bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the Microbiome and Insulin Longitudinal Evaluation Study (MILES)
Authors: Jensen Elizabeth T. , Bertoni Alain G. , Crago Osa L. , Hoffman Kristi L. , Wood Alexis C. , Arzumanyan Zorayr , Lam Lok‐Sze Kelvin , Roll Kathryn , Sandow Kevin , Wu Martin , Rich Stephen S. , Rotter Jerome I. , Chen Yii‐Der I. , Petrosino Joseph F. , Goodarzi Mark O.
Published: July 2020

Aim

To investigate the role of the gut microbiome in regulating key insulin homeostasis traits (insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and insulin clearance) whose dysfunction leads to type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

The Microbiome and Insulin Longitudinal Evaluation Study (MILES) focuses on African American and non‐Hispanic white participants aged 40‐80 years without diabetes. Three study visits are planned (at baseline, 15 and 30 months). Baseline measurements include assessment of the stool microbiome and administration of an oral glucose tolerance test, which will yield indexes of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and insulin clearance. The gut microbiome profile (composition and function) will be determined using whole metagenome shotgun sequencing along with analyses of plasma short chain fatty acids. Additional data collected include dietary history, sociodemographic factors, health habits, anthropometry, medical history, medications and family history. Most assessments are repeated 15 and 30 months following baseline.

Results

After screening 875 individuals, 129 African American and 224 non‐Hispanic white participants were enrolled. At baseline, African American participants have higher blood pressure, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences but similar waist‐hip ratio compared with the non‐Hispanic white participants. On average, African American participants are less insulin‐sensitive and have higher acute insulin secretion and lower insulin clearance.

Conclusions

The longitudinal design and robust characterization of potential mediators will allow for the assessment of glucose and insulin homeostasis and gut microbiota as they change over time, improving our ability to discern causal relationships between the microbiome and the insulin homeostasis traits whose deterioration determines T2D, setting the stage for future microbiome‐directed therapies to prevent and treat T2D.
Generating Performance‐Level Descriptors under a Principled Assessment Design Paradigm: An Example for Assessments under the Next‐Generation Science Standards
Authors: Luecht Richard M.
Published: July 2020

The educational testing landscape is changing in many significant ways as evidence‐based, principled assessment design (PAD) approaches are formally adopted. This article discusses the challenges and presents some score scale‐ and task‐focused strategies for developing useful performance‐level descriptors (PLDs) under a PAD approach. Details of the strategies are illustrated using an example based on the Next‐Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Working with Atypical Samples
Authors: Cui Zhongmin
Published: July 2020

Thanks to COVID‐19, schools were closed and tests were canceled. The result is that we may not see test‐taking data typically seen before. For some analyses, sample sizes may not meet the minimum requirement. For others, the sample of test‐takers may be different from previous years. In some situation, there may be no data at all. What do we do in these and other similar situations? Several ideas are presented in this article. Directions are suggested for not only dealing with challenges like this but also preparing for them.
Responsible antimicrobial use in critically ill adult horses
Authors: Dunkel B.
Published: July 2020

Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance, pressure on veterinarians is mounting to adhere to responsible use of antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobials are frequently included in the treatment of systemically ill horses due to the strong likelihood of an infection and the innate difficulties in differentiating systemic inflammation secondary to noninfectious from infectious causes. In light of increasing antimicrobial drug resistance and the potential negative impact of antimicrobials on equine patients, every attempt should be made to identify noninfectious disease, choose first‐line antimicrobials and discontinue treatment as soon as possible. In most cases, a short duration of antimicrobial therapy ranging from a single dose (e.g. preoperatively) to 24–72 h might be sufficient with long‐term treatment being rarely required. This article aims to provide practical guidelines for antimicrobial drug usage in critically ill adult horses by describing ancillary diagnostic aids that can help establishing whether or not an infection is present, discussing commonly encountered pathogens and their typical antimicrobial drug sensitivity patterns, and providing some guidance how to safely shorten the duration of antimicrobial therapy.
Assessing the sublethal impacts of anthropogenic stressors on fish: An energy‐budget approach
Authors: W. Watson Joseph , Hyder Kieran , Boyd Robin , Thorpe Robert , Weltersbach Marc Simon , Ferter Keno , Cooke Steven J. , Roy Shovonlal , M. Sibly Richard
Published: July 2020

Fish are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic stressors from human developments and activities such as agriculture, urbanization, pollution and fishing. Lethal impacts of these stressors have been studied but the potential sublethal impacts, such as behavioural changes or reduced growth and reproduction, have often been overlooked. Unlike mortality, sublethal impacts are broad and difficult to quantify experimentally. As a result, sublethal impacts are often ignored in regulatory frameworks and management decisions. Building on established fish bioenergetic models, we present a general method for using the population consequences of disturbance framework to investigate how stressors influence ecologically relevant life processes of fish. We partition impact into the initial energetic cost of attempts to escape from the stressor, followed by the energetic impacts of any injury or behavioural change, and their consequent effects on life processes. As a case study, we assess the sublethal effects of catch and release angling for the European sea bass (Dicentrachus labrax, Moronidae), a popular target species for recreational fishers. The energy budget model described is not intended to replace existing experimental approaches but does provide a simple way to account for sublethal impacts in assessment of the impact of recreational fisheries and aid development of robust management approaches. There is potential to apply our energy budget approach to investigate a broad range of stressors and cumulative impacts for many fish species while also using individual‐based models to estimate population‐level impacts.
Annual and non‐annual fish assemblages respond differently to environmental and spatiotemporal variations of temporary wetlands from southern Brazil
Authors: Volcan Matheus Vieira , Guadagnin Demetrio Luis
Published: July 2020

The fish community of temporary wetlands is highly dynamic due to the marked seasonal changes in hydrological and limnological conditions. In this study, we evaluated spatiotemporal variation in the fish community and the influence of environmental factors on this variation in temporary wetlands in southern Brazil.

Two different life cycles—annual and non‐annual fishes—were recorded among species. Variation in the fish community appeared to be associated with differences in the life history strategy of species. While species of annual fish were present throughout the hydroperiod, gradually decreasing in density over time, non‐annual fish species had an opposite pattern, with higher densities in the final phase of the hydrological cycle.

Variations in the composition and abundance of fish community in temporary wetlands were related to habitat and landscape attributes (area, number of microhabitats and isolation between temporary wetlands) and climate indicators of water availability (air temperature, average rainfall, and water level of the São Gonçalo channel), but not to water conditions (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and water temperature).

We concluded that the ichthyofauna of temporary wetlands are composed both of rare species, highly specialised for life within these ephemeral environments, and widespread generalist species that reach the wetlands opportunistically for short periods. Habitat and landscape attributes and changes in climate and hydrological variables over the hydroperiod are the factors that had the greatest influence on spatiotemporal variation of the fish community.

Maintaining physical characteristics and the hydrological cycle of temporary wetlands is critical for the conservation of fish species inhabiting these vulnerable environments in southern Brazil. Habitat and landscape attributes and climate and hydrology fluctuations affect the annual and non‐annual fishes inhabiting temporary wetlands differently.
Equal pay index for men and women: The performative power of quantification conventions
Authors: Coron Clotilde
Published: July 2020

Several methods of calculation may be used to quantify the gender pay gap. The sociology of quantification shows how the construction of indicators may be employed to define certain notions. Literature on the performativity of quantification also highlights the effect that acts of calculation can have upon reality. This article combines these fields as it examines the illocutionary performative power of the ‘equal pay index’, which was developed by the French government in 2018, and which companies are legally obliged to publish on an annual basis. The article therefore draws on different types of documents: leaflets explaining the construction of the index, government‐issued communications, statements given by members of the government and companies’ own communications. With the aid of this index, the government can provide more precise definitions of the notion of equal pay and the field of action of companies. The novelty and benefits of the current case lie in the pairing of a relatively classic tool for commensuration and a subject — equal pay — that has suffered from a vague definition for decades. Furthermore, this article offers a conjoint study of the mode of calculation of the index and the emerging discourse around it.
Lack of association between Helicobacter pylori infection and childhood overweight/obesity
Authors: Pundak Oryan Y. , Topf Olivestone Chani , Hofi Lilach , Kori Michal
Published: July 2020

Background

The reduction in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in developed countries coincides with the increasing incidence of obesity and might be a contributing factor to the obesity epidemic. We aimed to evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and childhood overweight/ obesity in Israeli children.

Material and Methods

Patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection by endoscopy, histology, and a positive culture, between January 2013 and August 2018, were identified and compared with H. pylori‐negative children, of the same age and gender, undergoing endoscopy for the same indications during the same time period. Data collected included the following: age, gender, height, weight, BMI, BMI percentile, and the indication for endoscopy. Patients with missing anthropometric data or having a disease affecting growth were excluded.

Results

We included 146 H. pylori‐positive children and 146 age‐ and gender‐matched H. pylori‐negative patients. 63.7% (186/292) were female, mean age 13.1 ± 3.7. Overweight (BMI between the 85th‐95th percentile) and obesity (BMI > 95th percentile) were present in 56/292 (19.2%). Among the H. pylori‐positive children, 11.6% were overweight, 7.5% obese, among the H. pylori‐negative children, 10.3% were overweight, 8.9% obese, demonstrating no differences between the groups. The main indication for endoscopy was abdominal/ epigastric pain in 79.8% (233/292). The percent of children with a BMI ≥ 85% did not differ by gender age or the indication for endoscopy.

Conclusions

No association between H. pylori infection and childhood overweight/ obesity was demonstrated. This is in contrasts with previous pediatric studies demonstrating an inverse correlation.
Intensive care needs and long‐term outcome of pediatric toxic epidermal necrolysis – A 10‐year experience
Authors: Williams Vijai , Reddy Mounika , Bansal Arun , Baranwal Arun K. , Nallasamy Karthi , Angurana Suresh K. , Handa Sanjeev , Ram Jagat , Jayashree Muralidharan , Singhi Sunit
Published: July 2020

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life‐threatening severe cutaneous adverse reaction. Data on pediatric TEN is limited.

Methods

Case records of 44 children, 1 month–12 years with a diagnosis of TEN (>30% body surface area [%BSA] detachment) admitted to a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were organ dysfunction, length of stay (LOS), and long‐term sequelae.

Results

Median (IQR) age was 6.5 (3.6, 8.0) years, and 25 (57%) were boys. Median (IQR) %BSA involved, SCORTEN score, and PRISM‐III were 65% (45, 80); 2 (2, 3) and 13 (10, 16), respectively. Antiepileptics (n = 24, 54.6%) and antimicrobials (n = 8, 18.2%) were the most common offending agents. Twenty‐four (54.5%) children had culture positive sepsis. Immunomodulatory therapy was provided in 35 (79.5%) and conservative management in nine (20.5%) children. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given in 22 (50%), steroids in three (6.8%), and both IVIG and steroids in 10 (22.7%) children. Respiratory failure (n = 14, 31.8%) was the commonest organ failure. Mortality was 15.9% (n = 7), and median (IQR) PICU‐LOS in survivors was 8 (4, 11.75) days. There was no association between IVIG, steroids, or conservative management with mortality or LOS. Ocular sequelae (n = 20, 54.1%) were the most common long‐term complication followed by skin (18, 40.1%).

Conclusion

Immunomodulation with IVIG or steroids was not associated with any mortality benefit as compared to conservative management alone. Further research is required to determine the most effective treatment in pediatric TEN.
Summary and evidence grading of over‐the‐counter scar treatments
Authors: Grigoryan Konstantin V. , Kampp Jeremy T.
Published: July 2020

Background

Many products claiming to improve scar appearance are readily available on the Internet. Data behind these claims are often difficult to find or summarize. Patients often ask their surgeon for advice for scarring postdermatologic surgery.

Objective

We aim to review the evidence behind several advertised products and techniques that claim to improve postsurgical scarring.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed using products and methods claiming to improve scar appearance along with the terms “scar” and “scarring”.

Results

Published literature on scar massage, taping of scars, silicone gel and sheeting, onion‐based extract products, and vitamin E was reviewed. Silicone gel/sheeting as well as taping have the most evidence to help improve scarring, but even then the evidence is conflicting and weak.

Conclusion

Online advertising may tempt patients to buy and trial products to help minimize scarring, although the evidence for the effectiveness of these products is absent to minimal. Dermatologists must be aware of these products to maintain effective patient counseling.
Factors related to nursing performance in South Korean intensive care units
Authors: Cha Chiyoung , Sung Choa
Published: July 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential factors that influence nursing performance in South Korean intensive care units (ICUs).

Background

As nursing performance is directly related to patient outcomes in the ICU setting, identifying factors related to nursing performance at various levels could contribute to improving those outcomes.

Method

A cross‐sectional descriptive design was employed with a convenience sample of 177 nurses having worked at least 6 months in an ICU. Data were collected from 2 to 16 March 2018.

Results

Workplace incivility from supervisors and patients and their families was negatively related to nursing performance, whereas a relation‐oriented culture and task‐oriented culture were positively related to nursing performance. The factors that predicted nursing performance were nurse age and a task‐oriented culture.

Conclusion

Based on study findings, hospitals should focus on mitigating workplace incivility to help improve the nursing performance. Also, hospitals should develop strategies to assess organizational culture and foster relation‐ and task‐oriented culture to maximize nursing performance.
Fixed‐dose three‐factor prothrombin complex concentrates is safe and effective in warfarin reversal
Authors: Marshall Kirsty , Merriman Eileen , Hanna Merit , Chan Henry
Published: July 2020

Background

Reversal of warfarin with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) is required in cases of significant bleeding or need for urgent surgery. A weight‐based regimen is commonly, but a fixed‐dose approach is also feasible with clinically equivalent outcomes. The purpose of this audit is to review the clinical and laboratory outcomes of patients treated in our centre where fixed‐dose PCC is used for warfarin reversal.

Aims

The primary objective was to evaluate the post‐reversal international normalised ratio (INR). The secondary objectives were the proportion of patients requiring repeat PCC and 30‐day complication rates (death, haemorrhage and thrombosis). A subgroup analysis was also performed to compare the outcomes of those who received a dose of ≤15 IU/kg (reduced dose) with those who received >15 IU/kg (standard dose).

Methods

Patients who received three‐factor PCC for warfarin reversal between 1 January and 31 December 2016 were identified and analysed. Clinical data and PCC dosages were extracted from electronic patient records.

Results

A total of 144 patients were analysed. The median INR pre‐reversal was 3.25 (range 1.4–10), which reduced to 1.5 (0.9–3.0) post‐reversal. Eighty‐seven percent of patients achieved a post‐reversal INR of less than 2 and 55% less than 1.5. Sixteen patients required a repeat dose. Complications occurred in 22 (15.3%) patients, which consisted of 15 deaths, 7 thrombosis and 2 haemorrhage. No statistically significant differences in the primary and secondary outcomes were noted between reduced‐dose and standard‐dose subgroups.

Conclusion

Our results support the use of fixed‐dose PCC for warfarin reversal in a day‐to‐day clinical practice in a hospital setting.
Nurses’ health beliefs about paper face masks in Japan, Australia and China: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Omura M. , Stone T.E. , Petrini M.A. , Cao R.
Published: July 2020

Aim

To explore the health beliefs of clinical and academic nurses from Japan, Australia and China regarding wearing paper masks to protect themselves and others, and to identify differences in participants' health beliefs regarding masks.

Background

The correct use of face masks and consensus among health professionals across the globe is essential for containing pandemics, and nurses need to act according to policy to protect themselves, educate the public and preserve resources for frontline health workers. Paper masks are worn by health professionals and the general public to avoid the transmission of respiratory infections, such as COVID‐19, but there appear to be differences in health beliefs of nurses within and between countries regarding these.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study used content analysis with a framework approach.

Findings

There were major differences in nurse participants’ beliefs between and within countries, including how nurses use paper masks and their understanding of their efficacy. In addition, there were cultural differences in the way that nurses use masks in their daily lives and nursing practice contexts.

Conclusion

Nurses from different working environments, countries and areas of practice hold a variety of health beliefs about mask wearing at the personal and professional level.

Implications for nursing policy and health policy

The COVID‐19 pandemic has sparked much discussion about the critical importance of masks for the safety of health professionals, and there has been considerable discussion and disagreement about health policies regarding mask use by the general public. Improper use of masks may have a role in creating mask shortages or transmitting infections. An evidence‐based global policy on mask use for respiratory illnesses for health professionals, including nurses, and the general public needs to be adopted and supported by a wide‐reaching education campaign.
Helicobacter pylori infection and the prevalence of hypertension in Chinese adults: The Dongfeng‐Tongji cohort
Authors: Xiong Xuelian , Chen Jun , He Meian , Wu Tangchun , Yang Handong
Published: July 2020

Although many studies explored the association between helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection and hypertension, there is no consensus. This study is to investigate the association between H pylori infection and the prevalence of hypertension among a middle‐ and old‐age Chinese population. A cross‐sectional study including 17,100 participants from the Dongfeng‐Tongji cohort study was performed. All participants underwent a 14C‐urea breath test and a routine health check‐up. Logistics and linear regression with multivariable adjustment were used to quest the association between H pylori infection and hypertension. The individuals with H pylori infection had a higher prevalence of hypertension (57.5% vs 55.1%, P = .002), and infection rate of H pylori in patients with hypertension is higher than that in non‐hypertensive individuals (48.8% vs 46.4%, P = .002). After adjustment for potential confounders, H pylori infection increased the prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio, 1.117, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.029‐1.213, P = .008). Moreover, compared with participants without H pylori infection, individuals infected had an increase of 0.905 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.025‐1.785, P = .044) for diastolic blood pressure. However, there was no interaction between H pylori infection and traditional risk factors on hypertension. These findings suggested that H pylori infection was positively associated with the prevalence of hypertension.
A perspective of private health care providers in the state of Madhya Pradesh on adopting key strategies of the India hypertension control initiative
Authors: Krishna Ashish , Pathni Anupam K. , Sharma Bhawna , Shivashankar Roopa , Shrivastava Suyesh , Hering Dagmara
Published: July 2020

The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) has been implemented in public health facilities. This study assessed the perspective of private physicians (PPs) on adopting the core strategies of the IHCI in Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh. A semi‐structured interview was purposely applied to 30 PPs to obtain their opinions on standardized hypertension treatment protocols, patient‐centered services, and easy‐to‐use information system in their private practices. Verbatim data were recorded and analyzed thematically. Only 11 PPs followed the state hypertension treatment protocol. Among the remaining 19 PPs, the major reasons for not adopting protocol were (1) limited availability of single component hypertension drugs, (2) preferences for fixed dose combinations (FDCs), and (3) fear of either losing patients due to a lack of immediate blood pressure control or causing drug‐related adverse effects. None of the interviewed doctors had resources to provide patient‐centered care and use a digital health information system. Overall, the interviewed doctors identified that free supply of hypertension treatment protocol drugs, inclusion of FDCs in treatment protocol, increasing number of staff for follow‐up visits, and patient education, IT‐based solutions

for patient records, employee incentives, and need for national data sharing policies are the key actions to accelerate the adoption of IHCI strategies in the private sector. This exploratory qualitative study suggests that engagement of private sector in the IHCI is feasible. Plans to expand the IHCI to the private sector should consider ensuring the wider availability of hypertension treatment protocol drugs and developing a simple user‐friendly digital platform for patient monitoring.
Inhibition of c‐MET increases the antitumour activity of PARP inhibitors in gastric cancer models
Authors: Koustas Evangelos , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Sarantis Panagiotis , Schizas Dimitrios , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: July 2020

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Activation of c‐MET increases tumour cell survival through the initiation of the DNA damage repair pathway. PARP is an essential key in the DNA damage repair pathway. The primary role of PARP is to detect and initiate an immediate cellular response to single‐strand DNA breaks. Tumours suppressor genes such as BRCA1/2 are closely associated with the DNA repair pathway. In BRCA1/2 mutations or deficiency status, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations and chromosomal instability and can lead to cancer. In this study, we investigate the role of c‐MET and PARP inhibition in a gastric cancer model. We exploited functional in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the antitumour potential of co‐inhibition of c‐MET (SU11274) and PARP (NU1025). This leads to a reduction of gastric cancer cells viability, especially after knockdown of BRCA1/2 through apoptosis and induction of γ‐Η2ΑΧ. Moreover, in AGS xenograft models, the combinatorial treatment of NU1025 plus SU11274 reduced tumour growth and triggers apoptosis. Collectively, our data may represent a new therapeutic approach for GC thought co‐inhibition of c‐MET and PARP, especially for patients with BRCA1/2 deficiency tumours.
Is large loop excision of the transformation zone depth a risk factor for affected endocervical margins?
Authors: Lara‐Peñaranda Rosario , Rodríguez‐López Pilar María , Plitt‐Stevens Javier , Gómez‐Leal Paloma , Remezal‐Solano Manuel , Martínez‐Cendán Juan Pedro
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine if the depth of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) is a risk factor for presenting affected endocervical margins.

Methods

A cross‐sectional retrospective study was performed on 353 patients that underwent LLETZ after presenting cervical biopsies with CIN grade 2 and grade 3 or persistent CIN grade 1 at Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena, Spain, from November 2011 to December 2016. Automatized measurement of the LLETZ depth was performed in microns and added to cervical canal extensions when these were performed. Other variables studied in positive endocervical margins were age (under or over 35 years), premenopause/postmenopause, number of affected quadrants, CIN grading, the presence of HPV 16 before LLETZ, parity (nulliparous vs multiparous) and the location where the LLETZ was performed (operating room vs consultation room).

Results

Our multivariant analysis showed that LLETZ depth ≤ 10 mm did not increase the risk in affected endocervical margins (P= 0.366) and no statistically significant difference between the two groups (affected and nonaffected margins) was found. CIN grading and parity did prove a statistically significant association (P= 0.039 andP= 0.011, respectively). Age, menopause, number of affected quadrants, HPV 16 and the location did not show statistical association with positive endocervix margins.

Conclusions

LLETZ depth equal to or lower than 10 mm was not proven to be a risk factor to have affected endocervical margins after the treatment. Therefore, higher LLETZ depth would not be justified to ensure oncological results.
Online Activism and Dyadic Representation: Evidence from the UK E‐Petition System
Authors: Blumenau Jack
Published: July 2020

By making it easier for citizens to communicate their preferences, online forms of political participation have the potential to strengthen the representational link between politicians and voters. However, we know little about the effects of online advocacy on politicians’ behavior. Using new data from an e‐petition system in the United Kingdom, I show that support for a petition among a Member of Parliament’s constituents is associated with a substantial increase in the probability that the MP advocates for the petition in parliamentary debate, even when compared to MP behavior in counterfactual non‐petition debates which focus on the same policy issues. However, MP responsiveness is conditioned both by party discipline and electoral competition. These findings have important implications for our understanding of dyadic representation in parliamentary systems.
Bank loan supply shocks and alternative financing of non‐financial corporations in the euro area
Authors: Mandler Martin , Scharnagl Michael
Published: July 2020

We analyse the macroeconomic effects of exogenous contractions in bank lending to non‐financial corporations in the euro area, Germany, France, Italy and Spain using a BVAR model with endogenous hyperparameter selection and identification via sign restrictions. We investigate the behaviour of firms’ external financing sources alternative to bank loans: financing via equity, debt securities, trade credit and lending from non‐banks. We analyse the comovement of these financing sources with bank lending using the joint posterior distribution of their impulse responses with that of bank loans. For the euro area our results show equity, debt securities and non‐bank loans to be substitutes for bank loans in general equilibrium with negative responses to a positive loan supply shock while trade credit is a complement and responds positively. Quantitatively, the developments in bank loans and trade credit dominate the response of the overall sum of external financing. However, whether and which of the alternative financing sources are substitutes for or complements to bank loans in general equilibrium differs across countries.
Professional Development on the Science of Learning and teachers' Performative Thinking—A Pilot Study
Authors: A. Howard‐Jones Paul , Jay Tim , Galeano Laura
Published: July 2020

This pilot study investigated how a brief professional development session on the science of learning impacted teachers' attributions of usefulness to both scientific and performative concepts about teaching. Ratings were collected from teachers attending five events across the United Kingdom (N = 585) before and after receiving a 90‐min training session. Initial ratings of scientific concepts were positively correlated with age, while initial ratings of performative concepts were negatively correlated with years of experience. Immediately following professional development, the value teachers attributed to scientific concepts for understanding their practice increased, while their valuing of performative concepts decreased. A follow‐up study with a subsample (N = 153) revealed the impact was reduced but persisted 6–12 weeks later. Results are discussed in terms of the potential for a scientific understanding of learning to empower educators as expert professionals.
Daphnia magna modifies its gene expression extensively in response to caloric restriction revealing a novel effect on haemoglobin isoform preference
Authors: Hearn Jack , Clark Jessica , Wilson Philip J. , Little Tom J.
Published: July 2020

Caloric restriction (CR) produces clear phenotypic effects within and between generations of the model crustacean Daphnia magna. We have previously established that micro‐RNAs and cytosine methylation change in response to CR in this organism, and we demonstrate here that CR has a dramatic effect on gene expression. Over 6,000 genes were differentially expressed between CR and well‐fed D. magna, with a bias towards up‐regulation of genes under caloric restriction. We identified a highly expressed haemoglobin gene that responds to CR by changing isoform proportions. Specifically, a transcript containing three haem‐binding erythrocruorin domains was strongly down‐regulated under CR in favour of transcripts containing fewer or no such domains. This change in the haemoglobin mix is similar to the response to hypoxia in Daphnia, which is mediated through the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1, and ultimately the mTOR signalling pathway. This is the first report of a role for haemoglobin in the response to CR. We also observed high absolute expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in normally fed individuals, which contrasts with observations of high SOD levels under CR in other taxa. However, key differentially expressed genes, like SOD, were not targeted by differentially expressed micro‐RNAs. Whether the link between haemoglobin and CR occurs in other organisms, or is related to the aquatic lifestyle, remains to be tested. It suggests that one response to CR may be to simply transport less oxygen and lower respiration.
The cis‐expression of the coat protein of turnip mosaic virus is essential for viral intercellular movement in plants
Authors: Dai Zhaoji , He Rongrong , Bernards Mark A. , Wang Aiming
Published: July 2020

To establish infection, plant viruses are evolutionarily empowered with the ability to spread intercellularly. Potyviruses represent the largest group of known plant‐infecting RNA viruses, including many agriculturally important viruses. To better understand intercellular movement of potyviruses, we used turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as a model and constructed a double‐fluorescent (green and mCherry) protein‐tagged TuMV infectious clone, which allows distinct observation of primary and secondary infected cells. We conducted a series of deletion and mutation analyses to characterize the role of TuMV coat protein (CP) in viral intercellular movement. TuMV CP has 288 amino acids and is composed of three domains: the N‐terminus (amino acids 1–97), the core (amino acids 98–245), and the C‐terminus (amino acids 246–288). We found that deletion of CP or its segments amino acids 51–199, amino acids 200–283, or amino acids 265–274 abolished the ability of TuMV to spread intercellularly but did not affect virus replication. Interestingly, deletion of amino acids 6–50 in the N‐terminus domain resulted in the formation of aberrant virions but did not significantly compromise TuMV cell‐to‐cell and systemic movement. We identified the charged residues R178 and D222 within the core domain that are essential for virion formation and TuMV local and systemic transport in plants. Moreover, we found that trans‐expression of the wild‐type CP either by TuMV or through genetic transformation‐based stable expression could not rescue the movement defect of CP mutants. Taken together these results suggest that TuMV CP is not essential for viral genome replication but is indispensable for viral intercellular transport where only the cis‐expressed CP is functional.
COVID‐19, nationalism, and the politics of crisis: A scholarly exchange
Authors: Woods Eric Taylor , Schertzer Robert , Greenfeld Liah , Hughes Chris , Miller‐Idriss Cynthia
Published: July 2020

In this article, several scholars of nationalism discuss the potential for the COVID‐19 pandemic to impact the development of nationalism and world politics. To structure the discussion, the contributors respond to three questions: (1) how should we understand the relationship between nationalism and COVID‐19; (2) will COVID‐19 fuel ethnic and nationalist conflict; and (3) will COVID‐19 reinforce or erode the nation‐state in the long run? The contributors formulated their responses to these questions near to the outset of the pandemic, amid intense uncertainty. This made it acutely difficult, if not impossible, to make predictions. Nevertheless, it was felt that a historically and theoretically informed discussion would shed light on the types of political processes that could be triggered by the COVID‐19 pandemic. In doing so, the aim is to help orient researchers and policy‐makers as they grapple with what has rapidly become the most urgent issue of our times.
Pediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease predicted by anthropometric values through transient elastography
Authors: Song Shih‐Hsi , Wong Ying‐Chi , Wu Tzee‐Chung , Huang Ching‐Feng
Published: July 2020

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of pediatric chronic liver disease, which is strongly associated with obesity. Transient elastography, together with anthropometric values including waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and body mass index (BMI) z‐scores are a more precise diagnostic method of NAFLD than ultrasonography. Through transient elastography, we investigate the principal anthropometric values associated with pediatric NAFLD.

Methods

Healthy children between the ages of 6–18 years whose BMIs were ≥85% of normal were recruited as the overweight‐and‐obese group, and children whose BMIs ranged between 5%–85% were recruited as the control group. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was evaluated via transient elastography. BMI z‐score and WHtR were measured.

Results

A total of 107 (58 overweight‐and‐obese, 49 control) children were recruited. As evaluated by transient elastography, children in the overweight‐and‐obese group had significantly higher controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement values than the control group. To detect fatty liver, WHtR with a cut‐off point of 0.481 and BMI z‐score with cut‐off point of 1.075 had the best sensitivity and specificity. To identify liver stiffness or inflammation, WHtR with cut‐off point of 0.514 and BMI z‐score with cut‐off point of 1.62 had the best sensitivity and specificity. Controlled attenuation parameter demonstrated a fair correlation with WHtR and BMI z‐scores, even in the normal range of these parameters.

Conclusions

Transient elastography together with anthropometric measurements demonstrate that pediatric NAFLD may develop earlier than expected. We present principal anthropometric values associated with pediatric NAFLD.
Naturally monozygotic quadruplets in a Braford cow confirmed by DNA analysis: A case report
Authors: Rogberg‐Muñoz Andrés , Castillo Nadia S. , Zappa María E. , Crespi Julián A. , Villegas‐Castagnasso Egle E. , Gómez Paula M. , Peral‐García Pilar , Giovambattista Guillermo
Published: July 2020

Cattle are a monotocous species, despite naturally conceived multiple births are sometimes observed. Although the number of twins has consistently increased, triplet and quadruplet pregnancies represent 0.015% and 0.004% of the total births, respectively. Multiple births are the result of multiple ovulation and/or the spontaneous cleavage of one fertilized oocyte, which is known as monozygotic (MZ) twinning. In cattle, approximately 5% to 14% of all twin births are MZ, and births with more than two MZ calves are extremely rare. Monozygotic animals are genetically identical, and those derived from two or more zygotes are genetically different. Furthermore, the presence of placental vascular anastomosis can result in foetal chimerism. Notwithstanding, animals born as single calves can be chimeras when one of the foetal twins dies undetected in utero. Here, we used DNA testing to study the zygotic condition of an unusual female quadruplet born from a Braford cow bred in a multi‐sire natural mating system without hormone stimulation. Two tissues with different embryological origin were sampled to test zygosity and possible chimerism. The results showed an identical genotype, confirming they all originated in an MZ pregnancy and suggesting the lack of chimerism in all animals. The use of MZ twins in breeding and selection systems provides an alternative to the conventional progeny testing. Some works have suggested a genetic background of MZ twins in humans. This female and her daughters could be the founders of a lineage to study the possible inheritance of MZ multiple births in cattle.
Leaders and Tenures in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Chisadza Carolyn
Published: July 2020

While there has been extensive evidence provided on the varying effects of leaders’ extended tenures on economic growth, political institutions and conflict, little attention in the empirical literature has been given to the determinants that may contribute to long tenures. Without being cognisant of these underlying factors, any efforts aimed at limiting tenures to progress economic development and democratic institutions will have little effect, as evidenced by several leaders’ attempts to subvert constitutional laws in this regard. Using panel data analysis for sub‐Saharan African countries between 1960 and 2015, this study looks at the likely determinants (both at individual and country level) that can increase or decrease political survival. The preliminary results suggest that at an individual level, the leader’s age, political career and rebel experience increase the likelihood of extended tenure, while the leader’s education reduces the probability of extended tenure. At a country level, the country’s wealth is likely to increase tenures, while increased conflict and strong institutions decrease a leader’s tenure.
Deformation patterns of upper Quaternary strata and their relation to active tectonics, Po Basin, Italy
Authors: Amorosi Alessandro , Bruno Luigi , Campo Bruno , Costagli Bianca , Hong Wan , Picotti Vincenzo , Vaiani Stefano Claudio
Published: July 2020

Despite increased application of subsurface datasets below the limits of seismic resolution, reconstructing near‐surface deformation of shallow key stratigraphic markers beneath modern alluvial and coastal plains through sediment core analysis has received little attention. Highly resolved stratigraphy of Upper Pleistocene to Holocene (Marine Isotope Stage 5e to Marine Isotope Stage 1) alluvial, deltaic and coastal depositional systems across the southern Po Plain, down to 150 m depth, provides an unambiguous documentation on the deformation of previously flat‐lying strata that goes back in time beyond the limits of morphological, historical and palaeoseismic records. Five prominent key horizons, accurately selected on the basis of their sedimentological characteristics and typified for their fossil content, were used as highly effective stratigraphic markers (M1 to M5) that can be tracked for tens of kilometres across the basin. A facies‐controlled approach tied to a robust chronology (102 radiocarbon dates) reveals considerable deformation of laterally extensive nearshore (M1), continental (M2 and M3) and lagoon (M4 and M5) marker beds originally deposited in a horizontal position (M1, M4 and M5). The areas where antiformal geometries are best observed are remarkably coincident with the axes of buried ramp anticlines, across which new seismic images reveal substantially warped stratal geometries of Lower Pleistocene strata. The striking spatial coincidence of fold crests with the epicentres of historic and instrumental seismicity suggests that deformation of marker beds M1 to M5 might reflect, in part at least, syntectonically generated relief and, thus, active tectonism. Precise identification and lateral tracing of chronologically constrained stratigraphic markers in the 14C time window through combined sedimentological and palaeoecological data may delineate late Quaternary subsurface stratigraphic architecture at an unprecedented level of detail, outlining cryptic stratal geometries at the sub‐seismic scale. This approach is highly reproducible in tectonically active Quaternary depositional systems and can help to assess patterns of active deformation in the subsurface of modern alluvial and coastal plains worldwide.
A multimethod assessment to study the relationship between rumination and gender differences
Authors: Ando' Agata , Giromini Luciano , Ales Francesca , Zennaro Alessandro
Published: July 2020

Rumination is described as the propensity of responding to distress by repetitively and passively focusing on one’s negative emotions, and failures, and their consequences (Nolen‐Hoeksema, 1991, 1998). Therefore, given that rumination is characterized especially by difficulties in managing and controlling negative emotional states, it is considered as the most common (impaired) emotional regulation strategy, and can be defined as an emotional process related to a repetitive, undesired, and past‐oriented negatively inclined thought (Compare, Zarbo, Shonin, Van Gordon, & Marconi, 2014; Smith & Alloy, 2009). Recent evidence suggested that because of problems related to monitoring of negative states, rumination may be associated with exaggerated physiological reactivity relative to demands from the environment, and to some difficulties in attentional control abilities. The current study aimed at deepening our understanding of the role that a maladaptive emotional regulation strategy – such as rumination – might play in physiological response changes and in engaging dysfunctional attentional strategies. We used a multimethod assessment including self‐reports (i.e., Rumination and Reflection Questionnaire, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale), physiological measures, (i.e., Heart Rate Variability recording), and attention tasks (i.e., Stroop Task) in order to examine the multiple aspects of rumination across genders. Sixty‐eight individuals (30 males and 38 females) were administered DERS −16, RRQ and, soon after them, the Stroop task. Immediately after completing the Stroop task (T1), participants were exposed to a three‐phase, baseline‐stress‐recovery experimental paradigm while their heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded. After completing the experimental paradigm, Stroop stimuli were presented for the second time (T2), in order to examine possible intra‐individual differences between the two performances in the Stroop task. Our findings showed that rumination was higher in females than in males, but in men it appeared to be strongly associated with an overall impaired emotional regulation. However, no gender differences in rumination and emotion dysregulation were found when inspecting physiological data. The current study aims to contribute towards a better understanding which emotion regulation strategies and which physiological mechanisms are associated with rumination.
Factors associated with purchasing pesticide from shops for intentional self‐poisoning in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasinghe Manjula , Konradsen Flemming , Eddleston Michael , Pearson Melissa , Jayamanne Shaluka , Knipe Duleeka , Hawton Keith , Gunnell David , Agampodi Suneth
Published: July 2020

Objective

In South Asia, up to one in five individuals who ingest pesticides for self‐poisoning and survive purchased them from a shop immediately prior to the event. Thus far, no research has taken place to determine whether interventions implemented through the pesticide sellers might be acceptable or effective, despite the hundreds of thousands of such risk purchases each year. We aimed to investigate factors associated with purchasing pesticides for self‐poisoning in Sri Lanka.

Methods

We used a case–control study. Cases (n = 50) were individuals who ingested pesticides after purchasing them for the act, and controls (n = 200) were customers who bought pesticides but did not use them for self‐harm. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess socio‐demographic and purchase‐specific risk factors.

Results

Alcohol intoxication (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] 36.5, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.7–783.4) and being a non‐farmer AOR 13.3, 95% CI 1.8–99.6 were the main distinguishing factors when purchasing pesticides for self‐poisoning. The positive predictive values were 93.3% (95% CI 68.0–99.8%) and 88.2% (95% CI 72.5–96.7%), respectively. One and/or other of these factors characterised 72.0% of cases but only 2.5% controls.

Conclusion

While results need to be interpreted cautiously, sales restrictions to prevent alcohol‐intoxicated persons and non‐farmers purchasing pesticides for self‐poisoning may be effective.