bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protecting privacy? Government and parliamentary responsiveness to the privacy commissioner of Canada
Authors: Bergman Gwyneth , Macfarlane Emmett 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis article examines the policy influence of the federal privacy commissioner via an analysis of how Parliament and the government of the day have responded to the commissioner’s recommendations. We conduct a systematic analysis of the commissioner’s annual reports on the Privacy Act and a content analysis of appearances before relevant committees of the House of Commons. We then examine the implications of this survey for assessing the overall receptivity of government and parliamentarians to the commissioner’s recommendations. We also undertake a qualitative case study of two bills, passed under two different governments, on anti‐terrorism policy. We trace the influence of, and government responsiveness to, the commissioner’s recommendations throughout the development of these bills. We argue that, while the commissioner has real capacity to influence government policy, the influence is significantly constrained by the willingness of government to engage with the commissioner’s recommendations.
Canada’s legal preparedness against the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A scoping review of federal laws and regulations
Authors: Srikanth Reddy K. , Kumar Chattu Vijay , Wilson Kumanan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAs the world continues to grapple with the COVID‐19 pandemic, the preparedness of governments to respond to it will likely undergo review. A key component is the legislative capacity and authority that governments had in place or could rapidly introduce to address the social, economic and health consequences of the emergency. We review Canada’s legal preparedness for public health emergencies and the use of federal legislation to address the pandemic. We provide an overview of the concept of legal preparedness, summarize the federal statutes, regulations and orders enacted, and analyze the coherence of federal activity and its relevance to provinces, territories and international health regulations. We determine that the federal government has relied on spending power rather than constitutional authority over public health or existing legislation on influencing the course of the pandemic.
Increased epithelial backscatter: A novel finding in subclinical and clinical keratoconus
Authors: Toprak Ibrahim , Gunes Celal Emre 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo assess alterations in backscatter from the corneal epithelium, anterior stroma and lens surface in eyes with subclinical, mild and moderate keratoconus (KC).MethodsIn this single‐centre, cross‐sectional study involving 24 eyes with subclinical KC, 107 eyes with manifest KC (mild = 40 and moderate = 67 eyes) and 90 controls, line densitometry was performed with Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) to obtain simultaneous backscatter values for the corneal epithelium, anterior stroma and anterior lens surface. Backscatter values and Pentacam parameters were used in subsequent statistical analyses.ResultsEyes with subclinical, mild and moderate KC had similar epithelial and stromal backscatter (P > 0.05) that was significantly increased compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Although anterior lens surface backscatter did not differ between the control and KC groups (P > 0.05), it was significantly higher in the mild and moderate KC groups than in the subclinical KC group (P < 0.05). In the KC group (n = 131) epithelial backscatter was strongly correlated with stromal backscatter (r = 0.911, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIncreased epithelial backscatter and a strong correlation with anterior stromal backscatter in the KC groups were consistent with the epithelium‐stroma interaction involved in KC pathogenesis. Single‐point backscatter analysis can be used with point clouds to construct epithelial and stromal backscatter maps in Pentacam to aid the detection of KC as a novel feature.
One year into the COVID‐19 pandemic: What do we know so far from studies assessing risk and mitigation of droplet aerosolisation during endonasal surgery? A systematic review
Authors: Williams Stephen P. , Leong Samuel C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesAs we pass the anniversary of the declaration of a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, it invites us to reflect upon the inescapable changes that coronavirus has wrought upon ENT and, in particular, rhinological practice. As it remains unclear when we will emerge from the shadow of COVID‐19, a critical analysis of the evidence base on both the assessment and mitigation of risk is vital for ENT departments worldwide. This article presents a systematic review of the literature examining articles which consider either the quantification of risk or strategies to mitigate risk specifically in the setting of rhinological surgery.DesignSystematic literature review.ResultsThe literature search yielded a total of 3406 returns with 24 articles meeting eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis stratified results into two broad themes: (1) those which made an assessment as to the aerosolisation of droplets during sinus surgery, further sub‐divided into work which considered macroscopically visible droplets and that which considered smaller particles; (2) and those studies which examined the mitigation of this risk.ConclusionStudies considering the aerosolisation of both droplets and smaller particles suggest endonasal surgery carries significant risk. While results both highlight a range of innovative adjunctive strategies and support suction as an important intervention to reduce aerosolisation, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered mandatory for all healthcare professionals involved in rhinological surgery. Studies have demonstrated that close adherence to PPE use is effective in preventing COVID‐19 infection.
Exploring Aceh Tsunami Museum Visitors’ Motivation, Experience and Emotional Reaction
Authors: Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Abd Hamid Maisarah , Muttaqim Hakim 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study explores how the Aceh Tsunami Museum visitors’ motivation and experience affect their emotional reactions. The study expands current theorisations by examining the merits of emotional reaction in visitors’ behaviour models. A total of 384 visitors completed a self‐administered survey via online forms. The results show that visitors’ emotional reaction is affected by motivational factors and their experience visiting the museum. This study fills in the gaps in the limited research on visitors’ motivations, experiences, and emotional reactions to the dark museum site. From a practical perspective, this one of the early studies proving that the Aceh Tsunami Museum is well perceived as a popular dark tourism site and can be promoted as a potential niche tourism product by the Aceh government.
The developmental hourglass model is applicable to the spinal cord based on single‐cell transcriptomes and non‐conserved cis‐regulatory elements
Authors: Mukaigasa Katsuki , Sakuma Chie , Yaginuma Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe developmental hourglass model predicts that embryonic morphology is most conserved at the mid‐embryonic stage and diverges at the early and late stages. To date, this model has been verified by examining the anatomical features or gene expression profiles at the whole embryonic level. Here, by data mining approach utilizing multiple genomic and transcriptomic datasets from different species in combination, and by experimental validation, we demonstrate that the hourglass model is also applicable to a reduced element, the spinal cord. In the middle of spinal cord development, dorsoventrally arrayed neuronal progenitor domains are established, which are conserved among vertebrates. By comparing the publicly available single‐cell transcriptome datasets of mice and zebrafish, we found that ventral subpopulations of post‐mitotic spinal neurons display divergent molecular profiles. We also detected the non‐conservation of cis‐regulatory elements located around the progenitor fate determinants, indicating that the cis‐regulatory elements contributing to the progenitor specification are evolvable. These results demonstrate that, despite the conservation of the progenitor domains, the processes before and after the progenitor domain specification diverged. This study will be helpful to understand the molecular basis of the developmental hourglass model.
Benefit of insulin glargine/lixisenatide for reducing residual hyperglycaemia in Japan: Post hoc analysis of the LixiLan JP‐O2 trial
Authors: Iizuka Katsumi , Baxter Mike , Watanabe Daisuke , Yabe Daisuke 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the benefits of iGlarLixi, a fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi), with insulin glargine (iGlar) for reducing residual hyperglycaemia (defined as HbA1c ≥ 7% despite fasting plasma glucose [FPG] < 130 mg/dL) in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs.Materials and MethodsThe open‐label LixiLan JP‐O2 study compared iGlarLixi with iGlar over 26 weeks in 521 people with T2D. This post hoc analysis assessed the proportions of participants with residual hyperglycaemia in the overall population, and in subgroups defined by age and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP4i) use at screening.ResultsAt 26 weeks, significantly fewer participants had residual hyperglycaemia in the iGlarLixi versus the iGlar arm (8.1% vs. 19.6%; P = .0002). There was also less residual hyperglycaemia with iGlarLixi than iGlar in all subgroup analyses: 9.0% versus 16.8% in participants aged younger than 65 years (P = .0369); 6.5% versus 24.2% in participants aged 65 years or older (P = .0008); 10.1% versus 20.5% (P = .0202) in participants with DPP4i use; and 6.2% versus 18.8% in those without DPP4i use (P = .0024). The proportion reaching both HbA1c less than 7% and FPG less than 130 mg/dL was higher with iGlarLixi versus iGlar in the overall population (50.8% vs. 31.5%; P < .0001), and in all studied subgroups.ConclusionsiGlarLixi reduced the prevalence of residual hyperglycaemia in Japanese people with uncontrolled T2D compared with iGlar, both in the overall population and in subgroups defined by age and DPP4i use at screening.
Associations of weight loss with obesity‐related comorbidities in a large integrated health system
Authors: Mariam Arshiya , Miller‐Atkins Galen , Pantalone Kevin M. , Iyer Neeraj , Misra‐Hebert Anita D. , Milinovich Alex , Bauman Janine , Mocarski Michelle , Ramasamy Abhilasha , Smolarz B. Gabriel , Hobbs Todd M. , Zimmerman Robert S. , Burguera Bartolome , Kattan Michael W. , Rotroff Daniel M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsTo determine the health outcomes associated with weight loss in individuals with obesity, and to better understand the relationship between disease burden (disease burden; ie, prior comorbidities, healthcare utilization) and weight loss in individuals with obesity by analysing electronic health records (EHRs).Materials and MethodsWe conducted a case‐control study using deidentified EHR‐derived information from 204 921 patients seen at the Cleveland Clinic between 2000 and 2018. Patients were aged ≥20 years with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 and had ≥7 weight measurements, over ≥3 years. Thirty outcomes were investigated, including chronic and acute diseases, as well as psychological and metabolic disorders. Weight change was investigated 3, 5 and 10 years prior to an event.ResultsWeight loss was associated with reduced incidence of many outcomes (eg, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis/nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, hypertension; P < 0.05). Weight loss >10% was associated with increased incidence of certain outcomes including stroke and substance abuse. However, many outcomes that increased with weight loss were attenuated by disease burden adjustments.ConclusionsThis study provides the most comprehensive real‐world evaluation of the health impacts of weight change to date. After comorbidity burden and healthcare utilization adjustments, weight loss was associated with an overall reduction in risk of many adverse outcomes.
Seizure prevalence in neurodegenerative diseases—a study of autopsy proven cases
Authors: Vöglein Jonathan , Kostova Irena , Arzberger Thomas , Noachtar Soheyl , Dieterich Marianne , Herms Jochen , Schmitz Peer , Ruf Viktoria , Windl Otto , Roeber Sigrun , Simons Mikael , Höglinger Günter U. , Danek Adrian , Giese Armin , Levin Johannes 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeKnowledge about the seizure prevalence in the whole symptomatic course, from disease onset to death, in neurodegenerative diseases (ND) is lacking. Therefore, the aim was to investigate seizure prevalence and associated clinical implications in neuropathologically diagnosed ND.MethodsClinical records of cases from the Neurobiobank Munich, Germany, were analyzed. Neuropathological diagnoses of the assessed cases included Alzheimer disease (AD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Lewy body disease (LBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Seizure prevalence during the whole symptomatic disease phase was assessed and compared amongst ND. Associations between first clinical symptom and seizure prevalence and between seizures and disease duration were examined.ResultsIn all, 454 patients with neuropathologically diagnosed ND and with available and meaningful clinical records were investigated (AD,n = 144; LBD,n = 103; PSP,n = 93; FTLD,n = 53; MSA,n = 36; CBD,n = 25). Seizure prevalence was 31.3% for AD, 20.0% for CBD, 12.6% for LBD, 11.3% for FTLD, 8.3% for MSA and 7.5% for PSP. Seizure prevalence was significantly higher in AD compared to FTLD (p = 0.005), LBD (p = 0.001), MSA (p = 0.005) and PSP (p < 0.001). No other significant differences regarding seizure prevalence were found between the studied ND. Cognitive first symptoms in ND were associated with an increased seizure prevalence (21.1% vs. 11.0% in patients without cognitive first symptoms) and motor first symptoms with a decreased seizure prevalence (10.3% vs. 20.5% in patients without motor first symptoms). Seizures were associated with a longer disease duration in MSA (12.3 vs. 7.0 years in patients without seizures;p = 0.017).ConclusionsSeizures are a clinically relevant comorbidity in ND, particularly in AD. Knowledge of the first clinical symptom in ND may allow for estimation of seizure risk.
Fracture and repair in a bio‐inspired self‐healing structure
Authors: Hone Timothy , Kelehan Sarah , Taylor David 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMany self‐healing materials have been developed, but very few self‐healing structures. We designed a structure in the form of a cylinder required to resist bending. Taking inspiration from plant stems, it has a cellular structure including longitudinal vascular channels for the delivery of healing agents. The structure was found to be capable of absorbing energy effectively, by deformation and fracture of cell walls. The introduction of healing agents (a two‐part liquid adhesive) into the vascular channels allowed fractured cell walls to be repaired. The resulting structure was capable of near‐perfect self‐healing, restoring its original mechanical properties even after significant damage. A computer simulation (finite element analysis) successfully predicted the early‐stage deformation and the initiation of damage. We advocate this structure‐level approach as a more appropriate way to introduce self‐repair into engineering systems.
Evaluation of variation in background nitrous oxide emissions: A new global synthesis integrating the impacts of climate, soil, and management conditions
Authors: Yin Yulong , Wang Zihan , Tian Xingshuai , Wang Yingcheng , Cong Jiahui , Cui Zhenling 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRobust global simulation of soil background N2O emissions (BNEs) is a challenge due to the lack of a comprehensive system for quantification of the variations in their magnitude and location. We mapped global BNEs based on 1353 field observations from globally distributed sites and high‐resolution climate and soil data. We then calculated global and national total BNE budgets and compared them to the IPCC‐estimated values. The average BNE was 1.10, 0.92, and 0.84 kg N ha−1 year−1 with variations from 0.18 to 3.47 (5th–95th percentile, hereafter), 0.20 to 3.44, and −1.16 to 3.70 kg N ha−1 year−1 for cropland, forestland, and grassland, respectively. Soil pH, soil N mineralization, atmospheric N deposition, soil volumetric water content, and soil temperature were the principle significant drivers of BNEs. The total BNEs of three land use types was lower than IPCC‐estimated total BNEs by 0.83 Tg (1012 g) N year−1, ranging from −47% to 94% across countries. The estimated BNE with cropland values were slightly higher than the IPCC estimates by 0.11 Tg N year−1, and forestland and grassland lower than the IPCC estimates by 0.4 and 0.54 Tg N year−1, respectively. Our study underlined the necessity for detailed estimation of the spatial distribution of BNEs to improve the estimates of global N2O emissions and enable the establishment of more realistic and effective mitigation measures.
Biochar in agriculture – A systematic review of 26 global meta‐analyses
Authors: Schmidt Hans‐Peter , Kammann Claudia , Hagemann Nikolas , Leifeld Jens , Bucheli Thomas D. , Sánchez Monedero Miguel Angel , Cayuela Maria Luz 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBiochar is obtained by pyrolyzing biomass and is, by definition, applied in a way that avoids its rapid oxidation to CO2. Its use in agriculture includes animal feeding, manure treatment (e.g. as additive for bedding, composting, storage or anaerobic digestion), fertilizer component or direct soil application. Because the feedstock carbon is photosynthetically fixed CO2 from the atmosphere, producing and applying biochar is essentially a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology, which has a high‐technology readiness level. However, for swift implementation of pyrogenic carbon capture and storage (PyCCS), biochar use in agriculture needs to deliver co‐benefits, for example, by improving crop yields and ecosystem services and/or by improving climate change resilience by ameliorating key soil properties. Agronomic biochar research is a rapidly evolving field of research moving from less than 100 publications in 2010 to more than 15,000 by the end of 2020. Here, we summarize 26 rigorously selected meta‐analyses published since 2016 that investigated a multitude of soil properties and agronomic performance parameters impacted by biochar application, for example, effects on yield, root biomass, water use efficiency, microbial activity, soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. All 26 meta‐analyses show compelling evidence of the overall beneficial effect of biochar for all investigated agronomic parameters. One of the remaining challenges is the standardization of basic biochar analysis, still lacking in many studies. Incomplete biochar characterization increases uncertainty because adverse effects of individual studies included in the meta‐analyses might be related to low‐quality biochars, which would not qualify for certification and subsequent use (e.g. high content of contaminants, high salinity, incomplete pyrolysis, etc.). In summary, our systematic review suggests that biochar use in agriculture has the potential to combine CDR with significant agronomic and/or environmental co‐benefits.
Host state reactions to home state diaspora engagement policies: Rethinking state sovereignty and limits of diaspora governance
Authors: Baser Bahar , Féron Élise 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDuring the last few decades, institutions, policies, and other state‐sponsored mechanisms linking home states and diasporas have expanded well beyond traditional areas. Numerous states have established diaspora engagement policies and institutions to tap diaspora resources and maximize their political, economic, and cultural interests. Previous research largely focused on these policies’ motivations and their impact on diasporas, with little attention being paid to the host states’ context. How do host states react to other states’ diaspora engagement policies within their borders? Where do host states draw the line for other states’ involvement in their territory? In this article, we examine Turkey's diaspora engagement initiatives in European countries, and zero in on host states’ reactions to these extraterritorial activities. We argue that diaspora engagement has limits and its scope is determined by the foreign and domestic political processes of the host states and their concern over their sovereignty and security.
Post‐translational modifications of proteins associated with yeast peroxisome membrane: An essential mode of regulatory mechanism
Authors: Infant Terence , Deb Rachayeeta , Ghose Suchetana , Nagotu Shirisha 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPeroxisomes are single membrane‐bound organelles important for the optimum functioning of eukaryotic cells. Seminal discoveries in the field of peroxisomes are made using yeast as a model. Several proteins required for the biogenesis and function of peroxisomes are identified to date. As with proteins involved in other major cellular pathways, peroxisomal proteins are also subjected to regulatory post‐translational modifications. Identification, characterization and mapping of these modifications to specific amino acid residues on proteins are critical toward understanding their functional significance. Several studies have tried to identify post‐translational modifications of peroxisomal proteins and determine their impact on peroxisome structure and function. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the various post‐translational modifications that govern the peroxisome dynamics in yeast.
Patient preferences for gene therapy in haemophilia: Results from the PAVING threshold technique survey
Authors: van Overbeeke Eline , Hauber Brett , Michelsen Sissel , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cedric , Lê Phu Quoc , Goldman Michel , Simoens Steven , Huys Isabelle 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the Patient preferences to Assess Value IN Gene therapies (PAVING) study was to investigate trade‐offs that adult Belgian people with haemophilia (PWH) A and B are willing to make when choosing between prophylactic factor replacement therapy (PFRT) and gene therapy.MethodsThe threshold technique was used to quantify the minimum acceptable benefit (MAB) of a switch from PFRT to gene therapy in terms of ‘Annual bleeding rate’ (ABR), ‘Chance to stop prophylaxis’ (STOP), and ‘Quality of life’ (QOL). The design was supported by stakeholder involvement and included an educational tool on gene therapy. Threshold intervals were analysed using interval regression models in Stata 16.ResultsA total of 117 PWH completed the survey. Mean thresholds were identified for all benefits, but substantial preference heterogeneity was observed; especially for the STOP thresholds, where the distribution of preferences was bimodal. Time spent on the educational tool and residence were found to impact MAB thresholds. The most accepted (88% of PWH) gene therapy profile investigated in this study comprised of zero bleeds per year (vs. six for PFRT), 90% chance to stop prophylaxis, no impact on QoL, and 10 years of follow‐up on side effects (vs. 30 for PFRT).ConclusionsResults from this study proved the value of educating patients on novel treatments. Moreover, preference heterogeneity for novel treatments was confirmed in this study. In gene therapy decision‐making, preference heterogeneity and the impact of patient education on acceptance should be considered.