bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empathy and schizotypy following acquired brain damage
Authors: Kgolo Tumelo , Grainger Sarah A. , Henry Julie D.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Acquired brain damage is associated with a reduced capacity for empathy, and emerging evidence indicates that there may also be elevated levels of schizotypy. However, although a relationship between schizotypy and empathy has been identified in other populations, no study to date has tested whether this relationship is also evident following acquired brain damage, and if so, whether it is specific to certain types of brain damage, or specific types of empathy.

Methods

People with acquired brain damage restricted to either frontal (N = 18) or non‐frontal (N = 24) neural structures and demographically matched controls (N = 48) completed an assessment of schizotypy and a measure of empathy that differentiated between cognitive, emotional, and social skills empathy.

Results

Relative to the control group, people with frontal and non‐frontal brain injuries reported elevated schizotypy, with the frontal group also reporting lower social skills empathy. Only in the frontal group was there support for an association between schizotypy and empathy, and this was specific to the social skills component of empathy.

Conclusions

Schizotypy levels are elevated following brain damage, and frontal brain injury is linked to greater difficulties with the social skills component of empathy. Schizotypy appears to be an important consideration when understanding the link between empathy and frontal brain damage, with higher schizotypy levels associated with reduced social skills empathy in this population. Future research is now needed to establish whether problems with more implicit aspects of social understanding are relevant to understanding the relationship between schizotypy and poor social behavioural outcomes identified in other clinical groups that present with frontal brain damage.

Practitioner points

People with an acquired brain injury experience deficits in empathic processing as well as elevated levels of schizotypal traits.

Schizotypy levels and social skills empathy were inversely related in people who had experienced a frontal acquired brain injury, suggesting that schizotypy might be important for understanding social skill difficulties in this particular population.

These findings highlight the potential benefit of including social cognitive assessments and schizotypy measures in standard neuropsychological assessment batteries.
Elephants in the village: Causes and consequences of property damage in Asia and Africa
Authors: Gross Eva M. , Lahkar Bibhuti P. , Subedi Naresh , Nyirenda Vincent R. , Klebelsberg Eva , Jakoby Oliver
Published: December 2020

In recent years, reports of elephants causing damage in rural villages by destroying houses and foraging on stored food have been increasing, but little is known about the determinants and magnitude of this damage. In this study, we have examined the extent of property damage by elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus), in one African and two Asian study areas over a six‐year period. A total of 1,172 damaged constructions were observed on site, involving detailed damage assessment by trained enumerators and standardized interviews with witnesses. Depending on the study area, between 67.1 and 86.4% of damage events were attributed to single, individual elephants or pairs of males. The majority of properties were damaged in search for food (62.5–76.7% respectively). Property damage caused higher mean losses than crop damage on farmland in all study areas. Results suggest that property damage by elephants has been largely underestimated and needs to form a focus in future human–elephant conflict research. We suggest a need to reduce the attractiveness of villages by storing food in locked and safe places, away from sleeping areas and to foster the development of elephant safe stores, appropriate to the particular cultural background of the target area.
Cutaneous intralymphatic anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐negative anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma arising in a patient with multiple rounds of breast implants
Authors: Wang Huan‐You , Thorson John A. , Hinds Brian R. , Swalchick William , Parker Barbara A. , Chong Alice , Wallace Anne M. , Goodman Aaron M.
Published: December 2020

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma and breast implant‐associated ALCL (BIA‐ALCL) are rare subtypes of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐negative ALCLs originating from skin and breast implants, respectively. Herein, we report a unique case of cutaneous ALK‐negative ALCL occurring in the skin of left medial breast from a patient with multiple rounds of bilateral breast implants and a history of breast carcinoma. The lymphoma cells are entirely confined to the lymphatic channels in the dermis, and the patient has no other areas of skin abnormality, no lymphadenopathy, peri‐implant fluid accumulation, or masses from the bilateral capsules of implants. The differential diagnosis and its relationship with breast implants are further explored.
Do chewing cues from drywood termites mediate recruiting for wood colonization?
Authors: Cosme Lírio , Turchen Leonardo M. , Guedes Raul N. C.
Published: December 2020

Drywood termites,Cryptotermes brevis(Walker) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae), are eusocial insects living and foraging in groups inside pieces of wood, in which they perform a suite of behavioral traits ranging from individual to coordinated group activities. Vibroacoustic cues play important roles in behavioral mediation during defense and foraging activities. However, termite societies also exhibit other relevant behaviors, including substrate selection for colony establishment, which has received little attention. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that vibrational cues produced by termites inside pieces of drywood influence wood recruiting of conspecifics using dichotomous choice tests. In addition, we assessed whether the choice affects colony success (i.e., termite survival and wood consumption). Two behavioral activities were recognized among drywood termites colonizing wood galleries – walking and chewing. However, only the chewing cues overcome background noise, allowing acoustic signal characterization and playback tests; thus, they were the focus of our study. Overall, drywood termite groups exhibit random choice among wood‐testing unities, indicating that the chewing cues from the natural and/or playback signals are not used as a social trigger to mediate conspecific recruiting for wood preference and colonization. Nonetheless, the establishment of termite colonies in infested vs. non‐infested wood pieces led to better termite performance in the former, exhibiting higher wood consumption and survival.
Differential thermal tolerance across life stages under extreme high temperatures crossed with feeding status in corn leaf aphid
Authors: Chen Yu , Quan Yudong , Verheggen François , Wang Zhenying , Francis Frederic , He Kanglai
Published: December 2020

1. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and duration of extreme heat events, which would pose significant challenges to most ectotherm species, such as insects.

2. In the study, we address the thermal tolerance of corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphummaidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) under brief extreme high‐temperature events (i.e. heat waves) across life stages. Immature instars and adults of R. maidis were exposed to heat events of increasing temperatures (0.5 °C min−1), starting at 22 °C and reaching one of the selected maximal temperatures (from 38.5 to 44.5 °C with an increased interval of 0.5 °C). In each temperature regime, the mortality of R. maidis was compared with and without barley seedlings.

3. Results showed that the critical high temperature (CHT) of R. maidis was 39.0 °C in no feeding treatments, while it was 39.5 °C in feeding treatments. The upper lethal temperatures (ULTs) of R. maidis were significantly different between feeding and no feeding treatments. In addition, the ULTs varied significantly across life stages with the highest ULT values for 4th instars. Feeding significantly increased the thermal tolerance of phytophagous insects.

4. Variable balances in plant‐herbivore interactions will be induced according to the insect feeding diet status and instar stage when experiencing extreme temperatures resulting from the warming climate. The findings will provide valuable information for understanding the role of food intake in thermal adaptation of small arthropods to extreme high‐temperature events under climate change.
Coronary microvascular function is impaired in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Argirò Alessia , Sciagrà Roberto , Marchi Alberto , Beltrami Matteo , Spinelli Enrico , Salvadori Emilia , Bianchi Andrea , Mascalchi Mario , Poggesi Anna , Olivotto Iacopo , Pescini Francesca
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare inherited disease caused by NOTCH3 gene mutations. Although the main clinical features reflect brain injury, CADASIL is a systemic microangiopathy, and cardiac involvement has been observed but not systematically assessed. We aimed to study the prevalence and severity of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in CADASIL patients.

Methods

Seventeen patients with genetically confirmed CADASIL, aged <60 years (mean age 40 ± 9 years), with ≤1 cardiovascular risk factor underwent neurological and neuropsychological evaluation, 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG), standard echocardiography, and measurement of myocardial blood flow at rest (resting MBF) and of maximal myocardial blood flow following Regadenoson infusion (Reg‐MBF) by 13NH3 positron emission tomography (PET). Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was defined as Reg‐MBF/resting MBF. PET results were compared to those of 15 healthy controls who were age and sex matched.

Results

Twelve patients (71%) presented migraine, none (53%) had psychiatric disturbances, and one (6%) had a previous stroke. None had cognitive impairment or ECG or echocardiography abnormalities. Both Reg‐MBF and CFR were blunted in CADASIL patients compared with controls (Reg‐MBF 2.46 ± 0.54 vs. 3.09 ± 0.44 ml/g/min, respectively; p < 0.01; CFR 2.74 ± 0.36 vs. 3.28 ± 0.66, respectively, p < 0.01). No correlations were found between Reg‐MBF values and neuropsychological performance or cerebral lesion burden on MRI.

Conclusions

CADASIL patients exhibit blunted CFR due to CMD, which can be severe and is independent of the severity of brain lesion load and cognitive performances. CADASIL is a systemic microcirculation disease, and active surveillance of cardiac symptoms should be considered in these patients.
Framework for Web 2.0 implementation in higher education: Experts’ validation
Authors: Isaías Pedro , Miranda Paula , Pífano Sara
Published: December 2020

Technology, and Web 2.0 in particular, has been the focus of many universities’ efforts to respond to 21st‐century learners’ demands and the volatile nature of the modern workplace. Web 2.0, with the numerous benefits it presents, seems to fit the needs of a socially connected and information‐led society, but its integration in educational settings remains an intricate process. This paper examines the factors that potentiate the successful integration of Web 2.0 tools in higher education, by structuring them into a framework composed of six elements. The framework was validated by an online questionnaire that was distributed among higher education experts, who reiterated the importance of all the factors: technology selection, user‐friendly tools, students’ participation, high number of active students, relevant content, and features for content addition and communication.
Assessment of acquired activated protein C resistance with the FibWave and comparison with the ETP‐based APC resistance
Authors: Evrard Jonathan , Morimont Laure , Didembourg Marie , Haguet Hélène , Siriez Romain , Dogné Jean‐Michel , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Activated protein C (APC) resistance is a major risk factor of venous thrombosis which may be acquired by hormonal therapy or other causes. The FibWave, a sensitive global clot‐based assay design to analyze the coagulation kinetics in plasma, may be a good candidate to assess this prothrombotic state. This study aims to assess the suitability of the FibWave to differentiate the coagulation kinetics of women on oral contraceptives.

Materials and methods

Fifty‐four healthy volunteers were divided into 5 groups: men [n = 13], women not using hormonal contraception [n = 12], women using second [n = 12] or third generation [n = 12] combined oral contraceptives, and women using progestin only contraceptive [n = 5]. Patients with coagulation abnormalities were also assessed [n = 8]. The APC resistance was assessed on the FibWave using exogenous APC or Protac, and on the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram using the ETP‐based APC resistance assay.

Results

Either in presence or in absence of APC or Protac, the FibWave was able to detect a hypercoagulable state in plasma samples. All combined oral contraceptives showed a lower FW‐Max1, FW‐Max2, and FW‐Min2 percentage of inhibition and a lower FW‐Ttpeak ratio than the other groups. The sensitivity of the FibWave was similar to the one of the ETP‐based APC resistance assay.

Conclusion

The FibWave is able to differentiate APC resistance levels observed in women on combined oral contraceptive. The FW‐Max1, FW‐Max2, and to a lesser degree FW‐Min2 were identified as the most sensitive parameters with a similar performance to the ETP‐based APC resistance assay.
Migrant workers in labour markets of Russian western borderlands
Authors: Lialina Anna V.
Published: December 2020

International labour migration has a substantial impact on the development of the labour market. The article presents the typology of the Russian western border regions by the sensitivity to social migration risks for their labour markets. More than half of these regions are sensitive to the risks of labour force marginalization and wage dumping. Labour markets with a significant share of foreign migrant workers, that is in St. Petersburg, the Nenetsky autonomous area, Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions, turned out to be the most sensitive to the manifestation of risks. The pressure of foreign migrant workers on the unemployed and native part‐time workers here is considerable with migrant earnings reaching up to 48.5% of the regional average. But these social risks are unlikely to materialize now since the labour market tension here is low. The least exposed areas are the city of Sevastopol and the Republic of Crimea.
Transparency in clinical trials: Adding value to paediatric dental research
Authors: Cenci Maximiliano Sérgio , Franco Marina Christ , Raggio Daniela Prócida , Moher David , Pereira‐Cenci Tatiana
Published: December 2020

Background

Even though considered as studies with high methodological power, many RCTs in paediatric dentistry do not have essential quality items in their design, development, and report, making results’ reliability questionable, replication challenging to conduct, wasting time, money, and efforts, and even exposing the participants to research for no benefit.

Aim

We addressed the main topics related to transparency in clinical research, with an emphasis in paediatric dentistry.

Design

We searched for all controlled clinical trials published from January 2019 up to July 2020 in the three paediatric dentistry journals with high journal Impact Factor, indexed on Medline. These papers were assessed for transparency according to Open Science practices and regarding reporting accuracy using some items required by CONSORT.

Results

53.6% of the studies declared registration, 75% had sample size calculation, 98.2% reported randomisation, and from those, 65.4% explained the randomisation method. Besides that, no study shared their data, and 6.8% were published in open access format.

Conclusions

Unfortunately, a large proportion of RCTs in paediatric dental research show a lack of transparency and reproducibility.
Integrative literature review of evidence‐based patient‐centred care guidelines
Authors: Jardien‐Baboo Sihaam , van Rooyen Dalena (R.M.) , Ricks Esmeralda Jennifer , Jordan Portia Janine , ten Ham‐Baloyi Wilma
Published: December 2020

Aim

To summarize what facilitates patient‐centred care for adult patients in acute healthcare settings from evidence‐based patient‐centred care guidelines.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Data sources

The following data sources were searched between 2002‐2020:

Citation databases: CINAHL, Medline, Biomed Central, Academic Search Complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition and Google Scholar.

Guideline databases: US National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines International Network, and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Websites of guideline developers: Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Royal College of Nurses, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, New Zealand Guidelines Group, National Health and Medical Research Council, and Canadian Medical Association. Guidelines.

Review methods

Whittemore and Knafl's five‐step integrative literature review: (1) identification of research problem; (2) search of the literature; (3) evaluation of data; (4) analysis of data; and (5) presentation of results.

Results

Following critical appraisal, nine guidelines were included for data extraction and synthesis. The following three groups of factors were found to facilitate patient‐centred care: 1) Patient care practices: embracing values foundational to patient‐centred care, optimal communication in all aspects of care, rendering basic nursing care practices, and family involvement; 2) Educational factors: staff and patient education; and 3) Organizational and policy factors: organizational and managerial support, organizational champions, healthy work environment, and organizational structures promoting interdisciplinary partnership.

Conclusion

Evidence from included guidelines can be used by nurses, with the required support and buy‐in from management, to promote patient‐centred care.

Impact

Patient‐centred care is essential for quality care. No other literature review has been conducted in the English language to summarize evidence‐based patient‐centred care guidelines. Patient care practices and educational, organizational, and policy factors promote patient‐centred care to improve quality of care and raise levels of awareness of patient‐centred care among nursing staff and patients.
Nursing competencies for family‐centred care in the hospital setting: A multinational Q‐methodology study
Authors: Hengeveld Bram , Maaskant Jolanda M. , Lindeboom Robert , Marshall Andrea P. , Vermeulen Hester , Eskes Anne M.
Published: December 2020

Aim

to identify: (1) nursing competencies for FCC in a hospital setting; and (2) to explore perspectives on these competencies among Dutch and Australian professionals including lecturers, researchers, Registered Nurses and policy makers.

Design

A multinational cross‐sectional study using Q‐methodology.

Methods

First, an integrative review was carried out to identify known competencies regarding FCC and to develop the Q‐set (search up to July 2018). Second, purposive sampling was used to ensure stakeholder involvement. Third, participants sorted the Q‐set using a web‐based system between May and August 2019. Lastly, the data were analysed using a by‐person factor analysis. The commentaries on the five highest and lowest ranked competencies were thematically analysed.

Results

The integrative review identified 43 articles from which 72 competencies were identified. In total 69 participants completed the Q‐sorting. We extracted two factors with an explained variance of 24%. The low explained variance hampered labelling. Based on a post‐hoc qualitative analysis, four themes emerged from the competencies that were considered most important, namely: (a) believed preconditions for FCC; (b) promote a partnership between nurses, patients and families; (c) be a basic element of nursing; and (d) represent a necessary positive attitude and strong beliefs of the added value of FCC. Three themes appeared from the competencies that were considered least important because they: (a) were not considered a specific nursing competency; (b) demand a multidisciplinary approach; or (c) require that patients and families take own responsibility.

Conclusions

Among healthcare professionals, there is substantial disagreement on which nursing competencies are deemed most important for FCC.

Impact

Our set of competencies can be used to guide education and evaluate practicing nurses in hospitals. These findings are valuable to consider different views on FCC before implementation of new FCC interventions into nursing practice.
Building a research team and selecting a research topic within the process of an inclusive research project in Spain
Authors: Haya Salmón Ignacio , Rojas Pernia Susana
Published: December 2020

Background

In this paper, we illustrate the extent to which building an inclusive research team and the selection of a research topic, based on a collaborative group approach, constitute key elements of inclusive research.

Method

The selection and analysis of activities and methodological strategies, extracted from the recordings of the research meetings, offer clues about the creation of collaborative and deliberative research spaces.

Results

Some of the elements that reaffirm the inclusive nature of this research are as follows: contributions by all members of the research team receive equal recognition, the particular interests of all of those involved are taken into account and research strategies that are supported in different languages encourage the participation of all researchers.

Conclusions

We need to review our practices in order to identify the added value of this type of work and move towards research training proposals that promote the research ownership of people with intellectual disabilities.
Dexmedetomidine‐up‐regulated microRNA‐381 exerts anti‐inflammatory effects in rats with cerebral ischaemic injury via the transcriptional factor IRF4
Authors: Fang Hua , Li Hua‐Feng , Yan Jian‐Yong , Yang Miao , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: December 2020

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) possesses analgesic and anaesthetic values and reported being used in cerebral ischaemic injury therapeutics. Accumulating studies have determined the effect of microRNAs (miRNAs) on the cerebral ischaemic injury. Thus, the present study aimed to unravel the molecular mechanism of miR‐381 and Dex in cerebral ischaemic injury. For this purpose, the cerebral ischaemic injury rat model was established by induction of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and expression of miR‐381 and IRF4 was determined. Thereafter, MCAO rats were treated with Dex, miR‐381 mimic, miR‐381 inhibitor and oe‐IRF4 respectively, followed by evaluation of neurological function. Furthermore, neuron cells were isolated from the hippocampus of rats and subjected to oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD). Then, OGD‐treated neuron cells and primary neuron cells were examined by gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assay. Neuron cell apoptosis was detected using TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. The correlation between interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and interleukin (IL)‐9 was detected. Our results showed down‐regulated miR‐38 and up‐regulated IRF4 in MCAO rats. Besides, IRF4 was targeted by miR‐381 in neuron cells. Dex and overexpressed miR‐381, or silenced IRF4 improved the neurological function and inhibited neuron cell apoptosis in MCAO rats. Additionally, in MCAO rats, Dex was found to increase the miR‐381 expression and reduced IRF4 expression to decrease the IL‐9 expression, which suppressed the inflammatory response and cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, our study demonstrated that Dex elevated the expression of miR‐381, which ultimately results in the inhibition of inflammation response in rats with cerebral ischaemic injury.
Suppression of LETM1 inhibits the proliferation and stemness of colorectal cancer cells through reactive oxygen species–induced autophagy
Authors: Che Nan , Yang Zhaoting , Liu Xingzhe , Li Mengxuan , Feng Ying , Zhang Chengye , Li Chao , Cui Yan , Xuan Yanhua
Published: December 2020

Leucine zipper‐EF‐hand–containing transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1) is a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that is highly expressed in various cancers. Although LETM1 is known to be associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC), its roles in autophagic cell death in CRC have not been explored. In this study, we examined the mechanisms through which LETM1 mediates autophagy in CRC. Our results showed that LETM1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and that down‐regulation of LETM1 inhibited cell proliferation and induced S‐phase arrest. LETM1 silencing also suppressed cancer stem cell–like properties and induced autophagy in CRC cells. Additionally, the autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine reversed the inhibitory effects of LETM1 silencing on proliferation and stemness, whereas the autophagy activator rapamycin had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, suppression of LETM1 increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS by regulation of SOD2, which in turn activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), initiated autophagy, and inhibited proliferation and stemness. Our findings suggest that silencing LETM1 induced autophagy in CRC cells by triggering ROS‐mediated AMPK/mTOR signalling, thus blocking CRC progression, which will enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of LETM1 in CRC.
Transcriptome analysis in Takifugu rubripes and Dicentrarchus labrax gills during Cryptocaryon irritans infection
Authors: Cheng Jian‐xin , Xia Yu‐qing , Liu Ya‐fang , Liu Peng‐fei , Liu Ying
Published: December 2020

Takifugu rubripes and Dicentrarchus labrax are important commercial fish in China that are under serious threat from Cryptocaryon irritans. C. irritans is a ciliated obligate parasite that causes marine white spot disease and leads to heavy economic losses. We analysed the transcriptome in the gills of T. rubripes and D. labrax to compare differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways during infection with C. irritans. In total, we identified 6,901 and 35,736 DEGs from T. rubripes and D. labrax, respectively. All DEGs were annotated into GO terms; 6,901 DEGs from T. rubripes were assigned into 991 sub‐categories, and 35,736 DEGs from D. labrax were assigned into 8,517 sub‐categories. We mapped DEGs to the KEGG database and obtained 153 and 350 KEGG signalling pathways from T. rubripes and D. labrax, respectively. Immune‐related categories included Toll‐like receptors, MAPK, lysosome, C‐type lectin receptor and NOD‐like receptor signalling pathways were significantly enriched pathways. In immune‐related signalling pathways, we found that AP‐1, P38, IL‐1β, HSP90 and PLA were significantly up‐regulated DEGs in T. rubripes, but P38 and PLA were significantly down‐regulated in D. labrax. In this study, transcriptome was used to analyse the difference between scaly and non‐scaly fish infection by C. irritans, which not only provided a theoretical basis for the infection mechanism of C. irritans, but also laid a foundation for effectively inhibiting the occurrence of this disease. Our work provides further insight into the immune response of host resistance to C. irritans.
Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of adalimumab for pediatric Crohn's disease patients: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Yao Jiaqi , Jiang Xinchan , You Joyce H S
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Recent clinical findings showed proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of adalimumab (ADL) to improve sustained remission rate in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD). The present study aimed to evaluate the potential cost‐effectiveness of proactive versus reactive TDM of ADL in pediatric patients with CD from the perspective of the US health‐care provider.

Methods

A Markov model was constructed to estimate outcomes of proactive versus reactive TDM of ADL in a hypothetical cohort of pediatric CD patients who were in remission on ADL maintenance treatment. Model inputs were derived from published literature and public data. Model outcomes included CD‐related direct medical cost and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of base‐case results.

Results

When compared with the reactive TDM group, the proactive TDM group saved 0.1960 QALYs at lower cost by USD2021 over a 3‐year time frame in base‐case analysis. One‐way sensitivity analysis showed the ADL drug cost to be the most influential factor. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of 10 000 Monte‐Carlo simulations found the proactive TDM group to gain 0.1958 QALYs (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1950–0.1966; P < 0.001) and save USD2037 (95%CI USD1943–2131; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Proactive TDM for ADL seems to gain higher QALYs at lower cost in pediatric CD patients.
Altered Regional Brain Homogeneity of BOLD Signal in CADASIL: A Resting State fMRI Study
Authors: Orsolini Stefano , Marzi Chiara , Gavazzi Gioele , Bianchi Andrea , Salvadori Emilia , Giannelli Marco , Donnini Ida , Rinnoci Valentina , Pescini Francesca , Pantoni Leonardo , Mascalchi Mario , Diciotti Stefano
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The cognitive decline in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is assumed to be due to a cortical‐subcortical disconnection secondary to damage to the cerebral white matter (WM). Using resting state functional MRI (rsfMRI) and analysis of the regional homogeneity (ReHo), we examined a group of CADASIL patients and a group of healthy subjects in order to: (1) explore possible differences between the two groups; and (2) to assess, in CADASIL patients, whether any ReHo abnormalities correlate with individual burdens of WM T2‐weighted hyperintensity and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐derived index of mean diffusivity (MD) of the cerebral WM, an index reflecting microstructural damage in CADASIL.

METHODS

Twenty‐three paucisymptomatic CADASIL patients (13 females; age mean ± standard deviation = 43.6 ± 11.1 years; three symptomatic and 20 with no or few symptoms) and 16 healthy controls (nine females; age 46.6 ± 11.0 years) were examined with T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted fluid attenuated inversion recovery images, DTI, and rsfMRI.

RESULTS

When compared to controls, CADASIL patients showed four clusters of significantly lower ReHo values in cortical areas belonging to networks involved in inhibition and attention, including the right insula, the left superior frontal gyrus, and the bilateral anterior cingulated cortex. ReHo changes did not correlate with an individual patient's lesion burden or MD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals decreased ReHo of rsfMRI signals in cortical areas involved in inhibition and attention processes, suggesting a potential role for these functional cortical changes in CADASIL.
How can unions use Artificial Intelligence to build power? The use of AI chatbots for labour organising in the US and Australia
Authors: Flanagan Frances , Walker Michael
Published: December 2020

Artificial intelligence increasingly forms an essential context for the distribution of power within workplaces. Using the case study of an AI‐enabled chatbot initially created by IBM and subsequently developed by an alt‐labour network in the United States and a traditional union in Australia, this article outlines several distinctive ways in which the chatbot increased union resources and capabilities. Once reconfigured to reflect an ‘organising’, rather than ‘servicing’ ethos, the chatbot became an infrastructural resource that enabled otherwise marginal workers to receive basic information in a manner that reinforced union narratives of power and worker solidarity, and workplaces to be mapped more efficiently. The chatbot did not act as a labour saving tool, but stimulated wide‐ranging learning by bringing implicit tensions between ‘servicing’ and ‘organising’ conceptions of knowledge, power and expertise to the surface. Chatbots thus offer distinctive potential affordances to unions in enhancing their resources and capabilities as ‘orchestrators’ of worker power.
An engineered extraplastidial pathway for carotenoid biofortification of leaves
Authors: Andersen Trine B. , Llorente Briardo , Morelli Luca , Torres‐Montilla Salvador , Bordanaba‐Florit Guillermo , Espinosa Fausto A. , Rodriguez‐Goberna Maria Rosa , Campos Narciso , Olmedilla‐Alonso Begoña , Llansola‐Portoles Manuel J. , Pascal Andrew A. , Rodriguez‐Concepcion Manuel
Published: December 2020

Carotenoids are lipophilic plastidial isoprenoids highly valued as nutrients and natural pigments. A correct balance of chlorophylls and carotenoids is required for photosynthesis and therefore highly regulated, making carotenoid enrichment of green tissues challenging. Here we show that leaf carotenoid levels can be boosted through engineering their biosynthesis outside the chloroplast. Transient expression experiments in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves indicated that high extraplastidial production of carotenoids requires an enhanced supply of their isoprenoid precursors in the cytosol, which was achieved using a deregulated form of the main rate‐determining enzyme of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway. Constructs encoding bacterial enzymes were used to convert these MVA‐derived precursors into carotenoid biosynthetic intermediates that do not normally accumulate in leaves, such as phytoene and lycopene. Cytosolic versions of these enzymes produced extraplastidial carotenoids at levels similar to those of total endogenous (i.e. chloroplast) carotenoids. Strategies to enhance the development of endomembrane structures and lipid bodies as potential extraplastidial carotenoid storage systems were not successful to further increase carotenoid contents. Phytoene was found to be more bioaccessible when accumulated outside plastids, whereas lycopene formed cytosolic crystalloids very similar to those found in the chromoplasts of ripe tomatoes. This extraplastidial production of phytoene and lycopene led to an increased antioxidant capacity of leaves. Finally, we demonstrate that our system can be adapted for the biofortification of leafy vegetables such as lettuce.
Modelling the physiological relevance of sucrose export repression by an Flowering Time homolog in the long‐distance phloem of potato
Authors: van den Herik Bas , Bergonzi Sara , Bachem Christian W. B. , ten Tusscher Kirsten
Published: December 2020

Yield of harvestable plant organs depends on photosynthetic assimilate production in source leaves, long‐distance sucrose transport and sink‐strength. While photosynthesis optimization has received considerable interest for optimizing plant yield, the potential for improving long‐distance sucrose transport has received far less attention. Interestingly, a recent potato study demonstrates that the tuberigen StSP6A binds to and reduces activity of the StSWEET11 sucrose exporter. While the study suggested that reducing phloem sucrose efflux may enhance tuber yield, the precise mechanism and physiological relevance of this effect remained an open question. Here, we develop the first mechanistic model for sucrose transport, parameterized for potato plants. The model incorporates SWEET‐mediated sucrose export, SUT‐mediated sucrose retrieval from the apoplast and StSP6A‐StSWEET11 interactions. Using this model, we were able to substantiate the physiological relevance of the StSP6A‐StSWEET11 interaction in the long‐distance phloem for potato tuber yield, as well as to show the non‐linear nature of this effect.
Are there Local Differences in Support for Violent Radicalization? A Study on College Students in the Province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Miconi Diana , Calcagnì Antonio , Mekki‐Berrada Abdelwahed , Rousseau Cécile
Published: December 2020

Support for violent radicalization (VR) is a multidimensional phenomenon determined by individual, social, and contextual variables. However, how local contexts influence the configurations of risk and protective factors leading to the process of VR remains an open question. In line with a socioecological framework, this study aims to investigate local differences in support for VR and its associated risk factors (i.e., immigrant status, social adversity, depression, and collective identity) among college students in Quebec, a Canadian province with a variety of social and political contexts (i.e., Francophone Montreal, Quebec City, rural/suburban areas, and Anglophone communities). A total of 1765 college students (71% women; 73% aged between 16 and 21 years) completed an online survey. Mixed‐effects models were implemented to test local differences in support for VR and its risk factors. Results showed that the association between social adversity (i.e., discrimination and exposure to violence) and support for VR varied by local context. Specifically, social adversity was a risk factor across all contexts but Quebec City. Although prevention programs may target common determinants of support for VR, they need to be tailored according to local realities, and in particular the level of social diversity and the relative prevalence of mainstream radical discourses.
The impact of free trade agreements in national markets: Evidence from the telecommunications sector in Latin America
Authors: Castillo Mezarina Jose Luis
Published: December 2020

In the 2000s, the United States signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with several Latin American countries. These treaties were among the first to contain specific chapters on telecommunications, which seek to promote competition and foreign investment in this market. This paper uses a difference‐in‐differences econometric strategy to evaluate the impact of these exogenous reforms in the telecommunications industry. The results show that the FTAs prompted an estimated reduction of 45.5% in average revenue per user in the subscribing countries, and that this competitive effect was mainly due to the decrease of 34% in the prices of mobile calls. FTAs are not found to have significant impacts on fixed and mobile phone penetration, nor on private investment in these services, reflecting their lower profitability after the strengthening of competition.
Repeat patient testing‐based quality control shows promise for use in veterinary biochemistry testing
Authors: Flatland Bente , Freeman Kathleen P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Repeat patient testing‐based quality control (RPT‐QC) is a form of statistical QC and an alternative to commercial quality control materials (QCM).

Objective

This study investigated the suitability of canine heparinized plasma for use in RPT‐QC and assessed the predicted performance of RPT‐QC for the detection of analytical error in chemistry testing.

Methods

The stability of canine plasma for RPT‐QC was investigated via storage at two temperatures for three or six time points. Storage data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and by comparing results for stored specimens to baseline data using predetermined criteria. To generate RPT‐QC limit‐setting and ‐validation data, leftover plasma was prospectively measured. Once control limits were established, these were challenged by measuring specimens for which the repeat aliquot had been manipulated to mimic analytical error. Finally, the predicted performance of RPT‐QC and QCM‐QC with four control rules was investigated using Westgard's EZ Rules 3.

Results

Refrigerated storage of canine plasma for 7 days allowed mild changes facilitating RPT‐QC. RPT‐QC limits for 12 of 17 common measurands were validated. Validated limits successfully flagged differences from manipulated specimen pairs as “error.” The predicted performance of RPT‐QC for analytical error detection (represented by smallest achievable allowable total error, given a probability of error detection ≥ 85% and a probability of false rejection ≤ 5%) for four common control rules is comparable to that of QCM‐QC.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that RPT‐QC using canine heparinized plasma refrigerated for 7 days can be used with simple control rules and low numbers of control materials, suggesting RPT‐QC is applicable to both reference and in‐clinic laboratory settings.
Candidaparapsilosis complex infection in a cutaneous lesion from a dog: Spotlight on an opportunistic pathogen of potential increasing importance
Authors: Skeldon Niki , Dobromylskyj Melanie , Fews Debra , Hayden William
Published: December 2020

Fine‐needle aspirates from a 1.5‐cm cutaneous mass in a Cocker Spaniel were submitted for cytologic examination. Marked pyogranulomatous inflammation and fungal organisms were present, identified as Candida parapsilosis complex by MALDI‐ToF following fungal culture. The fungal infection was considered secondary or an incidental finding, following the diagnosis of a benign keratinizing lesion by histopathologic examination of the excised mass. This case is presented to increase awareness and describe the cytologic features of a potential pathogen, which is of increasing importance in human medicine but has a limited presence in the veterinary literature despite the potential for a similar significance.
Do the associations of body mass index and waist circumference with back pain change as people age? 32 years of follow-up in a British birth cohort
Authors: Muthuri Stella , Cooper Rachel , Kuh Diana , Hardy Rebecca
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with back pain change with age and extend into later life.

Design

British birth cohort study.

Setting

England, Scotland and Wales.

Participants

Up to 3426 men and women from the MRC National Survey of Health and Development.

Primary outcome measures

Back pain (sciatica, lumbago or recurring/severe backache all or most of the time) was self-reported during nurse interviews at ages 36, 43, 53 and 60–64 years and in a postal questionnaire using a body manikin at age 68.

Results

Findings from mixed-effects logistic regression models indicated that higher BMI was consistently associated with increased odds of back pain across adulthood. Sex-adjusted ORs of back pain per 1 SD increase in BMI were: 1.13 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.26), 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.23), 1.17 (95% CI: 1.05 to 1.30), 1.31 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.48) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.95 to 1.24) at ages 36, 43, 53, 60–64 and 68–69, respectively. Similar patterns of associations were observed for WC. These associations were maintained when potential confounders, including education, occupational class, height, cigarette smoking status, physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression were accounted for. BMI showed stronger associations than WC in models including both measures.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that higher BMI is a persistent risk factor for back pain across adulthood. This highlights the potential lifelong consequences on back pain of the rising prevalence of obesity within the population.
Protocol on a multicentre statistical and economic modelling study of risk-based stratified and personalised screening for diabetes and its complications in India (SMART India)
Authors: Sivaprasad Sobha , Raman Rajiv , Rajalakshmi Ramachandran , Mohan Viswanathan , Deepa Mohan , Das Taraprasad , Ramasamy Kim , Prevost A Toby , Wittenberg Raphael , Netuveli Gopalakrishnan , Lingam Gopal , Hanif Wasim , Ramakrishnan Radha , Ramu Jayashree , Surya Janani , Conroy Dolores
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study is to develop practical and affordable models to (a) diagnose people with diabetes and prediabetes and (b) identify those at risk of diabetes complications so that these models can be applied to the population in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) where laboratory tests are unaffordable.

Methods and analysis

This statistical and economic modelling study will be done on at least 48 000 prospectively recruited participants aged 40 years or above through community screening across 20 predefined regions in India. Each participant will be tested for capillary random blood glucose (RBG) and complete a detailed health-related questionnaire. People with known diabetes and all participants with predefined levels of RBG will undergo further tests, including point-of-care (POC) glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), POC lipid profile and POC urine test for microalbuminuria, retinal photography using non-mydriatic hand-held retinal camera, visual acuity assessment in both eyes and complete quality of life questionnaires. The primary aim of the study is to develop a model and assess its diagnostic performance to predict HbA1c diagnosed diabetes from simple tests that can be applied in resource-limited settings; secondary outcomes include RBG cut-off for definition of prediabetes, diagnostic accuracy of cost-effective risk stratification models for diabetic retinopathy and models for identifying those at risk of complications of diabetes. Diagnostic accuracy inter-tests agreement, statistical and economic modelling will be performed, accounting for clustering effects.

Ethics and dissemination

The Indian Council of Medical Research/Health Ministry Screening Committee (HMSC/2018–0494 dated 17 December 2018 and institutional ethics committees of all the participating institutions approved the study. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN57962668 V1.0 24/09/2018.
Surgical candidacy and treatment initiation among women with cervical cancer at public referral hospitals in Kampala, Uganda: a descriptive cohort study
Authors: Swanson Megan , Nakalembe Miriam , Chen Lee-may , Ueda Stefanie , Namugga Jane , Nakisige Carol , Huchko Megan J
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to report the proportion of women with a new diagnosis of cervical cancer recommended for curative hysterectomy as well as associated factors. We also report recommended treatments by stage and patterns of treatment initiation.

Design

This was an observational cohort study. Inperson surveys were followed by a phone call.

Setting

Participants were recruited at the two public tertiary care referral hospitals in Kampala, Uganda.

Participants

Adult women with a new diagnosis of cervical cancer were eligible: 332 were invited to participate, 268 met the criteria and enrolled, and 255 completed both surveys.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

The primary outcome of interest was surgical candidacy; a secondary outcome was treatment initiation. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses examined the associations between predictors and outcomes. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine outcomes in subgroups, including stage and availability of radiation.

Results

Among 268 participants, 76% were diagnosed at an advanced stage (IIB–IVB). In total, 12% were recommended for hysterectomy. In adjusted analysis, living within 15 km of Kampala (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.20 to 8.03) and prior screening (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.22 to 6.83) were significantly associated with surgical candidacy. Radiotherapy availability was not significantly associated with treatment recommendations for early-stage disease (IA–IIA), but was associated with recommended treatment modality (chemoradiation vs primary chemotherapy) for locally advanced stage (IIB–IIIB). Most (67%) had started treatment. No demographic or health factor, treatment recommendation, or radiation availability was associated with treatment initiation. Among those recommended for hysterectomy, 55% underwent surgery. Among those who had initiated treatment, 82% started the modality that was recommended.

Conclusion

Women presented to public referral centres in Kampala with mostly advanced-stage cervical cancer and few were recommended for surgery. Most were able to initiate treatment. Lack of access to radiation did not significantly increase the proportion of early-stage cancers recommended for hysterectomy.