bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPRESSED EMOTION AND SELECTED PATIENTS’ CLINICAL FACTORS AMONG CAREGIVERS OF SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS VISITING JIMMA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER PSYCHIATRY OUT PATIENT UNIT, SOUTH WEST ETHIOPIA
Authors: Yimam Bethlehem , Soboka Matiwos , Getachew Yemiamrew , Alemu Bezaye , Ahmed Gutema , Tesfaye Elias
Published: November 2020

Background

Expressed emotion (EE) measures the emotion of the caregivers of persons with schizophrinia and is predictive of symptom levels in a range of medical and psychiatric conditions. It is worth to assess expressed emotion and associated factors among caregivers of patient with schizophrenia in Ethiopia since there is limited data on this issue in this part of the world.

Objective

To assess the status of expressed emotions and selecte patients’ clinical factors among care givers of patients with schizophrenia attending psychiatry oupatient unit of Jimma university medical center, South west, Ethiopia, 2019.

Method

A cross-sectional study design employed involving 422 caregivers of schizophrenic patients using consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected using structured interviewer administrated questionnaires (Family Questioners) which assess the level of expressed emotion, entered into Epidata 4.4 and analyzed by Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 25. Descripitive statistics used to summerize data, bivariate logistic regression was done to identify candidate variables for multivariable logistic regressions and the association between expressed emotion and predictor variables was identified by using multiple logistic regression model.

Results

High expressed emotion was observed in 43.6% of respondents. Caring for schizophrenic patients for about 6-8 years, having 3-4 episodes of the illness was significantly associated with high expressed emotion.

Conclusions

This study revealed that there is high status of care givers expressed emotion compared to other studies. It also showed that number of episode of illnesses had significant association with high caregivers expressed emotion. Health care systems, which provide interventions for patients with schizophrenia, need to design proper strategy to address caregivers need as well.
Long-term assessment of ecosystem services at ecological restoration sites using Landsat time series
Authors: del Río-Mena Trinidad , Willemen Louise , Vrieling Anton , Snoeys Andy , Nelson Andy
Published: November 2020

Reversing ecological degradation through restoration activities is a key societal challenge of the upcoming decade. However, lack of evidence on the effectiveness of restoration interventions leads to inconsistent, delayed, or poorly informed statements of success, hindering the wise allocation of resources, representing a missed opportunity to learn from previous experiences. This study contributes to a better understanding of spatial and temporal dynamics of ecosystem services at ecological restoration sites. We developed a method using Landsat satellite images combined with a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design, and applied this to an arid rural landscape, the Baviaanskloof in South Africa. Since 1990, various restoration projects have been implemented to halt and reverse degradation. We applied the BACI approach at pixel-level comparing the conditions of each intervened pixel (impact) with 20 similar control pixels. By evaluating the conditions before and after the intervention, we assessed the effectiveness of long-term restoration interventions distinguishing their impact from environmental temporal changes. The BACI approach was implemented with Landsat images that cover a 30-year period at a spatial resolution of 30 m. We evaluated the impact of three interventions (revegetation, livestock exclusion, and the combination of both) on three ecosystem services; forage provision, erosion prevention, and presence of iconic vegetation. We also evaluated whether terrain characteristics could partially explain the variation in impact of interventions. The resulting maps showed spatial patterns of positive and negative effects of interventions on ecosystem services. Intervention effectiveness differed between land cover vegetation clusters, terrain aspect, and soil parent material. Our method allows for spatially explicit quantification of the long-term restoration impact on ecosystem service supply, and for the detailed visualization of impact across an area. This pixel-level analysis is specifically suited for heterogeneous landscapes, where restoration impact not only varies between but also within restoration sites.
Evaluation of saliva as a source of accurate whole-genome and microbiome sequencing data
Authors: Herzig Anthony F. , Velo-Suárez Lourdes , Le Folgoc Gaёlle , Boland Anne , Blanché Hélène , Olaso Robert , Le Roux Liana , Delmas Christelle , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Lethimonnier Franck , Deleuze Jean-François , Génin Emmanuelle
Published: November 2020

This study sets out to establish the suitability of saliva-based whole-genome sequencing (WGS) through a comparison against blood-based WGS. To fully appraise the observed differences, we developed a novel technique of pseudo-replicates. We also investigated the potential of characterising individual salivary microbiomes from non-human DNA fragments found in saliva.

We observed the majority of discordant genotype calls between blood and saliva calls fell into known regions of the human genome that are typically sequenced with low confidence; and could be identified by quality control measures. Pseudo-replication demonstrated that the levels of discordance between blood- and saliva-derived WGS data were entirely similar to what one would expect between technical replicates if an individual’s blood or saliva had been sequenced twice. Finally, we successfully sequenced salivary microbiomes in parallel to human genomes as demonstrated by a comparison against the Human Microbiome Project.

Author Summary

DNA is usually collected from blood for the analysis of human genomes. In France, a new and very large genetic dataset will be created where selected participants will be sent saliva-collection kits in the post as this data collection method presents numerous logistical benefits. It has been previously shown that good quality genetic data can be created from saliva, though existing studies have often not considered the latest technologies or have only analysed a very small number of individuals. In this study, we have analysed genetic data derived from saliva for 39 individuals to give a firm conclusion that the proposed genome sequencing approach of the new French dataset will be capable of provided high quality data by making a comparison to pre-existing genetic data derived from blood for these 39 individuals. In order to do so, we developed a novel method (presented here) to establish the similarity between two sets of genetic data for the same individual that are generated from separate DNA samples. Finally, we have also demonstrated an added bonus of colleting saliva samples: that it is possible to gather both human genetic data and potentially interesting salivary microbiome data at the same time by separating and analysing in parallel human and non-human DNA fragments.
The discriminatory power of the T cell receptor
Authors: Pettmann Johannes , Huhn Anna , Abu-Shah Enas , Kutuzov Mikhail , Wilson Daniel B. , Dustin Michael L. , Davis Simon J. , van der Merwe P. Anton , Dushek Omer
Published: November 2020

T cells use their T-cell receptors (TCRs) to discriminate between lower-affinity self and higher affinity non-self pMHC antigens. Although the discriminatory power of the TCR is widely believed to be near-perfect, technical difficulties have hampered efforts to precisely quantify it. Here, we describe a method for measuring very low TCR/pMHC affinities, and use it to measure the discriminatory power of the TCR, and the factors affecting it. We find that TCR discrimination, although enhanced compared with conventional cell-surface receptors, is imperfect: primary human T cells can respond to pMHC with affinities as low as KD~1 mM. The kinetic proofreading mechanism fit our data, providing the first estimates of both the time delay (2.8 s) and number of biochemical steps (2.67) that are consistent with the extraordinary sensitivity of antigen recognition. Our findings explain why self pMHC frequently induce autoimmune diseases and anti-tumour responses, and suggest ways to modify TCR discrimination.
Distinct and Common Neural Coding of Semantic and Non-semantic Control Demands
Authors: Gao Zhiyao , Zheng Li , Chiou Rocco , Gouws André , Krieger-Redwood Katya , Wang Xiuyi , Varga Dominika , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. , Smallwood Jonathan , Jefferies Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

The flexible retrieval of knowledge is critical in everyday situations involving problem solving, reasoning and social interaction. Current theories emphasise the importance of a left-lateralised semantic control network (SCN) in supporting flexible semantic behaviour, while a bilateral multiple-demand network (MDN) is implicated in executive functions across domains. No study, however, has examined whether semantic and non-semantic demands are reflected in a common neural code within regions specifically implicated in semantic control. Using functional MRI and univariate parametric modulation analysis as well as multivariate pattern analysis, we found that semantic and non-semantic demands gave rise to both similar and distinct neural responses across control-related networks. Though activity patterns in SCN and MDN could decode the difficulty of both semantic and verbal working memory decisions, there was no shared common neural coding of cognitive demands in SCN regions. In contrast, regions in MDN showed common patterns across manipulations of semantic and working memory control demands, with successful cross-classification of difficulty across tasks. Therefore, SCN and MDN can be dissociated according to the information they maintain about cognitive demands.
A Rapid Electromechanical Model To Predict Reverse Remodeling Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Oomen Pim J.A. , Phung Thien-Khoi N. , Bilchick Kenneth C. , Holmes Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2020

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an ef-fective therapy for patients who suffer from heart failure and ventricular dyssynchrony such as left bundle branch block (LBBB). When it works, it reverses adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and the progression of heart failure. How-ever, CRT response rate is currently as low as 50-65%. In theory, CRT outcome could be improved by allowing clinicians to tailor the therapy through patient-specific lead locations, timing, and/or pacing protocol. However, this also presents a dilemma: there are far too many possible strategies to test during the implantation surgery. Computational models could address this dilemma by predicting remodeling outcomes for each patient before the surgery takes place. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop a rapid computational model to predict reverse LV remodeling following CRT. We adapted our recently developed computational model of LV remodeling to simulate the mechanics of ventricular dyssynchrony and added a rapid electrical model to predict electrical activation timing. The model was calibrated to quantitatively match changes in hemodynamics and global and local LV wall mass from a canine study of LBBB and CRT. The calibrated model was used to investigate the influence of LV lead location and ischemia on CRT remodeling outcome. Our model results suggest that remodeling outcome varies with both lead location and ischemia location, and does not always correlate with short-term improvement in QRS duration. The results and time frame required to customize and run this model suggest promise for this approach in a clinical setting.
Impact of COVID-19: research note on tourism and hospitality sectors in the epicenter of Wuhan and Hubei Province, China
Authors: Knight David W. , Xiong Lina , Lan Wei , Gong Jian
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present initial findings from a vulnerability assessment based on the perceptions of practitioners working in four tourism and hospitality sectors in Wuhan and Hubei Province, namely, cruise lines, hotels, travel agencies and touristic attractions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research note focuses on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from January to March 2020. Using the destination sustainability framework and an “interpretation” mixed methods research design, the authors analyze phone interviews (n = 151) and subsequent online surveys (n = 370) to assess sector-specific perceptions of exposure, sensitivity and system adaptiveness.

Findings

Overall, findings paint a grim picture of each sector in the short-term. All respondents reported an immediate economic loss due to COVID-19, as well as recovery concerns and uncertainties. Immediate actions for addressing these issues centered on internal cost control and governmental subsidies, while anticipated next steps focused on product adjustment, a transformation of business structures and seeking governmental guidance and policies in restoring market confidence. Findings also allude to future strategies/directions.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited in its focus on practitioner views in the immediate COVID-19 outbreak. Implications highlight a crucial strategic dependence of each sector on effective government/managerial communication and support, with smaller, local businesses needing particular attention in crisis situations.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this research note is the first comprehensive study presenting vital information pertaining to the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality businesses from a large group of business leaders in the site of the initial outbreak (i.e. Wuhan and Hubei Province). With the highly infectious COVID-19 representing an ongoing threat for populations worldwide, this paper hopes this research note provides valuable insights for practitioners in other vulnerable regions, as well as for researchers examining strategies for resilience against this and future disasters.
Stigma and COVID-19 in Iran: a rapid assessment
Authors: Shokri Azad , Moradi Ghobad , Mohamadi Bolbanabad Amjad , Satary Mitra , Shabrandi Mahin , Sadeghkhani Parsa , Mohammadi Aram , Ghorishi Armin , Veisy Ronak , Veysi Arshad , Piroozi Bakhtiar , Amiri Hoseini Shina , Darvishi Sonia , Asadi Heshmatollah
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the perceived stigma among residents of Sanandaj, west of Iran, following COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional study conducted from March to April 2020. The sample consisted of 1,000 participants who live in Sanandaj. The data collection tool was a self-report electronic questionnaire. ANOVA and T-test were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The mean perceived stigma for COVID-19 was 5.50±2.24 (IQR: 3.75–6.87) out of 10-point scale. The highest point was seen for perceived external stigma (6.73±2.49, IQR: 5–8.75) followed by disclosure stigma (4.95±3.92, IQR: 0–10). Interestingly, self-employers were more concerned about disclosing their illness than those with governmental jobs (25±3.93 vs. 4.31±4.14, P<0.05), and also had an overall higher stigma score; 5.72±2.23 vs. 5.19±2.37, P<0.05).

Originality/value

COVID-19 stigma is high among Iranians and more common among men, youngsters and self-employers.
Noah’s Ark: technical and theoretical implications concerning the use of metaphor in the treatment of trauma1
Authors: Cavalli Alessandra
Published: November 2020

In this paper, using my clinical work with a 3‐year‐old boy who lost his hearing when he was between 9 and 12 months old, and whose disability was only discovered when he was 22 months old, I will explore two issues of paramount technical importance when working with trauma. Firstly, it is crucial to create a boundary around the traumatic event, so that life before, during and after the trauma can be circumscribed and the traumatic event explored and hopefully understood and integrated. Secondly, it is of paramount importance to establish the level of developmental organization at the time of the trauma, especially in relation to the capacity to integrate bodily affects into mind. I will show how trauma and its vicissitudes are directly dependent on the person’s capacity to resolve the splitting that trauma creates in the mind, and also the key role played by the use of metaphors in the process whereby trauma becomes thinkable and can therefore be integrated into the self.
Effects of protein posttranslational modifications on meat quality: A review
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Dequan , Ren Chi , Bai Yuqiang , Ijaz Muawuz , Hou Chengli , Chen Li
Published: November 2020

Meat quality plays an important role in the purchase decision of consumers, affecting producers and retailers. The formation mechanisms determining meat quality are intricate, as several endogenous and exogenous factors contribute during antemortem and postmortem periods. Abundant research has been performed on meat quality; however, unexpected variation in meat quality remains an issue in the meat industry. Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) regulate structures and functions of proteins in living tissues, and recent reports confirmed their importance in meat quality. The objective of this review was to provide a summary of the research on the effects of PTMs on meat quality. The effects of four common PTMs, namely, protein phosphorylation, acetylation, S‐nitrosylation, and ubiquitination, on meat quality were discussed, with emphasis on the effects of protein phosphorylation on meat tenderness, color, and water holding capacity. The mechanisms and factors that may affect the function of protein phosphorylation are also discussed. The current research confirms that meat quality traits are regulated by multiple PTMs. Cross talk between different PTMs and interactions of PTMs with postmortem biochemical processes need to be explored to improve our understanding on factors affecting meat quality.
Otorrhagia as an intravital phenomenon in a case of incomplete atypical hanging
Authors: Živković Vladimir , Cvetković Danica , Nikolić Slobodan
Published: November 2020

Herein, we describe a case of an 81‐year‐old woman who was found hanged in the kneeling position, at the height of about 1.3 m, with anterior position of the knot. There were two downward directed stripes of dried blood coming out of the left nostril and left ear, while the right ear was filled with a small pool of blood. Since the hanging occurred in the kneeling position with the head “on top,” it is likely that the anterior position of the knot, with only (partial) weight of the head pulling the noose, resulted in complete obstruction of the venous flow, but only partial obstruction of the arterial flow, probably including both carotid and vertebral arteries. The venous pressure rise was not caused by the position of the head, meaning that it required a “pump,” that is, preserved circulation and heart function. The first finding that speaks in favor of this mechanism is the small pool of blood in the right external auditory canal, since its position is completely antigravitational. The second one, even more convincing, is the finding of the so‐called trout phenomenon, that is, petechial bleeding on upper and lower eyelids and on the skin between the eyebrows, because this phenomenon requires impaired or obstructed venous return in the presence of continued arterial input. We can conclude that in this case of atypical, incomplete, suicidal hanging, otorrhagia was a vital reaction.
Phenotypic changes in the metabolic profile and adiponectin activity during seasonal fattening and hibernation in female Daurian ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus)
Authors: REN Yue , SONG Shiyi , LIU Xinyu , YANG Ming
Published: November 2020

Seasonal hibernation has provided an opportunity to study animals’ phenotypic plasticity in adaptation to changing environment. In the present study focusing on the female Daurian ground squirrel (Spermophilus dauricus)—a well demonstrated seasonal hibernator—we examined their behavioral, morphological, and metabolic changes during fattening, hibernation, and emergence. Our data indicated high levels of food intake, fat deposition, and body mass increases during fattening compared to hibernation. The levels of serum glucose and triglycerides were also higher during fattening than during hibernation and emergence. Interestingly, although squirrels showed signs of obesity and elevated triglycerides in serum during fattening, triglyceride levels in the liver and skeletal muscles remained unchanged. Our data also indicated that adiponectin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were different between fattening and hibernation. Levels of adiponectin receptor 1 in the skeletal muscle remained low during fattening but peaked in late hibernation. In contrast, adiponectin receptor 2 in the liver showed a steady increase during fattening, which was followed by a significant decrease at early hibernation. Our data indicate that adiponectin may play an important role in preventing heterotopic fat accumulation in a receptor‐ and organ‐specific manner, as well as in facilitating the switch from glucose metabolism to lipid metabolism during fattening and hibernation in female Daurian ground squirrels.
Phenotypic consequences of maternally selected nests: a cross‐fostering experiment in a desert lizard
Authors: LI Shuran , HAO Xin , SUN Baojun , BI Junhuai , ZHANG Yongpu , DU Weiguo
Published: November 2020

Despite the importance of maternally selected nests in shaping offspring phenotypes, our understanding of how the nest environment affects embryonic development and offspring traits of most non‐avian reptiles is rather limited largely due to the logistical difficulty in locating their nests. To identify the relative contributions of environmental (temporal [seasonal] and spatial [nest‐site]) and intrinsic (clutch) factors on embryonic development and offspring traits, we conducted a cross‐fostering experiment by swapping eggs between maternally‐selected nests of the toad‐headed agama (Phrynocephalus przewalskii) in the field. We found that nest environment explained a large proportion of variation in incubation duration, hatching success, and offspring size and growth. In contrast, clutch only explained a small proportion of variation in these embryonic and offspring traits. More significantly, compared with spatial effects, seasonal effects explained more phenotypic variation in both embryonic development and offspring traits. Eggs laid early in the nesting season had longer incubation durations and produced smaller hatchlings with higher post‐hatching growth rates than did later‐laid eggs. Consequently, hatchlings from early‐laid eggs reached larger body sizes prior to winter. In addition, we found that female toad‐headed agama did not select nests specific to reaction norms of their own offspring because hatchlings from original or translocated nests had similar phenotypic traits. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of seasonal variation in nest environments in determining embryonic development and offspring phenotypes, which has not been widely appreciated at least in non‐avian reptiles.
Inactivation of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O157: H7 and mesophilic background microbiota of meat homogenate using elevated hydrostatic pressure, mild heat, and thymol
Authors: Aras Sadiye , Kabir Md Niamul , Allison Abimbola , George Jyothi , Fouladkhah Aliyar
Published: November 2020

A six‐strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 was exposed to 0 to 9 min of six treatments: (i) hydrostatic pressure (400 MPa) at 4 °C; (ii) hydrostatic pressure and thymol at 4 °C; (iii) thymol at 4 °C; (iv) heat at 40 °C; (v) hydrostatic pressure at 40 °C; and (vi) hydrostatic pressure and thymol at 40 °C. Pressure intensity level of 400 MPa and thymol concentration of 0.15% (w/v) were used for the experiments of inoculated pathogen (4.0 to 5.0 log CFU/mL) in a homogenate (10% nonsterilized beef in 90% sterilized distilled water). Temperature was precisely monitored by stainless steel water jacket surrounding pressure chamber (16 mL volume), mechanically linked to a refrigerated circulating water bath. Analyses of variance were conducted followed by Tukey‐ and Dunnett's‐adjusted mean separations. Pathogen counts before treatment were 4.08 ± 0.7 log CFU/mL and were reduced (P < 0.05) to 0.67 ± 0.2 log CFU/mL after 6 min of pressure treatment. Thymol and mild heat (40 °C) further augmented decontamination efficacy of pressure treatments where in their presence, the mesophilic background microbiota counts of pressure‐treated samples after 3, 6, and 9 min were reduced (P < 0.05) by 2.1, 2.5, and 3.1 log CFU/mL, respectively. Results of the current study indicate that thymol and mild heat could enhance decontamination efficacy of elevated hydrostatic pressure for pasteurization of food commodities. This could be of great significance for industry practitioners to assure microbiological safety of a product and cost optimization by benefiting from synergism of antimicrobials, mild heat, and elevated hydrostatic pressure.

Practical Application

Thymol and mild heat could enhance decontamination efficacy of pressure‐based pasteurizer that could be of great significance for practitioners. Application of pressure coupled with antimicrobial and mild heat could assure microbiological safety of a product, lead to cost optimization, and assist in meeting regulatory requirements of food commerce such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point and Preventive Control for Human Food rule of Food Safety Modernization Act. Addition of an antimicrobial could have further co‐benefits for the product due to residual protective effects during shelf‐life and minimizing potential undesirable organoleptic changes associated with pressure treatments of >400 MPa.
Effect of ultrasound‐irradiation combined pretreatment on the foamability of liquid egg white
Authors: Yu Yali , Zhang Hui , Zhu Jing , Liu Jingbo , Zhang Ting
Published: November 2020

This study aims to optimize the ultrasound‐irradiation combined pretreatment conditions to enhance the liquid egg white (LEW) foamability and investigate the changing mechanism about the physical and structural properties of LEW during the processing. Results indicated that the foamability of the LEW was increased by ultrasound‐irradiation combined pretreatment to the highest value of 92.6% (irradiation dose = 33 kGy, ultrasound time = 6 min, and ultrasound power = 300 W). Three significant proteins in LEW (ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme) were chosen to explore the change law on their physical and structural properties. Results indicated that ultrasound‐irradiation combined pretreatment increased the solubility and reduced the pH and particle size of ovalbumin and lysozyme, thus enhancing the foamability of LEW. Furthermore, the fluorescence spectra changes implied the un‐folding and destruction of ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme during the ultrasound‐irradiation combined pretreatment. Moreover, circular dichroism spectroscopy analysis revealed that the pretreatment decreased α‐helix and β‐sheet of the ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, and lysozyme, which bring out the improvement of LEW foamability. The present study indicated that ultrasound‐irradiation combined pretreatment had the potential to be implemented to enhance the foamability of LEW.
Optimizing extraction method of aroma compounds from grape pomace
Authors: Liang Zijian , Pai Ahalya , Liu Di , Luo Jiaqiang , Wu Jihong , Fang Zhongxiang , Zhang Pangzhen
Published: November 2020

Grape pomace is a major wine industry byproduct. Extraction of volatile compounds from grape pomace is rarely explored. A cost‐effective method was developed in this study for aroma compounds extraction from grape pomace with the potential for industrial application. Based on the solvent extraction procedure, experimental factors including pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis time, solvent concentration and distillation time were investigated to optimize the extraction process. Volatile compounds of the pomace extract were analyzed using headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas‐chromatography mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) method. Results revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis was the optimal pretreatment method. A maximum extraction efficiency was achieved under 48 hr of enzymatic hydrolysis, 70% of ethanol concentration and 20 min of distillation. A total of 65 volatile compounds were identified in the extract, including 16 alcohols, 1 alkane, 1 aldehyde, 9 esters, 3 ketones, 4 phenols, 6 terpenes, and 1 furan, of which 15 volatiles were determined as odor‐active compounds. This study developed a feasible extraction technique to recycle the underutilized byproducts from wine industry to produce aroma/flavor food additives.

Practical Application

This study develops a cost‐effective method for aroma compounds extraction from grape pomace with the potential for industrial application as food additives.
The Local Spillover Effect of Corporate Accounting Misconduct: Evidence from City Crime Rates*
Authors: Holzman Eric R. , Miller Brian P. , Williams Brian M.
Published: November 2020

This study documents a spillover effect of accounting fraud by showing that after the revelation of accounting misconduct, there is an increase in financially motivated neighborhood crime (robberies, thefts, etc.) in the cities where these misconduct firms are located. We find that more visible accounting frauds (e.g., greater media attention and larger stock price declines) are more strongly associated with a future increase in financially motivated neighborhood crime. We also find that the association between fraud revelation and increased future financially motivated crime is strongest when local job markets are shallower and where local income inequality is high, consistent with adverse shocks from fraud putting pressure on local communities. Combined, our study provides evidence that the societal ramifications of corporate accounting misconduct extend beyond adversely impacting a firm's capital providers and industry peers to negatively influence the daily life of the residents in the firm's local community.
Deploying Narrative Economics to Understand Financial Market Dynamics: An Analysis of Activist Short Sellers' Rhetoric*
Authors: Paugam Luc , Stolowy Hervé , Gendron Yves
Published: November 2020

We investigate how activist short sellers (AShSs) expose publicly listed firms in an increasingly popular form of “research reports” openly denouncing alleged frauds, flawed business models, accounting irregularities, and wrongdoings. We focus on six AShSs that issued research reports that often led to a strong negative market reaction. Our empirical analysis exploits both qualitative and quantitative methods for a comprehensive data set of 383 research reports targeting 171 unique firms, and 3 firsthand interviews with AShSs. Drawing on Aristotle's rhetoric, we first examine how AShSs use narratives in striving to convince other investors that the target firms are overvalued. Specifically, we search the documents produced by AShSs for stylized narratives related to credibility‐based (ethos), emotions‐based (pathos), and logic‐based (logos) rhetorical strategies. To assess the impact of these strategies, we examine the extent to which the AShSs' rhetorical strategies resonate in 3,665 press articles. As expected, the press often refers to logos‐based arguments. Interestingly, the press also frequently brings up pathos‐based and ethos‐based statements. Considering the importance of the press in shaping investors' opinions, our study points to AShSs' narratives playing a major role in policing financial markets. Theoretically, we show that AShSs, as dissenting market participants, produce narratives that go beyond the language of formal rationality—as they strive to reveal new information and frame it persuasively, in order to destabilize the extent of trustworthiness surrounding target firms.
COVID‐19 patients in intensive care develop predominantly oliguric acute kidney injury
Authors: Luther Tomas , Bülow‐Anderberg Sara , Larsson Anders , Rubertsson Sten , Lipcsey Miklos , Frithiof Robert , Hultström Michael
Published: November 2020

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome of reduced glomerular filtration rate and/or reduced urine flow associated with mortality in corona virus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). AKI is often associated with renal tissue damage, which may lead to chronic kidney disease. Biomarkers of tissue damage may identify patients of particular risk.

Methods

In a prospective observational study of 57 patients admitted to intensive care, AKI incidence and characteristics was evaluated according to KDIGO criteria and related to days after admission. Urinary albumin, Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), Kidney Injury Molecule 1 (KIM‐1) and Plasma Tissue Inhibitor of MetalloProteinase 2 (TIMP‐2) were analysed in 52 patients at admission.

The majority (n = 51, 89%) of patients developed AKI, and 27 (47%) patients had predominantly oliguric AKI where oliguria was more severe than plasma Creatinine increase. Severe oliguria within first 2 days after admission was common (n = 37, 65%), whereas stage 2 and 3 AKI due to Creatinine occurred later than day 2 in 67% (12/18) of cases. Renal replacement therapy was started in 9 (16%) patients, and 30‐day mortality was 28%. Urinary biomarkers were increased in a majority of patients, but did not robustly predict KDIGO stage. Most patients had microalbuminuria, and severe albuminuria (albumin Creatinine ratio > 30 mg/mmol) was found in n = 9 (17%) patients.

Conclusions

A majority of patients with COVID‐19 admitted to the ICU develop AKI. The functional deficit is often low urinary volume, and initial levels of biomarkers are generally increased without clear relation to final AKI stage.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Biomarkers of Alcohol Use in Patients With Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arnts Janique , Vanlerberghe Benedict T. K. , Roozen Sylvia , Crunelle Cleo L. , Masclee Ad A. M. , Olde‐Damink Steven W. M. , Heeren Ron M. A. , van Nuijs Alexander , Neels Hugo , Nevens Frederik , Verbeek Jef
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

Alcohol‐related liver disease is the most frequent cause of cirrhosis and a major indication for liver transplantation. Several alcohol use biomarkers have been developed in recent years and are already in use in several centers. However, in patients with liver disease their diagnostic performance might be influenced by altered biomarker formation by hepatic damage, altered excretion by kidney dysfunction and diuretics use, and altered deposition in hair and nails. We systematically reviewed studies on the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers of alcohol use in patients with liver disease and performed a detailed study quality assessment.

Methods

A structured search in PubMed/Medline/Embase databases was performed for relevant studies, published until April 28, 2019. The risk of bias and applicability concerns was assessed according to the adapted quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2) checklist.

Results

Twelve out of 6,449 studies met inclusion criteria. Urinary ethyl glucuronide and urinary ethyl sulfate showed high sensitivity (70 to 89 and 73 to 82%, respectively) and specificity (93 to 99 and 86 to 89%, respectively) for assessing any amount of alcohol use in the past days. Serum carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin showed low sensitivity but higher specificity (40 to 79 and 57 to 99%, respectively) to detect excessive alcohol use in the past weeks. Whole blood phosphatidylethanol showed high sensitivity and specificity (73 to 100 and 90 to 96%, respectively) to detect any amount of alcohol use in the previous weeks. Scalp hair ethyl glucuronide showed high sensitivity (85 to 100%) and specificity (97 to 100%) for detecting chronic excessive alcohol use in the past 3 to 6 months. Main limitations of the current evidence are the lack of an absolute gold standard to assess alcohol use, heterogeneous study populations, and the paucity of studies.

Conclusions

Urinary and scalp hair ethyl glucuronide are currently the most validated alcohol use biomarkers in patients with liver disease with good diagnostic accuracies. Phosphatidylethanol is a highly promising alcohol use biomarker, but so far less validated in liver patients. Alcohol use biomarkers can complement each other regarding diagnostic time window. More validation studies on alcohol use biomarkers in patients with liver disease are needed.
Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Naltrexone Among Women Living With HIV: Correlations Between Reductions in Self‐Reported Alcohol Use and Changes in Phosphatidylethanol
Authors: Richards Veronica L. , Sajdeya Ruba , Villalba Karina , Wang Yan , Bryant Vaughn , Brumback Babette , Bryant Kendall , Hahn Judith A. , Cook Robert L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Direct biomarkers such as phosphatidylethanol (PEth) have the capability to detect heavy alcohol use, but it is unclear how strongly self‐reported reduction in alcohol use correlates with reduction in PEth. We sought to explore the strength of correlation between reductions in self‐reported alcohol use and change in PEth among a sample of women living with HIV (WLWH) who participated in a clinical trial to reduce heavy alcohol use. We also sought to determine whether this correlation was stronger in women with lower body mass index (BMI) and women without an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Methods

81 WLWH (mean age = 48.7, 80% Black) engaging in a randomized trial of naltrexone versus placebo with a positive baseline PEth (≥8 ng/ml), and alcohol use data at baseline, 2, and 7 months were included in this analysis. Spearman correlation coefficients were compared to measure the correlation between baseline PEth and number of drinks per week by demographic, biological, and alcohol use factors. Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to screen for AUD. Further analyses were stratified by BMI and AUD. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated for the change in PEth and the change in number of drinks per week over 7 months, including 3 time‐points: baseline, 2, and 7 months.

Results

At baseline, the correlation between baseline PEth and the number of drinks per week was significantly stronger for those with a BMI ≤25 compared to those with a BMI > 25 (r = 0.66; r = 0.26, respectively). Similarly, the correlation between baseline PEth and number of drinks was stronger for those who did not screen positive for AUD compared with those who did (r = 0.66; r = 0.25, respectively). When stratifying by BMI, a low‐to‐moderate correlation (r = 0.32, p = 0.02) was present for persons with a BMI > 25; when stratifying by AUD, a moderate correlation (r = 0.50, p < 0.01) was present for persons without an AUD between 0 and 2 months only.

Conclusions

In this sample of WLWH, BMI and AUD affected the strength of correlation between PEth and drinks per week. Future work examining changes in PEth over time in broader populations is needed, particularly to understand the sex differences in PEth levels.
Meta‐analysis of sleep deprivation in the acute treatment of bipolar depression
Authors: Gottlieb John F. , Goel Namni , Chen Shenghao , Young Michael A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Sleep deprivation (SD) is an antidepressant intervention with multiple administration formats that has been investigated primarily with uncontrolled clinical trials and qualitative reviews of the literature. The validity and applicability of these findings to the treatment of bipolar depression (BPD) is uncertain.

Methods

A PRISMA‐based systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis were conducted to determine the efficacy of SD in the treatment of BPD and to identify moderator variables that influence response rate.

Results

From a sample of 15 studies covering 384 patients, the overall, mean response rate to SD was 47.6% (CI 36.0%, 59.5%). This response rate compared post‐SD to pre‐SD depression scores, and not to a placebo control condition. Of several potential moderating variables examined, the use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy achieved statistical significance with response rates of 59.4% [CI 48.5, 69.5] for patients using adjunctive medication vs 27.4% [CI 17.8, 39.8] for patients not using adjunctive medication.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis of SD in the treatment of BPD found an overall, response rate of almost 50%, reinforcing earlier estimates of efficacy. The use of adjunctive pharmacotherapy had a statistically significant moderating effect on SD response suggesting that clinical practice should routinely pair these interventions. These findings provide a higher level of evidence supporting the use of SD, especially when used with medication, and should inform future management guidelines for the treatment of BPD.
Brain‐specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A is associated with genomic position
Authors: Li J. , Zhang C. , Si H. , Gu S. , Liu X. , Li D. , Meng S. , Yang X. , Li S.
Published: November 2020

Genomic imprinting is a rare epigenetic process in mammalian cells that leads to monoallelic expression of a gene with a parent‐specific pattern. The UBE3A (ubiquitin protein ligase E3A) gene is imprinted with maternal allelic expression in the brain but biallelically expressed in all other tissues in humans. The silencing of the paternal UBE3A allele is thought to be caused by the paternally expressed antisense RNA transcript of UBE3A‐ATS. The aberrant imprinted expression of the UBE3A is associated with several neurodevelopmental syndromes and psychological disorders. Cattle are a valuable model species in determining the genetic etiology of sporadic human disorder, and maternal expression of UEB3A has been revealed by next‐generation sequencing study in the bovine conceptus. In this study, we investigated the allelic expression of UBE3A and UBE3A‐ATS in adult bovine somatic tissues. To confirm the splicing pattern of bovine UBE3A, five 5′ alternative transcripts (MT210534–MT210538) were first obtained from bovine brain tissue by RT‐PCR. Based on 10 SNP genotypes, we found that the brain‐specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A did not occur along the entire locus, and there was a shift from biallelic expression to monoallelic expression in exon 14 of the UBE3A gene. However, the brain‐specific monoallelic expression of bovine UBE3A‐ATS occurred in the entire gene. These observations demonstrated that the monoallelic expression did not occur along the bovine UBE3A entire locus and was associated with the genomic position.
Continuous renal replacement therapy with the addition of CytoSorb cartridge in critically ill patients with COVID‐19 plus acute kidney injury: A case‐series
Authors: Alharthy Abdulrahman , Faqihi Fahad , Memish Ziad A. , Balhamar Abdullah , Nasim Nasir , Shahzad Ahmad , Tamim Hani , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Brindley Peter G. , Karakitsos Dimitrios
Published: November 2020

Our aim was to investigate continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with CytoSorb cartridge for patients with life‐threatening COVID‐19 plus acute kidney injury (AKI), sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Of 492 COVID‐19 patients admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU), 50 had AKI necessitating CRRT (10.16%) and were enrolled in the study. Upon ICU admission, all had AKI, ARDS, septic shock, and CRS. In addition to CRRT with CytoSorb, all received ARDS‐net ventilation, prone positioning, plus empiric ribavirin, interferon beta‐1b, antibiotics, hydrocortisone, and prophylactic anticoagulation. We retrospectively analyzed inflammatory biomarkers, oxygenation, organ function, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU length‐of‐stay, and mortality on day‐28 post‐ICU admission. Patients were 49.64 ± 8.90 years old (78% male) with body mass index of 26.70 ± 2.76 kg/m2. On ICU admission, mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II was 22.52 ± 1.1. Sequential Organ Function Assessment (SOFA) score was 9.36 ± 2.068 and the ratio of partial arterial pressure of oxygen to fractional inspired concentration of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) was 117.46 ± 36.92. Duration of mechanical ventilation was 17.38 ± 7.39 days, ICU length‐of‐stay was 20.70 ± 8.83 days, and mortality 28 days post‐ICU admission was 30%. Nonsurvivors had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers, and more unresolved shock, ARDS, AKI, and pulmonary emboli (8% vs. 4%, P < .05) compared to survivors. After 2 ± 1 CRRT sessions with CytoSorb, survivors had decreased SOFA scores, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, D‐dimers, C‐reactive protein, and interleukin‐6; and increased PaO2/FiO2 ratios, and lymphocyte counts (all P < .05). Receiver‐operator‐curve analysis showed that posttherapy values of interleukin‐6 (cutoff point >620 pg/mL) predicted in‐hospital mortality for critically ill COVID‐19 patients (area‐under‐the‐curve: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81‐0.93; P = .001). No side effects of therapy were recorded. In this retrospective case‐series, CRRT with the CytoSorb cartridge provided a safe rescue therapy in life‐threatening COVID‐19 with associated AKI, ARDS, sepsis, and hyperinflammation.
miR‐340‐5p inhibits sheep adipocyte differentiation by targeting ATF7
Authors: Liu Haodong , Li Baojun , Qiao Liying , Liu Jianhua , Ren Duanyang , Liu Wenzhong
Published: November 2020

Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to play roles in adipocyte differentiation. However, little is known about their involvement in the differentiation of ovine intramuscular adipocytes. Here, the role of one such miRNA, miR‐340‐5p, in ovine adipocyte differentiation was investigated. Stromal vascular (SV) cells were isolated from skeletal muscle tissues of 1‐month‐old lambs and induced to differentiate into mature adipocytes. miRNA mimics and inhibitors were used for miR‐340‐5p overexpression and knockdown assays. For overexpression and knockdown of activating transcription factor 7 (ATF7), lentivirus infection was performed. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the relationship between miR‐340‐5p and ATF7. The expression of adipogenesis marker genes, PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4, ADIPOQ, and ACC, and formation of lipid droplets were detected after the overexpression and inhibition of miR‐340‐5p, or upon overexpression or knockdown of ATF7. miR‐340‐5p inhibited the expression of the marker genes and the formation of lipid droplets. ATF7 positively regulated the expression of the marker genes and the formation of lipids. Thus, ATF7 is the target of miR‐340‐5p in sheep. Overall, these findings indicate that miR‐340‐5p acts as an inhibitor of the differentiation of intramuscular adipocytes by targeting ATF7. Our study provides a new theoretical basis for improving sheep meat quality.
Salsalate reverses metabolic disorders in a mouse model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease through AMPK activation and caspase‐6 activity inhibition
Authors: Li Jingjing , Chen Changmai , Zhang Wei , Bi Jing'ai , Yang Guang , Li Erguang
Published: November 2020

Salsalate, an ester formed by 2 salicylic acid molecules, has beneficial effect against metabolic disorders in clinical trials and in animal studies. This study focused on the mechanistic aspects of salsalate activity against non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using high‐fat diet (HFD) fed mice, we showed that salsalate treatment decreased body‐weight gains, reduced white adipose tissue mass and improved glycaemic control. Mice in salsalate‐treated group also had reduced obese adipose tissue and hepatic macrophage infiltration and inflammation and adipogenesis gene expression. Histology analysis revealed predominant decreases in hepatosteatosis, including both macrovesicular and microvesicular steatoses. The treatment reversed AMPK activity repression that was accompanied by reduced caspase‐6 activity and cleavage. Enzymatic assay and cell culture studies showed that salsalate promoted AMPK activation by directly activating AMPK. This study links salsalate effect against metabolic disorders to its activity on reversion of AMPK repression in NAFLD mice and on suppression of adipogenic gene induction.