bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extractive Sector Stakeholders' Perspectives of the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA)*
Authors: Brown Kareen , Kenno Staci , Lau Michelle , Sainty Barbara 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThis commentary considers stakeholder perspectives of Canada's Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA). In 2015, ESTMA was enacted under Canada's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy as a mandatory CSR reporting initiative requiring the financial disclosure of all payments relating to the commercial development of oil, gas, or minerals around the globe. Despite ESTMA's intended purpose to improve transparency and deter corruption within the global extractive sector, little remains known about the acceptance of this mandatory CSR initiative by extractive sector stakeholders. Success of this government initiative likely hinges upon stakeholder acceptance of ESTMA. This study reports the results of a survey of industry stakeholders, including managers, practitioners, and academics, on whether ESTMA positively or negatively affects transparency, financial performance, reputation, decision making, and the ability of firms to do business abroad. Findings indicate stakeholders in Canada believe ESTMA has improved transparency and has had a positive effect on the reputation of Canadian firms in the extractive sector with minimal costs to financial performance, changes to decision making, or effect on ability to conduct business abroad. Using a Canadian context, the findings provide important insights for regulators and practitioners, among other stakeholders, to better understand the effects of mandatory CSR initiatives, as well as the use of legislated financial disclosures as a CSR mechanism.
Application of the Euro Clonality next‐generation sequencing‐based marker screening approach to detect immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements in mantle cell lymphoma patients: first data from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi MCL0208 trial
Authors: Genuardi Elisa , Romano Greta , Beccuti Marco , Alessandria Beatrice , Mannina Donato , Califano Catello , Rota Scalabrini Delia , Cortelazzo Sergio , Ladetto Marco , Ferrero Simone , Calogero Raffaele A. , Cordero Francesca 
Published: May 2021

SummaryMinimal residual disease (MRD) determined by classic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods is a powerful outcome predictor in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Nevertheless, some technical pitfalls can reduce the rate of of molecular markers. Therefore, we applied the EuroClonality‐NGS IGH (next‐generation sequencing immunoglobulin heavy chain) method (previously published in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) to 20 MCL patients enrolled in an Italian phase III trial sponsored by Fondazione Italiana Linfomi. Results from this preliminary investigation show that EuroClonality‐NGS IGH method is feasible in the MCL context, detecting a molecular IGH target in 19/20 investigated cases, allowing MRD monitoring also in those patients lacking a molecular marker for classical screening approaches.
Decision making in the management of adults with malignant colorectal polyps: An exploration of the experiences of patients and clinicians
Authors: Westwood Clare , Lee Tom , McSherry Robert , Bettany‐Saltikov Josette , Catlow Jamie 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimA diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer presents a treatment dilemma. The decision between segmental resection versus endoscopic surveillance is difficult due to a lack of good quality clinical evidence for either option. The aim of this study was to understand the decision making experiences of both clinicians and patients when faced with such a diagnosis.MethodsQualitative, semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 10 clinicians involved in the care of patients diagnosed with polyp cancer and five patients who had experience of a diagnosis of polyp cancer. All clinicians and patients were from four hospital trusts across the north of England. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsAnalysis of the interview transcripts evidenced that clinicians and patients were supportive of a shared approach to treatment decision making in the context of a diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer. Uncertainty, influences and information were among the themes identified to be preventing this happening at present. This study identified themes which were common to both groups. These were complexity of the risk information, lack of patient information resources, and system factors and time.ConclusionThis research study has evidenced several factors such as uncertainty, complexity of risk information and influences on decisions which are preventing patients being involved in treatment decisions following a diagnosis of colorectal polyp cancer. Recommendations for improvements in practice, including a framework to assist treatment decision making in the future, are highlighted.
An increase in detection rates of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbor porpoise in Swedish waters in recent years
Authors: Owen Kylie , Sköld Martin , Carlström Julia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Baltic Proper harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is currently listed as critically endangered (CR), with the Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbor Porpoise (SAMBAH) project concluding that only ~500 individuals remain. This population has a distribution that spans the waters of nine countries, making regular abundance estimates and management action challenging. Given the continued decline of other depleted porpoises, namely the vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the question is often raised about whether management action would even have a positive impact, or whether it is too late for population recovery. When abundance estimates are sparse over time, monitoring programs at key sites are likely to serve as the best indication of population trends, and may provide an early indication of changes at the population level. We compared passive acoustic monitoring data from 12 stations that were utilized both in the SAMBAH project (2011–2013) and as a part of the Swedish National Monitoring Program (2017–2020) to determine trends in detection rates. There was a 29% increase in mean daily detection rate during May–October (over the breeding season) between the two study periods. At the three stations with the highest number of detections, log linear regression revealed a yearly increase of 2.4% between 2011 and 2019 (−4.4–9.6, 95% CI). This may be indicative of the beginnings of population recovery, or simply an indication that the decline has stalled. The rate of increase is still well below what is likely to be possible for porpoise populations, and unlikely to buffer against any potential increase in pressures in the future. We therefore call for urgent management action to remove threats and protect this CR population, the only resident cetacean in the Baltic region, in order to give it the best chance of recovery.
Effects of phosphodiesterase‐1 inhibitor on pulmonary vein electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Yugo Dony , Chen Yao‐Chang , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Liu Chih Min , Huang Jen Hung , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionPhosphodiesterase (PDE) isoform inhibitors have mechanical and electrical effects on the heart. Inhibition of PDE‐1 enzymes is a novel strategy for treating heart failure. However, the electrophysiological effects of PDE‐1 inhibition on the heart remain unclear. This study explored the effects of PDE‐1 inhibition using ITI‐214 on electrical activity in the pulmonary vein (PV), the most common trigger of atrial fibrillation, and investigated the underlying ionic mechanisms.MethodsConventional microelectrodes or whole‐cell patch clamps were employed to study the effects of ITI‐214 (0.1‐10 μM) on PV electrical activity, mechanical responses and ionic currents in isolated rabbit PV tissue specimens and isolated single PV cardiomyocytes.ResultsITI‐214 at 1 μM and 10 μM (but not 0.1 μM) significantly reduced PV spontaneous beating rate (10 ± 2% and 10 ± 3%, respectively) and PV diastolic tension (11 ± 3% and 17 ± 3%, respectively). ITI‐24 (1 μM) significantly reduced late sodium current (INa‐Late), L‐type calcium current (ICa‐L) and the reverse mode of the sodium‐calcium exchanger (NCX), but it did not affect peak sodium currents.ConclusionsITI‐214 reduces PV spontaneous activity and PV diastolic tension by reducing INa‐Late, ICa‐L and NCX current. Considering its therapeutic potential in heart failure, targeting PDE‐1 inhibition may provide a novel strategy for managing atrial arrhythmogenesis.
Predictors of English as second language learners’ oral proficiency development in a classroom context
Authors: Mostafa Tamanna , Crossley Scott A. , Kim YouJin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe study investigates whether the relationships between complexity and fluency of English as second language (ESL) learners’ in‐class oral presentations as well as their individual differences (ID) and L2 oral proficiency change over time. Individual oral presentations completed by 76 ESL learners were audio‐recorded both at the beginning and end of a 15‐week semester. Each speech‐sample was rated for proficiency by two expert raters using the TOEFL speaking rubric. Linguistic variables included syntactic complexity indices, lexical sophistication indices, and breakdown and speed fluency measures. Learners’ first language background, age, gender, previous L2 learning experiences, and class‐levels were the ID variables. The results show that articulation rate was predictive of development in oral proficiency over time, and intermediate learners were more successful in developing their proficiency.
Sublingual tofacitinib for alopecia areata: a roll‐over pilot clinical trial and analysis of pharmacokinetics
Authors: Lai Vivien Wai Yun , Bokhari Laita , Sinclair Rodney 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTofacitinib is a JAK1/3 inhibitor used off‐label to treat alopecia areata (AA). Oral tofacitinib undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism and has numerous drug interactions and a half‐life of 3 hours necessitating twice daily dosing. Sublingual delivery bypasses hepatic first‐pass metabolism, which may provide pharmacokinetic benefits and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. We investigate sublingual tofacitinib as a novel form of administration in a cohort of treatment‐resistant patients. The objective of this work is to assess the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of sublingual tofacitinib in moderate‐to‐severe AA patients. An open‐label, roll‐over pilot clinical trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from a preceding trial. All responders (≥50% reduction in Severity of Alopecia Tool [SALT] score, SALT50) in the preceding trial continued on the same treatment (cyclosporine/placebo), whereas nonresponders rolled over to receive open‐label sublingual tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Treatment response as reduction in SALT score after 12 weeks (low: 15–29%, medium: 30–49%, good: 50–75%, and high grade: 75–100%) was measured. Pharmacokinetics was analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Eighteen participants completed the trial. Total treatment response to tofacitinib was 37.5%. SALT50 was achieved in 12.5%. The mean improvement in SALT score was 15.57%. Mean maximum plasma concentration was 43.18 ng/ml occurring after 1 hour. Elimination half‐life is estimated to be up to 11 hours. An estimated half‐life of up to 11 hours may be achieved with sublingual tofacitinib, which is significantly longer than the oral form and may facilitate daily dosing. Larger clinical trials are required to further characterize its pharmacokinetics and efficacy.
Regulation of murine B lymphopoiesis by stromal cells
Authors: Kwang Diannita , Tjin Gavin , Purton Louise E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractB lymphocytes are crucial for the body's humoral immune response, secreting antibodies generated against foreign antigens to fight infection. Adult murine B lymphopoiesis is initiated in the bone marrow and additional maturation occurs in the spleen. In both these organs, B lymphopoiesis involves interactions with numerous different non‐hematopoietic cells, also known as stromal or microenvironment cells, which provide migratory, maturation, and survival signals. A variety of conditional knockout and transgenic mouse models have been used to identify the roles of distinct microenvironment cell types in the regulation of B lymphopoiesis. These studies have revealed that mesenchymal lineage cells and endothelial cells comprise the non‐hematopoietic microenvironment cell types that support B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow. In the spleen, various types of stromal cells and endothelial cells contribute to B lymphocyte maturation. More recently, comprehensive single cell RNA‐seq studies have also been used to identify clusters of stromal cell types in the bone marrow and spleen, which will aid in further identifying key regulators of B lymphopoiesis. Here, we review the different types of microenvironment cells and key extrinsic regulators that are known to be involved in the regulation of murine B lymphopoiesis in the bone marrow and spleen.
Staff member's views and attitudes to supporting people with an Intellectual Disability: A multi‐method investigation of intimate relationships and sexuality
Authors: Deffew Andrew , Coughlan Barry , Burke Tom , Rogers Elaine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundStaff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland.MethodsStaff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5) completed the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire‐Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ASQ‐ID) and open‐ended questions.ResultsMultidirectional significant differences were noted on staff attitudes to sexuality based on demographic factors, that is, age, education, as well as non‐demographics, for example, attendance at training, and active practising of religion. Qualitatively, three themes emerged: “Unsupported and Frustration”; “Taboo Subject Matter” and “Vulnerability and Access to Education”. Staff reported a lack of service supports, dominant conservative cultures and people with an intellectual disability's vulnerability.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for improved service practices and enhanced provisions for staff and the people with an intellectual disability that they support.
Effects of music participation for mild cognitive impairment and dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dorris Jennie L. , Neely Stephen , Terhorst Lauren , VonVille Helena M. , Rodakowski Juleen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo examine randomized controlled trials with active music‐making interventions, in which older adults with probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia physically participate in music, and their effects on cognitive functioning, emotional well‐being, and social engagement. Participating in music‐making is engaging and has shown diverse benefits. Additionally, this review categorized the music activities of each intervention.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.SettingLong‐term care facilities, day centers, specialty outpatient units, and community.MethodsPublished randomized controlled trials of active music‐making interventions to support older adults with probable MCI or dementia were identified (to March 15, 2021) using searches on Medline (Ovid), APA PsycInfo (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco), and Embase (Elsevier). The outcomes were cognitive functioning, emotional well‐being, and social engagement, including self‐ and clinician‐reported measures such as the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Studies were critically appraised and studies with similar methodology were meta‐analyzed.ParticipantsOlder adults with probable MCI and mild or moderate dementia.ResultsA total of 21 studies with 1472 participants were analyzed for potential effect sizes and intervention activities. Of the 21 studies, nine studies recruiting a total of 495 participants were used to produce a random‐effects meta‐analytic model for cognitive functioning. Music showed a small, positive effect on cognitive functioning; the combined standard mean difference for the experimental and control group was 0.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, 0.51). There was low study heterogeneity, with an I2 of 24% (p = 0.004). Individual studies for emotional well‐being in terms of quality of life and mood showed positive effect sizes, d = 1.08 and d = 1.74, respectively. [Corrections added on July 8, 2021, after first online publication: The preceding sentences were revised from: “… control group was 0.31 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10,0.52). There was low study heterogeneity, with an I2 of 25% (p = 0.004).”]ConclusionThis review shows that music‐making has a small but statistically significant effect on cognitive functioning for older adults with probable MCI or dementia. Future music interventions can benefit from rigorous intervention protocols that isolate specific activities.
Geographic disparities in mortality from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy P. , Yashin Anatoliy I. , Kravchenko Julia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe regions with highest and lowest Alzheimer's disease (AD) mortality across the United States at state/county levels were identified and their contribution to the differences in total mortality rates between these regions was evaluated. The disease, disease group, sex, race/ethnicity, and place‐of‐death‐related inter‐region differences that engender the disparity in mortality were quantitatively described. The hypothesis that inter‐regional differences in filling out death certificates are a major contributor to differences in AD mortality was tested.DesignRetrospective evaluation of death certificate data.SettingThe United States.ParticipantsDeceased US residents, 1999–2018.MethodsRegion‐specific age‐adjusted mortality rates and group‐specific rate decomposition.ResultsThe county clusters with the highest and lowest AD mortality rates were in Washington (WA) and New York (NY), respectively, with other notable high‐mortality clusters on the border of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama as well as in North Dakota and South Dakota. These patterns were stable over the 1999–2018 period. AD had the highest contribution to total mortality difference between WA and NY (156%, higher in WA), in contrast circulatory diseases had a contribution of comparable magnitude (154%) but were higher in NY. Differences in cause‐of‐death certificate coding, either through coding of non‐AD dementias, or other conditions accompanying a potential AD death could not account for differences in AD mortality between NY and WA.ConclusionsInter‐regional differences in filling out death certificates were not a major contributor to variation in AD mortality between the regions with the highest and lowest rates. The respective mitigation of the effects of neural and circulatory diseases and several other high‐impact conditions would not negate the disparity in mortality between NY and WA.
Incomplete Price Adjustment and Inflation Persistence
Authors: CHAUVET MARCELLE , KIM INSU 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a sticky inflation model in which inflation persistence is endogenously generated from the optimizing behavior of forward‐looking firms. Although firms change prices periodically, their ability to fully adjust them in response to changes in economic conditions is assumed to be constrained due to the presence of managerial and customer costs of price adjustment. Our findings strongly support both sources of price stickiness in the U.S. data. The model performs well in matching microeconomic evidence on price setting, particularly regarding the size and frequency of price changes. The paper also shows how incomplete price adjustments in a staggered price contracts model limit the contribution of expectations to inflation dynamics: it generates the delayed response of inflation to demand and monetary shocks.
Effect of applying cold gel pack on reduction of postoperative pain in cesarean section, low midline skin incision: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suwannalert Pawitra , Chanthasenanont Athita , Pongrojpaw Densak 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe present study aims to investigate the efficacy of cryotherapy in pain reduction following low midline cesarean section.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand from December 2019 to February 2020. Participants were term pregnant women who were indicated for low midline cesarean section. The control group received standard postoperative care while cold pack was applied to the intervention group for 6 h after the operation. The primary outcome was the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score in both the control and intervention groups. The secondary outcomes consisted of the amount of intravenous pain reliever each participant required and the length of hospital stay.ResultsAll 100 pregnant women were recruited into the study. They were equally allocated into intervention or control groups. Both groups underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. The demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable. VAS of intervention and control group were 3.2 ± 2.4 versus 5.3 ± 2.2, 3.0 ± 2.4 versus 5.6 ± 2.0, 2.0 ± 2.3 versus 5.3 ± 2.2, and 1.1 ± 1.7 versus 4.8 ± 2.4 at 6, 8, 12, and 24 h postoperatively (p‐value <0.05), respectively. Moreover, the intervention group showed a statistically significantly lower number of participants who needed intravenous meperidine or tramadol (14% vs. 24%, p‐value <0.05) and lower intravenous meperidine or tramadol usage than in control group (13.2 ± 0.9 vs. 19.9 ± 4.0 mg, p‐value <0.05).ConclusionsCryotherapy could reduce postoperative pain from 6 h to within 24 h of the postoperative period, as well as lower overall opioid requirement.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in Indigenous populations – A Global Picture
Authors: Sethi Sneha , Ali Anna , Ju Xiangqun , Antonsson Annika , Logan Richard , Canfell Karen , Smith Megan , Garvey Gail , Hedges Joanne , Jamieson Lisa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and AimRecent trends have shown a decline in the rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cervical cancer in the vaccinated population but there has been a spike in the HPV‐associated oropharyngeal, anal and penile cancers in the majority of the unvaccinated population which are young and middle‐aged males. Indigenous populations at an international level carry a disproportionate burden of most diseases. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to ascertain the worldwide prevalence of HPV infection in Indigenous populations stratified by sex and site and to document the most commonly reported HPV types.MethodsPublished articles on HPV infection in Indigenous populations from PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and Web of Science were systematically searched from inception until 23 December 2019.ResultsA total of 41 studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled worldwide prevalence of HPV infection (for both oral and genital sites, both males and females) in Indigenous populations was 34.2% (95% CI: 28.9%–39.8%). Subgroup analysis (geographical) showed that the pooled prevalence for African Indigenous, American Indigenous and Asian‐Oceanic Indigenous populations were 33.0% (95% CI: 12.8%–57.1%), 33.0% (95% CI: 27.4%–38.9%) and 33.3% (95% CI: 0.17.5%–51.3%), respectively.ConclusionThere are not enough data on the burden of the infection carried by males especially with respect to highly suspicious sites like oropharynx. Also, we conclude an overall high prevalence of HPV infection in the Indigenous populations and increasing their susceptibility to benign and malignant manifestations of HPV.