bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing employees’ creativity through entrepreneurial leadership: can knowledge sharing and creative self-efficacy matter?
Authors: Islam Talat , Asad Momina
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine knowledge sharing as an explanatory variable between entrepreneurial leadership and employee creativity. The authors further examined the moderating role of creative self-efficacy between knowledge sharing and employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 307 employees and their immediate supervisors working in IT-based organizations.

Findings

The authors noted that entrepreneurial leaders positively affect employees’ creativity and knowledge sharing positively explains this association. The authors further noted individuals high in creative self-efficacy strengthen the association between knowledge sharing and employee creativity.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used a cross-sectional design to collect data that may restrict causality. Still, the study suggests management learn, develop and implement entrepreneurial skills that foster knowledge sharing to enhance creativity. In addition, hiring individuals with creative self-efficacy would further encourage creativity.

Originality/value

Drawing upon social exchange theory, the authors are first to examine knowledge sharing as a mediating mechanism between entrepreneurial leadership and employee creativity. In addition, the authors examined creative self-efficacy as a conditional variable on the association between knowledge sharing and employee creativity.
Pretreatment with nicotinamide mononucleotide increases the effect of ischaemic postconditioning on cardioprotection and mitochondrial function following ex vivo myocardial reperfusion injury in aged rats
Authors: Rajabi Mojgan , Vafaee Manouchehr S. , Hosseini Leila , Badalzadeh Reza
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to evaluate the combined effect of ischaemic postconditioning (IPostC) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on cardioprotection and mitochondrial function in aged rats subjected to myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Sixty aged Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 12), including sham, control, NMN, IPostC, and NMN + IPostC. Regional ischaemia was induced by 30‐min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) followed by 60‐min reperfusion. IPostC was applied at the onset of reperfusion, by six cycles of 10‐s reperfusion/ischaemia. NMN (100 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected every other day for 28 days before IR. Myocardial haemodynamics and infarct size (IS) were measured, and the left ventricles samples were harvested to assess cardiac mitochondrial function. The results showed that all treatments reduced lactate dehydrogenase release compared to those of the control group. IPostC alone failed to reduce IS and myocardial function. However, NMN and combined therapy could significantly improve myocardial function and decrease the IS compared to the control animals. Moreover, the effects of combined therapy on the decrease of IS, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and improvement of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were greater than those of stand‐alone treatments. These results demonstrated that cardioprotection by combined therapy with NMN + IPostC was superior to individual treatments, and pretreatment of aged rats with NMN was able to correct the failure of IPostC in protecting the hearts of aged rats against IR injury.
Nutrition risk screening and implications for patients with gynaecological cancers undergoing pelvic radiotherapy and/or other treatment modalities: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Croisier Emilie , Morrissy Alana , Brown Teresa , Grigg Alice , Chan Philip , Goh Jeffrey , Bauer Judy
Published: December 2021

Aim

There is scarcity of research for the nutritional management of pelvic radiotherapy in gynaecological malignancies and delivery of specialised nutrition care is limited due to the current knowledge gap in guidelines. This study aimed to better understand the nutritional risk, weight changes and pattern of nutrition impact symptoms occurring at various treatment timepoints in this population, to inform an effective model of care.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included women with gynaecological cancers receiving pelvic radiotherapy at a tertiary hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 (n = 104). Information was collected on: first day of radiotherapy; weekly during treatment; acute‐phase post‐treatment (0–6 weeks); and intermediate‐phase post‐treatment (6 weeks to 6 months). This study reported on incidence of clinically significant weight change (±5%), documented nutrition impact symptoms and the current nutrition care model (nutrition screening, referral, assessment and interventions).

Results

Clinically significant weight loss was experienced by 38% (n = 40/104) of patients prior to commencing treatment and 19% (n = 14/73) during treatment. Diarrhoea (n = 40/79), fatigue (n = 54/79), nausea (n = 38/79) and pain (n = 31/79) were frequently reported during treatment, and fatigue (n = 33/92) and pain (n = 25/92) continued acutely post‐treatment. Despite high rates of weight loss and prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms, only 38% (n = 40/104) of patients were referred to a dietitian.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of patients with gynaecological cancers are at nutrition risk before and during treatment due to clinically significant weight loss and prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms experienced. This highlights the importance of nutrition‐risk screening and access to specialised dietetic care as part of their model of care.
Inhibitory effects of icotinib combined with antiangiogenic drugs in human non‐small cell lung cancer xenograft models are better than single target drugs
Authors: Jiang Peng , Zhang Yan , Cui Jiadong , Wang Xiuxiu , Li Yu
Published: December 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects and potential mechanisms of icotinib combined with antiangiogenic drugs on lung adenocarcinoma in vivo.

Methods

A total of 72 mouse xenograft models established with human lung adenocarcinoma cells (HCC827) were randomly divided into six groups, including control, icotinib (Ic), bevacizumab (Bev), recombinant human endostatin (En), Ic + Bev and Ic + En groups. Mouse weights and tumor volumes were measured regularly. Half of the nude mice in each group were sacrificed after 16 days of drug treatment. The remaining animals were observed for another 16 days without drug supply. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect microvessel density in tumor heart, liver, brain specimens from the nude mice and Ki67 expression. Differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) in tumor tissue specimens was determined by ELISA and Western blot.

Results

The results showed that the combined drugs inhibited tumor growth more substantially compared with single drugs, without increasing the toxic effects. The antiangiogenesis effect of the combination was better than that of single drug treatment. In addition, both types of targeted drugs and combination medication not only significantly reduced microvessel density in the tumor tissue itself, but also had a certain impact on decreasing microvessel density in the liver. The combination decreased VEGFA and Ki‐67 amounts significantly more than icotinib or endostatin as a monotherapy.

Conclusions

Icotinib combined with bevacizumab or rh‐endostatin has a stronger inhibitory effect on tumor growth than single‐target drug in vivo, with no additional side effects.
Impact of the first wave of COVID‐19 on the health and psychosocial well‐being of Māori, Pacific Peoples and New Zealand Europeans living in aged residential care
Authors: Cheung Gary , Bala Sharmin , Lyndon Mataroria , Ma'u Etuini , Rivera Rodriguez Claudia , Waters Debra L. , Jamieson Hamish , Nada‐Raja Shyamala , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Beyene Kebede , Meehan Brigette , Walker Xaviour
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of New Zealand's (NZ) first wave of COVID‐19, which included a nationwide lockdown, on the health and psychosocial well‐being of Māori, Pacific Peoples and NZ Europeans in aged residential care (ARC).

Methods

interRAI assessments of Māori, Pacific Peoples and NZ Europeans (aged 60 years and older) completed between 21/3/2020 and 8/6/2020 were compared with assessments of the same ethnicities during the same period in the previous year (21/3/2019 to 8/6/2019). Physical, cognitive, psychosocial and service utilisation indicators were included in the bivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 538 Māori, 276 Pacific Peoples and 11,322 NZ Europeans had an interRAI assessment during the first wave of COVID‐19, while there were 549 Māori, 248 Pacific Peoples and 12,367 NZ Europeans in the comparative period. Fewer Māori reported feeling lonely (7.8% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.021), but more NZ Europeans reported severe depressive symptoms (6.9% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.028) during COVID‐19. Lower rates of hospitalisation were observed in Māori (7.4% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.046) and NZ Europeans (8.1% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001) during COVID‐19.

Conclusions

We found a lower rate of loneliness in Māori but a higher rate of depression in NZ European ARC populations during the first wave of COVID‐19. Further research, including qualitative studies with ARC staff, residents and families, and different ethnic communities, is needed to explain these ethnic group differences. Longer‐term effects from the COVID‐19 pandemic on ARC populations should also be investigated.
Supervised Two-Dimensional Functional Principal Component Analysis with Time-to-Event Outcomes and Mammogram Imaging Data
Authors: Jiang Shu , Cao Jiguo , Rosner Bernard , Colditz Graham A.
Published: December 2021

Screening mammography aims to identify breast cancer early and secondarily measures breast density to classify women at higher or lower than average risk for future breast cancer in the general population. Despite the strong association of individual mammography features to breast cancer risk, the statistical literature on mammogram imaging data is limited. While functional principal component analysis (FPCA) has been studied in the literature for extracting image-based features, it is conducted independently of the time-to-event response variable. With the consideration of building a prognostic model for precision prevention, we present a set of flexible methods, supervised FPCA (sFPCA) and functional partial least squares (FPLS), to extract image-based features associated with the failure time while accommodating the added complication from right censoring. Throughout the article, we hope to demonstrate that one method is favored over the other under different clinical setups. The proposed methods are applied to the motivating data set from the Joanne Knight Breast Health cohort at Siteman Cancer Center. Our approaches not only obtain the best prediction performance compared to the benchmark model, but also reveal different risk patterns within the mammograms.
Selective Prediction-Set Models with Coverage Rate Guarantees
Authors: Feng Jean , Sondhi Arjun , Perry Jessica , Simon Noah
Published: December 2021

The current approach to using machine learning (ML) algorithms in healthcare is to either require clinician oversight for every use case or use their predictions without any human oversight. We explore a middle ground that lets ML algorithms abstain from making a prediction to simultaneously improve their reliability and reduce the burden placed on human experts. To this end, we present a general penalized loss minimization framework for training selective prediction-set (SPS) models, which choose to either output a prediction set or abstain. The resulting models abstain when the outcome is difficult to predict accurately, such as on subjects who are too different from the training data, and achieve higher accuracy on those they do give predictions for. We then introduce a model-agnostic, statistical inference procedure for the coverage rate of an SPS model that ensembles individual models trained using K-fold cross-validation. We find that SPS ensembles attain prediction-set coverage rates closer to the nominal level and have narrower confidence intervals for its marginal coverage rate. We apply our method to train neural networks that abstain more for out-of-sample images on the MNIST digit prediction task and achieve higher predictive accuracy for ICU patients compared to existing approaches.
OCT2013, an ischaemia‐activated antiarrhythmic prodrug, devoid of the systemic side effects of lidocaine
Authors: Hesketh Louise M. , Sikkel Markus B. , Mahoney‐Sanchez Laura , Mazzacuva Francesca , Chowdhury Rasheda A. , Tzortzis Konstantinos N. , Firth Jahn , Winter James , MacLeod Kenneth T. , Ogrodzinski Stefan , Wilder Catherine D. E. , Patterson Laurence H. , Peters Nicholas S. , Curtis Michael J.
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by acute myocardial ischaemia and ventricular fibrillation (VF) is an unmet therapeutic need. Lidocaine suppresses ischaemia‐induced VF, but its utility is limited by side effects and a narrow therapeutic index. Here, we characterise OCT2013, a putative ischaemia‐activated prodrug of lidocaine.

Experimental Approach

The rat Langendorff‐perfused isolated heart, anaesthetised rat and rat ventricular myocyte preparations were utilised in a series of blinded and randomised studies to investigate the antiarrhythmic effectiveness, adverse effects and mechanism of action of OCT2013, compared with lidocaine.

Key Results

In isolated hearts, OCT2013 and lidocaine prevented ischaemia‐induced VF equi‐effectively, but OCT2013 did not share lidocaine's adverse effects (PR widening, bradycardia and negative inotropy). In anaesthetised rats, i.v. OCT2013 and lidocaine suppressed VF and increased survival equi‐effectively; OCT2013 had no effect on cardiac output even at 64 mg·kg−1 i.v., whereas lidocaine reduced it even at 1 mg·kg−1. In adult rat ventricular myocytes, OCT2013 had no effect on Ca2+ handling, whereas lidocaine impaired it. In paced isolated hearts, lidocaine caused rate‐dependent conduction slowing and block, whereas OCT2013 was inactive. However, during regional ischaemia, OCT2013 and lidocaine equi‐effectively hastened conduction block. Chromatography and MS analysis revealed that OCT2013, detectable in normoxic OCT2013‐perfused hearts, became undetectable during global ischaemia, with lidocaine becoming detectable.

Conclusions and Implications

OCT2013 is inactive but is bio‐reduced locally in ischaemic myocardium to lidocaine, acting as an ischaemia‐activated and ischaemia‐selective antiarrhythmic prodrug with a large therapeutic index, mimicking lidocaine's benefit without adversity.
Revisiting Asian chronic rhinosinusitis in the era of type 2 biologics
Authors: Yao Yin , Zeng Ming , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2021

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a highly heterogeneous disorder exhibiting considerable epidemiological, clinical and immunopathological variations across patients with distinct ethnic backgrounds and in different geographic locations. Asian CRS patients present less eosinophilic and type 2 (T2) inflammation, but more prominent neutrophilic inflammation compared with patients in Western countries. Although several biologics targeting important elements of T2 inflammation, such as IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13 and IgE, demonstrate promising benefit for Caucasian patients with recurrent nasal polyps, their efficacy in Asian patients remains poorly defined. The distinct endotypes in Asian patients warrant the identification and selection of patients who would benefit from T2 biologics in Asian countries. Additionally, developing novel treatments targeting neutrophilic, type 1, and type 3 inflammation may benefit approximately 50% of Asian CRS patients with non‐T2 inflammation. In this review, we summarized and discussed recent progress in the study of Asian CRS endotypes in comparison with those in patients in Western countries, and the methods of identifying Asian patients with eosinophilic or T2 inflammation. T2 biologic treatment of Asian CRS patients, potential therapeutic candidates targeting non‐T2 inflammation in Asian CRS patients and the progress on developing other T2 biologics were discussed.
Absolute quantification of Bet v 1 in birch polymerized allergenic extracts via mass spectrometry‐targeted analysis
Authors: Moya Raquel , Odena M. Antonia , Gallego Mayte , de Oliveira Eliandre , Carnés Jerónimo
Published: December 2021

Background

Quantifying major allergens is essential for evaluating the quality and efficacy of allergenic extracts. They are usually measured in non‐polymerized extracts using immunoassays. However, the direct measurement of allergens in allergoids is currently not supported. This study set out to develop a method for quantifying Bet v 1 in polymerized birch extracts using mass spectrometry‐based targeted analysis.

Methods

Three isotopically labelled peptide sequences of Bet v 1 were synthetized and used as internal standards for the development of a mass spectrometry‐based targeted analysis. The calibration curves of the three peptides to assess the linearity and limit of detection, as well as reverse calibration curves with a constant amount of sample, were constructed. The Bet v 1 content was determined and measured in 18 batches of depigmented (native extracts purified by a mild acid treatment) and depigmented‐polymerized extracts.

Results

Bet v 1 isoforms were identified in both type of extracts by mass spectrometry. According to mass spectrometry‐targeted analysis depigmented and depigmented‐polymerized extracts exhibited mean values of 70.5 and 73.5 µg Bet v 1/mg of lyophilized extract, respectively. A statistically significant correlation between the allergen content of both extracts was identified. Statistically significant differences were observed when the Bet v 1 content in non‐polymerized extracts was measured via mass spectrometry (70.5 ± 11.6 µg/mg) or immunoassay (83.7 ± 19.8 µg/mg).

Conclusions

These results represent the first direct quantification of Bet v 1 in allergoids using mass spectrometry‐based targeted analysis. The proposed method demonstrates robustness and reliability and constitutes a promising alternative for detailed characterization of polymerized allergenic extracts.
Readability assessment of the British Association of Dermatologists’ patient information leaflets
Authors: Hunt W. T. N. , Sofela J. , Mohd Mustapa M. F. ,   on behalf of the British Association of Dermatologists’ Clinical Standards Unit, Levell N. J. , McDonald B. , Chua S. L. , Laws P. , Daunton A. , Frow H. , Petrof G. , Mohd Mustapa M. F.
Published: December 2021

Background

The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) develops and produces patient information leaflets (PILs) for British clinicians and the general public, and its website provides access to all the PILs. Health literacy across the UK remains variable. Readability instruments assess the comprehensibility of text, predominately using a composite of sentence length and/or word-syllable number. Instruments usually report text readability categorized by United States (US) grades; ideally, health literature should be rated at US grade ≤ 6 (UK Year 7; age 11–12 years).

Methods

In collaboration with the BAD, PILs on the BAD website (n = 203) were downloaded for readability assessment. PILs were processed prior to analysis using Readability Studio software (Oleander Software, Vandalia, OH, USA). Established readability metrics were used: Flesch–Kincaid (FK), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Gunning fog index (GFI), Fry, FORCAST and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE).

Results

The mean (95% CI) US grade levels for all BAD PILs were: 9.8 (9.7–10.0) for FK, 12.1 (12.0–12.3) for SMOG, 11.8 (11.6–11.9) for GFI, 11.5 (11.1–11.8) for Fry and 10.7 (10.6–10.8) for FORCAST. For FRE, the level is reported from a normal spectrum of 0–100, and was found to be 52.2 (95% CI 34.0–78.0) in this study. In the UK context, the mean readability levels of the BAD PILs were rated as Year 10 (age 14–15 years) for FK and Year 13 (aged 17–18 years) for SMOG. For FK, outputs, only 1.0% of PILs (2 of 203) were the recommended US grade ≤ 6 according to FK, and for SMOG rating, none was rated at this level.

Discussion

The majority of BAD PILs have been written at a level that will be challenging for some patients to read. Reducing sentence length and aiming for shorter words will improve accessibility.
What’s being recommended to patients on social media? A cross-sectional analysis of alopecia treatments on YouTube®
Authors: Killion L. , Therianou A. , Watchorn R. E.
Published: December 2021

Our study shows that treatment recommendations provided through social media are based on evidence of variable quality. However, on Youtube®, there was no significant difference between viewership numbers between physicians and nonphysicians. Therefore, Dermatologists with expertise in alopecia should consider utilizing social media to promote evidence-based treatment options for all alopecia subtypes.
Subcutaneous vacuoles with suppuration and granulomas: a histological clue to atypical mycobacterial infection
Authors: Barbosa E. , Wolinska A. , Feighery C. , Roche M. , Szontagh-Kishazi P.
Published: December 2021

An 83-year-old woman was referred to the Dermatology department with a papular eruption on her left arm, occurring below the scar site of a malignant melanoma in situ, which had been excised 6 months previously. On physical examination, multiple, tender, violaceous papules and nodules inferior to the scar were noted, with central pustules in some of the lesions.
Baricitinib for recalcitrant subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus with concomitant frontal fibrosing alopecia
Authors: Kreuter Alexander , Licciardi-Fernandez Maximiliano J. , Burmann Sven-Niklas , Paschos Alexandros , Michalowitz Alena-Lioba
Published: December 2021

We read with great interest the recently published article by Joos et al. on the successful use of baricitinib for cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The authors presented a heavily pretreated case of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) with almost complete clearance following 6 months of baricitinib therapy. We would like to add our experiences of baricitinib for SCLE in a patient with concomitant frontal fibrosing alopecia.
An introduction to decision science for conservation
Authors: Hemming Victoria , Camaclang Abbey E. , Adams Megan S. , Burgman Mark , Carbeck Katherine , Carwardine Josie , Chadès Iadine , Chalifour Lia , Converse Sarah J. , Davidson Lindsay N. K. , Garrard Georgia E. , Finn Riley , Fleri Jesse R. , Huard Jacqueline , Mayfield Helen J. , Madden Eve McDonald , Naujokaitis‐Lewis Ilona , Possingham Hugh P. , Rumpff Libby , Runge Michael C. , Stewart Daniel , Tulloch Vivitskaia J. D. , Walshe Terry , Martin Tara G.
Published: December 2021

Biodiversity conservation decisions are difficult, especially when they involve differing values, complex multidimensional objectives, scarce resources, urgency, and considerable uncertainty. Decision science embodies a theory about how to make difficult decisions and an extensive array of frameworks and tools that make that theory practical. We sought to improve conceptual clarity and practical application of decision science to help decision makers apply decision science to conservation problems. We addressed barriers to the uptake of decision science, including a lack of training and awareness of decision science; confusion over common terminology and which tools and frameworks to apply; and the mistaken impression that applying decision science must be time consuming, expensive, and complex. To aid in navigating the extensive and disparate decision science literature, we clarify meaning of common terms: decision science, decision theory, decision analysis, structured decision‐making, and decision‐support tools. Applying decision science does not have to be complex or time consuming; rather, it begins with knowing how to think through the components of a decision utilizing decision analysis (i.e., define the problem, elicit objectives, develop alternatives, estimate consequences, and perform trade‐offs). This is best achieved by applying a rapid‐prototyping approach. At each step, decision‐support tools can provide additional insight and clarity, whereas decision‐support frameworks (e.g., priority threat management and systematic conservation planning) can aid navigation of multiple steps of a decision analysis for particular contexts. We summarize key decision‐support frameworks and tools and describe to which step of a decision analysis, and to which contexts, each is most useful to apply. Our introduction to decision science will aid in contextualizing current approaches and new developments, and help decision makers begin to apply decision science to conservation problems.
Quality metrics in cervical cytopathology: A single institutional study
Authors: Senthil Kumar Dheepa , Ravikumar Gayatri
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Implementation of quality control measures ensures acceptable performance by a laboratory. This study aims to assess the quality of cervical cytopathology reporting using quality metrics like atypical squamous cells (which include both atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cell ‐cannot rule out high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion)/squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC/SIL), cytohistological correlation (CHC) and positive predictive value (PPV) of Papanicolaou (Pap) smears for squamous lesions of cervix.

Methods

A retrospective study of Pap smears from 2015 to 2020 was performed. The quality metrics analysed include diagnoses of ASCUS, ASC‐H and ASCUS/SIL ratio, CHC and PPV. Cases with cervical biopsies/hysterectomy were included for CHC, and discrepancy was defined as discordance in diagnostic category between cytology and histology in the CHC.

Results

A total of 22,695 cervical cytology smears were reported. Unsatisfactory smears (n = 290) were excluded. Squamous lesions were reported in 233 smears, and the Bethesda system of nomenclature was followed. A definitive diagnosis (SILs and SCC) was given in 74% of cases. ASCUS and ASC‐H were reported in 47 and 14 cases, respectively. The most common lesion on Pap smear was high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL; n = 92), followed by low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL; n = 64), and two were ungradable SIL. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was reported in 14 smears. The ASC/SIL ratio was 0.38. CHC (n = 139) was 100% for ASC‐H, LSIL, SCC and 84.7% for HSIL. A review of discrepant cases suggested sampling and interpretational discrepancy in five and one cases, respectively. The PPV of Pap smear for squamous lesions was 96.4%.

Conclusion

It is essential to have good quality cytopathology reports for early identification, which enables appropriate management. The most commonly used quality indicator for cytopathology is the ASCUS/SIL ratio. This study suggests the inclusion of the CHC and PPV values as quality metrics for Pap smear, since these are easily measurable and serve as a good indicator of quality in cervical cytopathology reporting.
Life history strategies differentiate established from failed non‐native freshwater fish in peninsular Florida
Authors: Lawson Katelyn M. , Hill Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Non‐native fishes threaten native biodiversity worldwide. Life history traits have been used to predict the risk of establishment for non‐native fish in several regions of the world and parts of the United States, but not yet for Florida despite the elevated risk of establishment in the state due to many invasion pathways and favourable climate. Our goal was to identify which life history traits may be useful for predicting which non‐native freshwater fishes might successfully establish populations in Peninsular Florida.

Location

Peninsular Florida, USA.

Methods

We conducted a factor analysis to evaluate 21 life history traits for 125 fishes in three different groups: native fishes, non‐native fish species currently established in Florida and introduced fishes that failed to establish in Florida. We also modelled overall life history traits of those fishes according to the triangular model by Winemiller and Rose to compare overall strategies among the three different groups and tested for significant trait differences between failed and established fishes.

Results

Our analyses of life history traits showed that successful species have a high investment in their offspring and tend to be larger bodied. Parental care was particularly important, with only one of the established species lacking parental care. Triangular life history model results showed that most successfully established species such as those in the family Cichlidae are equilibrium strategists with a high degree of parental care, low‐to‐intermediate fecundity and a larger maturation size.

Main conclusions

Understanding the life history strategies and traits that aid in the prediction of non‐native fish invasiveness is key for effective risk assessment and management. Further analysis of these traits as predictors of establishment and invasion success is needed, and regional risk assessments of non‐native fishes will benefit from inclusion of several traits highlighted in this study.
The diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c, compared to the oral glucose tolerance test, for screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Africa—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chivese Tawanda , Hirst Jennifer , Matizanadzo Joshua T. , Custodio Michael , Farmer Andrew , Norris Shane , Levitt Naomi
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), compared to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in screening for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Africa.

Methods

We systematically searched databases for studies that compared the HbA1c to either the OGTT, or the FPG for T2D diagnosis were included. The QUADAS 2 tool was used for assessing the quality of included studies. We used the split component synthesis (SCS) method for the meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies to pool the studies for meta‐analysis of sensitivity and specificity, primarily at the HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) cut‐off and at other cut‐offs. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and publication bias using Doi plots.

Results

Eleven studies, from seven African countries, with 12,925 participants, were included. Against the OGTT, HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) had a pooled sensitivity of 57.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 43.4–70.9) and specificity of 92.3% (95% CI 83.9–96.5). Against the FPG, HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) had a pooled sensitivity of 64.5% (95% CI 50.5–76.4) and specificity of 94.3% (95% CI 87.9–97.5). The highest sensitivity for HbA1c, against the OGTT, was at the 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) cut‐off.

Conclusion

In Africa, the HbA1c ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) cut‐off may miss almost half of the individuals with T2D based on blood glucose measures.
A newborn with aortico‐left ventricular tunnel mimicking sinus of valsalva aneurysm
Authors: Akbay Şenay , Ekici Filiz , Kardelen Fırat , Bulut Muhammet , Mutlu Zeynep Çağla , Arslan Gökhan
Published: December 2021

Aortico‐left ventricular tunnel (ALVT) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly and constitutes less than 0.1% of all congenital cardiac defects (1). ALVT is described as an abnormal connection between the ascending aorta and the left ventricle which originates commonly above the right sinus of valsalva. Most patients are diagnosed with an ALVT during early infancy (2). Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTEAQ5) is more effective in diagnosis of ALVT, misdiagnosis rate was 17.1% (3). Sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is frequently confused with ALVT (3). We report a term female newborn with SVA in echocardiographic examination, but in surgery, she was diagnosed with ALVT.
Combination of two monoclonal antibodies with SOCS1 N‐ and C‐terminal binding sites to address SOCS1 status in B cells and B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Weissinger Stephanie E. , Zahn Malena , Marienfeld Ralf , Tessmer Claudia , Moldenhauer Gerhard , Möller Peter
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Accumulating studies show that the tumour suppressor SOCS1 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in lymphomas, often affecting the coding sequence of SOCS1 protein. Depending on the type of mutation and lymphoma concerned, SOCS1 mutations have different impacts on progression‐free and overall survival. Two antibodies binding the N and C terminals of SOCS1 would be a suitable ‘test pair’ to identify truncated versions of SOCS1. We, therefore, compared the C‐terminal antibody 424C with the N‐terminal antibody 4H1.

Materials and methods

As 424C has already been characterised, we performed a comparative analysis of anti‐SOCS1 antibody 4H1 using immunohistochemistry on human tonsil tissue and chamber slides, immunoblots on SOCS1 wildtype and mutated transfected HEK293T cells and lymphoma cell lines and cross‐reactivity analysis and epitope mapping with protein microarrays.

Results

Compared with 424C, anti‐SOCS1 antibody 4H1 showed various cross‐reactions with other proteins resulting in a ‘pancellular’ immunohistochemical staining pattern in FFPE lymphoid tissue. Like 424C, 4H1 identified SOCS1 wildtype and SOCS1 mutations in immunoblot experiments but also bound an unknown protein with high intensity.

Conclusion

Anti‐SOCS1 antibody 4H1 may be useful in a molecular setting but is disqualified as an immunohistochemical diagnostic tool due to its very broad non‐specific binding.
A global agenda for advancing freshwater biodiversity research
Authors: Maasri Alain , Jähnig Sonja C. , Adamescu Mihai C. , Adrian Rita , Baigun Claudio , Baird Donald J. , Batista‐Morales Angelica , Bonada Núria , Brown Lee E. , Cai Qinghua , Campos‐Silva Joao V. , Clausnitzer Viola , Contreras‐MacBeath Topiltzin , Cooke Steven J. , Datry Thibault , Delacámara Gonzalo , De Meester Luc , Dijkstra Klaus‐Douwe B. , Do Van Tu , Domisch Sami , Dudgeon David , Erös Tibor , Freitag Hendrik , Freyhof Joerg , Friedrich Jana , Friedrichs‐Manthey Martin , Geist Juergen , Gessner Mark O. , Goethals Peter , Gollock Matthew , Gordon Christopher , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Gulemvuga Georges , Gutiérrez‐Fonseca Pablo E. , Haase Peter , Hering Daniel , Hahn Hans Jürgen , Hawkins Charles P. , He Fengzhi , Heino Jani , Hermoso Virgilio , Hogan Zeb , Hölker Franz , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Jiang Meilan , Johnson Richard K. , Kalinkat Gregor , Karimov Bakhtiyor K. , Kasangaki Aventino , Kimirei Ismael A. , Kohlmann Bert , Kuemmerlen Mathias , Kuiper Jan J. , Kupilas Benjamin , Langhans Simone D. , Lansdown Richard , Leese Florian , Magbanua Francis S. , Matsuzaki Shin‐ichiro S. , Monaghan Michael T. , Mumladze Levan , Muzon Javier , Mvogo Ndongo Pierre A. , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Nikitina Oxana , Ochs Clifford , Odume Oghenekaro Nelson , Opperman Jeffrey J. , Patricio Harmony , Pauls Steffen U. , Raghavan Rajeev , Ramírez Alonso , Rashni Bindiya , Ross‐Gillespie Vere , Samways Michael J. , Schäfer Ralf B. , Schmidt‐Kloiber Astrid , Seehausen Ole , Shah Deep Narayan , Sharma Subodh , Soininen Janne , Sommerwerk Nike , Stockwell Jason D. , Suhling Frank , Tachamo Shah Ram Devi , Tharme Rebecca E. , Thorp James H. , Tickner David , Tockner Klement , Tonkin Jonathan D. , Valle Mireia , Vitule Jean , Volk Martin , Wang Ding , Wolter Christian , Worischka Susanne
Published: December 2021

Global freshwater biodiversity is declining dramatically, and meeting the challenges of this crisis requires bold goals and the mobilisation of substantial resources. While the reasons are varied, investments in both research and conservation of freshwater biodiversity lag far behind those in the terrestrial and marine realms. Inspired by a global consultation, we identify 15 pressing priority needs, grouped into five research areas, in an effort to support informed stewardship of freshwater biodiversity. The proposed agenda aims to advance freshwater biodiversity research globally as a critical step in improving coordinated actions towards its sustainable management and conservation.
Algorithm improvement of neural network in endoscopic image recognition of upper digestive tract system
Authors: Lu Bin
Published: December 2021

The development of effective gastrointestinal diseases computer‐aided diagnosis tools and automatic image quality assessment algorithms is very important to improve the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment. In order to further study the application of neural network algorithm in the endoscopic image of upper digestive tract, improve the efficiency of neural network algorithm in the field of endoscopic image. In this study, neural network algorithms were used to identify endoscopic images of the upper digestive tract. 1335 cases with upper gastrointestinal endoscopic images were collected. After the data was enlarged, it was randomly divided into training set and test set according to the proportion, and the obtained training set was input. After convolutional neural network training, an algorithm model was established in the institute. 1653 test set data samples were input into the neural network to verify the accuracy. Finally, the accuracy of the neural root network model constructed in this study reached 0.0942. Through horizontal comparison, it can be concluded that the neural network model proposed in this study not only has a higher accuracy rate, but also is better than the current existing related neural network algorithms. Based on the above experimental verification, it can be concluded that the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic image recognition algorithm based on neural network proposed in this study can more accurately and effectively identify the lesions in the upper gastrointestinal endoscopic images.
Theses and Dissertations Completed in Family and Consumer Sciences: 2019
Authors: Wilmarth Melissa J. , Milstead S. Morgan
Published: December 2021

The annual survey of graduate programs in family and consumer sciences at U.S. universities and colleges was conducted in June 2020. The project’s goal was to assemble a listing of theses and dissertations completed in 2019 from all areas of family and consumer sciences. Representatives at institutions with identified family and consumer sciences programs were e‐mailed requests for information regarding completed theses and dissertations. Twenty‐five colleges and universities responded. The final total was a total of 214 theses and 195 dissertations were completed within participating graduate programs in 2019. This report includes the submitted information on theses and dissertations by subject category.
Family and Consumer Sciences Graduate Research Productivity in 2019
Authors: Wilmarth Melissa J. , Milstead Sarah Morgan
Published: December 2021

In June 2020, representatives at 166 universities and colleges in the United States were contacted requesting information on family and consumer sciences graduate programs, specifically completed thesis and dissertation titles. Twenty‐five universities and colleges responded reporting a total of 214 theses, 195 dissertations, and 409 non‐thesis master’s degrees completed in family and consumer sciences. Historically, the field of family and consumer sciences has researched interdisciplinary topics with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities. The topics highlighted by the submitted titles demonstrate that this historical tradition is still true as it relates to graduate student research.
Propensity to Plan, Financial Knowledge, Overconfidence, and Credit Card Management Behaviors of Millennials
Authors: Lee Sunwoo T. , Kim Kyoung Tae
Published: December 2021

The Millennial generation’s financial behaviors are of great importance because they will contribute significantly to the labor market in the future. Using the 2015 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) dataset, we examine the relationships between Millennials’ propensity to plan, financial knowledge, and credit card management behaviors. The findings reveal that a propensity to plan was positively associated with appropriate credit card management behaviors but it was negatively associated with irresponsible behaviors. A similar relationship was found between objective financial knowledge credit card management behaviors, while subjective financial knowledge was positively related to inappropriate management behaviors instead. Millennials who are overconfident about their financial knowledge are more likely to engage in costly management behaviors. This was a robust result found across various overconfidence measures.
Determining Human Development Competency Training Needs of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Professionals
Authors: Hardman Alisha M. , Denny Marina D. , Story AlliGrace , Denny Geoffrey
Published: December 2021

Cooperative Extension Service (also known as Extension) agents may lack adequate content knowledge to meet the demands of the diverse programming in Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) they are expected to deliver. This article reports on the findings from an assessment of FCS Extension personnel in Mississippi. Two surveys were administered to assess the perceived importance of FCS competencies and the perceived ability to perform them. A rank‐sum score was computed, which was used to determine the relative need for training on various Human Development competencies. Findings show that competencies related to child development, parenting, and family stress and crisis warrant training.
Student–Parents’ Mental Health: Factors Affecting Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Cho Soo Hyun , Roy Roudi Nazarinia , Dayne Nancy
Published: December 2021

This study examined determinants of anxiety and depression level among student–parents at a large, Hispanic‐serving higher education institution. Based on the Double ABC‐X stress theory, we included variables capturing resources and perceptions in predicting psychological distress of the 252 student–parent sample. In addition, we examined possible differences between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic student–parent respondents. While our descriptive results showed the ethnic differences in resources and perceived challenges, results from multivariate analyses did not demonstrate ethnic differences in the prediction of anxiety and depression levels. This implies that for student–parents enrolled at a four‐year institution, challenges are rather universal. Our findings can benefit higher education administration in developing effective mental health and support programs to student–parents.
“We Don’t Talk About That”: Exploring Money Conversations of Black, Hispanic, and White Households
Authors: White Kenneth J. , McCoy Megan , Watkins Kimberly , Chen XianYan , Koposko Janet , Mizuta Matthew
Published: December 2021

Communication around finances is essential to relational satisfaction and the acquisition of financial skills. Nevertheless, people avoid financial discussions. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (n = 8,006), this study explored how race/ethnicity relates to financial discussions through the lens of capital theory. Findings show that Black and Hispanic households had the lowest rates of financial discussions. When discussions did occur, the odds of them happening were higher with friends and lower with spouses/partners or family. Family and consumer science professionals can use the results to encourage financial communication in multiple types of relationships and households.
Factors Influencing Older Adults’ Acceptance of Health Monitoring Smart Clothing
Authors: Mahmood Nasif , Lee Young‐A
Published: December 2021

We aimed to examine the key factors that influence older adults’ perception and intention to wear health monitoring smart clothing. A convenience sample of 376 U.S. older adults was used for data analyses. Influence of functional and aesthetic attributes on older adults’ perception and intention of its use was not supported. The findings imply that older adults who are satisfied with expressive and tracking attributes of health monitoring smart clothing find it useful, easier to use, and socially acceptable, which leads them to be more likely to use it.
Cytoskeletal protein Zyxin in embryonic development: from controlling cell movements and pluripotency to regulating embryonic patterning
Authors: Martynova Natalia Y. , Parshina Elena A. , Zaraisky Andrey G.
Published: December 2021

The Lim‐domain protein Zyxin was initially identified as a minor actin cytoskeleton protein that regulates the assembly and repair of actin filaments. At the same time, additional functions revealed for Zyxin in recent decades indicate that this protein can also play an important role in regulating gene expression and cell differentiation. In this review, we analysed the data in the literature pointing to Zyxin as one of the possible molecular hubs linking morphogenetic cell movements with gene expression, stem cell status regulation and pattern formation during the most complex processes in organism life, embryogenesis.
Downregulation of BORIS/CTCFL leads to ROS‐dependent cellular senescence and drug sensitivity in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma
Authors: Rao Garikapati Koteswara , Makani Venkata Krishna Kanth , Mendonza Jolly Janette , Edathara Prajitha Mohandas , Patel Nibedita , Ramakrishna Maresha , Cilamkoti Priyanka , Chiring Phukon Jayashree , Jose Jedy , Bhadra Utpal , Bhadra Manika Pal
Published: December 2021

Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) or CCCTC‐binding factor like (CTCFL) is a nucleotide‐binding protein, aberrantly expressed in various malignancies. Expression of BORIS has been found to be associated with the expression of oncogenes which regulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) biogenesis, DNA double‐strand break repair, regulation of stemness, and induction of cellular senescence. In the present study, we have analyzed the effects of knockdown of BORIS, a potential oncogene, on the induction of senescence and tumor suppression. Loss of BORIS downregulated the expression of critical oncogenes such as BMI1, Akt, MYCN, and STAT3, whereas overexpression increased their respective expression levels in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells. BORIS knockdown exhibited high levels of ROS biogenesis, indicating an upregulated mitochondrial superoxide production and thereby induction of senescence. Our study also showed that the loss of BORIS facilitated cellular senescence through the disruption of telomere integrity via altering the expression of various proteins required for telomere capping (POT1, TRF2, and TIN1). In addition to affecting ROS production and DNA damage, BORIS knockdown sensitized the cells toward chemotherapeutic drugs and induced apoptosis. Tumor induction studies on in vivo xenograft mouse models showed that cells with loss of BORIS/CTCFL failed to induce tumors. From our study, we conclude that silencing BORIS/CTCFL influences tumor growth and proliferation by regulating key oncogenes. The results also indicated that the BORIS knockdown can cause cellular senescence and upon a combinatorial treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs can induce enhanced drug sensitivity in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells.