bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of COVID-19 in Iran: Results of the first survey of the Iranian COVID-19 Serological Surveillance program
Authors: Khalagi Kazem , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Khalili Davood , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Samiee Siamak Mirab , Aghamohamadi Saeide , Mir-Mohammad-Ali Roodaki Maryam , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud , Tayeri Katayoun , Tabar Hengameh Namdari , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh , Mohammad Kazem , Hajipour Firoozeh , Namaki Saeid , Raeisi Alireza , Ostovar Afshin
Published: March 2021

Background

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 in the general population of Iran.

Methods

The target population was all Iranian people aged six years and older in the country. A stratified random sampling design was used to select 28,314 subjects from among the individuals registered in the electronic health record systems used in primary health care in Iran. Venous blood was taken from each participant and tested for the IgG antibody against COVID-19. The prevalence of COVID-19 was estimated at provincial and national levels after adjusting for the measurement error of the laboratory test, non-response bias, and sampling design.

Results

Of the 28,314 Iranians selected, 11,256 (39.75%) participated in the study. Of these, 5406 (48.0%) were male, and 6851 (60.9%) lived in urban areas. The mean (standard deviation) participant age was 35.89 (18.61) years. The adjusted prevalence of COVID-19 until August 20, 2020 was estimated as 14.2% (95% uncertainty interval: 13.3%, 15.2%), which was equal to 11,958,346 (95% confidence interval: 11,211,011–12,746,776) individuals. The prevalence of infection was 14.6%, 13.8%, 16.6%, 11.7%, and 19.4% among men, women, urban population, rural population, and individuals ≥60 years of age, respectively. Ardabil, Golestan, and Khuzestan provinces had the highest prevalence, and Alborz, Hormozgan, and Kerman provinces had the lowest.

Conclusions

Based on the study results, a large proportion of the Iranian population had not yet been infected by COVID-19. The observance of hygienic principles and social restrictions should therefore continue until the majority of the population has been vaccinated.
The new X-ray absorption fine-structure beamline with sub-second time resolution at the Taiwan Photon Source
Authors: Pao Chih-Wen , Chen Jeng-Lung , Lee Jyh-Fu , Tsai Meng-Che , Huang Chi-Yi , Chiu Chao-Chih , Chang Chao-Yu , Chiang Liang-Chih , Huang Yu-Shan
Published: March 2021

The new TPS 44A beamline at the Taiwan Photon Source, located at the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, is presented. This beamline is equipped with a new quick-scanning monochromator (Q-Mono), which can provide both conventional step-by-step scans (s-scans) and on-the-fly scans (q-scans) for X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectroscopy experiments, including X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectral measurements. Ti and Te K-edge XAFS spectra were used to demonstrate the capability of collecting spectra at the limits of the working energy range. The Ni and Cu K-edge XAFS spectra for a Cu-doped Pt/Ni nanocomposite were acquired to test the performance of the newly commissioned beamline. Pt L
3- and Ru K-edge quick-scanning XAFS (QXAFS) spectra for standard Pt and Ru foils, respectively, revealed the stability of the q-scan technique. The results also demonstrated the beamline's ability to collect XAFS spectra on a sub-second timescale. Furthermore, a Zn(s)|Zn2+
(aq)|Cu(s) system was tested to indicate that the states of the Zn electrode could be observed in real time for charging and discharging conditions using an in situ/operando setup combined with QXAFS measurements.
Remove the negatives or highlight the positives? The effect of negativity bias in food preferences
Authors: Salnikova Ekaterina , Stanton John L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The interest of food consumers in improved quality, healthiness, freshness, and authenticity results in a growing introduction of new food products featuring a variety of “positive” (e.g. “Enriched with Vitamin D”) and “negative” (e.g. “Low in Fat”) label claims. It's the goal of this paper to uncover how the presence of positive and absence of negative benefits or attributes balance in the minds of consumers, determine which label claims would have the greatest impact on consumers' intention to buy milk, and understand the role of stating these in either a positive or a negative frame.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objectives of this paper, we utilize (1) descriptive study to identify which claims are currently used by the dairy marketing practitioners, (2) focus group to identify the importance of positive and negative product claims, and (3) online survey including discrete choice experiment (DCE) to determine the effect of positive and negative claims on consumer food choices.

Findings

We provide evidence of negative bias in consumers facing the choice between foods with enriched positive ingredients vs foods that are free-from negative ingredients. Specifically, we find that consumers have a general tendency toward giving negative attributes more weight than positive ones.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted in one food category.

Practical implications

This research should encourage food marketers to include more positive statements about their products rather than the current focus on negatives such as no GMOs or no hormones. the authors understand these negative attributes need to be made but there should also be positive attributes.

Social implications

Consumers will get a total picture of the product values and not skewed to one point.

Originality/value

The concept of negative bias has not be adequately explored in the food category on product labels.
Benchmarking entrepreneurial intentions of women in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sandhu Maqsood Ahmad , Farooq Omer , Khalid Saba , Farooq Mariam
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Based on the extensive literature review and the research published in the context of Western countries, this study proposes that the entrepreneurship education, participation in entrepreneurial seminars at the universities and their involvement in the activities of innovation and incubation center of the universities may foster entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) among Emirati female graduating students.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the study’s hypothesized model, survey data are collected from 283 female graduating students of 19 public and private universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The analysis of the data relies upon multiple hierarchical regression and moderation analysis in SPSS.

Findings

The results suggest that all three types of educational activities positively influence the women's EIs in the UAE. However, formal entrepreneurship courses are more effective than the participation in seminars and involvement in the activities of innovation/incubation center. The authors also found that perceived social support does not moderate the impact of education on EIs, which means that entrepreneurship education is equally effective in fostering EIs, no matter female students perceive low or high social support. On the other hand, results demonstrate that the level of gender stereotypes negatively moderates the impact of education on it. This implies that if a female student believes in a high gender stereotype, the impact of education on her EIs will be low and vice versa.

Research limitations/implications

This study specifically focuses on women entrepreneurship and for the UAE only. However, the results can be generalized for female entrepreneurship, specifically for countries where governments are taking initiatives to foster female entrepreneurship. The study provides specific implications for the UAE public policy government.

Practical implications

As the Government of the UAE is keenly interested to boost up the women entrepreneurial behavior, the findings of the study support that in addition to entrepreneurship education, the government should also encourage the universities to arrange entrepreneurship seminars as these seminars also increase the EIs of women. In addition, the government and the universities should also focus on the involvement of women in the incubation centers/innovation park because the incubation centers can provide the practical exposure to the women in the new business start-ups.

Originality/value

This research is among the first, which benchmarks women EIs in the UAE.
Trait gratitude and job search: the mediating role of perceived employability
Authors: Harrison Jennifer A. , Budworth Marie-Hélène , Halinski Michael
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of trait gratitude on job search behaviour (preparatory and active) for job seekers approaching graduation. The mediating role of perceived employability is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from job seekers (n = 143) in their final month of study in two waves with a one-month time lag between first and second data collection.

Findings

Structural equation modelling analyses revealed that trait gratitude was significantly and positively associated with perceived employability. Perceived employability mediated the relationship between trait gratitude and preparatory job search, but not active job search.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends research on job search by highlighting the applicability of trait gratitude to the job search process.

Practical implications

Career counsellors should consider trait gratitude as relevant for program development to address the self-regulation of personal resources during job search.

Originality/value

This study is the first step towards connecting trait gratitude to the job search literature. The study identifies trait gratitude as a distal personal resource important for self-regulation of a proximal personal resource (i.e. perceived employability) and subsequent job search behaviour.
Relating mindfulness to financial well-being through materialism: evidence from India
Authors: Sinha Nishit Kumar , Kumar Pankaj , Priyadarshi Pushpendra
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and financial well-being (FWB) and the mediating role of materialism on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is provided to support the research hypotheses. A survey with 311 working professionals from India allowed the hypothesized relationship to be tested through regression-based models.

Findings

The findings reveal that the three dimensions of FWB – financial anxiety, current money management stress and perceived financial security – are predicted by mindfulness and materialism even after controlling for several demographic variables. Materialism mediates the relationship between mindfulness and FWB.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are subject to the usual cautions associated with self-reported cross-sectional data. Future research may incorporate mindfulness interventions to establish causal relationships.

Practical implications

The study provides theoretical guidance to the policymakers and the financial institutions, including banks, which may focus on malleable factors beyond merely income to enhance FWB. Mindfulness is not only a trait but also could be cultivated by various physical and online-based mindfulness practices. Banks may integrate tools promoting mindfulness within their interactive web framework in order to stimulate customers' control over their daily spending through enhancing mindful awareness of present financial actions and their impact on the financial future. Thus, organizations may institutionalize such programs within their framework to help their employees cultivate greater FWB. Mindfulness promotes less anxiety related to financial decisions, which may develop customers' value as well as business opportunities for banks.

Originality/value

Unlike other FWB dispositional antecedents, which become relatively stable at the formative stage, mindfulness levels can be enhanced in different age-groups. To our knowledge, this is the first study to empirically establish that mindfulness exerts its beneficial effects on FWB directly, and, through reducing materialistic motives.
Force attenuation capacity of weft-knitted spacer fabric in low-velocity impact
Authors: Rudy Ryan , Wardiningsih Wiah
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the peak impact force and force attenuation capacity of weft-knitted spacer fabrics intended for padding that can be used for human body protection against impact.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of five weft-knitted spacer fabrics were fabricated with four different diameters of nylon monofilament yarns and one doubled monofilament yarns, respectively. The impact performances of the weft-knitted spacer fabrics were tested using a drop test method with a customized test rig to simulate falling. Impact tests were conducted on single- and multilayered experimental spacer fabrics to investigate the peak impact force and force attenuation capacity.

Findings

It was found that weft-knitted spacer fabric with a coarser or larger diameter of monofilament spacer yarn generated lower impact force and higher force attenuation capacity, thus resulting in better impact performance. Greater force attenuation can be achieved by utilizing a higher number of spacer fabric layers. However, the increase in thickness must be considered with the spacer fabric end use.

Originality/value

This study employed relatively coarse nylon monofilament yarn as spacer yarns to gain knowledge on the impact performance of weft-knitted spacer fabrics compared to warp-knitted spacer fabrics which are more common. The results showed that the diameter of spacer yarn significantly influenced the impact performance of the experimental weft-knitted spacer fabrics. These results could be useful for designing and engineering textile-based impact protectors.
Detecting faking responses during empirical research: a study in a developing country environment
Authors: Tetteh Godson A. , Amoako-Gyampah Kwasi , Kwarteng Amoako
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Several research studies on Lean Six Sigma (LSS) have been done using the survey methodology. However, the use of surveys often relies on the measurement of variables, which cannot be directly observed, with attendant measurement errors. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodological framework consisting of a combination of four tools for identifying and assessing measurement error during survey research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluated the viability of the framework through an experimental study on the assessment of project management success in a developing country environment. The research design combined a control group, pretest and post-test measurements with structural equation modeling that enabled the assessment of differences between honest and fake survey responses. This paper tested for common method variance (CMV) using the chi-square test for the difference between unconstrained and fully constrained models.

Findings

The CMV results confirmed that there was significant shared variance among the different measures allowing us to distinguish between trait and faking responses and ascertain how much of the observed process measurement is because of measurement system variation as opposed to variation arising from the study’s constructs.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in one country, and hence, the results may not be generalizable.

Originality/value

Measurement error during survey research, if not properly addressed, can lead to incorrect conclusions that can harm theory development. It can also lead to inappropriate recommendations for practicing managers. This study provides findings from a framework developed and assessed in a LSS project environment for identifying faking responses. This paper provides a robust framework consisting of four tools that provide guidelines on distinguishing between fake and trait responses. This tool should be of great value to researchers.
The quality of user experiences for mobile recommendation systems: an end-user perspective
Authors: Chong Woon Kian , Ma Zhuang
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper attempts to identify key factors (i.e., personalization, privacy awareness and social norms) that affect user experiences (UXs) of mobile recommendation systems according to the user involvement theory (push-based and pull-based) and their relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an online survey with students from an international business school located in southwestern China. The sample population for the study included randomly selected 600 university students who are active mobile phone users. A total of 470 questionnaires were returned; 456 were valid (14 were invalid due to the incompleteness of their responses), providing a response rate of 65%.

Findings

Social norms have the largest impact on user experience quality, followed by personalization and privacy awareness. User involvement in mobile recommendation systems has mediating effects on the above relationships, with larger effects on pull-based systems than on push-based systems.

Originality/value

This study provides an integrated framework for researchers to measure the effects of social, personal and risk factors on the quality of user experience. The results enrich the literature on user involvement, mobile recommendation systems and UX. The findings provide significant implications for both retailers and developers of mobile recommendation systems.
Ensuring employees' information security policy compliance by carrot and stick: the moderating roles of organizational commitment and gender
Authors: Liu Chenhui , Liang Huigang , Wang Nengmin , Xue Yajiong
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Employees’ information security policy (ISP) compliance exerts a significant strain on information security management. Drawing upon the compliance theory and control theory, this study attempts to examine the moderating roles of organizational commitment and gender in the relationships between reward/punishment expectancy and employees' ISP compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data collected from 310 employees in Chinese organizations that have formally adopted information security policies, the authors applied the partial least square method to test hypotheses.

Findings

Punishment expectancy positively affects ISP compliance, but reward expectancy has no significant impact on ISP compliance. Compared with committed employees, both reward expectancy and punishment expectancy have stronger impacts on low-commitment employees' ISP compliance. As for gender differences, punishment expectancy exerts a stronger effect on females' ISP compliance than it does on males.

Originality/value

By investigating the moderating roles of organizational commitment and gender, this paper offers a deeper understanding of reward and punishment in the context of ISP compliance. The findings reveal that efforts in building organizational commitment will reduce the reliance on reward and punishment, and further controls rather than the carrot and stick should be applied to ensure male employees' ISP compliance.
GDP and population growth: Evidence of fractional cointegration with historical data from 1820 onwards
Authors: Gil-Alana Luis , Font Cecilia , Gil-López Águeda
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Using data from 1820 onwards in a group of seven countries, namely, Australia, Chile, Denmark, France, the UK, Italy and the USA, the authors investigate if there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between the two variables (GDP and population).

Design/methodology/approach

Using fractional integration and cointegration methods, this paper deals with the analysis of the relationship between GDP and population using historical data.

Findings

The authors’ results show first that the two series are highly persistent, presenting orders of integration close to or above 1 in practically all cases. Testing cointegration between the two variables, the results are quite variable depending on the methodology and the bandwidth numbers used, but if cointegration takes places, it only occurs in the cases of France, Italy and the UK.

Research limitations/implications

The fact that the orders of integration of all series is close to 1 indicate high levels of persistence with shocks having permanent effects and requiring strong measures to recover the original trends.

Practical implications

Any shock affecting the series will have a permanent nature, persisting forever.

Originality/value

Updated time series techniques based on concepts such as fractional integration and cointegration are used.
Populism's rise in post‐communist countries: Breaking electoral promises and incumbent left parties’ vote losses
Authors: BAGASHKA TANYA , BODEA CRISTINA , HAN SUNG MIN
Published: March 2021

Do voters punish left‐wing parties that pursue neo‐liberal policies? We address the question in the context of post‐communist countries, where the left implemented significant and painful market‐oriented reforms. For the left, owning these reforms means backing away from its popular image and policy platform and plausibly generates two electorally consequential outcomes: a ‘brand dilution’ effect that weakens voters’ attachment to left parties and is magnified by the economic vulnerability of the left's core constituency; and an ‘expectations effect’ that increases demand for right‐wing politicians. Overall, the left should lose votes, particularly when voters can easily attribute responsibility for policies. Our analysis uses updated data on the vote shares for all parties and elections in post‐communist democracies from 1991 to 2010. We find support for the theory: Incumbent left‐wing parties of the chief executive are punished at the ballot box for moving to the right on economic policy. This, likely, comes from a ‘brand dilution’ effect, as we find that such vote losses feed the fortunes of non‐incumbent left‐wing and populist parties.
Outcomes for out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest transported to emergency departments in Hanoi, Vietnam: A multi‐centre observational study
Authors: Hoang Bui Hai , Do Ngoc Son , Vu Dinh Hung , Do Giang Phuc , Dao Xuan Dung , Nguyen Huu Huan , Luu Quang Thuy , Le Van Cuong , Nguyen Huu Tu , Dinh Michael M , Nakahara Shinji
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe the outcomes of patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) transported to hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

This was a multi‐centre observational study of patients presenting with OHCA to one of five tertiary care hospital EDs in Hanoi from 2017 to 2019.

Results

We analysed data from 239 OHCA cases of which 70.7% were witnessed, and 8.4% received bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The emergency medical services (EMS) transported 20.5% of cases to hospital with the remaining being transported by private vehicle. No patients received external defibrillation before arriving to hospital. Return of spontaneous circulation in hospital was 33.1%, with 3.8% of patients survived to hospital discharge and only one patient (0.4%) discharged from hospital with a favourable neurological outcome.

Conclusions

In cases of OHCA in Hanoi, both the proportion of cases receiving bystander CPR and EMS transportation were small. Urgent investments in pre‐hospital capacity, training and capabilities are required to improve outcomes for OHCA in Hanoi.
Gender in agriculture: Determinants of female labor supply decisions among rural households in the context of market imperfections in Pakistan
Authors: Makhdum Muhammad Sohail Amjad , Kousar Rakhshanda
Published: March 2021

Welfare of the household depends on the better understanding of time allocation among different sectors in response to changes in economic conditions. This article estimates labor supply of male and female of rural households regarding activities for own‐farm, agricultural‐wage, and nonfarm sector. The study utilizes the cross‐sectional data of 341 rural households of the Punjab, Pakistan through random sampling technique. In Pakistan, like other developing countries, gender‐based wage data are almost nonexistent, and functioning of labor market is imperfect. Therefore, reservation wages are calculated through production function analysis. Our results reveal that literacy rate, social status, and rural infrastructure are key determinants in the rural labor market. Hypothesis of separability in agricultural household models is tested by applying three tests. Separability hypothesis is rejected on the bases of results indicating the presence of imperfect labor market in rural settings of Pakistan. The findings suggest that policy makers should focus on educational opportunities, infrastructure development, and minimizing entry barriers in labor market, especially for females, regarded as socially backward class in order to raise economic conditions of rural dwellers in Pakistan.
Incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in Ireland remains high but no longer rising
Authors: McKenna Amanda , O'Regan Myra , Ryder Kerry , Fitzgerald Helen , Hoey Hilary , Roche Edna
Published: March 2021

Aim

The global incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) varies considerably geographically. Ireland has a high incidence of T1DM. Incidence accelerated between 1997 and 2008, although more recent data (2008–2013) suggested stabilisation in the incidence rate (IR). This study sought to determine IRs for 2014 to 2018.

Methods

Incident cases were prospectively recorded through the established Irish Childhood Diabetes National Register (ICDNR). Cases were verified, and IRs were calculated. Capture‐recapture methodology was identical to previous studies. Age and seasonality data were compared.

Results

A total of 1429 cases were reported (age range 0.45–14.98 years), with significantly more males (772, 54%) and male‐to‐female ratio of 1.17 (95% CI 1.05, 1.29). Standardised IRs for T1DM in the period were 28.0; 29.6; 30.9; 27.0; and 27.1/100,000/year, respectively. There was a slight reduction in standardised IR, more marked in females than males (9.9% v 1.6%). The highest IR remains in the 10‐ to 14‐year‐old age group (44% of total cases). Seasonality of diagnosis is persistently higher in autumn and winter.

Conclusion

Ireland remains a high incidence country, despite a minor reduction in incidence rates. Ongoing incidence monitoring through national registers is vital to inform healthcare services, research relating to aetiology and paediatric diabetes management.
Comparison of the EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning (EXTRIP) and Paris criteria for neurotoxicity in lithium poisoned patients
Authors: DiSalvo Philip C. , Furlano Emma , Su Mark K. , Gosselin Sophie , Hoffman Robert S.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Two guidelines for haemodialysis in lithium poisoning, one from the Extracorporeal TReatments in Poisoning (EXTRIP) workgroup and a single centre retrospective one (Paris) differ. We compared outcomes in lithium poisoning based on these criteria with a primary outcome of worsening neurological symptoms in patients for whom EXTRIP and Paris criteria were discordant.

Methods

Poison centre data were queried for lithium poisoned patients for whom haemodialysis was either recommended or performed. Patients were categorized according to EXTRIP and Paris criteria and excluded if the peak lithium concentration was <1.2 mmol/L or if neurological follow‐up was unavailable. Comparative analyses were only performed when both criteria could be assessed.

Results

In total, 219 patients were analysed. Paris criteria were met in 70 and EXTRIP criteria in 178. Forty two patients were excluded because Paris criteria could not be evaluated. When Paris and EXTRIP both supported haemodialysis, 50/57 (88%) of patients who received haemodialysis improved, as did all 3 who did not receive haemodialysis. When Paris and EXTRIP did not support haemodialysis, all nondialysed patients did well. Among the 86 patients for whom EXTRIP supported haemodialysis but Paris did not, 4/19 (21%) patients not dialysed deteriorated (P = .02; odds ratio = 8.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.5–51.8), 1 of whom died. All 8 patients for whom Paris criteria supported haemodialysis but EXTRIP did not were dialysed and improved.

Conclusions

When the EXTRIP and Paris criteria are discordant, EXTRIP criteria outperforms the Paris criteria at identifying potentially ill patients who might benefit from haemodialysis.
Bioinformatic analyses hinted at augmented T helper 17 cell differentiation and cytokine response as the central mechanism of COVID‐19–associated Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Li Zheng , Huang Ziheng , Li Xingye , Huang Cheng , Shen Jianxiong , Li Shugang , Zhang Lin , Wong Sunny H. , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William Ka Kei
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) results from autoimmune attack on the peripheral nerves, causing sensory, motor and autonomic abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that there might be an association between COVID‐19 and GBS. Nevertheless, the underlying pathophysiological mechanism remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

We performed bioinformatic analyses to delineate the potential genetic crosstalk between COVID‐19 and GBS.

Results

COVID‐19 and GBS were associated with a similar subset of immune/inflammation regulatory genes, including TNF, CSF2, IL2RA, IL1B, IL4, IL6 and IL10. Protein‐protein interaction network analysis revealed that the combined gene set showed an increased connectivity as compared to COVID‐19 or GBS alone, particularly the potentiated interactions with CD86, IL23A, IL27, ISG20, PTGS2, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DQB1 and ITGAM, and these genes are related to Th17 cell differentiation. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with COVID‐19 and GBS further demonstrated the activation of interleukin‐17 signalling in both conditions.

Conclusions

Augmented Th17 cell differentiation and cytokine response was identified in both COVID‐19 and GBS. PBMC transcriptome analysis also suggested the pivotal involvement of Th17 signalling pathway. In conclusion, our data suggested aberrant Th17 cell differentiation as a possible mechanism by which COVID‐19 can increase the risk of GBS.
Risikofaktoren für Basalzellkarzinome in jungem Alter und Trend zur Prädominanz bei Frauen
Authors: Matas‐Nadal Clara , Sagristà Marc , Gómez‐Arbonés Xavier , Sobrino Bermejo Carmen , Fernández‐Armenteros Josep Manel , Àngel Baldó Joan , Casanova Seuma Josep Manel , Aguayo Ortiz Rafael
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Es gibt Berichte über einen dramatischen Anstieg der Inzidenz von Basalzellkarzinomen (BZK) bei jungen Frauen.

Ziele

Wir untersuchten potenzielle Risikofaktoren (RF) für sporadische BZK bei jungen Patienten sowie die gegenwärtige Verteilung dieser RF in der Allgemeinbevölkerung Kataloniens. Dabei verglichen wir Männer und Frauen.

Patienten und Methodik

Es wurde eine Fall‐Kontroll‐Studie mit 69 Patienten ≤ 45 Jahren mit BZK‐Diagnose und 69 gesunden Kontrollen durchgeführt. Anschließend füllten 1078 Teilnehmer aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung einen RF‐Fragebogen aus.

Ergebnisse

Wiederholte Sonnenbrände waren bei BZK mit frühem Beginn an bedeckter Haut häufiger als an sonnenexponierten Hautbereichen (p = 0,029). In der Allgemeinbevölkerung gaben 39,1 % der Teilnehmer an, Solarien zu nutzen (50,1 % der Frauen, 10,9 % der Männer). Die Solariumnutzung war der einzige relevante RF, der bei Frauen häufiger auftrat als bei Männern und dementsprechend den Trend zu einer weiblichen Prädominanz bei BZK mehr als andere RF begünstigt. Zudem ermittelten wir bei jungen Teilnehmern einen signifikanten Trend hin zu verringerter Solariumnutzung (p < 0,001). Der Prozentsatz wiederholter Sonnenbrände war jedoch unverändert. Wiederholter Sonnenbrand war der wichtigste RF für BZK mit frühem Beginn, der mittels Präventionskampagnen gezielt angegangen werden kann.

Schlussfolgerungen

Wir sollten uns der wichtigsten RF für BZK mit frühem Beginn sowie ihrer Verteilung in der Allgemeinbevölkerung bewusst sein, um sie in Präventionskampagnen anzugehen.
Viewing Texas Germans through the lens of transnationalism: A new form of transmigrant?
Authors: Warmuth Matthias
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses whether Texas Germans can be viewed through the lens of transnationalism. As a group, Texas Germans exhibit a rich linguistic and cultural heritage, both of which have significantly contributed to the formation of a strong sense of “Texas‐Germanness.” My goal is to investigate this particular instance of “Germanness beyond Germany” (Maxwell and Davis,German Studies Review, 39, 1–15, 2016) and to determine if Texas Germans represent a previously unidentified form oflinguistictransmigrant. The study utilizes a mixed‐methods approach, consulting both quantitative (surveys) and qualitative data (open‐ended interviews; semi‐structured phone interviews). The results indicate the presence of various transnational elements and confirm that both linguistic and cultural heritage are defining elements in the construction and maintenance of Texas German identity. Language, moreover, appears as an important connector and mediator between these concepts.
Inhibition of miR‐188‐5p alleviates hepatic fibrosis by significantly reducing the activation and proliferation of HSCs through PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Riaz Farooq , Chen Qian , Lu Kaikai , Osoro Ezra Kombo , Wu Litao , Feng Lina , Zhao Rong , Yang Luyun , Zhou Yimeng , He Yingli , Zhu Li , Du Xiaojuan , Sadiq Muhammad , Yang Xudong , Li Dongmin
Published: March 2021

Persistent hepatic damage and chronic inflammation in liver activate the quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and cause hepatic fibrosis (HF). Several microRNAs regulate the activation and proliferation of HSCs, thereby playing a critical role in HF progression. Previous studies have reported that miR‐188‐5p is dysregulated during the process of HF. However, the role of miR‐188‐5p in HF remains unclear. This study investigated the potential role of miR‐188‐5p in HSCs and HF. Firstly, we validated the miR‐188‐5p expression in primary cells isolated from liver of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced mice, TGF‐β1‐induced LX‐2 cells, livers from 6‐month high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced rat and 4‐month HFD‐induced mice NASH models, and human non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Furthermore, we used miR‐188‐5p inhibitors to investigate the therapeutic effects of miR‐188‐5p inhibition in the HFD + CCl4 induced in vivo model and the potential role of miR‐188‐5p in the activation and proliferation of HSCs. This present study reported that miR‐188‐5p expression is significantly increased in the human NAFLD, HSCs isolated from liver of CCl4 induced mice, and in vitro and in vivo models of HF. Mimicking the miR‐188‐5p resulted in the up‐regulation of HSC activation and proliferation by directly targeting the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Moreover, inhibition of miR‐188‐5p reduced the activation and proliferation markers of HSCs through PTEN/AKT pathway. Additionally, in vivo inhibition of miR‐188‐5p suppressed the HF parameters, pro‐fibrotic and pro‐inflammatory genes, and fibrosis. Collectively, our results uncover the pro‐fibrotic role of miR‐188‐5p. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR‐188‐5p inhibition decreases the severity of HF by reducing the activation and proliferation of HSCs through PTEN/AKT pathway.
Danish as a Window Onto Language Processing and Learning
Authors: Trecca Fabio , Tylén Kristian , Højen Anders , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: March 2021

It is often assumed that all languages are fundamentally the same. This assumption has been challenged by research in linguistic typology and language evolution, but questions of language learning and use have largely been left aside. Here we review recent work on Danish that provides new insights into these questions. Unlike closely related languages, Danish has an unusually reduced phonetic structure, which seemingly delays Danish‐learning children in several aspects of their language acquisition. Adult language use appears to be affected as well, resulting, among other things, in an increased dependence on top‐down information in comprehension. In this conceptual review, we build the argument that a causal relationship may exist between the sound structure of Danish and the peculiarities of its acquisition and use. We argue that a theory of language learning that accommodates the existing evidence from Danish must explicitly account for the interaction between learner‐related factors and language‐specific constraints.
Pragmatism Regained
Authors: Margolis Joseph
Published: March 2021

This article views the confrontation between pragmatism and Kant’s Critical undertaking as very possibly the single most consequential agon of contemporary philosophy, given the utter irreconcilability of their respective ways of addressing the concerns of First Philosophy, with regard to the enabling conditions of cognitive realism. Pragmatism favors an informal, fluxive, “instrumentalist” form of empiricism, impossible to complete, opposed to any and all the ontic and epistemic fixities of Kant’s Rationalism. Reason (Vernunft) cannot be more than a fiction. Kant has no supporting criterion of realism. The article proposes an empirical criterion of the distinctive (given) “duality” of sensory “appearings” and “appeareds” (that is, objects) as yielding a plausible “cognitive faculty” (involving “reasoning”—inference, for instance—but not Vernunft) that, in accord with the drift of evolutionism and Aristotle, readily extends to languageless animals as well as humans. It serves as the linchpin of the paper.
Preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts prognosis of patients with oral cavity cancer
Authors: Fang Ku‐Hao , Chang Sheng‐Wei , Lee Yi‐Chan , Huang Ethan I. , Lai Chia‐Hsuan , Chang Geng‐He , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Tsai Yao‐Te
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate whether prognostic nutritional index (PNI) predicts patient survival outcomes in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods

The data of a total of 360 patients subjected to primary surgery for OSCC were retrospectively analysed. Patients were categorised into high‐PNI (≥51.75) and low‐PNI (<51.75) groups based on the PNI cut‐off value attained from receiver operating characteristic analyses (p < .001), and the intergroup differences in clinicopathological features were determined. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were employed to determine the survival prediction ability of the PNI, and a nomogram based on the PNI was established for individualised survival prediction.

Results

A low PNI was noted to exhibit a significant association with shorter overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (both p < .001). Multivariate Cox analyses showed that a lower PNI independently indicated shorter OS and DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.187; p = .001 and HR = 1.459; p = .023, respectively). The concordance index and calibration plots of the PNI‐based nomogram revealed the high discriminative ability for OS.

Conclusions

Preoperative PNI is a valuable biomarker for predicting OSCC prognosis, and the proposed PNI‐based nomogram can provide individualised prognostic prediction.
Sustainable resource production for manufacturing bioactives from micro‐ and macroalgae: Examples from harvesting and cultivation in the Nordic region
Authors: Chauton Matilde Skogen , Forbord Silje , Mäkinen Sari , Sarno Antonio , Slizyte Rasa , Mozuraityte Revilija , Standal Inger Beate , Skjermo Jorunn
Published: March 2021

Micro‐ and macroalgae are a great and important source of raw material for manufacturing of bioactives and ingredients for food, feed, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals. Macroalgae (or seaweeds) have been harvested locally from wild stocks in smaller volumes for a long time, and a production chain based on cultivated seaweed for the harvest of considerably larger amounts is in progress for several species. Microalgae and cyanobacteria such as Spirulina have been produced in “backyard ponds” for use in food and feed also for a long time, and now we see the establishment of large production plants to control the cultivation process and increase the production yields. There is also a shift from harvesting or cultivation centered in warmer, sunnier areas to increasing exploitation of natural resources in temperate to boreal regions. In locations with strong seasonal variations in solar irradiance and temperatures, we need to develop procedures to maximize the biomass production in the productive seasons and ensure efficient stabilization of the biomass for year‐round processing and product manufacturing. Industrialized biomass production and large‐scale manufacturing of bioactives also mean that we must employ sustainable, cost‐effective, and environmentally friendly processing methods, including stabilization and extraction methods such as ensiling and subcritical water extraction (SWE) and advanced analytic tools to characterize the products. These topics are focus areas of the Nordic Centre of Excellence (NCoE) NordAqua, and here we present a review of current activities in the field of micro‐ and macroalgae biomass production sectors illustrated with some of our experiences from the NordAqua consortium.
Maintaining a protective state for human periodontal tissue
Authors: Yamamoto Matsuo , Aizawa Ryo
Published: March 2021

Periodontitis, caused by infection with periodontal pathogens, is primarily characterized by inflammatory bone resorption and destruction of connective tissue. Simply describing periodontitis as a specific bacterial infection cannot completely explain the various periodontal tissue destruction patterns observed. Periodontal tissue damage is thought to be caused by various factors. In recent years, research goals for periodontal pathogens have shifted from searching for specific pathogens to investigating mechanisms that damage periodontal tissues. Bacteria interact directly with the host in several ways, influencing expression and activity of molecules that evade host defenses, and destroying local tissues and inhibiting their repair. The host's innate and acquired immune systems are important defense mechanisms that protect periodontal tissues from attack and invasion of periodontal pathogens, thus preventing infection. Innate and acquired immunity have evolved to confront the microbial challenge, forming a seamless defense network in periodontal tissues. In the innate immune response, host cells quickly detect, via specialized receptors, macromolecules and nucleic acids present on bacterial cell walls, and this triggers a protective, inflammatory response. The work of this subsystem of host immunity is performed mainly by phagocytes, beta‐defensin, and the complement system. In addition, the first line of defense in oral innate immunity is the junctional epithelium, which acts as a physical barrier to the entry of oral bacteria and other nonself substances. In the presence of a normal flora, junctional epithelial cells differentiate actively and proliferate apically, with concomitant increase in chemotactic factor expression recruiting neutrophils. These immune cells play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and the protective state in periodontal tissue because they eliminate unwanted bacteria over time. Previous studies indicate a mechanism for attracting immune cells to periodontal tissue with the purpose of maintaining a protective state; although this mechanism can function without bacteria, it is enhanced by the normal flora. A better understanding of the relationship between the protective state and its disruption in periodontal disease could lead to the development of new treatment strategies for periodontal disease.
HLA‐A*24:521 and HLA‐B*13:152 identified by next‐generation sequencing in Russian bone marrow donors
Authors: Leonov Evgeny , Khamaganova Ekaterina , Abdrakhimova Alena , Khizhinskiy Stanislav , Savchenko Valeriy
Published: March 2021

Two novel alleles, HLA‐A*24:521 and HLA‐B*13:152, are characterized.
Minimally invasive tenotomy of the tibial insertion of the semitendinosus muscle: An ex vivo study in horses
Authors: Zetterström Sandra M. , Boone Lindsey H. , Weatherall Kathleen M. , Caldwell Fred J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe a minimally invasive technique for semitendinosus tenotomy with ultrasonographic guidance and to evaluate procedural complications.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

Cadaveric equine hind limbs (n = 16).

Methods

A stab incision was performed distocaudal to the tibial insertion of the semitendinosus muscle with ultrasonographic assistance. After transection of the tendon with an arthroscopic retrograde knife, the tendon edges palpably retracted, and complete transection was confirmed by ultrasound. Limbs were dissected to confirm the degree of tendon transection and to identify iatrogenic trauma to surrounding soft tissues.

Results

Tenotomy was complete in all limbs, resulting in a palpable gap forming between tendon edges. Superficial iatrogenic laceration to the underlying gracilis muscle (n = 2) or gracilis fascia (n = 1) was apparent in 3 of 16 limbs.

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐assisted tenotomy of the tibial insertion of the semitendinosus muscle was reliably performed in a minimally invasive fashion with minor iatrogenic damage.

Clinical significance

Minimally invasive tenotomy of the semitendinosus muscle can be performed with ultrasonographic assistance and should be considered as an alternative technique for surgical management of fibrotic semitendinosus myopathy.
The equine navicular apparatus as a premier enthesis organ: Functional implications
Authors: Osborn Michelle L. , Cornille Jean Luc , Blas‐Machado Uriel , Uhl Elizabeth W.
Published: March 2021

Navicular syndrome has been traditionally characterized by progressive lameness with chronic degeneration of the navicular bone. Advances in imaging techniques have revealed that its associated soft tissue structures are also affected. This distribution of lesions is explained by conceptualizing the equine navicular apparatus as an enthesis organ that facilitates the dissemination of mechanical stress throughout the tissues of the foot. The navicular apparatus has the same structural adaptations to mechanical stress as the human Achilles tendon complex. These adaptations efficiently dissipate mechanical force away from the tendon's bony attachment site, thereby protecting it from failure. The comparison of these two anatomically distinct structural systems demonstrates their similar adaptations to mechanical forces, and illustrates that important functional insights can be gained from studying anatomic convergences and cross‐species comparisons of function. Such a functional conceptualization of the equine navicular apparatus resolves confusion about the diagnosis of navicular syndrome and offers insights for the development of mechanically based therapies. Through comparison with the human Achilles complex, this review (1) re‐conceptualizes the equine navicular apparatus as an enthesis organ in which mechanical forces are distributed throughout the structures of the organ; (2) describes the relationship between failure of the navicular enthesis organ and lesions of navicular syndrome; (3) considers the therapeutic implications of navicular enthesis organ degeneration as a form of chronic osteoarthritis; and based upon these implications (4) proposes a focus on whole body posture/motion for the development of prehabilitative and rehabilitative therapies similar to those that have already proven effective in humans.
Design and Application of Rail-Transportation Gearing
Authors: Meier D. R. , Rhoads J. C.
Published: March 2021

The special requirements of rail-transportation gears are described in this paper together with a description of various types of gear failures. The major design considerations are discussed and methods given for the calculation of gear-tooth stresses. Several charts used in making design calculations are included.