bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Characteristics of Cannabis-induced Toxicoses in Pets: Results from a Survey of Veterinarians in North America
Authors: Amissah Richard Quansah , Vogt Nadine A. , Chen Chuyun , Urban Karolina , Khokhar Jibran
Published: December 2021

Cannabis legalization in North America has coincided with an increase in reports of cannabis-induced toxicosis in pets, but the magnitude of this problem, as well as outcomes of these incidents remain unknown. Therefore, we examined the frequency, diagnostic criteria, clinical signs, and prognoses of cannabis toxicoses in pets in North America. We conducted an online survey between January, 2021 and April, 2021 targeting veterinarians practicing in Canada and the United States (US). Out of the 251 study participants, 191 practiced in Canada. Cannabis toxicosis was most commonly reported in dogs (n=226 veterinarians), and the number of toxicosis cases increased significantly in Canada (p<0.0001) and the US (p=0.002) after October, 2018. Frequently reported clinical signs of cannabis toxicosis included: urinary incontinence (n=195), disorientation (n=182), ataxia (n=178), lethargy (n=150), hyperesthesia (n=134), and bradycardia (n=112). Edibles were most commonly suspected to be the cause of toxicosis (n=116). The most common route of exposure was ingestion (n=135), while the most cited reason was ingestion while unattended (n=135). Cannabis toxicosis was mostly diagnosed using supportive clinical signs (n=229), the most common treatment was outpatient monitoring (n=182), and pets were most often treated as out-patients (n=103). The legalization of cannabis use in Canada and the US is likely an important factor associated with the increased cannabis toxicosis cases in pets; however, the legal status may also increase reporting. The medicinal use of cannabis by pet-owners for pets may also contribute to a portion of the reported toxicoses. Most pets that experienced cannabis toxicosis recovered completely, suggesting that most cannabis toxicoses do not result in long-term ill effects. Even though some deaths (n=16) were reported in association with cannabis toxicosis, the presence of confounders such as toxins, and underlying conditions cannot be ruled out, emphasizing the need for rigorous controlled laboratory studies to investigate this important issue.
Season-long infection of diverse hosts by the entomopathogenic fungus Batkoa major
Authors: Gryganskyi Andrii P. , Golan Jacob , Hajek Ann E.
Published: December 2021

Populations of the entomopathogenic fungus Batkoa major were analyzed using sequences of four genomic regions and evaluated in relation to their genetic diversity, insect hosts and collection site. This entomophthoralean pathogen killed numerous insect species from 23 families and five orders in two remote locations during 2019. The host list of this biotrophic pathogen contains flies, true bugs, butterflies and moths, beetles, and barkflies. Among the infected bugs (Order Hemiptera), the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a new invasive planthopper pest of various woody plants that was introduced to the USA from Eastern Asia. A high degree of clonality occurred in the studied populations and high gene flow was revealed using four molecular loci for the analysis of population structure. We did not detect any segregation in the population regarding host affiliation (by family or order), or collection site. This is the first description of population structure of a biotrophic fungus-generalist in the entomopathogenic Order Entomophthorales. This analysis aimed to better understand the potential populations of entomopathogen-generalists infecting emerging invasive hosts in new ecosystems.
Long-read RNA sequencing identifies polyadenylation elongation and differential transcript usage of host transcripts during SARS-CoV-2 in vitro infection
Authors: Chang Jessie J.-Y. , Gleeson Josie , Rawlinson Daniel , Pitt Miranda E. , De Paoli-Iseppi Ricardo , Zhou Chenxi , Mordant Francesca L. , Londrigan Sarah L. , Clark Michael B. , Subbarao Kanta , Stinear Timothy P. , Coin Lachlan J.M.
Published: December 2021

Better methods to interrogate host-pathogen interactions during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are imperative to help understand and prevent this disease. Here we implemented RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) combined with the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-reads to measure differential host gene expression, transcript polyadenylation and isoform usage within various epithelial cell lines permissive and non-permissive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2-infected and mock-infected Vero (African green monkey kidney epithelial cells), Calu-3 (human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells), Caco-2 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma epithelial cells) and A549 (human lung carcinoma epithelial cells) were analysed over time (0, 2, 24, 48 hours). Differential polyadenylation was found to occur in both infected Calu-3 and Vero cells during a late time point (48 hpi), with Gene Ontology (GO) terms such as viral transcription and translation shown to be significantly enriched in Calu-3 data. Poly(A) tails showed increased lengths in the majority of the differentially polyadenylated transcripts in Calu-3 and Vero cell lines (up to ~136 nt in mean poly(A) length, padj = 0.029). Of these genes, ribosomal protein genes such as RPS4X and RPS6 also showed downregulation in expression levels, suggesting the importance of ribosomal protein genes during infection. Furthermore, differential transcript usage was identified in Caco-2, Calu-3 and Vero cells, including transcripts of genes such as GSDMB and KPNA2, which have previously been implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Overall, these results highlight the potential role of differential polyadenylation and transcript usage in host immune response or viral manipulation of host mechanisms during infection, and therefore, showcase the value of long-read sequencing in identifying less-explored host responses to disease.
Discerning the functional networks behind processing of music and speech through human vocalizations
Authors: Angulo-Perkins Arafat , Concha Luis
Published: December 2021

Musicality refers to specific biological traits that allow us to perceive, generate and enjoy music. These abilities can be studied at different organizational levels (e.g., behavioural, physiological, evolutionary), and all of them reflect that music and speech processing are two different cognitive domains. Previous research has shown evidence of this functional divergence in auditory cortical regions in the superior temporal gyrus (such as theplanum polare), showing increased activity upon listening to music, as compared to other complex acoustic signals. Here, we examine brain activity underlying vocal music and speech perception, while we compare musicians and non-musicians. We designed a stimulation paradigm using the same voice to produce spoken sentences, hummed melodies, and sung sentences; the same sentences were used in speech and song categories, and the same melodies were used in the musical categories (song and hum). Participants listened to this paradigm while we acquired functional magnetic resonance images (fMRI). Different analyses demonstrated greater involvement of specific auditory and motor regions during music perception, as compared to speech vocalizations. This music sensitive network includes bilateral activation of theplanum polareandtemporale, as well as a group of regions lateralized to the right hemisphere that included the supplementary motor area, premotor cortex and the inferior frontal gyrus. Our results show that the simple act of listening to music generates stronger activation of motor regions, possibly preparing us to move following the beat. Vocal musical listening, with and without lyrics, is also accompanied by a higher modulation of specific secondary auditory cortices such as theplanum polare, confirming its crucial role in music processing independently of previous musical training. This study provides more evidence showing that music perception enhances audio-sensorimotor activity, crucial for clinical approaches exploring music based therapies to improve communicative and motor skills.
Size and structure of hexanuclear plutonium oxo-hydroxo clusters in aqueous solution from synchrotron analysis
Authors: Dumas Thomas , Virot Matthieu , Menut Denis , Tamain Christelle , Micheau Cyril , Dourdain Sandrine , Diat Olivier
Published: December 2021

The size and shape of a water-soluble hexanuclear plutonium cluster were probed by combining synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). A specific setup coupling both techniques and dedicated to radioactive samples on the MARS beamline endstation at Synchrotron SOLEIL is described. The plutonium hexanuclear cores are well stabilized by the 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid ligands and this allows a good evaluation of the setup to probe the very small plutonium core. The results show that, in spite of the constrained conditions required to avoid any risk of sample dispersion, the flux and the sample environment are optimized to obtain a very good signal-to-noise ratio, allowing the detection of small plutonium aggregates in an aqueous phase. The structure of the well defined hexanuclear cluster has been confirmed by EXAFS measurements in solution and correlated with SAXS data processing and modelling. An iterative comparison of classical fit models (Guinier or sphere form factor) with the experimental results allowed a better interpretation of the SAXS signal that will be relevant for future work under environmentally relevant conditions.
Food tourism: opportunities for SMEs through diaspora marketing?
Authors: Bowen Robert
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of the diaspora effect on food tourism. Focussing on the nexus of diaspora marketing, entrepreneurship and food tourism, this paper seeks to explore opportunities for food and drink small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in food tourism activities through diaspora marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

As an investigation of an under-researched concept, this research uses mixed methods to develop a deeper understanding of diaspora effects on food tourism. This includes an online survey of 169 food producers, with 37 follow-up interviews. Research was conducted with food producing SMEs in Wales and Brittany, two culturally and geographically similar places, where both the food and drink and tourism industries are significant parts of the local economy.

Findings

Two avenues for diaspora tourism are apparent, either through engaging with diaspora networks, such as expatriate networks located outside the country of origin, or through the reverse diaspora effect, of visitors experiencing products and then seeking to purchase them once returned to their countries. Both approaches depend on the ability for the food producer to sell their products to international buyers, as well as ensuring that international buyers had sufficient awareness of the products, which also links to a positive reputation for food.

Originality/value

The paper aims to take a novel approach to the impact of diasporas on food tourism by considering the entrepreneurial activity of businesses in developing opportunities for food tourism through diaspora marketing. Distinctions are made from existing research by studying diaspora tourism from the business perspective.
Using digital humanity approaches to visualize and evaluate the cultural heritage ontology
Authors: Cheng Yu-Jung , Chou Shu-Lai
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study applies digital humanity tools (Gephi and Protégé) for establishing and visualizing ontologies in the cultural heritage domain. According to that, this study aims to develop a novel evaluation approach using five ontology indicators (data overview, visual presentation, highlight links, scalability and querying) to evaluate the knowledge structure presentation of cultural heritage ontology.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers collected and organized 824 pieces of government’s open data (GOD), converted GOD into the resource description framework format, applied Protégé and Gephi to establish and visualize cultural heritage ontology. After ontology is built, this study recruited 60 ontology participants (30 from information and communications technology background; 30 from cultural heritage background) to operate this ontology and gather their different perspectives of visual ontology.

Findings

Based on the ontology participant’s feedback, this study discovered that Gephi is more supporting than Protégé when visualizing ontology. Especially in data overview, visual presentation and highlight links dimensions, which is supported visualization and demonstrated ontology class hierarchy and property relation, facilitated the wider application of ontology.

Originality/value

This study offers two contributions. First, the researchers analyzed data on East Asian architecture with novel digital humanities tools to visualize ontology for cultural heritage. Second, the study collected participant’s feedback regarding the visualized ontology to enhance its design, which can serve as a reference for future ontological development.
The effect of cognitive functioning and affects on the loneliness of elderly people
Authors: Serra Lídia , Almeida Cristina , Silva Luís
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of general cognitive functioning and positive and negative affects on loneliness in the elderly people and to analyze the mediating effect of positive affects on the relationship between negative affects and loneliness.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study consists of 61 people with an average age of 83 years who receive specialized institutional support. Study participants answered a set of questionnaires in which their sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of the support received, cognitive functioning, positive and negative affects and loneliness were assessed.

Findings

Cognitive functioning did not reveal a significant relationship with loneliness. On the other hand, there was a positive and significant relationship between negative affects and loneliness and a significant marginal relationship between positive affects and loneliness. Negative affects proved to be predictors of loneliness, and there was an influence of positive affects by mediating the relationship between negative affects and loneliness.

Originality/value

This study showed that negative affects are risk factors for the appearance of loneliness in the elderly people who receive specialized institutional support and should be considered in intervention programs that aim to reduce loneliness and social isolation of the elderly people.
Chinese international students and American domestic students’ intercultural communication in response to group criticism: collective face and discomfort feelings
Authors: Zhu Yi , Bresnahan Mary Jiang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Group criticism plays an important role in intergroup relations and conflicts, but few studies have related group criticism to intercultural communication contexts. This study aims to explore two cultural groups’ (Chinese international students in the USA and American domestic students) collective face concern as a unique experience in intercultural communication and other psychological responses while encountering group criticism targeting their country image.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment was conducted assessing Chinese international students (n = 115) and American domestic students’ (n = 100) responses to a research-confederate critic (whose group membership was manipulated) criticizing participants’ country image such as blaming China and the USA for air pollution or using drugs in the Olympics. analysis of covariance, correlational analysis and regression analysis were adopted to analyze the data.

Findings

Chinese international students reported higher collective face concerns and lower liking toward the critic compared with American students. When criticism specifically targeted participants’ country image, Chinese international students reported more discomfort feelings than American students; and while responding to the critic who identified as participants’ ingroup member, Chinese international students’ discomfort feelings were more susceptible to their collective face than American students in the same condition.

Originality/value

This study illustrates cultural differences in collective face concerns and psychological reactions in responding to criticism targeting a country image in intercultural communication contexts.
Epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics of female prisoners with definite COVID-19 in a prison in the southwest, Iran, 2020
Authors: Dastoorpoor Maryam , Khodadadi Narges , Borsi Seyed Hamid , Jamshidi Farkhondeh , Farsani Alireza Babaei , Noorzadeh Mehrdad
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Prisoners are at greater risk of infectious diseases compared to the general population. While imprisoned, it is often difficult to observe Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) prevention strategies such as social distancing. To the authors’ knowledge, no study has been conducted worldwide to examine the condition of female prisoners with COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics of prisoners with COVID-19 in Ahvaz Women’s Prison (southwest, Iran).

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this descriptive cross-sectional study was collected using a checklist including epidemiological information, clinical symptoms, X-ray and computed tomography scan findings of the chest, underlying diseases and the final status of all female prisoners whose COVID-19 test was positive.

Findings

This study included 139 female prisoners with COVID-19 with a mean age of 37.19 ± 12.67 years. The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (14.4%), obesity (10.8%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9.4%). The most common symptoms at the onset of the disease were myalgia (59.0%), cough (41.0%) and dyspnea (37.4%). The most common radiological symptoms were ground-glass opacity (12.9%) and atelectasis (7.2%). In terms of extension of involvement, both lungs were involved in 8.6% of patients. In terms of zonal involvement, the lower lobes were more involved (8.6%). In terms of involvement position, the most common was sub-pleural (10.1%). None of the patients died.

Originality/value

Because the incidence, morbidity and mortality rate of COVID-19 in the prison population are likely to differ from those of the public. This study sought to investigate the situation of prisoners with COVID-19 in Ahvaz Prison, Khuzestan Province. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first worldwide study in this regard in women’s prisons.
Effect of randomly dispersed short fibers on the flexural resistance factor of concrete beams reinforced with GFRP bars
Authors: Behnam Bashar Ramzi , Al-Iessa Mohammed M. Mahmood
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential design advantage in terms of resistance factors for normal weight concrete beams containing moderate-dose randomly dispersed short fibers and reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars.

Design/methodology/approach

An analytical model based on the current code specifications is used to calculate the moment capacity of over-reinforced sections. The vast majority of the considered beams are over-reinforced, compression-controlled. The data of the fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) reinforced with GFRP bars are collected from three published research studies which are based on experimentally tested results. Three different types of short fibers with four volume fractions are considered. Probabilistic model is established to conduct reliability-based calibration using Monte-Carlo Simulation. Limit state function, relevant load and resistance random variables are identified, and adequate statistical parameters are selected. Target reliability index consistent with the one used to develop current design code specifications is used.

Findings

Reliability analysis and calibration process are carried out with the intention of estimating the flexural resistance factors for FRC beams reinforced with GFRP bars.

Originality/value

The predicted flexural resistance factors ranged from 0.72 to 0.95, giving the resistance factors the potential to be increased above the currently specified value of 0.65 for compression-controlled members reinforced with FRP bars.
Can competitors cooperate? The impact of formal institution agents in promoting coopetition among emerging market exporters
Authors: Monticelli Jefferson Marlon , Garrido Ivan Lapuente , Vieira Luciana Marques , Chim-Miki Adriana Fumi , Carneiro Jorge
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of formal institution agents on export performance, mediated by coopetition. It presents novel scales for evaluating firms’ adherence to cooperation agreements with competitors, identifying coopetition networks’ main motives and goals. The study also focuses on the relationship between the export performance of small and medium enterprises from emerging markets and coopetition strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative methodology using multivariate and confirmatory methods. The sample comprised 166 firms from three different industries in an emerging market (Brazil).

Findings

The results indicate that adherence to formal institution agents promotes cooperation among competitors and that such coopetition tends to improve export performance. The role played by formal institution agents minimizes the paradoxical tension and fosters coopetitive performance. Firms in developing markets look to mediated coopetition to achieve coopetitive advantages. They cooperate to create collective advantages from shared resources, but they do not lose sight of the ultimate objective of appropriating these advantages. The cycle of creation and appropriation of advantages is fostered by the formal institution agent, acting as the conductor of an orchestra, coordinating movements and setting the rhythm for the partners. The institutional agent, thus, constitutes an important hub of the coopetition network.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to understanding a type of coopetition that has hitherto been underexplored in the literature – mediated coopetition.
Does working from home work? Experience of working from home and the value of hybrid workplace post-COVID-19
Authors: Yang Eunhwa , Kim Yujin , Hong Sungil
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand how knowledge workers working from home during COVID-19 changed their views on physical work environments and working-from-home practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a survey targeting workers in the USA recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk. A total of 1,651 responses were collected and 648 responses were used for the analysis.

Findings

The perceived work-life balance improved during the pandemic compared to before, while the balance of physical boundaries between the workplace and home decreased. Workplace flexibility, environmental conditions of home offices and organizational supports are positively associated with productivity, satisfaction with working from home and work-life balance during the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

While the strict traditional view of “showing” up in the office from Monday through Friday is likely on the decline, the hybrid workplace with flexibility can be introduced as some activities are not significantly affected by the work location, either at home-based or corporate offices. The results of this study also highlight the importance of organizations to support productivity and satisfaction in the corporate office as well as home. With the industry collaboration, future research of relatively large sample sizes and study sites, investigating workers’ needs and adapted patterns of use in home-based and corporate offices, will help corporate real estate managers make decisions and provide some level of standardization of spatial efficiency and configurations of corporate offices as well as essential supports for home offices.

Originality/value

The pandemic-enforced working-from-home practices awaken the interdependence between corporate and home environments, how works are done and consequently, the role of the physical workplace. This study built a more in-depth understanding of how workers who were able to continue working from home during COVID-19 changed or not changed their views on physical work environments and working-from-home practices.
Algorithms and venture investment decisions: better, fairer or biased?
Authors: Levy Matthew , Liguori Eric
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper is a rejoinder to the work of Blohm, Antretter, and colleagues recently published in both Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice and Harvard Business Review titled “It's a Peoples Game, Isn't It?! A Comparison Between the Investment Returns of Business Angels and Machine Learning Algorithms” and “Do Algorithms Make Better – and Fairer – Investments than Angel Investors?”, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

While we agree with authors of prior scholarship on the importance of counteracting human biases, honing expert intuition and optimizing the odds of success in investment decision-making contexts, in the spirit of open academic discourse, this paper respectfully challenges some of the underlying assumptions concerning algorithmic bias on which prior work is based.

Findings

Investing remains part art and part science, and while algorithms may begin to play a more significant role in investment decision-making, human intuition remains hard to imitate. In both people and in algorithms, sources of bias remain both implicit and explicit and often have systemic roots, so more research continues to be needed to fully understand why algorithms produce potentially biased outcomes across a wide array of contexts.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to our collective understanding on the use of algorithms in making investment decisions, highlighting the fact that bias exists in humans and algorithms alike, even when the best of intentions are present.
Die Überkinder: Nietzsche and Greta Thunberg, children and philosophy
Authors: Verharen Charles C
Published: December 2021

Does Nietzsche imagine that an Überkind could prepare the path for an Übermensch? Linking Nietzsche to Greta Thunberg through their mutual concern about life's future, this essay reviews Nietzsche's 1871 through 1888 research on preparing children for a task demanding nearly superhuman powers: guaranteeing life's future against human irrationality's assaults. Rather than offering a historical analysis, the essay views his remarks as promptings for developing a curriculum for philosophy's engagement with children. The essay presents foundational principles for a curriculum for children that addresses current existential crises by promoting creativity's role in that curriculum. The conclusion summarises Nietzsche's vision of philosophy's future.
A comprehensive review on the properties and functionalities of biodegradable and semibiodegradable food packaging materials
Authors: Weligama Thuppahige Vindya Thathsaranee , Karim Md Azharul
Published: December 2021

The development of biodegradable food packaging with superior properties and functionalities compared to conventional food packaging is one of the emerging research interests. Immediate disposal of conventional single use nonbiodegradable food packaging results in adverse environmental impact. Utilization of either biomass‐based, microorganism‐derived, or biotechnologically synthesized biopolymers as biodegradable matrices is the common approach toward achieving sustainability. Consequently, starch and cellulose are being commonly used as biodegradable matrices. However, rather than being fully biodegradable, most of them can be considered as semibiodegradable. Majority of the review studies are based on matrices that have an origin in edible sources, which might result in food insecurity. Although development of bio‐based polymers with sound packaging properties have been extensively studied, the potential agro‐industrial waste as alternative, eco‐friendly, and economically viable matrices have attracted little attention. Therefore, the approaches of developing biodegradable food packaging and the framework of converting agro‐industrial waste into biodegradable packaging matrices are discussed comparatively in this paper. It also critiques the approaches and valorization of agro‐industrial waste in biodegradable food packaging. Thereby, an overview of physicochemical, functional, and biodegradable properties of commonly used biodegradable food packaging materials are provided as an insight for agro‐industrial waste‐based food packaging. The potential use of agro‐industrial waste‐based biodegradable food packaging materials against commonly used biodegradable food packaging materials has been highlighted in this study. Thereby, the vital necessity of growing awareness about agro‐industrial waste as biodegradable food packaging materials is emphasized through this comprehensive review.
Diagnostic codes for low back pain, nomenclature or noise? A descriptive study of disease classification system coding of low back pain
Authors: Tamrakar Mamata , O’Keeffe Mary , Traeger Adrian C. , Harris Ian , Maher Christopher
Published: December 2021

Aim

To compare and contrast the diagnostic codes for spinal causes of low back pain (LBP) in 3 disease classification systems (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]‐10, International Classification of Primary Care [ICPC]‐2 PLUS and Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms ‐ Australia [SNOMED CT‐AU]) and consider how well they are aligned with the diagnostic approach recommended in contemporary clinical practice guidelines for LBP.

Method

This was a descriptive study which included 3 disease classification systems: ICD‐10, ICPC‐2 PLUS and SNOMED CT‐AU. Two independent authors extracted relevant LBP codes from each system and mapped the codes to 3 guideline‐endorsed categories of spine‐related diagnoses for LBP (specific spinal pathology, radicular syndromes, and non‐specific LBP) and the various clinical conditions (sub‐categories) within each of the 3 categories.

Results

ICD‐10, ICPC‐2 PLUS, and SNOMED CT‐AU had 126, 118 and 100 codes for LBP, respectively. All systems provided codes that would cover the 3 guideline‐endorsed categories of spine‐related diagnoses for LBP. On the basis of contemporary guidelines, the authors developed lists of discrete sub‐categories of specific spinal pathology (56 sub‐categories), radicular syndromes (7 sub‐categories), and non‐specific LBP (10 sub‐categories). Each of the classification systems was then mapped against these sub‐categories to tally redundancy and determine exhaustiveness. However, no system covered all 73 sub‐categories of LBP, and within each system, there was substantial redundancy with up to 22 codes for the same clinical condition.

Conclusion

LBP diagnostic codes used in popular disease classification systems are out of touch with current approaches to diagnosis, as reflected in contemporary LBP guidelines. Our findings suggest these disease classification systems need revision, but precisely how they should be revised is unclear.
Risk factors for pulmonary complications after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Ha Eun , Yu Woo Sik , Lee Chang Young , Lee Jin Gu , Kim Dae Joon , Park Seong Yong
Published: December 2021

Background

We aimed to investigate the characteristics and pretreatment risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRTx) in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data of 122 patients who underwent curative resection after neoadjuvant CRTx for NSCLC between 2007 and December 2019. Clinical data, including pulmonary function and body mass index (BMI) at the time of concurrent CRTx initiation, were analyzed. We performed logistic regression analyses to identify the risk factors for PPCs and built a nomogram with significant factors.

Results

Of the 122 patients included (mean age, 60.1 ± 9.7 years; 69.7% male), 27 experienced PPCs (severity grade ≥ 2). The most common PPCs were pneumonia (n = 17). Patients with PPCs had a significantly longer hospital stay (median 6.0 vs. 17 days, p < 0.001) and a higher in‐hospital mortality rate (1.1% vs. 29.6%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] 0.796, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.628–0.987, p = 0.038), no comorbidity (OR 0.220, 95% CI: 0.059–0.819, p = 0.048), smoking history (OR 4.362, 95% CI: 1.210–15.720, p = 0.024), and %predicted DLCO <60% (OR 3.727, 95% CI: 1.319–10.530, p = 0.013) were independent risk factors for PPCs. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram built with factors was excellent (concordance index: 0.756).

Conclusions

The nomogram constructed with factors identified in multivariable analysis could serve as a reliable tool for evaluating the risk of PPCs in the patients who underwent neoadjuvant CRTx for NSCLC.
Export development in New Zealand: Kiwifruit and seafood 1975–1985
Authors: McAloon Jim
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses export development in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s with reference to the long‐running literature about the sustainability of natural resource‐based growth, export diversification, and the role of state regulation and encouragement. Since 1970 New Zealand's export commodity mix has diversified. Pastoral exports, once dominant, are complemented by seafood, wine, fruit, vegetables, forest products and a range of manufactured goods. Diversification of export markets and commodities was a priority for policymakers from the mid‐1950s, and more so from the mid‐1970s. Export incentives were a chosen instrument. Seafood and kiwifruit were among the most significant examples of primary sector diversification. The paper finds that the circumstances of each industry required different government policies, and that entrepreneurship and innovation were significant alongside government policy.
Efficacy, toxicity, and quality‐of‐life outcomes of ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer: A single‐arm phase 2 trial from Asia
Authors: Tan Janice S. H. , Teh Jonathan Y. H. , Tan Laura L. Y. , Tan Sheena X. F. , Li You Quan , Tan Terence W. K. , Wang Michael L. C. , Kanesvaran Ravindran , Ong Enya H. W. , Tay Kae Jack , Lee Lui Shiong , Tuan Jeffrey K. L. , Tan Daniel Y. H. , Chua Melvin L. K.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Ultra‐hypofractionated radiotherapy (UHF‐RT) is widely utilized in men with localized prostate cancer (PCa). There are limited data in Asian cohorts. We report the outcomes of a single‐arm, phase II trial of UHF‐RT from an Asian center.

Methods

We recruited men with histologically confirmed, nonmetastatic localized PCa. UHF‐RT regimens were 36.25 Gy (Cohort A) and 37.5 Gy (Cohort B) delivered in five fractions every other day over 1.5–2.5 weeks. Primary endpoint was physician‐scored late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs). Quality‐of‐life (QoL) was assessed by Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) at baseline, 1‐ and 2‐year post‐UHF‐RT.

Results

Between March 2014 and August 2019, 105 men were recruited; four were subsequently excluded from analysis. Median age was 68.0 (Interquartile range (IQR): 63.8–73.0) years. 26 (24.8%) and 68 (64.8%) men had NCCN‐defined low‐and intermediate‐risk PCa, respectively. No late ≥G3 GU or GI toxicities were reported in both cohorts. Peak incidence of acute ≥G2 GU AEs at 14 days post‐UHF‐RT was 23.6% (17/72) and 24.0% (6/25) in Cohorts A and B, respectively; ≥G2 GI AEs were observed in 9.7% (7/72) and 36.0% (9/25), respectively. Late ≥G2 GU and GI AEs occurred in 4.7% and 3.1% of Cohort A patients, and 5.0% in Cohort B at 12 months, with no AEs at 24 months. EPIC scores changed minimally across all domains. At a median follow‐up of 44.9 months, we recorded one (1.3%) biochemical relapse by the Phoenix criteria (Cohort A).

Conclusion

UHF‐RT is well tolerated in Asian men and can be a recommended fractionation schema for localized PCa.
Letter: proton pump inhibitors and risk of myocardial infarction—authors' reply
Authors: Nolde Michael , Ahn Nayeon , Dreischulte Tobias , Rückert‐Eheberg Ina‐Maria , Güntner Florian , Günter Alexander , Gerlach Roman , Tauscher Martin , Amann Ute , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa , Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar
Published: December 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nolde et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16565 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16644
Editorial: twenty minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity a day keeps the NAFLD away—authors' reply
Authors: Tsunoda Kenji , Kitano Naruki , Kai Yuko , Jindo Takashi , Uchida Ken , Arao Takashi
Published: December 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tsunoda et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16631 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16662
Editorial: targeting liver biopsy in NAFLD—the need to expand our non‐invasive tools. Authors’ reply
Authors: Kim Hannah P. , Mospan Andrea R. , Fried Michael W. , Barritt Alfred Sidney ,   TARGET‐NASH Investigators
Published: December 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16674 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16705
Pes varus correction in dachshunds with mini hybrid external skeletal fixators
Authors: Chau L , Wilson L
Published: December 2021

Aim

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of pes varus deformity correction in dachshunds managed with acute medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia and stabilised with a mini hybrid external skeletal fixator (HESF).

Methods

Surgical correction involved a transverse osteotomy over the premeasured location at the distal tibia and application of a IMEX mini HESF. All corrections were evaluated using centre of rotation and angulation methodology.

Results

Medical records and radiographies of 20 dachshunds (28 pes varus corrections) were reviewed. All osteotomies healed and fixators were removed between 6 and 12 weeks. Lameness resolved in 18 dachshunds (90%) and significantly improved in two dachshunds (10%). Lateral patella luxation (LPL) was detected in 11/28 (39.2%) of the involved pelvic limbs, all of which resolved following pes varus correction. Mean frontal plane alignment (FPA) of the normal and abnormal tibiae were 12.3° valgus (range: 4°–18°) and 25° Varus (range: 16°–41°) respectively. Angular correction ranged between 30° and 50° (Mean: 39°) and the mean post‐operative FPA was 13° valgus (range: 5°–21°).

Clinical significance

Pes varus deformity in dachshunds can be corrected by medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia stabilised by HESF. Single‐session bilateral pes varus corrections can also be performed with minimal morbidity. LPL was commonly detected in dogs with pes varus deformity and all resolved spontaneously following pes varus correction alone.
The association of polypharmacy with functional decline in elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Arends Britta C. , Blussé van Oud‐Alblas Heleen J. , Vernooij Lisette M. , Verwijmeren Lisa , Biesma Douwe H. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J. , Noordzij Peter G. , van Dongen Eric P. A.
Published: December 2021

Aims

Identifying preoperative risk factors in older patients becomes more important to reduce adverse functional outcome. This study investigated the association between preoperative medication use and functional decline in elderly cardiac surgery patients and compared polypharmacy as a preoperative screening tool to a clinical frailty assessment.

Methods

This sub‐study of the Anaesthesia Geriatric Evaluation study included 518 patients aged ≥70 years undergoing elective cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was functional decline, defined as a worse health‐related quality of life or disability 1 year after surgery. The association between polypharmacy (i.e. ≥5 prescriptions and <10 prescriptions) or excessive polypharmacy (i.e. ≥10 prescriptions) and functional decline was investigated using multivariable Poisson regression. Discrimination, calibration and reclassification indices were used to compare preoperative screening tools for patient selection.

Results

Functional decline was reported in 284 patients (55%) and preoperative polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy showed higher risks (adjusted relative risk 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.98 and 1.93, 95% CI 1.48–2.50, respectively). Besides cardiovascular medication, proton‐pump inhibitors and central nervous system medication were significantly associated with functional decline. Discrimination between models with polypharmacy or frailty was similar (area under the curve 0.67, 95% CI 0.61–0.72). The net reclassification index improved when including polypharmacy to the basic model (17%, 95% CI 0.06–0.27).

Conclusion

Polypharmacy is associated with functional decline in elderly cardiac surgery patients. A preoperative medication review is easily performed and could be used as screening tool to identify patients at risk for adverse outcome after cardiac surgery.
Novel long‐acting ropeginterferon alfa‐2b: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety in a phase I clinical trial
Authors: Huang Yi‐Wen , Qin Albert , Fang Jane , Wang Ting‐Fang , Tsai Chung‐Wei , Lin Ko‐Chung , Teng Ching‐Leou , Larouche Richard
Published: December 2021

Aims

Ropeginterferon alfa‐2b is a novel, long‐acting pegylated interferon alfa‐2b. We aimed to evaluate its safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD).

Methods

Thirty‐six subjects received single subcutaneous injection of ropeginterferon alfa‐2b at doses ranging from 24 to 270 μg, and 12 subjects received pegylated IFN alfa‐2a subcutaneously at 180 μg. Primary endpoints were safety/PK profiles of ropeginterferon alfa‐2b, while secondary endpoints were to compare PK/PD parameters with pegylated IFN alfa‐2a.

Results

Adverse events in ropeginterferon alfa‐2b and pegylated IFN alfa‐2a groups were similar, and most of them were mild or moderate. Mean Cmax increased from 1.78 to 24.84 ng/mL along with the dose escalations in ropeginterferon alfa‐2b groups and was 12.95 ng/mL for pegylated IFN alfa‐2a. At 180 μg, ropeginterferon alfa‐2b showed statistically significant Cmax geometric mean ratio (1.76; P = .0275). Mean Tmax ranged from 74.52 to 115.69 h for ropeginterferon alfa‐2b groups, and was 84.25 h for pegylated IFN alfa‐2a. Mean AUC0‐t increased from 372.3 to 6258 ng•h/mL with the dose escalations in the ropeginterferon alfa‐2b groups, while for pegylated IFN alfa‐2a it was found to be 2706 ng•h/mL in pegylated IFN alfa‐2a. For neopterin and 2′,5′‐oligoadenylate synthase, mean Emax, Tmax and AUC0‐t of ropeginterferon alfa‐2b were similar to those of pegylated IFNα‐2a at 180 μg.

Conclusion

Ropeginterferon alfa‐2b up to 270 μg was safe and well tolerated. The PK/PD parameters of ropeginterferon alfa‐2b showed increase in dose–response. Ropeginterferon alfa‐2b had higher drug exposures and showed similar safety profile when compared to pegylated IFN alfa‐2a at the same dose level.
Against procreative moral rights
Authors: Earl Jake
Published: December 2021

Many contemporary ethical debates turn on claims about the nature and extent of our alleged procreative moral rights: moral rights to procreate or not to procreate as we choose. In this article, I argue that there are no procreative moral rights, in that generally we do not have a distinctive moral right to procreate or not to procreate as we choose. However, interference with our procreative choices usually violates our nonprocreative moral rights, such as our moral rights to bodily autonomy or to privacy. My argument presents hypothetical cases in which a state interferes with a person's procreative choices in order to promote aggregate social welfare, but this interference does not violate any of the person's nonprocreative moral rights. These cases not only undermine frequently made claims that widely recognized nonprocreative moral rights entail procreative moral rights, they also challenge the intuitively plausible claim that interference with our procreative choices as such violates our moral rights. What at first appear to be substantive moral rights are in fact a kind of illusion created by the frequent overlap of other rights, but lacking in substance beyond that overlap. While this argument against the existence of procreative moral rights has substantive implications for ongoing debates in reproductive ethics, I ultimately suggest that it is consistent with a progressive approach to reproductive justice.
What is known about the LGBTQ perspective in child welfare services: A scoping review
Authors: Kaasbøll Jannike , Pedersen Sindre Andre , Paulsen Veronika
Published: December 2021

Sexual and gender minorities, for example, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, are overrepresented in the child welfare system and an increasing number of LGBTQ people are becoming foster parents. The objective of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the existing empirical research on the practices of child welfare services towards LGBTQ individuals (i.e., youth, carers and foster parents). The review followed the methodology framework outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The electronic databases MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed and Idunn were searched to identify studies appropriate for inclusion. There were 45 studies that met the inclusion criteria; 24 concerned LGBTQ youth, 10 encompassed foster parents, while nine had the service perspective as the primary focus. The studies originated from the USA (k = 34), the UK (k = 6), Australia (k = 2) and the Netherlands (k = 1). Of the included studies, 28 were qualitative, 14 were quantitative, and three studies used mixed method approach. The findings indicate that LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system and that LGBTQ youth and foster parents often face stigma and discrimination. The results reveal a gap in the current knowledge about social workers' attitudes, knowledge and experiences regarding working with LGBTQ individuals.