bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Predictive Coding: A Model of Hierarchical Sequence Learning and Prediction in the Neocortex
Authors: Jiang Linxing Preston , Rao Rajesh P. N.
Published: June 2022

We introduce dynamic predictive coding, a hierarchical model of spatiotemporal prediction and sequence learning in the neocortex. The model assumes that higher cortical levels modulate the temporal dynamics of lower levels, correcting their predictions of dynamics using prediction errors. As a result, lower levels form representations that encode sequences at shorter timescales (e.g., a single step) while higher levels form representations that encode sequences at longer timescales (e.g., an entire sequence). We tested this model using a two-level neural network, where the top-down modulation creates low-dimensional combinations of a set of learned temporal dynamics to explain input sequences. When trained on natural videos, the lower-level model neurons developed spacetime receptive fields similar to those of simple cells in the primary visual cortex while the higher-level responses spanned longer timescales, mimicking temporal response hierarchies in the cortex. Additionally, the network’s hierarchical sequence representation exhibited both predictive and postdictive effects resembling those observed in visual motion processing in humans (e.g., in the flash-lag illusion). When coupled with an associative memory emulating the role of the hippocampus, the model allowed episodic memories to be stored and retrieved, supporting cue-triggered recall of an input sequence similar to activity recall in the visual cortex. When extended to three hierarchical levels, the model learned progressively more abstract temporal representations along the hierarchy. Taken together, our results suggest that cortical processing and learning of sequences can be interpreted as dynamic predictive coding based on a hierarchical spatiotemporal generative model of the visual world.

Author Summary

The brain is adept at predicting stimuli and events at multiple timescales. How do the neuronal networks in the brain achieve this remarkable capability? We propose that the neocortex employs dynamic predictive coding to learn hierarchical spatiotemporal representations. Using computer simulations, we show that when exposed to natural videos, a hierarchical neural network that minimizes prediction errors develops stable and longer timescale responses at the higher level; lower-level neurons learn space-time receptive fields similar to the receptive fields of primary visual cortical cells. The same network also exhibits several effects in visual motion processing and supports cue-triggered activity recall. Our results provide a new framework for understanding the genesis of temporal response hierarchies and activity recall in the neocortex.
Generating Nonmosaic Mutants in Xenopus Using CRISPR–Cas in Oocytes
Authors: Cha Sang-Wook
Published: June 2022

In CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing, double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) primarily undergo repair through nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), which produces insertion or deletion of random nucleotides within the targeted region (indels). As a result, frameshift mutation-mediated loss-of-function mutants are frequently produced. An alternative repair mechanism, homology-directed repair (HDR), can be used to fix DSBs at relatively low frequency. By injecting a DNA-homology repair construct with the CRISPR–Cas components, specific nucleotide sequences can be introduced within the target region by HDR. We have taken advantage of the fact that Xenopus oocytes have much higher levels of HDR than eggs to increase the effectiveness of creating precise mutations. We introduced the oocyte host transfer technique, well established for knockdown of maternal mRNA for loss-of-function experiments, to CRISPR–Cas9-mediated genome editing. The host-transfer technique is based on the ability of Xenopus oocytes to be isolated, injected with CRISPR–Cas components, and cultured in vitro for up to 5 d before fertilization. During these 5 d, CRISPR–Cas components degrade, preventing further alterations to the paternal or maternal genomes after fertilization and resulting in heterozygous, nonmosaic embryos. Treatment of oocytes with a DNA ligase IV inhibitor, which blocks the NHEJ repair pathway, before fertilization further improves the efficiency of HDR. This method allows straightforward generation of either nonmosaic F0 heterozygous indel mutant Xenopus or Xenopus with efficient, targeted insertion of small DNA fragments (73–104 nt). The germline transmission of mutations in these animals allows homozygous mutants to be obtained one generation (F1) sooner than previously reported.
Cell Staining
Authors: Rodig Scott J.
Published: June 2022

When labeled antibodies are used to detect antigens in cells or tissues, several characteristics of an antigen can be readily determined. Most importantly, cell staining will show both the presence and subcellular localization of an antigen. Double-labeling techniques permit the simultaneous detection of two antigens, allowing comparisons of the relative distribution of different antigens. Many cell-staining methods can also be used in conjunction with conventional histological stains and autoradiographic methods to compare the localization of the antigen with other markers. Cell staining can also be used in pathology studies for determining such variables as the type of infectious organism, the progenitor of a neoplastic cell, or the presence of an inflammatory response. With certain modifications, the procedure can be used to purify cells on the basis of the antigenic composition of their cell surface. Cell staining is a versatile technique and, if the antigen is highly localized, can detect as few as a thousand antigen molecules in a cell or tissue. In some circumstances, cell staining may also be used to determine the approximate concentration of an antigen. Improvements in antibody labeling methods, microscopes, cameras, and image analyzers are rapidly extending the sensitivity of cell-staining procedures and are making these techniques more quantitative. Even without these improvements, cell staining can yield important qualitative and semiquantitative data. This introduction describes protocols for cell staining techniques and includes a discussion of major constraints, antibody selection, and troubleshooting.
Random conical tilt reconstruction without particle picking in cryo-electron microscopy
Authors: Lan Ti-Yen , Boumal Nicolas , Singer Amit
Published: June 2022

A method is proposed to reconstruct the 3D molecular structure from micrographs collected at just one sample tilt angle in the random conical tilt scheme in cryo-electron microscopy. The method uses autocorrelation analysis on the micrographs to estimate features of the molecule which are invariant under certain nuisance parameters such as the positions of molecular projections in the micrographs. This enables the molecular structure to be reconstructed directly from micrographs, completely circumventing the need for particle picking. Reconstructions are demonstrated with simulated data and the effect of the missing-cone region is investigated. These results show promise to reduce the size limit for single-particle reconstruction in cryo-electron microscopy.
An examination of the association between interim audits and final audits
Authors: Lin Hsiao-Lun , Yen Ai-Ru
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the association between interim audits and final audits. The authors focus on whether interim audits affect the audit time lag and the risk of restatement associated with final audits.

Design/methodology/approach

Two regression models are established to empirically test if an interim audit helps to reduce the audit time lag and the restatement risk on annual reports based on a sample of Chinese listed firms.

Findings

The authors find that performing interim audits helps to reduce the audit time lag. This result suggests that final audits can be completed more efficiently when interim audits are performed during the same period. The authors also find that the decision to audit interim reports is associated with a lower risk of restating annual reports. The lower risk of restatement in turn suggests more effective final audit results.

Originality/value

Together, the results from this study demonstrate that interim audits could benefit final audits, which highlight the value and importance of the continuous auditing.
How do markets react to political elections during periods of insecurity and governance crises? Evidence from an African emerging democracy
Authors: Afego Pyemo N. , Bala Abdullahi Dahiru A. , Tijjani Bashir , Alagidede Imhotep Paul
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper operationalizes insecurity and governance crises to study their effects on stock market response to two political events in Nigeria – the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.

Design/methodology/approach

An event study was used to capture the market responses. Abnormal returns at the aggregate and sectoral levels were measured over several time windows before and after the respective election results were announced.

Findings

The market reacted strongly positively to a change in presidency from an incumbent to an opposition party candidate in the 2015 election but weakly positively, at best, to the re-election of the incumbent candidate in the 2019 election. In addition, banking stocks exhibited greater sensitivity to these events than oil and gas stocks.

Research limitations/implications

There may be peculiarities with the Nigerian case and with the two elections analyzed. Therefore, future research could focus on understanding the extent to which the results generalize to the broader sub-Saharan context and other regions that face similar governance challenges.

Practical implications

Understanding that markets may have a different perception towards incumbent versus opposition candidate electoral victories during periods of insecurity and governance crisis is important for investors, policymakers, researchers and the wider society.

Originality/value

Past empirical studies on political events and stock returns in Sub-Saharan Africa contexts such as Nigeria ignore shifts in voter mood and produce contradictory findings. This paper helps to resolve some of these contradictions by providing insight into how the markets can have a different perception towards incumbent and opposition candidate electoral victories during periods of insecurity and governance crisis.
A cross-domain knowledge transfer method for process discovery of urban community services with small datasets
Authors: Liu Zhao-ge , Li Xiang-yang , Qiao Li-min
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Process mining tools can help discover and improve the business processes of urban community services from historical service event records. However, for the community service domains with small datasets, the effects of process mining are generally limited due to process incompleteness and data noise. In this paper, a cross-domain knowledge transfer method is proposed to help service process discovery with small datasets by making use of rich knowledge in similar domains with large datasets.

Design/methodology/approach

First, ontology modeling is used to reduce the effects of cross-domain semantic ambiguity on knowledge transfer. Second, association rules (of the activities in the service processes) are extracted with Bayesian network. Third, applicable association rules are retrieved using an applicability assignment function. Further, the retrieved association rules in domains with large datasets are mapped to those with a small dataset using a linear programming method, with a heuristic miner being adopted to generate the process model.

Findings

The proposed method is verified based on the empirical data of 10 service domains from Beidaihe, China. Results show that process discovery performance of all 10 domains were improved with the overall robustness score, precision, recall and F1 score increased by 13%, 13%, 17% and 15%, respectively. For the domains with only small datasets, the cross-domain knowledge transfer method outperforms popular state-of-the art methods.

Originality/value

The limitations of sample sizes are greatly reduced. This scheme can be followed to establish business process management systems of community services with reasonable performance and limited sample sizes.
Identifying the Contractor’s core competencies in post-COVID-19 scenario: developing a survey instrument
Authors: Deep Shumank , Joshi Rajesh , Patil Sanjay
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Construction industry is one of the worst affected sectors due to the impact of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the key competencies that should be demonstrated by the contractors in the post-COVID-19 scenario to make them resilient to the adverse impact of pandemic outbreaks.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed using an extensive literature review and was tested using a pilot study. It was then administered online using survey monkey to 900 respondents, out of which 324 complete responses were obtained. The data analysis was performed using exploratory factor analysis and second-order confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

After analyzing the data, it was identified that the most critical competence was managing site safety (standard factor loading (SFL) = 0.91), followed by leadership skills (SFL = 0.88), technical competence (SFL = 0.81), managing supply chain disruption (SFL = 0.73) and financial stability (SFL = 0.48) that were found to be less essential from the respondents’ point of view.

Originality/value

The study is first of its kind to identify the core competencies that should be demonstrated by the contractors to cope with COVID-19-induced disruptions. The findings of this article can be used by the practitioners to develop policies and procedures for selection of contractors.
Evaluation of community-based participatory governance interventions to improve access to health-related public entitlements in India
Authors: Trivedi Mayur , Patel Minjan , Nair H Divya , Sharma Bharati
Published: June 2022

Purpose

As the investment in social and health protection remained poor in India, the most vulnerable citizens lack access to existing health related government initiatives with transformational benefits due mostly to the lack of “accurate information”. The purpose of this paper is to explore and demonstrate the impact of participation of the community through a structured intervention that promotes awareness, enables the community to ensure entitlements, and enhances the utilization of government initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a baseline–endline study using a quasi-experimental design, this research provides empirical evidence of such intervention on awareness and utilization of health, nutrition and developmental initiatives. It involved survey of 400 households from the four study locations before and after the interventions. The pre-post estimation in the “proportion of respondents who were fully aware” was analyzed to measure changes in knowledge. Mc-Nemar test was applied to measure the statistical significance of these changes.

Findings

The results indicate that the intervention of “empowerment centers” has increased knowledge and utilization of the various government schemes, services and facilities that are routine and offer benefits all household members, in general, and women as well as children, in particular. The intervention was found to be successful in improving the local governance systems; empowering communities, linking communities and local level government systems across all sectors, as well as bringing in inter-sectoral linkages across governments systems.

Research limitations/implications

Although there have been many interventions of community participation for reducing inequities across the globe, there is a dearth of documentation and evidence generation. More efforts are required to evaluate such interventions, identify which interventions work and how they can be adapted to different contexts. This also requires exploration of the social processes and contextual realities underlying these interventions.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this research is one-of-its-kind that assessed an intervention targeting cross-cutting schemes and services, beyond just health interventions. The evidence points to the success of grassroots level inter-sectoral community actions, in the form of empowerment centers, to improve awareness and utilization of government interventions through participatory governance, and points to the expanding scope of learning and adapting such interventions to different contexts and scopes.
Value creation and cost reduction in health care – outcomes of online participation by health-care professionals
Authors: Hogreve Jens , Beierlein Andrea
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The authors explore the outcomes of health-care professionals' participation in a vendor-hosted online community by combining qualitative and quantitative data collected in two separate studies. The authors aim to shed light on the potential value outcomes of community participation covering the reduction of service costs by professionals' community participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the outcomes of health-care professionals' participation in a vendor-hosted online community by combining qualitative and quantitative data collected in two separate studies. The authors also introduce GABEK® as a unique method of qualitative empirical content analysis. In the quantitative study, the authors refer to customer survey data and transactional data.

Findings

The results show that participation in online communities by professionals emerges as a dual concept, consisting of both help-seeking and help-providing behaviors. These behaviors in turn facilitate the creation of economic and relational value, as well as influencing the perceived usefulness of the online community, resulting in higher satisfaction with the community among the participating professionals. Customer survey data and transactional data were gathered from a major medical equipment vendor hosting an online community, and those data confirm that participation also decreases service support costs to professionals by reducing the number of necessary service visits by the vendor's service technicians.

Practical implications

The resulting model of participation and corresponding benefits in an online community for health-care professionals reflects and informs current developments in the health care industry.

Originality/value

The combination of qualitative as well as quantitative studies relying on the data of a world leading medical equipment vendor hosting an online community provides unique and innovative insights into participation and value creation within B2B communities.
Impact of political marketing strategies on the BOP voters in India
Authors: Mukherjee Srabanti , Srivastava Abhinav , Datta Biplab , Sengupta Subhojit
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This article aims to examine political marketing strategies adopted by the politicians operating in base of the pyramid (BOP) areas and their impact on the BOP voters using the tenets of the social influence theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors resorted to a qualitative phenomenological inquiry for this study. The responses obtained from two qualitative studies were subjected to thematic analysis. Two thematic maps were integrated into a conceptual model.

Findings

Study 1 indicates that the politicians operating at the BOP resort to vote-bank segmentation, clientelism, mobilizing opinion leaders, short guerilla war against opposition and communication bombarding. Study 2 has elaborated on how poor voters perceive these strategies and form their opinions towards the party/candidate.

Social implications

The findings of this study highlight the need for essential policy formulation to protect BOP consumers from deceptive political tactics.

Originality/value

This study develops a model of the effectiveness of voting strategies at the BOP. It also contributes to the literature on social influence theory by indicating how the three social influence processes (compliance, identification and internalization) result in different ways of accepting political influence.
Effect of the IMC layer geometry on a solder joint thermomechanical behavior
Authors: Capela Paulina Araújo , Souza Maria Sabrina , Costa Sharlane , Teixeira Jose C. , Fernandes Miguel , Figueiredo Hugo , Delgado Isabel , Soares Delfim
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between the solder joint materials has a detrimental impact on reliability. The mechanical stresses caused by the thermal changes of the assembly lead to fatigue and sometimes the failure of the solder joints. The purpose of this study is to propose a novel pad design to obtain an interrupted solder/substrate interface, to improve the PCBA reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

An interruption in the continuous intermetallic compound (IMC) layer of a solder joint was implemented, by the deposition of a silicone film in the pad, changing its geometry. That change allows a redistribution of stresses in the most ductile zone of the solder joint, the solder. The stress concentration at the solder/substrate interface is reduced, as well as the general state of stress at the solder joint.

Findings

A new way was developed to reduce the stress on the solder joints, caused by thermal variations, because of the different components CTEs mismatch. This new method consists of interrupting the IMC layers of the solder joint, strategically, redirecting the usual stresses to a more ductile area of the joint, the solder. This is an innovative method that allows increase the lifetime of PCBAs and the equipments.

Originality/value

In this study, a new pad design concept for higher solder joint reliability was developed to reduce the shear stress in the solder joints because of the CTE mismatch between all the solder joint components.
Circ_0017274 acts on miR‐637/CDX2 axis to facilitate cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Bing , Guo Jinjuan , Chen Mei
Published: June 2022

Currently, a substantial amount of circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely associated with cancer development and the occurrence of drug resistance, however, circ_0017274 in cisplatin (CDDP) resistance in gastric cancer (GC) has not been addressed. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot were utilized for circ_0017274, microRNA‐637 (miR‐637) and caudal‐related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) contents analysis. Analysis of IC50, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration and invasion of GC cells using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry or transwell assays. Interaction between miR‐637 and circ_0017274 or CDX2 was validated under the application of luciferase reporter system, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis, and pull‐down assay. The effect of circ_0017274 on CDDP sensitivity in vivo was tapped by xenograft models. Circ_0017274 and CDX2 had higher content in CDDP‐resistant GC tissues and cells, while miR‐637 had lower content. CDDP resistance and development of GC cells were arrested when circ_0017274 level was reduced in vitro. MiR‐637 acted as a target of circ_0017274, and miR‐637 downregulation abated the phenomenon of elevated sensitivity of sh‐circ_0017274 to CDDP. MiR‐637 was also demonstrated to interact with CDX2 and to co‐regulate CDDP sensitivity in GC cells. The xenograft models also established that circ_0017274 downregulation strengthened CDDP sensitivity and thus curtailed tumour growth in vivo. Circ_0017274 downregulation boosted CDDP sensitivity by acting on miR‐637/CDX2 in CDDP‐resistant GC cells.
Authorising Crime: The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021
Authors: Scott Paul F.
Published: June 2022

The enactment of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act 2021 pre‐empted the outcome of the appeal against the decision of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in the so‐called ‘third direction’ case. This legislation article considers the background to the statute in the form both of the (absence of a) legal regime governing informant participation in criminality as revealed by reviews of events within the Northern Irish Troubles and the recent litigation. It analyses the key legal issues raised by the Act and locates it within the modern project of rationalising the law related to national security.
What Can We Learn from Droppers and Non‐adopters About the Role of Advice in Agricultural Innovation?
Authors: Sutherland Lee‐Ann , Madureira Lívia , Elzen Boelie , Noble Christina , Bechtet Noemie , Townsend Leanne , Zarokosta Eleni , Triboulet Pierre
Published: June 2022

In this article we assess the diversity of sources of advice identified by 678 adopters, 295 non‐adopters and 107 droppers (or dis‐adopters, who have ceased or reduced the use) of agricultural innovations across 13 European countries. For most innovations, the volume and composition of advisory supports (e.g. public advisory services, farm business organisations, NGOs, research and development sector, other farmers), at the whole farm level were similar between adopters, non‐adopters and droppers. However, there were significant differences in relation to specific innovations. Farmers adopting digital technologies, soil‐improving cropping systems, and common management of natural resources identified more diverse sources when assessing innovations, suggesting that more diverse advisory support supported successful implementation. For new on‐farm activities, non‐adopters had more varied sources of advice than adopters. This demonstrates that non‐adoption can be a well‐informed decision. Droppers typically identified fewer sources of advice on an innovation than adopters, particularly in the later stages of the innovation process, suggesting that lack of advice impeded successful implementation. The findings suggest that public funding for advisory services could usefully target emergent gaps: to support the provision of up‐to‐date advice on topics to farmers who have difficulty accessing advice, and to prevent unnecessary dropping by supporting the implementation of innovations.
United Kingdom: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: MIDDLETON ALIA
Published: June 2022

Covid‐19 still dominated politics in the UK in 2021, with another national lockdown announced in England just days into the year. Schools and non‐essential shops closed for several months, and restrictions were not finally lifted until July after the roll‐out of the vaccine programme. The final few weeks of 2021 were populated with multiple reports of Covid restrictions being broken at Downing Street during the earlier lockdowns. This, along with the government seeking to protect an MP accused of breaking lobbying rules, saw a substantial decrease in the Prime Minister's popularity over the year. In October, Sir David Amess was murdered during a constituency surgery – the first such death since 2016.
Long‐term effects of lower versus higher oxygenation levels in adult ICU patients—A systematic review
Authors: Crescioli Elena , Krejberg Kirsten Uldal , Klitgaard Thomas Lass , Nielsen Frederik Mølgaard , Barbateskovic Marija , Skrubbeltrang Conni , Møller Morten Hylander , Schjørring Olav Lilleholt , Rasmussen Bodil Steen
Published: June 2022

Background

Oxygen therapy is a common treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) with both potentially desirable and undesirable long‐term effects. This systematic review aimed to assess the long‐term outcomes of lower versus higher oxygenation strategies in adult ICU survivors.

Methods

We included randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing lower versus higher oxygen supplementation or oxygenation strategies in adults admitted to the ICU. We searched major electronic databases and trial registers. We included all non‐mortality long‐term outcomes. Prespecified co‐primary outcomes were the long‐term cognitive function measures, the overall score of any valid health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluation, standardised 6‐min walk test, and lung diffusion capacity. The protocol was published and prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021223630).

Results

The review included 17 RCTs comprising 6592 patients, and six trials with 825 randomised patients reported one or more outcomes of interest. We observed no difference in cognitive evaluation via Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (one trial, 409 patients) (mean score: 30.6 ± 4.5 in the lower oxygenation group vs. 30.4 ± 4.3 in the higher oxygenation group). The trial was judged at overall high risk of bias and the certainty of evidence was very low. Any difference was neither observed in HRQoL measured via EuroQol 5 dimensions 5 level questionnaire and EQ Visual Analogue Score (one trial, 499 patients) (mean score: 70.1 ± 22 in the lower oxygenation group vs. 67.6 ± 22.4 in the higher oxygenation group). The trial was judged as having high risk of bias, the certainty of evidence was very low. No trial reported neither the standardised 6‐min walk test nor lung diffusion test.

Conclusion

The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of a lower versus a higher oxygenation strategy on both the cognitive function and HRQoL. A lower versus a higher oxygenation strategy may have a little to no effect on both outcomes but the certainty of evidence is very low. No evidence was found for the effects on the standardised 6‐min walking test and diffusion capacity test.
Retrograde peri‐implantitis: incidence and possible co‐existing factors: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Solomonov Michael , Via Shlomo , Dinur Noam , Ben Itzhak Joe , Lev Ron , Averbuch Zehavi Elor , Arbel Yael , Lvovsky Alex , Azizi Hadas , Abadi Meital , Cohen Matityahu Neriya , Shemesh Avi
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of retrograde peri‐implantitis (RPI) generally and the incidence of RPI with an endodontic‐treated adjacent tooth and/or a periapical radiolucency.

Method

The retrospective case–control study included the follow‐up periapical images of single dental implants. Two calibrated graduate endodontic residents evaluated simultaneously the presence of RPI and the adjacent teeth status (a previous root canal treatment (RCT) and the periapical status).

Results

Six hundred and eleven dental implants were included in this study. Twenty‐three implants with RPI were detected (the incidence of RPI was 3.7%). Thirty‐one adjacent teeth to the implants with RPI were recognized. Out of them, seven teeth had a previous RCT and periapical radiolucency or no RCT and periapical radiolucency. The odds ratios for RPI in an implant with periapical radiolucency or with RCT at the adjacent tooth are 6.67 (95% CI 2.7–16.5), P < 0.05; and 0.11 (95% CI 0.007–1.9), P > 0.05 respectively.

Conclusions

Based on periapical radiographs, the RPI incidence was 3.7% in the present study. The incidence of RPI increased in cases with adjacent teeth that had periapical radiolucency. Previous RCT in teeth adjacent to implants without apical radiolucency is not correlated with RPI.
The use of digital image correlation for measurement of strain fields in a novel wireless intraspinal microstimulation interface
Authors: Tawakol Omar , Mushahwar Vivian K. , Troyk Philip R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) has emerged as a promising neuromodulation technique for restoring standing and overground walking in individuals with spinal cord injury. Current and emerging ISMS implant designs connect the electrodes to the stimulator through lead wires that cross the dura mater. To reduce possible complications associated with transdural leads such as tethering and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, we aim to develop a wireless, fully intradural ISMS implant based on our prior work in the cortex with the Wireless Floating Microelectrode Array (WFMA). Although we have extensive data about WFMA cortical stability, its mechanical and electrical stability in the spinal cord remains unknown. One of the quantifiable metrics to assess long‐term implant stability is mechanical strain.

Objective

The aim of the current work is to develop a method to assess implant stability by measuring strain fields in a surrogate of the human spinal cord.

Methods

A physical model of the spinal cord was studied using an electromechanical testing apparatus, simulating typical spinal cord motion. Strain fields were digitally analyzed using an optical method known as digital image correlation (DIC).

Results

Displacement and strain were visualized using contour plots. The strain values in the vicinity of each WFMA device were significantly different from the strain values in the same locations in the control surrogate spinal cord.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that DIC can be used for in‐vitro screening of intraspinal implants. Accurate optical strain measurements will enable researchers to optimize implant design over a wide range of motion conditions.
Vulnerable workers in insecure jobs: A critical meta‐synthesis of qualitative findings
Authors: Bazzoli Andrea , Probst Tahira M.
Published: June 2022

Job insecurity is a widespread workplace stressor that has been extensively investigated using quantitative approaches. With the use of a critical organisational psychology framework, we conducted a meta‐synthesis of 20 qualitative studies to investigate the experience of job insecurity among vulnerable employee groups (i.e., women and immigrants). The qualitative meta‐synthesis results suggest that there are meaningful differences. Specifically, whereas women were more concerned with and exposed to deteriorating working conditions, men experienced job insecurity as a threat to their identity. Among immigrants, the experience of job insecurity is viewed as largely intersecting with the legal system, impacting their ability to remain in their country and making them feel powerless. Thematic evidence also emerged regarding individual actions that participants use to attain security in contrast to corporate strategies that enhance job insecurity. We contribute to the critical organisational psychology literature by discussing how these results test common academic theories and neoliberal assumptions pervasive within the job insecurity literature: We highlight how organisations manufacture job insecurity, question the existence of harmonious social exchanges, discuss the use of job insecurity as a form of worker control, consider the role of the legal context in aiding worker exploitation and argue for an intersectional view of job insecurity.
Letter: association of circulating bile acid concentrations and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Sun Li‐Yang , Ye Gao‐Qi , Yang Shun‐Chao , Zhao Fei , Ma Sheng‐Zhe , Yang Tian
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Rivera–Andrade et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16948 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17059
Meta‐analysis: efficacy of exclusive enteral nutrition as induction therapy on disease activity index, inflammation and growth factors in paediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Fatahi Somaye , Farahmand Fatemeh , Alimadadi Hosein , Seraj Shaikh Sanjid , Rohani Pejman
Published: June 2022

Background

There is evidence of inconsistency in sequelae of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) as induction therapy in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To investigate the potential effects of EEN on paediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI), inflammation and biochemical parameters in paediatric patients with CD.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Embase until 8 January 2022 regardless of the time of publication or language.

Random‐effects model was applied to combine the datasets. The main outcomes were analysed through mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Forty six studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled findings indicated that PCDAI score (MD of −27.24; 95% CI −31.84 to −22.64), calprotectin (MD of −842.83 mg/kg; CI −1018.24 to −667.42), CRP (pooled MD of −2.36 mg/dl; CI −2.68 to −2.03), and ESR (MD of −21.09 mm/h; CI −23.79 to −18.38), albumin (MD of 0.65 g/dl; CI 0.58 to 0.72), haemoglobin (MD of 1.12 g/dl; CI 0.87 to 1.37), weight (MD of 4.30 kg; CI 3.39 to 5.22), and height (MD of 0.98 cm; CI 0.35 to 1.62) improved significantly with EEN.

Conclusions

Adherence to EEN can have significant, beneficial effects as induction therapy in paediatric patients with CD.
Patient and tumour characteristics of screening‐age adults diagnosed with screen‐detected versus symptomatic colon cancer
Authors: Sarma Elizabeth A. , Thompson Matthew J. , Bowles Erin J. A. , Burnett‐Hartman Andrea N. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Yu Onchee , Chubak Jessica
Published: June 2022

Aim

International studies have shown that most colon cancers are diagnosed among people with symptoms, but research is limited in the United States. Here, we conducted a retrospective study of adults aged 50–85 years diagnosed with stage I–IIIA colon cancer between 1995 and 2014 in two US healthcare systems.

Methods

Mode of detection (screening or symptomatic) was ascertained from medical records. We estimated unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing detection mode by patient factors at diagnosis (year, age, sex, race, smoking status, body mass index [BMI], Charlson score), prediagnostic primary care utilization, and tumour characteristics (stage, location).

Results

Of 1,675 people with colon cancer, 38.4% were screen‐detected, while 61.6% were diagnosed following symptomatic presentation. Screen‐detected cancer was more common among those diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 versus 1995–1999 (OR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.19–2.28), and those with a BMI of 25–<30 kg/m2 (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.21–1.98) or ≥30 kg/m2 (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18–1.96) versus <25 kg/m2. Screen‐detected cancer was less common among people aged 76–85 (OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39–0.65) versus 50–64, those with comorbidity scores >0 (OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56–0.91 for score = 1, OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.26–0.45 for score = 2+), and those with 2+ prediagnostic primary care visits (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37–0.76) versus 0 visits. The odds of screen detection were lower among patients diagnosed with stage IIA (OR 0.33, 95% CI = 0.27–0.41) or IIB (OR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.06–0.24) cancers versus stage I.

Conclusions

Most colon cancers among screen‐eligible adults were diagnosed following symptomatic presentation. Even with increasing screening rates over time, research is needed to better understand why specific groups are more likely to be diagnosed when symptomatic and identify opportunities for interventions.
Identifying the primary site of malignancy in carcinomatous serous effusions using immunocytochemistry
Authors: Kundu Reetu , Parwaiz Amber , Gupta Parikshaa , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Nalini , Srinivasan Radhika , Dey Pranab
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Malignant effusions are commonly encountered in day‐to‐day cytology practice. Determining the primary site of malignancy in carcinomatous effusions is a Herculean task. Cytology coupled with immunocytochemistry (ICC) is often found to be helpful in this context.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ICC on sections from cell blocks (CBs) in the detection of the primary site of origin in cases of metastatic carcinomatous effusions. To determine the origin of the primary tumour, TTF1 (lung), PAX‐8 (ovary), CDX2 (colorectal), GATA3 (breast), and CK19 (pancreaticobiliary) were employed, depending on the clinical and radiological findings, and serum tumour markers.

Results

A total of 13,459 serous effusion samples were received for cytological evaluation from January 2017 to December 2021, of which 2708 (20.1%) were carcinomatous effusions. Out of these, 1044 (38.5%), 1611 (59.5%), and 53 (2.0%) were from pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities, respectively. Of these, the majority were adenocarcinoma. ICC was performed in 309 (11.4%) cases. The ovary was the most common primary site in 179 cases (57.9%), followed by the lung (75, 24.3%), pancreaticobiliary system (12, 3.9%), colon/rectum (8, 2.6%), breast (6, 1.9%), prostate (2, 0.6%) and kidney (1, 0.3). The lung was the most common primary site in pleural (67/113, 59.3%) and pericardial (6/8, 75%) effusions. The ovary (168/188, 89.4%) was the most common primary site for carcinomatous effusions in the peritoneal cavity. However, in 17 (5.5%) cases, the exact primary site could not be established.

Conclusions

Judicious and methodical use of ICC on CBs helps to identify the primary site of the tumour in most carcinomatous effusions. This is of immense help to the treating clinician in directing appropriate therapy.
Aortic valve calcification predicts poor outcomes after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Dai Chunfeng , Liu Muyin , Zhou You , Lu Danbo , Chen Zhangwei , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: June 2022

Background

Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the general population. We sought to investigate whether AVC identified by transthoracic echocardiography could be a predictor of long‐term adverse events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

Patients undergoing primary PCI were consecutively enrolled in this cohort study between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 31 2018. The presence of AVC was identified by transthoracic echocardiography one to three days after PCI. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) during follow‐up. Propensity score matching was adopted to adjust for the baseline differences between groups.

Results

Of 2117 patients enrolled in the study, 566 (26.7%) were found to have AVC. Patients with AVC were older, more likely to be women, and disposed to have comorbidities and complex lesions. During a median follow‐up period of 6.1 years, 699 cases of MACCE occurred, including 243 (42.9%) cases in patients with AVC and 456 (29.4%) cases in patients without AVC. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the presence of AVC increased the risk of MACCE (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.442, 95% confidence interval: 1.186 to 1.754, p < 0.001). This difference persisted when sensitivity and subgroup analyses were made.

Conclusions

AVC identified by transthoracic echocardiography independently increased the long‐term risk of MACCE after primary PCI in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This imaging feature will contribute to better risk stratification in this population.
The burden of illness of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria receiving C5 inhibitors in France, Germany and the United Kingdom: Patient‐reported insights on symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Panse Jens , Sicre de Fontbrune Flore , Burmester Pascale , Piggin Maria , Matos Joana E. , Costantino Halley , Wilson Koo , Hakimi Zalmai , Nazir Jameel , Desgraz Renaud , Fishman Jesse , Persson Emmelie , Kulasekararaj Austin
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To assess the clinical, humanistic and economic burden of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) among C5 inhibitor (C5i)‐treated patients with PNH.

Methods

This was a web‐based, cross‐sectional survey (01FEB2021‐31MAR2021) of adults with PNH treated with eculizumab (France, Germany, United Kingdom) or ravulizumab (Germany). Self‐reported outcomes included: patient characteristics; patient‐reported symptoms; and standardised patient‐reported outcomes (e.g. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy [FACIT]‐Fatigue, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 [EORTC QLQ‐C30]).

Results

Among 71 included patients, 98.6% were C5i‐treated for ≥3 months (88.7% ≥12 months); among those with self‐reported haemoglobin (Hb) levels (n = 63), most (85.7%) were anaemic (defined as ≤12.0 g/dL). Fatigue was the most common symptom at both diagnosis (73.2%) and survey time (63.4%); there were no statistically significant differences in symptom prevalence between treatment subgroups (eculizumab vs. ravulizumab). Total FACIT‐Fatigue and EORTC QLQ‐C30 scores were substantially lower than European general population references, but there were no statistically significant differences between treatment subgroups. Hb‐level subgroups (<10.5 g/dL vs. ≥10.5 d/dL) followed similar trends for all measures, with few significant subgroup differences.

Conclusions

Results suggest that there remains a considerable burden and unmet need among C5i‐treated patients with PNH that requires improved therapies.
COQ2 and SNCA polymorphisms interact with environmental factors to modulate the risk of multiple system atrophy and subtype disposition
Authors: Kuo Ming‐Che , Lu Ying‐Che , Tai Chun‐Hwei , Soong Bing‐Wen , Hu Fu‐Chang , Chen Meng‐Ling , Lin Chin‐Hsien , Wu Ruey‐Meei
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) has no definitive genetic or environmental (G‐E) risk factors, and the integrated effect of these factors on MSA etiology remains unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate the integrated effect of G‐E factors associated with MSA and its subtypes, MSA‐P and MSA‐C.

Methods

A consecutive case–control study was conducted at two medical centers, and the interactions between genotypes of five previously reported susceptible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; SNCA_rs3857059, SNCA_rs11931074, COQ2_rs148156462, EDN1_rs16872704, MAPT_rs9303521) and graded exposure (never, ever, current) of four environmental factors (smoking, alcohol, drinking well water, pesticide exposure) were analyzed by a stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 207 MSA patients and 136 healthy controls were enrolled. In addition to SNP COQ2_rs148156462 (TT), MSA risk was correlated with G‐E interactions, including COQ2_rs148156462 (Tc) × pesticide nonexposure, COQ2_rs148156462 (TT) × current smokers, SNCA_rs11931074 (tt) × alcohol nonusers, and SNCA_rs11931074 (GG) × well water nondrinkers (all p < 0.01), with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.804 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.671–0.847). Modulated risk of MSA‐C, with MSA‐P as a control, correlated with COQ2_rs148156462 (TT) × alcohol nondrinkers, SNCA_rs11931074 (GG) × well water ever drinkers, SNCA_rs11931074 (Gt) × well water never drinkers, and SNCA_rs3857059 (gg) × pesticide nonexposure (all p < 0.05), with an AUC of 0.749 (95% CI = 0.683–0.815).

Conclusions

Certain COQ2 and SNCA SNPs interact with common environmental factors to modulate MSA etiology and subtype disposition. The mechanisms underlying the observed correlation between G‐E interactions and MSA etiopathogenesis warrant further investigation.