bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Stem Cell Niche and Adult Neurogenesis
Authors: Li Yue , Guo Weixiang
Published: July 2020

Adult neurogenesis is a process that generates new and functional neurons from neural stem cells (NSCs) in a specialized neurogenic niche throughout life. Misregulated neurogenesis is detrimental to normal brain functions. To ensure proper neurogenesis, the niche cells must respond to extrinsic cues while fulfilling the intrinsic requirements of the neurogenic program and adapting their roles accordingly to influence NSC behavior. Understanding how the neurogenic niche executes its functions may guide strategies to maintain its integrative process and provide a permissive milieu for neurogenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries of interactive regulation of NSCs and neurogenesis by neurogenic niche and its implications in functional integrity of adult brain and neurological disorders.
The Downsides of Cognitive Enhancement
Authors: Colzato Lorenza S. , Hommel Bernhard , Beste Christian
Published: July 2020

Cognitive enhancement is becoming progressively popular as a subject of scientific investigation and by the public, although possible adverse effects are not sufficiently understood. We call for cognitive enhancement to build on more specific, mechanistic theories given that a-theoretical approaches to cognitive enhancement are both a cause and a consequence of a strong, if not exclusive focus on the benefits of procedures suited to enhance human cognition. We focus on downsides of cognitive enhancement and suggest that every attempt to enhance human cognition needs to deal with two basic principles: the neuro-competition principle and the nonlinearity principle. We discuss the possibility of both principles in light of recent attempts to improve human cognition by means of transcranial direct current stimulation, a well-established brain stimulation method, and clinically relevant nootropic drugs. We propose that much stronger emphasis on mechanistic theorizing is necessary in guiding future research on both the upsides and the downsides of cognitive enhancement.
Mindfulness for Children With ADHD and Mindful Parenting (MindChamp): A Qualitative Study on Feasibility and Effects
Authors: Siebelink Nienke M. , Kaijadoe Shireen P. T. , van Horssen Fylis M. , Holtland Josanne N. P. , Bögels Susan M. , Buitelaar Jan K. , Speckens Anne E. M. , Greven Corina U.
Published: July 2020

Objective: We describe qualitative results on facilitators and barriers to participating in a family mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for youth with ADHD and their parents and perceived effects on child and parent. Method: Sixty-nine families started the 8-week protocolized group-based MBI called “MYmind.” After the MBI, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of parents ( n = 20), children ( n = 17, ages 9–16 years), and mindfulness teachers ( n = 3). Interviews were analyzed using Grounded Theory. Results: Facilitators and barriers regarding contextual factors (e.g., time investment), MBI characteristics (e.g., parallel parent–child training), and participant characteristics (e.g., ADHD-symptoms) are described. Perceived effects were heterogeneous: no/adverse effects, awareness/insight, acceptance, emotion regulation/reactivity, cognitive functioning, calmness/relaxation, relational changes, generalization. Conclusion: MYmind can lead to a variety of transferable positively perceived effects beyond child ADHD-symptom decrease. Recommendations on MYmind participant inclusion, program characteristics, mindfulness teachers, and evaluating treatment efficacy are provided.
Exploring college English teaching of rhetorical knowledge: A Legitimation Code Theory analysis
Authors: Zhao Wenchao
Published: July 2020

Despite a voluminous literature addressing English language teaching, the explorations focused on knowledge-building are rather limited in number. This is particularly the case with China’s tertiary English education. Unlike existing research, this study investigated Chinese college English teachers’ knowledge-building about rhetorical figures by drawing on the ideas of Autonomy and Semantics in Legitimation Code Theory. Designed as sequential mixed-method research with a development purpose, the study takes as its analytical data the pedagogic discourse generated in the finals of China’s National College English Teaching Context. It was found that the knowledge practices about rhetorical figures vary, for one thing, in their likelihood of shifting to introjected codes and returning to the initial sovereign code and the motivations for their possible drift into exotic codes; and for another, in whether they are unpacking-oriented, repacking-oriented, or unpacking-and-repacking-integrated. With this, the study demonstrated how varied knowledge practices in English language teaching or English-medium teaching can be portrayed, distinguished and explicated in terms of autonomy and semantic code shifts and by reference to their display of autonomy pathways and semantic profiles. The study also makes contributions by actualizing the perspectival complementarity between Autonomy and Semantics in describing and interpreting pedagogic practices, shedding light on the design and improvement of knowledge-building in both English language teaching and disciplinary teaching, and highlighting the necessity of developing non-native English teachers’ metalinguistic awareness of Legitimation Code Theory and systemic functional linguistics.
Does the ‘halo effect’ of trauma center verification extend to severe postpartum hemorrhage? A four-year retrospective review of level 1 trauma centers in the United States
Authors: Vuong Phoenix , Dardon Arturo Torices , Chen Chun-Cheng , Stankiewicz Sarah , Skupski Daniel , Saldinger Pierre , Sample Jason
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Designated high-quality trauma services have been shown to improve outcomes of trauma patients by virtue of access to specialized personnel and resources. It remains unclear if a ‘halo effect’ extends these benefits more generally to non-trauma populations. Obstetric patients who develop severe postpartum hemorrhage often require close attention in intensive care units and utilize more resources. Given the overlapping needs between trauma and obstetric patients, we hypothesize that the ‘halo effect’ might extend to patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for years 2008 to 2011 was queried. Patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage were identified as those requiring transfusion, hysterectomy, or uterine repair. After stratifying by level 1 trauma center versus non-level 1 trauma center status, unadjusted univariate comparisons were made. Adjusted odds ratio of end-organ failure and death were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 11,135 patients were identified with severe postpartum hemorrhage. The majority were hospitalized at non-level 1 trauma centers rather than level 1 trauma centers (71.4% vs. 28.6%). Patients at non-level 1 trauma centers were younger, more likely to be white, admitted electively, insured, and healthier with a lower comorbidity index. There was no significant difference in rates of mortality or organ failure. However, after adjustment for differences in comorbidity index, race, and emergency admission, patients at non-level 1 trauma centers had a significantly higher risk of respiratory failure (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.59).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the outcomes of obstetric patients with severe postpartum hemorrhage admitted in level 1 trauma centers are not overall significantly different when compared to those in non-level 1 trauma centers. However, after adjusting for baseline characteristics, there was a reduced risk of respiratory failure in patients admitted to level 1 trauma centers.
Feeling (un)welcome in Switzerland: The perception of commercial hospitality by domestic and international tourists
Authors: Steffen Angela , Stettler Jürg , Huck Lukas
Published: July 2020

Hospitality has been identified as one of the vital enhancing services of tourism organizations. However, insights about how tourists perceive the hospitality of touristic service providers and how these perceptions vary between guests of different origins are still scarce. Using the case of Switzerland, we conducted a survey of 600 tourists to investigate the different perceptions of hospitality by domestic and international guests in touristic service encounters. The results confirm the idea that domestic tourists are more demanding and less satisfied with the hospitality of touristic service providers than international guests. The regression analyses further indicate that tourists’ gender and age influence their hospitality perceptions. Importance–performance analyses on single dimensions of the hospitality concept suggest that touristic service providers’ professional expertise is a key area in which to improve the hospitality perceptions of both domestic and international tourists.
The racialization of animal advocacy in South Africa
Authors: Cordeiro-Rodrigues Luis
Published: July 2020

In 2015, some faculty at the University of Cape Town made a proposal to the Faculty of Humanities that no animal product be served at faculty events. Many black faculty members contested the proposal on the grounds that it was racist and disavowed the importance of the proposal. In this article, I wish to argue that the proposal’s approach neglects the racialized history of animal advocacy in South Africa, while also being carried out at an inopportune time and context. Consequently, it racializes the debate on animal advocacy in South Africa to the extent that it contributes to the African faculty’s disavowal of the proposal and of animal injustice in general. Nevertheless, I also argue that the proposal could have been more successful if it had integrated racial justice concerns and African elements. This is the case because there are good reasons for Africans to support animal justice. Particularly, in the case of South Africa, it can be argued that addressing animal justice is beneficial for improving Africans’ health, a contribution to the elimination of environmental injustice and helpful for Africanizing institutions.
Enhancing data collection methods with qualitative projective techniques in the exploration of a university’s brand identity and brand image
Authors: Spry Louise , Pich Christopher
Published: July 2020

This article focuses on assessing the capabilities of projective techniques, in gaining a deeper insight into complex university corporate brands. In particular, we will explore identities and how these might align with brand images in different departments and faculties. There are explicit calls for further research on projective techniques in new contexts in particular, and where and when they are most useful during data collection. Responding to this gap in the literature, this study adopts a two-staged approach to the research design utilizing qualitative projective techniques as a supplement to more traditional methods of data collection. This article provides an updated matrix on how qualitative projective techniques can be better utilized during the planning, research, and analysis stages of research in different contexts. This can be employed to assist inexperienced and experienced individuals with projective techniques during the planning, research, and analysis stages of research into corporate brands.
Circular RNA SFMBT2 Inhibits the Proliferation and Metastasis of Glioma Cells Through Mir-182-5p/Mtss1 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Shoudan , Qin Wanxiang , Yang Shuo , Guan Ning , Sui Xin , Guo Wenshi
Published: July 2020

Glioma is a common type of tumor in human central nervous system, and it is characterized with high mobility and mortality. The prognosis of patients with advanced glioma remains poor. Thus, it is necessary to develop novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this disease. Circular RNAs are a group of noncoding RNAs which have been detected in eukaryotic cells. They are tissue-specific and characterized with a more stable structure compared with linear RNAs. Recently, studies have revealed that certain circular RNAs are involved in biological processes such as gene regulation; however, the functions of most circular RNAs remain unknown and require further investigation. Furthermore, circular RNAs can act as “sponges” of its target microRNA, consequently suppressing their activity. Additionally, impaired expression of circular RNAs is reported in different diseases including cancer. In our study, low expression of circular RNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2 was detected in glioma samples. Furthermore, reduced circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2 expression was observed in human glioma cell lines compared to normal astrocyte cells. Additionally, overexpression of circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2 suppressed the growth and metastasis of glioma cells in vitro. Moreover, microRNA-182-5p could be a downstream molecule of circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2. The influenced of microRNA-182-5p-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells could be abrogated by overexpressed circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2. In addition, metastasis suppressor 1 was predicted as a novel target of microRNA-182-5p, and its expression was restored by circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2. In summary, our findings provided novel insight into the roles of circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2 in glioma. More importantly, circRNA Scm like with 4 Mbt domains 2/microRNA-182-5p/metastasis suppressor 1 axis could be a putative therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with glioma.
Platycodon grandiflorum Protects Against Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Hao Wei , Shi Youyang , Qin Yuenong , Sun Chenping , Chen Liying , Wu Chunyu , Bao Yijia , Liu Sheng
Published: July 2020

Background: Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is an effective treatment used for early-stage breast cancer patients. However, anthracycline use is limited due to its cardiotoxic effects. Recent studies have shown that Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) protects the heart from anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. However, no randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial has been performed to investigate the clinical use of PG to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects and safety of PG in early breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 125 early breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy were enrolled and randomized into a PG group or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. Results: Only 2 (3.1%) participants in the placebo group and 1 (1.6%) participant in the PG group experienced NYHA (New York Heart Association) class III or IV heart failure. There were no significant differences observed between the 2 groups. However, compared with the placebo group, patients in the PG group showed a lower incidence of subclinical heart failure (21.9% vs 8.2%, respectively, P = .033), as well as lower cardiac troponin T levels (48.4% vs 31.1%, respectively, P = .002). Importantly, there were no differences observed in the antitumor effects of anthracycline between the 2 groups (disease-free survival: hazards ratio = 1.09, 95% confidence interval = 0.45-2.62, P = .84; overall survival: hazards ratio = 1.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.33-6.43, P = .62). Conclusion: PG prevents anthracycline-induced acute and chronic cardiac injury in early-stage breast cancer patients without compromising the antitumor effects of chemotherapy.
Histone deacetylases in modulating cardiac disease and their clinical translational and therapeutic implications
Authors: Wang Zhengke , Zhao Yu Tina , Zhao Ting C
Published: July 2020

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play an important role in the epigenetic regulation of genetic transcription in response to stress or pathological conditions. HDACs interact with a complex co-regulatory network of transcriptional regulators, deacetylate histones or non-histone proteins, and modulate gene expression in the heart. The selective HDAC inhibitors have been considered to be a critical target for the treatment of cardiac disease, especially for ameliorating cardiac dysfunction. In this review, we discuss our current knowledge of the cellular and molecular basis of HDACs in mediating cardiac development and hypertrophy and related pharmacologic interventions in heart disease.
The implications of neutrophil extracellular traps in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis
Authors: Mostafa Mostafa N , Osama Mahmoud
Published: July 2020

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis constitutes most cardiovascular disease etiologies. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven disease affecting the intima of blood vessels, resulting in an increase in its thickness and, therefore, narrowing of the arterial lumen. Many blood and immune cells have been shown to be implicated in atherosclerosis pathophysiology. Neutrophils are among those cells with their novel function of forming neutrophil extracellular traps. Neutrophil extracellular traps are mesh-like structures formed and released on activation of neutrophils. These structures consist of decondensed chromatin, histones, and other components, including nuclear and cellular proteins, cytoskeleton, proteases, and azurophilic granules. Neutrophil extracellular traps contain these elements and hold other circulating elements in the blood, such as tissue factor, fibrin, and other coagulation factors. Neutrophil extracellular traps are also implicated in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis, which evolves as a consequence of atherosclerosis. In this review, we aim to demonstrate the process of neutrophil extracellular traps formation, release, and interaction with other blood cells, meaning it could be possible to use neutrophil extracellular traps as a therapeutic target in deceleration of atherosclerosis progression.

Impact statement

Fatal consequences of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis give research in this field great importance. This review provides recent information about the implications of neutrophils in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis via formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), thereby enhancing our understanding on how the process of atherosclerosis develops and how its consequences occur. Information provided in this review suggests NETs as a new therapeutic target and a rich point for research. This review gives answers to questions about the mechanisms of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis progression through studying the implications of NETs in these processes.
Impact and prevention of errors in endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Ospel Johanna Maria , Kashani Nima , Mayank Arnuv , Cimflova Petra , Heran Manraj , Pandey Sachin , Peeling Lissa , Gopinathan Anil , Lopes Demetrius , Kocer Naci , Goyal Mayank
Published: July 2020

Background

Preventing errors and complications in neurointervention is crucial, particularly in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), where the natural history is generally benign, and the margin of treatment benefit small. We aimed to investigate how neurointerventionalists perceive the importance and frequency of errors and the resulting complications in endovascular UIA treatment, and which steps could be taken to prevent them.

Methods

An international multidisciplinary survey was conducted among neurointerventionalists. Participants provided their demographic characteristics and neurointerventional treatment volume. They were asked about their perceptions on the importance and frequency of different errors in endovascular UIA treatment, and which solutions they thought to be most effective in preventing these errors.

Results

Two-hundred-thirty-three neurointerventionalists from 38 countries participated in the survey. Participants identified errors in technical execution as the most common source of complications in endovascular UIA treatment (40.4% thought these errors constituted a relatively or very large proportion of all complication sources), closely followed by errors in decision-making/indication (32.2%) and errors related to management of unexpected events (28.4%). Simulation training was thought to be most effective in reducing technical errors, while cognitive errors were believed to be best minimized by abandoning challenging procedures, more honest discussion of complications and better standardization of procedure steps.

Conclusion

Neurointerventionalists perceived both technical and cognitive errors to be important sources of complications in endovascular UIA treatment. Simulation training, a cultural change, higher acceptance of bail-out strategies and better standardization of procedures were perceived to be most effective in preventing these.
The Syrkus couple and the global cause of modernism
Authors: Kohlrausch Martin
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the role of modernist architects in Poland during the first half of the twentieth century. The article argues that against the background of economic catching-up processes and the establishment of a new nation state and capital, modernist architects could enter into a close relationship with the modernising state. This relationship could partially survive World War II, albeit under different auspices. By employing the example of Poland’s foremost modernist architect Szymon Syrkus and his wife Helena, and their extensive correspondence with other Congrès Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne architects, the article discusses, moreover, the impact of the deep breaks coming with the rise of authoritarian regimes in the 1930s, the coming World War and the Holocaust, and finally the establishment of communist regimes on modernist architects.
Client perceptions of engaging with a health and social care navigation service: A qualitative study
Authors: Wilkinson Amanda , Atlas Janel , Nelson Katrina , Mulligan Hilda
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Health and social care navigation services provide support for people with long-term conditions. Such services are available in the New Zealand (NZ) context. However little is known nationally or internationally about clients’ experience of engaging with such services. This study aimed to describe client perspectives of engaging with a health and social care navigation service in a NZ metropolitan city.

Methods

The manager and navigators of the service recruited clients who were previous users of the service. We individually interviewed nine clients (F = 7; M = 2; aged between 30–80 years) in their homes. Many of the participants reported social isolation, and some were without regular income. We transcribed interviews verbatim and analysed data thematically.

Results

There was one overall theme: Restoration of my essence or being (in the Māori language, wairua), and sense of belonging (turangawaewae) through a regenerative approach developed in partnership between the navigator and the client. Thus, participants felt renewed and validated as human beings.

Discussion

Enabling clients to feel re-valued as human beings captures the concept of personhood whereby a person has capability and capacity for life choices. We suggest enabling a client to feel valued assists in development of self-determination and consequently improved health and well-being.
Evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of permissive hypotension in critically ill patients aged 65 years or over with vasodilatory hypotension: Statistical and health economic analysis plan for the 65 trial in article
Authors: Thomas Karen , Patel Akshay , Sadique M Zia , Grieve Richard D , Mason Alexina J , Moler Silvia , Gordon Anthony C , Rowan Kathryn M , Mouncey Paul R , Lamontagne Francois , Harrison David A
Published: July 2020

The 65 trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-group, open-label, randomised clinical trial of permissive hypotension (targeting a mean arterial pressure target of 60–65 mmHg during vasopressor therapy) versus usual care in critically ill patients aged 65 years or over with vasodilatory hypotension. The trial will recruit 2600 patients from 65 United Kingdom adult general critical care units. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality at 90 days. An economic evaluation is embedded. This paper describes the proposed statistical and health economic analysis for the 65 trial.
The prognostic value of soluble Klotho in patients with haemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Qi-Feng , Li Sha-Sha , Yu Li-Xia , Feng Jian-Hua , Xue Li-Li , Lu Guo-Yuan
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The correlation between soluble Klotho (sKlotho) levels and clinical outcomes remains inconclusive for patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). We aimed to evaluate the potential predictive significance of sKlotho in this population by conducting a meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched for studies concerning the association between sKlotho level and clinical outcomes including cardiovascular (CV) events and all-cause mortality. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated using either random or fixed effects models. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were used to explore heterogeneity sources.

Results:

Eight prospective studies with 992 MHD participants were included and reduced sKlotho levels predicted more adverse outcomes in this meta-analysis. The pooled HRs and 95% CIs related to CV events, mortality, or composite outcomes were 1.73 (95% CI 1.08–2.76, p = 0.02), 2.34 (95% CI 1.34–2.07, p = 0.003) or 1.75 (95% CI 1.19–2.57, p = 0.005). Moderate heterogeneity was observed in the composite adverse outcomes ( I2 = 57%, p = 0.05). Age and sKlotho level were the main sources of heterogeneities in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusion:

Lower sKlotho levels were associated with more CV events and all-cause mortality, suggesting that sKlotho may have predictive value in CKD patients receiving haemodialysis.
Global kindergartens: Children’s encounter with other cultures through online communication
Authors: Søndergaard Steen
Published: July 2020

This article is about how to work with young children’s online communication in the kindergarten and how the children can acquire knowledge of other cultures through this online communication. The article presents various projects in which online communication between kindergartens has been attempted. Then the article will argue about the importance of supporting kindergarten children to be able to act in a globalized, mediatized and digitized world, both through a reflection on how society is changing and through a description of how children today use digital technologies. Finally, the article also suggests a future media pedagogy in kindergarten.
Colorado community pharmacists’ survey and their perspectives regarding marijuana
Authors: Shea Leticia A. , Goldwire Micheline A. , Hymel David , Bui Doan
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

With one of the highest prevalence rates for marijuana use in the United States, Colorado provides a great opportunity for insight on common encounters with consumers in the community pharmacy setting. Currently, there is limited data on community pharmacists and their experiences with patients and marijuana. This study aims to identify the most common questions community pharmacists receive about marijuana, how comfortable they are in answering those questions, and to identify knowledge gaps regarding marijuana and pharmaceutical care.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was chosen to survey community pharmacists. A convenience sample of community pharmacists from the greater Denver metro area counties were surveyed about recreational and medical marijuana questions they receive from patients and consumers. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney.

Results:

Of the 51 pharmacists who completed the survey, 20% received questions about medical marijuana daily or weekly, 57% monthly, and 22% never, while 16% received questions about recreational marijuana weekly, 41% monthly, and 43% never. In addition, 53% were comfortable answering questions about medical marijuana, while 41% were comfortable answering questions about recreational marijuana. The most common questions received were related to indications, uses, and efficacy (33%), followed by drug interactions (30%).

Conclusion:

The increased acceptance of marijuana by patients warrants pharmacists and other healthcare providers to be confident and familiar with its use. Our findings suggest that the majority of pharmacists are not asking about marijuana use/consumption, and this may be a gap in care. Studies support that other healthcare providers also exhibit hesitancy in initiating these conversations. Consumers are using marijuana products now, so increasing marijuana education for all healthcare professionals during both didactic education and continuing education will be key to ensuring patients have access to evidence-based care regarding the use of marijuana, rather than care based on belief, alone.
Rural–urban migration and childrearing values of rural migrants in contemporary China
Authors: Wu Yuling , Xiao Hong
Published: July 2020

In this study, we investigate the correlation between migrant-related factors and migrants’ childrearing values concerning community-oriented versus individual-based dimensions, with a particular interest in the effects of rural household registration ( hukou) status and settlement intention. Using data from the 2009 Longitudinal Survey on Rural–Urban Migration in China, we find that rural migrants stress individual-based qualities the most, such as independence, diligence, and responsibility, while they also emphasize certain community-oriented qualities, such as tolerance/respect, and obedience. Local or non-local rural hukou status at the city level is not an important factor in people’s migrant lives when it comes to shaping childrearing values. Instead, settlement intention is found to be more important than hukou status in affecting rural migrants’ childrearing values, particularly in non-local rural migrants, in that rural migrants with settlement intention tend to favor community-oriented values as opposed to individual-based values for their children.
Citizen Entrepreneurship: A Conceptual Picture of the Inclusion, Integration and Engagement of Citizens in the Entrepreneurial Process
Authors: Mitra Jay , Sokolowicz Mariusz , Weisenfeld Ursula , Kurczewska Agnieszka , Tegtmeier Silke
Published: July 2020

This conceptual and exploratory article aims to present a rationale for the engagement of citizens with the process and practice of, and research on new civic forms of entrepreneurship. We argue that this form of citizen engagement could enable a better alignment of entrepreneurial initiatives with economic, social and community priorities, and to address issues of global significance of local interest in uncertain environments. To this end, we posit that engaging citizens in the entrepreneurial process could facilitate agency at the collective level of people with their rights, duties and responsibilities, to identify, participate in and govern with existing institutions, in meaningful economic and social activity in defined spatial environments. Our normative understanding of entrepreneurial process involves the creation of business, social and public enterprises, the formation of which is led by entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are of course citizens of specific nation states, but their endeavours do not necessarily warrant the participation of the wider community of citizens in the entrepreneurial process beyond their receiving function as users of goods and services. We consider whether pro-active engagement in a variety of ways, as nurtured in the practice of Citizen Science or Citizen Economics projects, could strengthen the profile and substance of entrepreneurship to resolve critical economic, social and environmental concerns of our times.

We use the concept of the ‘commons’ and collective efficacy to argue for an understanding of entrepreneurship and innovation as a social good. We argue that Citizen Entrepreneurship (CE) is able to create new forms of collective organisation and governance, and derive economic and social value by addressing local issues arising from wide-spread phenomena such as climate change, ecological and environmental challenges, inequality, social polarisation, populism, migration and the gradual erosion of democratic institutions. To do so, citizens need to develop capabilities for engagement in the entrepreneurship process, especially when traditional public and market institutions fail to satisfy their existential needs. Indeed, active engagement could lead to the achievement of capabilities for well-being and fulfilling lives which go beyond the acquisition of skills and competencies necessary to pursue a vocation or a career. We refer to and interpret three examples of collective entrepreneurial activity in different urban environments in European countries as models of CE highlighting what we see as a growing trend in the entrepreneurial substance of the ‘urban commons’. We work towards the creation of a conceptual model with which to develop an understanding of a unique formulation of entrepreneurship.
A machine learning damage prediction model for the 2017 Puebla-Morelos, Mexico, earthquake
Authors: Roeslin Samuel , Ma Quincy , Juárez-Garcia Hugon , Gómez-Bernal Alonso , Wicker Joerg , Wotherspoon Liam
Published: July 2020

The 2017 Puebla, Mexico, earthquake event led to significant damage in many buildings in Mexico City. In the months following the earthquake, civil engineering students conducted detailed building assessments throughout the city. They collected building damage information and structural characteristics for 340 buildings in the Mexico City urban area, with an emphasis on the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods where they assessed 237 buildings. These neighborhoods are of particular interest due to the availability of seismic records captured by nearby recording stations, and preexisting information from when the neighborhoods were affected by the 1985 Michoacán earthquake. This article presents a case study on developing a damage prediction model using machine learning. It details a framework suitable for working with future post-earthquake observation data. Four algorithms able to perform classification tasks were trialed. Random forest, the best performing algorithm, achieves more than 65% prediction accuracy. The study of the feature importance for the random forest shows that the building location, seismic demand, and building height are the parameters that influence the model output the most.
Long-term prophylaxis in an immunocompetent patient with Cytomegalovirus retinitis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Tabatabaei Seyed Ali , Cheraqpour Kasra , Pour Elias Khalili , Bohrani Sefidan Bahram
Published: July 2020

Background

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is an infectious sight-threatening condition that usually occurs in immunosuppressed individuals, but rare cases of Cytomegalovirus retinitis have been reported in immunocompetent patients.

Findings

A 68-year-old woman without any history of systemic diseases referred to the emergency ward of Farabi eye hospital with a two-week history of decreased vision in her left eye. Fundoscopy of the left eye revealed mild venous tortuosity, hemorrhagic retinitis within the macula, and papillitis. The right eye had a history of Cytomegalovirus retinitis 2 years ago that complicated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Immunologic evaluations were normal without any sign of immunosuppressive conditions. She was treated with intravenous ganciclovir for 2 weeks, intravitreal ganciclovir (twice weekly) for 1 week, and also daily oral valganciclovir as maintenance therapy for 6 months resulted in resolving of retinitis patches and improving her best-visual acuity from hand motions to 20/100. Forty-five days after stopping maintenance therapy recurrence occurred. So we started the treatment again to stabilize the patient. She is currently maintained on valganciclovir 900 mg daily without recurrence for 9 months.

Conclusions

Cytomegalovirus retinitis can recur in the same or contralateral eye of immunocompetent patients, especially without prophylactic medication.
A 2-Cys peroxiredoxin gene from Tamarix hispida improved salt stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Zhongyuan , Wang Peilong , Jiang Bo , Lei Xiaojin , Wu Jing , Dong Wenfang , Gao Caiqiu
Published: July 2020

Background

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are a large family of antioxidant enzymes that respond to biotic and abiotic stress by decomposing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, the stress tolerance function of the Th2CysPrx gene was further analysed. It lays a foundation for further studies on the salt tolerance molecular mechanism of T. hispida and improved salt tolerance via transgenic plants.

Results

In this study, the stress tolerance function of the Th2CysPrx gene was further analysed. The results of transgenic tobacco showed higher seed germination rates, root lengths, and fresh weight under salt stress than wild-type tobacco. Simultaneously, physiological indicators of transgenic tobacco and T. hispida showed that Th2CysPrx improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes and enhanced ROS removal ability to decrease cellular damage under salt stress. Moreover, Th2CysPrx improved the expression levels of four antioxidant genes (ThGSTZ1, ThGPX, ThSOD and ThPOD).

Conclusions

Overall, these results suggested that Th2CysPrx enhanced the salt tolerance of the transgenic plants. These findings lay a foundation for further studies on the salt tolerance molecular mechanism of T. hispida and improved salt tolerance via transgenic plants.
Atherosclerotic plaque locations may be related to different ischemic lesion patterns
Authors: Woo Ho Geol , Heo Sung Hyuk , Kim Eui Jong , Chang Dae-il , Song Tae Jin , Kim Bum Joon
Published: July 2020

Background

Atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Artery-to-artery embolism is the major stroke mechanism in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. This study hypothesized that the atherosclerotic ICA geometry and plaque location would be associated with lesion pattern in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Ischemic stroke patients with symptomatic proximal ICA disease (> 50% diameter stenosis) were enrolled. The carotid plaque location was divided into high-apical and low-body types. The geometric parameters of the ICA (angles between arteries) were measured, and ischemic lesion patterns were classified according to the number, location, and size of the lesions. Factors associated with plaque location and lesion pattern, dichotomized by size, were investigated.

Results

Of the 93 acute ischemic stroke patients enrolled, 31 had high-apical and 62 had low-body plaques. Hyperlipidemia was more prevalent and the common carotid artery (CCA)-ICA angle was wider (167.7 ± 10.4° vs 162.3 ± 9.8°, p = 0.019) in patients with low-body than high-apical plaques. Low-body plaques were more frequently associated with small scattered or cortical lesions (54.8% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.040), whereas high-apical plaques were more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions (38.7% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.002). The presence of low-body plaques (odds ratio: 3.106, 95% confidence interval: 1.105–8.728, p = 0.032) was independently associated with the small lesion-only pattern.

Conclusions

Low-body plaques are more frequently associated with small scattered lesions, whereas high-apical plaques are more frequently associated with large lesions having additional lesions. A wide CCA-ICA angle is associated with low-body plaque of the carotid artery.
Correction to: Perinatal outcomes in Finnish twins: a retrospective study
Authors: Rissanen Annu-Riikka Susanna , Jernman Riina Maria , Gissler Mika , Nupponen Irmeli Katriina , Nuutila Mika Erkki
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Comorbidity patterns and socioeconomic inequalities in children under 15 with medical complexity: a population-based study
Authors: Carrilero Neus , Dalmau-Bueno Albert , García-Altés Anna
Published: July 2020

Background

Children with medical complexity (CMC) denotes the profile of a child with diverse acute and chronic conditions, making intensive use of the healthcare services and with special health and social needs. Previous studies show that CMC are also affected by the socioeconomic position (SEP) of their family. The aim of this study is to describe the pathologic patterns of CMC and their socioeconomic inequalities in order to better manage their needs, plan healthcare services accordingly, and improve the care models in place.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with latent class analysis (LCA) of the CMC population under the age of 15 in Catalonia in 2016, using administrative data. LCA was used to define multimorbidity classes based on the presence/absence of 57 conditions. All individuals were assigned to a best-fit class. Each comorbidity class was described and its association with SEP tested. The Adjusted Morbidity Groups classification system (Catalan acronym GMA) was used to identify the CMC. The main outcome measures were SEP, GMA score, sex, and age distribution, in both populations (CMC and non-CMC) and in each of the classes identified.

Results

71% of the CMC population had at least one parent with no employment or an annual income of less than €18,000. Four comorbidity classes were identified in the CMC: oncology (36.0%), neurodevelopment (13.7%), congenital and perinatal (19.8%), and respiratory (30.5%). SEP associations were: oncology OR 1.9 in boys and 2.0 in girls; neurodevelopment OR 2.3 in boys and 1.8 in girls; congenital and perinatal OR 1.7 in boys and 2.1 in girls; and respiratory OR 2.0 in boys and 2.0 in girls.

Conclusions

Our findings show the existence of four different patterns of comorbidities in CMC and a significantly high proportion of lower SEP children in all classes. These results could benefit CMC management by creating more efficient multidisciplinary medical teams according to each comorbidity class and a holistic perspective taking into account its socioeconomic vulnerability.
High plasma adiponectin is associated with increased pulmonary blood flow and reduced right ventricular function in patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Luo Dongling , Chen Pengyuan , Yang Ziyang , Fu Yongheng , Huang Yigao , Li Hezhi , Chen Jimei , Zhuang Jian , Zhang Caojin
Published: July 2020

Background

Adiponectin is a biomarker closely related to heart failure. However, its role in pulmonary hypertension remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the association between adiponectin and hemodynamic abnormalities, right ventricular function in patients with congenital heart disease associated pulmonary hypertension (CHD-PH).

Methods

Patients with CHD-PH were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between adiponectin, N-terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and different clinical parameters. Results were depicted as beta-estimates(ß) with 95%-confidence intervals (95% CI). In addition, mediation and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to analyze the relationships among adiponectin, NT-proBNP and right ventricular function.

Results

A total of 86 CHD-PH patients were included. The overall mean adiponectin concentration was 7.9 ± 5.8 μg/ml. Log adiponectin was positively correlated with pulmonary circulation index (ß = 2.2, 95% CI 0.5, 4.0), log NT-proBNP (ß = 0.22, 95% CI 0.04, 0.41) and inversely with the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, ß = -4.7, 95% CI -8.6, − 0.8). The mediation analysis revealed the association between NT-proBNP and TAPSE was fully mediated by adiponectin (total effect c = − 5.4, 95% CI -9.4, − 1.5, p = 0.013; direct effect c’ = − 3.7, 95% CI -7.5, 0.1, p = 0.067). Additionally, the efficiency of adiponectin for detecting right ventricular dysfunction was not inferior to NT-proBNP (AUC = 0.84, 95% CI 0.67–1.00 vs AUC = 0.74, 95% CI 0.51–0.97, p = 0.23).

Conclusions

Adiponectin is closely correlated with pulmonary blood flow and right ventricular function and may be a valuable biomarker for disease assessment in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
“Transition from children’s to adult services for adolescents/young adults with life-limiting conditions: developing realist programme theory through an international comparison”
Authors: Kerr Helen , Widger Kimberley , Cullen-Dean Geraldine , Price Jayne , O’Halloran Peter
Published: July 2020

Background

Managing transition of adolescents/young adults with life-limiting conditions from children’s to adult services has become a global health and social care issue. Suboptimal transitions from children’s to adult services can lead to measurable adverse outcomes. Interventions are emerging but there is little theory to guide service developments aimed at improving transition. The Transition to Adult Services for Young Adults with Life-limiting conditions (TAYSL study) included development of the TASYL Transition Theory, which describes eight interventions which can help prepare services and adolescents/young adults with life-limiting conditions for a successful transition. We aimed to assess the usefulness of the TASYL Transition Theory in a Canadian context to identify interventions, mechanisms and contextual factors associated with a successful transition from children’s to adult services for adolescents/young adults; and to discover new theoretical elements that might modify the TASYL Theory.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey focused on organisational approaches to transition was distributed to three organisations providing services to adolescents with life-limiting conditions in Toronto, Canada. This data was mapped to the TASYL Transition Theory to identify corresponding and new theoretical elements.

Results

Invitations were sent to 411 potentially eligible health care professionals with 56 responses from across the three participating sites. The results validated three of the eight interventions: early start to the transition process; developing adolescent/young adult autonomy; and the role of parents/carers; with partial support for the remaining five. One new intervention was identified: effective communication between healthcare professionals and the adolescent/young adult and their parents/carers. There was also support for contextual factors including those related to staff knowledge and attitudes, and a lack of time to provide transition services centred on the adolescent/young adult. Some mechanisms were supported, including the adolescent/young adult gaining confidence in relationships with service providers and in decision-making.

Conclusions

The Transition Theory travelled well between Ireland and Toronto, indicating its potential to guide both service development and research in different contexts. Future research could include studies with adult service providers; qualitative work to further explicate mechanisms and contextual factors; and use the theory prospectively to develop and test new or modified interventions to improve transition.