; 95%CI: 21,406-22,990) and ChAdOx1 second dose recipients (19,203 U/mL; 95%CI: 18,094-20,377). These were higher than the corresponding peak antibody levels post-second dose for BNT162b2 (12,386 U/mL; 95%CI: 9,801-15,653, week 2) and ChAdOx1 (1,192 U/mL; 95%CI: 818-1735, week 3). No differences emerged by second dose vaccine type, age, sex or clinical vulnerability. Anti-S levels declined post-booster for BNT162b2 (half-life=44 days) and ChAdOx1 second dose recipients (half-life=40 days). These rates of decline were steeper than those post-second dose for BNT162b2 (half-life=54 days) and ChAdOx1 (half-life=80 days). Our findings suggest that peak anti-S levels are higher post-booster than post-second dose, but that levels are projected to be similar after six months for BNT162b2 recipients. Higher peak anti-S levels post-booster may partially explain the increased effectiveness of booster vaccination compared to two-dose vaccination against symptomatic infection with the Omicron variant. Faster waning trajectories post third-dose may have implications for the timing of future booster campaigns or four-dose vaccination regimens for the clinically vulnerable.
Impaired reaching adaptation links to vestibular symptoms
Authors: Santos-Pata Diogo , Bellmunt Anna , María San Segundo Mozo Rosa , Sáez Sandra , Domènech-Vadillo Esther , Carballo Leticia , Verschure Paul F.M.J. , Rubio Ballester Belén
Published: February 2022

About 30% of adults suffer from some mild to severe vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular disorders can be expressed as acute vestibular syndrome (AVS), episodic vestibular syndrome. Only half of the sufferers can compensate for their dysfunction after three months after the onset, while the other half of them become chronic, the mechanisms behind this compensation remain unclear. Several behavioural studies have explored the role of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and saccades in the process, linking to the interaction between the superior colliculus and the cerebellum. Yet, despite cerebellar involvement in vestibular function and oculomotor adaptation, thus far, no studies have focused on the specific role of the cerebellum in the compensation process in vestibular dysfunction.

In this study, we test the hypothesis that undiagnosed cerebellar dysfunction might hinder chronic vestibulopathy sufferers from compensating and recovering. We recruited 19 patients who had suffered from an acute peripheral vestibular syndrome (10 clinically recovered and 9 with chronic symptoms) and ten individuals with no history of vestibular alterations (controls). We assessed their implicit motor learning capacity with a visuomotor rotation task and measured by the angular aiming error, which showed an impaired implicit motor adaptation in chronic patients (7.04 ± 1.6º) compared to recovered (11.06 ± 1.94º, p = 0.007) and control groups (10.89 ± 7.96º, p = 0.03). These findings indicate the involvement of the cerebellum in vestibular compensation and suggest that implicit motor adaptation of reaching movements could be potentially used as an early prognostic tool in unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction (UPVD) patients.
Chronic Disease and Workforce Participation Among Medicaid Enrollees Over 50: The Potential Impact of Medicaid Work Requirements Post-COVID-19
Authors: Sneed Rodlescia S. , Stubblefield Alexander , Gardner Graham , Jordan Tamara , Mezuk Briana
Published: February 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic wanes, states may reintroduce Medicaid work requirements to reduce enrollment. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we evaluated chronic disease burden among beneficiaries aged >50 (n=1460) who might be impacted by work requirements (i.e. working <20 hours per week). Seven of eight chronic conditions evaluated were associated with reduced workforce participation, including history of stroke (OR: 7.35; 95% CI: 2.98-18.14) and lung disease (OR: 4.39; 95% CI: 2.97-7.47). Those with more severe disease were also more likely to work fewer hours. Medicaid work requirements would likely have great impact on older beneficiaries with significant disease burden.

Key Points

Chronic disease linked to reduced work among older Medicaid beneficiaries.

Work requirements would greatly impact those aged >50 with chronic conditions.

Coverage loss would have negative implications for long-term disease management.
Quantifying the risks versus benefits of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Australia: a Bayesian network analysis
Authors: Sinclair Jane E , Mayfield Helen J , Short Kirsty R , Brown Samuel J , Puranik Rajesh , Mengersen Kerrie , Litt John CB , Lau Colleen L
Published: February 2022

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is associated with increased myocarditis incidence. Constantly evolving evidence regarding incidence and case fatality of COVID-19 and myocarditis related to infection or vaccination, creates challenge for risk-benefit analysis of vaccination programs. Challenges are complicated further by emerging evidence of waning vaccine effectiveness, and variable effectiveness against variants. Here, we build on previous work on the COVID-19 Risk Calculator (CoRiCal) by integrating Australian and international data to inform a Bayesian network that calculates probabilities of outcomes for the Delta variant under different scenarios of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine coverage, age groups (≤12 years), sex, community transmission intensity and vaccine effectiveness. The model estimates that in a population where 5% were unvaccinated, 5% had one dose, 60% had two doses and 30% had three doses, the probabilities of developing and dying from COVID-19-related myocarditis were 239-5847 and 1430-384,684 times higher (depending on age and sex), respectively, than developing vaccine-associated myocarditis. For one million people with this vaccine coverage, where transmission intensity was equivalent to 10% chance of infection over two months, 68,813 symptomatic COVID-19 cases and 981 deaths would be prevented, with 42 and 16 expected cases of vaccine-associated myocarditis in males and females, respectively. The model may be updated to include emerging best evidence, data pertinent to different countries or vaccines, and other outcomes such as long COVID.
A Match Made in Cyberspace: Applicant Perspectives on a Virtual Residency Application Process
Authors: Chen Shirley , Schroeder Melanie , Pak Thomas Kun , Topolski Natasha , Zaworski Emelyn , Anishchenko Kseniya , Parsa Shyon , Zhu Christina , Bae Esther , Stuard Whitney , Patel Jay , Quach Shanon , Panjwani Sahar
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an entirely virtual 2020-2021 residency application cycle. With many specialties continuing virtual interviews, it remains essential to evaluate all stakeholders perspectives.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate applicants’ perspectives on the completely virtual 2020-2021 Match.

Methods

An online survey utilizing Likert scale and free response questions was distributed to residency applicants in 2021 post-Match to query their perspectives on the virtual application cycle.

Results

Participants (n=158/2811, 5% estimated response rate) represented 24 states and applied to 31 specialties. Most were satisfied with their Match experience (73.1%) and thought virtual interviews should continue (68.6%). However, applicants felt that the virtual setting permitted interview hoarding (73.9%) and that their medical school did not provide adequate electronic equipment (66.1%). Applicants found Twitter (78.4%) and Instagram (69.1%) to be helpful social media platforms for evaluating fit. While many applicants (56.9%) did not support application limits, most supported interview limits (62.7%) and preference signaling mechanisms (59.7%). Free responses data elucidated applicants’ views on how the virtual Match impacted financial access, evaluation of program culture, and the future of residency interviews.

Conclusions

Our study highlights that, across geography and specialty, many applicants support virtual interviews continuing. It also offers insight into how medical schools and residency programs can support applicants in the virtual environment. Additionally, the virtual setting provides an opportunity to evaluate mechanisms for addressing congestion within the Match, with most applicants supporting interview caps and preference signaling.
White matter abnormalities characterise the acute stage of sports-related mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mito Remika , Parker Donna M. , Abbott David F. , Makdissi Michael , Pedersen Mangor , Jackson Graeme D.
Published: February 2022

Sports-related concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is characterised by transient disturbances of brain function. There is increasing evidence that subtle abnormalities drive functional brain changes in white matter microstructure, and diffusion MRI has been instrumental in demonstrating these white matter abnormalities in vivo. However, the reported location and direction of the observed white matter changes in mTBI are variable, likely attributable to the inherent limitations of the white matter models used. This cross-sectional study applies an advanced and robust technique known as fixel-based analysis to investigate fibre tract-specific abnormalities in professional Australian Football League players with a recent mTBI. We used the fixel-based analysis framework to identify common abnormalities found in specific fibre tracts in participants with an acute mTBI (≤ 12 days after injury; n = 14). We then assessed whether similar changes exist in subacute mTBI (> 12 days and < 3 months after injury; n = 15). The control group was 29 neurologically healthy control participants. We assessed microstructural differences in fibre density and fibre bundle morphology and performed whole-brain fixel-based analysis to compare groups. Subsequent tract-of-interest analyses were performed within five selected white matter tracts to investigate the relationship between the observed tract-specific abnormalities and days since injury and the relationship between these tract-specific changes with cognitive abnormalities. Our whole-brain analyses revealed significant increases in fibre density and bundle cross-section in acute mTBI when compared to controls. Acute mTBI showed even more extensive differences when compared to subacute mTBI than to controls. The fibre structures affected in acute mTBI included the corpus callosum, left prefrontal and left parahippocampal white matter. The fibre density and cross-sectional increases were independent of time since injury in acute mTBI, and were not associated with cognitive deficits. Overall, this study demonstrates that acute mTBI is characterised by specific white matter abnormalities, which are compatible with tract-specific cytotoxic oedema. These potential oedematous changes were absent in our subacute mTBI participants, suggesting that they may normalise within 12 days after injury, although subtle abnormalities may persist in the subacute stage. Future longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate individualised recovery after brain injury.
Identification of Unusual Oxysterols Biosynthesised in Human Pregnancy by Charge-Tagging and Liquid Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dickson Alison L. , Yutuc Eylan , Thornton Catherine A. , Wang Yuqin , Griffiths William J.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to identify sterols, oxysterols and any down-stream metabolites in placenta, umbilical cord blood plasma, maternal plasma and amniotic fluid to enhance our knowledge of the involvement of these molecules in pregnancy. We confirm the identification of 20S- hydroxycholesterol in human placenta, previously reported in a single publication, and propose a pathway from 22R-hydroxycholesterol to a C27 bile acid of probable structure 3β,20R,22R- trihydroxycholest-5-en-(25R)26-oic acid. The pathway is evident not only in placenta, but pathway intermediates are also found in umbilical cord plasma, maternal plasma and amniotic fluid but not non-pregnant women.
A highly attenuated SARS-CoV-2 related pangolin coronavirus variant has a 104nt deletion at the 3′-terminus untranslated region
Authors: Lu Shanshan , Luo Shengdong , Liu Chang , Li Muli , An Xiaoping , Li Mengzhe , Hou Jun , Fan Huahao , Mao Panyong , Tong Yigang , Song Lihua
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2r) from Guangdong and Guangxi pangolins have been implicated in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemics. We previously reported the culture of a SARS-CoV-2r GX_P2V from Guangxi pangolins. Here we report the GX_P2V isolate rapidly adapted to Vero cells by acquiring two genomic mutations: an alanine to valine substitution in the nucleoprotein and a 104-nucleotide deletion in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the 3’-terminus untranslated region (3’-UTR). We further report the characterization of the GX_P2V variant in in vitro and in vivo infection models. In cultured Vero and BGM cells, the GX_P2V variant produced minimal cell damage and small plaques. The GX_P2V variant infected golden hamsters and BALB/c mice but was highly attenuated. Golden hamsters infected intranasally had a short duration of productive infection. These productive infections induced neutralizing antibodies against pseudoviruses of GX_P2V and SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, our data show that the GX_P2V variant is highly attenuated in in vitro and in vivo infection models. Attenuation of the variant is likely due to the 104-nt deletion in the HVR in the 3’-UTR. This study furthers our understanding of pangolin coronaviruses pathogenesis and provides novel insights for the design of live attenuated vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
High-performance GPCR optogenetics based on molecular properties of animal opsins, MosOpn3 and LamPP
Authors: Koyanagi Mitsumasa , Shen Baoguo , Nagata Takashi , Sun Lanfang , Wada Seiji , Kamimura Satomi , Kage-Nakadai Eriko , Terakita Akihisa
Published: February 2022

Optogenetics for GPCR signaling is highly valuable but still requires effective and versatile tools with performance evaluation from molecular properties. Here we investigated performance of two animal opsins, mosquito Opn3 (MosOpn3) and lamprey parapinopsin (LamPP) in optical manipulationin vivoby usingC. elegans. MosOpn3 introduced in a nociceptor neurons induced avoidance responses light-dependently with a retinal isomer ubiquitously present in every tissue, like ChR2 and unlike canonical vertebrate opsins. Remarkably, the sensitivity is ~7000 times higher than the case of ChR2 in the light-induced behavior. LamPP introduced in motor neurons induced violet light-dependent stop and green light-dependent go, demonstrating color-dependent manipulation of behaviors using LamPP. Furthermore, our molecular engineering extended the usability of MosOpn3 and LamPP to different signaling cascades and kinetics. Current findings demonstrated that the availability of two animal opsins is equivalent to that of ChR2 in terms of retinal requirement, providing solid strategies for GPCR optogenetics.
Transcriptional profiles predict treatment outcome in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes at diagnosis and at two weeks after initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment
Authors: van Doorn Cassandra L.R. , Eckold Clare , Ronacher Katharina , Ruslami Rovina , van Veen Suzanne , Lee Ji-Sook , Kumar Vinod , Kerry-Barnard Sarah , Malherbe Stephanus T. , Kleynhans Léanie , Stanley Kim , Hill Philip C. , Joosten Simone A. , van Crevel Reinout , Wijmenga Cisca , Critchley Julia A. , Walzl Gerhard , Alisjahbana Bachti , Haks Mariëlle C. , Dockrell Hazel M. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Vianello Eleonora , Cliff Jacqueline M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Globally, the anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment success rate is approximately 85%, with treatment failure, relapse and death occurring in a significant proportion of pulmonary TB patients. Treatment success is lower among people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Predicting treatment failure early after diagnosis would allow early treatment adaptation and may improve global TB control.

Methods

Samples were collected in a longitudinal cohort study of adult TB patients with or without concomitant DM from South Africa and Indonesia to characterize whole blood transcriptional profiles before and during anti-TB treatment, using unbiased RNA-Seq and targeted gene dcRT-MLPA.

Findings

We report differences in whole blood transcriptome profiles, which were observed before initiation of treatment and throughout treatment, between patients with a good versus poor anti- TB treatment outcome. An eight-gene and a 22-gene blood transcriptional signature distinguished patients with a good treatment outcome from patients with a poor treatment outcome at diagnosis (AUC=0·815) or two weeks (AUC=0·834) after initiation of anti-TB treatment, respectively. High accuracy was obtained by cross-validating this signature in an external cohort (AUC=0·749).

Interpretation

These findings suggest that transcriptional profiles can be used as a prognostic biomarker for treatment failure and success, even in patients with concomitant DM.

Funding

The research leading to these results, as part of the TANDEM Consortium, received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013 Grant Agreement No. 305279) and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO-TOP Grant Agreement No. 91214038).
Blockchain opportunities for construction industry in Hong Kong: a case study of RISC and site diary
Authors: Kang Kai , Liu Xinlai , Jiang Yishuo , Lee Ken, Kam Hang , Wan Sean Ka Wai , Huang George Q. , Zhong Ray Y.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Blockchain as a disruptive technology has revolutionized many industries, such as finance, logistics and manufacturing sectors. This paper aims to explore Blockchain applications in construction to effectively manage project workflows and uplift construction efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with various stakeholders from a public infrastructure project to analyze Blockchain applications in the construction industry. Eleven key construction workflows are selected to identify and discover the necessity and significance of Blockchain applications in the construction industry. They are related to construction program, daily operations and payment. Based on workflow analysis, several issues are discussed to design a development roadmap of Blockchain in the construction industry.

Findings

The findings show Blockchain can improve construction efficiency, reduce paper-based manual operation and address the fragmentation and communication issue. However, the development of Blockchain in the construction industry is still impeded by some challenges. Traditional work modes might be existing even though Blockchain-enabled systems are introduced, which may increase the workload of construction practitioners. Thus, a feasible and practical development roadmap is proposed to instruct implementation of Blockchain in construction.

Originality/value

This research systematically analyzes the development of Blockchain in the construction industry from several existing workflows, based on a real-life case study. Several considerations are given to provide referential value for applying Blockchain in the construction industry, including opportunities and challenges, cost–benefit analysis, obstacles and possible solutions, as well as development strategies with a prototype system.
Work-related social media use and employee-related outcomes: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Bodhi Rahul , Luqman Adeel , Hina Maryam , Papa Armando
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Recently, work-related social media use (WSMU) in organisations and its association with employee outcomes have received considerable research attention. This study examines the association between WSMU, psychological well-being (PW) and innovative work performance (IP). In addition, it explores the mediating role of PW and the moderating role of fear of missing out (FoMO).

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 233 employees working in different organisations was recruited from India to complete the survey. Structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data.

Findings

The result reveals that WSMU has a positive and direct effect on IP. Moreover, the indirect effect via PW among the association was positive and significant. Furthermore, FoMO moderates the indirect relationship between WSMU and IP.

Originality/value

This research is a pioneering work that has contributed to the scarce literature by exploring the relationship between employees' social media use, PW and IP. This research has important theoretical and management contributions because it examines the impact of WSMU on IP, mediating role of PW and moderating role of FoMO among the association between WSMU and employee outcomes.
Effect of Y2O3 addition on microstructure and friction-wear performances of laser cladded CrNi coatings on AISI H13 steel
Authors: Wei Li , Dejun Kong
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the effect of Y2O3 mass fraction on the tribological performance of CrNi coating, which solved the problem of wear resistance on AISI H13 steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Y2O3 reinforced CrNi coatings were fabricated on AISI H13 steel. The microstructure and phases of obtained coatings were analyzed using a super-depth of field microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively, and the effects of Y2O3 mass fraction on the microstructure and wear resistance were methodically investigated using a wear tester.

Findings

The average coefficients of friction and wear rates of Y2O3 reinforced CrNi coatings decrease with the increase of Y2O3 mass fraction, in which the Y2O3 plays a role of friction reduction and wear resistance. The wear mechanism of Y2O3 reinforced CrNi coating is primary abrasive wear, accompanied by adhesive wear, which is contributed to the grain refinement and dense structure by the Y2O3 addition.

Originality/value

The Y2O3 was added to the CrNi coating by laser cladding, and the effect mechanism of Y2O3 mass fraction on the tribological performance of CrNi coating was established by the wear model.
“I feel happier in myself with the dogs”: the perceived impact of a prison animal programme for well-being
Authors: Mercer Jenny , Williams Davies Ella , Cook Megan , Bowes Nic J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison animal programmes (PAPs), most commonly involving dogs, have significant therapeutic potential. Published research on this topic from the UK remains sparse, and more is needed to determine the type of programmes which work best and for whom. This study aims to explore the perceived benefits of a short-term PAP on the well-being of a sample of individuals assessed as at risk of self-harm.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants with complex mental health needs in a category B prison took part in a four-week programme where two dogs were brought in for interactions once a week. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants at the end of the programme.

Findings

Three themes were identified through thematic analysis: “A Safe Space for Emotional Experience”, “An Opportunity to Connect” and “Being Human”. The narratives offered a range of perceived benefits which illustrated the potential of dog based PAPs for enhancing well-being and consistency with desistance goals.

Practical implications

The findings illustrate that even short-term interactions with dogs can be impactful and provide evidence for other practitioners about how this approach may be used with individuals with complex mental health needs.

Originality/value

The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. The research contributes to the limited literature about PAPS in the UK.
Experimental investigation of reclaimed asphalt foamed bituminous mix: a cold mix technique
Authors: Gupta Lokesh , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Natural good-quality sources of aggregates are depleting, whereas large amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is produced annually. Safe disposal and use of RAP in the cold in-place recycling (CIR) using foamed bitumen could be sustainable approach where milling and mixing operations are accomplished simultaneously. This will not only help in minimizing contamination (probability) and transportation cost but also reduces the carbon footprints. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the scope of RAP utilization up to 100% and further its effect on the behavior of reclaimed asphalt foamed bituminous mix.

Design/methodology/approach

Reclaimed asphalt foamed bituminous mix (FBM) is still a new technique. The evidence of performance of 100% recycled pavement (CIR) is only anecdotal and lacks in systematic guidelines and literatures. Foam binder coating around the aggregates is also a concern. Therefore, this study is mainly emphasized to investigate the scope of RAP use in the FBM up to 100%. RAP content is varied in each trial, i.e. 70, 85, 100 and 0% (only fresh aggregates), to make the FBM. RAP use and its effect on the behavior of FBM in terms of resilient modulus, variation in resilient modulus with curing, rutting performance and the potential of resistance against the moisture damage are addressed.

Findings

Considering the laboratory studies, it can be accomplished that mechanistic properties and performance of FBM are largely influenced by RAP material and portray less susceptible characteristics against the moisture damage. FBM containing 70% RAP content exhibits maximum resilient modulus. However, use of RAP up to 100% in FBM is satisfying the minimum required specification.

Originality/value

Overall, the study may be helpful to highway professionals and could generate another possible option of 100% RAP replacing fresh aggregates in the flexible pavements.
Immediate birth for women between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation with prolonged preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and detection of vaginal or urine group B streptococcus: an economic evaluation
Authors: Dietz Jeremy , Plumb Jane , Banfield Philip , Soe Aung , Chehadah Fadi , Chang‐Douglass Stacey , Rogers Gabriel
Published: February 2022

Objective

What are the costs, benefits and harms of immediate birth compared with expectant management in women with prolonged preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 34+0–36+6 weeks of gestation and detection of vaginal or urine group B streptococcus (GBS)?

Design

Mathematical decision model comprising three independent decision trees.

Setting

UK National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services perspective.

Population

Women testing positive for GBS with PPROM at 34+0–36+6 weeks of gestation.

Methods

The model estimates lifetime costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) using evidence from randomised trials, UK NHS data sources and further observational studies. Simulated events include neonatal infections, morbidity associated with preterm birth and consequences of caesarean birth. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs) were performed.

Main outcome measures

QALYs, costs and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

In this population, immediate birth dominates expectant management: it is more effective (average lifetime QALYs, 24.705 versus 24.371) and it is cheaper (average lifetime costs, £14,372 versus £19,311). In one‐way sensitivity analysis, results are robust to all but the odds ratio estimating the relative effect on incidence of infections. Threshold analysis shows that the odds of infection only need to be >1.5% with expectant management for the benefit of avoiding infections to outweigh the disadvantages of immediate birth. In PSA, immediate birth is the preferred option in >80% of simulations.

Conclusions

Neonatal GBS infections are expensive to treat and may result in substantial adverse health consequences. Therefore, immediate birth, which is associated with a reduced risk of neonatal infection compared with expectant management, is expected to generate better health outcomes and decreased lifetime costs.

Tweetable abstract

For women with preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and group B streptococcus in vaginal or urine samples, immediate birth is associated with improved health in their babies and reduced costs, compared with expectant management.
The power of the loser: Evidence on an agenda‐setting model of opposition policy influence
Authors: SEEBERG HENRIK BECH
Published: February 2022

The policy influence of political parties is a classic subject of investigation in political science research. The typical conclusion is that parties influence policy only through government: The government controls the legislative process and has the parliamentary majority to legislate; the opposition is shut out. Yet the legislative process is merely the final part of a much longer policy process starting with an agenda‐setting phase that decides the issues of political conflict in the first place. This study proposes an agenda‐setting model of opposition policy influence which hypothesises sizable opposition policy influence through agenda‐setting: A government is likely to adopt legislation covering the opposition's position in order to silence opposition agenda‐setting. The model is tested on the manual coding of 316 Acts of Parliament adopted by the government and 26,533 Prime Minister's Questions from the Opposition across six issues in Britain (1979‒2015). The results have important implications for minority representation.
Effect of edible coating and modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological and physicochemical stability of retail maki sushi
Authors: Sørbø Simen , Lerfall Jørgen
Published: February 2022

The effect of pH, packaging atmosphere (100% air, 40%, or 70% CO2 balanced with N2), and an edible chitosan coating was tested on the retail maki Sushi's microbiological and physiochemical stability. In two experiments, maki sushi was studied using sushi rice with an initial pH of 4.2 ± 0.05 and 4.8 ± 0.05. In the first experiment (lower pH), no apparent effect of neither modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) nor coating on bacterial growth was observed. However, raising the pH showed an apparent effect of low‐CO2 MAP and chitosan coating (p < 0.05). Both MAP and coating partly affected the maki sushi cross‐section's visual perception, but no significant adverse effects were observed. An important observation was the improved stability of the pink salmon color in chitosan‐coated maki sushi stored in low‐CO2 MAP compared to other groups.

It is concluded that storage of Maki sushi at 4°C gives acceptable microbial stability and appropriate quality. However, an edible chitosan coating, especially in combination with low‐CO2 MAP, increases the microbiological stability and preserves the colorimetric properties of maki sushi stored at 8°C. Notably, this combination could work as a safety measure against temperature abuse in the food cold chain.

Practical Application

Using an edible coating with active packaging can improve retail maki sushi's temperature tolerance and preserve its colorimetric properties. It is a fast and cost‐effective technology with a substantial industrial potential easy to implement.
Comparison of intranasal and intramuscular naloxone in opioid overdoses managed by ambulance staff: a double‐dummy, randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Skulberg Arne Kristian , Tylleskär Ida , Valberg Morten , Braarud Anne‐Cathrine , Dale Jostein , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Skålhegg Tore , Barstein Jan , Mellesmo Sindre , Dale Ola
Published: February 2022

Aims

To measure and evaluate clinical response to nasal naloxone in opioid overdoses in the pre‐hospital environment.

Design

Randomised, controlled, double‐dummy, blinded, non‐inferiority trial, and conducted at two centres.

Setting

Participants were included by ambulance staff in Oslo and Trondheim, Norway, and treated at the place where the overdose occurred.

Participants

Men and women age above 18 years with miosis, rate of respiration ≤8/min, and Glasgow Coma Score <12/15 were included. Informed consent was obtained through a deferred‐consent procedure.

Intervention and comparator

A commercially available 1.4 mg/0.1 mL intranasal naloxone was compared with 0.8 mg/2 mL naloxone administered intramuscularly.

Measurements

The primary end‐point was restoration of spontaneous respiration of ≥10 breaths/min within 10 minutes. Secondary outcomes included time to restoration of spontaneous respiration, recurrence of overdose within 12 hours and adverse events.

Findings

In total, 201 participants were analysed in the per‐protocol population. Heroin was suspected in 196 cases. With 82% of the participants being men, 105 (97.2%) in the intramuscular group and 74 (79.6%) in the intranasal group returned to adequate spontaneous respiration within 10 minutes after one dose. The estimated risk difference was 17.5% (95% CI, 8.9%–26.1%) in favour of the intramuscular group. The risk of receiving additional naloxone was 19.4% (95% CI, 9.0%–29.7%) higher in the intranasal group. Adverse reactions were evenly distributed, except for drug withdrawal reactions, where the estimated risk difference was 6.8% (95% CI, 0.2%–13%) in favour of the intranasal group in a post hoc analysis.

Conclusion

Intranasal naloxone (1.4 mg/0.1 mL) was less efficient than 0.8 mg intramuscular naloxone for return to spontaneous breathing within 10 minutes in overdose patients in the pre‐hospital environment when compared head‐to‐head. Intranasal naloxone at 1.4 mg/0.1 mL restored breathing in 80% of participants after one dose and had few mild adverse reactions.
Successful secukinumab treatment of active bullous pemphigoid and chronic severe psoriasis: a case report
Authors: Yun Jenny SW , Scardamaglia Laura , Tan Chin‐Guan , McCormack Christopher J
Published: February 2022

Since the concurrence of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and psoriasis was first reported in 1929, an increasing number of studies has been published to analyse their relationship in recent years. However, the pathogenesis of the concurrence is not yet well understood, and the coexistence of the two conditions imposes a difficult therapeutic challenge. This case report demonstrates the first case of secukinumab achieving a dramatic clinical improvement of both chronic psoriasis and active BP.
Parliamentary Constraints and Long‐Term Development: Evidence from the Duchy of Württemberg
Authors: Doucette Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Did parliamentary constraints foster economic activity or was activity the cause of constraints? This article addresses the first part of this question by examining the long‐term effects of belonging to the Duchy of Württemberg wherein the parliament placed considerable checks on the various dukes from 1495 to 1796. I use a geographic natural experiment and compare areas just inside of the Duchy with adjacent areas outside of it. Economically similar prior to 1495, areas within the Duchy had a higher degree of urbanization and commercialization in the subsequent period. I provide further evidence that this difference reflects three mechanisms: local representation in parliament, improved local public‐goods provision, and attraction of upper‐tail human capital.
Seasonality in the manifestation of type 1 diabetes varies according to age at diagnosis in Finnish children
Authors: Turtinen Maaret , Härkönen Taina , Ilonen Jorma , Parkkola Anna , Knip Mikael ,   the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register
Published: February 2022

Aim

We tested the hypothesis of a more aggressive disease process at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during fall and winter, the colder seasons with consistently observed higher incidence of type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Seasonality in the manifestation of type 1 diabetes was examined in 4993 Finnish children and adolescents. Metabolic characteristics, beta‐cell autoantibodies and HLA class II genetics were analysed at clinical diagnosis.

Results

Significant seasonality was observed with higher number of new cases during fall and winter (n = 1353/27.1% and n = 1286/25.8%) compared with spring and summer (n = 1135/22.7% and n = 219/24.4%) (p < 0.001). The youngest children (aged 0.5–4 years) differed from the older ones (aged 5–14 years) as a minority of them were diagnosed in winter (p = 0.019) while the older children followed the same pattern as that seen in the total series. Poorer metabolic decompensation was observed during seasons with lower number of new diagnoses.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity in the seasonality of diabetes manifestation between younger and older children suggests that different environmental factors may trigger the disease at different ages. Poorer clinical condition associated with seasons with a lower number of new cases may be more likely to be due to a delay in seeking medical help than to a more aggressive autoimmunity.
Genetic relationships of feed efficiency and growth traits with carcass traits in Japanese Shorthorn cattle
Authors: Shinoda Chiharu , Yasuda Jumpei , Yamagata Kousuke , Suzuki Keiichi , Satoh Masahiro , Roh Sanggun , Uemoto Yoshinobu
Published: February 2022

In this study, we examined genetic parameters for feed efficiency, growth, and carcass traits in Japanese Shorthorn cattle, based on 714 performance tests and 15,790 field carcass records. Feed efficiency traits, including residual feed intake (RFI) and residual body weight gain (RG), were calculated. Single‐trait and two‐trait animal models were used to estimate heritability and genetic correlations. Heritability estimates for feed efficiency traits were found to be low to moderate (ranging from 0.03 to 0.36); notably, heritability was moderate for RG and low for RFI. Estimates for genetic correlations between feed efficiency traits and average daily gain (DG) were favorably moderate to high (absolute values of 0.43–0.85), and those with daily feed intake were low (absolute values of 0.00–0.32). We also estimated a high genetic correlation between RG and DG. The backfat thickness (BF) of bull calves showed favorable or no genetic correlation estimates with feed efficiency and growth traits, whereas RG and BF showed favorable or no genetic correlation estimates with carcass traits. Our findings indicate that genetic improvements in both feed utilization ability and carcass traits could be achieved by utilizing RG and BF in Japanese Shorthorn cattle.
Long‐term labour market and economic consequences of school exclusions in England: Evidence from two counterfactual approaches
Authors: Madia Joan E. , Obsuth Ingrid , Thompson Ian , Daniels Harry , Murray Aja L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Previous research suggests that school exclusion during childhood is a precursor to social exclusion in adulthood. Past literature on the consequences of school exclusion is, however, scarce and mainly focused on short‐term outcomes such as educational attainment, delinquency, and mental health in early adolescence. Moreover, this evidence is based primarily on descriptive and correlational analysis, whereas robust causal evidence is required to best inform policy.

Aims

We aimed to estimate the mid‐to‐long‐term impact of school exclusion on labour market and economic outcomes.

Sample

The sample included 6,632 young people who at the age of 25/26 in the year 2015 participated in the Next Steps survey of whom 86 were expelled from school and 711 were suspended between the ages of 13/14 and 16/17.

Method

Using high quality existing longitudinal data, we utilized four approaches to evaluate the impact of school exclusion: logistic regression‐adjustment models, propensity score matching, school fixed‐effects analysis, and inverse propensity weighting. The latter two counterfactual approaches were used to estimate causal effects.

Results

We found that school exclusion increased the risk of becoming NEET at the age of 19/20, and then remaining economically inactive at the age of 25/26, as well as experiencing higher unemployment risk and earning lower wages also at the age of 25/26.

Conclusion

School exclusion has pervasive negative effects into adulthood. Policy interventions should focus on both prevention and mitigating its negative effects. Interventions aimed at re‐integrating excluded individuals into education or vocational training could be key in reducing the risk of poor socio‐economic outcomes and social exclusion.
Intimate partner violence during infancy and cognitive outcomes in middle childhood: Results from an Australian community‐based mother and child cohort study
Authors: Savopoulos Priscilla , Brown Stephanie , Anderson Peter J. , Gartland Deirdre , Bryant Christina , Giallo Rebecca
Published: February 2022

The cognitive functioning of children who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) has received less attention than their emotional‐behavioral outcomes. Drawing upon data from 615 (48.4% female) 10‐year‐old Australian‐born children and their mothers (9.6% of mothers born in non‐English speaking countries) participating in a community‐based longitudinal study between 2004 and 2016, this study examined the associations between IPV in infancy and cognition in middle childhood (at age 10). Results showed that IPV in the first 12 months of life was associated with lower general cognitive ability and poorer executive attention but not working memory skills. IPV in middle childhood (in the 10th year postpartum) was not associated with cognition. This study provides evidence for the long‐term impact of early life exposure to IPV on children's cognition, and points to the importance of early intervention to optimize development.