bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Team reflexivity and employee innovative behavior: the mediating role of knowledge sharing and moderating role of leadership
Authors: Wang Zhining , Ren Shuang , Chadee Doren , Liu Mengli , Cai Shaohan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Although team reflexivity has been identified as a potent tool for improving organizational performance, how and when it influences individual employee innovative behavior remains theoretically and conceptually underspecified. Taking a knowledge management perspective, this study aims to investigate the role of team-level knowledge sharing and leadership in transforming team reflexivity into innovative behavior at the individual level.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a multilevel study design to collect data (n= 441) from 91 teams in 48 knowledge-based organizations. The paper tests our multilevel model using multinomial logistic techniques.

Findings

The overall results confirm that knowledge sharing in teams mediates the influence of team reflexivity on individual employee innovative behavior, and that leadership plays an important role in moderating these influences. Specifically, authoritarian leadership is found to attenuate the team reflexivity and knowledge sharing effect, whereas benevolent leadership is found to amplify this indirect effect.

Originality/value

The multilevel study design that explains how team-level processes translate into innovative behavior at the individual employee level is novel. Relatedly, our use of a multilevel analytical framework is also original.
Vain or able? Strong inference and the efficacy debate
Authors: Solomon Shelby John , Batcherlor John Harrison
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to address the efficacy debate by exploring the nature of how prior team level performance affects future performance. That is, the purpose of this study is to understand whether or not the boost of efficacy associated with success leads to overconfidence that harms performance or to motivation that enhances performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach to test competing hypotheses derived from both social cognitive theory and control theory. Specifically, the study made use of archival National Football League data, containing 5,120 longitudinal team level observations. This paper uses multi-level modeling to analyze how prior team level performance affected future performance episodes.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that prior success leads to overconfidence which ultimately harms future team performance. Therefore, the findings support control theory in favor of the social cognitive theory. However, this study finds that the detrimental effects of overconfidence could be offset by monitoring and work breaks.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the nature of the archival data source, it was not possible to directly measure efficacy. Thus, efficacy is inferred based on past performance outcomes.

Practical implications

This study suggests that it is important for managers and team leaders to pay careful attention to their team after successful performances. Specifically, team leaders may want to monitor their members or give them a break after successful performance episodes to avoid the negative effects of overconfidence.

Originality/value

This paper provides a direct test of the efficacy debate at the team level.
Multifunctional role of a fungal pathogen‐secreted laccase 2 in evasion of insect immune defense
Authors: Lu Zhuoyue , Deng Juan , Wang Huifang , Zhao Xin , Luo Zhibing , Yu Chenxi , Zhang Yongjun
Published: January 2021

Laccases are widely present in bacteria, fungi, plants and invertebrates and involved in a variety of physiological functions. Here, we report that Beauveria bassiana, an economic important entomopathogenic fungus, secretes a laccase 2 (BbLac2) during infection that detoxifies insect immune response‐generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interferes with host immune phenoloxidase (PO) activation. BbLac2 is expressed in fungal cells during proliferation in the insect haemocoel and can be found to distribute on the surface of haemolymph‐derived in vivo fungal hyphal bodies or be secreted. Targeted gene‐knockout of BbLac2 increased fungal sensitivity to oxidative stress, decreased virulence to insect, and increased host PO activity. Strains overexpressing BbLac2 showed increased virulence, with reduced host PO activity and lowered ROS levels in infected insects. In vitro assays revealed that BbLac2 could eliminate ROS and oxidize PO substrates (phenols), verifying the enzymatic functioning of the protein in detoxification of cytotoxic ROS and interference with the PO cascade. Moreover, BbLac2 acted as a cell surface protein that masked pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), enabling the pathogen to evade immune recognition. Our data suggest a multifunctional role for fungal pathogen‐secreted laccase 2 in evasion of insect immune defenses.
Questions of Sovereignty: Redefining Politics in Scotland?
Authors: McCrone David , Keating Michael
Published: January 2021

The issue of sovereignty has never been resolved in Scotland. The 1998 Scotland Act, creating the Scottish Parliament affirmed that the Westminster Parliament is sovereign, but this is disputed. In practice, the issue was left largely in abeyance as sovereignty was seen as an outdated concept. The Scottish independence referendum of 2014 and the UK Brexit referendum of 2016 both brought back the question of sovereignty in stark terms. Analysis of data from the British Election Study of 2019 with regard to (a) the right of Scottish self‐determination, and (b) the right of a UK‐wide majority to take Scotland out of the EU, allows us to identify ‘sovereigntists’ and ‘unionists’. Sovereigntists, on both dimensions, now constitute a majority. A smaller group of unionists reject both positions. There remains a group of ‘semi‐sovereigntists’ who accept Scottish self‐determination, but also that the UK as a whole should decide on Brexit. Controlling for the social and political factors, Scots are increasingly polarised around issues of sovereignty, which have become central to contemporary Scottish politics.
You Didn’t Drink During Pregnancy, Did You?
Authors: Bakhireva Ludmila N. , Leeman Lawrence , Roberts Melissa , Rodriguez Dominique E. , Jacobson Sandra W.
Published: January 2021

Background

Accurate characterization of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is challenging due to inconsistent use of screening questionnaires in routine prenatal care and substantial underreporting due to stigma associated with alcohol use in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify self‐report tools that are efficient in accurately characterizing PAE.

Methods

Participants meeting eligibility criteria for mild‐to‐moderate PAE were recruited into the University of New Mexico Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant and Child Health cohort (N = 121) and followed prospectively. Timeline follow‐back (TLFB) interviews were administered at baseline to capture alcohol use in the periconceptional period and 30 days before enrollment; reported quantity was converted to oz absolute alcohol (AA), multiplied by frequency of use and averaged across 2 TLBF calendars. The interview also included questions about timing and number of drinks at the most recent drinking episode, maximum number of drinks in a 24‐hour period since the last menstrual period, and number of drinks on “special occasions” (irrespective of whether these occurred within the TLFB reported period). Continuous measures of alcohol use were analyzed to yield the number of binge episodes by participants who consumed ≥4 drinks/occasion. The proportion of women with ≥1 binge episode was also tabulated for each type of assessment.

Results

Average alcohol consumption was 0.6 ± 1.3 oz of AA/day (≈ 8.4 drinks/wk). Only 3.3% of participants reported ≥1 binge episode on the TLFB, 19.8% had ≥1 binge episode when asked about “special occasions,” and 52.1% when asked about the number of drinks the last time they drank alcohol. An even higher prevalence (89.3%) of bingeing was obtained based on the maximum number of drinks consumed in a 24‐hour period.

Conclusions

Self‐reported quantity of alcohol use varies greatly based on type of questions asked. Brief targeted questions about maximum number of drinks in 24 hours and total number of drinks during the most recent drinking episode provide much higher estimates of alcohol use and thus might be less affected by self‐reporting bias.
Are methamphetamine users compulsive? Faulty reinforcement learning, not inflexibility, underlies decision making in people with methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Robinson Alex H. , Perales José C. , Volpe Isabelle , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio
Published: January 2021

Methamphetamine use disorder involves continued use of the drug despite negative consequences. Such ‘compulsivity’ can be measured by reversal learning tasks, which involve participants learning action‐outcome task contingencies (acquisition‐contingency) and then updating their behaviour when the contingencies change (reversal). Using these paradigms, animal models suggest that people with methamphetamine use disorder (PwMUD) may struggle to avoid repeating actions that were previously rewarded but are now punished (inflexibility). However, difficulties in learning task contingencies (reinforcement learning) may offer an alternative explanation, with meaningful treatment implications. We aimed to disentangle inflexibility and reinforcement learning deficits in 35 PwMUD and 32 controls with similar sociodemographic characteristics, using novel trial‐by‐trial analyses on a probabilistic reversal learning task. Inflexibility was defined as (a) weaker reversal phase performance, compared with the acquisition‐contingency phases, and (b) persistence with the same choice despite repeated punishments. Conversely, reinforcement learning deficits were defined as (a) poor performance across both acquisition‐contingency and reversal phases and (b) inconsistent postfeedback behaviour (i.e., switching after reward). Compared with controls, PwMUD exhibited weaker learning (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.63–0.77], p < .001), though no greater accuracy reduction during reversal. Furthermore, PwMUD were more likely to switch responses after one reward/punishment (OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.77–0.89], p < .001; OR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.72–0.93], p = .002) but just as likely to switch after repeated punishments (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.73–1.45], p = .853). These results indicate that PwMUD's reversal learning deficits are driven by weaker reinforcement learning, not inflexibility.
The persistent pelvic pain study: Factors that influence outcomes in women referred to a public hospital with chronic pelvic pain – A study protocol
Authors: Mooney Samantha S. , Grover Sonia R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Persistent pelvic pain affects between 10–20% of women with a significant impact on their physical and mental health, sexual relationships, families and society. Estimates of the cost to women and the community is over $9 billion/annum. Although endometriosis is considered a leading cause of pelvic pain, no symptoms reliably allow the identification of those with and without endometriosis. Furthermore, the significance of mild endometriosis is now debated. The optimal clinical approach for pelvic pain and endometriosis remains unclear, with increasing evidence of other contributing factors such as central sensitisation. Studies to date have significant limitations due to their sample size, relatively short follow‐up, and inclusion of only women with laparoscopically identified endometriosis.

Aims

To undertake a real‐world study of women referred with pain to gynaecology outpatients of a women’s hospital and explore factors influencing three‐year outcomes.

Materials and methods

Five hundred women will be randomised to one of two gynaecology units. The units will provide routine clinical care but their approaches to management of women with pelvic pain and endometriosis differ: one with skilled endoscopic gynaecologists has greater emphasis on surgery, the other, gynaecologists have more medical expertise in managing pain and menstrual problems. Participants will complete six‐monthly questionnaires regarding pain and quality of life for three years. This information will not be available to clinicians. Their medical care will be followed from their medical records. The cost of outpatient care and admissions will be calculated. Data will be analysed using STATA software with appropriate post hoc tests. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR:ACTRN12616000150448).
Successful laparoscopic extirpation of a vasoactive intestinal polypeptide‐secreting neuroblastoma originating from the right adrenal gland: A report of an infantile case
Authors: Sugita Koshiro , Kaji Tatsuru , Muto Mitsuru , Nishikawa Takuro , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Imamura Mari , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: January 2021

We herein report a 10‐month‐old female infant with a 4‐month history of diarrhea with electrolyte abnormalities and growth impairment. A 4‐cm right adrenal tumor was detected by computed tomography. No metastasis or accumulation on I123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy was recognized in the tumor. A vasoactive intestinal peptide‐secreting neuroblastic tumor was suspected, and octreotide was started, but the diarrhea persisted. Tumor extirpation was laparoscopically performed. After tumor removal, the symptoms improved immediately, and her growth caught up by 9 months after surgery. A minimally invasive approach for pediatric solid tumor is difficult, especially for neuroblastoma, but may be beneficial for the patient's recovery.
Technology Matters: SPARX – computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescent depression in a game format
Authors: Fleming Theresa , Lucassen Mathijs , Stasiak Karolina , Sutcliffe Kylie , Merry Sally
Published: January 2021

Adolescent depression is common, and its prevalence is thought to be increasing in many high income nations. Addressing adolescent depression has proven challenging using traditional face‐to‐face psychotherapies, with major barriers including workforce shortages internationally and reluctance to seek help among some adolescents. There is substantial evidence to support the use of digital tools to treat mental health problems, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) now recommending such tools as a first‐line treatment. In this article, we outline the evidence base for SPARX, a digital tool named specifically in NICE guideline NG134, and discuss its use in clinical settings. We also consider implementation issues and future research directions.
Exogenous factors in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis: Irritants and cutaneous infections
Authors: Yue Hainan , Umehara Yoshie , Trujillo‐Paez Juan Valentin , Peng Ge , Nguyen Hai Le Thanh , Chieosilapatham Panjit , Kiatsurayanon Chanisa , Song Pu , Okumura Ko , Ogawa Hideoki , Ikeda Shigaku , Niyonsaba François
Published: January 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory cutaneous disease that is often associated with other atopic symptoms, such as food allergy, allergic rhinitis and asthma, leading to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The pathogenesis of AD is complicated and multifactorial. Although the aetiology of AD remains incompletely understood, recent studies have provided further insight into AD pathophysiology, demonstrating that the interaction among genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction and environmental provocation factors contributes to its development. However, the increasing prevalence of AD suggests that environmental factors such as irritation and cutaneous infection play a crucial role in triggering and/or aggravating the disease. Of note, AD skin is susceptible to bacterial, fungal and viral infections, and microorganisms may colonize the skin and aggravate AD symptoms. Overall, understanding the mechanisms by which these risk factors affect the cutaneous immunity of patients with AD is of great importance for developing a precision medicine approach for treatment. This review summarizes recent developments in exogenous factors involved in the pathogenesis of AD, with special emphasis on irritants and microbial infections.
Exendin‐4‐based imaging in insulinoma localization: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shah Ravikumar , Garg Robin , Majmundar Monil , Purandare Nilendu , Malhotra Gaurav , Patil Virendra , Ramteke‐Jadhav Swati , Lila Anurag , Shah Nalini , Bandgar Tushar
Published: January 2021

Background and context

Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor (GLP‐1 R) based imaging has shown higher sensitivity for insulinoma localization as compared to other anatomic/functional imaging.

Methodology

We reviewed the published English literature for GLP‐1 R targeted imaging in insulinoma in PubMed until August 2020 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using the MeSH terms “((Exendin‐4 PET/CT) OR (Exendin‐4 SPECT/CT) OR (GLP‐1 R imaging)) AND (Insulinoma)”. An individual patient data‐metanalysis (IPD‐MA) was performed, and performance parameters were calculated for the histopathological diagnosis of insulinoma.

Main outcome measures

True‐positive (TP), false‐positive (FP), false‐negative (FN), true‐negative (TN), sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for insulinoma localization.

Results

A total of 179 cases (316 lesions) from 16 publications were included for IPD‐MA. For insulinoma localization, exendin‐4‐PET/CT (Sn & PPV: 94%) performed better than exendin‐4‐SPECT/CT (Sn: 63%, PPV: 94%). The Sn was lower in malignant insulinoma cases whereas the Sp was higher in cases with MEN‐1 syndrome. With exendin‐4‐based imaging, FP uptakes in Brunner’s gland, normal pancreas, and other β‐cell pathologies and FN results in pancreatic tail lesions and malignancy were seen in a few patients. TN results suggested the correct diagnosis of other endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia (EHH) subtypes.

Conclusion

For insulinoma localization, exendin‐4 PET/CT should be preferred over exendin‐4 SPECT/CT because of higher sensitivity and specificity. FP uptakes in Brunner’s gland, normal pancreas, and other β‐cell pathologies and FN results in tail lesions, and malignant insulinomas are limitations. Higher specificity for insulinoma localization is particularly useful in patients with MEN‐1 syndrome.
High prevalence and a long delay in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism among patients with young‐onset hypertension
Authors: Alam Sarah , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Goyal Alpesh , Vishnubhatla Sreenivas , Singh Sandeep , Karthikeyan Ganesan , Khadgawat Rajesh
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite being the most common cause of secondary hypertension, prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) among patients with young‐onset hypertension (YH ‐ age of hypertension onset <40 years) remains poorly studied.

Objective

We assessed the prevalence of PA in patients with YH referred for evaluation of secondary hypertension.

Design and Patients

In this prospective, cross‐sectional study, 202 patients with YH, visiting endocrine and cardiology clinics of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India, were evaluated.

Measurements

Primary aldosteronism was screened by measuring plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and direct renin concentration (DRC) and calculating aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio (ARR), followed by confirmatory saline infusion test (SIT) according to Endocrine Society Guideline. Those confirmed with post‐SIT PAC >5 ng/dl underwent adrenal computed tomography (CT), followed by adrenal venous sampling (AVS).

Results

Of 202 YH patients, 38 (18.8%) screened positive, and PA was confirmed in 36 (17.8%). The mean age was 43.9 ± 10.9 years, and median duration of hypertension was 10.5 (3.5–18) years. The prevalence of PA increased with grade of hypertension (8.1% in grade 1 to 37.1% in grade 3), number of antihypertensive medications (2.5% in those taking ≤1 to 50% in those taking ≥4 medications) and severity of hypokalaemia (0% in potassium >5 to 85.7% in potassium <3.5 mmol/L). The prevalence of PA by age of hypertension onset was highest in age group 30–39 years (31.3%).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence and a long delay in diagnosis of PA among patients with YH, and YH should be considered as a separate high‐risk category in PA screening algorithm.
Multiple cutaneous fistula after titanium dental implant: A case report
Authors: de Lima‐Souza Reydson Alcides , Vallarelli Andrelou Fralete Ayres , Viviane Mariano Fernanda , Cintra Maria Letícia
Published: January 2021

Background

Dental implants allow functional and aesthetic reestablishment. Titanium (Ti) implants emerge as the preferred choice because Ti is considered an inert material, highly resistant to corrosion. However, virtually no material can be considered universally biocompatible and this includes titanium.

Purpose

To report an unusual presentation of inflammatory reaction after a Ti dental implant.

Materials and methods

The patient presented to a dermatology clinic to evaluate lesions on her face. She reported the placement of dental implants 2 years earlier, one of which evolved with inflammatory signs and instability a few days after the procedure. As anti‐inflammatory and antibiotic therapy were fruitless, after 3 months the implant was removed, but the inflammation persisted. On physical examination, painful erythematous‐papule‐nodular lesions were found on the left mandibular and submandibular region.

Results

Culture tests for microorganisms were negative and histopathological examination revealed a chronic fistula with a foreign body reaction. Using X‐ray fluorescence, Ti particles were found along the fistula wall.

Conclusions

Professionals should be aware of complications arising from dental implants, including Ti implants. Detailed anamnesis and laboratory investigation can assure diagnosis for specific therapeutic approaches.
Identifying hotspots for spatial management of the Indonesian deep‐slope demersal fishery
Authors: Wibisono Elle , Puggioni Gavino , Firmana Edwison , Humphries Austin
Published: January 2021

The Indonesian deep‐slope demersal fishery targets mostly snappers and groupers and is vital for the wellbeing of millions of people. More than 100 species are captured at depths of 50–500 m along shelves and seamounts using mostly droplines and bottom longlines. The main target species are Pristipomoides multidens, Pristipomoides filamentosus, Pristipomoides typus, Atrobucca brevis, Epinephelus areolatus, and Lutjanus malabaricus. The fleet in this fishery is predominantly unlicensed small‐scale (1–10 gross ton) vessels. The fishery is unmanaged and lacks data that would allow policymakers to formulate sustainable management strategies. Here, we use fisheries‐dependent data on catch composition, as well as fishing location and gear type, to determine factors that dictate catch composition and catches containing high proportions of immature fishes. Results indicate that immature fish assemblages are caught in particular locations, or “hotspots,” through a combination of fishing gear and habitat characteristics. The important “hotspots” occurred in the Java Sea‐Makassar Strait area. Only 2.4% of marine protected areas (MPAs) were located within “hotspots.” Our findings highlight places of high conservation priority, such as the Java Sea, where expansion of current MPAs would greatly benefit the deep‐slope demersal fishery in Indonesia by reducing immature catches, thus identifying a preexisting management that is appropriate for the sustainability of this fishery. The modeling methods we developed are transferable to other fisheries that lack data on fish abundance in order to prioritize management and conservation.
On the ‘Arab Inequality Puzzle’: A Comment
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir , Verme Paolo
Published: January 2021

This Comment responds to the critical review by Gilbert Achcar published in this journal (May 2020) which concludes that the protagonists of the ‘Arab Inequality Puzzle’ debate exhibit a systematic neoliberal bias. We counter that Achcar's conclusion is based on a misleading and selective interpretation of evidence, false grouping of scholars and an inadequate understanding of the measurement of income inequality. Achcar's article politicizes and dismisses years of thorough research which is unfair to the numerous scholars who made a genuine effort to understand the true level of income inequality and its evolution in Egypt. This Comment argues that it is essential to keep the debate on a technical level and leave speculations and conspiracy theories aside.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diastolic dysfunction, and impaired myocardial glucose uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lee Minyoung , Kim Kwang Joon , Chung Tae‐Ha , Bae Jaehyun , Lee Yong‐ho , Lee Byung‐Wan , Cha Bong‐Soo , Yun Mijin , Kang Eun Seok
Published: January 2021

Aims

To investigate whether degree of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with myocardial dysfunction related to impaired myocardial glucose uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

In total, 131 patients with type 2 diabetes from a tertiary care hospital were included in this study. Myocardial glucose uptake was assessed using [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were determined using transient liver elastography. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac structure and function.

Results

Patients with NAFLD had cardiac diastolic dysfunction with higher left ventricular filling pressure (E/e' ratio) and left atrial (LA) volume index than patients without NAFLD (all P < 0.05). Hepatic steatosis correlated with E/e' ratio and LA volume index, and hepatic fibrosis also correlated with E/e' ratio (all P < 0.05). Even after adjusting for confounding factors, a higher degree of hepatic steatosis (r2 = 0.409, P = 0.041) and a higher degree of fibrosis (r2 = 0.423, P = 0.009) were independent contributing factors to a higher E/e' ratio. Decreased myocardial glucose uptake was associated with a higher degree of steatosis (P for trend = 0.084) and fibrosis (P for trend = 0.012). At the same time, decreased myocardial glucose uptake was an independent contributing factor for a higher E/e' ratio (r2 = 0.409; P = 0.040).

Conclusions

Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were significantly associated with diastolic heart dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes coupled with impaired myocardial glucose uptake.
Effectiveness of computer‐assisted learning in sports dentistry: studies over a multiple‐year period and at two universities
Authors: Shiota Nana , Kinoshita Atsuhiro , Sunaga Masayo , Tanabe Gen , Hayashi Kairi , Churei Hiroshi , Fukai Tomoko , Matsumoto Masaru , Yasui Toshikazu , Ueno Toshiaki
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Insufficient educational resources on sports dentistry result in varying lecture implementations across dental schools, which cause knowledge gaps amongst students. Thus, a new interactive sports dentistry‐related computer‐assisted learning (CAL) module was created to facilitate dental school undergraduate students' education. This study compared the CAL module's learning effectiveness with conventional video lectures (VL) and assessed its effectiveness when used over several years at a university, and examined its validation in different university contexts, and students' perceptions.

Materials and Methods

Participants were 305 fifth‐year students. Students from a university in Tokyo participated for 3 years and those from a university in Saitama for 1 year. In each year, the students were divided into two groups—CAL and VL. They studied their assigned modules in 20‐min lessons. A written test was administered to determine their knowledge acquisition levels, along with a questionnaire.

Results

Two hundred sixty‐two consenting participants were included in the statistical analysis. The CAL groups' test scores at both schools were significantly higher than the VL groups’ every year (p < .001). Furthermore, test results from all years revealed no gender differences or repetition of the school years at either school. Most students at both universities evaluated the CAL module as excellent.

Conclusion

The interactive CAL module generated consistently strong results over multiple years, during which it was used by a diverse group of students at two universities. The students highly rated the module's learning process as well as its contents.
The molecular mechanisms mediating class II PI 3‐kinase function in cell physiology
Authors: Koch Philipp Alexander , Dornan Gillian Leigh , Hessenberger Manuel , Haucke Volker
Published: January 2021

The phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) family of lipid‐modifying enzymes plays vital roles in cell signaling and membrane trafficking through the production of 3‐phosphorylated phosphoinositides. Numerous studies have analyzed the structure and function of class I and class III PI3Ks. In contrast, we know comparably little about the structure and physiological functions of the class II enzymes. Only recent studies have begun to unravel their roles in development, endocytic and endolysosomal membrane dynamics, signal transduction, and cell migration, while the mechanisms that control their localization and enzymatic activity remain largely unknown. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of the class II PI3Ks and outline open questions related to their structure, enzymatic activity, and their physiological and pathophysiological functions.
Adolescent well‐being: A concept analysis
Authors: Avedissian Tamar , Alayan Nour
Published: January 2021

Although there is a vast literature on the concept of well‐being, there appears to be no consensus regarding its meaning. A clear conceptualization of adolescent well‐being is necessary as the foundation for interventions and research addressing this phenomenon. Adolescence is a transitional period characterized by rapid growth, gaining independence, and learning social skills as well as behaviours that lay the foundations for future well‐being. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to analyse the concept of adolescent well‐being and identify its attributes, antecedents, and empirical referents based on the literature. The Walker and Avant (2019) method was used. Ninety‐four articles were included in the final review. The defining attributes of adolescent well‐being were identified as autonomy, connectedness, optimism and competency. The antecedents were grouped under internal and external factors. Internal factors included the behavioural, physical, psychological, and spiritual domains. External factors included the environmental, economic, education, leisure, social, and safety as well as security domains. For the adolescent to reach well‐being, all these domains must be present, albeit, the social domain was highly stressed. The consequences of adolescent well‐being included eudaimonia, having high resilience as well as low risk‐taking behaviours and delinquency. Empirical referents were discussed in terms of ways of measuring the defining attributes. Stemming from the eudaimonic perspective, to promote adolescent well‐being, care providers need to integrate in education, practice, and research the importance of establishing positive relations and connectedness, to enhance adolescent autonomy and optimism and assist them to grow into competent and self‐fulfilled beings.
Geranylgeranylacetone decreases the production of hepatitis B virus‐related antigen by comprehensive downregulation of mRNA transcription activity
Authors: Haraguchi Masafumi , Miuma Satoshi , Yamamoto Kazuo , Nakao Yasuhiko , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Kanda Yasuko , Sasaki Ryu , Fukushima Masanori , Akazawa Yuko , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim

Elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is infrequently achieved with current therapies. Therefore, more effective anti‐HBV therapy is needed. We previously reported that geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) showed anti‐hepatitis C virus activity in human hepatoma cells. In this study, we examined the anti‐HBV activity of GGA.

Methods

We used HepG2.2.15.7 cells, PXB cells infected with HBV, Huh7 cells transfected with linear HBV, and PLC/PRF/5 cells as HBV‐infected hepatocyte models. After GGA treatment, HBV‐related antigen was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. HBV‐related mRNA was examined by Northern blot. cccDNA and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The activities of HBV promoters and enhancer regions were examined using luciferase vectors.

Results

After GGA treatment, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen secretion was decreased in all HBV‐infected hepatocyte models. HBV‐related mRNA was also decreased by GGA treatment, although cccDNA levels were not affected. Additionally, the activity of HBV S1 and S2 promoter region and Enhancer 1/Enhancer 2/core promoter region was reduced by GGA treatment. The mRNA expression of the main transcription factors, hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 and 4 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, was also decreased. Further, the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers were increased by GGA treatment, which reflected the change in HBV‐related antigen secretion.

Conclusions

Geranylgeranylacetone treatment reduces HBV‐related protein levels by suppressing comprehensive downregulation of HBV promoter and enhancer activity, which might be caused by decreased hepatic transcription factor expression. GGA treatment may enhance anti‐HBV effects in combination with other therapies.
The role of sleep in telogen effluvium and trichodynia: A commentary in the context of the current pandemic
Authors: Xerfan Ellen M.S. , Andersen Monica L. , Facina Anamaria S. , Tufik Sergio , Tomimori Jane
Published: January 2021

Telogen effluvium (TE), a common hair disease, is supposed to be related to stress, which could be secondary to poor sleep. We call attention to the current COVID‐19 pandemic, that is leading to an increase in the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and as a consequence, higher states of stress and anxiety, which are possible triggers for TE. In parallel, trichodynia is a sensorial symptom that is commonly related with hair diseases, including TE. We argue that substance P, a neuropeptide that has participation in the neuroinflammation and in the sleep regulation, may play a possible role in this scalp paresthesia. We suggest that there may be an association between this substrate and sleep, which can aggravate trichodynia and TE. Further studies on this subject could provide more evidence on these relationships, and help to improve the patients’ quality of life and management of the condition.
Increases in uric acid and monocyte‐high‐density lipoprotein ratio as possible atherosclerotic indicators in acne patients using isotretinoin
Authors: Metin Nurcan , Turan Çağrı
Published: January 2021

Purpose

We aimed to reveal the relationship of serum uric acid (SUA) with monocyte‐high‐density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and other inflammatory markers in acne patients before and after isotretinoin treatment. In this way, we can try to shed light on the relationship between isotretinoin treatment and atherosclerosis.

Methods

Two hundred twenty‐four acne patients who administered isotretinoin (0.5‐1 mg/kg/day) were enrolled in the study. In the pretreatment phase and 3 months after treatment, MHR, SUA, mean platelet volume, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐lymphocyte ratio, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of the patients were analyzed.

Results

Compared to the pretreatment phase, three months after treatment, there was a statistically decrease in neutrophil count and an increase in lymphocyte count (p: 0.002, p: 0.011, respectively). Accordingly, there was a statistically significant decrease in NLR (p: 0.001). It was noteworthy that MHR and SUA levels increased significantly (p: 0.042, p: 0.010, respectively) and there was a positive correlation between SUA level and MHR (r: 0.212, p: 0.012). Serum total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels increased and HDL levels decreased significantly after treatment (p: 0.001).

Conclusion

This study contributes to the comprehension of the relationship between isotretinoin treatment and atherosclerosis, which has been frequently reported in the literature. It was thought that the isotretinoin‐induced SUA increase might be related to dyslipidemia. Isotretinoin may initiate the atherosclerotic process in vascular endothelial and smooth muscles, with SUA increase and HDL decrease. An increase in MHR is also an inflammatory marker indicating this process.
A comparison of the efficacy of silicone gel containing onion extract and aloe vera to silicone gel sheets to prevent postoperative hypertrophic scars and keloids
Authors: Pangkanon Watsachon , Yenbutra Putthiporn , Kamanamool Nanticha , Tannirandorn Apichaya , Udompataikul Montree
Published: January 2021

Background

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are postsurgery problems. Some studies showed that onion extract and aloe vera might be beneficial for postoperative scars. However, few of the randomized clinical trials were investigated.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of silicone gel containing onion extract and aloe vera (SGOA) to silicone gel sheets (SGS) to prevent postoperative hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Methods

The prospective randomized assessor‐blind controlled trial was conducted with 40 patients who had undergone surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: one treated with SGOA, the other with SGS. The patients were evaluated after 1, 2, and 3 months. The objective assessment was to determine the incidences of scarring, erythema, and melanin values using Mexameter, and pliability through Cutometer. The subjective assessment consisted of the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and patient satisfaction.

Results

After the 12‐week follow‐up, there was no statistically significant difference in the scarring incidence rate of both groups. There were no statistical differences in the POSAS score, erythema, and melanin value between both groups. Using objective assessment, pliability in the SGOA group was statistically significantly higher compared to the SGS group. Pain and itchiness significantly decreased in both groups. No adverse effects were reported in either group.

Conclusion

Silicone gel containing onion extract and aloe vera is effective as SGS for postoperative scar prevention.
Morphological Awareness: A Tool to Promote Reading Fluency and Accuracy in Hebrew in Students with Reading Disabilities
Authors: Vaknin‐Nusbaum Vered
Published: January 2021

The effectiveness of a morphological awareness (MA) intervention program on reading fluency and accuracy performance was examined in 40 students with reading disabilities in fourth to sixth grade, ranging in age from nine to 12 years old (M = 10.51, SD = 0.89). The study used an experimental pre–post design consisting of a morphological intervention group and a comparison group. Students participating in the 15‐week intervention program showed an advantage over comparison group students in all measures. Their improvement in MA resulted in a better reading fluency and accuracy performance as well as a significant change in reading level according to national norms. The results suggest that disabled readers can benefit from morphological intervention and use morphological cues in reading.
Serum thrombospondin 2 is a novel predictor for the severity in the patients with NAFLD
Authors: Kimura Takefumi , Tanaka Naoki , Fujimori Naoyuki , Yamazaki Tomoo , Katsuyama Takahito , Iwashita Yuichi , Pham Jonathan , Joshita Satoru , Pydi Sai P. , Umemura Takeji
Published: January 2021

Aim

Thrombospondins are a family of multidomain and secretory glycoproteins. Among them, thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) encoded by TSP2 gene has been reported to be involved in various functions such as collagen/fibrin formation, maintenance of normal blood vessel density and cell adhesion properties. Microarray analyses ranked TSP2 as one of the most highly up‐regulated genes in the fibrotic liver in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Since TSP2 possesses unique properties as a secretory protein, we hypothesized that hepatic TSP2 gene expression levels would be reflected in serum TSP2 levels. In this study, we examined the relationship between serum TSP2 concentrations and clinicopathological findings in NAFLD patients.

Methods

One hundred and thirty NAFLD patients who had undergone liver biopsy between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively enrolled. Serum samples were collected at the time of biopsy, and TSP2 was measured by enzyme immunoassays.

Results

Serum TSP2 levels moderately correlated with ballooning (r = 0.56, P < .001) and fibrosis stage (r = 0.53, P < .001). The AUC values of TSP2 for predicting mild fibrosis (≧F1), moderate fibrosis (≧F2) and severe fibrosis (≧F3) were 0.73, 0.76 and 0.82 respectively. Additionally, NAFLD activity score (NAS) correlated best with TSP2 (r = 0.52, P < .001) compared to conventional NAFLD‐related biomarkers, such as cytokeratin 18 M30, hyaluronic acid, type IV collagen 7S, APRI and FIB‐4 index.

Conclusion

Serum TSP2 levels reflected hepatocyte ballooning, fibrosis and NAS in NAFLD patients. For clinical application of serum TSP2 as a predictor of NAFLD histological activity, additional validation and mechanistic investigations are required.
Overexpression of CD168 is related to poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Su‐Wen , Wang Shuo , Wu Zhi‐Zhong , Yang Qi‐Chao , Chen De‐Run , Wan Shu‐Cheng , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA)‐mediated motility (RHAMM) is also known as CD168. This study proposed to elucidate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of CD168 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Materials and methods

Immune staining of a human tissue microarray and Western blot were used to reveal the expression level of CD168 in OSCC. Correlations between clinicopathological indexes and CD168 expression in OSCC patients were assessed.

Results

Increased expression of CD168 was detected in OSCC tissues. High expression of CD168 indicated worse survival of patients (p < .05). Furthermore, high expression of CD168 was related to pathological grade in OSCC (p < .05). CD168 expression was positively related to programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), CKLF‐like MARVEL transmembrane domain‐containing protein 6 (CMTM6), B7 homology 4 protein (B7‐H4), CD44, CD133, and Slug expression in OSCC.

Conclusion

This study revealed the overexpression of CD168 in OSCC and shed light on the prognostic significance of CD168 expression in OSCC patients.
Transvenous lead performance of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators and pacemakers
Authors: Mori Hitoshi , Kato Ritsushi , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Tsutsui Kenta , Hoya Hiroki , Tanaka Sayaka , Iwanaga Shiro , Nakano Shintaro , Muramatsu Toshihiro , Sumitomo Naokata , Matsumoto Kazuo
Published: January 2021

Background

After the reports of recalled leads, several technological improvements have been introduced and the durability of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads has improved. The incidence of lead failures is now less than in the previous studies. However, there are few reports that have shown the long‐term durability of ICD leads as compared to pacemaker (PM) leads. This study analyzed the medium to long‐term performance of transvenous ICD leads as compared to PM leads.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 1227 cases from April 2007 to December 2017 who underwent an initial transvenous ICD or PM implantation. The number of lead failures and patient background characteristics were analyzed.

Results

During a median 3–3.5 years follow up period, 1 (0.3%) ICD lead and 18 (2.4%) PM leads failed. The incidence of lead failures was significantly higher in the PM group than ICD group (p = .019). Males were associated with a higher incidence of lead failures in the PM group.

Conclusion

Since the era of recalled ICD leads, the durability of ICD leads has remarkably improved and the incidence of lead failures with non‐recalled ICD leads has been less than that for PM leads.
The genetic architecture of the dynamic changes in grain moisture in maize
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Yu Yanhui , Wang Luxi , Luo Yun , Peng Yong , Xu Yuancheng , Liu Xiangguo , Wu Shenshen , Jian Liumei , Xu Jieting , Xiao Yingjie , Yan Jianbing
Published: January 2021

Low grain moisture at harvest is crucial for safe production, transport and storage, but the genetic architecture of this trait in maize (Zea mays) remains elusive. Here, we measured the dynamic changes in grain moisture content in an association‐mapping panel of 513 diverse maize inbred lines at five successive stages across five geographical environments. Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) revealed 71 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence grain moisture in maize. Epistatic effects play vital roles in the variability in moisture levels, even outperforming main‐effect QTLs during the early dry‐down stages. Distinct QTL–environment interactions influence the spatio‐temporal variability of maize grain moisture, which is primarily triggered at specific times. By combining genetic population analysis, transcriptomic profiling and gene editing, we identified GRMZM5G805627 and GRMZM2G137211 as candidate genes underlying major QTLs for grain moisture in maize. Our results provide insights into the genetic architecture of dynamic changes in grain moisture, which should facilitate maize breeding.
Regime complexity and managing financial data streams: The orchestration of trade reporting for derivatives
Authors: Quaglia Lucia , Spendzharova Aneta
Published: January 2021

International regime complexity has become a prominent feature of the global economy and world politics. The international governance of derivatives markets is a notable case of this phenomenon in finance because a variety of post‐crisis rules have been issued by a multitude of international standard‐setting bodies. By combining the regime complexity and orchestration frameworks, we explain the precision and scope of international standards for derivatives trade reporting. We show how a collective orchestrator (the Group of Twenty) and a hub intermediary (the Financial Stability Board) managed regime complexity through the orchestration of the available intermediaries. We also seek to refine the orchestration framework by explaining how the mechanism of issue de‐linkage can be used to manage the partly diverging goals among states within the collective orchestrator. Our findings are relevant for the global regulation and governance of other policy areas characterized by a multiplicity of actors and interlinked issues, such as trade, energy, and environmental policy.
Crises as driver of policy accumulation: Regulatory change and ratcheting in German asylum policies between 1975 and 2019
Authors: Knill Christoph , Steinebach Yves
Published: January 2021

While there is broad scholarly agreement on the pattern of ever‐growing policy stocks in modern democracies, research on the drivers of policy accumulation is still in its infancy. This holds in particular for the role of crises and external shocks. While the relationship between crisis events and the change of individual policies is fairly uncontested, we lack systematic knowledge on the extent to which crises trigger policy accumulation. To address this research gap, we analyze if and to what extent crises drive the accumulation of sectoral policies over time. Focusing on the development of German asylum policy, we show that crises constitute major “regulatory ratchets”. While the policy stock remained rather constant in noncrisis times, crisis events led to the addition of multiple new policy elements, moving policy accumulation toward a new “plateau”. Crises hence not only increase the likelihood of substantial policy change but also for policy accumulation.